Big Spring Issues

The Big Spring Cowboy Reunion & Rodeo is back with new dates, major entertainment, top rodeo talent, and a fan experience that's bigger than ever before. KEY TALKING POINTS Rodeo dates moved to June 4–6 to attract higher-level competitors Increased participation from top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls National Finals Rodeo announcer Anthony Lucia returning Dusty Myers bringing award-winning rodeo...

Tate’s Place is expanding into a historic new building while continuing to serve hundreds of families in Big Spring through food programs, school outreach, gardens, and community events. KEY TALKING POINTS Tate’s Place started in memory of the Crawfords’ son, Tate The nonprofit grew from a garage operation into a major community organization New purchase underway of the historic Salvation Army Cit...

Whiskers & Tails is bringing affordable spay and neuter services to Big Spring while tackling the growing stray animal problem through education, outreach, and community support. KEY TALKING POINTS Whiskers & Tails officially expands into Big Spring Low-cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats New clinic operating multiple days per mon...

Big Spring is in the middle of a transformation—and most people don’t realize how big it is. In this episode, Airport Director Mike Feeley breaks down the massive developments happening at the Big Spring Airpark, from a $16 million private investment by Galaxy to a newly approved FAA military airport program that could inject another $16 million into infrastructure. We’re talking new hangars, upgr...

In this episode of Big Spring Issues , host Scott Emerson sits down with Steve “Bodie” Bodenheimer, local Culligan manager and chairman of the Air Park Advisory Board, for an in-depth conversation about economic development and community growth in Big Spring. They discuss recent changes at Culligan, including new ownership and a renewed focus on local involvement, as well as the importance of stro...

In this episode of Big Spring Issues, host Scott Emerson welcomes Susan Sankey, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Just days into her role, Susan shares her background, her early impressions of the community, and her vision for positioning Big Spring for long-term prosperity. The conversation explores how the EDC supports both small bus...

n this episode of Big Spring Issues, host Scott Emerson sits down with Howard County Chief Appraiser Julie Duke to break down one of the most confusing—and often frustrating—topics for local residents: property taxes. With tax season approaching, Julie explains how property values are determined, what has changed at the appraisal district, and how the process impacts homeowners, renters, and busin...

In this episode of Big Spring Issues, host Scott Emerson sits down to discuss an ambitious and meaningful project—the development of the West Texas Veterans Memorial. As Vice President of the initiative, Luis shares the vision behind creating a space that honors veterans from all service eras, not just Vietnam, and how the memorial will serve as a lasting tribute for generations across Big Spring...

In this episode of Big Spring Issues, host Scott Emerson visits with Jean Hector of Circle H Auto Sales to talk about classic cars, restoration work, and the growing automotive business he’s built just outside Big Spring in Coahoma. Jean shares how his shop has become more than a car lot—offering restoration, mechanical work, custom interiors, upholstery, and full classic car builds for enthusiast...

This episode of Big Spring Issues highlights the upcoming Stars & Cars fundraiser , a longtime Big Spring tradition supporting the Volunteer Service Council of the Big Spring State Hospital. Host Scott Emerson sits down with Dana Johnson and Amy Vandergriff to talk about the event’s 20-year history, how the unique reverse raffle works, and what attendees can expect during a night filled with c...

In this episode of Big Spring Issues, host Scott Emerson speaks with Jim Womack, Director of Safety and Security for Big Spring ISD, about the systems and strategies in place to protect students across the district. Following recent incidents in the community, including a weapon discovered at the high school, the conversation focuses on how quickly school officials responded and how proactive safe...

In this episode of Big Spring Issues, host Scott Emerson sits down with Charlie Minnick of Bailey Toliver RV and Ford in Stanton, Texas. Charlie shares the story of how the dealership was established in the region, how the company grew from an RV dealership into a thriving Ford dealership, and why building long-term relationships with customers has been the key to their success. The conversation a...

In this episode of Big Spring Issues, host Scott Emerson sits down with Dr. Thaddeus McAllister, superintendent of Pathway Academy, to discuss the charter school’s first year serving students in Big Spring. With around 110 students enrolled, Pathway is already helping teenagers accelerate their education through early college coursework, career-focused learning, and hands-on community experiences—...

In this episode of Big Spring Issues , host Scott Emerson sits down with Chelsea Merkel of the Steer Stampede Booster Club to talk about a unique and growing extracurricular activity in the community — high school barbecue competition teams. Chelsea shares how the team operates, what students learn from competing, and how the booster club helps fund travel, supplies, and competition costs for loca...