News

Abused and neglected children in Donley County will soon have new advocates in the court system now that CASA of the High Plains has expanded its coverage to this county.

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a system by which a volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide factual information to the court on behalf of a child. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and only handle one case at a time.

“We have been very interested in serving Donley County because it is a good fit for our area,” said Janet Watts, Executive Director for CASA of the High Plains.

Watts said her office is looking for six to eight local people to serve on an advisory committee and help recruit volunteers. Training will begin in September.

CASA represents children placed in the foster care system, most of whom have been removed from their homes because of their parents’ addiction to illegal drugs, typically methamphetamines. Watts said the cases are simply situations where the parents care more about themselves than about their own children.

Once in the foster system, children can be placed in several different homes and be served by several different caseworkers from Child Protective Services (CPS).

“The great thing about CASA is that those kids have the same representative from the time they enter the system to the time they reach a permanent home,” Watts said. “CASA is their only consistent face.”

Ann Huey is a CASA volunteer and advisory committee member in Clarendon and has worked as a foster parent and with the CASA system for over 20 years. She has been instrumental in bringing CASA to the kids of Donley County.

“I just saw what CASA did for my kids, and I want to be a part of getting that started here,” Huey said.

CASA is a non-profit organization that is separate from the state-run CPS. Cases are handled by a Cluster Court, which only deals with CPS cases. The court operates with the permission of District Judge David McCoy and is overseen by Judge Phil Vanderpool of Pampa.

The Cluster Court is the only one of its kind in the state and covers CPS cases in 23 counties in the Texas Panhandle. A special prosecutor serves the court with the permission of District Attorney Stuart Messer.

CASA of the High Plains was established in Gray County 1994 and now serves seven other counties including Donley, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hemphill, Roberts, and Wheeler.

There are currently 122 kids in cases overseen by CASA of the High Plains, including 12 kids in six cases in Donley County.

“As soon as volunteers can be trained, Judge Vanderpool will start appointing volunteers to cases here,” Watts said.

Most volunteers average 10 hours per month on a case, and most work full time at other jobs. Watts said volunteers can work on their own schedules but they do have to attend court hearings.

For more information or to volunteer, call the CASA office in Pampa at 669-7638 or call Ann Huey at 570-9268. Donations to CASA of the High Plains can be sent to PO Box 604, Pampa, TX 79065.

Less than 15 percent of the school districts in Texas can call themselves “exemplary” or “recognized,” and Clarendon and Hedley school districts are part of this exclusive club.

The Texas Education Agency announced on August 1 that Clarendon and Hedley were both rated as “recognized” school districts, despite a more rigorous standard this year.

Clarendon campuses were also rated individually with Clarendon High School and Elementary being named “recognized” for the second year and Clarendon Junior High falling from “recognized” to “academically acceptable.”

Clarendon ISD Superintendent Monty Hysinger said it’s difficult to achieve a “recognized” rating, and he is excited about the results.

“The fact that less than 20 percent of the state reached this level says something,” he said. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re getting there. We do have some areas where we need to improve, math especially.”

Hysinger said the reason for the junior high results was due to Texas Assessment of Knowledge & Skills  (TAKS) math scores.

“There was something statewide not quite right in math,” Superintendent Hysinger said. “We have a dedicated staff, and they want the kids to get better.

“We may not be there yet, but it’s not because we’re not trying. Our staff is so dedicated. If we’re low in an area, they’re the first to say what can I do to get better.”

Hedley ISD Superintendent Bryan Hill was also pleased with his school’s ratings.

“We’re pretty happy about it,” he said. “Being ‘exemplary’ isn’t impossible, but the state is making it seem that way, and we’re really excited to be ‘recognized.’”

The ratings are partly based on TAKS results.

Clarendon results are as follows: Third grade – reading 100 percent, math 89 percent; Fourth grade – writing 92 percent, reading 82 percent, math 74 percent; Fifth grade – reading 96 percent, math 91 percent, science 90 percent; Sixth grade – reading 92 percent, math 80 percent; Seventh grade – writing 83 percent, reading 83 percent, math 64 percent; Eighth grade – reading 97 percent, math 56 percent, social studies 84 percent; Ninth grade – reading 88, math 61 percent; Tenth grade – English/Language Arts 85 percent, Social studies 97 percent, math 71 percent, science 67 percent; and Eleventh grade – English/Language Arts 100 percent, social studies 100 percent, math 87 percent, science 97 percent.

Campus results for Hedley are as follows: Reading, 93 percent; Writing, 100 percent; Social Studies, 88 percent; Math, 82 percent; and Science, 76 percent.

DALLAS – “Have you ever driven down the road and seen someone mowing the lawn wearing a mask? This is an example of the relationship between allergies and mold spores in lawns.” Dr. Phil Colbaugh, research plant pathologist at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Dallas, cites a common image seen in Texas throughout the warm weather months.

