South Plains Irrigation helping PlainsIrrigationhelping growers tap precious resource tappreciousresource outlook Agriculture 2025
By Teresa Young SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
In a time when ongoing
draught anddiminishing water are common challenges, growers depend heavily on business partners like South Plains Irrigation to keep them connected tothe precious resource For Daniel Smith, owner of the Olton-based business since 1998 that’s the biggest motivation.
“We really strive to be partners with our customers, and our goal is really to go above and beyond to meet their needs. I grew up on a farm and the majority of my employees
– whether they are office
staff, service staff or sales
staff – all grew up in this agricultural community and we have a lifelong tie tothis way of life,” said Smith. “The reality is that we do a lot of consultation with people to help them make decisions on what
is best for their farm and their particular operation.”
South Plains Irrigation dealssolely in agricultural irrigation and electrical workrelated to agriculture. They sell and install center pivot and sub-surface dripirrigation systems. For center pivots, they are a dealer for Zimmatic brand and sell various vendors on the drip side primarily Irritec products and Fresno filter systems.
The company also providesservice for all these productsto keep growers going strong during the growing season South Plains Irrigation has 30plus year-round employees and brings on extra workers during the summer busyseason, and he said the majority of service work is electrical Smith said he likes to hire area high school students for summer work and train them in the industry so they can be full-time
employees once they complete school
The company covers a wide area of farms, mostly due totheir long-time reputation for quality service and partially due to fewer such businesses operating now. Smith said he is willing to serve any customer who reaches out, and the business continues to growon the sub-surface side.
Smith said the irrigation industry has changed somewhat over the years, withtheearlyyears ruled by the center pivot and few adopting the novelty drip model. Today, he says, that is changing dramatically.
“Right now, the driver behind the increased sales of dripis through the Farm Service Agency cost-share programs from the governmentto move toward dripirrigation We have more than 3,000 acres to install, and we’re selling more every day,” he ex-
plained.
“Definitely the tide has turned toward the sub-surface dripirrigation in this part of the country. We have done that installation all over the region.”
Smith said the change comes from the realization that the water table is limited and the drought has not helped it replenish much over the past few decades. The government subsidies are a measure toward conservationof this valuable resource
“Rather than watering to evaporate, you are putting it directly intothe ground You can also put your fertilizers directly intothe root zone through the drip and that allows you to use less of those products,” he said “It’s a much more efficient way to raise a crop, not just in water application but with fertility as well.”
And the growth is not expected to subside as long as the government is helping provide the funding
to install such systems, Smith said “We can actually see what we’ll be doing two years ahead of ourselves with all the funding available out there. What we’re selling today we won’t be installing until the fall. We’ll do everything we can up until it’s time to plant crops, ” he said “I’ve never been able to forecast what I would be doing 18-24 months ahead until recently I have been in thisindustry for many years and have never seen it like this
“For the agricultural community, it’s definitely a greatthing and very helpful to get a lot of this converted The downside for us on the drip versus pivot is the service requirements after the fact There is still a service demand but itis much less and much less costly.”
Still, Smith sees a great reward in serving the farming community that pours so much into the area
economy and keeps the nation providing important commodities
“There is a misconception by people not involved in agriculture that farmers are all rich But itis one of the most stressful ways to make a living You are subjectto the weather and the whims of the government,” said Smith, noting he watched his father farmer struggle and was encouraged to find other work But assistinggrowers is a passion, not just a career.
“My personality has always been to help farmers, and years ago everyone helped each other out. By growing up that way, I had a natural bent to help people, and it’s rewarding to us as individuals to help other people,” he says “But also God rewards us for helping, and it’s all tied together The only way to live in this environment is to have faith.”
New leadership helping leadershiphelping Lighthouse Electric continue service legacy servicelegacy
By Teresa Young SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
Recent changes in leadership at Lighthouse Electric Cooperative may mean new faces, but customers who rely on the coop to keep their irrigation systems running can still count on the superior service that Lighthouse has maintained for years.
Theelectric co-operative serves a 12-county area that includes Briscoe, Childress, Collingsworth Cottle, Crosby, Dickens, Donley, Floyd, Hale, Hall, Motley and Swisher counties And since they’ve been around since 1938 headquartered in Floydada, they are quite familiar withthe agriculture landscape and the challenges.
The scarcity of ground waterremains a constant hurdle for many cotton growers, and Lighthouse’s emphasisis on power-
ing irrigation wells for farmers as well as ranchers with stock wells In a highly agricultural area that consistently turns out high percentages of the state’s cotton production that means they stay busy And on the road.
“We cover 3,805 square miles, which is about the size of Delaware and Rhode Island,” noted Mike Green Director of Member Services and an 8-year Lighthouse employee. “We serve about 9,300 meters within our co-op, and some customers have 30-40 meters on their property Many are adding services regularly, so we are busy.”
Green said the staffing changes have come about due to retirements of several long-term employees
Lighthouse named Tate Glasscock its new Operations Manager, a 23-year employee who moved up from lineman to service
supervisorover the years.
He moved intothe role on October 1 and replaces Danny Nixon, who retires in March after 47 years withthe co-op.
Named new Line Superintendent was Rusty Hopper, a nine-year employee who was previously the Underground Foreman. Hopperreplaces Johnny Gourdon, who will retire at theend of January after 51 years of service. Manuel Martinez, who has been with Lighthouse for 16 years, is the new Underground Foreman.
New additions tothe Lighthousestaff include David Green Mike’s son and a Marine Corps veteranand Motley County EMT, who joined in summer 2024 as warehouse manager. In the Memphis area, Cam Washington is the new Line Superintendent, replacing a summer retiree. Washington is an 11-year employee of Light-
house.
Alongside the changes, Lighthouse has celebrated one of its own earning some special recognition.
Brad Jackson,namedto a new Safety and Training Coordinator position a few years ago, earned the professional designation of Certified Loss Control Professional in 2024 after two and a half years of classwork and completing a major project. He was also invited to join the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association.
“We have regular safety meetings with our linemen and review safety practices withthem PPE requirements, vehicle safety and such When you are dealing with 200-volts of electricity it’s not very forgiving,” noted Green.
“So that extra designation is helping protect our people even better and helping them prevent any
problems.”
Jackson started with Lighthouse asa lineman himself and has worked his way through the leadershipin his 25-year career with the co-op, honored recently for the milestone.
Besides the changes, Lighthouse employees have been busy drilling new irrigation wells for cotton growers, a typical winter activity as producers prepare for spring planting Green said while supply chain delays occurring during and after the COVID pandemic have returned to normal, the increasing costs of supplies has remained That cost increase on pole, wire and materials have had an impact on the growers thatare Lighthouse’s customers.
