News

When I was a young boy, just beginning to learn baseball from Paul Themer, Warren Hatley, and D. C. Carpenter, these three men received permission for us to practice and play practice games on a baseball field (that even had an old backstop) that was next to Hwy. 80 with the cotton gin on the other side.

Early 90’s Mom’s night out – allow me to set the scene. It culminated in me (solo), my mom jeans, some Keds, an above the shoulder pageboy WITH a perm, a la Dirty Dancing’s Jennifer Gray, and some sort of Rugby shirt from Old Navy. Also, it usually involved the Mesquite Public Library. In one specific recollection of such an event, I recall hauling an infant carrier + baby along with me for any sudden, impromptu nursing requirements, as the newly reno’d library had a very nice lady’s restroom. We’ve come a long way. And, on that particular night, the subject was of utmost interest to me: a presentation about children’s personalities as they pertained to birth order. While I was hoping to learn about the personality traits in multi-child families, I wound up learning much more about me. Because, while I had older half-brothers, I was raised as an only child. Sure, I learned some uncannily accurate facts about my own children, but I also learned about the quagmire that was me, a country kid raised completely alone. Take, for instance, my reading habits.

With summertime temperatures rapidly approaching, Texans will be getting out on the water. Now more than ever, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging boaters and paddlers who hit the water this summer to do their part to fight back against aquatic invasive species, such as giant salvinia and zebra mussels, threatening Texas lakes.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds Texans to be safe and vigilant all summer long by following the law and taking basic safety precautions while on the water.

The City of Mesquite has announced that Downtown Mesquite has earned the distinction of being a Nationally Accredited Main Street Program for the second year in a row. Downtown Mesquite was selected for the honor by Main Street America, also known as the National Main Street Center.

On June 1st Crandall ISD Ready, Set, Teach seniors signed a Letter of Intent with Crandall ISD to come back and teach future Pirates after they graduate college! Congratulations!

June 1st is the targeted date for the long-awaited reopening of this favorite Irish dining restaurant and soccer/rugby watching venue that has been in Mockingbird Station for about twenty years. It has long been known for “tastings” and “flights” of “spirits” and for family-friendly service and atmosphere, which can get a little rowdy when a “special soccer or rugby match is on the screen.”

The Forney ISD Board of Trustees recognized Mr. Heath Carroll for his service and dedication to the students and staff of Forney ISD as a Board of Trustee member. Mr. Carroll has served on the board a total of six years. Mr. Carroll did not run for reelection this year.

Even before we started school in 1st Grade back when I was a little boy, we all knew what “colors” were—They were the colorful “waxy sticks” you used to “color the pictures” in your coloring books that your Mom or Grandmother bought for you to pass time when it was raining outside!

STAR Transit is providing free rides for persons with confirmed appointment to get the COVID 19 vaccine shots. The curbto-curb service extends outside of the agency’s service area. Rides are available Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For this purpose, STAR Transit is temporarily adding Saturday service from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Reservations should be made at least one service day in advance and are based on vehicle availability.

Children make cherished memories at summer camp, where many youngsters first discover passions and hobbies they will enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Business owners preparing to fully reopen have much to look forward to in the months ahead. A rapidly growing population of fully vaccinated potential customers looking to get out of the house should benefit business owners’ bottom lines, and the work to prepare a business and keep it safe might have gotten a little easier as well. In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged that the constant cleaning of surfaces and chairs is largely unnecessary. As scientists have learned more about the COVID-19 virus, they’ve learned that airborne transmission of the virus is much more likely than transmission of the virus through surfaces. Though it’s still best to routinely clean high-touch surfaces like door knobs and card machines, and restaurants must still adhere to normal cleaning procedures so customers can enjoy safe, clean dining experiences, going all-out to clean and disinfect other surfaces throughout a business several times per day is likely unnecessary.