PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Casey Barter and Yessenia Longoria

Congratulations to Casey Barter, who is a recipient of a Service Excellence Award and the very first (and hopefully ever) NASCAR Award! Here is his story:

On the evening of 02/16/26 around 11pm at night, MCHD EMS was dispatched to transfer a patient from the MCHD emergency room to BSA in Amarillo for an inter-facility transfer. While in route, the ambulance, driven by Casey Barter, encountered multiple large pieces of debris in the roadway that had fallen from the flatbed of a semi trailer. These large objects were in the middle of the highway just inside the Potter/ Moore County line. While Casey was able to effectively avoid the first object, the next object in the middle of the road was unavoidable.

The ambulance, still being corrected after missing the first object, impacted the second object (later identified as a semi-truck front axle attached to a frame rail) and tipped towards the passenger side, resulting in the ambulance being driven on only two wheels. Casey’s quick responsiveness was able to control the ambulance and guide it back down, keeping the ambulance upright. However, once the ambulance came back down, it had to be further controlled, as the driver side tire had been torn from the wheel during the collision.

Casey continued to steer the ambulance, originally at highway speed, down to a stop. His quick responsiveness resulted in the vehicle remaining upright and no harm coming to the patient, nor to his partner James Hewett, who were both in the back of the ambulance.
Although EMS operates on the highways on a regular basis, this is an example of an extremely rare situation, and Casey’s exceptional response to the situation resulted in no injuries to the occupants inside the ambulance that most certainly could have rolled over given the size of the debris in which was impacted at highway speed.

Thank you, Casey, for safeguarding your patient and coworker through your expert and exceptional skill! We are incredibly proud that you are a part of our team!

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Jeff Turner and Ricky Ward

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

During the early morning hours of 04/12/26, a patient’s family member became highly agitated on the Women’s Services Unit. This individual became aggressive, raised their voice, made threats, and attempted to force entry into an operating suite while a procedure was in progress.

Understandably, staff felt threatened and contacted the Dumas Police Department for assistance. They also notified Ricky Ward, the Plant Operations on-call team member for the night.

Ricky arrived at the Women’s Services Unit before law enforcement and immediately stepped into an extremely tense situation. Remaining calm and professional, he skillfully deescalated the confrontation, guided the individual away from the unit, and escorted them to the front entrance before officers arrived.

Ricky is commended for his prompt, courageous, and professional response. This was a stressful and potentially dangerous situation that was resolved through his calm leadership and effective actions.

Thank you, Ricky, for restoring order, protecting your fellow employees, and helping ensure uninterrupted care for the patient! We are incredibly proud that you are a part of our team!

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.

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!

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!

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Ashleigh Wiswell and Cecilia Garcia

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

While serving as a PT technician in the Swing Bed program, Cecilia Garcia cared for a patient who did not have family support readily available. During the course of treatment, Cecilia noticed the patient was wearing only hospital gowns because they did not have access to personal clothing. Understanding how this affected both comfort and confidence, Cecilia took immediate action, providing sweatshirts, pants, and socks so the patient could feel more at ease. With the proper clothing, the patient was also better able to participate fully in therapy services.

Cecilia’s attentiveness did not stop there. She recognized another unmet need when she learned the patient’s hair had become severely matted and that they longed for a haircut. Once again, Cecilia stepped forward without hesitation. She returned multiple times to wash the patient’s clothes and, on her own time, came in to wash, trim, and style their hair. The transformation that followed was not only physical but emotional; restoring a sense of dignity, confidence, and self-worth.

Through these acts of kindness, Cecilia demonstrated that exceptional care extends beyond clinical responsibilities. She did not simply see a patient; she saw a person deserving of compassion and respect. By recognizing unmet needs and taking personal initiative to address them, Cecilia embodied the very highest standard of service excellence and the spirit of care the organization strives to provide each day.

Thank you, Cecilia for your rapport with your patients and commitment to compassionately providing your patients the support they need!

L to R: Gene Copenhaver, NCBA President & Cow/Calf Producer; Rowdy Rhoades, Moore County Judge; Jeremy Minton, JBS USA Head of Operations, Fed Beef; Bob Krebs, JBS USA President, Fed Beef; John Paul Batista, son of JBS USA CEO; Wesley Batista Filho, JBS USA CEO; Paul Finch, JBS USA Cactus General Manager; Luis Vazquez, JBS USA Director of CapEx; and Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO

CACTUS, TEXAS (Feb. 27, 2026) – JBS USA, one of the world’s leading food companies, officially broke ground today on a $150 million expansion project at its beef production facility in Cactus, Texas. The project includes construction of a new, state-of-the-art fabrication floor and an expanded ground beef room, strengthening the long-term competitiveness of one of the company's largest and most important beef plants. 

