News

Temperatures may be dropping soon, but the extreme fire danger remains hot throughout the Texas Panhandle. Until the region receives significant rainfall, Texas Forest Service Assistant Chief Fire Coordinator Les Rogers says, “it’s just too dangerous to burn.”

A lack of rain coupled with a heavy fuel load of unseasonably dry grass and shrubs and harvested cornfields have left the Panhandle and its residents vulnerable as extreme fire danger continues to threaten the area. And as the season’s fronts begin to move through the region, fire officials are concerned about the lightning and gusty winds they often produce.

“Fires are burning quickly and intensely in this dry, heavy vegetation. And with gusting winds, fires, whether caused by lightning or humans, are quickly creating dangerous conditions for firefighters,” Rogers said. “I know we can’t stop lightning, but it’s critical for personal safety and that of firefighters that the public do what it can to prevent any accidental or human-caused fires.”

On September 19, a cigarette ignited a fire in Dallam County that consumed ten acres and threatened an affluent neighborhood, said Dalhart Fire Marshal Tom Morris.

The fire was burning through an open field that led up to the housing district. Fortunately for residents, Morris said, an alley separated the houses from burning field.

“The alley helped us stop the fire,” he said. “We were able to cut it off before it reached the houses.”

While Dallam County has seen an increase in fire activity, many regions of the Panhandle have not had the same problem, something Childress Fire Chief Steve Jones credits to the responsible actions of the public.

“People have been real careful,” Jones said. “But just because the temperatures are cooler, I don’t want people to think the danger is over.”

Rogers urges Panhandle residents to continue to keep up their guard and offers these tips: Light no open fires, including burn barrels and campfires; Comply with county burn bans; Extinguish cigarettes in vehicle ashtrays, not out the window or on the ground; Avoid driving or parking in tall grass where hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation; When welding or using metal grinding equipment outside, select a clear area or wet down the work area and keep a fire extinguisher handy; Use caution when operating or repairing harvesting equipment.

A county burn ban continues to be in effect in Donley County. Commissioners will consider extending the ban when the court meets next Monday.

On Tuesday, October 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center, nationally recognized author and business consultant Don Taylor will speak to the general public on the subject of “Street Smart Financial Management.”  He will share tips on how small business owners can keep more of the money they make.

A year ago Donley County residents identified economic development as the top issue facing citizens of this county.  This is the third in a series of four seminars which Don Taylor has presented to assist citizens and business owners in creating a more profitable environment for themselves as well as their community.

Attendees will learn twelve financial “must knows;” constructing a well-built financial house; five financial tools that will keep you out of trouble; new methods for managing margins for greater income; understanding and calculating true costs of doing business; and what your banker really needs to see before saying “yes” to your loan request.

Recent research indicates that the typical business owner handles hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and yet most earn less than $50,000 annually.  To gain insight on what the top 10 percent do, join Mr. Taylor for strategies to achieve a bigger bottom line.

“Street Smart Financial Management” is sponsored by the Clarendon-Donley County Chamber of Commerce, Clarendon College, and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service of Donley County.  To reserve a space at the seminar or for more information, contact the Donley County Extension Service at 874-2141.

Rarely is an artist discovered with the varied and eye-catching abilities of Jimmy Vonn Carter, aka J’Vonn of Amarillo.  Here is an artist who can pour himself into any environment, from western to old world to contemporary, and produce works of outstanding quality.

“It is both a thrill and a challenge,” says J’Vonn of his recent acceptance into the Taos art community. 

According to the Summer 2000 issue of High Country magazine, “Taos is where art began in New Mexico some 100 years ago.  Today there are over 80 galleries showing the works of more than 1000 artists,” Mr. Carter adds.  “Competition is fierce, especially when you look at those numbers.  I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to show there.  After all, Taos is one of the top five art destinations in the United States.”

Jimmy is the son of Clarendon resident, Mrs. Clara Mae Carter.  Born and raised locally, he has always expressed himself through works of art since a small child.  His interest and talent was apparent at an early age.  He sketched literally everything he saw on every type of paper he could find.  The son of a farmer, he was often discouraged to “quit wasting his time and get to work.”  But farm life managed only to show him more of the wonder and beauty of God’s creation and deepened his longing to share that with others.  This was his calling.

