December 1, 2022 The City of Whitney will honor Hill County firefighters and the citizens of Whitney and surrounding areas this year with "A Country Christmas" Saturday, December 3, starting at 6 p.m. The lighted parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a tree lighting, caroling and a time to visit … Continue reading Whitney’s Christmas parade, tree lighting set for Saturday
‘Chicago Fire’ actor holds Hill County hometown close to his heart
Reporter: Ellie Mahan December 1, 2022 Actor Jake Lockett has landed numerous roles in film and television since he gave his first on-stage performance in a play for Aquilla High School, and he now plays the newest firefighter at Firehouse 51 in season 11 of "Chicago Fire." Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC. During his senior … Continue reading ‘Chicago Fire’ actor holds Hill County hometown close to his heart
Hill County burn ban expires, fireworks decision December 13
Editor: Shannon Cottongame December 1, 2022 Hill County commissioners discussed the county’s burn ban during a meeting held Tuesday morning, November 22, and opted to let the ban expire at midnight Thursday, November 24. Emergency Services District (ESD) 1 President Ken Goins told the court that he would like to see the burn ban stay … Continue reading Hill County burn ban expires, fireworks decision December 13
Bosque County Sheriff’s Office makes drug arrests
Editor: Shannon Cottongame December 1, 2022 The Bosque County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Enforcement Team concluded an investigation into a narcotics trafficking operation based in Hill County Friday, November 25. According to the sheriff's office, investigators converged on an active narcotics transaction in the parking lot of the Cedron Creek Package Store located on FM 1713, … Continue reading Bosque County Sheriff’s Office makes drug arrests
View the November 30, 2022 issue
lakelander_11-30_pagesDownload nov30 Tacklebox November 30, 2022 tacklebox_1130_01Download tacklebox_1130_02Download tacklebox_1130_03Download tacklebox_1130_04Download tacklebox_1130_05Download tacklebox_1130_06Download tacklebox_1130_07Download tacklebox_1130_08Download
Blum volleyball team wins state championship
November 25, 2022 Pictured (l to r): Coach Lauren McPherson, Emma Peacock, Addie Koetting, Jayden Galbraith, Addison Willingham, Kaydee Roland, McKayla Whatley, Skylar Allen, Kayden Arrington, Kinsley McPherson, Payden Sanders, Ruby Rumohr, Emma Scott, Katy Pinyan, Skyler Cashion, Assistant Coach Kourtney Welle, Kasi Miller and Superintendent Jeff Sanders. Blum High School Head Volleyball Coach Lauren … Continue reading Blum volleyball team wins state championship
Council approves economic development agreement
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 25, 2022 Sidewalk ordinance discussed… The Whitney City Council met in a regular session Thursday, November 17, to consider several agenda items, including an extension of an economic development agreement for the local urgent care facility and a proposal to regulate the display of merchandise on city sidewalks. Ayushi Agarwala of … Continue reading Council approves economic development agreement
WISD approves improvement plans, hears report on audit
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 25, 2022 The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting Monday, November 14, to approve district and campus improvement plans and to review the 2021-2022 district audit. With a purpose of guiding the district and campus staff in the improvement of student performance, the district and campus … Continue reading WISD approves improvement plans, hears report on audit
‘Small Business Saturday’ to be observed
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 25, 2022 Since 2010, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been known as Small Business Saturday. The annual event encourages people to kick off the holiday shopping season by supporting stores in their own community. In honor of Small Business Saturday, the Whitney ISD Fine Arts Booster Club will set up a … Continue reading ‘Small Business Saturday’ to be observed
Wildcats of the week
November 24, 2022 Every week, teachers at Whitney Elementary School select 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 … Continue reading Wildcats of the week
Food For Families drive continues
November 23, 2022 Local businesses, students, organizations and individuals once again showed up to support the local Food For Families Drive Friday, November 18. Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of the month as the food bank works to meet or exceed this year's goal of 65,000 pounds. Students from Aquilla High … Continue reading Food For Families drive continues
View the November 23, 2022 issue
lakelander_11-23_pagesDownload Tacklebox November 23, 2022 tb-11-23-pagesDownload
Food For Families Drive Friday
November 17, 2022 The annual Food For Families drive is scheduled for Friday, November 18, in Whitney and throughout the area. All November donations will be counted toward the Lake Whitney Food Bank goal of 65,000 pounds, and the official campaign day is Friday, November 18. The Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance food bank operates completely … Continue reading Food For Families Drive Friday
Crowd gathers in Whitney to honor local veterans
