Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 Older medical, security devices may need updating… Those with phone numbers in the 254 area code should get in the habit of dialing 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls due to a change that takes effect this month. In July of last year, the … Continue reading New 10-digit dialing procedures for 254 area code begin Oct. 24
Aquilla homecoming royalty crowned
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 Aquilla crowned 2021 Homecoming Queen Bailee Sheddan in a halftime ceremony during the Friday night, October 8, homecoming football game. This year's king was Levi Ihlenfeldt, and also recognized were First Princess Kyndall Huffhines and Second Princess Brynn Rains. dfgdfgd dfgdfgg dfgdfgdfg dsfgdfgdg sdfgdfgdfg dfgdfgdg Don't want to miss … Continue reading Aquilla homecoming royalty crowned
HCSO deputy shoots armed man at Hill County business
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 The Hill County Sheriff’s Office released information over the weekend regarding a shooting involving a deputy that occurred Saturday, October 9. According to reports, the sheriff's office received a 9-1-1 call at approximately 1:19 a.m. Saturday regarding a man who appeared to be passed out in the driver's seat … Continue reading HCSO deputy shoots armed man at Hill County business
Tickets for LWA’s November show on sale
October 13, 2021 Miranda Essex and Amberly Hadley (seated) are pictured preparing to rehearse a scene from Lake Whitney Arts’ next production, "Honky Tonk Hissy Fit," which opens Saturday, November 6. Dinner show tickets are now available online at http://www.lakewhitneyarts.org.
George G. & Alva Hudson Smith Foundation awards 2021 grants
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 The George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation has announced its grant awards for 2021. The foundation is committing $126,800 to eight organizations across Hill County. In the 27 years of its existence, the foundation has awarded over $2,300,000 to area organizations. This year’s grants were awarded to a … Continue reading George G. & Alva Hudson Smith Foundation awards 2021 grants
Hill County Grand Jury returns October list of indictments
October 13, 2021 The following cases were presented to a Hill County Grand Jury by District Attorney Mark Pratt Friday, October 1, with indictments returned: Dillon Wayne Christian, 36, of Itasca, assault family or household member with previous conviction Mark Lee Courtney, 44, of Cleburne, burglary of a building Jordan Anthony Dilworth, 28, of Whitney, … Continue reading Hill County Grand Jury returns October list of indictments
Fishing trip winners
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 ghfgh Matt Bryant (left) and Eddie Miller (right) were the winners of the Whitney FFA's cornhole tournament held during the recent Ag-Stravaganza in downtown Whitney. The team won a guided fishing trip donated by Guaranteed Guide Service. The event also included a silent auction, fish fry and live music … Continue reading Fishing trip winners
Sales tax numbers continueto show strong local economy
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 October sales tax allocations for both Whitney and Hill County remain above last year's numbers, according to monthly data released by State Comptroller Glenn Hegar last week. Whitney’s October payment came to $61,367.69, up seven percent compared to last October. Looking back at pre-pandemic figures in October 2019, Whitney’s … Continue reading Sales tax numbers continueto show strong local economy
County’s free clinic to be open Saturday
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 Mission Hillsboro Medical Clinic (MHMC) will see patients Saturday, October 16, during a half-day clinic. Sign-in begins at 6 a.m. To be seen inside the clinic by a doctor and for lab draws, patients must show a COVID vaccination card at the time of sign-in. Phone calls will be … Continue reading County’s free clinic to be open Saturday
Marker to be dedicated at area cemetary
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized the Covington Cemetery as a significant part of Texas history by awarding it an Official Texas Historical Marker. The designation honors the Covington Cemetery as an important and educational part of local history. A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will be … Continue reading Marker to be dedicated at area cemetary
WHS student recognized by FCA
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 The Burton Lawless College Scholarship was presented to two recipients, including a Whitney student, at the 22nd Annual Grant Teaff Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Golf Tournament. Burton is a Leadership Board member in the Heart of Texas area and a Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys. The … Continue reading WHS student recognized by FCA
Hill County Retired Teachers meeet
