Since the early days of Spearman, sports have had a strong following in Hansford County.

Little League has always been in the lives of most families in the community, involving many, whether as a sponsor, a team, a coach, fans and especially the players with a recent record of 200+ kiddos in the program.

The concept of adding this sport is not a new one, having been suggested nearly 20 years ago, as well as last spring when the league approached the Spearman EDC for possible funding.

Most recently, a great fan of our youth and especially softball, Roy Harbour wrote a heartfelt letter to each of the SISD School Board members and shared his thoughts in a Letter to the Editor in late August.

The letter can be read HERE

Not one to leave strings untied, Mr. Harbour followed up with the help of other baseball/softball enthusiasts at the September meeting of the Spearman ISD.

A larger than usual crowd attended the meeting to show support for the idea of finally adding this sport to our school, one of the very few in the area that doesn't offer it.

The agenda item was only open for discussion with no action to be taken during this meeting. However, the discussion among the school board, Superintendent Layman and AD Director Lozano led to some promise of at least exploring the idea.

Concerns:

• Cost
• No existing facility
• Impact on other sports

Hopes:

• Enthusiasm and community support
• Use of existing facility nearby
• Economic Impact
• Happy athletes!!!

Mr. Harbour's well laid plan also included the use of social media with results below:

Letters addressed to school board
Letter to the HPO Editor

HPO POLL
Total Votes 95
Softball 3
Baseball 2
Both 81
Neither 9

HPO Facebook
Likes 133
Shares 47
Comments 40

While the Facebook results were not calculated by the HPO beyond the initial shares (47), it is evident the idea is highly popular and 100% of the comments were positive.

The SISD board made the decision to explore options in a 90-day window bringing back information to a future meeting.

Mr. Layman asked for the assistance of Coach Lozano to help with a feasibility/impact study and to assess the situation at this time, exploring ideas and possibilities.

"I love baseball," said Mr. Layman, "I was a baseball coach!"

The 7-member board consists of parents and grandparents who nearly all enjoy the Little League season each year.

"It’s undeniable. This community wants and has wanted high school softball/baseball for many years. It's time!"---Roy Harbour

By Trudy Hart

Local 9-year-old, Beckham Lackey, is heading to the National Pedal Pull Championships later this month.

Beckham earned his spot after winning 1st place at the Texas County Fair Tractor Pedal Pull earlier this week and then taking 2nd place at Oklahoma’s State Pedal Pull Championship in Norman on Saturday, September 6.

Now, he’s getting ready to compete at the National Pedal Pull Championships on September 27 at the famous Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Beckham is a tractor loving 4th grader at Pringle-Morse CISD and is the son of Trudy Hart of Gruver and Will and Maegan Lackey of Guymon.

His family and friends are excited can’t wait to cheer him on at Nationals!

Hansford County Hospital District & EMS would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to you, your friends, and family to join us for a 5K walk/run in support of suicide awareness and prevention. This event is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a space for remembrance, connection, and hope.

Event Details:
All proceeds go directly to the event and a Suicide Awareness Organization.
Our group name: Stations in Stride
Cost: $30/person (there is a discount when 3 or more sign up together).
What: 5k Walk/Run for Suicide Awareness
When & Where: It’s a virtual event so you can do this whenever you choose to between Sept 7th and 13th. We do have the following group options if you would like to join us physically!

Spearman: September 13th, Walking Park at 8AM
Gruver: September 13th, City Park at 8AM
Sign up by going to this link or clicking on the QR code in the link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-1859639?raceId=93569

Hansford County as a whole has felt the impacts that suicide brings. Our thoughts are with those who are grieving lost loved ones, we walk in honor of them. Whether you walk, jog, or run; join us as a group, do it on your own, or simply come to encourage those that are running or walking; your participation would mean a great deal. Together, we can help break the silence, foster connection, and remind those that are struggling that they are not alone.

From bakers, canners, crafters and gardeners etc… The Patio at Brickstreet Grill, 217 Main Street in Spearman opened its first Community Market August 16.

Owners of Brickstreet Grill, Karl and Annette Bynum reported there were 9 vendors and each one had great success!

The event was from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

"There were pickles, plants, jewelry, crocheted items, breads, goats milk products, horseshoe crafts…it was fun chatting with everyone," said one local vendor.

"There is no fee to set up and we will go as long as we can into Fall," said Bynum.

Come sell your goods from the patio. Even you kids selling with your vegetables from the fields. Call Annette at 806-341-8941 with any questions.

No questions, just come and join Spearman’s Community Market 😃

Kale Steed
Gruver Handles Spearman in Hansford County Rivalry

The Gruver Greyhounds made it clear on who the best team in Hansford County is with a 49-15 thumping of rival Spearman at Greyhounds Stadium on Friday night.

