The Clarendon Lady Broncos will take on Farwell Thursday at 6 p.m. in Bushland for the Regional Final title. Follow Facebook.com/TheEnterprise for live updates from the game.
Jackson bill exempts wildfire relief from tax
Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) last week reintroduced the Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act. This legislation would exempt any income individuals received for fire relief from their overall tax burden, ensuring individuals and agricultural producers can focus on recovering from the wildfires that ravaged the Texas Panhandle last year.
Senator Ted Cruz sponsored a companion bill in the US Senate.
“The historic wildfires that tore through the Texas Panhandle last year have left a lasting mark on all the ranchers, families, and communities involved,” Jackson said. “I’m honored to reintroduce this critical legislation and am committed to making sure those hit hardest by this catastrophic disaster can use the assistance they’ve received to rebuild their farms, ranches, and livelihoods, not pay the federal government.”
“Last year, historic wildfires destroyed the Panhandle, taking the homes and livelihoods of thousands of Texans,” Cruz said. “This bill will deliver much needed tax relief to support these communities in their ongoing recovery efforts. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill without delay.”
Kent Bacus, Executive Director, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, said last year’s wildfires highlighted the need for action.
“The Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act, introduced in the House and Senate, would allow taxpayers to exclude from gross income any disaster relief payments received from federally declared wildfires in Texas, Bacus said. NCBA thanks Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Ronny Jackson for leading this measure and calls for swift congressional passage.”
Super winner
Teresa Schollenbarger (left) receives more than $1,000 in prizes from the Enterprise’s Tara Allred Tuesday after she won the newspaper’s annual Pigskin Predictions contest, beating out almost 40 other contestants. Thank you to everyone who entered the contest to our sponsors for making it possible. Enterprise Photo
Hedley Senior Night
Joe Wayne Morrow
Dr. Joe Wayne Morrow passed on to his heavenly home peacefully on February 1, 2025, at the age of 72 in Nashville, Tennessee. A devoted husband, father, physician, and friend, Joe’s life was defined by service-to his family, his patients, his faith, and his country.
Born on January 3, 1953, in Clarendon, Joe was the son of the late Ira Kenneth and Jeanne Marie Morrow. He grew up surrounded by a loving extended family, just blocks away from his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. His early years were filled with adventure alongside his two brothers, Danny and John Earl, and he often recalled his time farming and hauling hay with John before pursuing his lifelong passion for medicine.
Joe began his medical career as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, serving in the ICU at Charleston Naval Air Station Hospital in South Carolina. Following his service, he attended Texas Tech University and earned his BS in Chemistry from West Texas A&M University before obtaining his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Board-certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine, he built a distinguished career spanning over 35 years, caring for countless patients in his private clinics and alongside partners. His skill in relieving back and neck pain was well known among his peers, and he was a respected leader in medical politics, serving on the Board of Directors for the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association.
In 1992, Joe married the joy of his life, Betty, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. He was a devoted father to his sons, Joe, Nick, Jonathon, and William. He cherished attending their athletic events, cheering on Joe’s Clarendon Broncos, Nick’s Tascosa Rebels, Jon’s Southlake Carroll Dragons, William’s Austin Royals, and also, of course, the Dallas Cowboys, and Tennessee Titans! His heart for ministry led him to support organizations such as Operation Blessing and People That Care, and he and Betty often opened their home to host Gateway life groups.
Joe had a larger-than-life presence-standing 6’5” with an athletic build, he was always ready for a challenge, whether it was a game of chess or a spontaneous skateboard contest. He was an avid reader and writer, a natural storyteller, and a mentor who encouraged young people to pursue their dreams. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for fishing, hunting, and traveling, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate holidays with family and friends.
In his final years, Joe was a beloved resident of the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, where he formed meaningful connections with the staff and fellow residents. His family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated medical teams at Vanderbuilt University Medical Center, Tennessee State Veterans Home, VA Medical Centers in Nashville & Murfreesboro, Ascension St. Thomas Hospitals in Murfreesboro and Nashville, Select Specialty Hospital, and Alive Hospice for their caring spirit and dependable excellence.
The family also wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the Williamson County Veterans Service Office In Franklin, Tenn., for such great communication and consistent support over the last 3 years as well as The Fisher House for their great mission and kindness.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Betty, and his children: Joe Morrow (Tessa) of Claude; Nick Morrow (Bryna) of Fort Worth; Jonathon Cunningham (Kristen) of Fort Worth; and William Morrow of Fort Worth. He is also survived by his brothers, Danny Morrow (Terri) of Dallas, John Earl Morrow (Tammy) of Clarendon, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A celebration of Dr. Morrow’s life will be held at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a ceremony at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 3:15 p.m. to honor his military service.
He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with his family in Clarendon.
Don Carroll Springer
Don Carroll Springer, 88, of Memphis went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in Childress.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, in the First Baptist Church in Memphis with Rev. Daniel Downey and Ronnie Shoffner, officiating. Burial will follow in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley, Texas.
