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Local vote favors GOP candidates

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Donley County residents followed most of the rest of Texas in preferring Mitt Romney over President Barack Obama during last week’s general election, but Mr. Obama won several other key states and secured enough electoral votes to win another term in office.

Locally, the Republican, Romney, received 1,286 votes while the Democratic president garnered 226. Twenty people voted for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein and socialist write-in candidate Stewart Alexander received one vote each.

Voter turnout locally was down slightly from the last presidential election with 62.5 percent of registered voters – or a total of 1,539 citizens – casting ballots.

Clarendon native Republican Mac Thornberry coasted to another term in Congress and received 1,353 votes. Republican Ted Cruz led all candidates locally and statewide to succeed Kay Bailey Hutchinson in the US Senate.

State Sen. Kel Seliger (R) was re-elected with no opposition, and Ken King (R) of Canadian was also unopposed in seeking to represent Donley County in the State House of Representatives.

District Judge Stuart Messer was unopposed and received 1,324 votes. District Attorney Luke Inman also faced no opponent and got 1,280 votes.

All county level races were also uncontested with incumbents cruising to re-election. Results are as follows: County Attorney Landon Lambert 1242, County Sheriff Butch Blackburn 1342, County Tax Assessor/Collector Linda Crump 1364, County Commissioner Pct. 1 Mark White 339, County Commissioner Pct. 3 Andy Wheatly 303, and Constable Prcts. 3&4 Doug Wright 577.

Opinion: Covering Owls is a Friday night delight

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This fall I was unexpectedly blessed when I was asked to cover the Hedley Owls Football Team. Actually, at the time I didn’t think covering the Owls would be such a blessing. Being a rookie sports writer, I didn’t quite realize how meaningful watching young men struggle through a football season, with its ups and downs and peaks and valleys, would become.

Fred Gray.

I’m sure that people following the Clarendon Broncos feel much the same way. In small town Texas, football serves as the town’s connective tissue. Following the team is similar to setting down at the dinner table for Sunday dinner, with a big platter of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. It’s almost a religious experience that is meant to be shared with everyone else in the community.

High school football also reflects the civic idea that the residents of Hedley (and Clarendon) should take care of their own and strive for excellence. The teams’ fans unconditionally support (sometimes a little too voraciously) their team through good times and bad.

Hedley’s coaches, head coach Darrell Wallace and assistant coach Garrett Bains, insisted that their players win and lose with dignity, and the players played with class. Coach Wallace, for his part, sometimes got a little carried away when he felt that his players were being unfairly treated, but his passion and the occasional “oops” that followed closely behind is more than justified. We must never forget that these are excellent young men who are putting their bodies on the line for each other, their school, and their community. Over zealously defending them is more a virtue than a fault.

Hedley is Donley County’s only six-man football team and ought to be supported by everyone in the county. They are, after all, our future. As many big city eastern newspapers like to point out, America’s young people are exceptional, clean-cut, and virtuous. I think that the young people from the rural, mostly empty parts of Texas are in many ways vastly superior to their city cousins.

As far as towns go, Hedley probably best aligns with the smaller communities. The Owls have fewer players to represent their school when they strap on their gear, and walk onto the grid iron and compete for football glory. Their hearts, on the other hand, are just as large, perhaps even larger in some instances, and they leave absolutely everything on the field.

As their season progressed, and as the Owls were slowly devastated by injuries to key players, it became apparent that they would not be able to compete as effectively as they could at full strength. Even though they were injured and unable to physically match up favorably with their opposition, they dug even deeper into themselves and exhibited the true grit that has come to define Texas and Texans. Watching these young men grow and compete was something to behold.

As they continue their journeys through life, they will experience joyous highs and terrible lows. The strength of character they exhibited this season will sustain and carry them successfully thorough life – in its fullness – with a little help from their friends and families, their communities, and their faith.

The Owl’s senior class: Nicco Bennett, Tanner Chambless, Andy Munoz Aizaga, Bryan Evans, Brandon Evans, Coltin Kingston, Austin Adams, and Caden Farris have played their last down for Hedley. They exhibited the character and determination that form the foundation of America’s future greatness. These Owls have no quit in them.

