Borger News-Herald
Borger High School Receives $2,189 from Spirit Pump Campaign
Borger High School recently received a check for $2,189.17 from Toot’n Totum as part of their Spirit Pump Campaign. The presentation took place on Wednesday, with school officials and community members on hand to celebrate the contribution. The Spirit...
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City of Borger Provides Update on 8:28 Sports Tourism Project
BORGER — City officials are providing clarification on the status of the proposed 8:28 Sports Tourism project following questions about a recently expired land option tied to the development. According to the City of Borger, the option period on a...
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Palo Duro Canyon Soil Used to Create Pigments for New WT Art Exhibition
CANYON, Texas — Ancient Japanese art techniques meet an even more ancient natural marvel in a new art exhibition opening Jan. 20 at West Texas A&M University. In Nishiki Sugawara-Beda’s “Geologically Human: Travel Through Times and Cultures with...
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Crockett and Gateway Elementary Celebrate Perfect Attendance with Bikes and Prizes
BORGER — Students at Crockett Elementary and Gateway Elementary were all smiles recently during the schools’ 3rd Six-Week Perfect Attendance Bike Assembly. The event recognizes students who attend school every day and emphasizes the importance of...
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Francis Reaches 1,000-Point Milestone in Varsity Game Against Stratford
West Texas High School senior Gentry Francis reached a major career milestone Tuesday night, scoring her 1,000th career point during the Lady Comanches’ varsity basketball game against the Stratford Lady Elks. Francis crossed the mark during district...
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Kim Perez Announces Candidacy for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
HUTCHINSON COUNTY — Kim Perez, a longtime Hutchinson County resident and community leader, has announced her candidacy for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1. The seat is currently held by Leslie Ford, who is not seeking reelection as she runs for...
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Paul Belton Elementary Perfect Attendance Assembly
Paul Belton Elementary held its Perfect Attendance Assembly on Wednesday! Students with perfect attendance were recognized and awarded a necklace. Four names were drawn from each grade level, and those students got to pick a board game provided by the...
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January is School Board Appreciation Month
Borger ISD would like to recognize its Board of Trustees. Thank you for your leadership! Back Row, left to right: Payton Lumpkin, President, Keegan Neill, Trustee, Daniel Fuller, Superintendent, Devon Thompson, Trustee, Front row, left to right: Robert...
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Lady Comanches dominate SanfordFritch, 56–22
FRITCH — The Lady Comanches delivered a dominant performance Friday night, rolling past SanfordFritch 56–22 in girls basketball action. The Lady Comanches set the tone early with aggressive defense and efficient scoring, building a comfortable lead...
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BSA Health System Welcomes its First Baby of the New Year
AMARILLO, Texas (Jan. 1, 2026) – BSA Health System proudly welcomed its first baby of 2026, marking a joyful start to the new year. Baby Baylen was born at 12:33 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, at the Hazel and Ross Wilson Women’s Center, weighing 8 pounds 8.2...
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Borger Fire Department Salutes Outstanding Service Members
The Borger Fire Department recently recognized three members for their exceptional dedication and service to the community over the past year. Adam Scott was named Firefighter of the Year, Amber Brack received EMS Employee of the Year, and Kade...
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WT Students Eligible for Professional Certifications Through TAMUS Pilot Program
CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University is offering students access to free AI education and job training programs through Grow with Google. WT joined the Grow with Google pilot program with universities around The Texas A&M University System. Each...
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Wildfire Preparedness Level Raised as Fire Risk Increases
HUTCHINSON COUNTY — Unseasonably warm and dry weather, combined with freezecured grasses across the Texas Panhandle, has prompted the Texas A&M Forest Service to raise the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2, signaling an increased risk of...
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Crockett Elementary Dedicates Memorial Bench
Crockett Elementary School recently dedicated a memorial bench and plaque in honor of Jesus Rangel, who served the school as head custodian for 35 years and whose impact on the campus extended far beyond his daily duties. Rangel was widely known...
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Attorney General Paxton Sues Electric Company for Causing the Devastating Smokehouse Creek Fire
Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Southwestern Public Service Company, which operates in Texas as Xcel Energy, for causing the Smokehouse Creek Fire in 2024—the largest wildfire in recorded Texas history. “Xcel’s blatant negligence killed three Texans...
