Totally Locally Winners
Accident claims two lives at Hedley
Two women lost their lives Monday night, January 6, in a two-vehicle accident on US 287 at Hedley.
DPS Sgt. Cindy Barkley said Martha Ayala-Garcia of Ft. Worth, age 30, and Samantha Petters of Arlington, also 30, were pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Pam Mason.
Ayala-Garcia was driving a 2018 Nissan Rogue eastbound on US 287 in the construction zone in Hedley at about 8:20 p.m. when she veered off the road to the south, overcorrected to the left, and lost control of the vehicle.
The Nissan traveled into westbound traffic facing north and was struck on the passenger side by a 2015 Volvo truck tractor-trailer driven by Donald Gumfory, 47, of Burleson, according to the DPS report.
Petters was a passenger in the Nissan. Another second passenger, 34-year-old Shu Wou of Arlington, was airlifted to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo with life-threatening injuries, Barkley said.
Gumfory was not injured, and everyone involved in the accident was wearing their seatbelts, the DPS reported.
While emergency personnel worked the accident, the Texas Department of Transportation reported that traffic between Clarendon and Memphis was diverted through Brice by on State Highways 70 and 256.
Monday night’s accident is still under investigation.
Late Tuesday afternoon, a second accident occurred, also in or near the the construction zone at Hedley. Official details were not available at press time, but early reports indicated three vehicles were involved.
Chamber seeking award nominations
The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual community awards banquet.
Honorees will be announced during the banquet, which is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the Bairfield Activity Center.
Nominations are being sought for Man of the Year and Woman of the Year – two individuals who have made a significant contribution to the community in the last year, and the Saints’ Roost Award – honoring an individual for a lifetime of service to the community.
Written nominations should specify what award the person is being nominated for and a brief paragraph stating the reason for the nomination. The nominations should be no more than one page in length.
Nominations can be mailed to the Chamber of Commerce at PO Box 986, Clarendon, TX 79226, or delivered to the Clarendon Visitor Center inside the Mulkey Theatre. Nominations must be received by noon on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Ag conference to be held here Jan. 15
The Donley County Activity Center will be the meeting place of the Southeast Texas Panhandle Ag Conference on January 15, 2020.
Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the program starting promptly at 8:30 a.m. The activity center is located one mile north of Clarendon on SH 70.
A lineup of speakers from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will present information on controlling disease through cotton variety selection, managing cotton pests, cotton disease identification, cotton weed control, preplant in cotton using herbicides to combat chemical resistant weeds, reapplying for private applicator license, Laws and Regulations, Auxin training and CEU hours.
For more information, you may contact the AgriLife Extension office in Memphis at 806-259-3015 or the Donley County Extension office in Clarendon. The number is 806-874-2141.
Lunch will be provided. There is a $10 registration fee, and a total of five Continuing Education Units will be given.
Guest Column: 2020 State of the City
On behalf of the City Council and all City employees, Happy New Year to all Clarendon and Donley County residents. It is our hope that 2020 will be a good year for you and your family.
New City Hall
Our new location will be at 313 South Sully (across the street from the courthouse). We hope to move around the middle of January. The facility, which is in excellent condition, will provide adequate space for all employees and will accommodate numerous citizens for city council meetings and other gatherings. The Municipal Judge’s office will have an outside door for convenience and privacy. Employee parking will be in the rear of the building which will allow for ample citizen’s parking on Sully Street. The Volunteer Fire Department will occupy the offices in the old City Hall. Look for more information in the near future related to an Open House.
Clarendon Aquatic Center
The City Council accepted the low bid from A&S General Contractors (Amarillo) in August 2019 to construct the pool. A&S then subcontracted with Gold Medal Pools (Frisco, Texas) for assistance with the construction as that company has built hundreds of pools over the last 30 years. Today’s pools are highly sophisticated and require a state-of-the art design to accommodate the numerous features of the pool. We are pleased to have the experience of these two companies.
