August 10, 2022 With Whitney ISD starting school Wednesday, August 17, Whitney elementary, intermediate and middle schools have scheduled their Meet The Teacher Night events. The elementary school's Meet The Teacher Night will be Monday August 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Students are encouraged to bring their school supplies to the event. The … Continue reading WISD sets Meet The Teacher Nights as 2022-23 school year approaches
Wildcats back in action
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 10, 2022 Practice is underway for Whitney's fall sports as the Wildcats prepare for their first games of the season under the leadership of new athletic director, Coach David Haynes Jr. Whitney's football team will host Blooming Grove Friday, August 12, at 6:30 p.m. for a scrimmage, with another tune-up game … Continue reading Wildcats back in action
Hill County Extension Office taking shape at new location
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 10, 2022 The roof on the new Hill County AgriLife Extension Office building is set to be finished by the end of the week, according to Adam Morris, commercial construction manager for ICE Construction. The rough estimate Morris gave for the full completion of the building is the end of November … Continue reading Hill County Extension Office taking shape at new location
Last chance to see “Sleepy Hollow”
The children’s musical "Sleepy Hollow" is planned for one more weekend at Lake Whitney Arts. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The show features Allie Griffin, Sean Keegan, Robert Dale, Sylis Arriaga, Caylee Trimble, Marissa Carmona, Mymy Memon, Anslee Gillaspie, Karlie Barnes, Kaylee Myers, Layla Bowman, Paisley … Continue reading Last chance to see “Sleepy Hollow”
Cheerleaders prepare to cheer on Wildcats
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 10, 2022 The Whitney High School cheerleaders have been getting ready to cheer their Wildcats to victory this school year. The squad brought home a trophy and plaque of its own from Great Wolf Lodge Cheer Camp this summer. Against other 3A schools, the Whitney cheerleaders won first place for their … Continue reading Cheerleaders prepare to cheer on Wildcats
View the August 10, 2022 issue
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Barker sworn in at special meeting, open city council seat to be filled
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 4, 2022 Mayor Jerry Barker was officially sworn in by City Secretary Kristi Woellert at a special Whitney City Council meeting that was called Thursday, July 28. He will fill the mayor's position until the May 2023 election, at which time he plans to run for a full two-year term. The … Continue reading Barker sworn in at special meeting, open city council seat to be filled
Whitney marks 100 years of historic bench site
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 4, 2022 Sisters (l to r) Debbie Rose Money and Jennifer Rose Ryan marked the 100th anniversary of Whitney's historic bench site Saturday. The sisters are great-granddaughters of Tom Rose, who was known as dean of the "bench sitters." Displayed next to them are photos that were published in Life Magazine. … Continue reading Whitney marks 100 years of historic bench site
Commissioners approve texting service for FAQ’s
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 4, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved a new texting service for the elections office and moved forward with a tax abatement for a solar storage facility in a meeting held Tuesday, July 26. Hill County Elections Administrator Aaron Torres and Jon Myers of TextMyGov presented information about the texting … Continue reading Commissioners approve texting service for FAQ’s
Smith Foundation taking 2022 grant applications
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 4, 2022 The Board of Directors of the George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation has announced the opening of the 2022 grant application process. Applications for grants to be awarded this year must be received on or before September 1, 2022. Grant awards will be announced in October 2022. Applicants … Continue reading Smith Foundation taking 2022 grant applications
Candidate Announcement: Cedric Davis To Seek HD 13 Seat
Cedric Davis On November 8, voters will choose a state representative for the newly drawn Texas House District 13. Cedric Davis, the Democratic nominee, won the March Primary and says it is time to have some “real talk” about how to help all struggling Texans of Central Texas. Davis said that it is his highest … Continue reading Candidate Announcement: Cedric Davis To Seek HD 13 Seat
Wildcats win state tournament
August 4, 2022 The High School Eligible (HSE) Whitney Wildcat team won the Texas Teenage Baseball-Softball Associationstate tournament hosted by Hillsboro Sports Association in Hillsboro July 22-24. Teams from Ballinger,Blooming Grove, Buffalo, Cameron, Gorman, Harker Heights, Hillsboro, Itasca, LaVega, Rice and Wacoalso competed. Whitney defeated four teams in one day of the tournament and earned … Continue reading Wildcats win state tournament
ESD 2 discusses construction delay, new property purchase
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 4, 2022 The Hill County Emergency Services District (ESD) 2 Board of Commissioners met in a regular session Thursday, July 21, and reviewed progress on the district’s new headquarters and ambulance station in Hillsboro. Colby Grady of Salt Ridge Properties told the board that his crews should have the facility at … Continue reading ESD 2 discusses construction delay, new property purchase
View the August 3, 2022 issue
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Council appoints interim police chief, Barker now serving as acting mayor
