Community Forums April 16 and 29
On Tuesday, April 16, community leaders in Spearman met at the Hansford County Annex Building to brainstorm with AgriLife leader Kristi Slough. Kristi is the Hansford County AgriLife Extension Agent.  The group of 11 divided into two different groups---one Agriculture & Natural Resources and the other Community & Health. Each group then listed topics of importance that are to be used in a long-term plan to educate our county and to benefit our Hansford County Youth.  Some of the topics discussed were: Aging demographics and work force Volunteers/Apathy Perception of Vocational Education Police Coverage Generational Farming/Ranching Ag Service Companies Risk Management/Insurance Illegal Drug Use Another important topic discussed was a summer program and how best to publicize that to our county youth. "I always thought growing up that 4-H was about having animals," said Kay Chinn, "but the 4H of today has so much more to offer!"  Another meeting to be held April 29 in Gruver will have the same format to gather information. Kristi will take the combined information from both meetings and create a long-term plan of work to present to the state. If you were unable to attend this meeting, make plans to attend the next one April 29 in Gruver. Slough expressed how important it is for our communities to work together for the positive support of all Hansford County Youth. | |||
Spearman City Park Updates Discussed In City Council Meeting April 16
After the regular agenda items were addressed, several of the items included were discussion and action on the city parks. *City Manager Justin Parker reported that the Holton Park was in full swing with irrigation system working, park equipment purchased with city funds along with donations from First National Bank and the Holton Family. The new equipment is ready to install. The discussion was to add a gazebo to the park and preliminary bids were reviewed. Parker will come back to the council next meeting after council is able to explore what type of shade construction would work best in the area. *Purchase of Aquasol Controller for Spearman Swimming Pool was discussed and passed. Gus Vargus reported that the seasonal pool work was underway and hoped to have it open mid-May. Jennifer Ooley will manage the pool. *Manager Parker explained information about the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Local Park Grant Program opening May 1, and expressed a desire to prepare an application for this grant with the help of PRPC. Spearman is very fortunate to have the high-quality parks in our city and Parker noted we have 40 acres of parks in our community. Other items discussed and/or passed were: *Contract with Hansford County for Assessment and Collection of City's Taxes *Resolution No. 3-24 for council to authorize participation in TxDOT for improvement program to conduct an obstruction survey at Samuel B. Cornelious Airport *Public Hearing--Annexation *Annexation of 9.237 Acres of Land per Ordinance No. 966 *City lease with Hansford County Golf Club pending insurance clarification Spearman will be the host city at the Texas Municipal League Quarterly Meeting to be held April 18 in Amarillo. | |||
Jason Richardson to Interview Lance Swan
Jason Richardson with HutchinsonCoPodcst will be conducting an interview with Hansford County Sheriff Candidate Lance Swan. Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Interview with Hansford County Sheriff candidate Lance Swan https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason-richardson2/episodes/Interview-with-Hansford-County-Sheriff-candidate-Lance-Swan-e2ieq3f The run-off election will take place May 28th | |||
Miss Hansford 2024
Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. began a round of interviews for all the contestants. There were 6 judges who traveled from surrounding communities to judge the contestants in the event. Missie Bates was the master of ceremonies, and an introduction to the event was given by Jennifer Ooley, President of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Each age division was scored on a personal interview with the judges and the on-stage evening gown that night. The Miss Hansford contestants were judged on sports wear, evening gown, and an on-stage question. The winner, 1st runner up, and 2nd runner up will receive scholarship money used to further their education. The Miss Teen winner will also receive scholarship money. The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Spearman ISD, the judges, Missie Bates, parents of the contestants, scholarship donors, those who donated for the goodie bags, MB Events Planner, the ushers and escorts for the pageant, and all those who came to watch the event. All of the contestants looked beautiful and did a great job! You will be able to see the winners and runner-ups as they participate in the Heritage Days Parade and festivities on Saturday, June 1st on Main Street in Spearman, Texas. Please mark your calendars to join us for a day of food, fun, and community congregation! Little Miss Winner - Sophia Grace Juarez 1st Runner Up - Evelyn Correll Junior Miss Winner - Aspen Beauchamp 1st Runner Up - Madison Grace Ruiz Miss Pre-Teen Winner - Elli Beachamp 1st Runner Up - Kimber Jackson Miss Teen Winner ($500 scholarship) - Alyana Schneider 1st Runner Up - Jaslene Baca Miss Hansford Winner ($2,000 scholarship) - Braylen Lusby 1st Runner Up ($1,250 scholarship) - Kenleigh Lopez 2nd Runner Up ($750 scholarship) - Emma Parker People's Choice Award Braylen Lusby | |||
Hansford County Republican Delegates To Attend State Convention