Although the actual construction is off to a relatively slow start, Gold Medal Pools began digging two pools (one for young kids and the other for older kids/adults) in mid-December. Weather permitting, construction of the entire complex will be significantly accelerated over the next several months, with a goal of opening in the summer of 2020. Features will include a spray ground with zero depth entry, underwater bubblers, toddler slide, helio spray, water bench under sunshade, bucket trio, shallow play area, deep area with climbing wall, diving board, basketball and volleyball nets, three lap lanes, several sunshades, bathhouse, equipment room, admissions office and concessions, and concession tables under sunshades. Additionally, there will be ample parking on the south end of the property.
The aquatic center was not designed to compete with area waterparks (Wellington, Pampa, and Canyon), but rather to provide a medium size facility that Clarendon can afford. The numerous donors and City Council members are becoming more excited about this project as construction progresses. More information will be available over the next few months.
USDA Projects
As reported earlier, two of the three projects have been completed: a new standpipe on the East side of town and the installation of over 800 electronic water meter readers. City workers can now read all city meters within an hour or less compared to several days in the past. Additionally, the new technology produces highly accurate water consumption information per customer which includes when water is being used during a 24-hour daily cycle. This information can be very helpful in determining if a customer has a possible leak and can help in resolving other issues as well.
The third USDA project, replacing several miles of old cast iron water pipes, is progressing but at a very slow pace. The project was a little less than 50 percent complete at the close of 2019. As a result of city officials complaining about the speed of the project, the Amarillo contractor (LA Fuller) has recently agreed to double their workforce until the project is complete.
However, completion is not likely to occur until late summer of 2020. The City appreciates your continued patience with the water pipe replacement project.
Street Paving
Once the water pipe replacement project is complete, City officials can then concentrate on the next street paving initiative, which will be decided by registered voters. The debt for the last paving project has been paid off; consequently, the city budget should be able to accommodate the cost of future paving if voters so choose. Potholes and rough streets are the top complaints expressed by residents.
Abandoned & Unsightly Properties
A contract the City has with Texas Communities Group (TCG), headquartered in Lubbock, is beginning to produce positive results. Four properties have been sold recently to new owners and that trend should continue indefinitely. TCG focuses on abandoned properties that are tax delinquent for at least five years or for three years of non-payment if the property has a history of code compliance issues. The goal, of course, is to have abandoned properties brought up to code, regardless of who the owner is, and to collect taxes on each.
In addition to the good work being performed by TCG, the City Council established a Building Standards Commission during 2018 which focuses on properties that are unsafe and unsightly. Most are current on taxes, but the properties need to be brought up to code, sold or demolished. Approximately 10 properties have been demolished in recent past. The City appreciates those property owners who have stepped up to improve their properties and, in some cases, have demolished structures without City involvement.
Taxes
The City Council has already approved a significant property tax reduction and the elimination of the unpopular personal property tax on cars, trucks, boats, trailers, RV’s, and campers. However, in a previous Mayor’s Message, I incorrectly stated that those tax changes would become effective when City residents pay their taxes in late December 2019 or early January of 2020. I should have said December 2020 or early January 2021 (approximately one year from now).
Keep in mind that the property tax reduction and the elimination of the personal property tax relates to the City portion only.
The current City budget is $2,417,202 (fiscal year being October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020). The City has 27 employee positions (17 full-time, 6 part-time and 4 seasonal). Supervisors are: David Dockery, City Administrator; Machiel Covey, City Secretary; John Molder, Public Works Director; Joe Shadle, Director of Sanitation; Jerri Shields, Librarian; Grett Betts, Code Compliance Officer. The City Council includes Mayor Sandy Skelton; Mayor Pro-Tem John Lockhart; and Aldermen Larry Jeffers, Eulaine McIntosh, Jacob Fangman, and Nathan Floyd.
The City Council expresses genuine appreciation to all citizens in our community for choosing to live here, for shopping locally and for supporting various events throughout the year.
