Courtesy Photo / Mandi Gay
Hedley battles Lefors
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This Week
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New show spotlights JA Ranch
Noted chuckwagon cook selects Donley County location for first episode
Kent Rollins wants all of America to appreciate cowboy way of life, and he’s starting his newest venture with a spotlight on the JA Ranch southwest of Clarendon.
With more than 40 years of experience in chuckwagon cooking and as a working cowboy, Rollins hand picked the JA as the site for the first episode of Cast Iron Cowboy, which airs this Sunday, September 29, at 8:30 p.m. on the Outdoor Channel.
“We wanted to highlight the American rancher and cowboy and their very way of life. The JA had to be the first one,” Rollins told the Enterprise. “It’s the birthplace of the chuckwagon and the home of the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon and Charles Goodnight.”
It also helped that Rollins has been to the history ranch and is friends with ranch manager Randall Gates, making the first episode even more special and authentic.
Rollins said the idea for Cast Iron Cowboy started about nine years ago with a California producer who contacted him and kept calling back. Rollins finally agreed to do the show with the stipulation that it had to be authentic and they would only visit ranches during times when they would actually be working, nothing would be staged.
“Cowboys respect me because I’ve been on the other side of the fire,” Rollins said. “Mother Nature throws a kink in it sometimes, but if they work in it, we cook in it.”
As host of the show, Rollins is a well-known cowboy cook and YouTube phenomenon with 6.7 million followers across social media. The new show follows Kent, his wife Shannon, their dog Major, and their 1876 Studebaker Chuck Wagon as they travel ranch-to-ranch across the country feeding cowboys. The series blends cast iron cooking with cowboy traditions, history, and storytelling.
The JA is one of the first places Rollins cooked in 1994, and the first episode has some special moments for the host – a horseback ride with Gates and a visit to the historic JA chuckwagon. With supper started at his campsite, Rollins is greeted by Gates on horseback with an extra horse for the cook. Leaving Shannon in charge of the camp, the men take off for headquarters, and once there, Gates pulls out the ranch’s original wagon – what Rollins calls “the first meals on wheels.” Rollins and Gates then open the wagon’s chuckbox and discuss the artifacts inside.
“I’d seen the wagon years ago,” Rollins said. “It was so neat. If it could only tell the stories it has seen.”
As much fun as exploring the JA wagon was, Rollins’ favorite thing about the episode is his ride with Gates.
“To get to go horseback with Randall again, it was just such an honor to ride with a dear friend that I consider family,” he said. “It was a special day.”
Returning to camp, Rollins and Shannon prepare a hearty and delicious meal of “Wagon Wheel” Steaks with Mushroom Gravy, “Armadillo Eggs,” and Bread Pudding with Whisky Cream Sauce.
Donley County viewers will recognize several family faces as folks gather for the meal as bow their heads as Rollins says grace.
Photo by Shannon Rollins
“The people there are folks who value God, family, and tradition – great people you can ride the river with,” he said.
Cast Iron Cowboy will premier during the Outdoor Channel’s “Taste of the Wild Block.” The show follows Kent, Shannon, their trusty 1876 Chuck Wagon and wood-fired stove, affectionately known as “Bertha,” across the country as they work to preserve the heritage and lifestyle of the American cowboy. Blending live-fire cast iron and Dutch oven cooking with storytelling, cowboy wisdom, and the history, people, and traditions of working ranches across the country.
The Outdoor Channel and MyOutdoorTV are available by satellite and several streaming platforms.
Season One consists of eight episodes with Rollins visiting ranches in Wyoming, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Texas, each celebrating the enduring spirit of the American range. The JA episode was filmed about a year ago last September, and
Season Two, which will premier in February, just finished filming.
“We hope everyone enjoys it,” Rollins said. “It’s part of history, and the good Lord has blessed us to let us do what we do and share it with more people.”
CC reports enrollment at 1,528
Clarendon College’s fall enrollment is down less than two percent this year with a total headcount of 1,528 in all locations.
Fall 2024 enrollment was 1.1 percent higher with 1,546 students.
Following the 12th class day on September 10, CC reported the Clarendon campus had 281 students, down from 304 last fall, and the Pampa Center was down from 118 last fall to 107 this fall, but the Childress Center was up from 43 last year to 47 this year.
The Amarillo Center had 50 cosmetology students compared to 67 in the fall of 2024.
Distance Education enrollment students taking solely online classes) was at 150, which is up from 126 last year. Dual credit enrollment (students taking college classes through area high schools) was at 798, up from 787 last fall.
