View the February 15, 2023 issue

lakelander_02-15-pagesDownload Tacklebox February 15, 2023 tb_0215_pagesDownload

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

lakelander_pagesDownload dsf Tacklebox January 11, 2023 tacklebox-jan-11-pagesDownload

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

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

County seeking commissioner to fill unexpired term in Pct. 1

Editor: Shannon Cottongame December 21, 2022 The Hill County Commissioners Court accepted the resignation of Precinct 1 Commissioner Andrew Montgomery and discussed its next steps to fill the unexpired term in a regular meeting held Tuesday, December 13. Montgomery announced Thursday, December 8, that he will resign from his position effective December 31. He cited … Continue reading County seeking commissioner to fill unexpired term in Pct. 1

Garden Club celebrates Christmas

December 22, 2022 The Lake Whitney Garden Club had a holiday party at The Place at Lake Whitney Thursday, December 8. Flutist Debbie Hamner played Christmas carols while a lunch prepared by the event center staff was served. Planning for the party was handled by the Christmas Party Committee, which made carnation bracelets for each … Continue reading Garden Club celebrates Christmas

View the December 21, 2022 issue

lakelander_12-21_pages-1Download pg Tacklebox December 21, 2022 tb-12-21-pagesDownload

Pct. 1 Commissioner Montgomery announces plan to resign Dec. 31

Editor: Shannon Cottongame December 15, 2022 Hill County Precinct 1 Commissioner Andrew Montgomery submitted a letter of resignation to Hill County Judge Justin Lewis and his fellow commissioners Thursday, December 8. The commissioner said that he will leave his position December 31, with two years remaining on his term, to spend time with an ailing … Continue reading Pct. 1 Commissioner Montgomery announces plan to resign Dec. 31

Chamber to host Christmas Bazaar downtown Saturday

Editor: Shannon Cottongame December 7, 2022 The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce will host its 13th annual Christmas Bazaar Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sidewalk vendors will sell baked goods, arts and crafts and other items, and downtown merchants will offer holiday specials. Vendor spaces are available for the event. Live … Continue reading Chamber to host Christmas Bazaar downtown Saturday

Whitney writer wins BAC’s Books on the Bosque event

Editor: Shannon Cottongame December 7, 2022 Theo Boyd of Whitney (right) receiving her first-place award for nonfiction from Bosque Arts Center's Vikki Moore. A November writing contest held in conjunction with Books on the Bosque weekend yielded successful results for several area writers at the Bosque Arts Center in Clifton. Theo Boyd of Whitney won … Continue reading Whitney writer wins BAC’s Books on the Bosque event

Whitney’s Christmas parade, tree lighting set for Saturday

December 1, 2022 The City of Whitney will honor Hill County firefighters and the citizens of Whitney and surrounding areas this year with "A Country Christmas" Saturday, December 3, starting at 6 p.m. The lighted parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a tree lighting, caroling and a time to visit … Continue reading Whitney’s Christmas parade, tree lighting set for Saturday

‘Chicago Fire’ actor holds Hill County hometown close to his heart

Reporter: Ellie Mahan December 1, 2022 Actor Jake Lockett has landed numerous roles in film and television since he gave his first on-stage performance in a play for Aquilla High School, and he now plays the newest firefighter at Firehouse 51 in season 11 of "Chicago Fire." Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC. During his senior … Continue reading ‘Chicago Fire’ actor holds Hill County hometown close to his heart

Hill County burn ban expires, fireworks decision December 13

Editor: Shannon Cottongame December 1, 2022 Hill County commissioners discussed the county’s burn ban during a meeting held Tuesday morning, November 22, and opted to let the ban expire at midnight Thursday, November 24. Emergency Services District (ESD) 1 President Ken Goins told the court that he would like to see the burn ban stay … Continue reading Hill County burn ban expires, fireworks decision December 13

Bosque County Sheriff’s Office makes drug arrests

Editor: Shannon Cottongame December 1, 2022 The Bosque County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Enforcement Team concluded an investigation into a narcotics trafficking operation based in Hill County Friday, November 25. According to the sheriff's office, investigators converged on an active narcotics transaction in the parking lot of the Cedron Creek Package Store located on FM 1713, … Continue reading Bosque County Sheriff’s Office makes drug arrests

View the November 30, 2022 issue

lakelander_11-30_pagesDownload nov30 Tacklebox November 30, 2022 tacklebox_1130_01Download tacklebox_1130_02Download tacklebox_1130_03Download tacklebox_1130_04Download tacklebox_1130_05Download tacklebox_1130_06Download tacklebox_1130_07Download tacklebox_1130_08Download

