Welcome to Pampa

Photo Taken by: Flannery May of Flannery Grace Photography

The Pampa Economic Development Corp. and Xcel Energy have partnered on efforts to attract new business to the Pampa Energy Center, an industrial site located along U.S. Highway 60 west of the city. As part of Xcel Energy’s Certified Site Program, a 250 -acre space known as Pampa Energy Center South and a 470 -acre space known as Pampa Energy Center North, received site certification following a robust site analysis process. “Xcel Energy is now actively promoting Pampa’s industrial capabilities to a much wider audience, which extends our reach considerably at no extra cost,” said Clay Rice, Executive Director of the Pampa EDC. Having a partnership with Xcel Energy, which has the resources and know-how to market and promote two of the best industrial sites in the Panhandle region, is a terrific opportunity for Pampa and Gray County. Pampa EDC looks forward to working with Xcel Energy on this venture. Certification of the Pampa Energy Center South and North site will help Pampa be more competitive in the marketplace by making it faster, easier, and less expensive for developers and site selectors to consider real estate for their client.

Pampa Energy Center is Pampa EDC’s rail served Industrial Park. With approximately 1,000 developable acres of land and 5500 acres of water rights, the property is more than sufficient to market as one of the finest Industrial Parks in the state. The abundance of acreage owned by Pampa Energy Center will be excellent for a variety of industrial development projects. Companies located at Pampa Energy Center are: Flogistix, Proman, Rampa, Inc., and RenewTest, LLC.

The Pampa EDC is pleased to have Spencer McElhannon of Leading EDG to assist our community’s aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Spencer offers consultative services free of charge, courtesy of the Pampa EDC.

www.leading

The Pampa Economic Development Corporation is an organization that promotes new business in Pampa. The Pampa EDC type B has aggressive business incentives funded from the half-cent sales tax for Economic Development that yields over $1,000,000 dollars annually. Incentives are available to companies creating new jobs in Pampa on a projectby-project basis. Location and excellent quality of life make Pampa a prime spot for new industrial business and sales. Pampa, Texas is located 50 miles Northeast of Amarillo, Texas, 113 miles from Elk City, Oklahoma and 120 miles from Liberal, Kansas.

One of the goals of our website is to promote every business in Pampa/Gray County and constantly grow!

PAMPA’s Monthly Events

May

Pampa Partnership Golf Tournament held at the Pampa Country Club and Hidden Hills Golf Course.

Pampa High School Honors Banquet

June

Burnin’ the Bricks, sponsored by High Plains Cruisers and others. Events include a burnout competition, car show, cruise night, drag races and a cook-off.

July

Pampa Independence Day Celebration, Parade and Fireworks Display, provided by the City of Pampa an the Chamber of Commerce at Recreation Park.

Tri-State Seniors Golf Tournament, held at the Pampa Country Club.

August

Top O’ Texas Rodeo, one weekend long at the Rodeo Grounds at Recreation Park. Includes the Kid Pony Show and Junior Rodeo, a Saturday morning rodeo parade and the Top O’ Texas Rodeo Queen competition. Rodeo office is in the Community Building, 200 N. Ballard, 806-6690434.

Relay for Life at Recreation Park.

PampaFest in Downtown Pampa

September

Pampa High School Homecoming Parade , held on Homecoming Friday (date is either in September or October).

October

Blessing of the Animals, St. Matthews Episcopal Church. Country Fair, held at M.K. Brown Auditorium & Civic Center and sponsored by the Pampa Chamber of Commerce. Includes a dinner and live auction.

Pampa’s Tribute to Woody Guthrie, held at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center and the Woody Guthrie Inn.

Pampa United Way Dinner & Show at M.K. Brown

November

Veteran’s Day Program hosted by Pampa ISD at M.K. Brown on Veteran’s Day.

PAWS Shrimp Boil Fundraiser, held at M.K. Brown

December

Soup with Mrs. Claus Salvation Army Angel Tree Program Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Pampa Chamber of Commerce.

The Nutcracker at M.K. Brown Auditorium, put on by local performers every holiday season.

Top O’ Texas Gold Coats

by Laura bonnett PampaNewsReporter@gmail.com

Ribbon cutting ceremonies have been a symbol of new beginnings and new things to come since the late 1800s. Ribbon cuttings not only symbolize grand openings, but similar ceremonies, such as a final nail for a new railroad, bread breaking, or a bell ringing, can also symbolize the completion of a project, a remodel or expansion. Whatever the occasion calls for, such a joy-

ful day of inauguration within the City of Pampa is often overseen by the Chamber of Commerce, accompanied by those who have affectionately become known as the “Chamber Cheerleaders”, adorned in their bright yellow coats, the Gold Coats

The Gold Coats as they have come to be called have become symbolic as the unofficial welcome wagon-eers of Pampa, there to support the Chamber of Commerce and the community whenever someone or

something new rolls into town. This proud organization enjoy showing off the growth and success of pampa, and what better way than with a crowd of Pampa’s finest in brightly colored coats, standing proud at Chamber events around town or at the grand opening

of a new enterprise. Having such an enthusiastic and lustrous crowd of individuals celebrate all your hard work and be apart of your ribbon cutting is a milestone that marks a positive turning point in your business. Regardless of the situation, the Gold Coats are

sure to brag about all the successes the people of Pampa have brought to the city.

Those who may be interested in joining the Gold Coats should inquire at the Chamber of Commerce for more information.

PAMPA City Commissioners

Mayor - Lance DeFever

Ward 1 - Paul Searl

Ward 2 - Brian Doughty

Ward 3 - Jimmy Keough

Ward 4 - Jimmy Reed

PAMPA ISD Board of Trustees

Superintendent - Hugh Piatt

President - Luis Nava

V.P. - Dr. David Godino

Secretary - Denise Intemann

Dr. Misty LeBlanc

Dr. Emily Arrington

Cade Taylor

Richard Qualls

GRAY COUNTY Commissioners

Judge - Chris Porter

Precinct 1 - Logan Hudson

Precinct 2 - Lake Arrington

Precinct 3 - John Mark Baggerman

Precinct 4 - Jeff Haley

PAMPA ECONOMIC Development Corporation Board

Executive Director - Clay Rice

President - Glennette Goode

V.P. - Troy Newton

2nd V.P. - Ted Hutto

Secretary - Dr. Tanya Larkin

Asst. Secretary - Dr. Emily Arrington

Treasurer - Sue Fatheree

Asst. Treasurer - Jason Bagwell

The Unity of the Harvesters Show up, work hard, Serve otherS

by Laura bonnett PampaNewsReporter@gmail.com

Pampa Independent School District (PISD) has plenty to be proud of, as many of the students who once graced the halls of these campuses have gone on to do and achieve great things. This year we will see Zach Thomas of the Miami Dolphins, who graduated from Pampa High School (PHS), inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This will make PHS one of only 28 high schools in Texas to have an NFL Hall of Fame alumni.

As a new school year begins, bringing with it a fresh generation of students, Pampa ISD is making bold new changes; not just for the 2023-2024 school year, but for the foreseeable

future of all students that will ever walk the halls of Pampa schools. For the first time in Pampa’s history, everyone will be Harvesters. Prior to this school year, there were six different campuses with six different mascots. The project is being called ‘The Unity of the Harvesters’. Currently, there is only one Harvester mascot out of all the high schools in the country, and its home is in Pampa.

In the early 50s and 60s, the population of Pampa was double what it is today, so the school structure at the time was well suited for a big district. The idea behind the Unity of the Harvesters was to bring the community closer together, so, rather than having four different neighborhood elementary

schools, the facilities would be used to instead make the move to grade-level schools. This would unite all of the kids of the same grade levels in one place to grow up together, instead of coming together in high school where they would all finally be Harvesters.

“Everybody is now a Harvester,” said Hugh Piatt, superintendent of PISD.

Piatt has 36 years of experience in the education field, nearly a decade of that has been with PISD. He is currently going into his third year as superintendent.

“I wish I would have gotten here sooner,” said Piatt “You’ve got a school board here that really cares about the kids and wants to make a difference.”

PISD is also developing a

Pampa ISD Superintendant Hugh Piatt

Harvester Spirit

lesson plan to teach kids what it means to be a Harvester that they will begin learning in preK and continue learning through grade twelve. Harvester spirit is being built on a foundation of principles; show up, work hard, and serve others. It’s all a part of the strategic design framework plan that is going into year three now, the mission of which is to produce learners who are compassionate, competent, confident and future-ready.

PISD has a big literacy goal for the coming year, with a focus on the science of reading and learning more traditional methods in phonics. There is also a push to increase attendance and get more kids back in the schools. The local Rotary club has assisted with this by picking a student from each school to earn either a free bike (for elementary-age kids) or iPad (for middle and high school students) as a reward for perfect attendance, every six weeks.

The safety of the students remains a priority, as the Guardian Plan goes into effect, providing an armed guard for every campus.

