Don Rice:Celebrating 50 years

with the Borger News-Herald

1980s-1990sSection 2

March 23, 2012

PAGE 2B Borger News-HeraldFriday, March 23, 2012 Don Rice: 50 Years

Federally insured by NCUA

We congratulate you on your

50 years of Dedicated Service!

Thank You Don for years of hard work!

God Bless!MINTON-CHATWELL

Funeral DirectorsAlso Fritch & Panhandle

314 S. Hedgecoke in Borger806-274-7333

Preneed Plans from Other Funeral Homes Honored

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Diversified Industrial Service Company, Inc.

1400 N. Main • Borger, Texas Phone: 806-274-2214

Fax: 806-274-2626

Congratulations Don!! Thank You!

Pictures from the 1980s

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: Donna Coffer (44) fights for control of the ball in the Lady Bulldogs’ first round victory over Wheeler in the Phillips Tournament Thursday. Coffer led the scoring for Borger with 28 points as they outlasted Wheeler 50-48. Borger meets Phillips in today’s 6:30 p.m. semi-final game.(Photo ran in Jan. 4, 1980 edition of newspaper)

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: Laci Dawn Sanders, the first baby born at North Plains Hos-pital in 1980, is shown with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sanders of Fritch. Laci was born at 1:56 a.m. Friday and weighed eight pounds, ten and one-half ounces.(Photo ran in Jan. 6, 1980 edition of newspaper)

ORIGINAL TOWNSITE: L.G. Stuebgen, 714 N. Hedgecoke, celebrates the Fourth of July yesterday while taking it easy on the front porch of his home. Stuebgen said his only special plans for the holiday Saturday was to relax and take it easy. Area residents noted Independence Day with a variety of activities.(Photo ran in July 5, 1981 edition of newspaper)

PAGE 3BBorger News-Herald Friday, March 23, 2012Don Rice: 50 Years

Don Rice for all your

years of great work!

Robert VinyardLocksmith

An R&M Vinyard Inc. CompanyLicensed by Texas Department of Public Safety,

Private Security Board

License # B12116

681-8543

Don,Thank You for all you have

done!

700 S. CedarBorger

806-273-6261

I have known him for all those 50 years, and he has taken pictures of me and my family for all of them. I miss the film

pictures, those black and whites were much better pictures than what is in the paper

nowadays. He is a wonderful photographer, and I am proud to honor him.

330 Weatherly St.

Congratulations Don on your 50 years of

Great Work!

101 W. 10th StreetBorger, Texas • 273-3151

Congrats Don On All Your Hard

Work!

“What a special time to remember the gentleman who has logged ever so many hours recording Borger’s events and history in photographs. The Borger Chamber of Commerce thanks Don for always being present and recording our events and activities – and sometimes surprising us when we were least expect-ing that flash of light to occur. He has honored so many others with his photos that we honor him with a Thank You for all of his extended work and energy spent to get all of us to stand still and smile at just the right time.

They say ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ and we can only imagine how many words it would take to cover the last 50 years. Thank you Don!”

Beverly BentonCEO, Borger Chamber of Commerce

Don Rice“Our Valuable Community Resource”

“It has been my pleasure to work with Don Rice in both a personal and pro-fessional capacity for the past 35 years. During this time, he has proven to be a valuable asset to our community by volunteering his time and talent to emer-gency response. The types and duration of these emergencies vary greatly but one thing remains constant….Don Rice is usually there to document the incident with his incredible talent for photography. It is truly amazing how he is able to capture the exact moment of an explosion or the perfect angle of a tornado…. no matter what time of day or night. Because he was able to photograph the begin-ning stages of many structure fires, his pictures have proven to be invaluable in determining the real cause of the fires.

We have humorously accused Don of “sleeping with one ear open” because he always hears an emergency call over the radio scanner no matter what time of night it may occur. It takes a special person to roll out of a warm bed on a cold winter night in order to help their community. He has responded consistently year after year without fail. In addition to his contribution of photography, Don also serves as a fully qualified emergency responder that has been trained in many areas of disaster response. Over the years, he has served in many different capacities while helping his community. I can personally attest to the great relief that is felt when the keys to an emergency vehicle are accidently locked inside and we know there is a licensed locksmith on our team! Don has come to our rescue on many occasions.

