Oklahoma congressional candidates on immigration (2008-09-22)
Oklahoma Third U.S. Congressional District incumbent Frank Lucas and challenger Frankie Robbins share their views on immigration reform.
Immigration in Garden City (2008-09-19)
Immigration is a major issue in political platforms this fall. Changes to the current system would greatly affect cities like Garden City, KS, which has a sizable immigrant population and workforce.
Texas legislators expect immigration proposals (2008-09-17)
While Texas lawmakers took a break in 2008, their counterparts in other states passed controversial laws designed to discourage illegal immigration. Sen. Kel Seliger and Rep. David Swinford, both favored to win re-election, expect similar bills in the 2009 session.
NBAF selection process update (2008-09-11)
Manhattan, Kansas, is still a possible location for a new facility to study biological threats, but some wonder if studying those threats could be dangerous.
After fire, Lake McClellan rejuvenates (2008-09-09)
A wildfire in 2006 killed thousands of cottonwoods at McClellan Creek National Grassland. The U.S. Forest Service is helping the area recover.
No early outs for CRP lands (2008-09-07)
Higher grain prices can be a temptation for raising more grain, but if it means repaying a lot of money before the land can be used, it might be less tempting.
Somalis follow jobs to Texas Panhandle (2008-09-02)
Refugees from Somalia and elsewhere in East Africa are among those coming to the Texas Panhandle to work in the meatpacking industry.
Electronic voting still used in Colorado (2008-08-28)
During November's election, some Coloradans will still use electronic voting machines to cast their ballot.
Residential market next step for downtown Amarillo (2008-08-26)
Downtown Amarillo's residential rental options are increasing, as investors move to refurbish old properties.
Swift plaintiffs await class-action status ruling (2008-08-19)
A year and a half after filing, a lawsuit alleging illegal hiring practices at the JBS Swift facility in the Texas Panhandle remains in court.
Burmese in Texas remember past, look to future (2008-08-12)
The Burmese community in the Texas panhandle has increased, as continued troubles force many to seek asylum in the U.S. Most come to the High Plains to work in the meatpacking industry.
New transmission lines for Kansas, Oklahoma (2008-08-04)
The Southwest Power Pool's "X Plan" will build high-voltage lines from the High Plains to big-city markets in Kansas, Oklahoma and beyond.
Texas wind industry downplays regulatory concerns (2008-07-29)
Advocates of the Texas Public Utility Commission's plan to send power from the Panhandle to downstate customers dismiss concerns over Federal Energy Regulatory Commission involvement.
Panhandle wind to generate power for ERCOT (2008-07-22)
The Public Utilities Commission of Texas has approved a plan to transmit wind-generated electricity from the Panhandle to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid, which serves the I-35 corridor and Houston.
Kansas courts prepare for changes after ruling (2008-07-15)
A Kansas Supreme Court decision last month granted juveniles the right to trial by jury. County and District Attorneys' offices are anticipating changes, though the effects of the ruling remain unclear.
Researchers study wind development effect on wildlife (2008-07-03)
As the wind power industry expands, scientists identify habitat, impact of turbines on wildlife.
Despite rains, lake languishes (2008-06-24)
As Lake Meredith's levels continue to suffer, water authority develops groundwater resources.
Arbitration looms for Republican River states (2008-06-17)
The three member states of the Republican River Compact- Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska- are headed for non-binding arbitration in hopes of keeping their dispute out of the Supreme Court.
Mexico buying more High Plains wheat (2008-06-10)
Thanks in part to improved rail infrastructures, Mexico is buying more High Plains wheat than ever.
Locals helping make Amarillo bicycle-friendly (2008-06-03)
Amarillo lags well behind cities such as Austin or Denver that have set the standard for bicycle-friendliness. However, community efforts have brought about improvements in recent years.
Legal wrangling next for Sunflower, foes (2008-05-27)
Despite dominating the 2008 Kansas Legislature, the KDHE's ruling on the proposed Holcomb expansion was not changed. With the session over, look for the action to switch to the judicial system.
Farm Bill finally passes (2008-05-20)
The U.S. legislature has passed a Farm Bill, which should become law despite an anticipated veto from President Bush.
