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Christmas helpers
‘Tis the Season for Giving
The softball team bought and wrapped presents for five angels from the Panhandle Community Services Angel Tree this year, and according to Marcia Campbell at PCS, there are still over 60 angels left on the tree.
“We started with 106 angels this year,” Campbell said, “and last year we only had 75.”
PCS is asking for help in providing Christmas for these children.
“Monetary donations are also accepted and are tax deductible,” Campbell said. “We take the donations and shop for the kids left on the tree.”
On Monday, the CC softball team also volunteered their time to wrap Christmas presents for local foster children.
These gifts were bought by the Donley County Child Welfare Board, which currently serves 21 children in care from Donley County.
“Our board works each year to ensure the kids from our county have a wonderful Christmas,” said Ann Huey, CWB president.
The board was able to shop for the gifts with monies raised during their “Kash for Kids” fundraiser this past Fourth of July.
“Without the generosity of those who supported our fundraiser, we would be unable to provide Christmas for these children,” Huey said.
To donate to the PCS Angel Tree project or select an Angel, please stop by the Panhandle Community Services office at 416 S. Kearney Street before December 14. Gifts for Angels need to be dropped off at the PCS office by December 21.
Santa photos raising money for Care Net
One local opportunity available to donate for a good cause is to help the Care Net Pregnancy of Donley County purchase an $11,000 sonogram machine by taking your children to get their picture with Santa Claus.
Clarendon High School senior Matthew Williams will take the photographs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the old JAMZ building at Third and Kearney Streets this Saturday, December 11 or next Saturday.
A silent auction at the same time features a beef certificate from 3H Cattle for $250; a free spay or neuter from Clarendon Veterinarian Hospital & Supply; a free computer sweep for $125 from Panhandle CyberMedics; three free haircuts from The Hair Connection; items from Hensons, Every Nook & Cranny, and Sayes: as well as woodcrafts and quilting items.
“We will deeply appreciate any donations we can get,” said Care Net representative Karla Johnson. “This fundraiser will also to help the Clarendon Merchants Association keep shoppers here in Clarendon instead of going out of town to shop for the holidays.”
The Care Net Pregnancy Center is a free, outreach ministry established in 1995 by Billy Graham. According to Johnson, there is variety of things they do.
“We touch anyone’s life,” Johnson said. “We are able to do things that schools and churches are not able to do. We minister to children starting at eight years old to college. We teach them who they are in Christ, abstinence before marriage, and we let them know that God loves them and has a plan for their lives even though everyone makes mistakes.”
The center recently received a house in the country donated by Landon Lambert.
“This will serve as our new facility, like a doctor’s office or clinic,” Johnson said. “Since it is in the country, this help protects the identities of people and (provides) privacy.”
There are many classes and programs that the center will hold. Some of the classes taught by the two nurses on staff are over prenatal care, a five-week child birth class, and newborn care.
“We have a program, called the Benevolence program, where we give free formula, diapers and clothes to needy families’ toddlers,” she said. “We only ask that we have a Bible study when they come through the door. Women who say they take advantage of our program have also said that they gave their lives over to the Lord, and have thanked us for it.”
The center is against abortion and supports life.
“We have counselors to help people who have had an abortion, since one out of four women have had an abortion,” Johnson said. “It facilitates the pain and guilt women feel, and then the love of the Lord and His forgiveness. Those women grieve the child they never held. We are 100 percent against abortion, and we recommend adoption.”
Johnson said one reason they want to purchase the sonogram machine is to prevent abortions.
“About ninety-nine percent of women choose life for their babies when they see the baby’s heartbeat,” she said. “Our main goal is to share the love of Jesus and save lives of the unborn child.”
The center is still looking for committee people and more volunteers they can train.
“We have four openings on our steering committee,” Johnson said. “We’ll be meeting until we open our new facility’s doors. We’ll be doing all the things we need to do before we can open.”
If you are interested in making a donation of money, baby items or items for the silent auction, contact Lori Howard at the Clarendon Family Medical Center or Dr. Guy Ellis at the Clarendon Veterinarian Hospital.
“Most of all we just need prayer,” Johnson said. “We’re asking for prayer and financial support, but most importantly prayer for our staff, our center, and our future clients, men, women and their families.”
Wise Co. man kills self here
A Wise County man who shot himself in Clarendon Sunday morning, December 5, may have planned his death for several weeks officials believe.
The body of 74-year-old Jackie Vaughn Rhodes was discovered on the ground at about 8 a.m. in the 200 block of West First Street, Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn said.
Rhodes had one gunshot wound to the left side of his chest, the sheriff said, and a .380 semi-automatic pistol was found at the scene.
An autopsy was performed Monday in Lubbock, and Blackburn said preliminary results showed the cause of death to be a self-inflicted gunshot.
