Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 24, 2021 Since 2010, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been known as Small Business Saturday. The annual event encourages people to kick off the holiday shopping season by supporting stores in their own community. In honor of Small Business Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. November 27, representatives from the Lake Whitney … Continue reading ‘Small Business Saturday’ to be observed in Whitney
Whitney City Council holds monthly meeting
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 24, 2021 The Whitney City Council met in a regular session Monday night, November 15, to consider several agenda items. In public comments, Carol Westbrook of the Hill County Salvation Army requested that the council mandate that businesses on West Washington Avenue bag their trash before putting it in trash containers. … Continue reading Whitney City Council holds monthly meeting
Food For Families drive a success
Editor: Shannon Cottongame and Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 24, 2021 Collections for this year's Food for Families Drive were strong locally, and by the end of the day Friday, November 19, the Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance (LWMA) had exceeded its goal of 65,000 pounds of food with a total of 65,030 pounds collected. Individuals and … Continue reading Food For Families drive a success
Wildcats’ season ends in second round of playoffs
Sports Writer: Brent Cook November 24, 2021 The Whitney Wildcats clawed and fought for four quarters Thursday night at Tyler Rose Stadium, giving No. 3 ranked Mount Vernon its toughest test of the season. But in the end, the undefeated Tigers employed a blazing-quick offensive assault to power past and pull away from the Wildcats … Continue reading Wildcats’ season ends in second round of playoffs
Senior Center filling stockings for homebound residents
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 24, 2021 This Christmas, the community is invited to help fill bags for seniors by bringing items from a wish list to Lake Whitney Senior Center any Tuesday from now through December 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. So many area residents do not have an opportunity to get out … Continue reading Senior Center filling stockings for homebound residents
White Bluff residents treat POA staff
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 24, 2021 To start off the Thanksgiving season on a positive note, White Bluff held a Property Owners Association (POA) staff appreciation day Tuesday, November 16. A table full of treats was set up in the equipment bays for the staff to enjoy over their lunch hour. White Bluff employs over … Continue reading White Bluff residents treat POA staff
Hill county Angel Tree applications available
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 24, 2021 Applications for the Hill County Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program are now available for families seeking assistance. Applications may be picked up at Hillsboro Walmart customer service desk located at 104 Coke Street, Eastland Title Company located at 69 West Franklin Street Hillsboro, Texas Through Time at 110 North … Continue reading Hill county Angel Tree applications available
‘Earth Angels’ exhibit opens at Texas Heritage Museum
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 24, 2021 A new art exhibit on temporary display in the Hill College Texas Heritage Museum (THM) features four large figures representing earth, air, fire and water. The figures, titled “Earth Angels,” are unique because North Texas artist Julia Schloss made them from a collection of salvaged materials. “Julia Schloss is … Continue reading ‘Earth Angels’ exhibit opens at Texas Heritage Museum
Local Couple to celebrate 50 years of marriage
Bobby and Sherry Creech will celebrate 50 years of marriage this week. Above, they are pictured at their 1971 wedding. Bobby Carroll Creech and Sherry Ann (Hutchins) Creech of Lake Whitney will celebrate 50 years of marriage this Saturday. The couple married November 27, 1971, at First Baptist Church in Maypearl. Bobby’s hometown was Mesquite, … Continue reading Local Couple to celebrate 50 years of marriage
Robbery Investigated at area convenience store
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 24, 2021 The Bosque County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a robbery at a Laguna Park convenience store over the weekend. According to a press release, authorities responded to the Lake Stop convenience store at the Whitney Dam at approximately 8:20 p.m. Saturday, November 20. Surveillance cameras captured the incident, in which … Continue reading Robbery Investigated at area convenience store
FFA Members Attend National Convention
