News

Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) last week outlined future plans for work in Donley County for the 2004-2006 fiscal years.

Speaking during a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) meeting at the Bura Handley Community Building in Wellington last Thursday, area engineer Tracy Cain said $35.2 million will be spent per year in the TxDOT Childress District, which includes Donley County.

During fiscal year 2004, TxDOT plans to work on the concrete intersection at US 287 and Koogle Street in Clarendon. The work will involve strengthening the joints in the concrete and will cost $314,000.

In FY 2005, the northbound lanes of US 287 between Clarendon and Hedley will be overlaid at an estimated cost of $1.65 million. The same year will see the replacement of the bridge over Lelia Creek on CR 20 as part of the state’s off-system program at a cost of $285,600.

The next project in Donley County comes in FY 2006 when the Salt Fork bridge below the Greenbelt Reservoir will be removed. The $800,000 job will take the roadway back down to grade and will add a small drainage structure for the water that is allowed to flow from the reservoir.

District-wide the state will spend $5 million in FY 2004 to seal coat 300 miles of state highways. Cain said the goal is for every roadway to get a new surface every eight years.

Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander delivered $292.2 million in monthly sales tax payments to local governments this month.

Rebates to local cities were up over the same period last year.

Clarendon received $16,820.94, up 9.86 percent. Hedley’s rebate increased from $258.98 in December 2001 to $659.27 this year. Howardwick saw 5.68 percent increase for a rebate of $911.33.

December sales tax rebates include local sales taxes collected in October and reported to the Comptroller in November. The state’s share of sales tax reported during this period was $1.3 billion.

For details of sales tax payments, locate the Monthly Sales and Use Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/compsum.html

By Carrie Helms, Clarendon Enterprise

Donley County resident Laban Tubbs is up in arms after two stray .30 caliber bullets from the shooting range at Clarendon Municipal Airport hit his barn and residence early last week.

Tubbs made a formal report with the Sheriff’s Office and asked the board of aldermen to investigate the situation after he discovered the bullet-holes Wednesday.

The Offense Report from the Sheriff’s Office reads that the officer observed “two bullet holes, one located on the side of the barn and the other on the roof of the residence. Both bullet holes indicated the direction of travel from the west.”

Tubbs, his wife, and two children have lived in their home located about three-quarters of a mile east of the airport shooting range for six years.

“If the shot that hit the roof had been any lower or to the left,” Tubbs said, “it probably would have gone through one living room window and out the other side.”

The family was not at home when the bullets hit the house and barn; but about a month ago, Tubbs heard a bullet pass by overhead when he and his 9-year-old daughter were outside.

“When it happened, I looked the house over but didn’t see any damage,” Tubbs said. “If anyone shoots above the berm, they are directly in line with my house.”

A sign is posted above the berm at the shooting range that spells out rules for safe shooting, but Tubbs suspects it had been used for target practice more than it had been read.

“Most of the people who shoot out there are very careful and conscious of where their bullets go,” Tubbs said, “but there will always be a few who won’t be so careful.”

Tubbs said he is uneasy now about his children being outside when people are shooting at the range.

“I told them if they hear people down there to come inside,” Tubbs said. “I don’t know what else to do.”

The Clarendon Board of Aldermen has called a meeting for Monday, December 30, at 7 p.m. to discuss closing the range.

“It looks like one person is going to ruin it for everybody,” Sheriff Butch Blackburn said, “Now it appears the city is going to outlaw it, and we will enforce it.”

According to Alderman Janice Knorpp, the opinion of the board seems to be that the range should not continue to operate.

“It should be closed,” she said. “It’s a wonder no one was killed.”

Tubbs is anxious for some change to be made quickly.

“Something needs to be done soon,” Tubbs said. “I appreciate the support the city council has given me, and I know they will do the right thing.”

Clarendon city officials took further action to clean up property around town last week.

During a public hearing on December 12, city aldermen questioned Isaac Huvall about his property at 502 S. Bond Street, on which several complaints had been made.

Huvall told the board he didn’t really understand what the problem was. He said he keeps about ten percent of his property wild for quail and dove that live in the area. He also keeps aluminum cans for recycling and admitted that high winds sometimes blow the cans about the neighborhood.

“I’ve got them cleaned up now, and they [the cans] are up against the house,” Huvall said.

“People want the cans gone,” Alderman Janice Knorpp responded.

Huvall told the board that he takes the cans to be recycled “about once a year,” but city officials said that wasn’t enough. Alderman Mark White agreed and said the city has a duty to perform.

“We have the ordinances to keep the city in order, and they have to be enforced,” White said. “The cans need to be moved.”

