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Lady Broncos clobber Valley

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Bronco varsity destroyed the Lady Patriots on the road defeating them 61-27. Three players finished in double figures and the team hit six three-pointers in the game. Great hustle and solid offense gave them the momentum they needed to earn the big win.

The ladies jumped in early and were able to out-hustle their opponent and open a huge lead in the first half of play.

Defensively, the ladies held the Lady Pats to only 14 first-half points. They made a great defensive effort and stepped up big on offense to get the win. The Lady Broncos converted eight of fourteen free throws as a team.

Presley Smith led all scorers with 17 points and shot 50% from the bonus line. Kashlyn Conkin’s four three-pointers and two for two from the free throw line gave her 14, and Tandie Cummins finished with 10. Berkley Moore had a good night and turned in nine points, while Gracie Ellis put in five, and Kennadie Cummins added four.

The Lady Broncos will compete in the Nazareth Tournament December 5-7 before starting district play December 13 against Panhandle at home at 6:30 p.m.

Broncos drop game to Valley

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos traveled to Turkey to take on the Valley Patriots before the Thanksgiving break and fell short at 23-57.

The Broncos struggled out of the gate against the Patriots and could never find a rhythm on either end of the court. Senior Mason Sims worked hard inside and finished with 10 points to lead the Broncos on the scoreboard and fellow senior Kaleb Bolin put in six.

The Patriots were able to play tough defense that caused the Broncos to make mistakes, but the Broncos never gave up and stay in the game.

Kyler Bell finished with a three-pointer, and Kreed Robinson and John Weatherton helped with two points each.

The Broncos will participate in the Nazareth Tournament December 5-7 with times to be determined.

Ashtola horse wins world title

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Ashtola, Texas, is now home to a world champion after last week’s cutting horse competition in Fort Worth.

RJ Sanny Squared performs riden by trainer Christian Miller at the NCHA World Finals in Fort Worth.
Performance Horse Central Photo

RJ Sanny Squared finished out her career by scoring 229 points in the first go at the National Cutting Horse Association World Finals on November 23 and then continued to perform over the next three rounds on November 24, 28 and 30 to secure the title.

The mare is owned by Johnny, Janet, and Shannon Cooper of Ashtola.

Riden by her trainer, Christian Miller, RJ Sanny Squared compted in 105 shows this year, earning more than $133,000.

Janet Cooper said hundreds of horses compete throughout the nation and only the top 15 make it to the NCHA’s world finals. RJ Sanny Squared is seven years old and has been trained by Miller since she was two.

“She’s been spectacular,” Cooper said. “For us to win a world championship is simply awesome. Now she’ll be coming home in December to retire at the top.”

The Cooper family has been raising cutting horses for about ten years now in Ashtola. Their Rockin’ J Quarter Horses business, however, has been in operation for 30 years now.

RJ Sanny Squared not only is a world champion, but she has also been named to the Mare Hall of Fame and has a lifetime earnings of more than $250,000.

Small Town Christmas big success

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Small Town Christmas was a huge success last Saturday, November 30, with big crowds turning out for activities downtown and supporting local merchants on Small Business Saturday.

Event organizer Denise Bertrand said she has received many compliments and “only three complaints,” and she considers that a success.

“We were planning to meet in January to decide if we want to do it again next year,” Bertrand said, “but now we’re meeting in January just to talk about what to improve.”

More food vendors will be one thing to add, she said, but other than that, most activities seemed to be successful.

At the courthouse, Lions served 300 cups of hot chocolate, and Santa handed out about 150 stocking gifts to kids, with the line to see the Jolly Old Elf stretching out to the street.

Over on Kearney Street, Santa’s Play House proved to be a big hit with the youngsters, and several people commented on how nice it was to have holiday music playing up and down the main street.

Vendor booths were set up in the parking area between the Crossties Ministry Center and the Masonic Lodge Hall, with some booths also set up in the lodge dining room.

A scavenger hunt earlier in the evening drew six teams with first place going to the Burrow Clan, second place going to the Reindeer Rebels, Team Rudolph taking third place, and Little Ones clenching fourth place. A total of $540 in Chamber Cash was given out in that contest, sponsored by Jacob Fangman, Floyd’s Automotive, Every Nook & Cranny, Vape Time, and Broken Road Liquor Store.

Clarendon Family Medicine and Clarendon Dental Associates sponsored the Ugly Christmas Sweater and Gingerbread House competitions with $450 in Chamber Cash. Ugly Sweater winners were Annette Osburn, first; Lisa Heald, second; and Linda Pankey, third. Gingerbread House winners were Danyale Naylor, first; Tobias Truex, second; and Emery Truex, third.

