APPOINTED - Chad Reed is the new USDA-NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations in Zone 1, headquartered at Lubbock. He replaces Darren Richardson, who retired in November 2020.

BLUE LEGACY AWARDS — Just a quick reminder that nominations for the 2021 Blue Legacy Awards are due January 15, 2021. The award categories are: 1) agricultural; 2) manufacturing; and 3) municipal. The awards recognize responsible management of water resources and showcase examples of effective water stewardship. Nomination materials are available from the Water Conservation Advisory Council at savetexaswater.org.

HONORED — Congratulations to HPWD Swisher County Advisory Committee member Barry Evans of Kress who was named 2021 Cotton Marketer of the Year at the National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conferences.

RETIREMENT — Permian Basin UWCD General Manager Donna Springer of Stanton retired in December 2020. She started as the Office Administrator in 2009 and became the General Manager in 2016. Donna says she is thrilled to take on her new “promotion” as a full-time grandmother in 2021. Our best wishes to Donna for a happy and healthy retirement!