Broncos begin fall 2026 workouts
Clarendon College set to lose $639k in state funds
Clarendon College will lose more than $639,000 in state funding in fiscal year 2027 as Texas fails to honor its commitments to community colleges.
Three years ago, the Texas Legislature changed the way it funds community colleges, creating financial incentives for institutions that get students to complete degrees, transfer to a four-year college, or take dual credit classes.
Clarendon and other state community colleges rose to the occasion but exceeded the state’s expectations for success, resulting in a shortfall in state funds.
CC President Tex Buckhaults says that shortfall means community colleges are getting a pro-rated cut in funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Clarendon will see an 8.6 percent loss totaling $639,002. Buckhaults says he knows of one school that will see a 25 percent cut.
“Their prediction models weren’t really built on us following a true capitalist mentality,” Buckhaults said. “You tell us how to earn, and we go to work to earn the money. Now, they aren’t going to pay us what they said they would.”
Buckhaults said colleges agreed with state leaders when they proposed changing the funding formula from one based on headcounts and class hours to one based on outcomes, but he said colleges should be funded for their performance as promised.
CC and other colleges have almost no options to make up the shortfall. In addition to the cut in appropriations, Gov. Greg Abbott this spring forbid state colleges and universities from raising tuition and fees, and now Buckhaults says community colleges are getting a message from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick “strongly discouraging” them from raising taxes.
“There’s the old adage that community college funding is a three-legged stool – state appropriations, student tuition and fees, and local taxes,” Buckhaults said. “Now the pharaoh is asking us to make bricks without straw.”
Expenses, meanwhile, are on the rise, and Clarendon estimates that its fuel costs alone may increase 17 percent in the upcoming budget. CC and other colleges will have little choice but to cut spending, which will ultimately impact the students and communities they serve.
Abbott activates resources as area fire danger rises
Governor Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state wildfire response resources in anticipation of increased fire weather conditions in areas of the Texas Panhandle.
“I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional state wildfire response resources ahead of increased fire danger in the Panhandle,” said Governor Abbott. “Local responders will continue to have full access to state personnel, equipment, and aircraft to protect lives and property.”
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, August is typically the peak month for wildfires due to hot, dry conditions. Across large regions of Texas, wildfire potential is expected to increase due to dry vegetation, with a heightened concern over the next several days in the Panhandle and North Texas areas.
At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state wildfire response resources remain available to support local wildfire response operations:
Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): State, local, and out-of-state firefighters and support personnel; heavy equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders; and more than 10 federally contracted firefighting aircraft including single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, and an air attack platform for surveillance and spotting;
Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildland Fire Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles;
Texas National Guard: Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters with firefighting capability;
Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions;
Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol roadways and assist stranded motorists;
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, State Park Police;
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Animal Health Commission: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs;
Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers;
Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry;
and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring.
These resources are mobilized in addition to state resources previously deployed by the Governor to support local wildfire efforts.
Texans are urged to implement wildfire prevention measures, including avoiding activities that may cause sparks or flames, making an emergency plan, following instructions from local officials, and keeping emergency supplies easily available.
Hospital district, H’wick set hearings
August brings annual public notices to the pages of your local newspaper as local governments prepare to set their budgets and tax rates for the coming fiscal year.
This week’s Enterprise includes two small taxing unit notices. The City of Howardwick will hold a budget and tax rate hearing on August 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Howardwick City Hall. The Donley County Hospital District will hold a tax rate meeting at 5:30 p.m. on August 18 at 3 Medical Drive.
Clarendon College has not formally advertised its hearing dates yet, but officials there say the college district will hold a tax rate hearing on August 20 at 5:30 in the VIP Room of the Bairfield Activity Center followed immediately by a budget hearing at 5:45 p.m.
The Clarendon and Hedley school districts will also be posting required notices in upcoming issues regarding their tax rates and budgets as will Donley County and the cities of Clarendon and Hedley.
Also this week, SWEPCO is giving public notice of an application to recover fuel costs, which would like raise electric bills.
Local citizens are urged to read the Enterprise for these important public notices.
Morrow descendants reunite in Clarendon
By John Tom Morrow
Descendants of I.B. and Jewel Morrow held their annual family reunion in Clarendon last Saturday at the Clarendon Community Center.
The Morrow family gets together for this event the first Saturday in August each year.