With all the changes we also see an increase of support of mental health for students in the coming year. Extra counselors have been hired whose entire focus is just to meet with students.

“We know there’s a need, and we know the teachers and other staff have been trying to meet those needs, but we also know the kids need somewhere to go,” said Piatt. “So, we’re meeting those needs on an individual basis.”

There is also support for the staff, as all PISD professionals, from the teachers to the hourly staff, will see a pay raise in the coming school year. Districtwide multi-tiered systems of support have also been implemented as additional assistance to teachers and coaches.

Piatt believes the best part of Pampa is the people and how the community takes care of everyone, especially the kids.

“I don’t think there’s ever a need that goes unmet in our community,” said Piatt. “In our area, the people care enough to get involved.”

PISD staff is gearing up to get the kids involved in the community that supports them with the second annual serve others day, also known as ‘The Big Event’, taking place on September 25th. The PISD staff will put out a form for anyone in the community to fill out with any task they need help with; whether it’s painting a fence, picking up trash, doing minor home repairs, or just spending time with the elderly. Last year over 500 students and staff went out around town and served the people, despite the rainy weather, plenty of needs were found and met.

Piatt says this program is part of the students learning the principles of Harvester Spirit. Show up, work hard, and be kind.

“Our job is to teach and to make them better people,” said Piatt. “We’re going to take care of the education of our kids and meet their social and emotional needs in the educational environment. It’s about how we can help these kids be successful.”

Staff report

Hidden Hills Golf Course, designed by Ray Hardy and owned by the City of Pampa, opened in 1990 on State Highway 70. It’s a links-style golf course, offering Bent Grass greens, and Blue Grass

Hidden Hills Golf Course: A Unique Course on the Plains

don’t see around our part of the country because of the way it was designed,” Brauchi said. “Most courses around here are flat, tree lined in the old country-club style and we’re not.”

green,” Brauchi said.

Brauchi said Hole No. 9 is one of the toughest holes on the course as you’re shooting uphill to get to the green., but their signature hole is No. 13.

fairways and tees.

Brian Brauchi, who became the general manager of the course in December 2019, said the course offers a unique design and layout that flexes the Texas Panhandle’s characteristics.

“It’s something that you

The golf course also upgraded its fleet of golf carts in 2019, adding GPS capabilities which gives the course the control to set geofences to keep people out of areas they’re not supposed to be in and helping the course save money on hiring a marshal.

“It’s a benefit to the golfer in that they already have the GPS already on the cart so when they pull up to the ball it shows them the distance to the

“It’s a Par 5 over the water,” Brauchi said. “That’s where all of our pictures and stuff are taken.”

Hidden Hills hosts tournaments almost every weekend throughout the summer. Every Monday there are Monday Night Scrambles, and every Wednesday they host a Senior Scramble for players 55+. For more information, visit www.hiddenhillsgolfclub.com or call 806-669-5866.

The Currency of Community is Connection

by Laura bonnett PampaNewsReporter@gmail.com

Cortnie Patterson has been President of the Chamber of Commerce for 2 years now, and so much has happened under her guidance. Since 2021 Cortnie has kept herself busy planning one event after another to bring the community together to make those all-important connections with each other, and she isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The Pampa Independence Day Celebration ran for its second year, bigger and better than ever, with over 7300 people partaking in the event. Beginning with a 5K run followed by a parade through downtown, festivities continued in Recreation Park with everything from pony rides to rock climbing,

vendors, games and contests, prizes, live performances, turtle races and the rubber duck derby; there were enough activities to fulfill the whims of a diverse crowd all day, leading up to a grand finale of fireworks. This makes the Independence Day Celebration the largest event currently held in Pampa.

With such a huge turnout it’s no wonder one of Patterson’s main goals in the coming year is to have a new stage erected between the rodeo grounds and Recreation Park. “I would love to eventually have an amphitheater built, but I’ll be happy with a nice new big stage for now,” said Patterson. The plan would be for something that can be used by both big events held in the park and as a proper venue to offer as an enticement for more and better artists

to perform after the yearly Top-OTexas Rodeo. Patterson is hoping to get the community involved with donating towards the construction and host a free concert as a thank you to the sponsors once the new stage is built. “I want the citizens to be able to look at this and say ‘Pampa did this, we did this’ with pride,” Patterson said.

While the Chamber has marked its spot on the map with the Fourth of July activities, they have made an effort to host several other events throughout the year. The Country Fair has become their biggest fundraiser every year with a casino, live music, dancing, dinner and both live and silent auctions. This year’s theme will be “The Roaring 20’s”

“We feel like Pampa is in the roaring ’20s, so that’s the theme we decided to go with,” said Patterson.

This is an exclusive event with a cap of 350 and the event sold out last year, so those interested in attending can’t afford to wait.

The fun continues into the holidays with this year’s Christmas events theme “Life is Sweet in Pampa”. Patterson is planning a big Candylandstyle theme for the yearly Christmas Parade and all the downtown events, including a giant board game to encompass all of downtown and the Chamber businesses.

The Chamber is also launching the Leadership Pampa program in August to help create more leaders. The focus will be on leadership development, but will also include education in networking and connection, influence and advocacy, expanding knowledge and personal growth. The program will run for 9 months from September through May. Classes will meet once a month from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. with speakers on leadership topics such as teamwork, setting goals, conflict management communication, customer service and tours of the major economic areas and services in the community. Spots are very limited to 25 carefully selected par-

ticipants from a pool of applications.

Patterson is hoping to expand on such programs next year by working with the Pampa Economic Development Corporation to launch Lemonade Day for kids next year. Lemonade Day will teach kids the fundamentals of how to run a business, starting with where most kids tend to start; running a lemonade stand.

Changes are also in the works for the Chamber’s monthly luncheons. Recently many local business owners have found making the luncheons difficult while trying to run their companies, so Patterson has decided to mix it up.

“I want to expand the reach beyond just the luncheons. Bring in a different crowd,” said Patterson. “Give opportunities where everyone has somewhere they could be.”

She is currently planning at least 3 events per quarter and has open sponsorship opportunities. The first month of the quarter could consist of a coffee or breakfast event, the second month continuing with the monthly luncheons, and the third month could include an after-hours event in the evening with drinks. Patterson wants to mix things up a bit with speakers or training features for Chamber members, perhaps doing a round table discussion with a special guest or doing the breakfast event with the police.

The year rounds out in March with the Yellow Rose Gala banquet at the end of March. The banquet also serves as the Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony. Voting for the awards begins in the final quarter and will continue throughout the rest of the year.

“The currency of community is connection,” Patterson said. “The Chamber of Commerce is the place to be connected.”

For more information on the Chamber of Commerce call (806) 669-3241 or follow their Facebook page. Patterson can often be seen going live from the various events and activities she is engaging in around Pampa.

Community is celebrated at the Blue Jean Ball -

Photo by Laura Bonnett

Pampa is Open for Lunch

Coney Island Cafe

The Secret Chef at the Barn

Fatt Wellers

Coney Island Cafe

114 W. Foster Avenue

806-669-9137

“Since 1933, the Coney Island Café has served its famous homemade chili—on hot dogs and burgers—to generations of Pampa families, High School Harvesters, and visitors from around the world. The Coney is now in its 86th year of operation!”

Kelley’s Deli

1020 East Frederic

806-665-5800

What sets Kelley’s apart from regional chain stores is all of the food is made from scratch. ”We have fresh-cooked food and don’t have pre-packaged sandwiches or anything like that,” Brenda said. “Your order is made here fresh. For salads, we don’t use bagged lettuce; and we cut all of our own vegetables.”

The Secret Chef at the Barn

1500 N. Hobart

806-292-1320

The Barn, homemade casseroles and desserts, daily hot lunches, salads and wraps. Menu items change daily with various hot plates and take-out. Almost everything made from scratch.

Fire Creek Bar Grill

2537 Perryton Parkway

806-440-0574

www.firecreektexas.com

“We have the best inviting atmosphere, best priced menu and friendly service. It’s the type of place you can bring your first date, family or friend to share a special event or just a place to have the best of Lunch or Dinner.”

Yum Yum Thai

1201 N. Hobart

806-669-9502

Thai and Chinese Food including egg rolls, fried shrimp, noodles, curry, rice, wontons and more.

Chubby’s Burritos

1328 N. Hobart St.

806-688-1160

Build-your-own burritos and nacho plates.

Flipz Burgers

1801 N. Hobart

806-665-2000

While first appearance lends to the idea that Flipz is a newly-designed fast food, chain restaurant, the made-to-order, handcrafted products sold illustrates it’s exclusivity to Pampa.

1203 N. Hobart #14

806-669-9901

Locally-owned restaurant including chicken fettucine alfredo, picata, cacciatore, scaparela, talpia fiorentina, shrimp alfredo, pizza, philly steak, lasagna, ravioli, spinach ravioli and more.

114 N. Cuyler

806-688-0207

An American Diner and Bakery located in Downtown Pampa. Finley’s Fountain exemplifies Great Food, Service and Fellowship. Come see us and stay a while.