Overall, CC officials say the college continues to serve students across the Texas Panhandle through multiple locations and distance learning. While some campuses experienced modest decreases in enrollment, the Childress Center and Distance Education programs saw meaningful growth. Notably, Distance Education enrollment increased by nearly 20 percent, demonstrating the college’s expanding reach and commitment to meeting the needs of students who require flexible learning options.
Contact hours, which measure instructional engagement, also shifted in line with enrollment patterns. Distance Education reported the largest gain in contact hours, while other locations saw slight decreases compared to last year.
“Enrollment numbers tell part of the story, but what they really represent is the continued trust of our students and communities,” said CC President Texas Buckhaults. “We remain dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education across our service area and beyond.”
Perry plans Clarendon visit Oct. 7
Texas State Senator Charles Perry has announced an upcoming town hall forum in Clarendon on Tuesday, October 7, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Clarendon College Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center.
“I am excited to spend time in Clarendon and visit with the constituents I am blessed to represent down in Austin,” said Senator Perry. “Town halls are one of the best ways for me to hear firsthand what matters most to the people of the Panhandle. I look forward to discussing the work we’re doing at the state level on issues from health care to education, and laying out my vision to ensure Texas has water to meet its future needs.”
Senator Perry has been a key advocate for water management in Texas, authoring and passing SB 7 / SJR 7 last session. These bills aim to secure long-term water supply by financing infrastructure projects and conservation initiatives, addressing the state’s growing water needs.
Senator Perry has served six sessions in the Texas Senate and is the Chairman of the Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Health and Human Services, and a member of the Finance, State Affairs, and Transportation Committees.
He is also the Chairman of the select committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, where he passed Senate Bill 1, the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act. This legislation follows the tragic flooding at Camp Mystic that claimed the lives of 27 young Texans. In their honor, SB 1 sets clear standards to keep camps safe, requiring emergency plans, weather alerts, staff training, and prohibiting cabins in dangerous floodplains.
At the town hall, Perry will meet with local residents to discuss legislative priorities and hear concerns directly from the community. The event aims to provide an open platform for Clarendon residents to engage on key issues affecting the region, including water, agriculture, healthcare, and rural development.
The event is free and open to the public. If you have questions or would like additional details, contact Jennifer Foster at [email protected].
Museum to hold cookoff Saturday
The Saints’ Roost Museum will hold its 31st annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff Saturday, September 23.
Five chuckwagon teams will be cooking this year. Although admission is free, a $25 meal ticket is required to enjoy the authentic chuckwagon chicken fried steak meal.
A barbecue lunch concession will also be available this year for those who are unable to get tickets for the chuckwagon meal or who want another option.
Gates will open at 10 a.m. with local and area entertainers performing and a trade show being held on the museum grounds. The chuckwagon meal will be served at 1:00 p.m.
Call the Museum at 806-874-2746 for information.
REFZ Ride for Kids to be held Oct. 4
The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce will host the annual REFZ Ride For Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 4, at the Lions Hall.
Proceeds of the event will benefit the Christ’s Kids Ministry and the Clarendon Lions Club’s “Toys for Joy” toy drive.
Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast. The Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m. with lunch at noon and awards at 1:00 p.m.
This year’s 135-mile scenic ride starts and ends at the Lions Hall and travels to Turkey before returning to Clarendon.
Entry is $25 per person, and registration is available online at ClarendonTX.com/funrun or in person at the Clarendon Visitor Center.
For more information, call 806-205-0270.
Pantex starts new gas lab construction
The ever-changing landscape at Pantex has yet another addition on the horizon with the recent groundbreaking of the new Analytical Gas Laboratory.
The existing facility, which was built in 1944 and assumed gas lab testing in 1968, is being replaced by a 12,750-square-foot building equipped with modern equipment and testing capabilities.
The structure will provide employees with state-of-the-art updates to continue providing analytical support to both Pantex and Y-12.
Pantex Photo
The new facility, with an estimated investment of approximately $36 million, will include office space for engineers and scientists and modernized equipment for more accurate and efficient sampling to support production at the two sites.
“The new Analytical Gas Lab facility is a critical component in assuring the long-term quality and reliability of our nuclear deterrent,” Operations Division Director, Carl Beard said.
The lab will continue to support production by analyzing gas samples for all weapons programs and several weapons components. New technology will incorporate a digital workflow and more consistent tracking that can follow the samples and identify components more precisely.
