Canyon News Get Buff 2023

WT among Best Universities In the West

BY CHIP CHANDLER

West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is one of the top regional universities and public schools in the West, according to new rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

The magazine’s recently released 2022-23 Best Colleges list places WT at No. 26 in the list of Top Public Universities in the West and at No. 57 in the full Regional Universities (West) list. WT also ranked among Best

Value Schools, Top Performers on Social Mobility, Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs and Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

“U.S. News & World Report recognition as a Best College is a source of pride for West Texas A&M University,” said Dr. Neil Terry, executive vice president and provost. “The external recognition reinforces the quality of the academic programs and dedication to student support provided by the WT faculty and staff across all campus programs.”

With more than 15 measures of academic quality, the web version of U.S. News 20222023 Best Colleges provides data-driven information and guidance to help prospective students and their families understand their higher education options. U.S. News also will publish most of the rankings with robust datasets in the Best Colleges 2023 guidebook, which will start shipping in late October.

U.S. News’ directory of institutions contains each school’s rankings data and key characteristics about majors, campus life, costs of attending, and more. Users can filter schools by selected academic and non-academic characteristics along their priorities. Only academic data from U.S. News’ surveys and reliable third-party sources are used to calculate each ranking factor.

Earlier this year, U.S. News ranked WT’s online undergraduate program as No. 1 in Texas and No. 24 in the country. It also granted Best Program status to eight total programs: overall undergraduate, undergraduate business, specialized graduate business, MBA programs and graduate programs in computer information technology, education, engineering and nursing.

to WT, Again Named Safest City in Texas, Rises to 21st Safest in Nation

BY CHIP CHANDLER West Texas A&M University

An independent analyst has once again named Canyon, the home of West Texas A&M University, as one of the safest college towns in the country. SafeWise, a leading online site for all things safety and security, said that Canyon is the safest college town in Texas and the 21st-safest college town in America. Last year, SafeWise ranked Canyon No. 24 in America.

Canyon is the only city in Texas to make the Top 50 either last year or this year. SafeWise analyzed FBI crime data for violent crimes and property crimes, with supplemental data including median income and poverty, high school graduation rates, redlining practices, city budget allocations, unemployment rates and other socioeconomic factors. To qualify for the list, towns must have a population above the median for each state. Canyon was cited for having 0.86 violent crimes per 1,000 people and 8.12 property crimes per 1,000 people;

both figures declined from 2020 to 2021.

“We take a lot of pride in making Canyon one of the safest cities in Texas,” said Canyon Police Chief Steve Brush. “Our partnership with WT’s University Police Department is important to uphold Canyon as a safe and secure place for both students and residents. The Canyon community really supports our efforts both on campus and in town.”

Safety rankings such as this are key information as students and parents are considering higher education options, said Chief Shawn Burns of the WT University Police Department.

“One of our top priorities is collaborating with our partners in the City of Canyon and the Canyon Police Department to keep the campus community safe,” Burns said. “It takes all of us to have an impact on crime.”

Previously, WT was ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 10 nationally by Your Local Security, a separate national security association.

WT hires Josh Lynn to lead Buffalo Football

BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com

It didn’t take long for Josh Lynn to win over Buffalo Nation.

The newly hired West Texas A&M head football coach kept it short and sweet with the simple statement … “Here we come.”

Lynn, formerly the head coach of Nebraska-Kearney, succeeds outgoing WT coach Hunter Hughes and brings a winning pedigree to Canyon.

Widely-regarded as one of the nation’s up-andcoming head coaches, according to the WT press release, Lynn comes to Canyon following six seasons at UNK where he led the Lopers to a 35-25 overall record and a run to the second round of the 2021 NCAA Division II playoffs.

During his stint at UNK, Lynn coached 61 all-conference selections and was named the MIAA Coach of the Year in 2021.

WT Athletic Director Michael McBroom made the decision to change up the football leadership because he simply believed the Buffs could do better.

“Our expectations for football are the exact same as they are for each of the other 15 programs here at WT. We want to win with players who will earn a degree from this institution (WT),” McBroom said.

“Winning, for us, is simple. It means our teams are selected and qualify for NCAA championships.

This has been our mission

since I took over. We have not wavered from that and will not waver from that.”

McBroom added that the process to find a new football coach was a healthy one for WT.

“We looked first internally to analyze where we can do better and to a point where we’re doing quite well. I spoke with many former (WT) players to get their perspective on WT football. I spoke with boosters, alumni, our staff and faculty on campus. We spoke with season ticket holders, students and our players. All of these conversations helped me shape in my mind the profile of who we should be seeking for our next head football coach,” McBroom said.

“I was extraordinarily pleased with our pool of candidates. We had successful coaches from all levels of college football … FBS, FCS, NCAA Divisions II and III, NAIA as well as some of the most successful high school coaches in the state of Texas.

“As (WT President) Dr. Walter Wendler said, ‘We ultimately interviewed 20 candidates and researched them extremely thoroughly.’”

Three-and-half weeks ago, McBroom said that Josh Lynn was on his short list.

“To be fair, Josh Lynn has been on my short list for a very long time,” McBroom added. “I got to know Josh from his time at Eastern New Mexico and we stayed in contact when he moved on to the University of

Nebraska-Kearney. I tried sending him a text when he’d have a big win, and he would do the same for us. Over the past two years, watching the seeds he planted the first couple of years mature, I became even more impressed than I was when he was in the Lone Star Conference.

“Over the last two years, he’s (Josh Lynn) gone 18-6 at Nebraska-Kearney with a roster full of players coached up by Josh Lynn and his staff. His work there has been nothing short of remarkable.

“Coach Lynn was successful in the Lone Star Conference at Eastern New Mexico. He probably could have stayed at his alma mater forever. But he didn’t. He made a decision to move on to a tougher conference to try and turn around another program and prove himself again.

“He did so, building up another winner, but this time did it with a little bit of a different formula than he used at Eastern New Mexico. This proved to me that he was the type of coach that we needed for Buffalo family. An experienced head coach who knows how to read a situation, develop a strategic plan for football success and execute it every single day.

“He did a great at Eastern New Mexico but I believe his time at Nebraska-Kearney – jumping in as an unknown and needing to find a way to win – sharpened him like iron. We had several great options to consider but it always circled back to Josh (Lynn).

“Every single person on the committee made everything circle back to Josh. He was the unanimous choice to be our next head football coach and these are the reasons. He’s a proven winner. He’s an experienced head coach which was important to be in this hire. He’s a great communicator. He loves people. He’s positive. He’s tough. He’s disciplined. And you can have those three attributes in the same person. He’s accountable to himself, his coaches, to his team. He can identify and recruit players who can compete against the best in Division II.

“He knows the importance of community and alumni engagement, the importance of it here at West Texas A&M and he embraces that responsibility. “And, I’ll say this again, because it’s important. He’s a proven winner.”

Lynn is no stranger to the LSC and West Texas. Prior to taking the reins at UNK, Lynn spent five seasons at ENMU where he directed the turnaround of his alma mater, which had not had a winning season since 2004 prior to his arrival. He led the Greyhounds to 27 victories including a pair of C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl appearances and a share of the 2013 LSC titles.

“What a great day for Buffalo football. What a great day for West Texas A&M Athletics. What a great day for me, my family, what a great day,” Lynn said. “Thank you for this opportunity. We’re going to put a

Newly hired West Texas A&M University head football coach Josh Lynn speaks during his introductory press conference Friday afternoon at the Alex Fairly Group Room inside Bain Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium.

good product on the field. We’re going to put a good product in the classroom. We’re going to everything we can to do that.”

Lynn reiterated to the current WT football players to trust him going forward.

“We, as coaches, have your best interest in mind. Proverbs 12:1 is what I live by when it comes to a football program. We’re going to take the discipline.

We’re going to take the knowledge that West Texas A&M gives you, these teaches give you, these coaches give you and we’re going to make you better men. We’re going to make you better football players, we’re going to make you better future husbands, we’re going to make you better future fathers. So, get ready. That comes with a lot of work.

“The entire group of Buffalo Nation. Athletic Department, parents, past

West Texas A&M alumni, the fans in this room, the boosters, this is part is for you. Here we come.”

Lynn was a two-time FirstTeam All-LSC tight end selection who helped the Greyhounds win back-toback LSC South Division titles in 1999 and 2000. His teammates also voted him a co-captain twice during his career.

Lynn comes from a football coaching family. His brother, Jeff, is the head coach at Roswell (N.M.) High School and his father, David, is now retired after nearly a 40-year prep career. David Lynn is in the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honors and is a member of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Lynn and his wife, Pamela, have three children, Bryson, Carly and Levi.

TIM RITTER

Registration now open for 2023 WT New Student Orientation Sessions

BY CHIP CHANDLER

West Texas A&M University

Registration is open now for New Student Orientation sessions for West Texas A&M University students for the 2023-24 academic year.

Incoming freshmen can sign up for eight different NSO sessions to be held between May and August.

“NSO is the one of the first hands-on experiences our freshmen will have on campus,” said Amanda Lawson, WT assistant director of new student and transfer orientation.

“The students can have their questions answered while getting to know the

campus and making new friends.”

To attend, interested students must visit wtamu. edu/nso to complete a pre-orientation information module and select a date.

Up to 200 students can be accommodated at each session. Sessions stretch over two days beginning at 5 p.m. on Day 1 and ending at 6 p.m. on Day 2. NSOs are divided up by academic colleges:

* Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences: May 19-20; June 1-2; June 22-23; June 2930; July 20-21; and Aug. 14-15;

* Paul and Virginia Engler

College of Business: May 19-20, June 1-2, June 2930, July 20-21, Aug. 1-2 and Aug. 14-15;

* Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences: May 19-20, June 8-9, June 29-30, July 20-21, Aug. 1-2 and Aug. 14-15;

* College of Engineering: May 19-20, June 1-2, June 8-9, June 22-23, July 20-21 and Aug. 14-15;

* Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities: May 19-20, June 8-9, June 29-30, July 20-21, Aug. 1-2 and Aug. 14-15; and

* College of Nursing and Health Sciences: May 1920, June 8-9, June 22-23, July 20-21, Aug. 1-2 and

Aug. 14-15.

