Hearne Seniors gather for Community fun
Dora Shivers and Hazel Embra visit during lunch and bingo at the Hearne Senior Activity Center’s January gathering, where local seniors came together for food, fellowship and community fun.
Roy McCoy | Robertson County News
Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News CALVERT — Members of the Calvert Volunteer Fire Department and their families gathered recently to celebrate the holiday season with a dinner and awards presentation recognizing years of service, professional achievement, and dedication to the department. The evening included the presentation of end-of-year honors acknowledging milestones and standout contributions. Billy Sessums was recognized for 40 years of service, while Billy Houston received a 10-year service award. Bryant Sessums was honored for five years of service. Michael McGlone was named Rookie of the Year, and Brandon Trainor received Firefighter of the Year honors. Kolbe Watkins was also recognized for earning his paramedic certification, marking a significant professional achievement for both Watkins and the department. The dinner was hosted at 1868 Landmark, where organizers coordinated funding and prepared the meal for department members and their families. The department expressed appreciation to Becky Walker Hoffpauir, the Landmark team, and Rachel Greaser for organizing the event, securing support, and providing the meal. Department leaders also extended thanks to the many individuals and supporters who contributed toward the cost of the dinner, noting that community support plays a vital role in allowing the department to serve Calvert effectively. The department closed the evening by wishing the community a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season.
Hearne City Council approves grants and election plans
Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News HEARNE — The Hearne City Council met Tuesday evening, January 6, at City Hall and moved through its agenda quickly, approving every item unanimously. The meeting opened with approval of the minutes from the December 11, 2025, special council meeting and the city’s accounts payable for December. The council then gave the green light to two grants from the Hearne Economic Development Corporation (Type A) and the Hearne Community Development Corporation (Type B). One grant will help fund improvements downtown, while the other is aimed at upgrading city parks. Both are designed to enhance city spaces and support ongoing development efforts. In addition, the council approved the city’s general election for May 2, 2026, which will include City Council Place 2, Place 4, and Place 6. A contract was also signed with the Robertson County Election Administrator to handle the election process.
A popular scene at High Schools around the country, kids with cell phones at school.
Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News HEARNE — Hearne High School students will soon be spending their school days without cell phones as the campus rolls out a new phone-free policy using the Yondr program. School officials say the change is aimed at cutting down on distractions in the classroom and helping students stay more focused on learning and on each other. Administrators noted that while phones are useful, they often pull attention away from class time and can affect student behavior and mental health. The move isn’t entirely new to the area. Bremond ISD put a similar phone-free system in place last year, becoming one of several local districts to take steps to limit cell phone use during the school day. Under the Yondr program, each student will place their phone into a small, secure pouch when they arrive at school. The pouch stays locked throughout the day and is stored securely by the student’s eighth-period teacher. Phones will be returned shortly before the final bell, when teachers unlock the pouches and collect them. According to surveys from more than 1,200 schools already using Yondr, many campuses have seen positive results. Schools reported improvements in student safety, engagement, behavior, and even academic performance after going phone-free. Hearne High School administrators say parents with questions are welcome to call the school, and in the event of an emergency, families can contact the front office to reach their child.
Hearne High School going phone-free with new program
