NATURALIST SURPRISES--No telling what participants of the annual Nazareth German Fest Playa Tour might find in the playa at the Ogallala Commons Playa Classroom south of Nazareth on July 11 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The tour always includes in time to partake of the German Sausage Dinner at the Nazareth Community Hall.

CROWD ON HAND--A large crowd of county and city residents was on hand in the County Courtroom of the Deaf Smith County Courthouse at the June 23 county commission meeting to hear and observe county commissioners give technology giant Google LLC and its affiliates along with IP Roman Gas property tax abatements on potentially billions of dollars worth of projects in Deaf Smith County over the next decade in return for substantial payment in lieu of taxes. (Photo by Jim Steiert)

Hereford soccer player Alexis Arceo Committed to Lamar Community College. The Hereford Boys Soccer Program is proud to announce that Alexis Arceo has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Lamar Community College.

MULTI GENERATIONS--The annual San Jose Jamaica is a big draw for local families and relatives to travel to get in on the fun, too. (Photos by Jim Steiert)