And the nominees are…
Hedley FFA does well at Fair
DA: Jones might be alive if Edes had acted
A Clarendon woman pled guilty in Childress Monday to a felony charge related to the 2011 death of her grandson, Chance Mark Jones.
Gayle Edes, age 67, will serve 90 days in the Donley County Jail, and a ten-year sentence to the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which was probated as a condition of her plea agreement. If she had been found guilty by a jury, Edes could have faced up to 99 years or life in prison.
“With this plea of guilty, Edes takes responsibility for not seeking the medical care for her helpless grandson who needed someone to get him out of one of the most unimaginable situations for anyone, much less a four year old,” said Inman. “If Edes would have taken Chance to the doctor, he might be with people that truly loved him today.”
In addition to jail time and probation, Edes will be required to pay a $10,000 fine, $385.50 in court costs, and $4,500 in restitution for Jones’ funeral expenses, and she agreed to surrender all of the boy’s personal belongings over to his family. She must also complete 400 hours of community service.
“Edes is just as culpable as to what happened to Chance in the end,” said Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn. “Robert Babcock is who beat Chance to death, and Edes didn’t take him to the hospital when she knew that’s what Chance needed the night before the last serious assaults were committed by Babcock on Chance.”
Edes conviction is the second and last conviction in the Chance Mark Jones death case.
“The injury to a child case by omission was not something that we could file immediately due to factual and legal hurdles we had to overcome,” said Inman. “It’s not as simple as going forward against the perpetrator who actually committed the assault. There had to be forensic medical testimony that would support the injury occurred as a result of not seeking medical attention, and that part of the investigation took time.”
On January 4, 2012, a Donley County Grand Jury indicted Edes for the first degree felony of Injury to a Child by Omission, and court records alleged that on January 3, 2011, the accused intentionally or knowingly, by omission, caused serious bodily injury to four-year-old Chance Mark Jones by her failure to get medical attention for the boy and that she had assumed care, custody, or control of the child at that time.
A jury trial was scheduled for Edes in Donley County for August, but was postponed to October 23 due to the medical condition of the defendant, according to court documents.
Babcock, Edes’ son, had custody of Jones for just a few weeks before, according to local authorities, he began abusing the boy on December 24, 2010, and continued abusing him until January 4, 2011. On that date, Babcock called emergency personnel to his residence near Clarendon where they found Jones unresponsive.
The boy died the next morning at Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo. An autopsy conducted the next day revealed that the boy died from blunt force trauma to the head and that he also suffered internal injuries from trauma to the torso. Investigators at the time called the case the worst they had ever worked.
The state held that Edes knew what was happening to the boy and did not get him medical attention.
Once her jail sentence is served, the court has permitted Edes to serve her probation in Potter or Randall County due to her need for medical care.
In June, a Hall County Jury found Babcock guilty of capital murder, and he is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. A representative with Inman’s office told the Enterprise this week that Babcock has filed an appeal with the Seventh Court of Appeals. The representative said the appeal will be “a very lengthy process.”
© 2012 Clarendon Enterprise
Editorial: We must all act against child abuse
The family of four-year-old Chance Mark Jones finally has closure this week after the last criminal case related to his death was resolved Monday.
The boy’s father, Robert Babcock, was sentenced by a Hall County Jury in June to life in prison for beating his son to death last year, and this week the child’s grandmother accepted responsibility for her actions – or rather her criminal inaction.
Gayle Edes’ plea agreement is not what many of us wanted, and that was reflected by the outburst from readers of the Enterprise’s Facebook page when the news of her deal was broken. Edes could have faced 99 years or life imprisonment if she had been found guilty by a jury. By comparison, her sentence of 90 days seems miniscule.
The state and local law enforcement say Edes knew that her son was beating her grandson and they were prepared to prove it in court that she failed to get Chance any help when she saw him on January 3, 2011. Hours later, one more horrific beating sealed Chance’s fate and changed all of our lives forever. Had she acted like most normal people and gotten the boy medical attention – or at the very least taken him home with her – Chance might be alive today.
After Babcock’s conviction, Chance’s family and most of the people in Donley County were relieved but also ready for the next phase – the trial and conviction of Edes. With the acceptance of the plea agreement, we’ll never know how that might have turned out. The people of Donley County were denied their chance to deliver justice in this case. Ninety days is nothing compared to the life a child. This deal smacks more of expedience than it does justice.
So what are we left with? What can we take from Monday’s court action in Childress?
