News

The Commissioners’ Court last week voted to temporarily relocate the district courtroom and to move a precinct ballot box in the first steps in vacating the aging Donley County Courthouse.

Monday’s actions were the most recent decisions in the long process of the upcoming $2.9 million restoration of the 1890 courthouse, which will require the county offices and records to be relocated for two years.
 
Chris Hutson, John Volz, and Tracy Hirschman go over a roof design last week as part of the planning for the restoration of the 1890 Donley County Courthouse.

Enterprise Digital Photo.
 
Commissioners approved a resolution designating Clarendon College’s Bairfield Activity Center as the temporary facility to hold county and district court as well as court proceedings for Precincts 1 & 2.

Commissioners also decided to temporarily move the location of the voting box for Precinct 2-01 from the courthouse to the courthouse annex.

Still in question is where county offices and records will be moved to.

The court approved two contracts relating to the restoration. John Kiehl of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission will provide administrative services for the restoration grant from the Texas Historical Commission (THC). And Ken Smith of Southwest Securities Group, Inc., was hired as a consultant to assist the county with financing its matching funds.

Also last week, a three-member team from the county’s Austin-based architect firm spent four days going over the courthouse from the roof to the foundation.

“Donley County is our favorite project and also the most challenging project,” said architect John Volz. “We’re really excited about the opportunities here.”

Volz & Associates, Inc., is providing architectural services for courthouse restorations in Grimes, Llano, and Sutton counties. The firm is also working on the courthouse master plan for Fayette County, which hopes to receive funding in the THC’s second round of grants.

Information from last week’s survey of the building will be used in an upcoming report to THC, according to Volz intern Tracy Hirschman.

The design development package must be turned in to THC by July 24 and will explain what work is planned for the courthouse, Hirschman said. Volz will then begin working on construction documents in preparation for the bidding process.

AUSTIN – Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander last week delivered a total of $208.9 million in monthly sales tax payments to 1,106 cities and 119 counties.

Cities in Donley County saw sizable increases in their July payments over the same period one year ago.

Clarendon’s rebate was up nearly 33 percent for a total of $18,479.17. Hedley received $257.46, a increase of 20.16 percent, and Howardwick’s payment of $988.88 reflected a 16.66 percent increase.

Across the state, payments were up 17.1 percent for July.

July sales tax rebates represent sales taxes collected in May and reported to the comptroller in June.

For more information visit the Comptroller’s Website.

Construction of the new TxDOT Donley County Maintenance Facility is now complete, according to local maintenance supervisor Steve Smith.

The move was completed Wednesday, July 12. The new facility is located one mile west of Clarendon on US 287.

Construction began in July 1999 by Reynosa Construction of Amarillo. Architects for the project were Secord & Lebow of Wichita Falls.

Official opening ceremonies will be held later this year, most likely in September.

By Cheryl Johnson, Clarendon Enterprise

The Clarendon Saints’ Roost Celebration Rodeo was enjoyed by all those who attended this year.

There were 502 contestants, and competitors won a total of $58,167.53 in prize money.

Results of the rodeo are as follows:

Bareback: Justin Henderson, 77; Chad Maynard, 77; Kelly Wright, 75; and Travis Howe, 75.

Calf Roping: Neal Felton, 9.0; Justin Lee, 9.3; Rick McClemore, 9.3; Casey Crow, 9.5; Brandon Neugebauer, 9.7; Barry Burtt, 9.7; Bill Warner, 9.8; Cliff Kirkpatrick, 9.8; Kip Boggs, 9.9; Gordy Anderson, 10.0; and Rusty Miller, 10.0.

Dogging: Dave Brock, 5.1; Keith Webster, 5.3; Hunter Williamson, 5.7; Rowdy Powell, 6.1; Ronnie Mullins, 6.1; and Sam Lewis, 6.3.

Bull Riding: Dan Henricks, 76; Jimmy Stack, 73; Bowdy Peach, 72; and Chris Knight, 68.

Saddle Bronc: Bart Nichols, 78; Lance Gaillard, 72; Matt McCloy, 69; and Marty Eakin, 68.

Barrels: Cindy Smith, 17.426; Janae Ward, 17.531; Laci Smith, 17.541; Rachel Miller, 17.613; Donna Gee, 17.691; Karen Smith, 17.736; Jesse Waite, 17.812; and Lori Wall, 17.823.

Breakaway: Bobbi Yarbough, 3.1; Elizabeth Noe, 3.4; Sabrina Pike, 3.8; Brandee Hathcock, 3.8; Julie Dawson, 4.0; Lori Dee Guy, 4.1; Crystal Harrel, 4.1; Brandy Brock, 4.4; and Janae Ryberg, 4.4.