Many people say that Don has the uncanny luck of being “in the right place at the right time”, but I can assure you it is due to his tremendous dedication to his profession, talent, and his willingness to respond; not sheer luck. Some of

the most remarkable photographs I have ever seen as well as some of my most valuable evidence photos have been taken by Don. All of these attributes make Don Rice one of our most valued community resources.”

Danny Richards, M.S.Emergency Coordinator for the City of Borger/ Hutchinson County

A Tribute to Don RiceFebruary 2012

“What a journey it has been for you, Don. You have witnessed and re-corded Hutchinson County history and willingly shared your talents to the citizens of Borger. From weather, explosions, fire-balls, lightning storms, to the rise to the fall of Lake Meredith. You have recorded the many faces of Borger people and events through the years. It has been a delight to see some of your artistic endeavors such as a car falling into a chug-hole (min-iature car and hole) on a Borger street and the photo looked so real. We all have to thank you for your willingness to go take photographs in all hours of the day and night to record mishaps on the highway, weather events and even to take part in storm watching and traffic control. Borger has truly been blessed by your presence and faithfulness.. Congratulations and thanks on your accomplishments. I will be looking forward to many more years of seeing the photographs you share with us each day.”

Charles Gillingham

“Don, the Jane Phillips Society (JPS) wishes for you that the next 50 years will be as rewarding as the past 50 years. Congratulations on a job well done, you are appreciated.”

Thank You, Jane Phillips Society

“Thank you so much for all the pictures you have done for us. You have done the pictures for us and we always look forward to you coming to help us every year. All members of the Borger Creative Arts Club appreciates the pictures you have done for us every year for our bazaar.

Borger Creative Arts Club

Don RiceThe Community thanks you

Back at RanchTommy J. Lawson

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Congratulations Donon 50 years of service!!!

PAGE 4B Borger News-HeraldFriday, March 23, 2012 Don Rice: 50 Years

“Bringing Families Home”2211 Perryton Pkwy, Pampa

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Congratulations Don for 50 years of great

dedication & work! We all appreciate you!

Great Job on all you have

done through the years!

Pictures from the 1980s

Congrats Don on 50 years of dedicated service!

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: PLAY DAYS - Mild weather in the Borger area, fol-lowing recent cold and snow, has enabled resi-dents to again venture outdoors. Natalie Wyatt, 711 Dixon, was one of the local residents taking advantage of the pleas-ant weather and enjoy-ing playing with her pet schnauzer, Susie. The mild days are expected to continue this week.(Photo ran in Jan. 10, 1983 edition of newspaper)

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: Fritch 4-Hers are preparing animals for participation in the Hutchinson County Junior Livestock Show Friday and Saturday in Borger. Pictured area, back row, from left, Brad Clark, Vince Vanlandingham, Garrett Huff, Jim Creacy, Jamey Wasson, Keith Clark, Billy Powell. Center row includes Andy Holland, Jasson Huff, Lisa Brock, Tonya Truelock, Kenny Brooks, Kathy Martin, Lee Ann Turbett. Front row, from left, Rusty Truelock, Dale Herbst, Dan Trubett, Chad Ruse, Brad Zeka, and Melani Morrison.(Photo ran in Jan. 25, 1983 edition of the newspaper)

CRL Pump & Supply

503 Industrial Blvd.806-274-2692

Thank You

Don!!Congratulations!

PAGE 5BBorger News-Herald Friday, March 23, 2012Don Rice: 50 Years

We Offer:Home • Auto • Life • Health • Medicare

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Don RiceOTASCO

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601 S. Main • Borger, Texas 79007

Celebrating Our 50 Years in

Business Also!

Don RiceThe Community thanks you

“Hutchinson County Republican Women would like to say thanks to Don Rice for all the good publicity the club has recieved as a result of all his pictures. He is like the postman, the bad weather never keeps him from a good picture. The community has a valuable asset in Don Rice. We appreciate you, Don Rice.”

Joyce Shirley, President Hutchinson County Republican Women

“I have lived in this neighborhood with Don Rice’s family since 1986. Mr. Rice is such a helpful person without asking for any rewards. He re-pairs my lawn mower and keeps my flower hoe sharpened. He is always helpful during the winter by keeping my driveway clear of snow. Every time he is out he takes my picture. Anytime he is outside he always says “Hi! Neighbor” when he sees me.

