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Prescribed fire grant applications due soon

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Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting grant applications for the State Fire Assistance for Mitigation – Plains Prescribed Fire Grant through August 15, 2023.
The grant will provide nearly $92,000 in funding for prescribed burns.

Prescribed fire is the planned application of a low-intensity fire to the landscape by fire and fuel specialists. The practice is a strategic, planned land management tool that uses fire to achieve set goals that are in accordance with applicable laws, policies and regulations.

“Prescribed burning is one of the most commonly used tools for managing hazardous fuel buildups because of its relatively low cost per acre,” said Jake Gosschalk, Texas A&M Forest Service Fuels Program Specialist IV. “Reintroducing fire to the landscape also improves wildlife habitats and rangeland conditions for grazing.”

Properties near communities in the panhandle, northwest, west and south Texas at a risk for loss during a wind-driven wildfire are eligible. The application process is entirely online which allows landowners to work directly with the certified prescribed burn manager of their choice to complete the application, burn plan and map requirements.

“This year, we have adjusted the program to allow recipients a full 12 months to complete the burn, running September 15, 2023, through September 15, 2024”, said Gosschalk. “By extending the burn window for landowners, they’ll have the opportunity to conduct both cool-season and warm-season summer burns.”

Grant recipients will be reimbursed actual per acre costs associated with conducting the prescribed burn up to $30 per acre with a limit of 800 acres per recipient. The burn must be conducted by either a private or commercial Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager, which landowners must identify on the grant application.

Priority will be given to treatment sites that provide protection to the highest-risk communities based on the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal, are located near homes and contain ecosystems that will benefit from prescribed fire.

Find more information here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/PrescribedFireGrantsApplication/.

County finishes upgrade to annex

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County Clerk Vicky Tunnell and County Tax Assessor Collector Kristy Christopher stand by their newly renovated spaces in the Donley County Courthouse Anenx.

The Donley County Courthouse Annex has an entirely new look inside following a renovation completed Monday.

Judge John Howard said the county spent about $50,000 with local designers and contractors A Fine Feathered Nest to update the space.

“The work returns the space to the architect’s original design with updated finishes,” Howard said. “I think it is more functional and more attractive.”

The project took about two weeks to complete and focused on the clerk and tax assessor offices as well as the main hallway in the building.

Asbestos in the original floor tile was abated and new flooring installed, new ceiling tiles were installed, and the space was painted throughout.

The biggest changes, however, came with the removal of a partition put up in front of the clerk’s office and the re-opening of the customer service wall of the tax assessor’s office. The result is a space that is more open, more accommodating, and more accessible, officials say. New countertops also make the space look even more attractive.

Visitors to the clerk’s office now are not trapped in a tight space between the counter and a partition, and folks renewing their vehicle tags or registering to vote at the tax assessor’s office can now be easily waited on two at a time since the long counter and service window is now fully restored to its original design.

While a roll down gate had continued to be used at the clerk’s office. The gate of the tax assessor’s office service window was sealed in the ceiling but still fully functional once the wall was removed.

Judge Howard said county officials are now considering what might be done to exterior of the 1970s annex building to make it look more complimentary of the 1890 Courthouse.

Bank trees come down for new sidewalks

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Trees were coming down at Herring Bank Monday as workers prepare for new sidewalks there as part of the Downtown Revitalization Project. The shallow roots of the trees had caused considerable damage to the old sidewalks, and the trees were removed to prevent similar damage from happening to the new sidewalks.

Clarendon’s Downtown Revitalization Project continued this week, moving to the east side of Kearney Street and the removal of trees in front of Herring Bank.

Taking down the shade trees has sparked some comments from residents, but it was necessary to protect the new sidewalks being installed and to give way to the light fixtures that will come with the project.

Jacob Fangman, who is Clarendon’s mayor and the head of the local Herring Bank, said the trees were causing problems with the existing sidewalks. The trees’ roots have lifted and cracked the sidewalks. One section of sidewalk had been raised about 2½ inches and the gutter was starting to lift out of the street in one spot.