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 24, 2021 Whitney FFA would like to thank the community for its help in sending Whitney High School students to the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana in October. Instructors reported that the students had a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet members from throughout the U.S. and participate … Continue reading FFA Members Attend National Convention
Aquilla native serving in U.S. Navy’s ‘Silent Service’
Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Amanda Rae Moreno, Navy office of Community Outreach November 24, 2021 An Aquilla, Texas, native is stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, homeport to all East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. Seaman Connor McCurdy, a 2020 Aquilla Independent School District graduate, joined the Navy this year. “Serving in the … Continue reading Aquilla native serving in U.S. Navy’s ‘Silent Service’
Farm and Ranch Seminar set in Bosque County
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 24, 2021 A multi-county Farm and Ranch Seminar for farmers and ranchers conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in District 8 is scheduled for Thursday, December 9. The District 8 Farm and Ranch Seminar will be offered at 14 locations across Central Texas. The Bosque County Extension Office will … Continue reading Farm and Ranch Seminar set in Bosque County
Wildcats power past Goats to claim bi-district championship
Sports writer: Brent Cook November 17, 2021 Whitney to face Mount Vernon Thursday… The Wildcat defense stuffed and smashed the Groesbeck Goats for all four quarters Friday and produced its second shutout of the season. If there is a guaranteed game plan to secure a win, it’s keeping the opponent off the scoreboard. Facing the … Continue reading Wildcats power past Goats to claim bi-district championship
WISD board reviews district, campus improvement plans
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 17, 2021 The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees met Monday, November 8, in a regular session to hear district and campus improvement plans and consider multiple other agenda items. Melissa Marbut, Director of Assessment and Accountability, presented the District Improvement Plan in which she explained six areas of focus for how … Continue reading WISD board reviews district, campus improvement plans
Whitney honors its veterans
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 17, 2021 Richard Wilder, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, retired, was the keynote speaker at the Whitney Veterans Day celebration. A Veterans Day celebration was held at Lake Whitney Senior Center Thursday, November 11. In attendance were representatives from American Legion Post 522, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12176, Fort Graham Chapter … Continue reading Whitney honors its veterans
Court pursues property for county annex in Precinct 1
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 17, 2021 The Hill County Commissioners Court moved forward with a project to open an annex on the west side of the county and heard a presentation on a settlement related to the nationwide opioid crisis in a meeting held Tuesday, November 9. It has been a goal of the court … Continue reading Court pursues property for county annex in Precinct 1
Area sales tax numbers look good in November
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 17, 2021 Area sales tax allocations remained strong when Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar released November figures last week. Whitney's November payment came to $87,028.48, up 33 percent from last November. Year-to-date figures show Whitney taking in $727,629.29 so far in 2021, up 12 percent compared to the same period in 2020. … Continue reading Area sales tax numbers look good in November
Blum volleyball advances to state tourney
November 17, 2021 The Blum High School varsity volleyball team earned a trip to the state volleyball tournament with a 3-0 win over Hubbard Saturday, November 13. The Lady Cats won the regional final by scores of 25-12, 25-13, 25-13 after defeating Bryson a day earlier in the regional semi-final round (25-8, 25-11, 25-13). The … Continue reading Blum volleyball advances to state tourney
2021 First Bale Award presented to Gerik Farms
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 17, 2021 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hill County presented its annual First Bale Award to D&L Gerik Farms Monday, November 8. The award recognizes a cotton producer having the first ginned bale of cotton grown in Hill County. This year, the honor went to Paul Gerik, owner of D&L … Continue reading 2021 First Bale Award presented to Gerik Farms
Hill County Meals On Wheels seeks senior christmas gifts
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 17, 2021 The holiday season is the time of the year when people are most likely to give to charitable organizations. The Hill County Meals on Wheels program is in its fifth year of giving Christmas gifts to area seniors. Hillsboro and surrounding areas currently have over 70 seniors who depend … Continue reading Hill County Meals On Wheels seeks senior christmas gifts
