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This Week

Broncos take down Vega

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos played solid and defeated Vega 35-32 at home last week after a physical ball game. Kaleb Bolin and Michael Randall finished with 11 points to lead the way.

The two teams battled early in the game and only one point separated the teams. But the Broncos played a strong offense in the second eight minutes to take a big lead into the break. Despite falling back somewhat after halftime, the Broncos were able to maintain the lead and finish the game for the win.

Mason Sims put in nine points and hit three of four free throws, and Caleb Herbert helped with four points. Bolin put in three three-pointers and Randall added one.

The Broncos played in the Childress Tournament over the weekend and struggled to find a rhythm. They went winless in the tourney but had some high spots against the teams.

They took on the host team in the first round and lost to the Cats 27-67. The Broncos struggled to get anything going offensively in the game. Bolin and Herbert finished with 10 points each and had five rebounds together.

They took on Amarillo High JV in the next round and lost 15-54 and Holliday in the third round. They played hard against Holliday and narrowly lost 50-54. Sims had 18 points and five rebounds in the game and Randall had 15 points with seven rebounds. Bolin finished with 11 points, two assists, and a steal in the game.

The Broncos had another close game with Vernon in the final round and lost 33-36. Sims had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds and Randall helped with five points and 11 rebounds.

The Broncos will open district play against Quanah at home on Friday, December 20, at 8:00 p.m. and will participate in the Lubbock Caprock Tournament over the holidays.

Lady Broncos drop District opener to Panhandle

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Broncos opened their district season at home against number two ranked Panhandle and were narrowly defeated 42-50.

The Lady Broncos played solid in the first eight minutes and led the Pantherettes by four points. Junior Kashlyn Conkin poured in nine points in the opening quarter that included two three-pointers and hit three of five free throws to lead the team to the early advantage. However, Panhandle was able to close the gap before the break taking the momentum into the locker room.

The Pantherettes were able to shut down the Lady Broncos’ outside game only allowing them two-pointers from there on out. Junior Kate Shaw stepped up from here inside position and add to the scoreboard, but it was not enough to get the win.

Shaw and Conkin led the way with 11 points each and Kennadie Cummins added eight. Kenidee Hayes had four, and Berkley Moore, Tandie Cummins, and Hayden Elam finished with two points each.

The ladies will host Quanah December 20 at 6:30 and will play in the Wildcat Classic in Littlefield over the holidays.

City council members grill trash service rep

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Garbage collection was high on the agenda of the Clarendon City Council during its regular meeting last Thursday, December 12, as aldermen again grilled Waste Connections about its performance in the city.

The private waste collection service has been the subject of several complaints by citizens for several months. Things seemed to be improving when the council met in November; but after tapering off, the number of missed Dumpster complaints has started going up again, city officials said.

Waste Connections representative Christian Rios told the council the company has had “some hiccups the last couple of weeks” and said Waste Connections was willing to refund $3,000 to the city for its missed collections. The company claims a 95 percent collection rate.

“That’s an insult,” Alderman Eulaine McIntosh said, regarding the $3,000 offer.

Alderman Ashlee Estlack agreed with McIntosh and pushed back against the company’s collections claim.

“There’s no way we’re at 95 or more percent collections,” Estlack said.

Alderman Tommy Hill said his trash had not been picked up in three and a half weeks and suggested a Waste Connections supervisor come ride with the local driver for a week to see what’s happening.

“His truck gets full, and he has to leave town,” Hill said. “You think it’s bad now; you wait till Christmas gets here.”

Rios said he would have a supervisor ride with the driver and would have two trucks last Friday and Saturday to try to get caught up and would have two trucks run through the holidays.

Estlack and McIntosh also continued to push Rios on compensating the city for services that were paid for but not received.

City Administrator Brian Barboza brought up needing Waste Connections to allow the city to go out early for proposals for trash service. The contract with Waste Connections restricts how soon the city can solicit proposals before the end of the term next September, unless the company gives its permission.

“We’re not going to renew,” Barboza said.

To which Rios responded, “We’re not going to rebid.”

In other city business, the council took no action on a request for a transmission line easement on the north side of town. Aldermen wanted to make sure any affected residents will be properly notified first. This item will be discussed again next month.

The employee handbook was amended in two motions – first regarding overtime pay during emergencies in accordance with FEMA guidelines, and second to allow incentive pay for employees, which is something the city will consider in fiscal year 2026.

The city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax ordinance was amended to clarify its language regarding short-term rentals. The council agreed last month that the ordinance already covered bed and breakfast establishments and lodging listed on online platforms such as AirBnB and VRBO. The new language is an updated version.

The board discussed the status of easements for sewer line work at the former Family Dollar location. A new business plans to open in that location in the new year, but the sewer line work must be completed first.

The board voted in favor of reappointing Roger Estlack and Chuck Robertson to the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation Board. Alderman Estlack abstained from the vote.

Aldermen discussed possible credit card processing and food vending machines or concessions for the aquatic center next season but agreed more information is needed.

Alderman also began looking at possible streets to consider for improvements in the coming year. A map was prepared by Public Works Director John Molder, but no action was taken.

Franks wraps up another good NFR

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By Ted Harbin, TwisTed Rodeo

LAS VEGAS – Looking at the final numbers, Cole Franks had a fantastic run at the National Finals Rodeo.

Cole Franks riding Coffee Breaking News at the NFR in Vegas last week.
PRCA Photo / Click Thompson

He led the aggregate standings most of the way, only to be surpassed on the final night by world champion Dean Thompson, but Franks still produced at a high rate over the 10-day championship. He finished second in the average, worth more than $70,000, and placed seven times, earning $156,340 in Las Vegas.

“It was really good on paper,” said Franks, a three-time NFR qualifier from Clarendon. “A couple more points here and there would have been great; about one and a half points would have been great.”

He rode 10 horses for a cumulative score of 853.5 points, a half point behind Thompson. That extra he had hoped for would have earned Franks the coveted average championship and another $16,000. Still, he finished the campaign sixth in the world standings with $295,896.

“It was a good week, but that title would have been the cherry on top,” Franks said.

He wrapped his 2024 campaign with an 87-point ride n Frontier Rodeo’s Breaking News, which earned him a tie for sixth place with Jess Pope. Each man earned $2,717 for that.

In fact, it’s serving as motivation for him to build toward next season. His plan is to return to the bright lights of Las Vegas and contend for the world championship. His immediate goal, though, is to finally win a round.

Through 30 nights of competing at the NFR, he has yet to win a round, which also means he collects the lion’s share of the money on that night. Round winners are also celebrated at the South Point Hotel and Casino for a nightly presentation and receive a Montana Silversmiths buckle for the honor.

“It’s going to take me 31 rounds, the first round next year I’m getting that,” he said. “I’ve got five days before I’m off to my next one, so I just want to keep it rolling.”

If he had the chance, Franks would get on 10 more bucking horses in a row. He’ll have to wait until next December, and he has a plan to make everything happen.

City sales tax revenue rises for December

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Clarendon’s sales tax revenue ticked up slightly, and Donley County Assistance District One received its first revenue when Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar delivered December allocations last week.

After dropping off last month, Clarendon’s sales tax revenue increased 2.85 percent this month for a December allocation of $47,140.34. That revenue brings the city’s calendar year total $520,180.51, which is up 1.23 percent from $513,842.32 in 2023.

Donley County Assistance District One, which was approved by voters in the City of Howardwick in May for the purpose of helping fund the Donley County Sheriff’s Office, received $1,021.02. That’s the district’s first allocation since the one percent sales tax began October 1.

The City of Howardwick itself received $2,067.04 for the month, up 33.29 percent from one year ago. That city ends the calendar year down 2.95 percent at $21,440.30, but that downturn is due in large part to the city lowering its city sales tax rate effective in October 2023.

Hedley’s sales tax revenue was up 196.44 percent for the month with an allocation of $1,304.95, and the city closes its 2024 calendar year with a 47.49 percent increase in sales tax revenues at $18,530.28.

These allocations are based on sales made in October by businesses that report tax monthly.

Statewide, Hegar distributed $1.2 billion in local sales tax allocations, 6.8 percent more than in 2023.

Ely wins second drawing for holiday Chamber Cash

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The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce named its second holiday winner Friday and will hold its third and final Small Town Christmas drawing along with a $250 bonus drawing this Friday at noon.

Karon Ely was the second winner of $100 in Chamber Christmas Cash last week.

The third annual “Shop Small” promotion from the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce will put a grand total of $550 in Chamber Christmas Cash in the hands of lucky winners who shop with local merchants this season.

Sign-ups are continuing for the drawing that will be held for $100 this Friday, December 20. To enter, shoppers will fill out an entry at local participating merchants. Entries stay in the hopper each week, so those who enter will have multiple chances of winning.

Those merchants participating are: Amanda’s Country Soaps, Broken Road Liquor, Brollier’s Auto Parts, Clarendon Outpost, Cornell’s Country Store, Country Bloomers Flowers, Courtney D’Costa Scentsy, Every Nook & Cranny, Floatin’ T, Floyd’s Automotive, Henson’s, Garrison’s, J&W Lumber, Lowe’s Family Center, Monroe’s Peach Ranch, Mulkey Theatre, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ramblin’ Ranch Boutique, REFZ Sports Bar & Grill, Whistle Stop, and Wicked Fast Attire.

The Chamber will also hold a bonus drawing for $250 in Chamber Christmas Cash on December 20. Sign-up for the bonus drawing will be at the Clarendon Visitor Center.

Shoppers can bring their receipts and receive one entry for every $25 spent at participating merchants.

Several downtown merchants are also staying open for Late Night Shopping on Thursday, December 19, until 8 p.m. Downtown merchants staying open late and holding sign-ups for Late Night drawings are Henson’s, Stocking Ice Cream Parlor, Every Nook & Cranny, Rambling Ranch Boutique, and Saye’s Flying A Tack Store.

Shop at home this holiday season and remember the important role your local merchants play in keeping your community strong. Support the businesses who support your town!