He is such a good neighbor. I wish him well.”

Mrs. Dorothy Stifle, 101 years young, Borger, TX

“I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Don Rice for his unwavering dedication to his job and his community.

In the 26 years that I have known Don Rice, both as a citizen involved in community events and as the director of HC3, he never once failed to show up at an event to take pictures for the paper.

As I look back over the past 16 years at the pictures of individuals and events that Don photographed for HC3, I realized that Don’s photographs painted a visual history of our agency. What a wonderful gift.

On behalf of the board of directors and staff of HC3, I would like to say - DON, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.”

Norma LuginbyhlExecutive DirectorHutchinson County Crisis Center

Pictures from the 1980s

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: Wendy Renee Smith was crowned Miss Borger Saturday night during the twelfth annual Miss Borger Pageant at the Borger High School Au-ditorium. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerrall David Smith. Audra Lynn Parker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David A. Parker, was first runner-up. Second run-ner-up was Tammy Tadlock, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack R. Tadlock.(Photo ran in April 1, 1984 edition of newspaper.)

Officers attempted to revive an Amarillo man who drowned Sunday in Lake Meredith.(Photo ran in May 21, 1984 edition of newspaper.)

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: Participants gather Saturday for the main trash pick up, kicking off Clean Up Borger month. Borger Chamber of Commerce Quality of Life committee member Bob Ingram is the man with the megaphone and Mayor Pro/Tem Judy Flanders is on he left, Chamber Administrative Assistant Marcia Thatchey said about 125 persons turned out for the day’s event. The Salvation Army Sunbeamns, youngsters, and several different clubs were those in attendance.(Photo ran in Monday, Oct. 5, 1987 edition of newspaper.)

PAGE 6B Borger News-HeraldFriday, March 23, 2012 Don Rice: 50 Years

607 Deahl St. • Borger • 273-9573

Congratulations Donon 50 Years!!

Specialty Compressor & Engine Co.

2 Industrial Blvd. • P.O. Box 783Borger • 806-274-7135

Don Rice!Thanks for all you do!

Pictures from the 1990s

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: Anna Summers of West Texas High is shown clearing the high jump bar in the girl’s division at the Pantex Relays at Fritch Friday. Schenk of White Deer, left photo, achieved a 11-10 3/4 mark in the long jump. Cody Newman, right photo, is shown in the shot put event as he participated in the seventh grade matches.(Photos ran in Sunday, April 1, 1990 edition of newspaper.)

ORIGINAL CUTLINE - Hoping for a whopper - Kristian Luginbyhl hopes for a big ‘un’ for the annual Borger Chamber of Commerce Walleye tournament to be held this weekend. The four-year-old is a contestant in the Mini-Miss Minnow pageant to be held Monday night.(Photo ran in May 24, 1990 edition of newspaper.)

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: Fireworks safety is being stressed by local and state officials. As fireworks are purchased, people are urged to read the directions for use and follow them. Lee White works at a local fireworks stand.(Photo ran in July 1, 1992 edition of newspaper.)

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: RAINY DAYS - Overnight rain left puddles on many Borger streets today. Fritch received one inch of rain while downtown Borger received .77. That pushes the July rain total to 3 inches. More rain is predicted for the area tonight, with a possibility of severe storms.(Photo ran in July 16, 1992 edition of newspaper.)

PAGE 7BBorger News-Herald Friday, March 23, 2012Don Rice: 50 Years

Thank You Don for all your dedicated years of service to our Community!!

Gasket & Packings Inc.

www.sealing.com

Locations: Borger • AmarilloLubbock • Odessa

405 E. 10th - Borger806-274-7151

Industrial Services, Inc.

Congratulations Don Rice on 50 years!

Pictures from the 1990s

Don was on hand to catch pictures of the infamous Fritch tornadoes that hit the city without warning on June 27, 1992. There were no deaths, but the city did sustain major damage. According to National Weather Service Reports, the tornadoes that blew through the town had wind speed reaching anywhere from 113 to 260 miles per hour.

