News

Visit Graham CEO Cathy Partridge presented the proposed 2025-2026 budget for consideration Thursday, Sept. 25 during the Graham City Council meeting.

The budget, approved by the city council, is funded through events and city Hotel Occupancy Tax.

Hotel owners, operators and managers collect state hotel occupancy tax from their guests who rent a room or space in a hotel costing $15 or more each day, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office. The state collects 6% of the cost of the room while the city of Graham collects 7% of the cost of the room.

No action was taken following a report made to the Young County Historical Commission regarding a Historic Texas Cemetery marker ready for dedication at a county cemetery.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation is an official recognition of family and community graveyards that imposes no restrictions on use of land adjacent to the cemetery or the daily operations of the cemetery.

According to THC, every county in the state has at least one cemetery with this designation, which serves as a first step to preserve a historic cemetery. 

The city of Graham and Young County will see increases in sales tax returns this month from sales made in July by businesses that report tax monthly.

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced Wednesday, July 9 that the state will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.2 billion in local sales tax allocations for September, 5.3% more than in September 2024.

Ground and air resources worked throughout the day Sunday to contain a grassfire which broke out on FM 209 west of FM 3109.

At around 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, local firefighting units were dispatched to FM 209 for a report of smoke in the area. Volunteer fire departments from around the county showed up to assist in containing the fire.

With an emphasis on future growth and showing local community opportunities, the Youth Lead program works to build the next generation of student leaders in Graham.

The program is hosted by the Graham Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Graham ISD and Young County Texas AgriLife. Similar to the You Lead program for adults, the program seeks to cultivate local leaders and inspire the participants.

Graham Area United Way announced a $100,000 fundraising goal last week for the seven local agencies it supports and are 47% of the way to achieving that mark.

GAUW hosted a kickoff luncheon Thursday, Sept. 18 with new Executive Director Lexee Alberts introducing the volunteers and agencies supported by the organization. Alberts took over the director role from Susie Cerecedez who retired in May.

A little over two weeks remain to register to vote in the upcoming November constitutional amendment election.

The last day to register to vote will be Monday, Oct. 6. Registration can be completed by filling out a voter registration application and submitting it to the Young County Election office located at the Young County Annex at 417 Second St.

In an effort to raise awareness and make a local impact for early breast cancer detection, the Graham Fire Department is hosting a T-shirt fundraiser through October.

Breast cancer awareness T-shirts are available online for purchase through Friday, Oct. 31.

Visit Graham will start a search next month to find the next visionary to serve as its executive director, promoting local tourism and overnight stays.

Former Executive Director Zach Balch left the position in July and accepted a role as the Visit Mineral Wells Director of Tourism. Balch took over the Graham director role in January following the departure of Amanda Dulany from the position.

High school students within the Region 9 area will have the opportunity to visit with representatives from universities and colleges at a college fair next week in Wichita Falls.

The fair will be hosted from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 at the Region 9 Education Service Center located at 301 Loop 11 in Wichita Falls. All freshmen through senior students are encouraged to attend with their parents or guardians.