Sign Greets Christmas Travelers

3rd Meeting with the Architects From Tom Lavin Architect Firm

The Chamber's Convention Center study committee met and looked at the architect's new configurations on Tuesday. Tom Lavin of Lavin Architect began by telling the feasibility committee how they took what the committee said they wanted and made a configuration of what they heard.  The Lavin Architect realize that there has to be a master plan that can be built in stages.  The completed plan would be around 300,000 sq.ft.  It is a little larger than first discussed.  Tom Lavin said when they got into the details of it with the committee this could be refined to suit the communities needs.

Lavin Architect took this gaming piece from September's meeting and came up with a grand design.

Architects from Tom Lavin Architect Firm

View of Convention Center showing the Arena on the left.  Building the Arena would be Phase one. 

The indoor arena can be used for equestrian events, rodeos, car shows and sports events such as volleyball or basketball events.  The Indoor Arena would be 155' x 250' which would include seating for 1,250 to 1,400, a warm up area, return alley, dressing room with restrooms only and storage.  The arena will be a metal commercial building that is heated and cooled.

December or January will bring another meeting with the architects to discuss the cost of the Convention Center which would be more like an event center.

Valero Has Annual Cook-Off To End Their Successful United Way Campaign But This Year It Ends With Valero Employees Mourning Two Members of the Valero Family

Lauren Bird, VP and General Manager

Normally at the end of their annual BBQ Cook-off that marks the end of their United Way campaign there is a celebration atmosphere with prizes and giveaways.  Not so this year.  The McKee Valero employees did enjoy a feast of meats fit for a king but with sadness.

Lauren Bird, VP and General Manager of McKee Valero Refinery took this opportunity to speak the crowd gathered.  Lauren began by informing everyone gathered for this event that this BBQ cook-off is going to be different.  Mr. Bird said there would be no judging this year, no winners would be picked. Lauren Bird also said that random prizes for those who gave to the United Way campaign would be done separately and at another time.

Lauren spoke of the loss that the McKee Refinery has had this past week when they lost two employees on two separate days.  He said this as he tried to hold back his own tears.

This is what Lauren Bird had to say to his employees at the McKee Refinery.

"To everything there is a season
 A time to be born
 and a time to die
 a time to plant
 and a time to pluck that which is planted
 a time to mourn and a time to dance,
 a time for every purpose under Heaven
 a time to weep and a time to laugh."

"Now is not the time to laugh or to dance

 Now is the time to weep and to morn

 For those who have left."

"We are arranging for Grief counseling to be at the refinery on Monday morning.

Meanwhile each of us is processing through our grief as best as we can."

"So for now let us mourn those who mourn, give comfort to those who stand in need of comfort.

We pray for the families of the deceased.  And we seek to support each other in our grief."

Let us now remember and ponder the lives of Geraldo Hernandez and Jimmy Eads

Valero Employee's Cook-Off.  Great ending to a great United Way Campaign.

Valero employees enjoying the feast of meats.

Ben Maples of Valero and Ken Braun, Grocery Manager with United Supermarket.

Special guests at the Cook-Off  for Valero's United Way Campaign.

Some are board members of United Way, sine are agencies that receive 

United Way funding and others are County and City dignitaries.

The Dumas Office of The Bridge Host Chamber's Business After Hours

The Bridge hosted this month's Business After Hours for the Dumas/Moore County Chamber of Commerce.  Below are pictures of Chamber members visiting at the Bridge office in Dumas.

April Tucker, Brenda Elzner, Amy Rhoades and Sam Cartwright at the Chambers Business After Hours

Edye Cunningham of CASA 69 visiting with Amy Rhoades Board Member of The Bridge

 The Bridge proactively engages community partners, implements impartial investigative techniques, coordinates case tracking, makes counseling referrals and educates victims and non-offending family members on victims’ rights, resources and options.  These steps reduce duplication of efforts between agencies involved in the investigation, expedites prosecution, increases conviction rates of offenders, and helps victims onto the path of recovery.

The collaborative efforts of a multi-disciplinary team, the core element of a children’s advocacy center, has resulted in a program that holds offenders accountable, enhances accuracy of information gathered during investigations, increases convictions and decreases the stress placed on a child caught in the judicial system.

With the broad continuum of specialized services The Bridge provides, the cycle of abuse is being broken. Every child deserves the chance to enjoy their childhood and the opportunity to become a healthy, productive adult.

