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2025 Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo Queen Offers Advice, Insight to Becoming Rodeo Royalty

April 29, 2026

Under the bright lights and dust of the Santa Rosa Roundup, Kennadi Wofford rode with a confidence earned through perseverance, community spirit, and a deep love for rodeo. As the newly crowned Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo Queen in 2025, Kennedy’s story is one of determination, family support, and the enduring traditions of small-town Texas. A…

UPDATE: Vernon police investigating murder

April 9, 2026

Update: Martin Lynn Sanders, 22, remains incarcerated at the Wilbarger County Jail as of Friday morning with bail set at $500,000. According to the Complaint For Arrest Warrant, “On 04/08/2026 at approximately 2325hrs Officers were dispatched to the area of 928 Olive in reference to a report of gunshots. While in the area Officers observed…

Wilbarger General Hospital appoints Burke Kline as new CEO

April 9, 2026

The Board of Trustees of Wilbarger General Hospital (WGH) announced April 9 the appointment of Dr. Burke Kline as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 24. Dr. Kline, a Nebraska native, is an experienced healthcare executive with a particular commitment to rural healthcare. He has a proven history of enhancing quality patient outcomes and…

UPDATE: Change in Town Hall Forum Scheduled for Vernon

April 8, 2026

The Town Hall Forum announced by Representative James Frank will not be including State Senator Charles Perry. Sen. Perry’s attendance was canceled because of a conflict in his schedule. The Forum will take place with Rep. Frank at 4 p.m. Monday, April 20 at Vernon City Council Chambers, 1725 Wilbarger Street. Representative Frank looks forward…

Rabies Alert Issued in Vernon Following Positive Case

April 8, 2026

The Vernon Police Department and Wilbarger Humane Society confirmed April 8 in a social media post the first rabies case of the year in the area. It was reported a skunk within the Vernon city limits tested positive for the virus, prompting this public health alert. Rabies is a deadly disease, with a 100% fatality…

City Approves $170,000 Purchase of New Truck

April 1, 2026

During the March meeting of the City of Vernon Commission, commissioners approved the purchase of a new septic pumping truck for the wastewater treatment plant as part of the 2025-2026 city budget. ​ The decision was made after extensive discussions about the current state of the existing truck and the options available for replacement. ​…

Governor Abbott Announces Latest Slate Of Appointments

March 13, 2026

AUSTIN – This week, Governor Greg Abbott selected multiple qualified candidates to serve on behalf of Texans. 512th Judicial District Court In Williamson County – Governor Abbott appointed Sarah Moore as Judge of the 512th Judicial District Court in Williamson County for a term set to expire December 31, 2026, or until her successor shall…

Rozzell, Graf, Patterson win Primary Election

March 3, 2026

The Republican Primary on Tuesday showed Ashley Rozzell winning the race for the open District Clerk seat, and incumbent County Commissioners Phillip Graf and Josh Patterson fending off primary challengers. All will win office as there are no Democrat opponents in the general election. Wilbarger County District Clerk (Republican) — Ronnie Adams — 27.89% (388…

Google Announces New Data Center in Wilbarger County

February 24, 2026

Google has announced that they are expanding their longstanding presence in Texas with a new data center under construction in Wilbarger County with agreements to support local energy resilience, anchored by a focus on water security and energy affordability. The data center will use advanced air-cooling technology, limiting water consumption to only critical campus operations…

Six Vernon Lions receive Blue Bell/TSWA All State honors

February 19, 2026

Six Vernon Lions received All State Honors as recognized by the Blue Bell/Texas Sportswriters Association 3A All State Team. Adrian Felton, a junior, was named First Team All State as a defensive lineman after leading the division in sacks last season. Manny Ochoa (a senior offensive lineman) and Bowie Eiken (a junior linebacker) are Second…