News

Week of October 8-21, 2024

Misdemeanor Arrests

None

Felony Arrests

• Cristina Ruiz, 41, Canadian; driving while intoxicated, 3rd or more offense; 10/20/24; TXDPS-Canadian

5th Circuit Court removes judge from foster care suit

On October 1, the Canadian Rodeo Association celebrated the lighting of the rodeo arena, inviting community members to bring their horses, lawn chairs, “or just yourself” to come witness the ambiance of the new arena lights. Barrels and poles were set and free burgers provided.

Local officials gathered in Hemphill County’s 31st District Courtroom Tuesday morning for the presentation of two paintings by artist Richard Sukup, commemorating the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Wildfire which caused devastating damage to this and adjoining counties in the northeastern Panhandle.

One painting, titled Perseverance, will hang in the Hemphill County Courthouse. It was purchased by Randall County Judge Christy Dyer, and presented as a gift to this county’s residents.

AMARILLO—Xcel Energy submitted a proposal to refund $53.3 million in fuel costs to Texas customers that will result in a one-time credit against electricity charges during the December billing cycle.

If approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), customers will receive billing credits based on the amount of electricity a customer uses during December. Residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month, for example, would see a total bill credit of $36.84. The refund could be spread over two months depending on when a customer’s meter is read.

Early voting begins next week

Early voting for the Nov. 5 general election begins Monday, Oct. 21 and ends on Nov. 1. Texas voters will be choosing from a full slate of candidates, from president to U.S. senator to various county positions.

Intents to Drill

HUTCHINSON (JOHN CREEK, Kansas City) BE Anadarko II, LLC, #1 Worthy, (167.27 acres) 1029’ FSL & 895’ FWL, Sec 18, Blk G, H&GN RR Surv, A-631, 17.5 mi NE from Stinnett TD 6500’, (sgd. Brenda Ramirez 512-917-1482) Vertical

OLDHAM (PANHANDLE, Red Cave; WILDCAT) Arrow Oil & Gas, LLC, #1 Red Cave 22, (320 acres) 13’ FEL & 485’ FNL, Sec 22, Blk B6, EL&RR RR Surv, A-770, 14.6 mi N from Vega TD 3990’, (sgd. Kelly Shockley 405-364-2601, x205) Vertical

Lawmakers to tackle soaring home insurance rates

Top state lawmakers plan to address soaring homeowners insurance premiums when they return to Austin in January for the next legislative session, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The state’s insurance commissioner, Cassie Brown, told a Senate committee that home insurance rates increased last year by more than 21% statewide, twice the average increase in 2022. 

FORT WORTH – Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Disaster Relief Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports cattle raisers facing disasters in Texas and Oklahoma, will host a community appreciation dinner at 5 pm on Sunday, Oct. 20 in Canadian.

This event will be held at the Jones Pavilion and will honor the people, industry partners and first responders who were instrumental in battling the recent Texas Panhandle wildfires.

CANYON — A trio of West Texas A&M University faculty members will discuss their research into female business leaders in the Panhandle at two upcoming events.