News and views of the Best Southwest

CONCERNED DESOTO CITIZENS (CDC) TO HOST ANNUAL GOSPELFEST – “The Art of Praise”

DeSoto, TX - On Sunday, February 19, 2012, CDC will host its annual concert, GospelFest – “The Art of Praise”. This year’s concert, commemorating African-American History Month, is presented in partnership with the City of DeSoto and DeSoto Independent School District. 

Lancaster CB Newbold signs LOI

Lancaster, TX - Texas Tech has received a signed letter of intent from La'Darius Newbold, a cornerback from Lancaster.  Newbold, at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, had about 15 scholarship offers, including Arkansas, Baylor, Boise State, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.

DeSoto ISD celebrates Black History Month with programs

Written by Beth Trimble

DeSoto, TX - February is Black History Month - a federally recognized, nationwide celebration that provides the opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the significant roles that African-Americans have played in the shaping of U.S. history.  To recall and celebrate the positive contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week.

Meals-on-Wheels plans for ‘A Fabulous Forties Fling’ to celebrate the ‘Greatest Generation’

Midlothian, TX - Meals-on-Wheels client Shirley Hedrick of Midlothian was only six years old when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed the nation with the horrific news regarding the “day that will live in infamy.”  “We just sat around our little battery radio and cried,” she said. 

Local artist releases gospel album

Lancaster, TX - The national independent record label Tate Music Group announced the nationwide release of “Just Gospel,” the newest album from local gospel artist, Rikki McNeil.

Dallas county man convicted of mortgage fraud

PLANO – A 45-year-old DeSoto, Texas man has been found guilty by a jury in a mortgage fraud scheme that involved homes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.  Rodney Lavann Giles was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Jan. 25, 2012, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Richard Schell.

African American Read In- Ruby Young Elementary

DeSoto, TX - We are excited about our momentum this year with our student’s literacy.  To keep the momentum going, this year we are hosting our first ever Ruby Young Elementary School African-American Read-In sponsored by the ACE Program (Afterschool Centers for Education). The Read-In will be held on February 17, 2012 from 8:30 am to 10 am. 

Spring Reading Club at the DeSoto Public Library

DeSoto, TX - The DeSoto Public Library’s Spring Reading Club, "20,000 Reads Under the Sea," for children ages 5 – 12, has begun and will continue until Friday, April 6.  Enjoy a Spring full of interactive stories and crafts, and prizes will be awarded to children who complete certain levels of reading.  Sign up at the Children’s Information Desk.

District seeks community input on 2012-13 school calendars

Written by Beth Trimble

DeSoto, TX - DeSoto ISD administration is seeking campus and community input on the proposed 2012-13 school calendars. Until Friday, February 10, students, parents, staff and the community can send their comments in regarding the proposed use of a flexible calendar for secondary students and a traditional calendar for elementary students.

Mayor to not seek re-election; Candidate filing to begin

Ferris, TX - Ferris Mayor Rick Barrett announced Monday, Jan. 30 he will not be seeking re-election.  “It has been a pleasure serving the citizens of Ferris as mayor,” stated Barrett.