A Christmas Eve lunch will be held at the Clarendon School Cafeteria on December 24 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dine-in and carry-out options will be available.
This Week
Chamber to draw for $250 on Dec. 23; Merchants open late Dec. 22
Donley County shoppers have one more chance to win big this week when the Chamber of Commerce holds its final “Shop Small Big Christmas” drawing this Friday for $250 in Chamber Cash.
Sign-ups continue for this week’s big $250 giveaway, and all entries of the promotion to date will remain in the hopper so everyone has a chance at the big prize.
Participating merchants include Amanda’s Country Soaps, Country Bloomer’s Flowers & Gifts, Every Nook & Cranny, Henson’s, J&W Lumber, Mike’s Pharmacy, Rambling Ranch Boutique, Saye’s Flying A Tack, Whistle-Stop, and Wicked Fast Attire.
To enter, shoppers will fill out an entry at local participating merchants. The Chamber will gather them up Friday morning, and hold the drawing live on the Chamber’s Facebook. Enter as many times as you shop locally, so shop often to increase your chances of winning to help your local merchants as much as possible.
In addition, three downtown merchants are staying open late this Thursday night, December 22, for shoppers’ convenience. Those stores staying open until 7:30 p.m. are Henson’s, Ramblin’ Ranch, Every Nook & Cranny, and Saye’s Flying A Tack.
Officials hope local surveys will lead to more grant funds
An important survey will be conducted in the coming weeks by Donley County, the City of Clarendon, and the City of Hedley, which should help local communities become eligible for more grant funds.
Donley County Judge John Howard says the survey will determine whether our communities can apply for grants to purchase new ambulances when needed and conduct street repairs in our cities as well as other municipal projects.
“Based on current census data we are not eligible to apply for these important CDBG funds,” Howard said. “We must correct the wrong information in the census by conducting our own survey.”
The surveyors will be local citizens, who most people should be familiar with as having grown up here in Donley County.
Participation is voluntary, but it is vital that local officials collect enough responses to correct the census information and ensure county and city eligibility to apply for these grants to help the community.
County and city officials ask that when you see the surveyors, thank them for their community service, and they thank you for your assistance in this vital project.
“Spread the word and let’s bring some of our federal tax dollars home to help our communities,” Howard said.
Comptroller petitions feds, asks for citizens to help with broadband map
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has asked the federal government to extend the deadline by 60 days for states and stakeholders to provide input on the accuracy of the proposed National Broadband Map (national map). The national map will be used to allocate federal funding to states to expand broadband in unserved and underserved communities.
On Nov. 18, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its initial version of the national map, which displays location-by-location views of high-speed internet availability across the country, as reported by internet service providers (ISPs). It gave state and local officials until Jan. 13, 2023, to challenge the map’s accuracy. The FCC and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) play a critical role as federal partners in allocating Texas’ share of the $42.5 billion provided through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
In a Dec. 13 letter to the FCC and NTIA offices, Hegar requested the federal government extend the deadline for states and individuals to file challenges to the national map by 60 days, to March 14, 2023; and to postpone release of the final map by 60 days, from May 15, 2023, to July 14, 2023.
Hegar said it is imperative that Texans participate in the challenge process in time for the FCC to include updated data in the final national map. Any underestimation could potentially reduce Texas’ allocation by billions of dollars. Go to the Comptroller’s website for instructions to challenge the map.
“This is clearly a flawed map,” Hegar said. “Some of the responsibility lies with the service providers who are overstating the coverage they provide in their territories. This practice has become so routine that we often don’t notice it, but it will substantially limit competition as well as our ability to accurately allocate resources to those Texans whose access is inadequate. Some of the responsibility lies with our federal partners who have assumed that public spaces like schools and libraries have access. This is inaccurate and reveals a lack of understanding regarding the challenges facing many communities in Texas and other states.
“I applaud all the hard work of so many trying to connect Texans and our nation, yet these issues are substantial hurdles that must be addressed to ensure we have accurate maps that support successful expansion of broadband access.
“My office will work with stakeholders and local governments around the state to establish the best possible avenues for challenging broad inaccuracies through the bulk challenge process,” Hegar said. “But it is critical that individual Texans also engage in the challenge process to ensure the maps are as accurate as possible and funds are fairly allocated to areas that lack service.”
The Texas Legislature created the Broadband Development Office in 2021 to award grants, low-interest loans and other financial incentives to ISPs that expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. The Comptroller’s office released the Texas Broadband Plan in June.
For more information about the Texas Broadband Development Office, go to BroadbandForTexas.com.
