The Lakelander

The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees is moving forward with bond planning based on the results of the district’s facility needs assessment. Superintendent Todd Southard, along with WRA Architects, presented the study to the board Monday night, focusing mainly on the intermediate school and elementary school.  Since February, Southard said that he has met with … Continue reading Whitney ISD Board moving forward with bond planning

The Hill County Commissioners Court approved projects proposed by Hill County Sheriff Hunter Barnes during a Tuesday, September 8 meeting, as the sheriff reported a budget surplus at the end of the fiscal year. Sheriff Barnes told commissioners the sheriff’s office expects to have more than $1 million remaining in its budget at the end … Continue reading Sheriff proposes projects with $1M budget surplus

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines delivered $1.3 billion in sales tax allocations to local governments in September, 7.6% more than in September 2025. Locally, the City of Whitney's September allocation came to $107,695, up almost 25% compared to last September. So far in 2026, Whitney's sales tax proceeds are trending over 20% higher than 2025, with … Continue reading City sales tax allocation up almost 25% in Sept.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Battle of Hill County belonged to the Whitney Wildcats. With a capacity crowd filling Wildcat Stadium, Whitney jumped on rival Hillsboro early Friday night and never let up, rolling to a 68-26 victory over the Class 4A Eagles. The Wildcats improved to 2-1 with a balanced effort that featured … Continue reading Whitney dominates Hillsboro in annual Battle of Hill County

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 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

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

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

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