On this week’s edition of The Tawakoni Current we start with the City of West Tawakoni’s newly hired city administrator resigning, the filing date to on a ballot approaches, a little insight to Tawakoni Plaza, city council to set the ad valorem tax rate, chow with the chamber recap, our area briefs, and finally our brand new sports section!

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What organization owns and operates Lake Tawakoni?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

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You can also view the water level daily here!

^{By Jayce Jewett, Local Fisherman}

The water temperature is in the upper 80s to low 90s this week, while the lake level is down just under a foot. The hybrid bite is good right now, with anglers catching them by throwing swimbaits on the main lake. White bass are holding on main lake points and shallow humps, with some schooling activity during the early morning and evening hours. Trolling and fishing with slabs have been effective. Largemouth bass are relating to main lake docks and points, where anglers are finding success with large worms and swimbaits. Frogs are also producing around grass early and late in the evening.

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August Meeting Schedule

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August Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

August Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

August Meeting Schedule

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Luke 16:10 NIV

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

These are the events in the area this week!

Additionally, you can find our google calendar that we have created, in case more events appear during the week, here!

For this week we wanted to do something different…

This is Bella, a two-year old, 60lb, black lab. Bella is extremely sweet, loves playing outside, and knows how to be on alert of anything that may pass by.

After being found in the Walmart parking lot as a puppy Bella has been in the same situation, a loving home.

Bella is NOT up for adoption, because she happens to be the beloved dog of The Tawakoni Current Co-Owner, James Ray.

While she is not up for adoption she is open to accepting treats from the public!

^{By Stephannie Barnett}

West Tawakoni City Administrator Chris Kidwell informed the city council Tuesday he is tendering his resignation, effective Aug. 26.

During this remaining time with our city, Kidwell said he plans to finish
up his current projects including balancing the budget.

A motion was passed by the council to immediately post his position on the Texas Municipal League’s website. In addition the city council will be seeking a recruiting firm to find the most suitable person for the position of city administrator.

Deadline for filing for the City of West Tawakoni mayor or city council position is Monday, Aug. 17, at 4:30 pm.

At presstime, no one has filed for mayor. and City Councilman Place 4, James “Chemp” Chemplanikal, has someone filing for his place. Filing for the Place 4 place on the ballot is Dan Benson.

Cecelia Irvan, who is currently serving in Place 5, has filed to fulfill the rest of the council term. Ramsey Lindsey has filed for re-election for Place 2.

Mayor Chris Burkett has not turned in his complete application for re-election.

Last week, the citizen of West Tawakoni received some news about a huge construction development going to take place on the east side of town.

TTC’s Stephannie Barnett sat down with Mayor Chris Burkett to get his thoughts on the project. “After several years back-and-forth between the city and several different investors, plans have finally been submitted and groundbreaking is scheduled for Aug. 26th at 9 am for phase one of the Tawakoni Plaza Project.”

Burkett continued, “Phase one will consist of a restaurant, gas station and liquor store. Currently plans are being put together for phase two, hoping to break ground in September for a four-story hotel. Phase three looks to be commercial space and residential, but those plans are not ready yet.”

Quinlan City Council will conduct a public hearing Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 pm to consider and set the 2026-2027 tax rate on taxable property in the city.

This tax is to provide revenues for the payment of current expenditures and it “will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 1.04 percent and raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $3.47,” said the meeting notice.

Traffic woes increase with return of school bells

With school starting back up, traffic on Hwy 276 (Quinlan Parkway) has become extremely heavy in the mornings and afternoons. Friendly reminder: leave early and be patient. As the community grows this will likely get worse before it gets better. “These kids are our future; let’s
be cautious and get them to and from school safely. Let’s all watch for our busses loading and unloading children and families with children using the cross walks,” said an emergency responder.

Tawakoni Civic Club to meet at Tawakoni Fire Station

Instead of coming to the Tawakoni Library for their meeting, the Tawakoni Civic Club is scheduled to meet Monday, Aug. 17, at 11:30 am at the West Tawakoni Volunteer Fire Department for a tour. Sylvia Leeds said there will not be a covered dish luncheon this month. After the tour at the fire station, they will travel to Big Texas Cafe in Quinlan for lunch and regular meeting.

