The Hill County Commissioners Court approved the proposed 2026-27 county tax rate and budget in a meeting held Tuesday, September 1. Commissioners adopted the no-new-revenue rate for the general fund while increasing the FM lateral (road and bridge) portion of the tax rate to its voter-approval rate. The no-new-revenue rate is the tax rate that … Continue reading Commissioners finalize county tax rate, budget
Governor approves fireworks ban, commissioners extend burn ban
Governor Greg Abbott approved Hill County's request to restrict fireworks last week after the commissioners court extended the county's burn ban. Hill County firefighters have been busy responding to grass fires as hot, dry conditions continue. The Hill County Commissioners Court issued a disaster declaration last week after 35 wildfires were reported in August. The … Continue reading Governor approves fireworks ban, commissioners extend burn ban
Aquilla ISD superintendentto retire after school year
Dr. David Edison After 20 years of dedicated service to Aquilla ISD, Dr. David Edison has announced that the 2026-27 school year will be his final year serving as the district’s superintendent. Since coming to Aquilla ISD in 2006, Dr. Edison has devoted over two decades to the students, staff, families and community of Aquilla. … Continue reading Aquilla ISD superintendentto retire after school year
Information sought on theft, vandalism
Whitney Memorial Plaza Park, 109 West Washington Avenue in downtown Whitney, is maintained by the Lake Whitney Garden Club. The park was recently vandalized, and damage totaled $800. A park bench was stolen that had been made as a memorial to a deceased longterm member of the Garden Club. Lights were twisted and bent, and … Continue reading Information sought on theft, vandalism
Wildfire safety urged this hunting season
Fire potential remains high in September with ongoing and worsening drought conditions across most of Texas. As hunting season begins in September, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans to help protect the state’s lands and natural resources by being mindful of activities that could cause a wildfire. In 2026, Texas A&M Forest Service responded to … Continue reading Wildfire safety urged this hunting season
Ag development district rejected after landowners raise concerns
The Hill County Commissioners Court rejected a petition seeking creation of an agricultural development district in the county during a Tuesday, August 25 meeting. The petition was submitted by a group of Hill County landowners who said that the district could help protect farmland from industrial development, including data centers. The proposed district would have … Continue reading Ag development district rejected after landowners raise concerns
Whitney plans city-wide garage sale this weekend
Whitney will hold a city-wide garage sale Friday through Sunday, September 4-6, with the City of Whitney waiving garage sale permit fees for the weekend. Residents are encouraged to set up garage sales, while shoppers can search for treasures throughout the city. Sales will be included on a city-wide garage sale list. Residents who want … Continue reading Whitney plans city-wide garage sale this weekend
Donations sought as grass fires continue in Hill County
Hill County volunteer fire departments have battled 32 grass fires since August 1 as hot, dry conditions persist in the county. A drop-off location has been established for residents who would like to donate sports drinks to keep firefighters hydrated on the scene of fires. Gatorade and other hydrating sports drinks can be dropped off … Continue reading Donations sought as grass fires continue in Hill County
Brazos River Authority implements drought watch
The Brazos River Authority has informed customers accessing water from Whitney, Aquilla, Granbury and Limestone lakes that a Stage 1 - Drought Watch has been declared. The watch is the result of the drier than normal conditions in this portion of the Brazos River Basin and is a response to drought trigger levels established by … Continue reading Brazos River Authority implements drought watch
Wildcats make season-opening statement with shutout in Mart
Senior Kobe Haynes, who has already signed with TCU, completed 14 of 24 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 98 yards and two scores against Mart. Sheri Hemrick photo The Whitney Wildcats delivered a first-half warning against the Mart Panthers. Then they issued a powerful second-half statement, proving why they are … Continue reading Wildcats make season-opening statement with shutout in Mart
The Lakelander 