News

Guardians of the Red Rock: Bison Return to Caprock Canyons

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Body In the rugged heart of the Texas Panhandle, the landscape feels a little more “right” today. After their annual roundup, the Official Texas State Bison Herd has been released back into the sprawling 15,000 acres of Caprock Canyons State Park outside Quitaque.

Filings for city councils, school boards coming to a close

Kay Ellington |

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Body Those interested in running for city council or school board have just a few more hours to throw their hats in the ring. Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. is the deadline to file to run for a position for area city councils and school boards.

Three area county judge retirements leaving vacancies; Minter on ballot to replace retiring Judge Smith

Barbara Brannon |

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Body Primary election day in Texas is slated for Tuesday, March 3, and elections for numerous state and county offices are also on the ballots. The primary election is partisan—meaning that there are Democratic and Republican primaries on that date.

DISTRICT CHAMPS

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Body TheValley Patriots varsity boys basketball team won the District8-1A title Tuesday night defeating Guthrie 87-33. They are 7-0 and undefeated in District. Their final district game is Friday night versus Paducah before playoffs begin.

Guthrie resident injured in US 82 head-on fatal crash Jan. 28

Staff Reports

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Body Last Wednesday morning, Jan. 28, a Lubbock man was killed in a two-vehicle collision in King County, on U.S. 82 a short distance east of CR 274, according to a preliminary report from the Texas Department of Public Safety-Northwest Texas Region.

Abbott issues disaster declaration to prevent New World screwworm fly infestation

Staff Reports

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Body Governor Greg Abbott last week issued a statewide disaster declaration to better equip the Texas New World Screwworm (NWS) Response Team to prevent the potential spread of the NWS fly into Texas and to better protect livestock and wildlife.

Filings underway for May 2 city, school board elections in Caprock Country

Kay Ellington |

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Body If you’ve ever thought about running for city council or school board, now is your chance. Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to file to run for a position for area city councils and school boards. City council and school board elections are Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Caprock area schools see changes with 2026 UIL realignment

Russ Morris |

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Body The University Interscholastic League released its 2026-2028 realignments for football, basketball and volleyball competition Feb. 2. Silverton, Motley County, Valley (Turkey), Guthrie and Paducah experienced changes to their districts after the realignment.

PARK PERK The City of Turkey is among several cities in the Texas Plains and Panhandle to receive a grant to aid in park improvements. | DEYNARA LANE PHOTO

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approves record $21.2 million for local park grants

Staff Reports

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Body The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has recently approved a record- breaking $21.2 million in local park grants to boost outdoor recreation, including $150,000 to the City of Turkey for improvements at Turkey City Park.

Congressman Jackson’s staff slate mobile hours for visitors in North Texas locations next week

Staff Reports

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Body AMARILLO— TheOffice of Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced upcoming mobile office hours for February in Archer City, Bridgeport, Clarendon, Paducah, Saint Jo and Memphis hosted by congressional staff.