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Billy Ray Johnston

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Billy Ray Johnston entered his Heavenly Home on November 1, 2022, at the age of 85.

Billy Ray Johnston

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2022, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Larry White, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Pall bearers will be: Kirk Storseth, Brandon Hemphill, Talyn Kuster, Robert Messenger, Keith Mason, and Tim Williams.

Billy Ray was born in Naylor community near Clarendon on July 3, 1937, on the family farm to Walter and Inez Bridges Johnston. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Lelia Lake High School in 1956. Billy Ray attended Clarendon College while working at the Adair Hospital and Murphy Funeral Home. Billy Ray then attended Common Wealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston. Here he met the love of his life, Janice Marie Pratt. He and Janice married in Clarendon at the First Baptist Church on July 1, 1961. He was drafted into the service in November 1961. Two years later, he, Janice and newborn daughter returned from a stay in Germany. After a stint with the smelter in Amarillo, and two other daughters being born there, they returned to Clarendon.

While on the Board of Directors of Donley County Hospital District, the Board sent Billy Ray to Austin to obtain his nursing home administrator license. He was administrator in Clarendon for ten years, then took a job at Park Place Towers in Amarillo and subsequently was administrator at various facilities in the Texas Panhandle over the next 38 years. Billy Ray was a People Person, loving all he met while spreading God’s love as he was commanded.

Billy Ray and Janice maintained their home in Clarendon since 1967. Billy Ray never left Donley County. He loved the people here and always considered his acquaintances his personal friends and was ready to lend a helping hand. Billy Ray clearly loved his family and extended family. He always loved music including singing at Lelia Lake Baptist Church until graduation from High School. He moved his membership to First Baptist Church of Clarendon, where his membership still exists today.

Billy Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of fifty years, Janice, and two brothers, Earnest Neal and Charles Kenneth.

Billy Ray is survived by his three daughters, Deborah Lynn (and Greg) Hemphill; Dyanne Marie Johnston and Mischelle Raynee (and Gary) Storseth; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren and many friends.  He is also survived by his siblings Cleta Klepper; Redell Johnston and wife Sherol; Dan Foster and wife Molly; Gary Johnston and wife Paige; Pam Mason and sister-in-law Beth Johnston.   Every acquaintance had a personal place in his heart!

Memorials may be made to Clarendon Citizens Cemetery (PO Box 983; Clarendon, TX 79226) and / or Donley County Senior Citizens (PO Drawer B; Clarendon, TX 79226).

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

CC Bulldogs win Texas Tech rodeo

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The Clarendon College men’s rodeo team is reeling off victories like the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s.

Riding the backs of its bronc busters and bareback riders, the Bulldogs have won three events in a row, most recently at Texas Tech University this past weekend. With that, Clarendon College moved to within 60 points of Southwest Region leader Western Texas College.

The Clarendon College men’s rodeo team won the Texas Tech University Rodeo last weekend. Courtesy Photo

“We’ve been building every week, and it’s shown the last three weeks,” said Bret Franks, the team’s coach. “Our goal is to be the top team in our region when the season ends, and we’re making the right moves to be in that position in the spring.”

The Southwest Region consists of 10 events through the 2022-23 campaign, and half the rodeos took place during the fall session.

“We have five rodeos left in the spring, so we’ll get a chance to take a little break and come back next semester fresh and ready to roll,” Franks said. “It’s been fun to watch these kids come out and find success. Now, we just want to build off that.”

As has happened in their victories at home two weeks ago and at Vernon (Texas) College a week ago, the Bulldogs earned the most points in saddle bronc riding. Slade Keith of Stanfield, Arizona, won in all three phases – the first round, the championship round and the aggregate – to win the overall title. Dylan Hancock of Golconda, Illinois, placed fourth in the long round, third in the short round and third overall.

Weston Patterson of Waverly, Kansas, rode two broncs for a cumulative score of 142 points but didn’t place.

Sam Petersen of Helena, Montana earned his second bareback riding victory in three weeks. He was 81 points to finish second in the long round, then won the short round and the average after scoring 79.5 points Saturday night. His two-ride cumulative score of 160.5 was a point and a half better than the field. Fellow bareback rider Clayton Moss of Wheeler, Texas, advanced to the short round but didn’t place.

“We have a lot of talented people on this team,” Franks said. “They will all have an opportunity to contribute for us. I like the direction we’re going right now, and I can’t wait to see what we can do come the spring semester.”

By Ted Harbin, TwisTed Rodeo

Extension service offering water well screening Nov. 14

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Private water well owners in Donley County can take advantage of a water screening this month provided by the Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas Water Resources Institute.

Well owners can pick up a testing kit from the Extension office at the Donley County Activity Center at 4430 Highway 70 North in Clarendon anytime, but the samples must be dropped off on November 14 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Extension office. The cost is $15 per sample.