Something that has never changed over the years is Lighthouse’s commitment to supporting the com-
munities that they serve as customers. They sponsor the Hale County 4-H banquet meal each year as well as the Gold Star 4-H banquets in Lubbock and Amarillo held each fall. They also support the 4-H and FFA students in Hale, Hall, Donley, Floyd, Briscoe, Crosby and Motley Counties as well as the Idalou show.
Lighthouse also is part of the nationwide Youth Tour Contestthat happens in February The contest, which will now be an interview contest, honors the top two high school students from the co-op’s coverage area with $1,500 scholarships and a 10-day trip to Washington, D.C., that involves some very special experiences, says Green Lighthouse can be reached at (806) 983-2814 or at their offices at 703 A Highway 70 East in Floydada.
Service Gin providing super service providin superservice from fourth-generation operators fromfourth-generation
By Teresa Young
SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
Plainview and area cotton growers have enough challenges withthe ongoing drought conditions and rising costs. So it helps to have partners in their business who understand their situation and work to improve their profit margins.
For 70-plus years, that has been Service Gin, located on the northeast side near Seth Ward The family-owned business is one of the few of its kind still in the area, committed to serving the agricultural families who are so valuable tothe areaeconomy.
“One thing that separates us is that we are very hands-on for customers throughout the process. Thisis all we do, and we put all of our attention on growing relationships with producers. We want our business to succeed because it means they succeed as well,” says Brandon Pritchard, owner and manager. “We recognize that the farmer is first If they don’t succeed, all the other ag-supported businesses won’t succeed either We like cotton of course, but we like other commodities too because it takes everyone for this area to succeed.” Pritchard takes great pride in carrying on the tradition of service started by his great-grandfather, V.E. Pritchard,
who builtthe gin in 1953 Brandon’s grandfather, Jack Pritchard, then ran the gin, followed by Brandon’s father, Randy, and mom Cindy, who marketed cotton for the business for 40 years. After their retirement five years ago, Brandon and wife Liz took over the family business.
A native of Plainview who grew up around the gin, is a 1989 graduate of Plainview High and a 1993 graduate of Baylor University. After college,he lived in the Dallas area and worked for American Airlines He returned to his hometown in 2001 to help his parents withthe business and took over the helm at theirretirement.
“It was an opportunity at the time to come help my folks, to step in and provide help withthe technology that was changing so much It was an opportunityto keep the family business moving forward and progressing,” he said “It’s always been family running the gin, so we decided to stay.”
Service Gin has six fulltime employees with another 20-30 added in the busyseason. Like many of their counterparts around the region, Service gins cotton for 40-50 growers around Plainview, including those in Lockney, Floydada, Kress, Cotton Center and other cities
They also market the ginned cotton and sell the cotton seed through a broker, primarily to oil mills
and dairies in the area
Pritchard said the changing technology has helped his industry become more efficient, which is good for boththe gin and its customers.
“Assome ofour irrigation resources are diminishing, we have to maximize what we have Technology is one of those resources, and it’s the same in the gin as on the farm,” he said “Input costs for farming is skyrocketing, and with commodity prices as low as they are, it can really be tough. We rely on tech-
nology to be efficient so we can keep our gin prices as low as possible.”
The Pritchards say providing exceptional customer service is one of their hallmarks, along with support for their community Service Gin regularly supports the local stock show and sports programs Their commitmenttothe area is evident both in their day to day work and in their support for youth.
As for the cotton harvest, Pritchard said the fall of 2024 was a pleasant surprise. But 2025 remains a
mystery.
“The fall crop was about double the volume of the last couple of years. There was potential for considerably more had we gotten more timely rains in late summer. It was improvement but still below our average, Brandon said
“The challenges that we have asanagricultural business always bring uncertainty. The challenges are going to continue into the near future based on the commodity prices and inputs It sounds like there will be some govern-
ment relief payments for producers, which is much needed, but ultimately we need the commodity prices to improve.”
What’s not uncertain?
The Pritchards resolve to serving the area growers with heart.
“We have prided ourselves on serving this community for 72 years now, and there are not many other local businesses going this long much less in the same family,” said Brandon. “We are init for the long haul We’re committed.”
Agricultural forecast has more challenges ahead morechallengesahead
By Teresa Young SPECIAL TOTHE HER-
The agricultural workforce is shrinking, and has been for some time The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates there are roughly 2.4 million farm jobs that need to be filled annually, butthere has been a drastic decline in workers each year
There are a number of reasons for the shortages The AFBF says more than 73 percent of farm workers are immigrants from South America and Mexico While the United States H2-A visa program, which allows employers who meet specific requirements to bring foreign laborers in for temporary work has increased the number of accepted applications for immigrantsto 250,000, this number is still just a drop in the bucket in terms of labor needs.
Another factor is a career in agriculture isn’t always easy or lucrative According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, for every dollar spent on food, a farmer receives only 7.6 cents. Farmers were predicted to lose 9.7 percent of total net income in 2021
Declining interest in the field has also affected the number of farm workers. As more farm operators reach retirement age, fewer young farmers are replacing them due to volatile pricing, high real estate and land costs, steep initial machinery investment costs, and other factors. The physical demand of the industry also takes its toll So what does this mean for the agricultural industry?
Many with knowledge of the industry indicate sweeping changes are warranted Ellen Poes-
chi, the project director for the National Association of Agricultural Educators Teach Ag campaign, hassaid that a lack of agricultural education is contributing tothe problem. Increasing availability of ag education courses across the country could build interest in the industry
Connecting studentsto internships or mentors may help, too.
Another option is to rally for greater economic opportunities in agriculture. The ag industry in general needs to find ways to make the economic benefits more competitive to other industries, and improve the working conditions and job flexibility Agricultural industries currently average only 60 percent of what other industries offer in salaries Farm wages have been rising due tothe H-2A program, which requires farm worker pay to be higher than the state/ federal minimum wage More change is needed, butthis may have to come at the federallevel or be sparked by efforts on the part of agriculturaladvocacy groups
Additional strategies farm operators can employ to combat shortages are: scaling back farm operations; integrating ag technology to reduce labor burdens; pivoting to crops that require fewer laborers; leasing portions of land to have extra money; employing temporary guest workers; and moving operations abroad
Worker shortages continue to be problematic for the agricultural industry A greater focus on remedying the issue is needed on a grand scale.
