This Week

The local VFW post and its Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor a Meet the Candidates Night October 16, 2000, at 7 p.m. at the Bairfield Activity Center at Clarendon College.

As of press time, the VFW reported the following candidates as confirmed for the evening: Randall Sims, Stewart Messer, William “Bill” Holden, Wilma Lindley, Wanda Smith, Andy Wheatley, and Jimmy Swinney. Other local candidates were reportedly sent an invitation to the event but have not responded. VFW officials say all candidates are welcome at the event.

Joe Davis, general manager of KLSR Radio in Memphis, will moderate the forum. 

This event is free to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Clarendon Aldermen took on the topic of zoning ordinances and building permits when the board held its regular meeting last Tuesday, September 26.

The issue was raised because of some recent private improvements around town that have encroached on city rights of way. In a statement to the Enterprise, Alderman Smiley Johnson said the encroachments are a problem that can hinder city water and sewer projects and can be costly to the property owner.

Recently, a $248,034 waterworks project set for the west central part of town had to be scaled back partly because of private improvements in the city alleyway. Alleys are supposed to be 20 feet wide, but engineers found that private fences had been built in them.

A city ordinance, passed in 1952, restricts walls, structures, and buildings from being built, enlarged, altered, or repaired if the cost will exceed $25 until a plan for the changes are approved by the city. According to the law, plans must be submitted to the city and a building permit issued. The city will review the plans for property encroachments and other zoning items.

The building permit costs $1 for the first $1,000 of construction plus 25¢ for every additional $1,000. Failure to submit plans and secure a permit is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $10 to $100 for each day the violation is continued.

“Most people do not want others building on their property and likewise probably do not want to build on someone else’s property, including that of the city,” Johnson said. “The right of way may go years without any need for its use, and then one day it is needed.”

Johnson pointed to Second Street (US 287) where a storm drain was installed under the sidewalk last year in several blocks of right of way.

The board of aldermen urges all citizens to get a building permit before starting construction projects or installing prefabricated structures.

“In the long run it will help the city with improvements on rights of way adjacent to such areas,” Johnson said.

For more information regarding building permits, call City Hall at 874-3438.

In other city news, the city budget for 2000-2001 was reviewed and approved last week. An ordinance to collect delinquent taxes was tabled until the chief appraiser could visit the board. The law enforcement agreement with the Donley County was signed, and the Pampa landfill contract was approved.

The aldermen also expressed appreciation to Chris Knox who paid for drilling and placing a water well at the municipal airport. The well will benefit pilots and will be helpful in filling firefighting aircraft.

Temperatures may be dropping soon, but the extreme fire danger remains hot throughout the Texas Panhandle. Until the region receives significant rainfall, Texas Forest Service Assistant Chief Fire Coordinator Les Rogers says, “it’s just too dangerous to burn.”

A lack of rain coupled with a heavy fuel load of unseasonably dry grass and shrubs and harvested cornfields have left the Panhandle and its residents vulnerable as extreme fire danger continues to threaten the area. And as the season’s fronts begin to move through the region, fire officials are concerned about the lightning and gusty winds they often produce.

“Fires are burning quickly and intensely in this dry, heavy vegetation. And with gusting winds, fires, whether caused by lightning or humans, are quickly creating dangerous conditions for firefighters,” Rogers said. “I know we can’t stop lightning, but it’s critical for personal safety and that of firefighters that the public do what it can to prevent any accidental or human-caused fires.”

On September 19, a cigarette ignited a fire in Dallam County that consumed ten acres and threatened an affluent neighborhood, said Dalhart Fire Marshal Tom Morris.

The fire was burning through an open field that led up to the housing district. Fortunately for residents, Morris said, an alley separated the houses from burning field.

“The alley helped us stop the fire,” he said. “We were able to cut it off before it reached the houses.”

While Dallam County has seen an increase in fire activity, many regions of the Panhandle have not had the same problem, something Childress Fire Chief Steve Jones credits to the responsible actions of the public.

“People have been real careful,” Jones said. “But just because the temperatures are cooler, I don’t want people to think the danger is over.”

Rogers urges Panhandle residents to continue to keep up their guard and offers these tips: Light no open fires, including burn barrels and campfires; Comply with county burn bans; Extinguish cigarettes in vehicle ashtrays, not out the window or on the ground; Avoid driving or parking in tall grass where hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation; When welding or using metal grinding equipment outside, select a clear area or wet down the work area and keep a fire extinguisher handy; Use caution when operating or repairing harvesting equipment.

A county burn ban continues to be in effect in Donley County. Commissioners will consider extending the ban when the court meets next Monday.

