A Christmas Eve lunch will be held at the Clarendon School Cafeteria on December 24 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dine-in and carry-out options will be available.
News
Chamber to draw for $250 on Dec. 23; Merchants open late Dec. 22
Donley County shoppers have one more chance to win big this week when the Chamber of Commerce holds its final “Shop Small Big Christmas” drawing this Friday for $250 in Chamber Cash.
Sign-ups continue for this week’s big $250 giveaway, and all entries of the promotion to date will remain in the hopper so everyone has a chance at the big prize.
Participating merchants include Amanda’s Country Soaps, Country Bloomer’s Flowers & Gifts, Every Nook & Cranny, Henson’s, J&W Lumber, Mike’s Pharmacy, Rambling Ranch Boutique, Saye’s Flying A Tack, Whistle-Stop, and Wicked Fast Attire.
To enter, shoppers will fill out an entry at local participating merchants. The Chamber will gather them up Friday morning, and hold the drawing live on the Chamber’s Facebook. Enter as many times as you shop locally, so shop often to increase your chances of winning to help your local merchants as much as possible.
In addition, three downtown merchants are staying open late this Thursday night, December 22, for shoppers’ convenience. Those stores staying open until 7:30 p.m. are Henson’s, Ramblin’ Ranch, Every Nook & Cranny, and Saye’s Flying A Tack.
Officials hope local surveys will lead to more grant funds
An important survey will be conducted in the coming weeks by Donley County, the City of Clarendon, and the City of Hedley, which should help local communities become eligible for more grant funds.
Donley County Judge John Howard says the survey will determine whether our communities can apply for grants to purchase new ambulances when needed and conduct street repairs in our cities as well as other municipal projects.
“Based on current census data we are not eligible to apply for these important CDBG funds,” Howard said. “We must correct the wrong information in the census by conducting our own survey.”
The surveyors will be local citizens, who most people should be familiar with as having grown up here in Donley County.
Participation is voluntary, but it is vital that local officials collect enough responses to correct the census information and ensure county and city eligibility to apply for these grants to help the community.
County and city officials ask that when you see the surveyors, thank them for their community service, and they thank you for your assistance in this vital project.
“Spread the word and let’s bring some of our federal tax dollars home to help our communities,” Howard said.
Comptroller petitions feds, asks for citizens to help with broadband map
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has asked the federal government to extend the deadline by 60 days for states and stakeholders to provide input on the accuracy of the proposed National Broadband Map (national map). The national map will be used to allocate federal funding to states to expand broadband in unserved and underserved communities.
On Nov. 18, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its initial version of the national map, which displays location-by-location views of high-speed internet availability across the country, as reported by internet service providers (ISPs). It gave state and local officials until Jan. 13, 2023, to challenge the map’s accuracy. The FCC and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) play a critical role as federal partners in allocating Texas’ share of the $42.5 billion provided through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
In a Dec. 13 letter to the FCC and NTIA offices, Hegar requested the federal government extend the deadline for states and individuals to file challenges to the national map by 60 days, to March 14, 2023; and to postpone release of the final map by 60 days, from May 15, 2023, to July 14, 2023.
Hegar said it is imperative that Texans participate in the challenge process in time for the FCC to include updated data in the final national map. Any underestimation could potentially reduce Texas’ allocation by billions of dollars. Go to the Comptroller’s website for instructions to challenge the map.
“This is clearly a flawed map,” Hegar said. “Some of the responsibility lies with the service providers who are overstating the coverage they provide in their territories. This practice has become so routine that we often don’t notice it, but it will substantially limit competition as well as our ability to accurately allocate resources to those Texans whose access is inadequate. Some of the responsibility lies with our federal partners who have assumed that public spaces like schools and libraries have access. This is inaccurate and reveals a lack of understanding regarding the challenges facing many communities in Texas and other states.
“I applaud all the hard work of so many trying to connect Texans and our nation, yet these issues are substantial hurdles that must be addressed to ensure we have accurate maps that support successful expansion of broadband access.
“My office will work with stakeholders and local governments around the state to establish the best possible avenues for challenging broad inaccuracies through the bulk challenge process,” Hegar said. “But it is critical that individual Texans also engage in the challenge process to ensure the maps are as accurate as possible and funds are fairly allocated to areas that lack service.”
The Texas Legislature created the Broadband Development Office in 2021 to award grants, low-interest loans and other financial incentives to ISPs that expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. The Comptroller’s office released the Texas Broadband Plan in June.
For more information about the Texas Broadband Development Office, go to BroadbandForTexas.com.
County hears TxDOT plan to replace bridge
Donley County Commissioners learned more about the state’s plan to replace a local bridge during their meeting Monday, December 12.
Texas Department of Transportation representatives Chuck Steed and Annabel Jurado addressed the court about a bridge near Lelia Lake on CR 20.
