Reporter: Ellie Mahan May 19, 2022 In a regular meeting of the Whitney ISD Board of Trustees held Monday, May 9, the board discussed the demolition of facilities at Baker Field, heard a presentation on the possibility of a school police force and congratulated the German Club and Royelles Drill Team for their accomplishments. In … Continue reading Board discusses Baker Field plans, hears presentation on police force
WHS Baseball Team: Area Champs
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 19, 2022 The Whitney High School varsity baseball team shot it out with Academy in the Class 3A UIL baseball playoffs last week and advanced to the regional round. Whitney lost to Academy 6-2 in game one of a best-of-three game series played Thursday, May 12, in Lake Belton. The Wildcats … Continue reading WHS Baseball Team: Area Champs
WISD athletic director plans to step down
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 18, 2022 Mark Byrd Whitney Independent School District Athletic Director (AD) Mark Byrd announced Monday, May 9, that he will step down from his position.“I just felt it was time for change and I’m letting God lead this plan,” Byrd said. In a statement to The Lakelander, the coach said, “I … Continue reading WISD athletic director plans to step down
County approves agreement to develop tourism website
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 19, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a regular session Tuesday, May 10, and approved a plan to redevelop the county's tourism website along with other agenda items. The court approved an agreement with Sheri Hemrick to create and maintain the website. The purpose of the site is to … Continue reading County approves agreement to develop tourism website
Runoff early voting ends Friday, election day polling places set
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 19, 2022 Early voting in the Tuesday, May 24, primary runoff elections will wrap up Friday, May 20. Polling places in Hill and Bosque counties will also be open on election day from 7 a.m. until 7p.m. There will be one local race on the Republican ballot in Bosque County for … Continue reading Runoff early voting ends Friday, election day polling places set
Grand jury returns May indictments
May 18, 2022 A Hill County grand jury that convened Friday, May 6, returned the following indictments: Randy Joe Abbott, 47, of Aquilla, tampering or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair; possession of methamphetamine under one gram Lisa Alexander Beard, AKA: Lisa Shari Killion, 36, of Oklahoma, credit or debit card abuse Samuel Briseno, … Continue reading Grand jury returns May indictments
Garden Club works to beautify Whitney
Reporter: Ellie Mahan May 19, 2022 Debbie King, Master Gardener of four years, traveled from New Braunfels to present a program on the care and feeding of perennials at the Lake Whitney Garden Club meeting, Thursday, May 12. Perennials are plants that live more than two years. A few perennials native to Central Texas include: … Continue reading Garden Club works to beautify Whitney
Area sales tax revenueremains strong in May
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 18, 2022 Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced recently that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $1.2 billion in local sales tax allocations for May, 11.8 percent more than in May 2021. Hill County's May allocation came to $346,690.95, up about 14 percent compared to last … Continue reading Area sales tax revenueremains strong in May
State’s second case of avian influenza found in Bosque County
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 18, 2022 The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a bald eagle located in Bosque County — the second confirmed case in a wild bird in Texas. The bald eagle, which was symptomatic, was reported to a Texas Parks and Wildlife … Continue reading State’s second case of avian influenza found in Bosque County
Early voting to begin in Bosque County, statewide primary runoffs
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 Early voting in the Tuesday, May 24, primary runoff elections will get underway Monday, May 16, and continue through Friday, May 20. There will be one local race on the Republican ballot in Bosque County and several statewide races for both parties to decide. Local voters will be back … Continue reading Early voting to begin in Bosque County, statewide primary runoffs
Wildcats win bi-district championship
Photo by April Sanders May 12, 2022 The Whitney High School varsity baseball team won the bi-district championship Saturday, May 7, after a three-game series against Scurry-Rosser. The Wildcats lost the first game played in Whitney Friday, May 6, by a score of 5-2, but went on to win the second game 9-2 in Scurry … Continue reading Wildcats win bi-district championship
Local athletes advance to state
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 Whitney High School sophomore Marcus Wilson will compete in the 300m hurdles at the state track and field meet after his performance at the recent 3A regional meet held in Midway. Wilson posted the fastest third-place time in the state, earning him the wildcard spot and a chance to … Continue reading Local athletes advance to state
HCAD provides updated property tax information
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 New and updated property tax information has been compiled by Hill County Appraisal District and is available now to assist taxpayers. This property tax information is current and covers a wide range of topics, such as taxpayer remedies, exemptions and appraisals, and has information for select groups, such as … Continue reading HCAD provides updated property tax information
TDCJ sentences handed down in District Court