The investigation revealed that Rhodes, who was a resident of the Greenwood community, had been in Clarendon on November 5 and made pre-paid funeral arrangements with Robertson Funeral Directors, the sheriff said. Rhodes then returned to Clarendon and stayed in the It’ll Do Motel Saturday night before going to the location on First Street in the early morning hours where he took his own life.
The investigation also revealed that Rhodes was facing criminal charges, Blackburn said.
Wise County Sheriff David Walker told the Enterprise that Rhodes was arrested on October 21 and charged with indecency with a child. He was out on $25,000 bond.
As to why Rhodes chose Clarendon as the place to end his life, Blackburn said the man’s father and son are buried in Citizens Cemetery, and the Enterprise has learned that Rhodes grew up in northern Donley County near Alanreed.
CVFD says danger high for wildfires
The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department is reminding everyone that the risk of wildfire is increasing as we move into the winter months.
“We have been blessed over the summer months with above average rainfall,” said CVFD First Assistant Chief Jeremy Powell. “Now we have above average fuel load for wildfires to deal with in our winter months.”
The Texas Forest Service is predicting a dryer and warmer than usual weather pattern for those of us in the Texas Panhandle. With dry windy conditions and a heavy fuel load in place, the potential for an extreme wildfire event is on the rise. Extreme caution should be exercised to help prevent a wildfire.
While fires of all types are always of concern, extreme wildfires pose the greatest threat to rural areas as was seen in 2005-2006.
“Just because you live in a town or city does not mean that you cannot be affected by a wildfire,” Powell said. “The town of Cross Plains with a population of 1,086 was overrun by a wildfire on December 27, 2005, that destroyed 85 homes and unfortunately took the lives of two residents.”
In the event of an extreme wildfire situation, local fire departments could quickly be overwhelmed and any help from you will make their job easier and may help to prevent damage to your property.
“We encourage you to take measures now to reduce the threat of wildfire around your homes, farms and ranches by following these steps from the Texas Forest Service.”
Much more valuable information is available on the Texas Forest Service Website @ txforestservice.tamu.edu
• LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area around the tank clear of flammable vegetation.
• Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
• All combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats and stacked lumber should be kept away from structures.
• Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.
• Remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet or more.
• In rural areas, clear a fuel break of at least three times the fuel length around all structures. Closely mow all grasses and weeds around structures.
• Have fire tools handy such as: ladder long enough to reach your roof, shovel, rake and a bucket or two for water.
• Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.
• Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home.
• Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your neighborhood.
In the unfortunate event that a wildfire that gets out of control, please cooperate with local law enforcement and fire departments as they work to protect lives and property by promptly following and heeding evacuations request and road closures to help protect you and the emergency responders alike.
“With cooperation from the public to help prevent wildfires and also to reduce the damage that can be caused by one by the following the above steps, we hope to make it through another winter wildfire season safely,” Powell said.
“Please remember, if you plan to do some burning on your property, please give us a courtesy call by contacting the Donley County Sheriffs Office at 806 874-3533.”
Broncos make championship round
The Broncos played a tough Pampa team in the finals of the Nazareth Tournament last weekend and finished runner-up at 44-56. They played three tough games after only a week of practice and made a good showing on the court.
The Broncos took on Sunray in the tournament opener and defeated them, 69-44.
After a close first half, the Broncos opened up the scoring in the second half and completely dominated the Bobcats. Johnny Gaines led the team to the win with 22 points in the game.
Scoring: Gaines 22, Justin Shillings 9, Wes Williams 8, Brayden Phillips 7, Chris Crump 6, Mike Crump 6, Cole Ward 6, Bradley Watson 2, Adam Topper 2, and Clayton Shields 1.
The Broncos took on River Road in the second game and annihilated them, 79-43.
It was never a contest as the Broncos took control early in the game and found their rhythm on both ends of the court. Gaines finished with 25 to top the board. Chris Crump played great inside and put up 15 points, and Watson helped with 10.
Scoring: Gaines 25, C. Crump 15, Watson 10, Phillips 8, Shillings 6, M. Crump 5, Topper 5, Ward 3, and Williams 2.
The Broncos played hard in the championship game but just could not find their game against the Harvesters.
After a slow shooting first quarter, the Broncos cut into Pampa’s lead at the break. But the cold shooting plagued them once again in the third quarter.
They were able to rally somewhat in the final period, but the difference was too much to make up.
“We played pretty well for our first games of the season,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “I feel like we lost our legs a little in the championship game, and we really didn’t shoot well. But they are getting used to the new system, and we will get it going.”
Scoring: Gaines 10, Phillips 7, Shillings 6, Ward 6, M. Crump 6, C. Crump 4, Topper 3, and Daniel West 2.
