Lubbock voters to decide on ME facility

The decision on a new Lubbock County Medical Examiner’s Office will be decided by voters in the upcoming election. Lubbock County commissioners have proposed the use of more than $35 million in debt funding to build what would be a state-of-the-art facility.

HHSC extends renewal for some Medicaid recipients

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is providing certain Medicaid recipients an additional 30 days to complete their renewal packets.

WTAMU receives $20M gift to promote “Texas Panhandle values”

West Texas A&M University has received the largest gift from an individual donor in the university’s history. The donation of $20 million comes from Alex Fairly and his wife Cheryl from Amarillo and is targeted to create a new institute to promote American values.

USDA announces ag financial assistance through EQIP

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas announced fiscal year (FY) 2024 financial assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and landowners through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Buc-ee’s breaking ground in Amarillo

Buc-ee’s will finally be breaking ground on its new travel center in Amarillo on Oct. 26. Buc-ee’s will celebrate the start of construction with a ceremony attended by local leaders who helped make the project possible.

Centenarian sets out for skydiving record

A 104-year-old Chicago woman who set out to break a world record as the oldest person to ever jump from a plane has died. On Oct. 1, Dorothy Hoffner made a tandem skydive that could land her in the record books.

Gas prices could rise in Israeli conflict

Gas prices may be rising again, impacted by the Israel-Hamas War causing strife in the Middle East. According to Dr. Rob Tennant with A&M Central Texas, this is not an unusual situation that can happen in an oil producing region and is already happening.

RFK Jr. declares ‘independence’

Presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced he will drop his Democratic bid and run as an independent in 2024 race for the Oval Office, which appears to be heading toward a rematch of Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Castro County Farm Bureau Holds County Convention

Castro County Farm Bureau hosted their annual County Convention on Monday, October 2nd at the Castro County Expo Buildi ng. Farm Bureau members in attendance were treated to a BBQ meal and door prizes. Election of officers was held and new business for the year discussed.

Retired educators eye Prop 9 with hope

Approximately 420,000 retired educators and school personnel, including many in Castro County, are set to receive their first cost-of-living (COLA) raise in 10 years should voters give their blessing to Proposition 9 which is among the14 constitutional amendments appearing on the Nov. 7 ballot.