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Hall, Donley eligible for disaster loans

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Small nonfarm businesses in Donley and Hall counties along with 27 other Texas counties and neighboring counties in Oklahoma are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration
These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Sept. 17. The deadline to apply for economic injury is May 23, 2025.

Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

For information call (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Vanetta “Tookie” McClellan Thornberry

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Vanetta “Tookie” McClellan Thornberry passed away on Thursday, September 26, after a lengthy illness. Born in 1937 and raised in Clarendon, she was the daughter of Carroll and John McClellan and devoted older sister to Jackie McClellan Clark.

Vanetta “Tookie” McClellan Thornberry

Tookie enjoyed growing up in Clarendon where her life was full of friends, Church, Girl Scout camp, and school activities. She embraced it all with a big heart and a fun-loving spirit, qualities that stayed with her throughout life.

A graduate of Clarendon High School, Tookie also attended Clarendon College. In 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Don Thornberry, and they shared 63 years of marriage until his passing in 2021. Tookie was a full partner on the Thornberry Ranch, keeping an eagle eye on cattle and weather.

Tookie was a worker. Whether it was in real estate, a long career at the Donley County State Bank, or volunteer activities, she gave her all. She was a lifelong member of Clarendon Methodist Church where she served on various committees and enjoyed Sunday School. Tookie loved her community and its history and was an active board member of Saints’ Roost Museum where she played a role in helping start the Annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff. She also enjoyed her membership in Les Beaux Art Club and served Meals on Wheels for a number of years. She treasured her friends of all ages.

At the center of Tookie’s life was her family. She is survived by three sons – Mac, and his wife, Sally; Lance and his wife, Judy; and Drew and his wife, Lesa. She was the beloved “Meme” to Chase (Caitlan), Cortnee (Matt), Will (Temnite), Mary Kemp; Amber, (Paul); Ashlen, (Patrick); and ten great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister, Jackie Clark, and brother-in-law, Will; her sister-in-law, Pat Thornberry, her nephews Richard, (Leane); Sandy, (Bobbie) and Mark, (Cynthia), and her dear niece, Haley, (David). She cherished each of them and their families.

The Thornberry family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of Goodlife Senior Living for the exceptional love and care they gave Tookie. We would also like to thank Enhabit Hospice for their professionalism and compassion.

A memorial service will be held at Clarendon Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 2, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to can donate in her honor to: Clarendon Methodist Church, P.O. Box 157 Clarendon, Texas 79226 or Saints Roost Museum, https://www.saintsroostmuseum.com/Donate or P.O. Box 781, Clarendon, TX 79226.

Arrangements are entrusted to Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

2024 Chuckwagon Cookoff to be this Saturday

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The Saints’ Roost Museum will hold its 30th annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff this Saturday, September 28, as teams battle it out for top prizes and bragging rights.

A Junior Cookoff will be held on Friday evening before the Museum Members’ and Chuckwagon Teams’ dinner at 6:00.

Another highlight this weekend will be an Open House for the new Wheels of History building that features several historic vehicles, including the Clarendon Fire Department’s 1927 Seagraves, a 1906 Bain Chuckwagon, and a Model T Ford.
On Saturday, 13 chuckwagon teams will compete for top prizes and bragging rights.

Tickets are still available at the Museum and Every Nook & Cranny. Although admission is free, a $25 meal ticket is required to enjoy the authentic chuckwagon chicken fried steak dinner.

The tradeshow starts at 10 a.m. The authentic wagons will serve at 1 p.m. with the traditional chicken fried steak dinner, and other activities will include a hay auction and the Goodnight family reunion.

Donley County jobless rate dips in August

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Jobless rates in the Texas Panhandle continue to be lower than the state average overall, but Donley and Hall counties continue to see higher rates.

August unemployment data shows Donley County’s jobless rate actually fell from 5.0 percent in July to 4.8 percent last month.

Seventy-one people were looking for work in Donley County compared to 74 in July, and the workforce decreased slightly from 1,469 in July to 1,465.

In Hall County, the unemployment rate went up from 5.4 percent in July to 5.9 percent for August. 65 people were looking for work out of a workforce of 1,105 compared to 60 unemployed people and a workforce of 1,046 in August.

Regionally, the Texas Panhandle labor market continues to demonstrate resilience, with unemployment rates remaining relatively low compared to the state and national averages. Amarillo MSA and the Panhandle Workforce Development Area (WDA) both experienced slight increases in unemployment rates in August 2024 compared to the previous year, but these rates remain below the state average.

The City of Amarillo experienced a slight increase in the unemployment rate in August 2024, rising to 3.3 percent from 3.2 percent in the same month of the previous year.