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Borger ISD students perform in the Nutcracker
Two Borger ISD students participated in the Nutcracker presented by the Lone Star Ballet. Katy Archer played the roles of Peppermint and Soldier for the second consecutive year. Richard Alejandro took on the roles of Young Party Guest, Hench Mouse, and...
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A Season to Remember: Comanches Finish 14–1 After playoff loss to Hamilton
IOWA PARK — When the dust settled on their playoff showdown with Hamilton, the West Texas Comanches gathered at midfield as a team that had accomplished something truly special: a 14–1 season defined by unity, toughness, and a commitment to excellence...
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BY: JESSICA OZBUN BORGER NEWS-HERALD
Borger, TX – Local chaplain and community leader Margie Gonzales spoke to the Kiwanis Club on Thursday, December 4, sharing her work providing spiritual care across the Amarillo area. Gonzales oversees programs at the Heal The City Free Medical Clinic...
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$47,000 awarded to Borger nonprofit to support workforce development
AUSTIN, Texas— Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, announced the recipients in the second round of its 2025 request for proposal (RFP) initiative. The company is awarding more than $4.4...
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Two WT Education Professors Honored for Teaching Excellence
CANYON, Texas — Two West Texas A&M University faculty members who specialize in special education have been recognized for their exceptional work. Dr. Jennifer Denham, clinical assistant professor of education, and Dr. Stephanie Hart, the Lanna Hatton...
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CONGRATULATIONS!
The West Texas Comanches triumphed in the Regional Quarterfinals on Friday afternoon at Floydada’s Tyer Stadium, defeating New Home with a score of 26-19. They will face Cisco in Week 4 of the High School Football playoffs on Friday, December 5 at 6...
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The Panhandle Gives 2025 Campaign Launches to Empower Local Nonprofits Across the Texas Panhandle
Due to the Federal Holiday, the Tuesday and Thursday editions of the Borger News-Herald are combined. Happy Thanksgiving! Amarillo, Texas — The Amarillo Area Foundation is thrilled to announce the official launch of The Panhandle Gives 2025, the...
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West Texas Comanches 2A Area Champions
By: Jason Richardson, HutchCoSportsLUBBOCK — West Texas High survived a thrilling showdown with Hawley Thursday night, winning 30-26 in the UIL Class 2A Division I area round at PlainsCapital Park. Cayde Winters led the Comanches with 157 rushing...
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Plainsmen Persistence
Thanksgiving often reminds one of the Pilgrims. However, their first Thanksgiving would not have been possible before their journey on the Mayflower. The Pilgrims’ journey is a remarkable story of human endurance, faith, and persistence. When the...
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Borger Approves School Tax; County Votes Overwhelmingly for State Propositions
BORGER, TX — November 4, 2025 – Borger voters have narrowly approved the Borger ISD Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE), while Hutchinson County residents overwhelmingly supported all 17 proposed Texas constitutional amendments, according to...
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‘Temporary band-aid:’ USDA able to cover 50% of November SNAP benefits
(The Center Square) – Despite previously denying it had the legal authority to do so, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday that it will use emergency funds to partially cover SNAP benefits for the month of November. The change is in response...
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Cornyn Sounds Alarm on SNAP Funding Cliff as 3.5 Million Texans Stand to Lose Benefits Because of Schumer Shutdown
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) blasted Democrats for voting against reopening the government 13 times for the sake of “leverage” to advance their political agenda, which comes as 3.5 million Texans stand to lose the...
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Hutchinson County Arrest report
Note: Arrest report is made up of arrest made in Hutchinson Coun-ty by BPD, Fritch PD, Stinnett PD, DPS, TPW, NPS, HCSO. Arrests: Veronika Nicole Garica, 27 Arrest Date: October 27, 2025 Arresting Agency: HCSO Charges: SNT State Jail- Poss C/S...
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FPC Rodeo Brings Home Championship Event Title from the NMJC College Rodeo
FPC Rodeo Team traveled to Lovington, New Mexico for the NMJC College Rodeo October 23-25 for the 3rd College Rodeo of the Fall Season. Bringing home top honors in the Women’s Event of Goattying. FPC Freshman Business Major Kendra Deskovick from...
