News

A 14-year-old Stephens County cold case was solved this week following a joint effort between state and local law enforcement agencies.

A new investigation with the Texas Ranger Unsolved Crime Investigation Program (UCIP) and Stephens County Sheriff Office into the 2010 murder of Jimmy Whitt produced enough evidence to prosecute former suspect Charles Johnson.

Whitt was found murdered Jan. 18, 2010 in his Stephens County residence, according to press releases from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

The Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation has its sights set on a new project to repurpose underutilized spaces in downtown Breckenridge.

BEDC CEO David Miller said the group is creating a grant program to repurpose unused second story spaces in the downtown district into short-term rentals similar to an Airbnb rental. 

The project will allow up to $10,000 in grant funds per rentable unit based on the bedroom count. A one-bedroom rental will allow a $5,000 incentive with two-bedroom units receiving $7,500 and three-bedroom units receiving $10,000.

Stephens County residents will have an opportunity this weekend to depose of old tires with a free event hosted by the Leon-Bosque Resource Conservation and Development Council.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Stephens County Equipment Yard, located at 300 Dallas St. The yard will be closed both day from noon to 1 p.m.
The free tire disposal service is for Stephens County Residents only. Residents will be required to show proof of residency with a driver’s license, water bill or electric bill with a current address.

The Breckenridge Fine Arts Center is closing out its annual Juried Art Show this weekend with a reception from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at the center. 

This show included artists from six states and Texas artists representing 32 counties. It is the first juried art show is the first under new director Rhonda Crawford, who took the position over the summer following the passing of former director of Shalon Wilson in February.

Voters who live in unincorporated areas of Stephens County will see a tax increase proposal when voting in this year’s November’s election. 

The Stephens County Commissioners Court voted to add the proposed sales tax increase in unincorporated areas of the county and have released a facts sheet regarding the proposed 2% increase.

The search for a new superintendent of Breckenridge ISD is nearly complete and a familiar face looks to take the position after being name lone finalist during a special meeting last week.

BISD Interim Superintendent Prairie Freeman was approved by the BISD Board of Trustees during a special meeting Monday, Sept. 23.

Freeman was named to the interim role following the resignation of former superintendent Bryan Allen, who stepped down after being named lone finalist for the superintendent position at Clyde Consolidated ISD in May.

The Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce has had a busy year of hosting events throughout the city.

That busy year will continue Wednesday, Oct. 2 when the chamber brings the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to the Stephens County Rodeo Arena, located at 146 County Road 245.
Discounted early-bird tickets are available at the chamber office for $13 for adults and $8 for children and seniors at 100 E. Elm St.

On circus day, tickets can only be purchased at the box office and will be $16 for adults and $9 for children ages 2-12 and seniors 65 and up.

Stephens County voters have just under two weeks remaining to register to vote in the November election with federal, state and local races on the ballot.

The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 7, and the last day to apply for a ballot by mail will be Friday, Oct. 25.

To register to vote, complete a voter registration application and return it to the Stephens County Elections Administrator, Jared McLane at the Stephens County Courthouse.

It’s homecoming week in Breckenridge and Breckenridge ISD has events planned to celebrate the occasion.

A big night will be Wednesday, Sept. 25 with the annual homecoming parade and a bonfire taking place after.

This year’s homecoming theme is “Deep in the Heart of Breckenridge.”

Festivities kick off 7 p.m. Sept. 25 with the homecoming parade.

Before the Buckaroos look for their first win of the season Friday night against Tolar, the annual parade will take place in downtown Breckenridge. 

As work continues on construction of a new state park just outside Strawn in Palo Pinto County, park officials have alerted local authorities and the community of prescribed burns planned to begin later this year.

In a letter dated Thursday, Sept. 5 to Stephens County Judge Michael Roach, Park Superintendent James Adams wrote that the park plans to begin the burns between October 2024 and April 2025.