Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 24, 2023 Canyon Massengale Valedictorian Daisy Baker Salutatorian The Whitney High School Class of 2023 will graduate at 7 p.m. Friday night, May 26, at Wildcat Stadium in Whitney. Valedictorian of this year's senior class is Canyon Gene Massengale, the son of Jason and Maggi Massengale of Morgan. Massengale will attend … Continue reading Class of ’23 to graduate at Wildcat Stadium Friday
Category: Local News
Council approves contract for full water system study
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 24, 2023 The Whitney City Council accepted an engineering services proposal from Clark Associates for a full survey and study of the city's water system at a meeting held Thursday, May 18. Public Works Director Billy Pribble told the council that the full study is needed in order for the city … Continue reading Council approves contract for full water system study
Local unemployment rate drops in latest TWC report
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 24, 2023 Hill and Bosque county unemployment rates dropped in April, according to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission Friday, May 19. According to the latest report, Hill County's April unemployment rate was 3.6%, down from the March rate of 4.5%. In April, there were 676 unemployed individuals out of … Continue reading Local unemployment rate drops in latest TWC report
Veterans to reunite Memorial Day weekend in honor of fallen comrade
Reporter: Ellie Mahan May 24, 2023 As part of an annual reunion, a group of combat veterans of the Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, will spend time at Parson’s Marina on Lake Whitney for Memorial Day weekend. Each year, Marine veterans from the 2-4 Marine battalion travel from across the country to meet at a … Continue reading Veterans to reunite Memorial Day weekend in honor of fallen comrade
Mayor, council members sworn in
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 18, 2023 Janice Sanders was sworn in by Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Trey Jetton to begin serving as Whitney's mayor during a special council meeting held Thursday, May 11. Sanders defeated Jerry Barker 84-54 for the mayor's seat in the election held Saturday, May 6. The council canvassed the … Continue reading Mayor, council members sworn in
Board hears travel center proposal, discusses athletic facility project
Reporter: Ellie Mahan May 18, 2023 The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees met in a regular session Monday, May 8, to hear a proposal for a development on the property across from Whitney High School. The board also discussed athletic facility upgrades and heard presentations on potential solutions for the transportation parking lot and FFA … Continue reading Board hears travel center proposal, discusses athletic facility project
Wildcat athletes place at state
May 18, 2023 Whitney High School's 400m relay team of Jairdyn Anderson, Tristen Wilson, Marcus Wilson and Duan Johnson took third place in the state track and field competition held at Mike Myers Stadium in Austin last week with a time of 41.83. The team advanced after securing the championship at the regional meet held … Continue reading Wildcat athletes place at state
Commissioners hear opposition to solar projects at public hearings
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 18, 2023 The Hill County Commissioners Court approved reinvestment zones for three solar projects at a meeting held Tuesday, May 9, but the votes were not unanimous after the court heard from landowners who oppose the projects. Designating land in a project area as a reinvestment zone is a step that … Continue reading Commissioners hear opposition to solar projects at public hearings
Sanders comes out ahead in Whitney mayor race
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 10, 2023 When the votes were tallied Saturday, May 6, it appeared that Janice Sanders would be Whitney's next mayor and A.J. Marino and Nicole Corson had secured school board seats. The vote tally was unofficial until canvassed by the Whitney City Council and Whitney ISD Board of Trustees, and the … Continue reading Sanders comes out ahead in Whitney mayor race
WT Retirement Solutions strives to make retirement a financial success
Reporter: Ellie Mahan May 10, 2023 Business Review Lyndol Anderson, owner of WT Retirement Solutions Lyndol Anderson, owner of WT Retirement Solutions, obtained his professional designation as a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from the American College of Financial Services after successfully completing the eight college level courses required for the designation. The knowledge he gained … Continue reading WT Retirement Solutions strives to make retirement a financial success
FFA Wildlife team members compete at state level
May 10, 2023 Seven Whitney FFA students recently competed in the state wildlife contest in Amarillo, with one team competing in the 4-H division and one team competing in the FFA division. Both advanced from the regional contest. The 4-H team placed second at regionals and was one of eight teams statewide that advanced to … Continue reading FFA Wildlife team members compete at state level
Election Saturday for City of Whitney, Whitney ISD