Well, by her own admission, Gayle Edes is guilty. She is guilty of felony Injury to a Child by Omission. She will spend some lonely time in jail without the comforts of home, and she will have ten years on probation with ample opportunity to screw up and go away for a long, long time.
Our hunger for justice – and even vengeance – cries out for harsher penalties, but we must accept that this is still punishment of some kind. She has not gotten away with it. Far from it. This admission will follow her for the rest of her life, and that is as it should be.
Some say Edes deserves our sympathies and even our prayers, but do not be confused. There was one victim in this case, and that was Chance. Edes’ situation is of her own choosing. Chance had no choice in his situation, but he did have one opportunity for rescue, and she turned her back on him.
We must never forget that, and we must never forget that child abuse can and does happen right here in our midst. We want this case to be over so we can all go on with our lives. But what about the other children out there who are suffering from abuse or neglect. In Donley County right now there are more than a dozen children in foster care because their parents aren’t measuring up to the level of responsibility they have been entrusted with.
There is no greater duty than to our children. We are morally bound to look after our own kids – and certainly not to harm them. But we are also morally bound to look after our kinfolk and our neighbors. If I thought one of my nephews was being hurt, I would step in, and I know my brothers- and sisters-in-law would do the same if something was happening to one of my kids.
The lesson we have to take from Chance’s death is a simple one – Speak up and take action! Do not sit idly by while a child suffers, because you will certainly answer to God and possibly find yourself in Gayle Edes’ position – in a small cell with plenty of time to think about what you didn’t do.
Never forget: Don’t take a Chance on child abuse.
Accident claims life of local woman
A Donley County woman lost her life in a tragic ranch accident last Tuesday, September 11.
Trista Shipp, age 63, was unloading cattle panels from a stock trailer after 11 a.m. near County Road I off State Hwy. 70 when the load shifted and pinned her against the trailer, Sheriff Butch Blackburn said.
The sheriff said there were nine panels in the 16-foot stock trailer, leaned against the left side.
“It appears that she got in to start unloading and they shifted, pinning her to the right side of the trailer,” Blackburn said. She was found by her son later that afternoon. Emergency personnel were called to the scene about 3 p.m., and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Services were held Friday, September 14, 2012, in the First Baptist Church in Hedley with Rev. Bruce Howard, Pastor, officiating. She is survived by her parents, Bennie and Joyce Ford of Wheeler; her husband, Buddy Shipp of Memphis; two sons, Shawn Bright and wife Dawn of Dalhart, Dallas Moore and wife Elizabeth of Lelia Lake; a step son, Joe Don Shipp of Memphis; two daughters, Tylena Horton and husband John of Hendersonville, TN, Holly McCleskey and husband Willie of Hedley; a step daughter, Becky Shipp and husband Jeffery of Albany; a brother, Glen Ford of Dumas; sister, Kay Jameson of Shamrock; 16 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family suggest memorials be made to the Donley County 4-H, PO Box 682, Clarendon, TX 79226.
CC enrollment slips but growth projected
Enrollment is down for the fall semester at Clarendon College, but CC officials say they are already making plans to address changing student demographics for the spring semester.
Following the 12th day of class last Thursday, CC’s enrollment was at 1,253, down 6.4 percent or 95 students compared to the fall 2011 semester.
The semester credit hours, or the total number of hours students enroll in, however, are up from 13,107 to 13,118. This increase in credit hours shows while the college may have fewer students those who are taking courses are enrolled in a greater number of hours.
The college is also down by 3.6 percent in the number of contact hours this semester – a figure that determines CC’s state funding.
CC President Phil Shirley said that decline is due in part to the cessation of the wind energy technical program in Childress and having fewer nursing students this semester, but he expects contact hours to rebound with the start of a new cosmetology program in Childress within a few weeks. He also says the college hopes to resume teaching classes in state prisons, which will boost spring enrollment.
In addition, the college is seeing a shift in the age of students enrolled this fall when compared to last fall, according to Shirley.
“In studying the statistics from our fall enrollment, it appears our 20-29 year-old age group has dropped off dramatically,” the president said. “In addition, the 30-39 year-old age group has also taken a substantial dip.”
Shirley says he sees three factors contributing to the shift in student demographics, starting with the economy.
“More people are seeking jobs and endeavoring to make a living in these economic times,” he said. “Secondly, perhaps we need to offer more courses in the evenings to attract the adult student; and thirdly, we may need to offer a different set of courses including more technical training and life skills kinds of curricula.”
“Whatever the reason for this dramatic drop in the 20-39 year-old group, we are determined and hopeful to find a solution to their educational needs and see them return in the spring,” Shirley said. “For the difficult economic times through which we are living, we feel very fortunate to be in this position. I’m excited about this fall and feel nothing but optimism for the spring semester.”