Delegates representing Hansford County are: Chair Gyene Spivey Wesley Coombs Donita Lusby Alternates are: Becky Byers Brian Gillispie Delinda McLaughlin Also recently, Steve Pair with SKP Creative had an interesting Facebook conversation that created discussion about Chat GPT and the use of it in today's media. Steve was pointing out how easily it is to "spot" the use of this trending language model. "So I asked ChatGPT to write a quote regarding AI and
writing, here's what it came up with," said Steve. "AI in the realm of writing is like a river, ceaselessly flowing and reshaping the landscape of language; it does not replace the poet but offers a new pen with which to sketch the unseen horizons of human thought." "Here is my quote: AI is changing the way we do just about everything, including the way we write. While its final product isn't quite ready for prime time, I've found that it makes a really good creative partner. I often ask it questions or give it an initial thought or idea rolling around in my head to see what kind of feedback it gives me. Then, I take that feedback and let my creativity get to work, producing something that (for now) only a human can do!" " For a matter of humor, I asked Mattie Been to create a story for me about the Hansford County Convention. Q: How long did this take? A: 43 seconds The story is quite interesting, colorful and very thorough--a great read. However, there's just one small problem---it hasn't happened yet. To read the AI Chat GPT Generated Story click (more) | |||
Womble Park Siren Put In Place
"I'm excited that this new siren is getting installed before the start of our severe weather season," says Spearman Mayor Tobe Shields. The City of Spearman has begun replacing the older sirens with solar and battery equipment as seen. "If there is a power loss we can still activate them," continued Mayor Shields. Last year city council approved funds to upgrade to radio activation capability so the current system does not have to be activated through a phone system. Daniel Chaney from Missouri replaced the siren near Womble Park. He has been installing emergency equipment for 20 years | |||
Gruver Main Street Improvements
 The City of Gruver recently received a grant that will provide funding for a downtown Main Street revitalization project. Improvements will include solar streetlamps, sidewalks with handicap accessibility, new metal benches and more. G&G Construction Dumas is the contractor for the project. The project is also funded by local citizens and the Gruver Chamber of Commerce.  | |||
Stationmaster's House Museum Creates T's From Hand Drawn Art
 Dr. Mike Ralston, President of the Stationmaster's House Museum Board, presents t-shirt design to the board In the past year of renovation and reorganization of the museum, a pen and ink drawing was discovered tucked away for safe keeping. The artist is John Millican of Perryton. His daughter Anna recognized her father's art and reached out to museum board member Gina Gillispie. Gillispie was able to speak with Millican about the history of the drawing. He was commissioned by his mother in law, Wanda Reed, who was serving on the Hansford County Historical Commission. John created the piece of art from photographs of the most important elements on the Stationmaster's House Museum grounds, including the house, caboose, sign and windmill, putting them all together in a unique portrayal. The final rendering was then used to create cards sold to benefit the museum. Millican first drew his art and then going over it with a black ink pen, taking him about a week to complete. Millican also paints in acrylic and has even dabbled in sculpture. "Art is very comforting," said John, "focusing on it is great for your mental health." John is now nearing his 71st birthday and growing up in the ghost town of Silver (EAST of Colorado City) he understands the value of history and volunteering in a small town.  "It was my pleasure in 2002 to draw the Stationmaster's House Museum and now to see my art come back for a 2nd life of benefitting it." | |||
INKS Gym Cheer Xtreme Elektra Ranks 2nd In Nation
National Rankings have been finalized for the season and INKS Gym in Perryton is proud to announce that Cheer Xtreme Elektra is ranked 2nd in the Nation. After receiving a full paid bid, Elektra competed at Lake Tahoe Super Nationals over the weekend and brought home the National Title for their Division. Elektra will head to Orlando for The Open National Championship at the end of April, where they will compete against qualifying teams from across the Nation. | |||
Guymon Pioneer Day Rodeo May 3, 4, and 5
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James Walter Ferguson, 67, of Gruver Dies In Motorcycle Crash
James Walter Ferguson, 67, of Gruver, Texas dies in motorcycle crash. He was pronounced deceased on the scene by Potter County Justice of the Peace Thomas Jones. To read full report click (more) | |||
Hansford County Sheriff Office Joins in Regional Investigation--Update--4 Arrested
UPDATE: All four were booked into the Texas County jail Saturday, each for two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said. Official charges have not been filed.  Original Story below: The HPO spoke Wednesday with Hunter McKee of OSBI who advised of the UPDATE of possible foul play. Hansford County Sheriff Bob Mahaffee spoke with the HPO and stated his agency was in contact with Texas County and OSBI. "Currently all we have are photos and descriptions of the two ladies. We are in contact with area agencies and part of the regional investigation."
