News

The Graham Chamber of Commerce opened Grahammy award nominations this week for those who have gone above and beyond in service and commitment to the community, or in promoting local commerce.

The organization annually honors members of the community and businesses through the awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Graham Chamber Banquet.

Winners are chosen based on nominations from the community. All nominations are reviewed by a committee consisting of chamber board members who select the final winners.

Graham ISD is set to distribute up to $30,000 to educators through its Graham Incentive for Teachers program which provides incentive payments based on STAAR and EOC results.

The GISD Board of Trustees considered the budget amendment during their meeting Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Thirteen members of the Rompin’ Stompin’ Big Blue Band were selected to one of the All-Region bands and nine advanced to area during Association of Texas Small School Bands Region 7 Band Auditions.

The ATSSB Region 7 contest was held Saturday, Dec. 7 at Graham High School with a total of 17 members of Graham's RSB3 participating. 

The nine students who advanced to the area round will have a chance to be selected for the ATSSB All-State Band in January.

ATSSB All-Region Band Students

Following a public hearing, the Graham City Council approved a first reading of an ordinance assigning zoning to an area on Cliff Drive for future housing development. 

The city council held a public hearing and took action Thursday, Dec. 5 regarding the zoning assignment. City Manager Eric Garretty gave an introduction as to why the agenda item was being requested.

A lease agreement for a segment of sidewalk on Third Street is being established by the city of Graham for an outdoor dining space connected to a new restaurant.

The dining space for the restaurant Olivet and Oak will be on Third Street adjoining 526 Oak St., formerly 526 Pizza Studio. The Graham City Council met Thursday, Dec. 5 and approved establishing a draft agreement.

After advancing to the state FFA Leadership Development Events competition at Sam Houston State University, Brailey Brooks represented Graham and was named a semi-finalist. 

Brooks first advanced in Senior Creed Speaking during the Oil Belt District Area IV LDEs held Friday, Nov. 15 in Perrin. 

She was joined with Renata Garcia who achieved first place in Senior Spanish Creed Speaking.

George and Kalli Doubleday and Kevin and Linda Fullerton are taking the reins as the new owners of Wildcatter Ranch & Resort, a 1,500-acre destination located outside of Graham.

The ranch off Hwy. 16 features a steakhouse, outdoor activities, wedding venue and various accommodations with a rustic flair. An introduction of the new owners was held Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the onsite ranch house.

The families taking over the ranch are also the owners and operators of K&K Motors Inc. and Sparrow Creek Ranch. 

The Wichita Falls Area Food Bank Produce Express truck will be moving to the Young County Arena and will continue providing free food to the community each month.

The service was originally located at Eastside Church of Christ, but will be moving Tuesday, Dec. 10 to a new permanent location at the Young County Arena located at 120 Barclay Blvd. 

With the departure of Visit Graham Executive Director Amanda Dulany, Zach Balch will soon take over the office as he looks to build upon a foundation showcasing all Graham has to offer.

Following the upcoming holidays, Balch will take over the position Monday, Jan. 6. He recently moved from Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Karyna, to be closer to a home away from home.