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 16, 2022 A Veteran's Day event was held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 11, at The Lake Whitney Senior Center. The ceremony began with the Presentation of The Colors, completed by members of American Legion Post 522 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12176, both of Whitney. In attendance were representatives … Continue reading Crowd gathers in Whitney to honor local veterans
Whitney tops Teague, claims bi-district championship
Sports writer: Brent Cook November 17, 2022 Marcus Wilson eyes an opening against the Teague Lions last Thursday night. Wilson stepped up on both sides of the ball with some key receptions and an interception. The Whitney Wildcats engaged hyper-speed in the second quarter Thursday night to blast past the Teague Lions and claim the … Continue reading Whitney tops Teague, claims bi-district championship
View the November 16, 2022 issue
lakelander_1116_01Download lakelander_1116_02Download lakelander_1116_03Download lakelander_1116_04Download lakelander_1116_05Download lakelander_1116_06Download 1116 1116 Tacklebox November 16, 2022 tacklebox_1116_01Download tacklebox_1116_02Download tacklebox_1116_03Download tacklebox_1116_04Download tacklebox_1116_05Download tacklebox_1116_06Download
Veterans, public invited to local Veterans Day event
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2022 Chaplain, Colonel Randy A. Marshall (Ret.), pastor of White Bluff Chapel, will be the featured speaker at Whitney’s celebration and "thank you" event for veterans and their families. Local auxiliary volunteer Marsha Riley will present the Blue Star Moms address. The public is invited to the Lake Whitney Senior … Continue reading Veterans, public invited to local Veterans Day event
November 8 Election Results
Hill County Results Only/Unofficial Until Canvassed CLICK HERE FOR BOSQUE COUNTY RESULTS *Overall Statewide/Districtwide Winner ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL … Continue reading November 8 Election Results
“Food For Families”donations accepted
November 9, 2022 The annual Food For Families drive is scheduled for Friday, November 18, in Whitney and throughout the area.All November donations will be counted toward the Lake Whitney Food Bank's goal of 65,000 pounds, although the official campaign day is November 18. The Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance food bank operates completely through donations … Continue reading “Food For Families”donations accepted
Wildcats post shutout,prep for playoff match
Sports Writer: Brent Cook November 10, 2022 The Whitney Wildcats put an exclamation point on the 2022 football season Thursday night by blanking the Gateway Charter Academy Gators 42-0 in the final game of the regular season. With the win, the Wildcats posted an impressive 7-3 overall record that includes a 6-2 showing in District … Continue reading Wildcats post shutout,prep for playoff match
Bridge project underway at Lake Whitney
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2022 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began a project last week to construct a new SH 174 bridge near Kimball Bend Park at Lake Whitney. TxDOT says the new bridge and approaches will enhance safety for bridge traffic, including wider shoulders after construction. The current bridge, constructed in 1950, … Continue reading Bridge project underway at Lake Whitney
View the November 9, 2022 issue
Lakelander lakelander_11-09-1Download 119 Tacklebox November 9, 2022 tacklebox-nov-9-1Download
New City Council member appointed to fill open seat
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 2, 2022 Aimee Boswell was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Whitney City Council in a special meeting held Friday night, October 28. Boswell (right) is pictured being sworn in by City Secretary Kristi Wollert. The Whitney City Council interviewed two applicants in a special meeting Friday, October 28, before … Continue reading New City Council member appointed to fill open seat
City Council approves brush pickup contract
Editor: Shannon Cottngame November 2, 2022 The Whitney City Council met in a regular session Tuesday, October 25, after the meeting planned for the previous Thursday evening was canceled and rescheduled. The council approved an agreement with G&B Stump Grinding for brush pickup in the city. Money was set aside in the city’s 2022-23 budget … Continue reading City Council approves brush pickup contract
Early voting ends Friday ahead of November 8 election
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 2, 2022 Voters planning to cast ballots in the Tuesday, November 8, midterm and local elections have until Friday, November 4, to vote early. They will have a final opportunity on election day at individual polling places throughout the area. Hill County consolidated some of its voting precincts last year, so … Continue reading Early voting ends Friday ahead of November 8 election
Hope burns bright as local church recovers from fire
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 2, 2022 Following a fire that destroyed Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in May, Pastor Shane Metcalf has seen his church family come together in support of one another during this hard time. Metcalf said, “We are building up in faith. It was tough the first couple of weeks, but we … Continue reading Hope burns bright as local church recovers from fire
Hill County commissioners enact 30-day burn ban
Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 2, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a regular session Tuesday, October 25, and approved a 30-day burn ban in the county. The decision was made amid concerns that dry conditions will quickly return after recent rainfall and as drought conditions persist in the county. With commissioners meeting twice … Continue reading Hill County commissioners enact 30-day burn ban
Teen competes in rifle world championship
Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 2, 2022 Camryn Camp competes in the 2022 World Championship for Rifle and Pistol, in the 21 and younger category. Camryn Camp, a 16-year-old from Peoria, recently competed in the 2022 World Championship for Rifle and Pistol in Cairo, Egypt. When Camryn found out that she would be traveling to Egypt … Continue reading Teen competes in rifle world championship
Wildcats of the Week
November 2, 2022 Every week, teachers at Whitney Elementary School select 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 … Continue reading Wildcats of the Week
Garden Club holds work day in honor of beloved member
November 2, 2022 The Lake Whitney Garden Club cleaned up Memorial Garden in downtown Whitney from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, October 27, to honor one of its beloved members, Pat Huffman, who recently passed away. An influential member of both the Master Gardeners of Hill County and the Lake Whitney Garden Club, Huffman … Continue reading Garden Club holds work day in honor of beloved member
LW Garden Club announces Pioneer Days winners
November 2, 2022 Candee Gerson, right, accepts the second prize set of framed prints. The Lake Whitney Garden Club reported that it had a successful day at its Pioneer Days booth this year. Along with the club's usual plant sale, it sold handmade aprons, produce bags, pine cone wreaths, and ladybug and bumblebee golf balls. … Continue reading LW Garden Club announces Pioneer Days winners
View the November 2, 2022 issue
lakelander_11-02click to view 112 112 Tacklebox November 2, 2022 tacklebox_1102_01Download tacklebox_1102_02Download tacklebox_1102_03Download tacklebox_1102_04Download tacklebox_1102_05Download tacklebox_1102_06Download tacklebox_1102_07Download tacklebox_1102_08Download
WISD renews agreement for school resource officer
Reporter: Ellie Mahan October 27, 2022 Board hears monthly administrative reports… The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees held a regular meeting Monday, October 17 and approved a new school resource officer (SRO) agreement with the City of Whitney. Administrators also provided updates on campus activities. This year’s SRO agreement is different from last year’s because … Continue reading WISD renews agreement for school resource officer
WHS band makes history as area bronze medalist
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 27,2022 Had this been a state year, the Whitney High School band would have earned a trip to the Alamodome after breaking two school records and earning the bronze at last weekend's UIL Area D Marching Band Competition in Robinson. Twenty-five bands competed in the preliminary round of the contest, and … Continue reading WHS band makes history as area bronze medalist
Early voting underway, mail-in ballot application due Friday
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 27, 2022 Early voting for the Tuesday, November 8 midterm election and local elections started Monday at three locations in Hill County. Locally, the closest early voting location is the new Hill County Precinct 1 annex, located at 5800 FM 933 in the Huron community between Whitney and Blum. Other options … Continue reading Early voting underway, mail-in ballot application due Friday
Historical marker dedicated
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 26, 2022 A Texas Historical Commission historical marker was dedicated at Whitney's Bethlehem Cemetery Saturday, October 22. The new marker reads: "In 1879, a group of farmers and businessmen established a new community, Baptist church and cemetery near the new town of Whitney. The Bethlehem community attracted nearby families who moved … Continue reading Historical marker dedicated
Wildcats pound Panthers 63-28, prep for showdown with Zebras
Sports writer: Brent Cook October 27, 2022 Whitney’s Marcus Wilson tiptoes down the sideline to slide past a Maypearl defender. Wilson is playing a key role for Whitney's explosive offensive, which has attacked from all angles and scored an average of 63 points in the past four games. The Whitney Wildcats traveled to Maypearl last … Continue reading Wildcats pound Panthers 63-28, prep for showdown with Zebras
Hill County Wolves sports program now registering
Reporter: Ellie Mahan October 27, 2022 The Hill County Wolves, a new 501(c)(3) Christian organization, will provide sports opportunities to local children who are part of a home-school program or a school that doesn’t have its own sports teams. The nonprofit plans to offer junior high and high school teams for six-man football, basketball, baseball, … Continue reading Hill County Wolves sports program now registering
View the October 26, 2022 issue
Lakelander October 26, 2022 lakelander_10-26_22click to view 1026 1026 Tacklebox October 26, 2022 1026 tacklebox-oct-26-2022click to view
Early voting to open Monday ahead of November election
