Construction on a 224 Megawatt windfarm along the Donley and Gray county border should begin next month and be completed by the end of 2016, according to a report Monday at the Donley County Commissioners’ Court meeting.
Vince Green with EDF Renewable Energy said Blattner Energy will be the general contractor on the job and that foundation work should begin in December.
The project will see a total of 112 two-Megawatt wind turbines erected in northwestern Donley and southwestern Gray county near Interstate 40. Ninety-five of the turbines will be in Donley County, Green said.
Blattner Energy is planning a job fair for general laborers as well as heavy equipment operators next Thursday, November 19, at the Pampa Chamber of Commerce office, 200 N. Ballard, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Commissioners approved a request from EDF to delay by one year the start of a tax abatement for the wind farm, which is being termed Salt Fork One. Plans are already underway for a second wind farm nearby called Salt Fork Two.
In other county business, commissioners and County Judge John Howard discussed whether county road hands need to have commercial driver’s licenses and whether the county must require random drug testing of CDL holders. No action was taken, but the subject will be up for discussion again next month.
Commissioners also agreed to have the judge work with the Texas Association of Counties to get a possible schedule for risk management trainings.
The court approved a policy for the cremation of paupers and adopted a resolution supporting the 2016 Indigent Defense Grant Program.
Commissioners also discussed the need to clean and repair gutters on the courthouse.
This Week
City sales tax figure drops seventh time
Local sales tax revenue slid again when Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar made his monthly allocations to Texas cities last week.
Clarendon’s revenue dropped 2.61 percent to $41,667.64 for this month, dragging the city’s calendar year-to-date figure down 1.47 percent at $361,589.53.
Sales figures have struggled all year in Clarendon with the city seeing declines in sales tax revenue in seven of the last 11 months.
This month’s allocations are based on sales made in September by businesses that report tax monthly, and sales made in July, August, and September by businesses that report tax quarterly.
The City of Hedley saw its figures rise for the month from $848.92 at this time last year to $1,540.66 this month. But that city is still down 7.85 percent for the year at $6,149.42.
Howardwick’s revenue for this month dropped 11.23 percent to $12,054.95 and is now behind 3.78 percent for the year.
Statewide, Hegar said local sales taxes were up 1.2 percent for the month, but the state’s sales tax revenue fell more than five percent. Hegar said that sales tax revenue for the state in October was $2.28 billion, down 5.4 percent compared to October 2014.
“October state sales tax revenue was depressed, as expected, by declines in spending in oil and natural gas-related sectors,” Hegar said. “Other major sectors of the Texas economy, including construction, information, and services, continued to show growth in tax remittances.”
Clarendon College wins marketing recognition
Clarendon College received a Medallion Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations at the NCMPR District 4 annual conference in Galveston last week.
Clarendon was awarded the Silver Medallion of Excellence for the College’s Ranch and Feedlot Operations print ad from Summer 2015.
“It is an honor to be recognized by our peers, many of whom come from much larger schools,” CC Marketing Coordinator Ashlee Estlack said.
The Gold Medallion was awarded to Tyler Junior College and the Bronze Medallion went to Alamo College District in San Antonio.
“We are very proud of the job Ashlee has done and this award just validates her hard work and dedication to the College,” CC President Dr. Robert Riza said.
The NCMPR Medallion Awards honor outstanding achievement in communications. The competition is the only regional contest of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges.
NCMPR, an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges, represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges throughout the United States.
NCMPR’s District 4 includes community colleges in Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.
Grahn runs 6th at state
By Sandy Anderberg
Clarendon High School junior runner Bryce Grahn conquered the horrendous conditions in Round Rock last weekend at the State Cross Country Meet and won sixth place out of 150 of the state’s best runners.
Grahn’s time was 19:00.60 for the 5K race.
Grahn has been running great all year and was named the District Champion this season. He ran fifth place at the Regional Meet held in Lubbock where he earned the right to run in the state meet.
The mud was so deep and slick that Grahn fought falling down throughout the 5K race. His perseverance and determination was credited with getting him over the course and running through standing water after days of rain.
Grahn will be back again for one more year and is looking forward to running with a team in next year’s meet
Kerrville woman enters plea in burglary charge
The district court met in Memphis last Monday, November 2, and heard 22 pleas, including one case of local interest.
District Attorney Luke Inman, assisted by Greg Buckley, prosecuted the cases for the State of Texas, with the Honorable Judge Stuart Messer presiding
Brandi Nicole Blanco was placed on probation for a period of four years for the state jail felony offense of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Blanco pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.