After graduating from Clarendon High School and attending Clarendon College, he received his BS in Art at West Texas State University and continued developing and refining unique techniques for expressing his passion for art.  His professional life provided him with extensive US and international travel and additional creative challenges to turn into successes.

While managing and/or supporting internationally known musical artists Red Stegall, Reba McEntire, Johnny Duncan, Neal McCoy, and Charley Pride for almost 20 years, he was also establishing himself as an artist of noteworthy respect through commercial art, advertising, (winner of several Addy Awards), specialty designs, and private commissions. 

He has garnered art awards at jured events over the years and was cited for excellence by the National Fair Buyers Association.  In fact, the consensus of Fair Managers across the country regarding his representations of musicians was that, “Mr. Carter should clone himself and represent every entertainer in the industry.”  He has always given everything in his being to the project at hand.  And that is certainly true of his art.

Through extensive study of a particular subject and sincere empathy, he is able to immerse himself in the subject’s environment, mingle, and emerge with a greater understanding of its purpose, direction, and personality, all of which is poured out onto his canvas and beyond.  J’Vonn holds back nothing and realizes no boundaries.  You will find his unusual trademark – art overflowing the frame – intriguing.  This is a deeper expression of his yearning to unite subject with observer.  His artwork “steps” into your life.  This is definitive of his entire life, which he has always embraced with great enthusiasm.  When in his presence, his enthusiasm becomes yours.

His paintings and specialty finishes can be found on residential and commercial doors, fireplaces, walls, floors, ceilings, carvings, furniture, almost any surface.  His first love is for furniture that becomes not only a beautiful work of art, but maintains it functionality. 

While his life has always been very structured and disciplined, his art definitely is not.  Art is the one area where he maintains complete freedom and makes good use of it.  All types of mediums are used; a canvas is literally anything that doesn’t move.  Depth, texture, and antiquity are combined with a dimensional quality to bring about full involvement of all the senses.  You experience his work.  Not only does it express emotion; you are compelled to reach out and touch it, feel it, connect with it, and sense it.

Yet, while he is a highly respected artist, genuine humility permeates his persona.  He considers his talents and creativity on loan from God; he is His tool.  His art expresses his love for God’s marvelous creation and ingenious inventiveness.  Jimmy is astounded by the simple beauty of such things as a stone up close, the grain in wood, the colors of life and death of the forest, plus breathtaking sunsets.  God has shown His love for mankind by providing such beauty in natures and Jimmy’s only desire is to be a worthy representative of God’s attention to detail.  J’Vonn just brings it closer to us.

You can experience his art at Treasures of Taos Art Gallery, as well as exhibits in the historic LaFonda Hotel Lobby, both on the Plaza in downtown Taos. 

His work is also on display at the Taos Country Club and locally at Arden’s of Amarillo in Wolflin Plaza. 

If you would like more information on where to find additional works, you may call (806) 355-1204.

The Clarendon High School all-school reunion was held September 22 – 24 this year.

The CHS exes kicked off the Homecoming weekend with the Bronco pep rally at the stadium. There was a great turn out, and the theme was “Back in Time.” The parade of wagons depicted scenes from the 50s to 2000. Kids from Kindergarten to the senior class went to a lot of work to make these floats.

Tommy Shields, member of the 1972 Broncho State Final team, from Sherman introduced the guest speaker – Clyde Noonkester who coached the ’72 Bronchos. They both had some great reflections, and lots of reminiscing and laughter was enjoyed by everyone in the large crowd.

The Mexican Pile-On supper, sponsored by the Bronco Band Boosters, was very good and well attended by the exes.

Registering, purchasing football tickets, getting name tags, and lots of visiting occurred in front of the old College-CHS gym prior to the Bronco kick off.

The crowd of exes at the game was unbelievable. Getting reacquainted and a lot of trying to see who all was there happened behind the stands. The night was topped off by a victory for the Broncos against the Booker Kiowas. Courtney Newhouse, daughter of CHS alum Mike Newhouse, was crowned Homecoming Queen. The Bronco Band’s performance was great also. Immediately following the game, approximately 300 exes met at the Community Center and enjoyed snacks and the music of KEFH radio.