Next year’s team will be something to behold too, with the likes of Hedley’s own Lone Ranger, Klaiton Moore (better known as Rooster), carrying the pigskin for the Owls.

We (Donley County residents) are truly blessed to have two fine high school football teams to follow and root for. They represent the essence of much that is pure and good in our society. Let’s not lose sight to that while we count our blessings. Our young people, football players or not, are our strength. We can do better for them.

They do, after all, do us proud.

Janella “Jan” Ruth Altman

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Janella “Jan” Ruth Altman, 81, of Clarendon, Texas died on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 in Brenham, Texas.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 10,

2012 at the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon, Texas with the Rev. Lloyd Stice, officiating.

Jan will be laid to rest at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley, Texas earlier in the morning.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.

The family will visit with family and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday November 9, 2012 at Robertson Funeral Directors, 212 S. Sully in Clarendon.

Janella “Jan” Ruth Altman, 81, of Clarendon, Texas died on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 in Brenham, Texas.

Memorial Services were held on Saturday, November 10,2012 at the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon, Texas with the Rev. Lloyd Stice, officiating.

Jan was be laid to rest at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley, Texas earlier that morning.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.

She was born on December 23, 1930, in Tell, Texas to Gus and Laura Woods.

Jan was very active in her church at an early age. At the age of 15 years old Jan started leading singing with her sister, Carol Jean, playing the piano at the Methodist Church in Tell, Texas. Thru the years she has also led singing at the United Methodist Church in Hedley, Texas, the Nazarene Church in Clarendon, Texas, and here at the United Methodist Church in Clarendon. She taught the 4 and 5 year old Sunday school class at Hedley and at Clarendon. Jan was also involved in the Missionary Services Group and at Bible Study Groups.

Jan married Winfred Donald “Don” Altman on March 15, 1952, at her parent’s home in Tell, Texas. They were married for 39 years until Don’s death in 1991. After Don and Jan married they moved to Hedley, Texas where they started a family. In 1958 Don and Jan moved to Clarendon, Texas. Jan lived in Clarendon until 2012 when she went to live in Brenham, Texas to be close to her daughter, Donna.

Jan was a Red Hatter and enjoyed the outings with her other Red Hatters. Jan also took bus tours all over the US. On one of her bus tours to Branson she got a photo of Mel Trellis and herself. She was very proud to say she got to hug someone famous. But her most precious friends are her church family. That was the one thing she missed the most after her move to Brenham. Jan enjoyed singing, church work, and spent many years at her sewing machine. Jan’s favorite ending to a conversation over the phone with either her grandchildren or someone else’s child was “Swak-Ems” and even when she kissed them this was her last parting comment before they left.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Altman in 1991, and her parents Gus and Laura Woods. She was the last surviving sibling with one brother Dual Woods, and three sisters Alvalee Creech, Becky Boyd, and Carol Jean Turner.

She is survived by her three daughters: Teresa DeMatos and husband Mike of Amarillo, Texas, Donna May and husband David of Brenham, Texas, Sherrie Stone and husband Albert of Memphis, Texas. Five granddaughters: Regina Moore, Janet Smith, and Renee Taylor all of Amarillo, Texas. Nicole Royall, and Patricia Vasquez of Brenham, Texas. Five grandsons: Darren May of Brenham, Texas, Randall Johnson of Austin, Texas, Robert Johnson of Graham, Texas, Jarad Stone and Shelby Stone of Amarillo, Texas. She also has 20 great-grandchildren.

Melton Lee McCowen

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Melton Lee McCowen, 69, passed away Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012.

Mel was born Oct. 8, 1943, to the late Charley and Rosa McCowen in Vernon. He was a longtime resident of Parker County. Mel was a custom spur and bit maker and former cowboy and started his spur business in Clarendon, Texas after leaving his position as foreman of the Rowe Ranch. He was an avid hunter and life member of the NRA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James.

