Local News
City 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…
Read MoreUPDATE: Vernon police investigating murder
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…
Read MoreWilbarger General Hospital appoints Burke Kline as new CEO
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…
Read MoreUPDATE: Change in Town Hall Forum Scheduled for Vernon
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…
Read MoreRabies Alert Issued in Vernon Following Positive Case
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…
Read MoreCity Approves $170,000 Purchase of New Truck
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. …
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