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 Lynn Brown, a retiree from Hewitt, is shown choosing a gift from the door prize basket at the September 28 meeting of Hill County Retired Teachers. Brown was one of four new members to be at the first meeting held since March 2020 when TRTA shut down in-person meetings. … Continue reading Hill County Retired Teachers meeet
Chamber welcomes Lake Whitney Nutrition
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, October 8, for Lake Whitney Nutrition. Pictured are owners Mandy and Dowell Missildine; employees Laney Schmid, Catherine Ellis and Kelly Harris; Chamber Directors Amy Booth from Citizens State Bank, Rudy Reyna of Build One Way and Vanessa Meyer … Continue reading Chamber welcomes Lake Whitney Nutrition
Hill County CASA working tokeep kids in foster care safe
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 About 1,700-2,000 children and youth are reported as missing from foster care in any given year, according to an annual report from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). In many cases, “missing” in reality means that they have run away. Running away from foster care puts youth … Continue reading Hill County CASA working tokeep kids in foster care safe
Proposed redistricting maps would bring changes to area
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 If the redistricting maps proposed by Texas lawmakers are passed in their current forms, they could bring some changes in representation locally. Using the latest census data, the Texas Legislature is tasked with setting new boundaries for state House and Senate districts as well as districts for congressional seats … Continue reading Proposed redistricting maps would bring changes to area
Local RTA presidents attend conference
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 Recently attending the Retired Teachers District 12 Fall Conference at the Region 12 Education Service Center in Waco were Doug Hennig, Bosque County Retired Teachers Association President, and Kay Brown, Hill County Retired Teachers Association President. Hennig gave the invocation to begin the conference. The Retired Teachers Association has … Continue reading Local RTA presidents attend conference
October marks Women’s Small Business Month
Reporter: Ellie Mahan October 13, 2021 October is National Women’s Small Business Month, a time to advocate for gender equality in the workforce in general and a time to support our local businesswomen who have worked hard to make a name for themselves in our small town. A study by The Women’s Bureau of the … Continue reading October marks Women’s Small Business Month
COVID numbers still trending down locally
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 13, 2021 Numbers received at the county level Friday, October 8, show that new cases of COVID-19 continue to be on a downward trend in Hill County. Two-week data shows that between September 23 and October 7, there were 77 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Hill County. Two-week data released … Continue reading COVID numbers still trending down locally
WHS Crowns 2021 Homecoming Queen
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 6, 2021 Whitney High School homecoming queen Macy McKinney was crowned during halftime ceremonies of the Wildcat football game Friday night, October 1. In a moving ceremony, Macy was escorted by members of the Waco Police Department as a tribute to her late father Michael McKinney, who was a Waco officer … Continue reading WHS Crowns 2021 Homecoming Queen
Whitney Celebrates 46th Annual Pioneer Days
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 6, 2021 The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce's annual Pioneer Days festival was well attended this year as members of the community and visitors filled the streets of downtown Whitney. With carnival rides, food, vendors, music, dancing and the annual parade, there was fun for everyone. The Lake Whitney Chamber of … Continue reading Whitney Celebrates 46th Annual Pioneer Days
School resource officer ensures safety and smiles at Whitney ISD
Reporter: Ellie Mahan October 6, 2021 SRO Curtis Rust After gaining a little over ten years of background in law enforcement, Officer Curtis Rust took on the position as Whitney’s School Resource Officer (SRO). Going on his third year as Whitney’s SRO, Officer Rust has been striving to make the staff members and the students … Continue reading School resource officer ensures safety and smiles at Whitney ISD
Hill County approves tax abatement for solar farm
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 6, 2021 The Hill County Commissioners Court heard comments from the public before approving a tax abatement agreement for a solar farm Tuesday, September 28. Hill Solar I, a project of Core Solar of Austin, requested a tax abatement on its planned solar energy project in Hill County. Commissioners previously approved … Continue reading Hill County approves tax abatement for solar farm
Whitney Wildcats dance to 68-0 homecoming victory over Knights
