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This Week

Column: Awards and smile mark start of summer

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This past week, the Enterprise got some great news. We won multiple state awards from the Texas Press Association.

Ben Estlack

My Dad and I together won 3rd place in column writing, and my sister won first in sports photography. My Mom’s work on online reporting, and Tara’s work on page layouts were also recognized.

We also won an award for the best website; and not to toot my own horn, but that is one of my babies. I’m so proud to be working for the Enterprise, and I hope that we continue to have more years of winning.

Outside of work, I also had something awesome happen! I got my braces off after 28 months of having them! I love my smile, and it was so worth the years of wearing them to have such an awesome smile!

This past week has been quite exciting, and I’m so optimistic for the rest of my summer and all of the fun I am going to have!

Heavy rains boost Greenbelt Lake level

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Carroll Creek was running heavily into Greenbelt Lake after a heavy downpour in the Howardwick area. Photo by Nikki Green

Heavy rains over the last few weeks have saturated the ground and are now having an impact on Lake Greenbelt, especially after about five inches of rain fell on the Howardwick area Sunday.

The deluge had Carroll Creek running fast and strong into the reservoir. It was still running Tuesday, and water was also coming down the Salt Fork Red River into the lake.

Greenbelt had reached a low of 7,064 acre-feet of water stored in the reservoir on April 25. After the general rains over the last month and Sunday’s downpour, the lake was holding 8,121 acre-feet as of Tuesday morning.

The lake level itself has risen about 2.25 feet in the last 45 days, according to Greenbelt Municipal & Industrial Water Authority. The lake depth Tuesday was 40.02 feet.

Greenbelt’s greatest depth was in June 1975 when it was 75.71 feet.

An acre-foot is the amount of water it takes to cover one acre of land one foot deep or 325,851 gallons.

The lake is still down significantly. A year ago, Greenbelt was holding more than 9,500 acre-feet, and even that was well below the level six years ago when it held 17,260 acre-feet.

Change can come quickly at Greenbelt, however. In April 2015, the lake was also at about 8000 acre-feet when a very wet May added about 5,750 acre-feet to the reservoir.

The area still has a chance of more rain this week, and it could well benefit Greenbelt if it falls in the right place.

Local man uninjured in tractor v. truck wreck

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Riley Wade had a close encounter with semi-truck last week when it ran into the John Deere tractor he was driving.

Emergency personnel look over the aftermath of a tractor versus semi accident east of Clarendon about 1.5 miles last Wednesday, May 31.

DPS Trooper Lynn Mays said 17-year-old Riley Wade of Clarendon was driving a John Deere tractor eastbound on US 287 partially on the shoulder when he was struck by a semi-tractor trailer rig driven by Roberto Lowrie, 45, of Harlingen. Mays said driver inattention on the part of the trucker for is to blame for the accident.

Mays said the truck tried to turn to the left as it struck the tractor in the left rear tire, sending the tractor into the south ditch. The truck turned on its side as plowed down two trees in the center median before coming to rest.

Wade was uninjured, and Lowrie was transported to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo where he was treated and released.

Lowrie will receive a citation for failure to control speed, Mays said.

Emergency personnel respond to an overturned semi-truck that wrecked after colliding with a John Deere tractor last week near Clarendon.

Enterprise wins sweepstakes award from Texas Press

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Ben and Ella Estlack display the state awards won by the Enterprise last week. The plaques arrived following the state press convention with the local paper taking the Sweepstakes award for small weekly newspapers. Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

For the second year in a row, The Clarendon Enterprise was recognized as the best small paper in the state by the Texas Press Association Saturday, June 3, during the TPA Summer Convention in Round Rock.

The Enterprise earned the Sweepstakes Award in Division 10 of the 2022 Better Newspaper Contest, winning four first place plaques and placing in ten other categories to gather enough points to win the overall division.

“We are honored to be recognized again by our peers for the work we put into our newspaper and are proud to bring this recognition to our community,” publisher Roger Estlack said. “This is truly a group effort, and we are very blessed to have a super talented team and equally fortunate to have great support from our readers and advertisers.”

The Enterprise won first place in the Weekly Division for Best Website in a competition that differed from the other contest categories.

“In most other categories, we compete against newspapers of similar size and circulation,” Estlack said, “but the Best Website award is among all weeklies in the contest. That includes newspaper websites that are covering bigger communities and with more resources than what we have.”