Blanco, 30 from Kerrville, was arrested in Hall County for the offense that took place on September 21, 2014 by DPS Trooper Daniel Hawthorne. Blanco pleaded to an information filed by the State on October 30, 2015.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Blanco is required to pay $381 in court costs to Hall County. If Blanco violates probation, she could face up to two years in the State Jail Division of the TDCJ.
Blanco was also placed on probation for a period of four years for the second degree felony offense of burglary of a habitation. Blanco pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.
Blanco was arrested on September 21, 2015 for this offense which was being investigated by Donley County Chief Deputy Randy Bond. Blanco pleaded to an information filed by the State on October 30, 2015.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Blanco is required to pay a $1,000 to Donley County, $488 in court costs, $80 in restitution and successfully complete 300 hours of community service. If Blanco violates probation, she could face up to 20 years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.
Lions Club marks 93rd anniversary
The Clarendon Lions Club celebrated its 93rd anniversary last Tuesday, November 10, at its annual Charter Banquet in the Lions Hall.
District Governor Mike Milligan was the honored guest for the evening, delivering remarks about the upcoming centennial of Lions International in 2017 and presenting awards to local members for their many years of service.
Lion Steve Hall was recognized for being a member for ten years, and Lion Roger Estlack received his 20-year chevron. Also recognized but not present was Lion Paul Bivens, who has been a member for 40 years.
Sweetheart Kendra Davis was formally presented with her sash and crown, and Lion Larry Capranica received his Past President plaque and name badge. Capranica then presented the Lion of the Year Award to Boss Lion Jacob Fangman for his volunteer efforts on behalf of the club and the community.
Attending this year’s banquet were: DG Mike Milligan and Lion Beverly Milligan, Boss Lion Fangman, Sweetheart Kendra Davis and Blaine Ellis, Lion Roger Estlack, Lion Russell Estlack, Lion Scarlet Estlack, PDG Jack King and Rebecca King, Lion Chuck Robertson and Amanda Robertson, Lion Mike Norrell and Leslie Norrell, Lion Jerry Woodard and Nelda Woodard, Lion John Howard and Lori Howard, Lion Larry Capranica and Karen Capranica, Lion Steve, and Lion Don Smith.
Broncos sour Cyclones’ playoff advancement
By Sandy Anderberg
The Broncos took the field in Bronco Stadium Friday night knowing they had the ability and determination to defeat the Cyclones while spoiling their run at a tie for first place in the District contest.
With numerous emotions flowing, the Broncos were able to use an extra point kick to give them the needed points to win the game at 19-18. And a last second interception in the end zone by senior Chesson Sims helped to secure the Broncos’ win over their long-time rival.
“This was a good way to finish,” head coach Gary Jack said. “And it was even more special because it was Memphis. Our win knocked them down to third place (in the race for the number one seed).”
According to Jack, the Broncos struck early scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter of play.
“We played good for the most part,” Jack said. “Our offense got on them early and our defense did a good job of holding them in the first half.”
The Broncos scored all 19 of their points in the first half of play with senior quarterback Bryce Hatley crossing the goal line twice and firing a strike to Sims for a 25-yard score in the second quarter. Every extra point attempt had failed until the Sims TD and Richard Anderson nailed a kick straight through the uprights, which would later be the advantage they needed.
Nick Shadle led the Broncos on defense with 13 tackles and Justin Christopher racked up 12. Daquawne Oliver and Taylon Knorpp each had 11 tackles and one sack and Cobb and Clay Koetting had seven tackles. Damarjae Cortez hustled with six tackles, and Hatley had five. Junior Ceniceros, Cooper Bilbrey, and Sims each had four with Sims adding a sack and Keandre Cortez had one interception. The Bronco seniors shined Friday night as they played their last game wrapped in maroon in Bronco Stadium.
“It was a good night for our seniors,” Jack said. “Chesson had a good game. He had a touchdown catch and made a big interception for us at the end. Bryce threw and ran well for us. Caleb Cobb and Junior Ceniceros had some good catches, too. Richard was able to kick our extra point. Defensively, Blaine Ellis, Ray Jaramillo did a good job on special teams and Cooper Bilbrey has had a good year for us. I was excited for them.”
There were also three senior trainers on the field every night. Alysse Simpson, Kendra Davis, and Kelsey McAnear were also part of the team and have worked hard this season.The Broncos had close games all year while facing harsh diversity. The seniors will be missed, but Jack knows next year is another year.
“We’ve seen a lot of bright spots,” Jack said. “We have a good bunch of kids coming back next year. Our JV was 6-2 this year. They had a good year.”
The Broncos finished their season 5-5.
Gayla Sue Endicott Fletcher
Gayla Sue Endicott Fletcher, 67, died Thursday, November 5, 2015 in Claude.
