Winkler County sits in far West Texas, right in the heart of the Permian Basin. Oil is the backbone of the local economy. Kermit, the county seat, has experienced plenty of oil booms and busts over the years. Believe it or not, the town was named after Teddy Roosevelt’s son.

The landscape is rugged and dry, but there’s a certain beauty in its wide-open spaces. Monahans Sandhills State Park is nearby, offering towering dunes that look almost like a small Texas Sahara. With a small population, life here can feel pretty close-knit, and everyone seems to know everyone.

But that closeness also means people look out for one another. Neighbors are quick to lend a hand when someone needs it. High school football is a major part of community life, while dust storms can sometimes turn daylight into darkness.