The Panhandle WDA also saw a modest increase in the unemployment rate in August 2024, rising to 3.5 percent from 3.4 percent in the previous year. However, the WDA’s unemployment rate continues to be lower than the state average.

The state of Texas experienced a slight increase in its unemployment rate in August 2024, rising to 4.4 percent from 4.2 percent in the previous year. Workforce Solutions will be having a Red, White, and You job fair at 3120 Eddy in Amarillo on November 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

REFZ Ride for Kids to be held Oct. 5

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The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce will host the REFZ Ride For Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 5, at the Mulkey Theatre.

Proceeds of the event will benefit the Christ’s Kids Ministry and the Clarendon Lions Club’s “Toys for Joy” toy drive.

Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast. The Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m. with lunch at noon and awards at 1:00 p.m.

This year’s 130-mile scenic ride starts and ends at the Mulkey and travels to Quail, Memphis, Plaska, and Turkey before returning to Clarendon.

Entry is $25 per person, and registration is available online at ClarendonTX.com/funrun or in person at the Clarendon Visitor Center.

For information, call the Visitor Center at 806-874-2421.

District court hears three cases in Donley County

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The district court heard two pleas and one contested hearing when it met in Clarendon on Thursday, September 12.

District Attorney Luke Inman, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted the cases for the State of Texas, with the Honorable Judge Dale Rabe presiding.
Jon Christian Walker, 28, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the third-degree felony offense of injury to a child.

Walker was originally placed on probation for the offense on February 1, 2024. On August 1, the State filed its motion requesting the Court to adjudicate Walker’s probation, alleging three violations of his conditions of probation, which Walker pleaded not true to. Walker was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $340 court costs.

Corey Mark Aragon, 35, was sentenced to four years in prison for the third-degree felony offense of evading arrest in a motor vehicle.

Aragon was originally placed on probation on September 19, 2017. On October 20, 2023, the State filed its motion requesting the Court to adjudicate Aragon’s probation, alleging six violations of his conditions of probation, which Aragon pleaded true to.

Aragon was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, $488 court costs, and $853.80 restitution.

Amanda Beth Burrow, 39, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for the state jail felony offense of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Burrow was originally placed on probation on November 2, 2023. On March 11, the State filed its motion requesting the Court to adjudicate Burrow’s probation, alleging seven violations of her conditions of probation, which Burrow pleaded true to.

Burrow was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $290 court costs.

Hall County celebrates 89th annual picnic

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First Bank & Trust of Memphis President Steve Hall (left) and the Will Rogers Range Riders ride in the 89th annual Hall County Picnic Parade last Saturday. For more celebration photos, visit Facebook.com/TheEnterprise. Enterprise Photo

The 89th annual Hall County Picnic was celebrated Saturday with lots of activities in Memphis with most events taking place around the courthouse downtown.

A cowboy breakfast and a 5K kicked off the day’s events, and a cornhole tournament was held downtown as well.

The annual Hall County Picnic Parade took off at after 11 a.m. with great fanfare and participation from several businesses and organizations.

Parade winners were Civic – Memphis Lions Club, first; Texas Forest Service, second; and Memphis VFD, third; Antique Cars & Tractors – Dea Elliot – 1930 AA Ford, first; Chris Lockhart – 1975 Ford F750, second; Dallan Skinner – 1971 Corvette, third; Miscellaneous – MHS Class of ‘89, first; MHS Class of ‘84, second; MHS Class of ‘94, third; Bicycle Riders – Corey Welch, first; School / Youth Groups – MHS Cheerleaders & Football Team, first; MMS Cheerleaders & Football Team, second; MHS Band, third; Motorized – Ollinger Kids, first; Green Goblin – Paul Ables, second; Altman Girls, third; Commercial – Kathy Fowler Agency, first; Memphis Convalescent Center, second; Summer Towing of Hedley, third; Horseback Riders – Will Rogers Range Riders, first; Anslie Montgomery, second; Chelsay Perkins, third; and Judges’ Choice – Lighthouse Electric.

Afternoon activities included water polo hosted by the Memphis Volunteer Fire Department and a poker run sponsored by the Kathy Fowler Agency.

The high hand winner was Edward McKinney with $276, and the low hand winner was Tommy Speed with $184. The Fowler Agency donated $460 to Hall County Meals on Wheels.

Rain rolled in Saturday evening, but that did not stop the festivities at the street dance. The band took refuge on a sidewalk and played under an awing will be residents continued to dance.

Ybarra finishes ninth at Amarillo Invitational

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By Sandy Anderberg

Clarendon’s Tristen Ybarra ran a great 5K race at Klein Park in Amarillo last weekend and placed ninth out of 52 runners from 1A-4A.

