Billy Copeland   •

The UIL Girls State Basketball Tourney will be held in San Antonio at the Alamo Dome March 5-7, 2026. As is now the custom, only finals will be played at the tourney site.

Final scores for each game will be posted to this site as soon as they are completed.

Schedule

Thursday, March 5
11:00 !A Division 1 Clyde(Eula)(36-2) vs Broadus(35-5)
1:00 1A Division 2 Nazareth(31-5) vs Saltillo(34-6)
5:00 2A Division 1 Panhandle(37-1) vs Mason(40-1)
7:00 2A Division 2 Lipan(34-5) vs Martins Mill(38-5)


Friday, March 6
11:00 3A Division 1 Shallowater(29-7} vs Hitchcock(26-7)
1:00   3A Division 2 Wall(36-3) vs Nacogdoches Central Hts(32-5)
5:00   4A Division 1 Decatur(36-4) vs Waco LaVega(28-11)
7:00   4A Division 2 Dallas Lincoln(28-8) vs Fredericksburg(31-8)

Saturday, March 7
11:00 5A Division 1 Denton Ryan(36-4) vs Leander Glenn(35-3)
1:00   5A Division 2 Argyle(33-5) vs Barbers Hill(37-3)
5:00   6A Division 1 Lewisville Flower Mound (29-8) vs Humble Summer Creek(33-4)
7:00 6A Division 2 Lancaster(32-5) vs Westlake(40-0)

MOORE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINT 2 (GOP)

MIKE BARR Republican 219 48.88%

J.R. SALINAS Republican 131 29.24%

CHRIS JOHNSON Republican 81 18.08%

PEYTON LEGG Republican 17 3.79%

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.

Saaith and Alonso Lara

Odessa man gives gift of life to Dumas man who raised him like a father

A father’s love — and a son’s extraordinary gift — highlight a record‑breaking year for kidney transplants at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. When 23‑year‑old Saaith Lara learned his longtime father figure, Alonso, needed a transplant, he gave him the ultimate birthday gift: his own kidney. Their powerful story is among many that helped Texas Health Fort Worth achieve the highest number of living kidney donors and total kidney transplants in its 40‑year program history.

 

 

Though the surgery took place at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, I’m sharing this heartwarming story with you as Saaith Lara, the kidney donor, lives in Odessa while his father, Alonso Lara, the transplant recipient, is a resident of Dumas.

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

We continue our series on area cities and how 2025 was for them.

Today, Dumas City Manager Mark Hall joins KXDJ’s Chris Samples to discuss the last year.

 “A lot of progress. We have a sidewalk improvement project going on and it is pretty extensive. That is a TxDOT project and they are predicting it will end in the late spring,” Hall told Samples.

Listen to more HERE


 

Chris Samples of KXDJ spoke with Dumas Demons Head Coach Adam Esses about his coaching history.

To hear what he has to say listen HERE

 

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Ashleigh Wiswell and Christine Kimbrell

Congratulations to Christine Kimbrell, who is a recipient of a Service Excellence Award! Here is her story:

Christine Kimbrell, Director of the Therapy Services Department, exemplifies exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to both her staff and the patients she serves. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every patient receives not only high-quality clinical care, but also the support and resources needed to succeed beyond the walls of our facility.

Christine became aware of a patient who had been re-admitted with congestive heart failure because the patient he did not have a way to monitor their body weight daily; an essential part of managing fluid retention and preventing further complications. Understanding the serious impact this barrier could have on the patient’s health and recovery, Christine immediately took action.

In true demonstration of her compassionate leadership, she went above and beyond her role by personally purchasing a digital scale for the patient. This simple yet meaningful gesture ensured the patient could track their weight each morning, empowering them to better manage their condition and helping reduce the risk of re-hospitalization.

Christine’s actions reflect the heart of outstanding leadership: she not only guides her department with excellence, but also leads by example through genuine care, advocacy, and an extraordinary commitment to patient-centered service.

Thank you, Christine, for your leadership and service to your staff, the District, and the patients we serve! We are incredibly proud that you are a part of our team!

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.

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!