Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 1, 2023 Elections will be needed in both Covington and Blum after the filing period for the May election date came to a close recently. The City of Covington will need an election to fill three seats on its council. Marcos Soto (seat one) and Garrett Woodlee (seat 5) were uncontested. … Continue reading Candidates file for spots in Covington and Blum
Author: The Lakelander
Lone Star Healing Arts and Fitness now open in downtown Whitney
Business Review March 1, 2023 Elizabeth Giancola and Matthew Wetherbee, owners of Lone Star Healing Arts and Fitness. Lone Star Healing Arts and Fitness is here to support your health and wellness needs. The business recently opened at 120 West Washington Avenue, across from A Daughter’s Dream in Downtown Whitney. Owners Elizabeth Giancola, MS, OTR/L … Continue reading Lone Star Healing Arts and Fitness now open in downtown Whitney
WIS, WMS release A Honor Roll
March 1, 2023 Whitney Intermediate School and Whitney Middle School recently released lists of students who earned all A's for the fourth six weeks. Whitney Intermediate School students who made the A Honor Roll include: third grade- Madlyn Abrego, Kaylynn Burrows, Gracin Halbert, Houston Hill, Perseus Johnson, Jameson Jones, Gage Motley, Serenity Nors, Daniel Ormonde-Rodriquez, … Continue reading WIS, WMS release A Honor Roll
View the March 1, 2023 issue
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Council selects engineer, surveyor for wastewater treatment plant project
Editor: Shannon Cottongame February 22, 2023 The Whitney City Council met in a regular session Thursday, February 16, and approved a proposal for engineering and surveying services related to the city's wastewater treatment plant. Public Works Director Billy Pribble provided background information on the issues with the plant, which has had Texas Commission on Environmental … Continue reading Council selects engineer, surveyor for wastewater treatment plant project
Lady Bobcats wrap up successful season
February 22, 2023 The Blum High School girls varsity basketball team ended its season after a loss in the area round of the UIL playoffs to Rochelle 54-49 Thursday, February 16, in Hamilton. The Lady Bobcats end the 2022-2023 season as District 20-1A champions and with a bi-district championship after defeating Lingleville 40-38 in the … Continue reading Lady Bobcats wrap up successful season
County to participate in Hillsboro TIRZ
Editor: Shannon Cottongame February 22, 2023 The Hill County Commissioners Court agreed to participate in the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) established by the City of Hillsboro for the outlet mall property and selected inmate medical services providers during a meeting held Tuesday, February 14. The City of Hillsboro established the TIRZ to support its … Continue reading County to participate in Hillsboro TIRZ
WES recognized at board meeting for passing intruder detection inspection
Reporter: Ellie Mahan February 22, 2023 The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees met in a regular session Monday, February 13, and congratulated Whitney Elementary School for earning a perfect score on its intruder detection inspection. The board also discussed the elementary school’s middle of the year testing data and other agenda items. The … Continue reading WES recognized at board meeting for passing intruder detection inspection
Lady Cougars advance in playoffs
February 22, 2023 The Aquilla High School girls basketball team was set to advance to the regional quarterfinal round of the playoffs Tuesday evening, February 21. The Lady Cougars beat Penelope 63-23 in the bi-district round Monday, February 13, before getting a 57-19 win over Chester in the area round Friday, February 17. Team members … Continue reading Lady Cougars advance in playoffs
Grand jury returns February indictments
February 22, 2023 A Hill County Grand Jury that convened Friday, February 10, returned the following indictments: Timothy Jon Abernathy, 60, of Waco, possession of methamphetamine under one gram Keonisha Brown, 27, of Hillsboro, possession of methamphetamine under one gram Amber Denise Catham, 33, of Hillsboro, assault family violence, impeding breath with previous conviction Demetrius … Continue reading Grand jury returns February indictments
View the February 22, 2023 issue
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Chief Hughes shares his vision for the Whitney Police Department
Reporter: Ellie Mahan February 15, 2023 Police Chief Kevin Hughes Kevin Hughes, who started his first day in his new position as Whitney police chief Tuesday, January 10, spent decades serving in numerous leadership roles at the Richardson Police Department, and he plans to utilize his law enforcement and leadership background while on the job. … Continue reading Chief Hughes shares his vision for the Whitney Police Department
Wildcats and Lady Cougars are district champs
February 15, 2023 The Whitney High School varsity boys basketball team (10-2) sealed the district championship with a 67-66 win over Grandview Tuesday, February 7. Pictured are (l to r): Duan Johnson, Marcus Wilson, Jairdyn Anderson, Tristan Wilson, Eli Headley, Cade Baker, Colby Estill, Weazle Johnson, Mason Seely, Trey Haynes, Jordan Johnson. Pictured with the … Continue reading Wildcats and Lady Cougars are district champs