Saturday morning there was registration and coffee and donuts at JAMZ (where some of us used to have a Pud burger). It was good to see some of our ex-teachers again. We visited with Nova Mears Little, Pauline Heath Hardin, Coach Jack James, Coach Tom Jinks, Coach Clyde Noonkester, Joan Noonkester, Coach Bob Lemons, Ethelyn Grady, Helen Estlack, and Johnny Leathers. It was great to see them, and we hope there will be more teachers next time.

Saturday night, about 260 exes enjoyed steak dinners at the Bar H Dude Ranch. Background music was provided by Jay Riley of Pampa and Patrick Robertson of KEFH radio. Gift certificates were given to some special people for the following: Oldest Class Represented – Kathleen Yankie, a free ticket to the Sandell Drive-In (Anyone caught hiding in the trunk would be asked to leave!); Youngest Class Represented – Gina Smith Gaines, two tickets to the Mulkey Theater (Good only on Tuesday – bargain night!); the Teacher Certificate – Coach Jack James, $5 worth of gas at Price’s Truck Stop (at 29¢ per gallon); the Longest Distance Traveled – Steve Richardson, a free oil change from Palmer Ford Motor Co.; the Ex-Student Living in Donley County the Longest – Kathleen Yankie, one flu shot from the Adair Hospital.

The organizers of the reunion hope everyone had as much fun as they did seeing the event come together for Homecoming 2000. Your attendance is what made this such a success.

If you know of anyone who didn’t attend, tell them how much fun you had and encourage them to be here with us next time.

By Leon  Church, County Agent

Several 4-H members from Donley County recently participated in the Tri- State Fair, South Plains Fair in Lubbock, and the Texas State Fair in Dallas. 

Exhibiting swine at the Tri-State Fair were Christine Jordan, Justin and Lauryn Kellas, and Kalli Sawyer.  The young people did very well in their respective classes and were awarded the Herdsmanship award for having the most attractive display and keeping their exhibit area clean and neat.  This is a very prestigious award as it recognizes young people for their work and their pride in the exhibit they have taken to the fair. 

Christine, Lauryn, and Kalli also took swine to the South Plains fair in Lubbock.  Kalli’s Berk gilt was awarded Reserve Champion in the Black Other Purebred division.  This week Kalli Sawyer exhibited her Duroc gilt in Dallas at the Texas State Fair; she place sixth with the gilt, which was shown Sunday, October 1.

Paul Goetze and Trisha Church exhibited their beef projects at the recently completed Tri-State Fair.  Paul showed his Hereford heifer in the Junior Heifer Class and was awarded second place.  Trisha showed her two exotic crossbred steers which ended up in the same class.  The class was made up of 13 steers weighing 875 to 905 pounds.  One of her steers placed first, and the other placed fifth. 

All of these young people represented Donley County well.  We should all be proud of the work these youth do to develop responsibility and animal husbandry. 

A special thanks and recognition goes out to Raymond Woodard of Hedley.  Raymond is the 4-H Swine project leader, who has taken these young swine exhibitors to the shows and looks forward to working with all other 4-H youth in the swine project.

A band of thieves distracted a local merchant and stole more than $2,000 worth of merchandise last week.

Terri Floyd of Every Nook and Cranny said a group of three men and three women passed by her store on Kearney Street last Wednesday afternoon and looked in the windows while she was helping some customers.

“I noticed them looking inside, but then they walked on down the street,” Floyd said.

When the customers left at about 3 p.m., the group of six came back, and Floyd said she could tell something wasn’t right.

“I just felt like they were going to do something; I didn’t know what,” she said.

One of the group said they were from Pampa, and another said they were “just passing through.” That didn’t bother Floyd too much as several tourists had been in the shop that day. But some of the group did behave oddly, by staring at the shopkeeper to keep her on edge.

One of the women brought an $8 candle to the counter and asked Floyd to wrap it, which meant she had to go to the back of the store.

