SPRING 2024

Spring Equinox 2024

begins Tuesday, March 19
 

Crockett Elementary Raises Mondy for the American Heart Association

Crockett Elementary just wrapped up the Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser.  Crockett Elementary students raised over $4,200 for Kids Heart Challenge!!

 

 Giovanni Felan-Eakins was the top student raising $602.89. 

Nine students completed Finn’s Mission.  Finn's Mission is a way for students to participate in the Kids Heart Challenge to learn more about Heart Health by completing 7 different challenges.  

Katelyn Archer, Hadley Coburn, Raine De Guzman, Giovanni Felan-Eakins, Elena Lopez, Owen McDonald, Caden Meeks, Mia Segovia, and Addison Price completed the mission. 

 



 

Thunderstorm Chances This Week

A chance for thunderstorms will come into the area on Wednesday.

Lance Goerhing with the National Weather Service said a system that has been stalled out over Arizona will begin moving our way and there will be enough instability in the atmosphere to produce some showers and thunderstorms. He said the better chances will be in the eastern portion of the Panhandles.

Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday, along with a low-end chance for a severe thunderstorm. Primarily severe weather threat appears to be wind gusts up to 60 mph, but hail up to quarter size cannot be ruled out


There was some rain around the region over the weekend as well. We received .15 but some around the area could have received anywhere from .25 up to .30.

 

Garden Clinic March 26



 

Ranchers Helping Ranchers March 23

DONATED ADVERTISING
DONATED ADVERTISING


 

City of Borger Announces Passing Of Mayor Pro Tem

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Borger Mayor Pro Tem Milton Ooley. Milton, a beloved member of our community, dedicated his life to service and leaves behind a legacy of commitment and compassion.
Milton's contributions to Borger were numerous and impactful. He supported investments in our community, championing projects such as the renovations to the Dome Civic and Convention Center. Additionally, his advocacy led to reductions in the City's tax rate of more than 25%, benefiting residents and businesses alike.

Born on June 24, 1955, in Pampa, Texas, Milton was a devoted family man and a pillar of strength to his loved ones. Throughout his life, he exemplified integrity and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Milton's journey was one of service and devotion to both his country and community. From his time in the United States Army to his roles in education and ministry and his time on the Borger City Council, he touched countless lives with his wisdom and compassion.

We extend our deepest condolences to Milton's family, friends, and all who were touched by his kindness and generosity. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Milton Ooley. Your legacy of service and love will forever live on in our hearts.

 

Debris Management Update

City of Borger / Hutchinson County OEM

March 15th, 2024, Updates:
•A debris management agreement has been reached. We're working on the permitting process, and other official details. We will update with specifics very soon. One thing that remains the same: Please sort your debris and place it all as close to the roadway as possible, without obstructing it. The dome still has cleanup materials available as well, for those of you who need it.
•Dome donation center hours have changed. They will now be M-F 9-7PM and closed on the weekends.
•The Wildfire Hotline (806-273-0955) hours have changed as well. They will now be operating M-F 9AM-5PM.
•The U.S. Small Business Administration will be located at the Dome (Eddie Edwards Room) for the next few weeks. Their hours will be Monday-Saturday 9AM-6PM. They offer Disaster Relief Loans, as well as Small Business Assistance. If you lost a home or your business has been impacted, please go see them.
•Another Multi Agency Resource Clinic will be hosted in the City of Fritch -Today (March 15th) at Celebration Family Church from 1PM -7PM. If you've missed the last two clinics, we cannot stress enough how important it is that you attend this one. These agencies are so helpful.
•Hutchinson County United Way is working on intakes for assistance. If you haven't gotten with them yet (and are a victim of the recent wildfires), please do.

 

Early Learning Academy Launching August 2024 in Stinnett

We are so excited about our new Early Learning Academy that will open for the 2024-25 school year!  This is the culmination of a innovative partnership with Region 16 and will provide the very best early childhood education for children from birth through age 4.  Information on enrollment for fall 2024 coming soon. ~ Mrs. Copley
We are so excited about our new Early Learning Academy that will open for the 2024-25 school year! This is the culmination of a innovative partnership with Region 16 and will provide the very best early childhood education for children from birth through age 4. Information on enrollment for fall 2024 coming soon. ~ Mrs. Copley
AMARILLO, TEXAS – Plemons Stinnett Phillips Consolidated Independent School District (PSP CISD) is excited to announce the launch of an Early Learning Academy, in partnership with Region 16 Education Service Center, starting August 2024.
“This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant milestone in addressing the critical need for early childhood education in our community,” said Jamie Copley, PSP CISD superintendent. “We are set to bring the best in early education to PSP CISD through this collaboration with Region 16 and provide children ages birth to four years old with tools to give them every advantage for success. We are looking forward to welcoming new students and families to the PSP CISD Early Learning Academy in the 2024-25 school year.” (more)
 

Hutchinson County Recovery Efforts Report

Hutchinson County Public Engagement Coordinator, Deidra Thomas says they have wrapped up the rescue and recovery part and have accounted for everybody. All their residents are safe. They are now in the damage assessment part.

