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Welcome to this week’s edition of the ShortCut - where we’re bringing you the latest stories from the Double Mountain region.

• Rolling Plains Title of Texas is expanding to Aspermont, offering local title and closing services.
• Aspermont ISD welcomed administrators from across Texas, showcasing the innovative changes that helped transform the district’s education system.
• Fisher County Farm & Ranch Ace Hardware is now open in Rotan! We’ll take you inside the new 12,500-square-foot store that’s bringing big-name brands and a one-stop shopping experience to the community.
• Rotan City Council is ramping up efforts to clean up substandard properties, approving five locations for possible demolition in 2025.
• In this week’s editorial, editor Jeff Hurt dives into the inevitability of change—how it’s shaped our schools, businesses, and communities- and why embracing it could be the key to growth.

Stick with us—your local news starts now!

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In Stonewall County, all eyes were on the upcoming May election—until there wasn’t one. With no challengers stepping up for city council, school board, or hospital district seats, officials will likely cancel their elections in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, in Rotan, voters will head to the polls to decide on two key measures: a $7.5 million bond for school renovations and teacher housing, and two propositions from the Economic Development Corporation aimed at expanding funding for local projects.

Financial updates were also front and center at last week’s Stonewall Memorial Hospital District meeting, where leaders reported three consecutive months of positive growth.

And finally, in this week’s editorial, Editor Jeff Hurt asks an important question: Are we avoiding elections out of confidence in our leaders—or simply a lack of interest in stepping up?

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In this weeks edition of the shortcut we start with the latest from Aspermont ISD as the district takes a big step toward securing future funding with the creation of a new education foundation. Over in Rotan, the city has officially cleared its first dilapidated structure—what does this mean for ongoing revitalization efforts? Plus, with a critical bond election deadline approaching, we’ll break down the latest discussions from Rotan ISD’s town hall and what’s next for the district.

And in this week’s editorial, Editor Jeff Hurt takes a deep dive into Governor Abbott’s latest remarks and the impact of Texas’ economic policies on rural communities. Are we witnessing real prosperity, or just another game of political shell tricks?

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Welcome back to this week’s episode of the ShortCut, where we break down the biggest stories impacting our community.

First, we’ll take a look at Rotan ISD’s upcoming town hall meeting on February 3, where officials hope to gather public input on a possible bond election this May. After last year’s failed bond proposal, the district is seeking clarity on community concerns before making any decisions.

Next, we’ll cover the TASA 2025 Midwinter Conference, where school superintendents from across Texas—including those from the Double Mountains region—gathered to discuss pressing education issues. A key focus was a proposed bill that could change how school funding is calculated, potentially providing more stability for rural districts.

We’ll also dive into Aspermont ISD’s bond project, as district leaders work to finalize architect contracts while navigating the complexities of construction planning and budgeting. Superintendent Zach Morris is working to ensure clear roles and responsibilities to maximize the district’s funding.

In Fisher County, the hospital district board approved a tax abatement for the Indigo Solar Project, a large-scale solar energy development expected to bring over $2.1 million to the district over the next decade. The project is set to break ground in 2025 and contribute to Texas’ renewable energy infrastructure.

And finally, in this week’s editorial, Editor Jeff Hurt examines the fine line between free speech and journalistic responsibility, reflecting on a recent debate among newspaper publishers over whether to print a controversial letter to the editor. With a nod to Benjamin Franklin’s timeless defense of the press, Hurt challenges us to consider what journalism truly stands for today.

Stay tuned as we break down these stories and more—right here on the shortcut.

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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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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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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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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.