Enrollment by location is a follows: Clarendon 356, Pampa 359, Childress 47, Distance Learning 86, and Dual Credit 405.
18th Chuckwagon Cookoff to be held Saturday
A bigger than usual crowd is expected this weekend when the 18th annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff is held on the grounds of the Saints’ Roost Museum.
Eighteen wagons – the most in several years – are scheduled to compete for top prizes, and other activities include hosting a meeting of the American Chuck Wagon Association.
Several wagons will arrive early to host students from Clarendon, Hedley, and area schools for a day of learning about the chuckwagon and cooking the cowboy-way over an open fire.
Friday afternoon will also include the junior cookoff, which pairs kids, ages 8-17, with mentors on participating wagon teams to learn the ropes of cooking over an open fire. Junior cooks will be preparing a dish for Friday’s Chuckwagon cooks’ dinner. The recipe will be left to the discretion of the cooks and their mentors, and prizes will be given to the first, second, and third place winners that night.
The big day for the cookoff will be Saturday when the ten wagons square off to battle for top prizes.
The tradeshow starts at 10 a.m., and museum tours by the CHS Junior Historians will be available throughout the day. Local and area entertainers will also be performing.
The authentic wagons will serve at 1 p.m. with the traditional chicken fried steak dinner, and other activities include raffles for a pair of Kevin Johnson Handmade Spurs and a hay auction.
Admission is free. Tickets for the authentic Chuckwagon meal are $15 each and can be purchased in advance at Every Nook & Cranny or Donley County State Bank or by calling (806)874-3581.
Opinion: Clarendon College – the Pearl of the Panhandle
Now that another fall semester has commenced at Clarendon College, it seems to be a good time to consider the enormous contributions that Clarendon College makes to Clarendon, Donley County, and the Texas Panhandle. Although Clarendon College is known as “The Athens of the Panhandle” it is also a gem of enormous value to our fair community.
As far back as I can remember Clarendon College has sat atop its hill, serving as a beacon to higher aspirations and the acquisition of knowledge. I’ve always thought the campus looked magnificent, especially at night.
My late mother attended Clarendon College long ago, and was always proud of the formal education that she was able to acquire, an education that allowed her sustain herself in her later years. She used the educational training she acquired at Clarendon College to serve the people of Donley County when she was the County Treasurer in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
I’m not sure that we fully appreciate the jewel that lies hidden in plain sight up on the hill. Clarendon College contributes at least $75,000,000 (seventy-five million dollars) to our area, which includes campuses in Pampa and Childress.
In addition to its fine academic programs, Clarendon College also provides our citizens with opportunities to attend plays and other artistic programs. The men’s and women’s athletic teams afford us the chance to see international student athletes compete at the highest levels of competition, providing us with a wide variety of entertainment options.
The Clarendon College Stampede, a NIRA College Rodeo, will be held for the first time in Clarendon this coming October 25, 26, and 27. Student athletes from a wide geographical area will travel to Clarendon to compete in competitions that include: bull riding, barrel racing, saddlebronc riding, along with several other events.
Academically, Clarendon College offers excellent educational opportunities to national and international students. Students benefit from higher personal income, improved health, healthier lifestyle habits, an increased ability to think critically, and the ability to make better life decisions. Society benefits from savings associated with reduced welfare and unemployment, improved health, and reduced crime.
Community colleges like Clarendon College promote economic development by increasing consumer spending and raising the skill level of the labor force. This in turn leads to more jobs, increased business efficiency, greater availability of public investment funds, and eased tax burdens.
The city of Clarendon, Donley County, and the Panhandle area have received enormous benefits from Clarendon College since 1898. The college is an economic engine that will give us an important edge. Combined with our strong ranching and farming industry, supportive banks, vital small businesses, an excellent newspaper, and a creative populace, we should prosper long into the future.
Let’s not forget the many benefits offered by Clarendon College and do all we can to support our fine institution, the pearl of the Panhandle.
Letter: ‘Addition’ vandalizes City Hall
While driving through Clarendon on my way to grab a bite to eat downtown, I just happened to look over at City Hall only to be appalled at what appeared to be a very rude structure attached to the southeast corner of the building. I quickly doubled back and parked and walked up and looked at this new addition to the front of our used-to-be-decent looking City Hall.
At this point, I should explain that what I am looking at is a cover for a wheelchair lift that is supposed to be used to give handicapped persons access to the upper floor of City Hall in the event that a City Hall meeting overcrowds the downstairs meeting area they may access the larger rooms upstairs.
