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Voters heading to polls next Tuesday, Nov. 8

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Donley County voters will go to the polls next Tuesday, November 8, to cast ballots in this year’s general election.

The election is gaining a lot of interest with competitive races at the state level for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and other races down the ballot.

More than 400 people had already voted early in Donley County by noon this Tuesday.

Early voting by personal appearance will continue at the Donley County Courthouse Annex through this Friday, November 4.

Balloting on election day for most county voters will take place at the Donley County Courthouse. The only exceptions are Precinct 101 voting at the Courthouse Annex and Precinct 303, which will vote at the First Baptist Church in Hedley.

Polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

No local races are contested on this year’s ballot. For election results, watch Facebook.com/TheEnterprise and ClarendonLive.com

Donley Co. Veterans Day services planned

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Donley County residents are set to honor America’s veterans next week in two public ceremonies.

Clarendon College along with American Legion Adamson Lane Post 287 will have a Veterans Day program at 7:00 p.m. at the Clarendon College Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center on November 10, 2022. The program will honor all those that have served in this nation’s military.

Prior to the program, Post members will place American Flags on the graves of 248 Veterans buried in the Rowe Cemetery in Hedley. The flags will be placed on the graves on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. and remain until Saturday morning.

This is in honor of departed veterans who have served in this country’s military.
On Friday, November 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., Hedley’s Adamson-Lane Post 287 of The American Legion will hold its annual Veterans Day service at the Rowe Cemetery. In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved to the Hedley Lions Den.

This program will be conducted by members of the American Legion and will include the raising of the colors, the National Anthem, Pledge to the Flag and the ceremony honoring the Missing in Action and Prisoners of War still unaccounted for.

The key address will be given by State District Judge Stuart Messer. The program will be concluded with the laying of the memorial wreath and the playing of taps.

City seeks better broadband service

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The City of Clarendon will be seeking a qualified firm to expand broadband service here following a special meeting of the city council last Thursday, October 27.

Aldermen approved an agreement to have the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission draw up language for a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) that will be used to solicit potential Internet providers, according to City Administrator David Dockery.

The city hopes to entice a company to offer better and more reliable internet service to Clarendon businesses and residences and is willing to put up $160,000 in ARPA (COVID relief) money to help fund the rollout of improved service.

Pancake supper to be Nov. 4

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The Clarendon Lions Club will hold its annual Pancake Supper this Friday, November 4, at the school cafeteria from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The cost is $8 per plate for all-you-can-eat pancakes, ham, and sausage. Tickets are available at the Enterprise, from any Lion, and at the door.

Proceeds from the annual Pancake Supper support the charitable activities of the Lions Club.

Extension office offering water well screening

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Private water well owners in Donley County can take advantage of a water screening this month provided by the Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas Water Resources Institute.

Well water testing sample bottles. Texas Water Resources Institute / Kathy Wythe

Well owners can pick up a testing kit from the Extension office at the Donley County Activity Center at 4430 Highway 70 North in Clarendon anytime, but the samples must be dropped off on November 14 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Extension office. The cost is $15 per sample.

The Texas Well Owner Network is hosting the “Well Informed” water well screening give area residents the opportunity to have their well water screened. Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

A follow-up meeting to explain the results of the screenings will be at 4:00 p.m. November 15 at the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District office – Windmill Room, 203 West Third Street, White Deer.

For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Donley County at 806-874-2141.

The screening is presented by AgriLife Extension and Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, partnership with the AgriLife Extension offices in Potter, Armstrong, Carson, Gray and Donley Counties and the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District.

Joel Pigg, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program specialist and TWON coordinator, College Station, said the TWON program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs. Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

“It is very important that only sampling bags and bottles from the AgriLife Extension office be used and all instructions for proper sampling are followed to ensure accurate results,” Pigg said.

Private water wells should be tested annually, he said. The samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

Pigg said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the November 15 meeting in order to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and improve their understanding of private well management.
Pigg said research shows the presence of E. coli bacteria in water indicates that waste from humans or warm-blooded animals may have contaminated the water. Water contaminated with E. coli is more likely to also have pathogens present that can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea or other symptoms.