The Texas Rose Steakhouse

3023 State Highway 70, Pampa

806-669-1009

https://texasrosesteakhouse.com/menu

“With over 30 years of experience cooking and owning many local restaurants, our team is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff will ensure you have a fantastic experience with us.”

The Plaza

1201 N. Hobart Street #3

806-688-0031

https://www.theplazarestaurant.com/ menu-categories/appetizers-pampa/

“Family owned and operated, The Plaza Mexican Restaurant strives to provide our guests quality Tex-Mex Dishes and the service everyone deserves. As a Customer, you are our priority and the motivation that has allowed us to continue this tradition which commenced in 1982. We humbly welcome you to The Plaza Mexican Restaurant.” ~The Ramos Family

North 40 Settler’s Restaurant

2545 Perryton Parkway

806-669-6237

North 40 Settler’s Restaurant offers a wide variety of dining options from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hamburger Station

11820 U.S. 60

806-665-9131

Locally-owned breakfast and lunch plates for 38 years. Besides the food that makes up the name, The Hamburger Station sells a full line of breakfast items, salads and various dinner plates including steak sandwiches, BLTs and even a Mexican cheeseburger, which resembles a cheeseburger on a tortilla.

Jay’s Drive-Inn

924 Alcock St.

806-669-2722

Old-Fashioned Drive-In with burgers, sandwiches, salads, dinner plates and various sides. Be sure to try a Super Dog.

Hoagies Deli

1201 N. Hobart

806-665-0292

We have evolved slowly over 25 years, and have recently given ourselves a new identity. We will never lose focus of that delicious Phillie Steak sandwich that has been the heart and soul of this company for so many years. Our Phillie Steak Sandwich is who we are, and now we feel that new menu items such as our new line of Panini’s will do nothing but help us add to, and build on our previous success right into the future.

American Pampa

Country Club

1765 E. Harvester

806-665-8431

Harvester Donuts

508 N. Hobart

806-669-2242

Texas Rose

2841 Perryton Parkway

806-669-1009

United Deli

1402 N. Hobart

806-665-7212

Fire Creek Grill

2537 Perryton Parkway

806-440-0574

Food Trucks

Roll the Dice BBQ

Check Facebook

Simply Bare

806-486-2504

Desperado’s 806-372-3030

Diners

The Coffee Shop 220 N. Cuyler

806-665-2999

Kozy Korner

712 W. Foster

806-419-3088

Nobilitea

2505 B, Perryton Parkway

903-630-1637

Oriental Food

China Dragon

1307 N. Hobart

806-665-8286

Osaki Steak House

2545 Perryton Parkway

806-669-1828

Lampliter

403 S. Cuyler 806-419-3181

Fast Food Braum’s

1032 N. Hobart 806-665-8930

Chicken Express

2201 Perryton Parkway 806-669-2442

Domino’s 1541 N. Hobart 806-665-8080

Wendy’s 1205 N. Hobart 806-419-1601

Little Caesar’s 2505 Perryton Parkway

806-688-1088

McDonald’s 1201 N. Hobart 806-665-5891

Pizza Hut

1500 N. Banks 806-665-0887

Fast Food

Sonic 1404 N. Hobart

806-669-3171

Starbucks 1420 N. Hobart

806-669-6115

Subway

2141 N. Hobart

806-669-7702

Taco Bell

1002 N. Hobart

806-486-1490

Mexican Food

Fuegos Restaurant

521 W. Brown

806-279-1919

Nayelis Delicias

1308 Alcock

806-662-9918

La Cueva

217 E. Brown 806-440-0122

La Herradura

1100 E. Frederick 806-665-0538

Mexican Food

Mejias

1100 E. Frederick

806-665-0538

El Asador de Tito

725 W. Brown

806-419-3040

Palateria la micho acana

725 W. Brown

806-419-3100

Vallarta 855 W. Kingsmill

806-440-0698

Caminos de Guanajuato

112 E. Brown 806-419-1228

Ate Oh Six Fatt Wellers

113 S. Cuyler St 806-261-0180

2420 Alcock St. 806-440-0075

Texas style BBQ! Sandwiches, burgers, tacos and loaded potatoes!

Casual fine dining and sports bar with a great selection of different culture food.

Parks & Rec

There are 42 parks conveniently placed across the City of Pampa to provide recreation to almost every neighborhood. Among them are 106 pieces of playground equipment, eight rest rooms, nine drinking fountains, 130 picnic tables, 58 fire grills, eight covered shelters, 116 trash barrels, 68 benches, and 1,888 trees. 30 of the parks are equipped with security lighting. Running through many of the parks are 3.5 miles of hike and bike trails.

Each park is maintained by the City of Pampa Parks Department, who are responsible for mowing, trimming, minor landscaping, litter control, tree trimming, planting, and fertilizing. The Parks Department also maintains the grounds at City Hall, Lovett Memorial Library, the medians at Somerville and 23rd streets, and city owned properties bordering Red Deer Creek, Fire Tower Training Facility, and Service Center grounds. City Hall small parks are reseeded and fertilized annually, and Central Park is fertilized as needed.

PRIMARY CARE:

Pampa Medical Group

3023 Perryton Pkwy. Pampa (806)665-0801

Kevin Sieck, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE

Brenda McCullough, FNP-C FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Vanessa Workman, APRN GERIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER

Tanner Neuman, MD FAMILY PRACTICE

Kristi Harden, FNP-C FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Jessica Smith, FNP-BC FAMILY CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER

Kaylynn Johnston, FNP-C FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

CARDIOLOGY:

Kelvin Akhigbe, DO INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

GENERAL SURGERY:

Bobby Smith, DO GENERAL SURGERY

OTHER SERVICES:

• Urgent Care

• Allergy Testing & Treatment

• Occupational Health

DOT Physicals, Drug Screen, Hearing Screen, Breath

Alcohol Screen, Pulmonary Function test

• Se Habla Español

Luke Hinshaw, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE

Stan Leffew, FNP-C FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Lashonda Whittington, FNP-C FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Karla Fernandez, FNP-C FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

UROLOGY: WOMEN’S SERVICES

Rene Grabato, MD UROLOGY

Suzanne Presson, APRN WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Freedom Museum USA

Located in Memorial Park in Pampa, Texas, Freedom Museum USA, 600 N. Hobart, is open Tuesday through Saturday from Noon until 4:00 p.m. Special tours may be arranged by appointment.

The Museum collection is located in an old Pampa water pump station originally built by the WPA in 1939. In August 1986, Pampa Army Airfield Reunion, later in conjunction with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1657, began development of a museum to commemorate and honor those brave men and women who sacrificed so much that we might be free. Freedom Museum officially opened in August 1994. Re-

modeled and enlarged, the Museum currently contains approximately 3600 square feet to house an amazing selection of exhibits.

The current special exhibit is Vietnam: The Real Stories. This exhibit contains actual biographical information from residents of this area who served in Vietnam.

Freedom Museum is currently staffed by one full-time employee as required by Federal regulations. That employee is Ron Howell, a retired law enforcement officer who served in the US Army in Vietnam. Howell enjoys guiding visitors through the museum and relaying stories about various ex-

Photos courtesy of Della Moyer

hibits. Other volunteers, the majority of which are Veterans, provide their services on a daily basis. All contributions, which are tax-deduct-

Freedom Museum USA

as Panhandle students through arts, science and cultural experiences. Other school and community groups visit the museum throughout each year.

ible, are directed fully to the development and maintenance of the facility.

Freedom Museum USA is currently a learn-

ing partner with Window on a Wider World, an organization based in Amarillo which is dedicated to enriching the education of Tex-

All branches of the United States Armed Forces are represented in the Freedom Museum. Exhibits of both official and private memorabilia from military and civilian sources offer a well-rounded view of American military history.

Photos courtesy of Della Moyer

White Deer Land Museum

The White Deer Land Museum, located in downtown Pampa, Texas, was authentically restored from the 1916 office of the White Deer Land Company. The museum, originally opened in 1970, is a true walk into the past as you get to experience the history of the White Deer Land Company as it was when in function, as well as the history of Gray County. The museum features exhibits representing the lives of the early inhabitants of the county up to the present. November of 2023 will be the soft opening of the Red River War Wing 1874-1875. There

is always something exciting going on. Please follow us on facebook or at whitedeerlandmuseum.org. To support us and never miss an event join our Friends Of The Museum program. We would like to thank everyone involved in the growth and success of our amazing museums in Pampa.

Museum Hours:

Tuesday-Friday 10:00am3:00pm Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm

Please feel free to contact us for any and all information at WDLMUSEUM@graycch. com or by phone at (806) 669-8041.

Photos courtesy of Della Moyer

What ‘s to Do in PAMPA

Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center

here,” Sinks chuckled. “It’s been wonderful. I’ve got to meet all these great people, I get to play music, and I’ve gotten to learn all about Woody Guthrie.”

The Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center hosts free weekly music jam sessions on Friday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Also, people are invited to visit the folk music center from Tuesday through Friday to learn about the impact Guthrie had on music history.

by vaLerie Gray

Located in the heart of Pampa stands a music center dedicated to one of the most prolific icons in American folk music, Woody Guthrie.

The Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center is Pampa’s tribute to the singer-songwriter. It was established as a 501 organization in 1991 by Thelma Bray and Glenna Lea Miller.

Guthrie was born on July 14, 1912, in Okemah, Oklahoma. He was the second-born son of Charles and Nora Belle Guthrie. His father – a cowboy, land speculator, and local politician – taught Guthrie Western songs, Indian songs, and Scottish folk tunes. His Kansas-born mother, also musically inclined, had an equally profound effect on Woody.

From his experiences in Okemah, Guthrie’s uniquely wry outlook on life, as well as his abiding interest in rambling around the country, was formed.

In 1929, when Okemah’s boomtown period went bust, Guthrie left for Texas. In the panhandle town of Pampa, he fell in love with Mary Jennings, the younger sister of a friend and musician named Matt Jennings. Guthrie and Mary were married in 1933 and together had three children, Gwen, Sue, and Bill.

By the time he arrived in California in 1937, Guthrie had experienced intense scorn, hatred, and even physical antagonism

from resident Californians, who opposed the massive migration of the so-called “Okie” outsiders.

The local radio airwaves also provided Guthrie with a forum from which he developed his talent for controversial social commentary and criticism. On topics ranging from corrupt politicians, lawyers, and businessmen to praising the compassionate and humanist principles of Jesus Christ, the outlaw hero Pretty Boy Floyd, and the union organizers that were fighting for the rights of migrant workers in California’s agricultural communities, Guthrie proved himself a hard-hitting advocate for truth, fairness, and justice.

Guthrie strongly identified with his audience and adapted to an “outsider” status, along with them. This role would become an essential element of his political and social positioning, gradually working its way into his songwriting; “I Ain’t Got No Home”, “Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad”, “Talking Dust Bowl Blues”, “Tom Joad” and “Hard Travelin’”; all reflect his desire to give voice to those who had been disenfranchised.

Guthrie died on October 3, 1967, while at Creedmoor State Hospital in Queens, New York. His ashes were sprinkled into the waters off Coney Island’s shore.

In his lifetime, Guthrie wrote

nearly 3,000 song lyrics, published two novels, created artworks, and authored numerous published and unpublished manuscripts, poems, prose, plays, and hundreds of letters and news articles.

Guthrie’s music has inspired generations of fans. The Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center stands as a testament to Guthrie’s legacy.

Michael Sinks is the Executive Director of the music center. Sinks recounts the moment that led him to the life he knows today.

“Back then, I had driven by the folk music center hundreds of times. I knew who Woody Guthrie was and that he was a union guy, that’s all I really knew,” Sinks said. “After I retired, I had some time and went to get a haircut. The barbershop was next to the folk music center. The barber, who played guitar like I did, told me, ‘You should go next store tonight, they’re having a jam session.’ I went to that jam session, and I’ve been here ever since.”

It was at that jam session that Sinks met the founder of the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center, Mrs. Bray. She invited Sinks to attend a board meeting being held the next day. Since then, Sinks has dedicated his time to the music center.

“I just came here to play music one night. I had no intention of spending the next decade-plus

The folk music center also doubles as a live music venue! Bands and musicians from all over the world have performed at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center. In his office, Sinks has a wall adorned with signatures from all the musicians who have performed at the folk music center.

“They’ve come from all over the world,” Sinks said. “From Cambodia to France and from here to Australia. They have all put their signatures on the wall.”

In addition to hosting musicians, The Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center has partnered with Windows On A Wider World to provide students from across the panhandle of Texas an educational opportunity to learn about Guthrie and music as a whole.

“Thanks to Anita Gullett, from the White Deer Land Museum, we are now part of Windows On A Wider World,” Sinks said. “At the beginning of the year, the program schedules various schools to bring their students here. We see 600 to 800 students a year thanks to that program.”

Sinks expressed his sincerest appreciation and amazement for the support the folk center has received.

“There are people of every age group and demographic that come here,” Sinks said. “This is exactly how Woody would have wanted it to be. Music for everybody.”

For more information about The Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center, call (806) 665-0883 or visit 320 S. Cuyler St.

Photos courtesy of Della Moyer

PampaFest returns with headliner bands

by JuLie thompSon

PampaFest returns for its third year on August 19, and Event Coordinator Corey Coronis expects this year to be bigger and better than ever, bringing in a performance from Red Dirt mainstays, Reckless Kelly, now on their last tour ahead of retirement.

The event operates as an independent 501c3 that operates under the Pampa Community Concert Association which Coronis said works “to provide a successful and growing music festival with top-notch family-friendly entertainment every August for the locals, as well as bringing tourism into the community.” Last year, the event featured 13 food trucks and they all ran out of food. This year they’ll add three more, eight of which are awardwinning and coming from Lubbock. PampaFest will also feature 64 retail vendors coming from as far away as Houston, Pecos, and Oklahoma. Coronis said the board is very selective about their vendors, hoping to offer Pampa unique shopping experiences they can’t usually find in the area.

This year, they’ll be working on improving the VIP area, focusing on paying more attention to those guests and facilitating their needs a bit better. But the real draw is the musical talent they’re able to bring into town.

“It’s a really big show,” Coronis said. “It’s Reckless Kelly’s retirement and they do an average of 160 shows nationwide, but they’re only doing 30 this year. They’ve sold out auditoriums in Nashville and venues across the country. It’s a sought-after show to watch and we’re blessed to bring them here.”

In December of 2022, Reckless Kelly told Rolling Stone Magazine they’d be paring back their touring schedule for the next two years, intending to officially call it quits in 2025. They said they were trying to play at places that they love, getting back to the old haunts that they played forever one more time.

As it turned out, Reckless Kelly

is good friends with Cody Canada, of Cross Canadian Ragweed fame. He’ll be there with his current band, The Departed, and Coronis said there’s a great collaboration between the two bands.

Also on tap for the event is Slade Coulter, a new artist climbing the charts out of the Lubbock area, and Autumn Ragland, of Oklahoma, who has worked a lot with Turnpike Troubadours. Wight Lighters, whose lead singer is from Pampa, is based out of Oklahoma City, and rounding out the show is the West Texas Exiles, a new, young band that’s been making waves in Austin. In the end, concert-goers get to enjoy six bands for only $30.

Pulling off PampaFest is a gargantuan feat in and of itself and each year it’s difficult to find volunteers to lighten the workload. The biggest struggle as compared to other music festivals, is the event is held downtown on the streets rather than in an open field, which makes setting up and breaking down the event a challenge. The Pampafest crews begin setting up at 5 p.m. the evening before the event, making time for downtown businesses to finish up their workday before they start fencing off the area. Setting up the plethora of tables, chairs, banners, canopies, and vendors takes until midnight. After that comes the stage setup, which Coronis said lasts through the night. After the concerts and shopping are over, the crews work until around 3 a.m. reopening the streets, and then come back on Sunday to fine-tune and finish cleaning up.

“It’s a lot of work to put this thing together. It nearly kills our board every year to pull it off,” Coronis said. “Every year is a learning process. We thought when we got done with our first year we had it made, and then our sophomore year had its own difficulties that we didn’t have the first year, and this year will bring a whole new set of challenges.”

The challenges, in the end, are worth the effort. Each year, the event yields $20k - $25k that gets put directly back into the commu-

nity via donations to local charities, sponsorships with school groups, and downtown beautification projects in the form of Christmas decor, park improvements, and murals. In one year, PampaFest was able to fund the Von Brunow Park flowerbed, adding a rockwall, inground spotlights, and a new flagpole. They were able to tap a professor of art from West Texas A&M University to design and paint the mural in the park.

“We’re looking forward to doing more murals and beautifying the area, doing the things the city can’t afford to pay for,” Coronis said. Coronis said they’re working on adding a live auction to the event

with a plan to feature the items up for grabs during the 15-minute switchover between each band. They’re still soliciting sponsorships and have a lot of volunteer opportunities open for those looking to get involved. PampaFest maintains an active Facebook page and additional information, including vendor applications, volunteer sign-ups, and how to purchase tickets can all be found online at pampafest.com. General admission pre-sale prices are $30, and tickets will be $40 at the gate on the day of the event. VIP tickets are $150.

“VIP is already about two-thirds sold out,” Coronis said. “We sell out every year.”

Pampa H20 Waterpark provides fun for the whole family

by JuLie thompSon

The Pampa H20 Water Park was originally the vision of City Manager Shane Stokes, who Community Services Director Dustin Miller said “went out on a limb” to make Pampa the first town in the Panhandle to open a water park in 2011.

“I think he was ahead of the thought process and a lot of cities have followed suit,” Miller said. “Now Canyon has one, Perryton, even Amarillo has one that’s similar to ours now.”

