Dalhart Elks donate money to “It’s All About Kids”]'

The Dalhart Elks Lodge #2390 presented a check to It’s All About Kids for assistance with the supplies for their backpack program. Money is donated to the ENF Grant Program through the lodge members. Karen Lang, President of It’s All About Kids stated, “Their help with the cost of supplies and donation of their facility to assemble the backpacks is really important to our mission.” Elks Care, Elks Share. Back row l-r: Kirk Carson, Chasen Haschke-Elks Exultant Ruler, Lawana Page, Carlos Lopez, Econ Lysford and Brian Briscoe. Front row l-r: Angela Reynolds, Brian Banks, Terri Banks, Jamey Kvanvig-It’s All About Kids Secretary, Karen Lang-It’s All About Kids President and Michelle Eisling. Photo submitted.

La Rita Theatre hosts WTAMU Faculty Wind Quintet

The La Rita Theatre recently announced that a free concert will be presented by the West Texas A&M University Faculty Wind Quintet. The announcement stated that “La Rita Theatre is proud to welcome ‘Showcase in a Suitcase’ from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, on Friday March 6 at 7 p.m. 

This special evening will feature a talented WTAMU Wind Quintet. Part of WT’s regional arts outreach initiative, ‘Showcase in a Suitcase’ brings outstanding student and faculty performers to communities across the Texas Panhandle, sharing live music, education, and cultural enrichment. 

The program is made possible through the generous support of the Louise C. and Gene F. Rahll Endowment, established by Dalhart natives Gene and Louise Rahll to permanently fund arts outreach throughout the region. Their legacy continues to ensure that high-quality performances are accessible to Panhandle communities. 

Join us for an inspiring night of live music right here at your hometown theatre.” 

According to the West Texas A&M website, “The WTAMU Faculty Wind Quintet has established itself as a dynamic part of the musical life at West Texas A&M University. Committed to advancing the university’s mission through artistry, outreach, and education, the ensemble brings together faculty performers from the School of Music who are dedicated to excellence and engagement both on and off campus. 

The quintet presents programs that span from the classic masterpieces of the woodwind quintet tradition to exciting new works by contemporary composers. Recent performances have included appearances on the Faculty Showcase and a WTAMU campus recital. Beyond the university, the ensemble has partnered with Chamber Music Amarillo for outreach initiatives in Perryton— sharing music in schools, retirement communities, and public concerts—and recently presented a series of performances in Lubbock. 

In February 2026, the WTAMU Faculty Wind Quintet will represent the university on a major stage with its appearance at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and continue its outreach efforts with visits to schools near San Antonio and throughout the Texas Panhandle.” 

Members of the quintet include Dr. Jessica Schury Peckham playing flute, Dr. Kathleen Bell playing oboe, Dr. Conor Bell playing bassoon, Doug Storey playing clarinet, and Dr. Guglielmo Manfredi playing horn.

Bi-District Champions!

The Dalhart Golden Wolves beat Littlefield for the Bi-District Championship on Monday February 23. Due to how late the game was played, and a lack of space in this edition, details of that game, along with their next playoff game, will be published in next week’s edition of the Texan. L-r: Alden Hobbs, Ashton Knight, Ryder Thompson, Brandon Ledbetter, Zach Drew, Hunter Trusler, Maddix Blanco, Aaron Valdez, Cash Schniederjan, Talon Garcia, Kash Grimsley, Keldon Allen, Aaron Camacho and Kreed Hines. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

Early voting for primaries underway

BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan

Last week, the Dalhart Texan listed the names of the various candidates for several open positions in Hartley County in the Republican Primary, which will be held Tuesday March 3, with early voting starting a couple of days ago. Today the Texan will go over the candidates for area, regional, and statewide offices, in the Republican Primary, and will publish the names of candidates in the Democratic Primary next week. (Very few voters in either Hartley County or Dallam County vote in the Democratic Primary, very few of the offices are contested, and there are no candidates running in that primary for county offices, so that is why that primary will be covered separately.)

Hartley, Texline win Bi-District

The Hartley Lady Tigers won the Bi-District Championship with a 32-26 win over Happy on Monday February 16. They will play in the Area round of the playoffs this weekend. Details of the game are inside this edition of the Dalhart Texan. Photo submitted.

The Texline Lady Tornadoes beat Silverton 67-23 on Monday February 16

The Texline Lady Tornadoes beat Silverton 67-23 on Monday February 16 to win the Bi-District Championship. They will play in the Area round of the playoffs this weekend. Details of the game, and more photos, are in this edition of the Dalhart Texan. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

Basketball Royalty

Dalhart seniors Talon Garcia and Arianna Chacon were selected as Basketball King and Queen for Dalhart High and were crowned during Senior Night activities in between the varsity games against Bushland last Friday. Both Dalhart teams won their games against Bushland. Details of the games, and photos, are included in this edition of the Dalhart Texan. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan 

Texas beef herd signals higher prices ahead for producers, consumers

By Adam Russell
Texas AgriLife

The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture cattle inventory report delivered another clear signal that the U.S. beef herd has yet to turn the corner, and Texas remains central to the story, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

Early voting for primary starts Tuesday

 BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan

 After many years of few if any contested local elections in the primaries for either Dallam County or Hartley County, a number of retirements have made created four different contested positions in Hartley County in the Republican Primary. Early voting for the primary starts Tuesday February 17 (Monday is President’s Day), and the election itself will be held Tuesday March 3.

