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EDWARD JONES
BY NOLA HOPKINS CANYON NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Edward Jones has been named Best Financial Planners by Reader’s Choice voters.
“It’s exciting, and it’s humbling to know that so many of our clients appreciate us, and that’s our goal – to make a difference in their lives,” Kassidy Pagett, financial advisor, said. “This is a good checkpoint to make sure we are making that difference.”
The “bread and butter” of Edward Jones is “preparing for retirement and helping people make the transition into retirement,” Pagett said. “We also do life insurance, long-term care insurance and college education savings.”
Edward Jones offices are independent businesses but work under the umbrella of Edward Jones.
“Our goal is to provide that unique approachability that you always know who you are going to talk to when you call the office,” Pagett said. “We are never a 1-800 number.”
Pagett’s office is located at 1301 Fourth Avenue. Her office phone number is 806-655-7841.
Dan Shuman and his daughter, Lindsay Mayhew, also have an Edward Jones office at 1610 Fourth Ave. Their phone number is 806-655-4994.
“We are super grateful for the fact that we were chosen by the city of Canyon,” Mayhew said of the award for the Edward Jones offices. “I grew up here, so it means a lot to have been recognized by the community that has been so graciously pouring into us.”
What is Mayhew’s philosophy of financial planning?
“Everything that we do here at Edward Jones is helping people,” she said. “That’s our entire philosophy – helping people. We strive to help people reach their goals and milestones in their lives. That’s why we got into the profession in the first place - with the heart of serving people.”
Pagett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Lubbock Christian University with plans to be a doctor but later changed that goal and
“THAT’S OUR ENTIRE PHILOSOPHY –HELPING PEOPLE. WE STRIVE TO HELP PEOPLE REACH THEIR GOALS AND MILESTONES IN THEIR LIVES.”
attained a Master’s Degree in Business at West Texas A&M University.
“The most fulfilling part of this job is seeing the look on someone’s face when they realize the little bit of direction we have given them has given their money purpose and a direction and that allows them to drive their life in the direction they want it to go,” Pagett said. Living in Canyon has its advantages, according
to Pagett.
“I love Canyon,” she said “Canyon gives you the small-town feel that I love but is close to everything you need. The people are what make Canyon. People here are incredible.”
Both offices are accepting new clients and are “excited to help everybody reach their dreams,” Pagett said.
“Your dream, my mission. Making dreams come true, one home at a time!“
DR. KENNETH CROSSLAND
BY NOLA HOPKINS CANYON NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Dr. Kenneth Crossland has been named Reader’s Choice Best Dentist for 2025. That’s not a big surprise.
He has received that honor every year since 2013 when the award was started.
“I have been very fortunate to have the Reader’s Choice awards,” Crossland said. “I feel honored. It has been a privilege to serve the hometown community for 52 years.”
Crossland is definitely a Canyonite. He was born here in August of 1947 and graduated from Canyon High School in 1965.
He graduated from the University of Texas dental branch in Houston in 1972 and served as a dentist in the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville for six months before opening his practice in Canyon in January of 1973 at 2000 Fourth Ave. That’s 52 years of service to Canyon residents and 53 total.
Some of his patients who were in their 40’s when he started are now in their 90’s. He may be serving some of their greatgrandchildren.
The reward of being a dentist is the “satisfaction of taking care of people,” he said. “I don’t have a high-end restorative practice for super smiles. The majority of my practice is medical infections, chronic diseases, abscesses.”
He also offers implants, fluoride
treatments, night guards for those who grind their teeth or snore, sealants, teeth whitening, crowns and dentures.
One unusual experience Crossland has had in his years of dentistry was in the 1980’s when a veterinarian friend asked if he could work on his racehorse’s teeth. Because he had grown up around horses and cattle, he accepted the challenge.
In addition to his wall of Reader’s Choice awards, Crossland has numerous other plaques. Among those are two for being
THE REWARD OF BEING A DENTIST IS THE “SATISFACTION OF TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE.”
nominated for the University of Texas Distinguished Alumnus Award (2015 and 2018) and one for receiving that award in 2024.
