La Rita Theatre files lawsuit against former treasurer

BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan

 In a stunning development, the La Rita Theatre announced on its Facebook page last week that it had removed board member and treasurer Josh Beecher after discovering “potential misappropriation of funds from the theatre.” The La Rita Theatre Board of Directors hired counsel and has now filed a lawsuit against Beecher.

Homecoming Spirit

 Members of the SUBDEBS high school sorority spent a couple of hours decorating cars for homecoming on Sunday September 21 in the Dalhart High student parking lot. Dalhart’s homecoming game is tomorrow, Friday September 26. Photos of the homecoming king and queen candidates are in this edition of the Dalhart Texan. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan 

Jesse Torres takes over as KXIT owner

BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan

 KXIT Radio announced last week that Jesse Torres, who has been with the station for over 20 years, will be the new owner and CEO of the station. It will be operated under the business name Double J Productions.

Spirit Pump Program returns

Dalhart Spirit Pump at Toot’n Totum

Amarillo, TX — Toot’n Totum Food Stores, LLC is pumped to relaunch its fan-favorite Toot’n Totum Spirit Pump Program—revved up for 2025 with more schools, more pumps, fresh new designs, and an even deeper commitment to student safety, school pride, and local community support across the areas Toot’n Totum serves in the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Strikeout Cancer raises $55,000

The Strikeout Cancer softball tournament raised $55,000 from team fees, raffles and other fundraising efforts on Saturday September 13. All that money will be used to aid local cancer patients with expenses that insurance might not cover. Many local businesses donated items or gift certificates that were part of the raffles, and several local and area teams competed in the softball tournament. The Strikeout Cancer Softball Tournament is held each September, and a Putt Away Cancer Golf Tournament is held during the summer. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan

Comptroller distributes $1.2 billion in monthly sales tax revenue

City of Dalhart receives over $270,000

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced recently that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.2 billion in local sales tax allocations for September, 5.3 percent more than in September 2024.

Second special session ends with no THC legislation

 By Richard Lee 
Senate Media Services

 The second called session of the 89th Legislature ended late Wednesday night, capping a session that saw the passage of new, more Republican-friendly congressional maps, bills to prevent future flooding tragedies, and a number of leadership priority bills that didn’t pass during the regular session. It was those maps, and the subsequent quorum break by House Democrats, that stole headlines away from the topic that brought lawmakers back into Austin in the first place: Governor Greg Abbott’s veto of a total ban on THC products in Texas. Both chambers approved the ban during the regular session, but Abbott favored some sort of regulatory plan that still allowed adults to purchase consumables containing some amount of the psychoactive chemical. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate agenda, was adamant in favor of the ban that passed both chambers during the regular session. “My position remains unchanged; the Senate and I are for a total THC ban,” Patrick posted on social media late last night. With no agreement reached between the chambers, the pre-session status quo will remain in effect.

Congressman announces Dalhart mobile office hours

 AMARILLO, TX — On Monday September 8, the Office of Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced upcoming mobile office hours for September in Decatur, Dalhart, Henrietta, Chico, Chillicothe, and Claude hosted by congressional staff. Constituents are encouraged to attend if they need assistance with a federal agency or to learn more about the office's services. Please bring all documentation if you require assistance with a federal agency case. No appointment is necessary. Additional questions should be directed to Congressman Jackson’s Amarillo office at (806) 641-5600.

Strike-Out Cancer softball tournament Saturday

BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan

 The annual Strike- Out Cancer softball tournament will be held this Saturday, September 13, at the city softball fields across from Twisted Elms Golf Club on Highway 54. All the funds raised will be used to help local cancer patients.

Comptroller releases proposed rules for Education Savings Account program

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on Aug. 22 the publication of proposed rules to implement the Education Savings Account (ESA) Program, the first statewide school choice plan in Texas. 

“Every Texas child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed in the environment that works best for them and their family,” Hancock said. “It’s important that the rules for our first school choice program adhere strictly to the enacting legislation and keep us on track to have the program ready for families by the 2026- 27 school year. With input from parents across the state, we’ll make sure the ESA program reflects the best of Texas — freedom, accountability and a commitment to the next generation.”

