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Exposed brickwork and chipped out concrete mark the early demolition phase inside Aspermont ISD’s junior high building, part of the district’s ongoing bond project to modernize facilities. Crews are nearing completion of the teardown before reconstruction begins in early 2026. JEFF HURT

Exposed brickwork and chipped out concrete mark the early demolition phase inside Aspermont ISD’s junior high building, part of the district’s ongoing bond project to modernize facilities. Crews are nearing completion of the teardown before reconstruction begins in early 2026. JEFF HURT

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SURPRISES UNDERFOOT, SAVINGS OVERHEAD

Jeff Hurt |
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Superintendent Zach Morris delivered a candid update to Aspermont ISD trustees late last month, describing steady progress — and a few surprises — in the district’s ongoing bond construction project. The $7.

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Grievance Filed After Rotan ISD Adopts New Public Comment Rules

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Following Rotan ISD’s December meeting, district resident and DMC editor Jeff Hurt has filed a formal grievance challenging how the school district’s newly adopted public participation policy affects when citizens may address the board during meetings.

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ASPERMONT CITY COUNCIL REVIEWS EDC/IDC DECISION ON VENDOR LOT

Jeff Hurt |
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Aspermont’s Economic and Industrial Development Boards have declined to move forward with plans for a designated vendor lot, citing concerns that formally accommodating visiting food trucks and mobile vendors could draw business away from local restaurants and small shops.
Roby CISD Principal Michelle Cole presents an update to trustees during the December meeting, outlining how the district’s new Amira reading program uses artificial intelligence to assess student fluency and guide classroom interventions. JEFF HURT

Roby CISD Principal Michelle Cole presents an update to trustees during the December meeting, outlining how the district’s new Amira reading program uses artificial intelligence to assess student fluency and guide classroom interventions. JEFF HURT

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ROBY CISD TURNS UP THE VOLUME ON READING

Jeff Hurt |
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Elementary swaps I-Station for Amira, an AI tool to catch problems earlyRoby CISD trustees heard an update in December on the district’s use of an artificial intelligence- driven reading program that school officials say is helping teachers monitor student literacy and tailor interventions.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

News Staff
Thursday, January 1, 2026
6 th BACK TO SCHOOL• Roby, Rotan & AspermontJanuary8 th• Rotan City Council Meeting 7 AM• Roby City Council Meeting 12 PMJanuary 12th• Fisher Co.
Carol's Kitchen

Carol's Kitchen

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Carol's Kitchen

News Staff
Thursday, January 1, 2026
PREP TIME:5 minutesCOOK TIME:5–10 minutes Servings:Family SkilletINGREDIENTS:She never measured anything, so last week when I fried chicken, I tried... (Approximate)About 2 tablespoons olive oil (left in the skillet)2 tablespoons flour Salt and pepper, to taste About 2 cups milkInstructions:1.
The folding of clothes

The folding of clothes

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The folding of clothes

Sue Jane Sullivan
Thursday, January 1, 2026
The laundromat was not crowded on Sunday morning, not in this Bible Belt community where most people were either on the pews or had optioned for Saturday night mass.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

News Staff
Thursday, January 1, 2026
“One always has time enough, if one will apply it well.”~ Johann Wolfgang von GoetheSaddle Up Sudoku Hard (Jan. 2) New Year 2026 EditionTRANSLATION: Most of us are not short on time. We are short on how wisely we use it.