The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce will present the 47th annual Pioneer Days Saturday, October 1, with the annual carnival getting underway Thursday evening and continuing through Saturday's festival. Carnival games and rides will operate in the downtown area from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings, and the fun will continue on Saturday. … Continue reading 47th Annual Pioneer Days downtown this Saturday
Homecoming nominees selected
September 29, 2022 Whitney High School will crown its homecoming queen and king during halftime of Friday night's homecoming football game at Wildcat Stadium. Pictured above are this year's nominees: freshman princess - Brooklyn Hill and Kambrie Vanlandingham; sophomore princess - Kyla Sneed and Andrea Figueroa; junior princess - Caroline Scarborough and Hope Ivers; senior … Continue reading Homecoming nominees selected
Unemployment down in Hill, Bosque counties
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2022 Hill and Bosque county unemployment rates dropped from July to August, according to data recently released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Hill County's unemployment rate decreased to 3.9% in August. That is down from July's rate of 4.1% and significantly lower than the same period last year, when … Continue reading Unemployment down in Hill, Bosque counties
Hill County CASA now registering for upcoming volunteer training
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2022 Hill County Court at Law Judge Matt Crain swore in new Court-Appointed Special Advocates Tuesday, September 13, to serve local children through CASA of Hill County. Pictured (l to r) are Brittney Hejl, Lisa Hurt, Brittany Kellum and Destanie Eastman. Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hill County has scheduled … Continue reading Hill County CASA now registering for upcoming volunteer training
Wildcats of the week
Every week, each teacher at Whitney Elementary School selects a student from their class who exhibits outstanding Wildcat behavior in the classroom and in the school hallways. Wildcats of the Week gain certain privileges in class, such as being the teacher’s helper, being the line leader and even getting to eat lunch on Wednesdays on … Continue reading Wildcats of the week
Local winery brings home the bronze
Pictured at center, Anne Chastain, owner of Juniper Cove Winery in Whitney, won third place for her Black Zin Texas red wine in the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic at the 36th annual Grapefest held at the Grapevine Convention Center September 15-18. She is pictured with Mayor of Grapevine, William D. Tate (at right) after … Continue reading Local winery brings home the bronze
View the September 28, 2022 issue
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City Council adopts tax rate,hears property owner requests
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 21, 2022 The Whitney City Council ratified the city's proposed 2022 property tax rate and 2022-23 budget in a meeting held Thursday, September 15. The council also reviewed requests related to proposed and existing developments in the city, along with several other agenda items. The council voted to leave the tax … Continue reading City Council adopts tax rate,hears property owner requests
Authorities investigate after hoax shooting call
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 21, 2022 A false report of a shooting at Whitney Elementary School initiated a district-wide lockdown and a multi-agency law enforcement response Tuesday afternoon, September 13. The Hill County Sheriff’s Office was notified at 4:24 p.m. after a call came in to the Bosque County Sheriff’s Office from what authorities called … Continue reading Authorities investigate after hoax shooting call
WISD campuses see rise in enrollment numbers
Reporter: Ellie Mahan September 22, 2022 The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees held a regular meeting Monday, September 12, to hear administrator reports, approve property bids and review other monthly business. According to Superintendent John McCullough, the district’s enrollment is at 1,509, which is the highest it has been in about five years. The enrollment … Continue reading WISD campuses see rise in enrollment numbers
Mayor signs Constitution Week proclamation
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2022 Whitney Mayor Jerry Barker signed a proclamation declaring the week of September 17-23 Constitution Week as the Fort Graham Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is observing the special week commemorating the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. The Hill County Commissioners Court also passed a resolution … Continue reading Mayor signs Constitution Week proclamation
County commissioners adopt budget, tax rate
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 21, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved the county budget and tax rate in a meeting held Tuesday, September 13. The total county tax rate is comprised of two rates: the general fund rate, which is used for general operating expenses; and the FM lateral rate, which can only be … Continue reading County commissioners adopt budget, tax rate
Wildcat Coach’s Corner
