News

Regular readers of this column will attest to the fact that my summer has been defined by two words: home improvement.

While no one is immune from the devastation of a natural disaster, preparing before a storm hits is key to keeping everyone in your family—including your pets—safe.

Don McIlhenny and Dick Groat

Someone said, “The best camera you can have is that one you have with you”. That is certainly true of Mary Nichols. When she took her award wining photo, the only camera at hand was her cell phone. Mary has been a Forney resident since 1983, and this is her first State Fair Photography award.

On Thursday evening September 21st Forney ISD dedicated Mary Lou Dewberry Elementary School.

Recreational fishing is enjoyed by millions of people. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that there was an 8 percent increase in anglers between 2011 and 2017. Expenditures by anglers nationwide rose 2 percent during the same time, from $45 billion to $46.1 billion.

And Some of the Supporting Cast

Texas Game Wardens patrolling water bodies across the state noticed an increase in water-related fatalities and boating accidents compared to last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend.

Plants are resilient beings. Think about the tiny green leaves sprouting in sidewalk cracks and street edges you’ve seen as you walk past. A tiny spot of soil, a bit of water now and then, and a seed sprouts into a growing, albeit tiny, plant. But take that same seed, plant it in a pot with good soil, ample water, and fertilizer, and look at the difference!

Even Adults Are Complaining!

On a hot Thursday evening in late August, a crowd gathered in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Forney for a free community piano concert. The people who endured the heat wave were rewarded with refreshments and wonderful melodies. It was a memorable evening, thanks to a commanding performance by famed jazz pianist and Steinway artist Donald Ryan.

On August 16, 2023, at the Kaufman County Courthouse, the Honorable Judge Tracy Gray officially swore in 6 new CASA volunteers. This marks the inaugural swearing-in ceremony for a class in Kaufman County. Also known as Court Appointed Special Advocates, these volunteers will work with Lone Star CASA to advocate for children and families involved in the foster care system in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties.

After continued growth through the month of August, Texas has once again set new records for the number of jobs, number of people employed, and size of the civilian labor force. Total nonfarm employment increased by 16,700 positions over the month to reach a 23rd consecutive series-high level with 13,979,100 jobs and a 30th consecutive month of growth. Since August 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 402,000 positions and continued to outpace the nation in the rate of annual employment growth.