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High winds slam Clarendon
A blast of destruction hit Clarendon Sunday night, July 29, when a sudden storm swept through the city unexpectedly.
The Donley County Sheriff’s Office logged the first trouble at 8:12 p.m. when a 911 caller reported the first power outage associated with the storm, the harbinger of what would be a long night for emergency personnel and utility workers.
As winds picked up, driving heavy rain sideways, trees took the brunt of nature’s fury across the city and nearby rural areas. Massive tree limbs were broken off, several inches in diameter in some cases. Some trees were lost entirely, as was the case of an old cedar tree behind the Donley County Courthouse that was guessed to be at least 100 years old. The storm snapped the tree about eight feet off the ground, but it fortunately missed the historic building when it came down.
The greatest damage downtown was inflicted on the abandoned Antro Hotel at First and Kearney. The 1927 three-story hotel was already missing its roof and much of its interior structure from an aborted attempt to demolish the building about 30 years ago. When the straight-line north winds, measured at up to 84 miles per hour, hit the north face of the building, most of the upper two floors of that brick wall collapsed over into the interior of the structure, crashing all the way into the basement.
At the Sandell Drive-In, the storm flattened the marquee of that historic business and peeled the roof off of the concession stand structure, exposing the projection equipment to the elements.
Part of the front of the old Dairy Queen building was blown away; and across the city, residents suffered roof and other damage from the high winds.
Weather officials termed the storm a microburst, and two accidents occurred on US 287 due to the weather, one east of town and the other west of town.
Southwestern Electric Power Co. lines were knocked down and linemen worked throughout the night to restore electric service. The entire town was without power for about three hours with much of the city remaining darkened until after midnight and some people not getting power restored until 4 a.m. or later.
The storm was followed by another, less severe round of rain and wind after midnight. Altogether, the Enterprise gauge measured 0.55 inches of precipitation.
Clean-up will likely continue for several days as residents and local officials work to recover from the event.
For more storm photos, see this week’s Enterprise available online here: http://www.clarendonlive.com/?p=6507
Aldermen pick pool engineer
Clarendon’s water recreation project could be open for business next summer following last week’s action by the City Council.
The city recently reviewed proposals from engineering firms for the job, and aldermen reviewed a committee’s scoring of those proposals before voting to select Waters Edge Aquatic Design out of a group of seven applicants.
“This is a historic moment, guys,” Mayor Sandy Skelton told the council before the vote was taken.
Waters Edge has previously done the concept design work for the Clarendon pool project. City Administrator David Dockery said the firm was selected because for its ability to do all the engineering in-house, its record of bringing projects in either at or below budget, and because they felt they could meet the goal of finishing the project to be open next summer.
Waters Edge is also the same firm that designed the Wellington Aquatic Venue.
Dockery said groundbreaking on the $1.9 million water recreation facility is expected to take place in October.
In other city business, the aldermen voted to continue using the Donley County State Bank as the city’s depository.
Aldermen approved applying for a RAMP grant through the Texas Department of Transportation to patch cracks in the airport runway. The project is expected to cost about $34,000, and the grant would pay about fifty percent. The city already has about $14,000 in an account for airport work.
An agreement was signed with Chloe’s Canines to assist the city with adopting out dogs captured by animal control. The agreement calls for the city to pay the animal shelter $500 per year to assist the city.
In his administrator’s report, Dockery complimented the public works department for a recent in-house job that looped some waterlines downtown to improve water pressure to part of the central business district, including the Fire Hall. Dockery said the work should have a positive effect on the city’s key rates for insurance.
Aldermen also reviewed the draft budget and discussed the tax rate for the coming year. The council is proposing a tax rate of $0.75865 per $100 valuation, an increase over the current rate of $0.733821. Dockery said that while this year’s proposed rate is higher, the city will pay off some of indebtedness in 2019 that should in a much lower rate for 2020.
AEP cancels wind project
American Electric Power is canceling the Wind Catcher project as a result of the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ July 26 decision to deny approval of the project.
The project had been approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, Louisiana Public Service Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A decision was pending at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
AEP unit Southwestern Electric Power Company’s (SWEPCO) share of the project was 70 percent, and Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s (PSO) share was 30 percent.
“Wind Catcher has had broad support among many customers, community leaders and elected officials, and we greatly appreciate this support,” said Malcolm Smoak, SWEPCO president and chief operating officer. “They embraced the extraordinary opportunity Wind Catcher would provide for long-term savings on electricity costs for families, businesses and communities, as well as more clean energy and a more diversified energy mix.”