On Tuesday, October 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center, nationally recognized author and business consultant Don Taylor will speak to the general public on the subject of “Street Smart Financial Management.”  He will share tips on how small business owners can keep more of the money they make.

A year ago Donley County residents identified economic development as the top issue facing citizens of this county.  This is the third in a series of four seminars which Don Taylor has presented to assist citizens and business owners in creating a more profitable environment for themselves as well as their community.

Attendees will learn twelve financial “must knows;” constructing a well-built financial house; five financial tools that will keep you out of trouble; new methods for managing margins for greater income; understanding and calculating true costs of doing business; and what your banker really needs to see before saying “yes” to your loan request.

Recent research indicates that the typical business owner handles hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and yet most earn less than $50,000 annually.  To gain insight on what the top 10 percent do, join Mr. Taylor for strategies to achieve a bigger bottom line.

“Street Smart Financial Management” is sponsored by the Clarendon-Donley County Chamber of Commerce, Clarendon College, and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service of Donley County.  To reserve a space at the seminar or for more information, contact the Donley County Extension Service at 874-2141.

Rarely is an artist discovered with the varied and eye-catching abilities of Jimmy Vonn Carter, aka J’Vonn of Amarillo.  Here is an artist who can pour himself into any environment, from western to old world to contemporary, and produce works of outstanding quality.

“It is both a thrill and a challenge,” says J’Vonn of his recent acceptance into the Taos art community. 

According to the Summer 2000 issue of High Country magazine, “Taos is where art began in New Mexico some 100 years ago.  Today there are over 80 galleries showing the works of more than 1000 artists,” Mr. Carter adds.  “Competition is fierce, especially when you look at those numbers.  I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to show there.  After all, Taos is one of the top five art destinations in the United States.”

Jimmy is the son of Clarendon resident, Mrs. Clara Mae Carter.  Born and raised locally, he has always expressed himself through works of art since a small child.  His interest and talent was apparent at an early age.  He sketched literally everything he saw on every type of paper he could find.  The son of a farmer, he was often discouraged to “quit wasting his time and get to work.”  But farm life managed only to show him more of the wonder and beauty of God’s creation and deepened his longing to share that with others.  This was his calling.

After graduating from Clarendon High School and attending Clarendon College, he received his BS in Art at West Texas State University and continued developing and refining unique techniques for expressing his passion for art.  His professional life provided him with extensive US and international travel and additional creative challenges to turn into successes.

While managing and/or supporting internationally known musical artists Red Stegall, Reba McEntire, Johnny Duncan, Neal McCoy, and Charley Pride for almost 20 years, he was also establishing himself as an artist of noteworthy respect through commercial art, advertising, (winner of several Addy Awards), specialty designs, and private commissions. 

He has garnered art awards at jured events over the years and was cited for excellence by the National Fair Buyers Association.  In fact, the consensus of Fair Managers across the country regarding his representations of musicians was that, “Mr. Carter should clone himself and represent every entertainer in the industry.”  He has always given everything in his being to the project at hand.  And that is certainly true of his art.

Through extensive study of a particular subject and sincere empathy, he is able to immerse himself in the subject’s environment, mingle, and emerge with a greater understanding of its purpose, direction, and personality, all of which is poured out onto his canvas and beyond.  J’Vonn holds back nothing and realizes no boundaries.  You will find his unusual trademark – art overflowing the frame – intriguing.  This is a deeper expression of his yearning to unite subject with observer.  His artwork “steps” into your life.  This is definitive of his entire life, which he has always embraced with great enthusiasm.  When in his presence, his enthusiasm becomes yours.

His paintings and specialty finishes can be found on residential and commercial doors, fireplaces, walls, floors, ceilings, carvings, furniture, almost any surface.  His first love is for furniture that becomes not only a beautiful work of art, but maintains it functionality. 

While his life has always been very structured and disciplined, his art definitely is not.  Art is the one area where he maintains complete freedom and makes good use of it.  All types of mediums are used; a canvas is literally anything that doesn’t move.  Depth, texture, and antiquity are combined with a dimensional quality to bring about full involvement of all the senses.  You experience his work.  Not only does it express emotion; you are compelled to reach out and touch it, feel it, connect with it, and sense it.

Yet, while he is a highly respected artist, genuine humility permeates his persona.  He considers his talents and creativity on loan from God; he is His tool.  His art expresses his love for God’s marvelous creation and ingenious inventiveness.  Jimmy is astounded by the simple beauty of such things as a stone up close, the grain in wood, the colors of life and death of the forest, plus breathtaking sunsets.  God has shown His love for mankind by providing such beauty in natures and Jimmy’s only desire is to be a worthy representative of God’s attention to detail.  J’Vonn just brings it closer to us.