Later in the board’s regular meeting, the aldermen found Huvall in violation of the Nuisance Ordinance and voted unanimously to order Huvall to clear his property of cans and inoperable machinery within 30 days.

Aldermen also discussed an abandoned house at 316 E. Sixth Street. City Secretary Linda Smith said the owners of the property had indicated they did not care what happened to the property. The board voted to begin the legal steps necessary to demolish the structure.

In other city business, Lynn Coats with GreenLight Gas presented information to the board concerning a proposed rate increase. The board will consider this matter further at a called meeting on December 30.

Loy Davis requested permission to place three doublewide homes on property he owns on Seventh Street between Leroy and Johns. The aldermen voted to allow two doublewides on the property and said the alley should be left open.

The board approved a proposal for a holiday greetings ad in The Clarendon Enterprise.

A budget resolution to amend the 2002-03 municipal budget by $12,000 was discussed and approved.

City Superintendent Jim Roberts reported that the new trash truck and new backhoe should be delivered in the next two months. He gave the board information on a Texas Department of Transportation grant which might pay to fence off the airport, and Roberts also reported that the Donley County Sheriff’s Office had requested stop signs be erected on Jefferson Street at the Third Street intersection. The board approved the request.

Smith reported that traffic fines levied by the sheriff’s office had dropped off from 23 in September to nine in October and five in November.

David Pitts reported that the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department has applied for grant in the amount of $54,000 from the Texas Forest Service. The money would be used to for a new brush truck, which would also serve as a new rescue vehicle.

AUSTIN – Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs today urged Texas producers to be on the lookout for the 2002 Census of Agriculture surveys, which will be mailed Dec. 16, and to promptly fill out the report forms on behalf of their operations.

“Watch for a large white envelope with the words 2002 Census of Agriculture printed in green on the outside. This is definitely not junk mail – this is the largest information-gathering project for agriculture, and we need producers across Texas to put pen to paper and be counted among the nation’s farmers and ranchers,” Combs said.

Farm and ranch organizations use Census data to evaluate and propose programs that help producers. Policymakers refer to the data when they draft agricultural legislation. State and local governments use the information for rural development planning, while researchers use the data to develop new technologies to keep agriculture progressive.

“It’s a chance for farmers and ranchers to shape the way agricultural policies meet the changing needs of today’s producer,” Combs said. “The information comes straight from the source – the producer.”

Not only is it in the best interest of producers to fill out the survey, U.S. law requires a response from all producers who receive a Census report, even if they did not operate a farm or ranch in 2002. This same law also guarantees that their information is kept strictly confidential. Completed forms are due by Feb. 3, 2003.

The Census of Agriculture is conducted once every five years and gathers information about land use and ownership, acres irrigated, crop acreage and quantities harvested, livestock and poultry inventories, value of products sold, participation in federal farm programs and more. New to the 2002 Census will be questions on computer and Internet use and on new commodities such as bison, elk, llamas, deer, emus and ostriches.

For more information, visit the National Agricultural Statistics Service web site at www.usda.gov/nass or call (888) 4AG-STAT.

By Carrie Helms, Clarendon Enterprise

A new service being set up in Donley County will provide a valuable service to elderly residents and shut-ins, according to Judge Jack Hall.

The “Are You Okay?” system is currently being set up through the Donley County Sheriff’s Department. Once established, residents who request the service will be called daily by a computer to check on their well being.

Senior citizens, shut-ins, or the parents of latchkey children can choose the time of day the computer will call. If there is no answer, the computer will call back. If there is still no answer or the person picks up the phone but does not speak, the computer system will alert the dispatcher at the sheriff’s office.

“I think this will benefit senior citizens and homebound residents in our county,” Hall said. “It will be an extra method for them to have contact with EMS and medical personnel, and it will be added assurance and piece of mind to them and their families.”

Hall found out about the “Are You Okay?” service during a meeting of the Northern Rolling Plains Resource Conservation & Development (NRPRCD) board this summer. Perryton Police Chief Bobby W. Maness gave a presentation on the program at that meeting.

“[Chief Maness] from Perryton has said he will come down here and help us get it set up,” Hall said.

The computer, which will be located at the sheriff’s office, is on order as is the software, which is produced by Northland Innovation Corp. in Minneapolis, Minn.  None of the equipment or software will be paid for with local tax dollars.

The computer equipment is being purchased through the TIF grant, which was awarded to the Donley County Community Network earlier this year. Clarendon College is serving as the fiscal agent for the TIF grant. The county had to come up with $408 for the match on its share of the grant, but that amount was more than covered by a supplemental grant from the NRPRCD in the amount of $500.

The “Are You Okay?” software will be paid for by a $3,500 grant from the David & Nora Payne Foundation in Pampa.

