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How New State School Laws Will Affect OISD

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:00am

A wave of new Texas laws enacted during the 2025 legislative session and subsequent special sessions is dramatically reshaping public education, altering how schools are funded, how students are grouped, what can be displayed in classrooms, how achievement is measured, and how districts navigate issues of gender, religion and parental authority.

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The community braved chilly temperatures on Nov. 30 for the traditional lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, hosted this year by the Olney Chamber of Commerce and Keep Olney Beautiful. Events included caroling, a chili cookoff, hot chocolate, photos w

Olney’s new police chief, Bryan Barrett, took his oath of office before the Olney City Council at its Nov. 24 meeting. Photo by Will Sadler

The Olney Hamilton Hospital board of directors will grapple with a potential revenue shortfall caused by the shuttering of the Plug Power hydrogen plant project, announced last month. Photo by Will Sadler

The Olney City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 8 to adopt the formation of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 (TIRZ 1), clearing the first major hurdle in a plan designed to jumpstart housing development and ease the city’s longstanding workforce c

Local community members braved the chilly night air to enjoy a free concert featuring Race Rickett and Nick Brumley at Archer & Gunn Mercantile’ s fifth anniversary celebration, which featured in-stores discounts, jewelry-making demonstrations and n

The Olney Chamber of Commerce recognized Big Luv’s BBQ this month for completing two years in business on Main Street. Barry and Ann Hodges marked the milestone with their granddaughter, Emilia Jane, in front of their restauurant. The Hodges have big pl

(Right): Officer Hagane Beck, who hails from Jacksboro, joined the Olney Police Department on Monday, Nov. 24. Officer Beck’s arrival comes as the department continues to stabilize following the departure of former Chief Dan Birbeck and two additional o

Looking Back: December 2025

Wed, 12/31/2025 - 11:00pm

Looking Back: December 2025

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The Olney Chamber of Commerce board of directors put on the organization’s 100th banquet on Nov. 13 at the Durango Rustic Retreat. The event drew a larger-than-usual crowd to celebrate a century of business and community accomplishments. Chamber board m

The leaders of Olney’s business, government and nonprofits gathered at the home of Mayor Rue and Anna Rogers to hear a presentation about Virginia’s House and Dr. Goodall’s House, a nonprofit that advocates for local children, by its new director, K

A proposed data center that could bring tens of millions of dollars to Olney’s hospital district in the coming decade is drawing opposition from a group of landowners, who met in Loving on Nov. 4 to organize a campaign to stop it. Stream Data Center pla

Construction crews repaired the sidewalk on the south side of the Olney Sub Courthouse to make way for a new access ramp and a child custody drop-off area with cameras. The old courthouse underwent a major restoration, including new HVAC, windows, paint,

Local nonprofits, churches and businesses stepped in during the holidays to meet what some described as a noticeable rise in food insecurity among area families— prompting a largerthan- usual effort to ensure no one went without a holiday meal. The Firs

(Above): Stewart’s Food Store co-owner Robert Stewart poses with employees at the store founded by his parents, Harold and Faye Stewart. Robert Stewart runs Olney’s only grocery store with his brother, Danny, and son-in-law Jason Pack. Olney residents

County Commissioners Jimmy Wiley and Scott Shook (standing on right) and Alan Craig and Stacy Creswell (sitting on left) listen as Young County residents question solar farm reps at the Eliasville-South Bend Volunteer Fire Department on Nov. 5. The projec

Participants and volunteers of the Sixth Annual Turkey Trot gathered at Tom Griffin Park on Sunday, Nov. 16. Participants warmed up with a prayer and a chicken dance. The event raised money for The Refuge and its Christian-based after-school programs, sum

Olney Junior High School’s One Act Play troupe won at District this year. This year’s cast and crew included: TRISH-Leigha Hampton, BARB-Ella Richards, SALLY-Denalee Wales, JIMTrent Berngen, CLARA-Clara Symank, MELVIN-Miles Branum, CASEY-Carleigh Syma