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 3, 2023 Whitney voters will decide their next mayor and two school board seats in an election scheduled for Saturday, May 6. Voters in Covington and Blum will also have decisions to make on election day. For Whitney city and school voters, election day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. … Continue reading Election Saturday for City of Whitney, Whitney ISD
Foreign Trade Zone approved for Hill County
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 3, 2023 Hill County Judge Justin Lewis has been notified that the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) sought for Hill County and all of its incorporated cities has been approved at the federal level. The United States Department of Commerce Foreign Trade Zones Board In Washington, D.C. had the final say on … Continue reading Foreign Trade Zone approved for Hill County
County moves forward with radio project
Editor: Shannon Cottongame May 3, 2023 The Hill County Commissioners Court discussed unexpected radio system expenses last week as work continues to improve emergency communications in the county. The court also scheduled a public hearing on the creation of a reinvestment zone for a solar company and reviewed other county business during the regular meeting … Continue reading County moves forward with radio project
Wildcat sports update
May 3, 2023 Several Whitney High School athletes are headed to state after competing at the Region III 3A Track and Field Championship in Hewitt April 28-29. Boys advancing to the state meet pictured (l-r) are regional long jump champion Jordan Johnson and the 400m relay champion team of Jairdyn Anderson, Tristen Wilson, Marcus Wilson … Continue reading Wildcat sports update
Early voting underway this week for cities, schools
April 26, 2023 Early voting began Monday, April 24, as schools and cities in the area plan elections for the Saturday, May 6, uniform election date. Both the City of Whitney and Whitney Independent School District will need elections. Whitney Mayor Jerry Barker filed to keep his seat, and he will be challenged by Janice … Continue reading Early voting underway this week for cities, schools
Lake Whitney Chamber presents annual awards
April 19, 2023 The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet at the HILCO Civic and Events Center in Itasca Thursday, April 13, to celebrate accomplishments and honor members of the Lake Whitney community. Young Person of the Year Colby Estill (center) with Chamber Treasurer Jayson Lam and Miss Pioneer Day Jillie … Continue reading Lake Whitney Chamber presents annual awards
Early voting in May election to begin Monday
April 19, 2023 Early voting will begin Monday, April 24, as schools and cities in the area plan elections for the Saturday, May 6, uniform election date. Both the City of Whitney and Whitney Independent School District will need elections. Whitney Mayor Jerry Barker filed to keep his seat, and he will be challenged by … Continue reading Early voting in May election to begin Monday
Jerry Barker campaigning to continue serving as mayor
April 19, 2023 Jerry Barker, who has served as Whitney mayor since July 2022, is running to continue serving the city in his position. In order to provide more transparency for citizens in city government, Barker moved City Council meetings from Monday to Thursday to allow citizens to read the agenda in the newspaper prior … Continue reading Jerry Barker campaigning to continue serving as mayor
Janice Sanders announces her candidacy for Whitney mayor
April 19, 2023 Janice Sanders has announced her candidacy for mayor of the City of Whitney. Sanders has called Hill County “home” since 1980 and has lived in Whitney since 2013. "I am seeking election as the mayor of Whitney with the desire to serve until the job is done," she said. "The City of … Continue reading Janice Sanders announces her candidacy for Whitney mayor
State comptroller visits Hillsboro for second annual county summit
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 12, 2023 Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar discussed his recent state budget projections, broadband expansion and other duties of his office at the Hill County Summit held at Hill College last week. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar was in Hillsboro Wednesday, April 5, and spoke to local residents about state … Continue reading State comptroller visits Hillsboro for second annual county summit
Covington man dies in crash involving motorcycle, SUV
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 13, 2023 A motorcyclist was killed in a crash that occurred in Covington Saturday, April 1. According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sergeant Ryan Howard, DPS troopers responded to the scene on SH-171 in Covington at approximately 11:30 p.m. "For an unknown reason, a Jeep Wrangler traveling southbound drove … Continue reading Covington man dies in crash involving motorcycle, SUV
HCSO warns residents about new scam calls
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 13, 2023 The Hill County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam that is being reported locally. The sheriff’s office reported that multiple Hill County residents are being called from numbers with a 254 area code, and the caller says that they need to speak to them immediately about a … Continue reading HCSO warns residents about new scam calls
Businesses reminded about April tax rendition deadline
