News

By midday on Wednesday, October 30, Hemphill County election officials reported that the number of early voters here had reached 1,000, and that local voters were continuing to arrive at the courthouse. A quick check of the voter registration rolls revealed that just over 42 percent of Hemphill County’s 2,349 registered voters had already cast ballots in the November 5, 2024 General Election—a pretty good sign that voter turnout in the 2024 Presidential race may just set a new record here.

Months before the Texas Panhandle erupted with destructive wildfires, fire crews in Borger were igniting fire intentionally on a seven-mile, roughly 250-foot wide ribbon of land on the edge of town.

The prescribed burn in November removed dense grass and brush next to homes on the southwest side of the town. When the Windy Deuce fire ravaged the region in February, the prescribed burn area acted as a fireproof wall that stopped the blaze in its tracks.

"The Rain We Keep” is a new multi-part series from Panhandle PBS documenting how life in our region will change if we do not alter our unsustainable draining of the Ogallala Aquifer. The series will premiere at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov 7.

The aquifer is our primary source of water on the Texas High Plains, and we’re draining that tank far faster than nature can refill it. By some estimates, our region and others could run out of groundwater by the end of this century.

Early voting ends on Friday

Texans who wish to vote early in the Nov. 5 general election have until closing time Friday, Nov. 1 to do so. Secretary of State Jane Nelson is encouraging voters to double-check their precinct numbers and candidate selections before casting their ballots.

CANYON—The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum invites the community to celebrate Día de los Muertos from October 29 to November 2, a vibrant and meaningful multi-day event that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. The celebration will feature traditional altars (ofrendas) to bring together friends, families, and the community to reflect, remember, and rejoice.

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.