Western Kansas hopes for average harvest (2008-05-13)
Although drought has thinned fields in parts of the state, some Western Kansas wheat producers expect near-average yields this summer.
Panhandle wheat showing drought stress (2008-05-06)
Wheat farmers in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles have battled a dry growing season and expect a below-average harvest.
Heating and cooling the green way (2008-04-29)
One aspect of green building involves designing structures for maximum efficiency for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Low-tech, common sense approaches can result in a comfortable home with low utility bills.
Domestic use of solar, wind power (2008-04-22)
Homeowners don't have to wait for the big power companies to switch over to renewable electricity sources. They can do it themselves, as Nazareth resident Darryl Birkenfeld has done.
Kansas Legislature to address health care (2008-04-15)
The wrap-up session of the Kansas Legislature should involve action on health care reform items that were introduced before the current recess.
Carbon dioxide, coal on table (2008-04-03)
The Kansas Legislature continues to work toward a compromise on the Sunflower Holcomb Expansion issue. Tax penalties and rewards for major carbon dioxide emitters are also under consideration.
Wind powers Texas school (2008-03-25)
In Earth, Texas, the local school district is generating its own electricity- thanks to two on-campus wind turbines.
New ag commodity: carbon credits (2008-03-18)
Farmers can now purchase CO2 offsets for atmosphere-friendly production practices. Ranchers and confined animal feeders can get in on the action, too.
Colorado balloting debate enters Senate (2008-03-13)
A long-standing struggle over electoral processes in Colorado continues, as Senate Bill 189 would mandate paper balloting in the upcoming election. Most county clerks oppose the measure. Meanwhile, opinions differ regarding the reliability of recently re-certified machines.
Producers petition UDSA for CRP releases (2008-03-04)
With grain prices soaring, some farmers with land enrolled in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program are hoping to put some of those acres back into production.
Panhandle Perspective on Texas Democratic Primary (2008-02-26)
The complicated Texas primary-precinct convention hybrid system has become national news with the Democratic nomination still undecided. The Panhandle's low Democratic vote totals in recent elections mean that the region will send fewer delegates to the state convention.
Kansas legislature votes on Holcomb expansion (2008-02-19)
Both houses of the Kansas legislature are working on bills that would allow for the expansion of Sunflower Electricity's facility at Holcomb. However, the House seems less likely to pass a veto-proof measure than the Senate.
Remote imaging monitors wheat virus effects (2008-02-12)
Scientists in the Texas Panhandle and elsewhere are using satellite-generated images to increase accuracy in monitoring the effects of wheat streak mosaic virus on the high plains.
Super Tuesday on the High Plains (2008-02-05)
Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma hold Democratic and Republican caucuses and primaries along with 21 other states.
Oklahoma seeks water plan input (2008-01-28)
The next State of Oklahoma water plan won't be completed until 2011, but this year will be crucial for the public commentary aspect of the plan's design.
Republican River litigation looming (2008-01-22)
A decades-old dispute between Kansas and Nebraska over water from the Republican River may be headed for the courts again, as Nebraska appears to have continued to exceed allocations.
Kansas House to hear immigration proposals (2008-01-15)
Both Republicans and Democrats to introduce measures to crack down on employers of illegal workers.
Swift workers' lawsuit against government alleges misconduct (2008-01-08)
A lawsuit claims that federal officers violated the rights of United States citizens during the raid at the Swift meatpacking plant in Cactus, Texas.
On anniversary of Cactus raid, accusations that Swift knowingly hired illegal workers (2007-12-18)
The federal action that resulted in 53 Texas workers being sentenced for identity fraud has led to lawsuits, including one against Swift alleging that the company knowingly hired illegal workers to depress wages.
As Oklahoma Panhandle struggles with immigration, new law effect unclear (2007-12-11)
In the Oklahoma Panhandle, the part of the state most affected by immigration patterns, the new laws targeting immigration seem to have had a greater impact on public discourse than on law enforcement.
Kansas, Texas cities in running for federal lab (2007-12-04)
The Department of Homeland Security wants to replace the outdated Plum Island, N.Y., research facility with a new one, possibly in Texas or Kansas.