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West Texas High Blanks Sanford-Fritch, 36–0, Moves to 8–0 for First Time Since 1989
By Jason Richardson, HutchCoPdcst FRITCH — The West Texas High Comanches continued their historic run Thursday night, shutting out the SanfordFritch Eagles 36–0 to improve to 8–0 on the season. With the victory, West Texas remains unbeaten in...
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Hutchinson County Republican Women to Host Talk on REAL ID and Personal Privacy
The Hutchinson County Republican Women will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Opportunities Center, located at 930 Illinois Street in Borger. The public is invited to attend, and no RSVP is...
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Comanches Edge Panthers in Instant Classic — 50–49 Thriller Delivers Wild Finish
Stinnett—It was a night to remember in Stinnett as the West Texas Comanches held off the third-ranked Panhandle Panthers, 50-49, in one of the wildest high school football games the Texas Panhandle has seen in years. The showdown lived up to the hype...
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Borger Area Students Eligible for AgTexas AgYouth Scholarships
4-H and FFA graduating high school seniors in the Borger area are eligible to apply for the AgYouth of the Month Scholarship Program that AgTexas Farm Credit created ten years ago. So far, the program has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to...
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Hutchinson County Commissioner Completes Advanced Study of County Government
Hutchinson County Commissioner Chris Prock was honored on Oct. 8 for his completion of a voluntary advanced course of study on county government titled Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum (CCAC). Prock received a Certificate of Achievement from...
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Xcel Energy seeks proposals for new power generation
AMARILLO, Texas (Oct. 10, 2025) — Xcel Energy is seeking proposals for power generation projects to increase the capacity of its Texas-New Mexico electric system to meet the forecasted increase in demand, as well as the needs of the growing regional...
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Rep. Ronny Jackson Says Democrats Are ‘Actively Sabotaging America’s Farmers’ in Their Shutdown
WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13) called out Democrats for dragging out their reckless government shutdown, saying their political games are hurting America’s farmers and ranchers. The Democrat government shutdown is hurting America’s...
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Borger ISD recognizes Instructional Coaches
Borger ISD would like to recognize the district instructional coaches, Mrs. Schomp and Mrs. Hughett! Their dedication, support, and passion for helping students and teachers are truly invaluable. Our district wouldn’t be the same without them. (Borger...
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Funds available for gas and electric bills
Panhandle Community Services is pleased to announce that assistance is available for households struggling to pay their gas and electric bills. As colder months approach, this support aims to ensure families stay safe and warm without the added stress...
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Lady Plainsmen Outlast Clarendon in Five-Set Thriller
By Jason Richardson, HutchCoPdcst Borger, TX — The Frank Phillips College Lady Plainsmen stormed back in dramatic fashion Wednesday night, defeating Clarendon College in a five-set thriller, 3–2, at the FPC Sports Center. Final scores were 27– 25,...
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Frank Phillips College Breaks Ground on New Residence Hall
Borger, TX – Frank Phillips College held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday to celebrate the start of construction on a new two-story residence hall, which will provide on-campus housing for up to 100 students. The project marks a...
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2025 Frank Phillips College NIRA Rodeo
FPC Rodeo hosted the 2025 NIRA Caprock Region Frank Phillips College Rodeo September 25-27! Boasting over 315+ contestants along with their coaches and cheering sections for three days! FPC was well represented with four athletes qualifying in 5 events...
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WT Expanding Half-Off Tuition Offer to Educators
CANYON, Texas — Thousands of school employees throughout most of the western part of Texas and at small schools around the state now are eligible for 50-percent discounts for continuing their education at West Texas A&M University. The WT Educators...
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West Texas Stuns Gruver in Friday Night Thriller
Stinnett, TX — The West Texas Comanches walked into Comanche Field Friday night and walked out with a statement win, stunning Gruver 36-28 in a dramatic finish that ended the Greyhounds’ 17-game regular season winning streak. Both teams traded blows...
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Borger High School Announces 2025 Homecoming Court
Borger High School has announced its 2025 Homecoming Court, a tradition that honors outstanding students from each grade level and culminates with the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen during halftime of the Bulldogs’ football game this Friday...
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Charlie Kirk, Turning Point founder and Trump ally, shot dead in Utah
(The Center Square) - Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder and executive director and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck on Wednesday at a Utah Valley University event, and has been confirmed dead by the White House. During...
