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Weekend fires burn 590 acres
According to First Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Powell of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, two different fires blazed that day.
“That was one of the worst days I’ve seen,” Powell said. “The winds on both fires were 30 to 40 sustained with gusts of 60 miles per hour. The relative humidity was around nine percent. The atmosphere was really dry.”
The first fire, reported at 2:50 p.m., was at the Crofoot Ranch (formerly known as the Bittercreek). The fire was a re-ignition of a prescribed burn held there on February 24.
It was contained within an hour with the help of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, Texas Department of Transportation, Donley County motorgraders, Clarendon EMS, and the Donley County Sheriff’s Office. It burned roughly 40 acres.
The second fire was reported at 6:18 p.m. at FM 203 and Co. Rd. 28 northeast of Hedley. It was under control by 12:30 a.m., but it flared back up again at 5:30 a.m. The fire was finally extinguished by 9:30 a.m. It burned a total of 550 acres from Co. Rd. 28 to Co. Rd. 31, which stretches three miles long. The cause of this fire is unknown.
Mutual aid came from Memphis VFD, Wellington VFD, Hedley VFD and Samnorwood VFD. Other responders included TxDOT, Donley County Sheriff’s Office, and Clarendon EMS.
The fires threatened no structures, and caused no injuries. The second fire posed a threat to some farm equipment, but none was damaged.
“People need to be cautious on days when wind is extremely high,” Powell said. “Make sure to avoid any kind of burning.”
Broncos advance
The win put them in the Regional Quarter Final game against Gruver, which will be played on Wednesday night, March 2, at Tascosa High at 7:00 p.m.
Game results and further playoff information will be posted on www.ClarendonLive.com as it becomes available.
The Broncos were in a dogfight Friday night as they tried to put space between them and the Wildcats. It was not easy, but senior standout Johnny Gaines took control of the game and the scoreboard as he finished with 34 points in the game.
The inside work of the Broncos paid off as well as they slowed Canadian’s big post player who finished with 17 points. The final minutes of the third period were crucial to the Broncos as they went on a scoring run to build an eight-point lead. The Broncos hit several key free throws late as the momentum was clearly on Clarendon’s side.
And the Wildcats could only stand back and watch as the Broncos backed up their number one ranking by grabbing the win and the trophy. The Bronco offense was slightly off, but defensively, the Broncos were able to convert on turnovers.
“We did a good job playing defense and were able to turn those into points,” Lockhart
said. “Overall, it was not a good shooting night, but I thought we played with great effort.”
Also scoring: Brayden Phillips 6, Chris Crump 6, Justin Shillings 3, and Mike Crump 2.
Local man gets probation on drug charges
A Donley County man was placed on probation on drug-related charges when the 100th District Court met in Childress last Tuesday, February 22.
William Michael Shults was placed on probation for a period of three years for the third degree felony offense of possession of controlled substance in a drug free zone. Shults pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication.
Shults, a resident of Clarendon, was arrested in Donley County on July 26, 2010 and pleaded guilty to a complaint and information filed by the State on November 3, 2010.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Shults is required to pay a $3,000 fine to Donley County, and is also required to pay $443 in court costs, $140 restitution, and complete 200 hours of community service. If Shults violates probation, he could face up to ten years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.
The court also heard four other pleas.
Osvaldo Castaneda – Landeros was placed on probation for a period of ten years for the first degree felony offense of possession of a controlled substance. Castaneda-Landeros, resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested in Carson County on November 25, 2010.
Francisco Alberto Clelaya Cebreros was placed on probation for a period of ten years for the second degree felony offense of possession of marijuana. Cebreros, Orientie Porto Penasco, Mexico resident, was arrested in Carson County on January 28, 2011 by DPS Jerome Ingle and pleaded guilty to a complaint and information filed by the State on February 18, 2011.
Felisha Nicole Atkins was placed on probation for a period of three years for the third degree felony offense of fraud by altering a prescription. Atkins of Hollis, Okla., was arrested in Collingsworth County on Nov. 15, 2010.
Jacqueline Hampton was placed on probation for a period of two years for the Class A Misdemeanor of theft. Hampton pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication.
Hampton, a resident of Childress, was arrested in Childress County for the offense that took place on May 25, 2005.
College, school funding at risk
Clarendon College and local public schools are bracing themselves for what could be severe budget cuts as state legislators deal with a huge revenue shortfall this year.
Local officials are not yet sure how badly their budgets will be impacted as lawmakers in Austin search for ways to bridge the gap of an estimated deficit of between $15 billion and $27 billion, but they say people need to act now and makes their voices heard in support of education.
CC President Phil Shirley testified before the State House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee in Austin two weeks ago, and he reports that the college is facing the possible loss of between $800,000 and $1.3 million over the next two years. In the worst case, Shirley said CC would have to shed between 10 and 15 employees and look at every aspect of college spending.