Students who have yet to decide on a major may choose to attend an orientation for any college that sounds appealing, or they may select any date for the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

Family orientation ses-

sions run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Day 2 of each session.

Costs are included with the student’s first semester tuition bill.

Engaging and retaining the best students is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle

to the World. That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021 — has raised more than $110 million.

Lady Buffs bring 4th national volleyball title back to Canyon

BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com

Alone at the top.

The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs captured the 2022 NCAA Division II Volleyball National Championship Saturday night following a 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 28-26 win over Concordia-St. Paul before 321 fans at the Royal Brougham Pavilion in Seattle, Wash.

For the first time since 1997, the Lady Buffs celebrated at mid-court with the coveted national title trophy. Twenty-five years ago, former WT head coach Debbie Hendricks guided the Lady Buffs to a national championship with a 3-2 win over Barry University. What made this national championship night special was the fact that WT’s former coach (Debbie) Hendricks was on site doing the live broadcast for the NCAA Division II.

WT’s national championship is the fourth in program history with the Lady Buffs earning their first in 1990 (38-1) under former head coach Kim Hudson. In 1991, the Lady Buffs (36-2) collected their second national title under former head coach Jim Giacomazi.

Debbie Hendricks and the Lady Buffs (37-1) brought home the third national title in 1997 and the fourth national title belongs to the 2022 Lady Buffs (33-4) under head coach Kendra

(Morgan) Potts.

“To try to keep composure, what I was really excited about the environment and it was a true championship match,” Potts said her postgame interview from the championship match on YouTube.

“The rallies were high level. You have to play close to perfect to beat a team like Concordia-St. Paul. Overall, the style of game and level of game was just fun to be a part of.

Of course, it’s nice to come (out) on the winning side.

“I’m so proud of these girls and the student athletes to get be a part of something like this.”

WT got behind in the first set and drop the game 2523 but was able to regain composure and even the match at 1-1 with 25-23 win in the second set.

Potts credited the Lady Buffs perseverance in the second set to taking advantage of little movements with Kayla Elliott and Abi Nash getting some hard-fought kills at the net.

“We knew it was going to be a tight match and was going to come down to inches. Concordia-St. Paul is that good and kill (chances) were going to limited,” Potts said.

WT clawed its way to victory with a 25-20 decision in the third set and then got behind 23-20 in the fourth set.

Potts noted that WT’s focus late in the fourth set was playing for each point.

“We literally were just

JORDYN BALLARD/WT ATHLETICS

The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs celebrate their NCAA Division II National Championship following their 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 2826 win over Concordia-St. Paul Saturday evening in Seattle, Wash. The Lady Buffs finished the season on a 26-match winning streak with a 33-4 overall record. The national title was the fourth for WT since 1990.

focusing on the point at hand,” Potts said. “All we were focusing on was the physical rather than the emotional. You can’t help but have some emotions when you are in a match like this.

“We (the coaches) just kept reiterating to the players to be physical about it, you’re physical, you’re capable and they applied it.”

Elliott took a pass from Nash and drove home a tenacious kill to cut the deficit to 23-22. Nash, on the ensuing possession, recorded a service ace that caromed off the defensive effort of Emma Schmidt to tie the set at 23-23.

After back-and-forth lead changes and Camy Jones’ kill from Blair Moreland

put WT up 26-25, Schmidt and the pesky pursuit of Concordia-St. Paul kept fighting back.

Schmidt’s kill once again tied the fourth set at 26-26. WT, though, closed out the match in championship fashion with Torrey Miller driving home a kill at 2726 and then Taytum Stow and Jones combining on the block of Schmidt’s kill attempt for the winning point.

According to Nash on the YouTube interview, “We (Kayla Elliott and I) knew that this was our last match and like Kendra (Potts) said we had to play one point at a time. There was no pressure. You got to win or you have to lose.

“We did a good job of

leaning on each other and playing for each point.”

Elliott led the Lady Buffs with 17 kills, while Nash tallied 15 and Miller finished with 14.

Miller highlighted the championship match with National Tournament

Most Valuable Player honors, while Elliott, Nash and Bryli Contreras were named to the All-Tournament team.

Contreras, in her first season after transferring home to Canyon from Stephen F. Austin, recorded 17 digs and finished with four service aces to spark the Lady Buffs.

Moreland and Ainsley Malis also led WT with 26 and 22 assists, respectively.

WT’s offense amassed 62

total kills with 16 errors for .307 attack percentage. Jasmine Mulvihill led Concordia-St. Paul with 20 kills, while Schmidt had 13 and Katie Mattson finished with 12. Makenna Berger also contributed with 10 kills.

Teagan Starkey contributed with 63 assists for Concordia-St. Paul and Schmidt finished with 18 digs.

Offensively, Concordia-St. Paul tallied 67 total kills on 165 attempts with 24 errors for a. 261 attack percentage.

WT finished the season on a 26-match win streak with a 33-4 overall record.

Education Credit Union Funds Scholarships for 30 WT Students in Surprise Presentation

BY CHIP CHANDLER

West Texas A&M University

Thirty West Texas A&M University students received an early Christmas gift when they were surprised with scholarships from Education Credit Union.

The students took part in WT’s Money Management Bootcamp, a six-week series of seminars sponsored by the Education Credit Union Buff $mart program.

At a Nov. 15 graduation reception, the names of 14 eligible participants were drawn to receive $250 scholarships from WT and ECU. At the conclusion of the reception, ECU President and CEO Marcus Smith announced that, for the first time, ECU would fund scholarships for the remaining 12 eligible students, plus four peer financial coaches.

ECU became a naming sponsor of WT’s Buff $mart Program in September 2020. The program helps students improve their understanding of financial literacy and empowers them to make informed choices to improve their financial well-being.

“ECU recognizes the hard work these students put in to better their knowledge of financial literacy and education,” Smith said. “We wanted to celebrate their success.”

In all, ECU and WT jointly provided $7,500 in

scholarship funds for the students.

The bootcamp offered six sessions on topics such as paying for college, building credit responsibly, overcoming financial obstacles and more.

To be eligible to be in the drawing for a scholarship, students received points for attendance, participation, completing assignments, and attending a one-on-one coaching session.

“Education Credit Union’s generosity and constant support of WT students is inspirational,” said program coordinator Meghan Williams.

The ECU Buff $mart program offers one-onone coaching sessions with trained peer financial coaches via webinar or in person; classroom and organizational presentations on money management, budgeting, planning to pay for college and more; and outreach programs and money management workshops on credit cards, credit scores, identity theft, budgeting and more. Scholarship recipients include Kaitlyn Amador, a freshman general business major from Plainview; Chidinma Aniekwena, a graduate computer information systems and business analytics from Nigeria; Najely Ascacio, a freshman sports and exercise science major from Amarillo; Diana Benitez Perera, a sophomore

finance major from Spring; Erika Cedillos, a business graduate student from Kapa’au, Hawaii; Katie Garcia, a sophomore management major from Clovis, New Mexico; Maryann Heffley, a senior criminal justice major from Wellington; Marshal Howard, a sophomore pre-engineering major from Follett; Kaden Husband, a sophomore animal science major from Childress; Victoria Juarez, a senior agriculture major from Castroville; Katie Labrum, a freshman animal science major from Bear River, Wyoming; Sydney Landers, a freshman agribusiness major from Guymon, Oklahoma; Matthew Machicek, a senior mechanical engineering

major from Temple; Luis Martinez, a freshman general business major from Pampa; Victor A. Mata, a freshman agribusiness and economics major from Sherman; Simon Mbanefo, a graduate environmental sciences student from Lagos, Nigeria; Daniel Norris, a sophomore computer science major from Levelland; Kaela Ramage, a freshman sports and exercise science major from Roswell, New Mexico; Taylor Rockey, a freshman agribusiness and economics major from Monte Vista, Colorado; Libby Schelich, a freshman agribusiness and economics major from Eaton, Colorado; Lizett Silva, a sophomore Spanish major

from Pampa; Savanna Sims, a freshman health sciences major from Wheeler; Shefin Singh, a sophomore wildlife biology major from Canyon; Grace Small, a graduate agriculture student from Welch, Oklahoma; Baylee Spraggins, a freshman pre-engineering major from Keller; and Jadyn VanWinkle, a freshman animal science major from Yantis.

Creating a commitment to being self-reliant, courageous, resourceful and part of something larger than one’s self in its students is a key mission of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021 — has raised more than $110 million.

Peer financial coach scholarship recipients include Preston Downard, a Frenchtown, Montana, native pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in general business; Tucker Gattis, a senior agriculture major from Pottsboro; Niquole Knapp, a junior animal science major from Rocky Ford, Colorado; and John Kent, a junior agribusiness and economics major from Iraan.

WTAMU

Education Credit Union President and CEO Marcus Smith surprises graduates of WT’s Money Management Bootcamp with scholarships at a recent reception. The program is sponsored by WT’s Education Credit Union Buff $mart program.

Former WT President, Wife Establish New Program in Small Animal Studies

BY CHIP CHANDLER

West Texas A&M University

A major gift from a former president of West Texas A&M University and his wife will allow the University to significantly expand its foothold in pre-veterinary education and animal studies.

WT President Emeritus Russell C. Long and wife Natrelle Hedrick Long have announced a $2.1 million planned gift to the University to establish a new companion animal science program for students planning on a career in veterinary medicine or in a host of other pet-related careers.

