rain hit Churchill Downs shortly before the Oaks race who charged in the final stretch and beat out a dozen other 3-year-old Thoroughbred fillies on a recently-muddied track Good Cheer finished the 1-⅛-mile race in just over 1 minute and 50 seconds according to the unofficial time provided by broadcaster NBC Longshot Drexel Hill and and Bless the Broken followed in second and third place notched his third Oaks win with Good Cheer they sported their best pinks for the Run for the Lillies Thousands of people from all over are in Louisville for a weekend of horse racing, bourbon, Derby hats and fashion Valerie and Jay Freeman are from Farmers Branch The two are part of a Texas-based horse racing group The Freemans said they consider themselves horse-racing aficionados but Valerie said there’s more to see at Churchill Downs than fillies “The people-watching is over the top,” Valerie said Jovan and Brittany Fleming returned to Louisville for Oaks and Derby The husband-and-wife duo live in Atlanta and are Louisville natives They said they decided to stray from the traditional pink for Oaks Day and wear green from head to toe Brittany said her color scheme represents wealth “We want to win some money here today,” Brittany said He owns a cigar company called Kapito’s Way “It's just a good time and networking,” he said Sydney Ecker is sporting a hat she made herself Ecker — a Michigan native — started her millinery shop Eckuine Creations this year Jaylynn Montgomery-Lewis and Sarah James are hoping to give back to the community at Oaks The two are Miss Kentucky winners and are selling raffle tickets at Churchill Downs Half the proceeds will go to different charities around Louisville “We are here on behalf of the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization pageant which offers us amazing opportunities like these to be in places like this,” Montgomery-Lewis said James said coming to Churchill Downs in person is a dream come true “I've always watched it on TV because I live in Lexington but seeing all the outfits in person and actually seeing the horses race has been phenomenal,” she said The 1-⅛ mile race has a $1.5 million purse Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members – generous people like you – for the majority of our funding You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20 We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is closing four schools next year The school board on Thursday approved a plan to consolidate three elementary schools — Central Furneaux and McCoy — and Long Middle School deals with a budget deficit and years of falling enrollment Superintendent Wendy Eldredge said district leaders poured countless hours into the proposal “The anticipation of tonight’s meeting is heavy on all of us No district ever wants to go through this process,” she said I do believe that we all want what's best for all of our students The district estimates the closures will save $9 million the first year and eliminate 2,300 empty seats Community members have pushed against the plan for weeks An online petition to keep McCoy Elementary open collected nearly 2,400 signatures and one to protect Central Elementary gathered nearly 800 Chis Angel Lopez Ruiz attended Central Elementary student and now goes to DeWitt Perry Middle School He urged trustees Thursdays not to close the campuses you have to think of the students first,” he said the kids are still getting their education Olla Mokhtar is KERA’s news intern. Got a tip? Email Olla at omokhtar@kera.org KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today Texas -- The Dallas Stars and the City of Farmers Branch officially opened RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport Farmers Branch a multi-purpose athletic facility adjacent to Children’s Health StarCenter Farmers Branch The official ribbon cutting ceremony included City of Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne Lee Lewis Construction Executive Vice President Ty Parsons and other dignitaries The 81,780 square-foot facility is expected to serve more than 50,000 unique youth athletes annually with the ability to configure up to eight basketball courts or up to 16 volleyball courts at one time depending on sports programming for the day The facility is now home to Texas Advantage Volleyball (TAV) one of the most successful club volleyball organizations in the United States “We are thrilled to officially open our multisport facility in Farmers Branch,” Alberts said “Mayor Lynne and the City of Farmers Branch have been tremendous partners in creating a shared vision for creating a unique athletic space that can benefit individuals of all ages As the demand continues to grow for our multisport facilities the Stars are focused on continuing to expand our organization’s footprint across the Lone Star State.” As a leader in youth and recreational sports with over 80,000 active participants and 8.5 million visitors per year through their ten facilities the Dallas Stars’ investment in multisport properties is the next step in their reach beyond their core ice-related customers into additional youth sports