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Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that from 1971, the Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date. | ||
At the most recent Spearman City Council meeting held May 14 an ongoing discussion took place on the annexation of acres located along Hwy 207. Agenda item #8 The council voted to annex the approximate 10 acre parcel located along HWY 207 and CR just south of existing business, SportZone, which was just recently annexed. In an effort to reduce cost to the city, the current landowner agreed to inject $60,000, leaving the city's investment just under $160,000. The City plans to use in house labor to add the water and gas line and will entertain bids for the additional work, hoping to have multiple contractor's bids. The project will include gas, water and sewer. A temporary in ground septic system will be provided during construction, until the sewer main point is complete. Funding options include The City has long had a vision in the development of this area to provide new commercial and agri business adding to our local economy, as well as the continued enhancement of the Southpark Addition. Upon annexation, the Planning and Zoning Board will play a key role in the determination and guidance of future development. City leaders are optimistic about this project and look forward to presenting an opportunity to attract business and create growth. | ||
Kick off summer with a great tour through your state! | ||
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At the May 21 City Council meeting, electric scooters were the topic of discussion in the citizen's comments. All in attendance agree that the "kids" that are riding the scooters are creating a dangerous situation to both them and drivers of vehicles as they ride in the streets and dash in and out of driveways and alley ways. Police Chief Ortiz explained that the drivers of the scooters must follow all roadway rules as do those who are riding a bicycle---obeying all traffic signs and signals, etc. He also said that riders can be going as fast as 23 MPH and therefore helmets and other safety gear is highly recommended. Spearman Fire Chief Heckman added that the batteries are very expensive, and it is understandable to replace them with batteries not intended for that use and the voltage/heat can become quite high and create a hazard this way as well. Assistant City Secretary Dana Sharp noted that there will be a bicycle safety event early this summer and it was agreed that including scooter safety would be prudent for both adults and children since they have become quite trendy. Hansford EMT is sponsoring a free bicycle safety day at Kids Kamp June 6 at the O'lougliin Center for ages 5-12 from 10-noon. Scooter safety will be included. In the meantime, all are encouraged to watch out for our littles as they are fresh out of school and enjoying our pleasant summer days! And a message to the "big littles" please don't speed on our streets and take extra care to watch out for the cyclists! | ||
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the Spearman City Council met at 7 AM at the Spearman City Hall. On the agenda was the swearing in of the newly elected and re-elected council members and mayor.
Dana Sharp administers the oath of office to re-elected councilman Don Schroeder and Mayor Tobe Shields. New council member Mark Murray will serve his first term as alderman after being elected May 4. Municipal Judge Gary Ellsworth also takes his oath of office
Newly hired Public Works Director Michael Olvera comes to us from Bovina and most recently Dalhart. The HPO will have a profile on him soon. Welcome to Spearman Michael! Other elections/appointments are as follows: Mayor Pro Tempore Roger Buchanan Spearman EDC Board Brian Gillispie Planning and Zoning Commission Kelly Jack Electrical Board James Dettmer Zoning Board of Adjustment Mike Pearson Airport Advisory Board Jody Wood To see full City of Spearman board members click (more) | ||
EF 5SHELTERS is located in Amarillo and they provide low-cost, high-quality shelters to the Texas Panhandle for over 30 years. With 30 years of experience, Chris Claybrook, owner says, "we offer a 'hero discount' for all first responders and veterans which is a $500 savings." "All of our shelters meet and exceed required standards. The company has been a member of ATSA since 2010 and certified to be installed under any government rebate." EF 5SHELTERS are built in Amarillo and they stand by their products offering a lifetime warranty on all shelters. | ||
