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Employee of the Month
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City considering trash service proposals
The Clarendon City Council opened proposals for solid waste services during their regular meeting last Thursday, June 12, with two companies bidding to serve the city.
Proposals were received from Waste Connections (doing business as Waste Wranglers), which is the company that currently has the city’s trash contract, and from Republic Services.
Representatives of the two firms addressed the council with Republic going first and noting that Clarendon has a lot of trash containers for a city its size. The usual ratio is four residences for one Dumpster, and Clarendon has a two to one ratio currently.
Republic’s proposal maintains the current ratio. They are one of the largest waste management companies in the nation with 14 cities in the Amarillo area. Representatives said they like to have a presence in the communities they serve, helping with local events and giving access to grants from their corporation.
Waste Connections representatives acknowledged there had been problems during their time in the city but thanked the council for working with them to try to solve those issues. They reminded the council they have been losing money under the current contract but said they wanted to continue to provide service to the city. Waste Connections said the city could save money by going with the four to one ratio of residences to Dumpsters, and that’s what they based their proposal on. Waste Connections (dba Waste Wranglers) is the third largest company in the industry, and representatives said they have modified trucks to fit local alleys and now have a seasoned driver who knows the routes.
The council also received information from City Administrator Brian Barboza with estimates of some of the costs to reestablish the city’s own trash hauling service.
Aldermen took no action last week in order to go over the different proposals. They will hold a special meeting on June 24 to discuss the issue further and possibly take action.
Among other city business, newly elected Alderman Tom Thompson was chosen by the council at the city’s Mayor Pro-Tem; and the council approved a proposal for a self-service fuel tank at Smiley Johnson Municipal Airport, adopted a hazard mitigation plan, and approved a grant application for further sidewalk improvements downtown.
TxDOT: Barricades up for US 287 bridge project
Traffic will be impacted this week as the Texas Department of Transportation begins the project to replace the US 287 bridge over Clarendon’s drainage canal between Kearney and Gorst Streets.
Lane closures are expected to began Wednesday with concrete barriers being placed on Thursday. See the traffic pattern map here.
Demolition on the sidewalk and roadway along the northside of the Donley County State Bank will begin June 23, weather permitting.
The bridge demolition is now scheduled to start on June 30.
Workers were still evaluating and the sewer line this week, which runs under the drainage canal, to determine how to work around that obstacle during the construction.
City sets new high point for tax revenue
The City of Clarendon set a new record last week when Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar distributed June allocations of sales tax revenues to local governments.
Clarendon brought in $45,683.65 for the month setting a record for June revenues for the city. The month’s revenue came in more than 16 percent above the same time in 2023 when the city received $39,219. The allocation is also 26.38 percent above last year’s June figure.
The city is now running 7.89 percent ahead for the calendar year-to-date total for sales tax revenues compared to 2024 with revenue of $272,166.26.
Hedley was up this month by 3.93 percent at $965.10 with a year-to-date total up 21.98 percent at $6,917.99. Howardwick was up 16.89 percent for June at $1,817.53 and 29.90 percent ahead of for the year-to-date at 11,929.01.
The Donley County Assistance District still in its first year of collections received $1,497.26 this month and is now at $7,732.48 for the year.
Statewide, Hegar sent $1.2 billion in local sales tax allocations for June, 6.1 percent more than this time last year. June allocations are based on sales made in April by businesses that report tax monthly.
Plans shaping up for CHS alumni reunion
Eighteen Clarendon High School alumni representing 11 different graduating classes met Monday evening to discuss plans for an all-school reunion during Homecoming this fall September 4-6.
Virginia Patten opened the meeting by telling saying the reunion this fall had been the idea of the late Tommy Hill, and she said the community would make it happen for Tommy.
Details are still being worked out, but organizers are looking at a three-day reunion that would start Thursday, Sept. 4, with a special movie at the Sandell Drive-In. Friday’s activities would start with sloppy Joes for lunch at The Roost– the new event venue downtown in the former Cowboy Church building and visiting throughout the day. Alumni would support the Colt Parents’ Mexican Pile-On that evening before watching the Broncos take on Sanford-Fritch for Homecoming. The Mulkey Theatre would also be open for those not wanting to go to the game.
The Roost would be back open, possibly for breakfast on Saturday morning. Lunch would be on your own at REFZ Sports Bar & Grill with desserts, coffee, and tea at The Roost afterward. Tours of the school, the courthouse, and other local attractions will be available Saturday afternoon.
Saturday night would feature a catered dinner by Dyers Barbecue at The Roost and a live band on the street in the 200 block of Kearney.
Each class is asked to designate one member to contact their classmates and gather RSVPs and barbecue ticket money ($20 each) and turn all of that money and information in to Renee Mott at 806-681-2630 by August 22. Donations to offset other reunion expenses (not barbecue tickets) may be mailed to Virginia Patten at PO Box 388, Clarendon, TX 79226.
Classes represented Monday night were 1960, 1961, 1962, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1981, 1989, 2001, and 2014. A flyer with more information will be ready for distribution soon.