“Nothing will be sacrosanct,” he said. “We’ll look at programs, the course offerings, everything. We’re just going to try to protect our students as much as we can.”
Gov. Rick Perry has said he is against balancing the budget by using the state’s Rainy Day Fund, which is expected to reach $9.8 billion by 2013. But many people, including Shirley, say now is the time to tap the fund.
“It is a wet and rainy day,” Shirley said, “and I can’t imagine how we could get to a time that we need it more. This is what it’s there for.”
Shirley says citizens need to speak up and let lawmakers know that education must be a priority.
“We have not shown that we care [about our community college],” he said. “They need some voices that they can hear down there. If people got together and spoke up, I feel they would back off.”
Clarendon School Superintendent Monty Hysinger agreed with Shirley and said it is time for the public to get involved.
“People need to understand the seriousness of what’s happening,” Hysinger said. “I’ve never seen it this bad.”
Clarendon ISD has been told to expect a reduction in state funds of between five and 15 percent, which amounts to $250,000 to $750,000 per year, Hysinger said.
“We can deal with $250,000, but we would have to look at attrition,” Hysinger said. “It would get rid of any discretionary spending, and beyond that would come from employees or programs.”
Some changes that Hysinger says would be on the table would be to make HeadStart a half-day class, Pre-Kindergarten could be eliminated or turned into a half-day or tuition-based program, and even Kindergarten could be cut to half a day. Clarendon ISD might also have to end its policy of paying for high school students’ dual credit classes at Clarendon College and put those tuition and fee costs back on the parents.
“The problem really is that the state created a new funding system for public schools two years ago, and they knew then that a deficit was in the future,” Hysinger said. “It’s not a result of poor management at local schools. Texas schools are growing by 80,000 students per year, and we’re going back to 2005 level funding? We want our kids to be competitive.”
Hysinger said even a five percent cut leaves no room for state mandated teacher salary increases.
Hedley Superintendent Eric Hough says he’s following developments in Austin closely and says a 15 percent cut in state funds would impact his school by about $241,000.
“That would be difficult but not impossible,” Hough said. “We’ve streamlined personnel about as much as we can, so we would have to look at putting off purchases and other ways to save money.”
Hough agreed with Shirley and Hysinger that people need to let their elected
representatives know if they support education.
“The more they hear from parents that just goes a long ways toward influencing decision making,” Hough said.
All three men said they think the final state budget won’t be as bad as the worst case scenarios, but they still said people need to speak up now.
“It is early, and things will change,” Shirley said. “The big question is: ‘What are our priorities?’”
Donley County residents can contact their elected officials by writing Rep. Warren Chisum, P.O. Box 2910,
Austin, TX 78768, and Sen. Robert Duncan, P.O. Box 12068, Austin, Texas 78711. Or telephone by calling Chisum at (512) 463-0736 or Duncan at 800-322-9538.
Bronco baseball squad defeats Fritch
In their first regular season game, the Broncos flexed their muscles against a good Fritch team and came away with a 6-5 win.
According to coach Brad Elam, the team was stacked with several young players who stepped in while the basketball players are still in post-season play.
“We had many young players step up and make plays when the game was on the line,” Elam said. “(I was) extremely happy with the results of the game.”
The Broncos got up early on the Eagles at 4-2, but Fritch tied the score midway into the game.
“They tied it, but we were able to score two in the bottom of the fifth for a two-run lead,” Elam said. “We then held them off in the sixth.”
Several players contributed to the score and the win and defensively, the Broncos stayed determined. The Bronco offense took control with many crucial hits.
“The top of the lineup was huge,” Elam said. “Trevor Cobb, John Levario and Troy Chambless scored two runs a piece and five different players drove in runs. Cobb drove in one on his first homerun of the season and Rowdy Speed and Dusty Rice drove in runs in the key fifth inning. Chambless and Dillon Nicholl had RBI’s in the first inning.
The Broncos had great results from the mound as well. “Chambless pitched four good innings striking out 11 (batters),” Elam said. “Cobb pitched a good inning and Caleb Mitchell came on to close the game out in the sixth.”
On Saturday, the Broncos inched by Arbor Christian Academy at 3-1. Troy Chambless was on the mound and nearly threw a shutout, as the Lions did not score until the final inning.
The Broncos earned their first run in the third inning when and scored again in the fourth and sixth.
“There was not much offense in this game, and we managed only three hits,” coach Brad Elam said. “But we were able to take advantage of some of their errors.”
According to Elam, John Levario, Rowdy Speed, and Dusty Rice had hits with Speed doubling in a run. Chambless scored two runs and Chance McAnear scored the other run.
“Chambless had a big day on the mound striking out 13 (hitters) and giving up only three hits,” Elam said. “He did tire a little late, but was able to battle through it to strike out the last batter with bases loaded. I am pleased with the results again playing with so many younger kids.”
