This year proved another disappointment for Texas Democrats, who underperformed the high expectations they had set for themselves, particularly in a hotly contested battle for dominance in the Texas House.

Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler will remain in his position for another term after receiving 84.11% (59,710) of the votes Tuesday night in the general election.

Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain appeared assured of securing his fifth term on Tuesday night. Cain collected 6,391 votes, the totals of which included mail-in ballots and early voting. Election Day totals had not been posted as of 9 p.m.

Voting for the general election came to a close Tuesday night and the lines at polling locations dwindled in Parker County in the afternoon hours.

Here are the Parker County early voting numbers for several key races.

Tuesday’s biggest developments

The presidential race in Texas looks more competitive than it has been in decades. More than 8 million Texans have already voted early. Many candidates will opt for social distancing instead of their normal results watch parties. And there's a decent chance we won't know many of the results by the time everyone goes to bed. If you're planning on watching the votes tick in, here are a few things to keep in mind.

The Weatherford Horseshoe Club hosted a spooky Halloween special fun day for the pitchers in Texas Saturday at Love Street Park’s Noon Lions Ringer Alley. 

Parker County Judge Pat Deen described what is known about a cyber attack incident that occurred on Oct. 16, saying the county is doing everything it can to restore and put software in place for prevention.

Much to a Weatherford nonprofit’s surprise, Lamar Elementary School in Mineral Wells has been raising funds for Gizmo the bat, who was rescued by Bat World Sanctuary.

A complaint filed by parents against a local superintendent has triggered community backlash, both on the ground and online.

Situated just behind The Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells lies Haunted Hill House, where owners Katherine and Eddie Estes have had many paranormal experiences along with thousands of others who have been within its walls.

In a virtual town hall, officials of Hudson Oaks discussed economic development, public safety and the Fort Worth water project Thursday evening.

Atwoods Ranch and Home was granted a conditional use permit Tuesday night for an 18.45-acre tract of land at the corner of U.S. 180 and Farm-to-Market Road 730.

A property exchange agreement for the new wastewater treatment plant site was approved by the Willow Park city council Tuesday night.

Weatherford College choir students will present their concert "Safe Singing Solution" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the Alkek Fine Arts Center.

Claps filled the Hole in the Wall Bier Gardens Friday, Oct. 23 at the first ever Crazy About Film Festival in Mineral Wells. 

Community feedback is being requested for two Aledo park concepts — Pine Street Trailhead Plaza and The Aledo Commons — which is being done by engineering firm Kimley-Horn.

Last fall on a trip to Maine, Millsap resident Susie Schofield came up with the idea that Millsap should have a scarecrow contest.  Susie and her sister, Dianna French, saw the contest as a “non-contact” community event that might help uplift spirits, create family activities, and bring smiles to the faces of Millsap residents. With the help of the City of Millsap, a contest was created. Entries, rules and regulations were mailed to city residents and posted on social media. Entries had to be homemade, family friendly and displayed at the front of participants’ property. The city offered a first place award of $100, second place of $50 and third place of $25.  

President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden are intensifying their efforts to persuade uncommitted voters to pick sides in the closing days of the presidential election campaign.

Aledo residents protested a rezone request on a property at 128 John St. during last week’s city council meeting, saying the proposed development isn’t fitting for the neighborhood.

It's the final stretch of early voting, which ends Friday for the Nov. 3 election.

Wildfires have continued to rage in California and at times, members from Parker County have been in the thick of the firefighting battle.

Hard-working and loving life are the words Marie Rollins used to describe her son, Zakary King, who was killed while driving his motorcycle Wednesday after a vehicle failed to yield to him.

This story has been updated to reflect the newest state report from the Department of Health Services, which shows that the district reported five cases of COVID-19.

Writer, photographer and world-traveler Reubene Scott, a resident at Willow Park Rehabilitation and Care Center, has had quite the accomplishments during her almost 100 years of life.

With COVID-19 set to be a major topic in the Texas legislative session, an Aledo ISD subcommittee revealed a first draft of the district’s legislative priorities, saying local control will be a big focus.

The Millsap Home & Garden Club hosted a forum for Millsap ISD candidates this week at First Baptist Church Millsap.

The city of Mineral Wells’ Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 boundary was expanded by 615 acres Tuesday night after unanimous approval by the council.

After a seven-month hiatus due to COVID-19, fine arts productions are returning to Weatherford College, but, for now, all productions and concerts will be streamed online.

A pedestrian who, for an undetermined reason, was lying in on U.S. 180 in Mineral Wells was struck and killed by a passing vehicle Monday night.

The City of Willow Park welcomed its newest council member Tyler VanSant on Oct. 13 to fill the vacant Place 2 position.

MINERAL WELLS — Around 150 cyclists had a staggered take off Saturday morning for the annual Rotary Crazy Kicker Bike Ride. 

In a unanimous vote, the Aledo ISD 2020-21 calendar was amended Thursday night to include additional teacher workdays.

At almost 100 years old, U.S. Army veteran Roy “Hank” Brooks has accomplished a lot, and even now, as a resident of Lakewell Place in Mineral Wells, is still sharp as a tack.

FFA and 4-H high school seniors in the Parker County area are completing their nomination applications for the 6th Annual AgYouth of the Month scholarship program, which has already awarded over $100,000 in scholarships. The online nominations are due Friday, Oct. 23.

On Friday night Oct. 16, 2020, Parker County discovered they were impacted by a computer security incident.  Following the discovery, County IT staff quickly isolated the compromised systems to limit the spread of the attack.

Led by four pitchers, Knox City Team No. 1 took to the pits at Love Street Park’s Ringer Alley Oct. 10 to claim the 2020 Texas High School Horseshoe Tournament.

The Bionic Bullrider earned his nickname after a near fatal injury in a rodeo arena led to an extensive chest surgery to reattach his sternum. Barry Brown would go on to become the first recipient of the Comeback Cowboy of the Year award from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1971 and a National Finals Rodeo qualifier in 1974.

Weatherford College has turned to former professional golfer Jesse Speirs to revive the school’s golf program when it returns to competition in the 2021-22 academic year.

PALO PINTO — The newly created Palo Pinto County First Responder Organization (FRO) started service this week in the Lake Palo Pinto Fire District.