Originally reported October 28, 2026. Time-sensitive forecasts, voting figures and schedules reflect the original report date.
MICROPLEX NEWS
Cleburne hospital coming down • Early vote up 22% • Rain Friday
October 28th, 2026AD
The top 10 stories everyone around the Hood County Microplex is talking about right now.
TODAY’S TOP 10
1. Demolition in about a week
2. 13,154 votes through Oct. 26
3. Prop. A: new safety center
4. Rain eased fire danger
5. Five-year lapse ends, fine paid
6. Slow down, watch for kids
7. 60% chance; Halloween 40%
8. Fifth straight conference crown
9. New home at 103 York Ave.
10. Free tours Nov. 5-21
HOSPITAL TOWER COMING DOWN
The six-story former Memorial Hospital building, a longtime fixture of the Cleburne skyline between North Main and Anglin streets, is about to come down.
Property owner Tom Crew told the Cleburne Times-Review that demolition is expected to begin in about a week.
Cleburne City Secretary Ivy Peterson confirmed last week that a demolition permit has been issued for the building.
Drivers and neighbors near North Main Street should watch for crews and equipment once work starts.
HOOD EARLY VOTE UP 22%
Hood County voters cast 13,154 early votes through Oct. 26, day 8 of 12, according to TexPolls, which compiles daily Texas Secretary of State reports.
That is 24.3% of registered voters. In-person turnout is running 22% ahead of the same day of early voting in the 2022 midterm, when the count was 10,744. Statewide, 26.9% of registered voters have voted early.
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 30, in the Annex 1 meeting room at 1410 West Pearl St. in Granbury.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The county elections office lists Election Day vote centers on its website.
CLEBURNE $62.5M BOND VOTE
Cleburne voters will decide Proposition A, a $62.5 million bond for a new Public Safety Facility, in the Nov. 3 election. Early voting runs through Oct. 30.
The building would sit on about 6 acres of city-owned land near North Nolan River Road and Airport Drive.
It would house the Police Department, Fire Administration, Municipal Court, emergency operations and training space.
The current police headquarters was built in 1966–67. City estimates put the cost at about $0.053 per $100 of taxable value, roughly $53 a year per $100,000, though the final figure could vary.
PALO PINTO LIFTS BURN BAN
Palo Pinto County commissioners lifted the county's burn ban Monday in response to recent showers and more rain expected later this week, County Clerk Amanda Figueroa reported, according to the Weatherford Democrat.
Commissioners also approved a Starlink subscription for the sheriff's office, the newspaper reported.
Lifting a ban does not make every burn safe. Residents should still skip burning on windy days, keep water close and never leave a fire unattended.
PARKER RESUMES STORM REPORTS
Parker County has resumed annual stormwater pollution reports to the state environmental office after a five-year lapse, state records show, the Weatherford Democrat reported.
The county paid a fine and is filing the reports again, according to the newspaper.
Stormwater reports show how a local government keeps trash, oil and other pollution out of rain runoff that drains to area creeks and lakes.
TROOPERS URGE HALLOWEEN CAUTION
With Halloween on Saturday, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Transportation are urging drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions and watch carefully for pedestrians.
Officials say residential neighborhoods need extra care, where children may be walking after dark, the Cleburne Times-Review reported.
DPS also urges families to choose safe costumes and stay visible while trick-or-treating. Reflective tape or a flashlight helps drivers spot kids at dusk.
RAIN LIKELY FRIDAY
Rain chances climb late this week, according to the National Weather Service forecast for Granbury.
Today is partly sunny with a high near 83. Thursday brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, with a high near 82.
Rain showers are likely Friday, with a 60% chance and a high near 73. Halloween Saturday carries a 40% chance of rain and a high near 76, with a 30% chance of storms before 7 p.m.
WC VOLLEYBALL WINS 5TH TITLE
For the fifth consecutive season, the Weatherford College volleyball team has won its conference championship, the Weatherford Democrat reported.
The team has been nationally ranked all year. It started at No. 4 in the preseason poll in August and moved up to No. 3, the Weatherford Democrat reported Oct. 21.
The title sends the Parker County program into the postseason as one of the nation's top-ranked teams in its division.
WEATHERFORD PAPER MOVING
The Weatherford Democrat is moving to downtown Weatherford.
Its new home will be at 103 York Ave., which the newspaper described as part of the northwest quadrant and a downtown hub.
Readers with news tips, advertising or subscription questions will find the newsroom at the new address once the move is complete.
It puts the paper near the heart of the city it covers every day.
BURLESON TEMPLE OPENS FOR TOURS
For the first time in 42 years, North Texans will be able to step inside a Latter-day Saint temple before it is dedicated, the Cleburne Times-Review reported.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will offer free public tours of the new Fort Worth Texas Temple in Burleson from Nov. 5-21, except Sundays.
No Dallas-Fort Worth area temple has opened its doors to the public since the Dallas Texas Temple in 1984.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Early voting runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday at Annex 1 in Granbury.
Rain is likely Friday, with a 60% chance.
Halloween is Saturday.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Six counties. One region. Plenty happening.