“This gift is our attempt to satisfy three of our most basic desires: to help WT and WT students, to help animals, and to help the region which has come to mean so much to us,” the Longs said.

The Longs’ gift also will set up a scholarship fund for students in the program, and it will include the donation of the couple’s extensive collection of books to WT’s Cornette Library.

As part of the Longs’ gift, the Dr. Russell C. Long and Natrelle Hedrick Long Professorship in Companion Animal Studies will be established and will be first held by Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer.

Companion animals are domesticated animals— such as dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles or rodents—

that are primarily kept as pets. They are not livestock or wild animals.

The gift—another significant milestone in the University’s historic comprehensive One West fundraising campaign—was announced at a Dec. 15 press conference.

With this gift, the campaign has raised $116 million, 93 percent of the $125 million goal announced in September 2021.

“Russell and Natrelle served WT faithfully in their leadership roles, and they continue to set an example in their sustained connection to the University in their retirement,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler. “I am grateful for their continued leadership to WT through their generous support of the One West campaign.”

The companion animal science program will provide a new educational pathway for students. Many are expected to study in the program in preparation for attending veterinary school, such as the Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach partnership between Texas A&M University’s School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and WT’s Paul Engler College of Agriculture & Natural Sciences . WT offers degree paths in animal science, biology or chemistry for students who plan to apply to schools of veterinary medicine.

According to a survey of graduating seniors conducted in 2022 by the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost 80 percent of veterinary students are interested in working with small or companion animals. Adding coursework focusing on these animals will fill a significant need, Newcomer said.

“I appreciate the Longs’ passion and commitment to WT as well as their commitment to animals, and I’m honored to be the first chosen for this position,” Newcomer said. “One of the biggest motivators in this field is the human-animal bond. I have a passion for teaching about that and for looking for ways that we can impact the lives of both humans and animals. That bond affects so many lives in so many different ways.” The program also will meaningfully target students pursuing a career path outside of veterinary medicine.

The global companion animal health market was estimated to be valued at $18.67 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow about 9 percent annually through 2028—showing a significant opportunity for WT students as they enter the workforce.

Among possible career paths are service/therapy dog training, pet grooming, boarding facility management, shelter manager, pet food nutrition fields,

pharmaceutical research and sales, retail pet stores and education.

“The Longs’ gift allows us to further develop WT students’ passion for companion animals and helping them, through their education in this program, to go on to find how they best fit in working with companion animals,” said Dr. Kevin Pond, dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture & Natural Sciences . “Veterinary medicine is only one need of many in a field that only continues to grow.”

The program—to be housed in the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Science —will offer two pathways: A 15-to-18hour academic certificate or a minor.

“We expect that this new program that will enable students to gain meaningful educational experiences relating to their love of companion animals,” department head Dr. David Sissom said. “It will benefit our local and regional communities and enrich the lives of the animals we care so much about. The students and faculty of the Department of Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences are deeply appreciative of the generosity and kindness provided by the Longs.”

Course offerings can be expanded as the program grows, and collaborations may be fostered with the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Busi-

Natrelle Long, former first lady of West Texas A&M University, discusses the planned gift she and husband Russell Long, WT president emeritus, have made to establish a companion animal science program at the University.

ness and the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work in the Terry B. Rogers College of Education .

President Long became the ninth president of WT in 1995, having previously served as provost. He retired in 2005.

During his tenure, Long led the implementation of new academic programs addressing regional needs in mechanical engineering, dryland agriculture, equine industries, environmental science, emergency management systems, athletics training and communication disorders, and he was responsible for establishing the University’s first doctoral program, a Ph.D. in agriculture.

New facilities during Long’s tenure included the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex, the First United Bank Center and the Hastings Electronic Learning Center, helping to make WT a pioneer in distance education.

Natrelle Long worked as executive assistant to former President Barry B. Thompson. She

was cofounder of the WT Women’s Council, which supported campus beautification, and was instrumental in establishing the Old Main Society, the WTAMU Foundation’s premier donor recognition group.

Since retiring, the Longs, both published novelists, have worked extensively to support the homeless and the animal population in the Amarillo area. Newcomer earned her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Florida in 2003. She completed a master’s in adult education from Auburn University in 2021. She and husband Dr. Benjamin J. Newcomer moved to Texas in 2021, and she has worked at WT since June 2021 as a clinical assistant professor and coordinator of the companion animal science program.

Meeting regional needs is a primary focus of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World .

WTAMU

As aggregator of local news, WT looks to fill a mission

BY JON MARK BEILUE

West Texas A&M University

The idea began to germinate when Walter V. Wendler was making his every-other-year road trips in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

The West Texas A&M University president made it a point to visit the high schools of every school district in the Texas Panhandle not once, but twice, and took one trip deep into the South Plains.

That was 184 high schools—133 of them repeats—and close to 20,000 miles in all. Wendler got a first-hand flavor of West Texas communities, how they were different and how they were not.

“They share sort of a common bond,” he said.

“Almost all are agricultural, and a lot of them are struggling. But there’s still an important sense of purpose in these communities. They find ways to make things work.

“Sharing in that and sharing in the joy of competition, there’s a lot community pride in that. Knowing who is born and who died, these things are important not to just that community but to the whole of the Panhandle.”

WT is the Panhandle’s University. Perhaps, Wendler reasoned, WT could play a role in sharing the news of Panhandle communities, and in a way, tighten the bond of the Panhandle. It could also fill a void left by the decline of print and electronic media locally and nationally.

The first exploratory meeting with Wendler

and top WT staff about a Panhandle news website began before the COVID pandemic in early 2020. It was put on hold for much of the pandemic, but it was never shelved.

That quiet persistence to see the idea through has evolved with a runout of panhandleregionalnews.

com , a one-stop newsshop website that features stories and information from news outlets across the area.

“I thought this would be a tremendous public service just for people to know what’s going on in the constellation of communities that make up the Panhandle,” Wendler said.

On the home page are 10 information tabs: WT, Amarillo, Canyon, Borger, Childress, Clarendon, Hereford, Perryton, and Pampa and one, “All Towns.” There is a collection of news from 22 communities in the Panhandle, plus Palo Duro State Park.

In all, there are as many as 70 stories to click on the home page, including obituaries. On this day, one week before the mid-term election, there are stories on both gubernatorial candidates, Beto O’Rourke and Gov. Greg Abbott, who was making an Amarillo stop.

Not by coincidence in the masthead, it reads: “Keep Up with Local News By Subscribing To Your Local News Source.”

“We don’t want to take away anything from the local newspapers,” Wendler said. “We encourage you to subscribe. It’s not a big deal, but it is there in

the masthead. I value local newspapers.”

‘Paying attention to regionalism’

Panhandle Regional News was designed by Eyoel Mengesha, a LINUX system engineer in WT’s Information Technology-Web Services. Mengesha, who earned his master’s at WT, has worked for the university since 2012.

James Webb, WT’s vice president of information technology and chief information officer, gave Mengesha the assignment in July, and he completed the prototype in about two weeks.

“What to use and what programming language to go with, that was up to me,” Mengesha said.

“As to what the president was wanting, it sounded like a news aggregator for the Panhandle region. I thought it would be hard to set up, but it turned out better than I thought it would be.”

News updates from around the Panhandle are through RSS feeds. RSS is a web feed that allows users to access updates to websites in a standardized format. It can keep track of many different websites in a single news aggregator, removing the need to manually check them.

“Right now, it runs itself,” Mengesha said. “You have to keep an eye on it to make sure it’s doing what it’s supposed to do, but for the most part, yes, it runs itself.”

Why then would a university be in the business of a local news gatherer? What’s in it for WT? It’s

not for any kind of profit. Wendler repeated that WT is not monetizing the website. There is no advertising, and there are no plans to ever do so.

Until Wendler arrived at WT in 2016, his time in higher education had been spent at research universities. A regional university has a mission, an obligation, to the area that it surrounds.

“I’ve become a fan of regional universities because they do this service to the communities in their locales that is remarkable in its impact to affect local economies and local people,” Wendler said.

“It’s a powerful force and in many ways the best of what public higher education can be.

“We’re trying to build this university on paying attention to regionalism and not being ashamed of that, but being proud of that by responding to our region and the people who live here and their needs, aspirations and desires.” Wendler, a native of Long Island, N.Y., said if stu-

dents want to come from the region of his youth or elsewhere, they are welcome. But 43 percent of students are from the Panhandle, and it’s this region that is a priority.

“The first people we need to serve are the people here and by broadcasting various activities of the communities and people here, that heightens the affection and appreciation for the Texas Panhandle and that’s part of WT’s job,” Wendler said.

In 2021, the university launched WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World . Its mission, to culminate on the 125th anniversary of WT in 2035, is to be hyper-focused on solving or addressing local issues that could eventually impact the world beyond the Panhandle region.

Does Panhandle Regional News fit WT 125?

“Like a sledgehammer,” Wendler said. “It’s about serving locally first, and this is a service. I’ll say it again, we’re not monetizing this. This is a service that we provide so people

will know about each other in the Texas Panhandle, to know where we need improvement, to know when to put our hands up high when we’re doing a good job. That’s WT 125 from start to finish.” Though not the stated intention of starting this local news website, a rewarding offshoot would be if other regional universities one day began something similar in a Panhandle-to-the-world kind of way.

“There is value in a university setting an example by being a servant to the community,” Wendler said. “Nothing would warm my heart more than to find a regional university in California or somewhere in Wyoming or Kansas doing this same thing.

“WT 125 says from the Panhandle to the world, and someone seeing how we serve and the value in that and deciding to do the same thing would really be rewarding.”

Wendler’s impact and vision keeps WT centered on worldwide excellence

BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com

West Texas A&M University – for many years – has always been viewed as “Close to Perfect, Close to Home.”

The NCAA Division II campus, located in the heart of Randall County in Canyon, was voted the Best College in the 2022 Canyon News Readers Choice Awards. WT beat out Amarillo College and Texas Tech for this annual honor.

What makes WT the best college is easily seen in the impact that Dr. Walter Wendler has had in Canyon since taking on the President role for the university in September 2016.

Texas A&M System

Chancellor John Sharp asked Wendler to become the new president of WT because he would “accelerate the university’s upward trajectory and make the future even brighter.”

Wendler didn’t take long to reach out to the people of Canyon and the WT alumni with his WT 125 plan for the 125th anniversary of the University in 2035. That plan includes having a strong campus in downtown Amarillo and continuing to educate the majority, close to 70 percent, of the teachers

and administrators in the public schools of the Texas Panhandle.

Another part of Wendler’s WT 125 plan is adding graduate programs beneficial to the Texas Panhandle. By doing so, Wendler is already involved in plans to start a doctoral program in water engineering.

“Everything we do at West Texas A&M University should assist students in creating a roadmap for their future, one that sustains a free society,”

Wendler said in a previous Canyon News article. “We are blessed at WT: we have a highly capable and energetic faculty, a dedicated and intentional staff and leadership by a Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharp of the Texas A&M System. They support us in every way.”

Wendler noted that his WT 125 plan represents a appreciation for the history of WT with a view to the future that will lead our University in serving this region, the state of Texas, the nation and many people from around the world.

The benefits of attending WT over other four-year schools is attractive when Wendler talks to high school students across the Texas Panhandle.

“The greatest benefit of attending WT is the expo-

sure that students receive to West Texas values at work in the diverse courses of study available at WT. It is essential that the nature of being a West Texan remains relevant to all of us every day, especially those who study here,” Wendler said.

Currently, WT places a strong commitment to being one of the safest campuses in Texas. Wendler said that “personal safety is of utmost importance at all times, but especially during the current circumstances. I am proud of the University Police Department and the City of Canyon for keeping our community safe.”

The crime rate, according to UPD Police Chief Shawn Burns, on the WT campus is low by most standards and we (UPD) are proud of our community for helping us keep the crime rate low.

“Our community has a huge impact on our crime rate because what they do matters when it comes to securing their belongings and reporting suspicious activity,” Burns said. “The University Police Department provides a huge impact to the safety and security not only on campus, but in the city of Canyon. Our UPD officers are state licensed peace officers as any other officer in this

area and we have mutual aid agreements with the surrounding agencies to insure our community is protected to the greatest length possible.”

In 2019, Wendler stated that WT was currently engaged in a new economic impact study.

“One completed about four years ago determined that WT and the spending of its students, visitors and former students created an impact of $432.2 million for the Amarillo/Canyon area, providing 1,206 jobs and attracted 5,697 visitors

to campus,” Wendler said.

“In addition, WT has invested $206 million in new construction: the Buffalo Stadium, Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, the VERO Center, Veterans Memorial and remodeling Jarrett Hall.”

But the greatest and most lasting impact that WT has contributed to Canyon’s economy and the growth has been the development of human capital, according to Wendler.

“People with skills, insights and wisdom help make the

Texas Panhandle a productive and enjoyable place to live and do business,” Wendler said. “It is impossible to assign a dollar amount to the Panhandle values that make WT so appealing. Our university will do whatever it takes to maintain the best traditions of West Texas.”

As of the Fall 2021, WT has an enrollment of 9,581 students with 60 undergraduate programs, 38 masters and 2 doctoral programs.

Texas A&M AgriLife Moves Amarillo Office to WT Campus

BY KAY LEDBETTER

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center of Amarillo will move to Canyon to complete an agricultural research, education and outreach powerhouse on the West Texas A&M University campus.

Funding for the new, $30 million center was approved May 19 by The Texas A&M University Board of Regents. Of that total, $20 million will come from the Permanent University Fund established by the State of Texas and $10 million from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Chancellor John Sharp announced the move at a May 25 press conference in the Texas A&M Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach building on the WT campus. The new facility will be constructed to the northeast of The Charles W. “Doc” Graham ’53 DVM, The Texas A&M University System Center, which encompasses VERO and the Charles W. Graham DVM Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.

“We’re here today to announce something that only The Texas A&M University System could have accomplished. We’re bringing all of our resources together in one spot,” Sharp said. “We’re bringing together some of the best minds in agriculture together in collaboration

right here in Canyon. This will be a real game-changer for agribusiness in Texas.”

Construction is expected to be complete in early 2024 at the northeast corner of the WT campus. The building will be home to about 60 employees working for the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agencies.

WT President Walter V. Wendler said the move complements WT’s sincere focus on agricultural issues across the Texas Panhandle and beyond.

“Moving the Texas A&M AgriLife Center to the WT campus completes the synergy that The Texas A&M University System provides for our region,” Wendler said. “The new AgriLife Research and Extension Center building will create a one-stop-shop for teaching, research and service provided by WT and Texas A&M University.”

This new building on Russell Long Boulevard will be clustered with WT’s Agricultural Sciences Complex, which contains the Happy State Bank Academic and Research building, the Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center, the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion and the Bain Event Center; the VERO building; and the Charles W. Graham DVM Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.

“What The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents have created on this campus is un-par-

alleled in regional higher education across the country,” Wendler said. “The opportunities made possible by this partnership will advance the research and outreach missions of all of our institutions.”

The move further cements WT as a Regional Research University, the overarching goal of its long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World. That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised about $110 million. Maintaining a strong Texas A&M AgriLife presence in the Panhandle Texas A&M AgriLife has 13 centers around the state that house both AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension personnel who support the districts and regions.

“Texas A&M AgriLife Research is headquartered in College Station, but we are an institution that serves the entire state of Texas, and our centers are imperative to making sure that each region of the state has research conducted in their unique environment,” said Dr. Cliff Lamb, director of AgriLife Research.

“Here in the Panhandle, we look forward to expanding our research programs in beef cattle, small grains, environmental quality, natural resources, pest management, crop systems and bioenergy.”

AgriLife Research has led the nation in six of the past

eight years in agricultural research expenditures, with more than $223.5 million for fiscal year 2021, Lamb said.

“Much of that is dedicated to supporting Texas commodities, reflecting our agency’s dedication to producers and ensuring a thriving industry across Texas,” he said.

Dr. Rick Avery, director of AgriLife Extension, said the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Amarillo has a long history of service and showcases the importance of the AgriLife mission—creating solutions to agriculture and natural resource issues through state-of-the-art research, and then ensuring that information is helpful and extended to great state of Texas.

“This center has been instrumental in making a positive impact on the success of ag producers, on the youth in the Panhandle, and in increasing the health of our public,” Avery said. “This center is the home for professional development for our AgriLife Extension county agents and other key educators and specialists to learn the latest technology, best practices and methods that improve the lives of Texans.

“Additionally, this center serves as the primary location for agriculture producers, county judges and commissioners, and industry leaders to interact with Extension personnel. Together, we are dedicated to creating solutions for

a changing world, where agriculture and health are more important than ever.”

Synergy of programs, students

The existing programs, both AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension, will be strengthened by the synergy that is built upon the expertise, organization, programming, educational outreach and student involvement due to the proximity of both facilities and personnel, said Dr. Brent Auvermann, center director for the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center of Amarillo, said.

“We expect to have greater exposure to the graduate and undergraduate students that WT has, because we rely on them so heavily for our programs,” he said, estimating about 40 students are already being supervised by AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension faculty at any one time.

Additionally, Auvermann said the co-location of AgriLife Research’s globally recognized program will help build WT’s agricultural research portfolio.

“That synergy happens best when we are across the wall, around the corner, or just down the sidewalk from one another. We want to build a true community of practice, and we need to be face-toface to accomplish that.”

Auvermann said putting all of these closely related organizations right next to one another tightens the integration of Texas A&M AgriLife’s land-grant mission with WT’s educational and research missions.

“This building will be Texas A&M’s embassy in the Texas Panhandle,” he said.

“We want the new Texas A&M AgriLife center in Canyon to be used for community outreach and extension education as well as cutting-edge research, just as our current facility is today,” he said.

Annually the Texas A&M AgriLife center at Amarillo has hosted more than 3,500 individuals who have completed nearly 11,000

“Our programs are built and sustained by external contracts and grants,” he said. “We’ve built tremendous momentum bringing those resources to the Panhandle, and we want to leverage them to accelerate the development of WT’s research portfolio while we enrich the educational experiences of her students.

TAMUS Regents Approve Nearly

$54 Million in WT Construction, Renovation

BY CHIP CHANDLER

West

Texas A&M University

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Nov. 10 approved two major infrastructure projects at West Texas A&M University.

During the regents’ Nov. 10 meeting, approval was given for the $44.9 million Geneva Schaeffer Education Building renovation and the $8.9 million Bain Athletic Center expansion project.

“Top-notch academic and athletic facilities are part of what makes WT exemplary,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler following the Regents’ vote. “Providing our students with the facilities they need to succeed contributes both to their classroom and sports performance. We are grateful for dedicated alumni who continue to give back to the Panhandle’s University.”

Regents approved more than $328 million in capital projects across the system.

The Education Building, the second-oldest building on WT’s campus, will be reimagined as a space that will put WT on the bleeding edge of innovation in distance learning.

“Our goal with the Geneva Schaeffer Education Build-

ing is to be a first-mover in the next phase of distance learning, whether that’s virtual reality or advances we don’t even know about yet,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Our goal is to be as cutting-edge as we can possibly be, and the building will be the vehicle that will propel those strides.”

WT’s number of online courses has grown from 533 to 1,726 in the 10-year span between the 2001-02 and 2020-21 academic years. As part of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, WT expects to increase the number of online students to at least 7,500 students, ultimately approximately 50 percent of total University enrollment.

