NORAD works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, tracking everything that flies in and around North America in defense of our homelands. On Dec. 24, they have the very special mission of also tracking Santa.

A second round of stimulus checks will soon be landing in the bank accounts of millions of Americans, following the 11th hour passage of the $900 billion economic relief package that Congressional leaders agreed to on Dec. 20.

In honor of their customers and this year’s cotton harvest, North Gin donated $2,500 to both Child Protective Services and the Toys for Tots. Accepting the check for CPS were board members Joe Josselet, Melissa Carpenter and Lacey Farris; and for the Toy Drive, Sheriff Sal Rivera and Chief Deputy Michael Pantoja. North Gin wishes all it customers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2021.

A Dimmitt Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting was held for Fresh Donuts Plus owned by Sam and Savy Cheam. The business opened this past June and has become a popular morning stop for fresh donuts and pastries. Open daily until 1 p.m., it is located at 122 NW 2n St. in Dimmitt and features both walk-in and drive-through services.

Sheriff Sal Rivera, who serves as the Castro County Emergency Management coordinator, gave an update on COVID-19 for the county on Monday. He said the county currently has 525 confirmed cases, with 471 recoveries, 43 active and 11 deaths.