Dumas, located in the Texas Panhandle, becomes the latest Duos Edge data center to be deployed
JACKSONVILLE, FL / Globe Newswire / September 17, 2025 - Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (“Duos” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DUOT), through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, Inc. (“Duos Edge AI”), a provider of adaptive, versatile and streamlined Edge Data Center (“EDC”) solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment, today announced its latest data center deployment towards its anticipated goal of 15 deployments by year end.
The latest EDC is in partnership with Dumas Independent School District (“Dumas ISD”) to deploy an on premise EDC in Dumas, Texas. This project marks another milestone in Duos Edge AI’s expansion into rural communities, providing low-latency compute and connectivity that directly support K-12 education and regional growth.
The Dumas ISD Edge Data Center will serve as a localized hub for real-time data processing, enabling advanced educational tools, stronger digital infrastructure, and improved connectivity for students and staff across the district.
“As Director of Information Technology for Dumas ISD, I am excited about our partnership with Duos Edge AI,” said Raymond Brady, Director of Information Technology at Dumas ISD.
“This collaboration brings direct, on premise access to a cutting-edge data center—an extraordinary opportunity for a rural community like Dumas. It will significantly strengthen the district’s technology capabilities and support our mission of achieving academic excellence through collaboration with students, parents, and the community. I look forward to working with Duos Edge AI as we continue to provide innovative technology for our students and staff, ensuring every student is prepared for success.”
“This partnership with Dumas ISD is a perfect example of how edge technology can create lasting impact in rural communities,” said Doug Recker, newly appointed President of Duos Technologies Group and the founder of subsidiary, Duos Edge AI. “By placing powerful computing infrastructure directly on campus, we’re helping schools like Dumas unlock real-time digital tools that drive student achievement, workforce readiness, and community growth.”
This deployment is part of Duos Edge AI’s broader 2025 plan to establish 15 modular EDCs nationwide, with a focus on underserved and high-growth markets. By locating advanced computing infrastructure closer to end users, Duos Edge AI ensures reliable, secure, and scalable technological access for schools, healthcare facilities, and local communities.
To learn more about Duos Edge AI, visit: www.duosedge.ai To learn more about Dumas ISD, visit www.dumasisd.org To learn more about Duos Technologies, visit www.duostechnologies.com
What Does The Writing On The Wall Say About Future Of Water?
Conserving our Panhandle and South Plains water will be the focus of an event in Lubbock on Tuesday hosted by Ogallala Commons.
Darryle Birkenfeld is the deputy director for Ogallala Commons and recently joined KXDJ’s Chris Samples to discuss a number of topics.
Firstly, Birkenfeld noted, “It is a limited resource and our tendency as human beings is to take. Yes, agriculture is our number one industry and use but cities are also after that water as well. Those cities are not getting smaller; they are getting bigger. Their need for water is growing. That is the writing on the wall.”
He went on to add, “We didn’t get here overnight. We’ve done this over several generations.”
The Stewarding Our Aquifer Field Day will be held on Tuesday, September 16 from 10-2p in Lubbock at Samuel Jackson LLC. This event will provide info about management practices that can reduce groundwater depletion in the region, improve recharge as well as assist in the transition from
Where Did Moore County Get It's Name?
Moore is also depicted in a portrait at the courthouse in Moore County, Texas
Texas has 254 counties---how many are named after judges? Of the 254 counties in Texas, 14 were named after their original county seats. Of the remaining 240, 199 were named after people, and 27 were named after geographic features, such as rivers. The other 15 have miscellaneous names in English, Spanish, or Indian languages.
The historic chambers of the Texas Supreme Court at the Texas State Capitol--the three portraits behind the bench include Judges Hemphill and Wheeler
As of the 2020 census, Moore County population was 21,358. The county seat is Dumas. The county was created in 1876 and organized in 1892. It is named for Edwin Ward Moore, the commander of the Texas Navy.
Moore County history is highlighted in the Window on the Plains Museum in Dumas
Edwin Ward Moore Born July 15, 1810 Alexandria, Virginia, US Died October 5, 1865 (aged 55) New York City, US Branch United States Navy Texas Navy Years of service US Navy - 1825-1839 Texas Navy - 1839-1843
Edwin Ward Moore (July 15, 1810 – October 5, 1865), was an American naval officer who also served as commander-in-chief of the Navy of the Republic of Texas.
Early life Moore was born in Alexandria, Virginia. His grandfather and uncle had served in the American Revolution. Moore was a classmate of Robert E. Lee's at the Alexandria Academy.
Early naval career Moore entered the United States Navy as a midshipman in 1825 at the age of 15.
His first assignment came when he was posted to the USS Hornet, followed by stints on the Fairchild and the Delaware. He saw active service on the Atlantic Coast and the Mediterranean Sea. In 1830, Moore was stationed at the Gosport Navy Yard, and five years later was commissioned a lieutenant and assigned to the sloop-of-war Boston on July 1, 1836. While serving on the Boston, Moore saved the ship from sinking when it encountered heavy seas in a hurricane.
In September 1836, the Boston captured the Texas privateer Terrible off the coast of New Orleans. The Texas ship was sent to Pensacola, Florida, on piracy charges. This contact with the Texans is believed to have prompted Moore to re-evaluate his military career. Promotion within the U.S. Navy at this time was a slow process, as many of the officers who served in the War of 1812 still held rank above Moore.
Moore's journey to and with the Republic's Navy In 1839, Moore was accused of recruiting officers and up to 80 sailors from the Boston to join him in enlisting with the Republic of Texas Navy. Moore's cousin, Alexander Moore, confirmed this rumor to Commodore Charles Ridgley, who forwarded the charges to the Secretary of the Navy. On July 8, 1839, Moore resigned from the U.S. Navy to become commander of the Republic of Texas Navy.
U.S. Secretary of the Navy, John Forsyth, tried to bring charges against Moore based on his violation of the Neutrality Act of 1819, but Moore resigned his commission before any trial was held.
From 1840–1841, he sailed off the Mexican coast to hasten peace negotiations between the Republic of Texas and Mexico. On collapse of the negotiations, Moore returned to Texas and to the support of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar. Lamar signed a treaty with the Mexican state of Yucatán for the lease the Texas navy for $8,000 per month and to protect their ports from being blockaded by the Mexican Navy. On September 18, 1840, Moore received orders to guard the Yucatán coast in conformity with the Texas-Yucatán Treaty and on December 13, 1840, left Galveston, Texas, with three ships to join the small Yucatán fleet at Sisal, Yucatán, under the command of former Texas Navy officer Captain James D. Boylan. Moore later captured the town of San Juan Bautista, Tabasco, and then surveyed the Texas coast. His chart was later published by the British Admiralty. Rank Commodore of the Texas Navy
MCHD Service Excellence Award
Pictured left to right: Yessenia Longoria, Anne Blanscet, and Beatriz Deleon
Congratulations to Anne Blanscet and Beatriz Deleon, who are recipients of a Service Excellence Award. Here is their story:
"As everyone at MCHD knows all too well, hospital visits are mostly up-planned affairs. When health is the main priority, there’s little time to plan, much less pack. Usually that’s no big deal because patients return to the comforts of home after their stay. But when discharge involves another level of care before home, patients and families can find themselves unprepared.
Due to the unanticipated need of a transfer to the nursing home, a newly admitted MNRC resident found themselves in this situation. Their unique clothing needs left them with limited options. But the good Lord met the need, as he often does, through the hands of our willing MCHD employees!!
Immediately hearing of the need, Beatriz Deleon and Anne Blanscet searched for clothing that might be available within the hospital. When that was not successful, they went to Walmart and personally shopped for and purchased multiple sets of clothing that would make the resident more comfortable.