Memorial services were held November 7, 2015, in the First United Methodist Church in Claude with Rev. Janet Edwards and Rev. Sean Smith, officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Armstrong Chapel of Claude.
Gayla was born January 10, 1948, in Wichita, Texas to James William and Dorothy Nell Endicott. She graduated from Jacksboro High School and attended Texas Tech University. She married the love of her life, Philip Lee Fletcher on June 1, 1968, in Jacksboro. They shared a life of love for over 47 years. She had a devout belief in Jesus Christ as her Savior. She lived each day in a desire to always grow in her relationship with God. She was an extremely loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was always known to help anyone who needed assistance. She was also known for her beautiful art, and interior design.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margaret Pepin; and her stepfather, Alex Dixon.
She is survived by her husband, Phil Fletcher of Claude; two sons and one daughter who were her pride and joy, Cody Fletcher and wife Erin of Gordonville, Chance Fletcher and wife Shelley of Richardson, and Tessa Morrow and husband Joe of Claude; along with nine grandchildren, Tristan, Megan, Destry, Caden, Cole, Dillon, Bailey, Brandy, and Angel; her father in law, James I. Fletcher and wife Dori; her brothers in law, Gary Fletcher and wife J’Melle and Alan Fletcher and wife Tonya; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family request memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church in Claude, Claude EMS, or BSA Hospice.
Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com
CC announces career pathways
Clarendon College is taking part in National Apprenticeship Week by announcing three enhanced career pathways and encouraging local business and industry to consider taking part in apprenticeship programs.
The first ever National Apprenticeship Week is designed to promote apprenticeship opportunities and recognize the impact they have in workforce training, and community colleges play a large role in combating the lack of qualified workers in the local workforce.
“Apprenticeships are an excellent way for students to pursue a sustainable career,” CC President Dr. Robert Riza said. “These partnerships help meet the needs of the community, the local economy and individual students through supervised, practical work experience.”
Clarendon College has worked with local stakeholders to enhance three comprehensive career pathways in Healthcare, Welding Technology, and Industrial Maintenance to include opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, or other external leaning experiences.
“These pathway programs will help to further combat the skills gap by allowing students to experience first-hand the ‘real-job skills’ needed to be successful in their chosen field,” CC Associate Dean of Career, Technical and Continuing Ed. David Hall said.
External learning experiences are beneficial to employers by providing better trained employees, facilitating recruitment and retention, and encouraging the employer to become influential in the education process.
Anyone interested in more information on the program pathways or in developing apprenticeship partnerships with Clarendon College is encouraged to call David Hall at 806-665-8801.
Nov. 2-8 is the inaugural National Apprenticeship Week, designated by the U.S. Department of Labor and President Barack Obama. The week is intended for colleges, companies, workers, students and economic development leaders to learn about and promote apprenticeships.
CC, Texas Tech partner on bachelor’s degree
Students can now earn three years of a bachelor’s degree in Health Science at Clarendon College and finish the fourth year online through Texas Tech University.
CC and the Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) School of Health Professions announced last week the new agreement for the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.
The degree is designed for people who have already earned certificates to work in health care and want to pursue a bachelor’s degree while staying close to home, CC President Robert Riza said.
“This provides an opportunity for our residents to advance their degrees and their careers and not have to move,” Dr. Riza said. “They can advance to management or to upper level leadership roles in their professions. They just have to dedicate themselves to getting it done.”
TTUHSC launched a new “3+1” B.S. degree program in the fall 2014, and partnered with Clarendon College earlier this month.
“Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is the leading health care education provider in West Texas, and we are pleased to be a partner in this,” Riza said.
The Health Sciences Program is an on-line B.S. degree that prepares the student to enter management and leadership positions within healthcare organizations.
With a “3+1” format, students in the chosen fields already have certificates allowing them to work and CC will provide 42 hours of the common core. TTUHSC will provide 30 hours of senior level health sciences management course work.
“This partnership is outstanding for us, but also provides a great opportunity for our residents working in healthcare fields,” Riza said.
Riza also said the partnership with Texas Tech is natural because TTUHSC already works closely with hospitals in Pampa and Childress where many of Clarendon’s certificate holders are working.
The B.S. Health Sciences aims to advance the skillset of the practicing clinician so that the graduate of the post-professional program can assume additional roles or responsibilities within the profession. Examples are Certified Radiology Technologists, Registered Respiratory Therapists and Paramedics.
The program courses are conveniently offered through the use of distance education. The curriculum structure will follow a non-traditional format, which allows for completion of degree requirements at a pace set by the ability and availability of the student.
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