• JAN. 24TH, 2025 | Roby CISD Budget Shortfall
    Jan 24 2025

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    On this week’s episode of The ShortCut, we’re diving into the latest from Aspermont’s City Council, including updates on vegetation ordinance violations, substandard structures, and an election coming this May. Rotan is making progress on its first substandard structure cleanup project, while Roby CISD addresses a budget shortfall and plans for stronger financial controls. Plus, editor Jeff Hurt takes on the challenges of media accountability, government transparency, and the search for truth in 2025. Stay tuned!

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    7 mins
  • Jan. 17th, 2025 | Legal Showdown in Fisher County
    Jan 17 2025

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    IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION OF THE SHORTCUT;

    • ROTAN ISD IS PREPARING FOR A PIVOTAL TOWN HALL MEETING NEXT MONDAY TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF A NEW BOND ELECTION FOLLOWING LAST NOVEMBER’S FAILED PROPOSAL. LEARN WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA AND WHY YOUR INPUT IS CRITICAL.
    • PLANS FOR ASPERMONT’S BASEBALL TEAM HAVE BEEN PUT ON HOLD DUE TO LOW PARTICIPATION, BUT THE DISTRICT IS STAYING OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ITS FUTURE. WE’LL SHARE WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE PROGRAM.
    • FROM FINANCIAL AUDITS TO INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ROAD DRAINAGE ISSUES, THE STONEWALL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT IS TACKLING KEY PROJECTS TO KICK OFF THE YEAR.
    • AMID REPORTS OF STRAY DOG CONCERNS, ROTAN IS WORKING TO IMPROVE ANIMAL CONTROL MEASURES. WE’LL BREAK DOWN THE CHALLENGES AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS ON THE TABLE.
    • THE FISHER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS RETAINED LEGAL COUNSEL AS IT BRACES FOR A LAWSUIT INVOLVING FORMER COMMISSIONER PRESTON MARTIN. STAY TUNED FOR THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS ONGOING LEGAL BATTLE.
    • AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, EDITOR JEFF HURT IS BACK, OFFERING HIS SHARP COMMENTARY ON THE FISHER COUNTY DRAMA, WITH INSIGHTS AND HUMOR YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS.

    STAY WITH US FOR THESE STORIES AND MORE AS WE KEEP YOU INFORMED AND UP TO DATE.


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    8 mins
  • Jan. 10th, 2025 | A New Sherriff In Town
    Jan 11 2025

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    This week, we dive into Aspermont's plans for 2025 property cleanups and code enforcement, Big Country Electric Cooperative’s welcome savings on winter bills, and Fisher County’s new sheriff navigating a challenging start. Plus, in our editorial, Tricia Hurt reflects on balancing accountability with compassion, sharing a heartfelt reminder of the transformative power of kindness and grace. Stay tuned for these stories and more.



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    6 mins
  • Dec. 20th 2024 | Christmas Edition
    Dec 20 2024

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    Welcome to The ShortCuts’s Holiday Edition—our final episode of the year! We invite you to join us for a lighthearted detour from the everyday grind.

    This week, we bring you "The Interview of a Lifetime," a whimsical and mysterious holiday story where a centuries-old watch, a lost letter to Santa, and a journalist’s curious discovery collide to blur the lines between myth and reality.

    We’ll also share a heartwarming look at local students’ letters to Santa and reflect on the timeless tradition of writing letters to the editor, reminding us of the importance of connection and community.

    So, as the holiday season kicks into high gear, take a moment to enjoy the magic, mystery, and meaning of the season.



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    6 mins
  • Dec. 13th 2024 | Solar Farms & Safety Skills
    Dec 13 2024

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    On this week’s episode of The ShortCut, we dive into the latest updates from Stonewall Hospital, where the board has approved new employee policies aimed at addressing financial challenges, but not without raising staff concerns. Next, we’ll explore Fisher County’s recent approval of tax abatements for renewable energy projects and the questions surrounding their long-term impact. We’ll also highlight a self-defense seminar empowering women in Old Glory, Texas, and how its success is inspiring similar efforts across the region. Finally, we’ll give you a preview of this week’s editorial on the balance between activism and meaningful action. Stay tuned for these stories and more!

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    5 mins
  • Dec. 6th 2024 | Renewable Energy Investments & Community Growth
    Dec 6 2024

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    In this week’s edition of The Shortcut, we dive into key stories shaping our local communities.
    First up, Aspermont, Roby, and Rotan are applying for seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars each through the twenty twenty-five Community Development Block Grant program to fund critical infrastructure projects.
    Next, Aspermont ISD received a positive financial audit, showing healthy reserves and strong management despite some challenges.
    In renewable energy news, Fisher and Stonewall Counties are exploring major wind and solar projects, with public hearings in both counties set for December 9th. These developments promise significant investments and economic growth but require careful negotiations.
    And finally, this week’s editorial by Jeff Hurt reflects on the rhythms of local news and the transitions of public leadership in our communities.
    Stay tuned for all the details, and don’t forget to grab this week’s edition or subscribe online for more.

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    7 mins
  • Nov. 22nd 2024 | The Sherriff Shuffle & New Faces In Local Leadership
    Nov 22 2024

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    In this week’s edition of the ShortCut; controversy continues to swirl in Fisher County after sheriff-elect Simon Wade was declared ineligible to take office due to a licensing issue. With the sheriff’s position now vacant, the Fisher County commissioners will have to appoint a replacement while current sheriff Tom Pohlman remains in charge until January.

    Meanwhile, local school boards are seeing leadership changes. At Roby CISD, newly elected trustees Brent Whitfield and Danny Carrion were sworn in, and outgoing board president Chris Estes was honored for his service. The board also elected new leadership, with Kevin Kelly taking over as president. Rotan ISD, after swearing in new trustees, re-elected Britt Sipe as board president and welcomed two new members to their ranks.

    Finally, in an editorial, Jeff Hurt takes a closer look at the political tension brewing in Fisher County, with a mix of humor and insight into the challenges local leaders face heading into 2025. It's a busy week in local news, and we’ve got all the details for you.



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    5 mins
  • Nov. 8th 2024 | Sherriff Showdown & Other Election Results
    Nov 8 2024

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    In this episode of the shortcut, we dive into the 2024 election, where Fisher County faces political shifts with the appointment of Morgan Brooks as County Attorney after a surprising vacancy, and the mixed results of school bond proposals in Aspermont and Rotan ISDs. We also explore the ongoing legal drama surrounding newly-elected Sheriff Simon Wade, whose eligibility to take office is once again in question. Plus, don’t miss DMC editor Jeff Hurt’s latest editorial, where he offers his sharp, humorous take on the chaos of local elections and what it all means for the future.

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    6 mins