Pickens considering running for board on water regulatory body (2007-11-27)
The Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District determines water pumping limits in the county where T. Boone Pickens' Mesa Water plans to operate. Pickens may seek a seat on the board of that group.
Holcomb fallout includes different views on implications for wind power (2007-11-20)
Some feel that the KDHE's decision to deny Sunflower Electric's permit to expand its Holcomb facility is a blow to the development of wind power transmission lines in the region. Others see the development as more or less irrelevant.
Roberts County election creates district for selling Texas Panhandle water downstate (2007-11-13)
A new political boundary may help Mesa Water, owned by billionaire T. Boone Pickens, in its plan to sell Roberts County water.
Southeast Colorado to develop Arkansas River watershed plan (2007-11-06)
The Arkansas River watershed in Southeast Colorado will have a new water plan in the coming months.
Kansas Health Policy Authority to present recommendations (2007-10-30)
The Kansas legislature will receive a set of proposed reforms from the state Health Policy Authority this week.
Perennial wheat research holds promise (2007-10-23)
The development of perennial wheat cultivars remains in the experimental phase, but scientists on the High Plains and elsewhere are intrigued by the possibilities.
Grid boundaries a factor in wind power development (2007-10-16)
Wind-generated electricity is gathering momentum on the high plains, but selling power to urban centers outside the region involves some infrastructural challenges.
KDHE to decide on Sunflower soon (2007-10-09)
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will issue a decsion this month regarding Sunflower Electric's proposed expansion at its Holcomb, Kan., facility.
Lake Meredith levels remaining low (2007-10-02)
Despite the fact that 2007 has been a relatively rainy year on the High Plains, Lake Meredith continues to set record low levels.
Wind law basics for landowners (2007-09-25)
With wind energy becoming a bigger issue on the high plains, many landowners are curious about the particulars regarding leasing part of their land to a developer. Here are some basic considerations.
Food supply security contingency plan (2007-09-19)
With 80% of the nation's fed cattle here on the high plains, public and private entities are developing plans to ensure the safety of the beef, swine and dairy food supply in case of an outbreak of illness among livestock.
Researchers target feedlot odor (2007-09-11)
Scientists at West Texas A&M University in Canyon and elsewhere in the region are studying exactly what makes feedlots smell bad- and what can be done to solve the problem.
Cellulosic Ethanol in Development Stage (2007-08-28)
Researchers are moving quickly to reduce the cost of cellulosic ethanol production in hopes of making the renewable energy process economically competitive in the future.
Hugoton Facility to Produce Cellulosic Ethanol (2007-08-21)
Abengoa Bioenergies, a Spanish company with a number of operations in the United States, will announce their intent to build a cellulosic ethanol plant in Hugoton, Kan., this week.
Tamarisk Control in Western Kansas (2007-08-14)
Salt cedar leaf-eating beetles have been successful in the Southwest, but in Western Kansas, controlling tamarisk with this method remains in the experimental stage.
Beetles Used in Salt Cedar Management (2007-08-01)
The Salt Cedar Leaf Beetle, an insect from the tree's native habitat in Asia, is being used to control the spread of salt cedar on the High Plains. This approach, however, remains in the experimental phase.
Salt Cedar Disrupts Ecosystems (2007-07-24)
The Salt Cedar, or tamarisk, may look pretty, but it's not a good neighbor. It can ruin a creek bed by using the water and changing the composition of the soil.
Ethanol Spikes Cattle Feed Prices (2007-07-17)
With the ethanol boom resulting in higher prices for corn, cattle feeders on the high plains have faced increased operational costs. Some hope to offset the effect of higher corn prices by incorporating ethanol co-products into their rations.
Western Kansas Wheat Harvest (2007-07-03)
The wheat harvest in Western Kansas compares favorably to last year's, as well as to yields in other parts of the state.
Playa Appreciation Days (2007-06-26)
Playa lakes, a rare form of wetland worldwide, are common on the high plains. In the Texas Panhandle, the Ogallala Commons organization and the Texas Cooperative Extension Service are collaborating on efforts to help landowners make the most of these important and fragile parts of our ecosystem.