John Earl and Tammy Morrow sponsored the reunion, which is a lot of hard work. The food was great, and the entertainment was provided by Lori Yannis and Attlan Overstreet.
Pictures were passed around in iPhones, making it easier to have more contact with each other during the year. We appreciate everyone for coming.
The Morrows present were John Earl and Tammy Morrow, Mary Morrow Brown, John Tom Morrow, Michael Morrow, Attlan Rane Overstreet, Mark and Wanda Taylor, Starlet Taylor, Kevin and Gayle Roberson, Michael and Cassie Lewis, Lori Yannis, Kevin Swink, Katie Robinson, Tommy “Bubba” Robinson, T.A. Morrow, Elwin Taylor, and Jarrett Taylor.
Catherine “Kitty” Joyce Asher
Catherine “Kitty” Joyce Asher, 89, of Clarendon passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, in Clarendon.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica officiating.
Kitty was born on June 1, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Ferdinand and Florence Prokosh. She was one of twelve children and was blessed with a large, loving family.
On June 1, 1957, she married the love of her life, Jerome James “Jerry” Asher, in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1968, they moved to Lelia Lake, Texas, where they built a life together and made their home for many years until Jerry’s passing on February 10, 2010. They loved life on the farm, embracing both its simple joys and the hard work it required.
Kitty began her banking career at just 17 years old, working at First National Bank before continuing her career at Hedley Community Bank and Herring Bank in Clarendon, where she faithfully served her community until retiring in her 70s. While Jerry was serving in the U.S. Army, Kitty also worked at the Army Base Bank in Tacoma, Washington. She was known for her strong work ethic, friendly smile, and genuine dedication to everyone she served.
Outside of work, Kitty found great joy in caring for her family and sharing her many talents. She loved cooking for those she loved and was especially known for her baking. Whether preparing treats for community events or ensuring her family never left her home hungry, she expressed her love through food. She also enjoyed crafting, painting, and reading. An accomplished artist, Kitty created beautiful paintings that reflected her creativity and appreciation for God’s creation. Today, her family continues to honor her legacy by proudly displaying her artwork in their homes. Kitty was also an avid reader who especially loved reading her Bible. She also loved watching Westerns with her son-in-law Greg, (a family joke)!
Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was a dedicated Christian, who loved God and her church. Kitty faithfully taught Sunday School at the Church of the Nazarene, sharing God’s love with generations of children. Among her belongings, her family found a handwritten note that beautifully reflected her heart: “Anytime I can help at least one of God’s children know God, it is all worth it.”
Kitty loved her family with all she had. She would do anything for anyone in need and had such a kind spirit. Kitty loved to have fun and absolutely loved life. No one worked harder or played harder than she did in her whole lifetime.
Kitty also enjoyed square dancing at the Lions Club during the 1970s. She was a member of the Hedley Lioness Club and volunteered with the Donley County Senior Citizens, always finding ways to serve others and strengthen her community.
Kitty was reunited with her beloved husband, Jerry Asher, who are now walking the beautiful streets of Heaven together; her parents, Ferdinand and Florence Prokosh; her eleven siblings; and her great-granddaughter, Trinity Brogdon.
She is survived by her daughter, June Franklin and husband Greg of Lelia Lake; her son, Robert “Bobby” Asher of Grants Pass, Oregon; her grandchildren, Shawn Brogdon, Cori Hinojosa, Nick Hinojosa, all of Clarendon, Amber Asher of Amarillo, and step-grandchild Josh Franklin of Sanger, Texas; her cherished great-grandchildren, Camerie Shadle, Carter Crump, and Kilee Wilson, all of Clarendon; and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.
Kitty will be remembered for her unwavering faith, artistic spirit, generous heart, and deep love for her family. Her kindness, wisdom, quiet strength, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Clarendon Senior Citizens in Kitty’s memory.
Anthony Bill Cranford
Anthony Bill Cranford, 64, of Clarendon passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Family directed memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at First Methodist Church in McLean with Rev. Thacker Haynes officiating.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Anthony was born on December 21, 1961, in Miami, Florida, to Billy Jack Cranford and Mercedes Alvarez. He grew up in Miami alongside his four sisters and graduated from high school before proudly enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served until the mid-1980s.
Following his military service, Anthony moved to Arizona and began a career in masonry that spanned more than 40 years. He was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. In 2000, he married Elizabeth Cranford. Together they made their home in Clarendon in 2015, where they have been residents ever since. During the last six years, Anthony fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his own trucking company.
