Community

The historic Wallace Theater in downtown Levelland held its grand reopening this weekend. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on how the theater is bringing the community together. Lubbock's mayor Mark McBrayer and District 6 city councilman Tim Collins are hosting Coffee with the Mayor tomorrow morning. The event starts at 7 A.M. at the United Supermarket at 4th and Milwaukee.

First opened in 1928, the Wallace Theater in downtown Levelland closed in the 1980s. Now, after years of restoration, it is reopening its doors to teach the next generation of musicians and thespians.

The South Plains Fair returns this week for its 108th year. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on Preview Night, tonight from 6 to 11 p.m. with $1 rides, free admission, and free parking. The City of Lubbock is looking for public input to improve its website. The survey will be opened until October 1. You can provide feedback here.

With autumn on the way, our reporter Mia Shephard has more on how to get involved with one of Lubbock’s favorite fall festivities. The annual Pumpkin Trail will be October 16th and the city is calling for sponsors and volunteers. For more information, contact Ruth Perkins by calling 806-775-2670 or at ruthperkins@mylubbock.us. Starting today, livestock producers affected by wildfires or floods can apply for disaster relief through the USDA's Emergency Livestock Relief Program. You can find more information at fsa.usda.gov/elrp.

This Saturday is the 55th Annual Fall Festival from the Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center at 4215 University Ave from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on what folks can expect from the event. Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order this week restricting the sale of THC products to those under the age of 21. Hemp relators say that in practice, it will not change much for the industry.

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents has officially named Houston Republican Senator Brandon Creighton as the sole finalist for chancellor of the university system. Our Brad Burt has more on Creighton and the decision. Today, community health screenings will be offered at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. And at the Godeke Library, a social worker will be available 1-3 p.m. Looking to this Sunday, Buddy Holly’s 89th Birthday Bash will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Buddy Holly Center at 1801 Crickets Ave.

A coalition of citizens from District 2 have filed for a petition to recall city council member Gordon Harris. Our Brad Burt reports on the petition and Harris' response. The petition group has 30 days to collect more than 900 signatures, making the deadline October 2. The group will hold an information meeting at the Southwest Digest on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A coalition of citizens and organizers from Lubbock's District 2 began a petition this week to recall councilman Gordon Harris. Aimed at accountability and transparency, one member of the group says he has also filed complaints with the Texas Ethics Commission regarding campaign finances.

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents is expected to name Texas Senator Brandon Creighton as the next chancellor in its meeting tomorrow. More than 830 new Texas laws went into effect on Monday, and as Camila Gonzalez with the Denton Record-Chronicle explains, that includes one regarding THC vapes, Chinese-made e-cigarettes and similar products. Live fire training is set to begin today at the Preston Smith International Airport. The City of Lubbock wants residents to be aware that flames and smoke may be visible to those in the communities surrounding the airport. The trainings are scheduled Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lubbock Area United Way kicked off its annual fundraising campaign yesterday. This year’s goal is not measured in dollars donated, but in lives impacted. The Texas Legislature passed a bill in the regular session to provide resources to volunteer firefighters in response to the 2024 Panhandle Wildfires. Our reporter Brad Burt has more on SB 34, which will go into effect on Sept. 1.