The presence of nitrate-nitrogen in well water is also a concern, and water with nitrate-nitrogen at levels of 10 parts per million is considered unsafe for human consumption, he said.

“These nitrate levels above 10 parts per million can disrupt the ability of blood to carry oxygen throughout the body, resulting in a condition called methemoglobinemia,” Pigg said. “Infants less than 6 months of age and young livestock are most susceptible to this.”

Salinity, as measured by total dissolved solids, will also be determined for each sample, he said. Water with high levels may leave deposits and have a salty taste. Using water with high levels for irrigation may damage soil or plants.

To learn more about the programs offered through the network or to find additional publications and resources, visit http://twon.tamu.edu.

Funding for the Texas Well Owner Network is through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The project is managed by TWRI, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

CC Bulldogs win Texas Tech rodeo

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The Clarendon College men’s rodeo team is reeling off victories like the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s.

Riding the backs of its bronc busters and bareback riders, the Bulldogs have won three events in a row, most recently at Texas Tech University this past weekend. With that, Clarendon College moved to within 60 points of Southwest Region leader Western Texas College.

The Clarendon College men’s rodeo team won the Texas Tech University Rodeo last weekend. Courtesy Photo

“We’ve been building every week, and it’s shown the last three weeks,” said Bret Franks, the team’s coach. “Our goal is to be the top team in our region when the season ends, and we’re making the right moves to be in that position in the spring.”

The Southwest Region consists of 10 events through the 2022-23 campaign, and half the rodeos took place during the fall session.

“We have five rodeos left in the spring, so we’ll get a chance to take a little break and come back next semester fresh and ready to roll,” Franks said. “It’s been fun to watch these kids come out and find success. Now, we just want to build off that.”

As has happened in their victories at home two weeks ago and at Vernon (Texas) College a week ago, the Bulldogs earned the most points in saddle bronc riding. Slade Keith of Stanfield, Arizona, won in all three phases – the first round, the championship round and the aggregate – to win the overall title. Dylan Hancock of Golconda, Illinois, placed fourth in the long round, third in the short round and third overall.

Weston Patterson of Waverly, Kansas, rode two broncs for a cumulative score of 142 points but didn’t place.

Sam Petersen of Helena, Montana earned his second bareback riding victory in three weeks. He was 81 points to finish second in the long round, then won the short round and the average after scoring 79.5 points Saturday night. His two-ride cumulative score of 160.5 was a point and a half better than the field. Fellow bareback rider Clayton Moss of Wheeler, Texas, advanced to the short round but didn’t place.

“We have a lot of talented people on this team,” Franks said. “They will all have an opportunity to contribute for us. I like the direction we’re going right now, and I can’t wait to see what we can do come the spring semester.”

By Ted Harbin, TwisTed Rodeo

Extension service offering water well screening Nov. 14

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Private water well owners in Donley County can take advantage of a water screening this month provided by the Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas Water Resources Institute.

Well owners can pick up a testing kit from the Extension office at the Donley County Activity Center at 4430 Highway 70 North in Clarendon anytime, but the samples must be dropped off on November 14 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Extension office. The cost is $15 per sample.

The Texas Well Owner Network is hosting the “Well Informed” water well screening give area residents the opportunity to have their well water screened. Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

A follow-up meeting to explain the results of the screenings will be at 4:00 p.m. November 15 at the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District office – Windmill Room, 203 West Third Street, White Deer.

The screening is presented by AgriLife Extension and Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, partnership with the AgriLife Extension offices in Potter, Armstrong, Carson, Gray and Donley Counties and the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District.

Joel Pigg, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program specialist and TWON coordinator, College Station, said the TWON program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs. Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

“It is very important that only sampling bags and bottles from the AgriLife Extension office be used and all instructions for proper sampling are followed to ensure accurate results,” Pigg said.

Private water wells should be tested annually, he said. The samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

Pigg said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the November 15 meeting in order to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and improve their understanding of private well management.

Pigg said research shows the presence of E. coli bacteria in water indicates that waste from humans or warm-blooded animals may have contaminated the water. Water contaminated with E. coli is more likely to also have pathogens present that can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea or other symptoms.

