News

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced another month of rising sales tax revenue for local governments for December, with the city of Breckenridge continuing its steady year-over-year growth as 2025 winds down.

Breckenridge will receive $198,774.01 in its December sales tax allocation, up from $186,724.15 in December 2025–a 6.45% increase. The month’s gain keeps the city on pace for a solid year, with year-to-date payments reaching $2,386,601.36, about 4.81% ahead of last year’s total through the same period.

Editor's Note: This is an updated version of the story that will appear in the Saturday, Dec. 13 print edition of the Breckenridge American.

Friday, Dec. 12 morning update from City Manager Cynthia Northrop: 

Water repair was completed yesterday, December 11th, at approximately 2:30 pm. At approximately 3:00 p.m. the City began pressuring up the system at 30 PSI. It was initially estimated that it would take three hours or longer to fully re-pressurize the system. 

The Pride of Breckenridge High School Band earned standout honors at the Texas Music Educators’ Association (TMEA) Region 7 All-Region auditions last week, with six Buckaroo musicians securing placements in the prestigious All-Region ensembles and four of those advancing to the Area level in January.

The All-Region auditions took place Saturday, Dec. 6 at Graham High School and will lead into the area competitions and jazz clinic and concert in January.

Honors Band Selections

Stephens Memorial Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Stephen Gleitz reported to the board of directors at its last meeting on both patient engagement initiatives and ongoing staffing challenges.

At the meeting held Thursday, Dec. 4, Gleitz noted that the hospital implemented a new inpatient swing bed program, currently at three days a week.

“Just to get them out of the room, socialize as a group and do activities with them,” Gleitz said. “[Activities] like puzzles, games and some light exercising. I recommended that we do that, so we got that going.”

After hearing input from County Fire Marshal Malcolm Bufkin, the Stephens County Commissioners Court voted to enact a county-wide burn ban in response to ongoing dry conditions.

The vote to reignite the burn ban occurred Monday, Dec. 8 as data from the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index (KBDI) showing local levels ranging from 81 to 585, with an average of 391. It is still below the emergency threshold of 570 on the 0-800 scale, but there continues to be dry conditions in the area.

The city of Breckenridge is moving forward with a major zoning update aimed at simplifying land use regulations, expanding housing choices and aligning development with long-term growth plans. The second public open house for the zoning plan was held last month, giving residents a chance to review proposed changes and speak directly with city staff and planning consultants.

The zoning updates and upcoming schedule of steps to be taken by the city are being reviewed by City Manager Cynthia Northrop at the city commissioners meeting Tuesday evening, Dec. 2.

The clock is ticking for candidates hoping to appear on the March primary ballot. Filing for Republican and Democratic contenders remains open until Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m., with several Stephens County offices up for election this cycle.

Incumbents who have filed include County Treasurer Kelsey Cornwall, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark McCullough, Precinct 4 Commissioner Tanner Wade, District Clerk Stephanie Elder, Justice of the Peace Steve Spoon, County Republican Chairman Scott Harris, County Clerk Jackie Ensey and Constable Brian McBride.

Breckenridge Junior High students enter December with a full slate of competitions that showcase both academic excellence and theatrical talent.

This October, Breckenridge local Ryan Ethridge hosted the inaugural Giant Pumpkin Contest and was assisted by Jessie Shortes of Stephens County 4-H for the event. Now, with help from the Stephens County Commissioners Court, the contest is looking to grow even bigger–along with the pumpkins.

Breckenridge FFA’s Senior Skills team represented their community proudly at the Area IV Leadership Development Events contest this week, finishing fifth overall in a competitive field of 12 schools.

The event was held Monday, Nov. 24, in Jacksboro, where team members Rachel Burchett, Rihana Fuller, and Dustie Lowrey competed in the Senior Skills category. This contest is designed to test participants’ ability to apply practical agricultural knowledge in simulated real-world scenarios, requiring both technical skill and teamwork.