Here’s the new crew behind Spirit Burritos! (left to right) Rose Pedraza, Alex Sacdin, Logan Guetersloh, Diego Guevara, Haley Calvert, Jake Byrd and Jacob Fernandez are students in Natalie Garcia’s Life Skills Class who won a $10,000 award from Texas A&M to create a classroom business.

That’s the spirit!
Classroom-based burrito business teaches lessons to all

 By Cerise Merritt Ripps
Dalhart Texan

 A new food vendor is coming to Dalhart, and this one is truly special.

ERC officially open

 Members and supporters of the Dalhart Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department watch as Police Chief Tommy Hughes (center left) and Fire Chief Mario Garcia (center right) cut the ribbon to celebrate the official opening of the Emergency Response Center, 609 Liberal Street, Saturday morning. Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce member Sherri Haschke (in light blue shirt) with Full Circle Insurance and CoC President Kristi Detwiler (in black jacket) hold the ribbon. 

New Dalhart Intermediate School opens

 Dalhart ISD board member Shelby Campbell prepares to cut the ribbon as teachers, students, other school board members and administration were on hand for the official opening and ribbon cutting of the building that the Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce helped host. Nichole Crosby (left) and Kristy Detwiler (right) helped Dalhart ISD Superintendent Jeff Byrd hold the ribbon. The ribbon cutting for the new Dalhart Intermediate School building on Spirit Trail was held on Monday August 11, followed by an open house. Students spent their first day in their new school yesterday, Wednesday August 13. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan 

DPS launches holiday traffic enforcement initiative

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing enforcement for Christmas and New Year’s to ensure Texans have a safe holiday. Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers will surge enforcement efforts from Friday, Dec. 19, through Thursday, Jan. 1, and have Troopers looking for people committing traffic violations including not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failing to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law and others.

Joie Read passes 1,000 points for career

Joie Read was presented a poster after the game against Farwell on December 16 for passing 1,000 career points during the tournament in Brownfield the previous weekend. L-r: Audrey Hobbs, Luxie Woolley, Maggie Hartman, Kambry Kitchens, Joie Read, Aubree Ramirez, Kaetlin Sundvahl, Avi Day, Kammi Maddox and Arianna Chacon. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

Natalie McDaniel earns Master’s from Texas Tech

Natalie McDaniel, who graduated from Dalhart High School in 2020, graduated from Texas Tech University on December 12 in Lubbock with her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and will test for licensure as a Registered Dietitian this spring. In January, McDaniel will begin working for BSA Hospital in Amarillo as a Dietitian.

Civics working on campus: Learning for liberty

By Walter W. Wendler 
President, West Texas A&M University

Our nation approaches its 250th year in 2026. We should reflect, not only on what America has achieved, but on what sustains a nation. The endurance of our constitutional republic has never depended solely on wealth or power. It has relied, above all, on knowledge and insight; on who we are as a people and on why and how we govern ourselves.

Once in a generation opportunity for Dalhart
Community has chance to build new nursing home

 Dalhart has always been shaped by the hearts of its people, and few hearts have left a greater imprint than those of Louise and Gene Rahll. Just a couple of weeks ago, their extraordinary generosity reached a historic milestone as they signed a pledge document committing an unprecedented $10 million toward the construction of a new Nursing Home for the Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District. It is a transformational gift that will strengthen healthcare in our region for decades to come.

Dalhart first responder raises awareness with 100-mile walk
 Antonio Ottaviani carries 100 lbs. during walk

 BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan

 Dalhart’s Antonio Ottaviani, a member of the emergency medical service, walked 100 miles around Dalhart last week while carrying 100 pounds in an attempt to raise awareness about the problems first responders can face both on the job and in how they deal with the stress of the job, while also raising money for a foundation that supports first responders.

Jesus: The Baby, The Savior, and The King

Ribbon cutting held for Western Prairie

The Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce helped Western Prairie Greenhouse Market host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday December 5. They were open for a little over a week to sell live Christmas trees and other traditional Christmas plants, and will open again in the spring when it’s time for spring flowers and gardens. Lisa Boggs | Dalhart Texan

“Come to Bethlehem” at La Rita this weekend

The La Rita Theatre will celebrate Christmas this weekend, Friday December 12-Sunday December 13 by presenting the play “Come to Bethlehem” by Sheree Mann.

Tractor Supply recently celebrated National Hometown Heroes Day

Across the country on Nov. 1, Tractor Supply Company — the nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer — turned hometown gratitude into a nationwide celebration. On National Hometown Heroes Day, more than 2,300 stores hosted events honoring military service members, veterans and local first responders, each contributing $500 to a local fire, police or veteran organization — totaling more than $1 million in giving in just one day. From coast to coast, communities came together for a one-of-a-kind celebration of those who serve, with each store choosing partners that reflect the unique needs of their hometowns.

Dalhart Pregnancy Resource Center hosts grand opening

The Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting in conjunction with the grand opening of the Dalhart Pregnancy Resource Center’s location across from the hospital on Denver Avenue on Monday November 24. L-r: Zach Bickel, Lisa Ruiz, Heaven Lucero, Deisy Camacho, Kristy Detwiler, Britt Nicole, Kristy Baca, Kandance Burke, Melissa Bundy, Jaime Martin, Nicole Flores, Kelly Schumacker, Nickie Crosby, and Sonja Steyl. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

8th grade Wolves finish junior high undefeated

The eighth grade Dalhart Golden Wolves football team beat Shallowater on Thursday November 6 to finish the season undefeated. The team didn’t lost any games while they were in seventh grade either, so they went through junior high undefeated and will enter high school next year. Photo submitted.

Community worth saving

The plan to strengthen rural health care in Dalhart

When the alarm sounded late at night for a local farmer and his wife, the reality of rural life hit hard. The farmers wife clutched her chest in pain, her breathing tight, her husband panicking beside her. With no large hospital within miles and precious minutes ticking away, they faced an impossible choice: wait for an ambulance, drive hours through the dark, or pray for a miracle. For many families in rural Texas, this terrifying situation is not a far-fetched story; it’s what happens when health care is stretched to the breaking point.

Kammi Maddox passes 1,000 points

Dalhart senior Kammi Maddox scored 15 points against Sunray on Tuesday November 18, which put her over 1,000 points for her high school career. The team recognized her accomplishment after the game. L-r: Audrey Hobbs, Aubree Ramirez, Luzie Woolley, Joie Read, Kammi Maddox, Arianna Chacon, Kaetlin Sundvahl, Maggie Hartman, Kambry Kitchens and Avi Day. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

Veterans honored with parade, program

The students at Dalhart Christian Academy honored local veterans by singing the different service songs along with a couple of other patriotic songs during the Veterans Day Program last Tuesday, November 11. They were led by Tammy Schniederjan. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

Wolves win Bi-District championship!

The Dalhart football players, coaches and cheerleaders pose for a photo after receiving the Bi-District trophy. The Golden Wolves beat Kermit 67-7 at Lowrey Field in Lubbock on Thursday November 13 to win the Bi-District championship in the playoffs. Coverage of the game, including more photos, is inside this edition of the Dalhart Texan. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan