Lipscomb County News

Strong thunderstorms moved through portions of West Texas on Sunday and more severe storms were expected in parts of North Texas on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

“The Janssen #1A is has been delivering an internal rate of return exceeding 38%. ”

Avalon Oil & Gas, Inc., announced an increase in revenues from oil and gas production in the past quarter of 36% over the previous quarter, reflecting record level oil and gas prices and expanded property ... via Earth Times

Avalon Oil & Gas, Inc. announced the company is nearing the target drilling depth of 11,000 feet on the Waters #3-328 gas well in Lipscomb County, Texas. via Earth Times

I am learning how to research our county through the official United States Censuses. Last week, I summarized the 1880 census with a population of 60. The next available census is the 1900 census. Our county had grown to a population of 300. All were identified as white and the occupations had shifted to farmer/stockman and ranchers. There were also an influx of Swedes coming out of Kansas.

Another update, LaVaun took the list of early settlers that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago and researched them in the Panhandle Interstate Newspaper. She found them all. The articles report that all seemed to be solid citizens and assisted in the building of Lipscomb County by running for sheriff and commissioner. Two served on juries for murder trials. If you have our newspaper book, you will enjoy reading about these gents, they ranged from rustler to carpenter to storekeeper. Read more

The Skaggs', editors of multiple newspapers throughout Lipscomb County, were known for their unusual writing styles.

Lovella found a recent one that, as discovered in the next week's issue, was a very unusual way to announce that the fellow was getting married. I submitted the two articles for your thoughts and amusement.

August 21, 1913: Phil Scott, one of Lipscomb's busy young people has been so darned busy the past few weeks that he has not been in sight so much as he use to. We're just betting its a sign that something will "break out" before long because we seen a white dog come down the street the other morning following a white horse and then chased a white cat through the north window of a white house that chased a white hen through a white gate that was eating white corn out of a white pail with a white handle. Read more

Lipscomb County was recently honored when First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, designated it as one of the nation's newest Preserve America Communities. "Preserve America Communities demonstrate that they are committed to preserving America's heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment," Mrs. Bush said. "This community designation program, combined with the Preserve America Grant Program, Preserve America Presidential Awards, and other federal support, provides strong incentives for continued preservation of our cultural and natural heritage resources. I commend you for your commitment to preserving an important part of our nation's historic past for visitors, neighbors, and, most importantly, for children." Read more

The USDA has emergency loans for farmers hurt in last month's storms. It's for farmers and ranchers in Beaver and Texas counties in Oklahoma and Ochiltree and Lipscomb counties in Texas. via MyHighPlains.com

“It was actually melting this morning and the roads weren't bad today.”

Four towns in the far northeastern corner of the Panhandle remained without power Tuesday after icy conditions downed the main line serving the communities, an Xcel Energy official said. via WOAI

“We've got a big gully washer up here right now”

Michael Schumacher / Amarillo Globe-News Even Abraham Lincoln had a runny nose Monday outside Chase Tower as freezing rain covered the city. via Amarillo.com

“We met with them several times, and to make a long story short, we ended up very happy with their final decision”

The highway hazard elimination project that drew howls of protest from people the last couple years opposing removal of Panhandle trees is now in its second phase. via Amarillo.com