The federal lawsuit filed against Hill County over its now-rescinded data center moratorium remains pending, County Attorney David Holmes said at a Hill County Commissioners Court meeting last week. Following an executive session during the Tuesday, June 9 meeting, Holmes told those in attendance that county officials had hoped rescinding the moratorium would lead to … Continue reading Federal suit moves forward despite county reversal
Texas A&M Forest Service issues grants to area VFDs
Texas A&M Forest Service recently approved $29.3 million in funding for grants to Texas volunteer fire departments through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Several local departments were among the recent awardees. In the fourth funding round of the year, the program awarded 531 grants addressing volunteer fire department requests for personal protective equipment, … Continue reading Texas A&M Forest Service issues grants to area VFDs
Comptroller releases June sales tax to cities, counties
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced last week that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.3 billion in local sales tax allocations for June, 7.4 percent more than in June 2025. The City of Whitney's June payment from the comptroller was $89,514, up about 1 percent compared to June 2025. … Continue reading Comptroller releases June sales tax to cities, counties
County rescinds data center moratorium
The Hill County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to rescind the county's one-year moratorium on new data center construction in a special meeting Thursday, June 4, but other proposals were approved in an effort to rein in large-scale development. The court originally approved the moratorium May 12 amid growing interest in data center development and increasing … Continue reading County rescinds data center moratorium
Pct. 3 commissioner’s resignation accepted
The Hill County Commissioners Court accepted the resignation of Precinct 3 Commissioner Scotty Hawkins during a special meeting Thursday, June 4. Hawkins did not cite a reason for his resignation, and he will continue to have obligations to fulfill until a new commissioner is in place. Hawkins, first elected in 2016, was in the middle … Continue reading Pct. 3 commissioner’s resignation accepted
Council hires officer, discusses VFD grants
The Whitney City Council approved hiring a new police officer and discussed grants the fire department received for new trucks during a special meeting Thursday, June 4. At the recommendation of Police Chief Joshua Scholes, the council voted to hire Joshua Presley, who previously worked as an officer in Maypearl and Red Oak. Prior to … Continue reading Council hires officer, discusses VFD grants
‘Smash & Dash’ vendor deadline is June 15
Whitney Fire Rescue will continue accepting vendor applications for its first annual Smash and Dash event through Monday, June 15. The downtown event, which includes a 5K, barbecue, kids' activities and vehicle demolition experience, will be held Saturday, June 27. The department is also accepting entrants for the 5K run, which will begin at 8 … Continue reading ‘Smash & Dash’ vendor deadline is June 15
Developer sues over data center moratorium
A data center developer filed a lawsuit Wednesday, May 27, against Hill County and the three members of the commissioners court who recently voted to enact a one-year data center moratorium. In the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, RCM Hill, LLC outlined its complaint against the … Continue reading Developer sues over data center moratorium
Pct. 4 commissioner runoff, statewide races decided
The race for Hill County Precinct 4 commissioner ended Tuesday, May 26, with Allan Awtrey defeating David Gelsthorpe in the Republican primary runoff. Awtrey won about 73% of the Precinct 4 vote and will have a clear path to taking office next year with no Democratic challenger in November. He will replace Commissioner Martin Lake, … Continue reading Pct. 4 commissioner runoff, statewide races decided
Precinct 3 commissioner’s resignation on court agenda
The Hill County Commissioners Court will meet in a special session at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4, to discuss the resignation of a commissioner and ongoing data center litigation. The court is expected to accept the resignation of Precinct 3 Commissioner Scotty Hawkins. The commissioner is in the middle of his term, with the Precinct … Continue reading Precinct 3 commissioner’s resignation on court agenda
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