ClarendonLive.com is managed and updated by Roger and Ben Estlack.

The Enterprise also placed second among all weeklies in the category of Best Online Live Coverage for its coverage of the Broncos second trip to the state basketball tournament last year with Ashlee Estlack heading up the livestream of those events.

The Enterprise received fourth place among all weeklies for its coverage highlighting information in Public Notices last fall.

In Division 10, the sports photos by Elaina Estlack won first place, Editorials by Roger Estlack on city progress and the state of the newspaper business won first place, and the Enterprise was also first in General Excellence.

The Enterprise received second place honors for Feature Photos by Elaina and Roger Estlack, News Photos by Roger Estlack and Page Design by Tara Allred and Roger Estlack.

Columns by Ben and Roger Estlack placed third in the division as did the Enterprise’s New Writing and Feature Writing entries.
Sports Coverage by Sandy Anderberg was fourth, and Enterprise Headlines also finished fourth.

The Enterprise was first in the Sweepstakes count among weeklies of similar circulation with 725 points followed by the Caprock Courier and the Archer County News with 400 points each, and the Flatonia Argus with 350 points. The Enterprise placed in 14 out of 18 categories.

Ninety-nine newspapers submitted 920 entries in the contest. Fifty-three weekly newspapers competed in Divisions Six through Ten. Entries were judged by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.

Enterprise completes Google tech lab training

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The Clarendon Enterprise successfully completed an exclusive training program leading up to its 145th anniversary last week with the purpose of positioning the Texas Panhandle’s oldest newspaper to continue to serve Donley County into the future.

The Google News Initiative Foundations Lab, which began in October 2022 and wrapped up on May 23, 2023, was designed to build digital capabilities and technology infrastructure within small to medium-sized news organizations. The program was launched in English in the United States and Canada and was conducted in Spanish in Latin America.

The Enterprise was one of only two newspapers in Texas selected to participate in the program, and there were only 14 publishers selected in the United States and just 34 organizations in all of North, Central, and South America.

“This was a rare opportunity for us to have access to world-class training and technical expertise,” said Enterprise publisher Roger Estlack. “By collaborating with leaders in digital publishing and sharing ideas with publishers in the US and Canada, we were able to learn about best practices for reaching our readers while also developing strategies to insure the sustainability of our historic publication.”

Throughout the program, participants received customized coaching and hands-on support, learned from industry experts, and collaborated with other cohort members.

Participating organizations first set up technology building blocks (e.g., Google Analytics, optimizing core web vitals), developed operational muscle and discipline to support sustainable growth, and established digital-first workflows that nurture readers down the audience funnel from awareness to engagement and, ultimately, to financial support.

Each news organization then transitioned to an intensive phase, where these new capabilities are implemented in pursuit of either reader revenue or advertising/sponsorship revenue goals.

Among the results for the North American cohort: Participating teams collectively grew newsletter and known audiences by 44 percent, active users by 14 percent, increased page speeds by 27 percent, and improved average search position by 17 percent during the nine-month Lab.

The Lab is delivered in partnership with Blue Engine Collaborative, a consortium of mission-driven consultants, coaches and advisors focused on driving digital audience growth, revenue, and long-term sustainability.

“The Google News Initiative has been a great partner with the Enterprise over the last three years,” Estlack said. “We received a GNI grant during the first year of the pandemic that was very helpful; and since then, we have participated in several smaller GNI workshops prior to applying for the GNI Foundations Lab. We are extremely grateful for the support Google has provided us in particular and local journalism in general.”

Selected participants in the GNI Lab were:

In Canada, Shootin’ the Breeze in Alberta, Chek News, Daily Hive, Energetic City and Times Colonist in British Columbia, La Liberté in Manitoba, and Chesterville Record, Fort Frances Times, Rabble and The Review in Ontario were selected.

In the United States, El Latino, India Currents, San Francisco Examiner and Santa Monica Daily Press in California, The Atlanta Voice in Georgia, Honolulu Star-Advertiser in Hawaii, The Current in Louisiana, Native News Online in Michigan, Adirondack Explorer and New York Amsterdam News in New York, The Charlotte Post in North Carolina, Dallas Free Press and The Clarendon Enterprise in Texas, and The Washington Informer in Washington, D.C. were selected.