County hears TxDOT plan to replace bridge
Donley County Commissioners learned more about the state’s plan to replace a local bridge during their meeting Monday, December 12.
Texas Department of Transportation representatives Chuck Steed and Annabel Jurado addressed the court about a bridge near Lelia Lake on CR 20.
Donley County Judge John Howard said TxDOT plans to replace the bridge with a new concrete structure in 2025 at a cost of about $250,000. The county will be required to provide a ten percent match for that money, but it can do so by performing “in kind” work approved by the state.
County officials discussed the idea of doing away with the bridge and having a low water crossing instead. However, if the location is removed from the bridge system, the county would bear the entire cost of building any future bridge at that location, Howard said. It was decided then to proceed with the state’s bridge replacement plan.
In other business, commissioners discussed the merits of purchasing or leasing a scraper to try to mix different materials into some of the county’s sandy roads to make a better surface. Howard said the court agreed instead to advertise for bids to contract out that work.
Officials also agreed to re-bid work needed on the windows of the 1890 Courthouse.
The court agreed to administer the oaths of office to newly elected officials on December 30 at 9 a.m.. Terms office will still begin on January 1.
County policies and procedures were also discussed regarding how to canvass future election results.
Hedley CISD goes on break early due to illnesses
Christmas came early for Hedley students this week when school officials started their vacation two days early due illnesses.
Superintendent Garret Bains said more than 30 kids were absent when the decision was made yesterday to release for the Christmas break early and sending kids home after school Wednesday. School should have continued through Friday.
“Having 30 or more kids missing is a lot when you only have 116 to start with,” Bains said. “You just really can’t teach or do a lot when that many are out.”
Bains said the last time he remembers the school having to start the Christmas break early was 2019, when a bad flu season was hitting the community. That time there were about 20 kids absent.
“Right now we just need to get everybody well, and hopefully they are well for Christmas,” Bains said.
Troop 433 honors six new Eagle Scouts
Six new Eagle Scouts were formally pinned Sunday, December 11, by Clarendon’s Scouts BSA Troop 433 in a Court of Honor at the First United Methodist Church.
Mason Allred, Haughton Bivens, Henry Bivens, Benjamin Estlack, Daniel Estlack, and Koltyn Shields earned scouting’s highest rank after a decade on the trail to Eagle that started for them in the first grade.
Saturday’s ceremony marked the end of one journey but the beginning of another, according to guest speaker Lou Ellerbrook, a Troop 433 Eagle from the Class of 1994.
“You’re not done; there’s always more to do,” Ellerbrook said, who challenged them to live up to the ideals of an Eagle Scout as they go on to serve on church boards, school boards, city councils, and whatever roles they take up in life.
As the ceremony continued, each young man was pinned with his Eagle medal by his parents, and later each spoke about their Eagle Scout projects and who their mentors were throughout scouting. Each boy also received a Congressional commendation from US Rep. Ronny Jackson.
All of the boys were keenly aware of the honor that comes with being an Eagle, a rank that only between two and five percent of scouts ever attain.
“It means now I carry the responsibility of what people think I can do and am capable of doing and that I have to push myself to help other people and always be prepared to help,” Mason told the Enterprise.
Ben said becoming an Eagle was something he always wanted to accomplish.
“It means being an upstanding citizen and a good person, and I feel like it makes you a better person,” he said.
Dan said the idea of being an Eagle Scout means honor and service to him.
“To me it means I have to have honor in my everyday life and to be a part of my community and try to better it,” Dan said.
Koltyn said Eagles are role models.
“It’s a sign that you’re a trustworthy and honest person who can set an example for others,” he said.
Haughton joined scouts a year behind his brother but caught up to the older boys in the last couple of years. He likes the idea of being a part of something bigger that is represented by being an Eagle.
“It’s an honor [being an Eagle] and a privilege,” he said, “and I like being a part of the community of Eagles.”
For Henry becoming an Eagle is a reminder of the path to get there and all that was learned along the way.
“It’s having fun with friends, helping your community, helping friends reach a goal, and learning some ‘adulty’ things along the way to learn some responsibility.”
Each of the six new Eagles look back on their time in scouting and recall several fun activities, but they generally all agreed that camping or some activity at camp stood out for them as their favorite memories. Whether it was fishing, cooking, shotgun, or building their own shelter to survive the night, each boy had a special memory.
No scout can attain the Eagle Rank without a major project that gives back to the community. An individual project is big undertaking, but these boys coordinated their projects and accomplished them all on one day in June 2021. Five of the projects were completed at Citizens Cemetery, and one was at the Lions Hall. Dozens of helpers and volunteers were involved, and private donations helped make the day possible, including a hamburger lunch donated by Robertson Funeral Directors and cooked by the boys themselves.
