🏛️ Civic · Parker County · Civic · Parker County
Parker County commissioners adopted a resolution opposing open-loop data centers and stated the county will not offer tax abatements to data centers, capping a roughly 180-minute special meeting Tuesday, June 9, that drew a standing-room-only crowd to the downtown Weatherford courthouse. The single-item agenda was set aside for public input; resident after resident voiced opposition over water, land and pollution concerns, with one landowner urging the court to call it 'overwhelming rage by the citizens of Parker County.' The meeting followed news that an energy company had purchased a large tract off Pearson Ranch Road with potential data-center plans. County Attorney John Forrest outlined the county's limited authority and pointed to litigation in nearby counties — Hill County faces a $100 million lawsuit after passing (then trying to rescind) a moratorium, and Hood County denied a related plat. Forrest said Parker County has adopted a checklist of existing authorities — fire and safety review, floodplain permitting, sewage-facility oversight and health and safety — that it will enforce. Representatives from the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and the Texas Public Utility Commission addressed water and electricity demand, and officials said they would look into hosting a future evening meeting so daytime workers could attend. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11
Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11
💼 Business · Willow Park
Willow Park designated a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community
Willow Park has been designated a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Film Commission, part of the Office of the Governor's Economic Development & Tourism division, after completing the program's multi-step training and certification process, according to the Governor's Office and the Weatherford Democrat. The designation adds Willow Park to a statewide network of more than 200 certified communities that receive ongoing training on media-industry standards and best practices for accommodating on-location filming. City Manager Toni Fisher said the recognition affirms Willow Park is “full of opportunity for our residents and businesses, and now, filmmakers,” while State Sen. Phil King said the city is “ready to welcome new opportunities in media production and investment.”
⚾ Sports · Weatherford
Former Weatherford College pitcher Ryne Rodriguez drafted by the Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected former Weatherford College left-handed pitcher Ryne Rodriguez in the 14th round of the 2026 MLB Draft (433rd overall) Sunday, the Weatherford Democrat reports. Rodriguez, a Fort Worth native, was an all-star on the mound for WC and was named the 2023 NJCAA National Pitcher of the Year during the Coyotes' World Series run, before transferring to Ole Miss for two seasons and then the University of Houston for his senior year, where he posted a 4.39 ERA across 55.1 innings with 57 strikeouts in 21 appearances.
🏛️ Civic · Mineral Wells
Mineral Wells council overhauls dangerous-buildings ordinance, shifts final call to council
The Mineral Wells City Council passed an ordinance July 7 amending Chapter 26 of the city code covering dangerous buildings and structures, according to the city's published public notice. The change establishes a board of city staff to make initial determinations and issue notices, eliminates the prior building and standards commission, and requires that final decisions and abatement orders be made by the city council itself. It also updates the definition of a dangerous building and other outdated language, and sets a penalty of up to $2,000 for violations.
🎮 Sports · Springtown
Springtown High esports teams advance to nationals after strong state finishes
Springtown High School's esports program advanced two teams to national competition in Orlando, Florida, following the 2026 Texas Esports Scholastic Federation season, the Springtown Epigraph reports. The Fortnite duo of Bowdie Cantrell and Gabriel Ruvalcaba placed second in the state among 64 competing teams, while the Apex Legends trio of Brayden Arnold, Caden Rodgers and Burton Bark finished fourth at state.
🚨 Public Safety · Springtown
Springtown police receive $27,299 grant for school-safety protective shields
The Springtown Police Department received $27,299.95 in grant funding from the Law Enforcement Charitable Foundation, in partnership with RTS Tactical, to buy full-body protective shields giving officers more coverage during emergency responses at the department's seven Springtown schools, the Springtown Epigraph reports. Foundation president Drew Dorans said the group focuses on supporting smaller, local police departments that may have limited access to funding.
🚁 Public Safety · Springtown
Helicopter crash near Springtown leaves one hospitalized in stable condition
A helicopter went down Friday, July 3 near Kezer's Air Ranch, a small private airstrip near the intersection of Knob and McVoid roads outside Springtown, the Springtown Epigraph reports. Texas DPS Sgt. Lockridge said the aircraft had landed and was repositioning for refueling when a rotor blade struck a tree; Parker County ESD No. 1 Chief Stephen Watson said one person aboard was taken to a hospital in stable condition and firefighters helped control a fuel leak. No other injuries were reported, and the FAA will investigate the cause.