Jada Clay joins 1,000 point club

Texline junior Jada Clay passed 1,000 points for her high school career earlier in the season, and was honored after the Lady Tornadoes beat Boys Ranch on Friday January 30 in their final home game of the season. L-r: Ella Clay, Riata Valdez, Aly Crisp, Dabria Nicholson, Prezlee Potter, Taylor Mann, Jada Clay, Raley Valdez, Amarissah Johnson, Haiden Luther, Alexandra Montes and Faith Sneller. Photo submitted.

Valentine’s Day “Candlelight & Cupid” show at La Rita Theatre

The La Rita Theatre will have a special show for Valentine’s Day, next Saturday February 14. It was originally billed as dinner and a show, and although the dinner has now been sold out, tickets are still available for the show by Bryce Howard and Friends, which is called “Candlelight & Cupid.”

Gene Rahll: A man who saw the big picture

By Molly Ritchey
Special to the Dalhart Texan

For 59 years, Louise Rahll shared her life with a man who rarely sought attention, rarely raised his voice, and never stopped believing that Dalhart could be better than it was yesterday.

Texline homecoming royalty

Hadley Crisp and Prezlee Potter were named Texline Homecoming King and Queen after the homecoming basketball games against Hartley on Thursday January 22. An article about the basketball games is in this edition of the Dalhart Texan. Photo courtesy of Jacklyn Potter. 

Dalhart High School: Then and Now

 By Jonna Bridgman
Special to the Dalhart Texan

 As I began to think about the many changes that have happened through the years in the local high school, it was so overwhelming that I almost didn’t start writing. I have been a substitute at the high school for several years, so I have some insight on the students involved today. My first classes in DHS as a student were in September, 1960. Yes, back then school started after Labor Day. My dad had died just six weeks prior to school starting and I remember being confused about what to write after “parents.” Back then, only the student went to school and enrolled himself.

DHS Class of 2024 posed in front of Dalhart High School on Spirit Trail

Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

The DHS Class of 2024 posed in front of Dalhart High School on Spirit Trail after walking through the other campuses, including the two previous high school buildings.

$1.2 billion in monthly sales tax revenue distributed to local governments

City of Dalhart receives over $250,000

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on January 7 that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.2 billion in local sales tax allocations for January, 4.9 percent more than in January 2025.

Meet local candidates next week

BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan

With four different positions being contested in Hartley County in the Republican Primary in March, there will be a “Meet the Candidates” event this coming Tuesday, January 27. It will be held at The Flying Pig from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Voters will get a chance to meet the candidates for Hartley County Justice of the Peace (Kristy Detwiler and Gary Messer), Hartley County Judge (Camilla Green and Shellie McNabb), Hartley County Treasurer (Libby Caviness- Flanery and Timbra Morris), and Hartley County Commissioner for Precinct #4 (Justin Waggoner and Gary Schniederjan.) Those attending will have to opportunity to ask questions of the candidates and share their own thoughts, along with learning about the future of the community.

Kirsten Foust signs to play college volleyball

Dalhart High senior Kirsten Foust signed a letter of intent to play volleyball in college for MidAmerican Nazarene University in Kansas on Tuesday January 13. Her high school teammates posed for a photo with her after she signed. An interview with Foust will be published in a future edition of the Dalhart Texan. L-r: Alyra Rivera, Lesly Camacho, Remi Johnson, Joie Read, Addison Ramirez, Kambry Kitchens, Kirsten Foust, Reese Jenkins, Kammi Maddox, Kaetlin Sundvahl and Addysin Carnesecca. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

A closer look inside Coon Memorial Nursing Home

 The Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District invites the Dalhart community to attend upcoming guided tours of Coon Memorial Nursing Home this coming Sunday, January 18, and also Sunday, January 25, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Rest in peace Mr. Rahll

 The Dalhart Texan would like to express its condolences to the family and friends of Gene Rahll, who passed away on Wednesday January 7. Everyone in Dalhart is aware of everything that Mr. Rahll, and his wife Louise, did for this community, from donating money for scholarships to the money for the Frank Phillips College campus and Rahll Activity Center. Most recently, they pledged $10 million for a new nursing home for Dalhart if the community can come up with the rest of the money needed for a new building. Gene Rahll was a tireless supporter of Dalhart, and he will be deeply missed.