He’s a member of the Texas Dental Association, the Fellowship of American College of Dentists and the Fellowship of International College of Dentists. He served
as president of the Panhandle District Dental Society, (the local branch of the American Dental Association), in 1985-86 and again in 2003-04.
At age 78 in August, does he have retirement plans?
He has a former dental assistant, Ayse Holt, who is in her first year of dental school.
When she graduates in three more years, he plans to turn the practice over to her – but he may still work two days a week.
He admitted that neurological or eyesight problems could “knock a dentist out” of his practice.
In the meantime, he continues to serve his Canyon neighbors.
Dr. Kenneth Crossland, middle back, is pictured with his assistants and office staff.
PHOTO BY NOLA HOPKINS
CAREXPRESS
Whether it’s a weekend fever, a nagging sore throat or a sprained ankle that just won’t let up, CareXpress is ready to serve, according to Cassie Chaffin, clinical administrator. That could be why it was named Best Urgent Care by Readers’ Choice voters.
CareXpress Urgent Care offers a wide range of services from the treatment of general illnesses such as bronchitis, sinus infections, pink eye and urinary tract infections to minor injuries such as sprains, abrasions, burns and rashes.
CareXpress also provides on-site diagnostics such as x-rays, glucose monitoring, EKGs, sonograms and CAT scans.
“It allows us to quickly diagnose and treat patients without sending them to multiple locations,” Kelby Reed, RMA, said.
Offerings also include immunizations, annual and school physicals, allergy testing, diabetes screenings, blood pressure checks and occupational medicine. Reed called it a “onestop shop for urgent health needs.”
What is the difference between urgent care (CareXpress) and primary care (Family Medical Center next door)?
“Our urgent care side is great for those acute issues – when you’re sick and can’t get in to see your primary care provider, we can help you feel better quickly. We aim to treat you fast and get you back to your life,” Chaffin said. “On the primary care side, CareXpress is supported by 12 providers who work with patients to manage chronic conditions, develop long-term treatment plans and focus on overall wellness.”
CareXpress Anywhere is a virtual visit service that connects with providers 24/7.
“You can see a provider from the comfort of your home, whether you’re in Canyon or even Amarillo,” Chaffin said. “It’s perfect for afterhours needs or when you’re just not feeling
well enough to come in.”
Chaffin and Reed attribute winning the Readers’ Choice award to the clinic’s team.
“It’s our people,” Chaffin said. “We’re a family-oriented facility. Our staff has a true passion for healthcare. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling. We treat our patients like family because we believe in building relationships and trust.”
Reed agreed.
“We’re here to serve our community,” she said. “That means every patient, every problem, every concern – we’re ready to help. I think that commitment shines through, and our patients feel it.”
For more information or to schedule a virtual visit, visit http://www. careexpressurgentcare.com or stop by during operating hours, 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
CareXpress patients also named Dr. Bruce Clark as Readers’ Choice Best Physician.
Clark grew up in Hereford and returned there to practice family medicine after graduating from Texas Tech University. After seven years there, he moved to Canyon where he has practiced for 23 years.
“It’s like a vocation to me,” he said. To me it was a calling to help people medically, and I like the science of it. Medicine is science, and there is also an art to it. For the past 30 years, I have been trying to work on both. The art of medicine is dealing with people, communicating and listening more than me talking, and making a connection with every person because each person is unique in God’s eyes, trying to meet people where they are in their life, whatever circumstances, physical, mental and spiritual.”
In his 30 years of medicine, his experiences have included doing CPR at a golf course and in a restaurant and delivering babies before he
could put his gloves on.
“Even though I am not in the clinic, I am still being a doctor,” Clark said.
He has enjoyed his years in Canyon.