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 28, 2022 Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Barker led the Whitney City Council meeting Monday, July 18, following the departure of former mayor Brad Slaten. Barker plans to serve in the role until the next city election in May. The Whitney City Council appointed an interim police chief and accepted the resignation … Continue reading Council appoints interim police chief, Barker now serving as acting mayor
County Commissioners approve sale of annex
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 28, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved the sale of the county annex at 200 East Franklin Street during a special meeting held Tuesday, July 19. The court approved a contract with Waco Housing Authority, which plans to purchase the property for $772,000 pending approval by its board of directors. … Continue reading County Commissioners approve sale of annex
Our Savior Lutheran donates to Isaiah’s Place
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 28, 2022 The Ladies Guild of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Whitney recently presented a check to Isaiah's Place in the amount of $500 after Isaiah's Place hosted a luncheon for the ladies. The funds were raised from the group’s annual garage sale. The donation will support the Isaiah’s Place mission … Continue reading Our Savior Lutheran donates to Isaiah’s Place
Thom Hanson re-elected to committee
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 27, 2022 Hill County Democratic Party Chair Thom Hanson has been re-elected to the Senate District 22 State Democratic Executive Committee for a two-year term. The Texas Democratic Party held its state convention in Dallas July 14-16. Hanson said that he thanks the delegates for placing their confidence in him. "I … Continue reading Thom Hanson re-elected to committee
Sleepy Hollow tickets on sale
Lake Whitney Arts’ summer Children’s Theatre production of "Sleepy Hollow" opens Friday, August 5. Children have been busy rehearsing their lines and preparing to take the stage opening night. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, August 5, Saturday, August 6, Friday, August 12, and Saturday, August 13. Matinees are scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, August … Continue reading Sleepy Hollow tickets on sale
View the July 27, 2022 issue
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County retail study to help identify, recruit businesses
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 21, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved a county-wide retail study and recruitment program in conjunction with the City of Hillsboro at a meeting held Tuesday, July 12. The Hillsboro City Council approved the proposal earlier this month, agreeing to put $10,000 toward the effort with the county paying the … Continue reading County retail study to help identify, recruit businesses
WISD transitioning back to charging for school meals
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 21, 2022 Free/reduced meal apps available… During the pandemic, Congress authorized spending that allowed schools to serve free meals for all students. Those funds are not authorized to continue for the 2022-2023 school year. As a result, Whitney ISD will return to charging for school meals and offering free and reduced-price … Continue reading WISD transitioning back to charging for school meals
Local VFW volunteers launch food ministry
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 21, 2022 Lake Whitney Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12176 has partnered with The Wolff Pack’s Feed the Flock ministry, which recently began in the Lake Whitney area. Ministry developer Kellie Wolff said that the effort was born out of love. “We just wanted love to be louder than all … Continue reading Local VFW volunteers launch food ministry
TDCJ sentences handed down in 66th District Court
July 21, 2022 The office of District Attorney Mark Pratt recently prosecuted felony criminal cases in the 66th Judicial District Court of Hill County. The following Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) sentences are from June: Norman Lee Garza - driving while intoxicated - third or more, 10 years prison; assault intentionally/recklessly impeding breath/circulation of … Continue reading TDCJ sentences handed down in 66th District Court
Judge Harris earns Jaworski Fellow Of The Year Award
July 21, 2022 District Judge Lee Harris District Judge Lee Harris, a 1993 graduate of Baylor Law, won the Baylor Law Jaworski Fellow of the Year Award during the Second Annual Jaworski Fellow and Candidate Dinner held recently at the Baylor Club in McLane Stadium in Waco. The award recognized his dedication and service to … Continue reading Judge Harris earns Jaworski Fellow Of The Year Award
WYA team finishes top 5 in the state
July 21, 2022 The Whitney Youth Association 10 and under team finished 6-2 in the playoffs and top five in the 10 and under Texas Teenage State Tournament. The team was the Heart of Texas 10 and under South National Division Winner, and the undefeated 10 and under district three tournament champion. Players on the … Continue reading WYA team finishes top 5 in the state
FSA accepting nominationsfor local county committees
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 21, 2022 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members. LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are … Continue reading FSA accepting nominationsfor local county committees
Middle schooler wins VFW contest
July 21, 2022 At the July 2nd “Honoring America's Heroes" event in Whitney, the Whitney VFW Post 12176 Auxiliary had a "guess how many candies are in the jar" contest. The winner of the jar, with a guess of 1,700, is sixth grader Allison Wilson of Whitney. The total number of candies was 1,776.
