News

Breckenridge Police Department is looking for the community's help following a series of vandalisms in the city believed to have taken place in the early morning hours of Thursday morning.

BPD Chief Blake Johnson said the department is looking for a group of four younger individuals suspected to be responsible for spray paint damage to several cars, sheds, fences and several other items in the area of West Jeanette St. and North Parks St.

“Right now we’re looking at Ring camera (footage) that shows four individuals,” Johnson said. 

As Breckenridge ISD ends classes for summer break, the Breckenridge Library is doing its part to encourage area children to open a book and read.

The 2024 Summer Reading program began this week and will continue weekly through July 16.
Beginning at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, children going into grades three and below are invited to the library and hear stories read by community volunteers. 

Hitting the ground running, Breckenridge Police Chief Blake Johnson has attempted to be a face in the community in the last month.

Recently, he spoke to the Rotary Club of Breckenridge to help introduce himself to the community and express his goals for the department.

Johnson told members during the club’s Tuesday, May 14 meeting that he understands that he’s a new face in town and has a lot of work to do to earn the community’s trust. One of the big issues in the community that the police chief said he is working to address is animal control.

One career in public service came to an end last week while another took its next step.

The 90th Judicial District Court in Stephens County has a new district clerk after a swearing in ceremony Friday, May 31 at the courthouse.

Christie Coapland’s 29 years of public service has ended as her retirement became official with the swearing in of new district clerk Stephanie Elder.

The Breckenridge High School Class of 2024 was honored by friends, family and community members Friday, May 24 at the Breckenridge ISD Athletics and Fine Arts Center.

BHS Principal Paul Armstrong announced the top 10%, National Honor Society members, FFA members and students who received their Lone Star degree, dual credit seniors, ACT and SAT high score recipients and industry certification recipients.

Armstrong then introduced Salutatorian Violeta Gallegos, who gave a speech thanking various staff and family members for their support over the years.

Editor’s note: The BHS students who awarded scholarships were recognized in the May 22 edition of the Breckenridge American.

After handing out 118 scholarships to Breckenridge High School seniors for over $95,000 during their annual scholarship and awards program, other students were recognized for their academic achievements and representing the school in state-level competitions.

Woodson High School was well-represented at the Texas FFA Area IV Convention held earlier this month.

Multiple students won awards while participating in the area Speaking Development Events (SDE) Contest held Monday, May 13 at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls.

The competition is about to heat up with the eighth annual Battle of the Badges blood drive coming to Breckenridge next month.

The annual blood drive which provides a friendly competition between the Breckenridge Police Department, Breckenridge Fire Department and Stephens County Sheriff’s Office helps Carter BloodCare fill a void in donations that occurs every summer.

This year’s Battle of the Badges will take place June 6-7.

The Breckenridge campus of Texas State Technical College will host the first event from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 6.

This Memorial Day weekend one Breckenridge community member is continuing an annual tradition to honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

The Breckenridge ISD Board of Trustees met last week for the final meeting before the end of the school year. 

The Breckenridge ISD Board of Trustees swore in new members last week and took care of housekeeping items to prepare for the upcoming summer break and teacher hiring season.

Incoming board members Ky Kennedy and Cheyanna Gill were administered their oaths of office to officially begin their terms. Kennedy ran unopposed for the Place 1 seat held by Graham Reaugh while Gill will occupy Place 2 held by Paul Lippe.