Scientists Leverage AI LeverageAI to Fast-Track Methane Mitigation Strategies in Animal Agriculture
By Maribel Alonso
BUSHLAND, Texas,
Jan. 8, 2025– A new study from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Iowa State University (ISU) reveals that generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help expedite the search for solutions to reduce enteric methaneemissionscaused by cows in animal agriculture, which accounts for about 33 percent of U.S. agriculture and 3 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
“Developing solutions to address methaneemissions from animal agriculture is a critical priority
Our scientists continue to use innovative and data-drivenstrategiestohelp cattle producers achieve emission reduction goals that will safeguard theenvironment and promote a more sustainable future for agriculture,” said ARS Administrator Simon Liu.
One of these innovative solutionsstarts in the cow’sstomach, where microorganisms contribute to enteric fermentation and cause cows to belch methane as part of normal digestion processes. The
team of scientists found a group of compound molecules capable of inhibiting methane production in the largest of the cow’s four stomach compartments, the rumen, which can be tested to help mitigate methaneemissions.
One molecule in particular bromoform, which is naturally found in seaweed, has been identified by the scientificcommunity to demonstrate properties that can result in reducing cattleenteric methane production by 80-98 percent when fed to cattle. Unfortunately, bromoform is known to be a carcinogen, limiting its potential use in cattle for food safety reasons. Therefore, scientists continue to search for molecules with similar potential to inhibit enteric methane. However, this type of research presents challenges of being especially time-consuming and expensive.
In response tothese challenges, a team of scientists at the ARS Livestock Nutrient Management Research Unit and ISU’s Department of Chemicaland Biological Engineering combined generative AI
with large computational models to jumpstartthe quest for bromoform-like molecules that can do the same job withouttoxicity.
“We are using advanced molecularsimulationsand AI to identify novel methane inhibitors based on the properties of previously investigated inhibitors [like bromoform], butthat aresafe,scalable,andhave a large potential to inhibit methaneemissions,” said Matthew Beck, a research animal scientist working with ARS at the time the study was completed and is nowwith Texas A&M University’s Department of Animal Science. “Iowa State University is leading the computer simulation and AI work while ARS is taking the lead inidentifying compounds and truth testing them using a combinationof in vitro [laboratory] and in vivo [live cattle] studies.”
Publicly available databases that contained scientific data collected from previous studies on the cows ’ rumen were used to build large computational models. AI along with these models, was used to predictthe behaviorof molecules and to identify
those that can be further tested in a laboratory The results from the laboratory tests feed the computer models for AI to make more accurate predictions, creating a feedback loop process known asa graph neural network.
“Our graph neural network is a machine learning model, which learns the properties of molecules, including details of the atoms and the chemical bonds that hold them, while retaining useful information aboutthe molecules’ properties to help us study how they are likely to behave in the cow’sstomach,” said ISU Assistant Professor Ratul Chowdhury. “We studied their biochemical fingerprint to identify what makes them do the job successfully as opposed to the other fiftythousand molecules thatare lurking around in the cow’s rumen but don’t actively stop the productionof methane.”
“Thisstudy successfully demonstrated that fifteen molecules cluster very close to each other in what we call a ‘functional methanogenesisinhibition space, meaning they seem to contain the same en-
teric methane inhibition potential, chemical similarity, and cell permeability as bromoform,” added Chowdhury.
Scientists believe AI can playa significant role in understanding how known molecules interact with both proteins and the microbial community of the rumen andthereby discover novel molecules and potentially key interactions within the rumen microbiome This type of predictive modeling can be particularly helpful for animal nutritionists.
“There are other promising strategies currently available to mitigate enteric methaneemissions, butthe available solutions are relatively limited, said USDA-ARS Research Leader Jacek Koziel “This is why combining AI with laboratory research, through iterative refinement, is a valuable scientific tool AI can fast-forward the research and accelerate these several pathways thatanimal nutritionists, researchers, and companies can pursue to get us closer to a very ambitious goal of limiting greenhouse gas emissions and helping mitigate cli-
mate change.”
The study also presents a total computational and monetary cost breakdown to conductthis research on a per molecule basis. This analysis was conducted to show an estimate of potential costs and foreseeable pitfalls of this research This estimate can be used to guide decision-making on investments for this type of research to be done entirely in a laboratory.
Chowdhury, Beck and Koziel are co-authors in the paper published in Animal Frontiers, along with Nathan Frazier (ARS) and Logan Thompson (Kansas State University). Mohammed Sakib Noor, an ISU graduate student, is working with Chowdhury to develop the graph neural networks.
The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific inhouse research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economicimpact.
Valley Ag Electric keeping growers going strong
By Teresa Young SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
Keeping area growers going strong through center-pivot irrigation systems is the main mission of Valley Ag Electric Based in Olton and featuring a location in Plainview as well, the business offers a variety ofoptions for producers who need the valuable irrigation to have successful growing seasons.
“We sell Valley pivot systems and install any brand of systems. We alsoservice pivots and irrigation wells anddo repairs on these,” noted Christy De La Cruz, bookkeeper for the business for the past four years. “We serve people in Olton and Plainview as well as Kress, Floydada,
Dimmitt, Lubbock, Levelland and as far as New Mexico and El Paso, about a 100-mile radius of customers.”
Valley Ag Electricis celebrating 40 years in business in 2025 opened in Olton by Nicky Smith. When Nicky passed away in 2000, his brother Ricky took over the business. Then when Ricky was ready to retire, he offered to sell the business to longtime employee JJ Guerrero, who started in 1988 asa serviceman for Nicky and took the opportunity about five years ago to move into ownership.
That set in motion a family-owned and operated business where much of Guerrero’s family members spend their days alongside him making Valley Ag Electric the
successful business it has been for decades. Christy’s sister, Connie Guerrero, is the office manager and has worked at Valley Ag for 30-plus years. JJ’s wife, Ana Hernandez, is a driver for the company who has her CDL license.
“There is a lot of family that works together here,” Christy noted. “In the office itself, twoof JJ’s daughters work here Our brother, Uvaldo Rivera, is the service manager and grew up close to JJ in the 1970s and 80s. Uvaldo worked for Nicky as well and has worked in the irrigation business for 30plus years.”
The Plainview store is run by JJ’s son-in-law Isaiah Garcia as manager, salesman and operatorof the company’s technology app used by producers to con-
trol the pivots His wife Gabby, JJ’s daughter, and Christy’sson Antonio De La Cruz work in parts at the Plainview location.