 UPDATE- Based on the information obtained from the victim’s vehicle, our investigators believe there was evidence to indicate foul play. We are still searching for these victims and there are no arrests at this time. We ask that anyone with additional information please contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. We are “Protecting Oklahoma one Partnership at a time.” #OSBI #OneTeamOneMission To read original information click (more) | |||
2024 Pot Of Gold Held April 6
On Saturday April 6, 2024, the O'loughlin Center held their annual Pot Of Gold @ 7pm! Tickets sold for $70 which included an amazing dinner, entertainment by Ken Stonecipher and the Wooden Nickel Band, and a chance to win the Grand Prize of $2500!! There were 255 tickets sold and 22 Calcutta boards. "It was a fun night with great food and music. We had record ticket sales and a record turnout, and we're so incredibly grateful for everyone turning out to support this annual fundraising event for the Center. I also have to recognize our fantastic staff and volunteers that do all the hard work to make this event happen," said board VP Justin Parker. Board members of the O'Loughlin Center hosted the gala🍀 | |||
Chase Severe Weather Along With Top of Texas Storm Chaser Ernie Bowen
During this severe weather season, HPO photographer Ernie Bowen will be livestreaming his storm chases. Bowen is a member of the Top of Texas Storm Chasers and is a chaser for the National Weather Service in Amarillo and most recently provided live stream coverage of the recent wildfires. Here's how it works:  During severe weather threats, the National Weather Service issues public watches/warnings to area officials. Ernie is included in this alert. If the alert escalates into a warning, Ernie will travel to the area that is identified and the NWS will then track his device and they will be in communication throughout the storm. Ernie will then provide his information to the HPO where you can watch it here and on our Facebook page. The radius for his storm chasing covers the Texas Panhandle and beyond. You will be able to watch Ernie's live feed on any of your devices while he is chasing severe weather. NOTE: Our severe weather can happen quite quickly and become very widespread. Always have your place of shelter ready and a plan with your family. Consider having as many safety measures as possible including PARIS, KXDJ FM Radio, Amarillo News Stations and others. Our local and area storm chasers are volunteers and often are in the very center of very dangerous weather. They are the "eyes on the skies" that report back to the news what they are seeing which is then relayed to the public. Their dedication to our local area is greatly appreciated!  Ernie has weather station equipment at his home where he monitors weather each day. He recommends Wunderground (sign up for the AP at the link below). The images are examples of what you are able to view on the app. ***Remember during a lightning storm, it is not a good idea to be on your computer, so make plans to have this information available on your other devices.  
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The Girl Who Beat Trump
Linda Cummings 1072 Donald J. Trump 1061 In the 2020 Primary she came very close to having more votes as well. Donald J. Trump 1128 Liinda Cummings 1003 Linda began working at her job in the Hansford County Tax Office October 1, 1980, and was elected as Tax Assessor-Collector in November 2004, taking office January1, 2005. She has run unopposed ever since. "I love helping people," said Linda, " I love the friendships that have evolved over the years." Co-worker Dorothy Nollner explained that the office was busy all the time and if and when there might be slower times there was plenty of work waiting to be done. It is not uncommon for the office to complete 10 or more titles each day. The office will renew around 10 – 20 vehicles a day. They also do voter registration and property taxes. On Thursdays, Linda renews driver's license for the DPS. Linda is a 1978 Graduate of Perryton High School. She married Doug in 1977 and they have two sons, Christopher and Andrew who are married to Trisha and Denise. They have grandchildren, Cadden (24), Kaytreil (21) and Riley (14). "I love spending time with my family," said Linda, "and also being creative with arts and crafts." Doug retired in February and Linda is considering giving up her role as well. If she is elected this November, her term will not expire until December 31, 2028. Hansford County will be anxious to see if our girl can beat Trump again! Linda: "Give GOD the glory in all things. I try to live by that. I try to live a stress-free life. So, if a situation occurs that makes me mad or upset, I get over it quickly or don’t even let it bother me because if it isn’t going to matter tomorrow or a year from now, who cares. Life is too short to be miserable." Perhaps her gentle and helpful attitude is the thing that makes her such a popular candidate and so well liked in Hansford County. | |||
Congratulations Coach Hart
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Spearman ISD School Board Candidate Shawn Moore Interview With KXDJ's Chris Samples
Spearman ISD School Board Candidate Shawn Moore speaks with KXDJ's Chris Samples to listen to his interview click | |||
Robert Whitaker Explains Special Heritage Days Event For Stationmaster's House MuseumWe have equipment for hot irons and also connection for electrical irons onsite at the museum. The recommended donation for attending the cowboy breakfast and adding your brand to our ranch room is $25 per brand. The Stationmaster's House Museum can issue receipts for your monetary donations. We are a 501(c)(3) in good standing with the IRS. | |||