Roger Dale Finch
Roger Dale Finch, 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 2, 2020, at his home in Clarendon.
A Celebration of Life for Roger was held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon, Texas.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Roger was born March 20, 1947, in Memphis, to Richard Henry Finch and Travis Elizabeth (Donald) Finch. The family bought a farm close to Clarendon and moved there in the fall of 1950. Roger was a graduate of Clarendon High School, Clarendon College and completed training through General Motors.
Roger had many talents and there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. He worked as a machinist, mechanic, carpenter, electrician and USDA meat inspector. His most beloved job was farming cotton on his parent’s land south of Clarendon.
In addition to Roger’s many talents, he had countless hobbies and interests. He loved woodworking. He made everything from weather vanes to wooden Christmas ornaments. He loved making things for children, especially his grandkids! Rocking chairs, wagons, guns, trucks and back scratchers. He loved to sing and was part of a men’s choir in Amarillo. Singing at church was his favorite.
Roger was an animal lover. He rarely met a dog he didn’t immediately have a bond with. Roger loved kids, helping people and volunteering. He served as a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Amarillo for several years. He loved, visited and volunteered at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.
If you knew Roger you would know his love for his 1953 Ford tow-truck that he and his grandkids saved from a field and converted into the beloved Cars character Tow Mater. He knew how much joy this would bring to children so he entered the car in many parades and loaned the car to be on display for many events. Travelers stopping at the Whistle Stop to take a picture with Mater made his day!
Above all, Roger loved to talk. He talked about his friends and family constantly. Silly conversations with children were his favorite as he loved to tease and make them laugh. But most importantly he wanted all who met him to know about the love of Jesus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Travis Finch, and his brother Richard Floyd Finch.
He is survived by his daughter Laura (Finch) Bailey and husband Jason, two grandchildren Avery Bailey and Ethan Bailey, all of Amarillo, sister Edna (Finch) Johnson and husband Denis, from Tambaram, South India, brother Phillip Finch of Tularosa, New Mexico, several nieces and nephews and friends. With his passing, another small part of the old Clarendon community is lost, but his memory lives on with those who knew him and loved him.
As has been said, Roger had a big heart for children. In lieu of flowers he wanted everyone to help Fiona. Fiona is a 9-year-old girl who lives in Kentucky. She has Klippel-Feil syndrome and has already had 31 spinal surgeries and more to come. If you feel lead to donate please send money to Shawna Ogle by mail or PayPal. teamfionah@gmail.com or 717 W. Locust St., Princeton, KY 42445.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
Charlie Jaramillo
Charlie Jaramillo, 80, of Hedley went home to be with Jesus on December 31, 2019.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 11, at 2 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church in Clarendon, Texas with Carlos Jaramillo officiating.
Charlie was a hard worker and a simple man who loved life and his dog Daisy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Epifano and Guadalupe Jaramillo and 2 brothers Joe Jaramillo and Cleo Jaramillo.
He is survived by Claudia Jaramillo of Canyon, one daughter Mary Holt of Amarillo, four sons, Johnny Jaramillo of Clarendon, Carlos Jaramillo of Amarillo, David Jaramillo and Gilbert Jaramillo of Canyon. Five sisters, Gloria Jaramillo, Theresa David, Faye Sanchez, Angie Lucero, and Mary Jaramillo. Three brothers Elias Jaramillo, Tony Jaramillo and Robert Jaramillo. 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
Driver faces charges in death of local woman
A Dallas man is in the Donley County Jail this week after a December 12 car wreck that caused the death of a Clarendon woman.
Fifty-one-year-old Delfino Frias-Aragonez is facing charges of first degree Intoxicated Manslaughter and third degree Intoxicated Assault, according Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Chase Overbeeke.
Frias-Aragonez was driving a 2005 Chevrolet pickup westbound on US 287 about two miles west of Clarendon last Thursday at about 8 a.m. when he abruptly crossed the median at an acute angle, Overbeeke said. The pickup spun once in the median before entering the eastbound lanes and colliding head-on with a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 25-year-old Amy Martinez of Clarendon.