“People have been tripping because of them,” Fangman said. “I’ve had at least two people tell me they’ve fallen because of the damage.”

Herring Bank planted the trees and installed the existing sidewalk in 1998, but Fangman said the way the trees were planted near the bank made that section of the sidewalk not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fangman said if the city had not gotten the grant to install new sidewalks, the bank would have had to do it for their customers. New sidewalks would have ultimately been likewise damaged if the trees were not removed.

Howardwick has big Hoedown turnout

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Kids having fun at the Hoedown!

The annual Howardwick Hoedown was a big success with a great day of fun and fellowship last Saturday at McMorries Memorial Park.

City Secretary Sandy Lynn Childress said everything went perfect.

“It was just such a great year,” she said. “It was a great turnout and great weather. We sold out of everything, and the vendors did really well also.”

Judy Elliott won the riding lawnmower, and several other prizes were raffled off during the day. The Putting Contest winners were Rick Mooring, first; Donald Bland, second; and Judy Bland, third.

Corn Hole Tournament winners’ names were not available at press time.

Prior to Saturday’s event, six residents volunteered their time and mowers to mow the park area. Those men were Del Essary, Johnny Floyd, Butch Murray, Mike Willy, Landon Koening, and Tommy Morgan. Many other people helped during the day to make the event a big success.

CC alum dies following rodeo accident

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Lockney native and CC alumnus Jackson Taylor

An area contestant on the upcoming season of Ultimate Cowboy Showdown died on Saturday.

Jackson Taylor, a graduate of Clarendon College, died following an injury during a rodeo, according to an official news release from the INSP Network that airs the show.

On Sunday, the show’s host, Trace Adkins, took to Twitter to share his condolences.

“Jackson Taylor was a helluva cowboy. There was no ‘back down’ in him and I’m proud to have known him. Rest in peace, hoss. – Trace”

The network shared its own message via news release.

“Jackson was the quintessential cowboy,” said Doug Butts, EVP of Programming at INSP. “He was an exceptional horseman, rugged, talented, aggressive, experienced, a maverick, a tough competitor, and a devoted friend. Everyone at INSP feels a profound loss and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the cowboy community as you grieve his death and remember his life.”

Filming of season four of the show wrapped up in the spring. It’s an all-star season that brought together the top competitors from the previous three seasons, including Taylor who was initially featured in season two.

The fifth-generation cowboy was one of 14 contestants who came back to participate in season four. He was also one of just four contestants to return from his debut season.

On the season’s roster, which can be found at www.insp.com/shows/ultimate-cowboy-showdown/contestants/, his hometown is listed as Lockney. He’s one of seven Texas contestants.

A network spokesperson told The Herald the season is completely done and set to air in September. There will be no changes to the season since it’s complete so Taylor will definitely be featured.

After much discussion, the network decided airing the season as planned starting Sept. 6 is the best way to honor his legacy, the spokesperson noted.

Season four was filmed at the Flying E Ranch in Arizona, according to the teaser trailer on the INSP YouTube channel. Taylor is spotted throughout and speaks during the trailer.

Taylor grew up near Lockney and spent his childhood ranching with his family. The Clarendon College graduate spent his life ranching and competing in rodeos. During an interview with The Herald ahead of the season two premiere in 2021, he described himself as an adventurous person who loved meeting people, which is part of what drew him to take part in the show. Some friends let him know he had the personality for a reality TV show.

“I’ve been told by a lot of friends and family members that I was made for that kind of lifestyle,” Taylor said, later adding that he’s not loud, it just comes out loud, he told The Herald in 2021.

In the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, cowboys compete in challenges like calf roping, sorting calves, herding cattle, to name a few contests. They’re tested on skill, knowledge, grit and heart, according to the show’s website. The winner gets $50,000 worth of cattle and a golden buckle.

While it wasn’t revealed how far Taylor made it in season four, the network did note that he’s a prominent presence in numerous episodes.