A total of 28 employees work for Valley Ag Electric Within the Valley umbrella is Blair Ag, a pivot insurance business run by Dereck Blair, with Christy helping asan insurance agent. That convenience is appreciated by customers who may need to do several kinds of business in one stop In addition, JJ Guerrero also owns JAG Trenching, and two employees work for that entity.
That family mentality extends from the employees totheir customers, many of whom are several generations deep into farming. According to Christy, that makes their job even
morerewarding as they serve those who are the economic heart and soul of the area.
“To see the farmer do well with his crop, we enjoy that When they hurt, we hurt Like the Bible says, when they rejoice, we rejoice, she said “We are tied together like a family in the agriculture world. We all just continue to pray they do well.”
Christy added that watching families hand down their farming interest to sons or grandsons is also an enjoyable part of the work at Valley Ag Electric
The company works with generations of growers and enjoys encouraging them through the challenges of the industry.
“We don’t like to see when the water situation really makes it hard on our
farmers. They give it their all and have a real heart and passion for farming. There is so much against them, but honestly their faith keeps them going as they put itin God’s hands, she said The Valley Ag family prides itself on being available to growers around the clock because they know time is of the essence in the agriculture world.
“We are available 24/7 to help growers during the busy season, and our folks keep their phones on to be able to help them,” Christy said “We understand their needs and emergencies because they are the ones keeping us in business. We need them to get a crop out andthey need us to keep them going.”
GROWING
opportunityforbusiness
PlainviewTexas is GROWINGOPPORTUNITY for business andindustry. An
HIGHWAYS: Interstate 27 is partofthe Ports-to-PlainsTrade Corridor, plus U.S. Hwy 70, TX Hwy 194, FM Hwy 400
BUSINESSPARK: The 160-acre acre Plainview-Hale County Business Park has“ShovelReady” lots immediatelyavailable.
AIRPORT: Runway lengthsof6,000’ and4,000’, pavedwithlights andinstruments.Charterandprivate facilities. JetFuelavailable. Commercialairserviceonmajor carriers within 40 minutes.
LOWTAXES: Plainview andHaleCountyare business friendly. Texas is oneoffew states with no personal income taxorstate propertytax.
INEXPENSIVE ENERGY: Plainviewand Hale County enjoy electric andnatural gasrates thatareamong thelowestinthe nation.
LOWDEVELOPMENTCOSTS:Localpermittinganddevelopmentis inexpensive,easyandquick.
City provides valuable services for resident forresident safety, qualify of life oflife
By Teresa Young SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
Though many go unnoticed, many of Plainview’s heroes work for the city and help provide services and facilities that ensure safety, security and quality of lifeforresidents.
Entities like the Plainview Police Department and the PlainviewFireDepartment are probably more visible, with patrolofficers working all over town to ensure
safety in the streets and fire trucks and ambulances responding to needs ranging from auto accidents to house fires.
Butthe city boasts many other employees who work tirelessly to make sureresidents have what they need One of the most vital is the water department, which ensures water lines are maintained or repaired so homes and businesses have complete access tothis precious resource They also operate the wastewater treatment
plantto ensure high quality cleanwaterinPlainview taps Thecityalsooperatestrash removal through the alley dumpsters, the landfill and the recycling plant which helps residents preserve theearth’s resources and keep their homes clean. The parks department works regularly to keep those green spaces clean and safefor visitors of all ages, and they are regularly working on ideas to updatethose.
“We are constantlylooking at ways to update our parks, such as the new system at Broadway Park that is interactiveelectronically That department does a great job of maintaining the parks and moving forward with projects,” noted Jeff Johnston, interim city manager after holding the assistant manager title since 2019 “We are starting discussions now on playground systems and replacing those at Kidsville that need some work.”
The city owns and operates
the Fair Theater on Broadway, which the city rents regularly to businesses and private individuals for everything from weddings to corporate meetings The Main Street office works to growbusiness in the city’s growing downtown area and promotes other projects to gather residents, such as the Christmas parade andthe Red, White and Moo Milkfest in July
Theeconomic development corporation works to add industry and businesses to the city offerings
as well. The health department offers immunizations and tracks restaurant safety and other public health concerns.
Johnston also notedthose in code enforcement, building inspectors and the fire marshal, all of whom monitor the safety ofbuildings around the city and keep weeds and debris in check through regular inspections of residentialareas. And since
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city’s finance department is
“Our finance department is constantly watching revenues and expenditures on a daily basis to make sure we’re taking care of taxpayer money and stay within our budgets,” he noted. “We have a strong capital improvement program and are a proactive group, trying to stay in front of the issues With
CIP, we start working on things as we know about them, then forecast things coming down the road We address issues most of the time before it ever comes up.”
Johnston noted that 2025 is seeing the wrap of several older projects and the start of some new initiatives. Among the old are thesoftballfieldupdatesin Runningwater Draw Park and the baseball fields in Broadway Park that were part of the 2017-18 bond projects
The city is also wrapping
up the police station that is now housed in the former city hall, primarily the outside issues While the interior has been complete and occupied for quite some time, the city found structural damage to some outer elementsthat necessitated additional repairs. That work and landscaping updates – which included the removal of several dead trees and the additionof awnings over several windows – is set to be completed soon An open house forresidents will be heldsoon after completion.
Johnston also noted that Phase Twoof the downtown streetscape project will begin soon with the similar design tothe Broadway enhancements continued on AshStreet between 5th and 6th Streets. And the search for funding is underway to construct a new airport terminal building in a projectthat is a partnership between the city and Hale County.
Of particular interest to residents, a new animal shelter has been approved and the design work begun by city planners
“This is one project I have been excited about since I started. Iknow a lot of people think it’s been on the back burner, but it is back on the front and it will be a really neat project,” said Johnston, noting the new facility will be located in the same plot of land as the current shelter
off Southwest Third, constructed adjacent to the facility andthen the old facility demolished “We looked at other locations, butthis will help us save taxpayer money and still get a new shelter that we need.”
Johnston said 2025 already has lots of projects on tap, and he expects 2026 to include lots of work on infrastructureregarding water and sewer due to aging lines.
“Our mission very much is economically driven as well as quality of lifefor our citizens, and it’s one of those things people don’t realize we do provide,” he said “We are always working on economic development and constantly working on bringing in more businesses here.”
Two new eateries are biggest news in economic ineconomic development locally
By Teresa Young SPECIAL
Plainview residents are excitedly awaiting the arrival of two new restaurant chains in the city as construction concludes on what Kristi Aday calls the biggest economic developmentnews for the first quarter of the new year. Aday executive director withthe Plainview Hale County Economic Development Corporation, said the additionof the ChickFil-A restaurant, which is going up now next tothe Zips Car Wash in the 4100 block of Olton Road, is a projectthat has been more than two years in the making.
