HPWD begins water measurement on Jan. 3

Beginning Jan. 3, HPWD personnel will make water level measurements to determine the effect of 2021 pumping on groundwater levels in aquifers within the district. These annual measurements are made in a network of more than 1,350 privately-owned wells.

Hale County inmate found unresponsive, dies

The Texas Rangers said an inmate from the Hale County Jail later died after being found unresponsive in a cell on Dec. 19. The inmate was identified as Jordon Lee Rodriguez, 23. Texas Rangers, according to a statement, are investigating the custodial death in Hale County.

Lubbock County Medical Examiner to charge for storage of human remains

The Lubbock Medical Examiner’s office is getting overwhelmed with cases, with remaining at the office for months. Families of the deceased either cannot afford to move them to a final resting place or delaying decisions. The backlog is not strictly due to the pandemic, or any increase in crime.

Editor’s Message By Lynda Bryant Work

It is time for the dreaded New Year Resolutions that no one will keep, no matter how good the intentions are. But for a change, to avoid the healthy ones like dieting and getting more sleep, here is a list of suggestions. Stop doom scrolling on Twitter and Facebook.

Amarillo, Lubbock report on Covid-19

Amarillo health officials reported a drop of 473 net active COVID-19 cases and a drop in the region's hospitalization rate this past Tuesday. Hospitalizations in Potter and Randall counties for Covid patients is at 3.59%. Total adult bed utilization in the hospitals (all patients) is at 89%.

Sheriff Santa’s Deputies

The Castro County Sheriff’s Office Annual Toy Drive was a big success. Donations and support by the community allowed the Sheriff’s Office to provide toys and other items to 95 children in the county.

Texas cattle brand deadline nears

All Texas cattle brands, marks and tattoos are set to expire after Aug. 30 and must be renewed by Feb. 28, 2022. Brand owners had a grace period to re-register brands beginning Aug. 31 and failing to do so leaves their brand open for anyone to take.