Canadian will be hosting a variety of fun activities here in town on Dec. 5 to kick off the Christmas season, among them, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever Canadian Santa Claus Shuffle 5K Run and Elf Walk. The first 45 participants will receive a long-sleeve race shirt. Chamber board member and event organizer Lawana Pulliam said, “This is not a timed raced. Come dressed for the occasion in your best Santa and/or elf attire. There could be some prizes for our most festive characters! Stay after the race for donuts, coffee, water, and juice.” To request a registration form, contact Pulliam by calling 806.382.7395. She invites you to spread the word among your friends. “When we are not running,” Lawana added, “we will encourage social distancing and masks. Keep your eyes open for more information about all of the other festivities we will be offering throughout the day on Dec. 5!” The walk/run will start at 8 am, and will begin and end at Sunset Park. All participants must pay a $25 registration fee and are welcome to stay after the race for refreshments.

In the last week, Hemphill County Hospital has reported 36 new cases for Hemphill County residents, and 54 out of county residents. Wednesday’s newly-reported cases brought the totals to 65 active cases for Hemphill County and 88 out-of-county active cases. To date, 247 residents of Hemphill County and 197 out of county residents have tested positive for the coronavirus. Only one resident of Hemphill County has died from COVID-19.

The main communication tower for Hemphill County’s emergency services, located at the US 60/83 Y south of Canadian, was felled two weeks ago by a winter storm that coated the Panhandle in several layers of ice and snow. County officials turned their attention Monday to what Judge George Briant said could be a quarter-million dollar project to rebuild that structure and restore those essential services.

Panhandle PBS will present an online viewing of the new Texas Panhandle episode of Two for the Road with Nikki and Dusty Green on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 pm. Taking place the same night and time as the on-air premiere of the episode on Panhandle PBS, the special one-hour online “watch party” will feature a live chat with Nikki and Dusty as they walk viewers through some of their favorite Texas Panhandle sights, stories, and stops, including Caprock Canyons State Park, historic Route 66, and a four-wheeling adventure in Palo Duro Canyon.