Looking Back: November 2025

Wed, 12/31/2025 - 11:00pm

Looking Back: November 2025

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The Cubs dashed the dreams of the Chico Dragons’ homecoming victory with a 37-30 win in Chico on Sept. 26. The Cubs came back from a 30-16 deficit in the third quarter to win in the game’s final minutes. This was Olney’s first win of the season unde

March for Jesus founder Verma Fobbs encouraged participants with hugs and words of inspiration. She said she will keep marching as long as the Lord wills it. Photo by Will Sadler

Olney High School once again earned statewide recognition, ranking No. 200 in Texas and claiming the title of top high school in Region 9 in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools list. The annual rankings evaluated nearly 24,000 s

Shane and Cindi Bivins received a special certificate of recognition for being open for one year in Olney from Olney Chamber Director Kimberly Smith Photo by Will Sadler

The Olney Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat event drew one of the largest crowds in the event’s history, Chamber director Kimberly Smith said. Revelers marched down Main Street to the Trunk or Treat event at the Gazebo.

A Sept. 21 storm ripped through Olney, causing severe damage to buildings and structures, including the new bleachers at the baseball complex. Photo by OVFD Capt. Jason Pack

The Olney High School Cubs showed their mettle in their homecoming game at Cub Stadium on Oct. 3 with a 33-0 rout of the Crosbyton Chiefs. Here, OHS Cub Ricco Sandoval (55) showed he could run as well as guarding the quarterback and making running plays a

(Right): This year’s HOCO Queen nominees posed with last year’s Queen before being escorted on the field for Queen announcement. [L-R] Bradi Bowers, Allison Alvarado, Rae Bond, Clara Neal [last year’s OHS HOCO Queen] and Morgan Simmons. Photo by Wil

Olney Junior High School Principal and board member Ed Berngen talks about the many contributions The Refuge Christian Community Center has made to the community, churches, and the school district during its 10th anniversary celebration. Photo by Will Sad

Looking Back: October 2025

Wed, 12/31/2025 - 11:00pm

Looking Back: October 2025

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State Sen. Brent Hagenbuch, R-Denton, held a town hall at the Olney Heritage Museum to discuss the regular and special legislative sessions, and to take questions from constituents. His visit on Thursday, Sept. 18 was well attended, with participants quer

The OHS boys’ cross-country team took first place at the Seymour Invitational X-Country competition. Individual Medalist: 2nd Place - Wesley Symank, 7th Place - Adrian Gonzalez, 8th Place - Pedro Gonzalez, 9th Place, Kaidyn Patterson and 10th Place - Ca

Newcastle High School adorned floats and trailers to proudly parade down Newcastle’s streets during Homecoming Week. Shown are the NHS cheerleaders and Bobcat footballers. Photo by Will Sadler

(Right): The Olney Senior Cub Center sponsored a 1960s-themed dance, following the success of previous dances organized by outgoing activities director Candy Blair. Here, Chris and Heather Garcia hit the floor at the Cub Center on Friday, Sept.19. Photo b

OJH eighth graders had the opportunity to hit Principal Ed Berngen with pies during a special “Pie the Principal” event on Friday, Sept. 19, at the school. Each eighth grader got a chance to hit the principal in the face with a pie after winning the O

Calvary Cone Express opened across from Allsup’s in Olney off Main Street and offers a variety of delicious, flavored snow cones. Shown are Calvary Cones owner Mari Behrens [upper left] with her children, who are her helpers: Agape, RJ, Bliss, Grace, an

Congressman Roger Williams (in suit and tie, center) met with executives at Air Tractor and Olney leaders on Aug. 25 for a tour of the world’s largest turboprop maker and a town hall with its employees. Photo provided by Office of Rep. Roger Williams

Looking Back: September 2025

Wed, 12/31/2025 - 11:00pm

The Olney High School Cubs charge onto the field in Cisco, showing team and patriotic pride in a matchup against the Reagan County Owls. The Cubs fell to the Owls in a game that allowed new OISD Athletic Director and Head Coach Dustin Altmiller to test new strategies.

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How New State School Laws Will Affect OISD

Looking Back: December 2025

Looking Back: November 2025

Looking Back: October 2025

Looking Back: September 2025

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