The City of Levelland and Levelland ISD unveiled and held a ribbon cutting for the newly restored, relocated Loboettes State Champions sign this past Friday.
The special day drew city administration, city council members, Levelland Chamber of Commerce and KLB, LISD coaches and administration, former and current Loboettes basketball players, and staff from Butch’s and Allied, among many others.
Cutting the ribbon at the event was Terri White who played on the 1987 State Champion team under Coach Dean Weese. She currently works for LISD as the District Assessment Coordinator/TIA lead.
The long-awaited project came to fruition through the efforts and partnerships of individuals, businesses, clubs and city, county and state agencies. It was truly a community effort.
Now located at the intersection of Hwy 114 and Alamo Drive on the east side of Levelland, it is a welcoming reminder of the past and future of Levelland, with an arrow pointing to the LISD High School Gano Tubb Gymnasium where basketball athletes can aspire to yet another state championship.
“This is just one of the great things happening in Levelland ISD, and it’s a kick-off to the continued amazing momentum around our great community,” said Levelland Mayor Breanna Buxkemper.
Buxkemper said interest in finding the old sign a new home, which was originally located across the road on private land at the same intersection, arose when the property was sold to build a new Circle K.
She said several spots were considered, but the ideal location would need approval from the Texas Department of Transportation and TXDOT Rail Division, meet codes and restrictions, and not disrupt utility, highway and rail infrastructure.
In Texas, moving or placing signs near railroads and on state property is governed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), with specific rules and procedures for signs in railroad rights-of-way.
And so, the long process of getting a plan in place, acquiring permits, locating utilities and getting the right people to accomplish the project began.
Partnerships between the City, TXDOT, LISD as well as Butch’s Rathole and Allied Oilfield as the project proceeded to get the old sign taken down, restored and set in the new location. Butch’s did the restoration on the large metal structure to make it a proud symbol for all residents of Levelland.
Levelland ISD offered the school’s appreciation to all who were involved in the project.
“Special thanks to Dallas Pena and Allied Oilfield, Butch’s Rathole, City Manager James Fisher, City of Levelland, Mayor Buxkemper, Coach Bell, TxDOT, Keep Levelland Beautiful, and all the Loboette alumni who once played on these championship teams.
This entryway sign to the LHS gym holds deep meaning for so many in and around Levelland. We are truly grateful to see it beautifully restored for all to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who came out today to make this so special.”