The Hill County Commissioners Court passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in unincorporated areas of the county last week. Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Holcomb (left) introduced the measure, which gained support from Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Crumpton (right). County Judge Shane Brassell (center) cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the measure. County … Continue reading Hill County passes first data center moratorium
Runoff early voting continues ahead of Election Day Tuesday
Early voting in primary runoff elections will wrap up Friday, May 22, ahead of Election Day, Tuesday, May 26.Voters who cast a ballot in March primaries can only vote in the same party's runoff election this month. Those who did not vote in March can choose to vote in either party's runoff, as Texans do … Continue reading Runoff early voting continues ahead of Election Day Tuesday
Court considers fire marshal position amid development
The Hill County Commissioners Court discussed the hiring of a county fire marshal and other county business after wrapping up lengthy discussions about a data center moratorium Tuesday, May 12. As the county sees increased interest from developers, commissioners discussed the need for increased monitoring of projects. The issue was first brought up during data … Continue reading Court considers fire marshal position amid development
Primary runoff early voting to begin May 18
Early voting in primary runoff elections will begin Monday, May 18, and continue through Friday, May 22. Election day will be Tuesday, May 26. There will be one local race on the ballot, with Hill County Precinct 4 commissioner candidates Allan Awtrey and David Gelsthorpe back before voters after no candidate received more than 50 … Continue reading Primary runoff early voting to begin May 18
Hill County cleanup set for Saturday
Hill County will host a community-wide cleanup Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or when dumpsters are full. Drop-off locations will be available in Whitney and Hillsboro. Four dumpsters will be available for trash, and one 18-wheeler trailer will be available for tires. Note that no rims or tractor tires will be … Continue reading Hill County cleanup set for Saturday
Whitney school board meets in May session
The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees met in regular session Monday, May 4. Amy Teal spoke in open forum, where she encouraged increased voter participation in future elections and expressed concerns regarding what she said was a hasty recommendation to terminate Intermediate School Assistant Principal Dr. Steven Slaughter, following an incident last month … Continue reading Whitney school board meets in May session
City of Whitney sales tax allocation up 25% in May
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced last week that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.4 billion in local sales tax allocations for May, 7.7 percent more than in May 2025. Whitney's sales tax allocation for May was $118,858, up 25 percent compared to last May. So far in 2026, … Continue reading City of Whitney sales tax allocation up 25% in May
Whitney city, school incumbents come out ahead on election night
Whitney City Council and school board incumbents who were running for reelection came out ahead after votes were tallied on election night. Jason Sneed, who previously served on the school board, was also expected to win a council seat. Election results are unofficial until canvassed. Whitney incumbents had a good night when unofficial election results … Continue reading Whitney city, school incumbents come out ahead on election night
Regular property appraisal protest deadline is May 15
Property owners are reminded that May 15 is the regular deadline to protest their property tax appraisals with their local appraisal district. Property owners can protest their appraisals until the deadline under most circumstances, although late protests are allowed for good cause, as determined by the local Appraisal Review Board. The Hill County Appraisal District … Continue reading Regular property appraisal protest deadline is May 15
Hill County unemployment rate reported at 3.8 percent
Hill County's March unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, according to data released last week by the Texas Workforce Commission. That is slightly higher than the March 2025 rate of 3.7 percent and down from the February rate of 4.2 percent.The March data shows that there were 711 unemployed individuals out of a total Hill County … Continue reading Hill County unemployment rate reported at 3.8 percent
The Lakelander 