News

Breckenridge High School held the 43rd annual induction ceremony for the BHS chapter of the National Honor Society last month. In total 30 new members were inducted during the ceremony which took place Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Bailey Auditorium.

Opening ceremonies were performed, including a lighting of candles and pledging to the four pillars of NHS. Chapter president Zaea Ragle began ceremony with Charlie Salazar representing scholarship, Cora Roan representing service, Marissa Martinez representing leadership and Matthew Bueno representing character.

Stephens County and the Texas Department of Transportation announced today, Dec. 27, that both entities hope to have the US 180 bridge that crosses over Hubbard Creek Lake, known locally as “Mile Long Bridge,” open before classes resume for Breckenridge ISD.

As we wrap up 2023 and are venturing into a new year, the Breckenridge American is taking a look back at the local news which happened during the past 12 months.

In the series’ first of two installments, we look at January through June 2023.

Stephens County is set to achieve a first in the state of Texas.

When Stephens County Judge Michael Roach begins to hear misdemeanor cases in January, the county will also become the first rural county in the state to host a mental health court.

Roach spoke to the Rotary Club of Breckenridge Tuesday, Dec. 19 to give an update on the county.

According to the Texas Judicial Commission of Mental Health, only 23 counties have a recognized mental health court program with some counties having more than one program.

A Breckenridge Junior High School sixth grader is quickly making a name for herself in the martial arts world.
Last month, 12-year-old Rylan Kirkeby competed in the Amateur Organization of Karate state competition in Houston and claimed three medals in the at the three-day competition.

AOK hosted its annual state championship Dec. 8-9, with Kirkeby competing in point sparring, continuous sparring and weapons.

The US 180 bridge, also known as “Mile Long Bridge,” crossing Hubbard Creek Lake will be closed to all traffic for several weeks, following an emergency inspection by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The deadline to file for a spot on the March Primaries ballot passed last Monday and several incumbent candidates will enter the March primaries in unopposed races.

The position of Stephens County Precinct 3 commissioner will see a contested election, with Houston Satterwhite filing to challenge incumbent Will Warren for the position. Satterwhite, who previously ran for the same position in 2016, is the former Breckenridge Public Works Director.

Two state races with seats representing Stephens County will see contested elections.

A nationwide beautification project has made its way to Breckenridge. The Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation recently approved the creation of Keep Breckenridge Beautiful. The group will be an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.

BEDC Executive Director David Miller said Keep Breckenridge Beautiful is another initiative started to beautify and help attract more businesses to the area.

Change is on the way at the top of the Breckenridge Police Department. BPD Chief Bacel Cantrell has officially resigned from the position effective Feb. 1, 2024.

Neither Cantrell nor City Manager Cynthia Northrop commented on the resignation when returning from a closed session meeting. His resignation was approved with one “nay” vote.

Northrop later said Cantrell expressed his intention to resign on Nov. 21. Cantrell officially turned in his resignation in a letter dated Tuesday, Dec. 5.

The Stephens County Junior Livestock Show is less than a month away. The show, which runs Jan. 4-6, with judging in poultry, goats, sheep, swine, ag mechanics and rabbits.