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Farris, Hommel top beef divisions
Caden Farris and Tres Hommel exhibited the top animals in the Beef Division during the annual Donley County Junior Livestock Show last Saturday at the new Donley County Activity Center.
Farris exhibited the Grand Champion Steer; and Hommel had the Grand Champion Heifer.
Other top winners were Brenden Hough and his Grand Champion Lamb; Kylie Phillips’ Grand Champion Goat, Katie Adams’ Grand Champion Swine, and Hannah Hommel with her Grand Champion Gilt.
A total of 70 young people from the Donley County 4-H Club and local FFA chapters showed 105 animals. Last year 68 kids showed 106 animals.
Figures show that the sale brought in about $60,000, which according to Donley County Extension Agent Leonard Haynes is the best sale that they have ever had. That number may increase in the final tally as more donations are received.
Complete results are as follows:
Steers: Caden Farris, Grand Champion; Brittney McAnear, Reserve Grand; Austin Adams, Breed Champion (Class 401); Annie Patten, Tres Hommel, and John Pigg, Reserve Breed; Annie Patten, first (Class 402); Trevor Cobb, first (Class 405); Kyla O’Dell, first (Class 403); Hannah Hommel, first (Class 407); Charleston Harris, second (Class 402); Kelsey McAnear, second (Class 406); Kassie O’Dell, second (Class 403); Jacob Pigg, second (Class 405); Jayson Pigg, second (Class 407); Brittney McAnear, second (Class 408); Chris Blackburn, third (Class 404 and Class 407); Kylie Phillips, third (Class 405); Trevor Cobb, third (Class 406); Joseph Russell, fourth (Class 405); Seth Ruthardt, fourth (Class 406); Kaden Bennet, fifth (Class 406).
Heifers: Tres Hommel, Grand Champion; Kae Hewett, Reserve Grand; Jacob Hewett, first (Class 301); Kari O’Dell, second (Class 301); Jacob Hewett, second (Class 302); Kylie Phillips, third (Class 302); Kae Hewett, second (Class 303).
Lambs: Brenden Hough, Grand Champion; Allie Bartlett, Reserve Grand; Krista Reynolds, first (Class 103); Jordan Cox, second (Class 102); Skyler White, second (Class 101); Jordan Cox, third (Class 101), Maci White, fourth (Class 101); Krista Reynolds, first and second (Class 103).
Goats: Kylie Phillips, Grand Champion; Kati Adams, Reserve Grand; Trey Wright, first (Class 201); Cedar Stevenson, second (Class 201); Kolt Stevenson, third (Class 202); Abby Tolbert, third (Class 201); Chardy Craft, fourth (Class 202); Kylie Phillips, fourth (Class 201).
Swine: Kati Adams, Grand Champion; Austin Adams, Reserve Grand; Austin Adams, first (Class 604); Dalton Benson, first (Class 605 and Class 606); David Green, first (Class 607); Kyle Lindsey, first (Class 601); Reid Copelin, second (Class 602); Coltin Kingston, second (Class 601); Justin Riggs, second (Class 603); Kati Adams, second (Class 604); Trent White, second (Class 605); Tres Hommel, second (Class 606); Kelsey McAnear, second (Class 607); Reid Copelin, third (Class 603); Trent White, third (Class 604); Shelby Baxter, third (Class 605); Laura Howard, third (Class 607); Kallie Lindsey, third (Class 601); Grayson Morris, third (Class 602); Shelby O’Keefe, third (Class 606); Kassie O’Dell, fourth (Class 603); Madison Carr, fourth (Class 606); Jaqueda Harris, fourth (Class 607); David Johnson, fourth (Class 605); Clay Ward, fourth (Class 602); Ryan Ward, fourth (Class 604); Lilly Carr, fifth (Class 603); Caylor Monroe, fifth (Class 604); Kyla O’Dell, fifth (Class 605); Collin Monroe, fifth (Class 602); Payton Morris, fifth (Class 601); Cheyenne Kosechata, sixth (Class 605); Ethan Naylor, sixth (Class 604); Wyatt Wheatly, sixth (Class 603); Seth Greer, seventh (Class 607).
Swine-Gilt: Hannah Hommel, Grand Champion; Shelby Baxter, Reserve Grand; Erykah Martinez, first (Class 502); Jake Owens, first (Class 504); Clayton Shields, first (Class 501); Seth Greer, second (Class 503); Emily Martinez, second (Class 502); Klaiton Moore, second (Class 501); Martin Santos, second (Class 504); Hannah Hommel, second (Class 505); Madison Carr, third (Class 501); Brittney McAnear, third (Class 503); Porshe Henderson, third (Class 505); McKayla King, third (Class 502); Cole Ward, third (Class 504); Lilly Carr, fourth (Class 502); Tres Hommel, fourth (Class 503);
Sterling King, fourth (Class 505); Devin Lucero, fourth (Class 504).
Showmanship Awards: Lambs – Brenden Hough, junior, Maci White, senior; Goats – Kati Adams, junior, Kylie Phillips, senior; Swine – Kati Adams, junior, Reid Copelin, senior; Cattle – Kelsey McAnear, junior, Austin Adams, senior; Pee Wee Lamb and Goat – Nathan Hough; and Pee Wee Swine – Reid Copelin.
