News

An evening wreck near Clarendon sent two people to the hospital after an RV ran into a semi-truck last Friday.

 
This RV came to rest just a few feet from the BNSF railway about a mile west of Clarendon after it collided with a semi-truck late Friday night.
Enterprise Digital Photo.
 
The RV, driven by 74-year-old Alice Milner of Lake Dallas, Texas, was westbound in the right-hand lane of US 287 about 0.4 mile west of Clarendon. At the same time, Ronald Joe Bulger of Quiln, Missouri, was driving the semi-truck in the left-hand lane, passing Milner.

According to a Department of Public Safety official, Milner began to pull into the left-hand lane to turn around and come back to town when she ran into the semi-truck at approximately 8:42 p.m. The RV ran off the highway, coming to rest a few feet from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks.

Milner was transported by ambulance to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo where she was listed in stable condition, DPS Trooper Chris Ward said. Milner’s passenger, 67-year-old Bobbye Riney of Lake Dallas, was not injured.

Bulger was also uninjured, but his 22-year-old daughter, Melissa Bulger, suffered minor injuries. She was transported to Northwest Texas Hospital where she was treated and released.

A citation was issued to Milner for unsafe passing, Ward said.

The county food pantry had to turn away a family seeking help for the first time last week.

A sharp influx of people needing help has nearly tapped out the resources of both the local and area food banks, according to Robbie Hill, Center Coordinator of Panhandle Community Services.
 
“We have just about depleted our food bank,” Hill said. “It’s just taking more for people to live now between bills, sending their kids back to school, and the high price of gasoline.”

Last week, a family of eight came by Hill’s local office and were told they would have to wait a week before they could receive any assistance. Hill said that was the first time in more than ten years that the food pantry could not help someone.

The First United Methodist Church stepped in last week and has the pantry ready for the rest of the month, she said.

“The help from the Methodist Church has just been superb.”

Local community members have reportedly donated about $400 worth of canned goods to the food pantry and 48 ten-pound bags of chicken leg quarters have been donated. Hill also said B&R Thriftway has been very helpful.

“The way this town has responded has just been a blessing.”

But despite last week’s donations, Hill said more is needed if the pantry is to last until year’s end.

“There is just a bigger need now,” she said. “We’ve had triple the requests for assistance as we did this time last year.”

The Panhandle Community Services / Donley County Food Pantry serves 25 to 50 families each month, and last week they served 25 people in just one day. Hill said the food pantry is only used in emergency cases, and they have very few people come more than once.

The pantry receives funds from the county, and other local groups contribute annually also.

“The Lions Club pays for food baskets at Christmas, and the elementary school kids usually have a contest to see who can donate the most food. The Scouts also help us around Thanksgiving. But this year we’ve run out before those groups can help us.”

Items that are needed include canned goods (meat, vegetables, and fruit) rice, flour, dry beans, corn meal, sugar, tea, coffee, jelly, peanut butter, and two- or five-pound packages of frozen hamburger meat. Dry foods may also be purchased in bulk to be repackaged by Panhandle Community Services.

Bread and meats are reportedly the hardest items to get from the food bank in Amarillo.

“We can also use personal hygiene items,” Hill said, citing laundry soap, toothbrushes, and deodorant as examples.

To make a donation, send a check or money order to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 157, Clarendon, TX 79226. Checks should be earmarked or made payable to the Donley County Food Pantry. Donations can also be brought to the First United Methodist Church at 420 S. Jefferson or to the Panhandle Community Services Building at 416 S. Kearney.

Collection points for food items have been set up at the office of the Methodist Church, the Herring National Bank, and Panhandle Community Services.

If you have items you’d like to donate and would like them picked up, call the Methodist Church at 806-874-3667.

A town meeting will be held to discuss the development of nature and cultural tourism this Thursday, August 10, at 5 p.m. in the Bairfield Activity Center on the campus of Clarendon College.

Area residents are invited to attend and join in the effort to diversify the local economy by taking advantage of the area’s rich natural resources and Western heritage.

The meeting is being sponsored by the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce and the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation. Panhandle Tourism and Marketing Council President Joann Harwell and Texas Prairie Rivers Region President Remelle Farrar will lead the workshop.

