Is Weatherford College free for Parker County residents?

Effectively yes if you're a graduating senior. The 'Promise' program covers full tuition + fees for any Parker County HS senior with a 2.0+ GPA. Books not included. Application due in March. weatherfordcollege.edu/promise.

What's happening with the Black Mountain data center near Weatherford?

A Fort Worth energy group has bought 2,000+ acres near Azle Highway and Pearson Ranch Road, but Weatherford has kept data centers out of its city limits — so it's a county and state matter, not a city one. Black Mountain, already building a large Fort Worth data center, is exploring a Parker County site about 7 miles northeast of downtown Weatherford. The Parker County Appraisal District values the land at more than $57 million. Weatherford declined to annex the property and, in January 2026, chose not to rezone to allow data centers — the city says they remain prohibited inside Weatherford. Because the site sits in unincorporated county land, the county and the TCEQ handle any approvals. Follow Commissioners Court agendas (2nd and 4th Mondays) and TCEQ air-permit notices to track it.

When does Parker County Commissioners Court meet, and how do I see the agenda?

Commissioners Court meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays at the historic courthouse, and agendas post online before each meeting. For county-level matters — roads, plats, tax items, the data-center watch — the Commissioners Court is the body to follow, and public comment is open. Pull the agenda from the county's online Agenda Center before you go.

City · Parker County

Weatherford · county seat

Population ~39,397 · Weatherford ISD

County seat · Peach capital

Kangaroos (Roos)

8,203

Students

TEA rating

94.6%

Grad rate

☕ Weatherford brief Thu, Jul 16

79° / 61° · isolated PM storms

Rain 35% · winds 15–20 SE

Commissioners court Mon 10am

Courthouse · agenda online · public comment open

Roos baseball vs Brock · 7pm

Live: KZEE 1220 · district 4-5A round 1

Peach festival downtown Saturday

Courthouse square 9am–4pm · live music + 60+ vendors

Local News

Weatherford Headlines

Sourced from the Weatherford Democrat, Fort Worth Star-Telegram & local outlets · Updated throughout the week

Weatherford College advances in regional play

The Coyotes moved deeper into the postseason. Full bracket and next-round details on the athletics site.

This week · Source: WC Athletics

Parker County dispatch team honored

County dispatchers recognized for service during the spring storm season at the Commissioners Court.

This week · Source: Weatherford Democrat

Air-quality update for Parker County

Latest county air-quality reading and what it means for outdoor activity this weekend.

Updated · Source: county monitor

🎓 Schools · Weatherford

Weatherford FFA sends six state-champion AgriScience projects to national judging

Weatherford FFA students competed with 14 projects at the state-level AgriScience Fair, conducting in-person interviews July 6 and learning results the following day, the Weatherford Democrat reports. Thirteen of the 14 projects placed in the state's top three; six earned state championships and advance to national judging, three were runners-up, four placed third and one placed fifth.

⚾ 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.

🍑 Community · Weatherford

41st Annual Parker County Peach Festival takes over downtown Weatherford this Saturday

The 41st Annual Parker County Peach Festival returns to historic downtown Weatherford on Saturday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Weatherford Democrat reports. Organizers say more than 200 arts, crafts, food and activity booths will be open, along with two entertainment stages and two children’s areas, plus a ‘42’ domino tournament, a Peach Food Competition and the annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride. The Peach Food Competition — presented by Holland Lake Rehabilitation and Wellness — is open to cooks of all ages across categories from cobblers and pies to salsa, jams and ice cream; every entry must include peaches, entries are $5 each (max two per person, one per category), and drop-off is Friday, July 10 from 4–6 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church. The 38th Annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride starts early Saturday from Weatherford High School, with a 61-mile route at 7:30 a.m., 38 miles at 7:45 a.m. and 28- and 8-mile routes at 8 a.m.; rider fees range from $25 to $75, with tandem rides available.

🏛️ 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.

