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Longtime state Rep. Smithee won’t seek another term

Longtime state Rep. Smithee won’t seek another term

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Longtime state Rep. Smithee won’t seek another term

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
State Representative John Smithee (R-Amarillo) last week announced that he will not seek another term in the Texas House of Representatives. Smithee has served in the Texas Legislature since 1985, and was most recently chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence.
LOOK WHO'S COMING--A Man of the Hour for the Christmas season will be present in more than just a portrait during the 2025 Festival of Trees at the Hereford Senior Citizens Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present in person to greet kids of all ages during the run of the event. (Photo by Jim Steiert)

LOOK WHO'S COMING--A Man of the Hour for the Christmas season will be present in more than just a portrait during the 2025 Festival of Trees at the Hereford Senior Citizens Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present in person to greet kids of all ages during the run of the event. (Photo by Jim Steiert)

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35th Festival of Trees opens Saturday

Jim Steiert
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
One of the kickoff events of the holiday season in Hereford and Deaf Smith County, the 35th annual Hereford Senior Citizens Association Festival of Trees gets underway Saturday, November 15 and continues its run through Friday, November 20 with familiar features that have made this pre-holiday...
Weekly Badger Highlight

Weekly Badger Highlight

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Weekly Badger Highlight

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Naoli Corral When did you attend Amarillo College?I began my journey with Amarillo College in the fall of 2024, driven by a desire to improve myself and secure a better future for my children. My motivation is to serve as an exemplary role model for them. What degree did you earn?

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CSF applications end Monday

News Staff
Friday, November 7, 2025
Last call for applicants seeking assistance from the 2025 edition of the Christmas Stocking Fund! The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Monday, November 10.
You Really Don’t Want to Know

You Really Don’t Want to Know

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You Really Don’t Want to Know

Chuck Bednorz
Friday, November 7, 2025
There is a famous quote by John Godfrey Saxe, a lawyer who was writing for The University of Michigan in 1869, To wit: “Laws, like sausages, cease to inspire respect in proportion as we know how they are made.

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NOVEMBER

News Staff
Friday, November 7, 2025
2025Sundays• Prairie Acres Activities: 10, Movie & Snacks; 11:30, Background music; 4, Tenth St. Church of Christ; 7:30, DominoesMondays• Food Pantry, Mon & Fri, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. 900 N. Lee St.• Rotary Club, noon, Sugarland Mall Grill• Deaf Smith County Historical Museum regular hours 10 a.m.
Jeff Blackmon

Jeff Blackmon

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LAUGHS OF THE WEEK

News Staff
Friday, November 7, 2025
Funny state laws MinnesotaA person may not cross state lines with a duck atop his head.• All bathtubs must have feet.• All men driving motorcycles must wear shirts. • Every man in Brainerd, Minnesota is required by law to grow a beard.• Hamburgers may not be eaten on Sundays.
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SKILL--The crafting of carved decoys to lure wildfowl is an ancient skill held in respect by many waterfowling enthusiasts. Pieces of pine, cedar, and other woods can be transformed with careful strokes of sharp tools and an eye for detail. (Photo by Jim Steiert)

CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SKILL--The crafting of carved decoys to lure wildfowl is an ancient skill held in respect by many waterfowling enthusiasts. Pieces of pine, cedar, and other woods can be transformed with careful strokes of sharp tools and an eye for detail. (Photo by Jim Steiert)

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Hand carved decoys acknowledge waterfowling’s heritage, traditions

Jim Steiert
Friday, November 7, 2025
Waterfowl and sandhill crane hunting have a long and colorful heritage in this country, much of it associated with the trappings of the pursuit.A mind-boggling array of commercial decoys are available today.
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