Spearman Mayor Tobe Shields Speaks to KXDJ 'S Chris Samples | |||
Spearman Community Fund Awards 2024 Grants
On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Spearman Community Fund held their annual luncheon and award ceremony at the Annex Building on Main Street. Eric Cudd welcomed those attending. Jackie Pearson reported that the fund began with money allocated by the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2012 and the first grants were given in 2015 to Big Brothers Big Sisters and Snack Pak 4 Kids. Since then, there have been grants awarded every year and the current balance is approximately $600,000.00. "When is the best time to plant a tree?" asked Jackie, "TODAY! and this fund will be going long after many of us are gone because like a tree, the fund will grow and grow and grow." To see a list of the 2024 recipients click (more) | |||
Plans Underway For Next All School Reunion To Be Held in June 2025
Spearman High School All School Reunion Committee plans reunion June 2025 For more information click HERE | |||
Hutchinson County Podcast Features Spearman Chamber and EDC Director Bonnie Thompson April 25
Podcast by Jason Richardson Listen to the most recent episode of my podcasts: Interview with Bonnie Thompson of Spearman Chamber of Commerce and EDC | |||
Spearman ISD Above and Beyond Award
By Khristi Ramon Brace Scroggs is the Director of Transportation. “Brace has modernized our transportation by adding a system that helps to manage every detail of the vehicles. He has worked diligently on preventative maintenance with our fleet,” shared Superintendent, Dan Gist. “The vehicles are clean, fueled, and ready to go when an employee takes one out. What sets Brace apart is his customer service. He will go above and beyond by bringing a vehicle to the campus, so it is ready for the employee. The communication between the transportation department and staff is ongoing. The state requirements can be daunting, and Brace manages all of the required paperwork that has to be reported to the state,” added Dan Gist. Congratulations on a well-deserved award!  The transition has been smooth. The background knowledge that Sally brings to the classroom is doing the health science department good!” added James Layman. Congratulations on going above and beyond and making a difference in the lives of students. | |||
Stationmaster's House Museum Branding June 1 2024
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Hansford County 4-H Junior and Intermediate Livestock Judging Teams Complete Spring Season
The Hansford County 4-H Junior and Intermediate Livestock Judging teams have completed their spring season. The Intermediate team members are Brox Reid, Mallary Allen, Jett Pittman, Hayden Shieldknight, Cambryn Born, Addison Blevins, Madison Moore, Brenlye Buchanan, Sloan Stedje, Cameron Moore, and Kimber Jackson. The Junior team members are Kreede Kight, Brilynn Renner, Logan Shieldknight, Graham Baker, Hoke Hawkins, Gus Jimenez, Molly Allen, Serenitie Bedell, and Zeke Harkey. The two teams actually compete together up until District, where they break them into two age divisions.