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 13, 2023 The Texas comptroller's office is reminding business owners that for many property types, Monday, April 17 is the deadline to file property tax renditions with their county appraisal districts. Different deadlines apply for certain regulated property. The deadline is usually April 15, but it is extended to the next … Continue reading Businesses reminded about April tax rendition deadline
Candidate announcement: Larry Farmer to seek a seat on Whitney ISD Board of Trustees
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 13, 2023 Larry Farmer Larry Farmer has announced his candidacy for the Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees. Farmer is an active community servant with a background in law enforcement. Farmer spent 19 years in law enforcement, with 14 of those as a sheriff's deputy. He also served as a … Continue reading Candidate announcement: Larry Farmer to seek a seat on Whitney ISD Board of Trustees
Voter registration deadline Thursday for May elections
Editor: Shannon Cottongame April 6, 2023 Texas law requires new voters to register by the 30th day before an election, and the voter registration deadline for the May 6 election date is Thursday, April 6. Those who are not currently registered to vote and would like to cast a ballot in a local city or … Continue reading Voter registration deadline Thursday for May elections
Hill County Extension Office opens new location
April 6, 2023 The Hill County AgriLife Extension Office officially opened Friday, March 24, in its new location, 213 Stadium Drive in Hillsboro. The Extension Office offers a variety of services and programs, ranging from 4-H to cooking classes, and the new building and location will allow these programs to expand. The building contains five … Continue reading Hill County Extension Office opens new location
Vietnam veterans honored
April 5, 2023 Local veterans and veterans' supporters met at Whitney Veterans Memorial Park Wednesday, March 29, for a laying of the wreaths service in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Pictured above are veterans along with representatives of local organizations, such as American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign … Continue reading Vietnam veterans honored
Local residents hear presentations with legislative session underway in Austin
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 29, 2023 State Representative Angelia Orr (R-Itasca) is pictured reading a resolution recognizing Hill County Day at the State Capitol Thursday, March 16. She also introduced members of the Hill County group (l to r, at back): County Judge Justin Lewis, Hillsboro City Manager Megan Henderson, Hillsboro Economic Development Corporation Board … Continue reading Local residents hear presentations with legislative session underway in Austin
Veterans Pardners works to provide resources to local veterans
Reporter: Ellie Mahan March 29, 2023 Donna "Red" Richardson, temporary assistant manager for Veterans Pardners, serves local veterans. Eight generations of Richardson's family have served the country in the military, with representation of five branches of the military. Veterans Pardners, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, was founded by Donna Pickett in December of 2016 … Continue reading Veterans Pardners works to provide resources to local veterans
Council approves purchase of new water meters
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 22, 2023 The Whitney City Council voted to replace water meters in the city with smart meters at a meeting held Thursday, March 16. The council's action follows a pilot program in which the meters were tested in select locations throughout the city. Public Works Director Billy Pribble told the council … Continue reading Council approves purchase of new water meters
Hill County Day In Austin
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 22, 2023 Hill County residents traveled to Austin Thursday, March 16, as both the state House of Representatives and Senate passed resolutions observing Hill County Day at the State Capitol. Representative Angelia Orr of Itasca and Senator Brian Birdwell each personally welcomed their Hill County constituents to Austin, and the group … Continue reading Hill County Day In Austin
Boat accident claims life of local resident
March 22, 2023 Two Whitney residents were involved in a boat crash Monday, March 13, that resulted in the death of one individual. The Lakelander was withholding the name of the victim at press time over the weekend pending an official release from authorities. According to reports, the accident occurred on the Brazos River in … Continue reading Boat accident claims life of local resident
Court hears about Blum, Covington area solar farm
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 22, 2023 The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a regular session Tuesday, March 14, and heard a presentation from a solar company that is planning a project in the northwestern portion of the county. Midpoint Solar obtained Chapter 313 Value Limitation Agreements with both Blum and Covington school districts prior … Continue reading Court hears about Blum, Covington area solar farm
Elvis-themed Big Event Weekend set at Bosque Arts Center
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 22, 2023 Award-winning tribute artist Al Joslin headlines the Bosque Arts Center Big Event Saturday, April 1. Tickets are available online at BosqueArtsCenter.org. The Bosque Arts Center (BAC) in Clifton encourages the public to get their tickets soon for Big Event weekend, when the theme will be all about Elvis. Friday, … Continue reading Elvis-themed Big Event Weekend set at Bosque Arts Center