You can experience his art at Treasures of Taos Art Gallery, as well as exhibits in the historic LaFonda Hotel Lobby, both on the Plaza in downtown Taos. 

His work is also on display at the Taos Country Club and locally at Arden’s of Amarillo in Wolflin Plaza. 

If you would like more information on where to find additional works, you may call (806) 355-1204.

The Clarendon High School all-school reunion was held September 22 – 24 this year.

The CHS exes kicked off the Homecoming weekend with the Bronco pep rally at the stadium. There was a great turn out, and the theme was “Back in Time.” The parade of wagons depicted scenes from the 50s to 2000. Kids from Kindergarten to the senior class went to a lot of work to make these floats.

Tommy Shields, member of the 1972 Broncho State Final team, from Sherman introduced the guest speaker – Clyde Noonkester who coached the ’72 Bronchos. They both had some great reflections, and lots of reminiscing and laughter was enjoyed by everyone in the large crowd.

The Mexican Pile-On supper, sponsored by the Bronco Band Boosters, was very good and well attended by the exes.

Registering, purchasing football tickets, getting name tags, and lots of visiting occurred in front of the old College-CHS gym prior to the Bronco kick off.

The crowd of exes at the game was unbelievable. Getting reacquainted and a lot of trying to see who all was there happened behind the stands. The night was topped off by a victory for the Broncos against the Booker Kiowas. Courtney Newhouse, daughter of CHS alum Mike Newhouse, was crowned Homecoming Queen. The Bronco Band’s performance was great also. Immediately following the game, approximately 300 exes met at the Community Center and enjoyed snacks and the music of KEFH radio.

Saturday morning there was registration and coffee and donuts at JAMZ (where some of us used to have a Pud burger). It was good to see some of our ex-teachers again. We visited with Nova Mears Little, Pauline Heath Hardin, Coach Jack James, Coach Tom Jinks, Coach Clyde Noonkester, Joan Noonkester, Coach Bob Lemons, Ethelyn Grady, Helen Estlack, and Johnny Leathers. It was great to see them, and we hope there will be more teachers next time.

Saturday night, about 260 exes enjoyed steak dinners at the Bar H Dude Ranch. Background music was provided by Jay Riley of Pampa and Patrick Robertson of KEFH radio. Gift certificates were given to some special people for the following: Oldest Class Represented – Kathleen Yankie, a free ticket to the Sandell Drive-In (Anyone caught hiding in the trunk would be asked to leave!); Youngest Class Represented – Gina Smith Gaines, two tickets to the Mulkey Theater (Good only on Tuesday – bargain night!); the Teacher Certificate – Coach Jack James, $5 worth of gas at Price’s Truck Stop (at 29¢ per gallon); the Longest Distance Traveled – Steve Richardson, a free oil change from Palmer Ford Motor Co.; the Ex-Student Living in Donley County the Longest – Kathleen Yankie, one flu shot from the Adair Hospital.

The organizers of the reunion hope everyone had as much fun as they did seeing the event come together for Homecoming 2000. Your attendance is what made this such a success.

If you know of anyone who didn’t attend, tell them how much fun you had and encourage them to be here with us next time.

By Leon  Church, County Agent

Several 4-H members from Donley County recently participated in the Tri- State Fair, South Plains Fair in Lubbock, and the Texas State Fair in Dallas. 

Exhibiting swine at the Tri-State Fair were Christine Jordan, Justin and Lauryn Kellas, and Kalli Sawyer.  The young people did very well in their respective classes and were awarded the Herdsmanship award for having the most attractive display and keeping their exhibit area clean and neat.  This is a very prestigious award as it recognizes young people for their work and their pride in the exhibit they have taken to the fair. 

Christine, Lauryn, and Kalli also took swine to the South Plains fair in Lubbock.  Kalli’s Berk gilt was awarded Reserve Champion in the Black Other Purebred division.  This week Kalli Sawyer exhibited her Duroc gilt in Dallas at the Texas State Fair; she place sixth with the gilt, which was shown Sunday, October 1.

Paul Goetze and Trisha Church exhibited their beef projects at the recently completed Tri-State Fair.  Paul showed his Hereford heifer in the Junior Heifer Class and was awarded second place.  Trisha showed her two exotic crossbred steers which ended up in the same class.  The class was made up of 13 steers weighing 875 to 905 pounds.  One of her steers placed first, and the other placed fifth. 

All of these young people represented Donley County well.  We should all be proud of the work these youth do to develop responsibility and animal husbandry. 

A special thanks and recognition goes out to Raymond Woodard of Hedley.  Raymond is the 4-H Swine project leader, who has taken these young swine exhibitors to the shows and looks forward to working with all other 4-H youth in the swine project.