“We also appreciate the careful examination and ultimate approval of the project by Arkansas, Louisiana and federal regulators,” Smoak said.
The $4.5 billion Wind Catcher project included acquisition of a 2,000-megawatt wind farm under construction in the Oklahoma Panhandle and construction of an approximately 350-mile dedicated generation tie line to the Tulsa area, where the existing electrical grid would deliver the wind energy to SWEPCO and PSO customers.
“We are disappointed that we will not be able to move forward with Wind Catcher, which was a great opportunity to provide more clean energy, lower electricity costs and a more diverse energy resource mix for our customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas,” said Nicholas K. Akins, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer.
“To realize the full benefits of Wind Catcher for customers, timely approvals were required from all jurisdictions so we could complete the project by the end of 2020 and be eligible for 100 percent of the federal production tax credit. We want to thank our employees and our partners for all of their work on the development of the Wind Catcher project,” Akins said. “The strategic investments we are making in AEP’s regulated businesses will continue to support our 5 percent to 7 percent earnings growth rate. We are investing in a cleaner, smarter energy system for our customers and will continue to pursue opportunities to provide the new energy resources and technology solutions that bring value to our customers.”
AEP plans to invest $24 billion in 2018-2021 to rebuild and enhance aging infrastructure, add advanced technologies to the energy system and create a more reliable grid to enhance service for customers.
Myrtle Mae Jeffers
Myrtle Mae Jeffers, 89, of Memphis died Saturday, July 28, 2018 in Memphis.
Services were held on Monday, July 30, 2018, in the Fairview Cemetery Chapel in Memphis with Rev. Rob Seale, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Mae was born on April 27, 1929, in St. Augustine, Texas to Henry Z. and Myrtle Dunn Sowell. She was married to James Jeffers in 1947. She was a resident of Memphis for most of her life where she was a member of Travis Baptist Church. She most recently attended Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon. She taught Sunday school for many years. She was known for her delicious Christmas candy and spud-nuts. She loved her family and was wonderful mother and mema.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a brother Auburn Sowell; two sisters Joyce Helm and Mary Beth Tamplen; and a great-granddaughter Ellie Grace.
Survivors include her two sons Larry Jeffers and wife Jamie of Clarendon and Jerry Jeffers of Amarillo; daughter Gay Clark and husband Rodney of Guthrie, Oklahoma; brother Alvis Tamplen of Virginia; five grandchildren Brandon Clark, Jason Clark, Drew Jeffers, Aaron Jeffers, and Jeremy Jeffers; and 12 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be sent a scholarship in memory of Mae Jeffers addressed to Clarendon High School, PO Box 610, Clarendon, TX, 79226, in care of Larry Jeffers.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
Ruth Justiss Hancock
While surrounded by family, our beloved mother and meme, Ruth Justiss Hancock was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 28, 2018, at BSA, in Amarillo.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon, with the Reverend Jay Gage, of Spearman, officiating and the Reverend E.C. “Buddy” Payne, III, pastor, assisting. Graveside services and interment will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Mrs. Hancock will be available for viewing on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at the Robertson Funeral Home in Clarendon, located at 212 South Sully Street. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Ruth was born on October 21, 1941, at the Old Northwest Texas Hospital, in downtown Amarillo. Her parents were James Mack Justiss and Lorene Dye Justiss. As a member of a sixth-generation pioneer family, in Armstrong County, she grew up on the family farm located eight miles east of Claude before moving to Claude in the eighth grade. She was active in youth group at the First Baptist Church in Claude as well as in Girl Scouts. She attended school in Claude and graduated from Claude High School, in 1960. While in high school, she was a member of FHA, where she served as President. She was also a member of Annual Staff, Scribe, Chorus, the “C” Club, and Student Council. After graduating from high school, she attended Oklahoma State University and Texas Technological College, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics, in 1964.