“This modernized facility will enable us to continue to adapt to changing times, processes, and technology,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said. “This is yet another important accomplishment in our continued role of serving the nation.”
“This investment ensures that our nation’s capabilities remain at the forefront of defense technology and scientific innovation,” Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong said. “It also reflects our commitment to modernizing Pantex to meet the demands of our mission.”
Pantex continues to invest in its people and infrastructure as well as its role in the nuclear deterrent process, with additional projects underway. With several additional projects underway the site continues to prove its dedication to modernization and continuing its strong legacy of serving the nation.
Editorial: Free speech must apply to everyone
“I may disagree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death you’re right to say it.”
Those were the words of Coach Don Beck to our high school history class back in about 1987. Looking back, I’ve always considered Coach Beck as one my favorite teachers and probably the best history teacher I had at Clarendon High School. He made us memorize a portion of the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the US Constitution, and he had a unique lecture style that combined a thick Texas drawl and good common sense to explain the government and history of our nation.
& Editor
I think most of my classmates would agree that we all learned something in Coach Beck’s class. One of the things we learned was that America’s founders had a laissez faire attitude about a lot of things. That was French, Coach Beck said, and basically meant, in his words, “Government, keep your hands off.”
I’ve thought a lot about Coach Beck’s teachings through the years, and his philosophy on Freedom of Speech in particular, especially in recent years when our civic discourse has become so much less than civil.
Two weeks ago, I didn’t really even know who Charlie Kirk was. The name was familiar, and I knew he was involved in conservative politics, but beyond that I would not have recognized him. That all changed September 10 when Kirk was gunned down during the middle of a speech on a college campus.
After that horrible event, I recognized Kirk from having seen him on different social media clips, and it became obvious that he meant a great deal to a lot of people and some of those people didn’t like when critical things were said about the man.
Kirk, from all I’ve seen, I think would agree with Coach Beck. Even if he disagreed with someone, he stood by their right to speak. In fact, he seemed to relish engaging in debates and having a back and forth between himself and people who held opposing opinions. That’s as American as it gets.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen some ugliness come out of the tragedy of Kirk’s death. There have been some terrible things said. The result has been a backlash. I’ve heard many times the sentiment that yes, we have Freedom of Speech but not freedom from consequences. And that’s true, but at the root of it is still Free Speech.
Vile, ugly, insensitive, and offensive language is protected by our Constitution, and I think Kirk would have agreed with that. There will be consequences in the public arena for that. You may be shunned or boycotted for speaking your mind. There’s no getting around that. But those consequences should not come from the government.
When the state government starts forming committees to “look into” free speech on college campuses, we’re going to far. When the state starts looking at people’s personal comments online and threatening their livelihoods, we’ve gone too far. And when the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission bullies and threatens broadcasters to pull a late night comedian off the air, we’ve gone too far. That’s un-American, and we ought to all stand up against it. Charlie Kirk seems pretty consistent on one point – everyone has the right to be heard.
After the FCC chairman got Jimmy Kimmel taken off the air last week, Sen. Ted Cruz, who I generally disagree with lately, called it “dangerous as hell.”
The Texas Republican and diehard supporter of President Trump went on to say: “Going down this road, there will come a time when a Democrat wins again – wins the White House … they will silence us. They will use this power, and they will use it ruthlessly. And that is dangerous.”
We’re living in a time where from election to election, the pendulum swings hard right then hard left then harder right then harder left. Cruz sees what happened to Jimmy Kimmel and knows that Glenn Beck or Bill O’Reilly could be next if we allow this to happen once.
American must return to understanding that our freedoms are not just for those we agree with. The Freedom of Religion is not just for evangelical Christians but is also for Muslims. The Freedom of the Press is not just for The Clarendon Enterprise but is also for The New York Times, Playboy, and Mother Jones. And the Freedom of Speech is not just for the supporters of Charlie Kirk; it is for people who didn’t like his opinions also.
The only way Liberty works is when we all have it. It’s been said before, freedom for some is freedom for none. That’s what our Constitution stands for, and that’s what America is supposed to be about.
There is no cause to cheer when anyone is silenced by whatever means. Free Speech is the most fundamental right we have as Americans, and we should never allow anyone to take it from us.
Lynda Gayle Whitmarsh
Lynda Gayle Whitmarsh, 83, of Amarillo, formerly of Pampa and Howardwick, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at her home.