“It’s been a blessing to come here and develop friendships and help the community in some small fashion,” Clark said. “I don’t look for accolades in my life. I try to do the best I
can for each moment. It’s not just me doing everything. I have all the people that work here that help us. It can take six people to help one person that day: our front people, our lab, our x-ray tech and our nursing staff. It takes a lot of energy to do that consistently and to do it right. That’s what we are always trying to work on.”
Dr. Bruce Clark (center) with CareXpress staff members. PHOTO BY NOLA HOPKINS
ASSISTED LIVING/ RETIREMENT HOME
SkyWest Assisted Living
CHIROPRACTOR Canyon
ChiropracticNancy Hinders
HEALTH CARE
DENTIST
Kenneth A. Crossland, DDS
EYE CARE Espy Vision
ORTHODONTIST
Hodges & Hodges Orthodontics
PHARMACY United Supermarkets
PHYSICIAN
Dr. Bruce Clark, FMC Health
URGENT CARE CareXpress Urgent Care Canyon
VETERINARIAN Palo Duro Animal Hospital
CANYON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BY TIM RITTER TRITTER@HEARSTNP.COM
There’s not a better place to live than in “Small Town USA.”
Talk to Canyon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lee Erin Koehler and that’s the impression she gives … especially with her love for community engagement and bringing excitement to town.
The Canyon Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July Celebration was recently voted the 2025 Canyon News Readers’ Choice Best Entertainment and the Canyon Chamber of Commerce received the 2025 Canyon News Readers’ Choice Best Website.
“The Fourth of July parade is one of Canyon’s most beloved traditions,” Koehler said. “It’s not just an event, it’s part of our identity. Generations have lined the streets, from grandparents to wide-eyed children, waving flags and celebrating together.
“This year’s parade was incredible. The energy was unmatched, the streets were packed, and you could feel the pride and joy radiating through the crowd. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how deeply rooted community is here in Canyon.”
Koehler, who took over the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director duties in the spring, was busy preparing and planning for the Fourth of July, alongside Chamber assistant Brooklyn Spencer.
“Months of preparation, collaboration, and passion go into pulling off a parade of this scale,” Koehler said. “From coordinating entries and permits to safety plans, volunteers, route logistics and communication, it’s a massive undertaking.
“The Chamber works hand in hand with
local law enforcement, emergency services, City departments and dozens of volunteers to ensure the parade runs smoothly and safely. It’s truly a community-wide effort, and it starts almost as soon as the last float rolls through.”
Over 20,000 people were estimated to attend this year’s parade, Koehler said.
“It’s one of the biggest days of the year in Canyon, both in spirit and in turnout,” Koehler added. “The Chamber plays a major role in promoting the event, managing logistics, and working with our tourism partners to ensure people know Canyon is the place to be for the Fourth.
“From social media and press to partnerships with hotels, restaurants and local shops, our goal is always to create a welcoming,
“CANYON ISN’T JUST A TOWN, IT’S A WAY OF LIFE.”
unforgettable experience that brings visitors back again and again.”
Koehler and the Chamber have big plans for the Fourth of July Celebration in 2026.
“Next year marks the Canyon Chamber’s 120th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with our biggest Fourth of July yet? We’re already dreaming up fresh additions to honor our legacy and take the parade to the next level,” Koehler said.
“It will be a celebration not just of Independence Day, but of 120 years of local pride, growth and community connection. Expect new touches, big energy and a few surprises as we mark this incredible milestone.”
Stepping into the Chamber Executive Director role, Koehler has felt humbled and energized, to say the least.
“These past few months have been a whirlwind, in the best way,” Koehler said. “The support from the community, our board, and local businesses has been overwhelming in the most heartwarming way. I love connecting people, spotlighting what makes Canyon special, and building something meaningful.”
… Here in small-town USA, what makes Canyon special?
“Canyon is the perfect blend of charm, heart and hustle,” Koehler said. “We’ve got the friendliness of a small town, the vibrancy of a college community and a deep sense of pride in our roots. People here show up for one another, they care, they serve and they dream big.
