DSHS Releases Updated COVID-19 Numbers

The Texas Department of State Health Services has released updated COVID-19 number for the period of time from Wednesday to Saturday.

As of Saturday, their have been 51 additional cases of COVID-19 from Wednesday, November 25th to Saturday, November 28th. During that same time period their have been 6 additional deaths and 124 recoveries.

Based on the new information, there are 1,319 total cases with 51 deaths and 988 recoveries, leaving 280 active cases. The hospitalization rate in trauma service area B which Hockley County is a part of remains over the 15% threshold set by the Governor. Saturday is day 41 above the 15% level. Saturday the rate was 29.01%.

Area Fire Departments Battle Early Morning Multi-Unit Structure Fire in Levelland

Photo Courtesy of Levelland Fire Department

The Levelland Fire Department was dispatched just before 4:00 am on Thanksgiving day to a multi-unit structure fire in the 500 block of West Jefferson. The structures were fully engulfed when firefighters arrived on the scene. The Sundown and Smyer Volunteer Fire Departments were also called to assist.

According to early reports two of the structures were declared a total loss while the third structure suffered heavy damage. All three properties were reported to be vacant, however, reports indicate evidence of someone had been living in one of the structures.

Crews battled the blaze for over 5 hours. The cause of the fire remains under investigation of the Levelland Fire Marshall’s Office.

DSHS Confirms 34 New Cases, 7 Recoveries and 1 Death Tuesday

The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 34 new cases of COVID-19 in Hockley County on Tuesday along with 7 recoveries and unfortunately 1 additional death.

Based on the new information, Hockley County has a total of 1,268 cases with 45 deaths and 866 recoveries leaving 357 active cases. The hospitalization rate for Trauma Service Area B which Hockley County is a part of is at 27.95% which is up just slightly from Monday.

Levelland Police Attempt Traffic Stop, Driver Flees Leading to Multi-County Pursuit

A Levelland Police Officer attempted a traffic stop Sunday at approximately 1:00 pm in the 300 Block of Houston Street. The driver fled the scene which led to a pursuit from Hockley County into Terry County.

The case began in Levelland, traveling east on Highway 114 then down FM 211 into Terry County, traveling through Meadow and ending near the Meadow ISD Ag Farm.

The driver, Randy Arzabala, 35 of Levelland was arrested and transported to the Terry County Jail on multiple charges including, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Aggravated Assault against a public servant, Evading Arrest or Detention with a motor vehicle, Unlawful Restraint, causing serious bodily injury, Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identification items, Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He is being held on bond totaling $150,000.

Four Recoveries from COVID-19 Announced in Hockley County

The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed four new recoveries in Hockley County on Monday. The department did not have any new cases for Hockley County on Monday.

Based on the new information, there are a total of 1,234 cases in Hockley County with 859 recoveries and 44 deaths leaving a total of 331 active cases.

South Plains College Announces Delayed Start to Spring Semester

South Plains College announced Monday morning that they will have a delayed start to the Spring 2021 semester. The Spring classes will start January 19th, 2021.

The college made the announcement in a statement to all faculty, staff and students. SPC states that classes will start January 19th, while all administrative will open for virtual appointments only on January 4th. All offices will open for in person appointments on January 11th. Faculty will report back to the campus on January 11th.

SPC had originally planned for a January 11th start. At this time Spring Break remains on the calendar, however, that could change and students are reminded to check the online academic calendar for changes. Texas Tech University had previously announced a delayed start to the spring semester.

Levelland City Council Approves Bid for Expansion of Rail in Lot 8 of Industrial Rail Park

Levelland City Council met in a special meeting Friday to approve expansion of rail in Lot 8 of the Industrial Rail Park.

Levelland Economic Development Corporation received three bids for expansion of rail in the rail park for EnviroTech. All bids were slightly over the original budget, however, their were some changes made from the original plans. The project will be paid through a grant received from Texas Department of Agriculture and the Economic Development Alliance.

Levelland City Council approved the low bid from Trac-Work Inc. out of Ennis, TX for $711,996.35. The other two bids were from the Kwest Group for $988,927 and RailWorks Track Systems for $1.1 million dollars.

Obituary: Carmen Villereal, 57 of Levelland

Services are scheduled for Carmen Olivia Gomez Villereal, 57 of Levelland. Graveside services will be held on Monday, November 23rd at 11:00 am in the City of Levelland Cemetery. Rosary Services are set for Sunday, November 22nd at 7:00 pm in the Krestridge Funeral Home Chapel. She passed away on Monday, November 16th. Services are under the direction of Krestridge Funeral Home.

Obituary: Stephanie Lynn Smith, 29 of Lubbock

Funeral services are scheduled for Stephanie Lynn Smith, 29 of Lubbock. Services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Monday, November 23rd in the Second Baptist Church in Levelland. Burial will follow in the City of Levelland Cemetery. Visitation is set for Sunday, November 22nd in the Krestridge Funeral Home. She passed away on Wednesday, November 18th. Services are under the direction of Krestridge Funeral Home.

Obituary: Oscar Fisher, 85 of Sundown

Funeral Services are scheduled for Oscar Fisher, 85 of Sundown. Services are scheduled for Friday, November 20th at 2:00 pm in the Second Baptist Church in Levelland. Burial will follow in the Sundown Cemetery. He passed away on Friday, November 13th. Services are under the direction of Krestridge Funeral Home.