Drilling deep
Archives for July 2025
Timeless Values: Music and video celebrate old-fashioned themes
By Elaina Estlack, The Clarendon Enterprise
It was just a normal Saturday matinee showing of “Old Yeller” at the Mulkey Theatre in 1964, but for eight-year-old Garre LaGrone, the experience would last a lifetime.
Sixty-one years later, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, three young kids were given the opportunity to star in a music video at the Mulkey Theatre for the Grass Daddies, a bluegrass band. The song, entitled “Old Yeller,” was written by LaGrone, the band’s lead singer. He took inspiration from the film of the same name, focusing on the morals and themes presented throughout, rather than the movie itself.
“It’s got a great message of old-fashioned values and hard work – that life’s not perfect,” LaGrone said. “ You get knocked down, but you’ve got to get back up.”
LaGrone was born in Amarillo in 1956 and grew up in Canyon, but he has always had ties to Clarendon. His parents, Betty Thompson LaGrone and Odell LaGrone, grew up in Clarendon, and he had several family members in Clarendon.
“All of my school years were in Canyon, first grade through high school,” LaGrone said. “My mother and dad grew up in Clarendon. That’s my connection with Clarendon.”
LaGrone’s interest in music began at a young age, singing with his choir at the First Baptist Church in Canyon. He grew up with several influences in music, but the most significant was his grandfather, Jake LaGrone.
“He was probably the biggest influence on me when I was growing up,” LaGrone said. “He was an old-time fiddler and on my album there’s a song called ‘A Little Fiddlin’. That song was written about him.”
LaGrone’s only formal music education was piano lessons, which only lasted a week.
“The lady got so frustrated with me that I wasn’t trying to read the music,” LaGrone said. “I was just trying to figure it out.”
LaGrone went on to teach himself the piano, keyboard, and guitar.
“I never could read a note of music ever,” LaGrone said. “I just played by ear.”
As a kid, LaGrone attended several movies at the Mulkey Theatre in Clarendon while visiting relatives, but the most impactful was “Old Yeller.”
“I just always loved it, the story of the movie,” LaGrone said. “Sometimes, life’s not fair, but you just got to look at the good instead of the bad.”
It was this experience that inspired him to write the song and record the music video at the Mulkey. He was given the opportunity to have local kids Monroe Newhouse, Kylie Glover, and J.T. Shelton act in the video. Newhouse was the main star and is actually a distant cousin of LaGrone, bearing a resemblance to an eight-year-old LaGrone.
“He’s about the same age I was when I saw the movie,” LaGrone said. “He looks a little bit like I looked back then. He is so cute.”
The kids fit their roles perfectly, needing little to no direction for lines and scenes.
“They just acted it out perfectly. It was so cool,” LaGrone said. “It was just a God thing. It was meant to be.”
The video takes the viewers back in time to that Saturday in 1964 with “Old Yeller” on the big screen at the Mulkey. It pays homage to
LaGrone and his friends watching the film for the first time and how impactful that day truly was.
This, however, was not the original plan. At first, all LaGrone wanted was a few pictures of the Mulkey marquee to use in the video, but everything started to coalesce to create an entire story in the theatre. They were able to use the original ticket booth and concession stand, the same one used by LaGrone all those years ago, as well as a recreation of the original “Old Yeller” movie poster.
“It all just came together. It was really special,” LaGrone said. “It really turned out great.”
Editor’s Note: The “Old Yeller” song is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. The video can be seen at MulkeyTheatre.com.
Sentences issued in three district court cases
A Temple woman was sentenced in a Donley County felony case when the district court met via Zoom on July 17.
District Attorney Luke Inman, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted the case for the State of Texas, with the Honorable Judge Dale Rabe, Jr., presiding from the bench.
Lanette Dichell Porter, 40, from Temple, Texas, was sentenced to seven years in prison for the third degree felony offense of assault on a public servant. Porter was arrested for the offense in Donley County on April 18, 2024.
Porter was originally placed on ten years probation on May 13, 2024.
On March 11, the State filed its motion requesting the court to revoke Porter’s probation, alleging 14 violations of her conditions of probation. Porter pleaded true to the violations of her community supervision.
Porter was also ordered to pay the remaining $500 fine and $290 court costs.
Two other Donley County cases were adjudicated when the court met in Childress on June 26, again with Inman and Caudle prosecuting and Judge Rabe presiding.
John Robert McAllister, 43, from Memphis, Texas, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the second degree felony offense of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, enhanced to a first degree felony.
McAllister was arrested in Donley County by Sheriff Butch Blackburn on October 6, 2024, and was indicted by a Donley County Grand Jury on January 27.
McAllister was also ordered to pay $290 in court costs.
Cruz Viedo Gonzalez, 31, from Santa Ana, Calif., was sentenced to three years in prison for the third degree felony offense of evading arrest with a motor vehicle.