“From our beautiful downtown to the rim of Palo Duro Canyon, this is a place where families thrive, businesses grow and memories are made.
“Canyon isn’t just a town, it’s a way of life.”
HOUSE & HOME
TEA the best and vibes in town
APPETIZERS
Mickey’s Place
ASIAN CUISINE
Sayakomarn’s
BAKERY
The Cake Company of Canyon
BBQ
Robinson’s BBQ
BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
Mickey’s Place
BEST DRINK (ALCOHOL)
Pondaseta Pizza Company
BEST DRINK (NONALCOHOL)
HTeaO
BEST LOCAL RESTAURANT
Mickey’s Place
BREAKFAST
Ranch House Cafe
BREAKFAST BURRITO
Buenos Dias
BURRITO
Buff’s
CATFISH
Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner
RESTAURANTS
CHICKEN
Chicken Express
CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner
CHILI
Bear’s Burgers n Dawgs
CINNAMON ROLLS
Schlotzsky’s
COFFEE HOUSE
Journey Canyon Coffee
DELI
United Supermarkets
DESSERT
The Cake Company of Canyon
DONUT
Got Donuts?
FAJITAS
Joe Taco
FAST FOOD
Whataburger
FOOD TRUCK
Joe Taco
FRENCH FRIES
Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner
FRITO PIE
Bear’s Burgers n Dawgs
FULL SERVICE
RESTAURANT
Mickey’s Place
GIFT BASKETS
Lavender Lane
HAMBURGER
Bear’s Burgers n Dawgs
HOT DOG
Bear’s Burgers n Dawgs
ICE CREAM
Braum’s
ITALIAN FOOD
Mickey’s Place
MEAT SELECTION
Ranchers Store Front
MEXICAN FOOD
Taqueria El Tapatio
Mexican Restaurant
ONION RINGS
Buff’s
OUTDOOR DINING
Joe Taco
PIZZA
Pondaseta Pizza Company
QUESO
Joe Taco
RIBS
Robinson’s BBQ
SALAD
Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner
SANDWICH
Rockin Zebra Soda Shoppe
SNACKS/SWEETS
Canyon Popcorn Company
SNOW CONE
The Snoball Stop
SPORTS BAR/ HAPPY HOUR
West Texas
Sports Grill
STEAK
Texas Rose
Steakhouse
SWEET TEA
HTeaO
TEA
Tea2Go TeaN’ergy
FELDMAN’S WRONG WAY DINER
BY NOLA HOPKINS CANYON NEWS CORRESPONDENT
It may be named Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner, but obviously the restaurant is doing things the right way because it has received four Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025. That’s in addition to awards each year since the
first ones were given in 2013.
Feldman’s won Best Salad, Best Catfish, Best Chicken Fried Steak and Best French Fries.
“Everything is made fresh on a daily basis; everything is made from scratch,” general manager Todd Gray said. “We have developed a strong culture here. My managing partner is Pierre Barlowe. He has had a major impact in
General Manager Todd Gray, middle back, stands with Wrong Way Diner staff workers.
PHOTO BY NOLA HOPKINS
developing our culture. The (Danny) Byrd family has given us the opportunity to build this culture. They supply us with the proper tools and empower us to do good. We are blessed to have them as our owners.”
Gray believes Feldman’s won the Best Salad category because the salads are cut fresh daily, using Romaine lettuce only (no iceberg lettuce). The Best French Fries Award was because the fries are cooked per order, not in advance, according to Gray.
The prize-winning catfish is handbattered in a special cornmeal recipe and served with hush puppies, coleslaw and French fries.
It was no surprise that Feldman’s won the Best Chicken Fried Steak Award. It’s the number one selling entrée, with an average of 800 sold per week. Steaks are hand-cut and tenderized in house and then handbattered in flour and buttermilk. The four or six ounce steaks are served with cream gravy made from scratch and a choice of two sides.
“I gained 20 pounds the first six months I worked here because the food was so good,” Gray said.
