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Five cities to promote four-day event
Five Texas Panhandle communities have come together to host a multi-day, family friendly event along Highway 83 this summer.
The towns of Canadian, Wheeler, Shamrock, Wellington and Childress have each scheduled four days full of fun from Thursday, August 1, through Sunday, August 4.
Some of the things on tap for Wild & Free on 83 include live music, art exhibits, scavenger hunts, helicopter tours, clay shoots, cookouts, block parties, golf tournaments, star watching, wine tasting and much more.
Area residents are invited to discover the rich heritage of these communities by visiting points of interest in each town, while enjoying events scheduled throughout the day.
“It’s an easy drive over for most people in the Panhandle,” says organizer Kristen Moudy with the Wheeler Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Center. “We hope our friends from neighboring towns will come experience what we have to offer along highway 83 and learn not only about our rich history, but experience what makes up the fabric of our towns.”
A full calendar of events for the five towns is available at WildAndFree83.com. There, you can also find a full list of hotels, restaurants and shopping options.
Representatives from each town will spend the next two months visiting neighboring communities to help promote the event, with the goal of expanding it each year to include more stops along Highway 83.
Johnny C. Brumley
Johnny C. Brumley, 84, of Groom died July 18, 2019.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 20, 2019, at First Baptist Church, Groom with Rev. Andy Dietz officiating. Burial followed in Groom Cemetery. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia.
Johnny was born June 16, 1935, in Newlin, Texas to Jack and Ima Brumley. He graduated from Hedley High School in 1953. Johnny married Nancy Jane Nash on June 18, 1955, in Chattanooga, Oklahoma. He earned a Master of Education Degree in School Administration and Psychology from West Texas State College in 1962. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Groom and a member of the John Class at the church. Johnny was an active member of Groom Lions Club. He worked twenty-two years as a professional school teacher, coach and administrator in the Lakeview, Happy, Morse and Groom Public Schools. He retired from the education profession in 1978 and entered the Independent Insurance Agency Business where he retired in 2007 and began restoring chuck wagons.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Nancy Jane Nash Brumley in 2011.
Johnny is survived by his wife Mattie Lou Brumley of Groom; her son Wayne Nivens and family of Houston; his daughter, Kim Brumley Ritter and husband, Troy of Groom; his son, Rick Brumley and wife, Jolinda of Sanford; sister, Mary Ann Brumley Winegeart of Henderson; brother, Derrell Brumley of Owasso, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jenna Brumley of Sanford; Jessica Mitchell (Jeff) and their children, Miles and Molly; Brandi Childress (Tyler) and their children, Emy and Johnny Carter; Justin Ritter (Shondra) of Firestone, CO; Seth Ritter (Melissa) and their children, Hayden, Carson, Aubry, Braeden and Sydney; Clay Ritter (Nicole) and their children, Kaylie, Briana, Lexi, Taylor and Blake; and Wade Ritter (Skye) and their children, Braxton, Braelyn, Brecken and Brancen.
The family suggests memorials be made to FBC Groom, 407 E. 1st St., Groom, TX 79039, Harrington Cancer Center, 1500 Wallace Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79106 or Groom Ambulance Fund, 203 Broadway Ave, Groom, TX 79039.
Online condolences may be shared at www.schoolerfuneralhome.com.
Helen “Crazy Helen” Virginia Durham
Helen “Crazy Helen” Virginia Durham passed away with loved ones surrounding her at age 84, Tuesday July 16th in Amarillo.
Services were held on July 19, 2019, in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Jim Fox, officiating.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Helen Durham was born in Wynee, Ark., on February 8, 1935, to Clarence and Ethline Brennecks Cox. Helen married Donald Dean Durham on March 10, 1967, in Sycamore, Illinois. They moved from Rockford, Illinois to Amarillo, Texas in 1968, where Helen worked at Owens Corning from 1979 to 1990 where she retired. After retirement in 1990, Helen and her love moved from Amarillo to Green Belt Lake. If Helen wasn’t fishing you could often find her in the kitchen, cooking for others, planning parties and fishing tournaments. Helen will always be remembered for her events, her spontaneous outrageous sense of humor and her ability to make others feel loved and welcomed.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; son Michael Durham; brother Erval Colburn and sister Juanita Starnes; Son-in-law Bill Peterson and a granddaughter Chandace Ritchie.
