Dumas ISD is close to finalizing their own data center, which is very different from the other larger projects we have been covering.

Raymond Brady is the Dumas ISD Director of IT and said they do not have a grand opening date set yet, but it is in the final stages of being brought online.

The Duos Edge Data Center is more like a micro data center, according to Brady. “It’s real small but has probably less than 30 racks available of server space. It runs on regular power with a backup generator. It’s about the size of a shipping container. It is cooled by regular refrigerated air conditioning. It’s not anything close to the mega data centers that we have been hearing about,” he told KXDJ’s Chris Samples. 

Listen to more https://highplainsobserverperryton.com/bradeyupdate.mp3 target=new>here.

Brady said local companies will also be able to utilize the data center.

Moore County & Surrounding area.

The Crime of the Week: The Dumas Police Department is asking for your help in locating a subject identified as Cesar Sanchez, HM, 9/10/1979. Cesar has multiple warrants and has evaded police twice. Cesar is also known to have ties in surrounding areas. If you locate or know this subject’s whereabouts contact the Dumas Police Department or Moore County Crime Stoppers. Tips will remain anonymous and you could receive a reward up to $1,000.

You can call 806-935-TIPS(8477), report on the P3tips App, or online at www.p3tips.com/1066

Join us for a weekend of hands-on habitat work, monarch surveys, habitat talks, a field tour, and more!

Register here: https://events.pheasantsforever.org/events/7a63a14e-b63a-4b72-a7a4-819104c63752/preview

Hosted by Top O’ TX QF, Palo Duro PF, High Plains PF & Palo Duro Water District

Guymon, OK — April 14, 2026— Panhandle First Bank (PFB), proudly serving the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, announced today that Kevin Beedy and Haley Shields have joined the Bank’s Board of Directors, bringing additional financial expertise and deep community ties to support PFB’s mission and strategic priorities.

“We are pleased to welcome Kevin and Haley to the PFB Board of Directors,” said Bill Pittman, Chairman of the Board. “Their experience and commitment to our region will strengthen our governance and help guide PFB’s work in the months and years ahead.”

 

Kevin Beedy, a Spearman native, is a Principal with Brown Graham & Company, P.C., where he provides tax and accounting services for individuals and businesses across a range of industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, and consumer services. A Certified Public Accountant, Beedy earned his Master’s in Accountancy from Abilene Christian University. He previously worked in public accounting with KPMG, and served in financial leadership roles in the region, including with First National Bank in Spearman and as Chief Financial Officer for the Hansford Hospital District. Beedy and his wife, Macy, have two children, Bryn and Wheeler.
Shields, a lifelong resident of Spearman, 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. She earned a degree in accounting and finance from Texas A&M University and began her career at AGCO of Spearman grain elevators as an accountant and office manager, continuing through the company’s transition to Ag Producers Coop. She currently works at Hansford County Feeders, LP, as an accountant and commodities manager. Shields is active in the Spearman community and volunteers with local organizations, including the Spearman Scholarship Foundation. She and her husband, Joel Shields, are 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.
About PFB

Panhandle First Bank (PFB) is a locally owned, full-service community bank serving the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles with branches in Guymon, Spearman, Dumas, and Perryton. Rooted in Panhandle communities and built for what’s next, PFB combines hometown service with forward-looking solutions to help customers, businesses, and families thrive. Our mission is “together, we build and serve with integrity,” and we’re guided

by core values of grit, adaptability, authenticity, character, and collaboration—so we can be bold, trusted partners and positive changemakers for our region.

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: David Hernandez and Jeff Turner

Congratulations to David Hernandez, who is a recipient of a Service Excellence Award! Here is his story:

While leaving work recently, David witnessed a community member experience a hard fall while walking in the neighborhood around the hospital. Without hesitation, David stopped to assist, and quickly recognized that the individual needed medical evaluation as they had sustained visible head and hand injuries.

David calmly encouraged the individual to seek care, and personally offered to transport them to the hospital to ensure they received prompt attention for their injuries. After speaking with them and learning that the individual was alone and without immediate available support, David remained at the hospital to offer any needed assistance and reassurance while the individual was treated. After treatment was complete, the individual was discharged, and David made certain that they returned home safely by taking the time to drive them home himself.

David’s willingness to step in, stay present, and place the needs of another above his own reflects the very best of our organization. His actions not only helped prevent a potentially more serious outcome, but also demonstrated genuine humanity, empathy, and service beyond expectation.

