Local News
Help 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,…
Read MoreCity Commissioners to Consider Increasing Water Allocation to Red River Authority
The City of Vernon Commission will consider a request from the Red River Authority of Texas to amend a contract to allocate additional city water to the RRA Box Water System. In a letter to City Manager Darell Kennon, RRA is requesting the City of Vernon to increase its daily water allocation by 60,000 gallons.…
Read MoreAbbott Directs PUC and ERCOT to Shield Texans From Data Center Infrastructure Costs
Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to take immediate steps to protect residential ratepayers from the costs of data center expansion. “Data centers must operate in ways that reduce costs for residential electricity customers, do not drain water needed for our communities, and…
Read MoreVC Nursing Program Receives More Than $484,000 in State Grants
The Vernon College Associate Degree Nursing Program has been awarded two state grants totaling more than $484,000 to enhance nursing education opportunities and expand hands-on training capabilities for students in the region. The grants will support the conversion of an empty space at the Century City Center into a large simulation laboratory and provide advanced…
Read MoreTransfer Station Hours Extended on Saturdays
The City of Vernon will test extended Saturday hours at its transfer station to better accommodate residents, city officials said. During a recent council meeting, staff proposed a trial period to expand Saturday operations from 9 a.m.–noon to 8 a.m.–2 p.m., running from June 6 through Oct. 31. The trial aims to assess whether longer…
Read More2025 Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo Queen Offers Advice, Insight to Becoming Rodeo Royalty
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…
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