The winning essay belongs to Braylen Lusby. This year's topic was: Army Ranger Master Sergeant Leroy Arthur Petry: Choose a piece of Master Sergeant Petry's life and military career to write about. Explain what his life was like before, during, and after his active duty. What stands out about this brave man? How can you incorporate Master Sergeant Petry's own journey into your own? Spearman High School is very appreciative of the support for the scholarship from the Spearman community, specifically, Chad and Mendy Riggins and the SportZone. Congratulations to all of the recipients of the scholarship. To read Braylen's essay click (more) | ||
Landrie Black
Cadence Barrett | ||
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE MAY 28, 2024 REPUBLICANPRIMARY SHERIFF’S RUNOFF ELECTION EARLY VOTING - HANSFORDCOUNTY COURTHOUSE MAY 20TH – MAY 24TH HOURS 7 AM – 7 PM EARLY VOTING – CITY OFGRUVER MAY 20TH –MAY 24TH HOURS 8 – 12 & 1 - 5 HANSFORD COUNTY POLLINGLOCATIONS FOR MAY 28, 2024 ELECTION DAY HAVE BEEN COMBINED PRECINCTS1, 5 & 6 WILL VOTE AT THE HANSFORD COUNTYANNEX, 211 MAIN SOUTH DOOR ON DAVIS STREET, SPEARMAN, TX. 79081 PRECINCTS 2, 3, 4, 7& 9 WILL VOTE AT THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 510 KING, GRUVER, TX 79040 JANET TORRES, COUNTYAND DISTRICT CLERK FOR INFORMATION PLEASE Call: County Clerk’s Office –806-659-4110 | ||
Legendary Panhandle cattleman and philanthropist Paul Englerrecently passed away at the age of 94. Hereford Feeders, Wheatheart Feeders,and Cactus Feeders are all tied to Engler. In today’s KXDJ “Did You Hear That?” segment with Chris Samples,he asks another longtime cattle industry leader, Monte Cluck, about the legacyof Engler. Cluck said he first met Engler in the mid-70s in El Paso.“Back in the day, we all used to go down there and sort cattle and tradecattle. My father and I got to talking and we actually took some cattle toArizona with Paul and Stewart Bagby. I think that’s the only time we ever hadany direct business relationship with Paul. Paul came to the Panhandle andstarted Hereford Feedyards,” Cluck told Samples. More can be heard https://highplainsobserverperryton.com/cluckengler.mp3 You can read more about Engler by clicking here. | ||
High Plains Observer Yard of the Week Celebrating pretty little yards all summer long! | ||
Gina Gillispie, Editor • "In honor of the brave men and women that have served our country and represented Hansford County proudly, the Gillispie family and the Barkley Street Boys (and Helen) have graciously planted flowers in front of the war memorial again this year ! Hansford County thanks you and all veterans that have served past and present!" --- HANSFORD COUNTY JUDGE TIM GLASS Thank you Hansford County for the opportunity to include our kids in this annual tradition of beautifying the war memorial located on the grounds of the Hansford County Courthouse. We are very blessed to take this day to let our "Littles" choose the flowers, dig in the dirt, plant pretty blossoms and most importantly place an American flag at this monument to honor our veterans. It's such a simple thing, but a beautification tradition of the very best kind. As they grow older the questions become more poignant and we will never tire of teaching them about those who served our country. Today we spoke their names because they asked us to read them. God Bless America and God Bless those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. "I know that the nature we are concerned with ultimately is human nature. That is the point of the beautification movement, and that finally is the point of architecture. Winston Churchill said, ‘First we shape our buildings, and then they shape us.’ The same is true of our highways, our parks, our public buildings, the environment we create. They shape us." --- LADY BIRD JOHNSON | ||
Pringle-Morse held its first ever high school commencement ceremony and congratulations to all who have made this dream come true. Below are the speeches of the Valedictorian Victoria Alviderez and Salutatorian Thomas Earle Class Historian is Jordan Scribner. To read original announcement by Superintendent Scott Burrow click (more) | ||
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Heritage Days is coming soon! Saturday, June 1st Your lineup is Brittany Warthan, an up and coming female vocalist and the girlfriend of Randall King. Wilson Fairchild will headline the event, and their album is currently #21 on the Billboard Chart! They are the sons of the famous Statler Brothers who were an American country music, gospel, and vocal group. The Statler Brothers won the CMA Vocal Group of the Year 9 times from 1972-1984! They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008! This is a great lineup that you don’t want to miss! | ||
