Aquatic Center opens
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Legion service held in Hedley
The Adamson-Lane Post of the American Legion held its annual Memorial Day service Monday at the Hedley Lions Den.
Will Thompson led the service and quoted Abraham Lincoln in paying tribute to those who “gave their last full measure of devotion” to the Nation. Thompson encouraged everyone to remember the reason for the holiday and to keep the focus on the sacrifices that were made in order that we might all be free.
Thompson also recognized several individuals and organizations for their support of the Legion.
As part of the ceremony, Carlton Turvaville read aloud the names of 250 veterans buried in Rowe Cemetery.
Honoring the fallen
Swinging for the fences!
Pantex commemorates ‘topping out’ HESE facility
Consolidated Nuclear Security recently completed “topping out” the High Explosives Science and Engineering (HESE) facility at Pantex. Topping out was achieved as the construction crew placed the final steel beam on the Technology Development and Deployment Lab, one of three structures for the 72,762-square-foot complex.
“It is exciting to watch this vital facility take shape,” Pantex Senior Director for Project Management Russell Daniel said. “Our project team, in partnership with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and our construction subcontractor Hensel Phelps, has worked extremely hard to reach this milestone.”
A Congressional Line Item project, the HESE will replace 15 obsolete facilities at Pantex, the average age of which is 68 years old, and support the Pantex High Explosive (HE) Center of Excellence for Manufacturing mission for NNSA.
“Congratulations to the HESE construction project team for reaching the significant milestone of placing the final steel beam,” said Monty Cates, Explosive Technology Operations senior director. “The people in Explosives Technology Operations are committed to doing our part for the Pantex’s Global Security Mission. We appreciate all the hard work getting the project to this point, and are greatly encouraged by the progress on a facility that ensures the high explosives mission is sustained for the next generation. It is awesome to see a hopeful vision becoming a tangible reality.”
The HESE facility will provide laboratory space, classified and unclassified office and meeting areas, and a shower and change-out area for HE Operations personnel all in closer proximity to HE manufacturing operations at Pantex.
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to modernize Pantex and provide state-of-the-art amenities for our high explosives scientists and engineers.” said Colby Yeary, Pantex site manager.
“The facility will qualify new HE and assess legacy HE returning from the nuclear weapons stockpile as well as help develop and sustain high-quality scientific staff; support computational and experimental capabilities; and support development of additional evaluation and diagnostic tools.”
Revitalization downtown
Word places in State UIL meet
Benson runs 6th at State Meet
Freshman Madi Benson earned a wildcard to the State Track Meet in the 400m dash at the Regional track meet. Despite finishing third in that race, Benson earned her spot when her time of 1:00.33 in the Regional Meet was good enough for the wildcard.
Last weekend, Benson ran against a strong field of nine runners. Her determination drove her to sixth place finish with a time of 1:00.95. Benson was a little over three seconds behind the first-place finisher, but only six one-hundredths out of fifth. The top four runners finished under one minute.
Benson is an all-around Lady Bronco and will be a contender at next year’s State track meet.
Honoring Law Enforcement
Ellis sisters qualify for state rodeo
Brenna and Gracie Ellis, sisters and students at Clarendon High School, will be traveling to Abilene June 1-10 to compete in the Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals.
The state finals rodeo is an annual, week-long event where high school students across Texas and surrounding states come and compete. Numerous awards, scholarships, and the opportunity to represent Texas at the National High School Finals Rodeo held each July are all up for grabs.
Contestants compete in rodeos throughout the year in one of 10 regions across the state. At the last rodeo of regional level competition, the top 10 competitors in each event are announced. These contestants are then given the opportunity to represent their region on the state level at the THSRA state finals.
Brenna, a Clarendon High School senior and THSRA Region 1 member, will be competing on the state level in the goat tying event.
“The goat tying competition was very tough in Region 1 this year,” Brenna said. “I am happy to have qualified for state for my fourth and final year in high school rodeo.”
Gracie, a Clarendon High School freshman and THSRA Region 1 member, will be competing on the state level in the barrel racing and pole bending events.
“I was able to gain an early lead in the pole bending during the fall rodeos, so I just had to stay consistent during the spring rodeos to win the region,”
Gracie said. “The barrel racing competition was very tough. I had to come from behind and really make some good runs in the final stretch. I am excited to be going to my first high school state finals, not only as a freshman, but also as a region event champion.”
Rodeo performances, as well as other events held throughout the week are open to the public each morning and afternoon. Shuttle services will be offered on the Taylor County Expo Center grounds, and tickets will be sold at the gates. Schedule updates will be posted to the THSRA Facebook and Instagram pages regularly throughout the week.
The Texas High School Rodeo Association is the largest, most prestigious state high school rodeo association in the nation. THSRA sponsors over 125 rodeos per year throughout 10 regions across Texas. The rodeo year begins in August and concludes with the Texas High School Finals Rodeo in June. It is here, at the largest rodeo in the state of Texas, where “The Elite Compete” featuring the top cowboys and cowgirls from each Region. They compete for numerous awards, scholarships as well as the coveted honor of representing Texas at the National High School Finals Rodeo to be held this July in Lincoln, NE.
Those interested in watching the Ellis girls compete can catch all the rodeo action live on the Cowboy Channel.
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