News

The ninth annual Fort Belknap Days event will bring history to life at the fort in Newcastle next weekend. Around 75 to 100 reenactors will be at the fort performing artillery demonstrations and sharing the history of fort life.

The free event is held two days, with one being for area schools and the other for the public.
The education day for schools will be Friday, Oct. 27 and the public day will be Saturday, Oct. 28. The public day opens at 9 a.m. with a flag ceremony and ends at 4 p.m. with the lowering of the flag and a retreat at 4:30 p.m.

Last week the Graham ISD Board of Trustees discussed plans regarding two bond propositions for a May 2024 bond election. The board is planning on calling a bond election during a meeting set for Wednesday, Nov. 1.

GISD Superintendent Sonny Cruse said, if the board desired, he would like them to be in a position to call a bond election during a November meeting. The last date for the district to order the election will be Feb. 16, 2024.

Representatives from Plug Power spoke with the Graham City Council last week to give an update on the $600 million project located four miles west of Graham. The council additionally approved an agreement with the company to sell reclaimed water from the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

The Graham ISD Board of Trustees last week discussed allowing home-school students to participate in UIL extracurricular and academic activities throughout the school year. The board took no action on the item and will get feedback regarding interest.

The 87th Texas Legislature passed HB 547 in 2021 and began with the 2021-2022 school year to allow non-enrolled home-school students to participate in UIL activities. Superintendent Sonny Cruse said he informed the board at the time, but there was no discussion.

The Smokin’ Steers and the Graham PitSteers kicked off the high school barbecue season Sept. 29-30 in Amarillo. The pressure’s already eased up for the rest of the season as both teams from Graham High School qualified for the state championship in May 2024.

The Graham PitSteers finished fifth overall in the competition while the Smokin’ Steers ended up just a few spots behind in seventh.

The construction of a new Graham Junior High School band hall using $3.66 million of the district fund balance was approved by the Graham ISD Board of Trustees. Half of the new 7,000-square-foot facility will include a storm shelter which can occupy all students and staff on campus.

The band hall addition will allow for a band and music hall which is sized for a full class performance configuration. It will include an area for instrument and music library storage, practices, instructional space and a director’s office.

The Graham City Council this week approved a committee to review the city of Graham charter, which was last amended 32 years ago. The group will develop a proposed list of changes to the city charter for a Charter Review Commission to present for council consideration which, if approved, will be included within a charter amendment election.

The Young County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Lighthouse Therapy of Graham, have developed a plan to better assist those with special needs in the county.

A form has been created that will allow information on individuals with special needs to be available when emergency dispatch responds to a call.

Jurors and prospective jurors in Young County will now receive an increased reimbursement of expenses when reporting for service in a court.

The Texas Government Code was recently amended to implant this financial compensation increase throughout the state of Texas.

According to the updated state code, jurors and prospective jurors are entitled to receive reimbursement for travel and other expenses of no less than $20 on the first day and no less than $58 for the second day and any other day beyond the initial day.

Graham ISD and Graham Public Education Foundation are accepting nominations for the annual Hall of Honor dedication ceremony. The ceremony honors GISD alumni, staff and community members who have provided meritorious service to the district or their profession.

Nominations are accepted through Thursday, Nov. 9 in five categories which are Distinguished Alumni Award, Distinguished Staff Award, Distinguished Community Member Award, Historical Award and Posthumous Consideration.