🚨 Public Safety · Aledo
Aledo issues boil water notice after major water main break on Bailey Ranch Road
The City of Aledo issued a boil water notice July 8 after a major water main break caused a loss of water along Bailey Ranch Road near Champions Drive, with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requiring the city’s public water system to direct residents in the mapped affected area to boil tap water for at least two minutes before drinking, cooking or brushing teeth — or use bottled water instead — until further notice, the city said. Aledo submitted water samples for testing July 9, with results expected within two business days, and said it will notify residents once the water is confirmed safe and the notice is rescinded. As of the city’s July 9 update, the affected area remained under the boil water notice.
🏛️ Civic · Springtown
Springtown council defers Zoning Board of Adjustment split, advances Crystal Clean replat and drainage-review RFQ
The Springtown City Council, meeting June 25, deferred Planning & Zoning Commission applicant interviews and appointments to its July meeting to allow more time to recruit applicants, then adopted a compromise structure for a future Zoning Board of Adjustment that will be separate from the council but initially drawn from current P&Z commissioners, the city said. Council also approved a roughly 22-acre replat tied to the Crystal Clean expansion south of Scroggins Road, authorized staff to begin contract talks with the top-ranked firm for new lot-grading and drainage-plan review services, and approved a resolution to bury a Semiquincentennial time capsule at the July 4 Star-Spangled Bash, sealed until 2076. Parker County Commissioner Larry Walden and other representatives gave an informational-only presentation on a proposed regional Public Utility Agency for long-term water planning, and the council discussed neighbor drainage disputes without changing any ordinance, opting to seek City Attorney guidance and consider resident education materials instead.
🏛️ Civic · Parker County
Parker County commissioners reaffirm opposition to data centers at packed evening meeting; state lawmaker floats a special-purpose commission as a possible tool
At a special evening meeting Tuesday, June 30, Parker County commissioners told a frustrated crowd that county government has little authority to regulate data centers on private property in unincorporated areas, according to the Weatherford Democrat. A fact sheet distributed before the meeting emphasized those limits; commissioners noted the court had already adopted a resolution opposing open-loop data centers and stated the county will not offer tax abatements to such facilities. Concern followed a company's purchase of about 2,000 acres near Pearson Ranch Road, though officials said no data center has been confirmed. State Rep. Mike Olcott, the only Austin lawmaker present, said the county is weighing a '391 commission' agreement as a possible tool to slow development, while cautioning it is not a guarantee and that the Legislature does not reconvene until January. Precinct 4 Commissioner Dave Eagle suggested residents organize a coalition and pursue civil 'anticipatory nuisance' claims recognized in some other states. Commissioners and residents again raised water- and electricity-demand concerns, and officials urged residents to contact their state representatives. The paper reported Gov. Greg Abbott this week called for a ban on data-center developments in rural neighborhoods. The full meeting recording is available at parkercountytx.gov.
🚨 Public Safety · Parker County
Parker County Sheriff’s Office confirms three dogs tested positive for rabies, urges residents to update pet vaccinations
The Parker County Sheriff’s Office said it was notified June 29 that three dogs picked up by a good Samaritan near the 1100 block of Baker Road on June 21 later tested positive for rabies, according to the agency. The dogs had been taken to the Pet Hospital of Granbury for a routine check when one began showing symptoms during a quarantine period; a veterinarian examined and tested the animals, and all three have since been humanely euthanized. PCSO said it shared a photo of the dogs to alert anyone who may have had direct contact, and it is urging residents to keep pets current on rabies vaccinations, avoid handling unfamiliar or stray animals and wildlife, report animals acting unusually, and seek immediate medical attention after any potential rabies exposure.
🏛️ Civic · Parker County
Parker County sets July 13 public hearing on Thomas Len Estates re-plat in Precinct 1
The Parker County Commissioners' Court will hold a public hearing Monday, July 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. on the first floor of the Main Courthouse at One Courthouse Square in Weatherford to consider a re-plat of the Thomas Len Estates subdivision in Precinct 1, according to the county's published notice. The application asks the court to replat Lots 1–3, Block 5 of Thomas Len Estates — located on Neal Road — into two lots, to be known as Lot 1R and Lot 2R, Block 5. The court may consider, discuss and/or act on the request at the hearing.