Reporter: Ellie Mahan In addition to gaining a new athletic director and head football coach, the Whitney Wildcat Athletic Department has taken on eight new coaches this school year. To help welcome these coaches to the Whitney Wildcat family, The Lakelander Newspaper is featuring the new coaches in issues of the paper. Introducing Coach Cleere … Continue reading Wildcat Coach’s Corner
Bethlehem Cemetery receives Official Texas Historical Marker
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 21, 2022 The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized Whitney's Bethlehem Cemetery as a significant part of Texas history by awarding it an Official Texas Historical Marker. The designation honors Bethlehem Cemetery as an important and educational part of local history. A dedication ceremony to commemorate the marker will be held … Continue reading Bethlehem Cemetery receives Official Texas Historical Marker
View the September 21, 2022 issue
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Sales tax allocations up in September for city, county
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 14, 2022 Sales tax revenue for both the City of Whitney and Hill County was up when Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced September's numbers last week. The September allocations are based on sales made in July by businesses that report tax monthly and showed that the City of Whitney's revenue was … Continue reading Sales tax allocations up in September for city, county
Lady ‘Cats open district play with win
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 14, 2022 Whitney High School's varsity volleyball team opened district Friday, September 9, defeating the Maypearl Panthers 3-1 in Maypearl. "Whitney’s preseason, to say the least, has had some stiff competition that has prepared these girls for what’s ahead of them in district," said Assistant Coach Mindy Estill. "They are determined … Continue reading Lady ‘Cats open district play with win
Commissioners approve Cell Block Museum study
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 15, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a special session Tuesday, September 6, and approved a structural study of the Hill County Cell Block Museum. The museum was formerly the county jail and was completed in 1893 by W.C. Dodson, who also designed the courthouse. It is listed on … Continue reading Commissioners approve Cell Block Museum study
Wildcats of the Week September 14
September 14, 2022 Every week, each teacher at Whitney Elementary School selects a student from their class who exhibits outstanding Wildcat behavior in the classroom and in the school hallways. Wildcats of the Week gain certain privileges in class, such as being the teacher’s helper, being the line leader and even getting to eat lunch … Continue reading Wildcats of the Week September 14
View the September 14, 2022 issue
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Battle of Hill County: Whitney tops Hillsboro 48-6 in dominating display
Sports Writer: Brent Cook September 7, 2022 Whitney’s Da’Marion Johnson picked up speed in the second half, racing to three touchdowns in the Wildcats' 48-6 victory. Whitney will begin district play Friday against Dallas Inspired Vision at home. With a bruising defensive effort and a well-balanced offense, the Whitney Wildcats staked claim to this year’s … Continue reading Battle of Hill County: Whitney tops Hillsboro 48-6 in dominating display
Wildcats of the Week
September 8, 2022 Every week, each teacher at Whitney Elementary School selects a student from their class who exhibits outstanding Wildcat behavior in the classroom, in the school hallways and in their specials classes. Wildcats of the Week gain certain privileges in class, such as being the teacher's helper, being the line leader and even … Continue reading Wildcats of the Week
Hill County Retired Teachers to meet
September 7, 2022 The Hill County Retired Teachers Association invites the public to join them Tuesday, September 13, at 10 a.m. in the Bob Bullock Room of the Hill College cafeteria. Yearbooks will be distributed and a brief business meeting will update the group on plans for the coming year. Dr. Thomas Mills, the new … Continue reading Hill County Retired Teachers to meet
Sentences handed down in 66th Judicial District Court
September 7, 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 August: Jason Elec Wilson, forgery of a financial instrument, three years prison Joe Raymond Quintero, fraudulent possession of credit/debit card, … Continue reading Sentences handed down in 66th Judicial District Court
View the September 7, 2022
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Whitney ISD continues to focus on safety with school year underway
Reporter: Ellie Mahan September 1, 2022 Following the recent tragedy of the school shooting in Uvalde, superintendents across Hill County met with county officials and local law enforcement agencies in June to discuss updated security measures that will be taken during the 2022-2023 school year. To ensure that the Texas Education Agency school safety requirements … Continue reading Whitney ISD continues to focus on safety with school year underway
Troy escapes Whitney’s comeback
Sports writer: Brent Cook September 1, 2022 Battle of Hill County set for Friday night at Wildcat Stadium… Whitney’s Jordan Johnson sprints down the sideline in the season opener against Troy. The speedy junior receiver grabbed seven catches and raced to 152 yards on the night. With a new head coach, the Whitney Wildcats faced … Continue reading Troy escapes Whitney’s comeback