Sony Music signs Aniston Pate to global deal

(Nashville, TN) – On Wednesday August 27, Sony Music Publishing Nashville announced the signing of rising singer-songwriter Aniston Pate to a global publishing agreement. 

Known for her heartfelt storytelling and Texas-born grit, Aniston Pate is quickly emerging as one of country music’s most promising new voices. A recent graduate of Belmont University, Pate capped off her collegiate career with a major win as the 2025 Country Showcase Champion, and her momentum has continued to build since then.

Senate approves replacing STAAR exams

By Richard Lee
Senate Media Services

The current assessment testing system used by Texas public schools will be replaced by a series of three shorter exams under a bill approved by the Senate Wednesday night. This provision was part of a larger school accountability bill, HB 8, by House Public Education Chair Representative Brad Buckley and sponsored in the Senate by Houston Senator Paul Bettencourt. He told members that the new testing paradigm has a chance to make a real difference in student success. “We’re replacing it with a transformative set of three tests, and that will transform Texas education for decades to come,” said Bettencourt.

XIT Friends of NRA to hold fundraiser

 Dalhart, TX — The XIT Friends of NRA plans to hold a fundraising event on Saturday, September 27, at the Rita Blanca Coliseum in Dalhart at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at Dallam-Hartley County AgriLife Extension Office, online at friendsofnra.org , and by calling (260) 768-7802. Tickets are $50 each. Those interested can also purchase a reserved table for eight for table for eight for $900. $500 or a “Liberty”

Lady Wolves win Gold Bracket title at River Road

 The Dalhart Lady Wolves defeated Idalou and then Ft. Elliott in the gold bracket of the River Road volleyball tournament on August 23 to win the overall tournament championship. The plaque hadn’t arrived yet, so they posed for a photo without it. Please check inside this edition for more details and photos from the tournament. Back row l-r: Remi Johnson, Kammi Maddox, Reese Jenkins, Joie Read and Kaetlin Sundvahl. Front row l-r: Kirsten Foust, Kambry Kitchens, Addysin Carnesecca and Addison Ramirez. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan 

Final results of 2025 XIT rodeo

 John Bland named All-Around Cowboy

BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan

 The final results of the 2025 XIT PRCA Rodeo have been released. John Bland, who competed in both team roping and steer roping, won the award for All-Around Cowboy, earning a total of $4,343 in the two events.

Looking back at the end of World War II

80 years ago this month, World War II finally ended with the surrender of Japan after the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Dalhart Texan at that time covered national events as much as local events (mainly using United Press reports for national events), and had a special edition about the surrender that was published on Tuesday August 14 (the photo with the headline “Peace Nip Busted”) and then covered it again in the Wednesday August 15 regular edition (the photo with the headline “Hirohito Is Office Boy For Gen. Doug MacArthur.”)

Victoria Terrazas, Pierre Valencia win XIT 5K

The 48th Annual XIT 1-mile Fun Run and 5K run took place on the Dalhart Rita Blanca trails on August 9, the final day of the XIT Rodeo and Reunion. Sponsored by the Dallam- Hartley County Hospital Foundation, the run raised approximately $4,000 for the fund to construct a new nursing home in Dalhart.

Railway improvements coming to Dallam County

DALHART – Beginning Thursday, Aug. 21, crews will begin installations of a second railway track at the US 54 intersections of Andy James Road and State Spur (SS) 24 in Dallam County. Crews will begin work on the Andy James Road intersection and then switch over to SS 24 once the work is completed. The project is expected to be completed by Friday, Sept. 5. 

The project will require the intersections to be closed during that time. Designated detour signs will be placed to guide drivers in the area (see pictured maps for detour details). 

Please drive with caution and reduce speed through all work zones. All projects are subject to change due to weather, emergency work and other unexpected events. For the most upto- date road conditions, visit www.drivetexas. org.

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.

 89th XIT Rodeo & Reunion continues traditions

 In what has become a longstanding tradition, the XIT Directors have their photo taken in front of the bonfire for the World’s Largest Free BBQ. The fire would eventually burn down to coals, with the meat being buried in the pit with the coals and cooking for about 25 hours. Bill Kelly | Dalhart Texan