Helen is survived by her husband Don Durham; a brother Larry and Phyllis Cox; three sons David and Trina Brown, Darrell and Nelda Durham, and Chris and Charlotte Durham; two daughters Pamela Peterson and Jami and Sonja Steadman Grandkids; Tiandra Stogsdill, Heath (Nick) and Diana Dykes, Mackenzie and Shane Brown, Blake Moore, Nathan and Daniell Moore, Whitney Moore, Addie Marcus, Angele and Chad Morgan, Gabrielle Smith, Matthew Lunsford, Chasity and Wade Husdon, Corey Ritchie, Chrislyn and Caden Farris, twenty-three great grandchildren.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
James Wesley Farley
James Wesley Farley, 71, of Memphis, died on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, in Lubbock.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
James was born on October 9, 1947, in Memphis to Bill and Ida Faulkner Farley.
He married Linda Hunter on May 29, 1970, in Memphis. He served in the Vietnam War during 1969. He loved to work and could fix anything he wanted to until his body would no longer allow it. He always had a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. He was compassionate, very patient, and always helped anyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Farley of Memphis; a son Scott Farley of Amarillo; a daughter Julie Farley of Lubbock; two brothers Billie Farley and wife Betty of Turkey and Joe Farley of San Angelo; a sister Lanita Garnett and husband Tex of Dublin; and numerous other family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be sent to your favorite charity.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
Alicia Ann Carson
Alicia Ann Carson, 39, of Clarendon died on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, in Clarendon.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2019, in the Body of Christ Church in Clarendon with Rev. Bobby Ellerbrook and Casey Carter, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Alicia was born August 27, 1979, in Salem, Oregon to Russell and Rhonda Carson. She had been a CNA prior to her illness. Alicia had been a resident of Clarendon for several years. She accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as her Savior and a change was instantly noticed. She dearly loved her kids.
She was preceded in death by her father and grandmother, Betty Carson.
She is survived by her mother, Rhonda Carson; two sons, Nathan Carson and Devin Lucero; a daughter, Samara Johnson; two brothers, Jeremiah Carson and Jason Carson; her uncle and aunt, Frank and Chris Carson; her cousins, Amber and Tanya Carson; and her friend, Josey Shadle.
Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com
Howardwick settles fire department suit
The City of Howardwick this week approved a settlement with the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department bringing control of the city’s fire protection back under the authority of the City Council, and named former city alderman Brice Hawley as interim fire chief.
In special meeting Monday night, the city approved the terms of the agreed judgment by which all monies, titles, gear, vehicles, and other property of the department have been returned to the city.
Volunteer firemen in Howardwick formed their own non-profit organization on March 26, 2018, and had been at odds with city officials for several months. City officials said the HVFD displaced the official fire department as defined by ordinance and formally titled the City of Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department.
The formation of the non-profit came about four months after a November 2017 special election in which Greta Byars was elected mayor.
Prior to that election, the fire department had a service agreement approved by the city council, establishing the department’s independence from the city.
In April of this year, the city filed suit against the HVFD, saying in part that the department had improperly transferred vehicle titles from the city to the non-profit department.
During its regular meeting last Tuesday, July 9, the city council approved a proposed settlement with the department, and firemen unanimously approved the offer in a special meeting on July 11.
This week’s agreement effectively dissolves the HVFD and reaffirms the function of the City of Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department defined by the city’s code of ordinances.
“The City will move forward in operating the City of Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department (CHVFD), which is an unincorporated department of the City that has been in existence for at least 33 years,” a statement from City Hall said. “The CHVFD will, at all times, remain under the authority, control, management and supervision of the City and its governing body, the City Council.”
In a 4-1 vote Howardwick, the council named Hawley as interim fire chief, with Alderman Mary Grady opposed.
Hawley said Monday that his immediate goals are to get advice from state and local officials, such as the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, Amarillo Fire Department, the Donley County Sheriff’s Office, the state fire marshal’s office, and others.
Howardwick residents age 18 and over, as well as those working in Howardwick or living within 20 miles of the city, are welcome to apply for membership on the fire department through City Hall.
The interim chief said a fish fry fundraiser is being planned for August 24 to help raise money for the department.
While the CHVFD is getting up and operational, the Donley County Sheriff’s Office, Clarendon VFD, Hedley VFD, and Claude VFD will provide fire protection services to the community.
The city gratefully acknowledges the efforts and cooperation of these entities in keeping residents safe.
“This is all positive,” City Secretary Sandra Childress told the Enterprise. “The city is protecting our citizens and moving forward.”