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West Texas Shut’s Out Shamrock 76-0
By Jason Richardson, HutchCoPdcst STINNETT, TX — The West Texas Comanches sent a resounding message in their 2025 season Friday night by shutting out the Shamrock Irish, 76–0, at Comanche Field in Stinnett. From the opening whistle, West Texas...
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Rep. Ronny Jackson hits Newsom with lawsuit over ‘retaliatory’ California redistricting push
AMARILLO, TX — Rep. Ronny Jackson is suing Gavin Newsom for abusing his office and breaking California law in an attempt to undercut President Trump ahead of the 2026 midterms. Rep. Jackson argues that Newsom’s scheme is a partisan power grab that...
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Haberman Auto Holds 1 Year Anniversary Celebration
Haberman Auto held a one-year anniversary celebration on Tuesday, September 2 at their location at 701 W. Wilson in Borger. Haberman Auto offers oil lube and filter servieces and auto repair. The Borger Chamber of Commerce also held a ribbon cutting...
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Good Luck
Morton Lumber Ace Hardware 1404 W Wilson St, Borger, TX 79007 (806) 273-6261
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Sanford-Fritch Flies Past the Lady Bulldogs in Five-Set Heartbreaker
The Borger Varsity volleyball team battled hard but ultimately fell to Sanford-Fritch in a five-set thriller on Tuesday night: 24-26, 25-16, 25-14, 22-25, 9-15. After narrowly dropping the first set, the Lady Bulldogs responded with back-to-back...
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Comanches Host Longhorns in Season Opener
— Friday night lights return to Comanche Field as the West Texas Comanches welcome the Lockney Longhorns in the 2025 season opener. Both squads enter the year looking to set the tone early, and the matchup promises to test depth, discipline, and...
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Ready for Some Football
These little Borger Bulldog Fans are ready for some Bulldog Football! They are pictured here at the Borger vs. Canyon scrimmage at Kimbrough Stadium in Canyon on Thursday evening. The Borger NewsHerald’s High School Football coverage will start next...
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Coffee Memorial Blood Center Issues URGENT Call for O-Negative Blood Donors
Amarillo, TX — 08-20-2025 – Coffee Memorial Blood Center (CMBC) is urgently appealing for O-Negative blood donors as supplies of this universal blood type reach critically low levels. O-Negative blood is vital in emergencies and trauma situations, when...
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Texas oil and gas jobs fall in July
(The Center Square) – Jobs in the upstream oil and natural gas sector fell by 1,400 `in July over the month. June’s job losses were also revised to 1,500, which was “less severe than the previously estimated 2,700,” the Texas Oil & Gas Workers...
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Quick Action of Xcel Energy Crew makes big difference
From the City of Borger- We would like to recognize the courage and quick thinking of Xcel Energy personnel who, while performing routine field work on the east side of Borger this morning, noticed smoke rising from a nearby residence. Without...
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Borger ISD welcomes students Backto-School for 2025-2026 School Year
[Borger, Texas] — As the new school year begins, we at Borger News-Herald are reminding families, students, and motorists to prioritize safety to ensure a successful and secure return to the classroom. With increased foot and vehicle traffic around...
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Plainsmen Progress
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of Frank Phillips College. Last year, the college had continued...
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Bulldog Band prepares for new season
Four members of the Borger HS Band traveled to Weatherford OK to attend band camp at Southwestern Oklahoma State University during the week of July 13-18. Sam King, Lily Nelson, Nadia Porras, and Monica Valenzuela attended classes for drum major,...
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Lake Meredith Reaches 80 Feet
Lake Meredith has made a remarkable comeback, soaring to 80 feet on Monday, July 28! This stunning rise comes after it hit a record low of just 26.14 feet on August 7, 2023. What a transformation! (Jessica Ozbun, Borger News-Herald photo)
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Xcel Energy employees award $10,000 to Children’s Home
AMARILLO, Texas (July 24, 2025) — Xcel Energy announced a $10,000 grant to Amarillo Children’s Home, a nonprofit that provides safe, loving and restorative care for children in the Texas Panhandle, as part of Xcel Energy Foundation’s 2025 Employee...