for athletes across the Metroplex "Farmers Branch is proud to partner with the Dallas Stars in opening the StarCenter Multisport facility which will serve as a beacon for youth sports in North Texas and strengthen community engagement," Lynne said "The launch of this state-of-the-art complex embodies the City's commitment to providing world-class amenities and community connection for families in Farmers Branch and across the region." Construction on the project was overseen by Lee Lewis Construction which has four offices in Texas and has been a leader in commercial construction since 1976 The facility is the second multisport facility in the Dallas Stars’ portfolio of athletic facilities along with the eight Children’s Health StarCenters across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex the Stars purchased RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport at The MAC in Lewisville Texas as the club’s first investment in multisport facilities air-conditioned multisport activity center the facility features eight USA Volleyball regulation courts four NBA regulation hardwood basketball courts The MAC also proudly serves as the new home to the Drive Nation Volleyball Club Texas officially broke ground on StarCenter Multisport Northlake The 225,000 square-foot multi-purpose athletic facility will feature two NHL regulation sheets of ice and eight basketball courts which can be converted to 16 volleyball courts The facility is scheduled to open in January of 2026 For more information about RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport Farmers Branch, please visit StarCenterMultisport.com BlackLIT closed its doors after only two years because of ongoing harassment and what its owner says was a lack of support from police and building management she’s planning what’s next for her business and her community chose to open BlackLIT in Farmer Branch to provide a safe space for the Black community But after two years in the current location From KERA News: The small bookstore BlackLIT in Farmers Branch celebrated its second anniversary last month with music Founder and CEO Nia-Tayler Clark had announced that the store would be closing its doors after just two years due to months of harassment from a neighbor and ongoing issues with building management BlackLIT was more than a bookstore—it was a safe haven and a place that represented Black culture in an area lacking such spaces expressed the deep loss the closure signifies “This is a space that gives voice even without talking,” he said Supporter Alandria Ford said she sees the closure not as an end but as motivation to create more spaces like it “This is a space for God’s people to come and to enjoy Black culture BlackLIT started in 2019 as a subscription box service that included a book with discussion questions and a few products from Black-owned businesses Clark started BlackLIT in 2019 as a subscription box service that included a book with discussion questions The idea came to her after a student remarked that they didn’t read because they were Black Concerned about the impact of such a mindset she created a platform that showcased books by Black authors “I just didn’t want my son to become my 10th-grade student or anybody else’s student,” Clark said “I wanted them to start seeing themselves in books to know that literacy was for them too.” with Oprah Magazine ranking it as the second-best subscription box of its kind in 2020 I think I’m on Oprah,’” she said BlackLIT went from a few orders to a few thousand orders during Christmas time Clark says it happened so fast with so little help This prompted her to open a physical store in 2022 The location was chosen with a mission to support fellow Black-owned businesses the businesses that are open are owned by Black women,” Clark said “We’re surrounded by neighbors that look like us.” BlackLIT in Farmers Branch celebrated its second anniversary on October 19 But opening the bookstore came with a set of challenges Clark faced financial hurdles and a lack of support from building management The issues escalated from late rent payments to missing basic utilities like hot water and air conditioning Even after raising $40,000 from the community to cover payment “It seemed like [management] was annoyed like that she has to deal with this,” Clark said some unwelcoming neighbors began harassing the business Clark recalls a series of unsettling incidents including when a man entered the store with her lease in hand – complete with personal information When it was brought to management’s attention Clark said they acted unaware of the situation Building management declined to answer KERA’s questions about their response The situation took a darker turn when another male neighbor began showing up at the store attending women-only events and making inappropriate advances toward the attendees “We just thought it was like a uncomfortable coincidence,” Clark said “But then it got to the point where we could clearly see this is not a coincidence.” BlackLIT's second anniversary party last month was bittersweet had recently announced she was closing the store because