He is survived by his wife, Kay McCowen of Weatherford; sons Michael McCowen and wife, Dana, of Canadian, Darrell Wayne McCowen of Chillicothe, Wade McCowen and wife, Maria, of Fort Worth and Shawn Studer and Cathy Sweeney of Weatherford; sister, Louise Wright, of Arizona; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews and many loving friends.

At Mel’s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cowboy Heritage Association of Fort Worth, PO Box 136639, Fort Worth, Texas 76136 which sponsors college scholarships for Texas farm and ranch children.

Broncos close out season

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos waltzed into Cyclone Stadium Friday night knowing their chance at post-season play was not to be, but played for pride and made easy work of Memphis on their home turf defeating them 34-14.

The Broncos dominated from the onset and fifteen seniors walked off the field with a great finish to their four-year high school career. The underclassmen were able to take the big win and know that they will be ready again next season.

Senior football captains Deigo Santos, Jonah Sell, Trevor Cobb, and John Pigg walk the field for the last time before the game last Friday in Memphis. Enterprise Photo / Matthew Martinez

According to head coach Gary Jack; the Broncos finished their season on a good note. “Beating Memphis was good,” Jack said. “We got on them quick and played more like we had been playing in the middle of the season.”

Jack named several players who had a great game. “Tyler Burch had a great night with three touchdowns, 12 tackles, and one interception,” Jack said. “It was a good all-round game for him. Trevor Cobb had seven tackles and one fumble recovery and J.D. Baxter had 10 tackles. Trajen Johnson had 10 tackles, and Chance Roland caused a fumble. Ryan Isbell had eight tackles and one interception, and Diego Santos had an interception. John Pigg had five tackles, and Corey Barker had six.

“This was a tough district. We needed one more win and things would have been different. But we have a lot of good memories from the 15 seniors and the underclassmen.”

Stratford was the winner of the District and Sunray and Panhandle finished as the number two and three seeds.

Owls close out season with win

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The Hedley Owls travelled to Silverton for their final game of the season last Friday night, November 9.

It was a game for the ages, at least for the seniors. In a battle of owls, the Hedley Owls defeated the Silverton Owls 44-42.

The game was evenly matched and a delight to watch. It was such a good game to watch, that I caught myself hoping the players were having a blast. Both teams played hard and were scrappy. For the most part, good sportsmanship was exhibited by the two sides.

In a season ripe with difficulties and disappointments, the Hedley Owls accomplished something few teams are fortunate enough to accomplish – they won their last game of the season. For the seniors, it was good to see them go out with a final, well played, team win.

The only disappointment of the night came when Hedley war horse, Coltin Kingston broke his ankle in the third quarter. Kingston, who was Hedley’s best player this year, had another excellent game in progress when he went down. He still managed to rush for 222 yards and score four touchdowns in a little more than a half.

His blockers held their blocks a little longer and played hard all evening long. We sometimes forget that a great runner can’t run without the support of his teammates. Even though Coltin deserves much of the credit, much of the credit is also due to his teammates.

Freshman running back Klaiton Moore ran hard all night long, adding 116 yard rushing, most of them coming after contact. Rooster played even harder, if that’s possible, after Coltin Kingston went down with his injury. Actually, the entire team played harder and with more determination after Kingston’s injury. Their efforts are what ultimately won the game for Hedley. This, folks, was a true team win, and a mighty fine win to behold.

The Evans twins, Bryan and Brandon, added 111 yards and 52 yards, respectively to the rushing total. Tanner Chambless added 64 yards and a touchdown to the effort. Austin Adams and Kyle Lindsey made critical pass receptions for critical yards and a touchdown each.

The Owls’ defense was aggressive and balanced. Kingston and Adams both made 10 tackles. Rooster added 9 tackles, and the rest of the defensive players added four tackles each.

With the last game now in the books, this reporter is going to miss watching these exceptional young men compete on the grid iron. I’m very proud to be a small part of the Owls’ season.

The Owls’ players, Coach Wallace and Coach Bains, the Cheer Leaders, and the Hedley Administration are to be commended for an excellent season. These kids, along with Hedley High School, won and lost with grace and dignity.

