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
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
Campers enjoy ‘Wild Wonders’ at state park
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 22, 2022 Lake Whitney State Park hosted summer fun and learning opportunities for children during this year's Wild Wonders Summer Camp. Youngsters entering pre-kindergarten through second grade started things off June 6-8 with a peewee camp, and third through sixth graders attended June 13-16. Along with plenty of fun and games, … Continue reading Campers enjoy ‘Wild Wonders’ at state park
WHS color guard, band members attend leadership camp
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 23, 2022 Whitney High School students attended the 48th Howard Payne University Band Leadership Camp June 13-17 in Brownwood. The camp offers leadership training in the areas of drum major, section leader, officer, marching skills, marching percussion and color guard. Members of the Wildcat color guard and band pictured above include … Continue reading WHS color guard, band members attend leadership camp
Local filmmakers attend meet and greet
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 22, 2022 Pictured (l to r) Will Boothman, who is from Whitney, Mitch Berntson of Hillsboro, George Meyers of Hillsboro and Producer/Writer/Actor JJ Perez met at a showing of their films held Friday evening, June 17. The Indie Short Film Festival in downtown Whitney was the second installment of Juniper Cove … Continue reading Local filmmakers attend meet and greet
Family credits 10-year-old with saving baby brother
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 23, 2022 10-year-old Aubrey Morris holds her 11-month-old brother Hayden. Thanks to a heroic act by 10-year-old Aubrey Morris, a family at a home in Blum is united together in gratitude for their safety and health after enduring a trip to the hospital last week. Aubrey, who is from Aurora, West … Continue reading Family credits 10-year-old with saving baby brother
Hill County Beekeepers are doing their part to preserve pollinators
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 22, 2022 The Hill County Beekeepers Association meets the third Tuesday of each month to learn about how to preserve a crucial component of American agriculture, the honeybee. People from Hill County and surrounding areas attend the meeting for fellowship and education on the hobby of beekeeping. Attendees interact, ask each … Continue reading Hill County Beekeepers are doing their part to preserve pollinators
Hillsboro Farmers Market joins chamber
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 22, 2022 The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the Hillsboro Farmers Market recently. Pictured are directors of the farmers market Melissa Awtrey, Randy Cottrell and Kristi Hutchison. The market is open every Saturday through October and is located on the west side of the Hill County … Continue reading Hillsboro Farmers Market joins chamber
Whitney’s new athletic director looks to build on recent success
Reporter and KHBR Radio Personality: Jack Foley June 16, 2022 Whitney Independent School District has announced that David Haynes Jr. has been selected to replace Mark Byrd as the new athletic director and head football coach of the Wildcats. The 2004 McGregor High School graduate has spent 14 years as a coach, most recently as … Continue reading Whitney’s new athletic director looks to build on recent success
Commissioners vote to continue $10 hog bounty
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 16, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved funds to continue offering an increased feral hog bounty and moved forward with the sale of property in a special meeting held Tuesday, June 7. Extension Agent Zach Davis told the court that the decision to increase the bounty to $10 per tail … Continue reading Commissioners vote to continue $10 hog bounty
Flags out for America until Labor Day
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 16, 2022 As a show of unity in the Whitney community, the Whitney Business Alliance is joining with the City of Whitney and the Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce to encourage residents and business owners to display American flags outside of their homes or businesses until Labor Day. The flags are … Continue reading Flags out for America until Labor Day
Blum grad plans to help veterans through therapeutic horsemanship
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 16, 2022 Stormie Swinburne Recent Blum graduate Stormie Swinburne was ecstatic the first time she put on her leather jacket with patches that read “All American Quarter Horse Congress Reserve Champion.” The hours of training with her horse Doc paid off when she earned the congress jacket by winning reserve champion … Continue reading Blum grad plans to help veterans through therapeutic horsemanship
County sales tax revenue up 21% in June
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 16, 2022 Hill County's sales tax revenue remains well above average according to data released by Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar last week. Hegar announced that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $1.01 billion in local sales tax allocations for June, 11.6 percent more than in … Continue reading County sales tax revenue up 21% in June
Hill County Grand Jury returns June’s list of indictments
June 16, 2022 A Hill County grand jury that convened Friday, June 3, returned the following indictments: Terry Kay Bell II, 56, of Lawton, Oklahoma, possession of marijuana between four ounces and five pounds; possession of methamphetamine between four and 200 grams; possession of psilocybin between one and four grams; possession of THC between four … Continue reading Hill County Grand Jury returns June’s list of indictments
Hill Regional Hospital hosting 1-day COVID-19 vaccine clinic
June 16, 2022 News release submitted by Hill Regional Hospital Hill Regional Hospital will be conducting a one-day only COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, June 30. The time will be from 2-4 p.m., and registration for either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines will be taken now for this event. The Silver Connections office will be … Continue reading Hill Regional Hospital hosting 1-day COVID-19 vaccine clinic
