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REFZ to open downtown Nov. 1

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Restaurant owner Ricardo Santillan stands in the dining room of REFZ Sports Bar & Grill Tuesday morning as the business gets ready for its grand opening next week.

A new downtown restaurant will hold its grand opening next week after several months of construction and remodeling.

REFZ Sports Bar & Grill, located at US 287 and Kearney Street, will open its doors to the public on Wednesday, November 1, and owner Ricardo Santillan is just as ready as the community is.

“It’s been hard and definitely a lot of work,” Santillan said, “but it’s also been very exciting watching the process of taking a building where there was nothing and what it has turned into.”

For eight months, Santillan has overseen a complete overhaul of the former Clarendon Steakhouse building, remodeling the front end, ripping out and installing a new kitchen, remodeling bathrooms, and more. With the final pieces going into place this week, Santillan is planning an invitation-only “soft opening” only in the next few days to make sure everything is ready for Wednesday.

REFZ has hired 24 people and plans to be open seven days a week. Its hours will be Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy hour will be everyday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and weekday $8 lunch specials will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition to a full and varied menu, REFZ will have a full bar, including mixed drinks; 16 big screen TVs showing all kinds of sports; and seating for 136 people.

Santillan currently has five of his new hires from Clarendon working at his first REFZ location in Guymon, Okla., which has been in business for six years.

“We want everyone to come enjoy themselves here as place of entertainment,” Santillan said. “Come with your family and hang out and have a good time.”

The process of bringing a restaurant to downtown has been a long one. The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation first purchased the building in 2015 after it was heavily damaged by an automobile and has made significant investments in the building since that time to make it attractive as a potential restaurant. Discussions with Santillan began in November 2022 with an agreement reached in February 2023 and construction starting the following month.

“It’s been great working with the CEDC,” Santillan said. “Those guys helped me all along the way. They have been gracious and supportive of me, and I’ve been thankful for that. I could not have done this project without the CEDC, and it’s one of the main reasons I decided to do it.”

CEDC President Brandon Frausto is also very happy to see the REFZ project come to fruition.

“We are excited to have REFZ be a part of our community,” Frausto said. “This has been a goal of the CEDC for quite some time. I hope this helps build momentum as we move toward our vision for the future of Clarendon.”

Santillan is also looking to the future.

“It’s going to work,” Santillan said. “It’s taken a lot of time, energy, and investment by all of us (Santillan’s business and the CEDC), but we’re doing it for the town as well. We both saw a need for the town, and now we hope everyone comes and enjoys it.”

Lighting committee needs volunteers

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The Donley County Courthouse Lighting Committee is asking for volunteer help this season.

Every year the committee puts lights on the trees around the courthouse, and they invite and welcome anyone to come be a part of this worthy project. The volunteers will be at the courthouse on Saturday mornings October 28 and November 4 from 9:00 to noon.

For more information, please call any CLC committee member or Denise at 806-336-1417.

Local, area jobless rate is declining

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Once again, the Panhandle Workforce Development Area (WDA) holds the second-lowest unemployment rate in the state of Texas, standing at 3.2 percent, with Permian Basin WDA reporting the lowest unemployment rate at 3.0 and Lower Rio Grande WDA with the highest at 6.0 percent.

The Panhandle Workforce Development Area (WDA) as a whole also experienced a decrease in our unemployment rate, going from 3.6 percent to 3.2 percent, a 0.4-point reduction, indicating an overall declining trend across the Panhandle.

Donley County’s unemployment rate of 4.0 percent follows a rate of 4.3 percent in August and 4.6 percent in July. Armstrong County’s unemployment figures were slightly lower for the same three-month period, and Hall County’s figures were slightly higher.

The labor force in the Texas Panhandle has undergone significant changes over the past year, our labor force grew from 209,090 to 212,667, marking an increase of 3,577. Much of the growth was in the city of Amarillo, increasing from 99,869 to 104,604, reflecting an increase of 4,735 employed individuals.

According to the release, 25 counties within the Panhandle WDA saw reductions in our unemployment rates, with Armstrong County being the only exception, experiencing a 0.1 percent increase from 3.7 to 3.8 percent.

Hutchinson County continues to hold the highest unemployment rate in the Texas Panhandle at 4.6 percent, although it did see a decrease from 5.0 in August. In contrast, Hartley County maintained the lowest unemployment rate at 2.3 percent with 2,473 individuals employed out of a possible 2,531.

Statewide, total nonfarm employment increased by 31,400 positions in September to reach a new milestone with job count of 14,049,400. This marked the 24th consecutive series high as employment expanded in 40 of the last 41 months. Since September 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 372,900 positions as all 11 major industries achieved positive annual growth for the 24th consecutive period.