Revitalization of the Geneva Schaeffer Education Building will allow for additional video studios, production studios for online courses and support spaces.

The building also will be the new home of the WT Graduate School, recognizing the significant growth it has achieved in the past five years. Plans call for new spaces for research and new areas to connect with off-campus students and potential new

students.

The University is in the process of selecting an architect firm and construction company for the ambitious project. In October 2021, WT announced that it was allotted $45 million from Senate Bill 52, which allocated $3.35 billion for capital projects at Texas higher education institutions.

In February, the Schaeffer family announced a $2.5 million gift to rename the building in honor of their late matriarch, who attended elementary school classes in the building in the 1940s, when it housed a demonstration school where education majors could get hands-on training as teachers. Schaeffer earned her bachelor’s degree from WT in 1955, and in April 2016, she was bestowed an honorary doctorate of philosophy in WT’s Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. A public-school teacher for 17 years, she advocated for improvements and oppor-

tunities in education for decades and was a driving force in fundraising for the University.

Along with Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, the Bain Athletic Center serves as a cornerstone of the excellence of WT Athletics that is second to none in the Lone Star Conference, Division II NCAA Athletics and the State of Texas.

The Athletic Center facility, the vision of longtime WT supporters Ray and Barbara Bain, is in Phase III of construction. When complete, the facility will house sports performance, sports medicine, football and Olympic sport offices, academic success programs, team meeting rooms and the Hall of Champions.

Completion of the center will allow for a centralized location for coaches, staff and student workers in WT Athletics, who are currently occupying offices in eight different buildings across campus.

“The completion of the Bain Athletic Center is critical in order to main-

tain the level of success expected of the athletic program,” said WT Athletic Director Michael McBroom. “This expansion will provide modern office space for administrators and coaches, add academic and meeting spaces for teams, and enable the program to develop a culture of collaboration and support that is critical to most successful organizations.”

For seven consecutive years, WT Athletics has been rated Best in Texas by the National Association of College Directors of Athletics Directors’ Cup rankings, and is annually recognized as one of the Top 10 athletic programs in NCAA Division II.

Ray Bain attended WT, then became president of First State Bank of Dimmitt in 1985. In 1987, he joined with Stanley Schaeffer and a small group of investors to purchase the bank, which became known as First United Bank in 1994. Today, the bank has expanded to 17 locations across 13 West Texas cities. Bain died in

2013; Schaeffer currently serves as director emeritus.

Barbara Bain, a 1960 alumna, was granted an honorary doctorate of philosophy in education in 2019. When complete, the Bain Athletic Center will be located west of the Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium and the WT track and soccer facility. In addition, the funding approved for the Geneva Schaeffer Education Building project will include almost $10 million for health and safety upgrades across campus, using funds from Capital Construction Assistance Projects approved by the 87th Legislature. The University’s WT 125 plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021 — has raised more than $110 million.

WT Agronomy Club Named Best in Nation; First Division II School to Earn Honor

BY CHIP CHANDLER

West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University’s Agronomy Club is entering 2023 as the top club in the country.

The club recently won National Club of the Year after entering the President’s Trophy competition at the Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences national meeting in Baltimore, thanks in large part to its inclusivity efforts.

The WT club’s triumph is the first time a Division II school has won the title in the 16-year history of the contest, said Lauren Selph, instructor of plant, soil and environmental sciences in the Department of Agricultural Sciences.

“Being named National SASES Club of the year is a major accomplishment,” Selph said. “This award recognizes the hard work and commitment to excellence shared by the members of the WT Agronomy Club. I could not be prouder of these exceptional students.”

Dr. Kevin Pond, dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, called the honor “a very prestigious award for an outstanding club.”

“We are extremely proud of the student members and leadership of the club who are hard driving and success oriented,” Pond said. “Their next goal is

to develop an accessible greenhouse complex for teaching, research and service. We are indeed pleased to have individuals who excel on a national platform and have the vision and persistence to make needed improvements.”

To earn the President’s Trophy and win National Club of the Year, agronomy teams must demonstrate their success in community service, programming and fundraising. The WT Agronomy Club highlighted their work in becoming more inclusive of differently abled individuals by working to create equal opportunities and minimizing added obstacles. They were inspired by the work of club member and inclusivity advocate Bentli Veneklasen, a senior plant, soil and environmental sciences major from Amarillo.

“I’m paralyzed and a full-time wheelchair user, so I’m very passionate about advocating for my disabled community,” Veneklasen said.

The club worked together to raise funds to buy a Spartan Wheel Chariot, an all-terrain wheelchair that allowed Veneklasen to access soil pits so she could study alongside her classmates in soil morphology.

“I got to experience class like everyone else,” Veneklasen said.

West Texas A&M University’s Agronomy Club recently won National Club of the Year after entering the President’s Trophy competition at the Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences national meeting. Club members include, front from left, Bentli Veneklasen, Shelby Lain Thornton, Andres Rivas and Kassidy Langley, and, back from left, adviser Lauren Selph, Cristian Camacho, Thomas Meyer, Dayson Schacher, Alex Kuehler, Cade Bednarz and Caleb McCall.

Veneklasen donated the chair to WT Disability Services to be used by other students in need.

“With Bentli on our team, we had a great perspective of being inclusive of people with different disabilities,” said Shelby Lain Thornton, a December graduate from Jenks, Oklahoma, who now works as a natural resource specialist for the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District in Dumas.

“We were up against institutions like Texas A&M University, the University of Wisconsin and others—well-known and well-established clubs that have been competing

for years. It’s an honor to win this over much larger universities,” said Lain Thornton, who served as president of the Agronomy Club in 2022.

The club also was recognized for facilitating guest speakers, volunteering at the Women in Science Endeavors conference and more. The conference was held in November, recognizing work throughout the calendar year.

In addition to Lain Thornton and Veneklasen, club members who competed included Cade Bednarz, a senior plant, soil and environmental sciences major from Lubbock; Cristian Camacho, a sophomore plant, soil and environmental sciences major from Booker; Alex Kuehler, a senior plant, soil and environmental sciences major from Groom; Kassidy Langley, a junior agriculture major from Hico; Caleb McCall, a senior plant, soil and environmental sciences major from Moriarty, New Mexico; Thomas Meyer, a sophomore plant, soil and environmental sciences major from Dalhart; Andres Rivas, a senior plant, soil and environmental sciences major from Perryton; and Dayson Schacher, a sophomore plant, soil and environmental sciences major from Nazareth.

At the conference, the

club also won first place in the poster contest and second in crops judging. McCall won third place in crops judging, and Bednarz won fifth in pedology and ninth in crops judging.

Addressing regional challenges is a key mission of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021 — has raised more than $115 million.

WT’s Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium Officially Renamed

BY CHIP CHANDLER

West Texas A&M University

The remarkable, ongoing legacy of giving by two prominent regional families was honored Sept. 2 as West Texas A&M University officially celebrated the renaming of its on-campus stadium.

The premiere football stadium in all of Division II Athletics now bears their names: The Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium.

WT officials and the families of Barbara and Ray Bain and Geneva and Stanley Schaeffer gathered at the foot of the stadium’s main tower to officially kick off the first season in the Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium ahead of WT’s home football season opener Sept. 3 against Western Colorado University.

“We know naming Buffalo Stadium is a commitment and investment in our University. We also know it is an investment and commitment in each of us and our futures,” said WT running back Jarrod Compton, a senior general studies major from Lubbock. “Our first touchdown in Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium tomorrow night is our gift to you.”

The families together gave a gift of $5 million in February to WT’s historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Ray Bain attended WT, then became president of First State Bank of Dimmitt in 1985. In 1987, he joined with Stanley Schaeffer and a small group of investors to purchase

the bank, which became known as First United Bank in 1994. Today, the bank has expanded to 17 locations across 13 West Texas cities. Bain died in 2013; Schaeffer currently serves as director emeritus.

Schaeffer’s wife Geneva, a distinguished alumna of WT, died in 2016.

Both Stanley Schaeffer and Barbara Bain were honored during the Sept. 2 ceremony.

“The two of you have done something that few are able to do,” WT President Walter V. Wendler said.

“You have passed on your philanthropic values to your children. It is your family legacy that exists at WT.”

Indeed, the Bain and Schaeffer names are prominent across WT’s campus, seen on 17 class-

rooms, labs, buildings and facilities.

Among the campus landmarks named for the families are Schaeffer Softball Park, the Bain Athletic Center, the Stanley Schaeffer Agriculture Education Learning Lab, the Bain Events Center and the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion.

In February, the Stanley Schaeffer family announced a $2.5 million gift to name the Geneva Schaeffer Education Building in memory of their late matriarch.

“Combined, the Bain and Schaeffer families collectively have made more than 1,500 gifts to WT, and they have established some $15 million in endowments that support students, faculty and programs across the academic units and WT Athletics,”

said Dr. Todd Rasberry, vice president for philanthropy and external relations. “To give you an idea of the annual impact, those endowment generate about $700,000 in spendable earnings annually.”

Along with the stadium, the Bain Athletic Center also serves as a cornerstone of the excellence of WT Athletics “that is second to none in the Lone Star Conference, Division II NCAA Athletics and the State of Texas,” Wendler said.

The Athletic Center facility, the vision of Ray and Barbara Bain, is in Phase III of construction. When complete, the facility will house sports performance, sports medicine, football and Olympic sport offices, academic success programs, team meeting

rooms and the Hall of Champions.

The Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium seats 8,500 along the west and east sides with an estimated total capacity of 12,000 when including overflow berm seating and standing-room-only space at the concourse level.

Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium offers opportunities for future expansion of up to 14,000 permanent seats. The stadium features a video scoreboard structure that sits on the north end zone and a ribbon board system along the front of the east and west upper decks, and a concourse provides full circulation for patrons around the stadium. Additionally, the stadium was one of the first university stadiums in the country to run on a

WiFi 6 network.