City, TCG to address code enforcement

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The City of Clarendon announced Monday it is has contracted with Texas Communities Group, LLC (TCG) in an effort to address abandoned properties and code enforcement in the community.

TCG is a municipal services company that will focus on Code Enforcement with the goal of removing dilapidated and hazardous properties and potential fire hazards.

“TCG and the City will work in partnership with the citizens of Clarendon to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment,” City Administrator Brian Barboza said. “We help maintain and improve the quality of the community by enforcing laws and codes targeted to solve specific problems within the community. We will enforce codes through vacant & dilapidated structures, rubbish and debris, weeds, and junk vehicles. Our goal is to work with the property owner to solve the problem.”

The City and TCG ask for assistance and support as they begin Codes Enforcement and invite questions. For information, contact TCG at 806-839-2724 or email info@texascg.com.

Christmas dinner donations needed

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The volunteers who hosted the Clarendon Community Thankgiving dinner are gearing up for another free event on Saturday, December 21.

The Clarendon Community Christmas dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Clarendon School Cafeteria. Deliveries will be made to disabled and shut-in residents by calling in advance at 806-277-0808.

Donations to support this cause can be made at Pilgrim Bank or sent to PO Box 45, Clarendon, TX 79226. Donations will also be accepted at the door.

Casper having a fantastic NFR

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By Ted Harbin, TwisTed Rodeo

LAS VEGAS – This is exactly what Wyatt Casper has been looking for.

He’s a five-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier whose inaugural run at ProRodeo’s championship event took place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, during COVID. This year marks his fourth trip to Las Vegas for the NFR, and it’s the best finale he’s experienced since 2020. It might just be his best ever.

“I’ve kind of struggled out here the last three or four years,” said Casper of Miami, Texas. “To finally be able to capitalize on ones like I wanted, it’s a lot of weight lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t know it was possible to come here and have a good NFR, but we’re finally making it happen.

“It’s a lot of fun.”

Winning makes it even better. Casper rode Frontier Rodeo’s Yellowstone for 86.5 points to finish third in Thursday’s eighth round, adding $20,104. He has pushed his NFR earnings to $133,157. Oh, and there are two rounds remaining. Casper leads the all-important aggregate race with a cumulative score of 687 points. He’s six ahead of Canadian Dawson Hay.

“We thought that horse was at the top end of our ‘hopper pen,’ so we wanted to pen him up a little bit,” Casper said. “He fits in the (‘souped-up hopper pen’) pretty good with all those other horses. I was glad to have him.

“That was a nice horse, and I’ve been on him three or four times now. He seems to do almost the same thing every time. He will come around to the left, and he’s up under himself. It makes it a lot of fun.”

His work in Las Vegas has increased his annual salary to $352,941, and he is second on the money list. While he trails two-time world champ Ryder Wright of Beaver, Utah, by $59,000, Casper’s spot in the aggregate race could play into the final outcome. The average winner will add $86,391 after the show closes Saturday night.

Thursday’s round was an opportunity to shine. The horses were the type that cowboys should ride. In fact, just one was bucked off. They’ll be matched Friday with the “eliminator pen,” which features the most difficult broncs in ProRodeo. Scoring high on the “souped-up hoppers” is a chance to be refreshed as they get ready for battle.

“That kind of ride helps your confidence a bunch,” Casper said. “You’re going to have a shot to show off in front of those judges and show them what you can do on that horse.

“I think I need to keep placing in those rounds. I’ll just try to win the rounds, and everything will fall where it needs to fall.”

As he prepares for Friday night, e will be matched with Calgary Stampede’s Freedom Express, which bucked off Logan Hay on Sunday.

“I feel good; I feel confident,” he said. “I’ve got a pretty good horse, so I’m pretty excited. He’s damn sure a bucker, but I think he’s a chance to maybe do something in the round and get some more points in that average.”

Wells adds another round check at NFR

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By Ted Harbin, TwisTed Rodeo

LAS VEGAS – There are a lot of rodeos throughout the year where an 84-point saddle bronc ride will win the title.

That’s rarely the case at the National Finals Rodeo.

Brody Wells of Powell, Wyoming, has ridden strong at his first championship. He matched moves with Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Uptuck for 84 points to finish sixth in Thursday’s eighth go-round. That was worth $5,433 and helped him increase his NFR earnings to $93,403.

It also marked the fourth time in eight nights that he’s earned a payday in Las Vegas. He won the second round and shared the Round 5 victory with two-time world champion Ryder Wright.

Wells – who was part of two intercollegiate men’s team titles at Clarendon College in 2021 and Tarleton State University in 2022 – is 10th in the saddle bronc riding world standings with just shy of $230,000. He has moved up two spots to 10th in the world standings.

Oh, and he still has two nights remaining on his 2024 campaign.

Wells had some big victories through the regular season, which helped him earn a spot in this exclusive field. Only the top 15 contestants in each event earn the right to compete at the NFR, which features the biggest purse of any rodeo in a given year.

This has also been a big learning experience for Wells. He spent more time on the rodeo trail this year, and it paid off. He’d finished the previous two seasons 35th on the money list. Where he will wind up this campaign will be decided when the curtain draw to a close Saturday night.

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