The number of employed persons also reached a new record high adding 26,900 people over the month.

The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force fell four-tenths of a point over the month to 4.1 percent in September 2023.

Rabe hears Donley case at first docket

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A Donley County case was among 19 pleas in the district court when it met in Childress last Thursday, October 19.

Honorable Judge Dale Rabe presided for the first time in the 100th Judicial District with District Attorney Luke Inman, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuting the cases for the State of Texas.

Susan Faye Kyle, 34, from Amarillo, Texas, was sentenced to time served in the Donley County Jail for the state jail felony offense of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Kyle was arrested on March 17 by Donley County Chief Deputy Jay Longan. Kyle was also ordered to pay $290 in court costs.

Clarendon man dies after train strikes car downtown

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Emergency responders work to free the driver of a car struck by a train at the Kearney Street crossing Wednesday afternoon.  Enterprise Photo

A Clarendon man lost his life Wednesday, October 18, when the car he was riding in went around railroad cross arms and was struck by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train.

Donley County Deputy Kelly Hill said the train conductor and engineer separately said two vehicles went around the cross arms traveling north at the Kearney Street crossing at about 3:00 p.m. The first car made it through, but the second car, driven by 70-year-old Naomi Tolbert of Clarendon, was struck by the westbound BNSF train. The accident was also captured on the railroad’s video, Hill said.

Tolbert’s brother, 58-year-old Blade Barker, also of Clarendon, was thrown from the car and was later pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Pat White.

Tolbert was extricated from the vehicle by the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department and the Associated Ambulance Authority. She was awake and alert at the scene, according to Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn.  Hill said Tolbert was transported to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo and later transferred to University Medical Center in Lubbock.

No citations or charges have been filed in the accident, which remained under investigation Thursday afternoon.

CNS, Texas Tech University announce partnership

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Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC and Texas Tech University are proud to announce their strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation in West Texas and the development of creative solutions to challenges directly related to national security.

This groundbreaking initiative leverages synergies between the Texas Tech Innovation Hub and Pantex to develop tools, technologies and critical skills important for nuclear and national security. Texas Tech benefits from this partnership by developing opportunities for students and faculty to support real-world national security missions. Pantex benefits from its ability to support its vital national security mission by providing access to talent, expertise and research and development facilities.

“Texas Tech University is extremely proud of its long history of collaboration with CNS,” said Dr. Joseph Heppert, Texas Tech University’s vice president for research and innovation. “TTU has repeatedly been the recipient of national recognition for the quality and success of our graduates from in all fields of study. This expanded partnership between the university and CNS will allow us to collaborate in fostering the next generation of innovators through strategic initiatives and competitions,”

Through this partnership, the organizations’ leadership aspires to achieve the following goals:

Synergy and collaboration: Bringing together the diverse talent pool and knowledge base of Texas Tech University and Pantex to innovate and address crucial challenges.

Innovative problem solving: Harnessing innovative thinking to tackle national security challenges and uncover new opportunities for technology transfer and commercialization.

Workforce development: Engaging students, faculty and community members to identify and connect with potential talent for future recruitment or collaborative partnerships.

Knowledge transfer: Facilitating the exchange of industry-specific challenges and academic knowledge, contributing to the advancement of both academia and industry.

Community engagement: Strengthening the relationship between the Pantex community, Texas Tech University, and the Amarillo and the Lubbock communities.

Pantex, the nation’s only assembly/disassembly facility for nuclear weapons, is integral to the nation’s Nuclear Security Enterprise because it applies unique capabilities to ensure the effectiveness of the US nuclear stockpile in support of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.

“The enhanced partnership between Pantex and Texas Tech University is symbiotic in that it will enable another level of innovation and benefit to each organization,” said Pantex Site Manager Colby Yeary. “With this partnership, Pantexans will learn about the latest technologies, processes, and innovators that can provide value to our site, while Red Raiders will have increased exposure to Pantex, including career opportunities that may align well to their professional goals and skill sets. It’s a textbook definition of a win-win scenario.”

Pantex cultivates a work environment that balances dedication to its mission with a culture that encourages growth, collaboration and a sense of fulfillment among its employees. Through the partnership with Texas Tech, Pantex intends to showcase career prospects that inspire students to pursue national and nuclear security professions.
As a part of this new partnership, Pantex and the Texas Tech Innovation Hub invite students from across Raiderland to join in the Pantex Innovation Challenge on Friday, October 13. The one-day event introduces students with a passion for STEM-related fields to developing solutions to problem sets provided by Pantex.
Students participating in the program will form teams, identify and develop solutions through interactive workshops, and network with industry professionals and mentors. The top three to five teams will have the opportunity to win $7,000 in cash prizes and advance to the Innovation Hub’s iLaunch Competition Pantex Track, vying for a chance to secure a $5,000 prize. This initiative represents a unique and exciting opportunity for aspiring innovators to contribute to the vital mission of ensuring national security. Pantex and Texas Tech University invite all enthusiastic individuals to join us in this collaborative endeavor.