View the July 20, 2022 issue
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State, local resources battle large Bosque County wildfire
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 14, 2022 Firefighters have stayed busy in Hill and Bosque counties battling a number of wildfires in recent days, most notably the "Hard Castle Fire" in Bosque County. The Texas A&M Forest Service was assisting local firefighters over the weekend as the fire, which began Wednesday evening, July 6, continued to … Continue reading State, local resources battle large Bosque County wildfire
Wildcats welcome new athletic director
July 14, 2022 Wildcat athletes and fans had a chance to meet Whitney Independent School District Athletic Director David Haynes Jr. at a meet-and-greet event sponsored by the Whitney Athletic Booster Club Thursday, June 30. Coach Haynes has spent 14 years as a coach, most recently as the defensive coordinator at Valley Mills High School. … Continue reading Wildcats welcome new athletic director
Air resources called in for Hard Castle Fire
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 14, 2022 The Texas A&M Forest Service assisted Bosque County firefighters as they worked to contain the 500+ acre Hard Castle Fire near Walnut Springs over the weekend. Boaters on Lake Whitney were warned to avoid areas where aircraft were scooping water from the lake to drop on the scene. The … Continue reading Air resources called in for Hard Castle Fire
Area sales tax allocations up this month
July sales tax allocations to Hill County were up over 20 percent compared to the same time last year and Whitney's were up 14 percent, according to data released by State Comptroller Glenn Hegar last week. Hegar will send Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $1.03 billion in local sales tax … Continue reading Area sales tax allocations up this month
Hill County Grand Jury returns indictments
July 14, 2022 A Hill County Grand Jury that convened Friday, July 1 returned the following indictments: Randy Joe Abbott, 47, of Waco, bail jump and failure to appear (x 2) Jimmy Ray Adams, 24, of Cypress, possession of THC under one gram Robert Cruz Adames, 45, of Whitney, failure to comply with sex offender's … Continue reading Hill County Grand Jury returns indictments
Master Gardeners present scholarships
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 14, 2022 Hill County Master Gardeners recently awarded two scholarships of $1,000 each to two students. Christopher A. Wanat attends Tarleton State University in Stephenville and is majoring in horticultural and plant sciences. Kathryn M. Kass is attending Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and majors in horticulture. Funds for … Continue reading Master Gardeners present scholarships
Cast of “Sleepy Hollow” set, tickets on sale
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 13, 2022 Cast of "Sleepy Hollow" set, tickets on saleRehearsals are underway for Lake Whitney Arts’ summer Children’s Theatre production of Sleepy Hollow. Tickets are on sale at LakeWhitneyArts.org. When inane schoolmaster Ichabod Crane comes to Sleepy Hollow, he brings with him all his worldly possessions as he seeks a well-to-do … Continue reading Cast of “Sleepy Hollow” set, tickets on sale
First Baptist Church presents scholarships
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 14, 2022 Whitney’s First Baptist Church recently presented scholarships to Hill County seniors. They included: Cadence Bidwell, daughter of Tracy and Ashley Bidwell, of Whitney High School. She plans to major in engineering at Texas A&M University. Lucy Schulz, daughter of Greg and Julie Schulz, of Abbott High School. She plans … Continue reading First Baptist Church presents scholarships
Musical Fun at the Bosque Arts Center
Editor: Shannon Cottongame July 13, 2022 Summer fun for kids continues at the Bosque Arts Center in Clifton with Music Camp July 18-21. Former camp leader Vicky Ketchum and daughter Abigail will return to Clifton to head up camp this year. Monday through Wednesday camp will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday camp … Continue reading Musical Fun at the Bosque Arts Center
Independence Day Celebration Saturday
A Whitney Independence Day celebration is set for Saturday, July 2. A “Celebrate Heroes” parade will start at 10 a.m. downtown, followed by downtown festivities beginning at 11 a.m. After the parade, there will be water slides and inflatables, a DJ, live music and a pie eating contest. There will also be face paintings, a … Continue reading Independence Day Celebration Saturday
WISD board discusses security, Baker Field plan and drug tests
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 30, 2022 In a regular meeting of the Whitney ISD Board of Trustees held Monday, June 20, the board discussed district security information, Whitney Wildcat Football League’s plans for the Baker Field restrooms and concession stands and an amendment to the random drug testing policy. Superintendent John McCullough said that he … Continue reading WISD board discusses security, Baker Field plan and drug tests
Whitney City Council holds June meeting
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 30, 2022 The Whitney City Council met in a regular session Tuesday, June 21, to hear monthly reports and consider agenda items. In open forum, resident Alan Ellis told the council that he would like to donate $10,000 toward the effort to create a better park for children and the community. … Continue reading Whitney City Council holds June meeting
Burn bans now in place ahead of 4th
