Looking Back: January 2025
FROM TWIN OAKS CONSTRUCTION
Above: The City of Olney experienced a snowfall of 2-4 inches on Jan. 9 as Winter Storm Cora dumped snow and ice from north Texas to Arkansas, Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee. Olney schools closed because of the slick conditions, and many government offices delayed opening or shuttered for the day. The Enterprise gathered up snow day photos to share. Photo by Gina Keating Left: The Philipp children, Lane, Wesley and Macy, make snow angels while their pooch watches. Photo by Kalynn Philipp The Olney City Council voted to hire Abilene architect-engineering firm Jacob | Martin to design a possible rehab of the water treatment plant as an alternative to building a new plant -- an option that would require raising or borrowing at least $2 million more than the $13.5 million in bonds the City has on hand. Photo by Gina Keating BY GINA KEATING
If 2025 proved anything about Olney, it is this: the city does not wait for ideal conditions to move forward.
The first half of the year brought its share of hard moments and hard decisions. City leaders returned — more than once — to the drawing board resolve in statewide media. We built a new police station without a dime of taxpayer funding. We dropped city property tax rates. Our businesses were recognized in the halls of government and around the world.
The year also carried loss. The community said goodbye to longtime OISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Roach, and Police Chief Dan Birbeck, two towering figures who put our city on a path toward success. Their absence is still felt keenly, but we also welcomed new faces that will carry on their mission: OISD’s new superintendent, Dr. Matt Caffey, Athletic Director Dustin Altmiller, Police Chief Bryan Barrett, and a roster of new police officers.
Olney did what it has always done: it kept goon the long-discussed water plant, reworking plans until they found a way to build what Olney needs without breaking the budget. Major projects moved ahead with limited outside help, including the construction of the new hospital and the ongoing effort to preserve and expand medical services for Olneyites — an achievement that drew quiet recognition of our
D.R. Horton co-founder Terry Horton came to Olney in January to oversee construction of a new home on West Oak Street that uses climate-friendly and cost-effective materials that he designed. D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilding company in the United States.
Young County Judge Win Graham swears in 90th District Judge Phillip Gregory for his first full term on Jan. 2 at the Young County Courthouse. Judge Gregory, a former prosecutor, took over the bench from Judge Bristow,
Alan Craig of Olney took the oath of office for his new position as Precinct 3 County Commissioner, stepping into the position on the Young County Commissioners Court held for 16 years by Stacey Rogers. Photo by Will Sadler Area FFA students brought their best to the 15th annual Young County Junior Livestock Show, which ran from Jan. 14-18th at the Young County Arena. The year’s big winners of the YCJLS Ag Mechanics and a perfect start to the Stock Show were Caden Lane earning Reserve Grand Champion Showmanship and Marlee Lane earning the Grand Championship Showmanship, both members of Olney FFA. Photo by Will Sadler Richard Contreras-Behrens took third place at the District American Legion Oratorical Contest on Jan. 11, after becoming Olney’s first student to compete in the contest. Richard will be eligible to compete again in 2026 and continue to grow his scholarship fund. (L-R): Michael Kurtz, District 13 Oratorical Chairman; Olney Legion Commander Chris Garcia; Richard Contreras-Behrens; Eric Loggins, Olney Legion Vice Commander; Forrest Beadle, District 13 Legion Commander. Photo provided by Chris Garcia Photo by Lance Groves Photo by Will Sadler Olney Hamilton Hospital Auxiliary Pink Ladies pose with donated wheelchairs, those present where: Nita Hearne, Grace Perez, Samantha Webb C.N.O., Becky Spurlock, Ellen Hardin, Harrell Braddock, Donna Sullivan, Michael Gomez P.T., Kayla Shelton and Dianna Gish. Photo by Will Sadler Newcastle ISD senior Ashleigh Taylor learned that her lifelong dream of attending Harvard University had come true. She planned to study mathematics. Photo by Will Sadler ACE Hardware owners and employees take a break from work for a group photo during its soft opening in February. Front row, L-R: Tom Maxwell, Jacob Camp, Cindy Williams, back row L-R: Richard Contreras-Behrens, Jeff Camp [co-owner], James Hayes, Kat Camp, Kris Camp [co-owner] and Rand Camp [co-owner]. Other employees not present are Nathan Camp and Ember Reed. Welcome to Olney, ACE! Photo by Will Sadler
Young County-Olney Cub Center Director Angela Lockard (R) and Cub Center board member Valorie Mahler (L) traveled to Austin in February to lobby against proposed funding cuts to the Meals on Wheel program. The two women attended networking and program building sessions in Austin, and met with lawmakers to urge them to support continued local delivery of meals and more funding.
Photos provided by Angela Lockard and Valorie Mahler
The Olney Volunteer Fire Department announced its new officers at its annual awards banquet on Feb. 20 at the Olney Civic Center. Back Row, L-R: Lt. Homer Molina, Assistant Chief Kenley Lane, Chief Clint Pulliam, Secretary Matthew Ickert. Front Row, L-R: Mascot Kameron Betts, Chaplain Kevin Sullivan, Assistant Chief Rocky Hickam, Captain Jason Pack, Captain John Schneider, Lt. Justin Calhoun. Photo by Gina Keating