News

LOCAL BALLOTS SET, RUNOFFS NEXT

Jeff Hurt |
Thursday, March 12, 2026
With the March Primaries coming to an end last week, voter turnout in both counties was higher than average but remained relatively low. Fisher County brought 38.5% of its registered voters to the polls, and Stonewall County managed just 31.1%.
Gallagher Construction representative Nathan Umanos reviews the bid package and project “total sheet” with Rotan ISD trustees during the February board meeting as Rotan ISD Principal Jody Helms and WRA Architect Alex Fedrick listen in.

Gallagher Construction representative Nathan Umanos reviews the bid package and project “total sheet” with Rotan ISD trustees during the February board meeting as Rotan ISD Principal Jody Helms and WRA Architect Alex Fedrick listen in.

Rotan ISD Approves $6.47 Million High School Renovation Package

Jeff Hurt I
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Rotan ISD trustees took a major step toward launching the district’s bond renovation work in February, voting unanimously to approve the project “total sheet” and prime contractors for the high school renovation portion of the effort.

STONEWALL COUNTY WEIGHS DISTRICT-WIDE PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

News Staff
Thursday, March 12, 2026
With the unexpected passing of Stonewall County Attorney Riley Branch earlier this month, county officials are looking at ways to fill the vacancy, and as legal counsel becoming more difficult to find in rural Texas, officials are exploring creative solutions.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

News Staff
Thursday, March 5, 2026
9 th• Fisher County Commissioner Court9am• Stonewall County Commissione Court 9 am• Roby CIDS Board Meeting 6 pmMarch 10th• Rotan ISD Board Meeting 6 pm, good fellowship and good music!March 12th• FRotan City Council Meeting 7 am• Roby City Council Meeting 12 pmEmail publisher@dmchronicle.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

News Staff
Thursday, March 5, 2026
“Nothing drives audience growth quite like being told you shouldn’t be read.”~ Mike BlinderTRANSLATION:Telling people “do not read this” is often the fastest way to make them want to read it.THINKING POINT:This is the media version of “do not press this button.
Ruthie Elkins (left) and Ellen Abernathy, president of the Stonewall Memorial Hospital District Board, listen as administrators present financial reports during the board’s February meeting.

Ruthie Elkins (left) and Ellen Abernathy, president of the Stonewall Memorial Hospital District Board, listen as administrators present financial reports during the board’s February meeting.

STRONGER CASH POSITION, SOFTER INPATIENT SEASON: HOSPITAL BOARD REVIEWS THE NUMBERS

Jeff Hurt I
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Stonewall Memorial Hospital District board members reviewed the district’s financial condition during its February meeting, with executives reporting a December loss, improved liquidity compared to last year, and continued pressure tied to inpatient volume.
Superintendent Jimmy Bennett, seated beside Board President Kevin Kelly, updates the Roby CISD board on his recommendation to delay action on the Rock House demolition and outlines plans to invite financial advisor Jake Lawrence to return with additional information as the district monitors IREN-related developments.

Superintendent Jimmy Bennett, seated beside Board President Kevin Kelly, updates the Roby CISD board on his recommendation to delay action on the Rock House demolition and outlines plans to invite financial advisor Jake Lawrence to return with additional information as the district monitors IREN-related developments.

DEMOLITION DEFERRED: Roby CISD Rethinks Timing as IREN Plans E

News Staff
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Roby CISD trustees were presented new considerations during the board’s February meeting regarding the district’s long-running “Rock House” issue, as Superintendent Jimmy Bennett recommended the board hold off on demolition decisions while larger facility questions, including the potential impact...