 Their first contest was March 23 at Clarendon. The team finished as the 2nd place team overall. They placed 2nd in swine and 3rd in both cattle and sheep. Individually, Hayden had a great day and placed 2nd high overall. She placed 2nd in sheep, 3rd in swine, and 7th in cattle. Cambryn won the sheep division on the way to being named 19th high individual. Kreede placed 23rd overall. Kimber earned 10th in sheep and Sloan placed 10th in cattle. Next they competed at The Journey competition March 30th in Guymon. (more) | |||
Hansford County 4-H Senior Livestock Judging Team Conted News
The Hansford County 4-H Senior Livestock Judging team just finished up an intense 30 days that included competing in 8 contests in Texas and Oklahoma. The 5 students making up the team are Kip Pittman, Kinley Shieldknight, Spencer Aborn, Alayna Schneider, and Aubree Sharp. The first contest of this stretch was held in Clarendon on March 23. Due to scheduling conflicts and having a couple of team members missing, the coaches persuaded Mallary Allen to move up from the junior team and compete with the high schoolers. (more) | |||
Spearman Communications Major Named WTAMU Man of the Year
West Texas A&M announced Filiberto Avila, WTAMU’s student body president, won a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program award and will conduct research and work as an English teaching assistant in Spain. According to WT officials, Yadhira “Yaya” Avalos, a junior biology and pre-med major from Hereford, and Filiberto Avila, a senior digital media and communication major from Spearman, were honored for Woman and Man of the Year awards among several students at the year-end All-University Honors Ceremony. To read the full article click HERE | |||
Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5
Mark your calendars!! Sunday, May 5th is our Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Main Street! To see forms click (more) | |||
Early Voting To Begin Monday April 22---Election May 4
General Election Saturday May 4 Vote @ City Hall On your ballot City of Spearman Mayor: Mayor Tobe Shields City of Spearman Alderman: Vote 2 Don Schroeder ( I ) Manny Mendoza Mark Murray Bobby Snider Spearman ISD School Board: Vote @ Spearman High School -- 403 E 11th Early 8-5 May 4 7-7 Vote 2 Karla Flowers Brenda Ferguson Shawn Moore Abby Pipkin Special Term: Vote 1 Zaira Gonzalez Jay Tracy City of Gruver will not hold an election Gruver ISD School Board Early voting April 22-May 1--8am until 3pm @ GHS Business Office Regular election May 4--7 until 7 in GJH Library Vote 2 Johnnie Williams (I) Chad Grimes Miles Messer | |||
City of Spearman Alderman Schroeder and Candidate Snider Interview
City of Spearman Council Incumbent Don Schroeder and Candidate Bobby Snider speak with KXDJ's Chris Samples about the upcoming City of Spearman Council Election to be held May 4 to listen click HERE | |||
Practices Have Changed Regarding Old Wind Turbines
One of the concerns about wind farms that we hear the most is what happens to the old, eventually broken-down turbines. Anna Richey is with Apex Energy, a company that is currently working to bring a new wind farm to Hansford, Hutchinson and Sherman Counties. She explained, “There is a commitment that we make that when it is done, we remove them, so no one is going to be stuck looking at these non-spinning turbines. The industry is evolving so fast. When I started in this area just a handful of years ago, there weren’t recycling places for these turbines. There was nowhere for them to go domestically. Now, there are places all over the place and I think there are about five in Texas alone.” She noted that she knew there were a couple of negative stories regarding a couple of the older projects in Hansford County and said that is definitely not the norm. Listen to more from her and KXDJ’s Chris Samples here. As far as the financial benefit to those counties, she added, “We are talking about 30 years of millions of dollars to the schools and the counties. These are lucrative projects for communities and that’s what we want.” Richey said the project is in the very early stages as they continue to work with landowners and get agreements signed. | |||
Gruver Main Street Improvements
 The City of Gruver recently received a grant that will provide funding for a downtown Main Street revitalization project. Improvements will include solar streetlamps, sidewalks with handicap accessibility, new metal benches and more. G&G Construction Dumas is the contractor for the project. The project is also funded by local citizens and the Gruver Chamber of Commerce.  | |||
Guymon Pioneer Day Rodeo May 3, 4, and 5
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City of Spearman Hosts Texas Municpal League Quarterly Meeting
The City of Spearman hosted the Quarterly Texas Municipal League meeting in Amarillo on Thursday, April 18 in Amarillo.
Region I was represented by many communities in the Texas Panhandle.
