South-Plains News

West Texas Guar, Inc. of Brownfield, TX is said to owe nearly $4 million to 20 farmers, many of them located in the South Plains region.

Since Texas Tech's Board of Regents approved a 3.95 percent tuition increase Tuesday, many Tech students have expressed concern about the extra $365 a year they will now have to pay.

Two men originally indicted last year as part of a six-person meth trafficking ring were sentenced Thursday, March 13, in federal court on charges related to the operation.

Political Will, who goes by the moniker instead of his legal name, was midway through the South Plains Thursday, March 13. He's eastbound crossing the country to promote national debt-reduction, but left his car behind.

A West Texas-based Celtic ensemble called Roan Inish Damhsa will host its sixth annual St. Patrick's Day Ceili from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, March 17, at Triple J. Chophouse & Brew Co., 1807 Buddy Holly Ave. A ceili is an interactive show for all ages that promotes awareness of the Celtic heritage and culture on the South Plains.

Warmer temperatures and dry conditions are both key ingredients for a grass fire and the South Plains is already seeing fires spark up in the area.

The South Plains Advocates for Freedom will launch an information petition drive Wednesday, March 12, to encourage citizens to sign on to the document calling for Lubbock's City Council to "take actions to stop government overreach," said organization spokeswoman Mikel Ward.

A combination of sustained 20 mph winds and humidity values at 15 percent or less present a fire hazard for the area, according to the National Weather Service.

A cold front will also move across the area after 6 p.m. which will bring an increase in wind speed and blowing dust.

According to the National Weather Service, the city has had 0.17 inches of precipitation so far in 2014.

In light of Severe Weather Awareness week, KCBD's own expert meteorologists take a look back at the most memorable severe weather moments on the South Plains.

Nattea Nathan, left, listens to Vanessa Castillo and Carlos Castillo place an order at the recently opened Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers Monday.

David Graves was sitting in his pickup truck one day, waiting for his wife to come out of the South Plains Medical Services repair shop with good news about his scooter.

With the fourth lowest rate in the state, Lubbock's unemployment numbers are down to 4.3 percent with a reported growth in the civilian labor force of about 2,300 jobs throughout last year.

The deadly tornadoes that devastated portions of Oklahoma last May are a dark reminder.

Greek yogurt - a thicker, higher-protein alternative to the traditional kind - is boosting an industry that suffered through drought with the rest of the agriculture world.

Republican primary candidates Tim Addison and Alfred Martinez each received 236 votes, leaving the county with a tie for that seat and officials to research their next steps while other South Plains counties reported a handful of close contested races.

While cotton, corn and peanuts are off the ground and awaiting their next planting, a South Plains winter wheat crop remains in peak growing season.

One the Texas Legislature passed last year - designed to help voters in more than two dozen rural counties - is among those, at least for now.

Lubbock's Emergency Management office issued a travel alert on Sunday, warning that freezing rain is creating hazardous driving conditions in the area, urging people to avoid travel if possible.