of ongoing harassment The Farmers Branch Police Department was called to the store at least five times between February and October But officers informed Clark that without clear evidence Despite repeated reports to both the police and building management The challenges BlackLIT has faced resemble those of other Black-owned bookstores in North Texas who opened Dallas’ first Black-owned bookstore including a swastika etched into her building “I treated every threat seriously,” she said “I didn’t take anything for granted.” Rodgers said she’s disheartened by the harassment that BLACKLIT faces today and the lack of immediate support “I don’t know why America is so threatened by Blacks being successful,” she said According to the African American Literature Book Club there are about 160 Black-owned bookstores in the U.S from financial barriers to threats and harassment Nia-Tayler Clark is still determined to reopen BlackLIT in a safer location closing BlackLIT is about more than shutting down a business; it’s a step to protect her family and the community she built I can’t wait for worse,” she said Farmers Branch police eventually issued her stalker a criminal trespass warning and Clark has since obtained a temporary restraining order against him The building’s management office told KERA via email that they have “moved to evict the individual but can’t act until the court issues a judgement.” “What I don’t want is for anybody to say they didn’t know,” Clark said She’s considering moving back in with family while she plans the next chapter for her businesses Her commitment to creating spaces for Black literature and culture remains strong If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it here. Your gift helps pay for everything you find on texasstandard.org and KERAnews.org ©2024 Texas Standard. A service of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin | Contact us By Lana FergusonEnergy and Natural Resources Reporter The injuries were not believed to be life-threatening Officers were working together about 1:30 a.m to locate a suspect previously “involved in narcotics activity at the location,” according to a police news release they stopped a vehicle in the parking lot of the business Crime in The NewsRead the crime and public safety news your neighbors are talking about GoogleFacebookBy signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy Officers approached the vehicle and asked a male to exit it Police said a confrontation ensued and “shots were exchanged” between the suspect and officers Detectives believe the suspect shot at the officers before officers from both agencies fired back Police did not release the names of anyone involved in the shooting Multiple investigations were launched into the shooting The Texas Rangers are conducting the criminal investigation and the Dallas County District Attorney’s public integrity unit also responded to the scene police agencies complete internal investigations to see if department policies were followed She joined The Dallas Morning News in 2022 after a stint in South Carolina's Lowcountry The Virginia native graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in journalism and Southern studies the Carrollton-Farmers Branch school district is expected to announce schools it could close to cut costs as it consolidates campuses to “downsize” the district Superintendent Wendy Eldredge has said the district faces a $19 million deficit infrastructure and enrollment challenges – like several districts throughout the region and state.” some community members are pushing to keep McCoy Elementary open even though CFBISD hasn’t indicated which campuses could potentially be closed Heather Newell is one of nearly 1,000 people who have already signed a Change.org petition urging the district to keep McCoy open While her kids did not go to McCoy Elementary gave them so many opportunities to be involved in things and it really made a difference in their lives,” Newell said she realizes the district faces serious budget problems Parent Carol Franzen also signed the petition to save McCoy and Franzen said the family moved to Carrollton specifically for the schools and McCoy Franzen said her daughters were in the school’s Talented and Gifted program “And it’s very special because all the kids in that program are functioning at two grade levels ahead.” Franzen has no idea how McCoy will measure up when officials consider schools for closure The district says current enrollment is 422 while median elementary school enrollment is slightly above 500 Nearly half the district’s elementary schools have similar enrollment numbers The district said it’s considering “many factors” including space, layout, age and location in determining which campuses to consolidate have also closed schools in the face of inflation and state education funds unchanged for five years Bill Zeeble is KERA’s education reporter. Got a tip? Email Bill at bzeeble@kera.org. You can follow him on X @bzeeble KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today The family of a missing man described as “the life of the party” is seeking answers after