Ready for the hand off
COVID still circulating in Donley County
COVID-19 is still present and circulating in Donley County with four active cases listed this week.
Clarendon Family Medical Clinic conducted 42 COVID tests during the month of July with nine of those coming back as positive. Two of those positives were residents of another county, Donley County Judge John Howard, MD, said.
Donley County went from April 23 through early June with no active cases of the virus before the disease emerged again.
“It seemed to have gone, but now it’s back,” Howard said. “It’s still out there, and people are reintroducing it.”
Howard said there will be no mandates this time if the virus continues to surge.
“The governor has issued some serious restrictions on local governments’ ability to issue limitations,” Howard said.
Executive Order GA-38 provides that no governmental entity can compel any individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or implement a policy to require documentation of a vaccine to receive any service or enter any place. The Order also prohibits any operating limits or mask requirements by local governmental entities and imposes a $1,000 fine on any local official who violates these provisions.
Howard urges everyone to protect themselves from the virus.
“My recommendation is that everyone get the vaccine,” Howard said. “It is readily available and free.”
The Moderna vaccine is available at no charge at the local clinic for everyone ages 18 and over. The Pfizer vaccine is available in Amarillo for children ages 12 and over.
Clinic spokesperson Marsha Bruce has reminded people that “exposure” is being within six feet of someone with the virus for longer than 15 minutes without a mask.
“If they have had confirmed COVID in the last three months or are fully vaccinated, they don’t have to quarantine if they are exposed,” Bruce said. “If they are high risk, It’s a good idea to continue wearing a mask because most of the positives we have seen this summer are the younger adults working in the public.”
The Texas Tribune reports overall only 28.1 percent of Donley County residents – a total of 938 people – are fully vaccinated as of August 3. That’s an increase of 45 people from June 15 when 26.7 percent local residents were vaccinated.
CCISD extends Bellar’s contract
Clarendon CISD Trustees extended Superintendent Jarod Bellar’s contract when they met in regular session July 12.
Bellar began his position with the school in January 2020 after serving eight years as the superintendent at Baird ISD.
School trustees met in closed session for two hours to evaluate Bellar and meet with him. They then returned to open session and voted to extend his contract.
Bellar’s three-year contract will now continue through June 30, 2024.
In other school business, the board approved maintenance on the bleachers in the Bronco Gym. The work will include replacing the motor drive system on the home side of the court, which has been causing problems for quite some time, according to Bellar.
In his report to the board, Bellar discussed summer projects, field lighting for the baseball and softball fields, and schedules for August board meetings.
A resolution was approved regarding ESSER and Policy CB (LOCAL), State and Federal Revenue Sources as presented.
Trustees approved a Depository Services Contract with Donley County State Bank for the 2021-2023 biennium with Kyle Davis and Chrisi Tucek abstaining.
Tax deeds for Trust Property in the City of Howardwick were approved as presented.
The board accepted the resignations of Tashia Duncan and Johnny Nino; and the board accepted the Superintendent’s recommendation to offer a contract of employment to Rachel Houston.
Celebration to mark Library milestone
A single lightbulb on a pull-down string was the only lighting that illuminated the old yellowed-paged, musty library books in the city library in 1977. These books in the old City Hall basement stood ready on creaky shelves for the dedicated library patron who enjoyed reading.
That year, 1977, was also the year when a group of community members decided to address the needs of the library. Four years later in August 1981, their goal of improving the library became a reality when the books were finally moved into the current Burton Memorial Library on Kearney Street.
Now 40 years later, Friends of the Library will gather Wednesday, August 11, to celebrate this milestone in the Library’s history.
The group invites the community to stop in from noon to 2 p.m. to share refreshments and view a photo display of that four-year effort as well as the past 40 years.
Support local news, support your town
By Dean Ridings, CEO, America’s Newspapers
The Local Journalism Sustainability Act (LJSA) was recently introduced in the House and has now been introduced in the Senate – and will benefit every member of this community! Unlike many issues in Washington, this legislation has bipartisan support and is focused on delivering benefits to local communities across the U.S. by sustaining local news organizations, including this newspaper.