Colbaugh is studying the relationship between landscaping choices and practices, seasonal weather and potential exposure to allergenic mold spores. While his research will eventually include flowering plants, woody ornamentals, trees and herbs, Colbaugh is currently focusing on turfgrasses. His research results are being prepared for peer review, but have not yet been published.

The research began with a goal of determining whether different turfgrasses support different levels of allergenic mold spores. Emily Williams, research associate in plant pathology, said the initial study involved clippings from residential lawns in Richardson and Plano.

High school students participating in Colbaugh’s annual Summer Environmental Research Internship program spent eight weeks collecting turfgrass clippings from St. Augustine and Bermuda grass lawns in these two North Texas communities. Then they counted allergenic mold spores washed from the plant materials.

Sunny Bermuda grass locations had the highest mold spore counts, Williams said, and both sunny and shady Bermuda grass samples contained more spores than did the St. Augustine samples. The results also showed a large difference in lawns with full sun versus lawns with full shade. Both the sunny Bermuda grass lawns and the sunny St. Augustine lawns had three times more allergenic mold spores than shady lawns.

“Texas is a really bad area for asthma and allergy sufferers,” Colbaugh said. “The potential for exposure to allergens is high, and the exposure to mold spores is just one component in a complicated picture.”

Should grass clippings be left on a lawn or removed after mowing? The scientists advise leaving them.

“They are a great source of nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, reducing the need for additional chemical fertilization,” Williams said. “They contribute organic matter to the soil over time. Bagging these materials for curbside garbage collection is costly, and it takes up limited landfill space. And there are ways to reduce the potential for spore numbers on established lawns.”

In recent related research, Colbaugh and Williams have shown that when a mulching blade was used, spore numbers were much lower than when a standard blade was used.

This summer the researchers are measuring the differences among a number of turfgrass types under test plot conditions. Those grasses include St. Augustine, Zoysia and Reveille Hybrid Bluegrass.

Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes this weekend – August 5, 6, and 7 – during the state’s seventh annual tax holiday.

Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.

The law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

The tax holiday occurs every year on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August. Qualifying items are exempt from state sales taxes, but exemption from local sales tax is up to individual cities. This year, since no cities opted out of the holiday, qualifying items will be fully exempt from tax throughout Texas.

Most clothing and footwear priced at less than $100 will be exempt from sales tax. Customers will receive the break on individual items, regardless of the total amount they buy. For example, sales tax is not due if a customer buys six shirts each priced at $99.99. But full tax is due on a shirt sold for $100; the first $99.99 cannot be exempted.

Clothing and footwear used primarily for athletic activities or for protective wear are not eligible for the exemption. Customers buying golf cleats or football pads, for instance, must pay sales tax. Athletic wear that is also used for participation in other non-athletic activities can qualify for tax exemption. For example, tennis shoes, baseball caps, and jogging suits are worn during everyday activities and thus may be purchased tax-free during the holiday.

Also excluded from the tax holiday are accessories such as jewelry and watches; items that are carried rather than worn, including handbags, briefcases and wallets; clothing rentals, such as formal wear and costumes; and repairs and alterations.

Work began on Clarendon’s 2005 paving project this week after months of anticipation.

B&B Solvent, a division of Jordan Paving, moved equipment into town Monday and began the project, which will curb and pave an estimated 60 city blocks.

Sixth Street is first on the agenda, starting between Cottage and Collinson streets and progressing three blocks at a time, putting down base and pouring curb.

The finished streets will be 30 feet wide inside the curbs and the project will cover the following streets: Third Street from Collinson to McLean, Fourth Street from Collinson to McLean, Sixth Street from Cottage to Koogle, Seventh Street from the western city limit to Koogle, Eighth Street from Leroy to Bugbee Avenue, Leroy Street from Fifth to Eighth, Johns Street from Sixth to approximately one-half block past Eighth, Collinson Street from Clarendon Avenue to Eighth Street, McLean Street from Clarendon Avenue to Eighth, and Bond Street from Sixth to Eighth.

The $974,485 project is anticipated to be finished by November.

In other city business, the Board of Aldermen met in regular session July 26 and heard from Linda Hill, activities director at Medical Center Nursing Home. Hill discussed a planned poker run to benefit the residents of MCNH on October 1 of this year.  The board voted to take $1,000 from the Motel Bed Tax fund for the run.

Ruth Robinson addressed the board on behalf of the Saints’ Roost Museum and requested funds to promote the annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff. The board approved $3,000 for this purpose.

Dee Dee Autry presented a resolution of support for a “Texas Yes!” grant for a proposed travel guide to be produced by Texas Prairie Rivers. The resolution was adopted.

