Editorials

Brush Up & Show Up: Rural Voices Matter in the March Primary Election

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Brush Up & Show Up: Rural Voices Matter in the March Primary Election

Suzanne Bellsnyder

Thursday, January 8, 2026

In much of rural Texas, elections are effectively decided in March. By the time the November election rolls around, the field is narrowed, the outcome is possibly set, and the real choice is long past.

2025: THE YEAR NO ONE WAS LOOKING

Jeff Hurt, Editor Double Mountain Chronicle

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Looking back on 2025, the year began, appropriately enough, with a good deal of swearing.

Closed Primaries, Closed Futures: Why a Court Fight in Amarillo Matters to Rural Texas

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Closed Primaries, Closed Futures: Why a Court Fight in Amarillo Matters to Rural Texas

Suzanne Bellsnyder

Thursday, January 1, 2026

A few weeks ago, while driving across parts of rural West Texas, I spoke with Nick Troiano, the executive director of Unite America.

WE THE GOVERNMENT

Jeff Hurt, Editor

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Whether it was intention or happenstance, this month not only marks the end of the year but also the end of a decade-long journey to overturn the will of Fisher County voters.

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Abbott’s Tax Plan Promises Relief — But Puts Rural Texas on the Chopping Block

Suzanne Bellsnyder

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Last month, Governor Greg Abbott unveiled what he calls a “bold” plan: eliminate school district property taxes on homesteads and replace roughly $35 to $39 billion in local school funding with the state’s current budget surplus and other state revenues.

BE NICE OR BE QUIET

Jeff Hurt, Editor

Thursday, December 11, 2025

I didn’t plan on taking so long to provide editorial commentary after the City of Rotan’s revised public comment rules, and I apologize. When I read Rotan’s new policy, I immediately realized the discovery of a political valve that allows citizens in and keeps criticism out.

SUZANNE BELLSNYDER

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Closed Primaries, Closed Futures: Why a Court Fight in Amarillo Matters to Rural Texas

News Staff

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Last week, while driving across parts of rural West Texas, I spoke with Nick Troiano, the executive director of Unite America.

A NEW YEAR IS COMING: WHERE ARE WE GOING?

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A NEW YEAR IS COMING: WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Jeff Hurt - Editor

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Every December, I find myself staring at the same blinking cursor, thinking about how far we’ve come — and how far we still have to go. This year, that reflection feels heavier than usual.

The Best Small-Town Economic Vision Is to Invest in Your People

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The Best Small-Town Economic Vision Is to Invest in Your People

Suzanne Bellsnyder

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Recently, our city council voted to annex a vacant lot and an agricultural barn into the city limits— believing this project will open the door for new business opportunities. Their intentions are good.

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Faces & Places

Meg Gruben

Thursday, December 4, 2025

“I suppose none of what I’m saying matters. In a few years a search like this won’t even be necessary. We have instruments now that can be mounted on the underside of an airplane.