“Ittook us some time to getthat deal pulled together and the property,” noted Aday “The lot was owned by the city so it was easy to work out. We did have to get it rezoned for commercial use as it was dedicated to drainage for the (Runningwater) Draw years ago and had to be reconfigured.”
The new Whataburger, which is nearing completion on Olton Road next to Starbucks, will also be open in the first quarter of 2025, Aday noted. She said while that project was not as involved as the Chick-Fil-A project, she said the city was involved in preparing the property for Graco Developmentto gettheentire plat ready to recruit businesses like the Texas burger chain.
While most residents are unaware of the “behind the scenes ” work that goes into additions like these, Aday said her office is actively workingwiththosewithinterest in coming tothe city The added traffic down
Interstate 27 has attracted more potential businesses and she said the “ChickFil-Aeffect”maycomeinto play for Plainview, bringing more businesses who watch where the chicken franchise locates.
“The Port to Plains development is making this area pretty attractive to franchises and I believe Chick-Fil-A was looking at highway development for their location so they could be seen more off the highway. They actually asked for a taller sign so they can be seen better,” Aday said She added that Plainview is becoming a hub for travelers to stop between Lubbock and Amarillo since there are so few other choices right off the interstate.
“Therearebetween20,000
and 22,000 cars going through Plainview on I-27 every day, so that intersection (at Highway 70) will continue to be important. And there is still plenty of roomoutthere to develop on the feeder roads going both directions,” said Aday optimistically “Transportation and economic development are linked Efficienttransportation systems playa pivotal role in shaping theeconomy and growth of a community, and I-27 has certainly done that for Plainview and Hale County.”
Adayalsonotedthat“green industry is still very active and many businesses are considering moves to Texas. Requests for information and interest from suchcompanies comes regularly to Aday who said
she’s excited about what might be coming in the future. She noted that one man is finalizing details to relocate his business to Plainview from Houston to be near the hub of dairies in and around the city and area.
“One arm of his business builds large fans to help cool the cows in dairies, like ceiling fans, and he also has a system that helpsspray the cows and cool them using AI technology,” explained Aday
“This is another agriculture-adjacent business, and those are the kind of things Plainview can really handle.”
She said the location and traffic patterns are keeping Plainview a viable partner in the economic development game and it has
been exciting to see what has come down the pike Interstate 27 is part of the 963-mile Ports-to-Plains Corridor that spans 26 Texas counties and will help connect traffic to expanding markets in South Texas and Mexico.
“When businesses come to visit with us we always highlight where we are centrally located and how you can getto many areas within a day’s drive. They started Ports-to-Plains 35-40 years ago in Lubbock, and it has taken this long to really develop. But it’s bringing us benefits in the long-term, she said
TOTHE HERALD
Meals on Wheels serving special city population
By Teresa Young SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
The rest of her work may bring surprises, but on Wednesday mornings, Cindy Cates has a pretty set routine. She leaves her
office at St Alice Catholic Church,heads to Covenant Hospital Plainview and collects the rolling insulated bags that bear a lunch meal for around 12 of her neighbors in the city.
After weaving her way around town – including a stop at the Stonebridge Apartments and various points around the Westridge and Hillcrest neighborhoods – she returns to the hospitaland then tothe church And while the whole process took about an hour out of Cates’ day, it likely meant the world to those people she visited.
Cates is a Meals on Wheels driver, one of many volunteers who keep the local nonprofit rolling – literally – and its clients fed and visited for the day. Cates is one of several St Alice members who cover the same route in Plainview and have for 20 years or so and it’s meaningful to her as well.
“I started when my girls were just little kids in their car seats, and now my oldest is delivering also, so that’s pretty cool You get really attached to your clients and a lot of them you want totake home with you, ” laughs Cates.
“I enjoy everything about it We do getto visit a little bit with them, and you may be the only person they get totalk to during
the day. They’re all such great people.”
Ashley Mayberry has a similar history. She started serving as an emergency driver for director Kim Horne in 2008, after her family moved back to her hometown When Horne decided to retire, Mayberry said the role was appealing. She took over as executive director in February 2022.
“The relationship part of itis my favorite Knowing their stories and getting to talk to people regularly is good for me,” says Mayberry “I’ve always enjoyed the older population, so it’s a perfect fit for me to love on these people.”
Founded locally in 1982, Meals on Wheels’ clientele is primarily composed of homebound, elderly and disabled residents. The service includes a healthy menu of lunch meals during the week prepared in the Covenant kitchen Then Mayberry packs each route’s deliveries in insulated rolling coolers and her fleet of drivers arrives around 10:45 to begin heading out on their routes.
“Counting and preparing the coolers is probably theeasiest part of my job,” notes Mayberry
“There are 13 routes, and we feed between 185 and 200 people a day around Plainview and Seth Ward They average 12-19 meals perroute, and the counts may fluctuate due to people being out of town or at doctor visits.”
Once the deliveries are completed and coolers returned, the more challenging part of Mayberry’s job
begins Paperwork and reporting is required for the various agencies that support the nonprofit including the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, the Texas Department of Agriculture, Hale County and the Texas Veterans Commission, which covers the cost of meals for veterans and spouses or surviving spouses. Nutritional requirements from theentities must be met and proven through reports composed by Mayberry.
“We contract withthe hospital to prepare the meals, and it works well because they cook and the dietitian provides the menu that meets all the state regulations for nutrition, explains Mayberry “(Each meal) is supposed to be a third of the day’s daily requirements for anadult male in terms of calories protein and carbs. We get audited by the state, and they require all those menus to be provided in advance, so we have a newsletter that gets that information out.”
Mayberry notes that funding for the meals themselves are covered by the various entities serving clients or in a few cases are self-paid. But the administrative costs of the nonprofit are not covered except by donations from neighbors and other supporters. A 14-member local board of directors meets regularly to review finances and hear updates.
As for the challenges, Mayberry says keeping the driver slots filled tops her list.Several routes are handled by families, civic organizations or local
churches who alternate membersserving. She also maintains a list of substitute drivers than can be contacted if someone has to miss a day. But she regularly has holes to fill on certain days
Cates noted that she often fills in for her daughter, Rae Anne Cates, who drives for St Alice on Mondays or Tuesdays But she doesn’t mind atall.
“For me personally, Plainview has been really good to our family, and so this is kind of my way of giving back tothe community For some of them this might be the only meal they have all day, so we know it’s important,” said Cates.
