The Hill County Commissioners Court enacted a 90-day burn ban Tuesday morning, August 20. Commissioners had discussed a possible ban the previous week, but the Keetch–Byram Drought Index (KBDI) was not high enough to warrant a burn ban at that time. At last week's meeting, the KBDI was at 610 in Hill County, higher than … Continue reading Burn ban in place as drought index rises
Application deadline nears for Smith Foundation grants
The Board of Directors of the George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation will accept applications for grants to be awarded this year through Sunday, September 1. Grant awards will be announced in October. Applicants can access grant information and required supporting documents at the Smith Foundation website (www.smithfoundationhillcounty.org) under the “Application Documents” tab on … Continue reading Application deadline nears for Smith Foundation grants
Donations sought for annual wreath effort at cemetery
National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announced last week that Whitney Memorial Park has once again joined in the mission to "Remember, Honor, Teach" as an official location for 2024. Wreaths Across America started as a simple gesture of thanks that has grown into a national, yearlong movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together … Continue reading Donations sought for annual wreath effort at cemetery
TxDOT issues Labor Day safety tips
The reckless act of drinking and driving could change your life forever, but it only takes a few minutes to find a sober ride. As law enforcement increases its presence leading up to Labor Day, drivers can save their own life and the lives of others by finding a rideshare, transit or other safe ride. … Continue reading TxDOT issues Labor Day safety tips
Engineers present sewer plant proposal
The Whitney City Council heard a report about a proposed new wastewater treatment plant and proposed a tax rate for the coming year in a meeting held Thursday, August 15.In February 2023, the council approved a proposal for engineering and surveying services related to the city’s wastewater treatment plant from Clark Associates. At that meeting, … Continue reading Engineers present sewer plant proposal
Firefighters arrested after investigation
The Hill County Sheriff's Office arrested an area volunteer firefighter last week after an investigation into a June house fire. It was the second arrest of a firefighter related to a burglary and arson case. Justin Moore, 19, of Whitney was booked into the Hill County Law Enforcement Center Saturday, August 10, on an arson … Continue reading Firefighters arrested after investigation
WISD Board of Trustees continues budget discussions
The Whitney Independent School District (WISD) Board of Trustees met in regular session Monday, August 12, and discussed the budget for the coming fiscal year. Superintendent Todd Southard spoke regarding the preliminary budget: "One of the things that we've been talking about pretty much all summer is that things are not looking good as far … Continue reading WISD Board of Trustees continues budget discussions
Commissioners approve pay proposals
The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a regular session Tuesday, August 13, and proposed elected officials' salaries as the annual work of finalizing the county budget continues. The proposed salaries reflect a 3.2% increase based on the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment and is the same increase proposed for other county employees this year.During budget … Continue reading Commissioners approve pay proposals
Whitney Animal Control seeks help from community
Drew (Johnathan) Youngblood has received his Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Code Enforcement License and his Animal Control License from the Texas Department of State Health Services. A growing public health concern has brought the community together to address the pressing need for animal control in Whitney. The decision to establish an animal control … Continue reading Whitney Animal Control seeks help from community
County judge proposes budget, commissioners hold hearings
The Hill County Commissioners Court held budget hearings last week after County Judge Justin Lewis proposed a budget that he said provides tangible benefits to the community while adhering to budgetary principles. The proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1 was filed by the judge Friday, August 2. He worked with Auditor Susan … Continue reading County judge proposes budget, commissioners hold hearings
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