The Echo
- ashleyhougland
- Aug 1
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 14
August 2025
August is here, and Ransom Canyon, TX, is full of opportunities to enjoy the last of summer. The warm sunshine invites residents outside, making this the perfect time to connect with neighbors and enjoy community activities. Whether you're taking a dip in the pool or attending local events, you'll find plenty to keep you engaged before autumn arrives.
Ransom Canyon Property Owners Association
The Ransom Canyon Property Owners Association holds its regular meetings on the 1st Tuesday of each month, at 6:30 PM in the Ranch House. This monthly gathering serves as a vital platform for residents to engage with one another, discuss community issues, and stay informed about ongoing developments within the neighborhood. All residents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings, as they provide an excellent opportunity to voice concerns, share ideas, and contribute to the collective decision-making process that impacts the community as a whole.
During these meetings, attendees can expect to hear updates from the association's board members regarding various topics, including community maintenance, upcoming events, and any changes to local regulations that may affect residents. Additionally, there will often be a designated time for open discussions, allowing homeowners to bring forth their questions, suggestions, or feedback on current initiatives.
By attending these monthly meetings, residents can play an integral role in shaping the future of Ransom Canyon, ensuring that it remains a vibrant, safe, and enjoyable place to live. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, your presence and participation are greatly appreciated and can make a significant difference in the community's development.
Agenda's will be posted to the website 10 days in advance.
If there is a change in meeting day or time, it will be posted to the website on the homepage as well as on Facebook and Next-door.
Board contact information has updated. Please use the new email address poa@ransomcanyonpoa.org email or contact Secretary Ashley Hougland at 806-577-7784.
July Highlights
The contract with Vision Community Management has been officially terminated, marking a significant shift in our operational management strategy. This decision was made after careful consideration by the community and the POA Board, which is actively engaged in addressing financial responsibilities, specifically focusing on settling taxes for the years 2022 and 2023. Resolving these tax issues is a priority, as it will enable the POA to reapply for our non-profit status, a critical component for our community’s financial health.
In addition to tackling tax concerns, the POA is working on the collection of past due annual assessments. This effort is essential to ensure the financial stability of our community and to continue funding necessary services and amenities.
Furthermore, the monthly Echo publication, which has been a staple source of information and updates for residents is back. The Board recognizes the importance of effective communication and have taken steps to reestablish this publication. The community has expressed a strong desire for a mailed newsletter that would keep everyone informed about ongoing projects, community events, and important announcements. In response to this feedback, they are developing several ideas to implement this initiative, and they plan to discuss these proposals in detail at the upcoming POA meeting scheduled for August.
Additionally, the community has expressed appreciation for the signage that has been placed at both canyon entrances, that provides meeting information to residents.
Regarding the pool, we want to assure residents that our pool lifeguards will remain in their designated roles. They will not be reassigned as pool monitors, ensuring that safety remains a top priority during pool hours. We believe that having trained lifeguards on duty is crucial for the well-being of all pool users.
In terms of facility management, we are pleased to announce that Chelsea Shaffy will continue her role in managing the Ranch House, ensuring that it remains a welcoming and well-maintained space for community gatherings and events. Additionally, Monica and Wicker Nowlin will continue to oversee and manage the pool area, ensuring that it remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents. Their ongoing commitment to these facilities is vital for fostering a sense of community and providing quality recreational options for everyone.
As we move forward, we appreciate the community’s continued support and engagement as we work to enhance our neighborhood and address the various challenges we face.
Volunteers for Special Committees are needed
We are forming new committees to support our community.
Possible committees:
By-laws committee
Communications Committee - publication of the Echo and social media communications
Fundraising committee
If you're interested in volunteering in any capacity or have suggestions for enhancing our community, please reach out to the Ransom Canyon POA by emailing poa@ransomcanyonpoa.org.
Ransom Canyon Events Committee meets monthly at the ranch house on the last Sunday @ 4 pm. Anyone interested in joining us is welcome to attend and participate in discussions about current events or propose new ideas.
During the last meeting, we successfully secured some dates for recurring activities and added a few new ones that will continue until February of next year.
Pool Hours
Monday - Saturday 1pm to 7pm
Sunday 2pm to 7pm
Adults only swim is 8am to 12pm everyday
Parent/Adult must be present with their children to swim after hours. After hours swim ends at 10pm.
Day Passes are $10
To purchase a pool pass or schedule a private party contact Monica at 806-789-1677 or stop by the pool.
Host Your Next Event at the Ranch House
Are you looking for the perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion? Look no further than the Ranch House, an exceptional location that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for a variety of events. Whether you are planning a graduation celebration, a festive holiday gathering, a memorable family reunion, a significant anniversary, a beautiful wedding, or any other type of event, the Ranch House is equipped to meet your needs. By contacting Chelsea at 806-445-9994, you can inquire about resident pricing.
The Volunteer Fire Department is continually seeking additional volunteers. Support your community and connect with new neighbors! Attention Ransom Canyon residents and nearby community members: The Ransom Canyon Volunteer Fire Department has rescheduled its meetings to Monday evenings at 7 PM to improve accessibility for those for whom Thursday meetings were inconvenient. Interested in joining the fire EMS team? Please reach out to us. We welcome dedicated volunteers to join. We need not only firefighters and EMS members but also volunteers for various other roles if you have a passion for volunteering.
