A planned prescribed burn took place recently at Palo Duro Lake in the designated management area.

Quail Forever/Pheasants Forever, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Forestry Service, and Spearman VFD helped complete this prescribed burn.

Why Prescribed Burns Matter:
• Helps reduce excess dry vegetation that can fuel dangerous wildfires
• Encourages healthy new plant growth and improves soil nutrients
• Creates better habitat for native wildlife
• Supports long-term grassland health

Texas has taken a significant step toward modernizing how government communicates with citizens.

With the passage of Senate Bill 1062, state lawmakers have updated long-standing public-notice rules—rules that for more than a century tied transparency obligations to printed newspapers.

Beginning in 2025, governmental entities in Texas may legally publish notices in qualifying digital newspapers, a shift that reflects the changing realities of local journalism and public access to information.

A Law Rooted in Changing Times
For decades, Texas statutes required cities, counties, school districts, and other governmental bodies to publish public notices—announcements such as election calls, public hearings, budget notices, bid solicitations, and zoning changes—in a “newspaper of general circulation.” These rules were built on the assumption that every community had at least one established print newspaper.

But as many rural and small-town communities know all too well, that assumption has grown outdated. Across Texas, local print newspapers have closed or reduced publication days. Some communities like ours now rely on an online news format that provides robust and relevant reporting.

SB 1062 seeks to bridge that gap.

What SB 1062 Does
Under the new law, governmental entities may publish required notices in a digital newspaper if it meets several standards designed to ensure credibility, stability, and public accessibility. A digital publication must:

• Maintain an audited paid subscriber base
• Have operated for at least three years
• Employ staff in the community it serves
• Cover local events, government, and general-interest news
• Update its content at least once per week

These criteria ensure that digital outlets approved for public-notice use are legitimate news sources, not pop-up sites or political content mills.  The HPOs meet all the requirements!

A Victory for Transparency—or a New Challenge?
Advocates for the bill argue it strengthens government transparency by meeting citizens where they are: online.

“Texans increasingly get their news digitally,” supporters said during the bill’s legislative process. “Public notices must follow the public.”

SB 1062 passed with broad support. 

Impact on Local Communities
For rural areas and smaller towns—places where local journalism often operates on a shoestring—the law may have an immediate impact.

Communities that have seen their local print newspapers decline and reduce circulation now have a legally recognized pathway to publish the notices required by state law. This may prevent government entities from resorting to posting notices in far-away regional newspapers that residents don’t actually read.

For digital outlets, the bill marks a significant recognition of their role in modern local news format.

Looking Ahead
Texas SB 1062 represents a notable shift in how the state views public access, community journalism, and local government accountability. It acknowledges the decline of traditional media while attempting to uphold a core democratic value: making sure citizens know what their government is doing.

This change strengthens transparency and will become clearer as communities begin to apply the law in the coming year.

The High Plains Observers have been ahead of the curve since launching their online news platform in 2006, steadily expanding regional coverage and achieving notable gains in readership and social media engagement.

This legal notice service has always been included in our format and currently used in many instances where notices are required.

7 Brew, a drive-thru coffee stand offering over 20,000 unique drink combinations to choose from, is opening its first location in Dumas. The future coffee stand dropped on-site today at 1324 S Dumas Ave.

 

The stand will add 50 jobs to the Dumas area and plans to open later this fall. Those interested in joining the Brew Crew should apply at 7crew.7brewcareers.com.

After more than 40 years in the industry, Dumas Police Chief Rick Pippins plans to retire in January.

In a recent interview with KXDJ’s Chris Samples, he asked Chief Pippins about what has changed in law enforcement over the last four decades.

“It’s a really good question. The answer to that is in many ways it is very similar. It’s just a matter of scale. The work is the same. The camaraderie is the same. It’s just a matter of scale. Like in Dumas, you have five people on a patrol shift and in Odessa, you have 25 people on a patrol shift,” he said.

Chief Pippins also went on to add that the people are the same. “Some of the finest young men and women that you’ll ever meet are drawn to law enforcement. I can’t say that I’ve been around a better group of young men and women than I’ve been around with the officers and employees at Dumas Police Department.”

Click here to listen to more.

Following his retirement, Chief Pippins and his wife plan to move to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

Congratulations to Conda Bell, who is a recipient of a Life Saving Award. Here is her story:

On the morning of August 18, 2025, Conda Bell noticed that something was wrong with one of her co-workers after visiting with him in his office. He did not “look right” to her, and his shortness of breath concerned her deeply. Though her role as HR Benefits Specialist doesn’t involve patient care, she didn’t hesitate. Acting on instinct, Conda called the ED and requested immediate assistance, ensuring he could get the care he urgently needed.

Her quick thinking set a chain of life-saving actions in motion. Her coworker arrived at the ED and the clinical team quickly assessed and stabilized him, ultimately identifying a life-threatening pulmonary embolism that required emergency intervention. Her coworker received immediate stabilization and was transferred for treatment and surgery. Thanks to the rapid response initiated by Conda, he was discharged home safely the next day.

Conda went far beyond her normal responsibilities. She stepped into an unfamiliar, high-stakes situation with courage, compassion, and determination. She demonstrated that compassion and courage are not limited by one’s job description, and her actions directly contributed to saving a life of a co-worker who is still with us today due to her actions.