The water park is familyoriented, Miller said one of the main draws to the park is its size and feel. Parents and Guardians feel safe letting their kids run around and play without having to constantly worry about losing them in the crowds.

Every Monday night in June and July, the park hosts Adult Swim Night for those 18 years and older, and it’s stressed that no “kids” are allowed.

“It’s genuinely adults that come up there and enjoy their

time and play. It’s not kids that are right out of high school,” Miller said.

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning throughout the summer, they also shut down the park from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for Toddler Time. That hour and a half provide a more relaxed atmosphere for guardians and non-school-age children, where they can play on the splash pad and in the lazy river.

This year is also the first year the park has hosted Special Needs Night, coordinated by a local for families of children with special socializing needs.

“Some special needs kids can’t handle large crowds and all the noise,” Miller said. “We want to cater to them and make sure they have an opportunity to enjoy the park like everyone else.”

Private parties are hosted seven days a week from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night, which Miller said is popular among churches and other organizations, and they’ve seen their

share of birthday parties and family get-togethers. Those interested in such parties simply need to reserve their time in advance.

“What separates us right now is that we’re back to normal operation hours since Covid,” Miller said. “During Covid, we went to sessions where you had to shut the park down and deep clean. Some facilities chose to stay in sessions. We do take a pool break in the middle of the day for maintenance, but nobody has to leave.”

Aquatic Center Entry Fees

Infant/Toddler (ages 3 and Under) - Free Admission

Youth (ages 4 – 17)

$6 per day

Adult (ages 18 and Up)

$7 per day

Aquatic Center Season Passes

Individual Season Pass$150+ tax per season

Individual “10 Visit” Pass$50 + tax

Individual “20 Visit” Pass$100 + tax

Family Season Pass (family of five) - $350 + tax per season

If you are interested in reserving a pavilion or the entire park, call for details. They can be reached at 806-665-5730.

General Rules

No outside food or drinks allowed in park.

Must be 48” to ride the slides. We do not allow outside inner tubes. Only toddler size flotation devices.

No life jackets, jewelry or metal allowed on the slides.

No flotation devices allowed on slides or diving boards, individuals must be able to swim. Parents are not allowed to take children down the slide. Three people per platform on our slides. All children not potty trained need to have on a swim diaper. If child can not swim please do not leave them unattended.

See website for dates and hours: https://bit.ly/3fzetO6

Pampa Country Club isn’t your ‘usual country club atmosphere’

Staff report

Still considered by many to be one of the finest golf facilities in the Texas Panhandle, the Pampa Country Club is located at 1765 East Harvester Avenue.

the

“We’ve got some of the best greens in Texas, and that’s basically our trademark,” Golf Pro Niels Sorenson said. “We have a pretty small membership right now so it’s really easy for people to get on the

course. It’s a huge advantage to some of the other country clubs in the area because they’re usually backed up. Out here, you can just show up and you get to play within five to ten minutes.”

Organized in 1928 with $12,000 in stock and shares selling for $200 each, the first certificate was issued to M.K. Brown on April 23, 1928, according to an article by the White Deer Land Museum’s long-time curator Eloise Lane. Lane’s article states in the mid-1930s, the clubhouse was built and paid for in cash and would leave no debt. As Pampa grew, the club’s membership grew, allowing for expansion to the size of the clubhouse.

to couples, Mother’s Day and pool parties are held occasionally throughout the year.

Customers also have the option of a full dinner menu in the main dining area during the evening.

“Our newly renovated Clubhouse provides a warm, inviting setting for dining, entertaining, and socializing,” the club’s website states. “Our staff are ready to serve you. And for special occasions, our Front Bar and Banquet Rooms can be reserved for large parties or small gatherings or meetings.”

The Pampa Country Club offers one of the best 18-hole golf courses in the Texas Panhandle along with a full service bar and restaurant for a wonderful dining experience. Offering- full clubhouse facilities for banquets, weddings and receptions. Swimming is available during the summer months.

In the summer months, Pampa Country Club offers a kiddie pool for cildren and a larger swimming pool for adults. They also offer many events and programs throughout the year, including golf lessons for adults and children, and several holidaythemed events. Around Easter, there is a children’s Easter egg coloring party and an Easter egg hunt with the Easter Bunny on site. For Valentine’s Day, there’s a day dedicated

Pampa Country Club hosts a wide range of tournaments from the Hart Warren Top O’ Texas Golf Tournament, TriState Seniors, and one half of the Pampa Partnership. According to Sorenson, their most challenging hole is No. 11 - their longest Par 4 where that south wind could easily bring your ball into trouble if it gets going.

“People should know it’s not the usual country club atmosphere out here,” Sorenson said. “It’s really laid back. The majority of our membership are blue collar and you can always come out and find someone to play with.”

MK Brown Civic Center offers a big venue for a small town

by JuLie thompSon

The MK Brown Civic Center, dedicated in April of 1972 in the memory of immigrant and Pampa entrepreneur Montagu Kingsmill Brown, plays a vital role in arts and entertainment for Pampa and surrounding areas. Each year, it is host to multiple events and private affairs, including concerts, festivals, and vendor shows.

“It’s a fantastic building,” Civic Center and Armory Manager Tracy Washington said. “I don’t think people realize how fortunate we are to have a facility like this in a small town.”

Washington said she’s heard “story after story” from the days when the center first opened about how many famous people came through and kept the center packed all the time. The venue features 1,500 seats in the auditorium and they’ve recently updated the lighting system, which Washington said is now a professional New York City style theater light system. By October, they’ll be redoing their sound system complete with a new digital board and new speakers.

“It’s going to be quite the upgrade. I have a projector in that auditorium that is movie theater quality, too,” Washington said. “We’ve done lots of painting in the dressing rooms and changed out light fixtures. We put in a new ceiling. We try to keep this building nice.”

In a post-Covid world, the civic center has struggled to

get people out to events. Washington said she’ll often end up sitting in the theater watching great concerts and shows and wonders why the place isn’t packed. However, she said things have been picking up as far as private events go - citizens can rent out the more than 3,500 square foot venue for weddings, quincineras, receptions and other events. Before Covid, when they’d bring in an act like Big Daddy Weave, there would be people lined up around the block to get in and they’d have to turn citizens away because the 1,500 seats were already taken.

“The auditorium is not utilized nearly as much as the banquet room, but we’re here for the community and try to keep our prices reasonable so people can take advantage,” Washington said.

Already on deck this year are a Garth Brooks tribute band, a ventriloquist, and entertainment painter who paints to music in front of a live audience.

For those interested in renting out the venue, contact Washington at 806-669-5790.

Upcoming Event Schedule for MK Brown Civic Center:

Aug. 22 - Coffee Memorial Blood Drive

Sept. 9 - Junk to Treasure Marketplace Craft Show

Sept. 17 - Community concert featuring Key of G, a Garth Brooks tribute band

Sept. 23 - 24 - Gun Show hosted by Top O’Texas Masonic Lodge

Oct. 7 - Woody Guthrie Day

Oct. 14 - United Way’s “Dine United” dinner and a show, featuring ventriliquist and entertainment painter

Oct. 18 - Coffee Memorial Blood Drive

Oct. 21 - Chamber of Commerce Country Fair

Oct 31 - Harvest Fest, featuring games, bouncy houses, face painting, candy, and more

Nov. 4 - PAWS Shrimp Boil fundraiser

Nov. 7 - Elections - Go Vote!

Nov. 10 - Veteran’s Day Program

Nov. 16 - Pampa High School Choir presents “The Little Mermaid”

Nov. 18 - No Show encore of “The Little Mermaid”

Dec. 2 -3 - Deanna McGill Dance Academy presents “The Nutcracker”

Dec 19 - Coffee Memorial Blood Drive - bring five presents and they will be wrapped with beautiful bows for donation

Carter Sand & Gravel, LLC

At the Pampa Youth & Community Center you will find a wide variety of excercise options available to help you get or stay in shape!

Features at the PY&CC

Two Tennis Courts

• Two Racquetball/Handball Courts

• Two Basketball Courts

• Weight Lifting Room

-Free weights

-Cybex weight machines

• Cardiovascular Room

- Treadmills

- Summit Trainer

- Arc Trainers

- Airdyne Bikes

- Stationary Bikes

- Recumbent Bikes

- Rower

PYCC: Where everyone knows your name

by JuLie thompSon

The Pampa Youth and Community Center (PYCC) first opened its doors in 1960 and has been running strong with a tightknit crew ever since. When you walk in, you’re most likely to be greeted by Receptionist Elizabeth Ramirez, who’s worked at the center for 43 years and makes a point to know everyone by name.

“I’ve seen kids come in when they were really young and now they’re married and have kids of their own and they’re surprised to see that I’m still here,” Ramirez said.

tell you what to do and what it does for your body.”