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 20, 2022 Hill County Early VotingVoting locationsVoting Hours (all Hill County locations)Hill County Exhibits Building205 Stadium Drive, Hillsboro8 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 24 - October 288 a.m. to 12 p.m. October 298 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 31 - November 4Precinct 1 Huron Annex5800 FM 933, WhitneyHubbard Civic Center300 North … Continue reading Early voting to open Monday ahead of November election
Lady ‘Cats clinch playoff spot
October 20, 2022 The Whitney High School varsity volleyball team beat Clifton in three sets Friday, October 14, (25-18, 26-24, 25-17) to clinch a playoff spot. They were set to play at Waco Harmony Tuesday before celebrating senior night at home with a district game against the Keene Chargers Friday, October 21. They will wrap … Continue reading Lady ‘Cats clinch playoff spot
‘Cats dominate Knights for 58-0 district victory
October 20, 2022 After traveling to Dallas the previous week, the Whitney Wildcats returned home Friday night with the same result: a complete shellacking of a district foe. The Wildcats posted an imposing 44 points in the first 12 minutes of play, dominating all aspects of the game and paving the way to a 58-0 … Continue reading ‘Cats dominate Knights for 58-0 district victory
Local sales tax revenue strong in October
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 20, 2022 Sales tax revenue in both the City of Whitney and Hill County was reported well above last year's numbers when Comptroller Glenn Hegar released his monthly report last week.The City of Whitney's October allocation came to $70,598, up 15% compared to last October. To date in 2022, the city's … Continue reading Local sales tax revenue strong in October
Wildcats of the week October 20
Every week, teachers at Whitney Elementary School select 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 the … Continue reading Wildcats of the week October 20
‘Back Roads With Ms. Sue’ to feature Pioneer Days footage
Reporter: Ellie Mahan October 19, 2022 Sue Land and her production company, Chalk Peak Productions, captured footage at the 47th annual Pioneer Days Festival for a program called “Back Roads With Ms. Sue” that is scheduled to air in January 2023 on a new TV station out of Houston called See-TV. The program is also … Continue reading ‘Back Roads With Ms. Sue’ to feature Pioneer Days footage
Court discusses radio upgrade,juvenile residential contracts
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 20, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved additional purchases related to the county’s radio system upgrade, reviewed contracts related to the housing of juvenile offenders and voted on other county business in a meeting held Tuesday, October 11. County Judge Justin Lewis said that he hoped the items on the … Continue reading Court discusses radio upgrade,juvenile residential contracts
View the October 19, 2022 issue
lakelander10-19-22-1click to view 1019 1019 Tacklebox October 19, 2022 tacklebox_10-19-22click to view
Drought impacting lake levels, agriculture
Reporter: Ellie Mahan October 13, 2022 Although summer rain has helped mitigate extreme drought conditions in the county, all of Hill County is in a moderate drought, and more than half of the county is in a severe drought, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. The dry conditions have caused Lake Whitney’s water … Continue reading Drought impacting lake levels, agriculture
Photo contest raises funds for food bank
Part of this year’s Pioneer Days contests and festivities was a baby photo contest for children under the age of four in the Hill County area. Judges chose first through third place winners, and the public chose a fan favorite by casting $1 votes at the Pioneer Days festival. Caroline Gomez, who was voted fan … Continue reading Photo contest raises funds for food bank
Smith Foundation awards grants
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 12, 2022 The George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation has announced its grant awards for 2022. The foundation is committing $126,000 to six organizations across Hill County. In the 28 years of its existence, the foundation has awarded over $2,400,000 to area organizations that serve the community. This year’s grants … Continue reading Smith Foundation awards grants
Investigation results in three local arrests
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 12, 2022 The Hill County Sheriff’s Office arrested three men Monday, October 3, and Tuesday, October 4, after wrapping up a months-long narcotics investigation conducted jointly with the Bosque County Sheriff’s Office. The arrests began when Sergeant Spencer Batchelor conducted a traffic stop on Farm Road 933 near Farm Road 1713 … Continue reading Investigation results in three local arrests
LWA meets with scholarship recipients
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 12, 2022 Sean Keegan,LWA Board Vice PresidentStacey Greenawalt Lake Whitney Arts Association recently met with graduates who received Let Your Light Shine Fund scholarships for 2022. Kendrick Booth, Brayden Heath and Sean Keegan were presented $500 each in hopes that the funds will help offset first-year costs at their respective colleges, … Continue reading LWA meets with scholarship recipients
Wildcats of the week
October 12, 2022 Every week, teachers at Whitney Elementary School select 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 … Continue reading Wildcats of the week
The Lakelander 