West Texas soils: Organic matter matters

Body CUISINE & CULTUREIn last week’s column were several guides for planning a garden. One main characteristic was improving soils with organic matter amendments. Today’s includes a little background on soils that may illustrate the importance of amending soils with organic matter.

Power grid holds up during wintry blast

Body TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATIONAUSTIN— The electricity grid that covers most of Texas was holding up as of Sunday during the latest winter storm, although localized power outages were reported in Deep East Texas and far West Texas.

When in doubt

Body C O M M E N T A R Y | SUEJANESULLIVAN@GMAIL.COMNot sure what to make of the U.S.involvement in Venezuela?Concerned about what’s going on with Greenland?Still on the fence about the release of unredacted Epstein files?What about ICE tactics?

Deadline to register for March primary nears

Body AUSTIN— The last day to register to vote for the March 3 primary is Feb. 2, according to the Texas secretary of state’s office. Early voting runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27, with Feb. 20 being the deadline for applying for a mail ballot.

Brisket and bean slow-cooker chili

Body CUISINE & CULTURE | ANGELINA@ANGELINALARUE.COMAs temperatures dip, stock up on pantry items like chicken and beef stock, or keep bullion in the cupboard to make a pot of stock in a pinch.

Planning a garden

Body CUISINE & CULTUREPlanning a garden starts with making decisions on the crops that will be grown. In last week’s January 14 column were guides to be considered when selecting seed and the sources for various vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perennial crops.

The 501

Body COMMENTARYWhen I was about 6 years old, the English language began playing tricks on me. It still does, but I’m getting used to it.In our family, we called the toilet a commode. Toilet was an alternate word.

Community Water Conference set for Feb. 24-25 in Hereford

Body For more than a century, human communities on the Southern Plains have lived by extracting large amounts of water from local landscapes, particularly through high intensity irrigation.

2026 Community Calendar

Body Updates? Email us at fchb.editor@yahoo.comCOMMUNITY SERVICESFOOD BANKS— FLOYDADA— Spirit of Sharing (SOS), 925 Crockett St., Floydada, Mon. and Thurs.. 2–4:30 p.m. (806) 983-5874.LOCKNEY— Lockney Salvation Army, 108 S. Main, Lockney. (806) 652-2488.

Democrats Talarico, Crockett set first debate

Body TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATIONAUSTIN— The first debate in the state’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate is set for Jan. 24 in Georgetown, The Dallas Morning News reported. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and state Rep. James Talarico of Round Rock are vying for the nomination.