Gray estimates that 30 percent of Feldman’s business is through its catering service. Catering teams with two vans can handle groups of 50 up to 600. Chicken fried steaks and sirloins are the most popular catered meals.
Feldman’s caters the Lions Club lunch each Wednesday at Cole Community Center.
Owner Danny Byrd came up with the name and theme of the restaurant from watching episodes of “Gilligan’s Island” in which a character named Wrong Way Feldman was lost in the Bermuda Triangle and supposedly found himself on the island.
“Danny got creative after watching the episodes and decided to call his restaurant ‘Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner’ with signs pointing to different cities,” Gray said. One wall is covered with 40 to 50 clocks with none running at the correct time.
Trains that run on tracks 15 ft. over the diners’ heads are memorable décor items. Two engines run at a time with six others as backups. The staff clean and trade out engines every two weeks and clean the tracks monthly.
“The trains mesmerize the kids,” Gray said.
Guests can also dine on the patio.
The majority of Feldman’s servers are West Texas A&M University students.
“It’s a pleasure to watch them grow and become leaders and graduate college,” Gray said.
“EVERYTHING IS MADE FRESH ON A DAILY BASIS; EVERYTHING IS MADE FROM SCRATCH,”
However, Rosario Gomez has been with Feldman’s since three months after it opened 22 years ago.
“I am very thankful to work for the Byrd family,” she said.
Gray is also appreciative of the Byrd family.
“The staff and myself are so grateful to have a wonderful family like the Byrds,” he said. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have this opportunity. Danny Byrd won Man of the Year in Canyon. He does so much for the city of Canyon.”
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Myatt & Young, CPAs
AGRICULTURE LENDER
Matt Cox - First National Bank
AGRICULTURE SUPPLY
Consumer’s Supply Co-Op
ATTORNEY/LAW FIRM
Cade Hales
AUTO LOAN COMPANY
First United Bank
BANK
Amarillo
National Bank
BARBER SHOP
Joe’s Barber Shop
BEST LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS
Espy Vision
BEST PLACE TO WORK
Amarillo
National Bank
CATERING
SERVICES
Mickey’s Place
CREDIT UNION
Education
Credit Union
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Happy State Bank
DAY CARE
Christian
Learning Center
DRIVE THRU BANK
Happy State Bank
DRY CLEANING
Modern Cleaners
FINANCIAL PLANNER
Edward Jones
FITNESS CENTER 806 Fit
FLORIST
HR’s Flowers
FUNERAL HOME
Brook’s Funeral Home
HAIR SALON The Purple Zebra
HOTEL
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
INSURANCE AGENCY
Kenny DeanState Farm
LASH/EYEBROW ARTIST
Brittney Brown
LIQUOR STORE
Buffalo Chip
LOAN OFFICER
Braden Hunt - Amarillo National Bank
MASSAGE THERAPIST Gloria Hargrave
MEDICAL SPA The Hideaway
NAIL SALON
Yudi’s Nail Salon
NEW BUSINESS
Lavender Lane
PARTY/WEDDING VENUE
Chateau Event & Wedding Venue
PET GROOMER
Cody Gross
PHOTOGRAPHER
Cliff Lawson
REAL ESTATE AGENCY
Palo Duro Real Estate
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Natalia Molina
STORAGE FACILITY
Buff Storage
TEACHER
Jana Hall - Reeves Hinger
VACATION RENTAL/ BED & BREAKFAST
Hudspeth House
MATT COX, OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK, 2025 BEST AG LENDER
BY TIM RITTER TRITTER@HEARSTNP.COM
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
At First National Bank of Hereford on FM 2219, Senior Vice President/ Ag Lender Matt Cox is there with open arms to help the people of Randall County and the Texas Panhandle.
Cox, originally from Happy and a graduate of Tulia High School, takes pride in agriculture as well as providing strong relationships within that industry.
“Wade started the bank in 1999 under the premises of serving our local community, agricultural operations, customers … just being a steady, consistent supply of credit for our producers,” Cox said.