Broncos hold number one ranking
The Bronco basketball team is currently 11-5 overall for the season and has maintained their number one ranking in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches poll. Their latest win came at Groom where they defeated the Tigers, 78-45.
It was never a contest at all as the Broncos dominated throughout. They were able to execute their offense well, and Johnny Gaines and Brayden Phillips finished in double figures.
Defensively, the Broncos forced many turnovers and were able to convert Groom’s mistakes into points for Clarendon.
“We do a good job of putting pressure on their guards and forcing turnovers,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “Everyone did a good job of passing the basketball.”
Scoring: Gaines 27, Phillips 13, Adam Topper 9, Mike Crump 8, Cole Ward 6, Justin Shillings 6, Diego Santos 5, and Chris Crump 4.
Earlier in the week, the Broncos annihilated Holy Cross on the road, 123-12.
The Broncos were never contested throughout the game and came on strong offensively. They held Holy Cross to only six halftime points.
Five players finished in double figures with Gaines as the leading scorer with 31.
Also scoring: Phillips 23, Ward 21, Wes Williams 11, Topper 11, Shillings 8, M. Crump 8, C. Crump 6, and Daniel West 2.
The Broncos will play Wheeler January 14 at home at 7:30 p.m. and travel to Wellington January 18. The Bronco JV will play both those days beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Babcock arraigned on murder charge
Thirty-eight-year-old Robert Babcock was arraigned Thursday morning at the Donley County Sheriff’s Office by Justice of the Peace Connie Havens in connection with the death of his four-year-old son.
Sheriff Butch Blackburn said bond was set at $1 million on the charge of Capital Murder, a capital felony; and Havens also set a bond of $100,000 on the charge of Domestic Violence/Injury to a Child, a first degree felony.
Authorities say Babcock beat his son, Chance Mark Jones, Tuesday morning, and the boy died as a result of his injuries Wednesday morning in Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo.
Blackburn said investigators believe the abuse began December 24 and “continued on and off until Tuesday morning.”
An autopsy will be performed in Lubbock later today.
Local man accused of murdering son
A Donley County man is facing a capital murder charge tonight in the death of his 4 1/2-year-old son.
Robert Monroe Babcock, age 38, will be arraigned tomorrow for the crime, which occurred yesterday morning.
Sheriff Butch Blackburn said his office received a 911 call from Babcock Tuesday at 9:40 a.m. reporting that his son was unresponsive.
When emergency personnel and law enforcement arrived at the residence southeast of Clarendon, they found Chance Mark Jones on the floor in a bedroom, Blackburn said.
“It was obvious that he was unresponsive and evident that he had been assaulted,” the sheriff said. “He had trauma to his head and torso.”
The child was transported to Northwest Texas Hospital via LifeStar, and Babcock was taken in for an interview and held on a family violence charge.
Jones died at 6:42 a.m. this morning, and a capital murder warrant was obtained for Babcock. He was formally charged this evening.
Blackburn said Babcock has no criminal history to speak of, and he also said Babcock had only had custody of the boy through a CPS intervention for about the last month.
“This young, defenseless child suffered a horrific death and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Chance.” 100th Judicial District Attorney Luke Inman said in a statement released by the Department of Public Safety.
If convicted of capital murder, Babcock could face the death penalty.
The Texas Rangers are assisting with the investigation.
Broncos, Lady Broncos participate in tourneys
The Clarendon Broncos made a good showing at the Caprock Fibermax Tournament in Lubbock with two wins and two losses. Both losses, one to Idalou and one to Bronte, were against state-ranked teams.
The Broncos opened the tournament with a big win against Presido at 65-38. It was never really a contest as the Broncos held their opponent to single digits in the first half of play. All-around player Johnny Gaines led the Bronco scorers with 29.
Also scoring: Justin Shillings 9, Brayden Phillips 7, Cole Ward 6, Adam Topper 6, Mike Crump 4, Chris Crump 2, and Wes Williams 2.
The next game put the Broncos up against Idalou and they were defeated, 33-60. The Broncos could never find a rhythm in the game and trailed throughout.
Scoring: Gaines 8, Phillips 6, M. Crump 6, Shillings 4, Topper 4, C. Crump 3, and Williams 2.
The Broncos went out strong in the third game of the contest and easily defeated New Deal, 46-65. Clarendon totally dominated their opponent as they executed on both ends of the court. Three Broncos finished in double figures with Gaines leading the way with 19 and Phillips and M. Crump added 11 each of their own. As a team, the Broncos shot an impressive 82 percent from the free throw line.
Also scoring: Ward 8, Shillings 6, C. Crump 4, Topper 4, and Williams 2.
The Broncos then went to the Consolation round and faced Bronte. They were narrowly defeated at 44-47. The Broncos led at the end of the first half, but the inside play of Bronte helped with their win. Foul trouble plagued the Broncos, and they could never get into their game. Despite the outcome, coach Brandt Lockhart was pleased with the Broncos’ play.
