The Echo
- ashleyhougland
- Sep 30
- 9 min read
October 2025
Ransom Canyon Property Owners Association
The Property Owners Association (POA) has been hard at work this past month, focusing on several key projects to enhance our community:
New PA System: Approved the purchase of a new PA system, which is Bluetooth compatible and can be expanded with additional speakers.
Brookhollow Pump Replacement: The Brookhollow pump will be replaced with a 10-horsepower pump. Neighbors are volunteering to help with the installation. Additionally, there are efforts to clean out the existing pipes, and Cory Needham from the City has pledged to assist with the project.
Boat Dock Improvements: Residents are allowed to add bumpers to their boat slips at their own expense. The approval of a lease agreement for boat slip rentals was tabled for further discussion.
Rock Garden Maintenance: Ashton Walden was approved for ground sterilizer and weed spraying at $875/year. The City refunded charges for sewage and garbage pickup on the Rock Garden, and these savings will go towards its improvement and maintenance.
Treasurer's Report: The financial status is stable with $270,000 in cash, an increase from $240,000 last year. Venue rentals are down by $7,000 compared to last year. The POA is still working on the non-profit status from the IRS.
Echo Courier: Three quotes were received for printing the Echo Courier, with Hurricane Printing being the lowest at $1067 (excluding postage). Postage is currently around $415 per mailing but will decrease significantly once non-profit status is reinstated. An annual print will be mailed in March with a ballot. The POA will not be doing a print Echo at this time due to the expense. The POA will do an annual print that will include a ballot in preparation for the annual meeting. More information to come next year.
Bylaws Updates: Discussions are ongoing to update bylaws to include a parliamentarian position and an ordinance enforcement position.
Events Committee: Upcoming events include a free line dance class, craft with neighbors, a bird walk, a Star Party, a Turkey Trot t-shirt design contest, and the second annual Pumpkin Fest with the Nirvana burger food truck. A New Year's Eve casino night is planned for residents and guests at the Ranch House.
Ranch House Report: There are signs of leaks in the ceiling tiles. Roofs Inc., was contacted for repairs and repairs were made. There were five event rentals last month, and October is busy.
Fire Department: Chief Angela Hill discussed funding cuts to volunteer fire departments and ongoing fundraising efforts. Find more information on how to help below.
Join Our Monthly Meetings:
October's POA Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7th at 6:30pm.
POA meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Ranch House. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to engage with neighbors, discuss community topics, and receive updates on maintenance, events, and local regulations. We value your input and dedicate time for open discussions, ensuring every voice is heard in shaping the future of Ransom Canyon.
Your participation helps keep our community vibrant, safe, and welcoming!
Agenda's will be posted to the website 10 days in advance.
Board contact information has updated. Please use the new email address poa@ransomcanyonpoa.org email or contact Secretary Ashley Hougland at 806-577-7784.
The community has organized numerous events that foster connection and camaraderie among residents. We hope you will save the dates below and join us when you can!
10/01/25 Turkey Trot T-shirt Design Contest voting will begin on October 1st and end on October 7th.
10/04/25 2nd Annual Pumpkin Fest and Food Truck will be from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Ranch House. Bring a decorated/carved pumpkin or a pumpkin dessert to share.
10/06/25 Fire Dept. meeting at 7pm @ the Fire Department
10/07/25 POA Meeting at 6:30pm @ the Ranch House
10/13/25 Fire Dept. meeting meeting at 7pm @ the Fire Department
10/14/25 City Council Mtg 6:30pm @ City Hall
10/18/25 City Wide Garage Sale 8am - 3pm
10/18/25 Bird Walk 9-11am 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.
10/20/25 Fire Dept. meeting meeting at 7pm @ the Fire Department
10/25/25 Star Party in the Meadow with South Plains Astronomy Club (weather permitting). Begins at dark.
10/26/25 Events Committee Mtg 4pm @ Ranch House
We would like to announce that the pool is officially closed for the season! As we wrap up another successful year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported the pool and staff throughout this summer. A special thank you goes out to our dedicated staff, lifeguards, and volunteers whose hard work and commitment have been essential in maintaining our pool area and ensuring the safety of all our visitors. Their tireless efforts in keeping the facilities clean, organized, and safe have not gone unnoticed. It’s truly inspiring to see the young leaders in our community stepping up to take on responsibilities at the pool each summer, showing their commitment to service and leadership. This season had its challenges, especially with a bumpy start that tested our resolve and adaptability. However, through teamwork and perseverance, we managed to overcome those initial hurdles, and as a result, we ended up on top! The sense of community and camaraderie that developed over the summer has been remarkable, and we are grateful for every moment shared at the pool. As we close the gates for the season, we want to remind everyone that we look forward to welcoming you back next spring. Until then, enjoy the cooler months ahead, and we hope to see you all again when the weather warms up. Thank you once more for being a part of our pool family!
If you have any questions about the pool, please reach out to our pool manager, Monica, at 806-789-1677.
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.