The board discussed the city’s seat on the Greenbelt Water Authority Board and voted to reappoint Charles Deyhle, Sr., to that post.

Aldermen discussed delinquent taxes owed to the city and the possibility of advertising in the newspaper the names and amounts due of people owing taxes. No action was taken pending more information.

City Administrator Sean Pate presented Ordinance No. 271, which amends Ordinance No. 201 and creates the position of City Administrator/Superintendent. The first reading of the ordinance was unanimously approved.

Pate also thanked the board for the opportunity to serve the City of Clarendon. The mayor and aldermen expressed their appreciation for the job he had done over the last two years and wished him well as he moves on to Poteet, Texas. Pate’s final day in Clarendon was last Thursday.

By MaryRuth Bishop, County FCS Agent

The Donley County Child Welfare Board and 42 tournament players had a great time at the second annual Chippin’ for the Children Golf Tournament July 16.

Ten teams at the tournament enjoyed the afternoon at the Clarendon Country Club. Eight teams made up of four players and two teams with five players each were off and Chippin’. Although the $15,000 Hole-In-One prize was not won, players had fun competing for the prize.

Cam King from Dublin, Texas, was the “Closest-to-the Pin” trip winner. She will enjoy a trip to Carlsbad, which was donated by KLSR. Door prizes as varied as 80 lbs. of dog food to a basket full of candy were also awarded as the day progressed. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams. Because there was a tie at the third place level four more players enjoyed the loot.

The first place winners’ score of 59 earned Dennis Atkin from Amarillo, Brandon Lewis from Shamrock, Bobby Jackson from Amarillo, and Rick Keeton from Amarillo some good natured ribbing and the largest cash prize.

The second place team score was 61 and was “manned” by women plus one good-natured man. Members, all from Clarendon, were Sandy Anderburg, Wanda Nazworth, Dorothy Breedlove, Bonny Crawford, and Tom Stauder.

The tie for third place with a score of 63 were teams from Pampa and Canyon. The Pampa team was made up of Brandon Wheeler, Ricky Martin, Jed Martin and Dwight Brown. Canyon team members were Charles Decker, Danny Gamble, Jim Burkett, and Ken Fincher.

The golf tournament is a fund-raising event to help children in Donley County. Funds are used for school clothes or school supplies, Christmas gifts, special items such as helping with sporting equipment, or registration for children in foster care.

Other uses are for children who need emergency care or food and clothing needed for emergency placement into foster care. Last year Halloween Trick or Treat bags with fluorescent markings were given to all elementary students, and funds were donated for thank you gifts for CPS support staff.

The Donley County Hospital Board voted in favor last week of raising the district’s ad valorem tax rate, which has remained unchanged since 1998.

The higher tax rate is expected to generate approximately $13,000 in extra revenue to help it meet its financial obligations and keep the Medical Center Nursing Home open.

“I don’t like the idea of a tax increase any more than anyone else,” said board member Don Thornberry. “When we voted [in 1998] to keep or sell the nursing home, it was pretty overwhelming to keep it. Now we have to have some help to do that.”

The new rate of $0.1946 is the maximum allowable without triggering a potential rollback petition. The hospital district has been operating with a tax rate of $0.18022 for the last seven years.

Board president Alan Fletcher said the options were limited.

“I don’t think we have any other choice,” he said. “We have to raise taxes or close. If the community wants a nursing home, we have to do this.”

Board member Onita Thomas agreed and said she hoped people would realize that the cost of operating the home has increased.

“Our expenses are just like yours,” she said, “and we have not raised taxes for seven years.”

The higher rate would raise the tax on a $75,000 home by $10.79.

In other business, the board also approved proposed budgets for the district, the nursing home, and the Associated Ambulance Authority as presented. Budget amendments were also approved.

The board discussed lease agreements relating to the Community Services Building and voted to accept a lease renewal proposal from the Department of State Health Services. The board also voted to no longer employ janitorial services for the Community Service Building and to let the tenants negotiate independently for housekeeping services.

Steve Hall and Bob Watson addressed the board concerning transferring the tax abatement for the Best Western American Inn from 786, Inc., to the Clarendon Hotel Corporation. The transfer was approved 6-1 with Fletcher being opposed.

Holly Eads presented an order from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission governing records management. The board approved a motion bringing the district into compliance with the order.

Administrator In-Training Vicky Robertson gave the nursing home’s census as 52 residents with one in the hospital. She also presented revised policies governing vacation, continuing education, and sick leave, which were approved.

The board also considered and approved a revised organizational chart for the nursing home to put the maintenance supervisor under the direction of the administrator.

Ambulance director Anita Aaron said the Associated Ambulance Authority responded to 53 calls in June and had responded to 49 calls in July as of the 19th.

A weekend at Lake Greenbelt ended with time in the Donley County Jail for three Amarillo men Sunday morning.