Overbeeke said the pickup’s speedometer was stuck at 82 when it came to rest and he reported that witnesses said it was traveling faster than that before it entered the median.
The trooper said Frias-Aragonez showed signs of intoxication, and a blood draw was taken with consent from the man. Authorities believe Frias-Aragonez was impaired on heroin.
The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department responded to the accident and worked with EMS personnel to extricate three people from the wrecked automobiles. All four were transported to Amarillo for medical treatment, including the drivers, pickup passenger Miguel Angel Zuniga-Artesan, 49, of Dallas and Malibu passenger Jose Morales, Jr., 26, of Clarendon.
Overbeeke said everyone involved suffered serious injuries, but Martinez suffered the most trauma. She underwent surgery but passed away at 12:44 p.m. on Friday, December 13.
The trooper said Frias-Aragonez has a long criminal history. He and Zuniga-Artesan are not US citizens and are believed to be in the country illegally. They have both been living in the Dallas area, but neither have a place of residence. The pickup they were driving was registered to a Wylie, Texas, man.
Responding to the accident in addition to the DPS and CVFD were the Donley County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Associated Ambulance Authority, and the Hedley Volunteer Fire Department.
Fire claims life of man last week
A local man perished in an early morning house fire east of Clarendon last Thursday, December 12.
Mac Charles Dunham, age 42, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn. An autopsy later confirmed smoke inhalation was the cause of death, the sheriff said.
The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched about 4:23 a.m. to a report of a structure fire on north FM 1260 with a person possibly inside. When firefighters arrived about 12 minutes later, they found a motor home fully involved and already burned up, Fire Chief Jeremy Powell said.
“You couldn’t even tell what it was really,” Powell said of the damage caused to the motor home.
Firemen extinguished the blaze and discovered Dunham’s remains.
Blackburn said Dunham had been living in the motor home with Cynthia Ann Shults, 60. The sheriff reported that the couple was woken by smoke. Shults was able to escape through a window, but Dunham was overcome by smoke before he could escape, the sheriff said.
The State Fire Marshall’s office investigated the scene and determined that an improperly set up propane heater was the cause of the fire, Blackburn and Powell said.
$500 Totally Locally drawing to be Dec. 19
One lucky shopper will win $500 in Clarendon Cash this week to close out the Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 “Totally Locally” program.
The big winner will be drawn as the culmination of this year’s final Late Night Shopping this Thursday, December 19, at 8 p.m. at Saye’s.
You do not have to be present to win the $500 prize; but before that name is drawn, four lucky winners will get to spin the wheel for holiday prizes from Totally Locally participating merchants. Wheel spinners do have to be present to spin.
Last week, Jesus Hernandez, Cy Allen, Paulette Kidd, and Paula Lowrie were the lucky spinners. They each took home a prize featured on the Chamber’s Totally Locally Gift Ideas blog, which is posted on ClarendonTX.com and features gift ideas from about a dozen participating businesses. Each gift idea costs $50 or less and are available for purchase at participating merchants.
“Totally Locally” merchants participating at press time are A Fine Feathered Nest, Clarendon Outpost, Cornell’s Country Store, Country Bloomers Flowers & Gifts, Every Nook & Cranny, Floyd’s Automotive, Henson’s, J&W Lumber, Mike’s Pharmacy, Saye’s Tack Store, Studio E, and Turquoise & Rust. Shoppers can register at any “Totally Locally” merchant through December 19 for a chance to spin the wheel for prizes and for a chance to win $500 in Clarendon Cash.
According to small business advocates, every $100 spent in locally-owned stores returns $68 to the local community through taxes, payrolls, and other expenditures. That same money spent in another town or online returns nothing to your local community.
Shop at home this holiday season and remember the important role your local merchants play in keeping your community strong.
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