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Stonewall Commissioner Gerry Messick reviews the county’s budget as the county discusses subtle changes from last year’s budget to the proposed FY 2026 budget cycle as primary tax revenue shifts from minerals to real property values. PHOTO BY JEFF HURT

Stonewall Commissioner Gerry Messick reviews the county’s budget as the county discusses subtle changes from last year’s budget to the proposed FY 2026 budget cycle as primary tax revenue shifts from minerals to real property values. PHOTO BY JEFF HURT

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TAX BASE SHIFTS BENEATH STONEWALL COUNTY

Jeff Hurt
Thursday, August 6, 2026
A $24 million drop in mineral values is largely offset by rising real property values, allowing officials to propose a budget similar to last year’sStonewall County commissioners approved the proposed FY 2026–27 budget for publication July 27 after reviewing certified property values showing a...
TIME RUNNING OUT TO FILE

TIME RUNNING OUT TO FILE

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TIME RUNNING OUT TO FILE

Jeff Hurt
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Fisher County residents have until Aug. 17 to seek positions with local cities, schools and the hospital districtResidents interested in serving their communities still have time to file for local office as multiple Fisher County governments and school districts prepare for the Nov. 3 election.
Private First Class Marshall Bennett receives the Army Commendation Medal before returning home to the United States.

Private First Class Marshall Bennett receives the Army Commendation Medal before returning home to the United States.

Private Bennett: Through the eyes of a “body-bagger”

Jeff Hurt, Editor Double Mountain Chronicle
Monday, August 3, 2026
From the DMC Archives: This article was originally published in the Double Mountain Chronicle Veterans Edition on Nov. 16, 2018. Volume 112, Number 11.Reader note: This article contains graphic descriptions of wartime death, human remains and military mortuary work.
TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS LAWSUIT FOLLOWS JACK COUNTY DATA CENTER TOUR

TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS LAWSUIT FOLLOWS JACK COUNTY DATA CENTER TOUR

TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS LAWSUIT FOLLOWS JACK COUNTY DATA CENTER TOUR

Jeff Hurt
Thursday, July 30, 2026
A citizen advocacy group has filed suit against the Jack County Commissioners Court, alleging county officials violated the Texas Open Meetings Act while considering a proposed CyrusOne data center and related tax-abatement request.
Aspermont Mayor Steven Ellis follows along while the council reviewed the city’s annual financial report, showing that while some losses were realized, the city remains on solid financial ground. PHOTO BY JEFF HURT

Aspermont Mayor Steven Ellis follows along while the council reviewed the city’s annual financial report, showing that while some losses were realized, the city remains on solid financial ground. PHOTO BY JEFF HURT

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ASPERMONT AUDIT FINDS STRONG GENERAL FUND, FLAGS WATER FUND PRESSURE

Jeff Hurt
Thursday, July 30, 2026
The Aspermont City Council reviewed the city’s FY 2025 financial audit during its July 21 meeting, with auditor Stacy McGee reporting a clean opinion, no audit findings and strong records prepared by city staff.
ROTAN FAILS TO MEET EPA ORDER DEADLINES

ROTAN FAILS TO MEET EPA ORDER DEADLINES

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ROTAN FAILS TO MEET EPA ORDER DEADLINES

Jeff Hurt
Thursday, July 30, 2026
In a letter addressed to Rotan Mayor Zach Johnson dated June 17, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered the City of Rotan to complete a federally required inventory of its water service lines after determining the city missed key deadlines under the revised Lead and Copper Rule.
CARDS, CLUBS AND COUNTRY MUSIC

CARDS, CLUBS AND COUNTRY MUSIC

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CARDS, CLUBS AND COUNTRY MUSIC

Anita Dozier
Thursday, July 30, 2026
NEWS-OLD GLORY NEWS: Another week and then another month. If the time keeps flying by so fast, I'm going to be one hundred and fifty before I know it. Just kidding.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
JULY30ROBY LIONS & LADY LIONS ATHLETICS PARENT MEETING 6 P.M. at the Roby High School Auditorium. For junior high and high school students, boys and girls, who plan to participate in athletics during the upcoming school year, and their parents.

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TEXAS NEWS SPOTLIGHT

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
SENATORS PUT THE DATA CENTER TAX BREAK ON THE TABLE The Texas Senate Finance Committee took up the state's data center sales tax exemption Monday, and several members suggested the deal lawmakers struck in 2013 no longer makes sense.

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ASPERMONT GYM PROJECT ENTERS CRITICAL STRETCH

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Aspermont ISD’s bond renovation project has entered its busiest phase, with four contractors working simultaneously to complete the gym floor and other priority projects before the start of volleyball and basketball activities, Superintendent Zach Morris told trustees during last week’s board...