Mayberry saidit’s rewarding to know that her work keeps those who have little other options fed for at least one meal of their day. And the drivers provide an important point of contact that could be a matter of life or death for clients.
“So many people don’t have somebody else to check on them, so (drivers) could be the only person they see that day. I have notes on some clients to make sure the drivers have seen them or report if they don’t, because we are the only ones that see them,” she says
“We have had to call the ambulance a few times, and some might not have made itif we hadn’t shown up when we did and the driver found them Those are the times we know we’re doing something right.”
For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsplainview.org
Ashley Mayberry handsover cardsand coolers withhot meals to longtime driver Lupe Gonzalesat the Meals on Wheels pickup locationbehind Covenant Hospital (Courtesy Photo)
Healthy Eating for a Healthy Heart outlook Health 2025
American Heart Month in February highlightsthe importance of healthy eating for a healthy heart.
Eating a well-balanced diet is possible on any budget and can improve overall health and lower risk for chronicconditions, including heart disease But according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 13.6% of Texans 51 and older metthe recommended intake for fruit and vegetables.
Good nutrition can help lower cholesterol,lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight The CDC recommends a diet with fruits and vegetables healthy sources of protein, unsaturated fats, and minimal salt and sugar intake.
Visitthe U.S. Department of Agriculture MyPlate website for more healthy eating recommendations for healthy aging.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commis-
sion (HHSC) Texercise initiative has many free resources that engage older Texans in healthy lifestyle behaviors, including eating habits These resources include nutrition fact sheets highlighting topics such as sodium reduction, portion sizes and healthy cooking tips Use the Aging Well Resources Order Form and search “Texercise” using the Select a Program drop-down menu to download Texercise nutrition fact sheets.
Texercise also offers Texercise Nourish, a free nutrition education program for communities and organizations. The 12-week program bringsgroups together to learn about and engage in healthy eating for healthy aging.
Texercise Nourish can be held anywhere adults meet including senior and community centers, congregate meal sites, food banks and pantries, worksites, faith-based organizations, and long-
term care facilities.
Other preventive behaviors that can help keep your heart healthy are: Engaging in regular physicalactivity. Quitting and avoiding tobacco products (e.g., smoking and vaping).
• Practicing stress reduction strategies (e.g., taking slow and deep breaths, going for walks, practicing mindfulness).
• Getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
• Getting regular checkups with your primary care provider.
Additional HHSC resources are available to support older Texans with healthy aging:
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assists people with
buying the food they need for good health To learn more, visit yourtexasbenefits. com.
• Area Agencies on Aging provide older adults, their families and caregivers with nutrition services These include home and congregate meals as well as evidence-based fitness programs To connect with the nearest agency call HHSC at
800-252-9240.
• Aging and Disability ResourceCentersare part of the Texas No Wrong Door system and help streamline access to long-term services and support for the whole family To learn more, call 855-937-2372.
by Texas Health and Human Services Office of Aging Services Coordination.
Covenant offering additional support for additionalsupport diabetes patients betes
By Teresa Young
SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
Withthe
“I
people being diagnosed, but I believe that is because ofour busy lifestyles where we eat out, grab and go We could use a step back to mellow out and take our health into consideration, said Marquez. “Also sedentary lifestyles for sure add to it We’re not incorporating physicalactivity into our daily lives, and that is essential for everyone If we can make those changes, it would help manage our diabetes better.”
Another key way to control diabetes is through learning more, and that’s what Marquez’ job is all about. And a new addition tothe Covenant offerings is aimed
at helping diabetes patients at another level.
A new diabetes support group was introduced in January 2025, with sessionsset for the third Monday of each month and the next set for February 17 The sessions will be held on the third floorof Covenant Hospital from 6-7 p.m.
“We planned this for the evening so people can come in after work and get any help they may need, ask any questions or present concerns,” said Marquez. “Mainly thisis to provide support and letthe group share any results they have had and any ideas for others.”
Marquez said while the support group is free and open to the community, participants must first have completeddiabetes education with her through Covenant Typically that requires a referral from the patient’s primary care provider for diabeteseducation. The support group sessions will also include a check of the patient’s A1C if they have not done that recently with their physician.
She said education sessions include the pathophysiology of diabetes, complications both acute and chronic from
the condition, barriers,stressors, the signs and symptoms of low blood sugars and high blood sugars and treatment options, like medications, insulin, and the like.
“Diabetes education is very individualized We will sit down and hear their story, then we tailor theeducation to their personal needs,” Marquez explained. “Some people have been diabetic for years and know more butthey just need a pick-me-up Some are very new to it, and we’re starting from the very bottom.”
She alsosaid she partners with the Covenant Hospital dietitian to meet with the patient about nutrition and brainstorm ideas to alter their current eating habits to create more healthy options and control their diabetes Marquez said many patients have a misconception about what foods are really healthy and which are not and theeducation sessions can be very valuable to clear these up.
The A1C levels determine whether a patient is pre-diabetic – defined as between the 5.7 and 6.4 range – or already diabetic, measuring 6.5 or higher Symptoms
to watch for include increased urination, especially overnight; extreme thirst; weight loss withouttrying; being very hungry and tired often; and numbness in the hands or feet If those are showing up, Marquez said it’s time for patients to schedule a doctor visit and get their blood sugar and A1C levels checked.
Marquez said while diabetes cannot be cured, it can be controlled through various measuresso that further complications are avoided If left untreated, high A1C levels can cause issues with eyes and the heart, neuropathy in the feet anddifficulty with healing wounds.
Overall, Marquez said she is hopeful that as community residents becomemore aware of the dangers of diabetes, they will take charge of their health andtake the necessary steps to prevention.
“I see a lot of people with family histories of diabetes, and they watched family members go through complications, and often that will trigger them to make lifestyle changes of their own, ” she said “A lot of times you have todecide where do you want to spend your time, at the doctor’s office or at the gym? What are you willing to do?”
Elizabeth Marquez (Courtesy Photo)
Link between physical betweenphysical and mental health more mentalhealthmore formally recognized formal
By Teresa Young SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
The past few decades have seen the stigma of mental health and counseling wane for many populations. Butthere is also a growing trend toward the shaking hands of mental health care with physical health
for holistic patient care.
“This is an awesome trend because a lot of physicians and nurse practitioners work with patients and their line of treatment is medications and working on their nutrition and their diet Butthey are limited when their stressors or other things are causing the physical health problems,” said Dr Cassie Collins, a licensed professional counselor and board-approved supervisor who serves in the behavioral health area at Regence Health Network, or RHN, in Plainview.