Newspapers are facing significant fiscal challenges due to technological disruption, including Google’s and Facebook’s use of newspapers’ content without compensation. This legislation provides an important, but temporary means of support to help newspapers with needed transition, and it deserves the support of Congressional representatives across the country. The bill incentivizes the behaviors needed to facilitate changes to the business model. Please join your local newspaper in calling on members of Congress to support this legislation.
The LJSA has been designed to provide a much-needed boost to newspapers. What it isn’t is a permanent handout for local newspapers. Instead, it’s a well-thought-out approach to help sustain local newsgathering efforts through a series of tax credits that expire in five years. And it not only will provide aid to newspapers, but also to subscribers and local small businesses through tax credits that will benefit them directly.
Newspaper subscribers already understand the importance of their local newspaper and that their continued support is critical. Through this legislation, subscribers will receive a tax credit of up to $250 per year. It’s a win-win for subscribers as this tax credit will cover a significant part of their annual newspaper subscription, no matter if it’s print or digital.
For local businesses, there’s a direct benefit from the LJSA, as well. When they use the effective print and digital solutions of their local newspaper, they will be eligible for a tax credit up to $5,000 the first year and $2,500 per year for the next four years. Not only will this credit offset some of their advertising investment, it also will help them improve their business by reaching more customers and generating more sales. It keeps money invested locally and helps maintain jobs and support other local initiatives.
For local newspapers, the LJSA provides a much-needed bridge to continue the evolution toward a digitally-based model. The temporary tax credits for newspapers will be tied directly to maintaining healthy newsrooms and employing professional journalists committed to producing local news and information. The benefits will be local, not redirected to national media organizations, and provide local readers with continued access to the content that’s most important to their lives.
However, in order for the LJSA to provide these benefits to subscribers, local businesses and newspapers, it needs the support from members of the House and Senate. And the best way for that to happen is for them to hear directly from their constituents and supporters. To support the future of local newspapers, reach out to your representatives and encourage them to support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, and – in turn – support the communities they serve. There’s a benefit for everyone.
On behalf of its approximately 1,500 newspaper and associate member companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses. Learn more: www.newspapers.org
Why children need to get vaccinated
By Valerie Borum Smith, MD, MPH, FAAP
Good news for parents – children who are 12 years and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine, and it couldn’t come at a better time. While children are less likely to develop severe illness from COVID-19, they are still at risk. Families deserve the chance to get back to an active life without the constant worries. The vaccine is the best shot at a normal life, protected from Covid.
Which COVID-19 vaccines can children get?
While adults have several options, Pfizer-BioNTech is currently the only option available for children. To be effective, this vaccine is given in two doses that are given three weeks (21 days) apart. Maximum protection is achieved two weeks after receiving the second shot.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?
Yes. The vaccine was developed using science that has been around for decades, and it received emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. The Pfizer vaccine was tested and monitored for safety and effectiveness in children 12 and older, just as it was tested for adults. More than seven million children under 17 have received the vaccine in the United States.
Can children get the virus from the vaccine?
No. The vaccine does not contain the live virus, so your child cannot get Covid from the vaccine.
Why are pediatricians recommending children get the vaccine?
Our role as pediatricians is to keep patients safe and healthy, and to allow them to get back to those activities they deserve to be doing. When parents ask me if they should get their children vaccinated for COVID-19, I recommend they do. I would never recommend something I wouldn’t recommend for my own child, a family member, or a loved one.
Another reason for getting the vaccine is that children can spread the virus to others. There could be family members, friends, teachers, classmates, or others who have a health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting Covid and facing serious consequences. The vaccine helps prevent the spread of Covid to everyone around them.
Pediatricians, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) all recommend that children get the COVID-19 vaccine.
More than four million children in the United States have tested positive for the virus since the start of the pandemic, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and more than 300 have died.
When and how was the vaccine tested?
The Pfizer study with children began in March 2021. The study enrolled 2,260 participants ages 12 to 15. Of those children, 1,131 received the vaccine (two shots, given three weeks apart) and 1,129 received saline placebo shots. The study found the vaccine worked even better for children than it did for adults. No children in the vaccine group got sick with COVID-19, while 18 children in the placebo group became ill.