Also last weekend, a benefit movie at the Mulkey Theatre collected $790 in donations for the Donley County Community Fund during a special presentation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Bertrand’s committee was also successful in drawing in new community volunteers and overall improved the appearance of downtown with workdays dedicated to cleaning windows, especially on vacant storefronts.

CVFD responds to house fires Saturday night

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The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department was kept busy Saturday evening in the midst of the celebrations downtown.

Shortly after the festivities began on the Courthouse Square, a call went out to house fire on Collinson Street at the Regina Wootten residence.

Items set on the stovetop caught fire and were discovered by the owner, who put out the fire but called 911 to make sure the fire was out and because of all the smoke in the home.

Later that evening, an electrical fire broke out in the home of the late Lucy Saye on Wood Avenue. Tim Saye discovered the blaze at the back of the house and called 911. Firemen responded quickly, and damage was contained to the immediate area where the blaze started. The house was heavily smoked but was saved from major damage.

Chamber to draw winner on Friday

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The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce will hold its first Small Town Christmas drawing this Friday at noon as holiday shopping promotions continue.

The third annual “Shop Small” promotion from the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce will put a grand total of $550 in Chamber Christmas Cash in the hands of lucky winners who shop with local merchants.

Sign-ups at participating merchants began last week, for Chamber Cash drawings that will be held for $100 each Friday on December 6, 13, and 20.

To enter, shoppers will fill out an entry at local participating merchants.

Enter as many times as you shop locally, so shop often. Entries stay in the hopper each week, so those who enter will have multiple chances of winning.

Those merchants participating are: Amanda’s Country Soaps, Broken Road Liquor, Broiller’s Auto Parts, Clarendon Outpost, Cornell’s Country Store, Country Bloomers Flowers, Courtney D’Costa Scentsy, Every Nook & Cranny, Floatin’ T, Floyd’s Automotive, Henson’s, Garrison’s, J&W Lumber, Lowe’s Family Center, Monroe’s Peach Ranch, Mulkey Theatre, Mike’s Pharmancy, Ramblin’ Ranch Boutique, REFZ Sports Bar & Grill, Whistle Stop, and Wicked Fast Attire.

The Chamber will also hold a bonus drawing for $250 in Chamber Christmas Cash on December 20. Sign-up for the bonus drawing will be held starting December 2 at the Clarendon Visitor Center. Shoppers can bring their receipts and receive one entry for every $25 spent at the participating merchants.

Several downtown merchants are also making plans to stay open for Late Night Shopping on Thursdays, December 5, 12, and 19, until 8 p.m. Merchants who have indicated they are staying open late this Thursday night are Henson’s, Stocking Ice Cream Parlor, Every Nook & Cranny, Rambling Ranch Boutique, and Saye’s.

Shop at home this holiday season and remember the important role your local merchants play in keeping your community strong. Support the businesses who support your town!

William Rhode Chamberlain

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William Rhode Chamberlain, 80, of Clarendon, died Monday, December 2, 2024 in Amarillo.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, in the Clarendon Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Chris Downer, officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

William Rhode Chamberlain

Viewing will be Thursday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Will was born February 1, 1944, in Clarendon, to William Park and Norma Rhode Chamberlain. He married the love of his life, Brenda Lane on November 28, 1963 in Turkey, Texas. Will had been a lifetime resident of Clarendon where he served as a Donley County Commissioner for over 20 years. He also worked as an insurance adjuster for TAC. Will was a fearless cowboy, and ranching was a livelihood always tending to his cows and horses with pride. When he worked for the Lewis Ranch, he posed for infamous artist Kenneth Wyatt, where Kenneth used him in several of his artworks.

Will was a 50-year mason and a member of Clarendon Masonic Lodge #700, AF & AM, where he was a Scottish Rite mason. His hobbies included hunting and telling stories. He was a member of the First Methodist Church in Clarendon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betsy Ellerbrook; and two granddaughters, Kyla and Kayla Cooper.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Chamberlain of Clarendon; his daughters, Shalane Wesley and her spouse, Jim Barlow of Jasper, and Sheri Cooper and husband Roy of Lubbock; his son, Lowell Ellerbrook and wife Kristen of Wichita Falls; a sister, Evelyn Shaw and husband Jim of Alanreed; 5 grandchildren, Brooks Wesley, Haley Wesley, Logan Cooper, David Ellerbrook, and Silas Ellerbrook; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or the Clarendon Methodist Church in Clarendon.

Ernestine “Tena” Mooring

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Ernestine “Tena” Mooring, 96, of Tyler, Texas died Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Tyler, Texas.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Chris Ford, officiating.

