Local school districts received their state report cards when the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced the release of 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state Friday, August 14. There was improvement in Whitney's scores this year, with the overall district grade still a C but rising from a 75 … Continue reading TEA releases school ratings
Comptroller releases sales tax allocations
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines distributed $1.4 billion in sales tax allocations for August, 13.6% more than in August 2025. The City of Whitney's August allocation was $122,776, up about 25% compared to last August. Year-to-date figures show the city receiving about 20% more sales tax revenue than the first eight months of 2025, with allocations … Continue reading Comptroller releases sales tax allocations
Commissioners continue salary, tax rate discussions
The Hill County Commissioners Court continued discussing elected officials' salaries and other budget matters in meetings held Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12. The previous week, commissioners voted to forego a cost-of-living increase for elected officials and only include employees in this year's adjustment. At that time, County Treasurer Rachel Parker and others expressed … Continue reading Commissioners continue salary, tax rate discussions
Gaines Foundation opens 2026 grant applications
The Board of Directors of the Dorothy Gaines Foundation is now accepting grant applications for 2026.The foundation was established in 2003 by Dorothy Gaines as a private foundation with the primary purpose to promote quality of life in Hill and Tarrant counties. Applications for grants to be awarded must be received on or before October … Continue reading Gaines Foundation opens 2026 grant applications
Commissioners propose tax rate, discuss budget
The Hill County Commissioners Court continued discussing the county budget during a Tuesday, August 4 meeting before proposing a tax rate for the coming year. Commissioners proposed adopting the no-new-revenue rate for the general fund, which came to $0.398576 per $100 valuation, while setting the FM lateral (road and bridge) portion of the tax rate … Continue reading Commissioners propose tax rate, discuss budget
Filing ends Monday ahead of Nov. city, school elections
The candidate filing period for November 3 city and school elections will end Monday, August 17. In our area, there will be elections in Aquilla and Blum. Aquilla ISD will hold an election for the board seats currently held by Will Pinner and Kevin Clepper. Filing will be Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to … Continue reading Filing ends Monday ahead of Nov. city, school elections
HOTCOG requests input on rural broadband access
The Heart of Texas Council of Governments is requesting public input to improve broadband access throughout the Heart of Texas region. The information collected will help HOTCOG: identify areas with limited or no broadband service; better understand the types and quality of internet service currently available; determine where additional digital literacy and technology education may … Continue reading HOTCOG requests input on rural broadband access
Lake Whitney Veterans Center of Resources helps local veterans address challenges
Lake Whitney Veterans Center of Resources Inc. was founded in January 2026 after city and county officials reached out for help with homeless veterans and transportation challenges in rural Hill County. Recognizing the need for dedicated veteran support, a small group of veterans and family members came together to create an organization committed to connecting … Continue reading Lake Whitney Veterans Center of Resources helps local veterans address challenges
Residents submit petition for ag development district
The Hill County Commissioners Court has scheduled a public hearing on a petition seeking the creation of an agricultural development district that supporters say would help protect farmland from industrial development, including data centers. Authorized under Chapter 60 of the Texas Agriculture Code, agricultural development districts are special-purpose governmental bodies created to promote ag development … Continue reading Residents submit petition for ag development district
Precinct 3 commissioner appointed
The Hill County Commissioners Court observed and recorded the appointment of Martin Dudik to the Precinct 3 commissioner's seat Tuesday, July 28. County Judge Shane Brassell made the appointment after the Republican Party precinct chairs considered applicants to replace Scotty Hawkins, who recently submitted his resignation. Dudik is a Penelope resident and agricultural producer whose … Continue reading Precinct 3 commissioner appointed
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