The First United Bank Center, named for the bank founded by Ray Bain with Stanley Schaeffer, opened in January 2002. Home to Buff and Lady Buff basketball, the facility has seating for 5,000 and a scoreboard with a large video screen. The center is commonly used for WT’s commencement exercises and a host of other public events including high school playoff games, conventions and freshmen convocation.

The One West campaign is the fuel for the long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised more than $110 million.

WT, Canyon Welcome Bird Scooters to Campus

BY CHIP CHANDLER

West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University and the City of Canyon are partnering with a national leader in electric transportation to bring e-scooters to campus.

Bird’s eco-friendly transportation option can be activated through Bird’s free mobile phone app and used to conveniently commute across campus or replace car trips when going to the store, meeting up with friends, exploring the community and taking many other daily trips.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bird to WT and look forward to offering our students and Canyon residents a new, eco-friendly and fun way to get around,” said Mike Knox, vice president for student enrollment, engagement and success. “This also will help with parking congestion when we have major events on campus, like football games at Buffalo Stadium.”

Thirty scooters will be available for rent on the WT campus. An additional 40 will be located in the city of Canyon itself for community members to rent.

WT’s Student Government Association has led the effort to bring scooters to campus.

“WT administrators came to SGA with the need for some kind of ride-share program on campus,” said Bryan Garcia, SGA president. “We get a lot of parking complaints, especially on cold days, when people

drive from their residence hall to their classroom building. We hope that by making these scooters available, students and everyone else on campus will have a quick, convenient way to get around on campus and clear up some parking congestion.”

Throughout the multiyear process, the SGA’s Student Affairs Committee researched different options, drafted an RFP and contracts, and worked with administrators and City of Canyon leaders.

“We’ve gotten to navigate a bunch of spaces that aren’t usually navigated by students,” Garcia said.

“We met with 15 or more departments on campus to pitch the idea and get their support.”

“I’ve been quite impressed

with the work these students have done,” said Randy Rikel, vice president for business and finance.

“We gave them the opportunity to lead this effort, and they have surpassed our expectations.”

Scooters will be deployed in key locations around campus and will be picked up by a local logistics partner nightly.

For the safety of riders and pedestrians alike, scooters will be geofenced so that they are not operative around Buffalo Fountain on the Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughn Pedestrian Mall; within the gates of Buffalo Stadium; and around the square in downtown Canyon. Users can download the free Bird app, locate

nearby scooters, then scan a QR code to unlock it and ride. Scooters will cost $1 to unlock, with a per-minute fee thereafter. A map showing the scooters’ coverage area also is available on the app.

Free helmets are available at the University Police Department, inside the Jack B. Kelley Student Center and elsewhere. Helmets also may be ordered through the Bird app for free with a shipping and handling charge.

Bird’s inclusive Community Pricing Program offers a 50 percent discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans and senior citizens. Those who qualify

can sign up by downloading the Bird app, creating an account and emailing proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.

Anyone with a Bird account also may report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area by tapping the yield sign on the bottom left of the in-app Bird map. When a report is submitted, someone is assigned to correct the issue.

Canyon city commissioners passed an ordinance in 2021 to allow such rideshare scooters to be used in town, said Jon Behrens, assistant city manager.

“Canyon is growing, and a big part of that is because of WT, so we’re happy to

work together to provide a new, green mode of transportation around town,” Behrens said.

WT and the City required several safety measures be included in the contract with Bird, Behrens said, including proper lighting, a 15-mph maximum speed, regular maintenance reports and more. In specifically geofenced areas, the maximum speed limit is 10 mph.

The scooter program will complement the continuing free shuttle bus program, which provides free transportation to students, faculty, staff and campus visitors in partnership with Panhandle Community Services and Panhandle Transportation.

WTAMU

WT Communication Educator Receives Statewide Award

WT NEWSROOM STAFF

A faculty member in West Texas A&M University’s Department of Communication recently was named University Educator of the Year by the Texas Speech Communication Association.

Dr. Carolyn Baum, assistant professor of communication, received the honor at the association’s annual convention held in Rockwall.

“Receiving the TSCA University Educator of the Year recognition is an honor, and I am thankful for students and colleagues who have helped me grow into the educator I have

become,” Baum said. TSCA is the largest state professional communication association in the nation. The association serves communication professionals and high school, college and university educators in 20 districts across Texas.

“In all of my university duties, I strive to make each element student-centered, encouraging inclusivity and student autonomy by starting with students’ strengths and goals, and helping them forge a pathway to their future,” Baum said.

In addition to teaching in the Department of Communication, Baum serves

as the director of the Attebury Honors Program at WT, where she works with scholars from across campus. Her courses include interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, and nonverbal communication.

“I felt really honored to be able to present Dr. Baum with this award,” said Lacy Cannon, immediate past president of TSCA and WT instructor of communication. “She is an outstanding educator and has been extremely active in our organization.”

Award nomination portfolios include the nominee’s teaching philosophy and letters of recommendation

from colleagues, supervisors and former students.

The Educator of the Year Committee reviews all nominations and selects a recipient to be named at the association’s annual convention. Baum joined the WTAMU faculty in 2013. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 2003 and her master’s in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in communication in 2010, both from WT. She earned her Ph.D. in higher education research 2021 from Texas Tech University.

WTAMU

Dr. Carolyn Baum

AUTO

Having car trouble is not pleasant, especially if you’re away from home, but Canyon auto shops make fixing the problem a pleasant experience.

For oil changes, tire repair or more serious problems, or even updating that state inspection sticker, contact one of these shops to get you back on the road:

Canyon Tire Company, 711 23rd St, (806) 6557189

Crabtree Automotive and Lube Center, 201 N 11th St., (806) 655-4434

Coffman Feed & Trailer Sales, 16303 I-27 & Rockwell Rd., (806) 655-1363

Consumer’s Supply Service Station, 100 W 1st Ave., (806) 655-2134

Monkey Wrench Auto Repair, 510 23rd St., (806) 655-3171

Muffler House and Automotive, 21636 City Lake Rd., (806) 499-3556

Take 5 Oil Change, 1201 23rd St., 655-0852, (806) 655-9891

Toot’n Totum, 31 Hunsley Rd., (806) 452-7800

Wal-Mart SuperCenter, 1701 N. 23rd St., (806) 656-0597

Woodard’s Garage, 2309 8th Ave., (806) 655-7759

BANKS

Amarillo National Bank 1700 4th Ave. (806) 345-1600

Education Credit Union 1900 FM 2590 (806) 655-7772

First United Bank 801 23rd St. (806) 655-8000

Happy State Bank 1908 4th Ave. (806) 655-2265

The People’s Federal Credit Union

120 Hunsley Rd. (806) 359-8571

Wellington State Bank 1310 4th Ave (806) 655-1000

Wells Fargo Bank 2111 4th Ave. (806) 655-1111

CHURCHES

There is a variety of places to worship in Canyon. With an array of denominations and service times available, Canyon is a community with many spiritual options. Sunday school and a nursery for regular church services are offered by a number of local churches.

Anchor of Hope 1208 8th Ave.

Arena of Life Cowboy 8827 S. FM 1541 (Loop 335 and Washington).

Worship services at 10 a.m. Sunday. Wednesday night service and GRIT youth group for ages 12-18 at 7 p.m.

Bethel Baptist Church 1925 10th Ave.

Worship services begin at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Bible Believers Baptist Church

12200 Rockwell Rd., 3 miles west of Interstate 27.

Bible study begins at 10 a.m., and worship services are at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. A Bible study is conducted at 7 p.m. each Wednesday.

Calvary Baptist Church 800 8th St. Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.

SERVICES

and worship service at 10:40 a.m. Sunday. Wednesday 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Canyon Country Church 26000 FM 3331, Canyon

Canyon Primitive Baptist Church

1701 2nd Ave. Service at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday.

Canyon First Assembly of God

2318 13th Ave.

Life enrichment classes at 9:30 a.m. and celebration services at 10:40 a.m. Sunday. Bible study at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and youth at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Christ Family Fellowship Church

700 4th Ave. Service at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Church of Christ Canyon Hills

Canyon Expressway and Buffalo Stadium Road. Adult and children’s Bible studies at 9:45 a.m. Sunday. Morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and afternoon worship at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday evening services at 7 p.m.

Church of God of the Firstborn

1521 Fourth Ave. Services at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday. Prayer meetings at 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

63 Hunsley Rd. Canyon Ward

Sacrament meeting at 9 a.m. and Amarillo Young Single Adult Branch Sacrament meeting at 11 a.m. Sunday. Wednesday night youth activities at 7 p.m.

Covenant Fellowship Church

8501 Coulter. Worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Faith Community Church

2706 Fourth Ave.

Classes are held at 10 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m. Sunday. Evening services are at 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Bible study begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

First Baptist Church

1717 Fourth Ave.

Sunday worship service, 10:30 a.m.; Bible study for all ages, 9:15 a.m.; Adult, University, youth and children’s programs are conducted throughout the year.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

2011 Fourth Ave.

Sunday school at 9 a.m. and morning worship at 10:15 a.m. Sunday. Bible study at 10:30 a.m. Monday. GLORY night 6:30 p.m. Wednesday for fellowship, meal and Bible study.

First Presbyterian Church

904 19th St. Worship is at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday; Wednesday Night Live! At 6 p.m.; monthly adult fellowship at various homes.

First Methodist Church

1818 Fourth Ave.

8:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. traditional service, 9:40 a.m. Sunday school for all ages, and 10:50 a.m. contemporary service on Sunday. A variety of adult ministries, youth and children’s programs are

offered. A user-friendly library is available.

First United Truth Center 1319 Fifth Ave. Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday meetings at 7:30 p.m.

Freedom Fellowship Church

55 Hunsley Rd. Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Amp’d student ministries for junior and senior high students at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Various groups meet during the week.