Ruth married the Reverend Paul David Hancock on January 19, 1964, at the First Christian Church, in Clarendon, getting married the morning after graduating from college. She had been a resident of Clarendon since that time. From 1964 until 1967, she taught in the Clarendon, Claude, and Hedley schools. Paul and Ruth had two daughters, Amy was born in 1967 and Buffie was born in 1970. They were married for 19 years until Paul preceded her in death on March 31, 1984. From 1970 until 1995, she worked at the same location under the bank names of: Farmers State Bank, Farmers State Bank and Trust, First Bank and Trust, Herring Bank and Trust, and Herring Bank, where she retired as the President’s Secretary. As a diehard Republican, she worked many elections for Precincts 1 and 4 of Clarendon. She loved to travel and had visited many states in the United States, as well as traveled abroad. She enjoyed studying history and genealogy. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, Taylor, Tyler, Eric, Brooke, and Trent, who affectionally called her, Meme.
Ruth was a 54-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 6 of Clarendon where she was Worthy Matron twice. She was also Deputy Grand Matron for District 2, Section 5 of the State of Texas Order of the Eastern Star from 1980 to 1981. She was Clarendon Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year and also a 54-year member of the Les Beaux Arts Club. She was a founding member and board member of the Saints’ Roost Museum in Clarendon and served as the Vice President of Museum Operations since 1998. She was an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 433 in Clarendon. She was a member of the First Christian Church from 1964 to 1973, while her husband, Paul was minister. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon for 42 years and served on several committees. She was a member of the Skelton Sunday School class, at the First Methodist Church, in Clarendon.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Paul David Hancock, in 1984, her father, Mack, in 2003, her mother, Lorene, in 2013, and her sister, Evelyn Jean Justiss McGowan, in 2017.
Ruth is survived by her daughters, Amy Dorris and husband, Ken, of Amarillo and Buffie Smith and husband, David, of Clarendon; her grandchildren, Eric Dorris, of Amarillo, Taylor Smith, Tyler Smith, Brooke Smith, and Trent Smith, all of Clarendon.
Serving as pallbearers will be Taylor Smith, Tyler Smith, Trent Smith, Eric Dorris, Ken Dorris, David Smith, and Jim Riley.
The family asks that memorials be sent to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 157, Clarendon, Texas 79226 or the Saints’ Roost Museum, P.O. Box 781, Clarendon, Texas 79226.
The family will be at 400 South Goodnight in Clarendon.
Eddy Wayne Judd
Eddy Wayne Judd, 69, of Clarendon died Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in Clarendon.
Services were held on Friday, July 27, 2018, in Clarendon Church of Christ with Chris Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery.Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Eddy was born on May 26, 1949, to Oran “John” and Willene Burgett Judd. He married Linda Christopher on November 8, 1969 in Clarendon. He lived most of his life in Clarendon.
Eddy served 4 years in the US Navy. He was a carpenter, collector of coins and sports cards. He loved his family dearly and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a member of the Clarendon Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his father and two grandchildren, Maci and Christian.
Survivors include his wife Linda; mother Willene; brother Glenn Judd and wife Claudette of Georgetown; 4 sons, Kevin Judd and partner Chris Bronson of Dallas, Kyle Judd and wife Brandi of Clarendon, Nathan Judd and wife Nicole of Clarendon; 3 daughters, Trina Wright and husband Glen of Clarendon, Courtney Martin and wife Amber of Memphis, and Amy Holt of Clarendon; 13 grandchildren, Dylan, Cameron, Chelsea, McKayla, Madison, Emily, John, Connor, Walker, Cody, Tristan, Jase and Eli; 2 great grandchildren, Cambrie and Liam; and numerous family members.
Leslie “Slim” Sides
Leslie “Slim” Sides, 61, of Clarendon, Texas died Sunday, July 29, 2018, in Clarendon.
Memorial services were held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2018, in Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel, Clarendon, Texas with Mike Rhinehart officiating.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Slim was born on August 9, 1956, in Amarillo to Wallace and Nettie Wood Sides. He married Julie Anita Molder on January 20, 1996, in Clarendon. He became a resident of Clarendon early in life and called it his home. He loved being a mechanic and mechanist for many years. He was train fanatic and collected a lot of train memorabilia thought out his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Peggy Lou; and a step granddaughter Leslie Hooven.
Survivors include his wife Julie; 3 step daughters; Charlotte Stagg of Sacramento, California, Jennifer Hawkins and husband Hugh of Clarendon, and Bethany Turben of Clarendon; a step son, Bryan Garrison of Clarendon; 7 step grandchildren; Jonathan McCoy of Colville WA., Josh Hooven and Lexie Staggs both of Sacramento, CA, Kymbra Grube, Oklahoma City and Haley Grube of Meade, Oklahoma, Zach Harvey of Clarendon and his beloved grand dog Chloe.
Celebrating Summer
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