Jordan Lovins recently qualified as a team roper for his first trip to the College National Finals Rodeo, which will be held at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyoming, June 12-18. Lovins just completed his freshman year at WOSC in Altus, Oklahoma, where he earned a rodeo scholarship, and is majoring in physical education. He will partner at Nationals with Ethan Griffin, who attends OSU. Lovins is the son of T.C. and Kristy Lovins of Canadian. The CNFR is where the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association crowns individual event champions in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying. National team championships are also awarded to both men’s and women’s teams. Over 400 cowboys and cowgirls from over 100 universities and colleges across the country compete in Casper each year. Contestants compete all year in one of the NIRA’s 11 regions for a chance to rope or ride at the CNFR. Live coverage of the CNFR will be shown on ESPN. For more information, go online to cnfr.com. PHOTO BY JAKE HODNETT

On May 23, Hemphill County Hospital district administration invited family members of Mesa View Senior Living (MVSL) residents for an informational meeting regarding the facility’s care plan. Six administration and staff members were on hand for the discussion, attended by seven family members.

Special guest Robb Holladay wowed kids and grown-ups alike at the Hemphill County Library on Monday with his Amazing Magical Balloon Show, featuring fantastical balloon sculptures, mind-bending magic tricks, and a whole lot of laughs. Following the library’s summer event theme, “Oceans of Possibility,” Holladay used balloons to create nautical wonders, including a yellow submarine, a wearable set of scuba gear, and a sea monster hat complete with crazy eyes and a stuck-out tongue.

On Thursday, May 26, the Canadian Community Center’s Junior Wildcat travel baseball team (in photo above) wrapped up a 10-0 season and won their championship game, 15-2, against the Shamrock Arnold team. The Senior Wildcat (in photo on facing page) travel team also completed an undefeated season. This was the CCC’s second year for traveling baseball, and their first Highway 83 league and tournament. Both teams had amazing seasons, worked hard, and had fun. The Junior Wildcats were coached by Colby Leach, Porfirio Diaz, and Ronel Saenz. The Wildcats were coached by Victor Meraz and Quinncy Howard. The CCC would like to thank Camden Dorris and Kristen Moudy of Wheeler for reaching out and making this league and tournament possible. We look forward to partnering with our neighbors in the future. PHOTOS BY HEATHER SAENZ AND KIMBER FAUS