Local 4-H Members Give Back To Community

One Day 4-H is the Saturday of National 4-H Week. 4-H members from all over the Nation go out into their communities and counties to give back for all that has been given to them. Over 10,000 Texas 4-Hers participate in some type of community service project that day. This year, Moore County had three different service projects that were completed for One Day 4-H on Saturday, October 10.

            The Double D Community Club volunteered at Talon Point, which is a camp for disabled children. Children from all over the United States attend camp at Talon Point at no cost to them or their families. Double D was touched by their story and wanted to help out. 12 4-H members met early that morning to get started. They painted wheel chair ramps, hauled wood and cleaned up trash and debris that was lying around. While cleaning up at Talon Point, they also found out more about volunteering for individual camps, which is something they plan to do in the upcoming year.

            

Sunray Community Club had a town recycling day. They went to the homes of some of the elderly people in town to take their recyclable items to the City of Sunray Recycling Center. Four 4-H members and one Clover kid collected old phone books, empty plastic bottles, boxes and other recyclables that day. They were able to see inside of the center to see exactly what a recycling center looks like. Sunray 4-H plans to take a trip to the Recycling Center during business hours to see what all goes into recycling.

            The Texas Forest Service celebrated their 100^th anniversary by donating Bur Oak Trees for the Texas One Day 4-H project. The Moore County Community Club was very eager to participate in this particular project. Three 4-Hers and five Clover kids planted a four foot tall Bur Oak Tree in front of the Killgore Memorial Library. The Moore County Junior Master Gardner club was able to dig the hole for the tree and learn about the different types of soils along with how to plant a tree. The Texas Forest Service also donated 20 seedling trees that were given to each of the participants. The JMG group plans to keep a seedling to show others haw to plant and care for a tree.

            Moore County 4-H is very proud of each and every one of the 4-Hers that worked so hard to give back for One Day 4-H. Not only were they helping others, but they were learning in the process. Thank you to everyone in the county that has made a day like this possible for our young people.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Read below to find out why these women's silhouettes are at the Moore County Courthouse.  This is an annual event for Safe Place to remind us of the women who have suffered.

These silhouette can be seen at the Courthouse in Dumas, Texas

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, everyone should want to know the meaning of The Silent Witness that are placed in front of the Dumas Courthouse and surrounding towns. Each one represents the story of woman whose life ended violently at the hands of a husband, ex-husband, partner, or acquaintance every year in the state of Texas. The Silent Witness provides hope, help and healing for the victims of domestic violence.

Each paper on each silhouette tells a story about a woman killed by a boyfriend ,spouse ex-spouse or partner.

In 1990, a group of women artists and writers, upset about the growing number of women in Minnesota being murdered by their partners or acquaintances, joined together with several other women's organizations to form Arts Action Against Domestic Violence. They felt an urgency to do something that would speak out against the escalating domestic violence in their state, something that would commemorate the lives of the 26 women whose lives had been lost in 1990 as a result of domestic violence. After much brainstorming, they decided to create 26 free-standing, life-sized red wooden figures, each one bearing the name of a woman who once lived, worked, had neighbors, friends, family, children--whose life ended violently at the hands of a husband, ex-husband, partner, or acquaintance. A twenty-seventh figure was added to represent those uncounted women whose murders went unsolved or were erroneously ruled accidental. The organizers called the figures the Silent Witnesses.

2015 Museum Day

Tractors! Cars! Quilts! Pies! Good food! Perfect weather! Lots of Fun! All these items went into a great Museum Day.

Museum Day 2015 was the ninth year for the event and this year over 500 people attended the event.

We had 15 tractors, 22 cars, 20 pies and 46 quilts exhibited. The silent auction had 122 items and bidders were busy making sure they had the highest bid!

“Best of the West” pie contest winners were Barbara Johnson in the single crust division with a pecan pie, Thelma Smith in the cobbler division with a deep dish plum cobbler and Sherry Harper in the cream pie division with a coconut cream pie and the double crust division with an apple pie.

Brenda Newton won the “Viewer’s Choice” award for her quilt.

People’s Choice Tractor was Joye Watson with 1950 Co-Op. Eight tractor games were won by Ted Ray Coleman of Hereford, Jed Morton of Dumas, Don Dowdy of Amarillo and Howard Landry of Amarillo.

Best History Car was won by Norris Stewart with the history of his 1937 Packard that was bought new by Boss Crump.

