News

An afternoon fire cost a Howardwick family their home last Friday.

The Donley County Sheriff’s Office received the call of the fire at 4:01 p.m., and members of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze at the home of David Perry in the 200 block of Billy Street.

Clarendon Fire Chief Delbert Robertson said the fire began when an electric heater plugged into a wall outlet started sparking. The breaker for that circuit was quickly shut off, but the fire had apparently gotten into the wall by then, he said.

Two trucks and seven firemen arrived on the scene and had the fire out in less than an hour, Robertson said. The front half of the singlewide trailer house was burned up, and the remainder suffered smoke damage.

No one was injured in the fire, but the Perry family lost most of their possessions. They are now staying with Perry’s mother, and donations for the family are being accepted at the Howardwick City Hall.

Shirley Jean McAbee Clifford – the first woman to be mayor of Clarendon – died last Wednesday, November 24. She was 69.

Services were held Saturday in the First United Methodist Church with former pastor Rev. Terry Tamplen officiating. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery with arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors.

Clifford was praised during the memorial for her friendliness and her service to her community.

“Even though we all knew Shirley in many ways, we all knew her as a friend,” Tamplen said.

She was born November 17, 1935, in Memphis to Mr. and Mrs. Ode McAbee. She moved during her early childhood to Childress, where she was raised by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Paul Thigpen. She attended school for seven years at the River Camp School north of Childress, she graduated from Childress High School, and she enrolled in Clarendon College in the fall of 1953.

She met Jack Clifford during her first semester at CC, and they were married six months later on March 28, 1954, in Hereford. Shirley continued her schooling in 1958 and 1959 in Germany at the University of Heidelberg while Jack served in the US Army.

The couple returned to Clarendon in 1959, where Jack was raised, and took over the family grocery business. The Clifford family owned and operated The Grocery Store, a long time mainstay of downtown Clarendon, until its closure in 1998.

Clifford worked a number of odd jobs at City Hall and a local furniture store before turning her attention to raising her three children – Virginia, John, and Benjamin. When the children began school, she assisted in the family business, utilizing her cooking skills taught to her by her grandmother at a very early age.

“Her grandmother had had stroke when Shirley was in the sixth grade,” Jack recalled, “and while lying in bed she would tell Shirley how to cook. She was a great cook.”

Clifford was an avid reader; and when she saw the need for a permanent dwelling for the city library, she ran for the Board of Aldermen, winning handily and becoming the first woman to serve on that board.

After two terms as alderman, Clifford made history again in 1981 by being elected as Clarendon’s first woman mayor, running on the platform, “Clarendon – Athens of the Panhandle, and we don’t even have a library.”

During her administration, two buildings on Kearney Street were obtained, remodeled, and furnished to house the Burton Memorial Library. This was accomplished through donations and the tireless efforts of patrons and many interested parties.

“She was the smartest person I’ve ever known and read everything there is to read in the way of classical literature,” Jack said. “And she knew more about books than anybody you would ever meet. She ran for office because she felt that Clarendon had to have a library.”

Clifford was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was involved in many aspects of the church’s operation. She taught elementary Sunday school and also organized the Christmas pageants at the church for many years. She hand-stitched all the pageant costumes using her excellent sewing abilities.

She was a member of the 1929 Book Club of Clarendon, and she had earned her pilot’s license alongside her best friend, Anton Riggs.

Survivors include her husband, Jack of Clarendon; one daughter, Virginia Ann Patten and husband Briton of Clarendon; two sons, John Walter Clifford of Ft. Worth and Benjamin Paul Clifford of Little Rock, Ark.; two granddaughters, Abigail Michelle Patten and Annie Marie Patten of Clarendon; two grandsons, John Ray Clifford and Robert James Clifford of Ft. Worth; and one sister, Carol Cary of Leoti, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Burton Memorial Library, PO Box 783, Clarendon, TX 79226.

The Clarendon Board of Aldermen may crack down on chickens and propane tanks in the city limits following the board’s regular meeting last Tuesday.

Complaints about chickens and ducks running loose at a residence on McLean Street prompted the city’s animal control officer to request that the board review ordinances governing livestock in the city limits.