The Texas Well Owner Network is hosting the “Well Informed” water well screening give area residents the opportunity to have their well water screened. Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

A follow-up meeting to explain the results of the screenings will be at 4:00 p.m. November 15 at the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District office – Windmill Room, 203 West Third Street, White Deer.

The screening is presented by AgriLife Extension and Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, partnership with the AgriLife Extension offices in Potter, Armstrong, Carson, Gray and Donley Counties and the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District.

Joel Pigg, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program specialist and TWON coordinator, College Station, said the TWON program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs. Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

“It is very important that only sampling bags and bottles from the AgriLife Extension office be used and all instructions for proper sampling are followed to ensure accurate results,” Pigg said.

Private water wells should be tested annually, he said. The samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

Pigg said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the November 15 meeting in order to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and improve their understanding of private well management.

Pigg said research shows the presence of E. coli bacteria in water indicates that waste from humans or warm-blooded animals may have contaminated the water. Water contaminated with E. coli is more likely to also have pathogens present that can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea or other symptoms.

The presence of nitrate-nitrogen in well water is also a concern, and water with nitrate-nitrogen at levels of 10 parts per million is considered unsafe for human consumption, he said.

“These nitrate levels above 10 parts per million can disrupt the ability of blood to carry oxygen throughout the body, resulting in a condition called methemoglobinemia,” Pigg said. “Infants less than 6 months of age and young livestock are most susceptible to this.”

Salinity, as measured by total dissolved solids, will also be determined for each sample, he said. Water with high levels may leave deposits and have a salty taste. Using water with high levels for irrigation may damage soil or plants.

To learn more about the programs offered through the network or to find additional publications and resources, visit http://twon.tamu.edu. For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Donley County at 806-874-2141.

Funding for the Texas Well Owner Network is through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The project is managed by TWRI, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Dale Robinson

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Dale Robinson, 76, of Clarendon died Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in Memphis.

Dale Robinson

Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022, in Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating.  Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Dale was born June 12, 1946, in Clarendon to A.G. “Doc” and Lois Chivers Robinson.  He married Sue Posey on August 16, 1985, in Memphis.  He had been a lifetime resident of Clarendon where he was farmer.  Dale always worked hard and had a great sense of humor.  Friends would enjoy seeing Dale always hanging out for coffee at Taylor Mart and later Garrison’s in Clarendon.  He took great care of his mother while she was alive.  Dale was a great dad and was very supportive.  He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister in law, Maxine Robinson.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Robinson of Clarendon; his son, Morgan Robinson of Amarillo; his step daughters, Kelli Bloxom and husband Rick of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Kim Koulovatos and husband Jim of Texas City, Texas; his brother, Don Robinson of Clarendon; four grandchildren, Kristen Beuke, Dustin Bloxom, Randi K. Wilson, and Evan Wilson; two great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and several brothers and sisters in law.

The family request memorials be sent to Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Clarendon Lions celebrate 100 years of service

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Lion Nathan Estlack was named the Outstanding New Member, Laney Gates was crowned as the club’s Sweetheart, and Lion Anndria Newhouse was named the Lion of the Year during ceremonies at the Bairfield Activity Center last Saturday. See more photos on page 8. Enterprise Photo / Elaina Estlack

The Clarendon Lions Club celebrated its 100th anniversary last Saturday night, October 22, with a Centennial Banquet at the Bairfield Activity Center to close out a day full of Lions service and fun in the community.

Boss Lion Landon Lambert presented Lion Nathan Estlack as the Outstanding New Member for 2021-2022, and Lion Anndria Newhouse was recognized as the Lion of the Year for her role in promoting club growth and visibility through numerous community service projects.

Laney Gates was formally crowned as the club’s Sweetheart for the current year.
International President Brian Sheehan recorded a personalized video message for the club’s centennial, and Lions International Director Ernesto “T.J.” Tijerina was the guest speaker for the evening, focusing his remarks on the importance of service and fellowship.

Other dignitaries attending the banquet were Past International President Jimmy Ross and his wife, Lion Velda Ross; Lion Juanita Tijerina; and Second Vice District Governor Chris Rogers with his son, Lincoln.

ID Tijerina presented several certificates on behalf of IP Sheehan assisted by District Governor Roger Estlack. The International President’s Certificate of Appreciation – the fourth highest award in Lionism – was presented to Lions Jacob Fangman, Chuck Robertson, Ashlee Estlack, and Landon Lambert. The club itself also received a Certificate of Appreciation on the occasion of its centennial.

Several Lions were recognized for their many years of service to the association, including Lion Bobbie Thornberry – 25 years, Lion George U. Hubbard – 20 years, Lion Jacob Fangman – 10 years, Lion Scarlet Estlack – 10 years, Lion Russell Estlack – 20 years, and Lion Tex Buckhaults – 30 years.