Division winners in the Car Show were Jackie Patterson of Amarillo with a 1910 Hupmobile, Tom Ferguson with a 1947 Hudson, Barcine Smith with a 1954 Ford Customline, Dudley and Marilyn Christian with a 1977 Corvette and John Hays with a 1970 El Camino.

Lawnmower slalom was won by Creed Johnson.

Winner of the 50” television was Starla Smith of Sunray. 

The five winners of paintings given by The Art Center were Alexa Maples, Shelly Burnett, Glynda Pflug, Howard Patton and Mike DeBons.

“Miss Piggy” spent the day entertaining. Kids learned about building bird feeders from Tom Cannon.

Janis Hunt won the Candy Guess game, missing by only eight.

Winners of the sidewalk chalk painting were was Arlene Ramos.

Entertainment during the afternoon was by “The Christians”, a father and daughter duo, Alfred and Marilyn.

Lunch was pulled pork sandwiches with trimmings and chocolate cake and ice cream were served during the afternoon.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the day successful!

Casa 69 Adds New Volunteers and New Board Members

The CASA 69, Inc. has had two new board members join the Board of Directors and four new volunteers.

Jesse Torres

Jesse Torres is a new board member representing Dallam/Hartley Counties. Jesse brings his media knowledge and fundraising experience to help the organization continue to be active with public relations and community awareness.

Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith is a new board member representing Sherman County. Wayne’s background in insurance and his strong sense of organization and administrative expertise will enhance our organizational structure.

Beth Moore, Becky Voight, Ann Bookout and Nancy Wyatt

Our new volunteers are anxious to put their 30 hours of initial training to work as they have already stepped into new cases. We are very excited to welcome back Ann Bookout as a Volunteer and Training Facilitator, and Becky Voight from Hartley and Nancy Wyatt from Dalhart along with Bethany Scroggins from Sunray.

Judge McGee and Bethany Scroggins

CASA 69 always welcomes invitations to make presentations to all local organizations and clubs. If you are interested, we would love to talk to you about our volunteer opportunities. You can check us out on our website www.casa69.org, call either office - Dalhart 806-244-2684/Dumas 806-934-4417 to talk to Evinn Wyatt and Edye Cunningham or you can contact us by email casa69@xit.net.

A feasibility study is the ultimate goal of the committee.

The Chamber's Convention Center study committee met and looked at the architect's possible configurations. Tom Lavin of Lavin Architect began by telling the feasibility committee how they took what people of the committee said they wanted and made a configuration of what they heard.  The Lavin Architect realize that there has to be a master plan so that it could be built in stages.  The completed plan would be around 286,000 sq.ft.  The staff of Lavin Architect showed how it would look in a slideshow which included a 3 D picture.

The participants of the committee once again got the opportunity to move sections around to see what would work best.  This building would be seen from the highway if their dream location could be secured.  It would be on HWY 287 which would make it easy to find if you are coming from out of town for a function.

The indoor arena can be used for equestrian events, rodeos, car shows and sports events such as volleyball or basketball events.  The Indoor Arena would be 150' x 250' which would include seating for 1,250, a warm up area, return alley, dressing room with restrooms only and storage.  Total space would be 79,900.  The arena will be a metal commercial building that is heated and cooled.

The Conference Center would have a exhibit hall, banquet hall 500 seating with a total space of 40,400.  When the auditorium could be built it would be 31,922 total space with seating capacity of 2,000.  There would be space for management office, food services such as concessions, dining room, kitchen, chair/table storage and plant services.  There would be parking on each side of the center with a possibility of an area for outdoor weddings.  The wedding party would then be able to go right into one of the areas in the Conference Center for the wedding reception.

The feasibility committee will get to see another version of the Architect's configuration in October based on discussion from Wednesday's meeting.

If this center is owned by the City of Dumas, the hotel/motel tax can be used to help in the start up. Once the Convention Center started being rented it should take care of itself.  It will be a few years before any of this will become a reality.

YMCA of Moore County Annual Campaign

The YMCA of Moore County invite you to help with the 2015 Annual Campaign.  Did you know that a $50 donation will help a child learn lifesaving skills and self confidence through the YMCA swim lesson program.  

See a YMCA Staff member or a YMCA Board Member to see how you can help.

