Welcome to Ransom Canyon, TX

Public Safety Notice on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) "Bird Flu"

The Town if Ransom Canyon is urging residents to exercise caution following confirmed detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in the region. While the situation is being closely monitored, public awareness and safe practices are essential to protecting both human and animal health.

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Since December 16, 2025, the Town of Ransom Canyon has issued notifications to residents regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and has shared precautionary information via email and social media. Over the past 90 days, Town staff have collected approximately 350–400 geese.

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Following Winter Storm Fern last week, a large concentration of geese became frozen in the lake. As the lake has since thawed, these geese are now being found along the lake perimeter, including areas adjacent to residential backyards. The Town of Ransom Canyon is coordinating response efforts with the City of Lubbock Public Health Department, and staff are working as quickly and safely as possible to remove the geese.

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Please understand that this issue is not limited to Lubbock County but is affecting neighboring communities throughout West Texas. All entities are making every effort to address the situation in accordance with State of Texas guidelines.

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Do Not Handle Sick or Dead Birds

Residents are strongly advised not to touch, move, or handle any birds that appear sick, injured, or are found deceased.

If you observe anything such as sick or dead bird with this disease, contact Ransom Canyon Police Department immediately.

Important Guidance for the Public from Texas Department of State Health Services

• Migratory Birds: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will test migratory birds showing clinical signs only if there has been human exposure. Residents may contact their local TPWD biologist or game warden for assistance.

• Mammals: Sick or deceased mammals should be submitted for rabies testing, with a note stating “neurological – suspect HPAI.”

• Backyard Poultry & Domestic Ducks: The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) must be notified of all poultry or duck exposures, including:

  • Dead birds in yards or coops

  • Sudden die-offs in flocks

• Pets: Dogs or cats that have been exposed to a sick or dead bird should be evaluated by a veterinarian promptly.

• People: Individuals who believe they may have been exposed should follow up with their physician and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Required Protective Equipment

Anyone handling animals suspected of having HPAI must wear appropriate protective equipment. Therefore, please leave this to the professionals to handle.

Recognizing Clinical Signs of HPAI

Symptoms may appear in birds and mammals. Residents should report wildlife or domestic animals displaying:

• Birds falling from the sky

• Inability to lift the head (birds in water may drown)

• Standing still or not reacting when approached

• Apparent blindness

• Facial twitching or seizure-like movements

• Head tilt / torticollis

• Ataxia (loss of coordination)

• Grand mal seizures

• Ocular or nasal discharge

• Diarrhea or abnormal stool

• Lethargy

• Difficulty breathing or use of abdominal muscles to breathe

If you observe any of these symptoms, do not approach the animal.

Contact Ransom Canyon Police Department for assistance.

For questions or to report a concern, please contact:

Ransom Canyon Police Department

(806) 810-206

The Town of Ransom Canyon has implemented a new phone system after a recent power outage that permanently damaged the previous, antiquated equipment for which replacement parts are no longer available. As a result, the City now has new phones, and the original phone numbers will be replaced. The updated numbers are as follows: (806) 810-2067 for Police Department and (806) 810-2736 for the City Hall.  The new systems allows for voicemails.

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Unfortunately, the City is unable to retain the original phone numbers without maintaining two separate phone systems, which is not feasible.

Our Town City Administrator, Elena Quintanilla, was recognized as the 2025 Texas Tech University Master of Public Administration (MPA) Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for her support of the Texas Tech MPA Program and Service to Municipal Government.  This is a recognition she received on September 12, 2025, where she was recognized at the Texas Tech Public Administration Alumni Association, West Texas City Management Association, and Panhandle City Management Association Joint Meeting as she is well respected by her peers.   During her tenure at Ransom Canyon, she has been instrumental in numerous projects, including the construction of a new emergency road, the building of a new City Hall, the negotiation of a contract to provide reliable internet service for residents, the implementation of a new wastewater treatment plant and water towers, park improvements, and securing a grant to rehabilitate the Buffalo Lake Dam to name a few.

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LEARN MORE

Inflationary costs have significantly impacted the City’s budget, increasing the price of goods, services, and operations. To make up for these rising expenses and to ensure the City can continue providing the same level of essential services to residents, the property tax rate was increased by the City Council on September 9, 2025, by $0.12 per $100 valuation for this fiscal year. This adjustment is necessary to maintain the quality of services our community relies on.  The property tax rate increased from .588759 to .713113 for this fiscal year.  The City Council adopted a rate between the No New Revenue Rate and the Voter Approval Rate.