Mason and Ben installed 70 section markers – 35 each – at the cemetery, which involved marking sections, drilling post holes, and setting signs.
“It made me feel like I was part of the community and like I was needed,” Mason said. “Now, I’m really happy we got it done and to know it’s helping people probably every day.”
The finished product was also very satisfying to Ben.
“Getting to see the signs installed in lines – I loved that part and seeing how all our hard work paid off,” he said.
Tying in with the sign project, Koltyn repaired and repainted the tool shed at the cemetery and then installed a section map to further help people locate loved ones’ graves.
“It made me feel like a productive member of society getting to contribute in that way,” he said. “I like thinking about all the time we spent talking about it and working through it that day.”
At the front of the cemetery, Dan relocated and installed a new light for the flagpole that had been originally installed by his late grandfather, Allen Estlack. The new light now shines without interfering with drivers on Highway 70, and he also installed a steel core rope on the flagpole that will last for many years.
“It made me feel good giving back to my community and continuing what my grandfather had built,” he said. “I felt accomplished and felt like we had helped people.”
Henry’s project focused on scraping and repainting the wrought iron fence around the Saints’ Roost colonists’ graves and the main entrance sign to the cemetery.
“It was important because it’s good for families to see that their loved ones are in a place that is cared for,” he said. “The project makes it look like a nicer place for the community.”
Haughton’s project was the final one of the day and involved moving the flag retirement deposit boxes from the old VFW to the Lions Hall and refurbishing a previous Eagle project to receive flags. It’s a project that has since received hundreds of flags for retirement.
“The project made me feel like I was doing something for the community and something to honor the flags with retirement,” he said. “It makes me happy that it’s being put to a good use.”
All six boys still have other opportunities for adventure and learning in scouting and will be role models for younger scouts coming up behind them.
Sunday’s Court of Honor brings the total number of Eagle Scouts produced by Troop 433 since 1969 to 98. With the first two female Eagles recognized by companion Troop 4433 two weeks ago and the nine known Eagles from other local troops since 1927, Clarendon now has a total of 109 Eagle Scouts.
Cub Reporter: Family, friends help reach Eagle rank
Last Sunday, a group of my scout troop had our Eagle presentations to officially become Eagle Scouts.
I’ve been involved in scouting since the first grade; and through all of the fun, my goal has always been to become an Eagle Scout like my father. I finally was able to make that dream come true, and I’m so happy for all of the wonderful things it taught me and all of the amazing times it was able to give me.
My time in scouting has really seemed to fly by, and it feels amazing having spent almost 10 years making memories and having fun with my friends. It is truly one of the greatest experiences of my entire life, and I am excited that I got to be awarded with such a prestigious rank.
I am so thankful for everyone who has supported me throughout my scouting journey, especially my Dad, who got me into scouts and has helped me every step of the way. I’m also thankful for my Mom, who has been an amazing scout mom and helped with everything from Cub Scouts all the way through my Eagle Project.
I believe scouts have made me a better man, and I am looking forward to what awaits me in my scouting life.
Editorial: An honor to last a lifetime
My son is an Eagle Scout.
Those words fill me with a pride that almost makes me burst with joy, and I know it’s a feeling I share with his mother and other parents whose children have accomplished the same goal.
& Editor
For Ben and his buddies, this goal has been one they have had – and one their parents have shared – for a long time. Their journey started ten years ago when they joined Cub Scouts and began working on their Tiger rank. We talked about it then, that they were taking their first steps on the trail to Eagle.
Twelve kids started in that den in 2012. On Sunday, five of them plus one younger brother were presented with the highest honor in scouting, the rank of Eagle Scout.
Only between two and five percent of kids who join scouts will ever make it to Eagle. It takes a level of commitment and dedication on the part of not only the kid but also his family to get there. And as the kids get older, there is more and more competition for their time and their attention. For those who do make it though, scouting instills values and skills that will last a lifetime and shapes young men and young women to be good citizens, good leaders, good parents, and, hopefully, future scout leaders.
For a community our size to produce one or two or three Eagle Scouts in a year is rare anymore. Producing six from Troop 433 is awesome. And then when you add that just a week ago, our companion Troop 4433 pinned the first two girls as Eagles in our section of the Panhandle, that brings Clarendon’s total to eight for 2022. Incredible!
Though my father and grandfather never attained the rank of Eagle, they were super supportive of scouting in Clarendon and in Hedley. My parents made sure that my brother and I got our bird. They are surely proud now – as we are – that they now have three grandsons who are Eagle Scouts. Carrying on that legacy has been important to our family to make sure this generation has the same opportunities we had.