Boss Lion Lambert also received recognition on behalf of the club with the Club Excellence award for the previous Lion year and the Membership Satisfaction award.

Lion Ashlee Estlack, in her capacity as vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, presented the club with a $1,500 check from the proceeds of the Hot Rods to Harleys Fun Run. The money will go to the Lions’ new effort to secure a gift for each Donley County elementary student this Christmas.

Lion Janie Noble won the bingo game for a Melvin Jones Fellowship, and Wellington Lions Club Boss Lion Jeff Thomas won the drawing for the gift bag DG Estlack and Lion Ashlee brought back from the international convention in Montreal this summer.

All members of the Clarendon club also received a special centennial coin struck for the occasion.

Lion David Dockery read the proclamation from the city naming October 22, 2022, as Clarendon Lions Club Centennial Day, and DG Estlack gave a brief history of the club, which has grown from 23 members two years ago to 49 members today.

Several members of the Amarillo Downtown Lions Club attended the banquet, including Boss Lion Gemma Mitchell and Lions John Michie and Kevin Cox. Amarillo Downtown sponsored the chartering of the Clarendon club in 1922, and Clarendon’s is now the second oldest club in District 2-T1, which covers the top 26 counties of the Panhandle.

A total of 66 Lions and guests were registered for events on Saturday, which included the District’s Fall Family Fun Festival. Events began at the Mulkey Theatre at 9:30 with short sessions on improving service to communities. Local and District Lions posed on the north side of Antro Plaza to recreate a 1930 picture taken at that location of district Lions with Melvin Jones, the founder of the association.

Clarendon and district Lions gather with association founder Melvin Jones (seated with hat) outside the Antro Hotel in 1930.
Clarendon and district Lions gather outside the Antro Plaza with Past International President Jimmy Ross (seated with hat) during the Fall Family Fun Festival in 2022.

Lions then participated in a Diabetes Awareness “Strides Walk” from downtown to the Chance Jones Playground at Prospect Park, and later assembled about 100 non-perishable food boxes at the Donley County Senior Citizens Center for local homebound residents. Lions also helped plant a centennial tree in front of the Lions Hall.

Following the service projects, more than 40 local and district Lions and Clarendon residents assembled in the Lions Hall for afternoon bingo with a corn hole tournament being held outside later in the afternoon.

Prior to the banquet, an open house, hospitality, and ribbon cutting were held at the Lions Hall in celebration of the anniversary as well as the completion of renovations to building. Numerous Lions and family members have worked hard on improvements to the building for the last couple of months. The Lions Hall building was originally part of a German POW camp at McLean during World War II before it was moved here following the war. It has served as the club’s home since the 1940s.

Clubs represented during Saturday’s activities were Clarendon Lions Club, Amarillo Downtown Lions Club, Amarillo Community Lions Club, Amarillo El Barrio Lions Club, Amarillo Lake Tanglewood Lions Club, Canyon Lions Club, Dumas Lions Club, Del Rio San Felipe Lions Club, Quitaque Lions Club, and Wellington Lions Club.

Perry discusses legislative priorities

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Sen. Charles Perry discusses local government with Donley County Judge John Howard following last Wednesday’s forum at the Bairfield Activity Center. Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) met with students and constituents at the Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center last Wednesday, October 19, to cover a variety of issues that will be coming up during before the state legislature in 2023.

Perry said the state’s economy is being fueled right now but said he expects it to slow down, and the senator outlined some of his top priorities in the next legislative session, including spending $9 billion to fix the state’s electric grid and focusing on the recapturing water used in oil production and treating it.

“Water will determine if Texas is here for your great-grandchildren,” Perry said.
With that in mind, Perry also supports a $2 billion water initiative designed to help improve water infrastructure in the state, noting that about 143 billion gallons leaks out of water lines currently.

The senator intends to carry a bill intended to improve discipline in schools by removing difficult students from the classroom. Perry also said the state is cannot stop the next school shooting, but there will be efforts to improve school safety, which will come with oversight.

Perry hedged on a question about whether he would support a ballot initiative on Texas withdrawing from the Union, noting that it’s a complex issue and that while Texas could probable survive on its own, he prefers to see Texas thrive.

Asked about his view of local government, Perry said that when local governments raise taxes, it’s the state that takes the blame for it. Perry said places like Houston “bring their trash to the legislature,” and lawmakers try to deal with those communities’ issues, particularly rising taxes. Perry, however, has supported “carve outs” that are designed to shield small rural counties from rules aimed at large, urban counties.

Asked about increasing the base allotment for public schools and about the teacher shortage, Perry said the legislature will focus more on “paying down property taxes” than increasing the allotment and said the teacher shortage “is temporary” and that discipline was more important than pay in terms of teachers staying in the profession.