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Ashleigh Wiswell and Jamie Batenhorst

Congratulations to Jamie Batenhorst, who is a recipient of a Service Excellence Award. Here is her story:

This September, a patient arrived at our facility who faced an urgent and overwhelming personal crisis. They had been brought to the hospital by a family member who then needed to return home to care for children. The patient suddenly found themselves without a way to travel to Lubbock, where they needed to be due to an emergency situation. The patient’s spouse was working out of town and unable to leave immediately, leaving them with no support and no transportation in a moment of profound distress.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the patient’s emotional state, Jamie Batenhorst, RRT, stepped in without hesitation. Acting far beyond the expectations of her professional role, Jamie volunteered to personally drive the patient to Lubbock so they would not have to face the journey alone. Once there, Jamie stayed with them, providing comfort, reassurance, and emotional support until the patient’s family member could arrive.

Jamie’s actions exemplify extraordinary compassion and selflessness. She demonstrated a deep commitment not only to the care of those within our facility, but also to the well-being of their families. Her willingness to act during a moment of crisis reflects the very best of who we are at Moore County Hospital District. Her kindness made a profound difference for a family when they needed it most, and her actions represent the highest standard of Service Excellence.

Thank you for your incredible act of compassion for this family. We are incredibly proud that you are a part of our team!"

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Ashleigh Wiswell and Ulycia Cardenas

Congratulations to Ulycia Cadenas, who is a recipient of a Service Excellence Award. Here is her story:

When a DISD student first presented to Moore County Therapy Services, they faced challenges that would have discouraged many. Limited mobility made everyday movement difficult, and progress felt slow. But from the beginning, Ulycia Cardenas saw not what the student couldn’t do, but everything they might achieve with the right support.

During a visit to a storage area, she spotted a forgotten gait trainer, left behind after a school closure. Most people would have walked past it, but Ulycia saw possibility. She hauled it out herself, cleaned it, repaired what needed fixing, and prepared it for therapy. The change was immediate. With the gait trainer, the student began experimenting with weight-bearing and improving their posture, making small steps toward independence that were only possible because Ulycia refused to give up.
When family involvement became difficult due to life circumstances, Ulycia stepped in without hesitation. She ensured that therapy remained consistent, encouraging the student every session and celebrating every gain, no matter how small. Ulycia’s impact goes beyond her clinical skill. She found solutions when obstacles appeared. She showed up, over and over, because she truly believed this student deserved every chance to grow and heal. Her actions reflect the heart of Service Excellence: compassion in action, dedication without expectation of recognition, and a commitment to seeing possibility where others may see limits.

Thank you for your dedication and compassion towards the healing of this patient. We are incredibly proud that you are a part of our team!"

Dumas Demon Head Coach Aaron Dunnam speaks with KXDJ's Chris Samples
about his progress over the season, keys to success and what to expect

Pictured left to right: DeDee Hudspeth, Mayumi Tay, Mariana Gonzalez, Alexa Serda, and Amanda Jones

Congratulations to DeDee Hudspeth, Amanda Jones, Brandy Cano, Mariana Gonzalez and Alexa Serda, who are recipients of a Moore to Give Award! Here is their story:

When Medical Technologist, Ma “Mayumi” Tay, moved here from Dubai, she faced the daunting challenge of starting life in a new country without a driver’s license or a car. DeDee Hudspeth, Amanda Jones, Brandy Cano, Mariana Gonzalez and Alexa Serda immediately stepped in, and for nearly two years they have faithfully supported Mayumi not only in her day-to-day work activities, but also with needed transportation.

All of these ladies have stepped in to make sure Mayumi has always had a ride to and from work whenever they are available even when they were not scheduled to work themselves.
Brandy, DeDee and Amanda have consistently gone the extra mile by taking Mayumi to the store and other places she needed to go so that she has the resources she needs to be successful both at home and at work.

With patience and encouragement, DeDee and Amanda taught Mayumi how to drive, and Mayumi recently achieved a major milestone by earning her driver’s license, made possible in large part because of DeDee and Amanda’s dedication to teaching her.

More than simply “giving rides” these ladies recognized the importance of independence for Mayumi’s success and confidence. Their willingness to give their time, energy, and care has had a lasting impact on Mayumi’s personal and professional life. They have fostered a supportive work environment, strengthened team bonds, and demonstrated what it truly means to look out for one another. Their actions go far beyond the scope of their job duties and speak to their character as a caring teammates and supportive friends. They are shining examples of how generosity can change another person’s life.

Thank you for your kindness, selflessness, and commitment to helping a teammate We are incredibly proud that you are a part of our team!

Area tax rates (city) adopted for the next fiscal year include:

Cactus $0.314208
Canadian $0.846380
Borger $0.606807
Dumas $0.614928
Fritch $0.547556
Gruver $0.2770
Pampa $0.703304
Perryton $0.501485
Sunray $0.302340
Stratford: $0.820486

As the area taxing entities wrap up their public tax hearings, we are finally able to publish the information as each community and county adopt local budgets and tax rates for the upcoming year.

Have you ever wondered just how your taxes are calculated?  Be an informed taxpayer!

To learn more click (more)