Mulkey to screen ‘Steel Magnolias’
The Mulkey Theatre will present an anniversary screening of “Steel Magnolias” this Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m.
Blush and bashful will be the theme for the day as M’Lynn, Shelby Eatenton, Truvy, Annelle, and Weezer all shine on the big screen for this 30th anniversary presentation.
Doors open at 1:30 and admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids ages three through 12; and kids two and under get in free.
City airport to get $80k in upgrades
Clarendon’s Smiley Johnson Municipal Airport will be receiving more than $80,000 worth of improvements after several donations have helped raise matching funds for a grant.
The city had initially planned to use $15,000 left over from a previous grant project to match the 50/50 Routine Airport Maintenance Program grant administered by the Texas Department of Transportation.
With the state funds, that would have paid for $30,000 for crack sealing and fog sealing of the runway; but the RAMP program was approved to match any amount up to $50,000 for a possible total of $100,000 worth of improvements. The city’s new airport board saw an opportunity to do more work that originally planned.
“I’m very pleased at the effectiveness of our airport board,” City Administrator David Dockery said. “This will help improve our airport runway, tarmac, and striping, and priorities have been identified for future improvements.”
The board, consisting of Chris Schollenbarger, Chancy Cruse, Bubba Newhouse, John Morrow, and Machiel Covey set about to raise an additional $25,000 through donations. They exceeded that goal by bringing in pledges totaling $25,250, of which $22,750 has been collected.
Covey said the airport board is greatly appreciative of the support it has received for improvements to the airport and credited Dockery with providing guidance for the project. Covey also said the board hopes to make radio upgrades at the facility its next priority.
Latigo wins 2019 COEA Ranch Rodeo
Latigo Ranch took top honors for the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association’s annual Ranch Rodeo last Friday and Saturday.
Latigo scores beat out 20 other local and regional teams as working cowboys put their skills to the test as part of the 142nd annual Saints’ Roost Celebration. The team was made up of Jacob Gudgell, Wesley Gudgell, Truston Gudgel, Bubba Garcia, and Zane Peters.
Wilson Cattle Co. team finished second with Rodey Wilson, Clay Paige, Colton Burnett, Casey McCleskey, and Tanner Allen and Baca Ranches placed third this year with the team of Zane Peters, Jayton Baca, Jake Baca, Rex Green, Tayler Burkett.
The Top Hand for the rodeo was awarded to Wesley Gudgell, and the Top Horse award was won by Jake Baca. This year’s attendance for the two-day ranch rodeo was 1,391.
The Junior Ranch Rodeo was won by Rockin JM with the team of Cooper McClesky, Sterlin Mitchel, Brazos Roberts, Blaine Roberts, Rye Reynolds. The second place team was Sand Creek with the team of Benny Proffitt, Cutter Kennedy, Clayton Anderson, Gage Hoganson, Clint Cross. M&M Cattle was third in the junior rodeo with a team of Coby Mason, Cooper McClesky, Sterlin Mitchel, Benny Proffitt, Brogan Rankin.
Top Hand winner for the Junior Ranch Rodeo was Clayton Anderson, and Sterlin Mitchell rode the Top Horse.
Junior Calf, Donkey, and Steer Riding and Mutton Bustin’ were held all three nights. Overall Mutton Bustin’ champion for the three nights was Laityn Hanks. Overall Calf Riding Champion was Caleb Askew, the Overall Donkey Rider was Chance Anderson, and Steer Riding champion was Heston Seay.
Nightly winners of the junior events were as follows:
July 4 – Calf Scramble – Grant Haynes, Parker Haynes, and Kale Brunson; Mutton Bustin’ –Lane Hardwin; Calf Riding – Caleb Askew and Donley Riding – Degan Barnes.
July 5 – Calf Scramble – Reese Myers, Parker Haynes, and Brent Banhom; Mutton Bustin’ – Braxton Gribble; Calf Riding – Caleb Askew; Donkey Riding – Eli Ritchie; and Steer Riding – Heston Seay.
July 6 – Calf Scramble –Brooks Myers, Kail Benson, and Colton Benson; Mutton Bustin’ – Layton Hanks; Calf Riding – Kelby Brownlee; Donkey Riding – Chance Aderson; and Steer Riding – Hunter Atwood.
Beef winners this year were Grant Mitchell, Pam Watson, and Mandy Jaramillo.
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