• Indoor Running/Walking Track

• Indoor Swimming Pool

• Ladies Workout Room

• Whirlpools & Saunas

• Programs & Lessons

-Swimming Lessons

- Tournaments (Dodgeball, Basketball, Power Lifting, Cornhole, etc)

- Youth Activites (Dive-in Movies, Kid’s Camp, Tournaments, etc)

- Fitness Classes (Zumba, Aqua Zumba, HIIT, Yoga, Water Aerobics)

- Spin Class

- Crossfit Pampa- Beginner to advanced

Pampa Youth and Community Center 1005 West Harvester P.O. Box 1164

Run by Director Jimmy Hicks, who Ramirez said takes care of his crew and keeps them going, the PYCC offers a full-service gym complete with an indoor heated pool and host of things to keep you busy. There are two indoor tennis courts and two indoor basketball courts, an indoor track, men’s and women’s sauna and whirlpool, a racketball court, cardio room and a weight room with machine weights.

The classes offered at the PYCC include yoga, water aerobics, hit class, and the recent additions of a spin class and crossfit. If you decide to become a member, all classes will be included. If you’re not a member, you can take your first class for free to make sure you’ll enjoy it and then pay the $6 daily entry fee for non-members to access them. Memberships run yearlly, which can be paid up front or made in payments. There’s a one-time enrollment fee, followed by a $30 montly fee for individual members, $45 for a married couple, and $50 for an entire family.

Ramirez said it’s the atmopshere that’s kept her working at PYCC for so long.

“Everybody here gets along, the workers get along, which is a plus and it really helps,” Ramirez said. “If a customer comes in and let’s say we haven’t seen them in a while, it’s ‘Oh, welcome back! We’re glad to see you!’ It makes them happy to come and work out and hear that. It’s a pretty good place.”

806-665-0748 Low Monthly Fee!

Pampa, Texas 79066-1164

“I think that’s pretty good for Pampa,” Ramirez said. “We also have classes with really good instructors. Don’t think that you’re gonn have to come in and lift 100 lbs the first time. You go gradually and each class they’ll

Pampa Youth Center is located at 1005 West Harvester Avenue and you can contact them at (806) 665-0748.

Photo by John Lee Receptionist Elizabeth Ramirez has worked at PYCC for 43 years.

Beyond Mushyheaded ideas

by Laura bonnett LABonnett87@gmail.com

Mushyhead Comics sprung up in the early stages of its life as an eBay shop in 2018. Owners Andres (Andy) and Amanda Arreola began with buying books, first-appearance comics, and other exclusives to flip for profit. With the success of their online shop, the couple opened a booth at the Amarillo flea market in late 2018, increasing their stock to include Funko POP! figures and other collectibles. The booth was a huge success, selling out every weekend. Expanding on that success, discussions began between the two about opening an actual storefront, but the big question was where. Already having established residence in historic downtown, Pampa seemed like the obvious choice.

On June 8th of 2019, during the Burnin’ of the Bricks, Mushyhead Comics officially opened its doors. They began with a smaller storefront across the street from their residence, later acquiring the property at 117 West Foster Ave with the intent to rent the space to help cover their overhead. The Arreolas soon realized that the demand for what they were providing was greater than their space could keep up with, and the decision was made to move their operation into the location they had purchased, rather than to rent it out.

Moving across the street

made the transition for both the owners and the customers go smoothly, and being the owners of their own space has allowed the Arreolas greater control of the design of their business. Many changes have taken place over the years. Climate control was added to the other half of their property, allowing them to expand on the area where they display merchandise while providing a greater space for customers to come and partake in various hobbies and activities, of which Mushyhead Comics provides many.

“We like to call it ‘Nerdvana’,” said Amanda. “It’s an eclectic mix of different fandoms. We don’t cater to one specific genre.”

As new people discover the shop and brave its front doors, Andy and Amanda are constantly finding new demands to be met with new products and services they can provide. Over the years they have expanded their product line to not only include their foundation comics and collectibles, but also various trading card games such as Magic; the Gathering, Pokemon, and Dragon Ball Z. They are always adding to their stock and expanding on what they can provide, recently considering the addition of light novels and books to their ever-growing section of comics and mangas.

“If we don’t have it and you want it, let us know,” said Amanda. “Sometimes there’s a need we’re unaware of.”

Once you’ve made it past the rows of unique wares the shop offers, you’ll see a doorway to the right that welcomes you to a wide area of several empty tables and chairs, situated for anyone to come and play the many card and tabletop games provided by the shop. Mushyhead not only sells collectible card games but also provides dozens of free-to-play boardgames for anyone to use inside the shop.

“We wanted it to be more of a gathering space, a safe space,” said Amanda. “Because some kids don’t have access to particular things, especially during the summer. It gives them a place to go that is out of the heat.”

The environment isn’t only welcoming to kids, but adults as well. Many parents come and play alongside their kids or partake in hobbies of their own while their kids play. On multiple occasions, the play space has been used to host parties, and the Arreolas have a large bounce house they have been known to inflate to keep kids busy while their parents play in some of the larger sanctioned tournaments the store hosts.

“We want to expand and be more like a gaming lounge, similar to those you see in big cities like Dallas,” Amanda said. “To have gaming PCs and consoles set up where people can come in and rent a space to play.”

Mushyhead currently has multiple TVs where people can come and play any of the

in-store gaming systems, or even watch sports.

“We have sports ball if people need a place to watch. We play all the games,” said Amanda.

During football season, Mushyhead organizes a fantasy draft league and rounds it out at the end of the season with a super bowl party. The shop is also currently the only venue in town that isn’t a bar where you can watch a game and is open late; usually midnight or later on Saturdays.

The shop will also host themed movie nights throughout the year for Star Wars Day (May 4th), Harry Potter’s birthday (July 31st), and Mario Day (March 10th), along with other spontaneous movie nights.

Another big draw to the location is what they provide for the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) community. Mushyhead offers Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) playgroups and gives them a space to gather in. Behind the open tables of the play space is a room separated by large barn doors that has become known as ‘The Dungeon’. Here you will find a table much larger than those in the play space that is covered with a gridded mat, suitable for writing with dry-erase markers as is typical with most TTRPGs. The Dungeon is open to the public and free to reserve. Mushyhead also coordinates with all the local D&D groups and helps new players.

“We find them groups,” said

What ‘s to Do in PAMPA

Andy. “We try to find them a home within the community, because sometimes it’s hard to make new friends, especially if you’ve just moved to a new place.”

Andy and Amanda are no strangers to this feeling themselves as neither are Pampaborn natives. Amanda moved to Pampa in 2013 and Andy in 2003. The two met in 2013 while working at SWM and began officially dating in 2015, bonding over their mutual interests in ‘nerd stuff’ as Amanda puts it.

Since then, the Arreolas have also purchased the adjacent property on the corner with the intent to renovate it into an event center for weddings and parties of 200 or less. Plans include remodeling the upstairs area into a groom’s suite while preserving the look and feel of the speakeasy it once was. There is an intermediary floor with a large old mercury glass mirror powder room that Amanda plans to

renovate around and turn into a bridal suite. The floors are connected by a grand balcony that overlooks the large open floor area. There is also a catering kitchen on the ground floor. Amanda has hopes to one day register the building as a historical site but is lacking in data on the location and photographs to show its legitimacy. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Mushyhead Comics at (806) 370-5858.

“People have so much pride in Pampa,” said Amanda. “I want people to care about downtown.”

Preserving the integrity of history is important to the owners of Mushyhead, and they haven’t forgotten their roots as well, maintaining a vast online shop presence through multiple websites. Having such a strong hold on their website and other storefronts helped them maintain their business through the struggles of COVID shut-

downs.

“We feel very fortunate,” said Amanda. “We were able to pivot people to our online stores.”

While COVID did limit their supply chain and ability to meet demand for a bit, which slowed their progress, Mushyhead Comics is bouncing back and continues to offer a wide selection of goods online for shipping all across the US, and have even assisted with sending products to those serving our country through APO and FPO boxes. Mushyhead also assists parents and grandparents in store with picking out gifts for their children or grandchildren who may live in other states and then ships those products directly to them.

Offering such a plethora of both shopping and entertainment in Pampa while remodeling and restoring their portion of historic downtown has certainly kept the Arreolas busy over the past few years,

but it seems to be a business model that has led to success.

Mushyhead Comics has developed a loyal customer base while continuing to draw new business both online and in person.

“It just made sense to be here. We knew there was a need,” said Amanda “If you like collectibles, comics, and games, it gives you somewhere to do it all without having to leave town.”

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In the Arts:

High Plains Cruisers

kahammer43@gmail. com

Pampa Community Concert Association glennette@ goodeangus.com

Pampa Radio Operated Plane Society

www.propsclub.org, e-mail pampapropsclub@ yahoo.com.

