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Trash service responds to Clarendon officials

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Clarendon officials this week continue to work with Waste Connections to resolve issues with garbage collection in the city.

The city council responded to citizens’ complaints about trash not being picked up by meeting with its attorney on October 10 and then authorizing an attorney to write a demand letter to Waste Connections.

City Administrator Brian Barboza said Monday the sanitation company contacted him after they read the Enterprise’s online coverage of that meeting.

“I’m not sure the letter had even been sent yet,” Barboza said.

Waste Connections Amarillo District Manager Bobby Fira sent a letter to Barboza referencing the ClarendonLive.com article and stating that the company strives to maintain good service.

“We do acknowledge there have been some service issues over the last two months, and we want to apologize.” Fira says in the letter obtained by the Enterprise. “There have been some extenuating circumstances though. Our long-standing Clarendon driver retired from WCN on 8/16/2024 which required us to employ a new driver in the city. We have also experienced some truck issues with a very old truck that was primarily being used in Clarendon. We have worked vigorously to resolve these issues.”

Fira said going forward their driver will check in with the city daily to address missed stops, he will have a map to mark his progress in following the schedule, and the driver will have a camera system to record his stops.

Fira also asked for the city’s assistance in resolving issues with low-hanging wires in some areas of town.

“We value open communication with city officials and believe that working together transparently is the best approach to addressing any concerns,” Fira said.

“We would like to work this out amicably, with us immediately sharpening our service level to your standards and having a clear understanding of what your ultimate expectations are.”

Fira also said even though the company’s contract doesn’t expire until September 2025, they would be open to starting the request for proposals (RFP) process to “explore ways to retain this partnership.”

Barboza said he has also been contacted by another member of the Waste Connections staff and was told the company didn’t feel like it had been given a chance to respond to problems and was unaware of the complaints. He said the company is making some changes.

“We’re still getting some complaints [at City Hall] but not as much as before,” Barboza said. “We’re going to continue to work with Waste Connections to get these issues resolved.”

Blue alert discontinued for Altman

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The Texas Department of Public Safety discontinued the Blue Alert for Seth Altman of Memphis last Wednesday, October 16, but the man remains at large.

Altman is wanted for reportedly shooting Police Chief Rex Plant in Memphis on October 3. Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Altman has not been arrested or located and remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

Blackburn said last week he did not know why the Blue Alert was discontinued, but he did confirm with Hall County authorities that the 33-year-old still is on the loose.

Blackburn said the last trace of Altman’s whereabouts was Monday, October 7, and it appeared he had been in Donley County and crossed back into Hall County.

Also last week, DPS released two computer-generated photos created by a DPS Forensic Artist to show what Seth Altman would look like with a trimmed beard and no facial hair. Blackburn says it’s very possible that he has changed his appearance, and the sheriff reminds everyone to stay on the lookout for Altman and to call 911 immediately if you see him.

Seth Altman in a DPS digitally altered photo showing him without a beard.
Seth Altman

Guest Column: Reimagining Texas high schools for the future

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By Gabe Grantham and Grace Atkins

Texas lawmakers have recognized in recent years the need to better prepare high school students for the workforce of tomorrow. Major reforms, such as the school finance overhaul in 2019 (House Bill 3) and the community college finance reform effort in 2023 (House Bill 8), have invested critical funding and resources to create new opportunities for students.

These legislative measures equip school districts and community colleges with the tools to provide students with access to industry-recognized credentials and dual-credit programs and to pave the way for their success after high school.

In 2023, over one-third of Texas high school graduates earned industry-based certifications or associate degrees, marking a significant improvement from just 21 percent in 2021. To reap the full benefit of this progress, we must extend these opportunities to every student.

While 97 percent of Texas high schools offer dual credit courses, only a small percentage of students are fully utilizing these opportunities, with only 3 percent of students graduating with an associate degree. This gap shows the need to make these programs more accessible and better aligned with the needs of students and schools.

The reforms in HB 8 laid the groundwork for improvement, but our focus now must be on fully integrating these programs into high schools across the state so that more students can graduate with meaningful, career-aligned credentials and college credit.

