Drought persists in South Plains, Panhandle region

Severe or exceptional drought consumed many counties in the South Plains and Texas Panhandle, persisting with 222 counties, including Castro County, across the state under burn bans, and crops and cattle suffering in the midst of high heat and lack of rain.

HTFCU Breaks Ground

Hereford Texas Federal Credit Union board members and staff broke ground on Wednesday morning at what will be their new offices in Dimmitt.

Schools receive accountability ratings

For the first time since the COVID pandemic began, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released its accountability ratings for the state’s school districts and individual campuses. Nazareth ISD elementary/secondary came out on top among schools in Castro County, scoring an A or 98 out of 100.

CDC updates, relaxes Covid guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its Covid-19 guidance on because, according to the agency, the virus presents a lower risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

Harvest Days Kicks Off Aug. 27

The Castro County Harvest Days celebration is just around the corner and promises to be the best yet with a full schedule of events on Aug. 27.

TxDOT kicks off ‘Drive sober, No regrets’ campaign

The Texas Department of Transportation announced it will kick off the “Drive Sober. No Regrets” drunk driving prevention campaign.

Castro Memorial Gardens searching for lot owners

Castro Memorial Gardens Cemetery Association is continuing to locate possible absentee lot owners. On early records dating before 1920 to 1950, notations were made indicating possible claim to cemetery lots without any paper trail or proof of payment.

Lake Meredith still perilously low

After last week’s rainfall, Lake Meredith continues to experience issues due to high levels of salt in the lake, leaving the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority unable to pump more drinking water despite recent rainfall. Lake Meredith provides drinking water for much of the Texas Panhandle.

Applications for Wildfire Defense Grant now open

Eligible communities in Texas can apply now for a federal grant administered by Texas A&M Forest Service to plan for and mitigate against risks created by wildfire. The closing date for applications is Oct. 7.