Clarendon High School will present its one act play “Fourteen Lines” by Alan Haehnel this weekend for the public on Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m.; and Monday, March 23, at 7 p.m. Admission is free for everyone. The CHS troupe will compete at Shamrock on Tuesday, March 24, at 4 p.m.
Editorial: Let’s focus on growing business
Many of you will be able to relate to this story. When your editor was a boy, Kearney Street (or “main street” as home folks like to call it) was a busy place. There were many stores on the three blocks of downtown; and if you needed something, you could probably find it there.
We had a grocery store, a variety store, a photography studio, a dry goods store, a couple of furniture and appliance stores, beauty and barber shops, a soda fountain, a movie theatre, the electric company, three or four clothing stores, a feed store, a hardware store, a farm implement dealer, an office supply and printing shop, a drug store, two banks, a pet store, an auto parts store, a variety store, a dry cleaners, a boot maker, and other things that time has erased or blurred from memory.
And of course, then as today, Kearney Street wasn’t the only place where business was conducted. Across town there were three or four other grocery stores, another drug store, a donut place, a Ford dealer, and a General Motors dealer, two lumber yards, and more.
Like many small towns, Clarendon has seen a lot of businesses disappear. This week, we learned that Stavenhagen Video will be the next store to take a bow and exit from the stage of local commerce, leaving just a handful of actual retail stores on Kearney. We could ruminate for a long time about the causes of this phenomenon… Internet sales, the short distance to the Big City, people who just don’t “get” the real value of shopping at home, and on and on and on.
Several businesses have come to town over the years. Some have survived; others have not. Self-employment is not an easy thing and not for the faint of heart or those with little business sense. It is a fact that most small businesses will fail within the first year or two. If you can make it past that point, you’re doing pretty well. If you can make it 27 years, like Bill Stavenhagen did, then you did really well.
Some may say the future doesn’t look too bright for downtown Clarendon or business here in general, but perhaps this is a good time to consider what we do have going for us. As usual, the two biggest assets our community has are Clarendon College and Highway 287. We used to add Greenbelt Lake to that list; and while the drought has taken a terrible toll and nearly dried up recreation on the lake, it is still a tremendous asset and a good employer for several families.
Those three things alone are assets that many towns would give almost anything to have. Add to those our unique heritage, some brilliant young minds, the ethic of Texas Panhandle people, the influence of agriculture, and the natural wildlife in Donley County, and we still have a lot going for us. Our economy, our attitudes, and our imaginations must change somewhat to capitalize on those assets however.
From your editor’s standpoint, we need to make several things to happen in order for Clarendon to thrive. For businesses in general, we need to clean up our town. We need to look at it from the view of the visitor and do all we can to make a good first impression. (Getting rid of apocalyptic signs might be a start.) If every property owner on US 287 made sure their place looked the best it can, it would improve the overall attractiveness of our city.
For downtown, we again need to clean up and fix up. We’ve made progress on this, but more can and should be done. The Mulkey Theatre is a huge draw every day and especially at night. It pulls people off the highway, and we just need something else to catch their attention while they’re pulled over admiring the neon.
The Enterprise asked our Facebook readers this week what they thought we needed downtown. Here’s some of what they recommended: an ice cream shop, a pool hall, wine and cheese bar, new sidewalks, an activity center, a ban on storage buildings, more block parties, and more 5K runs. But the most popular answer was different versions of this – a good restaurant or steakhouse with live music and adult beverages.
We are fortunate to have a variety of restaurants in this town, but we still need a good destination restaurant on main street to serve as an anchor for other businesses and to pull traffic off the highway. A destination restaurant – like those in McLean and Lakeview – is not something put together on a shoestring budget. It’s an investment. It’s a place that has to be a good experience for the customer from the time they pull up to the curb to the time they payout and leave. A restaurant has one shot with a new customer, if that first experience isn’t good, there likely won’t be a second one.
For any new business to make it in this town we need to check our attitudes as customers and as potential employees. As consumers, we must find a way to support our local businesses and recognize that they drive our local economy, support our local charities, and are – to paraphrase an Alan Jackson song – “the little men [and women] who build this town.”
And it’s high time for some tough love with our workforce. Your attitude as an employee impacts directly your employer. Learn to count change, be happy when waiting on the customer who is ultimately paying for your salary, and above all don’t act like it’s a bother or an inconvenience to wait on someone. We’re all in this thing together, and the people at the front counter and waiting tables are the first impression that many people will have of a business. If that impression isn’t good, customers won’t return.
Working together, Clarendon can thrive. But we have to make it happen and not just wish for it to come true.
Breaking News: CISD names Norrell as finalist
Mike Norrell of Adrian was named as the lone finalist to be the next superintendent of Clarendon ISD tonight.
The CISD Board of Trustees met behind closed doors for about an hour at their regular meeting this evening before selecting Norrell, who has held the top job in Adrian for four and a half years and was attracted by Clarendon’s reputation.
“People are drawn to good schools,” he told the Enterprise, “and Clarendon is a good school with a good history and potential.”
