Cedar Creek VFD to formalize new name July 4

The 2604 Volunteer Fire Department is announcing a new chapter in its history with an official department name change to Cedar Creek Volunteer Fire Department that took effect in December 2025. Along with the new name, the department unveiled a new logo that reflects its continued commitment to serving the community with professionalism, dedication and … Continue reading Cedar Creek VFD to formalize new name July 4

Two-vehicle crash on SH 171 claims six lives

A two-vehicle crash on State Highway 171 between Bynum and Malone resulted in the deaths of six people Saturday, June 20. According to Department of Public Safety Sergeant Ryan Howard, a passenger car that was northbound on SH 171 attempted to pass another vehicle and crashed into an approaching van. Both vehicles became fully engulfed … Continue reading Two-vehicle crash on SH 171 claims six lives

ESD 1 board meeting ends after resignations

The Hill County Emergency Services District (ESD) 1 meeting ended abruptly Thursday, June 18, after the resignation of three board members. ESD 1 President Greg Brown and Treasurer Chad Wilson announced their resignation prior to the meeting and were not in attendance. Shortly after the meeting began, commissioner Jimmy Johnson spoke in open forum and … Continue reading ESD 1 board meeting ends after resignations

Federal suit moves forward despite county reversal

The federal lawsuit filed against Hill County over its now-rescinded data center moratorium remains pending, County Attorney David Holmes said at a Hill County Commissioners Court meeting last week. Following an executive session during the Tuesday, June 9 meeting, Holmes told those in attendance that county officials had hoped rescinding the moratorium would lead to … Continue reading Federal suit moves forward despite county reversal

Texas A&M Forest Service issues grants to area VFDs

Texas A&M Forest Service recently approved $29.3 million in funding for grants to Texas volunteer fire departments through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Several local departments were among the recent awardees. In the fourth funding round of the year, the program awarded 531 grants addressing volunteer fire department requests for personal protective equipment, … Continue reading Texas A&M Forest Service issues grants to area VFDs

Comptroller releases June sales tax to cities, counties

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced last week that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.3 billion in local sales tax allocations for June, 7.4 percent more than in June 2025. The City of Whitney's June payment from the comptroller was $89,514, up about 1 percent compared to June 2025. … Continue reading Comptroller releases June sales tax to cities, counties

County rescinds data center moratorium

The Hill County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to rescind the county's one-year moratorium on new data center construction in a special meeting Thursday, June 4, but other proposals were approved in an effort to rein in large-scale development. The court originally approved the moratorium May 12 amid growing interest in data center development and increasing … Continue reading County rescinds data center moratorium

Pct. 3 commissioner’s resignation accepted

The Hill County Commissioners Court accepted the resignation of Precinct 3 Commissioner Scotty Hawkins during a special meeting Thursday, June 4. Hawkins did not cite a reason for his resignation, and he will continue to have obligations to fulfill until a new commissioner is in place. Hawkins, first elected in 2016, was in the middle … Continue reading Pct. 3 commissioner’s resignation accepted

Council hires officer, discusses VFD grants

The Whitney City Council approved hiring a new police officer and discussed grants the fire department received for new trucks during a special meeting Thursday, June 4. At the recommendation of Police Chief Joshua Scholes, the council voted to hire Joshua Presley, who previously worked as an officer in Maypearl and Red Oak. Prior to … Continue reading Council hires officer, discusses VFD grants

‘Smash & Dash’ vendor deadline is June 15

Whitney Fire Rescue will continue accepting vendor applications for its first annual Smash and Dash event through Monday, June 15. The downtown event, which includes a 5K, barbecue, kids' activities and vehicle demolition experience, will be held Saturday, June 27. The department is also accepting entrants for the 5K run, which will begin at 8 … Continue reading ‘Smash & Dash’ vendor deadline is June 15