Sports Writer: Brent Cook October 6, 2021 Senior Dalton Wooten attacks the A-Plus Academy Knights last Friday night. Starring on both sides of the ball, Wooten tallied two rushing touchdowns and 10 tackles. Whitney put on a dazzling display for homecoming at Wildcat Stadium last Friday night with four quarters of football fireworks. Facing the … Continue reading Whitney Wildcats dance to 68-0 homecoming victory over Knights
“Honky Tonk Hissy Fit” offers hilarity with heart
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 6, 2021 Pictured are Lake Whitney Arts veteran Gail Warren and newcomer George Staples in rehearsal. Rehearsals are up and running for Lake Whitney Arts' rollicking comedy, “Honky Tonk Hissy Fit” by Jones, Hope and Wooten. The cast includes Cindy Parks, Stacey Greenawalt, Rusty Cook, Miranda Essex, Gail Warren, George Staples, … Continue reading “Honky Tonk Hissy Fit” offers hilarity with heart
Pedestrian struck, killed on Highway 22 west of Whitney
Editor: Shannon Cottongame October 6, 2021 A pedestrian was killed in a collision near Whitney in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 30. Reports indicated that Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers responded to an auto-pedestrian crash on State Highway 22 near Private Road 2223, west of Whitney at approximately 3:30 a.m. DPS … Continue reading Pedestrian struck, killed on Highway 22 west of Whitney
Arrests made in Covington as alleged Meetings Act violations investigated
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 Additional arrests of Covington city employees and council members have been made in recent days as the investigation into alleged Texas Open Meetings Act violations in the city continues. The latest string of arrests came after Covington Mayor George Burnett was arrested by the Hill County Sheriff's Office Wednesday, … Continue reading Arrests made in Covington as alleged Meetings Act violations investigated
Missing child recovered after crash kills reported abductor
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 A missing eight-year-old girl was found and hospitalized over the weekend after a crash that killed her abductor and the driver of a second vehicle. The investigation began when the Bosque County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) responded to a residence in Walnut Springs at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, September 24, after … Continue reading Missing child recovered after crash kills reported abductor
COVID-19 numbers trending down, new fatalities reported
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 Data received at the county level Friday, September 24, showed that 142 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Hill County over the previous two weeks. That number is down from the 176 cases that were reported in the two-week data released the previous Friday. Over the past month, … Continue reading COVID-19 numbers trending down, new fatalities reported
Pioneer Days Festival set for this Saturday downtown
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce will present the 46th annual Pioneer Days festival Saturday, October 2, and the annual carnival will get underway Thursday evening and continue through the event. Carnival games and rides will operate in the downtown area from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday … Continue reading Pioneer Days Festival set for this Saturday downtown
Corps of Engineers project now underway to inspect 16 sluice gates at Whitney dam
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 Those traveling or enjoying recreation near the Whitney Dam will see equipment in the area as the Corps of Engineers works to inspect the sluice gates at the dam. Highway 22 traffic will proceed uninterrupted during the project, Corps officials said. The public is asked to keep a safe … Continue reading Corps of Engineers project now underway to inspect 16 sluice gates at Whitney dam
Council adopts budget, tax rate for FY 2021-22
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 The Whitney City Council approved the city budget and tax rate in a meeting held Monday, September 20. The council adopted a tax rate of $0.638400 per $100 valuation, which is the same as the 2020 rate but above the no-new-revenue rate, which would raise the same amount of … Continue reading Council adopts budget, tax rate for FY 2021-22
Updated information released about vaccines at Hill Regional
Submitted by Tricia Shelton, Hill Regional Hospital September 29, 2021 This news release about COVID-19 vaccinations contains the latest information from the FDA and CDC at this time, as of September 24. “At this time” is the caveat for this article.The following is information for those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) vaccine series and wish … Continue reading Updated information released about vaccines at Hill Regional
Wildcats dominate Dallas Madison in district opener
