Local News
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to visit Vernon during statewide bus tour
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will make a campaign stop in Vernon Tuesday as part of a bus tour taking him through communities across the state. Patrick is scheduled to meet with area residents at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Three Hearts Steakhouse, 1722 Pease St. The Vernon appearance was announced locally by Meredith…
Read MoreDangerous heat to grip Vernon through early next week
Dangerous heat is expected to remain entrenched across Vernon and Wilbarger County through early next week, with afternoon temperatures approaching or exceeding 110 degrees on several days, according to the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma. A heat advisory remains in effect for Wilbarger County until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, and another advisory has…
Read MoreCity Commission Approves Additional Lighting for Orbison Park
A proposed cell tower at Orbison Park will move into the city’s public notification and planning review process following action by the Vernon City Commission. Commissioners authorized city staff to proceed with public notices and consideration by the Vernon Planning and Zoning Commission. The action does not constitute final approval of the tower or a…
Read MoreWilbarger County Chief Appraiser offers insight into property valuations
(Editor’s Note: Sandy Burkett, Wilbarger County Chief Appraiser, has written the following to offer an insight into how property is valued for taxing purposes.) Tax calculations cannot be justified accurately at this time as tax rates are set by the taxing entities for Wilbarger County and must be set (adopted) before September 30 or by…
Read MoreVernon Police Department Participates in Joint 287(g) Enforcement Operation
On July 13, the Vernon Police Department participated in a joint enforcement operation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Wilbarger County Sheriff’s Office as part of the 287(g) program. The joint operation resulted in 13 total arrests. Of those arrested, 11 individuals were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for…
Read MoreHelp Support TASA, buy a meal from Vernon McDonald’s July 16
Vernon McDonald’s will be generously donating 20% of all sales between the hours of 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16 to Texoma Alliance to Stop Abuse in recognition of the organization’s 13th anniversary. This donation period applies to all sales, including dine-in, drive-thru, pick up and mobile orders. The agency encourages the community to…
Read MoreMan charged with terroristic threat after reported bomb threat to state hospital
(Editor’s note: The following information comes from a Complaint For Arrest Warrant. All references to North Texas State Hospital originate from this court document.) A 23-year-old man has been charged with making a terroristic threat after authorities allege he called in a bomb threat to the North Texas State Hospital, prompting a large-scale response from…
Read MoreWilbarger County Connect: Lunch and Learn planned for July 7
The Wilbarger County Connect: Lunch and Learn event is scheduled for July 7, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM CDT. This gathering will take place at The Empire Room in the Auditorium, and it’s designed as a community conversation focused on building a stronger Wilbarger County. Attendees can expect lunch to be provided during…
Read MoreFire reported on Canal St.
Vernon Firefighters responded to a structure fire on Thursday, June 25 shortly before 9 a.m. at Houston and Canal.
Read MoreLaughery resigning as Hardeman County Sheriff
Hardeman County Sheriff Patrick Laughery has announced that he is resigning from office, effective July 31, 2026. Laughery informed the Hardeman County Commissioners Court on Monday, June 22 of his decision. In a letter to the court he stated that he made the decision “after careful prayer and consideration to pursue a new career opportunity,…
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