Government
County, city, and state government coverage including commissioners court, city council, elections, and policy decisions.
Top stories
Gonzalez sworn in as Ward 5 interim; council approves parks plan
Angel Gonzalez was sworn in as Ward 5's interim council member Tuesday. The council also approved the Parks and Trails Master Plan.
Wednesday
Gainesville charter review commission weighs November elections
A proposed shift from May to November municipal elections split the Gainesville Charter Review Commission in a tied vote at its second meeting Wednesday.
Apr 1
Is Cooke County under a burn ban? Current status and what to know
As of March 2026, there is NO burn ban in Cooke County. This page is updated each time the status changes — check here for current restrictions, penalties, and…
Mar 26
Cooke County government offices: A complete directory
A comprehensive guide to Cooke County government offices, elected officials, phone numbers, addresses, and hours of operation.
Mar 26
Emergency alert test set for April 2 in Gainesville, Cooke County
Residents may receive test alerts on their phones April 2 as Gainesville and Cooke County participate in a statewide emergency communications drill.
Mar 26
Texas bans smokeable hemp products starting March 31
New state rules eliminate natural smokeable hemp products and sharply raise licensing fees, taking effect at the end of the month.
Mar 25
Council appoints Whiteman to GEDC, Gonzalez to Ward 4
The Gainesville City Council appointed Safran Industries manager Jacob Whiteman to the GEDC board and Angel Gonzalez as temporary Ward 4 representative at its …
Mar 23
Muenster seeks contractors for AMPI site demolition
The City of Muenster is accepting qualifications from contractors for the demolition of the former AMPI site, with submissions due March 15 at City Hall.
Mar 13
Cooke County Commissioners lift burn ban after rainfall
Cooke County Commissioners voted Monday to lift the burn ban following recent rainfall and improved fire safety conditions, though officials urge residents to …
Mar 10
Charter Review Commission begins first update in decades
The Gainesville Charter Review Commission held its inaugural meeting, launching the first comprehensive review of the city charter in nearly 50 years with term…
Mar 9
Haiman wins County Judge Republican primary
Fred Haiman captured the Republican nomination for Cooke County Judge with 1,368 votes, more than double each of his two challengers in Tuesday's primary.
Mar 7
Council tables asphalt zipper purchase, wants cost clarity
Gainesville City Council postponed a letter of intent to purchase an asphalt zipper machine Tuesday, citing cost uncertainties despite supporters calling it a …
Mar 7
Cooke County burn ban extended as dry conditions persist
Cooke County Commissioners Court extended the countywide burn ban for at least two more weeks after Emergency Management Coordinator Rand Brown warned that fir…
Mar 5
Gainesville Charter Review Commission holds kickoff meeting
The City of Gainesville's Charter Review Commission held its first meeting Tuesday evening at the Civic Center, beginning a review of the city's governing docu…
Mar 4
Gainesville post office weighs drive-thru to improve access
Postmaster Vallarie Taylor has asked the Gainesville City Council for support before taking a drive-thru window proposal to U.S. Postal Service leadership.
Mar 3
TAPS seeks to expand transit service across Cooke County
The Texoma Area Paratransit System presented expansion plans to Cooke County commissioners Monday, targeting underserved seniors, veterans and residents with d…
Feb 18