May 12, 2022 The office of District Attorney Mark Pratt prosecuted felony criminal cases in the 66th Judicial District Court of Hill County in April. The following Texas Department of Criminal Justice sentences were handed down: Paul Villarreal Jr., possession of methamphetamine under one gram, 10 years prison; credit or debit card abuse, 12 years … Continue reading TDCJ sentences handed down in District Court
Whitney ISD to serve free summer meals
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 This summer, Whitney Intermediate School will connect children 18 and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with healthy, no-cost summer meals. Meals will be served at the intermediate school beginning May 31 through June 30. Breakfast will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and … Continue reading Whitney ISD to serve free summer meals
Peoples Bank holds ribbon cutting
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 Local residents and representatives of the Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce joined Peoples Bank in a ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration Friday, May 6. Renovations on the building at 307 North Brazos Street were recently completed, and offices were moved to their permanent home from the temporary location on … Continue reading Peoples Bank holds ribbon cutting
Whitney couple celebrates 74th anniversary
Reporter: Ellie Mahan May 12, 2022 The Ryans on their wedding day, May 2, 1948 Bill and Gwen Ryan, Whitney residents, celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary Monday, May 2. Bill and Gwen were married May 2, 1948, at the First Baptist Church in Estancia, New Mexico. The couple has five children, 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren … Continue reading Whitney couple celebrates 74th anniversary
Covington eighth grader qualifies for Rodeo World Championship
Reporter: Ellie Mahan May 12, 2022 According to the Women's Rodeo World Championship leadership board, Rylie Edens, is the number one challenger in breakaway roping. Photo by Women's Rodeo World Championship Rylie Edens, eighth grader at Covington Junior High and Hillsboro resident, has qualified for the Women’s Rodeo World Championship Showdown Round. She will compete … Continue reading Covington eighth grader qualifies for Rodeo World Championship
Correction
In last week's edition of The Lakelander, we reported that Whitney High School athlete Orrin Green's long jump of 22 feet and 5.75 inches was a school record. However, in 1967 Whitney High School junior Pete Cook won a first-ever state title for Whitney with a long jump of 22 feet and 8.75 inches. Mr. … Continue reading Correction
Postal Service proposes 2022 price increases
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 The United States Postal Service has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of price changes to take effect July 10. The new prices, if favorably reviewed, include a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 58 cents to 60 cents. The proposed … Continue reading Postal Service proposes 2022 price increases
BARK holds bass tournament
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK) welcomed 60 teams to Lake Whitney for its second annual bass tournament fund raiser Saturday, May 7. First place winners were Russell Farmer and Ronnie Griggs of Cleburne with 26.92 lbs. Other winners were: second place - Will Davis and Collin Reyes of Wichita … Continue reading BARK holds bass tournament
WHS senior signs with college
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 Whitney High School senior Emilie Booth signed to play softball at Dallas Christian College last week. Pictured are: front row - Emilie at center with her mother, Tiffany Booth, and her father, Justin Booth; back row - Athletic Director Mark Byrd and Softball Coach Kylie Roos.
TxDOT report shows Texas motorcyclist deaths rising
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 One evening in April 2021, Eric Newell was out for a ride in Houston when his motorcycle was rear-ended by a vehicle, breaking both of his legs, dislocating his hips and injuring his back and hands. He is just one of 2,318 Texas motorcyclists seriously injured in crashes last … Continue reading TxDOT report shows Texas motorcyclist deaths rising
Historical Commission plans program on the Kent Colony
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 12, 2022 The Bosque County Historical Commission invites all citizens to a special program Saturday, May 14, at the Meridian Civic Center beginning at noon. The program “The Colony at Kent,” will be presented by Travis Bryant. The Kent Colony was the oldest settlement in the Bosque Territory, established in 1850. … Continue reading Historical Commission plans program on the Kent Colony
Voters to decide constitutional amendments, AISD bond May 7
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 5, 2022 Voters will decide the outcome of proposed statewide constitutional amendments, the Aquilla ISD bond proposal and Covington ISD's school board election on the Saturday, May 7, election date. Polling places throughout Hill and Bosque counties will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Locally, polling places include the … Continue reading Voters to decide constitutional amendments, AISD bond May 7
Cleburne Railroaders plan White Bluff Block Party
Reporter: Ellie Mahan May 5, 2022 The Cleburne Railroaders, the number one independent professional baseball team in the state, will hold a White Bluff Block Party from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at the home of Bill Dudley, season ticket holder and owner of B&C Exteriors. The event will have entertainment for … Continue reading Cleburne Railroaders plan White Bluff Block Party
County finalizing Chapter 381 agreement for local Buc-ee’s
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 5, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court voted to move forward with economic development agreements related to the planned Buc-ee’s in Hillsboro and the expansion of a solar project in the county during a meeting held Tuesday, April 26. The court discussed the Buc-ee’s agreement in executive session before returning to … Continue reading County finalizing Chapter 381 agreement for local Buc-ee’s