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 30, 2022 Both Hill and Bosque counties are now under burn bans as drought conditions have intensified and carried over into summer. Area fire departments have been busy responding to grass fire calls recently, as the Texas Forest Service warned of increased wildfire activity. "The dryness we are currently seeing across … Continue reading Burn bans now in place ahead of 4th
Whitney PD makes arrest in stabbing investigation
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 30, 2022 A Hillsboro man was arrested Wednesday, June 22, in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Whitney earlier this month. Derrick Simmons, 41, was taken into custody on charges of aggravated assault causing bodily injury, a second-degree felony. Simmons was booked into the Hill County Law Enforcement Center with … Continue reading Whitney PD makes arrest in stabbing investigation
Board of Regents selects 11th Hill College president
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 30, 2022 After a national search, the Hill College Board of Regents approved the college’s 11th president at a meeting held recently. Dr. Thomas Mills will serve as Hill College president beginning August 1, replacing Dr. Pam Boehm, who recently retired from that position. Dr. Mills brings a wealth of community … Continue reading Board of Regents selects 11th Hill College president
Firefighters respond to two fires
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 30, 2022 Multiple Whitney area fire departments were dispatched to fires Monday afternoon, June 20. At 1:15 p.m., Whitney, Lakeview and Peoria volunteer fire departments were dispatched to the 200 block of HCR 1246, just northeast of Whitney High School. Officials said that the blaze was caused by a hay baler … Continue reading Firefighters respond to two fires
ESD 2 board discusses properties
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 30, 2022 The Hill County Emergency Services District (ESD 2) Board of Commissioners met in a regular session Thursday, June 16, and discussed the district’s recent and future property acquisitions. Board President Tad Duncan reported that the former tenant who had failed to vacate the district’s new property at 1460 FM … Continue reading ESD 2 board discusses properties
White Bluff Chapel welcomes new minister
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 30, 2022 Aaron and Erin Franklin and their sons, Anderson and EJ White Bluff Chapel is excited to announce the addition of new Minister of Music and Family Aaron Franklin. Aaron, his wife Erin and their sons, Anderson and EJ, have relocated to White Bluff Resort. Aaron began his new position … Continue reading White Bluff Chapel welcomes new minister
ESD 1 Board, VFDs review proposed strategic plan
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 30, 2022 The Hill County Emergency Services District (ESD) 1 Board of Commissioners held its June meeting recently and submitted a draft of a five-year strategic plan to departments for consideration. Commissioner Bill Heffner drafted the document, which he said will eventually include specific goals that the district and fire departments … Continue reading ESD 1 Board, VFDs review proposed strategic plan
Commissioners approve abatement for expansion of Hill County solar project
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 23, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved a tax abatement agreement for the expansion of a solar project within an existing reinvestment zone Tuesday, June 14. In April, the court voted to propose a tax abatement agreement with Hill Solar II, LLC, which will be an expansion of the Hill … Continue reading Commissioners approve abatement for expansion of Hill County solar project
Man charged with murder after shooting
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 23, 2022 The Hill County Sheriff’s Office has charged a man with murder after a fatal shooting that occurred in Abbott Friday, June 17. Nicholas Charassri According to reports, the shooting was reported by a 9-1-1 caller just after 5 p.m., and deputies responded to the scene in the 400 block … Continue reading Man charged with murder after shooting
Richter wins fiction award for “Fishing For Luck”
July 14, 2022 Murray Richter, 1988 Whitney graduate and Dallas-area author, won the prestigious 2021 Gertrude Warner Grand Prize Award for his middle-grade fiction book, "Fishing For Luck,"at the Chanticleer International Book Awards ceremony in Bellingham, Washington Saturday, June 25. Published in May 2021, "Fishing For Luck" tells the humorous and thrilling tale of Kevin, … Continue reading Richter wins fiction award for “Fishing For Luck”
Improvements evident at White Bluff since POA’s acquisition of amenities
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 23, 2022 In October 2018, the Property Owners’ Association (POA) of White Bluff Resort on Lake Whitney acquired the resort’s amenities from the developer. Since then, the resort has undergone complete restoration and has been taken to a level never experienced by White Bluff’s 6,500 property owners. Leonard Critcher, White Bluff … Continue reading Improvements evident at White Bluff since POA’s acquisition of amenities
Unemployment rates up slightly in latest report
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 23, 2022 According to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) last week, Hill and Bosque county unemployment rates rose slightly in May but remain well below the rates from one year ago. In May, Hill County's unemployment rate was reported at 3.5 percent, up from 3.2 percent in April. … Continue reading Unemployment rates up slightly in latest report
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