Hillside Christian Church of Canyon

1701 23rd St. Service times at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Youth at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Jehovah’s Witness 5141 Canyon Dr., Amarillo.

Living Water Christian Fellowship 10100 W. Hwy. 60. Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Kidzone and Momentum at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

New Beginnings Full Gospel Church Meets at Cole Community Center on 300 16th St. Worship services at 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

Oasis Southwest Baptist

Church

8201 Canyon Dr. Worship service on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. Sunday night Bible study at 6 p.m.

Palo Duro Cowboy Church

Hwy. 60, three miles west of Canyon. 9:30 a.m. campfire coffee and 10:30 a.m. cowboy church.

Palo Duro Canyon Church in the canyon June – August. Old West Stables.

Pathpoint Fellowship Church

6215 Canyon Dr. Services at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Youth services at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Rockwell Road Baptist Church

Interstate 27 and Rockwell Rd.

Sunday school at 10 a.m. with services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday and 7:00 p.m. Wednesday.

St. Ann’s Catholic Church

605 38th St. Weekend schedule: Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Christian formation is at 10:20 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sunday. Confession is at 4:15 – 4:45 p.m. Saturday.

St. Paul Lutheran Church

2600 Fourth Ave.

Sunday school at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. church services Sunday; University Bible fellowship at 6:00 p.m. Sunday and all college students are welcome.

Second Avenue Church of Christ

1701 Second Ave.

Sunday services at 10:30 a.m.

Summit Church

2008 12th Ave.

Worship experiences at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday. Services held at 7 p.m. on first Wednesday of each month.

Trinity Fellowship Church

5000 Hollywood Rd.

Service times are at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday. Nursery and children’s ministries are provided for all services.

Twenty-First St. Church of Christ

6th Ave & 21st St. Canyon. Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday worship at 7:30 p.m

University Church of Christ

3400 Conner Dr.

Bible class at 9:30 a.m. and morning worship at 10:25 a.m. with evening worship at 6 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday devotionals and children’s classes start at 7 p.m. (times change with season)

CLUBS AND CIVIC SERVICE

Canyon Lions Club, Canyon’s largest civic club, meets at noon Wednesdays at Cole Community Center on 300 16th St. Anyone is invited to join the club.

Canyon Elk’s Lodge 2887, If you are a member of our Canyon community and want to give back to our great community, the new Can-

yon Elk’s Lodge 2887 might be your new organization.

Lodge 2887 meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 22000 FM 2590, Soncy Road, Canyon TX 79015. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. Contact Ed Yeats at 303-748-8280 or Tim Parker at 806-671-5121 today for membership information.

Canyon Elk’s Share – Canyon Elk’s Cares.

Canyon Masonic Lodge promotes community welfare through helping those in need. Membership dues are collected annually and meetings vary according to schedules. For information, call (806) 655-3001.

Jim Wilson Duplicate Bridge Club and the University Bridge Club, both of which meet at First Methodist Church on 1818 Fourth Ave. Jim Wilson meets at 10 a.m. Mondays and University at 11 a.m. Wednesdays. Residents are invited to attend either or both of these bridge clubs.

Canyon Rotary Club: The club meets at noon Tuesdays in the Buffalo Club Room at First United Bank Center.

Canyon Communications Speech Club is open to anyone who would like to improve his or her communication or public speaking skills. The group meets for a bag lunch at noon Mondays in the University Church of Christ fellowship hall on 3400 Conner Dr. on the south side of the building. Guests and members give short orations, and members critique each other in a good-hearted but educational manner. For information, call (806) 655-0251.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 430, offers alcohol-free, smoke-free, family-oriented opportunities for fellowship and service. Each year, the organization hosts several special events

SERVICES

and has monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the VFW hall on VFW Road northwest of Hunsley Park. Potluck meal served every third Thursday. For more information, call Sid Ricks at (806) 655-0284.

GOLFING

Palo

Duro Creek Golf Course

50 Country Club Dr. (806) 655-1106

Public golf course

Weekday green fees: $25 during the day and $18 after 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday; Weekend green fees: $30 during the day and $20 after 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday; Seniors over 60: $21 on weekdays and $26 on weekends; Juniors 18 and under: $15; Full-time college students age 24 or younger: $21 on weekdays and $26 on weekends; Annual permits: $1080 for an individual, with additional individuals in the family added for $360 each; Student senior permit: $240 for high school seniors and younger good June through August; Senior citizen permits: $690 for single weekday play Features of the course include a practice range and green and a golf shop

Canyon Country Club 19501 Chaparral Rd. (806) 499-3397

Semi-private golf course, which is open to the public

Member guest green fee: $17 for 18 holes or $11 for 9 holes Monday through Thursday; Weekend green fees: $20 for $18 holes and $11 for 9 holes; Seniors, Monday through Thursday, $14 for 18 holes; Non-Member green fee: $20 for 18 holes or $11 for 9 holes Monday through Thursday; Senior green fee $14 for 18 holes Monday through Thursday. To get to the Country Club Golf Course, travel west on the U.S. Highway 60 for about two miles, turn right at the club sign, and travel one more

mile to the club house.

*All rates subject to change.

GROCERY

United Supermarket

201 23rd St.

Offers groceries, a bakery, floral shop and pharmacy

Fully cooked meals also can be purchased at the deli area

Wal-Mart Supercenter 1701 N. 23rd St.

Everything from groceries to the latest fashions

Dollar General

400 Harrell Ln. Groceries, cleaning supplies, cards, clothing and miscellaneous items

HEALTHCARE

Family Medicine Center & Care Express

911 23rd St. (806) 655-2104

www.fmcclinics.com

- 7 days a week, 8am - Midnight

Northwest Texas Physician Group

301 N 23rd St. Ste C (806) 452-5522

www.nwtpg.com M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Faith Medical Clinic 1619 4th Ave. (806) 557-4674 www.faithmedicalclinic.org Gloria Fuller serves as the Family Nurse Practitioner

DERMATOLOGISTS

Canyon Dermotology 1101 4th Ave. (806) 655-7155

Palo Duro Dermatology 2005 N 2nd Ave. Ste. D (806) 510-3376

PHYSICAL

THERAPIST

Canyon Physical Therapy 907 23rd St. (806) 655-6824

CHIROPRACTORS

Canyon Chiropractic 2306 7th Ave. (806) 655-2373

Drs. Nancy Hinders

Kershen Chiropractic 1613 4th Ave. (806) 655-8777

Dr. Russell Kershen

Raef Chiropractic Clinic 402 15th St. (806) 655-1108

Dr. Kevin Raef and sons.

Fuller Chiropractic & Wellness 1205 23rd St., Suite1 (806) 452-8011

Dr. Stephen Fuller

806 Chiropractic 10140 US Hwy 60 (806) 452-7575

Dr. William Braudt

DENTISTS

Dental Group of Canyon 710 23rd St 806-358-7633

Dr. Amy Stephenson

Dr. Brian Wilson 1801 4th Ave (806) 655-1104

Dr. Kenneth A. Crossland 2000 4th Ave (806) 655-4181

Full Smile Dental Group of Canyon 2808 4th Ave Suite B (806) 557-4085

ORTHODONTISTS

Corbin Orthodontics 1801 4th Ave. (806) 655-4481

Harwell & Cook Orthodontics

308 14th St. Suite 200 (806) 353-3593

EYE

CARE

Advanced Eye Care 1801 4th Ave. (806) 655-7748

Dr. Kevin Appel, Dr. Lauren A. Salazar and Dr. Aaron Stephenson

Epsy Vision

3406 4TH Ave Ste B (806) 884-2743

Dr. Amanda Sappington

LAUNDRY

Buffalo Laundry

1302 23rd St.

32 washers and 13 dryers

Cost to wash a load is $1.50

The dryers cost 25 cents for every seven and a half minutes

Chairs and tables available

Palo Duro Laundry 2312 9th Ave.

28 washers and 18 dryers

Cost to wash a load is $1.50

The dryers cost 25 cents for every seven and a half minutes

Tables, rolling baskets and chairs

CLEANERS:

Modern Cleaners 411 16th St 806-655-3611

U.S. Cleaners

2005 N 2nd Ave. Ste A 806-452-8022

LODGING

Canyon plays host to many attractions and sights around the city. Overnight visitors can find lodging in modern hotels, at homey inns, or outside under the Panhandle sky on warm summer nights. Every visitor can find a perfect fit for their traveling needs.

A number of hotels and area bed and breakfasts in Canyon offer a wide variety of amenities for travelers and locals alike.

Holiday Inn Express

Hotel & Suites

2901 Fourth Ave.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, which consists of 66 guest rooms, offers numerous amenities, including spacious rooms, executive whirlpool suites and family options. The

hotel begins each day with a unique express-start breakfast bar. Guests can enjoy free high-speed Internet, on-site self-laundry facilities, an indoor pool, spa and exercise room. Visitors can stay “plugged in” via new technology. Family pets are also welcome guests. Special rates are available for groups, celebrations and family gatherings. To make reservations or secure additional information, individuals are asked to call (806) 655-4445 or go online to www.hiexpress.com.

Hampton Inn & Suites

Canyon

3101 4th Ave.

Brand New hotel in winter 2022.

Find us in Canyon, 30-minutes south of Amarillo. We are one mile from West Texas A&M University and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is a 15-minute walk away. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a 15-minute drive, offering many hiking trails including the Lighthouse Trail. Relax on our patio or take a dip in our indoor pool. Call (806) 4520044 to make reservations or go online to https://www. hilton.com/en/hotels/amacthx-hampton-suites-canyon/

Palo Duro Best Western Inn and Suites

2801 Fourth Ave.

Guests in the 55 modern suites and rooms can take advantage of an indoor pool and hot tub, high-speed Internet connections (wireless and hard wire), free local calls, in-room hair dryers and coffee makers, DVD/VCR and free HBO/CNN/ESPN cable hookups. The hotel is pet friendly. To make reservations or secure information, individuals may call (806) 655-1818.