Wildcat advances to state
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 4, 2022 Whitney High School senior Orrin Green advanced to state in long jump at the 3A regional track and field meet held last weekend at Midway High School. Green's long jump of 22 feet and 5 3/4 inches earned him a second-place finish at regionals to advance to state. He … Continue reading Wildcat advances to state
LWA rehearses “Deliver Us From Mama”
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 4, 2022 AAAAAND HE'S OUT. Amber Hadley and Gene Moore rehearse the wedding scene from "Deliver Us From Mama" at Lake Whitney Arts. The show is the sequel to 2019's "Mama Won't Fly" and reintroduces some of the same characters along with many new faces. Directed by Ed Sanders, the comedy … Continue reading LWA rehearses “Deliver Us From Mama”
WHS baseball team prepares for playoffs
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 5, 2022 The Whitney High School varsity baseball team wrapped up the regular season with a 15-8 (8-4) record and will represent District 17 as the number three seed going into the playoffs. The Wildcats beat Clifton 5-0 Tuesday night, April 26, in their final regular season game.The bi-district round of … Continue reading WHS baseball team prepares for playoffs
ESD 2 increasing payments to VFDs
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 5, 2022 The Hill County Emergency Services District (ESD) 2 Board of Commissioners voted to increase payments to fire departments for responding to medical calls in the county during a regular meeting held Tuesday, April 26. In March, Doreen Strickland of Abbott Volunteer Fire Department told the board that the rising … Continue reading ESD 2 increasing payments to VFDs
Blum wins bi-district championship
May 5, 2022 The Blum High School varsity softball team won the bi-district championship with an 18-2 victory over Three Way Thursday, April 28. The Lady Bobcats will face Bryson in the regional quarterfinals, with the date and time to be announced as of press time. The team ended the regular season as the number … Continue reading Blum wins bi-district championship
Shooting team earns awards
May 5, 2022 Shooting team earns awards The Hill County 4-H Shooting Sports team took 19 shooters to the Brownwood 4-H Extravaganza Monday, April 25. "To say we are proud of these kids is an understatement. Every shooter who went did their absolute best, and many brought home medals in more than one event," organizers … Continue reading Shooting team earns awards
Hill College registering for mini, summer semesters
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 5, 2022 Registration for Hill College’s May mini-mester and three summer sessions is now open for new and current students. The May mini-mester allows students to take courses online in an accelerated timeframe of three weeks. Classes begin May 16, and available courses consist of core curriculum and general electives. Hill … Continue reading Hill College registering for mini, summer semesters
Texas hunting accidents at record low
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 5, 2022 Hunting-related accidents in Texas are at an all-time low since Hunter Education became mandatory in 1988, according to the 2021 Texas Hunting Accident Report released by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Of more than 49,000 certifications in 2021, Texas experienced only one fatality and 11 accidents statewide, … Continue reading Texas hunting accidents at record low
Master Gardeners awarded
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 5, 2022 Peggy and Philip Spruell recently received a Certificate of Appreciation for their dedicated work and volunteerism. They joined the Hill County Master Gardeners in 2017 and have logged more than 700 hours of volunteer time. Peggy has served as secretary, and Phil is treasurer of the organization. Some of … Continue reading Master Gardeners awarded
Historical Commission plans program on the Kent Colony
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 5, 2022 The Bosque County Historical Commission invites all citizens to a special program Saturday, May 14, at the Meridian Civic Center beginning at noon. The program “The Colony at Kent,” will be presented by Travis Bryant. The Kent Colony was the oldest settlement in the Bosque Territory, established in 1850. … Continue reading Historical Commission plans program on the Kent Colony
Hill College Boots & Suits Event raises over $41,000 for student scholarships
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 4, 2022 The 17th annual Hill College Boots and Suits event held on April 7 raised over $41,000 to benefit Hill College students. Nearly $37,000 of the proceeds will go directly to student scholarships. Funds raised from event activities and donations made during the event, a total of $3,900, will support … Continue reading Hill College Boots & Suits Event raises over $41,000 for student scholarships
Atmos supports Food For Good Backpack program
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 4, 2022 Atmos Energy recently donated $5,000 to the Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance to support their Food for Good Backpack Program. This gift is one of hundreds made by Atmos Energy as part of an enterprise-wide Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities drive to invest in educational, literacy, energy assistance and food … Continue reading Atmos supports Food For Good Backpack program
White Bluff VFD adds new truck
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 4, 2022 White Bluff Volunteer Fire Department recently took delivery of a 2011 Pierce Arrow XT fire engine that is capable of dispensing foam, which has several times the firefighting effectiveness of water alone. It was purchased through funds generated after several years of fund raising and a program through the … Continue reading White Bluff VFD adds new truck