Viewing will be held Friday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Don was born September 30, 1936, in Hall County to George Ross and Julia May Alexander Springer. Don grew up in Hedley and attended school in Hedley. He married Letha Mae Moss in 1956, and she preceded him in death in 1974. He later married Patsy Reed in 1977 and she preceded him in death in 1991. Don married Sondie Collins in 1993 and she preceded him in death in 2021. Don was a farmer and rancher most of his life which was also his hobby. Don also worked as a funeral assistant for the Memphis Funeral Home for over 22 years where he provided professional, compassionate, and graciously cared for countless families throughout the years working for Cox, SCI, Hughs, Peppers, and most recently Robertson’s. Don favorite pastime was quail hunting. Don believed in always serving others and giving back which he did through countless organizations through the years. He was a member of the Memphis Lions Club and a former member of the Hedley Lions Club. He also served on the ASCS Donley County board, Board of Directors of the Security State Bank in Hedley, and the Hedley school board. Don was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Memphis where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School director, and served on many committees in the Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wives.
He is survived by his son, Rick Springer and wife Carla of Childress; his daughters, LaMoss Lambert of Memphis and Robin Clouse and husband Chris of Houston; his sister in law, Debbie Collins of Childress; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family request memorials be sent to Rowe Cemetery Association / PO Box 213 / Hedley, TX 79237.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
Shields honored for library service
Clarendon Mayor Jacob Fangman presented a plaque last week to Jerri Ann Shields for her recent retirement for all the years of service she put in as librarian of the Burton Memorial Library.
Candidate deadline ends February 14
With the sign-up deadline coming up soon, it appears the City of Clarendon will be the only one out of six local governments that will be having an election this spring.
Clarendon had five people running for two positions Tuesday afternoon, while other local boards either only had enough candidates to fill the terms available or were still looking for candidates to sign up.
Clarendon has five positions available. Incumbent Aldermen Ashlee Estlack and Eulaine McIntosh are seeking re-election to two full terms and are being challenged by Jeremy Jeffers, Brittney Wolfe, and Richard Dzamko. As of Tuesday afternoon, no one had signed up to run for mayor or for either of the two unexpired terms that are also up on the council.
In Hedley, all three incumbent city aldermen have filed for re-election – Larry Ely, Tonya Gibson, and Jennifer Floyd.
Howardwick also has a full slate of candidates. Mayor Pro-tem Johnny Floyd has signed up to run for the vacant mayor’s position, while Alderman Jada Murray has filed to run again, and Matt Moore has also filed for the other available alderman’s position.
Incumbents Michael Metcalf and Bruce Howard have signed up for the two positions on the Hedley CISD Board, but only incumbent Robin Ellis has filed for the three positions on the Clarendon CISD Board.
The Donley County Hospital District Board of Directors has had two of three incumbents up this year running so far. Rose Lemley – Place One and Cindy Shelton – Place Three are seeking re-election. No one has signed up for Place Two as of Tuesday.
All local boards are elected at-large, but hospital board candidates must file for a specific place on the board. Candidate applications are available from the administrative offices of each entity.
Filing continues through Friday, February 14. Elections are scheduled to be held Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Gary Lynn Essary
Gary Lynn Essary, 71, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Amarillo.
He was born January 2, 1954, in Plainview to J.T. Essary and Patsy June (Gorman) Essary. Gary was raised in Plainview where he graduated from Plainview High School in 1972. Gary enjoyed a career in Municipal Water Treatment, working 10 years for the City of Plainview and 24 years for the City of Lubbock. Gary was an avid bowler for many years. Then after retiring to Howardwick he enjoyed camping, golf, family and friends.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Wilma Stephenson; and son-in-law, Mikey Cox.
Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Christy Essary of Howardwick; seven children, April Cox of Onalaska, Texas, Danny Essary (Jody) of Odessa, Texas, Dale Essary of Saginaw, Texas, Sean Palmore of Beeville, Texas, Fallon Palmore (Luis Rodriguez) of Dimmitt, Texas, Amber Palmore of Lubbock, Texas, and Brandy Judd (Kyle) of Howardwick, Texas; brother, Del Essary of Howardwick; seventeen grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
As per his wishes, no funeral will be held. A family gathering with close friends will be planned at a later date.
The family would like to thank the caring staff of NW Texas Hospital, The Craig Rehabilitation Center, and Gentiva Hospice.
Mulkey expects full house for Josh Weathers concert
It will be a full house Friday night when the Mulkey Theatre hosts Josh Weathers and his band for a night of great music.
Tickets sold quickly for the Fort Worth-based singer and songwriter, who has a large following in West Texas and the Panhandle.
Weathers has spent the last 15 years honing his craft of combining songs of hope with a high energy rock n’ soul live show. Weathers sings everything from country to pop to blues to classic rock as well as his own songs.
Weathers has performed everywhere from Hotel Turkey to President Donald Trump’s inauguration ball in 2017.
Since a video of him singing “I Will Always Love You” – the classic Dolly Parton hit – went viral a few years ago, it has expanded Josh’s reach to a national and global level. Many people have compared him to the likes of John Mellencamp, Springsteen or even Stevie Wonder, but his diehard fan base has found something incredibly unique about his ability to connect with an audience.
For those who have tickets, the doors and concessions will open at 6 p.m. The show will begin at 8 p.m. A cash bar service will be provided by REFZ Sports Bar & Grill, and the dance floor will be also open. No BYOB will be allowed at this performance.
The Mulkey will not have a regular movie this weekend and will be closed Saturday and Sunday. The theatre will re-open Friday, February 7, for its regular hours. See mulkeytheatre.com for listings.
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