High wildfire potential continues with drought and heat across state

Hot and dry conditions across Texas will create high wildfire potential through the weekend. Continued triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions will reduce the moisture in vegetation across the landscape, increasing the possibility for wildfire ignitions to occur this week.

Companies who promise to reduce tax debt sometimes leave taxpayers high and dry

As the old saying goes: When something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Taxpayers with outstanding tax bills might be tempted by businesses who advertise and offer to help them reduce their tax debt.

Damage reported

A break-in and a case of criminal mischief were among the reports investigated by police during the week. A burglary was reported at 300 S. Jefferson. Nothing was taken in the incident. The back window of a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe was shattered while parked at 2400 S. Harvard.

Local Briefs

Leadership Perryton sign up underway Applications are now being taken for Leadership Perryton XXI. The leadership series will be open to 25-30 people. The program begins with an orientation meeting on Wednesday, Aug 10. A two-day retreat will be held Sept.

Palo Duro Canyon to close trails on extreme heat days for safety

To curb the risk for heat exposure to visitors, Palo Duro Canyon State Park will begin closing select trails between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. when the National Weather Service issues heat advisories for the area. Extreme heat at Palo Duro Canyon State Park led to 47 recent rescue calls in under 48 hours.

Start new homeowners off on the right foot with some kitchen essentials

The day a young person moves into his or her first apartment or home is a momentous occasion. Few things evoke a sense of accomplishment and independence as much as having your own place.

ALPACAS AT SENIOR VILLAGE

On Tuesday morning, the Pinckard family from Balko visited Senior Village with three of their alpacas, as part of a Balko 4-H project. Residents at Senior Village got to interact with the alpacas, pet them, and even feed them treats of carrots.

Wheatheart Wheat Conference set

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the 24 th annual Wheatheart Wheat Conference on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 8:30 a.m. at the Ochiltree County Expo Center in Perryton.

COVID-19 cases in county dip slightly

COVID-19 results from Ochiltree General Hospital fell slightly from last week. According to Chief Nursing Officer Jyme Kinnard, RN, Ochiltree General Hospital completed 74 total COVID-19 tests in the last seven days, with 17 positive cases, down from 21 last week.