They PERSONALLY delivered the items to the resident, whom they had never met, and made sure there was nothing more that could improve their feeling of home. This act of selfless generosity not only made an impact to the resident, but to all who witnessed it!!
Nursing home residents can sometimes be perceived as “forgotten”. But not at MCHD!! And this selfless act by Beatriz and Anne is just one more real example of God’s hands at work through our staff!"
Panhandle Community Services Employee Honored With National Award
Audra Rea, National Community Action Personal Achievement Award
DETROIT MICHIGAN---At the Annual Convention of the National Community Action Partnership Gala held August 28, Dumas resident Audra Rea was honored with the National Community Action Personal Achievement Award.
Audra gave a very inspiring account of her life and how she went from needing the services of Panhandle Community Services as a young mother, to becoming the Family Services Director.
Her heartwarming presentation included a humorous story about the car she drove and how it wasn’t able to drive in reverse. "God taught me so many life lessons with that car," said Audra, "just keep moving forward!"
Her honesty and transparency in sharing her life story was so inspirational it moved the audience to a standing ovation, and many to tears.
Audra has a list of accomplishments that prove her gift of tenacity as well as her dedication to making life better for all those put in her path.
Congratulations to you Audra and to your team at Panhandle Community Services!
It was a proud moment for the Texas Panhandle to shine through your hard work and giving spirit!
Dominique Champeau with PCS Board Members Teresa Lane Fritch, Brian Gillispie Spearman, Jason Vanosdol Perryton, Lydia Villanueva Hereford and hidden Robert Coffee Wellington
A group of staff and volunteers from the Panhandle Community Services traveled to Detroit, Michigan for the 2025 Annual Convention of the National Community Action Partnership which is a national membership 501c3 that provides training and resources for community agencies.
Arriving at the airport, board member Lydia Villanueva from Hereford, made the comment that she liked to manifest meeting famous and interesting people on her trips.
Because the convention was being held at the Marriott where the group was staying, the restaurant was crowded enough people were sharing tables.
Texas is not designated "The Friendly State" without cause, and before long the couple at the end of the shared table not only became interesting friends but also met Lydia's premonition.
Dominique Champeau is a human exclamation point and had the group engaged in short order.
Champeau is a descendent of the 2nd Captain of the famous ship the Edmund Fitzgerald and in the city for the memorial swim to be held this August weekend.
"English is my second language," said Dominique in perfect English with a French accent. She shared with us she was a swimmer and a swim coach, and would be ringing the bell at the finish line of the race and calling out her descendent's name and how honored she was to be able to do so.
The second captain of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, after its captain Peter Pulcer, was Ernest M. McSorley, who commanded the ore carrier ship from the start of the 1972 shipping season until the vessel sank on November 10, 1975, in Lake Superior with all 29 crew members lost.
The swim course is 411 miles with 17 stages
Thank you Lydia for guiding us to meet Dominique Champeau and to remember the very famous EDMUND FITZGERALD!
To read more about Panhandle Community Services click (more)
Panhandle First Bank Welcomes Haley Shields to Advisory Board
Guymon, OK — Panhandle First Bank (PFB), proudly serving the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles with branches in Guymon, Spearman, Dumas, and Perryton, is pleased to announce the appointment of Haley Shields as an Advisory Director to its board.
A lifelong resident of Spearman, Haley brings a legacy of leadership and deep community ties. Her grandfather, Jimmy Shieldknight, was an organizing director of First National Bank in Spearman, and her father, Charles Shieldknight, also served as a director of the same institution.
Haley earned her degree in accounting and finance from Texas A&M University. After returning to Spearman with her husband Joel Shields, a fellow Hansford County native, she began her career at AGCO of Spearman grain elevators, where she served as an accountant and office manager.
