District Champions
This Week
Donley County 4-H members compete at District 1
Donley County 4-H members showcased their talents at the spring District 1 contests last Friday with outstanding results.
In the senior division of horse judging, the team comprising Laney Gates, Brenna Ellis, Maloree Wann, and Bryce Williams secured the first position overall and qualified for the state-level contest.
They also clinched the first position in reasons.
Individually results were: Gracie Ellis 1st Overall, 2nd in Reasons; Brenna Ellis 2nd Overall, 5th Reasons; Maloree Wann 3rd Overall, 4th Reasons; Laney Gates 6th Overall, 1st Reasons; Bryce Williams 7th Overall, 6th Reasons and MaryJo Dushay 10th Overall, 10th Reasons.
In the Intermediate Division, Makynna Williams finished 2nd Overall and 2nd in Reasons.
In the Junior Division, the team was first Overall and first in Reasons. Team members and their individual placings were Emma Howard 1st Overall and 1st Reasons; Teagan Chesser 2nd Overall, 3rd Reasons and Kassie Askew 3rd Overall, 2nd Reasons.
In Livestock Judging in the Intermediate Division, the team was 6th Overall and 3rd in Reasons. Team members and their individual placings were Parker Haynes 7th Overall, 13th Reasons; Hudson Howard 13th Overall, 16th Reasons and Ronan Howard 46th Overall, 14th Reasons.
In the Livestock Junior Division, the team was 11th Overall and 5th in Reasons. Team members and individual placings were Hunter Wann 28th Overall, 12th Reasons, Jensyn Lewis 32nd, Jace Conway 43rd and Ainslie Lewis 49th.
In Public Speaking, Teagan Chesser was 1st place in Junior Division; Emily McCurdy was 1st place the Intermediate Division; and Laney Gates participated in the Senior Division.
McCurdy was also 1st place in the Talent Showcase Musical/Instrumental Division.
CC rodeo advances to NFR again
The Clarendon College Men’s rodeo team emerged as the second-place team in the Southwest Region by a mere 36.67 points once the dust had settled this past weekend in Stephenville’s Lone Star Arena after a hard-fought battle.
The top two teams as well as the top three individuals in each event in the final standings will advance on to the College National Finals Rodeo.
The Bulldogs were edged out by Western Texas College and followed by Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University in the third and fourth spots.
In the bareback riding, Sam Petersen won the event by winning first in the long round with an 83.5 ride and third in the short round with his 80-point ride. Weston Patterson placed fifth in the long round with 76 points but drew a rank one in the short round and failed to make the eight second whistle while Boyce Kraut finished fifth in the average with his 70- and 54-point rides.
Petersen held on to his number one spot in the standings to earn the Southwest Region Bareback Champion title.
Dylan Hancock brought home the Southwest Region Saddle Bronc Champion title while Slade Keith finished the year in third place. Hancock won second in the long round with an 80-point ride and was third in both the short round and the average with his 79.5-point ride. Talon Elshere was fourth in the average with his 77 and 78.5 rides while Slade Keith finished fifth in the average with 77.5- and 75-point rides.
Cauy Masters also made it back to the short round with his 76 point
Early voting underway for Hedley, Clarendon, and CCISD
Early voting is underway in three local elections in Donley County this week.
Polls opened Monday, April 24, for the City of Clarendon, Clarendon CISD, and the City of Hedley, and early balloting will continue through next Tuesday, May 2.
On the Clarendon CISD ballot, voters will select two school board members from among three candidates – incumbent Chrisi Tucek is joined on the ballot by candidates Mike Word and Ginnie Siefkas.
Clarendon residents will decide for or against reauthorizing the one-quarter cent sales tax for street maintenance. The tax is already in place but must be reauthorized by voters periodically. It raises about $60,000 per year that is dedicated to street maintenance. The city ballot also includes the candidacies of Mayor Jacob Fangman and Aldermen Terri Floyd and Eulaine McIntosh. Those candidates are unopposed.
Hedley has six candidates running for three positions on the city council. Incumbents Trisha Chambless, Alicia Hanes, and Jennifer Floyd are facing challengers Christine Coyle, Calvin Holland, and Tanya White Gibson
Polling for the City of Clarendon and Clarendon CISD is in the Donley County Courthouse Annex from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Hedley voters cast ballots at Hedley City Hall from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Election Day will be Saturday, May 6.
Jordon Diego Chavira
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Jordon Diego Chavira, 26, of Howardwick who left us on April 23, 2023.
Jordan was the most gentle soul, the kindest young man with a signature laugh and an affectionate hug that told you how deeply he loved you. Impetuous both at his barber chair, behind the wheel of his Mustang, and in private life, Jordan made friends and helped people wherever life took him. He was an amazing man who led an extraordinary life. A talented artist and a fun, caring force, he seems to have found the secret to unending optimism and generously spread laughter, joy and rays of sunshine in the lives of everyone who knew him.
Jordan was the only son of Eddie and Shelly Chavira of Howardwick, who are grateful they had the opportunity to be his parents; sister Mariah Capps of Amarillo; Grandson to Lucinda Chavira of Howardwick, Kristen Butler of Visalia, Calif., and Leroy Reed of Amarillo; great nephew to Don and Tracy Cornutt of Durango, Colo., nephew to Pete Chavira of Fresno, Calif., Corky and Cindy Butler of Claude, Lori Hudgens and Ian and Brandi Fleming of Fresno, Calif., Michael Holliman and Brandi Reed, Michael and Amanda Cates and Chris and Shannon Ellis of Amarillo; best friend Jonathon Yanes of Fresno, Calif., pets Caliber, Katy and Willie; and several cousins and countless friends that he supported, entertained and cherished through the years.