In Latin America, El Eco, El Litoral, La Gaceta and La Nueva Provincia in Argentina, Diario La Tribuna in Chile, Crónica del Quindío, La Silla Vacía and Noticias Uno in Colombia, el Periódico de Guatemala in Guatemala, La Prensa in Honduras, El Imparcial de Oaxaca, Noroeste and Prowell Media in Mexico, La Prensa in Nicaragua, and Panamá América were selected.

The Google News Initiative is Google’s effort to partner with news publishers around the world to build a long-lasting, diverse, and innovative news ecosystem. GNI does this by offering training, programs, funding, and products to journalists and newsrooms to help strengthen their work in the digital age.

Danny “Dan” Ray Cummins

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Danny “Dan” Ray Cummins, 85, of Amarillo died peacefully on June 4, 2023, in Amarillo, surrounded by his loved ones.

Danny “Dan” Ray Cummins

Funeral services will be held on 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Clarendon, with Pastor Lance Wood officiating.  Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Dan was born October 1, 1937, to Forrest and Lorene Cummins in Hollis, Oklahoma.  He grew up near Hollis and graduated from Hollis High School in 1955.

Dan married the love of his life, Hertha Lanford, on June 2, 1957.  For 66 years, Dan and Hertha shared a bond of unconditional love, building a loving family, and creating a lifetime of cherished memories together.  Their marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them, and Dan considered his family his proudest accomplishment.

In 1970, Dan began working at Highland Park Village in Amarillo.  Dan took great pride in his work at Highland Park, where he served as the dedicated and loyal manager of the housing complex for over 50 years.  Dan and Hertha raised their family at Highland Park Village – it was their home, and he loved it dearly. Never one to consider retirement, Dan was still leading his employees from his hospital bed during his final days.

Dan’s legacy of leadership and service did not end with his work at Highland Park.  Throughout his life, Dan was passionate about helping others and making a positive contribution to his community. He served on the Highland Park ISD School Board for 31 years and was instrumental in starting 4-H and FFA programs for Highland Park students. To this day, the National Jr. Honor Society at Highland Park ISD is named after Dan, honoring his longstanding commitment to the school.

A faithful follower of the Lord, Dan served as a deacon at the former Mesa Verde Baptist Church in Amarillo.  More recently, he became a member of the Bolton Street Baptist Church in Amarillo.

Above all, “Gran-Dan” loved his family.  His most cherished memories were celebrating holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and any other special occasion with his loved ones.  Dan particularly enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids at his lake house at Lake Greenbelt.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Pat Hall.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Hertha, and their four children: Chriss Clifford of Clarendon, Theresa Shelton and husband Ken of Clarendon, Danny Cummins and wife Shonda of Clarendon, and Melana Hales of Amarillo.  Dan is also survived by his grandchildren: John Ray Clifford and wife Megan, Robert Clifford and wife Christine, Haley Shelton and husband Taylor, Katie Herrera and husband Abraham, Paydon Hales, Brayden Phillips and wife Taylor, Raylyn Shelton, Kennadie Cummins, Tandie Cummins, as well as eight great grandchildren and one more due in August, all of whom he loved dearly.   He also is also survived his sisters, Susie Hollingsworth and Temp Batten, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Family kindly requests memorials be sent to Emi’s Color Shoot, P.O. Box 50184, Amarillo, Texas, 79159 or to the Potter County Junior Livestock Association, P.O. Box 30399, Amarillo, Texas 79120.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com.

Christopher Ray Liner

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Christopher Ray Liner, 69, of Memphis, Texas, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Memphis.

Christopher Ray Liner

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, in the First Baptist Church in Memphis.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.

Viewing will be held Thursday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.

