News

The Hemphill County Hospital reported this week that its lab has confirmed 48 positive COVID-19 tests in the last 14 days—18 in local residents, and 30 in residents of surrounding counties—an increase in transmission rates that parallels a statewide rise in new cases as the delta variant continues its rapid spread.

The Lipscomb County commissioners court is inviting area residents to the re-dedication of the newly-restored Lipscomb County Courthouse. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, beginning at 10 am and continuing through the day. A welcome and program will begin at 11 am, followed by a brisket dinner at noon, accompanied by performances from local talent until 2 pm. Tours of the courthouse will be offered from 1-5 pm, and a bounce house will be available for children on the courthouse lawn. Lipscomb resident R.J. Vandygriff—an award-winning singer/songwriter and winner of the 2020 Cowboy Western Entertainer Award—will perform his music during the afternoon from 2-5 pm. The courthouse has been the focus of a $3.74 million preservation project since 2020. Built in 1917 in the Classic Revival style, by Amarillo architect William M. Rice, the courthouse was the beneficiary of a Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Grant, the purpose of which is to restore each courthouse in the state to its historic appearance, while updating it for the 21st century.

Thirteen U.S. service members supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel were killed on Thursday, Aug.

Tana and Dean Thompson woke up to a neighbor’s call, reporting a fire in an older home near their residence on their Lake Marvin Road property early Tuesday morning. The Canadian Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the Thompson property at 7:03 am, and upon arrival, saw flames shooting off the front porch and clouds of smoke in the air.

CISD school board members agreed last week to hold a special election on Tuesday, Nov. 2, to fill the unexpired term left by Landon Landry following his resignation two weeks ago.