She continued in that role through the company’s transition to Ag Producers Coop and now works at Hansford County Feeders, LP as an accountant and commodities manager. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Haley is an active member of the Spearman community. She contributes her time and talents to several local organizations, including the Spearman Scholarship Foundation. She and Joel are also engaged in farming and cattle operations and are proud parents to Brantly Duke and husband, Draylen, and Reece Shields and wife, Yasmin, and very proud grandparents to Scottie Duke.
“Haley’s addition to our board reflects our enduring legacy in the Panhandles,” said Sally Pittman Hawkins, President of Panhandle First Bank. “Her financial expertise, deep community ties, and multigenerational perspective will strengthen our mission to grow and serve our local communities with integrity and vision.”
Panhandle First Bank is honored to welcome Haley to its advisory board and looks forward to the insight and leadership she will bring.
Interesting Rangeland Management Program Given For Panhandle Master Naturalists
District Conservationist Jeff G. Lewter--USDA-NRCS Canyon Texas--helping people help the land
In a recent presentation given to the Panhandle Master Naturalists, Jeff Lewter of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation from Randall County, gave a power point presentation on Rangeland Ecology and Management.
The group gathered at the Tasajillo Pavillion at Palo Duro Canyon State Park to learn what is rangeland--what is rangeland management and the importance of managing rangeland.
Lewter's philosophy is simple---to manage and be stewards of the land is a noble profession as we take on the task of feeding the world---
"We have to strive to be sustainable, produce more with less while managing our existing resources.," explained Lewter.
Every county has a NRCS office, however each county will have different priorities based on what drives the local economy.
Topics discussed:
rotation of grasses---cow patty index
night temperatures will be very close to soil temperatures
new concept -- rangelands storing C02
lines drawn by rainfall index and drought contingency
ranchland vs.rangeland vs.pasture
matching animal to environment--big cows or small cows--stocking rate formulas
controlled burns
wildlife considerations
water conservation issues
wind energy
value mineral resources
habitat for pollinators
brush management
weeds can be good--vital role in ecosystem
south is popular--cattle graze into the wind in summer and away from the wind in winter
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Xeriscaping and drought tolerant plants education Know your plants and grasses Adopt the responsibility of being stewards of your land!
If you are interested in any of the important topics in rangeland management, contact your local representative!
MCHD Excellence Award
Pictured Left to Right: Karina Velasco, Aney Aragon, Jeff Turner, Chris Velasco, and Jessica Velasco
Congratulations to Aney Aragon, who is the recipient of a Service Excellence Award. Here is her story:
Aney Aragon is receiving a Service Excellence Award in recognition of her extraordinary compassion, advocacy, and selfless commitment in supporting her coworker, Chris Velasco, during his journey toward receiving a life-saving kidney transplant.
Aney exemplified the true spirit of service and humanity when she took it upon herself to champion Chris’s need for a donor kidney. She became a passionate advocate; organizing fundraisers, speaking on local radio stations, and attending multiple community meetings to raise awareness not only about Chris’s situation, but about kidney donation in general. She went above and beyond in educating the public about the importance of organ donation.
Aney spoke about who can be a potential donor and took the time to explain how donations made in Chris’ name could help move him up the transplant list, even if the donor kidney didn’t go directly to him. Her efforts reached far and wide, with flyers, bracelets, social media campaigns, and gained support from local businesses to help cover fundraising efforts and potential donor expenses.
Chris had been on the transplant list for three years, facing the looming possibility of dialysis, but Aney made it her mission to change that. Through tireless determination, she shared his story and brought attention to the urgent need for a donor. Her unwavering support helped spark a chain of events that led to a life-changing moment for Chris.
On May 18th, Chris received a call with possible kidney donor match, because someone donated in his name. He traveled to Dallas to get one last test and by May 19th, the incredible news came: he was a match. On May 20th, Chris underwent his kidney transplant. The story became even more touching when it was revealed that Chris and the donor’s family shared a meaningful connection-linked through friends, family, and their shared professional community. In the face of loss, this gracious family made the selfless decision to give Chris the gift of life.