Popularity of fishing brings out more student anglers

Quinlan Ford High School’s fishing team has a problem—too many anglers, not enough boat captains.

Due to the number of student anglers wanting to join the team this season, “which is amazing news,” the team is in desperate need of volunteer boat captains “to get these kids out on the water.” They are looking for individuals who have experience and are dedicated, responsible boat operators who know the local waters. “They also need to have passion, a love for fishing and a desire to mentor youth anglers.” During tournaments, the boat captains operate their boats, guide the students safely on the water and share their fishing knowledge.

Non-Agenda Items from Tuesday’s West Tawakoni council

Indian Oaks residents living on Hillburn Drive presented their frustration about excessive cars parking on the street. The road becomes congested and blocks emergency vehicles from getting through. 

Quinlan ISD median-valued homestead values go up

Median homestead values increased nearly $10,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year for Quinlan ISD.

The value represents a weighted average across the two counties of Hunt and Kaufman. Each county’s median was weighted by its homestead count to reflect the district’s overall taxpayer composition, according to the OMA (Open Meetings Act) Taxpayer Impact Statement. In 2025-2026, the median value was $48,513, while the upcoming year’s is $58,823,

Based on the proposed tax rate of $0.90640, which is the same as 2025-2026, the new fiscal year will generate $533.17 in taxes, while last fiscal year, it generated $439.73, a $93.44 increase. Monthly, this comes to $7.79 (rounded up) per month, or the price of a hamburger with cheese these days.

West Tawakoni VFD gives update for the city

Per request of the West Tawakoni city council, Tawakoni VFD was requested to give an update on the department’s activities. This is a quick rundown for July 2026. They ran 126 calls, 97 medical, 4 motor vehicle accidents, 3 structure fires, 3 grass fires, 4 smoke investigations, 8 boat rescues and 7 public assistances. Tawakoni Fire Department year runs from Oct.1, 2025, to year to date, Tawakoni Fire Department has run 1038 calls for the citizens of West Tawakoni.

Chlorine leak discovered

City Administrator Chris Kidwell told the council he received a call this week from the Public Works director that a small chlorine leak was detected. This leak was immediately fixed and lines have been flushed several times. No violation was discovered.

QISD trustees to meet in regular session Monday

Hiring an architectural firm and discussing the Student Handbook are among items on the agenda for the regular QISD Board of Trustees meeting Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 pm.

To be held in the boardroom at the Joe Martin Administration Building on Richmond Avenue, the board will also discuss the 2026 Appraisal Tax Roll and consider and possibly act on the Student Code of Conduct.

Other possible action items include the Professional Development Plan, local policies, including employment requirements and restrictions and probationary contracts, students’ rights and responsibilities and parent complaints and grievances. They are expected to hire Claycomb Architects as QISD representative in planning the Ford High’s Career Technology Educaton design.

Superintendent Jeff Irvin’s report includes calendar conflicts for the new school year and school board dates; a report on campus enrollment and accountability update. Executive session items include Faculty Hires and Resignations and the Superintendent’s contract. Following the closed session, the board may consider and act on amending the superintendent’s contract.

^{By Jessica Castilleja}

What a way to open the season! The Lady Panthers came out strong and dominated Garland in three straight sets (25-12, 25-7, 25-17).

From the first serve to the final point, these girls showed intensity, teamwork, and determination. They never let up and made a statement in their season opener.

JV Lady Panthers also dominated against Garland in two sets (25-7, 25-20).

Varsity returns to action this Thursday afternoon at the Paris Chisum Tournament, where they'll take on Wolfe City, Pittsburg and Avery.

The Boles High Hornet Nation’s Fall Sports Kickoff is planned for Saturday, Aug. 22. A Vendor Fair starts at noon, followed by a Community Pep Rally at 1 pm.

There will be Meet the Hornets, plus a Cornhole Tournament.

Despite a little lightning delay, the show went on for the Panthers last week. Meet the Panthers moved indoors and parents, students and fans celebrated Quinlan’s teams. The crowd got to meet and cheer on the Panther Football, Band, Cheer, Drill team and Volleyball teams as they were introduced and recognized for all the hard work they’ve put in preparing for the upcoming season. See more photos in The Tawakoni Current

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A: Sabine River Authority of Texas

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