🏛️ Civic · Parker County
Parker County to weigh eastbound-only traffic on W Baggett and Holland avenues at July 13 hearing
The Parker County Commissioners' Court will hold a public hearing Monday, July 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. on the first floor of the Main Courthouse in Weatherford to take public comment on restricting two county roads to one-way, eastbound-only traffic, according to the county's published notice. The proposal would limit traffic to eastbound only on W Baggett Avenue — about 0.2 miles from College Street to FM 920 — and on Holland Avenue, roughly 0.18 miles along the same College Street–to–FM 920 stretch. The county says the hearing is being held under Section 251.152 of the Texas Transportation Code, and public input on the proposed traffic change is encouraged.
🏛️ Civic · Weatherford
Weatherford City Council adopts electric-utility franchise and two Tower Street rezonings in June 23 ordinance slate
The Weatherford City Council adopted four ordinances at its June 23, 2026 meeting, according to the city's published ordinance notice. Ordinance O2026-19 grants Tri-County Electric Cooperative the right to operate an electric utility in the areas of Weatherford it is entitled to serve, including the use of city streets, alleys and other rights-of-way, in exchange for a franchise fee paid to the city in lieu of other charges. Ordinance O2026-21 rezones roughly 0.226 acres at 114 S. Tower St. from C1 general commercial to R1 one-family residential, and O2026-22 rezones about 0.459 acres at 202 S. Tower St. the same way. The council also adopted O2026-20, adding a conditional use permit for hotel/motel use on a 0.517-acre tract at 117 College Ave. in the Central Business District (previously reported). For more information the notice directs residents to the City Secretary at City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto St.
🏛️ Civic · Parker County
Parker County commissioners set Tuesday evening meeting on data centers; debate whether to make night sessions routine
Parker County commissioners will hold an evening meeting Tuesday, June 30, at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Weatherford Ninth Grade Center campus, opening the floor to community speakers on data centers. The session follows public concern after a company bought hundreds of acres north of Lake Weatherford last month with unspecified plans; no data center has been confirmed in the area. At their Monday meeting, commissioners debated whether to make evening sessions a regular option. Precinct 2 Commissioner Jacob Holt, who proposed holding one evening meeting a month on a temporary basis for high-profile topics, said residents had asked for a monthly night session so working taxpayers could attend and speak. Precinct 1 Commissioner George Conley objected, noting the county spent heavily to stream daytime meetings on TV and would have to pay staff and officers to work nights. Precinct 3 Commissioner Larry Walden said an earlier attempt at evening meetings was dropped years ago over cost and because attendance faded once the issue that prompted them died down. Holt asked Human Resources Director Becky McCullough to price staffing one roughly four-hour evening meeting a month; no action was taken Monday. County Judge Pat Deen confirmed Doug Shaw of the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District will attend, and the meeting can be livestreamed at parkercountytx.gov.
🏫 Schools · Aledo
Moritz Dealerships gift to fund new digital scoreboards in Aledo High School gym
Moritz Dealerships is partnering with Aledo ISD on a leadership gift to install new digital scoreboards in the 25-year-old Aledo High School gymnasium. The effort began when Bearcat basketball parents April Isbell and Kyle Edginton — the latter newly arrived as chief development officer at the Cook Children's Health Foundation — admired an opposing team's digital media board, and Edginton offered to help; a single call to longtime district supporter Moritz Dealerships secured a yes from managing partners Matt Ducote and Jim Hardick. The project will outfit the main gym with a new double-sided, center-hung structure featuring two 20-foot-by-7-foot digital displays plus two additional 12-foot-by-7-foot wall displays and the control systems to run them, and includes removing and disposing of the existing scoreboards. Aledo High School was built in 2001 and the gym has seen little improvement since, Superintendent Dr. Susan Bohn said. The district is contributing $10,000 toward the work, which has already begun and is expected to be finished in time for the all-staff Welcome Back event in early August and the first varsity home volleyball game in mid-August.