Buffalo Inn

300 23rd St.

Cable, HBO and ESPN television service, along with free high speed wireless Internet, are among the free services offered to patrons of the

Buffalo Inn at 300 23rd St.

Located across the street from the WTAMU campus, the facility is near the museum and a number of eating establishments. Free summer breakfast is available, along with a refrigerator and microwave. Groups are welcome and winter weekly rates and senior citizen discounts are offered. For reservations or information, call (806) 655-2124 or (800) 526-9968 or go online to www.buffaloinncanyontx. com.

Buffalo Junction Guest Home

1818 Fifth Ave.

This guest home is located in the heart of Canyon within walking distance to the downtown square and West Texas A&M University. The house was built in 1920 and has high ceilings and original wood floors. The kitchen has everything you need to make a home-cooked meal, and there is also a laundry room with a washer and dryer for your convenience. Cable TV and WiFi are provided, as well as a book nook, DVD collection, board games and outdoor games. Outdoor space offers seating and a barbecue grill. For reservation or information, call (806) 570-4508.

Hudspeth House

1905 Fourth Ave.

The historic Hudspeth House was built in 1909 and operated as a boarding house for some faculty at West Texas Normal College, now recognized as West Texas A&M University. Mrs. Hudspeth, who was among the first faculty at the college, hired a cook and entertained students and staff. Artist Georgia O’Keefe ate her meals in the house during her two years on staff at the college. The home later was owned by private individuals and became a bed and breakfast in 1987. It is now the most unique lodging accommodation in Canyon, offering seven beautifully appointed rooms. Rates range

SERVICES

from $105-$155 per night and include a delicious full breakfast. Call (806) 655-9800 or go online at www.hudspethinn.com to make reservations.

Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast

100 Brentwood Rd.

Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast sits on the northern branch of the Palo Duro Canyon, surrounded by a green oasis with nearly 100-year-old elm trees and skirted by the colorful canyon walls. The three cabins offer guests a relaxing and romantic getaway. The bed and breakfast also serves as a wedding venue. Call at (806) 622-2382. On weekend mornings, Starlight Canyon offers a hot, homecooked breakfast delivered to rooms to allow guests to stay in the comfort of the cabins. During the week, a continental-style breakfast with homemade cinnamon rolls is available. Check-in time is from 4 – 6 p.m., but arrangements can be made if guests make a request. Check-out time is 11 a.m., but many guests find it hard to leave. For an additional $55, a late checkout can be accommodated.

The Cottage Guest Home

2010 Third Ave.

The Cottage Guest Home, built in 1948, is like a home away from home. It is located two blocks from West Texas A&M University and is also near many shops. Amenities include household conveniences such as a guest snack basket, linens, towels and wash cloths, toiletries, a blow dryer, a front load washer and dryer, laundry soap and dryer sheets, robes, a Keurig coffee machine and coffee, high-speed Internet, cable television, a DVD collection and a kitchen furnished with all one needs to whip up a meal. Fun things to do include a hot tub, a patio and grill, a garden sitting area, four bicycles, a game closet, an outdoor washers board and a

book nook. Special packages are priced in addition to nightly rates.

The honeymoon/romantic getaway includes a choice of wine or sparkling cider, a cheese and cracker tray, and a scented candle tray for bedroom or hot tub area. The girls’ weekend package offers a paraffin wax treatment, facial masks and an ice cream and toppings set-up. The couples’ vision retreat allows for time to step away from busy schedules and refocus.

To make reservations or for more information, call (806) 223-3233, or go online to http://www.thecottageguesthome.com.

For those who would rather “rough it,” the Canyon area has three RV parks. Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers primitive and backpacking camping sites, four primitive cow camp cabins and a trio of three-quarter century old cabins with canyon views.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Sites at Palo Duro Canyon are available by phoning (512) 389-8900 for reservations.

Available are:

- Primitive and backpacking cabin, four persons, $12

- Campsites with electricity and water, four persons, $20

- Four primitive cow camp cabins, no water, two persons, $55

- Three 1930s-era cabins with views of the canyon: Lighthouse and Goodnight, $100; larger Sorenson cabin, $115. Each has restrooms. Four persons. Pets allowed.

RV PARKS:

Palo Duro Mobile RV & Mobile Home Park, I-27 and Texas 217; phone 4882548.

West Rim RV Park - Located at state park entrance; 488-2241; nightly charges

and special rates for senior citizens, military, police and firemen; gift shop and convenience store open at 8 a.m.

Woodall’s - U.S. Hwy. 60; west of Canyon.

Palo Duro Lodging RV Park – 24501 Hix Rd, 806680-3401

The Silos at Canyon RV Park - 19671 City Lake Rd

SERVICES

Canyon’s City Hall 301 16th St.

City of Canyon Business Office (806) 655-5003

Water, trash and sewer services

Canyon Police Department (806) 655-5005

Local traffic tickets and citations for Class C misdemeanor offenses

Animal control officer

Randall County Finance Building 501 16th St.

Tax assessor-collector (806) 468-5540

Voter Administration (806) 468-5539

Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace (806) 468-5606

Traffic fines and other citations given within the precinct

Randall County Justice Center 2309 Russell Long Blvd. County and district clerks’ offices

ELECTRICITY

Xcel Energy (800) 8951999

NATURAL GAS

Atmos Energy (888) 2866700

CABLE

SuddenLink (806) 3584801

RESTAURANTS

If it’s good eats or a sweet treat, Canyon residents have good reason to stay close to home, with a wide variety of choices.

13|30 Coffee, 201 26th St.

Bear’s Burgers & Dawgs, 2001-A North 2nd Ave.

Benchwarmers Sports Grill, 1512 5th Ave Ste 204

Best Thai Restaurant, 210 23rd St.

Braum’s, 1101 23rd St.

Buenos Dias, 1202 23rd St.

Buffs, 2201 4th Ave

Burger King, 1301 23rd St.

Cake Company, 1502 5th Ave.

Canyon Steak Co., 410 15th St

Chicken Express, 2106 N. 2nd Ave.

Creek House Honey Farm, 5005 4th Ave.

Dominos, 301 N. 23rd St Ste. B

Double Eagle Grill & More, 50 Country Club Dr

El Tapatio, 2301 12th Ave.

Fat Boy’s Bar-B-Q, 104 23rd St.

Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner, 2100 N. 2nd Ave.

Flex Nutrition, 204 23rd St.

Hero

Nutrition, 1911 4th Ave

Hil’s Burgers, 1302 23rd St.

Joe Taco, 502 15th St.

Journey Coffee, 3406 4th Ave.

King and I, 104 15th St.

Jack B. Kelley Food Court (WTAMU campus)

La Bella Pizza, 700 23rd St.

Little Ceaser’s Pizza, 306 23rd St.

Mama DeLuca’s inside Walmart, 1701 N. 23rd St.

McDonald’s, 200 23rd St.

Mickey’s Place, 1512 5th Ave.

Palace Coffee Company, 420 15th St.

Pepito’s Mexican Restaurante, 408 23rd St.

Pizza Hut, 110 23rd St.

Pony Express Burritos, 2808 4th Ave. Unit C

Ranch House Cafe, 810 23rd St.

Rockin’ Zebra Soda Shoppe, 404 15th St.

Sayakomarn’s Thai and Lao Cuisine, 419 16th St.

Schlotzsky’s Deli, 901 23rd St.

Sonic Drive-In, 1007 23rd St.

Subway, 102 N. 23rd St.

Subway inside Walmart, 1701 N. 23rd St.

SERVICES

Taco Bell, 611 23rd St.

Taco Villa, 110 North 23rd St.

Texas Rose Steakhouse, 2811 4th Ave.

Thai Kitchen, 713 23rd St.

United Supermarket Deli, 201 23rd St.

Wendy’s, 407 23rd St.

Varsity Coffee, 2320 4th Ave

SHOPPING

Places to Shop in Canyon

Ace Hardware, 900 23rd St.

Burrowing Owl, 400 15th St.

Canyon Popcorn Co., 2304 4th Ave

Canyon’s Edge Plants, 1401 5th Ave

Creation’s by MikEE Jewelry, 1607 4th Ave

Creek House Honey Farm, 5005 4th Ave.

Crimson Stoneworks, 1517 4th Ave.

Dollar General, 400 Harrell Ln.

HR’s Flowers & Gifts, 2010 4th Ave.

Luxe Lane, 419 16th St.

Marsha Clements Art, 1608 4th Ave.

Palo Duro Canyon Visitor & Gift Center, 11450 Park Rd 5.

Palo Duro Canyon Outfitters, 1601 4th Ave.

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Gift Shop, 2503 4th Ave.

Pink Cadillac Boutique, 307 Country Club Dr.

ReUze It Again, 1513 4th Ave.

Restoration Chic, 2316 4th Ave.

Runningwater Dry Goods, 418 15th St.

Ruthette’s, 416 15Th St.

Sad Monkey Mercantile, 9800 TX-217

Stevens Flowers & Gifts, 1515 4th Ave.

TEXAS Musical Ticket Office & Gift Shop, 1514 5th Ave.

The Marketplace, 1606

4th Ave.

The Purple Zebra Boutique, 404 15th St.

The Rack Boutique, 1609 4th Ave.

The Sport Zone & Blessed Buffalo Boutique, 2306 4th Ave.

Thompson’s Gift Shop, 405 16th St.

United Supermarkets, 201 N 23rd St.

Walmart, 1701 N 23rd St.

Weathered Elements, 1521 4th Ave.

West Texas A&M University Bookstore, 101 25th St.

West Texas Western Store, 1206 23rd St.