“Overall, we played well,” Lockhart said. “We had two off games against Idalou and Bronte, but they are state-ranked teams.”
The Broncos will continue to work hard and prepare for their District opener January 14 against Wheeler.
Scoring: Gaines 17, Phillips 14, Shillings 4, Ward 4, C. Crump 3, and Williams 2.
The Broncos will take on Groom on the road January 7 at 7:30 p.m. and play Arbor Academy at home January 11 also at 7:30 p.m. The Bronco JV will play those dates as well beginning at 6:00 p.m.
PCS assists 4,200 residents during 2011 holiday season
AUSTIN – This holiday season promises to be a healthier, happier one for as many as 4,202 area residents thanks to the assistance they received this year from Panhandle Community Services.
The agency this was recognized by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for expending 100 percent of its federal stimulus Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds to help transition low income individuals out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency, with the hope that the season’s help lasts a lifetime.
TDHCA contracts with Panhandle Community Services to administer the CSBG Program in Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallum, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, and Wheeler counties.
The organization received an additional $972,381 last year from the Department through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, commonly referred to as the economic stimulus package, which featured new guidelines that allowed the state to reach greater numbers of low income Texans.
The funds helped provide essential services to low income individuals that include childcare, health and educational services, housing, transportation, job training, drug and alcohol dependency classes, and a host of other programs designed to eliminate poverty and foster self-sufficiency.
All services were to be provided on or before September 30, 2010, under ARRA guidelines. In total, over 98,000 Texans across the state were assisted through ARRA CSBG funds.
“Eighteen months ago, TDHCA was given an extraordinary one-time opportunity to make a difference in the lives of thousands of low income Texans we otherwise may not have been able to reach,” said TDHCA Executive Director Michael Gerber.
“With the help of our partners at Panhandle Community Services, I am extremely pleased to report that we expended all funds within the allotted timeframe and fulfilled our commitment to the nation’s taxpayers,” he continued. “Far more important, however, are the individuals and families who are better off because of the helping hand they received from their local community action agency. They will be the lasting testament to the stimulus package.”
TDHCA last year awarded a total of $47.6 million in ARRA CSBG funds to its network of 48 local and regional nonprofit organizations to assist low income Texans earning no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines in their efforts to achieve financial and personal independence. Texas leads the five most populous states in expenditure rate of ARRA CSBG funds.
Improvements ready for 2011 stock show
The 2011 Donley County Junior Livestock Show will be held this Saturday, January 8, at the Donley County Activity Center one mile north of Clarendon on Highway 70.
Seventy-three kids from Donley County have been working several months with their projects in order to make Saturday’s show a success. Now they are setting up the show ring, pens and chairs and washing/clipping their animals in preparation for this weekend.
This is the second year that the show will take place in the Donley County Activity Center, and improvements have been made to the facility since last year. These include finished wash racks, a weather resistant parking lot, central air/heat in the front part of the building, serving tables and cabinets in the kitchen area, and concrete loading zones on the north side of the building.
The new Extension offices in the front of the building are also 90 percent complete and only lack installation of communications lines by Texas A&M personnel.
Saturday’s schedule of events will include weigh- and check-in starting at 3 p.m. on January 7, and the show will start at 8:30 a.m. on January 8 starting with sheep and followed by goats, heifers, steers, guilt, and barrows. A buyers’ appreciation meal will follow the show at 6 p.m. The livestock project auction will follow the meal.
For more information or to donate to the auction, contact Larry Gray, Livestock Chairman, at 874-2095 or 806-930-1842 or Leonard Haynes, CEA, at 806-282-7680.
Shirley takes over as new CC president
Clarendon College is under a new administration this week after Dr. Phil Shirley took office as president Monday.
Shirley becomes the 18th sitting president of the Panhandle’s oldest college and is no stranger to Clarendon, having served as CC’s Dean of Instruction from 1986 to 1990. He said Monday is very happy to be back.
“It is so good to be home,” Shirley said. “I can’t express that enough. There is a feeling of belonging and coming back to your roots that prevails here.”
Shirley said he immediately felt the closeness of the community upon his return.
“I think a lot of people under appreciate what we have here.”
Shirley most recently served as the president of Southeastern Arkansas College in Pine Bluff, Ark. Shirley’s wife, Jeannine, teaches second grade in Arkansas and will join him in Clarendon as soon as she finishes her contract for this school year.
Shirley succeeds Dr. William R. Auvenshine, who retired effective December 31, 2010.
As Shirley takes office, two immediate issues on his desk include the recent resignation of Dean of Instruction Debra Kuhl and a reduction in state funding for the college. The new president said Monday he had not had time to evaluate how the funding cut would impact CC’s budget; and as far as Kuhl’s resignation, he said he would assume her duties for the time being.
“We’re going to let things even out,” he said. “I have 25 years experience as an academic dean, so that won’t be a problem. We’ll look at advertising that position in about March then fill it July 1. We need to find someone who will be content here – someone who likes small towns and enjoys the family atmosphere that we have here.”
The new president has not set specific goals for the college at this time but said he generally hopes to grow the college and to serve students more specifically.
“Head count is important,” Shirley said, “but it is mainly about serving our students.”
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