The presence of nitrate-nitrogen in well water is also a concern, and water with nitrate-nitrogen at levels of 10 parts per million is considered unsafe for human consumption, he said.

“These nitrate levels above 10 parts per million can disrupt the ability of blood to carry oxygen throughout the body, resulting in a condition called methemoglobinemia,” Pigg said. “Infants less than 6 months of age and young livestock are most susceptible to this.”

Salinity, as measured by total dissolved solids, will also be determined for each sample, he said. Water with high levels may leave deposits and have a salty taste. Using water with high levels for irrigation may damage soil or plants.

To learn more about the programs offered through the network or to find additional publications and resources, visit http://twon.tamu.edu. For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Donley County at 806-874-2141.

Funding for the Texas Well Owner Network is through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The project is managed by TWRI, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Clarendon Lions celebrate 100 years of service

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Lion Nathan Estlack was named the Outstanding New Member, Laney Gates was crowned as the club’s Sweetheart, and Lion Anndria Newhouse was named the Lion of the Year during ceremonies at the Bairfield Activity Center last Saturday. See more photos on page 8. Enterprise Photo / Elaina Estlack

The Clarendon Lions Club celebrated its 100th anniversary last Saturday night, October 22, with a Centennial Banquet at the Bairfield Activity Center to close out a day full of Lions service and fun in the community.

Boss Lion Landon Lambert presented Lion Nathan Estlack as the Outstanding New Member for 2021-2022, and Lion Anndria Newhouse was recognized as the Lion of the Year for her role in promoting club growth and visibility through numerous community service projects.

Laney Gates was formally crowned as the club’s Sweetheart for the current year.
International President Brian Sheehan recorded a personalized video message for the club’s centennial, and Lions International Director Ernesto “T.J.” Tijerina was the guest speaker for the evening, focusing his remarks on the importance of service and fellowship.

Other dignitaries attending the banquet were Past International President Jimmy Ross and his wife, Lion Velda Ross; Lion Juanita Tijerina; and Second Vice District Governor Chris Rogers with his son, Lincoln.

ID Tijerina presented several certificates on behalf of IP Sheehan assisted by District Governor Roger Estlack. The International President’s Certificate of Appreciation – the fourth highest award in Lionism – was presented to Lions Jacob Fangman, Chuck Robertson, Ashlee Estlack, and Landon Lambert. The club itself also received a Certificate of Appreciation on the occasion of its centennial.

Several Lions were recognized for their many years of service to the association, including Lion Bobbie Thornberry – 25 years, Lion George U. Hubbard – 20 years, Lion Jacob Fangman – 10 years, Lion Scarlet Estlack – 10 years, Lion Russell Estlack – 20 years, and Lion Tex Buckhaults – 30 years.

Boss Lion Lambert also received recognition on behalf of the club with the Club Excellence award for the previous Lion year and the Membership Satisfaction award.

Lion Ashlee Estlack, in her capacity as vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, presented the club with a $1,500 check from the proceeds of the Hot Rods to Harleys Fun Run. The money will go to the Lions’ new effort to secure a gift for each Donley County elementary student this Christmas.

Lion Janie Noble won the bingo game for a Melvin Jones Fellowship, and Wellington Lions Club Boss Lion Jeff Thomas won the drawing for the gift bag DG Estlack and Lion Ashlee brought back from the international convention in Montreal this summer.

All members of the Clarendon club also received a special centennial coin struck for the occasion.

Lion David Dockery read the proclamation from the city naming October 22, 2022, as Clarendon Lions Club Centennial Day, and DG Estlack gave a brief history of the club, which has grown from 23 members two years ago to 49 members today.

Several members of the Amarillo Downtown Lions Club attended the banquet, including Boss Lion Gemma Mitchell and Lions John Michie and Kevin Cox. Amarillo Downtown sponsored the chartering of the Clarendon club in 1922, and Clarendon’s is now the second oldest club in District 2-T1, which covers the top 26 counties of the Panhandle.

