Voters in Clarendon and Howardwick will go to the polls Saturday for city elections.
Early voting ended Tuesday and turnout was light in both cities. Approximately 80 citizens had voted in Clarendon by late afternoon May 5, and only eight early ballots had been cast in Howardwick shortly after noon that same day.
The only competitive race this spring is in Clarendon where three candidates are vying for two seats on the city council. Incumbent Aldermen Sandy Skelton and Doug Kidd are joined on the ballot by challenger Britton Hall.
Mayor Larry Hicks is also on the city ballot but has no opponent.
The mayor and aldermen all serve two-year terms. City voting this Saturday, May 9, will take place at the Donley County Courthouse Annex from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
While no other local taxing entity is having a competitive election this year to choose local officials, the City of Howardwick is holding an election to renew a local sales tax option in that city.
The measure would renew a one-quarter percent sales tax for street improvements. Howardwick City Hall says the tax doesn’t raise much money but is needed for street repairs.
Voting in Howardwick will also be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Howardwick City Hall there, and Mayor Mike Rowland and Alderman Gail Leathers along with alderman candidate Brenda Hampton also are unopposed on the ballot.
Election results will be posted Saturday night on ClarendonLive.com
News
Editorial: Step up and give leaders your ideas
The Donley County AgriLife Extension Office held a community planning workshop last Tuesday evening, but it turns out the community wasn’t much interested in making plans.
Your editor showed up 30 minutes late (more on that in a moment), and that brought the total number of people at the event to… four.
Extension Agent Leonard Haynes was there along with Clarendon Interim Director of Tourism & Economic Development Jack King, city clerk and Chamber of Commerce board member Sharon Braddock, and myself (newspaper guy, CEDC secretary and Chamber president).
Mr. Haynes sent out about 80 personal invitations to the event, and it made the front page of the Enterprise twice. And then there were four of us.
Granted, it was a busy night. Clarendon ISD’s Gifted & Talented Showcase was the same night and started at the same time. (There we go with the editor being 30 minutes late.) But surely not everyone on the invitation list was at the GT program.
Maybe it was just a bad day or time, but when is a better day or time? That’s always an issue planning any community event. It always comes down to just picking a day, pulling the trigger, and hoping for the best. Mr. Haynes did due diligence to avoid any possible conflicts, and considering the GT program was going on, he thought he had a good date. And yet, there were four of us.
It’s been suggested that perhaps food would draw more people. Shoot a mile, free beer would probably help, too. But surely there are more than four people interested in the future of our community.
Perhaps things have changed from a decade ago when Mr. Haynes held his first such workshop and more than 40 people attended. Perhaps we’re busier now. Or perhaps – and this is the scary part – we’re a society that is now largely disengaged.
But again we come back to the four of us who were there. We didn’t plan the future for the rest of you. We waited around for another 30 minutes or so and then folded up the tent and went home. But we left knowing that the idea of getting input from the community is a worthy goal.
It may be that we need to go with an online survey of our citizens. What do you want and more importantly what do you think we truly need? What are assets in your opinion and what our weaknesses? What do you think will make Clarendon and Donley County grow? And more importantly, how can we pay for the improvements you would like to see?
All these questions your civic leaders are interested in having answered, but you have to get involved and be part of the process. Join the debate, write a letter to the editor, come to a city council meeting, or call Jack King and tell him your thoughts.
Cub Scouts hold Annual Pinewood Derby
Clarendon Cub Scout Pack 437 closed its scouting year last Thursday, April 30, with a Pinewood Derby and awards ceremony at the First United Methodist Church.
Fourteen boys participated in the derby which races homemade cars on a slopped track. Nathan Estlack had the fastest car in Den 1 and was the
overall pack champion this year, Jacob Murillo was first place in Den 2, Ben Estlack, was first place in Den 3, and Haughton Bivens was fastest in Den 4. Three of the four dens spent the last two months earning their Texas Badge, an award that is received after learning about Texas history and culture. Those receiving the Texas Badge were Nathan Estlack, Kayden Cummings, Jacob Murrillo, Patrick Monds (not present), Steven Mills, Ben Estlack, Dan Estlack, Mason Allred, Kayden Early, Jaythan Green, Aiden Word (not present), Robert Powell, and Henry Bivens.