Ribbon cutting held as Isaiah’s Place shares new mission statement, events
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 17, 2021 Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Isaiah’s Place recently as the retreat announced its new mission statement and has added new programs. Pictured are Madison Elmore and friends, Amy Booth, Terry and Charles Boyer, JoDee Kidnew, Marion Phillips, Jose Abrego, Vicki Thompson, Diane Frederickson, Kellie … Continue reading Ribbon cutting held as Isaiah’s Place shares new mission statement, events
Small steps help prevent diabetes
November 17, 2021 In November, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recognizes National Diabetes Month. Created by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, this year’s slogan is “Small Steps, Big Difference” and focuses on changes that can help prevent diabetes. “Making several changes in lifestyle, like improving eating and exercise habits, can feel … Continue reading Small steps help prevent diabetes
Wreaths Across America effort now underway
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 17, 2021 Local volunteers are working hard to ensure that all veterans laid to rest at Whitney Memorial Park are honored this December on National Wreaths Across America Day. This year, the ceremony, held simultaneously across the country at more than 2,700 participating locations, will be on Saturday, December 18, at … Continue reading Wreaths Across America effort now underway
White Bluff Chapel recognizes veterans
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 17, 2021 Many local churches honored their veterans on Sunday, November 7. Pictured are the veterans who attended White Bluff Chapel's first of two services on the Sunday prior to Veterans Day. Front row center is Dr. Randy Marshall, Chaplain, Colonel (Retired) from the U.S. Air Force and current pastor of … Continue reading White Bluff Chapel recognizes veterans
Hill County Grand Jury returns November list of indictments
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 17, 2021 A Hill County Grand Jury that convened Thursday, November 4, returned the following indictments: John Paul Barry, 49, of Whitney, aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury Jamyua Monet Baysinger, 22, of Lancaster, bail jump and failure to appear (x 2) David Demark Brown, 54, of Whitney, possession of marijuana … Continue reading Hill County Grand Jury returns November list of indictments
Hill County doctors provide answers to frequent COVID-19 vaccine questions
By Dr. James Earhart, Ascension Medical Group Providence November 17, 2021 We are local physicians and nurse practitioners who live and work here in our community. Many of you may know our names or know us personally, as we may have taken care of you or your loved ones over the years. You see us … Continue reading Hill County doctors provide answers to frequent COVID-19 vaccine questions
Wildcats win again, playoff game set for Friday night
Sports writer: Brent Cook November 10, 2021 Whitney to face Grosebeck at Waco ISD Stadium... The Whitney Wildcats took care of business Friday night at Wildcat Stadium, closing out the regular season with a 35-7 victory. Facing Life Oak Cliff, the Wildcats (5-5, 4-2) fine-tuned the game plan in preparation for a return trip to … Continue reading Wildcats win again, playoff game set for Friday night
Filing set to begin Saturday for March primary elections
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2021 With redistricting complete at the state level, party primary elections are on track to be held Tuesday, March 1, and the filing period for Republican and Democratic candidates will open this Saturday. Alternative election and filing dates were a possibility if the Texas Legislature did not finish the new … Continue reading Filing set to begin Saturday for March primary elections
Brad Daniels takes oath as new Prairielands GCD board member
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2021 Brad Daniels took his oath of office as a director on the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District (PGCD) Board of Directors in October. Daniels was appointed by the Hill County Commissioners Court in a public meeting on September 14, to serve out an unexpired term representing Hill County on the … Continue reading Brad Daniels takes oath as new Prairielands GCD board member
Blum volleyball team earns area title
November 10, 2021 The Blum High School varsity volleyball team secured the area championship with a win over Penelope (25-10, 25-10, 25-8) last week. The Lady Bobcats (31-11) were set to take on Abbott in the regional quarterfinal round of the playoffs Monday, November 8, in Valley Mills. Pictured (l to r) are: Addison Willingham, … Continue reading Blum volleyball team earns area title
