Local News
Vernon High athletes begin summer workouts
Vernon High School athletes are back on campus for the first time in three months. Activities were suspended in March statewide due to Covid-19 concerns. Vernon students began summer conditioning activities this week — the boys started on Monday evening at the high school and the girls started Tuesday morning at the middle school. The…
Read MoreVouchers available for fresh fruits and veggies
The Vernon Farmers Market is off and running, set up each Saturday morning on the north side of the Wilbarger County Courthouse, and on Tuesday afternoons between 4-6 p.m. on the front lawn of Wilbarger General Hospital at the midweek market. The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides seniors and WIC participants with fresh fruits…
Read MoreCommissioners update on Covid-19 status
Wilbarger County Judge Greg Tyra reported that local nursing homes have been tested by state and he had received no reports of coronavirus from that testing. Testing of state employees at all three campuses of North Texas State Hospital is also underway, and results will be reported at a later date. There are no new…
Read MoreCampaigning begins in earnest for runoff election
Ronny Jackson, a candidate for U.S. House District 13, visited with Vernon residents during a meet-and-greet this week at a local restaurant. Jackson is in a runoff election with Josh Winegarner to replace Mac Thornberry. The runoff will be July 14. More from the candidates along with sample ballots will be in a special voting…
Read MorePark reservations for Texas state parks
Visitors can now make camping reservations at parks with arrival dates between June 1 and Sept. 7. This gradual reopening of overnight reservations will be limited to varying degrees at individual parks to align with safe business practices currently followed in Texas. “No one is more pleased than us to welcome more outdoor enthusiasts back…
Read MoreProtest march in Vernon ends peacefully
Around 200 people marched in near 100-degree heat Saturday afternoon from Lyday Park in north Vernon to the Wilbarger County Courthouse. The march was billed as a peaceful march to bring attention to racial injustice and their were no problems reported. The crowd sang, and chanted “Black Lives Matter,” “I can’t breathe,” “Mama,” and Say…
Read MoreBDC supports effort to bring five jobs to Vernon
The Vernon Business Development Corporation offered an economic incentive package to a local manufacturer in hopes of bring more jobs to the community. Ricky Rater, owner of Pearson Livestock Equipment, met with BDC board of directors on Wednesday, May 20, saying his business was looking to become more efficient in its operations to remain…
Read MoreFree Fishing Day is June 6
The first Saturday in June each year is designated as Free Fishing Day in the state of Texas. Texans can fish on any public waterbody in the state without a fishing license on June 6, 2020. “Free Fishing Day is a wonderful opportunity for anglers to share their knowledge, skills, equipment, and love for fishing…
Read MoreAlliance Hires Full-Time Director
A local non-profit dedicated to ending family violence in the area has recently ramped up its efforts to assist victims. Texoma Alliance to Stop Abuse (TASA) recently hired Rachel Lira to serve as the non-profit’s first full-time executive director. Lira, who previously served as part-time executive director, assumed the full-time role in March of this…
Read MoreGovernor Abbott announces Phase III to Open Texas
Governor Greg Abbott, on Wednesday, announced the third phase of the State of Texas’ plan to safely open the economy while containing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase III, effective immediately, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at up to 50% capacity, with very limited exceptions. Business that previously have been able…
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