Ag Secretary meets with Texas producers
The future of American agriculture policy was at the forefront when the Southwest Council of Agribusiness hosted Washington dignitaries at its annual meeting in Lamesa last month.
Clarendon’s Michael Newhouse, representing the Panhandle Peanut Growers Association, said the meeting was an important opportunity for West Texas producers to inform those who will help shape the next farm bill.
Newhouse and other Southwest Council board members met with US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, US House Ag Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Midland), and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and expressed the need for more support for cotton growers from the federal government.
“Every commodity has a baseline price that basically is what it takes for the farmer to produce,” Newhouse said. “If the market price falls below that, the government tries to help. They subsidize what we do, otherwise you couldn’t afford what you currently buy at the grocery store. But there is no protection [for producers] in cotton.”
Newhouse stressed the importance of ag producers being involved in the political process.
“People like Ted Cruz don’t know anything about farming, but groups like [the Southwest Council of Agribusiness] inform them as they write these bills,” Newhouse said.
The current farm bill was written in 2014 and expires in 2018. The current bill’s policies and price supports will end in 2019.
“From now until 2020, there is no relief for cotton,” Newhouse said.
Despite the focus on the cotton at the meeting, Newhouse said the Southwest Council represents all segments of the ag industry, including producers, implement dealers, bankers, and more.
“This is not a cotton deal or a peanut deal. It’s not about just sorghum or corn or cattle,” he said. “All producers have to be on the same page and work together.”
Fresh off visits to parts of Texas devastated by Hurricane Harvey, Newhouse said Perdue and other leaders spoke about the importance of faith in the business of farming.
“Everyone talked about prayer and the need to get God back into things,” he said.
In his remarks, Perdue particularly called attention the “tenacity of the farmers of Texas, West Texas, and the High Plains” and emphasized the power of faith and prayer, noting that “only God can make it rain.”
“I don’t believe an atheist can be a farmer,” Perdue said. “You’ve got to have faith.”
Serving the Southwest Council as president of the Panhandle Peanut Growers, Newhouse said the September 22 meeting gave him a boost of optimism.
“It gave me hope because we have people who believe in God and who understand our needs helping us,” Newhouse said. “Farmers getting out and talking to their congressmen about their needs is so important, but many don’t understand that. It’s like people who complain but don’t vote. You have to be involved.”
The Southwest Council is an alliance of agricultural organizations, financial institutions, and businesses, established to actively advocate for strong agricultural policy, which is vital to the businesses and economy of the greater Southwest area including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
Editorial: Count on us to continue to serve you
The first full week of October is National Newspaper Week every year, and the Enterprise again joins in the celebration to remind everyone of the importance of a free and independent press.
It’s easy to find “information” about what people think is happening in your community. But if you want verified news you can count on, then you can always turn to your hometown paper. The Enterprise reports on the meetings you don’t have time to attend, let’s you know what’s about to happen with your local taxes, keeps up with the local football teams, and so much more.
The newspaper also serves as the eyes and ears of the people keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings of local governments, making sure they keep their activities between the lines and above board.
The watchdog role has always been a tough one in a small town where the opportunity exists that the public officials being scrutinized by the paper could be close friends of the paper’s staff or could be the person sitting next to the editor tomorrow at the local restaurant. And yet local news men and women across America continue to fight the good fight and work hard to bring you the best information possible.
Your newspaper fills other roles as well, not the least of which is the community’s de facto history keeper. The first draft of history is right here in your hands. Twenty-five, 50, or a hundred years from now, someone may pick up this paper to find out what issues were facing farmers, how the local sports teams were doing, or to find their ancestor’s obituary. Issues of our paper going back 139 years are an invaluable resource as the triumphs and tragedies of our lives unfold in black and white. The future will be no different as the news of the present becomes documented history.
But that’s for the people of tomorrow. The most important role remains here and now as we stay on top of everything from City Hall to the Courthouse to College Hill and the local school boards. Citizens have not only have a right to know what’s happening at those places, they have a need to know. The actions of local boards and elected officials are important to report so that voters can decide if they want to continue to support those people or vote for someone else or even throw their own hate in the ring.
And just as important is the need to keep up with the world around you. What’s happening with the Cotton Festival? When is the next Chamber of Commerce function? When will the Whistle-Stop be open? What are they doing with that old theatre? All of these questions can be answered just by picking up your Clarendon Enterprise, and you can count on us being here next week with more information that you need… and the week after that and the week after that.
Of course, we do change with the times. We’re online and on Facebook and on Twitter. But regardless of the medium you choose to get your Enterprise news through, you can be assured that it is always there for you to keep you better informed.
Your hometown paper has been spreading the word in these parts since 1878, and we’re not stopping anytime soon.