Donley County Judge John Howard said TxDOT plans to replace the bridge with a new concrete structure in 2025 at a cost of about $250,000. The county will be required to provide a ten percent match for that money, but it can do so by performing “in kind” work approved by the state.
County officials discussed the idea of doing away with the bridge and having a low water crossing instead. However, if the location is removed from the bridge system, the county would bear the entire cost of building any future bridge at that location, Howard said. It was decided then to proceed with the state’s bridge replacement plan.
In other business, commissioners discussed the merits of purchasing or leasing a scraper to try to mix different materials into some of the county’s sandy roads to make a better surface. Howard said the court agreed instead to advertise for bids to contract out that work.
Officials also agreed to re-bid work needed on the windows of the 1890 Courthouse.
The court agreed to administer the oaths of office to newly elected officials on December 30 at 9 a.m.. Terms office will still begin on January 1.
County policies and procedures were also discussed regarding how to canvass future election results.
Hedley CISD goes on break early due to illnesses
Christmas came early for Hedley students this week when school officials started their vacation two days early due illnesses.
Superintendent Garret Bains said more than 30 kids were absent when the decision was made yesterday to release for the Christmas break early and sending kids home after school Wednesday. School should have continued through Friday.
“Having 30 or more kids missing is a lot when you only have 116 to start with,” Bains said. “You just really can’t teach or do a lot when that many are out.”
Bains said the last time he remembers the school having to start the Christmas break early was 2019, when a bad flu season was hitting the community. That time there were about 20 kids absent.
“Right now we just need to get everybody well, and hopefully they are well for Christmas,” Bains said.
Troop 433 honors six new Eagle Scouts
Six new Eagle Scouts were formally pinned Sunday, December 11, by Clarendon’s Scouts BSA Troop 433 in a Court of Honor at the First United Methodist Church.
Mason Allred, Haughton Bivens, Henry Bivens, Benjamin Estlack, Daniel Estlack, and Koltyn Shields earned scouting’s highest rank after a decade on the trail to Eagle that started for them in the first grade.
Saturday’s ceremony marked the end of one journey but the beginning of another, according to guest speaker Lou Ellerbrook, a Troop 433 Eagle from the Class of 1994.
“You’re not done; there’s always more to do,” Ellerbrook said, who challenged them to live up to the ideals of an Eagle Scout as they go on to serve on church boards, school boards, city councils, and whatever roles they take up in life.
As the ceremony continued, each young man was pinned with his Eagle medal by his parents, and later each spoke about their Eagle Scout projects and who their mentors were throughout scouting. Each boy also received a Congressional commendation from US Rep. Ronny Jackson.
All of the boys were keenly aware of the honor that comes with being an Eagle, a rank that only between two and five percent of scouts ever attain.
“It means now I carry the responsibility of what people think I can do and am capable of doing and that I have to push myself to help other people and always be prepared to help,” Mason told the Enterprise.
Ben said becoming an Eagle was something he always wanted to accomplish.
“It means being an upstanding citizen and a good person, and I feel like it makes you a better person,” he said.
Dan said the idea of being an Eagle Scout means honor and service to him.
“To me it means I have to have honor in my everyday life and to be a part of my community and try to better it,” Dan said.
Koltyn said Eagles are role models.
“It’s a sign that you’re a trustworthy and honest person who can set an example for others,” he said.
Haughton joined scouts a year behind his brother but caught up to the older boys in the last couple of years. He likes the idea of being a part of something bigger that is represented by being an Eagle.
“It’s an honor [being an Eagle] and a privilege,” he said, “and I like being a part of the community of Eagles.”
For Henry becoming an Eagle is a reminder of the path to get there and all that was learned along the way.
“It’s having fun with friends, helping your community, helping friends reach a goal, and learning some ‘adulty’ things along the way to learn some responsibility.”
Each of the six new Eagles look back on their time in scouting and recall several fun activities, but they generally all agreed that camping or some activity at camp stood out for them as their favorite memories. Whether it was fishing, cooking, shotgun, or building their own shelter to survive the night, each boy had a special memory.
No scout can attain the Eagle Rank without a major project that gives back to the community. An individual project is big undertaking, but these boys coordinated their projects and accomplished them all on one day in June 2021. Five of the projects were completed at Citizens Cemetery, and one was at the Lions Hall. Dozens of helpers and volunteers were involved, and private donations helped make the day possible, including a hamburger lunch donated by Robertson Funeral Directors and cooked by the boys themselves.
Mason and Ben installed 70 section markers – 35 each – at the cemetery, which involved marking sections, drilling post holes, and setting signs.
“It made me feel like I was part of the community and like I was needed,” Mason said. “Now, I’m really happy we got it done and to know it’s helping people probably every day.”
The finished product was also very satisfying to Ben.