Stationmaster's House Museum To Host Branding Event June 1
Saturday June 1, 2024 7:30am to 9:30am Afternoon Branding 1:00pm to 5:00pm One only needs to show up with an appetite and their branding irons. We will have a propane pot going and electrical connections for the electric irons. The recommended donation for attending cowboy breakfast and adding your brand to our new brand boards is $25.00 per brand. The Stationmaster’s House Museum can issue receipts for your monetary donations. We are a 501(c)(3) in good standing. If anyone has questions about this event please contact Robert Whitaker by private message on Facebook or email him at journeys@hansfordheritage.com | |||
Spearman ISD District Co-Teachers of the Year 2024by Kristi Ramon 
 Garcia is a second-grade teacher and started her career at Spearman ISD in 2018. She is completing her fifth year at Gus Birdwell Elementary. Lozano is the athletic trainer and teaches sports medicine and started his career at Spearman ISD in 2013. He is completing his tenth year at Spearman High School. Spearman ISD’s employees nominate a teacher of their choice for the campus Teacher of the Year. Once the nominations have been made, the administrators from their perspective campuses review all nominations and select one winner per campus. The district administrative team votes on the District Teacher of the Year. There was a tie with Lozano and Garcia. The administrative decision was to award both teachers for the award! Congratulations and good luck at the regional level. to view more photos click (more) | |||
Jay Eschenberg Creates Photo Essay of Smokehouse Creek Wild Fire
 Jay Eschenberg is a photojournalist living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When Jay became aware of the devastating fires that had occurred in Fritch and surrounding communities, he traveled to the area to create a stunning photo shoot of the charred land. 71-year-old Eschenberg has been working for almost 60 years primarily involved in two careers--- Investigation (both Law
Enforcement and Private) and photography, cinematography and media production
of various kinds. He spent a good deal of his time in his late teens and twenties in
the radio business, working as a DJ and Program Director. Today he still
develops and produces a wide range of audio (and radio-related) programming
content in a fully equipped home studio and has even syndicated
some. "My audio work has also included doing voice-over and audio-for-film and video...and I have even composed and produced some musical scores, which calls upon some (almost forgotten) skills from another life when, while in my teens, I traveled as a musician with some (much older) touring bands," says Jay. read more about Eschenberg by clicking (more) | |||
Panhandle Wildfire Investigative Committee Meets In Pampa
PAMPA, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – On the last day of the Panhandle Wildfires Investigative Committee hearings, the committee heard from officials from electric and utility companies, the Railroad Commission of Texas and ranchers to gain an understanding of what happens during the inspection process for wells and utility poles. Appointed members serving on the Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires:
Read the full story by Maci Weathers HERE | |||
Julie Pittman---Teacher on the Rise
The Teachers on the Rise is a monthly teacher recognition program that honors teachers in the Amarillo and Lubbock area. Students or parents nominate the teacher and every month three winners are selected (one elementary, one middle school, and one high school). All winning teachers receive a great prize package worth more than $300.00. The student who nominates a winning teacher receives a $50.00 gift card.  Kimber Jackson nominated Julie Pittman for this award “I love Mrs. Pittman. She is the “bestttt” teacher anybody could ever ask for. She is always there when I need her. Mrs. Pittman makes learning so much fun and, on every Friday, we play learning games. We play fish bowl or Jeopardy. Every morning we play Seterra to help us study the world. She will help us as much as she can. Mrs. Pittman is the best. There is so much more to her, but I would have to be here all day. I have never liked social studies, but she makes me love it. When I go to school, I only go for Mrs. Pittman. When I am feeling low, she makes me feel at my highest. If you can’t tell already, Mrs. Pittman is the best teacher ever and would love this reward. Mrs. Pittman deserves it.” Kimber Jackson | |||
James Layman Named Lone Finalist As Spearman ISD Superintendent
The SISD School Board met in a special called meeting, Monday, April 1. Layman currently serves as SHS Principal. Congratulations to Mr. Layman. To read SISD information about Layman click (more) | |||
Apex Energy Planning Pronghorn Flats Project In Three Area Counties
The Apex Energy project is called Pronghorn Flats. Anna Richey, senior public engagement manager with Apex Energy said, “The plan is certainly a wind project, potentially also a solar project and like everybody these days, we are always keeping in the back of our minds the option for that hydrogen component.” Richey said it was important to note the potential for the hydrogen project is highly dependent on a handful of factors but foremost, responsibly sourcing the water needed for a hydrogen plant. Listen to more here. She noted they are very early in the planning stages and should know more details by the fall. | |||