“This isn’t going to cost us anything other than the time and a little bit of effort,” Hall said.

When the system becomes operational early next year, Donley County will be one of only a few Panhandle communities to provide the service. Hall said the only communities in our area that he knows are currently providing the service are Perryton, Dalhart, Hereford, and Plainview.

Hall credited Sheriff Butch Blackburn for helping bring the new system to Donley County.

“The sheriff and his willingness to work with this program is what has made this possible,” Hall said.

More information about the “Are You Okay?” system will be published when the system becomes operational early next year.

Local residents and people in other small towns are now being represented by a new organization created to become a strong voice for rural Texas.

The City of Clarendon recently became a member of the Association of Rural Communities in Texas (ARCIT), which will be working for towns west of I-35, according to Mayor Tex Selvidge.

“We feel like it would be beneficial to Clarendon and other small towns to have one voice for rural communities,” Selvidge said.

ARCIT was initially formed in response to the creation of the Office of Rural Community Affairs.  The new state agency will be monitored by ARCIT to ensure State and Federal funds designed for rural areas end up in rural areas.  As the association grows, its membership will direct the board and staff as to other state agencies they would like ARCIT to monitor and advocate for rural issues.

Eligible entities include cities under 50,000 and counties under 200,000. Also eligible to join are economic development corporations and utility district, that serve those areas.

ARCIT will act as an advocate for rural communities during the upcoming 78th Legislative Session.  The organization is governed by an eleven-member board and has about 200 members.

High Spring City manager George Fite is president. 

“At a recent House Committee Hearing discussing rural issues, thirteen State Agency Directors were in attendance, and ARCIT was the only voice there to represent the rural cities and counties,” said Fite.  “We intend to be a strong voice for Rural Texas.”

To learn more, visit arcit.org.

LUBBOCK – Some ag producers believe the new farm bill will simplify their marketing options, choices, and decisions.  That may not be the case, according to a Texas A&M economist.

“The new farm bill does provide an enhanced income safety net.  But that doesn’t mean your marketing decisions will be any easier… in fact, marketing may become more complicated,” said Jackie Smith, Texas Cooperative Extension economist based in Lubbock.  “The methods we use to attain the best cash price haven’t changed, but a portion of our income safety net is now market dependent.”

The new farm bill includes a counter cyclical producer payment that is directly tied to market prices.  That payment will be highest when market prices are lowest, but it may not be there at all when market prices improve.

“That’s what makes marketing plans and methods so important to producers operating under the new farm bill.  Learning how to manage farm bill provisions/options such as the counter cyclical payment should be an integral part of your marketing plan,” Smith added. “Educating producers on these options and helping them develop strategies to reduce price risk is a key goal of the instructors in our next series of Master Marketing classes.”

The first of four 2003 Master Marketer Program sessions begins on January 22, 2003.  The registration deadline for this in-depth intensive marketing and risk management education program is January 7, 2003.

Participants will learn how to identify and evaluate marketing opportunities and then design and follow through with sound marketing plans.

Master Marketer training pays direct dividends to the bottom line.  A recent survey suggests past participants were able to increase their average annual gross revenues from three to ten percent, or about $30,000 each, simply by applying their new-found marketing skills and knowledge, Smith said.

Master Marketers learn from top industry and university professionals, who apply case study examples and simulation exercises in the classroom.  The 64-hour curriculum is offered in four, two-day sessions held every two weeks.

Registration costs $250 per person, plus a commitment to work with your county agent back home to try to start a marketing club.  Anyone interested should register as soon as possible.  The first two times the class was offered in Lubbock, it filled up before the deadline, Smith said.

Checks or money orders for registration should be payable to the Texas Extension Education Foundation.  Enrollment for the 2003 Master Marketer Program in Lubbock may be limited, so prompt registration is recommended, Smith said.

Registration fees pay only a small portion of the program’s cost.  Grants from Extension partners such as the Texas Corn Producers Board, Texas Wheat Producers Association, Texas Farm Bureau, the Cotton State Support Committee, and agribusiness also help fund the training.

Texans can get registration forms or information on the Master Marketers Program by calling Smith at 806-746-6101, or the local county Extension office.

By Cheryl Johnson, Clarendon Enterprise

Donley County will celebrate the second annual Old Fashioned Christmas on Saturday in Clarendon. The event is sponsored by the Donley County Tourism Council.

The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with the Breakfast with the Star at the Community Fellowship Church.  Participants will enjoy breakfast at the church, hear a story, sing songs, and make crafts.  Adults and children are invited to attend.

