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Kendal Stroud makes it home; a true “but God” story
Kendal Stroud makes it home; a true “but God” story
On June 19, lifelong Hamilton resident and class of 2023 graduate Kendal Stroud was involved in a one-car accident after her vehicle hydroplaned in heavy rain, leaving her severely injured. A fellow driver who saw the accident pulled over to help Stroud, also stopping two others to help until emergency services arrived. Her family was alerted to this nightmarish news and rushed to see her.
Burn ban takes effect and siren tests return
Two safety measures were enacted for Hamilton County at the Hamilton County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday. First, a burn ban was made effective Aug.
MEET THE TEACHERS
MEET THE TEACHERS
MEET THE TEACHERS
Bulldogs receive $50,000 boost
Bulldogs receive $50,000 boost
Fresh off presenting a $50,000 donation to the Hamilton ISD Athletic Department prior to last Friday’s Midnight Madness intrasquad football scrimmage at Kooken Field, the Hamilton Athletic Booster Club released a statement seeking the help of volunteers. “BULLDOG NATION - WE NEED YOUR HELP!” the press release began, before stating the sizeable donation was “the result of the support and love of our tremendous Hamilton community.” The statement continued, “For the past four years, all funds raised from our spirit wear and tournaments have been given directly to the athletic program to fill the financial gaps that may exist.
briefly
Companion Senior Care host Medicare program Companion Senior Care will introduce the new Medicare Guide program at their 5 year celebration on Friday, Aug. 14 from 10.30 a.m.

Lifestyle

Looking good!
Looking good!
Looking good!
Register now for the 2026 Dove Fest Parade: Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary!
Register now for the 2026 Dove Fest Parade: Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary!
The Hamilton Historic Main Street Program, in partnership with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, invites businesses, organizations, churches, schools, civic groups, families, and individuals to be part of one of the biggest community celebrations of the year by participating in the 54th Annual Dove Fest Parade on Saturday, September 5.
ENGAGED-Chad and Kristi Collett are thrilled to announce that on Aug. 8 at sunrise, their daughter Taylor Collett, of Hamilton, was engaged to Bryson Holt, son of Mike and Roxy Holt of Stanford. Taylor graduated from ACU and teaches 2nd grade Math and Science at Wylie ISD in Abilene. Bryson graduated from HSU and is employed at a surveying company while working toward earning his land surveying license in Abilene. The wedding will take place early next year, and they will reside in Abilene. Courtesy photo
HCT to host Match Game Saturday
“Are you ready to play Match Game?? We are!” says Mike Ceresini with the Hamilton Civic Theatre. HCT will host a one-night fundraising event at the Ross Street Theatre this Saturday, Aug.
BAND HEY
BAND HEY
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PUT A RING ON IT
PUT A RING ON IT
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Sports

DUCKS INAROWE:SeniorAubreyRowe, picturedsmashing a kill during a scrimmage versus Ballinger in Comanche Saturday, and the Lady Bulldogs have their ducks in order after participating in round-robin volleyball scrimmages in both Cedar Ridge and Comanche last week. This week, Hamilton’s junior varsity and varsity Lady Bulldogs will make their2026 home debut while hosting a 22-team tournament Thursday and Saturday. Photo by Grant Lengefeld
Lady Dog volleyball tourney to include 22
Hamilton’s defending regional finalist Lady Bulldog volleyball squad tipped off a new season last week with a round-robin scrimmage in Cedar Ridge on Thursday, followed by practice matches versus Ballinger and Comanche on Saturday in Comanche. After dueling with Graford and Dublin in Dublin on Tuesday of this week, the varsity and junior varsity Lady Bulldogs are scheduled to make their home debut this Thursday and Saturday while hosting the 22-team Lady Bulldog Volleyball Tournament.
LOVING THE GRIND: Senior Kennon Lee, pictured grinding through offensive drills from his tight end position, will be looking to have another impactful season for the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball. The Dogs are scheduled to face opposing colors for the first time when they host 4A-Div. 2 Hillsboro for a season opening scrimmage this Friday at Kooken Field, beginning at 7 p.m. Photo by Grant Lengefeld
Riding high off Championship Defense
The 2025 season was historic, magical, taxing, timeless and many other wonderful adjectives for the Hamilton Bulldog Football team as they captured their first state championship in 111 years. Eight months removed and 16 graduated seniors later, the 2026 football season starts with a new classification/district and young faces in key positions.
CHAMPIONSHIP BLING
CHAMPIONSHIP BLING
CHAMPIONSHIP BLING
NET RETURNS: Fresh off a 30-7 regional finalist season in which the Lady Bulldogs reached the fourth round of the playoffs for just the third time in school history and the first time since 1983, the 2026 Lady Bulldogs returned to the
HOT SPOTS
Loyal fans of the 2025 state champion Hamilton Bulldogs need to renew their seats at Kooken Field for the upcoming season. Football reserved-seat ticket holders may renew or purchase their 26-27 season seats for $40 per seat. Reserved seats can be renewed July 29 through Aug. 7, and all seats not renewed will be released on Aug. 10. The 2026-27 Bulldog football season starts Aug. 28 on the road against Bremond at 7:30 p.m. To renew or purchase a seat, contact Deb Sparks at 254-386-4370 or dsparks@hamiltonisd.org.
Meet the Bulldogs
Meet the Bulldogs
Friday, Aug. 7th Starting at 11:30 p.m.

Columns

Letter to the Editor
Dear Grant, I hope this finds you well! As we have been out for Summer break I have had time to bask in the Sun and contemplate the past year and I have come to the conclusion that I owe some folks an apology. Now allow me to go the long way about it because that is who I am and how I was raised! I write a lot about raising three daughters and about being one of three daughters.
The high-flying genius behind Kaepa shoes
Breaking a 54-year silence, an ex-priest best known as the creator of the Kaepa brand athletic shoe revealed his role in the UT tower tragedy in the Aug. 6, 2020, edition of the San Antonio Express-News.
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor, I’m glad to see the Yard of the Month Program! We need more positive, uplifting moments to promote community involvement, pride and participation. I support Mayor Jordan’s program 100%.
Capital Highlights
Capital Highlights
1.6 million eggs in Texas are recalled Several brands of white and brown eggs sold in Texas are under a recall because they may be contaminated with salmonella, the Statesman reported. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling nearly 1.6 million eggs.
This Week in Texas History
Puzzled crew members watched from the deck of the “Indianapolis” on Jul. 26, 1945, as the top-secret cargo that had taken them to the Pacific island of Tinian in the Marianas was wrestled ashore.

Obituaries

Douglas Calhoun
Douglas Calhoun
Doug Calhoun, 86, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026. Graveside services were held Saturday August 8, 2026, at Live Oak Cemetery.
Roger Dale Kelm
Roger Dale Kelm
Roger Dale Kelm, 83, passed away on July 28, 2026, in Denton. He was born in 1942 in Hamilton to Leeman and Leona (Braun) Kelm.
Helen Jean Kelm
Helen Jean Kelm
Helen Jean Kelm, 87, passed away on Aug. 4, 2026, in Denton.
Cheyenne Beeman
Cheyenne Beeman
Cheyenne Nickole Beeman, 29, passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2026, at Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights. A memorial service at Rock House Cemetery will be announced at a later date.
James Kruse
James Kruse
James Allen Kruse, 91, went peacefully home with his wife, Hertha, by his side on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Funeral services were held on July 13, 2026, at Riley Funeral Home.

101 N. Rice
PO Box 833
Hamilton, TX 76531
254-386-3145