Sports Writer: Brent Cook September 29, 2021 It was a dominating district debut for the Whitney Wildcats at Pleasant Grove Stadium last Friday night. Facing the athletic Dallas Madison Trojans (2-3, 0-1) and their highly recruited quarterback, the Wildcats (2-3, 1-0) came out firing and never backed down. Whitney maintained the lead for the entire … Continue reading Wildcats dominate Dallas Madison in district opener
WHS bass fishing team competes
Reporter: Ellie Mahan August 29, 2021 Whitney High School’s first fishing team competed in the Central Texas High School Tournament Trail at Lake Waco Sunday, September 19. The bass team is open to high school students, and those who join compete for scholarship opportunities and prizes. Whitney registered four female teams and two male teams. … Continue reading WHS bass fishing team competes
Free clinic to offer flu shots in October
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 Flu shots will be available October 4 and October 16, according to Mission Hillsboro Medical Clinic (MHMC) officials. Weather permitting, the flu shots will be available beginning at 8 a.m. outside the clinic facility due to the current COVID-19 situation in Hill County. Mission Hillsboro Medical Clinic will not … Continue reading Free clinic to offer flu shots in October
Plans already underway for LWMA’s 2021 Joint Committee For Christmas programs
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance’s Joint Committee for Christmas will distribute Angel Tree gifts from a new location this year. Committee members pictured in front of the Lake Whitney Senior Center, where the distribution will take place, are (l to r): Beth Wolsey, Kim Montgomery, Bonnie Jaskie, Linda Jones, Lisa … Continue reading Plans already underway for LWMA’s 2021 Joint Committee For Christmas programs
Hill County ESDs adopt tax rates
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 In special meetings held last week, the Emergency Services District (ESD) 1 and 2 boards of commissioners approved 2021 tax rates that are lower than the districts’ 2020 rates. A rate of $0.028800 per $100 valuation was adopted by ESD 1, which is down from last year’s tax rate … Continue reading Hill County ESDs adopt tax rates
Whitney ISD Board holds September meeting, approves retention stipend
Reporter: Ellie Mahan September 22, 2021 The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees met in a regular session Monday, September 13. At the meeting, trustees approved a retention stipend for employees, presented a display honoring the military, heard administrator reports and considered multiple agenda items. The board voted to spend part of the district’s … Continue reading Whitney ISD Board holds September meeting, approves retention stipend
Hill County resident expresses concerns about biosolids
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2021 The Hill County Commissioners Court heard concerns from a citizen about the use of biosolids on area farms, made appointments to local boards and considered other agenda items during a regular session held Tuesday, September 14. In open forum, Barbara Jenkins, who lives between Peoria and Vaughan, spoke to … Continue reading Hill County resident expresses concerns about biosolids
Lakeview VFD fills a vital role in its fleet with addition of 2021 tender
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2021 Lakeview Volunteer Fire Department recently updated its fleet with the help of a $200,000 grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Pictured are (l to r): Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson, firefighters Lisa Silas and Waymond Weaver and Fire Chief Bob Wilkins. Lakeview Volunteer Fire Department received the first … Continue reading Lakeview VFD fills a vital role in its fleet with addition of 2021 tender
Single-vehicle crash claims the life of Whitney resident
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2021 A Whitney woman died in a single-vehicle crash in Whitney Thursday, September 17. Whitney police, fire and emergency medical services were dispatched to the intersection of State Highway 22 and Farm Road 933 at approximately 3:20 p.m. after a report of a vehicle striking a signal pole. According to … Continue reading Single-vehicle crash claims the life of Whitney resident
Lake Whitney Senior Center celebrates its second year
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2021 Guests joined Lake Whitney Senior Center in celebrating its second anniversary recently. See letter to the editor in our newspaper and accompanying story for more information. Lake Whitney Senior Center recently celebrated its second anniversary and continues to expand its services to the community. The center's goal is to … Continue reading Lake Whitney Senior Center celebrates its second year
Blum Homecoming Queen
Blum High School crowned its 2021 homecoming queen during the Bobcats' homecoming festivities and football game Friday night, September 10. This year's honoree was Grace Allen, the daughter of Chris and Jennifer Allen.