Hill County commissioners support Foreign Trade Zone
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 1, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court voted to support the creation of a foreign trade zone (FTZ) in Hillsboro and approved a plan to place school resource officers in two local school districts at a meeting held Tuesday, August 23. Hillsboro Community and Economic Development Director Art Mann and consultant … Continue reading Hill County commissioners support Foreign Trade Zone
37th Annual Bosque Art Classic features locals
Editor: Shannon Cottongame Lloyd Voges and Ann Patton are among the area artists in the 37th Annual Bosque Art Classic at the Bosque Arts Center (BAC) in Clifton. A national exhibition with a reputation for garnering exceptional work from artists across the country, this year’s Classic promises no less. Cowbirds in the Cold Morning, an … Continue reading 37th Annual Bosque Art Classic features locals
WHS Class of 2023 excels on STAAR test
September 1, 2022 The Whitney High School Class of 2023 made “history” this past spring with its excellent U.S. history scores. At the start of the year, these juniors set a STAAR goal and decided to conquer it. With the state average meeting the “approaches” level coming in at 89%, this group of students far … Continue reading WHS Class of 2023 excels on STAAR test
View the August 31, 2022 edition
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Council proposes tax rate, sets September 8 public hearing
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 25, 2022 The Whitney City Council proposed the city's tax rate for the coming fiscal year, approved the final plat for the new Allsup's convenience store and made decisions about how to spend American Rescue Plan funds during a regular meeting held Thursday, August 18. The council proposed leaving the tax … Continue reading Council proposes tax rate, sets September 8 public hearing
ISDs receive 2022 TEA accountability ratings
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 25, 2022 The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released 2022 A–F accountability ratings for districts and campuses last week, the first to be issued since 2019 due to two years of COVID-related pauses. Whitney Independent School District (ISD) received a C rating overall, with each campus receiving a C except the high … Continue reading ISDs receive 2022 TEA accountability ratings
Public hearing planned on proposed Hill County tax rate
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 25, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court recently held a series of meetings leading up to the annual process of adopting a budget, and a tax rate was proposed Tuesday morning, August 16. The proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1 was prepared by County Judge Justin Lewis and … Continue reading Public hearing planned on proposed Hill County tax rate
Whitney fire chief set to retire after 46+ years of service
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 25, 2022 Whitney Fire Chief Wayland Price Wayland Price was introduced to the world of firefighting when he was just a toddler. His father was a volunteer firefighter for 15 years, so at two years old, Price began growing up around the camaraderie, the late nights and the risks of the … Continue reading Whitney fire chief set to retire after 46+ years of service
View the August 24, 2022 issue
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Council to pursue water pilot program, fire chief to retire
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 18, 2022 The Whitney City Council met in a special session Thursday evening, August 11, to consider a water system upgrade and approve a contract with an electricity provider for city facilities. The council also convened in closed session to hear from Fire Chief Wayland Price before resuming open session and … Continue reading Council to pursue water pilot program, fire chief to retire
WISD reviews STAAR data, updated COVID protocols
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 18, 2022 The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees met in a regular session Monday, August 15, to discuss the preliminary 2022 STAAR test results, approve a retention stipend for all WISD employees and review the updated Safe Return To In-Person Instruction Guide, which outlines the school’s COVID-19 protocols for the year. … Continue reading WISD reviews STAAR data, updated COVID protocols
Hill County continues effort to consolidate, improve facilities
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 18, 2022 Work is well underway on the Hill County annex on Covington Street in Hillsboro. The building will house some offices that were at the location previously, along with offices relocated from the Franklin Street annex, which has been sold. The Extension Office, currently housed at the location, will be … Continue reading Hill County continues effort to consolidate, improve facilities
View the August 17, 2022 issue
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WISD sets Meet The Teacher Nights as 2022-23 school year approaches