Gonzalez was arrested in Donley County by DPS Trooper Nathan Bozeman on December 29, 2024, and was indicted by a Donley County Grand Jury on March 24.
Gonzalez was also ordered to pay $305 in court costs.
Jackson secures wins for the Panhandle
Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) last week championed Texas’ defense priorities during the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation passed out of committee with strong support, 55-2, and is expected to be considered on the House floor in the coming weeks.
“Today, the House Armed Services Committee advanced the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson.
“I’m proud to have secured major wins and investments for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District, including support for Pantex, Bell Helicopter, Sheppard Air Force Base, and more. This year’s NDAA enhances the military’s efficiency and readiness, supporting President Trump’s and Secretary Hegseth’s commitment to building a modern, lethal force. Thanks to Chairman Mike Rogers’ leadership we are delivering a strong America First NDAA that will have a lasting impact on our warfighters, their families, and our national defense.”
“Chairman Ronny Jackson is leading the charge to ensure America’s special operations forces and intelligence community stay ahead of our adversaries,” said Chairman Mike Rogers.
“Through his vital work on the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, he’s delivering investments in the FY26 NDAA that strengthen cutting-edge technologies and equip our warfighters with the tools they need to keep America safe. Chairman Jackson knows that maintaining our edge in advanced tech is essential to defeating threats in the shadows and preserving our national security.”
The bill includes several projects that will benefit the Panhandle region. It modernizes the V-22 Osprey fleet with upgrades such as the nacelle improvement program. The bill highlights critical upgrades, such as the Structural Improvements and Electrical Power Upgrades, which expand the capabilities of the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y helicopters.
The act advances warhead assembly and disassembly modernization at the Pantex Plant to ensure this critical facility keeps pace with Department of Defense modernization. It also requests a modernization plan from the Office of Secure Transportation for the National Nuclear Security Administration.
The bill also Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to accelerate the fielding of the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).
Nationally, the bill includes other provisions such as:
Quality of Life and Readiness: The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) NDAA increases recruitment, expands training opportunities, prioritizes innovative capabilities, and improves Servicemembers’ Quality of Life.
Deterrence and Innovation: The FY26 NDAA prioritizes modern weapons, Artificial Intelligence, hypersonics, and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or any other adversary.
Acquisition Reform: Defense funding should go to safeguarding our warfighters and advancing our national security, not entrenched bureaucracies. By reforming acquisition, cutting red tape, and improving Congressional oversight, we can streamline operations and improve efficiency for taxpayers.
Peace Through Strength: This bill delivers on President Trump’s promise to rebuild America’s military power, restore deterrence, and put America First.
Veterans and Service member Benefits include the following: Establishes a new brain research program to treat the more than 300,000 servicemembers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Builds on previous year’s efforts to improve support, care, and accountability across all military branches. Examines the Department of Defense’s wound care strategy, including prevention, treatment, and infection control in future operations. Praises the Secretary of Defense’s Quality of Life efforts and supports childcare needs at military installations. Explores the feasibility of establishing co-working spaces for military spouses at remote military installations in the United States. Supports greater accountability for privatized housing contractors amid ongoing housing quality concerns.
Ruby Jewel Hardin
Ruby Jewel Hardin, 97, of Clarendon, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, in Clarendon.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Silverton with Rev. G.J. Walton officiating.
Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Viewing will be Wednesday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Ruby Jewel was born May 12, 1928, in Clarendon to Richard and Edna Jewel Yates Dingler. She married Warren Hardin on August 25, 1947, in Clarendon. A lifelong resident of Clarendon, she spent the last decade in Silverton before returning home last year.
Ruby was a devoted homemaker who found joy in gardening, baking and decorating cakes, sewing, and painting. She also loved playing 42 with her many friends. A woman of faith, she was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarendon and most recently a member of the First Baptist Church in Silverton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Warren Hardin, in 1991; a brother, Richard Dingler Jr.; and two sisters, Joyce Watkins and Frances Grimland.
She is survived by her daughter, Paula Garvin and husband Lane of Silverton; her sisters, Jo Cowan of Perryton, Glenna Cash of Topeka, Kansas, and Catherine Cosper of Amarillo; her granddaughters, Brooke Whitworth of Silverton and Kurby Mitchell and husband Brandon of Wellington; three great-grandchildren, Landry Whitworth, Baron Mitchell, and Merick Mitchell; as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Clarendon or Silverton Volunteer Fire Department, Citizens Cemetery Association, or the First Baptist Church Youth Group in Silverton.
4-H helps Hill Country
Courtesy Photo
Hoedown raises $9.6k for H’wick firefighters
The seventh annual Howardwick Hoedown raised more money than last year and was a huge success with a great day of fun and fellowship last Saturday at McMorries Memorial Park.
City Secretary Sandy Lynn Childress said the turnout was great and said more food was bought this year than ever before.