Sentences handed down in local court
November 10, 2021 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) convictions are from October: Shaday Dominique Bernstine, engaging in organized criminal activity between $2,500 and $30,000, nine years prison Demetrius Lejuane Strong, possession … Continue reading Sentences handed down in local court
Adoption Day celebrated in Hill County
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2021 The Hill County Child Protective Services Board and other local officials and organizations gathered to celebrate Adoption Day Friday, November 5. This year, 23 children who were adopted over the past year with their 17 families were invited to the event, which was held at Historic City Hall in … Continue reading Adoption Day celebrated in Hill County
Food bank working to meet November’s collection goal
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2021 Official Food For Families drive day is November 19… As families come together for holiday meals, it’s a perfect time to think about those in our community who have no food for meals. November is Food for Families Month, a special month of giving to the Lake Whitney Ministerial … Continue reading Food bank working to meet November’s collection goal
17-year-old Aquilla student has “big dreams in a small town”
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 10, 2021 The little girl who grew up hot gluing clothing together to make dresses and filming home movies with her little sister had a passion for fashion, modeling and acting that continued over the years. Little did she know, that passion would lead her to attend New York Fashion Week … Continue reading 17-year-old Aquilla student has “big dreams in a small town”
Master Gardeners refresh local park
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2021 Master Gardeners refresh local parkThe Hill County Master Gardeners recently refreshed the Whitney Veterans Memorial Park in preparation for Veterans Day. The Hill County Sheriff’s Office helped with heavy labor, and several Whitney veterans participated. The organization would like to thank the Hill County Sheriff’s Office for their time … Continue reading Master Gardeners refresh local park
Laekeside VFD Auxillary plans holiday dinner for saturday
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2021 The Lakeside Village Area VFD Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual holiday dinner Saturday, November 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lakeside Village Fire Hall/Community Center. The dinner will consist of turkey, ham, dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, bread, a drink … Continue reading Laekeside VFD Auxillary plans holiday dinner for saturday
TxDOT urges drivers to ‘End the Streak’
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2021 It was late in the afternoon when Isaac Simmons got the call: a vehicle was broken down along a stretch of I-45 in Fairfield, and Simmons, a 35-year-old tow truck driver, headed out to help. While wenching the car onto his tow truck, the routine stop suddenly became horrific. … Continue reading TxDOT urges drivers to ‘End the Streak’
Hill County Commissioners Court approves slightly adjusted map
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 3, 2021 Consolidation of county's voting precincts up next… The Hill County Commissioners Court approved a precinct map last week that will determine the areas served by commissioners, justices of the peace and constables for the next 10 years. Redistricting consultant Mike Morrison reported last month that little change was needed … Continue reading Hill County Commissioners Court approves slightly adjusted map
Boo with the Red & Blue
Long lines of superheroes, princesses and other characters filled the streets of downtown Whitney Friday, October 29, as the city hosted the annual "Boo with the Red and Blue" Halloween event. Children enjoyed free hot dogs courtesy of the event's sponsors, along with candy passed out by area businesses and organizations. They also visited with … Continue reading Boo with the Red & Blue
Wildcats focus on playoffs with another district win
Sports Writer: Brent Cook November 3, 2021 With a last-minute touchdown run from senior quarterback Garrett Peacock, the Whitney Wildcats (4-5, 3-2) shocked the Maypearl Panthers Friday night with a thrilling 37-34 victory. “We for sure kept everyone in their seats until the final horn,” said Whitney Head Coach Mark Byrd. The Panthers mounted a … Continue reading Wildcats focus on playoffs with another district win
AED project credited with saving life
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 3, 2021 The Hill County Emergency Services District (ESD) 2 Board of Commissioners heard a report on the success of the recent effort to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in sheriff’s office vehicles and heard an update on new facilities during a meeting held Thursday, October 21. Covington Volunteer Fire Department … Continue reading AED project credited with saving life
