News

Exclusive Subscriber Content

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
• Rotan ISDOctober 9 th• Rotan City Council Meeting 7 am - Agenda includes a public hearing on substandard structure and public nuisance cases at 106 W Burnside St, 305 E Forrest St, and 211 E Burnside St.
IS LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE WORTH IT?

IS LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE WORTH IT?

Exclusive Subscriber Content

IS LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE WORTH IT?

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I have been thinking about getting a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy we may never use. Is long-term care insurance worth it?
Dr. Laurie Sharp named as lone finalist for Western Texas College President

Dr. Laurie Sharp named as lone finalist for Western Texas College President

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Western Texas College Board Announces Dr. Laurie Sharp as Lone Finalist for College President

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
SNYDER—The Western Texas College Board of Trustees proudly announces Dr. Laurie Sharp as the lone finalist for the position of College President.Dr. Sharp will succeed Dr. Barbara Beebe as College President. Beebe announced her plans to retire in January 2026 earlier this year.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

THE LAW, THE LEGEND, & THE LEGISLATURE

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Wild quotes, weird laws, and real Texas political historyThe 1884 Texas “Wire-Cutter Law” made it a felony to cut fences or carry wire cutters during the Fence-Cutting Wars that erupted over barbed-wire boundaries across ranch country.?ANSWER IN NEXT WEEK’S OCTOBER 17RD EDITION!
A bucket of freshly picked Texas pumpkins showcases this year’s strong harvest. Thanks to early rains and a dry July, growers in Floyd County say 2025 pumpkins are holding up better in both color and quality—just in time for Halloween.

A bucket of freshly picked Texas pumpkins showcases this year’s strong harvest. Thanks to early rains and a dry July, growers in Floyd County say 2025 pumpkins are holding up better in both color and quality—just in time for Halloween.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

CONSISTENT SUMMER RAINS SPUR THIS YEAR’S PUMPKIN HARVEST

Cole Baerlocher │ Agrilifetoday.tamu.edu
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Texas pumpkin producers are experiencing a strong harvest thanks to consistent rainfall and a dry July. While quantity is on par with last season’s harvest, producers say overall pumpkin quality is better compared to last year, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.
Kim Pease, Publisher & Editor Rotan Advance Roby Star Record 1971-1998 PHOTO COURTESY FROM DAUGHTER JULIE GRUBEN

Kim Pease, Publisher & Editor Rotan Advance Roby Star Record 1971-1998 PHOTO COURTESY FROM DAUGHTER JULIE GRUBEN

Exclusive Subscriber Content

REMEMBERING KIM PEASE

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The community of Rotan is mourning the loss of former Rotan Advance– Roby Star Record publisher Kim Pease, who passed away October 2 at the age of 83.
SMHD Director Ruthie Elkins listens as hospital administration explains the specifics of the annual budget and tax impacts.

SMHD Director Ruthie Elkins listens as hospital administration explains the specifics of the annual budget and tax impacts.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Stonewall Memorial Hospital District Budget Approved, Rate Unchanged

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Stonewall Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors officially adopted its 2025–26 budget and approved the accompanying tax rate last week, reaffirming a steady financial course for the coming year while also preparing a backup line of credit to ensure operational stability through the fall.
FCHD CFO Caleb White explains how high Medicare Advantage denial rates are straining rural hospitals’ finances during the board September 22 meeting

FCHD CFO Caleb White explains how high Medicare Advantage denial rates are straining rural hospitals’ finances during the board September 22 meeting

Exclusive Subscriber Content

FCHD FINALIZES 2025 BUDGET, STABILITY AND STRENGTH IN FOCUS

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Fisher County Hospital District Board of Directors adopted its 2025 fiscal year budget during a brief public hearing held September 22. No public comments were offered as directors voted unanimously to approve the budget and property tax rate, setting the stage for the year ahead.
Fisher County commissioners Stuart Posey, Micah Evans, and Gordon Pippin vote unanimously to adopt the voter approved tax rate during last week’s special called meeting. Commissioner Dexter Elrod was absent.

Fisher County commissioners Stuart Posey, Micah Evans, and Gordon Pippin vote unanimously to adopt the voter approved tax rate during last week’s special called meeting. Commissioner Dexter Elrod was absent.

FISHER COUNTY LOCKS IN RATE, BACKS RAISES, AND EXPANDS ROAD CREWS

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Fisher County Commissioners Court formally adopted the 2025-26 county tax rate on Monday, September 29, finalizing its budget process just before the start of the new fiscal year.