News

Redistricting bill sent to Abbott; lawsuit challenges it

A Grand Jury convened at the Hemphill County Courthouse on Thursday, August 21, and returned with four felony indictments.

• Jackie Eugene Byrum, 37, was indicted on two third-degree felony charges of injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury. The charges were based on a July 3, 2025 incident in which Byrum intentionally and knowingly caused bodily injury to a child 14 years of age or younger by hitting him in the chin and in the head. Byrum’s bond was set at $40,000. 

Misdemeanor Arrests

• Octavio Pantoja, 18, Canadian; traffic offense Class C/operating a vehicle in unsafe mechanical condition, traffic offense Class C/failure to signal, fleeing police officer causing serious bodily injury, traffic offense Class C/no front plate, traffic offense Class C/window tint violation; 08/20/25; HCSO

• Guillermo Carrasco, 44, Canadian; assault causing bodily injury to family member; 08/25/25; HCSO

Redistricting bill heads to Abbott’s desk

Both the Texas House and Senate have passed a mid-decade redistricting bill that positions the GOP to pick up five additional congressional seats next year. Passage came after House Democrats ended their quorum-breaking walkout while still vowing to pursue legal challenges.

CANADIAN — The ranchers of Hemphill County, still recovering from the devastating 2024 Smoke House Creek Wildfire, have once again demonstrated their unwavering spirit of service—this time turning their attention to fellow Texas ranchers impacted by the historic July 2025 floods along the San Saba, Guadalupe, Llano, Colorado, and Concho Rivers.

Master Chief Petty Officer Billy Ray Boyd III is retiring from the U.S.

AMARILLO / 08-20-2025