Spearman Police Department

May 2, 2024
Missing/Endangered Person
FOUND

January of 2024, family members filed a missing/endangered person report after expressed concerns for the safety of Yancy Lee Watts. Today, we are grateful to report that Yancy has been found in good health and is receiving all the care that he needs.

A good Samaritan was assisting Yancy in obtaining employment and while checking into his background, located several online sources claiming Yancy as a missing person through the Spearman Police Department. The Samaritan reached out to local authorities and were then advised to contact the filing agency. The Samaritan was later able to make contact with this department at which time information was exchanged in order to arrange confirmation on Yancy’s identification and location. Law enforcement made direct contact with Yancy at which time his identity was verified and confirmed.

Yancy claimed to be without a phone or any resource that would make him aware of his missing status during this time away. Yancy advised that he left on his own accord after borrowing a vehicle from a previous employer and making it to Lakin, KS, where the vehicle left him stranded. Yancy advised that he was able to hitch a ride the rest of the way until reaching his final destination. Yancy advised that he would have come forward sooner, had he been aware of the missing status and resources being used to help locate him. Yancy stated that he is very appreciative for those that have kept him in thoughts and prayers but for the moment, would still like to maintain his privacy.

The department would like to thank the many that have contributed their time and invaluable resources in helping achieve this blessed outcome.

JAMES ORTIZ
Chief of Police
Spearman Police Department
30 SW Court / PO Box 37
Spearman, TX 79081
Office: (806) 659-3708
JOrtiz@CityOfSpearman.com

Video by Max Preston

 

Krista Baird, Michael Lozano-Co-District Teacher of the Year and James Layman

The Spearman ISD School Board met on Wednesday, May 1 in a special called meeting.

Agenda Item #1 was to consider and approve the contract of a new Athletic Director.

Michael Lozano, was chosen for this position.

He is the Athletic Trainer and Teacher at SISD and also the owner and Coach of Lozano Athletics.

Lozano teaches sports medicine and is the district athletic trainer. He has worked for Spearman ISD for eleven years.

“Michael is a team player and is willing to assist wherever possible. He is a great role model for our students, deeply cares about their well-being, both physically, and emotionally. His positive attitude sets him apart from others,” stated James Layman. (Quote from recent post when Lozano was selected as Co-District Teacher of the Year)

Outside of the classroom, Michael trains Olympic Weightlifting athletes.

Congratulations to Coach Lozano!

Photo by Ernie Bowen --east of Spearman

May arrived with a bang this Wednesday with a severe thunderstorm warning that was quickly upgraded to a tornado warning.   

 Hansford County Judge Tim Glass photo of Watley Seed---Hwy 15 E and 760

"Lot of movement but so far, from the side I can see from,  I don't see any funnels or anything popping around, " reported Bowen, "I know the meso is over 3,000 so that's usually whenever it starts circulating."

This evening your volunteers responded to what could have been a very tragic event in our community. A storm that rapidly intensified over the city reportedly produced a short lived tornado that affected the north end of the city.

Thankfully no injuries were reported but light damage to several structures.

Your fire department responded to various wires down, damage inspection, traffic control and related duties.

As the situation stabilized for what we did know, members along with the awesome members of Hansford County Hospital District HCH EMS surveyed all city streets to make sure we did not miss anything. Fortunately other than some trees, fencing and a storage shed or two, nothing further was found.

Unfortunately, we encountered an influx of vehicle traffic of people just driving around looking at the damage or being curious. At times this activity hindered emergency and utility vehicles from reaching areas in a timely manner. Please, please and please refrain from roaming our narrow roadways during such events.

Not only does this impede emergency traffic, but hidden dangers of downed power lines, compromised gas meters, debris in the roadway which may damage or disable vehicles could cause an additional emergency when resources are limited.

We cannot thank enough our public safety partners and utility partners with the Hansford Co Sheriff's Office Spearman Police, City of Spearman Public Works, Xcel, North Plains Electric an Texas Department of Transportation, NWS Amarillo

MAY 1, 2024

This morning dispatch received a call from an out of state resource agency in regard to Yancy Watts who they were in the process of assisting to get employment and resettled.