Tommy Nolen Hill
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Tommy Nolen Hill of Clarendon, Texas, who peacefully departed this world surrounded by family in Amarillo, Texas, on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at the age of 69.
Tommy was born on November 25, 1955, in Groom, Texas, to Ralph and Janie Hill. Tommy was a graduate of Clarendon High School in 1974, and it’s been said that he raised hell while attending Clarendon College. Tommy was an EMT for Associated Ambulance, served on the Chamber of Commerce, served on the museum board, and served for many years as Alderman. He was a member of Martin Baptist Church. Tommy was a Jack of all trades, but knew his passion and calling was carpentry. Tommy dedicated 40 years to his passion and the people of Clarendon, Texas. In old childhood letters to Santa, he even asked for a tool belt!
Tommy was a man with a servant’s heart. He would gladly give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Tommy always wore a smile that brightened up anyone’s day. He was always a phone call away to help and mentor those who wanted to learn. The love of his trade will pass onto the next generation to come, continuing his hard work and service to the community.
Tommy is proceeded in death by his parents Ralph and Janie Hill. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Hill, who was his absolute world for 27 years. Tommy’s siblings Danny and his wife Debra, Randy and his wife Kaylynn, and Linda and her husband Michael Lopez. Daughters, Courtney and her husband Chris D’Costa, Lauren and her husband Frank Graves. Grandkids, Cydney D’Costa, Justan Shadle, Gracie Shadle, Cayden D’Costa, Lily Shadle and Zach and Briana Graves. Great Grandkids Oaklee Graves, Carson Graves and Kendrix (Kenny) Shadle as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
A memorial service to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Community Fellowship in Clarendon, Texas, at 11 a.m., with Brother Steve Ellis and Rev. Anthony Knowles officiating. Graveside service to follow at Citizens Cemetery with Josey Shadle officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Martin Baptist Church funds.
Tommy’s mark will be imprinted on this town he loved so much for years to come.
As Tommy always said, “It’ll be alright.”
Run the Gap!
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Schedule set for July celebration activities
Mark your calendars and get ready to celebration America’s Independence during the 148th annual Saints Roost Celebration in Clarendon July 3, 4, and 5.
All the traditional activities will again be offered, and it’s time now to sign up for events, booth space, and more.
The complete line-up for this year’s celebration is as follows:
Thursday, July 3 – The annual Depression Lunch benefiting the Downtown Ministry Center will be held at 11 a.m. on July 3, but due to sidewalk renovations and traffic congestion expected the year, the event will be held at the Lions Hall. The COEA Junior Rodeo will close out the first day of the celebration activities Thursday, July 4, at 7:30 p.m. with a dance to follow the rodeo.
Friday, July 5 – The Clarendon Lions Club will hold a Bag Bingo at the Lions Hall July 4. Bingo starts at 11 a.m. and is $40 per person. The bag bingo features several great prizes including designer purses, coolers, gift baskets, and more. Seating is limited so tickets should be purchased as early as possible at the Enterprise or by calling or texting 806-662-4689. A Mexican Pile-On lunch comes with your bingo ticket purchase. The Lions barbecue cookoff will be held at a later date this year.
The Clarendon Country Club July Fourth Golf Tournament is also scheduled, and more details are available at 806-874-2166. The first night of the COEA Ranch Rodeo will follow that evening at 7:30 p.m. with live music by Tanner Lane and dancing on the Slab afterward.
Saturday, July 5 – The big day will begin July 5 with the Arts & Craft Fair on the square at 9 a.m. sponsored by the Donley County 4H. Booths must be reserved through the Donley County 4H by calling 806-874-2141.
The theme for this year’s parades is “Candy Land” because life is sweet in Donley County. Parade entries should reflect the classic board game or favorite candies. Entry forms are available at the Visitor Center and online at ClarendonTX.com/parade.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Liberty Electric Kids’ Bicycle & Tricycle Parade will begin at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Parade will line up and register at 8:30 at Third and Sully. Pre-registration by July 2 at 5:00 p.m. is required to win the kid parade prizes. Entry forms are available at the Visitor Center and are online.
Line up for the Herring Bank Parade begins at 9 a.m. at Prospect Park with the parade taking off at 10:00. The Herring Bank Parade features $850 in cash prizes with $250 available for the best float, $150 for the best car or truck entry, $150 for the best animal or riding unit, $150 for the best tractor or farm equipment entry, and $150 for the best “other” entry. Only entries registered by 5:00 p.m. on July 2 are eligible to win the prize money.
Following the parade, the Al Morrah Shine Club Barbecue will again be held on the square. Tickets are $20 per person and support the Shriners’ work to help crippled and burned children. Tickets will be available on the square or in advance at the Visitor Center and the Enterprise.
The Chamber of Commerce will not be sponsoring the Lawnmower Races or the Best of Donley County competitions this year, but they welcome other organizations to pick up those activities or sponsor new ones during the big day. For information or to get your event on the schedule, contact the Visitor Center.