August 10, 2022 With Whitney ISD starting school Wednesday, August 17, Whitney elementary, intermediate and middle schools have scheduled their Meet The Teacher Night events. The elementary school's Meet The Teacher Night will be Monday August 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Students are encouraged to bring their school supplies to the event. The … Continue reading WISD sets Meet The Teacher Nights as 2022-23 school year approaches
Wildcats back in action
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 10, 2022 Practice is underway for Whitney's fall sports as the Wildcats prepare for their first games of the season under the leadership of new athletic director, Coach David Haynes Jr. Whitney's football team will host Blooming Grove Friday, August 12, at 6:30 p.m. for a scrimmage, with another tune-up game … Continue reading Wildcats back in action
Hill County Extension Office taking shape at new location
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 10, 2022 The roof on the new Hill County AgriLife Extension Office building is set to be finished by the end of the week, according to Adam Morris, commercial construction manager for ICE Construction. The rough estimate Morris gave for the full completion of the building is the end of November … Continue reading Hill County Extension Office taking shape at new location
Last chance to see “Sleepy Hollow”
The children’s musical "Sleepy Hollow" is planned for one more weekend at Lake Whitney Arts. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The show features Allie Griffin, Sean Keegan, Robert Dale, Sylis Arriaga, Caylee Trimble, Marissa Carmona, Mymy Memon, Anslee Gillaspie, Karlie Barnes, Kaylee Myers, Layla Bowman, Paisley … Continue reading Last chance to see “Sleepy Hollow”
Cheerleaders prepare to cheer on Wildcats
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 10, 2022 The Whitney High School cheerleaders have been getting ready to cheer their Wildcats to victory this school year. The squad brought home a trophy and plaque of its own from Great Wolf Lodge Cheer Camp this summer. Against other 3A schools, the Whitney cheerleaders won first place for their … Continue reading Cheerleaders prepare to cheer on Wildcats
View the August 10, 2022 issue
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Barker sworn in at special meeting, open city council seat to be filled
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 4, 2022 Mayor Jerry Barker was officially sworn in by City Secretary Kristi Woellert at a special Whitney City Council meeting that was called Thursday, July 28. He will fill the mayor's position until the May 2023 election, at which time he plans to run for a full two-year term. The … Continue reading Barker sworn in at special meeting, open city council seat to be filled
Whitney marks 100 years of historic bench site
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 4, 2022 Sisters (l to r) Debbie Rose Money and Jennifer Rose Ryan marked the 100th anniversary of Whitney's historic bench site Saturday. The sisters are great-granddaughters of Tom Rose, who was known as dean of the "bench sitters." Displayed next to them are photos that were published in Life Magazine. … Continue reading Whitney marks 100 years of historic bench site
Commissioners approve texting service for FAQ’s
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 4, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved a new texting service for the elections office and moved forward with a tax abatement for a solar storage facility in a meeting held Tuesday, July 26. Hill County Elections Administrator Aaron Torres and Jon Myers of TextMyGov presented information about the texting … Continue reading Commissioners approve texting service for FAQ’s
Smith Foundation taking 2022 grant applications
Editor: Shannon Cottongame August 4, 2022 The Board of Directors of the George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation has announced the opening of the 2022 grant application process. Applications for grants to be awarded this year must be received on or before September 1, 2022. Grant awards will be announced in October 2022. Applicants … Continue reading Smith Foundation taking 2022 grant applications
Wildcats dominate district opener, prepare for Trojans
Sports Writer: Brent Cook September 14, 2022 The Whitney Wildcats hit the gas from the get-go and never let up Friday night at Wildcat Stadium. Facing the Dallas Inspired Vision Eagles, the Wildcats posted an impressive 51 points in the first half and pounced to a 65-6 victory in the first district game of the … Continue reading Wildcats dominate district opener, prepare for Trojans
Hill County Grand Jury returns September indictment list
A Hill County Grand Jury that convened Friday, September 2, returned the following indictments: Randy Joe Abbott, 47, of Waco, bail jump and failure to appear - felony; bail jump and failure to appear - felony Danny Lynn Atchley, 46, of Itasca, injury to elderly with intentional bodily injury Luke Alvin Baisden, 31, of Springtown, … Continue reading Hill County Grand Jury returns September indictment list
Candidate Announcement: Cedric Davis To Seek HD 13 Seat
Cedric Davis On November 8, voters will choose a state representative for the newly drawn Texas House District 13. Cedric Davis, the Democratic nominee, won the March Primary and says it is time to have some “real talk” about how to help all struggling Texans of Central Texas. Davis said that it is his highest … Continue reading Candidate Announcement: Cedric Davis To Seek HD 13 Seat
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