Panhandle District 1 4-H Photography Contest Results‏

Congratulations, Sunray 4-H Community Club!! You made a clean sweep at the Panhandle District 1 4-H Photography Contest!! Cayman Ivins , Jessie Jones and Maycee Woodward, all members of Sunray 4-H competed in the district photography competition along with over 100 other youth. Cayman Ivins competed in the intermediate age group and placed 1st and received Judges Choice with her Animals/ Wildlife photo, 1st with her Element of Design photo, and 1st with her Nature/ Landscape...e photo. Jessie Jones competed in the Senior Age group and placed 1st with her Animals/ Domestic photo, 1st with her Details and Macro photo, and 1st with her Element of Design photo. Maycee Woodward competed in the Junior age group and placed 2nd with her plant/ flora photo, 2nd with her Nature/ Landscape photo and 2nd with her Animals/Wildlife photo. GREAT job, Ladies!!!- Sunray 4-H Community Club Mary Jean Jones, Misti Ivins, Russell Woodwardtions, Sunray 4-H Community Club!! You made a clean sweep at the Panhandle District 1 4-H Photography Contest!! Cayman Ivins , Jessie Jones and Maycee Woodward, all members of Sunray 4-H competed in the district photography competition along with over 100 other youth. Cayman Ivins competed in the intermediate age group and placed 1st and received Judges Choice with her Animals/ Wildlife photo, 1st with her Element of Design photo, and 1st with her Nature/ Landscape...e photo. Jessie Jones competed in the Senior Age group and placed 1st with her Animals/ Domestic photo, 1st with her Details and Macro photo, and 1st with her Element of Design photo. Maycee Woodward competed in the Junior age group and placed 2nd with her plant/ flora photo, 2nd with her Nature/ Landscape photo and 2nd with her Animals/Wildlife photo. GREAT job, Ladies!!!- Sunray 4-H Community Club Mary Jean Jones Misti Ivins , Russell Woodward

Lucifer, Moore County Sheriff's K-9 Unit Assist In Seizing Drugs

Moore County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit has seized or assisted in seizing several pounds of Marijuana, hundreds of grams of THC extract, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine and approximately $174,700 in money directly related to drug trafficking from August 1, 2014 to August 1, 2015.  Lucifer is certified through the National Police Canine Association and the National Detector Dog Association.  Lucifer and his handler Sgt. Jones train a minimum of 16 hours a month with the Amarillo Police Department K-9 Units.

 Lucifer is trained to search for meth, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and heroin.  Lucifer is also trained to search for fleeing suspects, apprehend fleeing suspects and handler protection.   

Bernardo Garcia was charged with Possession CS PG 2>=4G, 400G, Possession Marijuana>4OZ<=5lbs and out of county felony warrants. 

In a most recent narcotic arrest of Bernardo Garcia Jr. the K-9 unit was conducting a search of the passengers and the luggage on a Grey hound bus traveling from Colorado to Edinburg Texas.  During the search of luggage a suitcase was indicated on by Lucifer.  Deputies and Dumas Police Department made contact with the owner of the suitcase and the suitcase was open.  Inside were several large freezer bags of hydro marijuana and hash approximate value of $ 8,000. 

Large freezer bags of hydro marijuana and hash approximate value of $ 8,000. 

The Moore County 4-H Gold Star Banquet was held August 31, 2015 at the Moore County Community Building. This event is the highlight of our 4-H Year and we encourage our 4-H families and friends to be a part of this banquet.  We recognized our special “Friends of 4-H”, Danforth “I Dare You” Leadership Awards,  Gold Star Awards, 4-H Volunteer Leaders, Achievement Awards, Distinguished Leaders, Scholarships, and points winners.

We especially thank all of our County Commissioners, Judge Rhoades, Extension Agents, parent leaders, volunteers and community for their support of Moore County 4-H and helping ensure the success of our Moore County youth. 

Recognitions:

Parent Leaders: Shannon Friese, Sheila Fischbacher, LaDawn Baten, Kalina Hill, R’Nae Bontke, Charlotte Pitts, Jon Cooley, Selena Cooley, Darren and Misti Ivins, Guy Guest, Charley and Mary Jean Jones, Lee Morrie, Randy Cross, Brent and Shauna Easterling, Robert Hibbs, Misty Stroebel, Lisa Smith, TK and Sara Baker, Bruce Rice.

Friends of 4-H: 4-H takes more than youth, agents, parents and volunteers in order to be successful. We are blessed with some great companies and individuals to make 4-H better through their support and contributions even when they don’t have children involved. This year we recognized Barry Crowe Seed and Wilber Ellis of Sunray as our Friends of 4-H. They are both major supporters of the FCS Scholarship fund and our 4-H yearbook. They help with supplies to upkeep the Sunray Ag Farm and help support 4-H in many ways. We could not do all that we do without them.