View the March 22, 2023 issue
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WISD board votes to increase retention stipends
Reporter: Ellie Mahan March 15, 2023 The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees met in a regular session Monday, March 6, to approve an increase in the retention stipends for all WISD employees, discuss the future possibility of repaving the parking lot near the bus barn and hear other reports. In August, the board … Continue reading WISD board votes to increase retention stipends
Fellowship of Retired Coaches founder seeks local members
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 15, 2023 Retired high school coach Mitch Reed recently moved from the Houston area with his wife to build a home in the Lake Whitney area. He founded Fellowship of Retired Coaches in 2020 and is working to add members to the group. He is pictured above with his father, Bob … Continue reading Fellowship of Retired Coaches founder seeks local members
Waco man sentenced for 2020 murder in Walmart parking lot
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 15, 2023 Alexander Santana Aleman. October 2020 booking photo A Waco man who was arrested after the October 2020 murder of a Fort Worth woman in the Hillsboro Walmart parking lot was recently sentenced to 35 years in prison in the 66th Judicial District Court. U.S. Marshals served an arrest warrant … Continue reading Waco man sentenced for 2020 murder in Walmart parking lot
Scammers target area using Hill County numbers
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 15, 2023 Hill County Judge Justin Lewis announced Friday, March 10, that scammers have been making calls from numbers that show up as Hill County Courthouse office numbers. Residents have reported receiving threatening calls from numbers that appear to be from an official county office, such as the county judge’s office. … Continue reading Scammers target area using Hill County numbers
Boys powerlifting team finds success
Nine members of the Whitney High School boys powerlifting team advanced to the regional competition in West held Saturday, March 11, and Giovanni Sanchez, pictured above, advanced to the state competition with a fifth-place finish in his weight class and a qualifying total of 850 pounds. Trey Haynes also placed fourth in his class at … Continue reading Boys powerlifting team finds success
Hill County Grand Jury returns indictments
March 16, 2023 A Hill County Grand Jury that convened Friday, March 3, returned the following indictments: Peyton Belvin, 30, of Caddo, Oklahoma, possession of THC between one and four grams Jason James Bush, 24, of Burleson, assault of a family or household member, impeding breath or circulation; assault of a family or household member, … Continue reading Hill County Grand Jury returns indictments
View the March 15, 2023 issue
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Commissioners set hearings on solar reinvestment zones
Editor: Shannon Cottongame March 8, 2023 The Hill County Commissioners Court scheduled public hearings on the creation of two reinvestment zones for Hill County solar projects during a regular meeting held Tuesday, February 28. Designation of an area as a reinvestment zone is a step that must be taken before the county can provide a … Continue reading Commissioners set hearings on solar reinvestment zones
Wildcats, coach earn district honors
March 9, 2023 Whitney High School basketball player Cade Baker (right) is pictured with Tristen Wilson (left), after Baker was awarded District MVP and Wilson was awarded 6th Man of The Year honors. Head Coach Joe O’Hearn also earned top recognition as coach of the year when all-district honors were announced. Other Wildcats honored were: … Continue reading Wildcats, coach earn district honors
FFA Day at Texas State Capitol
Reporter: Ellie Mahan March 8, 2023 Members of the Whitney Future Farmers of America (FFA) officer team recently traveled to Austin for Texas FFA Day at The Capitol and a Texas FFA LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Development) program. Students were able to hear from a variety of leaders, including Jordan Hale, deputy chief of staff … Continue reading FFA Day at Texas State Capitol
View the March 8, 2023 issue
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New Fire Chief David Gilmore brings decades of experience to his role
Reporter: Ellie Mahan March 1, 2023 Chief David Gilmore and his wife, Lisa David Gilmore started his new role as Whitney fire chief Wednesday, February 1. Gilmore recently retired from Mansfield Fire Department after over 27 years of service. Gilmore got his start in public service at the Bosque County Sheriff’s Office, where he started … Continue reading New Fire Chief David Gilmore brings decades of experience to his role
Wildcats wrap up successful season
March 1, 2023 The Whitney High School varsity boys basketball team ended their season as bi-district champions after defeating Mildred 78-64 Monday, February 20. The Wildcats exited the playoffs in the area round Friday, February 24, after a 71-64 loss to Franklin. The team entered the playoffs as the 3A Region III District 17 champions. … Continue reading Wildcats wrap up successful season
Candidates file for spots in Covington and Blum
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
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
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
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