Community & Opinions

COMMUNITY SERVICES

THE SPUR AREA FOOD BANK serves families throughout Dickens County. The Food Bank is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating via private donations and welcomes donations to this community work.

2026 Community Calendar

SPUR VISITOR CENTER, 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue, is operated by the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce and open during regular hours Tuesday–Saturday. Visitors seeking information on the area may email spurchamber@gmail.com or call (806) 271-3097.

Paxton, Talarico spar over gas taxes, diesel prices

AUSTIN—U.S. Senate candidates Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee, and Democratic nominee James Talarico traded jabs last week over rising gas and diesel prices, The Texas Tribune reported.

Voter registration deadline nearing

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION AUSTIN— The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 5. Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s office. The last day for an application to vote by mail must be received by Friday, Oct. 23.

2026 Community Calendar

SPUR VISITOR CENTER, 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue, is operated by the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce and open during regular hours Tuesday–Saturday. Visitors seeking information on the area may email spurchamber@gmail.com or call (806) 271-3097.

Medicaid funding restored to Texas hospitals

AUSTIN— Nearly $12 billion in Medicaid funding to Texas hospitals will be restored after a nearly yearlong stalemate between the state and the federal government ended, the Texas Standard reported. Gov. Greg Abbott hailed the end to the impasse.

TALES FROM TUMBLEWEED SMITH

As the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the Lone StarStateandbringsthemintothehomesandheartsofthousands.

Wildfire risk remains high as hunting season begins

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION AUSTIN— The Ross Fire in North Texas has become the largest summer wildfire recorded in Texas, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. As of Sunday, it had consumed 90,400 acres and was 83% contained.

2026 Community Calendar

SPUR VISITOR CENTER, 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue, is operated by the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce and open during regular hours Tuesday–Saturday. Visitors seeking information on the area may email spurchamber@gmail.com or call (806) 271-3097.

Texas hospitals could lose $27 million daily in Medicaid funding

AUSTIN— With the state’s new fiscal year beginning on Sept. 1, Texas hospitals are expected to lose $27 million per day in additional Medicaid funding, according to the Texas Standard.