FCS Scholarship awards were presented to Jessica Fischbacher and Junior Deleon

I Dare You Awards are given to young people who exhibit personal integrity, balanced living and leadership potential. This years I Dare You awards go to Rachel Dickey and Brady Friese

 Achievement Awards:

Aalliah Acosta- Rabbit, Paige Alexander- Rabbit, Sydnee Baten- Leadership, Seth Blanton- Judging, Chris Bohannan- Swine, Jule Bohannan- Swine, Avery Bontke- horse, Faith Bontke- Horse, Dillion Cooley- Food and Nutrition, Eva Cook- goat, Addison Cross- Judging, Gillian Darcy- Judging, Junior Deleon- Performing Arts, Rachel Dickey- Horse, Chris Dow- Beef, Chasidy Easterling- Clothing and Textiles, Tara Easterling- Shooting Sports, Julian Espino- Goat, Brady Friese- Swine, Shiann Friese- Swine, Jesse Garrett- Swine, Joe Garrett Swine, Kammie Guest- Swine, Bob Hibbs- Shooting Sports, Justin Hill-horticulture, Bradley Hudson- Swine, Cayman Ivins- leadership, Kasie Ivins- Swine, Cody Jones- Swine, Cody Johnson-Swine, Colin Jones- Swine, Jessie Jones- Swine, Maycie Marquez- Community Service, Cash McCurley- Swine, Grayson McCurley Swine, Jaylee Medrano- Swine, Eric Mendoza- Goat, Cassandra Morales- Cattle, Juan Morales- Cattle, Marely Ortiz- Clothing and Textiles, Ryan Pitts- Rabbit, AJ Rice- Swine, Paden Rice- Swine, Shelton Shurley, Katie Simnacher- Rabbit, Trent Simnacher- Shooting Sports, Lanie Snider- Swine, Mariah Stone- Clothing and Textiles, Hadley Strack- Food and Nutrition, Kody Stroebel – Judging, Kyle Stoebel- Judging, Caleb Stovall- Cattle, Sarah Stovall- Swine, Zach Stovall- Swine, Clay Sumrow- Rabbit, Lizzy Sumrow- Rabbit, Humberto Tarango- Shooting Sports, Titus Thompson- Swine, Travers Thompson- Swine, Alondra Torres- Leadership, Maycee Woodward- Sheep.

Point Awards:

4-Her’s have the opportunity to earn points throughout the year and receive an additional award at the banquet. 150 points are required to receive this award and encourages diversity and involvement in 4-H activities. This year, 4-h jackets and garment bags were given out.

Point and jacket award winners are Jesse Garrett, Joe Garrett, Cayman Ivins, Brady Friese, Shiann Friese, Jessica Fischbacher, Dillon Cooley, Addison Cross, Katie Simnacher, Trent Simnacher, Eric Mendoza, Colin Jones, Jessie Jones.

Distinguished Parent Leader awards go to two dedicated parent leaders who spend countless hours supporting and ensuring the success of 4-H and our youth. This year’s awards goes to Darren Ivins and Jon Cooley. 

The 4-H Gold Star Award is the Highest Award is the highest award that can be received by a 4-Her in his/her career. Moore County is unique that the award comes with a scholarship. This year’s award goes to Colin Jones and Humberto Tarango.

City Commission Discuss Getting Loan And Ways To Meet Budget

The Commissioners looked at several scenarios on this t.v. screen to determine a plan of action. 

L-R Mayor Pat Sims, Commissioners Ben Maples and Justin Willis, City Manager Arbie Taylor

The Dumas City Commission met Monday night to discuss authorizing application of a loan from Happy State Bank.  The Commissioners did approve Resolution No. 15-09 to get a loan but only after two hours of discussing how the city got in this position of needing a loan and how to make sure this doesn't happen again.

City Manager Arbie Taylor said, "The reason this is on the table is our cash in bank debt service coming up.  Because mother nature has blessed us with all the wonderful rain that we have gotten it has hindered our revenues for our water revenues which is a big chunk of what we relied on."

The rains has caused the city to pump less and therefore revenues are down.  The short term loan will help the city to meet their budget.  Mayor Pat Sims asked how long before this note would be paid.  Dottie Crockett, Finance Director, said, "This loan would be paid back in the next six to nine months."