In addition, Dens 1, 2, and 4 received the following awards:
Den 4: Haughton Bivens – Collecting belt loop, Citizenship belt loop; Kaendan Moffett – Collecting belt loop, Citizenship belt loop; Mason Green- Collecting belt loop, Citizenship belt loop; and Asher Cason – Citizenship belt loop.
Den 2: Steven Mills – Computers, Astronomy, Geography, weather, reading, pet care, chess (pins and belt loops), Texas, No Trace Left Behind; Jacob Murrillo – Computers, Astronomy, Geography, weather, reading, pet care, chess (pins and belt loops), No Trace Left Behind; and Patrick Monds – Computers, Astronomy, Geography, weather, chess (pins and belt loops), and No Trace Left Behind.
Den 4: Nathan Estlack – bicycling.
Local Cub Scouts will take a break for summer baseball and attend Cub Scout day camp in July. Den meetings and sign-ups for new Scouts will resume in the fall.
Thornberry named 2014 Legislator of the Year by Vietnam Veterans of America
AMARILLO – U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) has been named the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Texas State Council 2014 Legislator of the Year. Thornberry was presented the award today by members of the VVA North Plains Chapter 404.
“Congressman Thornberry’s district is home to hundreds of thousands of veterans and active duty personnel from each branch of the military,” said Charles Morris, VVA chapter 404 president. “His office assists thousands of veterans with coordination of their benefits, inquiries with federal agencies and record requests. Additionally, he focuses much of his legislative efforts on providing for the national defense of our nation.”
The group praised Thornberry for his efforts as vice-chairman of the House Armed Services Committee to protect TRICARE from proposed cuts; stop military pay raise reductions; establish a military compensation commission; and reject commissary cuts. Thornberry now serves as the chairman of the committee. He played a major role in expanding access to State Veterans’ Homes to parents whose children died while serving in the military. He also sponsored and co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation that help retired and active duty military and their families.
“Meeting our commitments to our veterans is essential,” Thornberry said. “These men and women have put their lives on the line to keep our country safe. They deserve our very best in return.”
The VVA is the nation’s only congressionally chartered veteran’s service organization. It is dedicated to the needs of Vietnam veterans and their families. VVA’s founding principle is “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”
Broncos roll Nazareth but fall to Wellington
By Sandy Anderberg
The Nazareth Swifts could only muster one run against a solid Bronco defense in a district match up at home last Wednesday.
The 7-1 win over Naz put the Bronco powerhouse at 9-0 in district play, but a 2-4 loss to Wellington on Friday left them at 9-1 for the District season.
In the Nazareth game, Zack LaRoe was on the mound and posted 14 strikeouts, no unearned runs, one hit and three walks for his effort on the mound for seven innings.
The Broncos flexed their muscles in the fifth inning, where they scored four runs. Caleb Cobb hit a single and Kade Hunsaker had an RBI single, and Nick Shadle connected on a RBI single, as well. Bryce Hatley and Cobb seemed to light a fire under the Broncos with their performance at the plate, that allowed their team to find a rhythm offensively.
“I thought Zack pitched a great game,” coach Brad Elam said. “But we struggled hitting the ball at times.”
On Friday, the Broncos took on Wellington in their last regular season game and came up short. Chance Lockhart was on the mound for the Broncos and gave a great effort for three innings as he held them hitless and struck out two. Hunsaker took the loss for the Broncos.
The Broncos put two runs on the board in the fifth inning, but could not get anything else going in the game.
“(I) was very disappointed at the results,” Elam said. “We had no fire, just going through the motions. We only had two hits. We just did not hit the ball. Giving up only four runs are games you should win.”
The Broncos will be looking to post-season play, which will get underway next week.
Lady Broncos’ season comes to abrupt end
By Sandy Anderberg
With a win seemingly in hand, the Lady Broncos only had to hold on through one more at-bat from Abernathy to earn the right to advance to the next level. They were sitting in a good spot, with two outs against their opponent. But according to head coach Gary Jack, ‘one little mistake’ took the win away from the Lady Broncos.
“Our softball season came to an end Wednesday night in Canyon,” Jack said. “The girls played a tough game and with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, we were still ahead 4-3. One little mistake allowed Abernathy to score the two runners on base and squeak out a 5-4 win.”