Collins is a full-time professor of psychology and counseling at Wayland Baptist University and teaches many of the classes in the Master of Arts in Counseling program at WBU. But she also carries a 200-patient caseload at RHN for counseling, along with husband Dr Perry Collins, also a WBU professor.
Collins said she first be-
gan seeing the mental/ physical partnership while working for a local doctor who would provide counseling for his patients with her. When the doctor connected with RHN, she followed him there and the behavioral health area grew In her eyes, the pairing only makessense to help both practitioners treat patients well.
“It can be very frustrating if you are physician and you can’t start working on the underlying trauma or stress the person has gone through. You can pick up on it, buttheir time with them is so limited,” she said “Mental health can absolutely impact physical health, and physical health can absolutely impact mental health.”
Collins said her cases range from toddlers tothe elderly, with a wide range of issues being treated. Leading the list are depression and anxiety and high stress, with children and youth dealing heavily with adjustment issues, developmental stage issues and cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurodevelopmental issues like autism or intellectual disability She said often physicians will refer a young person with suspected ADHD to her first for counseling soshe can help determine anaccurate diagnosis before med-
ications are prescribed
“The stigma of mental health is changing, but in this area of West Texas there are still some cultural stigmas about mental health and counseling,” she noted. “I’m always amazed at some parents that will bring their child in because they want counseling, butthe parent doesn’t come back withthem anddoesn’t understand mental health or think it means anything Hopefully they can see their kid changing and see that counseling can be very helpful.”
One advantage of RHN, Collins said, is they operate on a sliding scale for fees, meaning that those without insurance or low-income patients can still receive counseling services.She noted that many insurance companies now cover mental health services, and even Medicare has recognized the tie, beginning to cover counseling as of January 2024 That is essential as the older populations are increasingly facing depression due to life changes and loss both of individuals and health.
Another trend in the industry isinsurance companies employing LPCs to liaison with clients and monitor cases with mental health componentsto get the best care and address all the related issues But
a sadder trend, especially in the Plainview area, is the shortage of counselors that can make it hard for patientsto be seen quickly Collins said she sees between 100-140 patients a month at RHN, some only once per month and some more frequently.
“There is a high demand for counseling Everywhere you go you’ll see that folks are booked up,” Collins said “I thought teaching in the master’s program for counseling that I would be creating people that would take my job, but I’ve only been busier.”
For those who decide it’s time to pursue counseling, Collins saidindividuals can call to schedule anappointment directly without a referral from a primary care physician. She also regularly sees referrals from Children’s Protective Services and Central Plains Center for whom she serves on the crisis team For those not yet sure about the value of counseling, Collins encourages a trial run.
“I always encourage people that if you are overwhelmed, stressed, feeling like there are things you have not closed the loop on from your past and you need a safe place totalk to someone about it, give counseling a chance,” she said “You will surprise yourself when you are in
front of someone and have a chance to talk and are not judged, you are able to be honest and open and it doesn’t go outside the door, so it feels good.
“I use the analogy of a big purse that is full. It can be frustrating when you walk around and can’t find what you are looking for, things are missing and it’s a mess. There’s a point where it’s aggravating enough you just have to dump it all out and start going through it You have to look at things throw some things away, and sort it all out,” said Collins “I think of counseling like that: you’re mentally dumping stuff out between you andthe counselor and pick some things up andtalk aboutthem Everything you have gone through is your life story and it has value, but only if you give it value. You have to put words to it and all of a sudden, it has a different reaction and you build resilience.”
Collins said traumatic childhood issues often linger well into adulthood anddetermine how people deal with current stresses. Hearing themselves express feelings out loud can often trigger what Collins called the “a ha moment” that can change them moving forward.
“I think when a person is able to feel heard and allowed to be validatedto
have emotions itis valuable You can be mad, sad, hurting and have an emotion but you don’t need to be stuck init You have to feel and process it,” she added. “When a person feels that from someone they don’t even know it gives that person the ability to feel heard. And that’s really what we need someone to see us and recognize that we are here Most people don’t getthat or good eye contact.”
To learn more about behavioral health at RHN, call the facility in Plainview at (806) 291-0297 or visitthem at 410 Canyon Street.
Mangold Memorial MangoldMemorial continuing to expand service offerings serviceofferings
By Teresa Young SPECIAL TOTHE HERALD
Forresidents of Floyd County and surrounding areas, having a wide range of medical services is key. Fortunately, W.J. Mangold Memorial Hospital and Cogdell Clinic in Lockney is continuing to grow its offerings to meet those needs.
Vincent DiFranco, CEO at Mangold since February 2020, said the hospital has been focusing on expansion of services for several years and have made strides toward lessening how much patients must travel longer distances to receive care.
One of the newest additions is a new family physicianat the clinic, Dr Ben Benacci, who started in August 2024.
“He’s a really interestingguy. He grew up in a small Texas town and was a high school science teacher in Lubbock for 18 years before going to medical school,” noted DiFranco “He has always wanted to focus on rural health and wewere fortunate to be able to recruit him here.”
DiFranco also noted that the hospital has added several new services for the community’s benefit One important addition in October 2023 is a specialty infusion center to allow area patientsto receive IV or infusion medications closer to home.
“We did a market analysis and identified a number of patients in our area that receive these services and were having to go to Lubbock or Amarillo to getthem,” said DiFranco, noting that one particular elderly patient was having to secure a ride to make it happen before the local optionopened “We are seeing roughly 20 patients a month in the center now, and there is potential to serve more.”
The facility also added a telehealth specialty clinicin October 2024, DiFranco noted, adding to the opportunity for patientsto see a specialist sooner Specialties available include Neurology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology.
“There are more and more specialists out
there who are willing to treat a broader number of patientsthrough the video screen using FaceTime or Zoom that people are familiar with,” he said “What we found in Lockney is that often there is a long wait time to get into certain specialties in Lubbock or Amarillo, like several months The turnaround time can be much quicker for us, usually a few weeks.”
DiFranco explained the clinic has a nurse’s aide that takes a patient’s vitals and all their information, then setsthem up in an exam room with the computer screen and can troubleshoot any technology issues The patientthen visits with the specialist just like a regular visit. DiFranco mentioned that often these visits require a referral from the primary care physician just like a normal visit would, so that may lengthen the wait time somewhat.
The newestservice offering, started December 2, 2024, is a pain management clinicin Lockney. Developed in partnership with a pair of fellowship-trained anesthesia providers based in Wichita Falls who wanted to expand theirreach, the clinic features interventional options for patients with chronic pain.