Ernestine “Tena” Mooring

Viewing will be held Friday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mrs. Mooring was born June 7, 1928, in Bellevue, Texas to Joseph Earnest and Kate Marie Johnson White. She married Bonnie Joe Mooring on January 8, 1948, in Lelia Lake. She was a school teacher for 37 years where she taught in Amarillo and Clarendon prior to her retirement. She had been a resident of Clarendon for 30 years, then a longtime resident of Amarillo, before moving to Tyler 13 years ago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1982; a son, Larry Joe Mooring; her brothers, Wilcey White, Billy White, and Boyd White; two sisters, Margaret Hansard and Louella Myers.

She is survived by son, Gary Mooring and wife Kathy of Williamsburg, Virginia; her daughter, Pam Garrett and husband Jerry of Bullard, Texas; her sisters, Betty Franklin of Colorado and Winnie Bivins of Olney; 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to Citizens Cemetery Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Busy schedule set for Small Town Christmas

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From shopping to carroling to carriage rides, there will be lots of activities in Clarendon for Small Business Saturday and the new Small Town Christmas celebration on November 30.

Several local merchants will be open throughout the day with special savings to help shoppers get a jump start on their Christmas buying. Check out the Enterprise’s Holiday Gift Guide and ClarendonTX.com/Christmas for details on local merchant promotions. Merchants planning to be open for Small Business Saturday at press time were Amanda’s Country Soaps, Broken Road Liqour, Clarendon Outpost, Cornell’s Country Store, Courtney D’Costa Scentsy, Every Nook & Cranny, Floatin’ T, Henson’s, Garrison’s, Lowe’s Family Center, Monroe’s Peach Ranch, Mulkey Theatre, Rambling Ranch Boutique, REFZ Sports Bar & Grill, and Whistle Stop.

Small Town Christmas festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with the 200 block of Kearney Street being closed off to traffic and vendors and booths being set up in the holiday spirit.

Registration for a Christmas Scavenger Hunt will begin at the Courthouse at 3 p.m. with the hunt beginning at 4:00.

The walking hunt will consist of ten teams of four – first come, first serve – with at least one team member being high school age or older.

A knowledge of local history will be helpful, and cell phone will be needed for selfies. Chamber Christmas Cash will be awarded to the winning teams.

Santa’s Playhouse will open at 321 Kearney, across from the Aquatic Center, with crafts and games for kids. The playhouse will continue through 8 p.m.

At 5 p.m., Santa Claus will be on the Courthouse Square where there will be live music on the courthouse steps and hot chocolate provided by the Clarendon Lions Club.

The courthouse lighting will be held at 6 p.m. in accordance with tradition, and then the fun will shift back to Kearney Street.

Food vendors will be set up on Third Street, and live music and caroling will continue throughout the evening until 9 p.m.
Carriage rides will be available, and s’mores stations will be set up on Kearney Street.

Merchant booths will be set up on Kearney Street and/or in the Donley County State Bank parking lot between the Masonic Lodge Hall and the Crossties Ministry Center. In the event of bad weather, those booths will be moved inside those buildings.

The Chamber of Commerce booth will also have for sale the official 2024 Small Town Christmas sweatshirt. Those shirts will also be available in the Visitor Center next week.

Small Town Christmas is being organized by a group of volunteer elves and supported with promotional efforts through the Chamber of Commerce and the Clarendon EDC. Volunteers have been busy preparing decorations and cleaning windows.

Floydada slips by Broncos

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Clarendon High School senior Mason Sims drives to the basket during the Broncos’ game against Floydada last Friday evening in the Bronco Gym. CHS came up short of a win against the Whirlwinds after staging a strong second half comeback. See our complete coverage on page six.
Enterprise Photo

By Sandy Anderberg

The Bronco basketball team is fresh off of the football field but went head-on against Floydada at home last Friday in their season opener. Despite playing hard and formulating a comeback, the Broncos were defeated 57 to 63.

The Whirlwinds held a slight lead after one, but were able to put a little more distance between them and the Broncos before the break to lead 41-28.

A new and determined Bronco team emerged to take the floor going into the second half of play. The team showed promise as they were able to fine-tune the offense set up by head coach Isaac Semans and executed well to make stops on defense and put points in the hoop. With three warnings and one technical foul for ‘flopping,’ the Whirlwinds were frustrated and the Broncos were able to take advantage of that.

Bronco Keleb Bolin goes up for two last week against Floydada.
Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

Working back into the game, the Broncos were able to gain some momentum against the Winds and begin to close the gap in the final quarter of play. But time was not on their side, and they took the six-point loss. Senior Mason Sims tied Floydada’s best scorer with 24 to lead the Broncos. Junior Kyler Bell was perfect from the free throw line and followed Sims with 11 points, and Caleb Herbert put in seven. Kaleb Bolin had six, John Weatherton finished with five, and Heston Seay had two.

The Broncos will travel to Abernathy on December 3 and compete in the Nazareth Tournament December 5-7. They will play in Littlefield against Seminole on December 10.

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