Local News
Sentences given in court cases
Sentences were handed down in several cases during proceedings last week in the 46th Judicial District Court. Felony DWI Joe Angel Gloria, 40, of Denton, was sentenced to five years in prison following his plea of guilty to felony driving while intoxicated. On November 29, 2019, a DPS trooper responded to a report of a…
Read MoreWGH board meeting
The Wilbarger General Hospital board of trustees held a special meeting last Wednesday to deal with several action items, postponed from the regular July board meeting a week earlier. The meeting was held by conference call due to COVID-19 restrictions. The directors approved adding a new ventilator, to be purchased at a cost of $25,394.…
Read MoreAdams Creek Solar Project taking shape
Representatives from the proposed Adams Creek Solar Project met with the Vernon College board of trustees last week. The solar project is planned in eastern Wilbarger County under development by Savion. The company requested a tax value limitation agreement with the Harrold ISD in February and is expected to ask tax breaks from other county…
Read MoreTaylor & Campsey win runoffs; Jackson claims Dist. 13 nomination
Two county races that began as three-way contests were settled Tuesday night in a run-off primary election. Incumbent John Wright lost to Billy Taylor for the Commission Precinct 1 nomination by a 310 (62%)to 190 count. Taylor had led in the first round 343 votes to 252 for Wright and 157 for Guy Spears. Incumbent…
Read MoreCounty discusses new hotel tax
The Wilbarger County Commissioners Court met on Monday to discuss whether to enact a 2 percent hotel occupancy tax, the authority to enact it was authorized by the state legislature in SB 3127 last session. The matter was ultimately tabled. Three members of the public spoke against implementing it and one spoke in favor of…
Read MoreNorthside ISD welcomes new principal for 20-21 school year
Benny Barnett has been named as the new principal of Northside ISD. Barnett succeeds Molly Lemon, who resigned to accept a position as first grade teacher at McCord Elementary School in Vernon. Barnett was raised in Sentinel, Okla., where he graduated from Sentinel High School. He received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education in…
Read MoreVernon K9 captures fleeing felon
The Vernon Police Department K9, “Jak” assisted in the capture of a man who allegedly fled from officers late Thursday night. A Vernon Police officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a white suburban in the 1400 block of Nabers. The officer’s report stated he recognized the driver, identified as Willard Damont Bell, 48…
Read MoreVISD holding special meeting on Thursday
The Vernon Independent School District board of trustees will hold a special meeting on Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration building boardroom. The only action item on the agenda is approval to purchase more Chromebooks. The board has previously discussed the need for the computers in case the district has to…
Read MoreCoronavirus cancellations adding up
In addition to the cancellation of Summer’s Last Blast, the 2020 Vernon Burnin’ Bike Ride has also been cancelled, according to Ride coordinator Rick Graf. Graf said the decision to cancel the Ride, which traditionally follows the weekend after Summer’s Last Blast and is co-sponsored by the Vernon Jaycees and the Vernon Optimist Club, was…
Read MoreCattle truck wreck causes fireworks stand explosion
First responders and private citizens were pressed into action following an accident which set off an explosion rocking the south part of Chillicothe during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers stated a semi, hauling a trailer full of cattle, was northbound on U.S. 287. The 18-wheeler drifted across the…
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