Commissioners propose tax rate, discuss budget

The Hill County Commissioners Court continued discussing the county budget during a Tuesday, August 4 meeting before proposing a tax rate for the coming year. Commissioners proposed adopting the no-new-revenue rate for the general fund, which came to $0.398576 per $100 valuation, while setting the FM lateral (road and bridge) portion of the tax rate … Continue reading Commissioners propose tax rate, discuss budget

Filing ends Monday ahead of Nov. city, school elections

The candidate filing period for November 3 city and school elections will end Monday, August 17. In our area, there will be elections in Aquilla and Blum. Aquilla ISD will hold an election for the board seats currently held by Will Pinner and Kevin Clepper. Filing will be Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to … Continue reading Filing ends Monday ahead of Nov. city, school elections

HOTCOG requests input on rural broadband access

The Heart of Texas Council of Governments is requesting public input to improve broadband access throughout the Heart of Texas region. The information collected will help HOTCOG: identify areas with limited or no broadband service; better understand the types and quality of internet service currently available; determine where additional digital literacy and technology education may … Continue reading HOTCOG requests input on rural broadband access

Lake Whitney Veterans Center of Resources helps local veterans address challenges

Lake Whitney Veterans Center of Resources Inc. was founded in January 2026 after city and county officials reached out for help with homeless veterans and transportation challenges in rural Hill County. Recognizing the need for dedicated veteran support, a small group of veterans and family members came together to create an organization committed to connecting … Continue reading Lake Whitney Veterans Center of Resources helps local veterans address challenges

Residents submit petition for ag development district

The Hill County Commissioners Court has scheduled a public hearing on a petition seeking the creation of an agricultural development district that supporters say would help protect farmland from industrial development, including data centers. Authorized under Chapter 60 of the Texas Agriculture Code, agricultural development districts are special-purpose governmental bodies created to promote ag development … Continue reading Residents submit petition for ag development district

Precinct 3 commissioner appointed

The Hill County Commissioners Court observed and recorded the appointment of Martin Dudik to the Precinct 3 commissioner's seat Tuesday, July 28. County Judge Shane Brassell made the appointment after the Republican Party precinct chairs considered applicants to replace Scotty Hawkins, who recently submitted his resignation. Dudik is a Penelope resident and agricultural producer whose … Continue reading Precinct 3 commissioner appointed

City taking public works director apps

The Whitney City Council met in a special session Thursday, July 30, and accepted the resignation of Public Works Director Chris Brennan. After a closed session, the council accepted the resignation and approved opening applications for the director position. Other matters discussed in executive session included a community development director position and police officer position. … Continue reading City taking public works director apps

WISD students return to school Aug. 12

Classes at Whitney Independent School District will resume Wednesday, August 12, and meet-the-teacher events have been announced ahead of the new school year. Whitney Elementary School students will meet teachers Monday, August 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Whitney Intermediate School students will meet teachers the same night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Whitney Middle … Continue reading WISD students return to school Aug. 12

Nov. candidate filing open until Aug. 17

The candidate filing period for November 3 city and school elections will continue through Monday, August 17. In our area, there will be elections in Blum and Aquilla. Aquilla ISD will hold an election for the board seats currently held by Will Pinner and Kevin Clepper. Filing will be Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. … Continue reading Nov. candidate filing open until Aug. 17

Officials present county budget requests

Hill County elected officials and department heads presented funding requests for their departments when the Hill County Commissioners Court held budget workshops Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22. The county judge and commissioners review individual departmental budgets and requests annually prior to voting on the overall county budget and setting the tax rate for … Continue reading Officials present county budget requests