The filing period for cities and schools holding elections in November officially opened Saturday, July 19, and will continue through Monday, August 18. Local entities that have announced November elections include Aquilla ISD and the City of Blum. Others in our area normally hold elections in May. Aquilla ISD will have the school board seats … Continue reading Candidate filing period opens for cities, schools
Tag: Whitney
Hill, Bosque county volunteers join recovery effort after flood
Hill County Sheriff Hunter Barnes and County Judge Shane Brassell (pictured at left) gathered with the local task force before daybreak Tuesday, July 8, as they prepared to depart for Williamson County. Hill and Bosque county residents joined ongoing search efforts last week after the recent flooding that devastated the Texas Hill Country, leading to … Continue reading Hill, Bosque county volunteers join recovery effort after flood
Commissioners approve lawsuit over construction
The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a regular session Tuesday, July 8, and voted to pursue litigation over the construction of the Hill County AgriLife Extension building.The court convened in closed session for legal consultation before voting when open session resumed to file a lawsuit against ICE Construction, LLC, citing faulty construction of the … Continue reading Commissioners approve lawsuit over construction
July sales tax allocations sent to cities, counties
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced last week that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.2 billion in local sales tax allocations for July, 4.5% more than in July 2024. The City of Whitney's July allocation came to $83,758, up 12.15% compared to July of last year. To date in … Continue reading July sales tax allocations sent to cities, counties
Charges, civil suit against Pct. 2 constable dismissed
Charges filed against Hill County Precinct 2 Constable Justin Girsh have been dismissed after he was accused of misusing official information. Girsh was indicted on the third-degree felony charge in 2023 after it was alleged that he disclosed a tax search and seizure warrant to an individual when it had not been made public. The … Continue reading Charges, civil suit against Pct. 2 constable dismissed
Council discusses wastewater plant, TCEQ fine
The Whitney City Council held its regular meeting Wednesday, June 18, and discussed the status of the city’s wastewater treatment plant, along with other city business. Council member Amy Teal requested a discussion about the plant in light of a recent $18,500 fine levied against the city by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). … Continue reading Council discusses wastewater plant, TCEQ fine
VFDs urgently need more volunteers
Rural communities across Texas face a growing challenge: a critical shortage of volunteer firefighters who serve as the first line of defense against wildfires, structure fires and other emergencies. Unlike urban areas with full-time professional fire crews, rural fire departments depend on volunteers to respond quickly and safeguard homes, farms and lives. Hill County is … Continue reading VFDs urgently need more volunteers
Hill County Cell Block Museum reopens to public
Elected officials, board members and volunteers gathered for the reopening of the Hill County Cell Block Museum Saturday, June 14. Pictured at front (l to r) are: Hill County Judge Shane Brassell, District Judge Justin Lewis, former museum board president Judge Bob McGregor, Executive Director Brenda White, Sheriff Hunter Barnes and board member Edward Sumrall. … Continue reading Hill County Cell Block Museum reopens to public
TWC releases monthly data for counties
The Texas Workforce Commission released May unemployment data Friday, June 20, showing a slight increase from April's numbers in Hill County. The May unemployment rate was 3.6%, up from April's 3.3%. There were 683 unemployed individuals in Hill County in May out of a total civilian labor force of 18,830. Last May, Hill County's rate … Continue reading TWC releases monthly data for counties
Whitney ISD board discusses grant funds
The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees met in regular session Monday, June 16. Director of State and Federal Programs Melissa Marbut led discussion regarding the district's application for the 2025-26 Every Student Succeeds Act Consolidated Federal Grant. Whitney elementary and intermediate schools qualify for Title 1A grants under the program for the improvement … Continue reading Whitney ISD board discusses grant funds
The Lakelander 