The Broncos will play in a double-header Saturday, March 5, at West Texas High School beginning at 1:00 p.m. and travel to Electra to play their District opener Tuesday, March 8, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Few step foward to run for elections
Only three candidates have stepped forward to run for office one week into the sign-up period for local elections.
Former Clarendon alderman Tommy Hill has filed paperwork to run for that position again. The city will elect two aldermen and the mayor this year. Those positions are currently held by Mayor Larry Hicks and Aldermen Janice Knorpp and Ann Huey.
Donley County Hospital Board Director Melinda McAnear (Place 3) is seeking re-election. The hospital district has three positions coming up on its board this year.
The other positions are currently held by Bubba Newhouse (Place 2) and Wayne Tubbs (Place 1).
At Hedley ISD, Ted Wright has made it official that he will run for the remainder of the unexpired term he was appointed to last year. HISD also has three full positions up this year on the school board, and those seats are held now by James Lee Potts, Tonja Ruthardt, and Karen Watt.
Three other local governments have not had any candidates sign up as of Tuesday morning.
Clarendon ISD has two trustees’ positions up this year, and those seats are currently held by Weldon Sears and Lance Thornberry.
Howardwick also has the terms of its mayor and two aldermen up this year. They are currently occupied by Mayor Del Essary and Aldermen Gene Rogers and Norm Hagood.
Three positions on the Hedley Board of Aldermen are up this year, and those positions are now held by Travis Ruthardt, Tonya Metcalf, and David Wells.
Positions on city boards of aldermen and the hospital board are two-year terms, and school board terms are for three years. All positions are elected at-large, but hospital board candidates must sign up for a specific place.
Filing for these local offices continues through Monday, March 14.
To sign-up or for more information about serving on a local board, visit the administrative offices of the particular local government you are interested in.
Election Day for local governments will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011.
Broncos named District Champs
The Clarendon Broncos sealed the deal last Tuesday night at home when they easily defeated Quanah, 73-31, to finish with a perfect district season.
The game belonged to the Broncos from the beginning as they executed well on offense to quickly gain the upper hand. On the opposite end, their defense was outstanding as they shut down anything the Indians tried. Johnny Gaines and Brayden Phillips finished in
double figures with 24 and 15 points.
Also scoring: Cole Ward 9, Mike Crump 6, Adam Topper 6, Justin Shillings 6, Chris Crump 5, and Wes Williams 2.
The Broncos took on Bushland last Friday night in a warm-up game and were defeated 53-63. Clarendon got up on the Falcons early and led by six points at the break. But their offense hit a rough spot in the second half, and Bushland gained the momentum to get the win.
“We played pretty good for three quarters,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “But we fell in the fourth. We couldn’t make anything late in the game.”
Cole Ward worked hard inside and finished with 12 points, and Gaines pumped in 16.
Also scoring: Phillips 7, Shillings 6, C. Crump 4, Mike Crump 2, Daniel West 2, Wes Williams 2, and Diego Santos 2.
The Broncos will play Canadian at Amarillo High School on Friday, February 25. Game time was not available at press time. Visit www.ClarendonLive.com or www.facebook.com/TheEnterprise for the latest information.
Mulkey fundraising efforts get the spotlight
Fundraising to “Bring Back the Mulkey” is continuing and publicity for that effort got a boost over the weekend when Amarillo’s ProNews 7 visited the historic theatre.
Reporter Matt Hamilton interviewed Clarendon Economic Development Board member Bill Stavenhagen, former Mulkey employee Renee Betts, and Donley County Historical Commission Chairman Jean Stavenhagen for the piece which aired Sunday evening and again Monday morning.
The report focused on local efforts to light up the marquee. The Bring Back the Mulkey Advisory Committee and the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation hope to have that done this summer, and have set a goal of raising $20,000 toward that end.
As of this week, more than $5,300 has been raised and another $500 has been pledged for the marquee restoration.
One of the principal fundraising efforts is for donors to sponsor one of the 12 letters spelling MULKEY on the north and south faces of the theatre’s marquee for $1,000 each. Five of those letters have already been sponsored.
Donors who give $50 or more will be recognized inside the theatre, and donations can be made to Donley County Historical Commission, PO Box 905, Clarendon, TX 79226 and note “Mulkey” in the memo of your check.
Clarendon’s downtown merchants are also supporting the effort by selling paper light bulbs which can be purchased for $1 and are displayed in stores downtown.
The Clarendon Enterprise plans to print a series of Mulkey Memories submitted by readers and project supporters.
You can share your memories of good times at the Mulkey by writing or e-mailing the paper, visiting www.ClarendonLive.com, or posting comments on the Enterprise or Mulkey pages on Facebook.
For more information about how you can help “Bring Back the Mulkey,” visit www.ClarendonEDC.org or check out www.facebook.com/mulkeytheatre.
Go Owls!
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