Administrator Sean Pate reported that the problem had been rectified by enforcing Ordinance 25, which requires that chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other fowl be kept confined in pens. But some aldermen questioned why such animals were not included in the city’s livestock ordinance.

The matter was tabled until the December 14 meeting when aldermen will consider amending the livestock ordinance.

Pate also reported that some citizens were in violation of city ordinances regulating propane tanks in the city limits. Current municipal law prohibits propane tanks within 500 feet of a street or alleyway.

Aldermen discussed the need to allow tanks for backyard barbecue grills and travel trailers and for commercial sales; but the board worried about the danger of large residential propane tanks.

The board directed Pate to draw up an ordinance limiting tank sizes in residential areas to not more than 10 gallons and requiring that they be kept 100 feet from any residence or business. This item will also be discussed at the next meeting.

In other city business, Bob Russell of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission addressed the board concerning serving alcohol inside the city limits. He was invited to the meeting after a citizen raised concerns about the local VFW Post serving alcohol. Russell said that the post is in compliance with state laws and that private clubs can operate in dry counties under state law.

The board voted to commit $750 from the Motel Bed Tax fund to the Greenbelt Classic Tournament, which will attract 32 basketball teams and their families to Clarendon on December 28 – 30.

The contract with the Donley Appraisal District for the collection of ad valorem taxes was discussed. Mayor Tex Selvidge called three times for a motion, and there was none.

Property at 702 S. Leroy Street was discussed. Pate reported that the owner will be moving two trailers off the property and is in the process of converting two carports into living quarters. Inspections will be done to insure that building codes are met.

Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn declared this week that his office will give no quarter to people illegally parking in the handicap zones near the Bronco Gym.

“We’ve got some fans that want to see the games but can’t get into a handicapped spot,” the sheriff said.

Blackburn said his officers will issue tickets, not warnings, to anyone committing such an offense.

The sheriff also joined county commissioners in serving notice that dumping on county roads is a Class C misdemeanor and carries up to a $500 fine.

The commissioners’ court will prosecute any and all offenders who dump trash on county roads.

With the construction phase complete, the Clarendon College Board of Regents toured the interior and exterior of the new library building and accepted the structure during regular session last Thursday.

“It’s an exciting time for Clarendon College,” said CC President Myles Shelton. “We’re pleased this project has come to fruition, especially in time for the upcoming spring semester.”

The 10,500 square-foot library is named in memory of the late Vera Dial Dickey, life-long resident of Memphis. The building features improved amenities such as a computer research lab with access to 45 computers, three study/reading areas, improved office and workspaces and special display cases for items such as the Texas Collection.

“Mrs. Dickey was a classy lady, and this building is a class act,” said Jack Moreman, member of the CC board of regents.

“It is really impressive how neatly the architecture fits with the other buildings on campus,” said Mike Butts, CC chair of the board of regents. “Since no trees were harmed during construction, the building appears as if it has been there for years.”

The official dedication and grand opening for the Vera Dial Dickey Library is slated for Thursday, February 3, 2005, at 11 a.m.

“We are very excited about all that has been accomplished over the past year,” said Shelton. “Not only will the Vera Dial Dickey Library provide expanded services to our students and people in the surrounding communities, but it is a building of which the entire area can be proud.”

In other college news, the regents received the audit for fiscal year 2004 with the college district being in good condition and having a net increase in assets of $98,718.

Regents agreed to purchase Plato learning software to enhance developmental studies.

A contract for the collection of ad valorem taxes was approved with the Donley Appraisal District, and the board approved the sale of tax delinquent property in Howardwick.

An administrative report showed that 91 percent of students enrolling in classes last year completed those classes. 

The report also showed that 43.9 percent of developmental students passed examination and went on to take regular classes. That’s up from 26.4 percent in fiscal year 2003 and 7.37 percent in fiscal year 1998.

“Most colleges are in the 20 percent range,” Shelton said of the passing rate for developmental students. “I think this puts us in the top three colleges in the state if trends hold true. Last year we were in the top five (with 26.4 percent).”

One-third of CC students are in developmental classes, and Shelton credited CC’s developmental instructors for getting them where they need to be.

“This is taking a kid at a third or fourth grade level and moving them to a college level,” he said. “Somewhere along the way these kids didn’t get what they needed. Where the rubber hits the road is our faculty working with these kids.”