“I just grabbed a bag and some tissue paper and came right back to the front,” Floyd said.

At that point four of the people went out the door while the others visited with the shopkeeper. When they left, Floyd immediately noticed two watches missing and went to the door. She said two of the people got in a champagne colored SUV, and the others got in another vehicle. The SUV didn’t have a front tag, so she was unable to get a license number.

The entire hit had taken less than ten minutes, Floyd said.  She called the sheriff’s office at 3:15 and then called other local merchants to alert them.

After doing an inventory, the store lost an estimated $2,300 worth of merchandise in jewelry, cologne, and accessories.

“We’ve had a few things taken in the past, but we have never had a hit like this,” she said. “We’re prepared now with emergency phone numbers and will have more staff in the store.”

The theft was particularly hard since the business, formerly known as The Nook, had been closed for 2½ months for remodeling. Floyd said they had just been re-opened for a week and a half when the robbery occurred.

The same group of people were spotted in Poor Boy’s Antiques and were reportedly seen on the sidewalk near Henson’s.

No other business has reported being shoplifted by this group, but authorities are hoping that someone saw them. All six were Hispanic in appearance and in their mid 30s. They all appeared to be very clean cut.

Chief Deputy Butch Blackburn said the sheriff’s office alerted Memphis and Claude to watch for the thieves’ vehicle to no avail.

Teletypes were sent to all law enforcement agencies in the Panhandle to see if any other community had either seen the thieves or if there were any other reports of the same modus operandi. As of Monday afternoon, there had been no response to the teletypes.

All local businesses should be aware of this tactic and watch for it.

If anyone saw this band of criminals, please call the Donley County Sheriff’s Office at 874-3533.

By Paula K. Davis, Clarendon Enterprise

The Ericksdahl Cattle Co. wagon from Stamford was the first place winner in the overall cooking category at the sixth annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff last Saturday.

Twelve wagons were scheduled to compete at the event

 
Page Riggs of Stamford cooks up chicken fried steaks at the Ericksdahl Cattle Co. Wagon last Saturday during the sixth annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff in Clarendon. In back, Jay Hager batters up the next batch of steaks. The wagon won the best overall cooking award.
Enterprise Digital Photo
 
 held at the Saints’ Roost Museum, but only ten wagons showed up.

“One of the reasons for the decrease of wagons is the dry weather that is taking place in Texas,” said museum board member Janet Cooper.

The drought meant some wagon owners could not afford to make the trip. Pre-sold tickets for wagons that didn’t show were honored by other wagons and at the Chamber of Commerce’s concession booth.

The event was considered a success, and the afternoon turnout was very good thanks in part to the homecoming reunions for Clarendon High School alumni.

“The turnout was great, and a lot of people came out to eat and enjoy the events,” said Billy Joe McFall, head cook of the McFall Wagon.

The all-day affair was kicked-off with breakfast provided by the Chamber of Commerce, and entertainment was provided throughout the day by local and area talent. A Western trade show was also held on the museum grounds, and museum tours were provided by members of the Clarendon High School Junior Historians.

For their first place overall cooking award, the owners of the Ericksdahl wagon took home $400. Second place went to the J Bar D Wagon from Amarillo, and third place went to last year’s winner, the Darsey Wagon of McLean. The Noble Wagon of Wayland and the McFall Wagon from Pampa tied for fourth place.

The Darsey Wagon won the best wagon and camp award. Second place went to the McFall Wagon, and the Wild Cow Ranch Wagon of Fritch was third. Ericksdahl and B Bar S tied for fourth.

Other results were as follows: Best Meat – 1) Noble Wagon, 2) Ericksdahl Cattle Co., 3) Carrita De Gallo Wagon of Clovis, NM, 4) Weems Cattle Co. of Amarillo; Best Beans – 1) Wild Cow Ranch, 2) Darsey Wagon, 3) McFall Wagon, 4) Carrita De Gallo; Best Bread – 1) Darsey Wagon, 2) J Bar D Wagon, 3) Noble Wagon, 4) Ericksdahl; Best Dessert – 1) J Bar D Wagon, 2) Ericksdahl, 3) Wild Cow Ranch, and 4) McFall Wagon.