Cox has been with First National Bank of Hereford almost three years in September. He’s been doing Ag lending and the banking business for 20 years, most recently with Farm Credit Bank in Canyon.
“I was born and raised on the farm and ranch and always had a passion for agriculture. Originally wanted to be a veterinarian and turned into banking over time. My dad was always in the feedyard industry,” Cox said.
“He did that, and said, ‘I don’t really want you in this feedyard business’ … ‘what about I bank them? It’s better’ … so I got on the banking side.”
As an Ag Lender, Cox’s responsibilities within First National Bank of Hereford are highly impactful on a daily basis.
“We’re going out to facilitate the needs of our borrowers from any kind of row crop financing, ranching financing … we’re involved in the feedyard industry, feedyard financing … just mainly cattle operations. Lot of the country here, the water supply has transitioned in more of a hybrid with crop and cattle operations for mainly growing crops for forage and then feeding that forage to their cattle,” Cox said.
“We have a good solid team (in Hereford) and surrounded with a great team here. We have good clients, really good Board of Directors and try to keep everybody between the bar ditches happy.”
Cox’s view of the Ag industry goes back to the “rain being beneficial and (we) should see some increased yields. The commodity prices on your grain and forage side has experienced some compression. The biggest outlier right now is our inflationary environment (input cost) and takes a lot of money to operate.”
“The cattle side of the equation which I handle a bunch of that, the inflationary pressure on it is the market is so volatile. We’re watching these cattle markets day in and day out,” Cox added.
“Our cattle numbers are in short supply right now. Guys are keeping them a little longer on feed so the competition to finding the replacement cattle is getting pretty tough …
with the Mexico border shut down and has taken quite bit of cattle out of inventory. The volatile in that cattle market is really crazy right now.”
When customers come to visit Cox at First National Bank of Hereford, they’re getting a “man that sits on their side of the table, which is best for the bank. We need to keep the bank safe, but also maintain our customer service piece.”
“Being that financial adviser, every deal is unique. We try to map up what their goals, their expectations are and then provide the appropriate loan structure to help them accomplish their needs,”
Cox said.
Matt Cox, Senior Vice President/ Ag Lender First National Bank
BRADEN HUNT, OF AMARILLO NATIONAL BANK,
Braden Hunt, Consumer Loan Officer, Amarillo National Bank
BY TIM RITTER TRITTER@HEARSTNP.COM
When it comes to banking in Canyon, Amarillo National Bank likes to think they’re the ‘heartbeat’ of our community.
Building business around small-town relationships is what makes Braden Hunt enjoy his days walking through the doors of ANB –Canyon Branch.
Hunt, a native of Pampa, was recently voted the 2025 Canyon News Readers’ Choice Best Loan Officer, ANB was voted Best Bank and Best Place to work for as well as providing the Best Customer Service.
“I’m a consumer loan officer for Amarillo National. Basically we do auto loans, personal loans, CD loans, RV, motorcycle and we help people with their credit. We do debt consolidation. It’s basically anything that doesn’t have to do with the mortgage or commercial side of things. That’s kind of what we do,” Hunt said.
“Come October, I’ll be doing lending for about a year (in Canyon).”
Hunt’s career with ANB started at various branches in Amarillo, doing several different jobs.
However, for the past 15 years, he’s fallen in love with Canyon and calls it ‘home’.
Since joining the staff at the ANB – Canyon branch, Hunt has found such warm, caring people to work with.
“I love the people here (at ANB). The support that I’ve received since I’ve joined this branch specifically has been incredible,” Hunt said. “I love the customers that we have. I love the community we have and just helping people in general with any issues … it really just gets my motor running.”
ANB – Canyon Branch Manager Ross Macon has been super impressed with Hunt’s work ethic.
“Braden’s caring for customers … he genuinely cares for customers and their needs. I think that’s a strong suit of his,” Macon said. “He hadn’t been on the finance side prior to coming here. To me, he’s found his niche, for sure. His service is above and beyond. He treats every customer like ‘What you see is what you get with him.’ … He has that serviceminded personality.”