The Coffee Memorial’s Bloodmobile downtown for a blood drive July 5 as well. Donations are always needed and appreciated.
The Henson’s Turtle Race will take place at 1:30 p.m., and the Ranch Rodeo will close out the celebration at the COEA Arena Saturday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. with live music on the Slab afterwards by Seth Ward & the Silence.
For more information and schedule updates, contact the Visitor Center at 806-874-2421 or visit ClarendonTX.com.
CHS graduates earn $453k in scholarships, awards
Clarendon High School graduating seniors were recognized having been offered approximately $452,674 in scholarships, awards, and grants during commencement exercises May 23 at the Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center.
There may be more awards not reported for the Class of 2025, and some students may not use all the awards they were offered.
The following are awards that have been announced:
Joshua Mason Allred received a Texas Tech Merit Scholarship for $6,000 per year for four years, grants of $7,000 per year for four years, and an Onita Thomas Memorial Scholarship for $200.
Lauren Denise Ceniceros will receive a WTAMU Merit Scholarship of $1,000, the Lions Club Scholarship of $500, and grants of $10,545.
James Dalton Coles was awarded a Tarleton Scholarship of $2,500 per semester, McMurry University of $15,000 per year, an Alaska Fairbanks award of $5,000 per year, an Out of State Tuition Waiver for $300 per semester, and Grand Canyon University award of $6,000 per year.
Maloree Kait Wann received the Texas Tech University Thoma Scholarship for $90,000 for Full Tuition, a TTU Federal Pell Grant of $740, a TTU Dean’s Offer of $1,200, the TTU Bagley Foundation End Scholarship for $2,000, the TTU FR Pres Merit Scholarship $6,000, the TTU CASNR Gen AG & NR Scholarship of $500, the Bill Talley Scholarship of $1,000, and the Walter Knorpp Salutatorian Scholarship to Clarendon College.
Emily Grace Clark was awarded the Panhandle-Plains Higher Education Foundation Windmill Scholarship of $3,000 per year for four years, a Hardin-Simmons University Trustee Scholarship for $22,000 per year for four years, the WTAMU Merit Level Scholarship $6,000 for one year, the Ministerial Alliance Scholarship of $150, and the Walter Knorpp Valedictorian Scholarship.
Shelbi Kayann Coles received an LCU Scholarship for $9,000 per year, a WTAMU Distinguished Merit Scholar Level Placeholder $500 per semester, and Harden Simmons award of $18,000 per year.
Kennadie Leigh Cummins received a Vernon Athletic Scholarship of $16,072, The Pinky McCully Scholarship of $500, a Rock Crossing Baptist Church Scholarship for $500, the Jim & Pat McAnear Scholarship for $400, and the Ministerial Alliance Scholarship of $150.
Tandie Renae Cummins was awarded a Vernon Athletic Scholarship worth $16,072, Small charitable foundations scholarship of $1500, the Jim & Pat McAnear Scholarship of $400, and the Ministerial Alliance Scholarship of $150.
Hayden Elia Elam received the WT Merit Scholarship for $1,500.
Benjamin Allen Homer Estlack was the recipient of a Texas Tech Presidential Scholarship for four years for $26,000, the James E. Sowell Engineering Scholarship for four years for $26,000, a Texas Tech Alumni Scholarship for $3,000, the Donley County Retired School Personnel Association Scholarship of $350, an Onita Thomas Memorial Scholarship for $200, and the Panhandle Press Association Scholarship $1,000.
Grant Renner Haynes was awarded a West Texas A&M Scholarship of $1,000, a TCAAA Scholarship of $2,500, a Texas Big Game Scholarship of $2,500, the Donley/Hall County Farm Bureau Scholarship for $500, the Texas Farm Bureau Scholarship of $3000, a Jim & Pat McAnear Scholarship of $400, the Bill Talley Scholarship for $1,000, and the Ministerial Alliance Scholarship for $150.
Bryce Alan Williams received an academic award of $14,000, an athletic scholarship of $9,000, the John Michael Morrison Scholarship of 1,000, the Greenbelt Electric Scholarship of 1,000, and a Jim & Pat McAnear Scholarship for $400.
Chelsea Shayne Wright will receive a WTAMU Academic Merit Scholarship for $1,500, a Rynlee Dawn Burrow Memorial Scholarship, and a Dalton O’Gorman award.
Daniel Allen Estlack will receive a Onita Thomas Memorial Scholarship of $200.
Jaythan Joseph Green received the Homer Estlack Memorial Scholarship for $500, a John Tom Morrow Masonic Scholarship of $500, and the Gret Betts Masonic Lodge Scholarship for $500.
Riley Rose Jantz will receive a Distinguished Merit Scholar Level Placeholder Scholarship of $1,000 and a Federal Pell Grant of $7,395.
Koltyn Wesley Shields got an Onita Thomas Scholarship of $200.
Erin Jade Wagner received the John Tom Morrow Masonic Scholarship of $500.
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