Gruver outmatched the Lynx with the play up front and the explosiveness of second year starting quarterback Briggs Satterfield. Satterfield knifed through Spearman for 382 total yards combining for five touchdowns.

The junior was 11-of-14 passing for 220 yards with a pair of touchdown tosses. He then used his speed to go for 162 yards on only five totes with three more scores.

Walker Maupin also did damage for the Greyhounds rushing for 61 yards and found the endzone on a kickoff return. Stephen Cowan made three catches for 97 yards with a TD.

Defensively, Gruver’s Victor Flores had 13 tackles one for a loss and kicker Emmanuel Valverde was a perfect 7-for-7 on extra-points.

The Greyhounds improve to 1-0. Spearman drops to 0-1.

"I am proud to announce that the Hansford County Emergency Management, in cooperation with Lake Palo Duro Water District, has installed a Warning Siren at Lake Palo Duro at the campground," says Hansford County Judge Tim Glass.

For years, the lake Manager and/or Deputies had to drive around to the dam side of the lake and physically warn campers of oncoming storms and potential tornadoes.

The siren will have the capability to be set off at the Hansford County dispatch, the same as other sirens in the county.

Hansford County Emergency Management will install a new siren in Morse in the next fiscal year.

The new siren in Morse will replace the current one that has to be manually set off during a storm.

"The soon-to-be-upgraded siren at Morse and the newly installed siren at the lake have been a long-term goal of mine", continues Judge Glass, "and the Hansford County commissioners got on board and allowed me to do these projects with Lake Palo Duro and the community of Morse. I would like to thank the Hansford County Commissioners for their continued support of making Hansford County safer."

Synthetic fibers are human-made fibers created from chemical synthesis, typically derived from petroleum and polymers

Texas cotton growers are trying to raise awareness about the dangers of clothing manufactured with synthetic fibers, which they say break down into microplastics when washed or discarded and could contaminate your water.

In today’s KXDJ “Did You Hear That?” segment with Chris Samples, Jerrell Key with Adobe Walls Gin shares his take.

He told Samples, “The biggest story that’s not being told is the pollution that those microfibers are putting in our water supply. We all have microfiber garments. But, if you had a choice and didn’t need to wick away sweat from a two-mile run, cotton is a better alternative for the environment.”

Listen to more here.

In a recent article from the Texas Tribune, they note that Plains Cotton Growers has begun sharing infographics about synthetic fibers. The article notes, “Microplastics, which shed when the clothes are made, washed, and worn, are affecting more than the cotton industry. These tiny plastic particles build up in water supply sources, contaminating drinking water and polluting lakes and rivers. This is also a cause of concern for farmers, who depend on good water quality to prop up their crops.”

You can read the full article here.

In the August 26 Spearman City Council Meeting, Ordinance No. 976 was amended for Section 12.04.092 of the Spearman Municipal Code Regarding School Zone Speed Limit Hours of Enforcement to reflect the new 4 day school week.

Hours will now be 7am through 5pm.

Police Chief Ortiz stated the expansion of the hours will be appropriate for the situation.

Please remember to follow speed limit and cell phone use as well.

In the regular meeting of the Spearman City Council, held August 19, the council unanimously voted to pass a resolution in support of Mayor Tobe Shields to be interviewed to serve as Texas Municipal League President Elect for 2026-2027.

"I've served on the TML board since 2022 and look forward to this opportunity if selected to serve in this role. I look forward to continuing advocating on behalf for all our cities," said Mayor Shields.

This resolution of support of candidacy will allow Mayor Shields to seek the TML president-elect position as a candidate. A nominating commitee made up of nine members from the TML board of directors will base their decision off qualifications and interview process, then they'll give their recommendations and selection of candidate to the full Board of Directors at the annual conference in October. 

Mayor Shields has been very involved in the Texas Municipal League and has represented Spearman over the years with his stellar leadership in many capacities.

Congratulations Mayor Shields and good luck!

Photo by Ernie Bowen

Over the last few months, Hansford County Judge Tim Glass has delivered educational coloring books to all three elementary schools in Hansford County.

"We love our school districts and want to educate the students on county government and the coloring books provided by Texas Association of Counties are a great resource to help students understand the roll of county government," said Judge Glass.  

Guymon, OK — Panhandle First Bank (PFB), proudly serving the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles with branches in Guymon, Spearman, Dumas, and Perryton, is pleased to announce the appointment of Haley Shields as an Advisory Director to its board.

A lifelong resident of Spearman, Haley 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.

Haley earned her degree in accounting and finance from Texas A&M University. After returning to Spearman with her husband Joel Shields, a fellow Hansford County native, she began her career at AGCO of Spearman grain elevators, where she served as an accountant and office manager.

