Area News

Slaton ISD received excellent news in its financial report for this year as it was revealed that there is a 13 percent increase in general funds from the previous fiscal year for the district overall. The report, by Robison, Johnston & Patton, LLP showed the district is in strong financial shape while continuing to complete…

Slaton Police are investigating an early morning shooting Sunday that left a 65-year-old Slaton man in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police responded to the 300 block of W. Dickens Street at 7 a.m. Sunday where they found the victim with a gunshot wound. Slaton Police Chief Trevor Barnes said the victim suffered one gunshot…

Communications problems for Slaton law enforcement officer once again were exposed during three incidents in the past week that placed officers’ lives in jeopardy. Police responded to an early morning shooting Sunday in the 300 block of W. Dickens (see related story). Officer Casey Goodnight was first on the scene and could not use his…

Coming from a family of educators, Lori Andrus knew early that she wanted to be a teacher. And after 36 years in education, the former Cathelene Thomas Elementary principal’s second career is about to take off — literally. Andrus is attending training in Dallas today to become a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines. “I knew…

Filing for local election began on Wednesday, and will continue through Feb. 15. Three seats will be open on the Slaton City Commission — Mayor, Ward 1 and Ward 3. Dubbin Englund is the current mayor and the two upcoming wards are represented by Weldon “Squeaky” Self and Benny Lopez, respectively. Those wishing to file…

The City of Slaton received a clean audit and agreed to purchase a new brush truck for the fire department Monday. A representative from the accounting firm of Bollinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP said the city has a clean audit, but advised the city to try to work more on eliminating the deficit in…

Weather and a long-term pipeline project delayed the start of work on Slaton’s newest park, but officials say that work will soon begin. The city broke ground for the new park in November of 2017, and crews have finished surveying the lot and are waiting on finishing touches before moving dirt. Compress Lake Park, which…

The Slaton Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its annual awards banquet in February. Nominations are for Man of the Year, Woman of the Year and Boss of the Year. Nominations should include a narrative of why that person should be chosen for the selection committee to review. Contact information should be included so…

Slaton Police are investigating the living arrangements of several people at a property without utilities after an early morning fire last week. The property, located at 1310 Scott Street, caught fire around 4 a.m. Thursday. When first responders arrived they found a 63-year-old female and 17 dogs, including 11 newborn puppies. Slaton firefighters resuscitated several…

Christmas tree decorations at City Hall need to come down by Jan. 8 so that city crews may begin removing T-posts from City Hall. “We don’t want to throw away any decorations, many can be saved and used again next year,” said Slaton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leslie Linker.  “The city employees have to…