Chris was discharged home on July 1st and is recovering well, filled with gratitude and renewed hope. This journey could not have reached this outcome without the grace of God, the love and strength of the donor’s family, the relentless dedication of Aney, and the support and love of the entire MCHD family. MCHD has rallied behind Chris and has showered him with love and support throughout his entire journey.
Aney gave her time, voice, and heart to ensure that someone who had given so much to others-as a nurse-would not face this battle alone. Her advocacy has not only changed one life but inspired many more.
MCHD Service Excellence Award
Pictured Left to Right: Cassie Kimball, Jeff Turner, and Shara Poole
Congratulations to Shara Poole and Cassie Kimball, who are the recipients of a Service Excellence Award. Here is their story:
During recent routine administrative rounding, an Administrator encountered a patient preparing for discharge who was experiencing significant light sensitivity. The patient, who intended to drive himself home, was visibly struggling to keep their eyes open. Recognizing the potential safety concern, the Administrator offered to help and began searching for a pair of sunglasses to ease the patient’s discomfort.
While walking through the hallway, the Administrator shared the situation with Shara Poole, who jumped into action without hesitation. Shara promptly searched the lost and found for any sunglasses that could be used, but none were available. Undeterred, Cassie Kimball, upon hearing about the patient’s need, volunteered her own personal sunglasses, retrieving them from her vehicle so the patient could safely and comfortably make their way home. She even sanitized them for the patient.
Though this act may seem simple, it beautifully reflects the culture of care and dedication our team embodies. These individuals went above and beyond their roles, demonstrating empathy, quick thinking, and selflessness to support a patient in need. Their small but meaningful actions made a big difference, and truly exemplify what it means to deliver patient-centered care.
MCHD Excellence Service Award
Pictured Left to Right: Esmeralda Chacon and John Sharp
Congratulations to Esmeralda Chacon, who is the recipient of a Service Excellence Award.
Here is her story:
Not long ago, a patient reached out to share her story and express her gratitude for the exceptional care she received at MCHD. Earlier this year, her day took a frightening turn when she suddenly became very ill and collapsed at home. The patient described how our ER team worked with speed, precision, and care as they identified the signs of a possible stroke and quickly had the patient transferred by helicopter to a hospital in Lubbock. She was successfully treated and was able to return home.
But her story doesn’t end there. After returning home and beginning her recovery, she encountered another challenge: facing overwhelming medical bills totaling over $300,000. That’s when Esmeralda Chacon stepped in.
Esmeralda personally reached out to the patient to offer help navigating our hospital’s charity program. She came in, worked with Esmeralda, and was approved for assistance. Understanding that the patient had also incurred major bills from the hospital in Lubbock, Esmeralda took it upon herself to contact them directly. She learned about their charity process, helped the patient complete the application, gathered all the required documentation, and personally ensured it was submitted properly. Thanks to her tireless efforts, the patient was approved for financial assistance there as well.
Because of Esmeralda’s compassion and persistence, this patient has been able to focus on healing—free from the crushing weight of medical debt. The patient shared with us that this experience showed her that MCHD isn’t just a hospital, it’s a place that truly cares, not just about treating patients, but about walking with them through every part of their journey.
MCHD Excellence Award
Pictured Left to Right: Connie Flores, Brenda Gonzalez, and Dr. Shaun Jester
Congratulations to Brenda Gonzalez, who is a recipient of a Service Excellence Award. Here is her story:
A recent patient in the Women’s Services unit was in active labor and visibly uncomfortable, yet had made the decision to decline an epidural. Staff had explained that she was welcome to have her husband and child present for support, but her husband ultimately felt it would be best to stay home with their other child. That left the patient facing labor without a support person by her side.
Seeing how much she was struggling, Dr. Jester asked the patient if she would like him to try and find someone else to be with her. She gratefully accepted.