As host, Spearman provided the meal, table decor and door prizes which were generously donated by
216 Main
Brickstreet Grill
Gordon's Fountain
Hansford Golf Club
Headlight Inn B&B
Horse Creek Boutique
Lyric Cinema SportZone
Photos of the event can be seen on the High Plains Observer Facebook page A wrap around photo show was presented highlighting all the past and recent projects the city has accomplished and are still accomplishing To view click HERE | |||
Community Forums April 16 and 29
On Tuesday, April 16, community leaders in Spearman met at the Hansford County Annex Building to brainstorm with AgriLife leader Kristi Slough. Kristi is the Hansford County AgriLife Extension Agent.  The group of 11 divided into two different groups---one Agriculture & Natural Resources and the other Community & Health. Each group then listed topics of importance that are to be used in a long-term plan to educate our county and to benefit our Hansford County Youth.  Some of the topics discussed were: Aging demographics and work force Volunteers/Apathy Perception of Vocational Education Police Coverage Generational Farming/Ranching Ag Service Companies Risk Management/Insurance Illegal Drug Use Another important topic discussed was a summer program and how best to publicize that to our county youth. "I always thought growing up that 4-H was about having animals," said Kay Chinn, "but the 4H of today has so much more to offer!"  Another meeting to be held April 29 in Gruver will have the same format to gather information. Kristi will take the combined information from both meetings and create a long-term plan of work to present to the state. If you were unable to attend this meeting, make plans to attend the next one April 29 in Gruver. Slough expressed how important it is for our communities to work together for the positive support of all Hansford County Youth. | |||
Spearman City Park Updates Discussed In City Council Meeting April 16
After the regular agenda items were addressed, several of the items included were discussion and action on the city parks. *City Manager Justin Parker reported that the Holton Park was in full swing with irrigation system working, park equipment purchased with city funds along with donations from First National Bank and the Holton Family. The new equipment is ready to install. The discussion was to add a gazebo to the park and preliminary bids were reviewed. Parker will come back to the council next meeting after council is able to explore what type of shade construction would work best in the area. *Purchase of Aquasol Controller for Spearman Swimming Pool was discussed and passed. Gus Vargus reported that the seasonal pool work was underway and hoped to have it open mid-May. Jennifer Ooley will manage the pool. *Manager Parker explained information about the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Local Park Grant Program opening May 1, and expressed a desire to prepare an application for this grant with the help of PRPC. Spearman is very fortunate to have the high-quality parks in our city and Parker noted we have 40 acres of parks in our community. Other items discussed and/or passed were: *Contract with Hansford County for Assessment and Collection of City's Taxes *Resolution No. 3-24 for council to authorize participation in TxDOT for improvement program to conduct an obstruction survey at Samuel B. Cornelious Airport *Public Hearing--Annexation *Annexation of 9.237 Acres of Land per Ordinance No. 966 *City lease with Hansford County Golf Club pending insurance clarification Spearman will be the host city at the Texas Municipal League Quarterly Meeting to be held April 18 in Amarillo. | |||
Stationmaster's House Museum Creates T's From Hand Drawn Art
 Dr. Mike Ralston, President of the Stationmaster's House Museum Board, presents t-shirt design to the board In the past year of renovation and reorganization of the museum, a pen and ink drawing was discovered tucked away for safe keeping. The artist is John Millican of Perryton. His daughter Anna recognized her father's art and reached out to museum board member Gina Gillispie. Gillispie was able to speak with Millican about the history of the drawing. He was commissioned by his mother in law, Wanda Reed, who was serving on the Hansford County Historical Commission. John created the piece of art from photographs of the most important elements on the Stationmaster's House Museum grounds, including the house, caboose, sign and windmill, putting them all together in a unique portrayal. The final rendering was then used to create cards sold to benefit the museum. Millican first drew his art and then going over it with a black ink pen, taking him about a week to complete. Millican also paints in acrylic and has even dabbled in sculpture. "Art is very comforting," said John, "focusing on it is great for your mental health." John is now nearing his 71st birthday and growing up in the ghost town of Silver (EAST of Colorado City) he understands the value of history and volunteering in a small town.  "It was my pleasure in 2002 to draw the Stationmaster's House Museum and now to see my art come back for a 2nd life of benefitting it." | |||