These credentials include industry-recognized certifications in fields such as health care, technology and skilled trades, as well as associate degrees that can transfer to four-year institutions. Every student deserves the chance to pursue these credentials, regardless of their future paths.

Access to these programs has been particularly challenging for students in rural areas. However, legislative initiatives are making a significant difference.

The Rural Pathways Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) is an innovative model that pools resources from smaller districts so that rural students have access to the same kinds of career and technical programs available in larger districts. Expanding initiatives like R-PEP will go a long way to ensuring that all Texas students – regardless of their location – enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive career-aligned education.
To meet these challenges, we must look in the coming years at enhancing our ability to track outcomes, scaling successful programs, increasing incentives for institutions offering high-demand credentials, and ensuring that school and community leaders know how to take advantage of the state’s investments. We must take bold steps to ensure that by 2030, every Texas high school student can have the opportunity to graduate with a career-aligned credential.

Texas has already invested heavily in these educational pathways. The foundation is strong, but we must now prioritize expanding those opportunities so that every student graduates with the resources and skills to be successful in their future – whether they are entering the workforce or continuing their education.

High school must be seen as the starting point for a successful future and now is the time to make that a reality for every student in Texas.

Gabe Grantham and Grace Atkins are policy advisors at Texas 2036, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank.The Junior High Colts beat Shamrock this past week 20-18. The Colts showed heart and grit with their team consisting of 11 boys going against a team of 23.

Benson earns trip to state XC meet

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regional meet in Lubbock Monday. The Lady Bronco team placed fifth overall at the meet. Courtesy Photo

Clarendon High School junior cross-country sensation Madi Benson is on her way to the state cross-country meet for the first time in her running career.

Benson finished the two-mile race in Lubbock Monday at Mae Simmons Park in a time of 13:13.5 for 17th place. She was able to better her time this year over last year’s 14:33.80. The Lady Bronco team finished fifth overall.

“We are super proud of Madi for advancing to the state meet,” coach Korey Conkin said. “We are proud of all the girls for working so hard, going above and beyond in order to be so competitive in this tough sport. We wished her team was traveling with her, but we barely missed that opportunity.”

Addy Havens and Elliot Frausto have been tearing up the courses in the pre-district season and finished the meet in 27th and 31st place with a time of 13:32.2 and 13:33.1 respectively. Gracie Ellis was 56th at 14:01.4 and Tandie Cummins who was a 2023 state competitor finished 58th with a time of 14:05.7. Lexi Phillips rand 61st at 1411.5, and Kate Shaw turned in a time of 15:10.8 for 124th place.

On the Broncos’ side, Tristen Ybarra finished 21st with a time of 18:01.8. Senior runner Bryce Williams who has had an outstanding career at CHS, finished with a time of 21.36.8 due to a leg injury.

“Bryce has been a joy to coach the past four years and worked so extremely hard to have so much success throughout the years,” Conkin said. “He will, without a doubt, be a tougher human after enduring four years of CC workouts and competitions.”

Conkin also had praise for newcomer Ybarra.

“Tristen missed advancing to state by one place, and he is only a freshman,” she said. “He has many more years to get to that level. I am super proud of his work ethic this season.”

Broncos put up fight against Irish, 12-40

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Grant Haynes runs the ball last week against Shamrock. Courtesy Photo / Al Elam

The Broncos succumbed to the Shamrock Irish last Friday night at home and were defeated 12-40.

The Broncos were able to rack up some good numbers and made great plays on both sides of the ball.
Kyler Bell was at the helm and had some success on offense. Bell threw a strike to Caleb Herbert in the second quarter for their first score of the game.

Bell and Grant Haynes did a good job running the ball and were able to gain some valuable yardage. They earned their second score of the game when Bell ran it in from short yardage. The score at half time was close at 12-20, but Shamrock was able to score twenty more points in the second to get the win.

The Broncos will be on the road to Wheeler on Friday, October 25, to take on the Mustangs at 7:00 p.m.

Sybil Brown

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Sybil Brown was born July 18, 1926, to Sam and Mae Black. She was the third of eight children. She went home to be with her Lord on October 16, 2024, She was 98 years and 3 months old.