City council approves final plat for planned Whitney subdivision
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 The Whitney City Council approved a final plat for a new subdivision that could bring up to 57 homes to Whitney and considered several other agenda items in a meeting held Monday evening, April 18. Last year, the council began discussions with Gary Finch, CEO of Teamworktown Inc., which … Continue reading City council approves final plat for planned Whitney subdivision
WHS German Folk Dancers earn first in state
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 For the third year, Whitney High School German Folk Dancers have earned first place at the Texas State German Contest. Team members are Linsey Bledsoe, Jasmyne Britain, Lilly Cundiff, Kacie Davis, Kade Deaton, Fabio Garcia, Manny Herrera, Syvana Hill, Ben Hunt, Jack Lee, Prila McIntyre, Kaelyn Motherspau, John Nesselroad, … Continue reading WHS German Folk Dancers earn first in state
Author draws inspiration from time in Whitney
Reporter: Ellie Mahan April 27, 2022 Murray Richter, now a published author of two children’s books, attended Whitney High School and graduated in 1988. When he moved from Alice to Whitney in the early 1980’s, he spent time fishing, skiing and soaking up all the nature and fun that Lake Whitney had to offer. His … Continue reading Author draws inspiration from time in Whitney
Early voting continues for May 7 election
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 Early voting began Monday, April 25, ahead of the Saturday, May 7, election date. There will be statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot, and several local races will be decided. Those who would like to cast early ballots in Hill County can vote between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. … Continue reading Early voting continues for May 7 election
FFA students qualify for state event
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 Hill County FFA students recently competed in Area 8 Career and Leadership Development Events (CDE) at Tarleton State University, with several schools qualifying for state. Whitney's nursery landscape team earned second place for a trip to state. Competing were Samantha Allen, Jenna Milam, Laney Beam and Jillie Milam. Aquilla … Continue reading FFA students qualify for state event
Golfers qualify for state
April 27, 2022 The Whitney High School golf team competed at regionals at Brenham Country Club Monday, April 18, and Tuesday, April 19. Tate Winkler shot an 82 on the first day and an 88 on the second day, and Rob Riney shot an 87 the first day and an 82 on the second day. … Continue reading Golfers qualify for state
WHS baseball clinches playoff berth
April 27, 2022 Whitney High School's varsity baseball team was sitting in third place in the district as the week began and is headed to the playoffs. The Wildcats won their away conference game against McGregor 12-2 Friday, April 22, after defeating McGregor earlier in the week 9-5 at home. After last week's games wrapped … Continue reading WHS baseball clinches playoff berth
Lady ‘Cats end regular season with win at home
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 The Whitney High School Lady Wildcats varsity softball team won a home game against McGregor 4-3 Tuesday, April 19, for a chance at a playoff run. The Lady 'Cats (11-14, 5-7) wrapped up their regular season schedule with the win over McGregor while celebrating senior night. Whitney was set … Continue reading Lady ‘Cats end regular season with win at home
LWMA food bank receives donation
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 The Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance (LWMA) is thankful for a contribution from the Kimberley Rumfield Team of Keller Williams Realty, which recently supported the food bank with a donation drive. The successful fund raiser collected 383 pounds of food and additional money to purchase another 200 pounds of food … Continue reading LWMA food bank receives donation
Chamber welcomes The Lazy Llama
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for The Lazy Llama Coffee & Treats. Pictured are owners Tiffany Basham and Michael Fields, Assistant Manager Laci Brown and family and baristas Maegan Saylor and Joannah Andis. Representing the chamber were Charles and Terry Boyer, Jean Dunn … Continue reading Chamber welcomes The Lazy Llama
Hill College honors retiring president with student grant
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 Hill College is honoring its retiring president with the Pamela J. Boehm Student Emergency Aid Grant. The announcement was made during the college’s annual Boots and Suits fund-raising event. “In honor of her 41 years of dedication to Hill College, and particularly her focus on student success, we are … Continue reading Hill College honors retiring president with student grant
WMS culinary program holds inaugural class
Submitted by Whitney Middle School April 27, 2022 Students prepared kolaches during the school's first culinary class, Saturday, April 9. Tony Dudik, seventh grade Texas History teacher, developed and taught the Texas Historical and Cultural Culinary Course. Seventh grade Texas history teacher Tony Dudik taught the inaugural culinary class at Whitney Middle School Saturday, April … Continue reading WMS culinary program holds inaugural class
DAR Good Citizens announced
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 27, 2022 In September 2021, the Fort Graham Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) invited all Hill County high schools to select a DAR Good Citizen from their senior class. “We were thrilled and honored that six of the eleven high schools participated,” said DAR Regent … Continue reading DAR Good Citizens announced
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