Ybarra’s time of 17:37.57 was less than a minute and a half off the winning time.

Madi Benson ran 10th out of 80 runners in the girls’ division with a time of 13:32.82 for the two-mile course. Benson was able to lead the Lady Bronco team to an impressive third place in a field of 1A-4A schools. Elliot Frausto stayed close to Benson and finished 13th at 13:48.02, and Addy Havens ran right behind Frausto in 15th place with a time of 13:52.38.

Gracie Ellis was 24th at 14:39.07, and Lexi Phillips ran 39th with a time of 15:28.99.

The Broncos and Lady Broncos will be open September 28 and will run October 1 in the Greenbelt Gallop at Kinkaid Park.

Broncos suffer loss to Gruver

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos have faced a tough pre-district season on the football field. Their 18-51 loss at home last week was another hard-fought game with a discouraging outcome for the young team.

The Broncos got started on the wrong foot when they were pushed back behind their own goal line a minute into the game and suffered a safety at the hands of the Greyhounds. Gruver went on to score 30 points in the opening quarter of play and reached 50 points at the break.

Despite the loss, the Broncos had some bright spots on both sides of the ball. Mason Sims did a good job at the quarterback spot but struggled with fumbles and interceptions. Sims earned the Broncos’ first score of the game on a 55-yard run around the left side to the endzone. Penalties plagued the Broncos just when they abegan to find momentum in the game. Sims did, however, find Colton Caudle for a 37-yard pass early on, but narrowly fell short of six.

Junior Kyler Bell stepped in at the QB position late in the game and connected with Mason from 17 yards out for a touchdown and then found him again for another six points.

The Broncos are determined to turn things around and will focus on Lockney for their Homecoming game Friday night at 7:00 p.m. in Bronco Stadium.

Guest Column: Osprey crash generates unfair criticism

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By US Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Amarillo)

The crash of a CV-22 Osprey, call sign Gundam 22, off the coast of Japan in November 2023 has generated a wave of unfair scrutiny against the aircraft. The loss of any service member is an absolute tragedy, but the conversation surrounding the V-22 Osprey has become disproportionately negative, often overlooking key facts about the incident and the essential role this aircraft plays in our military’s success.

US Rep. Ronny Jackson

Critics paint a picture of the Osprey as an inherently dangerous aircraft, claiming it is more prone to accidents than other military platforms; however, the data and the facts tell a much different story.
The Marine Corps variant of the Osprey, the MV-22, has become a cornerstone of U.S. military operations, consistently proving its reliability in challenging environments. Despite its extensive use, the MV-22’s mishap rate per 100,000 flight hours is “equal to or less than any airframe flown,” according to the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith. He also recently said, “They’re completely safe. They have a better safety record than most aircraft.”

When compared to conventional helicopters, like the H-60 Black Hawk or the H-47 Chinook, the V-22’s safety record remains well within acceptable industry standards. Beyond its favorable safety record, the Osprey offers significant advantages and capabilities that conventional helicopters cannot match. Its unique tilt-rotor design enables it to take off and land in confined spaces while flying faster and farther than traditional helicopters. These advantages provide critical support in combat, medical evacuation operations, and disaster relief efforts, often meaning the difference between life and death.

The safety of our service members is and always will remain our highest priority. Use of the V-22 aircraft in a variety of critical environments is vital for the success of our men and women in uniform. At every stage of the V-22’s lifecycle, from development to combat operations, highly skilled professionals work diligently to ensure the aircraft’s safety and effectiveness. During my time in the Navy, and now as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have spent considerable time flying onboard the V-22; therefore, I know firsthand that this is not just a phenomenal aircraft, but it provides our military with unique capabilities and advantages that we simply cannot afford to be without.

The V-22 operates under stringent protocols and maintenance requirements, reinforcing the confidence military leaders have in the aircraft and its critical role in maintaining readiness and deterrence. While military flight operations are inherently risky, the Osprey remains an indispensable asset in our defense strategy.

We must remember and honor the eight airmen who tragically lost their lives in the mishap of Gundam 22, but we must also avoid any overreaction that would degrade our military’s operational capabilities moving forward. The Department of Defense conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, and we are working collaboratively to address the findings while taking the necessary steps to ensure the Osprey continues to operate safely and effectively.

It is the duty of Congress to rely on facts, not fears, when evaluating the V-22 Osprey. This aircraft is a combat-proven asset that deserves our continued support and investment. As we move forward, we will continue to improve and build upon the innovative technology embodied by the V-22, because ultimately, enhancing the capabilities of the V-22 will contribute to a more secure future for our country and ensure our military has the advantages it needs to compete with and win against our adversaries.

Congressman Ronny Jackson represents the 13th Congressional District of Texas.

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