his body was found in a creek in Kaufman County not far from the jail where he was last seen was booked into the Kaufman County Detention Center on Jan 13 for a probation violation on a 2023 DWI charge his family said they expected to see him at the end of his seven-day sentence What they didn’t expect was for him to be released just after midnight on Jan when his own family discovered his body near the 1900 block of East Hwy 175 between the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and Numo Manufacturing “A simple phone call to one of us to pick [him] up this outcome wouldn't have been him being gone,” said Badillo’s wife And my kids would still have their father.” She said her husband was likely disoriented when he was released from jail “It angers me because this is something that doesn't make no sense at all and doesn't make no sense of him losing his life or something that could have been prevented,” she said a Kaufman police corporal reported Badillo opening the back door of a squad car at approximately 1:30 a.m the officer said Badillo “doesn't seem to be all there.” The report indicated he walked off to the nearby pet adoption center and was being monitored by cameras He left his personal belongings – including his wallet and cell phone — in front of the jail KERA reached out to both the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department and Kaufman Police Department Kaufman Police Chief Les Edwards told KERA in a statement “the City of Kaufman Police Department continues to investigate the matter and are awaiting the findings and official identification from the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office.” A cause of death is still under investigation Badillo’s family just wants to know what happened to him – and whether it could have been prevented I know a lot of people on social media were saying that they're not responsible for giving him a ride or making sure that he gets home safe,” said Juanita Badillo but they could have called a courtesy call.” They’re also hoping there is a policy change so no other families will have to endure what they went through Juanita Badillo said her family feels incomplete without her husband celebrated his birthday with his dad every December; they were born just a day apart “This is going to be one of the first years that we will be separated for that,” Eddie Badillo said Priscilla Rice is KERA’s communities reporter. Got a tip? Email her at price@kera.org.  Video: LAPD Officers Narrowly Missed by Fleeing Driver, Kicking Off Chase An officer with the Farmers Branch Police Department was able to walk away from a potentially serious crash last week after a pickup truck lost control and slammed into his patrol vehicle According to a Facebook post from Farmers Branch police the incident occurred April 4 in the 13200 block of Mount Castle Drive the officer can be seen speaking with a driver during a traffic stop and walking back to his patrol vehicle As he is leaning into the car and typing on his computer an out-of-control pickup truck slams into the patrol car before crashing into a nearby house The officer was able to walk away with only minor injuries the department said in the Facebook post The post said the driver of the truck was an unlicensed 16-year-old who told police he was changing lanes when he lost control of the truck on a wet A Farmers Branch police spokesperson told The Dallas Morning News that the driver faces charges of driving without a license and not having insurance In the post, Farmers Branch police reminded drivers to be careful when driving on rainy days Visit dallasnews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. There is a great history of sports helping municipalities All you have to do is look at Victory Park or Arlington or Frisco to see how important professional sports teams can be in driving the economy and helping the citizens And the same can be true on a smaller scale The Dallas Stars and the City of Farmers Branch on Friday officially opened RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport Farmers Branch It was another step forward in the relationship between the two entities and also a step forward in the individual plans of each “We have had a relationship with the Dallas Stars for almost 25 years now and this just takes that another step,” said Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne “We’ve seen the impact the hockey facility has had and we feel this will be even greater in bringing people to Farmers Branch.” Stars President and Chief Executive Officer Brad Alberts said the facility is a significant part of the team’s diversification into sports outside of hockey “We run ice rinks and nothing is more difficult or more expensive to run so we have all of this knowledge and experience and infrastructure so wouldn’t we be perfect to run this?” Alberts said of the 81,780 square-foot facility that will be a part of three multi-sport builds including the MAC in Lewisville and the Northlake center that will be opening next year in Denton County “So we are complementing our ice rink business with these gyms and we think it’s