Hansford County Sheriff Office Joins in Regional Investigation--UPDATE--MOTIONS FILED
UPDATE: MOTIONS FILED
 To see motions and further documentation and original story on this tragic case that occurred so close to our area Click (more) | |||
Governor's Proclamation Renewal for Border Security | |||
Jason Richardson to Interview Lance Swan
Jason Richardson with HutchinsonCoPodcst will be conducting an interview with Hansford County Sheriff Candidate Lance Swan. Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Interview with Hansford County Sheriff candidate Lance Swan https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason-richardson2/episodes/Interview-with-Hansford-County-Sheriff-candidate-Lance-Swan-e2ieq3f The run-off election will take place May 28th | |||
Miss Hansford 2024
Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. began a round of interviews for all the contestants. There were 6 judges who traveled from surrounding communities to judge the contestants in the event. Missie Bates was the master of ceremonies, and an introduction to the event was given by Jennifer Ooley, President of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Each age division was scored on a personal interview with the judges and the on-stage evening gown that night. The Miss Hansford contestants were judged on sports wear, evening gown, and an on-stage question. The winner, 1st runner up, and 2nd runner up will receive scholarship money used to further their education. The Miss Teen winner will also receive scholarship money. The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Spearman ISD, the judges, Missie Bates, parents of the contestants, scholarship donors, those who donated for the goodie bags, MB Events Planner, the ushers and escorts for the pageant, and all those who came to watch the event. All of the contestants looked beautiful and did a great job! You will be able to see the winners and runner-ups as they participate in the Heritage Days Parade and festivities on Saturday, June 1st on Main Street in Spearman, Texas. Please mark your calendars to join us for a day of food, fun, and community congregation! Little Miss Winner - Sophia Grace Juarez 1st Runner Up - Evelyn Correll Junior Miss Winner - Aspen Beauchamp 1st Runner Up - Madison Grace Ruiz Miss Pre-Teen Winner - Elli Beachamp 1st Runner Up - Kimber Jackson Miss Teen Winner ($500 scholarship) - Alyana Schneider 1st Runner Up - Jaslene Baca Miss Hansford Winner ($2,000 scholarship) - Braylen Lusby 1st Runner Up ($1,250 scholarship) - Kenleigh Lopez 2nd Runner Up ($750 scholarship) - Emma Parker People's Choice Award Braylen Lusby | |||
Hansford County Republican Delegates To Attend State Convention
Delegates representing Hansford County are: Chair Gyene Spivey Wesley Coombs Donita Lusby Alternates are: Becky Byers Brian Gillispie Delinda McLaughlin Also recently, Steve Pair with SKP Creative had an interesting Facebook conversation that created discussion about Chat GPT and the use of it in today's media. Steve was pointing out how easily it is to "spot" the use of this trending language model. "So I asked ChatGPT to write a quote regarding AI and
writing, here's what it came up with," said Steve. "AI in the realm of writing is like a river, ceaselessly flowing and reshaping the landscape of language; it does not replace the poet but offers a new pen with which to sketch the unseen horizons of human thought." "Here is my quote: AI is changing the way we do just about everything, including the way we write. While its final product isn't quite ready for prime time, I've found that it makes a really good creative partner. I often ask it questions or give it an initial thought or idea rolling around in my head to see what kind of feedback it gives me. Then, I take that feedback and let my creativity get to work, producing something that (for now) only a human can do!" " For a matter of humor, I asked Mattie Been to create a story for me about the Hansford County Convention. Q: How long did this take? A: 43 seconds The story is quite interesting, colorful and very thorough--a great read. However, there's just one small problem---it hasn't happened yet. To read the AI Chat GPT Generated Story click (more) | |||
Womble Park Siren Put In Place
"I'm excited that this new siren is getting installed before the start of our severe weather season," says Spearman Mayor Tobe Shields. The City of Spearman has begun replacing the older sirens with solar and battery equipment as seen. "If there is a power loss we can still activate them," continued Mayor Shields. Last year city council approved funds to upgrade to radio activation capability so the current system does not have to be activated through a phone system. Daniel Chaney from Missouri replaced the siren near Womble Park. He has been installing emergency equipment for 20 years | |||
