Sure shots
City council okays swim lessons at aquatic center
Kids are now able to sign-up for swimming lessons at the Clarendon Aquatic Center following action by the city council at its regular meeting last Thursday, July 14.
Lifeguard Josiah Howard presented the plan for lessons to the council.
Howard said six lifeguards have been certified to give lessons and will work under their teacher’s certification. Lessons will cost $25 each, and a group of four lessons can be purchased for $75. Lessons will be taught in the mornings and not during the aquatic center’s regular hours.
Lifeguards will work in pairs with groups of kids set up by age.
City Administrator David Dockery said the lifeguards will make the most financially from the arrangement, but he said the purpose of the program is not to financially benefit the city.
“We have to consider the benefit of teaching kids how to swim,” Dockery said. “We want to try to ‘drown proof’ as many kids as possible.”
Alderman Larry Jeffers agreed with Dockery.
“This is just one more benefit the city can provide through the aquatic center,” Jeffers said.
Those interested in signing up for swim lessons should call or text 806-205-0865.
In other city business, the council met in closed session to consider legal matters associated with the house at 602 S. Bugbee Avenue.
No action was taken following the closed session, but Julie Cobb did speak in open comments about the house and said she and the owner of the house just want to mediate with the city and make improvements to the house, which has been condemned by the city.
Katherine Williams also spoke in public comments regarding the aquatic center. She said she and her grandchildren go to the pool four to five days a week, and she praised the work of the lifeguards and the center manager Terri Luna. She also brought up some behavior issues she felt like the council needed to be aware of.
During their regular business, the council reviewed the city’s revenue and expenses, and officials noted that the city is currently in the black by $324,989 on this year’s budget.
Aldermen approved a request to close portions of Fourth Street and Gorst Street for That Senior Thang on August 20, and they also approved a request to close a portion of the right of way on Allen Street along the residence at 720 W. Sixth due to a historic survey error.
Aldermen also met in closed session for the annual evaluation of the city secretary, Machiel Covey, who received high marks.
Twins inspire mom to write children’s book
A new children’s book fulfills a local mother’s promise to her kids and is now available for sale.
Stunkey the Monkey & His Twin Sister Spunkey is based on Shellie Coles real kids, and even the title was inspired by her son.
“When Dalton was three, he would say something was stinky, he would say it was stunkey,” Coles recalled, “so I started responding, ‘You’re stunkey; you’re Stunkey the Monkey.’”
Although “Stunkey” was never really a nickname for her son, the seed was planted in Coles mind for a children’s book based on twins Dalton and Shelbi and through the years she would say she’s going to write a book. About three years ago, she started working on the project on and off, and then she became more serious about it about three months ago.
“If you tell your kids you’re going to do something, you should do it,” Coles said. “As for why do it now, I’ve always believed things happen when they’re supposed to.”
Coles, who writes under the pen name Shelco, says the book is authentically about her children.
“It’s about my twins. It’s all true.”
Stunkey and Spunkey grow up the best of friends and generally like all the same things. Eventually they develop their own tastes and their own likes and dislikes. Through it all, however, they remain the best of friends.
“There’s a message in there for today,” Coles said. “I think people need to celebrate their differences instead of fighting about them all the time.”
Coles not only wrote the story, but she also illustrated the book. The writing and drawing were fun, but the formatting was a challenge, she said.
“The writing was easy for me,” she said. “I majored in English in college, and I’ve always loved to read. I never thought much about writing a book though; and when I did, I never thought about it being a children’s book.”
Coles self-published Stunkey on Amazon, and the book has gotten good reviews from the people who have read it. It also was number one for five days on Amazon’s New Releases in the Ape and Monkey book category.
There are two people who especially like the book.
“The twins like it,” Coles said. “They were excited when it came in.”
Readers also have not seen the last of Stunkey or Spunkey. Coles is releasing a Stunkey coloring book this week and has plans for a sequel about bullying.
“That one may be a little tougher to write,” she said.
Coles will also be featured on August 12 at a book-signing at the Burton Memorial Library in Clarendon along with two other children’s book authors with local ties – Ashlyn Grotegut, author of Ernie the Eraser, and Julie Barker, author of Hitchin’ Post & the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July.
In the meantime, Stunkey the Monkey & His Twin Sister Spunkey is available on Amazon for $12.99 and is enjoyable for readers of all ages.
Problem Free Pets
Blood drive set for August 9 at Mulkey
A Clarendon Community Blood Drive will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022, from 1:30-5:00 p.m. at the Mulkey Theatre, according to Coffee Memorial Blood Center.
Donors must have a photo ID Required and must be at least 17 years old to donate. Donors who are 16 may donate with a signed parental consent form.
Those interested in donating can save time by completing questions online (day of drive only) using Donor Express at www.thegiftoflife.org.
For your lifesaving appointment, go to yourbloodinstitute.org or call (806) 331-8833, toll free 1-877-574-8800.
District court hears pleas in local cases
The District Court heard five pleas when it met in Clarendon on Wednesday, July 13, and it also heard three local cases when it met in Memphis on July 7.
District Attorney Luke Inman along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted the cases for the State of Texas, with the Honorable Judge Stuart Messer presiding.
Richard Sanchez, 60, from Lelia Lake, Texas, was convicted for the third-degree felony offense of DWI 3rd or more and was sentenced to 10 years in the Institutional Division, TDCJ. Sanchez was arrested in Donley County on March 28, 2020, by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Vincent Marasco.
Sanchez was indicted by a Donley County Grand Jury on July 12, 2021, for the offense. Sanchez was also ordered to pay $390 in court costs and $60 restitution. Sanchez was scheduled for a jury trial beginning Monday, July 18.
Demarquette Lacree Haralson was sentenced to eight years in prison for the third-degree felony offense of failure to comply with sex offender registration after a contested revocation was heard by Messer.
Haralson was arrested on December 22, 2019, by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Marasco. Haralson was originally placed on three years’ probation on August 19, 2021, and the State filed a motion asking the Court to adjudicate Haralson’s probation on January 21, 2022.
During the contested adjudication, the State called one witness, 100th Judicial District Community Supervisions and Corrections Department Deputy Director Meghan Gribble.
Gribble testified that Haralson evaded arrest and pleaded guilty to the offense while being on probation.
After all the testimony and evidence was presented, Messer convicted Haralson and sentenced him to the eight-year sentence.
Haralson was also ordered to pay the remaining $3,000 fine to Donley County and $458 in court costs.
Edward Palacio was sentenced to five years in prison for the third-degree felony offense of DWI 3rd or more.
Palacio was arrested on July 7, 2012, by Carson County Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Moore. Palacio was originally placed on three years’ probation on April 22, 2013, and the State filed a motion asking the Court to revoke Palacio’s probation on May 12, 2015.
Palacio was also ordered to pay the remaining $3,000 fine to Carson County, $465 in court costs, and $750 in restitution.
Andria Cherae Mitchell, 33, from Irving, Texas, was placed on two years’ probation for the Class A misdemeanor offense of possession of marihuana. Mitchell was arrested by Hall County Sheriff’s Deputy Christian Cortez on July 17, 2021, and pleaded to an information filed by the State on December 1, 2021.
Mitchell was also ordered to pay an upfront fine of $4,000 to Hall County, $340 in court costs, $180 restitution, and complete 100 hours of community service. If her probation is revoked, Mitchell faces up to 180 days in county jail.
Steven Craig Wilson, 36, from Clarendon, Texas, was placed on five years’ probation for the third-degree felony offense of assault family violence. Wilson was arrested by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Bond on December 30, 2018, and was indicted by a Donley County Grand Jury on June 24, 2019.
Wilson was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine to Donley County, $305 in court costs, and complete 200 hours of community service. If his probation is revoked, Wilson faces up to 10 years in prison.
The court also met in Memphis on July 7 and heard three Donley County cases.
Todd Henry Grosz, 34, from Lodi, Calif., was placed on three years probation for the first degree felony offense of possession of a controlled substance in penalty group two. Grosz was arrested in Donley County by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Stevens on March 27, and pleaded to an information filed by the State on June 27.
Grosz was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine to Donley County, $290 in court costs, $180 lab fee, and complete 400 hours of community service. If his probation is revoked, Grosz faces up to 99 years in prison.
Kevin Sean Riddle, 32, from Howardwick, Texas, was placed on three years probation for the first degree felony offense of possession of a controlled substance in penalty group two. Riddle was arrested in Donley County by Stevens on March 27, 2022 and pleaded to an information filed by the State on June 27.