Norrell is a Sunray native who studied at Texas Tech University and received certifications from Sul Ross State University and Lubbock Christian University. He coached and taught social studies before being a counselor and administrator. Prior to signing on in Adrian, he was a principal at Patton Springs ISD.
Under Texas law, Clarendon ISD must now wait 21 days before formally hiring Norrell.
At this writing it is not certain when Norrell will start in Clarendon. Local officials had previously said they wanted a new superintendent on board by April 1, and Norrell says his goal is to have a smooth transition.
“I’m excited about the challenge of a new position and the potential for personal and professional growth and the potential that Clarendon has to offer,” Norrell said. “I am truly honored to have this opportunity.”
More information on Clarendon’s incoming superintendent will be available in the January 22 edition of the Enterprise.
CISD to interview superintendent candidates
The Clarendon ISD Board of Trustees have planned three called meetings next week to interview candidates for superintendent.
Trustees met Tuesday, Dec. 30, to review applications. Names of the candidates have not been released.
The first called meeting for interviews will be Sunday, January 4, at 1 p.m., and the second and third meetings will be Monday and Tuesday, January 5 and 6, at 6 p.m.
Forrest Newton
Funeral services for Forrest Newton will be held today Monday, December 29, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel – Clarendon. Interment will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Plainview Memorial Park in Plainview, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Forrest Lynn Newton, 73, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 in Amarillo, Texas. He was born on July 31, 1941 in Hamilton, Texas to Omri Newton and Clara Thaye (Hale) Newton.
Forrest had been a resident of Howardwick for the past 12 years. He loved to fish, play golf (and even had a hole in one), and playing volleyball. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and loved to watch all sports.
Forrest was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Connie Sue Jones Newton and daughter, Julie Anne Papa.
He is survived by Judy Newton of Howardwick; son, Dusty Newton and wife, Chrystal of Dallas; daughter, Denise Newton and partner, Francine Bradley of Ringwood, New Jersey; step-son, Jim Heathington and wife, Brittanie of McKinney; and brother, Doyce Newton and wife, Wanda of Tow; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.
The family request memorials be sent to the Clarendon Country Club.
Patrick Wayne Robertson
Patrick Wayne Robertson, 59, of Clarendon died Tuesday, December 22, 2014.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 2 p.m. in First Baptist Church, Clarendon, Tx with Rev. Dave Stout officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery, Clarendon. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Patrick was born March 10, 1955 in Groom, Tx to Delbert Wayne and Patsy Darlene Robertson. He graduated from Clarendon High School in 1973. He attended the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1975. Patrick married Edith Faye Black of Wellington, Tx on September 27, 1975. She preceded him in death in 1987. On May 4, 1991, he and Vicky Annette Hawkins were united in marriage in Clarendon, Tx. He was co-owner of Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon and co-owner of KEFH 99.3 FM radio station. Patrick was a lifetime member of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department serving from 1975 to 2009. He was a graduate of the first paramedic class in the Texas Panhandle and one of the first paramedics to serve Donley County. He served with the Clarendon EMS from 1973-1992. He later became a member of the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department. He loved classic cars and was a member of the High Plains Cruisers of Pampa. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for 25 years. He received his Eagle Scout from Troop 433 of Clarendon in 1972. He was awarded funeral director of the year by Panhandle Funeral Directors Association for the year 2011-2012. He was appointed to the Texas Funeral Service Commission by Governor Rick Perry in 2011 and served until 2014. He was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Howardwick.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patsy Wallace Robertson in 2008.
Survivors include his wife, Vicky Hawkins Robertson of Clarendon; a son from his first marriage Charles Wayne (Chuck) Robertson of Clarendon, Tx; his father Delbert Robertson and step-mother Naomi of Clarendon, Tx; a grandson Jaxon Robertson of Clarendon, Tx; a sister Debbie Thompson and husband Michael of Clarendon, Tx; 2 step-sisters Linda Allison and husband Con of Shamrock, Tx and Glenda Harvey and husband Mike of Austin, Tx; 3 step-brothers Gary Lowe and Dennis Lowe, both of Shamrock, and Boe Lowe and wife Sue of Lumberton, Tx.; mother-in-law Wanda Beddingfield of Clarendon, Tx; sister-in-law Sonya Hawkins Shieldknight of Spearman, Tx; brothers-in-law Sam Hawkins III and wife Lisa of Scott, La, Doug Hayton and wife Kathy of Claude, Tx and Shane Beddingfield of Fayetteville, North Carolina; a brother-in-law from his first marriage Charles Black and wife Patsy of Dumas, Tx; an aunt Margaret Vines of Wellington, Tx; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
The family suggests memorials be to First Baptist Church of Howardwick, 235 Rick Husband Blvd., Howardwick, Tx 79226 or Citizens Cemetery, P. O. Box 983, Clarendon, Tx 79226.