Chris was born July 8, 1953, in Wellington to Richard and Lorene Lowe Liner.  He married Teresa Lee Osborn on February 14, 1992, in Brownwood.  He had been a resident of Memphis most of his life, where he owned and operated OK Tire for over 28 years.  He was a former member of the Memphis Volunteer Fire Department and also served on the Memphis City Council for several years.  He enjoyed fishing, going to the mountains in Ruidoso, New Mexico, watching NCIS, and was an avid TCU Horned Frogs fan.  He also enjoyed volunteering with Kairos ministry.  Chris loved his precious grandkids and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Clifton Todd; his brothers-in-law, Pete Sherman, Phillip Osborn, James Butts, and Bill Olsen; and a sister in law, Carol Albert.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa Liner of Memphis; his sons, Derrick Todd of Memphis and Corey Liner and wife Brandi of Iowa Park; his daughters, Brandalynn Lachell Whitaker of Memphis and Charissa Reeves and husband Danny of Corsicana; his brother, Mike Liner and wife Suzie of Lubbock; his sister, Kelli Jones and husband Tom of Idaho; his grandchildren, Kristen Liner of Austin, Kameron Todd of North Carolina, Kason Todd of Memphis, Kennedy Whitaker of Paducah, Zada Todd of Memphis, Zayden Todd and Skylee Todd of El Paso, Eliza Liner and Abony Liner of Maryland; his beloved dogs, Roxy and Moon; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family request memorials be sent to the Memphis Volunteer Fire Department or the Preservation Foundation.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com.

Garage sale event includes 22 entries

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Bargain shoppers will be in for a treat during the 18th annual “Trash to Treasures” garage sale event that will be held in Clarendon and Howardwick this Saturday, June 3.

A total of 23 individual garage sales are scheduled to be held. A complete description of each sale is printed on the official Treasure Maps located on the last page of this week’s Clarendon Enterprise.

From furniture to antiques, this weekend’s sales will feature hundreds of treasures just waiting to be uncovered at bargain prices. Sales generally start at 8 a.m. and run throughout the day.

“Trash to Treasures” is being promoted with advertising dollars in area communities thanks to the support of the official sales depicted on the maps. It is those official sales that make the Trash to Treasures event possible.

Thanks to the marketing paid for by those sales, many people from neighboring counties are expected attend this year’s event.

Joining the staff of the aquatic center

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Ben Estlack

This past weekend I started my first day working as a lifeguard at the Clarendon Aquatic Center. This is, so far, one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever had, and I’m so excited for this summer.

I wanted this job for many reasons, but my main goal from working at the pool is to hopefully save enough money to afford a new car. I’ve always wanted a Dodge Challenger, and I’m now at the age where I can actually go work for it. I figured if I wanted this car so badly, I’ll just go get it, and this job is the perfect opportunity for me to do that.

I get to spend all day working with my friends while helping keep people safe.

It’s been an awesome summer so far; and hopefully, it’s going to keep getting better!

I hope I’ll see many of you at the pool this summer!

Clarendon sets plans for annual celebration

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Mark your calendars to attend the 146th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration June 29 and 30 and July 1, 2023, in Clarendon. (Full schedule click here.)

The COEA Junior Rodeo will kick off the celebration Thursday, June 29, at 7:30 p.m. followed by the first night of the Ranch Rodeo on Friday, June 30, at the same time. Dances will be held following the rodeos this year.

The big day will be Saturday, July 1, beginning with the Arts & Craft Fair on the square at 9 a.m. sponsored by the Donley County 4H. Booths must be reserved through the Donley County 4H by calling 806-874-2141.

Ed Montana will provide music and serve as master of ceremonies on the square.

The Chamber of Commerce’s Liberty Electric Kids’ Bicycle & Tricycle Parade will also begin at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Parade will line up and register at 8:30 at Third and Sully.

Pre-registration is required to win the kids’ parade prizes, and entry forms are available at www.ClarendonTX.com/parade.

Line up for the Herring Bank Parade will also start at 9 a.m. with the parade taking off at 10:00. The theme for this year’s parade is “Adventure Awaits.” Entry forms are available at www.ClarendonTX.com/parade.

Parade entries can also be made in person at the Visitor Center.

The Herring Bank Parade features $850 in cash prizes with $250 available for the best float, $150 for the best car or truck entry, $150 for the best animal or riding unit, $150 for the best tractor or farm equipment entry, and $150 for the best “other” entry.

Pre-registration is required for entrants to be judged for the prize money, and entry forms are due by 5 p.m. on June 28.

The Shriners barbecue will follow the parade at 11 a.m. Parade winners will be announced at 1 p.m.

Diversified Waste will sponsor a Lawnmower Barrel Race starting at 11:30 a.m., and the Chamber of Commerce is also introducing a Best of Donley County competition for the judging of jellies, jams, baked goods, and quilts.

More information about those competitions is available on ClarendonTX.com.

The annual Henson’s Turtle Race will take place at 1:30 p.m. And the Ranch Rodeo will close out the day at the COEA Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Other events may be added to the schedule as they are announced. For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 806-874-2421.

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