Team Roping: Chad Saunders and Boogie Ray, 5.6; Camish Jennings and Mike Bacon, 5.6; Billy Stephens and Levi Garcia, 5.7; Toby Joe Truby and Hollis Harris, 5.8; Wade Kreatzer and Walter Donnell, 5.9; Rhett Johnson and Todd Thompson, 6.0; Dick Churchill and Shane Powell, 6.3; and Jo Bacon and Mike Bacon, 6.4.

A Pampa woman was busted on possession of a controlled substance at Greenbelt Lake last week.

Candace Sue Barker was taken into custody after the Donley County Sheriff’s Department received a call of an intoxicated woman brandishing a gun on Sandy Beach shortly after midnight, Wednesday, July 5.

Law enforcement responded and found Barker with a flashlight and lock blade knife, walking the beach. A search of her vehicle turned up 46g of a substance believed to be methamphetamine and a set of electronic scales used to measure the drug. Officials also seized $945.19 and a 1985 Chevy pickup.

Barker was booked into the Donley County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance and public intoxication, said Chief Deputy Butch Blackburn.

Justice of the Peace Jimmy Johnson arraigned Barker on July 5, and she was released on $10,000 bond.

The 34-year-old woman has a lengthy criminal history, Blackburn said.

Assisting with the investigation were Deputies Kelly Hill and Bruce Burrell, DPS Trooper Chris Ward, Chief Deputy Butch Blackburn, and Sheriff Jimmy Thompson.

The 122nd annual Saints’ Roost Celebration finished up last week with events throughout the day last Tuesday, July 4.

This year’s celebration started on June 30 and was spread across five days instead of the usual three-day celebration.

The Kiddie Parade started things off for Independence
 
Sixty-seven entries made up the annual Kiddie Parade down Kearney Street on July 4 this year.

Enterprise Digital Photo.
 
 Day with 67 entries in three categories.

Tres and Hannah Hommel were first in the 1- to 4-year-old age group. Denver Chambliss was second, and Will Noble and Taylor Knorpp were third.

In the 5- to 8-year-old division, Corey Barker came in first, Caden Farris was second, and Trevela Dronzek was third.

Trevor Leeper took top honors among the 9- to 12-year-olds. Katie Cummins and Sade Cobb were second and third respectively.

This year’s Kiddie Parade first place winners were sponsored by The Donley County State Bank. Second and third place winners received prizes from Duckwall’s.

The annual Depression Dinner followed the parade and was sponsored by the First Baptist Church to benefit their Main Street Ministry program.

The celebration continued that afternoon with a reading by the VFW at the Donley County War Memorial.

In keeping with the holiday, the Declaration of Independence was read by Jared Hartman and Carrie Helms, both students at Clarendon High School.
 
Winners of the 2000 Henson’s Turtle Race were Travis Hrbacek, Cameron Wright, and Marshal Johnson.

 
The Henson’s Annual Turtle Race was the final event of the celebration, and sponsor A.R. Henson said this year was the first time the race had actually been held on the Fourth of July.

More than 200 terrapins raced for the finish line in three different flights. The winners belonged to Marshal Johnson of Clarendon, Cameron Wright of Clarendon, and Travis Hrbacek of Hedley.

There will be a meeting on Thursday, July 13, 2000, at JAMZ at 6:00 p.m. for any Ex-Bronchos or Ex-Broncos interested in helping to finalize plans for an all school reunion that will be held in September on the weekend of Homecoming.

There are many classes from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s that will be participating in all phases of that weekend.

We would also like to get the information to anyone who graduated from Clarendon High School in the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 90s.

So if you think your class would be interested and you would like a copy of the letter, please try to be at the meeting.

There will be a meeting on Thursday, July 13, 2000, at JAMZ at 6:00 p.m. for any Ex-Bronchos or Ex-Broncos interested in helping to finalize plans for an all school reunion that will be held in September on the weekend of Homecoming.

There are many classes from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s that will be participating in all phases of that weekend.

We would also like to get the information to anyone who graduated from Clarendon High School in the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 90s.

So if you think your class would be interested and you would like a copy of the letter, please try to be at the meeting.

Cool weather and light rain greeted attendees to the 122nd annual Saints’ Roost Celebration last Saturday on the Courthouse Square.

All day a cool breeze kept visitors comfortable, and the occasional sprinkles did nothing to inhibit the festivities. It was the first time in recent memory that any moisture had fallen on the morning event. The official high for the day was 86° F.