Dungeons & Dragons (806) 370-5858

For Veterans:

VFW Post 1657

105 S. Cuyler, P.O. Box 2684, Pampa, Texas

Clubs and Services

For Seniors:

Pampa Senior Citizens Center

500 W. Francis, Pampa, Texas 806-669-7414.

Southside Senior Citizens Center

438 W. Crawford, Pampa, Texas, 79065

Pampa Meals on Wheels

302 E. Foster Ave, Pampa, Texas 79065, 806-669-1007.

GrayCares Living at Home

511 N Hobart St, Pampa, Texas 79065, 806-688-7109.

Social Clubs: Rotary

Every Wednesday at 12 p.m. at the Pampa Chamber of Commerce, 200 N Ballard St, Pampa, TX Lions Club

Every Thursday at noon in the basement of the First United Methodist Church, 201 East Foster, Pampa, Texas, 79065

Kiwanis

Every Friday at noon at Pampa Country Club, 1765 E Harvester Ave, Pampa, TX 79065.

Pampa Knights Athletic Club (806)661-9744 or pampa9208@gmail. com

Top O’ Texas Republican Women’s

Club

2434 Cherokee Pampa TX 79066 (806) 6692206

Altrusa

International of Pampa

Every other Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Pampa Chamber of Commerce

200 N Ballard St, Pampa, TX

Pampa Desk and Derrick Club

Meets every fourth Tuesday and during the pandemic they have met at someone’s house. For more information call Carol Cofer- 806-669-3108.

Top O’ Texas Rodeo returns steeped in tradition

by JuLie thompSon

The Top O’ Texas Rodeo is steeped in tradition - one that was started by a group of local businessmen in 1945.

“They wanted to give the local cowboys and cowgirls something to do and came up with the idea of a rodeo,” Office Manager Cindy Kemph said. “Really and truly, it’s been the work of dedicated sponsors and lots of very dedicated rodeo directors that have worked over the years, our board and directors.”

They have to be dedicated because the rodeo takes a lot of work to put on. Kemph said they’ll begin work on next year’s rodeo before the 76th iteration is even over, as it takes well over a full year to plan one. There have only been three years in Top O’Texas history that canceled the rodeo: In 1970, a tornado hit and took out some of the stands, in 1971 there was a quarantine on the livestock due to Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis which meant they couldn’t be transported, and of course, the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cowboys and girls come from all over the country to participate in the rodeo in events that range from freestyle bullfights to mutton bustin’. Free BBQ is offered for all ticket holders and a dance is held after the rodeo performance, so there’s something for everyone to come out and enjoy.

“Something that’s new this year, when you buy a ticket, it will be good for the rodeo and the dance,” Kemph said.

Last year, they brought back their freestyle bullfights, which Kemph said went well.

“We had the bullfighters come in and they fight the Mexican

fighting bulls when a cowboy gets a buck-off,” Kemph said. “It’s just to show off the rodeo bullfighters’ skills.”

A section of the arena is cordoned off for the judged event, with the animal and the bullfighter both getting a score. The first round of bullfights will be held at the beginning of the rodeo, with the second round at the end.

“It’s lots of family fun and a lot of hard work, but there’s a lot of satisfaction when you see it all come to fruition,” Kemph said. “We had such a good crowd last year and we’re hoping we have that and even better this year.”

This year’s Top O’ Texas Rodeo will kick off at 7 p.m. on Aug. 11-12. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit topotexrodeo.com or call Kemph at 806-662-2873.

76th Top O’ Texas Rodeo Schedule of Events:

Saturday, July 22

9 a.m. - Kid Pony Show

7 p.m. - JR Rodeo

Thursday, August 10

7 p.m. - Slack Performance

Friday, August 11

Family night - Buy one ticket (age 65 and older) and get another senior ticket for halfprice.

5:30 p.m. - Free BBQ for all ticket holders

5:30 p.m. - Mutton Bustin Extravaganza

7 p.m. - First performance of the Top O’ Texas Rodeo

9 p.m. - Dance at the Top O’ Texas/Norris Dance Pavillion featuring musical acts JW Lane & Country Road, Seth Ward & The Silence

Saturday, August 12

10:30 a.m. - Rodeo parade through downtown Pampa

7 p.m. - Final performance of the Top O’ Texas Rodeo -

Mutton Bustin Extravaganza finals to take place during the rodeo performance

9 p.m. - Dance at the Top O’Texas/Norris Dance Pavillion featuring musical acts Ghosts of Gray County, Mike Chism & Hollow Point

Nightly Attractions:

• Freestyle bullfights

Nickel Drop - ages 6 and

under Calf Scramble - ages 12 and under Mini bulls

Rodeo ticket prices, including dance: $20 for adults

$10 for children 7-12

Free for children 6 and under

Our Commitment

To drive down the cost of wind energy by developing the advanced tower design and manufacturing technology needed to reach stronger winds at lower costs.

jobs@keystonetowersystems.com

Annual White Deer Rodeo

65 Years of Growth

by Laura bonnett Labonnett87@GmaiL.com

The White Deer Rodeo is held annually at the end of July at the White Deer Rodeo Grounds. The rodeo has continued to see growth over the decades, but the biggest surge has been seen post-COVID when in 2021, the White Deer Riding Club took a chance on going above and beyond what they had ever done before. Expanding their concert venue in preparation for their first bigname headliner the investment paid off and has seen an incredible return for the White Deer Rodeo ever since.

“Two years ago, when we took the gamble with Aaron Watson, we made some investments into the property and built a bigger, better stage, opened the dance floor up, and by doing that we showed the booking agents and the bigger bands that we could provide them with an adequate stage and concert venue,” said White Deer Riding Club Vice President Jared Guerrero.

The club continues to provide headliner talent for big concerts and the rodeo has continued to expand by building new concession stands and adding 35 feet of seating to keep up with the growing crowd.

While the explosive music scene and dance that follows the rodeo nightly always draws a huge crowd, the main event itself, the rodeo performance, gets bigger and better every

year as well.

“We always put on a good performance,” said Guerrero.

Events include mutton bustin’ and calf riding for the kids, barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping, and of course, bull riding.

Tickets typically go on sale for the rodeo in mid-April online through the Clint& Sons website, one of the rodeo’s biggest sponsors through the years. Clint & Sons also provides the free BBQ meal included with your Friday ticket purchase every year.

Saturday’s rodeo performance is preceded every year by an early morning parade through historical downtown White Deer and the Kick Back Day gathering in the park. Kick Back Day fills the park with vendors and activities for all ages, including multiple fun contests.

“Everything about our rodeo symbolizes what it means to live in the Texas Panhandle; you’ve got a great BBQ every night, great Texas rodeo, and then an awesome night of Texas country music,” Guerrero said. “It symbolizes what it means to live in a small town in the Texas panhandle. We take pride in putting on this event.”

For more information on the White Deer Rodeo please contact the White Deer Riding Club or Jared Guerrero at 254371-9921.

For more information about Kick Back Day please contact the White Deer Park Committee at 806-654-7141.

Photos by Laura Bonnett

Back-it-up Terry picks the winning duck for the Pampa Duck Derby

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

PAMPA FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD

1020 Love St.

806-665-5941

BAPTIST

ALANREED FIRST BAPTIST

McLean

806-256-5331

BIBLE BAPTIST

500 E. Kingsmill Ave.

806-669-7830

CALVARY BAPTIST

900 E. 23rd Ave.

806-665-0842

CENTRAL BAPTIST

513 E. Francis Ave.

806-665-1631

CORNERSTONE BAPTIST

2410 W. 23rd Ave.

806-669-6509

FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST

622 E. Francis Ave.

806-669-1652

FIRST BAPTIST

203 N. West St.

806-669-1155

FIRST BAPTIST

206 E. 1st, McLean

806-779-2175

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEFORS

315 E. 4th St., Lefors 806-835-2222

GRACE BAPTIST

824 Barnes St.

806-669-7967

CATHOLIC ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

CATHOLIC

810 W. 23rd Ave.

806-665-8933

CHRISTIAN Hillside Christian ChurchPampa Campus

1633 N. Nelson St.

806-669-3225

HI LAND CHRISTIAN

1615 N. Banks St.

806-669-6700

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST

500 N. Somerville St.

806-663-02163

CHURCH OF CHRIST

1342 Mary Ellen St.

806-665-0031

MCLEAN CHURCH OF CHRIST

315 W. 4th St., McLean

806-779-2182

SOUTHSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST

11925 W. McCullough St.

806-669-3912

KENTUCKY AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST

1612 W. Kentucky Ave.

806-665-2572

EPISCOPAL

ST. MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL

727 W. Browning Ave.

MORMON

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

411 E. 29th Ave. 806-669-2967

NAZARENE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE500 N. West St. 806-669-3144