‌This major investment is designed to increase operational efficiency, enhance production capacity, and create new opportunities for cattle producers, customers, team members, and the surrounding rural communities. Construction is underway, with expectation of being completed by early 2027.

“This groundbreaking marks an exciting moment for JBS USA, our team in Cactus, and cattle producers,” said Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA. “The investment reflects our long-term commitment to the U.S. beef industry and the rural communities where we live and work. By modernizing and expanding our Cactus facility, we are ensuring that our business, and the thousands of families who depend on it, remain positioned for success now and in the future.”

‌The Cactus facility, located in the Texas Panhandle, currently employs more than 3,600 team members and partners with local cattle producers, purchasing approximately $3.3 billion in livestock annually. 

‌Elected officials say the reinvestment marks a major step forward for the region, highlighting its economic significance and benefits for Texas producers: 

‌“I commend JBS for their investment right here in Cactus,” said state Rep. Caroline Fairly. “This transformational project sends a clear message that they believe in the Texas Panhandle, in our workforce, and in the long-term future of this area. We are proud to see JBS continue investing in our community and in American agriculture.”

“I am grateful for the investment of an additional $150 million from JBS USA in Cactus, TX at their beef facility,” said state Senator Kevin Sparks. “The panhandle is proud to be a leading provider of beef in the United States and upgrading this facility will help us continue that heritage while providing additional local jobs and food for our state and country.”

‌Moore County Judge Rowdy Rhoades applauded JBS’s investment in the local community and its ongoing impact on Cactus residents: 

‌‌“The investment is about more than just expanded production capacity, it reinforces JBS’s longstanding commitment to the people who call this community home. Through their Hometown Strong and Better Futures programs, they’ve partnered directly with community leaders to fund numerous local projects that our residents enjoy and benefit from, along with education opportunities for their employees and their families. This expansion builds on that momentum, ensuring that Cactus continues to thrive and remains a vibrant, resilient place.”

Beyond its facility upgrades, JBS USA continues to invest in rural communities like Cactus through its Hometown Strong and Better Futures programs. Since 2020, JBS has invested more than $11 million in Cactus community projects—including parks, enhanced local facilities, nonprofit support, and affordable housing—while enabling more than 259 team members and their children to pursue tuition-free community college. 

‌

Shawn Kimbrell, pictured with his wife, was recognized at the National Wheat Foundation reception at Commodity Classic.

[AMARILLO, TX]

Two Texas wheat producers were recognized as national winners in the National Wheat Yield Contest, earning top honors in the dryland winter wheat category. Shawn Kimbrell, of Sunray, and Royce O’Neal, of White Deer, were recognized during the National Wheat Foundation reception at Commodity Classic on February 24, 2026.

A former National Wheat Yield Contest winner, Kimbrell earned first place in the percentage over county average category with a yield of 70.04 bushels per acre, 448% above the Moore County average. Kimbrell planted WestBred WB4595 and attributes much of his success to careful variety selection. A strong proponent of no-till farming and crop rotation, Kimbrell plants one-third of his acreage in dryland wheat, one-third in dryland cotton and leaves the remaining third fallow to conserve moisture.

When asked about his advice for fellow farmers, Kimbrell said, “Don’t plant fence to fence. Lay out ground. During that resting time, we’ve learned that the moisture, what little moisture we get, is stored. I harvest a crop every year, even in the dry years. It might not be a 70-bushel crop every year, but it’s harvested every year.”

Kimbrell is strategic with input management, timing topdress fertilizer applications to align with forecasted snow or rainfall to maximize efficiency. Recognizing the importance of weed control in a no-till system, Kimbrell has also been experimenting with drone technology and used a spray drone to combat mustard weed in the winning field.

Although we are not native to Borger, we have lived here since acquiring the dealership in December 2024. We are proud to now call Borger home for the foreseeable future. Our mission is to provide our customers with a type of service they have never experienced from a dealership.

We like to jokingly say, “we are the anti-car dealership, dealership!” Our goal is to create a company that has generational customers. We believe that price should not be the only factor when deciding where to buy a vehicle.

So, we want our customers to feel a sense of value from their car buying experience. This is why our service after the sale is where we truly shine. For example, one of the many perks of being a Webb & Company customer is having free carwashes for the life of your vehicle.

Additionally, the most important aspect to us is that the company is, and always remains, faith based and that we strive to do all things for the glory of God.

Please come and experience the Webb & Company difference, because everyone needs a “W”!

Sincerely,
Christopher & Tyler Webb