Harwell and Farrar work with regional land and businesses owners to help identify and attract visitors to the assets in the community.

In 2000, tourism has become the largest industry in Texas.

Speaking to landowners in Canadian recently, Farrar said nature and cultural tourists are generally from larger cities, are well educated, and are well off.

“They spend an average of $50 per day per visitor on food and lodging and an additional $200 shopping on an average two-day visit.

“Our region offers exactly what they are looking for – a chance to experience nature, experience the ‘real West,’ and an escape from the stress and traffic with a return to the nostalgia of small town life.”

The Texas Prairie Rivers Regional Initiative began in Canadian last year. Farrar will explain the program and highlight some of the success it has seen in bringing visitors to the area, as well as developing programs that combine the goals of retaining the town’s traditional lifestyle, broadening the economic base, and providing a financial incentive for conservation.

One development that shows good potential for the region is the funding of a $750,000 project to extend the Great Texas Coasting Birding Trail into the Texas Panhandle.

The map and highway signage project, which brought $2 billion into the coastal economy its first year, was sponsored by Texas Prairie Rivers, developed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and funded by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Farrar will explain how Clarendon can capitalize on its position as a southern entry to the Texas Prairie Rivers Region.

Harwell, who has been a longtime proponent of the value of tourism to the Panhandle, is directing development of a tourism map project which will invite visitors to enjoy the historical, cultural, and natural highlights of the region through a series of “vacation trips” in the 26-county area.

The map will feature a historic ranch trail, Route 66 trail, and a nature trail. Plans are for an initial distribution of 350,000 maps. Harwell will explain how local people can join with the Panhandle Tourism and Marketing Council in this effort.

Everyone interested in seeing more dollars in the local economy is encouraged to attend this meeting.

By Cheryl Johnson, Clarendon Enterprise

Four local students recently received scholarships from the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation.

Hedley graduates Lowell Ellerbrook and Rachel Howard and Clarendon graduates Noel Devin and Lindy Helms received different scholarships for their participation at the UIL Academic State Meet and for compiling an outstanding record of academic and extracurricular achievement.

Lowell Ellerbrook and Rachel Howard each received a Robert A. Welch Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $12,800, payable $1,600 each semester for four years.  This year the Welch Foundation awarded a total of 20 grants to students who have participated in the University Interscholastic League Academic State Meet and who plan to major in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering.

Ellerbrook placed second in Science at the 1999 and 2000 UIL Academic State Meet.  He also competed and placed in Mathematics and Number Sense at the 1999 and 2000 State Meets.  He participated in UIL One Act Play, Editorial Writing, Football, Cross-Country, Baseball, Basketball, and Track throughout his high school career.  He was involved in Future Farmers of America, and National Honor Society and was Salutatorian of his graduating class.  He was active in the community through Boy Scouts of America and volunteer efforts.

Ellerbrook plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in Biochemistry. 

Howard competed in Science at the 1998, 1999, and 2000 UIL Academic State Meets, and was a member of the first place team in 2000.  She also participated in UIL One Act Play, Editorial Writing, Choir, and Basketball throughout high school.  She was National Honor Society President, Senior Class President, Business Professionals of America Area President, and Valedictorian of her graduating class.  She was active in the community through volunteer efforts.

Howard plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in Chemistry.

Noel Devin and Lindy Helms each received a Houston Endowment, Inc., Scholarship in the amount of $1,000, payable $500 each semester for the first year.  This year the Houston Endowment awarded  a total of 34 grants to students who have participated in the University Interscholastic League State Meet and who have an outstanding record of academic and extracurricular achievement.

Devin placed third in Editorial Writing and competed in Current Issues and Events at the 2000 UIL Academic State Meet.  She also participated in UIL Literary Criticism, One Act Play, Ready Writing, Golf, Band, and Solo and Ensemble competitions.  She was involved in National Honor Society, Yearbook, Spanish Club, and Student Council.  She was Valedictorian of her class and was active in the community through her various volunteer efforts.

Devin plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in History and Journalism.