Whitney Ridge to celebrate grand opening in March
Business Review Advertisement written by Ellie Mahan February 15, 2023 Whitney Ridge Marina and RV Resort offers breathtaking views. Whitney Ridge Marina and RV Resort, located at 167 County Road 1710 in Clifton, plans to open its doors to the public Wednesday, March 1. Gerry McDowell, owner and managing partner of Whitney Ridge, bought the … Continue reading Whitney Ridge to celebrate grand opening in March
View the February 15, 2023 issue
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Efforts of local youth pay off at Hill County Fair auctions
Editor: Shannon Cottongame February 9, 2023 Winning Creative Arts Division entries created by Hill County youth went on the auction block at the county fair Friday night, January 27. Taking top honors were: Eli Buzbee, Lakyn Kettler, Gage Fuchs, Benjamin Cockerham, Brexley Harrison, Liam Smith, Lydia Withers, Anistyn Whalen, Joshua Moore, Timothy Harman-Deal, Thanh Borden, … Continue reading Efforts of local youth pay off at Hill County Fair auctions
New agent joins team at Sauer & Associates
Advertisement written by Ellie Mahan February 9, 2023 Business Review Hunter Brooks is pictured with fiancé Cloey Edwards Sauer & Associates Real Estate, owned by Paul and Gretchen Sauer and established in June 2012, would like to introduce a new real estate agent, Hunter Brooks of Brooks Masonry. Brooks graduated with honors from Texas Tech … Continue reading New agent joins team at Sauer & Associates
Texans urged to report ice storm damage
Editor: Shannon Cottongame February 9, 2023 Governor Greg Abbott is urging Texans impacted by last week’s winter weather to report property damage by submitting an online iSTAT damage assessment survey. Ice accumulation in north, central and west Texas resulted in broken tree branches affecting power lines and causing localized power outages. "The State of Texas … Continue reading Texans urged to report ice storm damage
WHS Guardians compete in Garland
The Whitney High School Guardians color guard team had its first competition of winter guard season recently at Naaman Forest High School in Garland. The Guardians placed second in their round and third overall in their classification. By receiving a score of 56.56, the Guardians were also moved up to the next classification. Their next … Continue reading WHS Guardians compete in Garland
View the February 8, 2023 issue
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Commissioners approve project to improve local radio coverage
Editor: Shannon Cottongame February 1, 2023 Hill County commissioners approved a proposal to improve public safety communications in the northwestern portion of the county during a meeting held Tuesday, January 24. Radio Administrator Chris Jackson told the court that there is still a problem with radio coverage in the Blum area with the county's new … Continue reading Commissioners approve project to improve local radio coverage
Hill County Fair Grand Champion
Editor: Shannon Cottongame February 1, 2023 Keeli Peters of Whitney FFA showed the grand champion market steer at the Hill County Fair. The steer brought $15,100 during Saturday's market auction from the following buyers: Citizens State Bank, Rocking W Energy Services, Watt Wealth Management, First National Bank of Central Texas, Cielo Energy Consulting, Rafael Hernandez … Continue reading Hill County Fair Grand Champion
State broadband map shows many areas are underserved
Editor: Shannon Cottongame February 1, 2023 The Texas Broadband Development Map shows the availability of various types of high-speed internet access across Texas. Blue areas represent served populations, and yellow areas represent underserved populations. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has announced the release of the Texas Broadband Development Map, which uses data collected from internet service … Continue reading State broadband map shows many areas are underserved
Mayor Barker recognized by HOTEDD
Editor: Shannon Cottongame February 1, 2023 Whitney Mayor Jerry Barker received an Outstanding Leadership Chair Award for 2022 from the Heart of Texas Economic Development District (HOTEDD) Thursday, January 26. Barker was appointed to the HOTEDD board in October 2004 and is the only director to serve as chairman of the board twice, in 2015 … Continue reading Mayor Barker recognized by HOTEDD
Best-selling author to speak in Whitney
Reporter: Ellie Mahan February 1, 2023 Damon West, inspirational speaker and philanthropist, will speak at an event open to the public Sunday, February 5, at Open Range Cowboy Church in Whitney. The Whitney Fellowship Worship Band will perform from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and West will speak at 6 p.m. Organizers encourage community members … Continue reading Best-selling author to speak in Whitney
View the February 1, 2023 issue
Due to the winter storm, the deliveries were delayed on The Lakelander and Tacklebox publications this week. Deliveries are being made Thursday, February 2. lakelander-0201-all-pagesDownload Tacklebox February 1, 2023 tacklebox-pages-0201Download
Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance: Did You Know?