Santa will join the festivities at Cornell’s Country Store from 10 a.m. to noon and then at Janie’s Beauty Shop from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Children can have their picture taken with Santa at either location.

Downtown merchants and business around town will hold special sales at 10:00 that morning.

The Family Treasure Hunt will also begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Burton Memorial Library. Children can pick up their map at the library and visit each merchant for a special treasure.  The hunt will continue until noon. The library will also host a cookie walk from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

The Friends of the Library will provide come and go child sitting services for ages 3 and up at the library while parents shop in Clarendon from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The kids will enjoy story time and crafts.  The service is free but donations will be accepted to benefit the Children’s Story Time.

A Charity Tree Forest display will be at the Downtown Ministries Building from 10:00 to 1:00. Businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to purchase a tree, decorate it, and then donate it to an organization or individual of their choice.

Nightwinder will be providing entertainment at the Downtown Ministries Buildling from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Praise Band will play at 1:00 at the Ministries Building followed by Barbara Collins at 3:00.

A Country Christmas Extravaganza craft show, cake walk, face painting, and concessions will be open to the public at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Gym.  KEFH will hold a live remote broadcast from the location. The cake walk starts at 1 p.m.  Hay rides will ferry shoppers from downtown to the craft show.

Exhibitors are lining up to share their wares at this annual event.  Baked goods, candies, Christmas ornaments, collectibles, candles, sterling jewelry, sand art, Watkins products, home décor, metal sculpture, glass jewelry, western crafts, and cosmetics are among some of the items available. Door prizes are being offered.

It is still possible to reserve a space to rent a booth space.  For information, contact the Extension Service at 874-2141.

The Clarendon College Nursing School in downtown Clarendon will hold a bake and craft show Saturday morning. They will also give free blood pressure checks.

Poor Boy’s Antiques will host an Art and Quilt Show from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The day will end at the Community Center for the Saints’ Roost Museum annual Christmas Party.  The dinner begins at 7:30 followed by dancing until 12:30 a.m.  Tickets are $50 per couple, and a drawing will be held for $5,000.  Tickets are available at Henson’s.

A 30-block seal coat plan by the City of Clarendon has been put on indefinite hold following last Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, in which city officials discussed exploring a larger, more extensive paving project.

Aldermen voted unanimously to accept Gene Barber’s final engineering report for the seal coat plan and to explore other options for paving.

Seal coating existing streets was originally referred to as Phase I of a future paving project, but board consultant Colby Waters said the expense of engineering Phase I wasn’t wasted.

“After viewing Phase I, we realized that it was not going to help us,” Waters said. “We could have spent $500,000 on seal coating and not really been any better off. It showed us that we need a more comprehensive plan.”

Alderman Janice Knorpp said the consensus of the board is to definitely get something done about the streets but to do it right.

“We are going to do this properly,” Knorpp said. “We want to look at curb and gutter and hot mix. We need curb and gutter to control the water flow and to help maintain the streets.”

The new plan is still in the early stages as the city explores what it would take to pave and curb streets throughout Clarendon and how such a project might be financed.

In other city business last week, the aldermen discussed the possibility of hiring a city administrator.

“We’re just running in circles,” Knorpp said, referring to the city’s goals and projects. “We need to do this [hire an administrator].”

Alderman Michael Tibbets raised concerns regarding how to pay for an administrator and expressed his desire to maintain the city’s reserve funds. Currently the city has enough money in reserve to operate for three months with no income.

“I would be against going below three months,” Tibbets said. “In fact, I’m not sure three months is enough, but we should never go below that level.”

Alderman Mark White answered Tibbets with a question: “So we never better ourselves?”

Mayor Tex Selvidge pointed out that the city had actually budgeted for a city administrator salary for the last couple of years, although that line item was removed from the current budget. He said the money the city usually puts into reserve could be used to cover an administrator.

The board also discussed ways an administrator could pay for himself through grant writing, increasing efficiency, and identifying cost savings.

Mayor Selvidge directed city officials to identify money in this year’s budget which might pay for an administrator and asked aldermen to bring all their questions about the position to the January board meeting for further discussion.

Also on the city’s agenda last week, Brent Wheeler of GreenLight Gas addressed the board regarding the regulation of natural gas rates in the city. He said the city currently governs those rates but could by ordinance release that authority to the Texas Railroad Commission. The aldermen voted to retain their authority.

A pole attachment agreement with AEP-West Texas Utilities was discussed. For the first time ever, the electric company is going to charge the city for the electricity used by the Christmas decorations on the streetlights downtown. The cost will be more than $200 for the season. Aldermen expressed their outrage at the meeting but had no choice but to accept the agreement.

The budget for 2002-2003 was amended to consider employee pay raises.