Mulkey moves forward with heating, cooling project
Rehabilitation of the Mulkey Theatre took another step forward last Tuesday, September 26, when the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation Board opened bids for heating and air-conditioning work on the building.
The board accepted the low bid of Pioneer General Contractors of $234,000 to install equipment and ducting to heat and cool the building’s main auditorium, stage, lobby, restrooms, and projection room.
CEDC officials will now negotiate cost savings on the project with Pioneer to bring the final cost of Phase 3B HVAC renovations down as much as possible.
Phase 3B is expected to be completed by the end of this year with Phase 4 – Interior Completion to get underway soon thereafter. Phase 4 will include installing seats, stage lights, and projection and sound equipment.
Funding for the heating and air improvements is provided in part by grants of $50,000 from the Don & Sybil Harrington Foundation and $10,000 from the David S. & Nona Payne Foundation. Additional funding will come from the Clarendon Community Fund, where donations to the Mulkey project are collected, and from funds financed by the economic development sales tax and hotel occupancy tax.
When completed, the Mulkey will serve as a multifunctional building that, in addition to showing movies, will serve as a performance hall and conference center.
Since 2008, the CEDC has spent more than $500,000 in public and private money to save the 1946 theatre. The building was declared one of Preservation Texas’ Most Endangered Places in Texas in 2012, but the organization moved the Mulkey to its “saved” list last year due to the renovations that have been undertaken.
To keep up with developments on the Mulkey, check out facebook.com/MulkeyTheatre, or visit ClarendonTX.com/Mulkey. To make a tax deductible donation to the project, send a check or money order to Clarendon Community Fund, PO Box 906, Clarendon, TX 79226.
CEDC awards 25th facade grant
The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation presented its 25th façade grant award to Signs Plus this week.
The business, located at US 287 and Gorst Street, received a check for $2,000 to help with the cost of its new awning, painting, and materials for new signage.
Owner Jody Berry has been in business for 19 years, the last 16 of which have been in the present location and said he learned about the façade grant program from JD SteakOut owner Jesus Hernandez.
“The program helped out with the visual aspect [of the improvements] and made it look nicer and we were able to do more than we would have,” Berry said.
The sign-maker says he encourages other people to look into the façade grant program.
“People should definitely use what avenues they can use to make our town look nicer,” Berry said. “It can help you and help your business, too.”
Berry’s grant application was approved last year, and this week’s award closes out façade grant applications under the current program.
The CEDC suspended the façade grant program with the start of the new fiscal year on October 1 until the board can review program rules at its November meeting.
Since the Façade Grant Program began in 2008, the CEDC has awarded $32,382.04 to property owners in Clarendon, resulting in more than $64,764 in business improvements. The Façade Grant Program has provided 50-50 matching grants, up to a maximum of $2,000 per project, which could be any of a wide variety of projects, such as a coat of paint, new signage, sidewalk improvements, or a complete rehabilitation of a storefront.
Under current program guidelines, the façade grant program has granted awards to eligible properties located in the city’s entire Central Business District and on the US 287 corridor.
Next month, the CEDC will consider renewing the existing program while adding an option to provide larger cash awards to businesses on Kearney Street for renovations that are more in keeping with the historic appearance of downtown using streetscape plans by Texas Tech University’s College of Architecture as a guide.
Mary Ann Sawyer-Craft
Mary Ann Sawyer-Craft, 81, died Tuesday, September 26, 2017, in Amarillo.
Services were held on Saturday, September 30, 2017, in the Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Chris Downer, officiating. Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Mary Ann was born December 12, 1935, in Corisicana to Willie Clyde and Lula Mae Perkins Osburn. She was a graduate of Dawson High School and Texas Tech University. She married Edward Davis Sawyer, the father of her two sons and later married Bill Craft on January 7, 1995. She was a charter member of the Clarendon Country Club and loved golfing. She was also a member of the Ladies Golf Association and held the Womens Club Champion for several years. She trained and loved horses and was a resident of Clarendon most of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and the father of her two sons, Edward Davis Sawyer.
She is survived by 2 sons, Ted Sawyer of Amarillo and Dan Sawyer of Clarendon; husband, Bill Craft of Clarendon; a step son, Jack Craft of Clarendon; 2 step daughters, Cathy Keene of San Antonio and Chris Matthews of Clarendon; 4 grandchildren, Misti Powell of League City, Clay Sawyer of Clarendon, Jamie Jackson of Seminole, and Kalli Hodge of Clarendon; 10 great grandchildren; and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family request memorials be sent to a ALS Foundation for Life / PO Box 96 / Natick, MA 01760 or Citizens Cemetery Association / PO Box 983 / Clarendon, TX 79226.
Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com
Slip slidin’
Best in 5 States!
City welcomes visitors to 140th celebration
Clarendon is ready to welcome visitors to the 140th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration and also the Whistle-Stop Trade Days with festivities to be held on Friday, June 30, and Saturday, July 1, as well as on Sunday, July 2, and Tuesday, July 4.
The celebration begins with a Depression Luncheon Friday, June 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crossties Ministry Center next to the Library on Kearney Street. The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association will open its Ranch Rodeo Friday night, at 7:30 at the COEA Arena followed by a dance at 9 p.m. featuring the music of Luke Koepke & Indian Creek.
The big day will be Saturday, July 1, beginning with the Arts & Craft Fair on the square at 9 a.m. sponsored by the Donley County 4H. Booths are $25 each and should be reserved through the Donley County 4H by calling 806-874-2141.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Old Settlers Reunion and the Kids’ Bicycle & Tricycle Parade also begin at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Parade will line up and register at 8:30 at Keith Floyd’s shop at Third and Sully. Ed Montana will provide music and serve as master of ceremonies on the square.
Line up for the Herring Bank Parade will also start at 9 a.m. on Sixth Street north of Prospect Park. At 10:00, the parade will then take its usual route – north on Kearney to Third Street, west on Third to Sully, south in front of the Courthouse, and then wind back to the ball parks.
The Herring Bank Parade features $850 in cash prizes with $200 available for the best float, $100 for the best car or truck entry, $100 for the best animal or riding unit, $100 for the best tractor or farm equipment entry, and $100 for the best “other” entry. From those first place winners, judges will select a Grand Prize winner who will receive an additional $250. Pre-registration is required for entrants to be judged for the prize money, and entry forms are due in the Visitor Center by 5 p.m. on June 29. Entry forms are at the Visitor Center and on ClarendonTx.com.
Also this year, the Chamber and Cornell’s Country Store will hold a “Show Us Your Boots” contest as part of the parade. One grand prize winner will get a $100 Cornell’s gift card, and one second place winner will get $50 in Chamber Cash. More information is available on the entry form at the Visitor Center and at ClarendonTX.com.
The Al Morrah Shrine Club barbecue will follow the parade at about 11 a.m. Tickets are $12 each.
Following the parade antique cars and other vehicles are invited to gather on Third Street in front of Keith Floyd’s shop for a car show and light refreshments.
The Lions Club will not be having bounce houses this year but are instead bringing back their Cow Patty Bingo following the barbecue.
Parade winners will be announced at 1 p.m. The Henson’s Turtle Race will follow at 3 p.m. And the Ranch Rodeo will close out the day at the COEA Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m. with the dance to follow with Dalton Domino providing the music.
Also happening during the celebration weekend, the Whistle-Stop will have its monthly trade days Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the former Chamberlain Motor Company property. The Whistle-Stop features more than 100 vendors as well as live music, food, and fun for the entire family.
COEA will hold a washer pitching contest Sunday afternoon. Two-person teams can sign-up beginning at noon with the pitching to start at 1 p.m. The entry fee is $30.
Tuesday, July 4, will be celebrated with the Junior Ranch Rodeo that evening at the COEA Arena. Team entries are still being taken for $125 each and can be made by calling 806-679-2738.
For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 806-874-2421 or visit ClarendonTX.com
Benjamin Franklin Smith
Benjamin Franklin Smith, 60, died Friday, June 23, 2017, in Oklahoma City.
Services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Memphis with Rev. Judge Smith Jr. officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Benjamin Franklin Smith was born on July 7, 1956, in Memphis to Rev. Judge Elliott Smith and Rosie Minter Smith.
He married Gloria Calloway on August 24, 1974, in Clarendon. He was resident for most of his life where he was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He loved singing, reading, fishing, playing music, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers Alonzo Smith and Charles Smith; 4 sisters Helen Knox, Verdia Steptoe, Mannie Smith, and Anna Smith.
He is survived by his wife Gloria Smith of Amarillo; 9 children Judge Smith III of Amarillo, Rodney Smith and wife Alverta of Amarillo, Clemmie Smith and wife Amanda of Amarillo, Eric Smith and wife Christa of Amarillo, Erica Smith of Amarillo, Christopher Smith and wife Casey of Amarillo, Chrystal Smith of Amarillo, Benjamin Smith IV of Amarillo, and Jordan Herndon of Clarendon; 3 brothers Rev. Judge Smith Jr. of Wichita Falls, Rev. Clemmie Smith of Wichita Falls, and Daniel Smith of Memphis; 2 sisters Mae Smith Newsome of Wichita Falls and Elizabeth Walker of Wichita Falls; 35 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends
The family suggests that memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com
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