From across Parker County

🐴 Animal Health · Parker County

State officials confirm equine herpes (EHM) case in a Parker County donkey

The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed a case of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy — the neurologic disease linked to equine herpesvirus — in a weanling donkey at a Parker County horse rescue on June 24, according to an Equine Disease Communication Center report. Clinical signs began June 17 with extreme lethargy and labored breathing, followed by fever, an elevated heart rate, diarrhea and discolored areas of the mouth; the donkey was eventually euthanized. TAHC said epidemiological investigations indicate the exposure does not involve large equine events such as rodeos, and that staff are working with the owner and veterinarians; exposed animal owners have been notified and placed under a hold order until further assessment. The agency noted EHM, a potentially fatal disease, saw an outbreak in November after it was found in a Texas quarter horse that had competed at a rodeo in Waco. Thirty EHM cases with neurological signs have been recorded in Texas, with twelve confirmed in Oklahoma and additional cases reported in Louisiana, South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington. Officials urged equine owners to practice strong biosecurity, monitor their animals closely and consult a veterinarian immediately if signs appear.

🏆 Sports · State Championship

Robinson defeats Brock 3–1 to win first state baseball title in program history

Robinson defeated Brock 3–1 Friday at Dell Diamond in Round Rock to claim the Rockets' first-ever state baseball championship in the Class 4A Division II final. Brock strung together 10 hits but stranded 10 base runners. Robinson's Caden Coe was named game MVP after a two-RBI single in the fifth inning provided the decisive margin. Brock pitcher Weston Pickard had a no-hitter through four innings before Brock took a 1-1 tie in the fourth on an RBI double. Source: Sports Illustrated High School · kcentv.com · Published 2026-06-05

🪦 History · Parker County

Texas Historical Commission marker unveiled at Parker County's 1869 Dicey Cemetery

A Texas Historical Commission marker was unveiled at Dicey Cemetery, a Parker County pioneer burial ground established in 1869. Nearly 100 supporters attended the dedication ceremony. Parker County Historical Commission President Teri Hubbard unveiled the marker; Dicey Cemetery Association President Mark Woolsey also spoke. The marker was provided through the THC's Undertold Stories Program, which funds applications documenting significant local stories from across Texas. The cemetery application was submitted in 2023 and selected for the program that year. Sources: Weatherford Democrat · Springtown Epigraph · Azle News.

All Weatherford + Parker County stories →

Around Town

Notices, Events & What's Open

City notices, things to do, and new businesses around Weatherford · Updated weekly

City Notice

Main Street Repaving

TxDOT repaving Main St. from the square to Fort Worth Hwy. Lane closures weekday mornings through mid-June. Use Palo Pinto St.

Posted May 5, 2026

Event

Peach Festival — Save the Date

The Parker County Peach Festival returns to the Civic Center grounds July 18–19. Vendor applications at weatherfordtexas.org.

Posted Apr 28, 2026

City Notice

Water Conservation Stage 1

Weatherford is in Stage 1 voluntary conservation. Residents asked to water on alternate days. Guidelines at ci.weatherford.tx.us.

Posted May 3, 2026

Event

Downtown First Friday

First Friday each month, 6–9 PM on the square. Local artists, live music on the courthouse steps, late hours downtown. Free.

Monthly

New Business

Lone Star Chiropractic Opens

New practice at 1240 Fort Worth Hwy. Accepting new patients, most insurance.

Posted May 1, 2026

Known for

County seat since 1858
Peach Festival
Weatherford College
Roo athletics

Neighborhoods

Downtown courthouse square
FM 1187 corridor
Old Town

The Story of Weatherford

Weatherford has been the heart of Parker County since before the county even existed. In 1854 the Methodist minister Pleasant Tackett led fifteen pioneer families into a settlement they called Goshen. When the Texas Legislature created Parker County in 1855–56 — through the work of State Representative Isaac Parker and State Senator Thomas Jefferson Weatherford — the new county seat was named in the senator's honor.

The town grew into a frontier trading and cattle center, and the arrival of the railroad in June 1880 cemented its place as the commercial hub of the region. The handsome Santa Fe Depot, built in 1908, still anchors the historic downtown.

Parker County's rolling land proved ideal for orchards, and its growers became famous for what many call the biggest, sweetest peaches in Texas — earning Weatherford and Parker County the official title of Peach Capital of Texas from the Legislature in 1991, celebrated every summer at the Parker County Peach Festival on the courthouse square.