Anthony had a lifelong passion for cars, firearms, and airplanes. He especially cherished the time he spent with his children, making lasting memories through visits to military bases and museums. His love for history, service, and family was evident in the life he lived and the relationships he treasured.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mercedes Alvarez.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Cranford of Clarendon; three sons, Anthony Anderson of Miami, Florida, Rick James and wife Jessica of Parker, Colorado, and Ryan Cranford of Clarendon; four daughters, Melissa Anderson of Miami, Florida, Mersadez James and husband Jonathan Jenson of Greeley, Colorado, Elsa Babb of Miami, Florida, and Victoria Cranford of Clarendon; his father, Billy Jack Cranford; four sisters, Norma Jean Gonzalez, Carolyn Anderson, Gabby Alvarez, and Lala Armbrust; thirteen grandchildren, Emmett and Gabriel James; Mekah, Luna, Starr, Cerilla, and Octavia Jenson; Kayla, Max, and Logan Anderson; and Nate, Natalie, and Noel Babb. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Anthony will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his years of hard work, and the kindness and strength he shared with those who knew him.
Campaign stop
CCISD welcomes Hedley transfer students for grades 7-12
Clarendon CISD is preparing to welcome eligible Hedley students entering grades 7-12 this fall under a transfer agreement between the two school districts.
The agreement comes as Hedley ISD transitions its junior high and high school students to neighboring districts while continuing to serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Clarendon CISD Superintendent Dr. Byron May said the district is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.
Clarendon has scheduled several events for incoming Hedley families. Campus tours of Clarendon Junior High and Clarendon High School will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, July 27, with a make-up tour at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Parents also are invited to meet school principals at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30, in the Hedley School Library. 
New student registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Clarendon CISD Administration Building.
“Our goal is to make this transition as simple and welcoming as possible for students and families,” May said. “Students coming from Hedley will be full members of our school community, with the same opportunities to learn, compete, participate and belong.”
Under the agreement, Clarendon will accept eligible Hedley students entering grades 7-12 who wish to attend and who have not been expelled under state law. Transfer students will attend Clarendon Junior High or Clarendon High School and will have access to the district’s academic, extracurricular and co-curricular activities under the same standards as Clarendon resident students, subject to University Interscholastic League rules, eligibility requirements and any tryouts completed before the transfer.
Clarendon CISD will provide special education and related services to eligible students while they are enrolled in the district. The two districts also will share necessary student records, with parental permission and in compliance with federal privacy laws, to help ensure a smooth transition.
Hedley ISD will provide transportation to and from a designated bus stop in Clarendon on school days. The districts have identified the Clarendon High School parking lot as the initial pickup and drop-off location. Transportation is expected to arrive by 7:30 a.m. and depart by 3:30 p.m., although those arrangements may be adjusted by mutual agreement. Additional transportation information will be provided before classes begin.
Enterprise Photo / Elaina Estlack
Students transferring to Clarendon will have access to the district’s academic programs, athletics, fine arts, career and technical education, dual-credit courses and student organizations. The districts also agreed to communicate regarding attendance, grades, state assessments, course selections and student participation to help Hedley ISD monitor the progress of its resident students.
The agreement covers students enrolling during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. Students accepted under the agreement may remain enrolled at Clarendon through graduation, provided they continue to meet district enrollment and conduct requirements.
“We want Hedley students and parents to hear this clearly,” May said. “There is a place for you at Clarendon. Our teachers, students, coaches, sponsors and community are ready to welcome you to Bronco Nation.”
Families with questions may contact Clarendon CISD at 806-310-7220 or by email at [email protected].
Extension to host landscape and tree workshop in Clarendon
The Donley County AgriLife Extension Service will be hosting an area wide tree and landscape workshop for locals and residents in surrounding counties July 9 in Clarendon.
The keynote speaker will be assistant professor and a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Tree and Landscape Plant Health specialist from College Station, Dr Stephanie Adams.
The meeting will be very informative and she encourages participants that have issues occurring with trees and landscape to bring samples or photos to identify symptoms and treatment protocols. The workshop will be held at the Clarendon College Courson Ranch Operations Center south of the Barfield Activity Center on July 9 with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and presentations at 10:00.
The registration fee will be $10 per participant by cash or check payable to Donley Ag Fund. For more information or special accommodations please feel free to contact the Donley County Extension office at 806-874-2141 or 806-282-7680.
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