The George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation has announced its grant awards for 2026. The foundation is committing $195,000 to 13 organizations across Hill County—including Aquilla, Covington, Hillsboro, Itasca and Whitney.In the 32 years of its existence, the foundation has awarded over $3,365,000 to area organizations that serve the community.This year’s grants were awarded … Continue reading Smith Foundation releases list of 2026 grant recipients
A Note About The Tacklebox
Beginning with next week’s issue, we’re making a small change to The Lakelander & Tacklebox.For years, The Tacklebox has been a separate section of the newspaper featuring classified ads, our Business Directory and other advertising. Going forward, that content will be incorporated into the regular newspaper.You will still find the same classified advertising, Business Directory … Continue reading A Note About The Tacklebox
51st annual Pioneer Days Saturday
The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce will present the 51st annual Pioneer Days festival Saturday, October 3, in downtown Whitney. Visitors and residents will gather downtown to enjoy carnival rides, shopping, food vendors, live entertainment and the afternoon’s parade.The fun starts early with the carnival opening to the public along Railroad Avenue Thursday, October 1. … Continue reading 51st annual Pioneer Days Saturday
County Development Services office taking shape
The Hill County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of equipment for the county's newly created Development Services office during a meeting held Tuesday, September 22. The department has consolidated several county duties, including on-site sewage permitting and inspections, subdivision regulation compliance, 9-1-1 addressing, street signs and county garbage cleanup.Development Services Director John Crawson said that … Continue reading County Development Services office taking shape
Hill CAD chief appraiser plans to retire December 31
The Hill County Appraisal District (Hill CAD) has announced that Chief Appraiser Mike McKibben plans to retire effective December 31.In the announcement, Hill CAD said, "McKibben's departure concludes an almost 26-year tenure at the helm of Hill CAD and caps off a remarkable appraisal career built on foundational family values, genuine kindness and unyielding integrity … Continue reading Hill CAD chief appraiser plans to retire December 31
Albert Hunter announces campaign
Albert Hunter has announced his candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives District 13 seat.Hunter is a lifelong resident of Bosque County. He graduated from Meridian High School and earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Tarleton State University. After a 26-year career in public education, he retired and served for over five years as Bosque … Continue reading Albert Hunter announces campaign
City Council approves budget, tax rate
The Whitney City Council adopted a city budget and tax rate during a regular meeting held Thursday, September 17. The council adopted the no-new-revenue rate, which represents a decrease in the current city tax rate and comes to $0.5411 per $100 property valuation. That rate will result in $39,922 less property tax revenue for the … Continue reading City Council approves budget, tax rate
Hill Co. unemployment rate reported at 4.3% in August
The Texas Workforce Commission released unemployment data last week showing that Hill County's rate was 4.3 percent in August. Hill County recorded 818 unemployed individuals out of a total civilian labor force of 19,101. That is down slightly from the July rate of 4.4 percent and the same as the August 2025 rate of 4.3 … Continue reading Hill Co. unemployment rate reported at 4.3% in August
Tickets available for LWA’s ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’
Lake Whitney Arts will soon present "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Francis Goodrich and Albert Hackett, newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman. This show is directed by Joy Fitzgerald with assistance from Carol Morris. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, "The Diary of … Continue reading Tickets available for LWA’s ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’
Local feral hog workshops to cover control, bounty
To help agriculture producers, landowners and citizens make informed decisions concerning abatement and control options, the Hill County AgriLife Extension Office will host four educational programs related to feral hogs. The programs will be held Thursday, October 8; Thursday, October 15; Tuesday, October 20; and Tuesday, November 3, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Hill … Continue reading Local feral hog workshops to cover control, bounty