SIGN THE ONLINE GUESTBOOK AT WWW.ROBERTSONFUNERAL.COM
Bobby Gene Trout
Bobby Gene Trout died Friday, December 19, 2014, at Clarendon at the age of 84.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, December 21, in First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, officiating. Interment will follow in Citizens Cemetery with arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Bobby was born July 22, 1930, in Donley County to Mayburn and Ella Mae Putman Trout. He married Cula Jo McClellan on May 31, 1950, in Clovis, New Mexico. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War. He had worked for West Texas Gas prior to his retirement. Bobby served as a commissioner for Donley County and was a member of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department and the Hedley American Legion Post 287. Bobby was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clarendon where he served as a deacon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2012; his daughter, Wanda Hill; son-in-law, Chuck Hill; two brothers, Kenneth and Freddie; two sisters, Jo Dean McFall and Elaine Auldridge; and a granddaughter, Traci Amber White.
He is survived by two daughters, Valorie Ashcraft and husband Terry and Pat White and husband Bob all of Clarendon; his grandchildren, Shane Ashcraft and wife Mecca of Plainview, Mandi Gay and husband Michael of Clarendon, Aaron Ashcraft, Kasi Anderson and husband Gary of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Holli White of Amarillo; his great grandchildren, Madisen, Alex, and Maddex Gay, Jace and Kamryn Anderson, and Brylee Ashcraft.
MEMORIALS- The family request memorials be sent to the First Baptist Church in Clarendon or Gentiva Hospice.
Sign the online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com.
Breaking News: Thornberry named armed services chair
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Mac Thornberry of Clarendon has been chosen to chair the House Armed Services Committee for the 114th Congress. Thornberry is the first Texan – Republican or Democrat – ever selected to lead the Committee or its predecessors.
“I am grateful for the opportunity and also mindful of the responsibility it entails,” Thornberry said. “The men and women who serve our nation in the military deserve the full support and backing of the Congress and of the country. Providing that support will be my top priority.”
Thornberry was selected to serve as Chairman by the Steering Committee of the House Republican Conference. The entire House Republican Conference ratified his selection this morning.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), praised the Clarendon native for his work on national defense. “During his time in Congress, Mac has been instrumental in ensuring that our military personnel have the tools, authorities, and resources they need to keep America safe. He has also worked to keep the Pentagon and others accountable for taxpayers’ money. Mac is a respected voice, experienced lawmaker, and effective leader. I look forward to working with him as the next Chairman of the Armed Services Committee.”
The Armed Services Committee has a responsibility to oversee the Pentagon, all military services, and all Department of Defense agencies. Each year it writes a defense authorization bill, which authorizes military spending and sets the policies for the Pentagon to follow.
The outgoing Chairman, Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), said that the “Armed Services Committee will be in the most capable of hands with Chairman-select Thornberry, and so will our Armed Forces.” He continued, “During my four years as Chairman, I’ve come to rely on Mac as a policy expert, a gifted communicator, a trusted confidant, and a friend. He has skillfully helped our Committee as Vice-Chairman, and his national security smarts have earned the respect of both Congress and defense experts alike. But most importantly, Mac is a leader with a servant’s heart. His devotion and loyalty is, above all, to the men and women of our military.
Thornberry’s counterpart in the Senate is Senator John McCain of Arizona, who will chair the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“This opportunity is only possible because of the help and support I have received over the years from my family, employers and mentors, co-workers, my official and campaign staffs, and especially from the people of the 13th congressional District of Texas. I am extremely grateful for the confidence they have shown in me and will do my best to live up to the responsibilities of this position on their behalf.”
Thornberry has deep experience in national security issues, having worked as a congressional staff member on defense issues and as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the State Department in the Reagan Administration. He has served in Congress since 1995 and has been a member of the Armed Services Committee during his entire tenure. He has also served on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence since 2004.
“Our country faces a wide array of serious national security challenges from the renewed aggression of major powers to terrorism and attacks in cyberspace. Congress has an indispensable role to play in meeting those challenges, and the Committee will work to see that our country remains strong.”
Breaking News: Hysinger to lead Dumas ISD
Clarendon ISD Superintendent Monty Hysinger was named the lone finalist to be the next superintendent at Dumas by the Dumas ISD Board last night.
Hysinger, who is in his 16th year at Clarendon, told the Enterprise today that the move is a good opportunity for him but that moving will be bittersweet.
“It won’t be easy leaving Clarendon,” Hysinger said. “The staff here are like family. I feel like the district is in good shape, and we’ll just need to find a good person to take it and lead it.”
Dumas must wait 21 days to before formally hiring Hysinger. That’s expected to happen on November 19.
Clarendon school trustees will hold their next regular meeting November 13 and will meet with Region 16 officials to discuss search options.
Hysinger said he will start in Dumas sometime in January, but the exact date will be coordinated with Clarendon ISD so that interim superintendent is in place here.
Sheriff investigating Howardwick death
The Donley County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a Howardwick woman with a gunshot wound today.
Authorities received a call of a gunshot wound in Howardwick at 425 Janny after 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 8. Upon arrival, Sheriff Butch Blackburn found the body of Karla Bartek in the front yard of the home with one gunshot wound to the head.
It has not yet determined if the case is a suicide or a homicide.
Blackburn said the death is under investigation, and an autopsy has been ordered for tomorrow. Authorities are also waiting for the results of forensics on the case.
The Texas Rangers are assisting with the investigation, the sheriff said.
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