A total of 66 Lions and guests were registered for events on Saturday, which included the District’s Fall Family Fun Festival. Events began at the Mulkey Theatre at 9:30 with short sessions on improving service to communities. Local and District Lions posed on the north side of Antro Plaza to recreate a 1930 picture taken at that location of district Lions with Melvin Jones, the founder of the association.

Clarendon and district Lions gather with association founder Melvin Jones (seated with hat) outside the Antro Hotel in 1930.
Clarendon and district Lions gather outside the Antro Plaza with Past International President Jimmy Ross (seated with hat) during the Fall Family Fun Festival in 2022.

Lions then participated in a Diabetes Awareness “Strides Walk” from downtown to the Chance Jones Playground at Prospect Park, and later assembled about 100 non-perishable food boxes at the Donley County Senior Citizens Center for local homebound residents. Lions also helped plant a centennial tree in front of the Lions Hall.

Following the service projects, more than 40 local and district Lions and Clarendon residents assembled in the Lions Hall for afternoon bingo with a corn hole tournament being held outside later in the afternoon.

Prior to the banquet, an open house, hospitality, and ribbon cutting were held at the Lions Hall in celebration of the anniversary as well as the completion of renovations to building. Numerous Lions and family members have worked hard on improvements to the building for the last couple of months. The Lions Hall building was originally part of a German POW camp at McLean during World War II before it was moved here following the war. It has served as the club’s home since the 1940s.

Clubs represented during Saturday’s activities were Clarendon Lions Club, Amarillo Downtown Lions Club, Amarillo Community Lions Club, Amarillo El Barrio Lions Club, Amarillo Lake Tanglewood Lions Club, Canyon Lions Club, Dumas Lions Club, Del Rio San Felipe Lions Club, Quitaque Lions Club, and Wellington Lions Club.

Perry discusses legislative priorities

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Sen. Charles Perry discusses local government with Donley County Judge John Howard following last Wednesday’s forum at the Bairfield Activity Center. Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) met with students and constituents at the Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center last Wednesday, October 19, to cover a variety of issues that will be coming up during before the state legislature in 2023.

Perry said the state’s economy is being fueled right now but said he expects it to slow down, and the senator outlined some of his top priorities in the next legislative session, including spending $9 billion to fix the state’s electric grid and focusing on the recapturing water used in oil production and treating it.

“Water will determine if Texas is here for your great-grandchildren,” Perry said.
With that in mind, Perry also supports a $2 billion water initiative designed to help improve water infrastructure in the state, noting that about 143 billion gallons leaks out of water lines currently.

The senator intends to carry a bill intended to improve discipline in schools by removing difficult students from the classroom. Perry also said the state is cannot stop the next school shooting, but there will be efforts to improve school safety, which will come with oversight.

Perry hedged on a question about whether he would support a ballot initiative on Texas withdrawing from the Union, noting that it’s a complex issue and that while Texas could probable survive on its own, he prefers to see Texas thrive.

Asked about his view of local government, Perry said that when local governments raise taxes, it’s the state that takes the blame for it. Perry said places like Houston “bring their trash to the legislature,” and lawmakers try to deal with those communities’ issues, particularly rising taxes. Perry, however, has supported “carve outs” that are designed to shield small rural counties from rules aimed at large, urban counties.

Asked about increasing the base allotment for public schools and about the teacher shortage, Perry said the legislature will focus more on “paying down property taxes” than increasing the allotment and said the teacher shortage “is temporary” and that discipline was more important than pay in terms of teachers staying in the profession.

Rep. King to meet citizens here Nov. 2

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State Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian) will be in Clarendon next Wednesday, November 2, to discuss the upcoming 88th Regular Legislative Session.

State Rep. Ken King

King will meet with residents at the Bairfield Activity Center at Clarendon College from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Prior to his Clarendon visit, King will hold another meeting in Briscoe County at the Silverton Library from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Rep. King, who represents District 88, will solicit feedback from constituents on issues of vital importance to them and their communities.

“Before beginning another legislative session, it is important that I receive input and ides from the constituents of District 88 to help me effectively represent and advocate for our community,”  King said.

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