Rep. King to meet citizens here Nov. 2

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State Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian) will be in Clarendon next Wednesday, November 2, to discuss the upcoming 88th Regular Legislative Session.

State Rep. Ken King

King will meet with residents at the Bairfield Activity Center at Clarendon College from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Prior to his Clarendon visit, King will hold another meeting in Briscoe County at the Silverton Library from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Rep. King, who represents District 88, will solicit feedback from constituents on issues of vital importance to them and their communities.

“Before beginning another legislative session, it is important that I receive input and ides from the constituents of District 88 to help me effectively represent and advocate for our community,”  King said.

Early balloting now underway at Annex

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Early voting began Monday in the 2022 general election as voters across the state began casting their ballots for the state’s top offices.

Registered voters in Donley County can cast early ballots by personal appearance at the Donley County Courthouse Annex through Friday, November 4.

Turnout has been good so far in Donley County with about 120 people casting ballots.

Lady Broncos win district XC title

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The Lady Broncos cross-country team took the top spot at the District meet to move on to Regionals. Courtesy Photo / Brenna Buker

The Lady Bronco cross-country team competed in the Regional Cross-Country Meet on Monday, October 24, and finished fifth as a team.

The fifth-place finish was one spot out of the top four teams that earned the right to advance to the State Meet in November. There were 164 runners in the event.

Madi Benson finished in the 18th spot out of 164 runners with a time of 13:27.6.

Benson, who was only just under a minute off the first-place time, is a freshman and has been running solid all season long.

Berkley Moore ran the course in a time of 13:54.3 for 34th place, and Presley Smith was 38th with a time of 13:55.6.

The rest of the team were fairly close together at the finish line. Avery Sawyer was 40th at 13:59.9 with Kenidee Hayes right behind her in 41st with a time of 14:00.4. Gracie Ellis crossed the finish line in a time of 14:20 for 51st place and Aliyah Weatherton was 133rd at 16:09.8.

Bryce Williams was the lone qualifier for the Broncos and finished 51st out of 162 runners with a time of 19:42.5.

Williams and the Lady Broncos qualified for the Regional Meet by placing high up in the district meet on October 12. Williams ran fourth in the district meet with a time of 19:15, and Kaleb Mays ran 15th at 22:09.

Hayes was third in the finishers at 12:40, and Benson was right behind her at 12:45. Moore ran the course in a time of 12:50, and Smith was 13:00. Ellis turned in a time of 13:05 for seventh, Sawyer was 14th at 13:45 and Weatherton was 16th with a time of 14:00.

Taking the top spots in the junior varsity division were Tandie Cummins with a time of 12:40 and Makenna Shadle in second at 14:28. Kennadie Cummins was third at 14:38, Gracie Wilkins was fourth at 14:51, and Trystan Brown was fifth at 14:53. Gracie Clark ran sixth with a time of 15:01, Kimbrasia Ballard was eighth at 15:25, and Laney Rummel was 10th with a time of 15:58.

Hayden Elam was 11th at 15:58, Finley Cunningham was 14th at 17:14, and Courtlyn Conkin was 15th with a time of 17:18. Kashlyn Conkin was 16th at 17:22, and Millie McAnear came in at 22:02.

Broncos run by Memphis

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The Broncos reigned supreme over the Memphis Cyclones in a district matchup last Friday night on the road.

The 6-2 Broncos are perfect in district play with two games remaining.

The Bronco defense made a huge showing in the 48-14 win as they stopped the Cyclones all game long. Their solid play allowed the Bronco offense great field position on nearly every possession. Colton Benson made the most tackles with 12 and recovered a fumble in Memphis territory and Colton Caudle posted eight tackles and a fumble recovery.

Mason Sims had seven tackles, Quay Brown snatched two interceptions, and Wilson Ward fought hard for two tackles and added one fumble recovery and one interception.
Offensively, the Broncos stuck to their game plan using senior Jmaury Davis throughout the game both rushing and receiving. Davis scored a 57-yard touchdown with only one minute off the clock to give the Broncos the first score of the game. Lyric Smith hit Davis in the endzone for the two-point bonus after the TD. The Bronco offense had one big play after another throughout the game with a variety of players getting into the action. Their speed and quickness impeded the Cyclone defense and is something they will carry into their final two district games.

Harrison Howard was 11 of 15 passing for 139 yards and four touchdowns in the game. Howard leaned on receivers Davis and Smith for big yardage and TD’s but also hit Ward twice for 29 yards and one touchdown.

Davis had 18 carries for 201 yards rushing and two catches for a total of three touchdowns. Smith found the endzone three times as well and racked up 48 yards receiving.

The Broncos’ early scoring gave them the definite advantage in their win as they held a 28-8 lead at halftime.

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