News

Summer camp is a rite of passage for many children. Each year, campers of all ages head off to nearby recreation centers or travel to rural areas to claim their cabins and bunks. Here’s a deep look at some of the statistics surrounding summer camps.

Earlier this year, Forney ISD expanded the random safety screening program as a part of the next phase of ongoing enhancements to our safety and security plan. After thorough research and planning by the Forney ISD Safety Task Force, the district is excited to announce the rollout of the latest, state-of-the-art, weapons detection system called Evolv in our high school, middle and intermediate campuses.

Susan Cluse, current City Manager for the City of Balch Springs, will assume the role of Assistant City Manager with the City of Mesquite effective July 1, 2023.

The beginning of the month of March comes roaring in like a proverbial lion, testing our resolve to withstand that gale force wind. Sometimes, the World of Education comes into March like the proverbial lion as well - state testing in different grades on different subjects, testing students to see how well they have absorbed their learning from their teachers and then applying it to the exam questions. It is a stressful time for all the levels of education in every school district because, while teachers have a good hunch about where their students are in their learning, until the tests are graded teachers don’t know how well their students have mastered the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) for their grade level. Once the testing is complete and they receive the results, the professional educators now know what areas need to be worked on for their students.

If You Text, Chat, Instagram, or Face Time, This is for You!

On February 22, 2023, a Kaufman County jury sentenced Luis Jaime Ceballos of Arlington, Texas to 46 years in prison for the offense of Manufacturing/Delivery of a Controlled Substance PG1 4 grams to 200 grams. During the two-day trial, jurors heard testimony from the arresting officer, Deputy William Cody Kennedy, and Narcotics Investigator Jacob Keierleber, and a drug analyst from the Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab. After finding Mr. Ceballos guilty, jurors heard evidence relevant to sentencing. Such evidence included judgments showing that Mr. Ceballos had three prior felony convictions. At the conclusion of the testimony jurors responded with a swift and appropriate sentence of 46 years in prison. Prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorneys Sheri Shepherd and Robyn Beckham, District Attorney Investigator Walter Hughey, and Paralegal Kristen Tucker. The District Attorney’s office would like to thank the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department for their work investigating this case. Drug dealers are not welcome in Kaufman County, Texas.

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics study more closely connects diet and Alzheimer’s disease development

Margie answered her phone. “Hello?”

In the last two years I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone.

Each March 17, and even in the days surrounding that date, the world is awash in kelly green. That’s because it is once again time to pay homage to the patron saint of Ireland and perhaps engage in a little spirited revelry.

401(k) Door Opens for Small-Business Owners

On Tuesday, I welcomed Athens residents to the Capitol in celebration of Athens Day. The Texas House recognized and commemorated their visit by passing House Resolution 345 declaring February 28th “Athens Day at the State Capitol.” I appreciate all who made the trip and thank you for the opportunity to serve as your State Representative!

Weather-related flight delays or cancellations are often the cause of much frustration. However, one timely storm nearly 80 years might just have paved the way for a beloved beverage.