Chief Deputy Randy Bond said the Donley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of gunfire at the lake about 7:30 a.m. One man was shooting a sawed-off shotgun in the air, and another was firing a pistol in the air.

Jason Jones, age 32, and Michael Darter, age 30, were both charged with deadly conduct. Darter and a third man, 30-year-old Zacharia Warren, were also charged with possession of marijuana.

Bond said the men had started shooting because they said they had “become irritated with each other.”

“It was a real dangerous situation,” Bond said. “There were kids around, and it was getting out of hand in a hurry.”

In addition to Bond, Deputy Mike Spier and the Greenbelt Lake Patrol’s Ray Burch and Faylon Watson responded to the call.

Mariwyn McPherson Webb has been selected by the Panhandle Tourism Marketing Council to author a book on the twenty-six counties of the Texas Panhandle, to be titled Romancing the Panhandle: An Affair to Remember. 

Partial funding for the project is being supplied by the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation as a way to help stimulate interest in the rural areas of the Panhandle, such as Donley County.

Initial sales of the book will go to reimburse CEDC and other co-sponsors.

Since selling an advertising agency she founded in 1995, Webb has pursued her career as a published author and advertising consultant.  Over the past two decades, Webb has lent her talent and expertise to numerous community organizations, including several United Way organizations.  Webb currently serves on the Amarillo Economic Development Council.

Romancing the Panhandle: An Affair to Remember, to be published by The Donning Company Publishers, will be an 8.5”x 11” coffee table book highlighting the history and attractions of Panhandle communities. To be complemented with more than 300 full color photographs of the region, Romancing the Panhandle: An Affair to Remember is sure to be a wonderfully vivid addition to any library. 

“This book is something we’ve wanted for a long time, and we’re thrilled that a local author will be involved, “ said PTMC Chair Kristine Olsen.  “We think the book will be a great way to entice businesses and tourists to the Panhandle.” 

“We’re looking to area photographers to provide the photography and are asking area residents and local historians for input,” said Webb. 

If you would like further information about Romancing the Panhandle, or if you wish to submit content for possible inclusion in the book, please contact Mrs. Webb at (806) 351-0366.

In addition to CEDC funding, Romancing the Panhandle is made possible by the following sponsors: First National Bank in Spearman, First State Bank of Mobeetie, Wheeler Economic Development Corporation, and the Texas Rural Electric Cooperatives in the Panhandle area.  A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the book will benefit the PTMC.

The City of Clarendon will combine the positions of the city administrator and city superintendent following a called meeting of the Board of Aldermen Monday night.

Mayor Pro-Tem Mark White told the Enterprise Tuesday that finances drove the board’s decision.

“The main reason for doing this is budgetary,” White said. “We just don’t have the money in the budget to keep two salaries of that capacity.”

Under the current budget, the administrator and superintendent have salaries of $35,000 and $33,000 respectively, and each position has benefits.

The aldermen also directed City Administrator Sean Pate to begin advertising through the Texas Municipal League this week. The combined position will take effect October 1, 2005, which is the beginning of the city’s fiscal year.

Monday’s unanimous decision came after aldermen met in closed session for 40 minutes that night and for nearly an hour and half during their regular meeting last Tuesday.

White said the new administrator, whoever that turns out to be, will have to take on more of the responsibilities of the city superintendent, who is the director of public works.

“[The new person] has definitely got to be out in the field,” White said. “We can’t pin him down and say this much time in the office and this much time in the field, but he will have to have all the criteria and certifications for public works.”

Last Tuesday, the board formally voted, with regrets, to accept Pate’s resignation as city administrator. He will be taking a similar position with the City of Poteet, south of San Antonio, with the promise of better benefits and an increase in salary of about $20,000 per year.

The city will hold a budget workshop next Monday at 10 a.m.

In other city business last week, aldermen approved a proposal by Municipal Judge Jimmy Johnson to employ a private attorney to collect past due fines and fees.

Under the proposal, the city would pay 30 percent of the collected fines and fees to the attorney, but the 30 percent would be added to the amount owed by a defendant that is more than 60 days past due.

The contract would become effective August 1 and would apply only to criminal cases in municipal court.

“This is just another tool we can use to get our money,” Judge Johnson told the board.

The board approved the measure 3-0 with Alderman Michael Tibbets abstaining because he said he had objected to a similar measure employed by the appraisal district.

The board also considered a resolution which would adopt the National Incident Management System. The NIMS would provide a consistent nationwide approach for federal, state, local, and tribal governments to work together more effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of the their size, cause, or complexity.

City Administrator Sean Pate said NIMS is being mandated by the federal government, and adopting the system could open the door to grant opportunities.

The board approved the resolution 3-0 with Alderman Tibbets abstaining because he said he didn’t understand it.