PENTECOSTAL

UNITED PENTECOSTAL

610 Naida St. 806-665-3676

PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS

PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS

1700 Alcock St. 806-665-8192

PAMPA CHURCH OF GOD

1123 Gwendolyn. 806-680-6846.

PRESBYTERIAN

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

525 N. Gray St. 806-665-1031

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

421 N. Ward St. 806-665-4492

OTHER CAROL PEET MINISTRIES

1717 N. Russell St. 806-665-8543

ALBERTA HELTON MINISTRIES

13905 W. I-40

McLean, Texas 806-663-2830

CARPENTER’S CHURCH

639 S. Barnes 806-665-4711

NEW HORIZON COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP

711 E. Harvester Ave. 806-440-4240

CROSSROADS MINISTRY

603 Commerce St., McLean 806-779-3100

IGLESIA NUEVA VIDA

1200 S. Sumner St. 806-665-8331

FULL ARMOR FELLOWSHIP

1733 N. Banks St. 806-669-6915

TRINITY

401 W. Railroad Ave., McLean, 806-779-3207

TRINITY FELLOWSHIP

2225 N. Hobart St. 806-665-3255

REDEEMER PAMPA

225 N. Cuyler 806-486-2561

Mary Ellen & Harvester

HIGHLAND BAPTIST

1301 N. Banks St.

806-665-3300

HOBART BAPTIST

1100 Crawford St. 806-669-3212

IGLESIA BAUTISTA EMMANUEL

1021 Barnes St.

806-665-4330

LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST

326 Rider St.

806-665-0262

MACEDONIA BAPTIST

441 Elm Ave.

806-665-4926

NEW HOPE BAPTIST

404 Harlem St.

806-665-4044

PRIMERA IGLESIA BAUTISTA

1541 Hamilton St.

806-665-8347

BIBLE

FAITH BIBLE

205 N. Cuyler St.

806-688-9266

806-665-0701

INTER-DENOMINATIONAL

BRIARWOOD CHURCH

1800 W. Harvester Ave. 806-665-7201

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

2300 Crescent Dr. 806-677-4757

LUTHERAN

ZION LUTHERAN

1200 Duncan St. 806-669-2774

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST

201 E. Foster Ave.

806-669-7411

ST. MARK CME

406 Elm Ave. 806-669-6743

ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST

511 N. Hobart St.

806-665-8951

UNITED METHODIST

219 Gray St., McLean

806-779-2337

We offer an invitation to any and all to come worship with us at MEHCOC. You will find a loving church that desires to follow the calling of Jesus Christ and wants to live like Christ. We sing and make music in our hearts with acapella Worship as we are instructed in Ephesians 5:19. We partake in the Lord’s Supper every Sunday as told in Acts 20:7. We believe Jesus Christ himself created the church of Christ, not man, as we see the church created in Matthew 16:18 and then talked about in Romans 16:16. We would love for you to join us in Worship as we follow the calling of Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples! Our services are livestreamed on our YouTube page. You can follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MEHCOC. Zac Green is the Minister. Our Elders are Gene Brown, Kurt Curfman, Alan Eubank, Frankie Lemons, and Gary Turley.

What ‘s to Do in PAMPA

Art Tour of Pampa

Photos by The Pampa News

“This Land is Your Land” is a 150’ wide by 10’ tall sculpture that represents the chorus of Woody Guthrie’s classic song. Lovett Memorial Library statue; She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her toungue is the law of kindness (Proverbs 31:26). The Loch Ness Lizard was constructed in1991-1992 by the metal trades class with recycled materials. The Art History Wall is located west of the MK Brown Civic Center and has 16 different faces dedicated to the Texas flag, area cattle brands, the agriculture and petroleum industries, early American lifestyles and WWII Air base. The Pampa Mural finished in 2023, can be seen in historic downtown depicting images that define Pampa and it’s history.

This Land is Your Land

Art History Wall - A Preview

Loch Ness Lizard Sculpture

Lovett Memorial Library Statue

Pampa Mural Downtown

• Reduce environmental impact while increasing revenue

• Eliminate the need to flare or vent, improving your site’s air quality

• Remove VOCs easier and at the source

Blue Jean Ball

PAMPA FACTS

Located in Gray County, Texas, Pampa has a population of 16,474. Gray County itself has a population of 21,030.

Other facts about Pampa: Elevation: 3,234 feet above sea level

Compared to:

Amarillo- 3,601’

Oklahoma City- 1,201’

Albuquerque- 5,312’

Transportation: Pampa sits right on U.S. Highway 60 and has Texas Highways 70 and 152. Interstate 40 is 27 miles south of Pampa.

BNSF Railroad provides piggy-back service to the area with 55 trains daily. Private air service is available locally at Perry Lefors Airfiled. Commercial flights are available through Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.

Utilities

Electricity: Xcel Energy 800895-4999

Gas: Atmos Energy 888363-7427

LP Distributors:

Clark C Propane- 806-6654018

Centergas Fuels- 806-6657235

Dallas- 430’

Denver- 5,280’

Distance from:

Amarillo- 56 miles

Oklahoma City- 220 miles

Albuquerque, N.M.- 344 miles

Dallas/Forth Worth- 356 miles

Denver, Colo.- 443 miles

Lubbock- 179 miles

Austin- 472 miles

Water/Sewer/Trash

City of Pampa- 806-6695810

Telephone/Internet

AT&T- 800-288-2020

Cable One- 888-216-5524

Resound Networks- 800806-1719

NTS Comm.- 800-658-2150

Cell Phone

AT&T- 800-665-0500

Verizon- 806-669-3435

Cricket- 806-665-0165

Boost- 806-419-3292

Metro PCS- 806-486-1407

Taxes

Sales tax

State- 6.25%, City 2.0% Property taxes

City- .73 % per $100

PISD- 1.2384% per $100 (as of Aug. 2021)

Clarendon College- .05% per $100

County $.65086/$100

For more information vist graycad.org

Welcome to PAMPA

Climate in Pampa (from U.S. Climate Data)

Average temperatures:

Highs- Jan.- 49ºF, Feb.52º, March- 61º, April- 70º, May- 78º, June- 86º, July91º, Aug.- 90º, Sept.- 82º, Oct.- 71º, Nov.- 60º, Dec.-49º

Lows- Jan.- 23ºF, Feb.- 26º, March- 33º, April- 41º, May51º, June- 60º, July- 66º,

Employment and workforce

Workforce Country- 7,753

Radius of Labor Drawing

Area: 60 miles

Manufacturing employment: 1,100 (est.)

Major employers

Pampa ISD, Pampa Regional Medical Center, Walmart, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, City of Pampa, Hunting-Titan, United Supermarkets, Gray County, Cabot Corporation, G2X, National Oilwell Varco

Education

School districts: Pampa ISD, Miami ISD, Lefors ISD, Grandview-Hopkins, White Deer ISD

Higher education: Clarendon College, Frank Phillips College, Amarillo College

Private: Community Christian School, Create-A-Beat

Afterschool Arts Program, St. Matthew’s Day School, First Baptist Child Development Center, Gray County Latchkey

Aug.- 65º, Sept.- 57º, Oct.45º, Nov.- 33º, Dec.-24º

Average rainfall: Average annual rainfall is 23.28 inches with the wettest months being June (3.66 inches), May (2.99) and Aug. (2.76)

Medical Care

Pampa Regional Medical Center services a population of about 65,000 from the Texas Panhandle and employs roughly 240 staff members. For more information visit www.prmctx.com.

Ambulance service is provided by Emergency Services Foundation of Texas. Air ambulance is provided by Lifestar 2 and is stationed at the hospital. Pampa also has 12 medical clinics, 3 nursing homes, 1 assisted living center, 2 chiropractic offices, 3 veterinarians, 4 dentists, 2 orthodontists and 2 eye care facilities.

Under New Management

Sam Williams Event Coordinator

Johanna Henley Community Manager

HAMPTON VILLAGES

Hampton Villages is brand new community of individual homes. We feature beautiful 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes for lease.

Each home features

• Upgraded carpet and Wood Style laminate flooring

• Beautiful black Energy star appliances

• Energy efficient low E Windows

• 2 inch mini blinds

• Ceiling fans

• Walk-in closets

• Kitchen Pantries

• Full size Washer and Dryer connections

• One car attached garages

• Each home is Certified Energy Efficient by Energy Star!

Communities Amenities:

• Beautiful Community Center with full kitchen

• Full-time Resident Services Coordinator

• Planned activities

1517 Alcock Street, Pampa, TX 79065

Office: 806-440-0054

manager@hamptonvillageapts.com

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:30 pm

• Kids Club

• Business Center

• Controlled Access gates

• Clothes care center

Rents range from $325-$1114, Minimum and

Maximum income restriction apply for qualification

*Section 8 vouchers accepted

*Handicap and Hearing and Visual units

*Available in some units

Kim Hill, FBSW Pampa Market President

BANK

Thank you Pampa for voting us Best Bank. We are incredibly proud to be your LOCAL BANK • FAMILY BANK • TEXAS BANK and would appreciate your nomination again next year.

“Whether you are a long-time customer or someone searching for a new bank, we want to be your community bank. My commitment to you is that the FirstBank Southwest team will continue to work diligently every day on your behalf. We will prioritize you and your banking needs, and we will continue to provide you with the trusted, personalized and professional banking services that you deserve. FBSW is MY BANK.” FBSW.COM