Library to celebrate centennial

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Two authors will be holding a book signing as the Burton Memorial Library celebrates 100 years of service to Donley County this month.

A reception will be held October 20 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will include the announcement of the library’s Patron of the Year and the signings by two authors – Tenise Cooke, who wrote Belly of the Whale, a local history; and Diane Smithwick Braden, who wrote the Wilbarger County Series.

The Friends of the Library look forward to seeing members of the community and invite everyone to take advantage of the many services offered at Burton Memorial.

Early voting starts on Monday, Oct. 23

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Early voting opens Monday, October 23, for the Texas Constitutional Amendment Election with voters deciding the fate of 14 propositions.

Local voters can cast early ballots at the Donley County Courthouse Annex. Early voting runs through November 3. October 27 is the last day to apply for ballot by mail. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.

For more information about this year’s election, click here.

City appoints CEDC members at council meeting

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The Clarendon City Council voted on several routine agenda items to start the new fiscal year during its regular meeting last Thursday, October 12.

The annual contract with the Donley Count Appraisal District was approved as presented with a price tag of $19,486.

The district assesses and collects property taxes for the city. The council also voted to nominate Mayor Jacob Fangman for the appraisal district board. Fangman currently serves as the president of that board.

The Clarendon Enterprise was named the city’s official newspaper for fiscal year 2024 and will continue to be the city’s vehicle for the publishing of public notices.

The council considered expiring terms on the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and voted to reappoint Brandon Frausto, Taylor Shelton, Steve Hall, and Jarod Bellar to their seats on the board.

The council also considered a request from the CEDC to release carryover hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds held by the city. The CEDC administers 75 percent of the HOT funds, and the carryover funds have been included in the CEDC’s HOT fund budget for several years. The CEDC is developing a new grant program to incentivize murals in the city and is also making plans for gateway monument signage for the city.

The city’s investment reports were approved, the investment policy for the new year was adopted, and new City Administrator Brian Barboza was added as an official fund investment officer for the city.

The city’s audit agreement with Foster & Lambert was approved as presented.

The council discussed and approved a request by Finders Keepers contractors to pay for an overage on repairs made to the Burton Memorial Library. The need for additional work was discovered during the repairs, resulting in a cost of $1,098.71 that was not in the original bid.

Aldermen voted in favor of closing the 100 block of South Kearney Street for the Chamber of Commerce’s Halloween trunk or treat and carnival on Saturday evening, October 28.

The council considered a request from Clarendon College to help fund replacing the digital marquee on the college campus with a new, updated sign. The council voted to decline the request.

Barboza gave his first administrative report and said the city is now fully staffed with a new code enforcement officer being named that week. Light poles for the downtown project are still waiting to be shipped from Canada, and handrails for the project are still being worked out. Paving on the east side project is targeted for completion this month.

County names new historical commission members

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The Donley County Commissioners’ Court met in regular session last Tuesday, October 10, with a short agenda.

Commissioners considered but did not change the composition of the county’s salary grievance committee.

Assignment of county office spaces for the new year was delayed given changes happening with the district court and a new judge being appointed there.

The court approved a resolution supporting the Donley County Senior Citizens’ Texans Feeding Texans Home Delivered Meal Grant application.

Kristy Christopher’s attendance at a school in Waco was approved.

The 2024 contract with the Donley County Appraisal District was approved as presented.

The court approved the 2024 resolution for the Indigent Defense Fund Grant Program.

Tax deeds for the City of Howardwick were approved

Commissioners also met in regular session September 25.

A budget amendment was approved to carryover about $102,000 from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2024 to finish up the county barn project at Hedley.

The court approved the county’s annual voluntary contribution to the Panhandle Water Planning Group in the amount of $230.

Commissioners approved Judge John Howard’s attendance at a school in Lubbock next spring and appointed Christi Benson and Chrisi Tucek to the Donley County Historical Commission.

A interlocal agreement with Potter County and Donley County regarding the Panhandle Area Public Defender program was approved. Grant funds are helping cover the expenses of the program.

Commissioners also approved the Order of Election for the State Constitutional Amendment Election to be held November 7, 2023.