Moderna recently released the results of its test of the vaccine in 3,732 people ages 12 to 17. Two-thirds received two vaccine doses, and there were no cases of symptomatic COVID-19 in fully vaccinated adolescents. More than 160 million people have been fully vaccinated, including more than seven million 12 to 17 year-old adolescents. The CDC continues to monitor for side effects.
When parents ask me if they should get their children vaccinated for COVID-19, I recommend they do. I would never recommend something I wouldn’t recommend for my own loved ones. I have three teenagers, and we were in line the first Saturday we could get them vaccinated. The fact that they are fully vaccinated really does give me great comfort and has allowed us to have a summer filled with vacation, friends, and family.
Did they rush the testing to get the vaccine approved?
No. Researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades. This includes studies for the vaccines for the flu, Zika, and rabies. All of that work made it possible for scientists to create the COVID-19 vaccine. Once necessary information about the Covid virus was available, scientists began designing the specific mRNA instructions that would be effective against the that virus.
Does the vaccine change your DNA (genetic material)?
No. The Covid mRNA vaccine does not affect or interact with DNA (genetic material) in any way. It never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept.
What information is available about the long-term effects of the vaccine?
The long-term effects are not known for children or adults at this time. The long-term effects of getting Covid are not known either. However, research has shown that some children who have recovered from a mild case of Covid may have long-term inflammation in the heart and lungs.
What are the short-term side effects in children who have gotten the vaccine?
Some children have experienced pain at the injection site, fever, chills, tiredness, headache, and joint and muscle pain. These typically lasted one to three days. In general, the risks from getting COVID-19 seem to be much greater than the risks of getting the vaccine.
Should my child get the vaccine if they have allergies?
If your child has a history of severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine (such as polyethylene glycol), they should not get the vaccine. It is important to talk to your pediatrician about the vaccine, especially if your child has a history of allergies.
How much does it cost, and do I need insurance?
The vaccine is free for everyone. You and your child do not need insurance to get a vaccine.
When will younger children be able to get the vaccine?
Children 5 to 11 are expected to receive approval to get the vaccine in the winter. Children even younger will likely be able to get the vaccine in early 2022. As we see more contagious variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant, we will likely see more unvaccinated people become ill, including young children. While thankfully most young children recover well from COVID-19, there are some that develop life-threatening complications such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). They can also spread COVID-19 to more vulnerable family and community members.
As with any medical concern, talk to your child’s pediatrician or health care provider. They will have the best information regarding your child’s medical history and can make a recommendation based on information specific to your child.
Valerie Borum Smith, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a pediatrician at St. Paul Children’s Services in Tyler, Texas, and is a member of the Texas Medical Association COVID-19 taskforce.
Service gift
‘Senior Thang’ setting activities for Aug. 21
“That Senior Thang” is shaping up to be an event like no other with events scheduled for all ages on Saturday, August 21, outside the Donley County Senior Citizens Center at Fourth and Gorst.
Live music, free games, food vendors, competitions, a country store, Chicken Drop Bingo, and a 50/50 raffle are just some of the activities that are lined up for the benefit to raise money for the Donley County Senior Citizens Center.
The entire community is invited and encouraged to attend and participate in That Senior Thang, which will run from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
A complete description and list of activities is available on That Senior Thang’s event page at Facebook.com.
Sponsors for That Senior Thang are A Fine Feathered Nest, Flying A Tack, Howard Farms, Road Runner Home Health, Broken Road Jr. Liquor Store, Shonda’s Snack Shack, Clarendon Bicycle Club, Estlack Bantams, VFW Post 7782 Auxiliary, Clarendon VFD, Trinity Steel, and Saints’ Roost Cottage.
For more information or to volunteer to help with the event, contact DCSC Director Denise Bertrand at 806-874-2665.
Craig Howard Cobb
Craig Howard Cobb passed away peacefully at his home in Clarendon on July 28, 2021 at age 52.