“...WHEN YOUR EMPLOYEES ENJOY WHAT THEY DO, THEN THAT IS A REFLECTION OF THE SERVICE THAT THEY GIVE...”
… Growing up in Pampa, it was easy for Hunt to find a passion and love for the small-town charm of Canyon.
“I graduated from Pampa High in 2010 … after that I went to Frank Phillips on a baseball scholarship … from there, I went to WT and was there for about four years (didn’t end up graduating because I decided to the education side of things) but I have really loved Canyon because it has the similar feel as Pampa does,” Hunt said.
Getting recognized as ‘Best Bank to Work At’ and ‘Best Customer Service’ … Macon definitely gives credit to his staff.
“How (the staff) they treat our customers on a daily basis. We do consider it small-town banking and community banking. We get to know their names on a personal level and we try to make their experience positive. When you can develop that relationship with them, especially getting to know their kids or their grandkids or find a connection there, it just makes it a fun place to come,” Macon said.
“And, then, when your employees enjoy what they do, then that is a reflection of the service that they give and I have been extremely proud of our staff and how take care of our customers.”
KENNY DEAN – STATE FARM INSURANCE
BY TIM RITTER TRITTER@HEARSTNP.COM
‘Like a good neighbor … State Farm is there.’
That’s the motto that local State Farm agent Kenny Dean and his staff hold true too every day they come in contact with members of the Canyon community.
When the tornado hit Madison Park in late April, Kenny Dean and his staff were there helping in time of need.
When the hailstorm came crashing through Canyon and leaving lots of damage, Kenny Dean and his staff were up at 3 a.m. texting each other a game plan to take care of their customers.
It’s people like Kenny Dean and his State Farm Insurance staff that makes doing business in Canyon such a wonderful blessing.
This year, the Canyon News suscribers voted Kenny Dean – State Farm Agency the 2025 Readers’ Choice Best Insurance Agency.
“This is very important to us. It matters, it’s an indicator that things that we’re doing seem to be right for people,” Kenny Dean said. “We’re taking care of people and treating people correctly.
“The girls and myself were proud that it’s recognized and it’s motivation to do it again for next year. We do not get tired of that award.”
Kenny Dean has been an insurance agent at the State Farm office in Canyon for 24 years, taking over for Corky Dawson, who retired to Granbury.
Kenny Dean was in claims with State Farm in Amarillo for 16 years, giving him a total of 40 years with the company.
“State Farm tries really hard to do the right thing. There’s days that it doesn’t feel like the right thing, or whatever, but they do the right thing, believe in taking care of their customer and people and I can get behind that,” Kenny Dean said.
… This year has been a year of variety in what’s going on (when it comes to claims) and the volume
was really high, according to Kenny Dean.
“Whenever we had the tornado (in Madison Park) that Friday night, and via text, my team and I were texting and we came up here and was available here at the office. Got kind of lined out on that was, and then I went out to Willeford and sure enough was met by a handful of our customers that received damage,” Kenny Dean said.
“I just know what I felt led to do … having that servant’s heart. I went over there to console them, talk to them, came back to the office because I had the ability to give somebody an advanced payment. … They didn’t have anything at that point, so got that organized and a neat part of that … had a newer employee that wanted to see what it’s all about. So we went there (to Madison Park) with another employee and they were blown away with emotion.
… This is why we do what we do when you realize how much you help those people.”
Two months later, Kenny Dean and his staff were manning the office to help those customers with hail damage, whether it was a roof, shattered windows to their vehicles or homes or just damage to their vehicles.
“I got my first call … related to that hailstorm at 3 a.m. that morning,” Kenny Dean said. “Our whole community got hammered. We had to step up for that. Just being able to tell people, ‘Board your windows, get your house back together … we’ll get the claims going.’ … People just needed to know that assurance that it was okay to do that.”