They have state agencies, resources, and even non-profit resources that are coming in to help with damage assessment. Right now, they are trying to get a grasp on how much damage they have. Property damage has to be separated from livestock losses so they are trying to get as much information out to the victims so they can start to get some help. Hear more from Thomas here.

 

Cornyn, Cruz Support Abbott Request for SBA Relief Evaluation Due to Panhandle Wildfires

UNITED STATES SENATE
UNITED STATES SENATE
Friday, March 8, WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today announced their support for Texas Governor Abbott’s request for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in communities impacted by wildfires to determine if Texas meets the threshold for additional federal disaster assistance. One of the three fires still burning, the Smokehouse Creek fire is the largest wildfire in Texas history and among the largest in U.S. history.

“It will take years for Texans to recover from the devastating wildfires across the Panhandle that have claimed three lives, hundreds of homes and businesses, and countless livestock,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I offer my full support to Governor Abbott and stand ready to work with the SBA and other federal agencies in providing the resources necessary to help our fellow Texans rebuild.”

“Right now, Texans across the Panhandle are struggling after wildfires destroyed their homes, damaged their businesses, wiped out their livestock, and took the lives of their loved ones. I stand with the State of Texas and strongly support the request to the U.S. Small Business Administration to join state and local officials in conducting preliminary assessments in communities impacted by the fires. As Texans continues to fight these fires, we must determine if we’re able to provide additional federal disaster relief to assist those in Fritch, Lake Meredith, Canadian, and beyond. They are fighting to rebuild their communities following the destruction caused by the Smokehouse Creek fire, and they should not do so alone,” said Sen. Cruz.


 

Texas Farm Bureau Relief Fund Gathers Donations for Wildfire Victims

(Stinnett, Texas) Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) established the Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund to assist farmers and ranchers impacted by the devastating fires burning through the Panhandle.

Over 1 million acres of the Texas Panhandle have burned. Farmers and ranchers have lost homes, barns, fences and livestock.

“This is a devastating situation for Panhandle towns, families and agriculture,” David Harbour, Hutchinson County Farm Bureau president, said. “To help our neighbors get back on their feet, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) launched a wildfire relief fund for tax-deductible donations to meet the needs in the Panhandle.”
All donations made to TFB’s relief fund will go directly to help those affected by the fires.

“It’s hard to imagine losing everything you own—from the fence surrounding your property to the forage your livestock eat,” Mr. Harbour said.

Credit card donations may be made via the TFB website at texasfarmbureau.org/panhandle-wildfire-relief-fund.

Checks may be made out to the Texas Farm Bureau Agriculture Research and Education Foundation and mailed to: Panhandle Wildfire Committee, P.O. Box 2689, Waco, Texas 76702-2689. Please include “Attention: Chris Daughtery” on donation envelopes.

For more information on livestock supply points and donation needs, visit TFB’s Wildfire Relief and Recovery Resources webpage at texasfarmbureau.org/wildfire-relief-andrecovery-resources.


 

Commissioner Sid Miller Pledges Ongoing Support For Texas Panhandle

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER MILLER PLEDGING IS ONGOING SUPPORT FOR THE TEXAS PANHANDLE

Commissioner Sid Miller pledges his ongoing support of the people of the Texas Panhandle during this time of historic loss. The collaborative efforts between the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and partnering agencies have been crucial in providing immediate assistance and spreading awareness of the devastation faced by farmers and ranchers in the region.

Our successful fundraising efforts, with over $726,000 already raised in STAR Fund donations, highlight the generosity and solidarity of individuals and organizations across the nation. This financial support is invaluable in assisting those affected by the ongoing catastrophe.

We will continue to communicate ways people can donate hay, fencing supplies, and other necessities to the people of the Panhandle through all communication channels possible.

Commissioner Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture are committed to doing everything possible to assist the Texas Panhandle.
 