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Spearman City Manager Justin Parker speaks with KXDJ 's Chris Samples about recent tornado activity Listen to the interview HERE As we all know, severe weather season is in full swing. Here is an overview of ways you can stay weather aware this season. •Keep tabs on the local weather forecast from trusted local meteorologists like those at the National Weather Service (www.weather.gov/ama/) or local TV news stations. •The City of Spearman has five (5) Outdoor Warning Sirens located around town. These sirens are designed to warn individuals who may be outdoors to seek shelter when a dangerous situation is imminent. Once inside shelter, individuals should tune into trusted local news and weather outlets (local TV news stations, local radio, National Weather Service) for more detailed information on the situation. We also recommend downloading weather and radar apps to your mobile device as well. •Sign up for emergency and community alerts via text, voice (phone) and email by visiting PARIS Mass Notification System or scan the QR code below to visit the site and sign up. Once you have signed up for alerts, you will receive any emergency weather alerts or any other emergency messages sent out from the Hansford County Office of Emergency Management. In Spearman we have two locations designated as public shelters that will be opened for citizens needing a safe place to shelter in the event of a tornado warning: | ||
May 13 , 2024 – Sparklight®, a leading broadband communications provider, today announced the launch of Multi-Gig internet, Sparklight’s newest, ultra-fast and reliable internet service that delivers next-level gaming, seamless connectivity for virtual work and school and the ability to effortlessly power multi-device households. Area residents can now experience even greater reliability, lower latency and increased download capacity with 2 Gbps internet and unlimited data included at no extra cost. “Delivering true Multi-Gig internet to residents is a game-changer. With the average Sparklight household now relying on 20 connected devices in their home, this incredibly fast and reliable service will fuel broadband connections, enabling our customers to thrive in today’s digital world,” said Senior Vice President of Technology Jarrod Head. “Looking to the future, we are laying the groundwork for 10 Gigabit (10G) speeds and investing in a new era of innovation that will not only further enrich the lives of our customers but contribute to the economic development of our communities.” In addition to Multi-Gig internet, Sparklight recently launched Wall-To-Wall WiFi, an advanced whole-home connectivity solution. Teaming up with eero, an Amazon company, Sparklight offers the eero Pro6E to deliver comprehensive WiFi coverage throughout the home – regardless of size or shape, creating a wide-ranging signal that eliminates dead zones. Powered by the latest WiFi 6 technology, Wall-To-Wall WiFi connects and transmits wirelessly, while eero’s patented TrueMesh technology learns the layout of a network to intelligently route traffic and help optimize a customer's WiFi. Sparklight, part of the Cable One family of brands, continues to invest in bringing fast and reliable internet to the communities it serves. Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $1 billion across its footprint in network upgrades and enhancements to stay ahead of customer demand. With the launch of Multi-Gig internet, Wall-To-Wall WiFi and the company’s roadmap to next gen DOCSIS 4.0 underway, Sparklight is looking forward to transforming the customer experience, creating new possibilities for smart cities, connected homes, virtual and augmented reality and business. For more information about Multi-Gig internet, visit www.sparklight.com/internet/2-gig. Wall-To-Wall WiFi information is available at www.sparklight.com/wall-to-wall-wifi. | ||
Good Afternoon, with the recent rains Hansford County has seen over the last week I am lifting the Emergency Burn Ban the Hansford County Commissioner court put in place on March 11. Please still notify the Hansford County Sheriff's Office of all controlled burns at 806-659-4140. Thank you for your cooperation during this time. | ||