🏛️ Civic · Willow Park
Willow Park weighs $6 million tax note to fix Squaw Creek Road and other streets
The Willow Park City Council on Tuesday discussed financing street repairs through a tax note — a short-term loan — that Councilman Eric Contreras said could reach up to $6 million on a seven-year repayment plan at about $1.06 million a year, with a 4.65% interest rate quoted that night (higher than it would have been in February). Contreras said the money could focus first on Squaw Creek Road, which needs surface repair and has an ongoing water leak from a 40-foot pipeline break — the third recent disruption below the north-south artery between neighborhoods and Squaw Creek Golf Course. Public Works Director Chase McBride said the funds could go only to existing roads, not new development, and that engineering for Squaw Creek Road was already complete, making it shovel-ready. A Hilltop Securities consultant said the city's existing debt payments decline from $2.1 million this year to $1.6 million in the fiscal year beginning in October. The council also discussed rising legal costs from an annexation lawsuit brought by neighboring Aledo and Fort Worth; Mayor Teresa Palmer said the June legal-fees payment was $49,878, with $322,000 total against a $100,000 annual budget line item.
🏗️ Development · Weatherford
Weatherford council renews permit for downtown container-style Middleton Hotel
The Weatherford City Council on Tuesday unanimously renewed a conditional use permit for the Middleton Hotel, a container-style boutique hotel planned for downtown, after the original CUP expired. The latest proposal is for a 14-room hotel — two fewer than previously listed — with a larger courtyard, an 8-by-20-foot pool, matching structures and landscaping; applicant Matt Hughes said the team had to reapply after the original project's scope more than doubled. The shipping containers would be screened with exterior insulation or a stucco-type finish and painted to comply with the zoning ordinance, with no murals or artwork on the exterior. The project is headed by ATH Hotel Group, LLC, which created the Middleton Hotel in Graham; under the permit the structure must be removed if the hotel ceases operating for 180 days or more, and the CUP is void if the project isn't completed within 18 months. In the same meeting, the council gave assent for Parker County Judge Pat Deen's reappointment to the North Central Texas Council of Governments, with Wise County Judge JD Clark as an alternate.
🚓 Public Safety · Weatherford
Weatherford officer, family of three honored for Lake Weatherford rescue
Weatherford Police Chief Jason Hayes presented commendations Tuesday to Officer Cody Adkins (the Chief's Commendation) and to Andrew, Mallory and Ayla Pritchett (Citizenship Awards). The honors stemmed from a March incident at Lake Weatherford, when three people became stranded about 300 yards from shore in a sinking inflatable raft. Hayes said the three had been in the water nearly an hour and were exhausted; none were wearing life jackets and water temperatures were in the 50s. Andrew Pritchett heard cries for help, gathered his personal kayaks and launched toward the victims; his wife, Mallory, joined with her kayak, and the two reached the trio, stabilized them and kept them afloat while their daughter, Ayla, assisted from shore with life preservers and directions for first responders. Adkins arrived and used Mallory's kayak to paddle more than 100 yards out, helping bring all three back to shore safely. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-24
🏀 Sports · Parker County
All-Weatherford Democrat basketball Co-MVPs Eli Paez, Kamryn McDonald announce next stops
The 2026 All-Weatherford Democrat basketball Co-MVPs — Brock's Eli Paez and Weatherford's Kamryn McDonald — have decided where they will play next. McDonald, who moved to Weatherford midway through his junior year and averaged 17 points, three assists, five rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.7 blocks as a senior, committed Wednesday to the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, an NCAA Division III program in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference coached by Nate Williams. Paez — the District 6-4A Co-MVP and a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region/All-State selection who averaged 18.8 points as a junior and has already passed 1,000 career points — will leave Brock before his senior year after committing in early June to Dynamic Prep High School in Carrollton on a full scholarship, where he is set to play alongside Marcus Spears Jr. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Armando Lutz) · Published 2026-06-18
🚧 PUBLIC WORKS · SPRINGTOWN