going to be a great marriage and we’re in a unique position to fill that need.” Lynne said it was a no-brainer for the City of Farmers Branch to be on board The fact the ice rink is right there and the fact the Stars know how to run youth sports was key Both Lynne and Alberts have children who have participated in club sports and understand the complexities and expenses that are part of that world We know that and we definitely want to make sure people are happy with what we’re offering.” The City of Farmers Branch finances the building and the Stars will pay rent and run the facility Lynne said they are already seeing the potential impact in two volleyball tournaments that show a need for additional parking facilities as well as possibly building more eating establishments in the area but we’re working toward solving that,” Lynne said and we’re confident we’re going to get that worked out.” Alberts said the Stars too are making an effort to assure the daily maintenance of youth sports leagues is constantly improving “We’re trying to make youth sports a first-class operation,” said Alberts but you can make it a first-class business and that’s been our thinking the whole time We want to give these kids the best facilities and the best experience they can have but we’re trying our best to make it as good as possible.” The RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport Farmers Branch boasts 16 volleyball courts and eight basketball courts It serves as the home to Texas Advantage Volleyball (TAV) Lynne said just walking in was a realization of a lot of hard work that fulfilled a vision so it’s so good to see it open,” Lynne said It’s a great thing for the City of Farmers Branch.” The Stars have a similar hope and vision for the City of Northlake next year With the 38,000-square-foot RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisports at The MAC in Lewisville operating since 2022 and the expected facility in Northlake to host 225,000 square feet of sports activities the hockey franchise is creating a new area of both economic strength and community outreach “Economic impact is important,” Alberts said “Cities need revenue and this is a good way to help provide it When you bring people to your city to eat in restaurants or stay in hotels Sports has proven it can be a positive for cities both at the highest level and then also at a grassroots level like this with youth sports I think it’s an area where we can really excel.” This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on X @MikeHeika By Sharon Grigsby Jeremiah’s most heroic action was his decision this year to respond to the call for help from another veteran’s 88-year-old widow created a one-of-a-kind front door for their Farmers Branch home The intricate woodworking project provided healing and therapy for the U.S Breaking NewsGet the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond The mosaic was constructed of bits of pine and oak ornate trim pieces and sap-filled cross sections of trees and Wayne used them in their original form the mural of cutouts suggests abstract flowers grime and one bad attempt to repair the damage by covering the door with black paint Bonnye cringed each time she passed through the once-magnificent door her hands were full caring for her husband Bonnye could find no one interested in the complicated assignment The job would require scraping and sanding the paint and dirty buildup from the door the wooden pieces and the countless nooks and crannies around them — without damaging the aging shapes After the door was stripped down to its original state repairs would be required on many of the elements the door would need to be restained and sealed Bonnye had almost given up on finding someone when she got a fortuitous tip from a friend at the George W The friend had a photo of an old but lovingly refurbished bench One look and Bonnye knew she had found the perfect craftsman Little did she know this work would be as great a healing balm for Jeremiah as it was for Wayne Bonnye had to wait five years before Jeremiah committed to the project church activities and medical appointments occupied most of his time Anxiety and depression made any commitment difficult — especially one this far outside his comfort zone Jeremiah agreed to come take a look at the door He felt bad about putting her off so many times and coached himself on pushing through the stress the initial meeting would create “She was a sweet woman and this project meant the world to her,” Jeremiah recalled “But I had no idea what I was getting myself into.” Jeremiah had estimated he could probably get the job done in two days “I tried to play it cool when I showed up,” he said At the end of the first day of work in April — after hours of what he said was “blood sweat and tears” to undo the damage — Jeremiah had completed one 12-inch-by-12-inch section Bonnye couldn’t sleep that night amid worries Jeremiah wouldn’t return “Our lives sometimes can be like that nasty door,” Jeremiah recalled providing wild turkeys for the Thanksgiving tables of family and friends He owned one of the first World War II-inspired