Regional
Campaigning 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 MoreThornberry opposes reducing U.S. forces in Germany
Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, and 21 other HASC Republicans, on Tuesday, wrote to President Donald Trump urging him to reject reported proposals to reduce U.S. force posture in Germany by 9,500 personnel and further restrict the number of troops permitted in Germany at one time to…
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…
Read MoreWGH alters visitor policy
Wilbarger General Hospital announced Monday that it will now begin to allow individuals coming to the Hospital and Emergency Department one visitor per patient. All patients and visitors must wear a mask or face covering when entering the hospital. Each individual is responsible for providing their own mask or face covering, one will not be…
Read MoreGosline is first woman to serve as mayor of Vernon
Pam Gosline is Vernon’s new mayor. In an historic first, she becomes the first woman to serve as mayor of Vernon. She took over following the resignation of Doug Jeffrey, officially accepted on Tuesday night. Gosline was the only candidate for mayor, and in a normal year would have assumed office in May. However, due…
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