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Library to host book signings

Library to host book signings Carnegie City-County Library will host two book signings during the month of July. Steve Goen will be at the library on Saturday, July 9, at 10:30 a.m.to speak about his 11th book about trains. The Burlington Route promises to be entertaining and educational for all interested in passenger trains or…

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Search continues for NTSH escapee

Vernon Police Department reported that multiple law agencies have joined the search for the state hospital escapee. Alexander Ervin, 29, of Austin, escaped the North Texas State Hospital  on June 26. He was acquitted in the 2013 murder of his father by reason of insanity. Police Chief Randy Agan said Ervin is considered armed and…

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Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Extension Of Emergency SNAP Benefits For July 2022

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is providing more than $301.8 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of July. The allotments are expected to help about 1.4 million Texas households. “With the extension of emergency SNAP benefits, Texans across the state…

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Deputies will be patrolling for illegal fireworks along roadways

While fireworks may be legal in rural Wilbarger County this Fourth of July holiday, County Judge Greg Tyra warned that deputies will be on patrol issuing tickets to those setting them off along county roadways. There have already been reports of grass fires sparked by fireworks out in the county this week. In addition, fireworks…

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Dangerous escapee still on the loose

Alexander Scott Ervin, an escapee from North Texas State Hospital is still on the loose and considered extremely dangerous. “If you see this individual, do not approach him. Contact police immediately,” Vernon Police Chief Randy Agan said. Ervin was at the hospital for treatment since 2018. He had been acquitted by reason of insanity of…

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Fireworks show planned for July 3

The City of Vernon’s traditional fireworks display will be returning to Vernon High School, just not to Lion Stadium. And it will be held on Sunday, July 3, instead of on the Fourth. The VHS stadium is under construction, so it is closed to spectators at this time. Instead bring a lawn chair to sit…

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VISD recognizes police for school safety

The Vernon Independent School District Board of Trustees met in regular session at the Board room in the School District Central Office on Monday. Various topics were discussed during the meeting, starting with the Board recognizing the Vernon Police Department for their efforts in adding additional safety for the district students at the close of…

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Charging stations planned on Texas highways

Texas is planning to add enough electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state to support 1 million electric vehicles with dozens of new stations to allow for easier long-distance travel. In a draft plan released this month, the Texas Department of Transportation broke down a five-year. Charging stations will be every 50 miles along non-business…

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Crime Stoppers seeks Morgan Sanders

The Vernon Police Department is seeking wanted subject Morgan Lane Sanders. Sanders is a white male, 41 years of age. He is 6’1” and about 227 lbs with brown eyes and brown hair. He is wanted for evading arrest with a motor vehicle. Call Crime Stoppers at 552-5011, there is no caller ID if you…

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Burn ban ended, fireworks permitted

The Wilbarger County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to end the county’s burn ban – at least for a little while. The commissioners also voted not to limit aerial fireworks during the Fourth of July season. “Let’s use some good judgment when burning,” Judge Greg Tyra appealed to county residents, even as he advocated for lifting…

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