In September, the Volunteer Fire Department hosted a pancake breakfast to raise funds for the department, bringing together community members for a morning of delicious food and camaraderie. The event was not just about enjoying fluffy pancakes; it was a vital initiative aimed at addressing the significant financial challenges faced by the RCVFD. The department is currently in full fundraising swing, particularly after the recent announcement that the County has made drastic cuts to the funding allocated for volunteer fire departments, slashing it by almost half. The RCVFD will now receive only $22,757.27 from the county, a stark decrease from the previous amount of $45,454.00. This funding cut has placed an immense strain on the department's budget, which is critical for maintaining essential services and purchasing necessary equipment. In light of these financial constraints, the department had already laid out ambitious plans to acquire several crucial items, including an Eco-Caf foam system designed for effective fire suppression, new lighting equipment to enhance visibility during emergency responses, a roof rack for additional storage capabilities, and a trailer for transporting gear and equipment. However, due to the significant reduction in funding, the RCVFD will now need to reevaluate its priorities and strategically piece together these purchases over the next two years. This process will require careful planning and community support to ensure that the department can continue to operate effectively. In response to the funding challenges, the RCVFD has conducted extensive research to identify cost-effective solutions that will still meet the department's operational needs. One of the most critical purchases on their agenda is a CanAm Defender, a versatile utility vehicle that will enable fire and rescue personnel to access remote locations in the canyon where traditional fire trucks cannot reach. This capability is essential for ensuring the safety of both residents and firefighters during emergencies. While many vehicles designed for this type of work typically retail for $52,000 and upward, the RCVFD has been fortunate to secure a substantial discount from Family Power Sports, allowing them to acquire the CanAm Defender for $32,000.00. This purchase represents a significant investment in the department's operational capabilities, enabling them to enhance their response times and efficiency in critical situations. The community's involvement and support during events like the pancake breakfast are more important than ever, as they help bridge the gap left by the funding cuts and ensure that the RCVFD can continue to serve and protect the area effectively. The department remains committed to finding innovative ways to raise funds and maintain the high standards of service that the community has come to rely on.
If you missed the pancake breakfast and would like to donate, please click here to submit via PayPal or drop a check in the lockbox at 1 Ridge Road. The mailbox is located by the bay door. The next fundraising event will be the Canyon Wide Garage Sale on October 18th. The RCVFD will gladly accept your sellable items as donations to sell on that day. If you have an item that needs to be picked up or require any assistance, please contact Chief Angela Hill. For a receipt of your donation, please reach out to Chief Angela Hill at 806-778-7918 or rcvfd79366@gmail.com.
Chief Angela Hill wants to remind everyone to stay aware of the dry conditions and warm autumn days. Despite the cooler temperatures, the risk of fire remains high.
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
Ransom Canyon Reads
Ransom Canyon Reads welcomes all interested readers. Please 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 Women’s Conference: October 3 & 4th.
This October, step away from the busyness of life and join us for a weekend devoted to the heart of prayer. Together we’ll explore what it means to truly connect with God—bringing Him our praises, burdens, and everything in between. Through teaching, worship, and quiet moments with the Lord, we’ll learn how prayer shapes our faith, strengthens our relationships, and transforms our daily lives. Come ready to be refreshed, encouraged, and reminded that God hears and answers when His people call.
Your registration includes:
•Friday night appetizers & desserts
• Saturday breakfast & catered lunch
• Teaching sessions with Shellie
• Worship, prayer & fellowship
• Special gifts for you
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 31st from 6–8 PM! Our annual Fall Festival is a fun and safe place for families to enjoy the evening together. We’ll have games for all ages, exciting prizes, and plenty of candy for everyone. Invite your friends and neighbors to stop by for a night filled with laughter, community, and fall fun. Whether you’re looking for a quick stop on your way out or a place to spend the evening, we’d love to see you there!
RCFC Facebook
Chapel Chatter
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
This has been a good month at the Chapel of Brookhollow with lots of Bible studies for men and women. All men are welcome to our weekly men's Bible study on Tuesday mornings at 10:00. They are held in different homes, so for more information call Pastor Mark at 806-281-3768. All women are welcome to the women's Bible study held at the Chapel every Tuesday morning at 10:00. The third Tuesday we have Bible study at the Ranch House. The monthly Canyon ladies luncheon starts at 11:30. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share. We had the pleasure of having Erskin in a Sunday morning service this past month. He is an international speaker, evangelist, musician, and a planter of churches. Everyone was blessed by his ministry. We are currently planning for the yearly revival in the Canyon. It will be October 21st and 22nd at the Ranch House. Everyone is welcome. We are praying for a good turnout from the community and beyond. God bless you and our Canyon community.
News from the Chapel Board
Lynn Miller is hard at work getting homes for the Chapel's main fundraiser for the year, the Chapel's Tour of Homes is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025. She would love to have you volunteer your home. This year we are praying that this fundraiser will raise the funds needed to get the deck professionally cleaned and stained.
Preparing the gardens for fall is another major project. If you would like to share ideas of plants that do well at your home or if you have plants that you would like to share, please let a board member know!
President: David Hurt
Vice President: Tanyan Whetzel
Secretary: Rachel Harmon
Treasurer: Kay Grandon
Tyler Campbell, Julie Beck, Honorary Member’s Cherie Rickard and Linda Williams.
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.
The Echo
If you would like to be featured in the monthly Echo or would like to get information out to the community, please email poa@ransomcanyonpoa.org before the 20th of each month.
The Echo is currently only electronic and is sent out monthly on the 1st of the month.
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