Steve Bodnar asked, "What can we do to avoid this next year."  City Manager Arbie Taylor, replied, "What we have planned which is what we'll discuss in our work session, but to avoid this next year we need to be a lot more conservative with our budget projections as far as what we project for revenues.  Which we have done."

The Commission discussed at length ways to make revenues that involves raising the citizens city bill.  If they do what was discussed at this meeting both the gas and water base that is charged each month would be raised.  The Commission also looked at what other cities charge for these same services.  They noted that Amarillo charge two and a half more for the same services.  It was also noted that other surrounding cities charge more than the City of Dumas.

Commissioner David Bonner and Steve Bodnar both was concerned on how they ended in a position to have to get a loan when throughout the year they were never alerted to a shortage of money.  Dottie Crockett, Finance Director assured them that they would get a verbal report each month from now on.

City Manager Arbie Taylor talked about the department heads are very good at staying under budget but it's lack of revenues that is the problem.  Taylor stated, "We can't build a rainy day fund but we can build surplus so that we can pay as we go for things that in the past, and in the recent past we have said, "well we can finance this for three years and get by".  "Why?"  "We need to be building surplus to have revenue and to have cash in the bank so that during those times of the year when our revenue income is slowing down that we are not in a situation that we are today."  "That's what you build reserves for, that's why you have reserves for to cushion you through out the year.  There is always going to be peaks and valleys.  I'm trying to cut the peaks off and fill in the valleys."

The Commission will be discussing rate increases at future meetings to help build revenues.

From The office of Bo DeArmand. Moore County Explorers Post 5599

 

2015 Kids cook off

Cookers for the Kids Hamburger cook off at the D'Town BBQ Cook-Off. They had 3 winners and each kid got to take one of these cookers home. The chamber had one for each participant. ‪

This young man is cooking and preparing two burgers for the Amigos to taste test.
The Dumas Noon Lions Club Tail Twisters a group in the Lions Club that makes sure everyone that comes to club has a great time.  Over time another group called the Amigos have been created and they really keep things stirred up at their club meetings.
The Amigos were the judges of the Kids Cook-Off.  They were amazed at not only how well the burgers were prepared but by the choices of condiments. 

1st place winner.
 HPO will have names of all the winners of the Kids Cook-Off  by next week.

Be sure to join the Dumas/Moore Chamber on Saturday for the Fiddler's Contest and to taste the wonderful selection of BBQ.
The Dumas Noon Lions will also be having a Car Show from 10 am to 2 pm at the Moore County Community Building.

900 Hastings Trash Container On Fire

Trash truck fire at 900 Hastings this past week is a good reminder to be aware of what you throw away. This fire was caused by hot coals from a barbecue.   Fires in dumpster are caused by a number of things like chemicals.  Please dispose of chemicals at the recycling center and thoroughly extinguish any hot coals before putting in trash container.

Moore County Fire Departments Paused Wednesday Night To Recognized The 19 Firefighters Who Died July 29, 1956 - See more at: http://highplainsobserverdumas.com/#sthash.xN5GskQI.dpuf19 who died are listed on the statue at Moore County Courthouse - See more at: http://highplainsobserverdumas.com/#sthash.xN5GskQI.dpuf

19 who died are listed on the statue at Moore County Courthouse

Chief Paul Jenkins spoke to the crowd gathered at the courthouse Wednesday night about the 1956 refinery explosion near Dumas, Sunray that killed 19 firefighters from the local area.

On July 29, 1956, the Sunday morning silence of Dumas, Sunray and most of the northern Panhandle was broken with an explosion and fire that killed 19 firefighters. 

The blast was at what was then called Shamrock Oil and Gas Refinery (now Valero) between Dumas and Sunray in Moore County north of Amarillo. Ceremonies to honor the fallen firefighters have been an annual event. 

The Dumas-Sunray disaster was the fourth worst in the United States in terms of firefighters' deaths. 

According to the Amarillo Globe-Times, the disaster left 35 children fatherless. - See more at: http://highplainsobserverdumas.com/#sthash.xN5GskQI.dpuf

Fire Chief Paul Jenkins speaks at Memorial for 1956 Shamrock/McGee Fire in memory of the 19 firefighters who died.

Firefighters from the Moore County Area

Dumas Fire trucks

Today it is called Valero instead of Shamrock/McGee Plant