Lakeside Village Area VFD plans summer fish fry Saturday
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 16, 2022 The Lakeside Village Area Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary will hold their summer fish fry Saturday, June 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lakeside Village Fire Hall/Community Center. The menu will be fried fish, onion-stuffed hush puppies, potato salad, pinto beans, desserts, all the condiments and … Continue reading Lakeside Village Area VFD plans summer fish fry Saturday
Eastern Star Appreciation Dinner
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 16, 2022 Whitney Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 930 recently held an appreciation dinner for local Masons and their wives, daughters and family members. Robert and Georgia Galvan prepared brisket and sausage, and members provided the sides. After the meal, a program was presented by Associate Matron Darlene Pelham-Apperson. Door … Continue reading Eastern Star Appreciation Dinner
Whitney Area Museum is open and ready to share local history
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 9, 2022 After being closed for two years due to COVID-19, the Whitney Area Museum re-opened to the public at the beginning of May. Rhonda Bass, director of the museum, said she hopes to open the museum every Saturday in June and July. She said the attendance levels this summer will … Continue reading Whitney Area Museum is open and ready to share local history
Finalists named in search for Hill College president
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 The Hill College Board of Regents has approved four finalists in the college's search for a new president. The board is conducting interviews and public forums this week prior to making a decision. The finalists approved for the interview process are Dr. Shelley Diviney, Dr. Brenda Kihl, Dr. Thomas … Continue reading Finalists named in search for Hill College president
Judge sentences Hubbard drug dealer to 60 years
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 A Hubbard resident was recently sentenced to 60 years in prison in a drug case heard in the 66th Judicial District Court of Hill County. A jury was selected Monday, May 23, to hear a felony criminal trial alleging possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in an amount of … Continue reading Judge sentences Hubbard drug dealer to 60 years
HCSO seeks information about break-in
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 The Hill County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public's help in identifying three unknown subjects who broke into a local convenience store Saturday, June 4. According to reports, the incident occurred at Pit Stop, located at 1072 Farm Road 1713 near Whitney at approximately 3 a.m. Authorities said that … Continue reading HCSO seeks information about break-in
The show goes on…
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 There’s still one more weekend to catch "Deliver Us From Mama" at Lake Whitney Arts. "It’s a rip-roaring, hilarious, high-octane race to beat the stork featuring aliens and car chases and skunks," said Director Ed Sanders. The cast includes Cindy Parks, Joe Neal Pedigo, Stacey Greenawalt, Gene Moore, Kitty … Continue reading The show goes on…
May TDCJ sentences handed down
June 9, 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) convictions are from May: Ronnie Lynn Strickling - deadly conduct, discharge firearm in a habitation/building/vehicle, 12 years prison; unlawful possession of a firearm … Continue reading May TDCJ sentences handed down
WHS grad signs with Austin College
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 Recent Whitney High School graduate Lupita Reel has decided to attend Austin College and play softball for the 'Roos. She is pictured with her mother, Kenda Campbell, and step-father, Jeremy Campbell, signing with the college. At back are Coach Bo Johnson and Coach Kylie Roos.
Boaters urged to ‘Clean, Drain & Dry’ to stop the spread of invasive species
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 Now more than ever, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters and paddlers who enjoy water recreation this summer to do their part to fight back against aquatic invasive species that threaten Texas lakes. “Memorial Day weekend was the unofficial kick-off to boating season in Texas, and while … Continue reading Boaters urged to ‘Clean, Drain & Dry’ to stop the spread of invasive species
Game Wardens report fewer holiday weekend citations
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 Texas Game Wardens issued fewer boating-related citations over Memorial Day weekend than they did in 2021. They cited increased boating safety awareness and patrols by game wardens and other marine safety officers as contributors to a drop in incidents. Between Friday and Monday, 352 game wardens conducted 10,218 safety … Continue reading Game Wardens report fewer holiday weekend citations
Chamber welcomes MTEX Designs
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting to welcome Marion Summers, owner of MTEX Designs, to the chamber. "You can always tell which women are strong and independent," said Chamber Executive Director Janice Sanders. "They aren't afraid to work alone, be alone or stand alone." Marion … Continue reading Chamber welcomes MTEX Designs
Over 750 jobs expected at local job fair
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 Workforce Solutions, in partnership with Hillsboro Economic Development Corporation and the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, will host a job fair 9 a.m. until noon Tuesday, June 14. The event will be held at Historic City Hall, located at 127 East Franklin Street in Hillsboro. Workforce Solutions officials said that … Continue reading Over 750 jobs expected at local job fair
Hill County Retired Teachers present scholarships
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 9, 2022 The Hill County Retired Teachers Association recently presented $500 scholarships for Hill College to Hill County students. Pictured (l to r) are: Reagan McDaniel of Covington, Brylee Tucker of Hillsboro and Ashton Ringer of Blum. Not pictured is Danna Guille-Chavez from Whitney.