Jordan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Pete Chavira and Eugene Butler, and his grandmother, Mildred Reed. It gives us comfort knowing they have him in their arms now.
Family and friends are welcome to join us for Jordon’s celebration of life. It will be held at the Howardwick City Hall, 245 Rick Husband Blvd. Howardwick, TX 79226 on April 28, 2023, at 11:30 am. Lunch will be served. Floral arrangements can also be sent to this location.
Jordan will forever be missed. His family wishes to thank their community of Howardwick and everyone who has shown them love, compassion, and support during this time.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
Henry “Peanut” Haire
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Henry “Peanut” Haire, loving husband, father, and Pawpaw passed away at the age of 85.
Services will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Joe Neal Shadle, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.
Henry was born August 29, 1937, in Clarksville, Texas, to Elbert and Mildred Haire. He grew up in Memphis. He married Judy Ashcraft on May 5, 1975. Henry had many jobs – Mechanic, custom farming, meat processer, worked GM truck driver before finally retiring from Donley County services. He loved his family and spending time watching them having fun and visiting. He loved watching wrestling on TV.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and a son.
He is survived by his wife, Judy of the home; eight children; many grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and even a few great great grandchildren.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
Cecil Lee Hook
Cecil Lee Hook, 88, of Clarendon passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Amarillo.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Church of Christ in Hedley with Tom Anderson officiating.
Cremation and Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Cecil Lee Hook was born in Dickens on April 12, 1935, to Andrew George and Mary Jane (Williams) Hook. On December 27, 1954, he married Lillie Baker in Snyder. He had been a resident of Clarendon for 43 years where he worked as a welder for most of his life. Cecil was a member of the Hedley Church of Christ. He enjoyed playing dominoes, fishing, hunting, loved dancing, and was an expert at just about everything he did.
Cecil is preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife of 48 years, Lillie; his brother, Elbert Hook; and his sisters Hazel, Delores, and Lorene.
He is survived by his sons Cecil Hook, Jr., and wife Barbara of Amarillo; Rick Hook and wife Vickie of Amarillo; Michael Hook and wife Tina of Claude; one daughter, Deanna Gasser of Clarendon; brother Denzil “Hass” Hook; sister, Betty Joe Bittle; ten grandchildren; and twenty-two great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hedley Church of Christ, PO Box 166, Hedley, TX 79237.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
Norma Virginia Bruce
Norma Virginia Bruce, 97, of Clarendon, died Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in McLean.
Cremation and arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Norma was born November 8, 1925, in Amarillo to Roy Everett and Kensey (Gold) McDowell. She was a long-time resident of Clarendon, prior to moving here, she lived in Phoenix, Ariz., and worked for Motorola. Norma enjoyed sewing and cooking and loved her family. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Clarendon.
She was preceded in death by her parents; eight siblings; and a son, James Bruce.
Survivors include daughters, Sharyn Morrow and Sonyia Hill both of Clarendon; daughter-in-law, Michelle Bruce of Clarendon; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sunday accident takes life of Howardwick man
A Howardwick man lost his life in a single-vehicle accident Sunday morning west of Claude.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported Jordan Chavira, 26, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Armstrong County Justice of the Peace Jana Lemons.
According to the DPS, Chavira was eastbound on US-287 about ten miles west of Claude at about 6:35 a.m. when the 2001 Ford Explorer he was driving left the roadway and traveled into the center median. He over-corrected the steering, causing him to lose control. The vehicle traveled back onto the roadway, across the lanes of travel, and rolled over multiple times before coming to rest upside down in the ditch south of the roadway.
The report said Chavira was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
Texas Highway Patrol Troopers continue to investigate the crash.
A celebration of Chavira’s life will be held at the Howardwick City Hall, 245 Rick Husband Blvd. Howardwick, TX 79226 on April 28, 2023, at 11:30 am. Read the full obituary here.
City to interview four administrator candidates
The Clarendon City Council considered applicants for city administrator and identified four candidates for interviews during its regular meeting last week.
This is the second round of searching the city has undertaken as City Administrator David Dockery plans for retirement. A first round search and subsequent interviews were not successful earlier this year.
The four candidates this time are Steve Coles, manager of Lowe’s Family Center in Clarendon; Brian Barboza, City Administrator at Knox City; Melissa Fields-Allgeyer, Director of Human Resources at the City of Levelland; and Brent Spier, City Administrator of Clear Lake Shores, Texas.
Barboza was also a finalist in the first search.
All four candidates will be interviewed during a called meeting on May 10.
In other city business, the council considered the upcoming season for the Clarendon Aquatic Center and left the hours as 1 to 8 p.m. but changed the opening and closing dates. Instead of opening Memorial Day weekend and closing Labor Day weekend, the center will open May 26, which is the day after school closes, and it will close the day before school starts this fall.
Annette Osburn and Becky Lane were named the election judge and clerk for the upcoming city election on May 6.
The council approved hiring attorney Marvin Jones to review the city’s obligations to the Greenbelt Municipal & Industrial Water Authority and also contracted with Perdue Brandon to handle delinquent utility accounts.
Resolutions were adopted to move forward with applications for a second round of downtown revitalization and another Community Development Block Grant.
An ordinance was adopted to approve the franchise agreement of G&L Utilities, dba GreenLight Gas.
Christ Kids Ministry presented a request for assistance with its summer food program, and the council approved $1,000 for that program.
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