Howardwick Hoedown to be held July 22

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Howardwick residents and guests are in for a good time when the community hosts its fifth annual Hoedown Saturday, July 22, at McMorries Memorial Park.

Fun, music, games, and prizes will help celebrate the community and raise more money for street repairs, according to City Secretary and Hoedown organizer Sandy Childress.

Plenty of food will be available throughout the day, starting at 11 a.m., and dancing and music will continue throughout the day. Lunch will be available for $10 per person – pulled pork sandwiches, chips, drink, and dessert.

A John Deere Z330M 54” 23HP lawnmower is the big raffle prize for the day and you don’t have to be present to win, but a live on-site raffle with more than $1,000 in prizes will also be going on all day for those present with winners every hour.

The second annual 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. The first place team wins $400, second place is $300, and third place is $100. All teams have a chance at the corn hole set. Entry is $50 per person for a two-person corn hole team. Call City Hall at 806-874-2222 for more information.

Other competitions include the second annual putting contest with more than $1,000 in prizes. Proceeds from the putting green contest benefit TX Helping Hand, which helps people with utility bills.

A slip-n-slide will be available for kids, and 14 vendor booths are currently signed up to be at the event.

Those attending the Hoedown should plan to bring their own seating and their own umbrellas or other shading if they desire. The weather forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and possible clouds for Saturday.

The official Hoedown activities wind down at 4 p.m., but an unaffiliated Karaoke After Party will be held in the park following the celebration.

For more information, call City Hall at 806-874-2222.

City tackles several issues at July 13 meeting

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The Clarendon City Council met in regular session July 13 to discuss issues ranging from legal issues to law enforcement to downtown revitalization.

In Public Comments, Heather Sims addressed the Council about approving an Ordinance allowing golf carts on city streets. She asked for this item to be put on the next city council meeting agenda.

After meeting in closed session, the council voted to retain Underwood Law Firm to represent the city on the Franchise Agreement, Service Agreement and Land Lease Agreement with Diversified Waste.

The council voted in favor of an amendment to the city’s Groundwater Sales Contract with Greenbelt Water Authority.

Following a discussion on issues involving property owners within the Downtown Revitalization Project area, the council approved making an adjustment to the sidewalk design to allow for future possibility of setting a pergola at one local business.

The city’s contract with the Donley County Sheriff was discussed and a motion was approved to form a committee of Mayor Jacob Fangman, Mayor Pro Tem Larry Jeffers, Judge John Howard, Sheriff Butch Blackburn, and Commissioner Mark White to work on the Sheriffs contract with Donley County to come to an agreement that will work for both budgets.

The search for the next was discussed with aldermen agreeing to interview Michelle Linear and reopening the job postings on the same websites as before.

A motion was approved to accept the single bid of $12,000 by Mandy Smith for the purchase of the property at 600 S. Bugbee Avenue.

Quarterly investment reports for the city were reviewed and approved.

No action was taken by the council on the proposed Donley County Appraisal District budget for fiscal year 2024.

In his report to the council, City Administrator David Dockery discussed project updates, the aquatic center, personnel updates, and a city picnic or Sod Poodles game for employees.

Mayor Fangman thanked everyone for being there and dealing with all the city business going on and all the moving parts at this time, and Alderman McIntosh thanked everyone for hanging in there during a difficult meeting.

CHS students earn FFA Lone Star Degree

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Laney and Levi Gates of the Clarendon FFA Chapter were awarded the Lone Star FFA Degree at the 95th annual Texas FFA State Convention held July 10-14. The Lone Star FFA Degree is the highest degree bestowed by the Texas FFA.

Laney Gates

The Lone Star FFA Degree recognizes FFA members who have received the Chapter degree, been active FFA members for at least two years, completed at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintained a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, demonstrated their leadership skills, and have shown a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above. Laney and Levi were two of more than 2,200 FFA members to receive this esteemed degree.

The 95th annual Texas FFA Convention recorded approximately 15,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements, and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 169,000. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA, visit www.mytexasffa.org.