Ben’s group, which includes his cousin Daniel Estlack, Mason Allred, Koltyn Shields, Henry Bivens, and Haughton Bivens, are all young men who are very important to me. I’ve watched them all grow and mature while still remaining boys at heart.
They can be fun and act goofy, but then the training and the upbringing can kick in, and these guys are serious, thoughtful, community-minded, and service oriented.
That’s what scouting does. If you follow the mantra of Keep It Simple, Make It Fun – something my mother used to recite and men like T.C. Saye were good at – then the impact you can have on a young person’s life is incredible.
These boys carry with them memories that will last a lifetime. Memories of adventures, games, camping, learning, and laughter that will overshadow the occasional but necessary boring presentation. Through those fun experiences they have learned the meaning of Duty to God and Country. They realize the importance of helping other people and keeping themselves physically fit, mentally awake, and morally straight. They also realize that value of twelve important character traits that scouting holds most dear – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
The Diamond Back Patrol – the name they chose for themselves in fifth grade – did one thing in particular that will stand out in local scouting history. All of these boys completed their Eagle Projects in one day. A single Eagle project takes a lot of time, planning, and hard work. To pull off six major projects in one day was nothing short of miraculous. It showed not only the commitment of these boys and their families and friends, who gave of their time and talents to make it happen, but it also showed the camaraderie these guys have for each other.
Each guy in turn had to lead and be a leader. They all had to help each other, take guidance from each other, and pull together in a way that we hadn’t really gotten to see them do before. But we knew they had it in them – they’ve been Eagles at heart for a long time.
To my men, I want you each to know how very proud I am of each of you. Ben, Dan, Mason, Koltyn, Henry, and Haughton – it has been my pleasure to get to take this journey with you. I cannot wait to see what you all accomplish. Take those skills and those memories and make the world a little better.
And for my son, your Mom and I – and the whole family – are incredibly proud of you. You bring joy to our lives, you live the Scout Law and Oath, and it is a blessing to be your parents. We love you, Ben.
Go fly high, men. Soar with the Eagles and fear no challenge for you are up to the task.
Lady Broncos win White Deer tourney
For the second weekend in a row, the Lady Broncos brought home the tournament championship. Participating in the White Deer Tournament, Clarendon defeated five teams to get the win.
Follett was up first for the ladies, and they won. 59-20. After the first eight minutes, the ladies were not contested by their opponent, and they were able to execute their game plan with ease to get the win. Baylee Gabel put in 14 points and Finley Cunningham added nine. Hayden Elam and Berkley Moore each put in seven and Gracie Clark had six. The game with Happy was much closer and the Lady Broncos had to work to get the win. A huge third quarter made a big difference and gave the ladies the edge to close it out. Once again it was Gabel who led the way on the scoreboard with 14 and Graci Smith put in seven.
The Lady Broncos played White Deer and breezed by them 54-24. A great second quarter put the ladies in a great position as they were able to do whatever they needed to do on the court. Cunningham put in 14 that included four three-pointers, Kenidee Hayes and Gabel added 10, and T. Cummins helped with six. The game with McLean went much the same way as the previous game and the Lady Broncos won 71-41. The Lady Tigers only trailed by one after the first eight minutes, but the Lady Broncos were able to run their offense and hit the big points. Cunningham hit six three-pointers and finish with 20 points, and Gabel and Moore had 12 each. Makenna Shadle and K. Cummins posted eight each.
In the championship game, the Lady Broncos matched up against Sunray. A huge second quarter sealed the win as they outscored the Lady Bobcats by 24 points. Presley Smith turned up the heat and finished with 14, Elam had 13, and Cunningham put in 10.
The Lady Broncos turned up the heat on the Vega Longhorns at home earlier in the week defeating them 62-22. Elam and Gabel finished in double figures in the game with 13 and 11 points respectively. Elam also made three of five from the bonus line, and Gabel added two big shots from behind the arc.
Vega was defenseless against the Lady Broncos as they were able to execute offensively to get the job done. Nine different Lady Broncos came through on the offense ends of the court to add to the point total. The Lady Longhorns struggled all of the way and only put six points on the scoreboard in the first half. Clarendon was able to cover the court end to end to cause turnovers and make stops.
Courtlyn Conkin was perfect from the free throw line and finished with eight points and Moore hit one three and helped with seven and Cunningham added seven of her own. K. Cummins put in six, Smith had five, Hayes hit one three, and T. Cummins put in two.
The Lady Broncos will play Canadian on Friday, December 16, against Canadian.
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