She continued in that role through the company’s transition to Ag Producers Coop and now works at Hansford County Feeders, LP as an accountant and commodities manager. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Haley is an active member of the Spearman community. She contributes her time and talents to several local organizations, including the Spearman Scholarship Foundation. She and Joel are also 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.

“Haley’s addition to our board reflects our enduring legacy in the Panhandles,” said Sally Pittman Hawkins, President of Panhandle First Bank. “Her financial expertise, deep community ties, and multigenerational perspective will strengthen our mission to grow and serve our local communities with integrity and vision.”

Panhandle First Bank is honored to welcome Haley to its advisory board and looks forward to the insight and leadership she will bring.

The Spearman City Council met at 7am on August 19 at the Spearman City Hall.

After the invocation, pledge and regular business important agenda items included;

Agenda Item #3 Citizen's Comments
In the most recent Hansford County Reporter Statesman an article was written by “Reporter Statesman Staff” and published Thursday August 14 that contained multiple inaccuracies. Gillispie asked what steps needed to be taken to ask for a retraction on the article and to make sure it is corrected. In part the article A PATTERN OF FINANCIAL PRESSURE--states "the City of Spearman is operating under financial stress having passed a deficit budget early this summer…"

Agenda Item #4
Consider and take action on interlocal agreements with Hansford County for Fire Protection, Jail and Central Dispatch Contracts

Agenda Item #10
Back to School Bash and Flicks on the Bricks were the best yet

Photo by Missie Bates

While the Moonlight Madness event was canceled due to weather, Meet the Lynx was a spirit filled event for the business community, parents, fans and Lynx and Lynxettes!

First Baptist Church pastor Byron Potter was the emcee and opened the ceremony with a very inspiring message and blessing.

This annual event kicks off the school season each year to show support and community pride.

Stationmaster's House Museum
Published by
Holly Jarvis Whitaker

🎥 Progress Update: The Final Push to Reopen
We’re getting closer every day to reopening our doors fully — just in time for Veterans Day.
In this short video, you’ll see how far we’ve come and hear our gratitude for every person who has supported us along the way. We’re especially thankful to the Spearman EDC for their partnership in making this possible.
Now, we’re in the home stretch — and we need your help to cross the finish line. Your donation today will help us complete the final work needed to welcome our community back.
📅 Goal: Reopen for Veterans Day
💛 Impact: Every dollar brings us closer
👉 Donate Now.
Send checks to PO Box 922 Spearman, Tx 79081
Pay Pal link forthcoming.

After many long months of intense renovation, Family Farm Stores had their soft opening August 1. (Official Ribbon Cutting TBA)

The business has been located at 205 Dillon for many years. (B&B Est. 1989)

The Ansel Family purchased B&B over a decade ago and are operating the store that carries all of your hardware needs and so much more.

The new location was the original TG&Y and then ALCO located in the Plains Shopping Center Mall.

(L-R) Cameron Moore, Mallary Allen, Addison Blevins, Spencer Aborn

By Bret Burgin

The Hansford County 4H livestock judging team spent three days in Stillwater at the OSU Big Three Field Days. Seven members participated in the contest.

The Senior team consisted of Spencer Aborn, Mallary Allen, Addison Blevins, and Cameron Moore.

The team finished the week as the 10th high team overall, with their best day being a 7th in swine. Individually, Spencer made himself welcome back in Hansford County by putting up a solid 13th high individual overall effort for the week.

His finish was bolstered with an 18th place finish in swine. Mallary had a good sheep day by finishing 16th. The Junior team was made up of Cambryn Born, Kreede Kight, and Sloan Stedje. Even though we didn't have a full team for the entire week the kids did manage to earn a 6th place team finish in swine.

They were led by Cambryn's 10th place finish on swine day. The Big Three is one of the longest running competitions of its kind in the nation.

1649 students from across the region and as far away as Florida participated in the event. 

 

 

 

From drought to flooding, wind, hail and more, crop and property losses have changed the insurance industry.

Roger Buchanan with the Hansford Agency in Spearman recently told KXDJ’s Bill Bob Thrash that we really never recovered from the drought of 2012. “The other thing is because of this; the insurance companies are having a hard time making a profit in the state of Texas. We’ve gone from 13 companies writing in the state of Texas down to seven. Last year RMA came in and did a straight across the board 23 percent increase in cotton premiums. Tried to help recoup some of these losses. They are also cutting agents’ commissions. They are doing all kinds of things to save money. It’s making it a challenge for the farmers and for the agents,” he told Thrash.

Click https://highplainsobserverperryton.com/rogerbchanges.mp3 target=new>here to listen to more.

If you are need of insurance assistance, contact Buchanan at 806-330-0361.

The Spearman City Council recently began their 2026 budget workshops which begin in July with a goal of filing the city budget in early October.

Mayor Shields sheds light on how the process will eventually lead to a final draft.