Submitted by Betty Newman,LWMA public relations,past president February 1, 2023 Did you know that the following organizations and programs are supported by the Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance? Our Daily Bread Food Bank – Each month, at least 30 - 45 volunteers work tirelessly to provide groceries to those who cannot afford to buy food. In … Continue reading Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance: Did You Know?
Council discusses ESD 1 contract renewal
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 25, 2023 The Whitney City Council met in a regular session Thursday, January 19, to discuss renewal of the city's contract with Emergency Services District (ESD) 1, hear departmental reports and review other monthly business. Interim Fire Chief Roy McCleary and Wayland Price, the city's former fire chief, spoke to the … Continue reading Council discusses ESD 1 contract renewal
City Council selects next fire chief
Reporter: Ellie Mahan January 25, 2023 The Whitney City Council held a special meeting Tuesday, January 17 to interview two potential candidates for Whitney fire chief, and the council selected David Gilmore to fill the position. Gilmore is retiring from Mansfield Fire Department, with almost 30 years of firefighting experience. He said that he feels … Continue reading City Council selects next fire chief
Hill County Fair Queen Crowned
Juleisee Gonzales of Hillsboro was crowned Hill County Fair queen during the annual contest held at Hill College Saturday, January 14. Pictured are (l to r): front row—McKenzie Cutrer (Whitney) - princess and Miss Congeniality, Gonzales - queen and best introduction, Abbey Jo Wohleb (Whitney) - duchess; back row—Kathy Virrueta (Itasca) - Judges' Award, Morgan … Continue reading Hill County Fair Queen Crowned
Lake Whitney photo exhibit opens Thursday
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 25, 2023 An exhibit featuring the Lake Whitney photography of Hillsboro resident Sheri Hemrick will open at the fotografías gallery in downtown Hillsboro Thursday, January 26. A Toast with the Artist event will kick off the exhibit at 5 p.m., when Hemrick will be present and attendees can enjoy wine and … Continue reading Lake Whitney photo exhibit opens Thursday
LW Chamber members elect five directors
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 25, 2023 The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce announced last week that directors have been elected to serve on the chamber's board. After chamber members returned their ballots, those elected included Steve Peacock of Citizens National Bank, Adam Bain of Lake Whitney State Park, Joe Marek of HILCO, Whitney ISD Superintendent … Continue reading LW Chamber members elect five directors
Wildcats of the Week
Every week, teachers at Whitney Elementary School select a student from their class who exhibits outstanding Wildcat behavior in the classroom and in the school hallways. Wildcats of the Week gain certain privileges in class, such as being the teacher’s helper, being the line leader and eating lunch on Wednesdays on the stage in the … Continue reading Wildcats of the Week
View the January 25, 2023 edition
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Participants gearing up for this year’s Hill County Fair
Reporter: Ellie Mahan January 18, 2023 Events scheduled at Hillsboro fairgrounds next week… Young people throughout the county are preparing their livestock, creative arts and shop projects for next week’s Hill County Fair. The fair will get underway Sunday, January 22 and wrap up Saturday, January 28, at the fairgrounds in Hillsboro. The hard work … Continue reading Participants gearing up for this year’s Hill County Fair
WISD board appoints member,WMS passes safety inspection
Reporter: Ellie Mahan January 18, 2023 The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees met at 6 p.m. Monday, January 9 to appoint a new member, congratulate Whitney Middle School for earning a perfect score on its intruder detection inspection completed by the Texas School Safety Center and hear a presentation on benchmark and interim STAAR data. … Continue reading WISD board appoints member,WMS passes safety inspection
Whitney police chief sworn in
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 18, 2023 Hill County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace and Municipal Judge Trey Jetton swore in Kevin Hughes to begin serving as the City of Whitney’s police chief during a special meeting of the Whitney City Council held Monday, January 9. After Chief Hughes was sworn in, Mayor Jerry Barker … Continue reading Whitney police chief sworn in
New commissioner appointed to serve Hill County Precinct 1
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 18, 2023 Jim Holcomb (left) was sworn in by Hill County Judge Justin Lewis to begin serving as Precinct 1’s commissioner Wednesday, January 11. Hill County Judge Justin Lewis appointed Jim Holcomb to serve as Precinct 1 commissioner following Andy Montgomery’s resignation and swore him in Wednesday morning, January 11. The … Continue reading New commissioner appointed to serve Hill County Precinct 1
Candidate filing underway for May city and school elections
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 18, 2023 Candidate filing for May 6 city and school elections will get underway Wednesday, January 18. Locally, positions will be available in Whitney, Blum and Covington. The City of Whitney will have the mayor’s position and two council seats on the ballot if an election is needed this year. The … Continue reading Candidate filing underway for May city and school elections
WHS band student earns all-state honors