Kenny Dean was a teacher/coach at Canyon High School in 1984-85, and on a hardship license to teach.
“It was going to be hard for me to get the hours in order to continue to be in the education world cause you only had three years to do it. Being a coach made it quite a bit harder,” Kenny Dean said on his career toward the insurance business.
“An opening came up at State Farm and Corky (Dawson) said, ‘I think you would be real good at that with your construction background’ … I didn’t
even know what an adjuster was. I just knew it was a job with a good company that was paying more than what I was as a hardship teacher.
“I took a leap of faith and that worked out pretty good. Opportunities of being an agency came up and I did the steps of being eligible for that. When Corky said, ‘I’m done.’ … I applied for it and was fortunate enough to get it.”
Corky Dawson, according to Kenny Dean, was “just amazing to Liz and I. He loved Liz like his daughter. I learned how good he was with people, and that he cared about people.”
“I was like I can do that (care about people) … I need to get better, but I can do that. Just seeing how he related to people and how he was respected for that. It set a standard of integrity and surface that I wanted to meet,” Kenny Dean’s impression of Corky Dawson over the years.
Relationships, for Kenny Dean, are “everything … that is absolutely the most important thing.”
And, it’s having that trust from the community and those small-town relationships that keep Kenny Dean – State Farm Insurance Agency providing the best quality of service in Canyon.
(Left to right) Marissa Perry - Claims Specialist; Misty Dennis - Account Manager; Libby McCarty - Account Manager; Kenny Dean - Agent; Christi Olson - Service Office Manager; Amber Trayler - Account Manager and Liz Dean (not pictured).
PHOTO BY TIM RITTER
RUNNINGWATER DRY GOODS
BY NOLA HOPKINS CANYON NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Runningwater Dry Goods has been named Best Shoes/Boots and Best Jewelry for the Reader’s Choice Awards.
“I try to keep a wide variety of styles and price points in jewelry,” owner Kerri Falkenberg said.
“Trending right now are scarf necklaces and coin jewelry. It’s kind of an 80’s thing that’s back. Because we are in a small town, we try to have something for all ages.”
In the Shoes/Boots category, “Sneakers are certainly the strongest category in shoes right now because we can wear them with everything,” Falkenberg said.
The boutique carries sneakers in different colors and textures such as leopard print, pink suede and metallics. Boots should be coming in for the fall so people can get ready for concerts and game days.
Runningwater Dry Goods carries apparel for all ages. Falkenberg said the trend for this fall will be items with an equestrian design.
“We always see Western because of where we live, but this year we are seeing a little more English style with tweed. Here, Western will never go out of style,” according to Falkenberg.
In the fall she will have “cute sweaters and sportswear, denim.”
Falkenberg also carries accessories including a “purse bar” where customers can choose bag charms, chains and scarves to accessorize the purses she offers. Another unique item is her line of Pura home fragrances with smart diffusers. They can be turned on and off
“CANYON HAS BLESSED US, AND WE ARE SO HAPPY THAT WE HAVE HAD A SUCCESSFUL THREE YEARS...”
with a smart phone, so “you don’t waste fragrance when you are not there to enjoy it,” she said.
Falkenberg owns a farm 50 miles south of Canyon. The farm has the Runningwater Draw with remnants of the Runningwater community and general store. The boutique is named for the community. She has a picture of the general store.
Runningwater Dry Goods is located at 418 15th Ave., next door to Palace Coffee.
“I think we have the best location on the square,” Falkenberg said. “You stop in at Palace and get your favorite coffee drink and bring it on over. You are welcome any time. We have a sofa and chairs, so enjoy coffee here.”
Falkenberg appreciates the Canyon community.
“Canyon has blessed us, and we are so happy that we have had a successful three years, and we look forward to many more, serving our customers with friendship and a smile,” she said.
RunningWater Dry Goods was named Readers' Choice Best Shoes/Boots and Best Jewelry. Owner Karri Falkenberg displays sneakers.