The City of Springtown is responding to a break in a major sewer transmission line located south of Walnut Creek Drive and west of Williams-Ward Drive, the city announced Thursday, June 11. Public Works crews are on site working to isolate the damaged section, establish a temporary bypass, and complete repairs as quickly as possible. The city says it is taking remediation measures to minimize impacts to Walnut Creek and protect the surrounding environment, and is coordinating with the appropriate regulatory agencies while monitoring conditions throughout the repair. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Source: City of Springtown · Published 2026-06-11
🏛️ Civic · Willow Park
Willow Park names Toni Fisher city manager, moves to keep out data centers, weighs countywide water agency
The Willow Park City Council named Interim City Manager Toni Fisher as the city's permanent city manager at its Tuesday, June 9 meeting, and directed staff toward a data-center zoning ordinance. 'Willow Park is not a place for data centers — never have, never will,' Councilman Scott Smith said, referencing a complex proposed off Farm-to-Market 1187 at the city's edge. The city currently does not address data centers in its zoning rules; Councilman Eric Contreras' motion asked staff to write an ordinance broadly covering large water users and to work with developer Robert Beall — who plans to develop 318 acres he wants annexed into the city — to drop 'data centers' from his plan. The council also heard a county-led pitch for 13 cities and water suppliers to form a Public Utility Agency, essentially a countywide water department; Freese & Nichols engineer Andrew Franko said the agency would not be a taxing entity but would be funded by members based on population, with mid-size cities like Willow Park asked to contribute about $20,000 toward an anticipated $350,000 annual budget (the county would put in $100,000 and Weatherford $50,000), and water delivery estimated five to six years out. Separately, the council directed Fisher to negotiate a renewal of the city's interlocal road-work agreement with Parker County, which expired in April; Public Works Director Chase McBride cautioned the county's help will be more limited next year. Fisher reported the city holds about $3.9 million in reserves. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11
🏛️ Civic · Weatherford
Weatherford moves to end downtown facade improvement grant after 27 projects, $650K since 2021
The City of Weatherford is discontinuing its downtown Facade Improvement Grant Program, which since 2021 has awarded 27 grants totaling more than $650,000. Assistant City Manager Chad Marbut said the program has achieved its goal, with private reinvestment now happening organically without grant incentives; seven grants worth a combined $191,000 were awarded this budget year, leaving about $9,000. Mayor Paul Paschall said the program had generated more complaints than thanks despite repeated adjustments to its rules and guidelines, and that he favored terminating it to 'see what investors in downtown do with their own dollars,' noting the city has redone three of the four downtown quadrants. Some downtown property owners, including resident Jackie Fowler who has worked on multiple downtown buildings, argued the program remains vital for kick-starting larger, more expensive projects. Marbut noted other incentives remain available to business owners, including a Chapter 380 agreement. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11
🥎 Sports · Parker County
Brock's Ali Coleman headlines 2026 All-Weatherford Democrat softball team
The Weatherford Democrat has named its 2026 All-Area softball team, honoring standout players from across Parker County. Brock's Ali Coleman was selected Most Valuable Player, Peaster's Selah Salmons was named Offensive Player of the Year, and Weatherford's Kyndall Jones was tabbed Pitcher of the Year. Aledo's Delaney Rosser and Weatherford's Cassara Perdue shared Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, while Aledo's Breleigh Mayer and Millsap's Ellee Baker were named co-Catchers of the Year. Aledo's Tempe Perry earned Utility Player of the Year, and Mineral Wells' Rylan Tarver and Brock's Jayci Smith were co-Newcomers of the Year. Weatherford's Jessica Pauls was named Coach of the Year, and the Aledo Ladycats and Brock Lady Eagles were co-Teams of the Year. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Armando Lutz) · Published 2026-06-13
🏛️ County · Parker County
Storm-damaged? Property owners can apply for a temporary disaster tax exemption — deadline Aug. 10
Property owners whose homes, businesses, or other improvements sustained significant damage in the April 2026 severe storms may qualify for a Temporary Disaster Damage Exemption through the Parker County Appraisal District, the City of Springtown announced June 9. Authorized under Texas Tax Code Section 11.35, the exemption gives a partial, temporary reduction in the taxable value of damaged improvements; the amount scales with the extent of damage. To qualify, a property must be in the designated disaster area and have at least 15% damage to improvements, documented with evidence such as insurance adjuster reports, contractor estimates, engineering assessments, or photographs. Applications (Comptroller Form 50-312) must be received by Aug. 10, 2026, and go directly to PCAD at disaster@parkercad.org. Source: City of Springtown / Parker County Appraisal District · Published 2026-06-09