Thank you, David, for exemplifying the true meaning of service excellence through compassion, attentiveness, and commitment to others!

Photos by Maggie Davis

Texas Panhandle native Maggie Davis is currently working and living in Washington DC. She has graciously shared her photos of the 2026 cherry blossom peak.

Below is a history of these beautiful trees. Thank you Maggie!

The cherry trees in Washington, D.C., are a historic 1912 gift of 3,020 trees from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki to the U.S., symbolizing friendship between the two nations.

Planted around the Tidal Basin, they were championed by Eliza Scidmore and First Lady Helen Taft. Japan is gifting 250 more trees for 2026. 

Initial Effort (1910): 
An initial shipment of 2,000 trees was destroyed after being found infested with insects and disease.The 1912 Gift: Japan sent a second, healthy shipment of 3,020 trees (comprising 12 varieties), which were planted along the Tidal Basin and in Potomac Park.

Planting: 
First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first two trees on March 27, 1912.

Significance: 
The trees serve as a lasting symbol of diplomatic ties and friendship.

2026 Renewal: 
To honor America's 250th birthday and replace trees removed for seawall repairs, Japan is gifting an additional 250 cherry trees, with the first sapling presented in March 2026.

Annual Celebration: 
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually, typically from late March to mid-April, celebrating the arrival of spring.

The 2026 Washington DC cherry blossoms reached peak bloom in the last week of March, specifically around March 26-28, due to warm weather.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 – April 12, 2026, featuring events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S.. The best viewing is at the Tidal Basin. 

Maggie is working in the office of Congressman Ronny Jackson.

SO SHOWY!

As we enter into the gardening season and the celebration of 🇺🇸 America's 250th Birthday, what better beauty can we add than the Martha Washington Geranium?

And we know just where to find them!

Visit D & C Greenhouse, Inc. in Spearman, Perryton, Dumas and Dalhart!

Owner, Danny Howell, gave us the grand tour of the behind the scenes operation of his large facility.

In business for 44 years, Howell began studying agronomy in college. Because his uncle was a horticulturist he combined his knowledge with opportunity and began his greenhouse, which by the way is much more than just a greenhouse!

Howell has grown his operation into a substantial and successful production facility with state of the art equipment coupled with innovative ideas. Not to mention the hours and hours of work..literally "getting your hands dirty" kind of work. Rain water harvest aficionados, Chris and DeAnn Samples, visited Danny's operation to better understand his vast setup of not only his water lines, but also his planting procedures and climate control system.

"We have the best selection of locally grown flowers, plants and vegetables in the Panhandle," says Howell. Botanical Roots: While named after Martha Washington in 1859 by botanist Albert Kellogg, the plant originated from South African species (mostly P. cucullatum and P. angulosum). Popular in the early 1900s, they were often called "Show Geraniums" or "Lady Washington" geraniums.*** 

 

The Dumas High School Hall of Fame committee takes great pleasure in announcing the addition of its most recent members for 2026.

Chad Beedy and Kent Hazen will be officially inducted in a ceremony held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 2:00 pm in the Dumas High School Auditorium.

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Yessenia Longoria and Laqueta West

Congratulations to Laqueta West, who is a recipient of a Moore to Give Award!
Here is her story:

During a recent admission, Laqueta West became aware that a patient was scheduled to attend a critical government assistance appointment to secure medication support. As she spoke with them, it became clear that the patient did not have appropriate clothing for the appointment and lacked a support system to help them prepare. Understanding both the importance of the meeting and the barrier this created, Laqueta took meaningful action.

Rather than limiting her role to coordinating services, she personally purchased a presentable shirt and pants to ensure the patient could attend the appointment with confidence and dignity. This thoughtful gesture was undertaken on her own time, reflecting a commitment that extended far beyond her professional responsibilities.

While addressing social determinants of health is a key component of case management, Laqueta’s response demonstrated something deeper; true advocacy and empathy in action. She recognized that promoting health involves more than arranging resources; it requires seeing and supporting the whole person. By removing a seemingly simple but significant obstacle, she reinforced the patient’s sense of worth and stability during a vulnerable time.

Laqueta’s attentiveness, initiative, and compassion exemplify service excellence. Her actions strengthened trust, preserved dignity, and made a meaningful difference in a patient’s life.

Thank you, Laqueta, for your compassion and unwavering dedication to your patient’s needs! We are incredibly proud that you are a part of our team!