He was born on March 16, 1969, in Portales, New Mexico, by Father Ricky Cobb and Mother Janice Bennett. He was a loving and kind husband, father, son and friend. Craig was married to the love of his life, Julie Cobb in Clarendon. He has two children, Sade and Trevor, and a stepson, Joseph. He graduated high school in Portales. Craig was a long-time resident of Clarendon.
This man, this welder, shield in place welded with precision to produce a handsome striking gentleman with the kind of voice that was as unique as the rest of him. He spent over half his life striking an arc. He was a master Craftsman who single-handedly built his world while raising his kids. He spent most his career working at plants and on natural gas units throughout the panhandle while welding projects for himself or others after hours. Craig had a loving passion for square body trucks, his shop that he built from the ground up, and his Lincoln welding machines. Lincolns were his status quo. Even though he said Miller’s actually welded pretty good.. though he wouldn’t be caught with one on his rig! He loved riding his Harley that he also built from the ground up. Craig had many hats depending on the occasion; a cowboy hat that he made sure was the right one for the season, a baseball cap that you never wash and a welding cap with lizards on it. While always having a can of Copenhagen Silver Top in his back left pocket. Some may not know but legend has it that he was a bull rider. Just long enough to have a picture taken. He also has Cherokee in him. He loved getting dirty and cleaning up. At the end of his day, he loved sitting in his old metal rocking chair looking out the bay door of his shop visiting with anyone that wanted to stop by with his 80’s music in the background.
We were blessed to learn valuable lessons from Craig to name a few; Don’t go ahead and do something if you don’t know how to do it, Check your measurements twice, Don’t let your fuel go under a quarter of a tank, Have an air gauge with you so you don’t blow up your tire, Finally, always wear eye protection. That was his biggest one. While driving if he saw someone weed whacking without eye protection he’d stop and give them a pair of his safety glasses. He did that all the time. A favorite pastime he had as a kid was at his grandpa’s shop, sitting on top of the Coke machine with a glass bottle Coca-Cola and a handful of peanuts poured in it. Him and his grandpa would sit out there enjoying it together. We would still do it. Hop in an old truck and cruise with our glass bottle Coca-Cola and peanuts.
Craig is survived by his wife Julie Cobb, his children Sade Cobb and Trevor Cobb, and stepson Joseph Russell. His parents Ricky Cobb and Janice Bennett, Janice’s husband Danny Bennett, a half-brother Tyler Cobb, Aunt’s, Uncle’s, Cousins and Friends.
He is preceded by both sets of grandparents that made a big impact on his life.
To Kindred Hospice we want to express gratitude to the people in your organization for the compassionate remarkable wonderful care given to my husband and me. Craig loved y’all from the get-go. Your time, work and effort has been very much appreciated. Thank you. God Bless you.
Cremation & Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Sheila Kay Black
Sheila Kay Black was born on April 17, 1960. She left this earth on July 20, 2021. She was 61 years old.
She was a blessing to all she encountered. She was an outstanding mother, mentor, and friend. Sheila was always a bright light to everyone she encountered. She selflessly took care of her children and was a very hard worker. She was determined to provide for her children and went back to school, earned an associate degree then pursued a career at Pantex where she worked for 26 years.
Sheila was the most loving, considerate, and caring person anyone would have the pleasure of knowing. She always had a certain energy that she carried with her everywhere she went. The same feeling you have with a warm blanket. Comfort, happiness, love… That was Sheila.
She was preceded in death by her father Donald Dwayne Salmon.
She was survived by her mother, Betty Salmon of Clarendon; her son Jeff Black and wife, Nina, and their children Riley, Rayne and Rycen all of Davison, Michigan; her daughter Stacy Black, and children Braydon, Cheyenne, Aliza, and Deyson all of Russellville, Kentucky; a sister Sandra Shields and husband, Keenan of Lelia Lake, and children, Wes Shields and wife Jasie and their family; Kelby Robinette and husband, Jarod and family, and Kaylee Shields.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 11:00 at the Church of Christ in Claude. Sheila’s favorite color was purple, so if you have anything purple, please wear it.
The family suggest memorials be to your favorite charity.
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