County commissioners consider regulating non-consent towing
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 2, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a regular session Tuesday, May 24, and opened discussions about a possible ordinance to regulate non-consent towing in the county. Precinct 4 Constable Kevin Cordell presented information about the proposal, which his office has been working on with input from other counties. … Continue reading County commissioners consider regulating non-consent towing
Whitney Class of 2022
June 2, 2022 BRENDON D. AGUIRRE, ALICIA TIANA MARIE ALEJANDRO, DACEY MARIE ALLEN, ISSAC ANDREW ANDERSON, CIARA BRIANN ARMSTRONG, CHRISTOPHER JAY BAKER, TIMOTHY LONESTAR BAKER, ELIZA ESTELLE BANNER, LANEY SHEA BEAM, NATALIE KAY BERRY, CADENCE ABIGAIL BIDWELL, MADDISON RHEA BILLS, BROOKS ROBERT BOOTH, EMILIE MARIE BOOTH, TERRY RAY BROWN, KOLT GARET BYRD, KENNETH LEE CANFIELD, … Continue reading Whitney Class of 2022
LW State Park kicks off summer with large Memorial Day crowd
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 2, 2022 An ideal spot to hike a nature trail, cool off in the water, or gaze at the stars on a clear summer night, Lake Whitney State Park draws both tourists and locals alike. The park had 117,000 visitors during the last fiscal year, and it was fully booked for … Continue reading LW State Park kicks off summer with large Memorial Day crowd
November ballots set after runoffs
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 2, 2022 Hill and Bosque county residents voted in statewide primary runoff elections Tuesday, May 24, deciding several party-level races ahead of November’s general election. One local race was also decided in Bosque County, as Michele Valdez defeated Leslie Perry 349-222 in the Republican runoff for Precinct 2 justice of the … Continue reading November ballots set after runoffs
Prescription Pharmacy bids farewell to founder
Reporter: Ellie Mahan June 2, 2022 Stephen Bennett Prescription Pharmacy in Whitney held a retirement party for Stephen Bennett Friday, May 27. Bennett has been a pharmacist at that location for 37 years and is a founder and previous owner of Prescription Pharmacy. Born and raised in Hill County, Bennett said he loves everything about … Continue reading Prescription Pharmacy bids farewell to founder
Aquilla High School Class of ’22
June 2, 2022 Members of Aquilla High School's Class of 2022 earned diplomas Saturday, May 28. This year's graduating class includes: Casey Bruner, Brianna Bryars, Blakelinn Day, Malik Douglas, Hannah Dunbar, Alexis Fine, Marcus Goetz, Jason Gonzalez, Jackson Grimmett, Hunter Haygood, Kyndall Huffhines, Levi Ihlenfeldt, Lane Keel, Michael McKibben, Carson Miller, Isabella Morales, Caitlyn Morgan, … Continue reading Aquilla High School Class of ’22
Crash near Whitney claims 4 lives
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 2, 2022 A crash in Bosque County near Whitney killed four occupants of a sport-utility vehicle Saturday, May 21. According to Department of Public Safety reports, troopers were called to the scene on Farm Road 56 near Farm Road 2114 in the Laguna Park/Whitney area at 9:20 p.m. Sergeant Ryan Howard … Continue reading Crash near Whitney claims 4 lives
WHS seniors receive LW Garden Club scholarships
Editor: Shannon Cottongame June 1, 2022 Dacey Allen and Amy Ward, Whitney High School graduates, have each received a $1,000 scholarship from the Lake Whitney Garden Club. The scholarships were presented at the Whitney High School Scholarship Program Tuesday, May 24. Dacy Allen Dacey, daughter of Chris Allen of Whitney, will be attending Tarleton State … Continue reading WHS seniors receive LW Garden Club scholarships
Class of 2022 to graduate Friday night
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 26, 2022 Whitney High School will present diplomas to the Class of 2022 at 7 p.m. Friday night, May 27, at Wildcat Stadium. There are 102 students in this year's senior class. Timothy Baker Valedictorian Graduating as valedictorian is Timothy Lonestar Baker, the son of Tim and Laura Baker. Baker plans … Continue reading Class of 2022 to graduate Friday night
Historic church picking up the pieces after fire
Editor: Shannon Cottongame Photo by: April Sanders May 26, 2022 Pastor Shane Metcalf delivered the message to members of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and guests during an outdoor service held on the church grounds Sunday, May 22. A week earlier, the historic church was destroyed in a fire that authorities are calling suspicious. Pastor … Continue reading Historic church picking up the pieces after fire
Mayor announces plan to step down, council members take oath of office
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 26, 2022 Whitney Mayor Brad Slaten announced that he will be relocating and stepping down from his position this summer during a meeting of the Whitney City Council held Monday, May 16. Council members beginning new terms were also sworn in during the meeting, and the council approved annexation requests related … Continue reading Mayor announces plan to step down, council members take oath of office
County working to collect hotel, motel taxes
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 25, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a special session Tuesday, May 17, and approved a software contract to help the county collect hotel occupancy taxes on the growing number of home-based lodging options. The court also discussed negotiations regarding the sale of the county annex on Franklin Street … Continue reading County working to collect hotel, motel taxes
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