Local News
Nine felony sentences handed out in District Court
Several prison and probation sentences were handed down over the last few days during proceedings of the 46th Judicial District Court of Wilbarger County. Felony DWI James Valdez, 50, of Vernon, was sentenced to four years in prison following his plea of guilty to felony driving while intoxicated. On August 5, 2018, Vernon police were…
Read MoreDNA leads to conviction of Vernon burglar
DNA evidence gathered from blood at a crime scene led to a Vernon burglar’s conviction this week in the 46th District Court. William Austin Young, 19, of Vernon, was sentenced to probation for a period of five years and ordered to complete a term of confinement in an intermediate sanction facility by Judge Dan Mike…
Read MoreCounty’s tourism tax request draws opposition from hotels
State Rep. Drew Springer has introduced legislation that, if passed, would allow Wilbarger County to tax hotel stays in the County. That legislation prompted a protest from local hotel owners at Tuesday night’s Vernon City Commission meeting. Joe Rogers, owner of the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express, presented a petition to the commission asking…
Read MoreWGH audit shows $1.57 million loss
Directors of Wilbarger General Hospital unanimously approved the hospital district’s fiscal year 2017-2018 audit report for which the bottom line was a deep financial loss compared to the previous year. The action was taken during a monthly business meeting on Tuesday. See the online edition for details
Read MoreSound system at auditorium approved
The Wilbarger County Commissioners’ Court met on Monday, accepting a donation from a wind mill project. County Auditor Sid Beebe said the county received around $10,200 from a wind mill company and the commissioners needed to approve a budget amendment so it could be used to purchase a sound system for the Wilbarger Auditorium. See…
Read MoreDivided commission awards truck bid
The commission was divided on the purchase of a new pickup for use by Code Enforcement/City Hall, and ultimately voted 3-1 with Pam Gosline having to vote as mayor pro tem to approve the purchase. The item had been carried over from last month when the commission had been presented with a low bid, and…
Read MoreCitywide Clean Up Day planned
The City of Vernon will hold its 5th Annual Citywide Clean Up Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at the old Gibson’s Discount Center parking lot on Expressway 287. The city and Progressive Waste will provide a large trash container at the site. Volunteers will be at the site to help…
Read MorePolice enforcing handicap spots, fire lanes
The Vernon Police Department is advising residents to obey the law on handicap parking spaces and fire lanes. “We are beefing up enforcement,” Chief Randy Agan said. “If you do not have a handicap sticker you will receive a ticket.” Police Captain Wayne Hodges said several citations have already been issued and the fines are…
Read MoreVHS One-Act Play advances to bi-district
The Vernon High School One-Act Play Company “The Book of Everything” advanced to compete at the bi-district level after winning first place at the district level during the district contest Saturday, March 9 at Wilbarger Auditorium. Brandon Goins, Lillian James and J.C. Freeman were named to the “All-Star Cast” while Eli Goodman and Ezekiel Walker…
Read MoreSpringer’s bill would eliminate signature requirement for WGH board election
State Rep. Drew Springer introduced legislation last week that would change how candidates run for a seat on the board of directors of Wilbarger General Hospital. HB 2888 removes the provision requiring candidates for the Wilbarger Hospital Board to gather 100 signatures before being on the ballot. “Removing this requirement will reduce a barrier for…
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