🏛️ Civic · Springtown
Springtown seeks Planning & Zoning Commission volunteers — apply by June 18
The City of Springtown is accepting applications for volunteer members of its Planning & Zoning Commission, which advises the City Council on zoning requests, subdivision plats, land use and development proposals, and comprehensive planning. Applicants must be Springtown residents willing to serve a two-year term, attend meetings, and review agenda materials in advance; the city provides required training. Applications are due Thursday, June 18, 2026, with City Council interviews conducted immediately before the June 25 council meeting, typically beginning around 6 p.m. Apply online at cityofspringtown.civicweb.net. Source: City of Springtown · Deadline 2026-06-18
🏆 SPORTS · STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Aledo Bearcats repeat as UIL 5A Div. I state baseball champions — defeat Lake Creek 3–1
The Aledo Bearcats are back-to-back UIL Class 5A Division I state baseball champions after defeating Montgomery Lake Creek 3–1 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock early Saturday morning, June 6. The title game was delayed more than two hours by lightning before Aledo held on. Pitcher Lucas Nawrocki was named the game's Most Valuable Player after throwing 4.1 innings and allowing no hits. Gareth Love entered in the final inning and struck out the last batter to seal the win. Aledo scored twice in the second inning to take an early lead, added a run in the fourth, and withstood a Lake Creek threat in the sixth that closed the gap to 2–1 before Nawrocki drove home an insurance run. It is the Bearcats' second consecutive state title. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Armando Lutz) · Published 2026-06-06
🏛️ Schools · Weatherford ISD
WISD retires its oldest bond early, saving $1.6M — and approves 2.5% raises
Weatherford ISD trustees voted Monday to retool a nearly $2.8 million 2002 bond debt so the district's oldest obligation is repaid by early 2029 instead of 2033. The 'defeasance' move erases four years from the bond's life and saves about $1.6 million, Hilltop Securities consultant Jeff Roberts told the board — crediting similar fiscal moves with roughly $27.7 million in savings over the past 14–15 years. Trustees also approved a 2.5% payroll increase for next fall, estimated at just under $1.7 million; payroll stands at $99.4 million including benefits before the raise. CFO Patricia Melendez reported reserves running about two weeks above the recommended three months. Property-value certification arrives July 25, and an Aug. 10 budget workshop sets the stage for public hearings on the proposed tax rate and budget. Last year's rate was $1.0342 per $100 valuation. Source: Weatherford Democrat · Published 2026-06-09
🏗️ Civic · Infrastructure
Hudson Oaks launches $14M North Oakridge Drive expansion — three phases through late summer
Hudson Oaks has begun a $14 million improvement project on North Oakridge Drive, with construction targeted to start in June and finish late summer 2026. The project widens the corridor to three cement lanes with a turn lane across three phases: Phase 1 from the Walgreens north to Garner Road; Phase 2 past Red Eagle Trail and Suzanne Trail, where a roundabout will be installed; and Phase 3 extending to Mary Martin Elementary near Silverstone Drive, timed during summer break to minimize school disruption. Source: The Community News.
🏫 Schools · Weatherford ISD
Weatherford ISD names Dr. Sean Scott new superintendent; transition began June 1
The Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees has hired Dr. Sean Scott as its new superintendent, replacing retiring Superintendent Dr. Beau Rees. Scott previously served as Deputy Superintendent for Mansfield ISD and brings more than 25 years of Texas public education experience as a teacher, coach, principal, and district administrator. He began his transition in the district on June 1. Source: Weatherford Democrat.
🏛️ Civic · County Government
Parker County Commissioners Court to hold special session on data centers, June 9
Parker County has scheduled a Special Session of Commissioners Court specifically to discuss data center development, set for Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse on the Square, 1 Courthouse Square, Weatherford. The county previously took no action on the Black Mountain data center proposal near Lake Weatherford at its May meeting; this special session signals continued public deliberation on the issue. The official agenda is posted at parkercountytx.gov. Source: Parker County News Flash (parkercountytx.gov), posted June 3, 2026.