Panhandles Eager for Harvest (2007-06-18)
Wheat farmers in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles expect a successful harvest this year- in some areas, perhaps the best since 1999. Market forces have also been working in producers' favor.
Meat Industry looks to Farm Bill (2007-06-11)
With construction of the 2007 Farm Bill underway in Washington, all sectors of the beef production industry- cattle producers, cattle feeders and meat packers- want their interests represented.
Conduit for Lamar's Municipal Water (2007-05-29)
The Arkansas Valley Conduit, a much-delayed project to bring water from Pueblo to Lamar, could help the communities of Southeast Colorado provide cleaner drinking water at lower cost. A bill containing a provision for the conduit just cleared a major hurdle in the U.S. Senate.
Kansas Health Reform Bill (2007-05-01)
Both houses of the Kansas Legislature passed a health care reform package by a unanimous vote. It's the first step in a process that will continue later this year.
Texas Reviews Admissions Criteria (2007-04-24)
In Texas, graduating from the top 10 percent of one's high school class guarantees admission to any state university. However, Amarillo's Kel Seliger and other state senators hope to modify this rule to ease burdens on UT and Texas A&M.
Immigration Reform Event in Garden City (2007-04-17)
St. Mary's Catholic Parish of Garden City hosted a forum on immigration reform issues on April 15. One topic: The STRIVE Act of 2007, a bill still in the committee stage in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Holcomb Expansion Developments (2007-04-10)
Sunflower Energy's proposed expansion at its Holcomb, Kan., site would involve two new plants rather than the three initially proposed. Meanwhile, on the other side of the state, the Kansas Sierra Club has filed a suit against the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in hopes of forcing a "quasi-judicial" hearing on Sunflower's application.
Blizzard Benefit Helps Coloradans (2007-04-03)
In Southeast Colorado, people are still suffering the economic consequences of the blizzards this past winter. Operation Blizzard Benefit, a relief project, brought together the collected efforts of everyone from the Colorado Farm Bureau to western singer Michael Martin Murphy.
Texas Border Security Reform (2007-03-27)
Texas State Representative David Swinford (R-Dumas), Chair of the House State Affairs Committee, has referred proposed immigration legislation to Attorney General Greg Abbott for review. As immigration is a federal issue, the State of Texas may be limited in its powers to effect immigration reform. However, Swinford and others want state government to help improve security along the border.
Kansas Senate Bill 123 (2007-03-13)
Kansas Senate Bill 123 would allow farmers to participate in a federal voluntary water rights retirement program. Many in Kansas hope that acres taken out of irrigation could still be dry-land farmed, but that would require changes in the federal program.
Kansas Water Law (part two of two) (2007-02-02)
The Division of Water Resources administers water rights in Kansas. The Kansas Water Office is the main planning agency for water policy. The Basin Advisory Committees assist the Kansas Water Office.
Kansas Water Law (part one of two) (2007-01-30)
In Western Kansas, groundwater is vital. The three Groundwater Management Districts of Western Kansas are the touchstone agencies that connect citizens and government.
Texas Water Law (part two of two) (2007-01-23)
Every five years, the State of Texas publishes a new State Water Plan. The newest plan includes provisions to address increasing needs in the Panhandle and elsewhere.
Texas Water Law (part one of two) (2007-01-16)
Over one hundred years ago, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that landowners may pump as much groundwater as they like, even if that use affects the supply available to other landowners. However, the so-called Rule of Capture Doctrine is subject to amendment by local water authorities.
Colorado Water Law (2007-01-09)
The Colorado doctrine, also known as the Doctrine of Prior Appropriations, provides the basis for water law in the West. The dispute between Colorado and Kansas over the Arkansas River brought questions over surface water use to the federal level. This year, Colorado's compliance with the Supreme court's ruling will be evaluated.
Oklahoma Water Law (2007-01-02)
Texas County, Okla., can use as much water in a day as New York City if the wells are pumping at full capacity. The Oklahoma Panhandle depends on the Ogallala Aquifer for its agricultural production. State law has agricultural producers reporting their use on the "honor system," with no metering.