WINTER IS HERE

Although the winter storm has moved out of the region, lingering ice, snow and sustained below- freezing temperatures continue to create hazardous travel conditions, resulting in ongoing challenges for healthcare systems and the local blood supply.

Rural Roads Are the Backbone of Rural Texas — and They Deserve Austin’s Attention

If you live in rural Texas, it will come as no surprise that county roads across the state are failing. You feel it every time you dodge a pothole, ease past slowmoving farm equipment, or watch a school bus crawl down a road that hasn’t seen real maintenance in years.

Water depth measurements underway

High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD) field technicians are measuring annual water levels in observation wells to determine changes since last year.

LOCAL SHOWS

Last week Nazareth and Castro County held their annual junior livestock shows. Above, Nazareth exhibitors show steers, lambs and hogs. Be sure and pick up a copy of next week’s Castro County News for a special section listing all the winners of both shows. (Courtesy photos/Cailee Boyer)

Big Cat Makes a Panhandle Area Splash

So when you think about Mountain Lions, you think about mountains, and not necessarily the prairie. But the landscape in this part of the Panhandle is pretty rugged, after all, and supports a great deal of wildlife. Just ask any of the out-of-town hunters we see every season.

LIBRARY LINES ... BY GAYE REILY

'Winter Wonderland' is the theme of the upcoming Adult Winter Reading program that will commence Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, here at Rhoads Memorial Library.I realize the irony in the title as this winter has been exceedingly warm, with highs in the 60s and 70s and almost no precipitation.

CASTRO COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

CASTRO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Persons Arrested & Booked into Jail November 17 to December 29, 2025 All information of persons arrested and booked into the Castro County Jail are open records: November 17Eddy Chavers, 48, of Dimmitt was arrested by the Dimmitt Police for Forgery.

Castro County Judge’s Report

As Christmas decorations come down and routines return, we find ourselves in that hopeful stretch of the year when resolutions are still strong and commitments feel fresh.