“Getting to see the signs installed in lines – I loved that part and seeing how all our hard work paid off,” he said.
Tying in with the sign project, Koltyn repaired and repainted the tool shed at the cemetery and then installed a section map to further help people locate loved ones’ graves.
“It made me feel like a productive member of society getting to contribute in that way,” he said. “I like thinking about all the time we spent talking about it and working through it that day.”
At the front of the cemetery, Dan relocated and installed a new light for the flagpole that had been originally installed by his late grandfather, Allen Estlack. The new light now shines without interfering with drivers on Highway 70, and he also installed a steel core rope on the flagpole that will last for many years.
“It made me feel good giving back to my community and continuing what my grandfather had built,” he said. “I felt accomplished and felt like we had helped people.”
Henry’s project focused on scraping and repainting the wrought iron fence around the Saints’ Roost colonists’ graves and the main entrance sign to the cemetery.
“It was important because it’s good for families to see that their loved ones are in a place that is cared for,” he said. “The project makes it look like a nicer place for the community.”
Haughton’s project was the final one of the day and involved moving the flag retirement deposit boxes from the old VFW to the Lions Hall and refurbishing a previous Eagle project to receive flags. It’s a project that has since received hundreds of flags for retirement.
“The project made me feel like I was doing something for the community and something to honor the flags with retirement,” he said. “It makes me happy that it’s being put to a good use.”
All six boys still have other opportunities for adventure and learning in scouting and will be role models for younger scouts coming up behind them.
Sunday’s Court of Honor brings the total number of Eagle Scouts produced by Troop 433 since 1969 to 98. With the first two female Eagles recognized by companion Troop 4433 two weeks ago and the nine known Eagles from other local troops since 1927, Clarendon now has a total of 109 Eagle Scouts.
Local surveys to help county, communities
An important survey will be conducted in the coming weeks by Donley County, the City of Clarendon, and the City of Hedley, which should help local communities become eligible for more grant funds.
Donley County Judge John Howard says the survey will determine whether our communities can apply for grants to purchase new ambulances when needed and conduct street repairs in our cities as well as other municipal projects.
“Based on current census data we are not eligible to apply for these important CDBG funds,” Howard said. “We must correct the wrong information in the census by conducting our own survey.”
The surveyors will be local citizens, who most people should be familiar with as having grown up here in Donley County.
Participation is voluntary, but it is vital that local officials collect enough responses to correct the census information and ensure county and city eligibility to apply for these grants to help the community.
County and city officials ask that when you see the surveyors, thank them for their community service, and they thank you for your assistance in this vital project.
“Spread the word and let’s bring some of our federal tax dollars home to help our communities,” Howard said.
City hits new sales tax revenue record
Sales tax revenue for the City of Clarendon reached a new milestone when Comptroller Glenn Hegar delivered monthly allocations last week.
Clarendon surpassed the half-million-dollar mark for sales tax collections during calendar year 2022 with a 12-month total of $500,638.16.
Although December’s monthly allocation was down 8.83 percent at $33,640.67, the city finished the year 3.45 percent ahead of 2021 and set the record for its highest collection in a calendar year.
In Hedley, sales tax revenue was up 16.13 percent at $857.51, but the year was down 4.48 percent to $12,458.17.
Howardwick posted big gains for both the year and the month, up 10.05 percent for the year with revenue of $22,006.91 and up 9.81 percent for the month at $1,499.54.
Statewide, the comptroller sent $1.1 billion in local sales tax allocations for December, 12.4 percent more than in December 2021.
These allocations are based on sales made in October by businesses that report tax monthly.
Howard wins second Chamber drawing
Another winner has been named, but there is still a total of $350 in Clarendon Chamber Christmas Cash available to win this holiday season.
Anna Howard was the second $100 winner drawn by the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce last Friday during its “Shop Small Big Christmas” promotion.
Sign-ups continue for drawings that will be held for $100 on December 16; and the big $250 giveaway will be held December 23. Participating merchants include Amanda’s Country Soaps, Country Bloomer’s Flowers & Gifts, Every Nook & Cranny, Henson’s, J&W Lumber, Mike’s Pharmacy, Rambling Ranch Boutique, Saye’s Flying A Tack, Whistle-Stop, and Wicked Fast Attire.
To enter, shoppers will fill out an entry at local participating merchants. The Chamber will gather them up each Friday morning, and hold the drawings live on the Chamber’s Facebook. Enter as many times as you shop locally, so shop often. Entries stay in the hopper each week, so those who enter will have multiple chances to win.
In addition, three downtown merchants are staying open late this Thursday night, December 15, for shoppers’ convenience. Those stores staying open until 7:30 p.m. are Henson’s, Ramblin’ Ranch, Every Nook & Cranny and Saye’s Flying A Tack.
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