Helms placed third in Feature Writing at the 2000 UIL Academic State Meet.  She participated in UIL News Writing, Editorial Writing, Cross-Country, Marching Band, and Solo and Ensemble competitions throughout her high school career.  She was involved in National Honor Society, Junior Historians, Yearbook Staff, and Texas Association of Future Educators and was active in the community through volunteer efforts.

Helms plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in Advertising/Journalism.

Clarendon College welcomed one new and one returning employee this week.

Dr. Jay Caldwell and Jewell Austin.
 
Dr. Jay Caldwell is the college’s new Dean of Students, and Jewell Austin has resumed her familiar position as CC’s librarian.

“It’s exciting to be back,” said Austin who had been the college’s librarian for two years before going to Frank Phillips College in Borger two years ago.

“I’d like to thank the community for their warm welcome.

“The president [Dr. Myles Shelton] has a clear vision for the college and for the library in particular,” she said, “and I wanted to be part of it.”

Austin grew up and graduated from high school in Memphis before getting a degree from Clarendon College. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s in Library Science from Texas Women’s University.

She is living in Clarendon now and has some plans for the library.

“We’re going to continue to incorporate technology in the library and do more library instruction to teach students how to use the library.”

Austin said the library will continue to have special programming for students and members of the community.

The CC Library is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday – Thursday; from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday; and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. Community members are welcome at the library and can call 806-874-3571 for more information.

Jay Caldwell brings 26-years of higher education experience to Clarendon College. He retired in January 1997 as the Vice President for Student Services at Rogers State University in Clairmore, Oklahoma. He also previously served in that same position at Panhandle State University.

Most recently he was a clinical director for Wilmont, Inc., which provides mental health services for nursing home residents.

“I’m looking forward to working with the students and faculty,” Caldwell said of his move to Clarendon College.

Caldwell’s wife, Willa Dean, is a faculty member at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and the couple has raised three sons.  He says he feels like he has “come home” with his new job.

“Education is where my heart is, and I believe especially in the community college. It gives young people a chance to see if college is for them, and it gives other people a second chance to have the life they want,” he said.

Caldwell grew up and graduated from high school in Tulsa, and he received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tulsa.

He earned a theology degree from Duke University and received master’s and doctorate degrees from Oklahoma State University.  He is also a licensed professional counselor.

CC President Myles Shelton said he was very pleased with the hiring of Austin and Caldwell.

“I think we have some outstanding people working for us,” he said. “Jewell is a proven individual and will be an invaluable asset as we move forward with plans for a new library.

“Dr. Caldwell comes to us having been both a Dean of Students and a Vice President of Student Affairs and has wealth of experience to help our students both in and out of the classroom.

“I’m proud to have both of them working for us.”

The Senate Committee on Redistricting and the House Committee on Redistricting of the Texas Legislature invite all interested parties to attend a public hearing in Lubbock on August 25. 

Public testimony will be taken regarding the redistricting process for Texas Senate, Texas House, congressional and Texas State Board of Education districts that the state legislature will undertake in the 2001 regular session.  Community organizations and individuals are encouraged to attend and offer input.

Donley County has been included in the Lubbock hearing region.

The Lubbock redistricting hearing will be held on Friday, August 25, 2000, at the International Cultural Center, 601 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock.  The hearing will begin at noon with invited testimony, including a status report from the census bureau officials.  Public testimony is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

The Senate Committee on Redistricting is co-chaird by Senators Troy Fraser of Horseshoe Bay and Mario Gallegos of Houston. The House Committee of Redistricting is chaired by Representative Delwin Jones of Lubbock.

The Hedley Aldermen met  August 3 at 7:10 p.m. and approved two ordinances during the meeting.

Ordinance No. 103 rezones all property which borders US 287 within the city limits of Hedley as Commercial Industrial.

Ordinance No. 104 establishes a service charge in the amount of $12 per month for residential sanitation services as $12 per month for residential sanitation service, $12 per month for each dumpster for commercial sanitation service, and $8 per month per connection for sewer service.

The board also set the rates for city-provided rural dumpsters at $65 per month and $35 per month for pick up and transport of Quail’s dumpsters where Collingsworth County provides the dumpsters and pays the landfill fees.

In other city business, Mark Roth and Dean Pfiff informed the board about the additions and improvements which have been made to Crow Hollow Feeders.