🏛️ Civic · Development
Weatherford moving ahead on Lake Weatherford public beach and new Lake Trail
The City of Weatherford announced it is moving forward with major improvements at Lake Weatherford. Planned lakefront work includes a new public beach with restored sand, a block seawall, a restroom building, two pavilions, three beach palapas, and two regulation sand volleyball courts; the public beach and restrooms will be free to use, while the pavilions, palapas, and courts will be first-come, first-served unless reserved. The city is also advancing a Lake Trail Project in two phases — Phase 1, a 10-foot-wide hike-and-bike trail, targeted for completion in spring 2027, and Phase 2, extending the trail across the dam to East Lake Drive, targeted for summer 2029. Beach construction is planned to begin after the summer season, with completion targeted for Spring Break 2027. The projects were identified in the city's General Plan and Parks Master Plan. Parks, Recreation, and Special Events Director Jaycob Kirkpatrick said the improvements are about making the lake easier for everyone to enjoy. Source: City of Weatherford (official news release, posted May 28, 2026).
🏛️ Civic · Storm Recovery
Parker County Commissioners allocate $4 million from Rainy Day Fund for tornado disaster recovery
On May 4, the Parker County Commissioners Court voted to allocate $4 million from the county's fund balance — its 'Rainy Day Fund' — for immediate disaster recovery, formally upholding County Judge Pat Deen's Local Disaster Declaration issued after the late-April storms. The allocation represents approximately 12.5% of the remaining fund balance. The primary use is removal of construction debris (collapsed structures, damaged roofing materials) — state disaster programs do not fund construction-debris removal on private property, so the county is filling that gap. Judge Pat Deen: 'When the state could not step up in this specific area, the Parker County Commissioners Court led the way... Our priority is our residents.' Sources: Weatherford Democrat, The Azle News / Springtown Epigraph, Yahoo News.
⚖️ Courts · Public Record
Parker County grand jury returns indictments on May 7 — 9 area residents named in public record
A Parker County grand jury met May 7 in Weatherford to consider evidence in criminal cases presented by the Parker County District Attorney's office, returning indictments against nine area residents from Azle and Springtown. An indictment is a formal accusation, not a conviction — each named individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Springtown residents indicted: Brandon Eli Brown (43), theft of property under $2,500 with two or more previous convictions (state jail felony); Mary Vallie Brown (56), same theft charge (state jail felony); Randy Alan Hackney (68), collision involving injury (state jail felony); Kyle Andrew Langeberg (39), illegal dumping over 1,000 pounds or 200 cubic feet (state jail felony); Gayla Lynn Gibson (52), possession of a controlled substance in penalty group 1/1-B under 1 gram (state jail felony) plus prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility (third-degree felony); Brendon Lee Trammel (37), possession of a controlled substance in penalty group 2 under 1 gram (state jail felony). Azle residents indicted: Jesus Lozano (35), fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, between 5 and 10 items (third-degree felony); Randy Hanna McBrayer (67), manufacture and/or delivery of a controlled substance in penalty group 1, 4–200 grams (first-degree felony); Sherry Andrews McBrayer (63), two counts of the same first-degree felony charge. Source: The Azle News / Springtown Epigraph (Tri-County Reporter), staff report dated May 19.
🏥 Civic · Higher Ed
WC Coyote Care Center reports growing demand at May board update
The Weatherford College Board of Trustees received an update on the Coyote Care Center at its May board meeting. The center includes medical and counseling services. Nancy Shelton, RN, runs the medical side under a telemedicine agreement with the Parker County Hospital District — treating 30 to 40 patients per month, typically for upper-respiratory illness, allergies, colds, flu, and strep. Source: The Community News.
⛈️ Storm Recovery
Mineral Wells releases tornado damage tally after Tuesday-night storm
Mineral Wells officials released an official damage tally following the EF-3 tornado: 140 properties impacted, 82 of those residences; no fatalities and five injuries (all expected to recover) within city limits. Fire Chief Ryan Dunn estimated cleanup will take roughly a year with rebuilding taking longer; Mayor Reagan Johnson credited the community response. NWS upgraded the storm to EF-3 with winds near 140 mph. Sources: City of Mineral Wells, NWS Fort Worth, CBS Texas, Spectrum News, NBC 5 DFW, FOX 4.