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: Hutchinson County Tax Assessor-Collector Mary Henderson displays doc-uments that will be ac-cepted to show proof of residence before a motor vehicle registration is is-sued.(Photo ran in Jan. 2, 1995 edition of newspaper)

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: The Reserve Champion Lamb, shown by Jared Johnson of Pringle-Morse 4-H, was purchased by Kar Korner and Washer Construction, rep-resented by Jeff Whittington and Terry Washer.(Photo ran in Jan. 30, 1995 edition of newspaper)

ORIGINAL CUTLINE: The Borger Gymnastics Center team recently competed in Levelland. The team did a great job, and will take part in the state meet May 23 in Snyder. Team members include front, Jared Vin-er; left middle, Sarah Mireles and Blythe Finley, and back, Ivy Fowler. Not pictured is Shyla Slater.(Photo ran in April 24, 1996 edition of newspaper.)

We Are Your Good Neighbor

We’re Making a Difference making a Difference both on the job and in the community is an important element in our Chemistry of Excellence. We offer our employees the opportunity to advance through continuing education and challenging work assignments, because their achievements make a difference in our future. Our employees make a difference in the community by helping children discover the wonder of learning. Together, we’re making a work of difference.

“ Making a difference in Borger makes a Difference to us.” John Kmetz Botrger Plant Manager

We Are Your Good Neighbor

We’re Making a Difference making a Difference both on the job and in the community is an important element in our Chemistry of Excellence. We offer our employees the opportunity to advance through continuing education and challenging work assignments, because their achievements make a difference in our future. Our employees make a difference in the community by helping children discover the wonder of learning. Together, we’re making a work of difference.

“ Making a difference in Borger makes a Difference to us.” John Kmetz Botrger Plant Manager

We’re Making a Difference making a Difference both on the job and in the community is an important element in our Chemistry

of Excellence. We offer our employees the opportunity to advance through continuing education and challenging work assignments, because their achievements make a difference in our future. Our

employees make a difference in the communityby helping children discover the

wonder of learning. Together, we’re making a work of

difference..

Friday, March 23, 2012

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Borger News-HeraldPAGE 8B

“A couple of years ago I was sitting at the piano in the Fellowship Hall of Fair-lanes Baptist Church. I spotted Don Rice off to my right. Camera in hand, he was headed my direction. I don’t like pictures of myself so when I can, I avoid the cam-era. I turned my face the opposite direction.

Maintaining that position I played for a couple of minutes. When I thought the coast was clear I turned back. Don Rice is a patient fellow. He was quietly wait-ing for that moment. His expression never changed. He took his shot, turned and walked on. I comforted myself thinking, “The likelihood of anyone ever seeing that picture is pretty slim.” After all this was the Hutchcares Banquet. There would be lots of photos to record this event.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I checked the newspaper. Wonderful coverage, great pictures, but mine was not one of them. YES!

I could not suppress a chuckle though when some time later, the Borger News Herald added a picture of me to the column I write for the paper. You guessed it. It was the surreptitious shot Don Rice had snapped at the banquet. Don always gets his man….or woman.

What a gifted man with a steady hand to systematically capture and preserve startlingly sharp images of memorable occasions and historic events.

Don, we celebrate your spectacular life of service. Fifty years!! Three cheers!!”

Jody Wilson

“I guess I could “blame” Don Rice for getting me involved in the newspaper business. Back in 1968 I met him...the guy who always had two cameras hanging from his neck...through mutual friends at the Dairy Mart.

I quizzed him about the cameras, and how he could get photos of two different football games on the same night, about all the action photos and how he knew where to be at the right time, no matter what time .

He not only was willing to explain the “how to”, but he invited me along on some of his excursions, and then learning I had an interest in writing, he con-nected me with the sports editor and I started writing on a stringer basis, and later was hired as a police beat and feature writer. Then, he unselfishly taught me to shoot photos and develop my own stuff.

Don was, and I guess still is, one to get all the newest gadgets and accessories for his cameras and was willing to do whatever he had to do in order to get an excellent photo. His photos often were to illustrate a story, but most could stand alone with only minimal captions. His story was the picture. Don has the eye to use light and shadow to enhance and not distract from the subject, making his pic-tures better but the observer doesn’t always know why they are so compelling.

We had fun together chasing the news: accidents, fires, train explosions,wild storm clouds, all-night manhunts and more. We also had fun fishing at Lake Mer-edith, and on a couple of occassions calling up coyotes to spotlight.

While I have retired from my newspaper career, Don continues. Congratula-tions Don for 50 years in Borger as the man with the camera(s).” - Larry Nance

Don RiceThe Community

thanks you