Hood County residents will now be alerted if fraudulent activity is detected on their county property records — all thanks to a new service launched by County Clerk Christine Leftwich.

The recent termination of two employees from the Hood County District Clerk’s Office has caused a stir around the community, with some residents arguing that the situation was driven by a political agenda.

On Dec. 11, 2024, a Hood County jury convicted Christian Gerardo Merancio, age 36, of escape causing serious bodily injury or threat of deadly weapon, aggravated assault against a public servant, two counts of aggravated assault with deadly weapon, criminal mischief, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information more than five items but less than 10, and credit/debit card abuse. The case was tried in the 355th District Court in Granbury.

From the rodeo arena to the courtroom, Roger “Cotton” Howell has spent a lifetime corralling bulls, horses and even the occasional criminal — but now, at 73, he’s ready to retire from the bench and hang up his judge’s robes for good.

The city of Granbury has officially denied a proposed rate increase by Atmos Energy Corporation — potentially saving residents from a significant hike in their natural gas bills.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, the Granbury Chamber of Commerce board of directors met to decide who would become Brian Bondy’s successor as president and CEO of the organization. The chamber unanimously decided to name Holly Martin to the vacant position.

Hearts were heavy, yet full of pride and remembrance Dec. 5, when friends and family of David Southern and the Granbury Chamber of Commerce met to memorialize the legacy of Granbury’s longest-serving mayor. In anticipation of the second year since Southern’s passing, they renamed his prized project — the Lake Granbury Conference Center — in his honor.

Four Hood County employees were recognized for their years of dedication during a Hood County Commissioners Court meeting Dec. 20.

Members of the Hood County Junior Livestock Ambassador program stepped away from the show ring and into the Hood County Commissioners Court last week to give a special presentation.

The Hood County Attorney’s Office will soon receive a new 2024 Ford Escape, along with vehicle accessories, office furniture and supplies — all with the goal of enhancing the Hood County Sheriff's Office investigations.

The decision of whether or not to include a dissolution clause for the Hood County Hospital District is still pending, as the board has voted to explore its legal options before making a final determination.

Starsky and Hutch. Peralta and Boyle. Sherlock and Watson. Jones and Smith. Kemp and Laing? That’s right, law enforcement’s next hot-shot duo was born when the Hood County News and the Granbury Police Department teamed up for a morning ride-along.