Council approves economic development agreement

Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 25, 2022 Sidewalk ordinance discussed… The Whitney City Council met in a regular session Thursday, November 17, to consider several agenda items, including an extension of an economic development agreement for the local urgent care facility and a proposal to regulate the display of merchandise on city sidewalks. Ayushi Agarwala of … Continue reading Council approves economic development agreement

WISD approves improvement plans, hears report on audit

Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 25, 2022 The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting Monday, November 14, to approve district and campus improvement plans and to review the 2021-2022 district audit. With a purpose of guiding the district and campus staff in the improvement of student performance, the district and campus … Continue reading WISD approves improvement plans, hears report on audit

‘Small Business Saturday’ to be observed

Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 25, 2022 Since 2010, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been known as Small Business Saturday. The annual event encourages people to kick off the holiday shopping season by supporting stores in their own community. In honor of Small Business Saturday, the Whitney ISD Fine Arts Booster Club will set up a … Continue reading ‘Small Business Saturday’ to be observed

Wildcats of the week

November 24, 2022 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 even getting to eat lunch on … Continue reading Wildcats of the week

Food For Families drive continues

November 23, 2022 Local businesses, students, organizations and individuals once again showed up to support the local Food For Families Drive Friday, November 18. Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of the month as the food bank works to meet or exceed this year's goal of 65,000 pounds. Students from Aquilla High … Continue reading Food For Families drive continues

View the November 23, 2022 issue

lakelander_11-23_pagesDownload Tacklebox November 23, 2022 tb-11-23-pagesDownload

Food For Families Drive Friday

November 17, 2022 The annual Food For Families drive is scheduled for Friday, November 18, in Whitney and throughout the area. All November donations will be counted toward the Lake Whitney Food Bank goal of 65,000 pounds, and the official campaign day is Friday, November 18. The Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance food bank operates completely … Continue reading Food For Families Drive Friday

Crowd gathers in Whitney to honor local veterans

Reporter: Ellie Mahan November 16, 2022 A Veteran's Day event was held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 11, at The Lake Whitney Senior Center. The ceremony began with the Presentation of The Colors, completed by members of American Legion Post 522 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12176, both of Whitney. In attendance were representatives … Continue reading Crowd gathers in Whitney to honor local veterans

Whitney tops Teague, claims bi-district championship

Sports writer: Brent Cook November 17, 2022 Marcus Wilson eyes an opening against the Teague Lions last Thursday night. Wilson stepped up on both sides of the ball with some key receptions and an interception. The Whitney Wildcats engaged hyper-speed in the second quarter Thursday night to blast past the Teague Lions and claim the … Continue reading Whitney tops Teague, claims bi-district championship

View the November 16, 2022 issue

lakelander_1116_01Download lakelander_1116_02Download lakelander_1116_03Download lakelander_1116_04Download lakelander_1116_05Download lakelander_1116_06Download 1116 1116 Tacklebox November 16, 2022 tacklebox_1116_01Download tacklebox_1116_02Download tacklebox_1116_03Download tacklebox_1116_04Download tacklebox_1116_05Download tacklebox_1116_06Download

Veterans, public invited to local Veterans Day event

Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2022 Chaplain, Colonel Randy A. Marshall (Ret.), pastor of White Bluff Chapel, will be the featured speaker at Whitney’s celebration and "thank you" event for veterans and their families. Local auxiliary volunteer Marsha Riley will present the Blue Star Moms address. The public is invited to the Lake Whitney Senior … Continue reading Veterans, public invited to local Veterans Day event

“Food For Families”donations accepted

November 9, 2022 The annual Food For Families drive is scheduled for Friday, November 18, in Whitney and throughout the area.All November donations will be counted toward the Lake Whitney Food Bank's goal of 65,000 pounds, although the official campaign day is November 18. The Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance food bank operates completely through donations … Continue reading “Food For Families”donations accepted

Wildcats post shutout,prep for playoff match

Sports Writer: Brent Cook November 10, 2022 The Whitney Wildcats put an exclamation point on the 2022 football season Thursday night by blanking the Gateway Charter Academy Gators 42-0 in the final game of the regular season. With the win, the Wildcats posted an impressive 7-3 overall record that includes a 6-2 showing in District … Continue reading Wildcats post shutout,prep for playoff match

Bridge project underway at Lake Whitney

Editor: Shannon Cottongame November 10, 2022 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began a project last week to construct a new SH 174 bridge near Kimball Bend Park at Lake Whitney. TxDOT says the new bridge and approaches will enhance safety for bridge traffic, including wider shoulders after construction. The current bridge, constructed in 1950, … Continue reading Bridge project underway at Lake Whitney