I contacted the case worker who told me that Yancy had left but would return tomorrow 05/02/24 and she would contact me again when he arrived. I will contact the local law enforcement agency in that area to confirm and will send more information as soon as possible.

It should be noted that dispatch did speak to Yancy on the phone and he said he did not want family to know his location but he is well.

Bob Mahaffee
Hansford County Sheriff

 

Class Historian - Lindsey Sasser

YOUR ELECTION HEADQUARTERS

General Election Saturday May 4

Vote @ City Hall

On your ballot
City of Spearman Mayor:
Mayor Tobe Shields

City of Spearman Alderman:
Vote 2
Don Schroeder ( I )
Manny Mendoza
Mark Murray
Bobby Snider

Spearman ISD School Board:
Vote @ Spearman High School -- 403 E 11th
Early 8-5
May 4 7-7
Vote 2
Karla Flowers
Brenda Ferguson
Shawn Moore
Abby Pipkin

Special Term:
Vote 1
Zaira Gonzalez
Jay Tracy

City of Gruver will not hold an election

Gruver ISD School Board
Early voting April 22-May 1--8am until 3pm @ GHS Business Office
Regular election May 4--7 until 7 in GJH Library
Vote 2
Johnnie Williams (I)
Chad Grimes
Miles Messer

By Bonnie Thompson Spearman Chamber of Commerce and EDC

Every year since 1963 the President of the United States of America has proclaimed National Small Town Business Week.  This year it falls during the week of April 28 through May 3rd. The week is set aside to recognize the contributions of small business owners. According to the Secretary of State, Jeffrey Bullock, small businesses contribute money into their communities in the amount of approximately $12 billion in wages annually.  Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben and Jerry's, said "When you support small businesses you're supporting a dream."  

Small town communities have some of the most unique businesses on the market.  These local businesses are the root of their community and rely on the support of local shoppers, surrounding area shoppers, and travelers passing through to get to their desired destination.  Shoppers may see homemade crafts, unique antiques, patented t-shirts, and lots of other decor in these locally owned businesses. Some of these unique gifts cannot be found in larger department stores.

Spearman, Texas is one of the small towns with some very unique locally owned businesses within the community.  Several surrounding community small businesses had to shut their doors when the Covid pandemic hit in 2020.  Spearman was able to sustain all of their small businesses which was a blessing to the local residents.  

The Spearman Chamber of Commerce and the Spearman Economic Development Corporation hope you will visit the locally owned businesses in town this week to offer your support and appreciation for their existence. If you are a social media individual and post regularly on a certain media platform, please use #SmallBusinessWeek when posting about supporting small businesses. 

Spearman is a blessed community to have some very unique small businesses whose owners made the decision to call Spearman home.  The Spearman Chamber of Commerce and the Spearman EDC want to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to those businesses!  We are glad you are here! 

Happy Shopping!
#SmallBusinessWeek 

By Danielle Jackson

The Hansford County 4H Rifle Team is working hard preparing for their 1st upcoming shooting competition to be held May 10th and 11th in Amarillo.

The rifle team has been practicing for about 4 months for their first ever Long Rifle Competition.

"Dustin Borden of Gruver has trained and certified in order to coach the team. He has put in many hours and his hard work is paying off, as these kids are progressing well," said Jackson.

This team has traveled to Amarillo and learned a few pointers from 4H teams that have shot long rifle for multiple years.

"This is a new event to Hansford County 4H and the team is still learning."

Equipment is not the best at this time because they are gathering as they go.

"We hope to gain sponsorship as our communities see how hard these kids are working and the passion and knowledge they are gaining!"

The team includes:

Kimber Jackson
Sean Chinn
Blain Slough 
Eastin Borden
Briggs Borden

Texas Water Utilities Association is the premier educator for water professionals in the state of Texas. "Proudly Serving Education Excellence since 1918"

By Spearman Volunteer Fire Department April 27, 2024

Late last night your volunteers were awakened by their pagers for a report of a vehicle accident.