Today Weatherford remains the county seat and its largest city, home to Weatherford College and the Weatherford Kangaroos — the 'Roos — whose mascot dates back to 1924.

Sources: Texas State Historical Association, Handbook of Texas; City of Weatherford.

🗓️ Coming this week Full calendar →

THU

Springtown City Council

7pm · agenda online

MON

Willow Park City Council

6pm · agenda online

TUE

Aledo City Council

7pm · agenda online

TUE

Hudson Oaks City Council

6:30pm · agenda online

TUE

Reno City Council

7pm · agenda online

WED

Azle ISD Board of Trustees

7pm · agenda online

MON

Parker County Commissioners Court

10am · agenda online

MON

Aledo ISD Board of Trustees

6pm · agenda online

MON

Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees

6pm · agenda online

MON

Springtown ISD Board of Trustees

6:30pm · agenda online

MON

Mineral Wells ISD Board of Trustees

6pm · agenda online

MON

Brock ISD Board of Trustees

7pm · agenda online

MON

Peaster ISD Board of Trustees

7pm · agenda online

MON

Poolville ISD Board of Trustees

7pm · agenda online

TUE

Mineral Wells City Council

6:30pm · agenda online

🎈 Kids Trading Post · Weatherford 98 activities →

Storytime, classes, camps, leagues, and open-play in Weatherford, sourced from libraries and partner orgs. Updated nightly · no manual data entry.

See all 98 kid activities →

Sports

Weatherford Kangaroos

Weatherford ISD · ~2,600 enrollment · Blue & Gold · Source: UIL Texas, MaxPreps, Weatherford Democrat

Fri · 7:00 PM · Kangaroo Stadium. Gates 6 PM.

Following Fri · 7:00 PM · district play.

New district opponent beginning the 2026–2028 realignment.

*Aledo moves to 6A with the 2026–2028 realignment. Full county sports hub → parkercountydesk.com/sports · Coaches: submit a score to tips@parkercountydesk.com

⭐ Game of the week

Aledo Bearcats — district football

🏈 District football · See schedule

Aledo brings the most successful Texas HS football program (12 state titles, most in state history) into every district matchup. See the live schedule + ticket info on the official Aledo Athletics site.

📍 WhereSee schedule

📻 Radio

📺 Stream

📈 Line

🌤️ Weather

📜 On this day in Parker County sports

1998

🏈 Aledo Bearcats win their first UIL state football championship (Class 3A) — the start of a dynasty that would grow to a Texas-record 12 state titles.

2009

🏈 Aledo opens a run of three straight 4A Division II state titles (2009–2011) — the program's first three-peat under the Bearcat dynasty.

2018

🏈 Aledo Bearcats finished the season 16-0, claiming their 9th state football title (now 12 total — most in Texas high-school history).

2020

🏈 Aledo completes a second three-peat (2018–2020) with another 5A Division II state football championship.

2023

🏈 Aledo claims its 12th state football championship (51-8 over College Station) — extending the Texas record for most state titles by any program.

📻 Radio guide

Aledo Bearcats football

92.1 Hank FM (KTFW-FM, Glen Rose) — flagship radio home for Aledo football

Kevin Lonnquist (play-by-play, 20+ yrs), with Kyle Hix and Mercedes Myer

Aledo Bearcats football (video stream)

Aledo Sports Network / aledoisdathletics.com/broadcasts (official ISD stream)

Aledo ISD Athletics broadcast

Weatherford Kangaroos football

Hudl Fan + NFHS Network (weatherfordisdkangaroos.com/broadcasts)

Weatherford ISD Athletics broadcast

Springtown Porcupines football

NFHS Network (nfhsnetwork.com — Springtown HS)

NFHS Network stream

🏆 UIL playoff bracket

No active Parker County UIL playoff bracket on the desk. Populates when a Parker County team is in a UIL playoff round (football, basketball, baseball/softball, volleyball). Source: UIL playoff records.

Activities

Things to do in Weatherford

Kids, library, sports, fitness, classes, camps, open play — sourced from libraries, parks, and partner orgs across Weatherford.

story-time