Over the past several years, the City of Clarendon has done a good job of maintaining City Hall. It’s had a nice coat of paint, and David Pitts and Jeannie Molder worked together to secure an energy grant which replaced the old windows in the upstairs and also put in central heat and air. City Hall downstairs has been remodeled and looks nice. All these things added to improving the looks of City Hall without taking away from her old beauty.
I encourage every taxpaying person in Clarendon to drive by and look at this eyesore that has attached itself to City Hall and tell me truthfully that it does completely take away from the look of the building. Now don’t get me wrong. I am not against making it possible for a person in a wheelchair to gain access to the upstairs, but I am strongly against a very old historic building (1918) being vandalized. There are ways to get things done and get them done economically, but this is not the way that this needs to be done.
Jeremy Powell
Owls unsheathe talons on Tigers
The Hedley Owls traveled to McLean last Friday night and beat the Tigers 54 – 8, ending the game early due to the 45 point rule.
After Hedley kicker Diego Souza used his howitzer-like leg to drive the opening kick-off through the end zone, as he did all night long, McLean took possession of the ball on their 20 yard line and were held to three yards on three downs. On fourth and 11, Coltin Kingston intercepted the McLean quarterback’s pass and returned it to the Tigers’ 11 yard line. Hedley was unable to advance the ball and turned the ball over to McLean on downs.
The Owls started slowly, scoring their first touchdown with 41 seconds remaining in the first quarter, after exchanging two possessions with the Tigers. After driving from the Hedley 38 to the McLean 25, Nicco Bennett took a pitch from quarterback Brian Evans and sprinted around the right end for 25 yards and a touchdown. The PAT failed and Hedley led the game 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Following another booming kickoff by Diego Souza, McLean took possession at their 20 yard line. After Nicco Bennett broke up a McLean pass on fourth and five, Hedley took over the ball and Coltin Kingston immediately hit Nicco Bennett for a 31 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was good, and Hedley led 14-0.
McLean finally got on the board with their only touchdown of the game on their next possession, driving 70 yards for a touchdown. After the PAT was good, the Owls’ defense unsheathed their talons and stuffed the Tigers for the rest of the game.
On the first Owls’ possession of the third quarter, senior running back Coltin Kingston broke off several long runs before sprinting around the left side of the line for a four yard touchdown jaunt. The PAT was good and the Owls sported a 22-8 lead.
Later in the third quarter, Kingston hit fullback Seth Ruthardt in the right end zone with a 13 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was blocked, and Hedley extended its lead to 28-8, with 3:46 left in the third quarter.
Hedley’s defense again rose up and stopped McLean on downs at the McLean ten yard line. On the first play of the possession Coltin Kingston raced around the right side for a ten yard touchdown. The PAT missed and Hedley led 34-8 with 1:44 remaining in the third quarter.
The Owls then surprised the Tigers with a successful onside kick at the McLean 32. Three plays later, Kingston again sprinted around the right side for another touchdown run of 16 yards. The PAT was no good, and the Owls led 40-8, with 1:24 left in the third quarter.
On their first possession of the fourth quarter, the Owls added another touchdown drive, scoring when quarterback Bryan Evans hit junior lineman Kyle Lindsey with a long scoring pass on the third play of the drive. Andy Aizaga added the PAT, and the Owls extended their lead to 48-8. After trading possessions, Hedley got the ball again with 3:06 remaining in the game. On the third play of the drive freshman running back Klaiton Moore threw a 30 yard touchdown pass to freshman end Clay King, who sprinted into the end zone for the final score.
After the game senior Coltin Kingston, who rushed for 141 yards, said, “This (win) feels great, we should have won the first two games, and it feels great to get our first win.” Head coach Darrell Wallace added, “I’m pleased with the strong effort of the offense and improved fundamentals of the team. We have focused on playing four strong quarters and it was good to see four quarters of good effort. Coltin Kingston and Tanner Chambless led a strong effort by the entire team.”
The only negative in the game was a second half knee injury (possible torn meniscus) to senior end Nicco Bennett. At press time, Nicco had undergone an MRI and the results were not yet available.
Prior to this Friday’s (September 21) home opener against Hart, the Hall County-Donley County Farm Bureau will sponsor a tailgate party from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sloppy Joes and drinks will be served at no charge. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out for the tailgate party and then enjoy another entertaining game by the Hedley Owls. They are, after all, the real deal.
By Fred Gray, Clarendon Enterprise
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