Services were held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Aaron Hill, worship and discipleship pastor at Coulter Road Baptist Church, officiating. Burial followed at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Lynda was born on October 5, 1941, in Vernon to Ray Boyd and Freda Lawson Boyd. She spent most of her childhood in Vernon until her family moved to Pampa in 1953 where she graduated from Pampa High School in 1960. During high school, Lynda met the love of her life, James Whitmarsh, and the two were married on March 5, 1960. After graduating, Lynda went to work at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where she worked her way up from telephone operator to framework technician. The company was eventually acquired by AT&T and Lynda retired after 35 years of dedicated service.
Lynda was genuine and steadfast, which was evident in the way she was able to make friends and build a community anywhere she went. Her door was always open and there was always plenty of food and games to be found inside. She enjoyed playing all sorts of card games, bingo, and trips to the casino; and she seemed to have the best of luck every time. Lynda and James spent lots of time traveling together over the years going all over the country in their RV. They even had season passes to Disney World. However, there was nothing Lynda loved more than her family; she made going to every family reunion, wedding, funeral, concert, birthday party, and graduation a priority. Lynda and James were passionate about supporting their girls and were proud boosters of the Pride of Pampa Band. They chaperoned every bus, went to every concert, and helped serve food from the band truck at the carnival every year.
Lynda was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Howardwick before moving to Amarillo where she joined the Coulter Road Baptist Church. She was a member of the Pioneers Volunteer Network and spent much of her time working to improve her community. Lynda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be missed greatly by anyone who was fortunate enough to have met her.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James Whitmarsh; her parents, Ray and Freda Boyd; her daughter, Katrina Bradford; one grandson, David Bradford; two siblings, Kathy Crawford and Kevin Boyd; and one nephew, Michael Boyd.
She is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Levens and husband John and Cynthia Whitmarsh and husband Andrei Kiiachko; son-in-law, Steve Bradford; seven grandchildren, Michael Levens and wife Brooke, Christian Levens and wife Paloma, Dmitri Kiiachko, Vanessa Kiiachko, Theodore Kiiachko, Matthew Bradford and wife Michelle, and Chelsea Bardwell and husband Joseph; seven great-grandchildren, Adeline Bardwell, Levi Bardwell, Jackson Bardwell, Magnolia Levens, Grayson Levens, Philip Bradford, and Edmund Bradford; two siblings, Phyllis LaRue and husband Dean and Danny Boyd; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to the First Baptist Church of Howardwick, 235 Rick Husband Blvd, Howardwick, Texas, 79226; The Pioneer Volunteers Network, 8547 E Arapahoe Rd Unit J-312 Greenwood Village, Colorado, 80112; or the Coulter Road Baptist Church, 4108 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, Texas, 79109.
Please sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com.
Donley County 4-H competes at Tri State Fair in Amarillo
Donley County 4-Hers have been busy over the last several days competing at Tri State Fair in Amarillo.
In the Youth Textiles Department, Gracie Ellis won first place with her “other craft” of decorated jeans; Emily McCurdy won two first place ribbons with her “Crochet” entries purse and hat while Ainslie Lewis won third place with her “Quilt” entry.
In the Photography Department, Brance Bell won first place with his “Western Way of Life” picture and Zinze Zongker won second place with her “Black and White” photo. Kyler Bell and Kase Zongker also had entries.
In the Horse Quiz Bowl contest, Donley 4-H won third place as a team and those who competed were Kassie Askew, Paisley Jones, Elliott Robertson, Foster Koetting and Kinze Zongker.
In the Horse Judging contest, the senior team of Gracie Ellis and MaryJo Dushay placed second as a team and second and third as individuals respectively. In the Junior Division, there were three teams that completed with Team One placing second. Those members were Kassie Askew, Emma Howard and Paisley Jones. Team 2 members Elliott Robertson, Kasie Shields and Kinze Zongker placed eighth; and Team Three members Clarah Lewis, Alix Roberts and Addie Snure placed ninth.
Courtesy Photo
In the Youth Market Sheep Show, Kinze Zongker showed the third place Class 3 Finewool, Elliott Robertson showed the fifth place Class 1 Finewool and fifth place Class 28 MW Medium Wool sheep, and Kase Zongker showed the fourth place Class 3 Finewool and 11th place Class 29 Medium Wool lambs.
In the Market Goat Show, Addie Snure showed the eighth place Class 1 goat, Slaid Pittman the 13th place Class 7 and fifth place Class 9 goats, Shaylee Hall the seventh place Class 8 goat and Emily McCurdy’s Class 6 goat placed 11th.
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