“Josh Dunlap is the certified registered nurse anesthetist who comes every Monday to run the clinic here,” noted DiFranco “He’s not just doing prescriptions but doing interventions to reduce a patient’s need for medications. They do nerve blocks injections burning of the nerves and other things like ablations to reduce pain We have a new piece of radiology equipment that helps them direct the injections.”
The clinic accepts referrals from providers all over the area, and DiFranco said often insurance preauthorizations are required for this service.
All these additions tothe Mangoldmenuareaimed at limiting the travel –and time required – for area residents while still providing good care.
“We see a good number of people in Cogdell Clin-
ic about 1000 a month,” said DiFranco “Through our emergency department at the hospital, about 25 percent of patients come from Plainview We do have good ER physicians and we try to have good turnaround times.”
The 25-bed Mangold Memorial Hospital is located at 320 North Mainin Lockney, with the clinic connected An additional Cogdell Clinicis located in Silverton at 701 West Commerce. The clinics are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday in Lockney, and the same hours Monday through Thursday in Silverton, with Friday hours 8 a.m. to noon.
While Mangold is a smaller, independent facility that is part of a hospital district and governed by a five-member, community-elected board, DiFranco said patients should not letthe size fool them The hospital offers many of the same services that larger facilities do, including performing colonoscopies performed by two of the local physicians, who have been in practice there several years. More information on their services is available on their website at www. mangoldmemorial.org.
Dr Benacci (Courtesy Photo)
Joshua Dunlap, CRNA (Courtesy Photo)
Get a head start on New Year’s resolutions NewYear’s
After the rush of the holiday season has largely ended, and the excess of the season startsto weigh on celebrants’ minds, it is customary for many people to startthinking aboutthe changes they want to implement in the new year According to a Pew Research Center survey of United States adults conducted in January 2024, 30 percent of people reported making at least one resolution, with half of this group making more than one. The survey also found that young adults are the most likely to make New Year’s resolutions, with 49 percent of those between the ages 18 and 29 saying they have made a resolution.
It’s never too early to startthinking about what to improve upon in 2025, or which goals to set. Here are some common resolutions and how to implementthem.
• Exercise more Getting in shape is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions everyyear Gym membershipsspike and people often invest in home exercise equipment around this time of year According tothe American College of Sports Medicine wearable technology continues to be a top trend in fitness and has been a mainstay since 2016 While Fitbit and the Apple Watch series have remained strong contenders, one also may want to invest in the Garmin
Vivomove, which boasts wireless charging Tracking fitness goals can keep those resolutions going strong.
Improve mental well-being. Getting in shape is not the only health-related goal this time of year Mental health also comes into play when people make theirresolutions. Taking opportunities to slow down and be more mindful can help One way to do so is through journaling. Human behavior expert and author Natalie Friscia Pancetti, says journaling reducesstress, helps with anxiety, encourages confidence, and can improve perceptions. Thisis why she developed a journal with inspirational writing prompts as a companion to her ‘This Too’ book and planner. Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is a worthy goal Health care experts know smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and has been linked to more than 27 diseases Many people want to quit smoking, but the Mayo Clinic says only about 5 percent of people who try to quit succeed without a smoking cessation product. Nicotine replacement items are some of the most popular smoking cessation tools. For
those who want to go drug-free, a device that addresses the three major components of habit formation that occur with smoking is available. Employing flavored air, the device replaces the fixation of the hand-to-mouthhabit with non-addictive plant extracts that are inhaled, simulating smoking without the negative effects.
• Learn a new language. Learning a new skill or language is another popular resolution Today there are many apps available to help people learn one or more new languages. From
Duolingo to Babbel to Memrise, there are programs available whether one is a visual learner or wants to jump right into specific phrases. Many people get a jumpstart on identifying their resolutions in early- to mid-December so they’ll be ready to move forward come New Year’s Day.
3 short-term fitness goals that can lead to long-term success canlead
fitness can consider these three short-term goals and use them as measuring sticks as they pursue more long-term objectives
Though there’s no
strategy
ultimately achieving a resolution, identifying short-term goals that can help people stay motivated can lead to long-term progress. Individuals who want to improve their physical
1. Aspire for incremental weight loss Weight loss goals were the fourth most popular New Year’s resolution for 2024 among participants in the Forbes Health/One Poll survey.Thoughthatsurvey separated fitness goals from weight loss goals, the two are certainly linked Individuals who aspiretolose10pounds undoubtedly recognize that such a goal cannot be achieved overnight, so why not aspire to lose small amounts of weight at predeter-
mined intervals? For example, if theend goal is losing 10 lbs., aim to lose two pounds by the end of January. Incremental progress can motivate individuals to staythecourseandultimately propel them toward achieving a more substantial,long-term goal
2. Exercise for a predetermined number of days each week Another way to gradually build toward achieving long-term fitness goals is to establish monthly minimum exercise sessions. Individuals accustomed to a sedentarylifestylecanresolve to exercise three days per week in the first
month of theirresolution and then increase that by a day in the second month. A consistent schedule when designing this goal is imperative which is why it can make more sense to plan for three days per week as opposed to 12 days per month.
3. Resolve to walk a mile per day. Walking is an accessible cardiovascular activity that can have a profound effect on overall health Walking also can help condition sedentary individuals’ bodies for more strenuous activity, which is a transition many people aspire to make when setting
long-term fitness goals. A daily one-mile walk won’t require a significant commitment of time, but it can help acclimate the body to routineexercise As the effects of a daily walk begin to take hold, individuals may find it easier to engage in more strenuous physicalactivities, making this an ideal stepping stone on the way to achieving long-term fitness goals. Short-term goals can help people remain motivated as they pursue more substantial goals that take longer to achieve. Such anapproach can be especially useful for individuals resolving to improve their physical fitness at the start of a new year.
ts! MISSIONSTATEMENT NSTATEMENT
Respecting thedignity of everyhuman being, Hale County MealsonWheelswillprovide nutritious,homedelivered mealstothose whoare homebound, elderly or disabled whoresideinthe city limits of Plainviewand theSethWardcommunity. Home deliveredmealclients must meet thefollowing criteria:behomebound or need assistance to leavehome, be unable to prepare awell-balancedmealeachday,and must nothaveanyonewho is availabletoprepare mealsfor them.
In addition to providinga weekdaynoon-timemeal, we seek to breakthe social isolationexperiencedbythe homeboundbyprovidingwarm, caring,friendlycontact throughour volunteers.
