AUSTIN—Canyon’s West Texas A&M University is partnering with area high schools, community colleges, and other organizations to generate more career opportunities through the AmeriCorps program. WTAMU officials said collaboration with AmeriCorps will encourage young people to build skills and go on to become the next generation of leaders, in whatever capacity they choose.

Happy 2021, friends! Our first program of the year was one with a humbling reminder. Despite the unexpected trials 2020 brought, there are people—children, no less—whose day-to-day struggles make most adults’ lifetime struggles pale in comparison. Not to mention these children often have less support, control, and ability to cope with what goes on when their worlds turn upside down. Thankfully, there are programs like CASA of the High Plains devoted to guiding children and their families through foster and adoptive care. We were lucky to hear straight from executive director, Alissha Jefferis, and volunteer coordinator, Payton Foster, of the High Plains office located in Pampa. We also heard from local, Deb Vandygriff, who has been a CASA volunteer since 2015.

Dax stared at me in disbelief. I am the Treat Lady, and I had no treats.

SHEET PAN SHRIMP FAJITAS INGREDIENTS 1-1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin 1 orange bell pepper, sliced thin 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin 1 small red onion, sliced thin 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt Several turns of fresh ground pepper 2 teaspoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika Lime Fresh cilantro for garnish Tortillas of your choice PREPARATION Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, onion, peppers, olive oil, salt and pepper, and spices.