City of Sweetwater Announces Traffic Pattern Change Beginning March 11, 2026
The City of Sweetwater will implement a traffic control update at two intersections beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Washington Street & Colquitt Street: Both yield signs currently controlling traffic on Colquitt Street will be replaced with stop signs as drivers approach Washington Street
East Texas Avenue & Colquitt Street: Both yield signs controlling traffic on Colquitt Street will be replaced with stop signs as drivers approach East Texas Avenue.
These changes are being made to improve traffic safety and visibility at both intersections. Drivers are encouraged to use caution, watch for new signage and adjust driving habits accordingly. Residents can direct questions or concerns to the City of Sweetwater Service Center at (325) 235-5003.
The City of Sweetwater will implement a traffic control update at two intersections beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Washington Street & Colquitt Street: Both yield signs currently controlling traffic on Colquitt Street will be replaced with stop signs as drivers approach Washington Street
East Texas Avenue & Colquitt Street: Both yield signs controlling traffic on Colquitt Street will be replaced with stop signs as drivers approach East Texas Avenue.
These changes are being made to improve traffic safety and visibility at both intersections. Drivers are encouraged to use caution, watch for new signage and adjust driving habits accordingly. Residents can direct questions or concerns to the City of Sweetwater Service Center at (325) 235-5003.
Nolan County Precinct Voting Summary Results for March 3, 2026
Following the March 3rd elections, the Nolan County Clerk’s office updated reconciliation reports and preliminary unofficial totals for the local primary races.
https://www.co.nolan.tx.us/upload/page/0503/Precinct%20Summary%20Results%2003032026.pdf
Following the March 3rd elections, the Nolan County Clerk’s office updated reconciliation reports and preliminary unofficial totals for the local primary races.
https://www.co.nolan.tx.us/upload/page/0503/Precinct%20Summary%20Results%2003032026.pdf
Nolan County Commissioners to Weigh Energy Zones and Public Safety in Upcoming Session
The Nolan County Commissioner’s Court is scheduled to convene for a regular meeting on March 9, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. at the County Courthouse. Presided over by County Judge Whitley May, the court will address a busy slate ranging from major industrial tax designations to local infrastructure improvements.
The centerpiece of Monday’s meeting is a Public Hearing regarding a request from Crusoe Energy to designate approximately 2,216.1 acres as the "Crusoe Energy - Nolan County Reinvestment Zone".
The Reinvestment Zone: Following the hearing, the court will consider taking action to officially designate this acreage, which is further detailed in Public Notice #7135. In Texas, designating a "Reinvestment Zone" is a primary step that allows a county to provide tax abatements or incentives. This is a common tool used to attract large-scale energy or technology projects that promise to bolster the local tax base and create jobs.
Commissioners will also review a Road and Right-of-Way Agreement with Buffalo Gap Repower LLC. These agreements are critical when energy companies move heavy equipment over county roads. They typically ensure the company is responsible for . . . . .
The Nolan County Commissioner’s Court is scheduled to convene for a regular meeting on March 9, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. at the County Courthouse. Presided over by County Judge Whitley May, the court will address a busy slate ranging from major industrial tax designations to local infrastructure improvements.
The centerpiece of Monday’s meeting is a Public Hearing regarding a request from Crusoe Energy to designate approximately 2,216.1 acres as the "Crusoe Energy - Nolan County Reinvestment Zone".
The Reinvestment Zone: Following the hearing, the court will consider taking action to officially designate this acreage, which is further detailed in Public Notice #7135. In Texas, designating a "Reinvestment Zone" is a primary step that allows a county to provide tax abatements or incentives. This is a common tool used to attract large-scale energy or technology projects that promise to bolster the local tax base and create jobs.
Commissioners will also review a Road and Right-of-Way Agreement with Buffalo Gap Repower LLC. These agreements are critical when energy companies move heavy equipment over county roads. They typically ensure the company is responsible for any infrastructure damage caused during the construction or "repowering" (upgrading) of wind or solar farms.
Public Safety and County Property
With dry conditions often a concern in West Texas, the court will consider reinstating the county-wide burn ban. A burn ban typically prohibits outdoor burning of trash or brush to prevent accidental wildfires when the drought index is high. The court will also look to approve the sale of surplus vehicles from the Sheriff’s Office. Selling older patrol units that have reached their mileage limit allows the county to recoup funds that can be applied back into the fleet or general fund.
Local Infrastructure and Coliseum Expansion
Nolan County's role as a regional event hub is also on the agenda, with a discussion planned for the expansion of RV sites at the Nolan County Coliseum. Expanding RV hookups is often a move to accommodate more participants for rodeos, stock shows, and other large-scale events that bring overnight visitors to Sweetwater.
Routine Business and Governance
In addition to these major items, the court will approve minutes from the February 23, 2026 meeting receive reports from various department heads regarding county operations, and address the "paying of claims," which includes line-item transfers and budget amendments as requested by the County Auditor. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting at the Courthouse. All interested persons are entitled to speak during the Crusoe Energy public hearing to present evidence for or against the reinvestment zone.
Sweetwater ISD Board Prepares to Tackle Teacher Certification and Instructional Materials at March Meetings
The Sweetwater Independent School District Board of Trustees will convene a special called meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, in the district’s administrative offices to consider key instructional and certification policies ahead of the coming school year.
Unlike the Board’s regular monthly sessions, this meeting is streamlined and focused on a small but significant set of action items that could influence classroom instruction and teacher workforce planning in Sweetwater for years to come.