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 18, 2023 Jonah Cottongame Jonah Cottongame, a member of the Whitney High School Band, will perform with the Texas All-State Concert Band in San Antonio Saturday, February 11, at the Henry B. González Convention Center as part of the 2023 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention. Cottongame was chosen for this prestigious … Continue reading WHS band student earns all-state honors
View the January 18, 2023 issue
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Hill County auditor installed as Swilling plans retirement
Reporter: Ellie Mahan January 12, 2023 Hill County Auditor Sahib Rao For the first time in 19 years, Hill County has appointed a new county auditor following the announced retirement of Susan Swilling, who previously held the position. Sahib Rao officially started as the county auditor November 28, after being appointed by District Judge Lee … Continue reading Hill County auditor installed as Swilling plans retirement
Hill County officials begin new terms
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 11, 2023 A ceremonial swearing-in ceremony was conducted for county officials at the Hill County Courthouse Tuesday morning, January 3. District Judge Lee Harris swore in elected and appointed officials, and County Judge Justin Lewis swore in the employees of the officials. Beginning new terms were Judge Harris, Judge Lewis, County … Continue reading Hill County officials begin new terms
Hill County CASA plans new volunteer training January 31
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 12, 2023 CASA of Hill County is seeking more volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care in the county. The next CASA volunteer training is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 31. “We want every child involved in the child welfare system to have an advocate … Continue reading Hill County CASA plans new volunteer training January 31
Attempted burglary suspectshot at Bosque County home
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 11, 2023 Bosque County Sheriff Trace Hendricks reported last week that a homeowner shot an intruder during an attempted burglary on Bosque County Road 3505 near Valley Mills Tuesday, January 3. According to reports, deputies were called to the scene just before 7 p.m. and found a man on the sidewalk … Continue reading Attempted burglary suspectshot at Bosque County home
District games underway, boys move to 1st in district
January 12, 2023 District play is underway for the Whitney High School varsity boys and girls basketball teams, and the boys are currently undefeated and first in the district. The team is 3-0 in district play after defeating Waco Harmony School of Innovation 111-8 in a home game played Friday night, January 6. Earlier in … Continue reading District games underway, boys move to 1st in district
Wreaths Across America matching campaign continues
An online matching campaign for this year's Wreaths Across America effort will end Sunday, January 15. Veterans, families and friends of veterans and others gathered to “Remember-Honor-Teach” while laying wreaths to honor veterans at Whitney Memorial Park Saturday, December 17. To order online with a credit card, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org and include TXWMPB for Whitney Memorial … Continue reading Wreaths Across America matching campaign continues
View the January 11, 2023 issue
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Creative arts registration open for Hill County Fair
Fair volunteers, sponsors, vendors needed… Young people from Hill County showed off their submissions in the categories of home-baked foods, crafts, art, photography and textiles at last year's fair, including these pre-k through first grade entries. Registration for the Creative Arts Division of the 2023 Hill County Fair opened online Sunday, January 1, and will … Continue reading Creative arts registration open for Hill County Fair
Hill County commissioners meet in final session of ‘22
January 5, 2023 The Hill County Commissioners Court held its last regular meeting of 2022 Tuesday, December 27. In his comments to the court, Hill County Judge Justin Lewis reported that resumes had been accepted through the previous Thursday from those interested in the Precinct 1 commissioner position. Interviews were expected to be conducted the … Continue reading Hill County commissioners meet in final session of ‘22
Local football players earn 2022 all-district honors
January 5, 2023 With the 2022 football season officially in the books, teams in all classifications released all-district honors. In District 7-3A Division I, Whitney Wildcat David Haynes III was named defensive most valuable player, and Whitney’s Mason Seeley earned offensive newcomer of the year. First team all-district selections for the Wildcats went to Jairdyn … Continue reading Local football players earn 2022 all-district honors
2023 BIG conference, farm and ranch show Jan. 10-11
Editor: Shannon Cottongame January 5, 2023 The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's Blackland Income Growth (BIG) Conference is scheduled for January 10-11 at the BASE at Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Boulevard in Waco. The Blackland Income Growth Conference serves as a primer for farmers, ranchers and landowners looking to prepare as they head into … Continue reading 2023 BIG conference, farm and ranch show Jan. 10-11
Orr hires chief of staff, selects capitol office
January 4, 2023 House District 13 Representative-Elect Angelia Orr has hired Jacob Reagan as her chief of staff for the 88th Legislative Session. She has also selected her Capitol office and House Chamber desk. Reagan comes to the House District 13 office with a decade of political experience, including work in state and federal government … Continue reading Orr hires chief of staff, selects capitol office
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