In July, our volunteer fire department members attended a week-long session at the Texas Municipal Fire Training School. They were taught by some of the finest instructors Texas has to offer, including one from Tucson, AZ. These instructors were hands-on, highly knowledgeable, and understood the unique challenges faced by Volunteer Fire Departments. The value of their contribution to our volunteers is immeasurable. They leave with pride and enhanced skills to bring back to our community.
On a funny note, Scott and Chris learned what "Princess things" were like. Ask them about it when you see them.
Ransom Canyon Reads
Ransom Canyon Reads welcomes all interested readers!
Our next meeting of Ransom Canyon Reads book club is Sept. 2. We are reading “All the Broken Places” by John Boyle this month. Let Lisa Leach know if you are interested and she will get you added to the website! Contact Lisa Leach for more information. lisaleach@gmail.com or 806-928-6521.
Ransom Canyon Children's Library
Sunday School at 9:30am
Adults- Fellowship Hall
Young Adults - Gym in Student Building
Youth- Couch Room in the Student Building
Children - Children’s Room in Student Building
Worship Service at 10:30am
*childcare provided
Youth Bible Study Wednesdays @ 7pm
RCFC Facebook
The entrance garden has a new view of the pond and the new fountain. Thanks to Mike Farris and other members of the local branch of Texans On Mission removed a dead weeping willow tree that was on the waters edge. Come check out the view.
A much needed addition to our area is a bench in the upper parking lot for people waiting on a ride.
The Chapel has been abundantly blessed by Horizons Communications with free Internet service! After all these years, the Chapel is finally able to make this service available!
July 4th Parade.
Jim and Cherie Rickard and Billy and Linda Williams decorated their golf cart to represent the Chapel in the parade. There were so many smiling faces as everyone waved their flags and celebrated Independence Day!
We kindly ask for your assistance in monitoring our pond. The new foundation installed in the pond was knocked down due to fishing line. We appreciate your cooperation in refraining from fishing in the pond.
Chapel weekly events:
Sunday service: 10am, Pastor Mark Stripling
Tuesday Ladies Share Group/Bible Study at 10am Pastor Janet stripling
3rd Tuesday Share Group/Bible Study at 10am followed by the Ladies luncheon at the Ranch House at 12pm
5-Day Club for kids ages 5-12 at the Chapel! Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1, 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Enjoy games, songs, Bible stories, memory verses, missionary stories, and a light meal at 5:30. For more information, call Carol at 806-392-2448. All ages welcome! Call Carol @ 806-392-2448 for more info. See you there!
The City of Ransom Canyon
The City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at
City Hall.
Agendas are posted by 4:00pm the Friday before the meeting on the bulletin board at City Hall and on our website under the Government section at ci.ransom-canyon.tx.us.
The South Plains Astronomy Club Star Party
The South Plains Astronomy Club will be putting on Public Star Parties in Ransom Canyon. They provide the opportunity to see the planets, star clusters, nebulas, galaxies, comets and other celestial objects through a variety of telescopes. Event is free to attend and everyone is welcome. They will set up their telescopes at the large grassy area in Ransom Canyon known as "the meadow" just south of W Lakeshore Drive. These events are scheduled for the Saturday evening closest to the new moon (dark sky, no moon), weather permitting. We begin setting up our telescopes around sunset, and viewing starts as soon as it gets dark. These events require clear or mostly clear skies.
The Bird Walk
No bird walk in August. It's tooooo HOT!!!
We have two very special opportunities in the fall to bird watch on private land. LEAS experts will help guide these walks. Anyone interested in participating will need to contact Heather Jenkins beforehand @806-543-8516.
Sept 20 (9AM- 11AM) – Unique location on a private ranch east of Ransom Canyon. More details will be provided in September. Participants need to sign a waiver due to the presence of cattle and rattlesnakes.
Oct 18 (9AM – 12PM) – Special access to the V8 Ranch located on FM 835, about a ¼ mile south of the Buffalo Springs entrance. Participants need to sign a waiver due to the presence of rattlesnakes.
The Nov bird walk is TBD. In Dec we will participate in the National Christmas Bird Count. Anyone wishing to join the fun will need to contact Heather Jenkins for more info.
Line Dancing Night
The Echo
If you would like to be featured in the monthly Echo, would like to recognize a community member, or would like to get information out to the community, please email poa@ransomcanyonpoa.org before the 20th of each month.
The Echo is published only to the website on the 1st of the month. The POA is working on setting up a monthly print publication. If you are interested in being a sponsor of the print publication or would like to help, please let us know by coming to the next POA meeting (1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm) or by emailing poa@ransomcanyonpoa.org.
The POA Board of Directors
President David Riley
Vice President Bryan Gaddis
Treasurer Judy Laney
Secretary Ashley Hougland
Marianna Willingham
La Rue Hand
Clay Fowler
Thank you for all your work on this publication. Loved reading about all the activities in this great community that we live in. We are so blessed to live here.
David Riley