The City of Clarendon will hold a public hearing at the Clarendon High School Auditorium next Wednesday at 7 p.m. to discuss park improvements.

According to City Administrator Sean Pate, city officials are considering applying for a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department grant and are seeking to gather input from the public.

“We’re working with other entities – the school district and the economic development board – to develop a master plan for what we want to do to revitalize the park area,” Pate said.

Discussions so far have centered on rehabilitation or reconstruction of the existing McClelland Field and Hart-Moore Field, currently used by the high school and Little League; development of a new softball field south of Hart-Moore Field; and enhancement of facilities associated with the ball fields and City Park.

“We always hear there’s nothing for the kids, and that’s a concern for the city and the school,” Pate said. “We’d like to envision a park where there is something for everybody.”

Officials have discussed looking at the park and fields as one recreation complex with a central restroom and concession facility, a walking trail encompassing the entire area with benches in several locations, and new playground equipment. Improvements would be done in phases.

“The key right now is to develop a plan and get support,” Pate said. “We want to be able to say, ‘Here’s what we want the park to look like in 2015, and here’s the first step.’”

Pate emphasized that any grant application to the state will be more likely to succeed if it is well supported by local people, and he said cooperation is an important factor in that. He hopes to see other parties – such as the county, the Little League, and the Chamber of Commerce – join in the effort to improve the park.

“Successful communities are the ones where all entities work together,” Pate said. “That’s the defining moment of a community. You don’t have a community unless you have unity, and that’s what Clarendon needs right now.”

The Board of Aldermen ordered a house in southwest Clarendon to be demolished last week after the owner failed to comply with directives to clean up the property.

During a public hearing before last Tuesday’s board meeting, City Administrator Sean Pate said Fire Marshall Kelly Hill had declared the house at 820 S. Allen Street to be a fire hazard and a dangerous structure. The property owner had been given written notice to repair the structure but had failed to act.

The board voted unanimously to demolish the house.

In other city business, the board approved a lease agreement with Centramedia Online Services for space on the city’s radio tower. The company plans to offer high-speed wireless Internet to local residents and businesses.

Aldermen reviewed the proposed contract with the Donley Appraisal District for property appraisals and collection of taxes.

Alderman Michael Tibbets reiterated his position that the appraisal district is an example of taxation without representation since only the school district and the county have enough weighted votes to have representatives on the appraisal district board.

Alderman Bobbie Kidd said he thought the state legislature would correct that problem in the next session.

Alderman Janice Knorpp said she thought the district should do a better job of collecting back taxes.

Tibbets did not feel like the contract should be approved.

“I think we should find one other entity and go together and not sign this,” he said.

The board tabled the contract.

Aldermen approved a resolution authorizing the submission of a regional solid waste grant application to purchase a new forklift for the recycling center.

George Howard, whose west Clarendon residence burned earlier this year, addressed the board concerning his desire to have a travel trailer enclosed by wood on his property for living purposes.

The zoning ordinance for the property prohibits trailer houses. This was not an agenda item, and no action was taken.

Carl Draper addressed the board concerning alcoholic beverages being sold in the city limits at the VFW Hall. This was not an agenda item, and no action was taken.

City Administrator Sean Pate reported that the city employees are greatly appreciative of the new pickups the board approved purchasing. He said the City Superintendent reported that these are the first brand new trucks the city has purchased since 1984.

The sticker price for the trucks was $22,900 each, but the city got them for $13,000 each through a state buyboard system.

The Hedley Public School paid a memorable tribute to local men and women who have served in the United States armed forces during services last Thursday.

Students in every grade participated in the Veterans’ Day program, which began with a turkey and dressing dinner in the Hedley cafeteria with high school students waiting on the every need of the veterans and other guests.

The meal was followed by activities in the school library, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance being led by a group of class leaders representing the first through 12th grades.

Mariah Couch and Ben Shaw read essays offering tributes to American veterans. The Hedley Jr. High Choir performed a “Stars & Stripes” medley, and Andrea Musick gave an amazing performance of “God Bless the USA.”