Lady Broncos tame the Mustangs

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By Sandy Anderberg

 The Lady Broncos opened their season on the road with a big 58-33 win against the Wheeler Lady Mustangs Tuesday night.

 After three long months of practice, the ladies were able to put together a game plan, that after a slow-shooting first quarter, that easily handled the Lady ‘Stangs. Offensively, the ladies hit 21 out of 28 free throws that helped win the opener and Jentry Shadle and Lydia Howard each connected on a three-pointer that aided in the scoring as well.

 After trailing by four points, the ladies bounced back to score big in the second quarter with 18 points, half of which were from the charity stripe. In the second half, the ladies were able to roll with control on their side. Shadle led the Lady Broncos with 13 and newcomer Taylor Gaines helped with 12 to finish in double figures. Lydia Howard put in seven points and Deborah Howard and McKayla Cartwright each added six. Anna Ceniceros was five for six from the bonus line and Jency Burton and Camra Smith each added two.

 On Saturday, the Lady Broncos easily defeated River Road 84-37. Shadle hit six three-pointers and racked up 26 points to lead the team and Lydia Howard connected on four three-pointers and finished with 15.

 The entire team pressed hard against the Lady Cats and worked together for the win. “Lydia gave us a definite spark and Deborah (Howard) played great defense,” coach Kasey Bell said. “Offensively, Jentry had a great game and Anna came in to play the five when our inside girls got in foul trouble and played well when we needed her.”

 Scoring: Shadle 26, L. Howard 15, Gaines 12, Cartwright 12, Smith 7, Ceniceros 4, Burton 2, and Starnes 1. The Lady Broncos will travel to Miami Friday, November 16 and play at home on Tuesday, November 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Charles Newton Penix

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Charles Newton Penix, 88, went to be with his Lord on November 2, 2012, in Amarillo.

Services were held Tuesday in the First Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. Howard Batson officiating. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery, Clarendon, Texas. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Charles Newton Penix

Charles was born February 29, 1924, in Poteau, Oklahoma to Elsie and O.S. “Tab” Penix. Upon graduation from high school he joined the Air Force. During his military service he occupied positions as an Aircraft Commander, Squadron Operations Officer, Instructor Pilot and Wing Safety Officer. He received an Army Occupation Medal Air Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Air Force Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon. He retired in 1961 in Grand Forks, North Dakota at the rank of Major.

He married Billie Glenn Salmon of Brice, Texas on March 18, 1945, in Denver, Colorado. She preceded him in death in 1995, two weeks before their 50th wedding anniversary.

In 1996, Charles married Margie McGuire in Amarillo. They have been blessed with 16 years of marriage.

Charles was a deacon at First Baptist Church, member of the Henry Brown Sunday School Class, a Mason for 50 years, and a Gideon. He loved gardening and playing golf. He was especially proud of having made a hole in one.

He is survived by his wife, Margie McGuire Penix, of the home; one sister, Bette Willey of Claremore, Oklahoma; daughters, Cindy Penix Rendahl and husband Tim of Whitney, Texas; Janice Penix Woodall and husband Larry of Palmer, Texas; Vicki McGuire Scivally and husband Gene of Amarillo; Cindy McGuire Barrett and husband Bruce of Muleshoe, Texas; grandchildren, CeeAnn Edwards and husband James; Zach Rendahl and wife Courtney; Aaron Woodall and wife Rannette; John Scivally and wife Nicole; Reid Scivally and wife Erin; Christen Woodburn and husband Tito; James Barrett and wife Melanie; Megan Medina and husband Emmanuel; 9 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gideon’s International, 2200 SW 7th Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79106 or a favorite charity.

Verda Lee Littlefield

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Verda Lee Littlefield, 90, died Thursday, November 1, 2012, in Wheeler.

Graveside services were held Monday, November 5, 2012, in the Jericho Cemetery in Jericho with Sam Line, Minister of the Groom Church of Christ, officiating.

Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of McLean.

Verda Lee Littlefield

Verda was born Dec. 21, 1921, in Donley County to Berry and Grace Rosey James and lived most of life in Donley County and Groom.