Levi Gates

This is the first time in almost a decade the Clarendon FFA Chapter has two students receiving this honor. Under the new guidance of CHS alumnus Jayson Pigg, the Clarendon FFA Chapter is looking forward to a busy and productive year.

Enterprise wins PPA awards; Former publisher honored

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Among those recognized in the Panhandle Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest this year were Jeff Blackmon of Hereford, Tim Ritter of Canyon, Benjamin Estlack of Clarendon, Tara Huff of Fritch, Roger Estlack of Clarenon, Elaina Estlack of Clarendon, Tara Allred of Clarendon, Creed Huff of Fritch, and Shane and Karen Lance of Quanah. Enterprise Photo / Ashlee Estlack

The Clarendon Enterprise received 14 awards and a former local publisher was recognized at the 114th annual Panhandle Press Association Convention in Canyon last weekend.

Competing in Division One for weekly newspapers, Sandy Anderberg won First Place for the Enterprise for Sports Writing, and the crew of Tara Allred, Ashlee Estlack, and Roger Estlack won First Place for Advertising Initiative for ads created for the Chamber of Commerce, the Clarendon Lions Club, and the Saints’ Roost Museum.

Serious Columns by Benjamin Estlack and Roger Estlack won first place.

The Enterprise was also first place in Front Page Layout, News Writing, Spot News Photos, Society & Lifestyles, Feature Stories, Special Section, Editorials, and Website.

The Enterprise won second place honors for Sports Photos by Elaina Estlack, Human Interest Photos by Elaina and Roger Estlack, and Headline Writing.

The General Excellence in Division One went to the Enterprise this year as well.

During a luncheon on Friday, former Clarendon publisher the late Carroll Koch was inducted into the PPA Hall of Fame. Koch began her newspaper career working in the office of the Quanah Tribune-Chief for her husband J.A. Koch, who was the editor and publisher. Upon his untimely death in 1956, Koch took over the reigns as editor and publisher and became the caretaker of the news for Quanah.

In 1958, with the hiring of Ed Eakin as editor, Koch focused on being a working publisher until her retirement and sale of the Quanah Tribune-Chief in 1978.

Koch along with Eakin and Dean Singleton launched The Clarendon Press in 1972 and purchased The Donley County Leader and The Clarendon News in 1974, merging all three papers under the Press nameplate in 1975. Singleton left the partnership in 1976, and Koch and Eakin sold the paper that eventually today’s Enterprise to Helen Woody in 1978.

Jim Steiert of Hereford was also named to the Hall of Fame.

PPA officers for the coming year are President Tim Ritter of the Canyon News, Vice President Tara Huff of the Eagle Press in Fritch/Borger, Immediate Past President Jeff Blackmon of Hereford, and Secretary Roger Estlack of Clarendon. They are joined on the board by directors Shane Lance of Quanah, Shannon Cook of Canyon, Mary Dudley of Perryton, Suzanne Bellsnyder of Spearman, and Michael Wright of Dumas.

Attending this year’s annual Panhandle Press Association convention from Clarendon were Roger, Ashlee, Benjamin, and Elaina Estlack and Tara Allred.

Jackson secures wins in defense bill

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Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) issued the following statement last week in response to the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act’s (NDAA) passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

US Rep. Ronny Jackson

Due to Jackson’s efforts, several provisions were included in the bill that will ensure substantial benefits for Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, and the thriving defense-focused workforce within Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District.

“The NDAA is one of the most important bills that comes before Congress,” Jackson said. “As a former Navy Rear Admiral, I know the vital role this legislation plays for our national security. Not only does this year’s bill ensure we have the weapons systems and equipment our servicemembers need, it makes a needed course correction to restore the military’s focus to fighting and winning wars.

“Provisions that I successfully included will keep Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District at the heart of supporting our military, provide historic pro-life protections, and prohibit funds from going towards the Biden administration’s harmful diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.”

Jackson serves on the House Armed Services Committee and spoke on the House Floor in favor of the FY24 NDAA.

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