Allison Hill and Sarah Bolin presented a memorable PowerPoint presentation, which featured then and now pictures of local veterans from World War II through Operation Iraqi Freedom with patriotic and uplifting music playing in the background.

The National Anthem was performed by Bryan Hill, Jon Leggitt, Bruce Howard, and Mack Garrison; and Superintendent Hill gave closing remarks.

Also on Thursday, the Adamson-Lane Post of the American Legion held Veterans’ Day services at the Hedley Lions Hall with former Marine staff sergeant Johnny Hoggatt delivering the keynote address.

Hoggatt graduated from Hedley High in 1996 and originally joined the service to have a good time.

“I wanted a job that was fun, and fun to me was blowing stuff up,” he said.

He went to work in explosive ordinance disposal and learned how to defuse bombs.

In December 2001 he helped re-open the embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan; and on February 14, 2003, he arrived in Kuwait City in preparation for the liberation of Iraq. His unit faced daily attacks as American forces overthrew the regime of Saddam Hussein.

“I do believe we’re doing the right thing over there,” Hoggatt said. “I had a lot of interaction with Iraqis, and they told us horrific stories of how Saddam treated his people. He did need to be taken out.”

Hoggatt, who now works at Pantex, said it hits him in his heart when a soldier or Marine dies in Iraq, but he still thinks the war is just.

“I’d leave my good job and go back if I had to.”

Veterans’ Day services in Clarendon were canceled by the local VFW Post following the untimely death of VFW District Commander Bill Holden.

Last week, officials with the Donley County Gin in Lelia Lake were calling the 2004 cotton crop one of the best in decades; but several days of cold, wet weather could threaten that assessment.

The lack of freezing temperatures has kept the damage from being as bad as it could be, but producers now need a lot of dry weather to get the crop out of the fields. Folks at the gin say they are still optimistic about this season’s prospects.

“This might be the best cotton crop in 36-plus years,” gin manager Earl Shields said last week. “It looks good countywide.”

Shields said the cotton is grading good, and some has been sold for 59 cents, which he says is a good price.

“If the cotton will grade good, the farmers will get a good price,” he said. “Of course, with $1.71 diesel it might not be good enough.”

As of last Wednesday, 700 bales had been ginned already, and estimates were pointing to 10,000 to 12,000 bales for this season. Shields said some producers were pulling two bales per acre before the rain fell, which measured 1.5 inches through Sunday night and was still falling on Monday and Tuesday.

Farmers also have seen some changes at the former Paymaster Gin this year.

Parent company ADM got out of the ginning business and sold the facility to Shields and the Memphis Compress in August. The new owners say they want the business to become farmer-owned or a co-op gin at some future time.

“The gin is well repaired, and we’re going to service the farm accounts of this area,” Shields said.

Mackie Allen of the Memphis Compress said the gin appreciates the business of local farmers and hopes everything gets bigger and better in the future.

“We just need it to dry out,” Allen said.

Duckwall’s Variety Store closed here Monday after losing the lease on the building it had occupied for seven years.

“It is unfortunate that we have lost our lease; however, we are continuing to look at other options in Clarendon,” said District Manager Karen Walker.

“We appreciate the support the community has shown and look forward to returning to Clarendon sometime in the future.”

The closure of the Clarendon store has been common knowledge for several weeks, but parent company Duckwall-ALCO of Abilene, Kansas, only made the official announcement this week.

Although the salesfloor was closed as of November 16, Duckwall’s officials say customers can pick up their layaways and film developing pictures during normal business hours through this Friday, November 19.

Walker said store personnel will be offered positions at other Duckwall’s or ALCO locations. Associates will be working in the Clarendon store for the next several weeks, packing merchandise and removing fixtures.

Mike Bowman, Vice President of the Duckwall Division, also expressed his gratitude to the many friends the store has served in Clarendon, and he wished the very best to the loyal employees who have served the company so well during this period of time.

Duckwall’s operates a total of 79 stores in 10 states and has been in Clarendon since 1997. Customers are invited to shop the Duckwall’s location in Floydada or ALCO stores in Tulia and Canadian.

Lowe’s supermarket, which earlier this year purchased the the building previously occupied by Duckwall’s, has not publicly announced what it intends to do with the space. A Lowe’s official said an announcement would be made after the first of the year.