She graduated from Groom High School in 1939. She Married Lloyd Daniel Littlefield May 31, 1941, who was one of the old time cowboys.

She and Lloyd had three sons all were Groom school graduates. Special thanks to Jimmy Britten, Oran Durhan and Ada Durhan for the help on things that Verda couldn’t do.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd on August 6, 2001, Son Lloyd Edward on July 23, 2003, and 4 sisters.

She is survived by her 2 sons, Leroy Littlefield and wife Susan of Stephenville and Jerry Littlefield of Waelder; 5 grandchildren, Roxie McMordie of McLean, Mark Littlefield of Stephenville, Greg Littlefield of LaVernia, Russell Littlefield of Newcastle, OK, and Chris Littlefield of Henrietta; 2 step grandchildren, Jim Bob Adams of McLean and Peggy Phillips of Oklahoma City, OK; 8 great grandchildren and a sister Floretta Nece of Kansas.

The family request memorials be sent to Jericho Cemetery Association c/o Marlene Morgan / PO Box 1356 / Pampa, Texas 79066.

Editorial: Clarendon must focus on improving

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At a meeting in Amarillo Monday, community leaders from across the Panhandle gathered to discuss the problems facing their towns and ideas for how to raise funds for those programs.

Your humble editor represented the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation at the meeting, which was hosted by the Amarillo Area Foundation. To kick off the morning, participants were asked to do a “dreaming” exercise. “What would you do,” the speaker asked, “if I gave you $1 million a year to do anything you wanted to in your community?”

Roger Estlack, Editor

The wheels began turning for 30-plus people in the room, and we soon each had a list that filled an entire page. As participants took turns giving ideas from their lists, it became clear that we all face many of the same problems. From Tulia to Childress to Pampa to Spearman to Chillicothe, towns of all sizes are grappling with the same issues that Clarendon faces. Each community wants more “quality of life” improvements – whether it be youth centers, park facilities, or entertainment venues. Each place has infrastructure needs and must consider how best to use the tax dollars at their disposal, and in almost every town there is a shortage of good, middle-income housing.

One participant blamed part of his town’s problems on previous community leaders who failed to plan for growth and failed to give the present generation the tools necessary to address the problems of today.

And that, dear readers, is where Clarendon now finds itself.

We have been shortchanged, in many ways, by city leaders over the last 20 or 30 or more years who failed to stringently enforce zoning, and codes, and ordinances, who were perhaps too complacent when it came to taking care of infrastructure, and who have left us a city that needs new streets, new water and sewer lines, and a firm hand when it comes to enforcing the rules.

This situation has left Clarendon in a position where it largely tries to just patch things together and hobble along because it doesn’t have the funds to address any one issue. The city is spending about $25,000, for example, on a comprehensive study of its waterworks, but what will we do when it is completed? It’s going to take money and a lot of it before the discolored water experienced by some citizens can be permanently fixed.

Our current city leaders allow themselves to get bogged down in the political nonsense of whether the city administrator should attend professional conferences or other trivial pursuits when they should be focused on what can we do long term to improve our city.

Instead, City Hall is embroiled in the fate of City Administrator Lambert Little and faces the real prospect of losing yet another administrator. Little’s exit would no doubt please some people; but while he has made mistakes, it is unlikely that any man – or woman – can come in here and fix in one or two years the mess that has been created over a couple of generations. And probably no city administrator could ever please some people who essentially want to run this city by committee (the board) instead of letting a professional do what needs to be done.

We need to set all this aside and start looking to the future. We need to put aside the negative attitudes of the complainers and realize that we’re going to have to raise taxes because it takes money to fix problems. We’re going to have to be pro-active in cleaning up this city and every person here has to come to understand that we all have a stake in making things better. Whether it’s a citizen simply cleaning up a vacant lot or a city employee putting up street signs, all the little things that we can do will make a big impact. And we have to dream big to make this the city it ought to be.

Clarendon has a lot of positive things, and this column has talked about all of them in the past. But we need to build on those and actively work to make things better. That should be the focus of the city and its citizens.

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