Riddle was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine to Donley County, $290 in court costs, $180 lab fee, and complete 400 hours of community service. If his probation is revoked, he faces up to 99 years in prison.
Maira Natalie Ramirez, 17, from Houston, was placed on ten years probation for the first degree felony offense of aggravated assault against a public servant. Ramirez was arrested in Donley County by DPS Trooper Lynn Mays on January 9, and was later indicted by the grand jury on March 29.
Ramirez was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine to Donley County, $290 in court costs, and complete 400 hours of community service. If her probation is revoked, Ramirez faces up to 99 years in prison.
Billie M. Bumpus
Billie M. Bumpus, 97, of Clarendon passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, in her home.
Memorial services are scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Rob Seale officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Billie M. Bumpus was born on April 3, 1925, in Preston Bend, Texas, to Posey Lee and Myrtle (Eason) Bennett. After graduating from Preston Bend schools, Billie married J.E. Bumpus in Dennison, Texas, in 1947. She was a homemaker and lovingly kept her grandchildren and other children in her home. Billie moved to Clarendon in 1978, and deeply enjoyed being a member of Calvary Baptist Church where her love for the Bible grew even more.
Billie enjoyed bowling and was an avid sports fan. She loved cheering on her favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.E. Bumpus; daughter, Kathy Small; a half-brother; and three sisters.
She is survived by two sons, Scott Bumpus of Clarendon, Michael Bumpus and wife, Sharon, of Joshua, Texas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Billie Floetta Oatman
Billie Floetta Oatman, 92, formerly of Quail, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, in Clarendon.
Graveside services were held on Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Quail Cemetery with Ronnie Lambert officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Billie Floetta (Thomas) Oatman was born on June 23, 1930, in Donley County, TX, to Robert Samuel and Nancy Elizabeth (Frost) Thomas. Billie married Ross Hardy Oatman on December 21, 1951, in Hedley. She was a lifelong resident of Quail until she moved to Clarendon 10 years ago. Billie was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Wellington, and previously of Quail Baptist Church and Ring Missionary Baptist Church.
Billie had a lengthy career in the Postal Service where she served the Quail community as the Postmaster for many years. She was also a dedicated farm wife and loving mother to her three children. Billie enjoyed sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She also enjoyed many dear friendships as a member of the Quail Future Homemakers club.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nancy Thomas and husband, Ross Oatman.
She is survived by two sons, Tommy Ross Oatman of Kingman, Arizona, Harvey Oatman of Clarendon, and a daughter Lenora Barnes of Perryton, Texas. She leaves behind 10 beloved grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Quail Cemetery.
Sign our online guest book at www.robertsonfuneral.com.
Howardwick preparing for 2022 Hoedown
Fun, music, games, and prizes are in store next Saturday, July 23, when Howardwick hosts its fourth annual Hoedown at McMorries Memorial Park.
City Secretary and Hoedown organizer Sandy Childress says the event is all about celebrating the community, and Mayor Tony Clemishire is encouraging everyone to join the fun.
“It’s all about recognizing Howardwick and our amazing volunteers,” Childress said. “And I just like to have a big party every year.”
Plenty of food will be available throughout the day, starting at 11 a.m., and live music featuring The Tweeks will be entertaining visitors from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The dancing will continue even after the live music stops though. Childress said recorded music will keep the party going thanks to some recently donated speakers.
A 2022 Advance EVI Golf Cart is the big raffle prize for the day and you don’t have to be present to win, but a live on-site raffle will also be going on all day for those present with winners every hour.
“We have some seriously cool items that we’re going to be giving away,” Childress said.
The Corn Hole Tournament hosted by the Clarendon Lions Club is accepting sign-ups and is offering cash prizes as well as the chance to win a custom corn hole set.
Entry is $10 per person for a two-person corn hole team, and the top prize is $200. Call City Hall at 806-874-2222 for more information.
Other competitions include the adults and kids putting contest, which will be held on the new putting green being installed in McMorries Park.
A slip-n-slide will be available for kids, and 18 vendors are currently signed up to be at the event.
Childress said those attending the Hoedown should plan to bring their own seating and their own umbrellas or other shading if they desire.
Proceeds from previous Hoedowns have gone toward park improvements and improvements to the community center. Childress says this year’s event will help raise money for the city to buy equipment to fix city streets.
Leading the way
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