Dr. Jester reached out to Brenda Gonzalez, the medical assistant from the Moore County OB/GYN clinic. This wasn’t just any day though; this was the Saturday during Dogie Days festivities. Brenda was actually out on the Dogie Days parade route, waiting for it to begin. But when she got the call, she didn’t hesitate. She left the festivities and came straight to the hospital.
Brenda immediately brought a sense of calm to the patient. She held the patient’s hand, gently fanned her, and spoke to her in her native language, bringing comfort not just physically, but emotionally as well.
It wasn’t the easiest delivery, but thanks to Brenda’s presence and care, everything turned out well. What could’ve been an overwhelming, isolating experience for the patient was transformed into something compassionate and deeply human.
Sunray Circle Of Friends Helping Those Injured In Skyland Grain Elevator Explosion
It has been just over two months since an explosion at Skyland Grain in Sunray left the town without natural gas for days and injured five employees.
Since then, the Sunray Circle of Friends has been doing what they can to help the families as they recover.
Tiffany Swinford with the Sunray Circle of Friends joined KXDJ’s Chris Samples earlier this week for an update on those that were injured. As of Tuesday, four of them had returned home and the final victim was set to return home some time this week.
For more information on how to help the families, see the Sunray Circle of Friends Facebook page.
Dumas Police Department Investigation Leads To Arrests
Press Release Dumas Police Department Date: May 31, 2025 Time: Approximately 07:00 hrs
On the morning of May 31, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., officers from the Dumas Police Department, along with detectives and members of the Special Response Team, executed a search warrant in the 800 block of Binkley Street in Dumas, Texas.
During the search, officers discovered more than 360 grams of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of approximately $18,000, along with various items of drug paraphernalia.
As a result of the investigation:
Cesar Sanchez (45 yrs) was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.
Benny Ortiz (47 yrs) was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.
The Dumas Police Department remains committed to combating drug-related activity and ensuring the safety of our community.
If you have any information regarding narcotic activity, please contact the Dumas Police Department at (806) 935-3998.
Monitoring Monarchs At Palo Duro Water District
A Dobmeier grid is used in establishing the area for a Monarch Butterfly Habitat
Palo Duro Water District has regularly scheduled prescribed burns after which Monarch habitats are monitored by 400 x 210 sections. The data is collected visually, recorded meticulously and then reported to agencies who monitor the habitats. It is a requirement to provide this information if there is a federal grant in existence.
The Monarch Joint Venture Project began in 2008 as initiative to protect the Monarch Migration across North America from Mexico to Canada and include fall and spring with day length and temperature changes influencing the butterfly travel.
Amarillo biologist Nolan Talkington explains how to conduct a Monarch survey at a recent conservation weekend held at Palo Duro Water District.
In this group were grad students, biologists, TPWD officials, those working on Master Naturalist programs, members of Quail Forever and PDWD.
The first step of protocol is to choose the area which is a random choice at PDWD. Prescribed burns take place and then a portion of that area is randomly selected and marked. Coordinates are defined--on this particular survey, the coordinates were 36.34210 N x -101.1680 W. The grid is then laid down next to a measuring tape (consistency is important) and the blooming flowers and grasses are identified as they fall within each plot quadrant. Because the milkweed is the most significant to the Monarch, it has its own separate category to notate, whether blooming or not.
These same series of steps are taken every 10 feet until the entire section is notated. Plot identification sheets are used and contain line by line-item spaces that are filled out and reported to Texas Parks and Wildlife. This important data collected across the country helps scientists to better understand the perils the Monarchs face.
While this survey is conducted regularly and officially, a volunteer can also record and report as a private citizen from you own space. For those interested in learning about the habitat of the Monarch while also learning about the wildflowers and native grasses in the Texas Panhandle, contact your local experts on these subjects.
This group represents the Texas Panhandle and beyond as they came to spend a conservation weekend at PDWD and enjoy God's creation!