To be able to compete in the Chuckwagon cookoff, wagons had to be historically correct, authentically restored, or authentic replicas. Rubber-tired wagons and iron-wheeled farm wagons were not allowed.

The wagons had to be equipped with a complete brake system, a spring seat had to be mounted on the wagon, and a complete wooden tongue assembly also had to be present.

Wagons had to have one set of team harness displayed on the tongue, four or five wooden wagon bows mounted on the wagon, and an old style chuckbox and toolbox. The campsite appearance had to be authentic, and the cooks had to dress historically correct. All food had to be cooked over wood-burning fires.

Cookoff trail boss Judi Synek said the event had great support from the community, and she expressed her appreciation for everyone who attended or had anything to do with the success of the cookoff.

A two-vehicle collision west of Clarendon sent four people, including one local man, to the hospital last Thursday, September 21.

According to the Department of Public Safety, a red Honda driven by 42-year-old James Taylor of Lawton, Okla., was westbound on US 287 when Bill Mooring of Clarendon attempted to cross the highway en route to FM 1260 at approximately 3:50 p.m. Taylor’s vehicle struck Mooring’s GMC truck in the passenger side, trapping the Oklahoma man and his family in the car.

“Mr. Mooring said he didn’t see the car coming,” DPS Cpl. Chad Grange said Monday.

Emergency personnel used the Jaws of Life to rescue Taylor, his 39-year-old wife Patricia, and his 19-year-old son Jeremy.

Mrs. Taylor was airlifted to Northwest Texas Hospital. The other three persons in the wreck were transported to Northwest Texas by the Associated Ambulance Authority.

Grange said everyone was wearing safety belts, and Mooring was issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way.

Mooring was treated and released from the hospital. DPS didn’t know the Taylors’ condition at press time.

Increasing prices and a regulatory ruling have caused the City of Clarendon to scale back a project to replace water lines in the west central part of town.

The city had received a $248,034 Community Development grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Urban Development to install more than 9,600 feet of PVC water lines.

Dwight Brandt of Brandt Engineering in Amarillo is the city’s engineer for the project. He said the TNRCC has reinterpreted a guideline in such a way that replacement water lines must be at least nine feet from existing sewer lines.

Local alleys are supposed to be 20 feet wide, and some of the sewer lines in question do not run in a straight line down the center. Also, some residents have fences that are technically in the alleyway. It was therefore not possible to get the required nine-foot space for the line.

Brandt told the Enterprise that the issues with the sewer lines, coupled with an increase in prices and pavement repair costs on Koogle Street (which is a state highway), led to the project being scaled back.

September 19, Clarendon Aldermen approved changes in the water line plans in a called board meeting. Four-inch PVC lines that were to run in the alleys between Third and Fourth streets from Koogle to Parks and between Fourth and Fifth streets between Koogle and Parks were removed from the plans.

The changes have been sent to the state for approval, and Brandt says the city is probably about two months away from bidding the job. He felt like the number of residents that will benefit from the project would not change very much since some water lines are being looped together.

An organizational meeting for a proposed Donley County Wildlife Association will be held Thursday, October 12, 2000, at the Bar H Dude Ranch.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m., and the only cost is $7.50 for the meal.

Scott Hohensee, wildlife biologist and owner of the local Terra Rosa Ranch, will conduct the meeting, which is hosted by the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce.

Alan Heirman of Albany will be the featured speaker for the evening. He has organized similar associations in Shackelford, Throckmorton, and Young counties and is employed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Mr. Heirman will discuss the success of the Shackelford County Wildlife Association, some of their activities, and how they help benefit landowners who have a common interest in the wildlife on their property. He will also discuss how the association helps landowners manage their property better for the benefit of wildlife.

The association will be open to anyone interested in wildlife.

In related news, the chamber of commerce officials are looking into producing a video to promote Donley County’s wildlife to hunters and birders. Another proposed video would promote local motels, restaurants, Greenbelt Lake, local schools, Clarendon College, and the Saints’ Roost Museum.

Those planning to attend the October 12 meeting should RSVP to the Bar H Dude Ranch at 874-2634.