Blum Bobcats defeat Milford 76-30
November 3, 2021 The Blum High School varsity football team traveled to Milford Thursday, October 28, for a District 11-1A Division I game and came out with a 76-30 win. The Bobcats scored 16 points in the final minute of the first half to take a 46-14 lead. Blum continued to dominate in the second … Continue reading Blum Bobcats defeat Milford 76-30
Hill, Bosque unemployment rates down slightly in September
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 3, 2021 Hill County's unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent in September, down from 4.8 percent the previous month. There were 761 unemployed individuals in the county in September out of a total labor force of 16,476. One year ago, Hill County's unemployment rate was 6.3 percent, and the pre-pandemic rate … Continue reading Hill, Bosque unemployment rates down slightly in September
Lake Whitney Arts show set to open
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 3, 2021 Lake Whitney Arts is ready to open its Jones, Hope and Wooten comedy "Honky Tonk Hissy Fit" this week. The show is directed by Ed Sanders, and performances are scheduled November 6 through November 14. The dinner show is sold out, but tickets for the remaining performances may be … Continue reading Lake Whitney Arts show set to open
Principal appreciation month observed at Whitney ISD
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 3, 2021 Since October was Principal Appreciation Month, we thought we would help readers get to know the principals of Whitney schools just a little bit better. We're kicking off November with a question and answer session with the leaders that Wildcat students see every day at school. Amber Seely has … Continue reading Principal appreciation month observed at Whitney ISD
Students thank police officers
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 3, 2021 In honor of National Coffee with a Cop Day in October, Aquilla High School students, along with the Student Council, wrote cards of appreciation to local police departments. Senior Alexis Fine and sophomore Daniel Fine presented the cards to Whitney Officer Jason Perkins. Cards were also mailed to the … Continue reading Students thank police officers
Pastor selected as guest speaker for Veterans Day
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 3, 2021 The much-anticipated Veterans Day celebration to be held at the Lake Whitney Senior Center will feature two outstanding career military individuals. Chaplain, ColonelRandy A. Marshall (Retired) Dr. Randy Marshall is current pastor of White Bluff Chapel in Whitney and recently retired from a full-time career of military assignments, including … Continue reading Pastor selected as guest speaker for Veterans Day
Hill County Paw Pals taking garage sale donations November 8-12
Hill County Paw Pals is preparing for its annual garage sale, which is a major fund raiser for the organization, and donations will soon be accepted for the sale. Paw Pals will take donations November 8-12 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the sale site on the north side of the Outlets at Hillsboro. … Continue reading Hill County Paw Pals taking garage sale donations November 8-12
MHMC free clinic to be open Saturday
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 3, 2021 Mission Hillsboro Medical Clinic (MHMC) will see patients Saturday, November 6, for its first Saturday clinic. Sign-in begins at 6 a.m. To be seen inside the clinic by a doctor and for lab draws, patients must show a COVID vaccination card at the time of sign-in. Phone calls will … Continue reading MHMC free clinic to be open Saturday
November 2, 2021 election
Hill County election results posted at: hillsbororeporter.com Click here for Bosque County results: bosquecounty.us/elections
Whitney council discusses proposed developments in October meeting
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 27, 2021 The Whitney City Council considered agenda items related to proposed developments in the city during a meeting held Monday evening, October 18. The council heard from Gary Finch, CEO of Teamworktown Inc., which is planning to build custom homes on land located off North Trinity Street in Whitney. Finch … Continue reading Whitney council discusses proposed developments in October meeting
Whitney ISD board opts to fund dual-credit tuition
Reporter: Ellie Mahan October 27, 2021 The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees met Monday, October 18, in a regular session to hear five presentations, hear administrator reports and consider multiple agenda items. In the September school board meeting, board members discussed the difficulties administrators were facing with ordering college textbooks for dual-credit students due to … Continue reading Whitney ISD board opts to fund dual-credit tuition
The Lakelander 