Jack cited several players with great defensive play in the game.
“We played really well defensively all night,” Jack said. “Taylor DeGrate, Taylor Gaines, Sterling King, Briley Chadwick, and Allyson Hogan made some great defensive plays throughout the game. Sterling pitched the best game I’ve ever seen her pitch.”
As good as the Lady Broncos played, they struggled to hit Abernathy’s good pitcher.
“We did have trouble hitting Abernathy’s pitcher,” Jack said. “Brooke Martin, DeGrate, and Hogan hit the ball very well, ripping several hits to the wall. It wasn’t enough as a couple of mistakes allowed Abernathy all five of their unearned runs. Our girls did play a very inspired and emotional game. We just didn’t get the little breaks at the end we needed. I am very proud of how our girls competed.”
The Lady Broncos finished their season in second place in the District race.
“I’m very proud of how our girls competed,” Jack said. “Overall, it was a good season.”
Clarendon GT students hold showcase
Clarendon ISD Gifted & Talented students showcased their projects for the community last Tuesday, April 28, in the school cafeteria. GT classes focused on the Texas Performance Standards Project, which provides standards for students to conduct self-guided research on topics of their choice while challenging them to high levels of achievement. Through completion of the projects, students were able to demonstrate a deep level of understanding in at least one area of study.
The Showcase was a great opportunity for these students to share their area of interest and for the community to enjoy their quality work. CISD officials appreciate everyone for making the Showcase a success, including mentors and teachers that guided students through their projects and Mrs. Howard and the Family & Consumer Science students for preparing and serving refreshments.
Elementary projects under the supervision of Tashia Duncan included: Kindergarten – Ella Estlack, Do Your Part for Art; Second Grade – Gracie Clark, Johnny Appleseed; Ben Estlack, George Washington; Isabella Neal, Do Your Part for Art; Maloree Wann, Abraham Lincoln; Third Grade – Easton Frausto, TCU Gaming; Avery Halsey, Monopoly Zoo; Toby Leeper, The World’s Runner; Nicole Phipps, Do Your Part for Art; Fourth Grade – Britton Cottrell, Bermuda Triangle; Jace Cottrell, The Marfa Lights; Laney Gates, The Stonehenge; Taylor Halsell, The Loch Ness Enigma; Makenna Shadle, The Bermuda Triangle; Cate Word, The Queen of Loch Ness; Fifth Grade –Rhett Caison, Story Quilt- Hockey; Graci Drackley, Story Quilt- Fundraisers for Help; and Josiah Howard, Story Quilt- Kidnapped.
Junior High projects under the supervision of Lisa Grahn were: Sixth Grade – Sophia Bilbrey, History of Sculpting; Shylee Morrow, How History Has Affected Art; Callie Phipps, The Forgotten Event of WWII; Seventh Grade – Madisen Gay, Radio Waves; Jayden Monds, Lasers; Kira Weatherton, Rube Goldberg Project; Eighth Grade – Charlotte Craft, Gluten Free?; and Gavin Word, Study of Drones.
High School projects under the direction of Karissa Huffman included: Ninth Grade – Harley Jaurequi, Basic Animation; Philip Monds, Aspects of Photography; Trinity Stribling, Pompeii; Tenth Grade – Jack Moore, The Trojan War; Riley Shadle, Modern Uses of Droning; Eleventh Grade – Caleb Cobb, The Battle of Gettysburg; and Xavier Neal, Custom Wiki Project.
Bees slow work on old house
The old house at Sixth and Bugbee was again on the agenda when the Clarendon City Council held its regular meeting last Thursday, April 23.
The structure narrowly avoided condemnation by the city a little more than five months ago when the owner of the house, Linda Lewis, was given six months to address specific code concerns.
Lewis did not attend last week’s meeting, but sent Julie Russell to speak on her behalf. Russell said removal of one old balcony on the house had gone smoothly but attempted removal of a second balcony had revealed an infestation of bees. Work on the house has since been hindered because of the risk of agitating the bees.
The aldermen took no action on the house last week. Mrs. Lewis has until May 18 to satisfy the city’s code department and its safety concerns.
