News

The Graham City Council met last week to continue budget discussions, with proposed increases to the property tax rate, water rates and sewer rates still on the table.

The city council met Thursday, May 22 to receive an overview of the proposed budget in its current form from City Manager Eric Garretty.

“This is the beginning of the budget process. You’re not setting a tax rate. We actually won’t do that until September. We’ll look at the numbers, we’ll refine the numbers, we’ll make adjustments,” Garretty said.

It was a culmination of years of work from Graham High School’s seniors and a celebration of what is to come during the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony.

The ceremony began Friday, May 23 at Newton Field with a welcome from Class Vice President Sara Peyton Dospapas and a student expression from Distinguished Honor Graduate Devin McCall.

Following the pledge of allegiance by Class Officer Olivia Pettus and an introduction by GHS Principal Joe Gordy, Salutatorian Thomas Gage gave his address to the graduating class.

At the end of every academic year high school seniors enjoy one of their brightest and special ceremonies– graduation. 

This is a chance for every senior to be honored for the accomplishments they achieved and the impact they made on their friends, family and school community. 

Newcastle ISD held their graduation ceremony Friday, May 24 in the school gymnasium. 

The Young County Museum of History and Culture is finally reaching the end of its renovations and has a set date for its grand opening. 

According to management over at the museum, there will be a opening to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.

During that time, residents and families of the community, and even outside the community, can enjoy a bevy of food and beverages while also being able to see the finished exhibits and displays. 

Terry Ward accepted a plea agreement of 14 years in prison on charges of possession of child pornography and online solicitation of a minor spanning from 2022 arrests and a January 2022 offense.

Ward, 45, of Olney, was arrested in November 2022 on the charge of possession of child pornography which was connected to a July 21, 2022 arrest on the charge of online solicitation of a minor.

Several scholars from Newcastle High School made their hometown community proud. After months of planning and preparation, seven UIL competitors from Newcastle traveled to Austin to compete in the state academic meet. 

The competitors in question were Alba Adame, Benjamin Burk, Mattie Dollar, Cason Ford, Camren Mallory, Lucas Owen and Cayden Rogers. 

These students competed in a variety of events in different categories like math, journalism, speaking and writing events Monday and Tuesday, May 19-20. 

For a third year, Visit Graham and the Graham Concert Association have partnered to bring five free concerts downtown as part of the Summer Concert Series.

With over 1,500 in attendance at each concert last year, the series has grown into a premier event for the area. Around 7,500 visitors packed the inside of the downtown square for the final concert in 2024 featuring Stoney LaRue. 

A total of 34 cases were pleaded in the 90th Judicial District Court for March and April. Plea information is provided by the office of the 90th Judicial District Attorney. 

Cases pleaded in March

The Texas Association of School Boards conducted a pay system review of Graham ISD and presented recommendations to the school board last week.

The Graham ISD Board of Trustees approved the pay system review in November that would look at district pay scales and compare it to peer districts.

TASB HR and Compensation Consultant Lauren Wurman presented the findings to the school board Wednesday, May 14.

TASB recommended the district improve pay equity, improve their market competitiveness and align their midpoint pay with the market.

With things beginning to heat up and the summer season approaching, that means one thing – the Food Truck Championship of Texas is on the horizon.

Over 50 food trucks will line the inside of the Graham downtown square for the event which kicks off Saturday, June 7.

With this being the 10th year for the event, the Visit Graham organization, which hosts the event, said it has grown into something of a tradition for the area.