Sybil Brown

She graduated from Groom High School in May of 1943 and married Bud Brown of Groom the night she graduated. They were married 43 years. They lived in the Groom area all their lives.

She is survived by two children Brenda Lee and husband Bill of Devine, Texas, and Butch Brown and wife Charlene of Ashtola. Two brothers, Herschel Black and wife Ruth and Chubby Black and wife Nita, all of Hereford.

Gramme was also able to love and spoil five grandkids, 11 great grand kids and 18 great-great grand kid of her own as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She also loved and spoiled numerous kids and adults in the community with her banana pudding, chocolate and strawberry cakes, red beans and several other dishes she shared with friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Poppa and Big Momma Black, three brothers and two sisters.

She worked at several different businesses in Groom and was a mainstay at the grocery store for nearly 50 years.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 26, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Groom. Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia, in Amarillo.

Her body will also be available for viewing at First Baptist Church in Groom from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. the day of the service.

The family suggests memorials to be made to the Food Pantry, PO Box 94, Groom, Texas 79039.

Jason Keith Lowrie

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Jason Keith Lowrie, 58, of Clarendon went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Plano.

Jason Keith Lowrie

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the Clarendon Methodist Church. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery.

Jason was born in Canyon to David D. Lowrie and Judith Kay Gaines on August 7, 1966. He was a graduate of Caprock High School. He later moved to Clarendon, where he has been a lifelong resident, after marrying his wife of 29 years, Sharon Renee Spurlin Lowrie, on November 22, 1991. Together, they had one child together, Jessica, who later gave Jason his best little friend and grandson, Waylon.

Jason was a lifelong farmer and rancher who loved all things outdoors. Hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, and shooting were some of his favorite pastimes. He was also a very talented artist and loved to draw. Jason was a longtime member and past deacon of Clarendon Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon in 2020; and his father, David Lowrie in 2013.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Lowrie of Capitan, New Mexico; mother, Judith Chandler and husband, Terry, of Amarillo; stepmother, Paula Lowrie of Clarendon; two brothers, Jeffery Lowrie of Amarillo and Nathan Lowrie and wife, Shonda, of Clarendon; his grandson, Waylon Riggs and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Craig Merritt Snell

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Craig Merritt Snell, 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 3, 2024, in Los Suenos, Costa Rica.

Craig Merritt Snell

He was born on April 30, 1952, in Friona, Texas, he was the son of Gene and Jean Snell. Craig graduated from Pampa High School. He was known for his hard work and dedication to providing for his family.

A man of great passion, generosity, and knowledge, Craig’s brother, Kim, often referred to him as “Google before Google existed”. His journey took him from the farm fields of Pampa, Texas, to becoming a successful business owner in the Texas Panhandle. Craig loved fishing, hunting, exploring new places, enjoying good food, and sharing a good-natured tease.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Brad Snell, and his parents, Gene and Jean Snell.

He is survived by his wife, Kim; two sons, Eric Snell and wife Michelle, and Kyle Snell and wife Cristin; a daughter, Sheridan Frazier; and seven grandchildren: Madison Mason and husband Cole, Merritt Snell, Gavin Snell, Perry Frazier, Carder Snell, Sloan Frazier, and Callen Snell. He is also survived by his brother, Kim Snell and wife Jamie; two sisters, Jen Snell and Becky Harris; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

An informal celebration of Craig’s life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the River Falls Venue, 13851 Wild Horse Trail in Amarillo, at 2:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.

Broncos drop District opener to Wellington

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos opened their 2024 District season on the road against a strong Skyrocket team last Friday night and took a 6-63 loss.

The Broncos are 0-1 in District and 0-6 overall.

Dakota Jameson tries to take down a Skyrocket last Friday in Wellington.
Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

The Broncos were strong in the first period of play and held Wellington to only one score that quarter. They played strong despite the strength and depth of the Rockets. Senior Mason Sims was injured in the second quarter and was out for the game.

But the Broncos stayed in the fight and put six on the scoreboard when junior Kaleb Mays intercepted a Rocket pass and ran back 95 yards for the touchdown. Wellington went on to score two more touchdowns in the third and found the endzone once in the final twelve minutes.

The Broncos will take on Shamrock at home on October 18 at 7:00 p.m.

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