PRIOR STATEMENTS:

·       STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER MILLER HONORING FRITCH FIRE CHIEF ZEB SMITH AND OUR FRONTLINE HEROES IN THE TEXAS PANHANDLE > Texas Department of Agriculture Website > News & Events (texasagriculture.gov)

·       COMMISSIONER MILLER ISSUES UPDATE ON HISTORIC PANHANDLE WILDFIRES > Texas Department of Agriculture Website > News & Events (texasagriculture.gov)

·       COMMISSIONER SID MILLER STANDS WITH FARMERS AND RANCHERS DURING DEVASTATING PANHANDLE WILDFIRES > Texas Department of Agriculture Website > News & Events (texasagriculture.gov)

·       Texas wildfires devastate cattle country | Fox News Video






 

Fire Damage To Hutchinson County Is Significant

Today, a take on the fire damage from Hutchinson County. Deidra Thomas is the Hutchinson County Public Engagement Coordinator and estimates that two to three hundred structures were lost in Hutchinson County.

“It’s significant. There’s really no other way to put it. I don’t think any of us have had time to let our guard down. We are just really focused on no new damage, no new crisis, if you will,” Thomas told KXDJ’s Chris Samples.

One of the interesting parts of this story is the fact that many of these communities like Borger, Fritch, Miami, and Canadian are surrounded by grassland while Perryton is surrounded by farmland.

Thomas agreed and noted that all of that rain from last year was pretty while it lasted but it did lead to massive amounts of fuel around the area.

More can be heard from them here.

Hutchinson County was hit by another tragedy when Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith died earlier this week when responding to a structure fire.


 

Statement from Xcel Energy Regarding Wildfires in the Texas Panhandle

Statement from Xcel Energy regarding wildfires in the  Texas Panhandle

MINNEAPOLIS (March 7, 2024) — Xcel Energy (XEL) issued the following statement regarding the wildfires in the Texas Panhandle:

Our thoughts continue to be with the families and communities impacted by the wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. We are also grateful for the courageous first responders that have worked to fight the fires and help save lives and property.

As longstanding members of the west Texas community, we will continue to support our neighbors in this recovery, and we thank our frontline workers who have worked long hours over the past several days to restore electrical service to those who can receive power in the impacted areas.

Xcel Energy has been cooperating with the investigations into the wildfires and has been conducting its own review. Based on currently available information, Xcel Energy acknowledges that its facilities appear to have been involved in an ignition of the Smokehouse Creek fire.

Xcel Energy disputes claims that it acted negligently in maintaining and operating its infrastructure; however, we encourage people who had property destroyed by or livestock lost in the Smokehouse Creek fire to submit a claim to Xcel Energy through our claims process. We will review and respond to any such claims in an expeditious manner, with a priority on claims from any person that lost their home in the Smokehouse Creek fire. A claim form and instructions for submission can be found by visiting www.xcelenergy.com and scrolling to the bottom righthand side of that page, to the "Claims Process" link under Customer Support Claims Services | Customer Support | Xcel Energy.

Xcel Energy notes that the Windy Deuce fire reportedly impacted many structures in and around Fritch, Texas. Xcel does not believe that its facilities caused the ignition of the Windy Deuce fire, and we are not aware of any allegation that Xcel Energy’s facilities caused this fire.

Based on preliminary information disclosed by authorities on March 5, Xcel Energy understands that 47 occupied homes in Hemphill County and up to 17 occupied homes in Roberts County were destroyed by the Smokehouse Creek fire. With respect to Hutchinson County, which was impacted by both the Smokehouse Creek fire and the Windy Deuce fire, Xcel Energy’s preliminary understanding based on the areas impacted is that the number of occupied homes lost due to the Smokehouse Creek fire appear to be fewer than in Hemphill County. These numbers are subject to change as more information becomes available.




 

City of Fritch Releases Information On The Passing of Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith

Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith
Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith
Fritch, Texas - March 5, 2024

With profound sorrow, on behalf of the City of Fritch, we announce the passing of Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith, who bravely responded to a structure fire earlier today. Chief Smith, a dedicated public servant, was the first on the scene, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and service to the Fritch community.

During the response, Chief Smith faced unforeseen challenges and, despite emergency medical assistance and quick transportation to Golden Plains Community Hospital, tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Chief Zeb Smith served the Fritch and Hutchinson County community with selflessness and dedication. His exemplary leadership was evident in his tireless efforts over the past week, where he worked diligently to protect and safeguard his community and fellow citizens.

In this time of profound loss, our thoughts and condolences go out to Chief Smith's family, friends, and the entire Fritch community. We honor Chief Zeb Smith's legacy of service and express our deepest gratitude for his contributions to public safety.

A memorial service to celebrate Chief Smith's life and honor his service will be announced at a later date.

Additional information will be released later. For media inquiries, please contact Brandon Strope at [email protected].

 
Texas Senator Ted Cruz Spends Time In Fire Ravaged Fritch
Jury Duty---It's a Privilege
 
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