West of town they found a single vehicle accident with no extracation required.

Firefighters rendered the vehicle safe and provided traffic control while awaiting TxDOT and the tow truck.

Kristi Ramon, Kim Vera, Rosi Martinez, Jessica Livingston, Judy Nelson, Eric Cudd, Jackie Pearson not shown Mattie Been, Stephanie Brock and Amanda Cassady

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Spearman Community Fund held their annual luncheon and award ceremony at the Annex Building on Main Street.

Eric Cudd welcomed those attending.

Jackie Pearson reported that the fund began with money allocated by the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2012 and the first grants were given in 2015 to Big Brothers Big Sisters and Snack Pak 4 Kids.

Since then, there have been grants awarded every year and the current balance is approximately $600,000.00.

"When is the best time to plant a tree?" asked Jackie, "TODAY! and this fund will be going long after many of us are gone because like a tree, the fund will grow and grow and grow."

To see a list of the 2024 recipients click (more)

Brace Scroggs Director of Transportation

Sally Swan is the district’s Registered Nurse (RN).  She has many roles and responsibilities across the district.  “In December we had a change in staffing with the Certified Nursing Program (CNA).  I reached out to Sally and started the conversation that we had a need at the high school.  Before I finished, Sally said, “What can I do to help?”  I presented the idea of her coming to the high school and teaching a class,” stated Spearman High School Principal, James Layman. 

The transition has been smooth. The background knowledge that Sally brings to the classroom is doing the health science department good!” added James Layman. 

Congratulations on going above and beyond and making a difference in the lives of students. 

Intermediate team L-R) Mallary Allen, Sloan Stedje, Hayden Shieldknight, Brenlye Buchanan, Brox reid, Cameron Moore, Jett Pittman, Cambryn Born, Addison Blevins, and Madison Moore

By Bret Burgin

The Hansford County 4-H Junior and Intermediate Livestock Judging teams have completed their spring season. The Intermediate team members are Brox Reid, Mallary Allen, Jett Pittman, Hayden Shieldknight, Cambryn Born, Addison Blevins, Madison Moore, Brenlye Buchanan, Sloan Stedje, Cameron Moore, and Kimber Jackson. The Junior team members are Kreede Kight, Brilynn Renner, Logan Shieldknight, Graham Baker, Hoke Hawkins, Gus Jimenez, Molly Allen, Serenitie Bedell, and Zeke Harkey.

The two teams actually compete together up until District, where they break them into two age divisions. 

 

Jr Pic L-R) Molly Allen, Gus Jimenez, Logan Shieldknight, Graham Baker, Kreede Kight, and Hoke Hawkins

Their first contest was March 23 at Clarendon. The team finished as the 2nd place team overall. They placed 2nd in swine and 3rd in both cattle and sheep. Individually, Hayden had a great day and placed 2nd high overall. She placed 2nd in sheep, 3rd in swine, and 7th in cattle. Cambryn won the sheep division on the way to being named 19th high individual. Kreede placed 23rd overall. Kimber earned 10th in sheep and Sloan placed 10th in cattle. Next they competed at The Journey competition March 30th in Guymon. (more)

Senior Team L-R) Spencer Aborn, Alayna Schneider, Aubree Sharp, Kinley Shieldknight, and Kip Pittman

By Bret Burgin

The Hansford County 4-H Senior Livestock Judging team just finished up an intense 30 days that included competing in 8 contests in Texas and Oklahoma.

The 5 students making up the team are Kip Pittman, Kinley Shieldknight, Spencer Aborn, Alayna Schneider, and Aubree Sharp. The first contest of this stretch was held in Clarendon on March 23. Due to scheduling conflicts and having a couple of team members missing, the coaches persuaded Mallary Allen to move up from the junior team and compete with the high schoolers.

(more)