In other business, aldermen approved amending the city’s employee handbook regarding when a new employee receives medical insurance and life insurance.
Aldermen considered proposals for a new heating and air-conditioning system at City Hall, but they took no action because the three proposals differed in the efficiencies of the units that would be installed. The city will look at this issue again but will ask contractors to give proposals based on the same efficiencies.
The council approved paying for a plumbing bill incurred at the residence of Dennis and Ruth Petty. The couple had a muddy spot appear in their yard and employed a plumber thinking they had a leak on their side of the water meter. The leak turned out to be coming from an abandoned meter not theirs.
Herring plans small business seminar
Herring Bank will host a Small Business & Ag Producers Appreciation Seminar next Tuesday, May 5, in Clarendon to show the Herring team’s support for local businesses.
The purpose of the event is to encourage businesses to plan for success, according to Jerry Woodard, Market President of Herring Bank in Clarendon.
“Our hopes are to spark interests among business owners and facilitate planning and being proactive instead of just reacting as things happen,” Woodard said.
The seminar, which will be held at the Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center from 6 to 8 p.m., aims to provide local business owners with tips that will help them reach their goals for success. The covered topics will discuss solutions to help grow businesses in a number of areas.
Herring officials want to help attendees save time, understand the various legal aspects of business ownership, and walk away with great ideas on boosting business, and the bank assures that attendees will have fun while learning a lot.
This event is free to all attendees. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be provided for our guests’ enjoyment.
The topics and speakers for Herring Bank’s Small Business & Ag Producers Appreciation Seminar are: “Protecting Your Success” with Rodney Skelton (CPA), PFS Securities America Inc.; “Panhandle Groundwater” with groundwater conservation district general manager C.E. Williams; “the Role of EDC in the Community” with Clarendon EDC Interim Executive Director Jack King; “Wellness Benefits” with Clarendon physician Dr. John C. Howard, MD; “Common Legal Issues” with Clarendon attorney James T. Shelton; “Relationship Banking” with Herring Bank Credit Analyst Manager Andy Nenstiel; and “Tools to Simplify Your Business” with Herring Bank’s Internet Banking & Social Media Specialist Erika Silva and Merchant Portfolio Administrator Jodi Maxwell.
“We have such great respect for our local business owners,” Woodard said. “Opening and running a business certainly isn’t easy, but what it does to strengthen our community is truly priceless.”
Herring Bank would like to extend a special thank you to our community partners for helping us make this event possible: Panhandle Groundwater, Clarendon Economic Development Corporation, Dr. John C. Howard, James T. Shelton, and PFS Securities America, Inc.
Herring Bank was established in Vernon, Texas, in 1899. The bank provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products, as well as investment and trust services.
To RSVP for Tuesday’s event or for more information about Herring Bank’s Small Business Appreciation Seminar, contact Carol Cocke at ccocke@herringbank.com or (806)874-3556 x2127.
Enterprise wins press awards
The Clarendon Enterprise received seven awards during the 105th annual Panhandle Press Association Convention in Amarillo last Saturday, April 25.
During the annual PPA Better Newspaper Contest, the Enterprise received two first place plaques in the categories of Best Feature Stories written by Roger Estlack, and Best Sport Photography for photos taken by Roger and Alice Cobb.
The paper got second place honors for Editorials, Best Website, and Best Society & Lifestyles featuring Bob Watson, Peggy Cockerham, Kathy Spier, and Ben Estlack. The Enterprise also tied for second place Best Serious Columns. Ben Estlack’s “Cub Reporter” column also received praise from the judges in the Humorous Columns contest.
The PPA was led this year by Shamrock publisher Jeff Blackmon. He will continue on the PPA board as Immediate Past President and is succeeded by Clarendon’s Ashlee Estlack as president – the fourth member of the Estlack family to lead the Panhandle Press in its 105-year history.
Other board members include Vice President Larry Thornton of Muleshoe and Secretary/Treasurer Roger Estlack of Clarendon along with directors, Tara Huff of Fritch, Joni Yara of Booker, Amanda Rogers of Canyon, Mary Smithee of Canadian, and Robin Brooks of Dumas.
The PPA represents 35 member newspapers in the Panhandle region. The association’s 106th convention will be in Clarendon on April 14-16, 2016.
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