At the center of the meeting is the Board’s review of the District Plan for Meeting Teacher Certification Requirements by the 2029-30 school year. This long-term plan is required under state law to ensure all classrooms are staffed with appropriately certified teachers. Sweetwater ISD administrators will present a proposed strategy outlining how the district will meet Texas Education Agency (TEA) certification expectations over the next several years. The Board will consider whether to approve this plan as presented.
For parents and educators alike, the certification plan could shape hiring priorities and professional development programs across the district. Expanding certification pathways and minimizing non-certified teacher assignments are common goals as Texas schools seek to improve instructional consistency.
Board members will also review and act on TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) Certifications for the 2026-27 school year. TEKS standards define what students are expected to learn in each grade and subject; certification of instructional materials ensures that textbooks and other curriculum resources align with those state standards.
Approval of TEKS certifications is a routine but essential part of setting the academic calendar and curriculum framework, affecting everything from state testing preparation to classroom lesson planning. Trustees are expected to discuss the materials submitted and vote on whether to certify them for use.
Though this is a special session rather than a full board meeting, the agenda includes a public forum portion. Community members may register to address the board on matters on or off the agenda, offering a chance for parents, students, and staff to share perspectives.
The meeting is expected to be relatively brief, as the agenda lists only a few focused action items and adjournment will follow the certification votes. However, the decisions made could set the tone for broader strategic planning in Sweetwater schools as they work to maintain compliance with state education policy and support student success.
In addition to the morning meeting, the Sweetwater Independent School District Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026 in the SISD Board Room, where trustees are expected to take up several items with potential impact . . . . .
The Sweetwater Independent School District Board of Trustees will convene a special called meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, in the district’s administrative offices to consider key instructional and certification policies ahead of the coming school year.
Unlike the Board’s regular monthly sessions, this meeting is streamlined and focused on a small but significant set of action items that could influence classroom instruction and teacher workforce planning in Sweetwater for years to come.
At the center of the meeting is the Board’s review of the District Plan for Meeting Teacher Certification Requirements by the 2029-30 school year. This long-term plan is required under state law to ensure all classrooms are staffed with appropriately certified teachers. Sweetwater ISD administrators will present a proposed strategy outlining how the district will meet Texas Education Agency (TEA) certification expectations over the next several years. The Board will consider whether to approve this plan as presented.
For parents and educators alike, the certification plan could shape hiring priorities and professional development programs across the district. Expanding certification pathways and minimizing non-certified teacher assignments are common goals as Texas schools seek to improve instructional consistency.
Board members will also review and act on TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) Certifications for the 2026-27 school year. TEKS standards define what students are expected to learn in each grade and subject; certification of instructional materials ensures that textbooks and other curriculum resources align with those state standards.
Approval of TEKS certifications is a routine but essential part of setting the academic calendar and curriculum framework, affecting everything from state testing preparation to classroom lesson planning. Trustees are expected to discuss the materials submitted and vote on whether to certify them for use.
Though this is a special session rather than a full board meeting, the agenda includes a public forum portion. Community members may register to address the board on matters on or off the agenda, offering a chance for parents, students, and staff to share perspectives.
The meeting is expected to be relatively brief, as the agenda lists only a few focused action items and adjournment will follow the certification votes. However, the decisions made could set the tone for broader strategic planning in Sweetwater schools as they work to maintain compliance with state education policy and support student success.
In addition to the morning meeting, the Sweetwater Independent School District Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026 in the SISD Board Room, where trustees are expected to take up several items with potential impact on district operations, finance and services for students and staff.
Public participation begins early in the agenda during the Public Forum, when community members may address the board. Residents wishing to speak will need to sign in before 5:30 p.m. and will have up to three minutes each to present concerns or comments. The board’s public forum provides a key opportunity for parents, teachers and other citizens to voice opinions on school issues before the trustees begin formal business.
One of the primary action items on the agenda is a proposed resolution authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of Sweetwater ISD Maintenance Tax Notes, Series 2026. These tax notes are a form of short-term financing that the district may use to address cash flow needs for ongoing maintenance and operations without waiting for property tax collections later in the fiscal year. Voters approved previous bond measures for major construction projects; this action would help keep routine maintenance and facility work funded.
Superintendent’s reports are scheduled in several key areas:
Curriculum: Updates on instructional programs and academic planning.
Finance: A look at the district’s current financial status and projections.
Accountability: Performance measures and compliance updates.
Maintenance & Operations: Facility conditions and upcoming work over the spring and summer.
These reports give trustees and the public a snapshot of how resources are being managed and whether schools are meeting state and local standards.
Board members will enter a closed session under the Texas Open Meetings Act to discuss personnel matters. While the agenda does not list specifics, such discussions usually involve evaluations, contracts or staffing issues that require confidentiality before any public action.
During the consent portion of the meeting — typically approved in one vote unless pulled for discussion — trustees will consider:
Minutes from the February 11, 2026 Board Meeting
Financial Reports, including the February board report and check payment listings
Certification of Unopposed Candidates for upcoming school board elections
Cancellation of Elections in Districts 3 and 5 due to unopposed candidacies
Renewal of the Food Service Management Company Contract for the 2026-27 school year, ensuring continued cafeteria and nutrition services for students.
The food service contract renewal in particular affects every student in the district, as it determines the company responsible for lunch programs and meal quality throughout Sweetwater’s campuses.
Board meetings such as this one are the central venue for school governance in SISD. Decisions on financial instruments like tax notes, staffing issues discussed in closed session, and service contracts can directly influence classroom conditions, long-term planning, and the quality of educational and extracurricular programs.
Citizens are encouraged to attend or follow the official district livestream if available, especially if they plan to speak during the public forum portion.