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Autumn Martinez is the new assistant principal of Borger High School
Autumn Martinez has recently taken on the role of assistant principal at Borger High School. With 13 years of experience in the field of education, including 8.5 years within Borger Independent School District (ISD), she brings a wealth of knowledge...
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Water Fights & Fire Trucks: Stinnett’s “Meet the Firefighters”
TX — Families, friends, and plenty of watersoaked kids filled Stinnett City Park on Saturday afternoon for the Stinnett Volunteer Fire Department’s “Meet the Firefighters” event. Held July 19 from 4 PM to 7 PM, the event was a splash hit—literally—as...
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Xcel Energy announces portfolio of new power projects to meet growing demand in Texas and
AMARILLO, Texas (July 18, 2025) — Xcel Energy has announced new generation resource additions as part of an overall portfolio to meet the rapidly rising energy needs of its Texas and New Mexico service area. The portfolio includes extensions of 521...
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Lake Meredith Small Fry Fishing Tournament Cast it’s Line on a New location
Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Lake Meredith Small Fry Fishing Tournament! This year, the Lake Meredith Small Fry Fishing Association is excited to host the event at a new location: the Fritch Youth Center, conveniently situated at the...
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Death count at 129, rescue efforts halted as flash flood warnings issued in Hill Country
(The Center Square) – The latest death count from the July 4 flash flood event in Texas is up to 129 with more than 170 people still missing. Sunday recovery efforts were suspended in Kerr County due to heavy rainfall and a new flash flood warning...
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TxDOT Crews to Perform Road Repairs on SH 136
BORGER – Beginning Monday, July 14, TxDOT crews will begin road repairs on northbound SH 136 in Borger. The work will take place from the SH 207 intersection to the W. 10th Street intersection (see pictured map above). During this time, the SH 136...
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Phillips Blackhawks Alumni Committee Keeping the Spirit Alive
Come one, come all, as the Phillips Blackhawks 2025 All-School Reunion is right around the corner. Mark your calendars for July 11-12 as we pay tribute to students who took classes in the Industrial Arts program through the years, the 50th Anniversary...
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Death toll nears 100 in Kerr County alone as of Monday
(The Center Square) – At least 99 people were killed in Kerry County, Texas, during historic Independence Day flooding. As of Monday morning, officials have identified 75 deceased in Kerr County, including 48 adults and 27 children. Fifteen adults and...
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City of Fritch Authorizes City Ball Fields as Venue for Community Fireworks
Fritch- Pursuant to Ordinance 8.002.002 Sale or Use of Fireworks (1995 Code, sec 132), the City Council of the City of Fritch en- acted an exception on June 20, 2017, and further authorized the City Manager (Fritch) to define the exception See to...
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Independence Day Celebration at the Lake July 5
Join Friends of Lake Meredith & Alibates for a day of celebration at Lake Meredith Recreation Area on July 5th! - Boat Parade: Kicking off at 2 p.m., the parade will start at Sanford Yake and make its way through Cedar Canyon, Fritch Fortress, Harbor...
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Borger High School Class of 1985 to host All 80’s Class Reunion
BORGER- The Borger High School Class of 1985 is excited to announce its highly anticipated ALL 80’s Class Reunion, scheduled September 12 -14, 2025. This memorable weekend will feature engaging activities to celebrate the shared history and re
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TxDOT Crews to Perform Road Repairs on SH 136
BORGER – Beginning Monday, June 30 TxDOT crews will begin road repairs on southbound SH 136 in Borger. The work will take place from the SH 207 intersection to the W. 10th Street intersection (see pictured map above). During this time, the...
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Trump: Ceasefire reached between Israel, Iran
(The Center Square) – Hours after Iran launched retaliatory strikes against the U.S. for striking its three key nuclear facilities, President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire deal has been reached between Israel and Iran. The president touted the...
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Borger City Council meets in regular session
The Borger City Council met regularly on Tuesday afternoon, June 17, at Borger City Hall, 600 N. Main Street in Borger. The meeting started with the council approving the expenditures for the first part of June 2025, and also an update on the...
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Preparing for summer heat in Texas and New Mexico
AMARILLO, Texas (June 12, 2025) – The summertime heat is quickly approaching, and Xcel Energy is reminding its Texas and New Mexico customers about important tips to keep electric bills low as temperatures rise. Home cooling can account for about half...
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