A total of $9,643 after expenses will be going to the City of Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department. That’s an increase of more than $500 compared to last year.
Jesse Burrow and Anna Broussard won the Challenger 200EX, which was this year’s big drawing. Several other prizes were raffled off during the day.
The Putting Contest winners this year were Judy Bland, first; D.K. Robinson, second; and Conrad Lucero, third.
Courtesy Photo
Kay Philley Dye was the winner of the first annual poker run.
The community event was a great opportunity for fellowship, and many people attended to enjoy the vendors, food prepared by volunteers, and music throughout the day.
Enterprise wins General Excellence at PPA
The Clarendon Enterprise received 14 awards at the 116th annual Panhandle Press Association Convention in Amarillo last weekend to claim the General Excellence Award.
Enterprise Photo
Competing in Division One for weekly newspapers, the Enterprise earned 12 first place awards and placed second in two other categories.
Sandy Anderberg won First Place for the Enterprise for Sports Writing, and the crew of Tara Allred, Ashlee Estlack, and Roger Estlack won First Place for Advertising Designs. Entries by Roger and Ashlee Estlack and Kari Lindsey took first place in Human Interest Photos.
The Enterprise was also first place Front Page Layout, News Writing, Spot News Photos, Society & Lifestyles, Serious Columns, Special Section, Editorials, and Website. Feature Stories by Roger Estlack and Sandy Anderberg were first place as well.
Elaina Estlack was second in Sports Photos, and the Enterprise was also second in Headline Writing.
Cub Reporter Benjamin Estlack was named as one of this year’s PPA Scholarship Award winners.
Carol Whitmire of the Quanah Tribune-Chief and Shaun and Frank Wink of the Panhandle Herald were named to the Hall of Fame this year.
PPA officers for the coming year are President Tara Huff of the Eagle Press in Fritch/Borger, Vice President Shane Lance of Quanah, Immediate Past President Tim Ritter of the Canyon News, and Secretary Roger Estlack of Clarendon. They are joined on the board by directors Jeff Blackmon of Hereford, Shannon Cook of Canyon, Macee Sater of Groom, Suzanne Bellsnyder of Spearman, and Shaun Wink of Panhandle.
Attending this year’s Panhandle Press Association convention from Clarendon were Roger, Ashlee, Benjamin, and Elaina Estlack; Tara Allred; and Emmalyne Roys.
Armbrust takes plea for cruelty to puppy
Former Clarendon animal control officer Alexandra Armbrust has been sentenced to four years’ probation for felony animal cruelty.
Armbrust was sentenced in a plea agreement when the 100th Judicial District Court met in Childress on June 26. District Attorney Luke Inman, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted the case for the State of Texas, with the Honorable Judge Dale Rabe, Jr., presiding.
Armbrust, 30, from Clarendon, was sentenced for the third-degree felony offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals.
Armbrust was arrested by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Jay Longan on July 26, 2024. Armbrust was indicted by a Donley County Grand Jury on June 2.
Armbrust was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine, $450 in attorney fees, $340 in court costs and complete 200 hours of community service.
While serving as animal control officer, Armbrust killed a puppy she had picked up and given to a family. The Donley County Sheriff’s Office investigation found that the puppy’s owners went to City Hall on July 25 and paid a fee to get their pet back. At that time, Armbrust allegedly returned to the family to whom she had given the puppy, shot the animal in the head, put it in a trash bag, and returned to City Hall to give it to the owners. The city fired her, and Armbrust was later taken into custody.
Armbrust went to work for the city in mid-April 2024 and had just completed her basic animal control training at the time of the incident.
If Armbrust’s probation is revoked, she faces up to 10 years in prison.
City names Topliff to fill unexpired council seat
Christopher Topliff joined the Clarendon City Council last week, taking the seat of the late Tommy Hill.
During a called meeting, the council heard from two additional candidates for Hill’s seat, Ashleigh Sherel-Kidd and Ashlee Wortham, before going into closed session to consider about ten applicants for the job.
After about ten minutes of private deliberations, the council returned to open session and voted unanimously to appoint Topliff to the position.
Enterprise Photo
According to his letter of application, Topliff has made Clarendon his home for about four years and has a background in environmental science and regulatory compliance.
Topliff will serve out Hill’s term, which expires next May.
In other city business last week, the council evaluated the performance of city secretary Machiel Covey in closed session before returning to open session to approve a five percent raise, a monthly cell phone stipend, and a one-year extension of her contract.
The council also approved the $350,000 bid of AAJ Concrete to install new sidewalks and lighting in the 300 block of S. Kearney. The same company is presently working in the 200 block. Left over grants funds from the current project will be applied to the 300 block, and the city will take about $270,000 from reserves to fund the balance.
The city’s hazard mitigation plan was approved as presented, and no action was taken on bids for improvements to City Hall.
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