The Broncos will participate in the Greenbelt Tournament at home December 9-11 and then travel to Booker December 13.
Three Broncos are District MVPs
Clarendon High School senior athlete Johnny Gaines has been named the 2-1A District Football MVP according to Athletic Director Gary Jack.
Fellow seniors Mike and Chris Crump joined Gaines and were name Co-Defensive MVPs and all are very deserving young men. These three football players not only exemplified their positions on the field the past four years, but they have represented themselves well to their school and the community. Their
accomplishments are the result of hard work and determination and stood out in the Broncos’ successes in the 2010 football season.
Roderick Woodard from Quanah was named the Offensive MVP in the District.
Senior R.J. Nino was named to the first team offense at the center position, and junior Jacob Pigg and senior David Roberts were named as offensive linemen.
Another senior, senior Daniel West, was named as tight end to the first team, and junior Wesley Williams received the honor as running back. Senior Bradley Watson was named as a receiver, and fellow senior Coby Braughton made the team as a kicker.
David Roberts earned a dual honor as he was named to the defensive line.
Wesley Williams also earned two spots on the team with a linebacker award as well. Bradley Watson doubled up on his spots by adding defensive back, and Charleston Harris was named as a defensive back along with Watson.
Earning honors on the second team offense are: center Jason Pigg, offensive line Trent White, running back Mike Crump and Chris Crump, and receiver Brayden Phillips.
Defensive honorees are defensive line Jacob Pigg and Nathan Dziedzic, line backer John Levario, and defensive back Brayden Phillips.
Honorable mentions: Offense: Trevor Cobb, Coby Braughton, Clayton Shields, Nathan Dziedzic, John Levario, and Charleston Harris. Defense: Trevor Cobb, Clayton Shields, Jayson Pigg, R.J. Nino, and Coby Braughton.
Congratulations to all the football players on their recognitions and awards.
Also added to the All-District Teams:
1st Team Offense: Quanah: center Mason Isenhower; offensive line Jonathon Holoker; running back Casey Quiseberry; receiver Bradley Reese. Panhandle: off. Line Ryan Neeley; running back Austin Whitt.
1st Team Defense: Quanah: Defensive line Bradley Reese; linebacker Casey Quisenberry; def. back Roderick Woodard, Garrett Betts. Panhandle: Def. line Ryan Neeley; linebacker Austin Whitt; punter Lige Powers. Lockney: linebacker Aaron Rendon.
2nd team offense: Quanah: Gary Gorley, Keaton Ritchie, Ryan Reid, and Garrett Betts. Lockney: Shaquille Thompson and Riley Teeter.
2nd team defense: Quanah: Gary Gorley, Tyson Marsh, and Ryan Reid. Panhandle: Tanner Clay, Seth Slover, and Rye Akervik. Lockney: Renee Cruz and Riley Teeter.
Hedley Owls recognized with All-District honors
High-speed chase goes through Hedley
A Memphis man remains in custody in the Hall County Jail this week after he led officers on a high speed chase in two counties before being shot and eventually captured in Donley County last Wednesday, November 24.
Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn said his office received a call at 10 a.m. that the Hall County Sheriff’s Department and Memphis Police were pursuing a white four-door car into Donley County on US 287.
The subject, Terry James Mackie of Memphis, had fled from officers at the Hall County Courthouse as he was being arrested on a warrant to revoke his probation for burglary, Blackburn said. Mackie reportedly assaulted a Hall County Deputy before fleeing in the car. He led officers on a chase around Memphis before leaving town on SH 256.
Blackburn said Mackie then came back into Memphis, got on US 287 toward Donley County, and rammed the Hall County sheriff’s truck at a blocked intersection.
Donley County Deputy Mike Spier tried to stop the subject at County Road 26 on US 287 by shooting the suspect’s tires. Mackie was hit by one round in the low back, the sheriff said, but he continued to flee into Hedley.
The sheriff said his officer was justified in shooting at the suspect.
“The subject had already committed aggravated assault on a peace officer, and he was disregarding public safety, running at speeds over 100 miles per hour,” Blackburn said. “We did not want him entering a populated area, and we were not going to let him into Clarendon due to the fact that we did not want an innocent bystander getting killed.”
Blackburn and State Trooper Chad Simpson were set to intercept the subject west of Hedley, but Mackie turned north on SH 203 toward Wellington. About one mile outside of the McKnight community, Blackburn said Mackie’s car was rammed and knocked off the roadway by Memphis Police. The subject then took off on foot across some CRP land where he was apprehended by officers from the Hall and Donley County sheriff departments.
Mackie was transported to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo where he was treated before being returned to the Hall County Jail.
Blackburn said Mackie is now facing charges of Assault on a Peace Officer, Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, and Evading.
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