Hill County Retired Teachers plan first meeting of 2021-22 year
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2021 HCRTA officers are (l to r): Front row - Linda Yeary, Treasurer/Technology Contact; Linda DeWitt, 1st Vice-President; and Sammye McPherson, Hospitality Chairperson. Back row - Kay Brown, President; Monte Geren, Immediate Past President; and Sandra Pepper, Secretary. Last year, the Hill County Retired Teachers Association (HCRTA) was instructed by … Continue reading Hill County Retired Teachers plan first meeting of 2021-22 year
Panthers overpower Wildcats as district play lies ahead
Sports Writer: Brent Cook September 22, 2021 The Whitney Wildcats’ Marcus Wilson clears a path for a middle from quarterback Garrett Peacock. Peacock racked up 223 total yards on the night against Mart. With a mix of big offensive plays and bruising defensive stands last Friday night at Wildcat Stadium, the #1 ranked Mart Panthers … Continue reading Panthers overpower Wildcats as district play lies ahead
Local DAR celebrates Constitution Week with meeting, special skit presentation
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2021 Fort Graham DAR Chapter members pictured are: seated - Madeleine Lively, Beverly Hicks and Gerry Milnor; standing - Beth Woolsey, Penny Collins, Linda Turner, Carlene Gribble. Not pictured is Justin Floyd, who provided the voice of George Washington. Constitution Week, which is observed every year on September 17-23, is … Continue reading Local DAR celebrates Constitution Week with meeting, special skit presentation
Hill County Grand Jury returns September indictments
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2021 A Hill County Grand Jury that convened Friday, September 10, returned the following indictments: Fred Adams, 25, of Forney, bail jump and failure to appear Jamyua Monet Baysinger, 22, of Lancaster, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; evading arrest/detention with a vehicle Levi Benjamin Bentsen, 34, of Whitney, violation … Continue reading Hill County Grand Jury returns September indictments
Free COVID-19 testing center returns to Hill County this week
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 15, 2021 A free COVID-19 testing center is once again operating in Hillsboro this week as the latest surge in cases has caused long lines at some testing facilities. "We have been looking for additional COVID-19 testing resources for Hill County for some time," said Hill County Judge Justin Lewis Saturday, … Continue reading Free COVID-19 testing center returns to Hill County this week
Hill County budget, tax rate adopted for Fiscal Year 21-22
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 15, 2021 The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a special session Tuesday, September 7, and adopted the county’s budget and tax rate for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Adoption of the budget and tax rate wrapped up a series of budget hearings and workshops, a review of budget requests from county officials … Continue reading Hill County budget, tax rate adopted for Fiscal Year 21-22
Unemployment rates in Hill, Bosque counties fell in August
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 29, 2021 The local unemployment rate continued to fall when August data was released for Hill County, dropping to 4.8 percent from July's rate of 5.5 percent. The August rate is also down from the 5.5 percent rate in August 2020 but above the pre-pandemic rate of 3.5 percent in August … Continue reading Unemployment rates in Hill, Bosque counties fell in August
Court Appointed Special Advocates sworn in
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 22, 2021 Hill County Court At Law Judge Matt Crain swore in new Court Appointed Special Advocates Friday, September 10, to serve local children through CASA of Hill County. Pictured are Leslie Hanson, Amy Allen, Kim Quiram and Kim Saffold with Judge Crain. CASA volunteers are everyday people who are appointed … Continue reading Court Appointed Special Advocates sworn in
Local officials sign Constitution Week proclamations
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 15, 2021 Constitution Week is one of the events that the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is proud to promote and celebrate. Chapters all across the United States are busy collecting proclamations from local governmental officials that urge all citizens to study the U.S. Constitution and reflect on … Continue reading Local officials sign Constitution Week proclamations
Final performances of “Hat Tricks” planned
Editor: Shannon Cottongame September 15, 2021 Lake Whitney Arts’ "Hat Tricks" features a talented local ensemble cast. Final performances are Friday through Sunday, September 17-19. This quirky show was a finalist for the 2008 Oregon Book Awards and Angus Bowmer Award in Drama. Pictured above, Bailey Folkestad (left) and Donna Booth (right) sport dreamy hats … Continue reading Final performances of “Hat Tricks” planned