The day started off with the Craft Fair and Old Settlers Reunion. Floyd Crawford was named the oldest person in attendance at 98 years of age, and Stina Cain was awarded the certificate for having traveled the greatest distance to be at the celebration. He came from New Jersey.

Approximately 1,000 people enjoyed barbecue served by the Shriners. That number was down slightly from last year’s total.

The Clarendon Lions Club held Cow Patty Bingo prior to the parade. Vic Jeter and Jimmy Johnson had their lucky squares pooped on.

The Western Parade was held shortly after 2 p.m. The parade boasted 69 entries this year, 12 more than last year, and was sponsored by Community Bank and the Herring National Bank.

The Clarendon High School Junior Historians had the first place float with their depiction of “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” Second place went to the Donley County Horse Club.

Boys Ranch was named the top riding unit in the parade, and the Donley County Horse Club was second in that division also.

The best antique car was owned by Wondell Luttrell with second place going to the Community Bank.

The best general entry was the Clarendon Vet Clinic, and Kim Fowler was second.

Sunday’s festivities started early with Cowboy Church being held at the rodeo arena at 7 a.m. Rodeo slack roping was held most of the day at the arena.

The Saints’ Roost Museum held their annual Open House and free Sloppy Joe Supper on Sunday afternoon. Approximately 150 people attended.

Prior to the supper, the museum board honored the late James Owens in a small ceremony for his family and friends. W.H. Skelton presented a short narrative of Owens’ contributions to the museum and the community. A plaque will be hung in the foyer of the museum in Owens’ memory.

The celebration continued Mon-day morning with Merchants Western Days downtown with games and concessions east of the Post Office. W.H. Skelton told stories at the Burton Library on Monday afternoon about growing up in Clarendon in the 1920s and 1930s.

Monday evening, the museum board hosted bingo at the Lions Hall, and a street dance was held in front of the Courthouse with Clarendon’s KEFH-FM radio station and disc jockey Pat Robertson providing the dance music.

The street dance was very successfull with an estimated crowd of 500 to 600 people at its peak. It was only scheduled to last until 1 a.m. Tuesday, but people were reportedly still dancing at 2 a.m. Several comments were heard that the community should hold dances like this every month during the summer.

Also Monday night was the time for the long-awaited truck give-away by the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce. Bob Hoggard of Suisun City, Calif., was announced as the winner of a new pickup from Chamberlain Motor Co. during that night’s rodeo.

Tuesday, July 4, was the final day of the celebration. Those events, including the winners of the turtle race and the bicycle parade, will be reported in next week’s issue.

The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association held the annual rodeo June 30 and July 1 and 3. Results of the rodeo will also appear next week.

The Clarendon Board of Aldermen met in regular session June 27, 2000, at 7 p.m.

The issue of the municipal airport was taken up again. The city has been trying to reach an agreement with hanger owners regarding the lease of space at the airport.

At the previous city meeting, several current and former pilots and hanger owners had said they felt as though the city was asking them to shoulder the entire operating cost of the airport.

Last week, Alderman B.J. Land said he recognized the importance of the airport to the city but recalled that a bond election to build the airport had failed in the 1960s.

“I’m reluctant to spend taxpayer dollars on it when they voted it down,” Land said.

Alderman Bobbie Kidd responded by saying, “That was 30 years ago. You’ve got a whole new set of voters now.”

Kidd said the city has been spending tax dollars on the airport for 30 years and compared not doing so to charging for the use of the City Park.

“You might as well put a quarter slot on the swing set,” Kidd said.

The board approved a motion to look up the history of the subject for review and discussion with the renters and to place the matter on the next agenda. The motion carried.

In other city business, the board voted to remove Alderman Kent Womack from office.

City regulations allow for an alderman who misses three meetings to be removed from the board. Womack had not attended a meeting since March 28, 2000.

The board approved a motion by Land, seconded by Alderman Mac Stavenhagen, to appoint Michael Tibbets to fill the remainder of Womack’s term, which will expire next May.

The Mason and Hanger agreement was discussed, and the board voted to stay with the original agreement. Mason and Hanger has a lightning detector at the city airport.

The utility ordinance was discussed and adopted. The ordinance sets the current fees for water, sewer, and sanitation charges. No changes were made to the schedule of fees.

Librarian Carolyn Blackerby reported on the technology grant that was awarded to Clarendon ISD. The library will be getting some new equipment under the school’s grant.

“I’d like to commend the participants of the grant writing team for the hours they put in and the work they did for the benefit of  the community,” said Mayor Tex Selvidge.

Engineering firm proposals were reviewed for the application for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs program. The board selected McKae Engineering to do the work.