City Secretary Randy Shaw informed the aldermen about an upcoming meeting with BNSF and TxDOT, and the board discussed the property tax rate to be set at the September meeting.

West Texas Utilities Company locked the door of its local office Monday afternoon, bringing an end to a 73-year presence on Kearney Street.

Recent personnel changes within the company and deregulation of the state’s electric industry prompted the closure of the Clarendon office.

Brown paper now covers the front windows of the WTU office, and the interior is bare to the walls since the company sold off the last of its appliance merchandise.

The utility, now called AEP-WTU, will continue to occupy the back of the building, and servicemen Leon Ward and Mike Proffitt will still use it as their base of operations.

WTU has provided electric services to here since 1927 when the Abilene company purchased the interests of Central Power & Light. WTU acquired the local ice plant, office, and docks in that transaction.

For many years, WTU also operated an office in Hedley. That location was closed in 1977.

With the closure of the Clarendon office, electric customers must dial a toll-free number for service of any kind. AEP-WTU says the Customer Service Center in Corpus Christi will provide prompt attention to requests from local customers.

For more information, call AEP-WTU at  1-888-216-3523.

Texans will have the opportunity to save some money during the second annual Sales Tax Holiday this weekend, August 4-6.

During the Sales Tax Holiday, most clothing and footwear priced at less than $100 is exempt from state and local sales taxes. Though the holiday is timed to help families outfit their children to go back to school, the tax break isn’t limited to children’s wear.

Terry Askew, owner of Saye’s in Clarendon, says she’s looking forward to the holiday.

“It did bring in business last year,” Askew said. “The timing is nice for back to school clothes, and it’s a great opportunity for people to buy early for Christmas.”

Askew said her store will match the sales tax break by taking an additional 8.25 percent off everything in the store.

Also this year, the state has expanded the holiday to include layaway items.

“Eligible clothes and shoes placed in layaway during the Sales Tax Holiday weekend may be taken out at a later date tax-free,” Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander said. “This will allow hard-working Texas families with limited budgets to pay for their purchases a little bit at a time and still receive the tax break.

“The tax exemption applies to school uniforms, work uniforms, pajamas, robes and slippers, socks and underwear — and even jackets and sweaters if you can find any in the stores during this 100 degree weather.

“The tax exemption does not apply to accessories, jewelry and watches, or items that are carried, such as wallets, handbags, briefcases, and backpacks,” Rylander said.

During the first Sales Tax Holiday last year, Texas families spent more than $400 million dollars on tax-exempt clothing and shoes, saving more than $32 million in sales taxes. This year, the savings are expected to add up to $37 million.

For a list of items that are tax exempt and non-exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday, visit  the Comptroller’s website

The Clarendon Board of Aldermen met in regular session July 25 in the Board Room of City Hall.

Gary McKay of McKay Engineering discussed the need to replace more sewer lines in the upcoming grant application.

Donna Hicks gave an annual report for the Local Housing Authority, and Larry Hicks explained the present project of adding geothermal heating and cooling systems to the housing units.

Mayor Tex Selvidge presented the request regarding the Animal Control officer in the absence of County Judge Jack Hall. The county is wanting to use the city’s Animal Control personnel for use in other parts of the county. The aldermen tabled the issue until more information is provided.

Lynn McKinney addressed the board concerning the condition of Sims Street near his home. The street at that point covers one block between US 287 and Broncho Stadium, and McKinney said it is in very bad condition and requested it be paved. The aldermen took no action but assured McKinney it would be looked at.

Librarian Carolyn Blackerby presented changes she wanted made to the Library Board by-laws. The aldermen approved changing the number of members on the advisory board from five to a minimum of five.

Mary Douglas and Sharon Knox were approved as new Library Board members, and Carolyn Moffett and Amy Auker were selected as alternates. Jim Douglas was approved as the lay representative for the Texas Panhandle Library System.

The water, sewer, and sanitation ordinance was discussed and changes were made.

The trash collection for the county was discussed. The mayor will speak to the county at the next commissioners’ court meeting.

City Superintendent Jim Roberts gave an update on the City Park. The sprinkler system has been installed, and the restroom will be ready soon.