Ford SUVs earning him the nickname “Bronco” in the mid-1960s “I’m a Marine” was the introduction preferred by Wayne who died at 81 after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer’s Marine Corps in 1958 and became a flight officer and instructor He and Bonnye married four months after they met in 1959 while he was in flight training in Pensacola “It was a quick romance — but it just worked out,” Bonnye said Wayne didn’t waver from the Marine Corps values of honor but his fortitude was tested in his last Vietnam assignment his KC-130 aircraft crew regularly ferried supplies into the war zone and soldiers’ bodies back to the U.S “He remained steadfast but it was so very hard.” He retired with the rank of captain in 1966 and the next year became a Delta Air Lines pilot based at Dallas’ Love Field He and Bonnye built their dream home on what was then the rolling prairie of Farmers Branch A huge horse farm occupied what is now the Spring Valley Road corridor and Belt Line Road was planted with miles of cotton Bonnye and their young daughter made a happy-go-lucky life for themselves Life was good until a deadly tragedy broke open years of grief Wayne had steeled his heart against since Vietnam In 1974, Fred Jones, Wayne’s best friend and fellow Vietnam veteran and Delta pilot, was shot and killed during an attempted hijacking in Baltimore Fred was based in Dallas and the Sherman and Jones families were close who had given birth to twins a month or so before he died Wayne took a leave from Delta and tried to deal with his misery he turned to artwork — just as he had as a child when he suffered from polio Wayne adorned it with a maze of wooden pieces he found in cast-off remnant piles at lumber yards he burnished the design with a light-catching stain and surprised Bonnye she had been unsure what Wayne was working on But she knew the project was slowly easing his mind “It’s one of the many ways they are alike and why this door’s redoing by Jeremiah was meant to be.” and after several moves wound up in Flower Mound where he attended Marcus High School his senior year Jeremiah dropped the news on his mother that he planned to join the Army “I just felt that was my calling,” he said and his specialty became maintenance on Black Hawk helicopters Jeremiah was sent to Iraq as part of the initial invasion a member of the advance teams that worked on Black Hawks The enemy’s increased use of improvised explosive devices haunted Jeremiah and his crewmates “It would weigh on us — they were everywhere — as we drove out in three-vehicle convoys to do repairs,” he recalled “You just tried to keep working but it was hard.” Jeremiah’s job included the recovery of equipment and bodies from downed aircraft. On Nov. 15, 2003, two Black Hawk helicopters collided and crashed in Mosul, killing 17 U.S. soldiers. One of them smashed into the roof of a house, and Jeremiah was assigned to that site. “We had to separate the aircraft,” Jeremiah said, “get all the pieces up and help with the body recovery.” The Mosul crash was one of several that month. A Chinook transport helicopter accident Nov. 2 killed 16 soldiers and a Black Hawk was shot down Nov. 7 in Tikrit, killing all six on board. Jeremiah knew many of the guys on those helicopters. He had worked next to some and gone through training with others. “It felt like a lot of snowballing of events,” Jeremiah told me, struggling to find the words. “The amount of stuff seen there — you had to be there to understand.” Not long after the recovery work, a soldier working atop a tall structure at Jeremiah’s tent site slipped and fell. His full weight hit Jeremiah, who suffered upper back, neck and head injuries. Jeremiah was never the same. “Previously I was Johnny-on-the-spot, having everything done,” he said, “but not after that. The mental and physical toll was too much.” Discharged in July 2005 with a disabling injury, Jeremiah returned home to his wife and children. In a good but high-stress job at Bell in Fort Worth, where he oversaw the rewiring of Black Hawks, he refused to get help for his increasing emotional instability. “I felt like I could ‘workaholic’ my way out of my problems,” Jeremiah said. Only when he was close to a breakdown did he get his priorities in order. He credits the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers in Dallas and Waco for helping him turn the corner on his post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. “Divine help was part of it, too, or I wouldn’t be here today,” he said. Married for 26 years to Jessie and with three daughters and two grandchildren, Jeremiah focuses on family and church. “I do a little woodworking when I feel up to it,” he said. “It’s not a business, just something to be creative and get the mind engaged.” Stepping into places of uncertainty is hard for Jeremiah, but after a visit to the Dallas VA last spring, he decided it was time to tackle Bonnye’s door. Looking back, “There were a lot of hands around us guiding us into making this happen,” he said. By Jeremiah’s third day on the job, Bonnye exhaled. She could tell the door had grabbed his interest. Bit by bit, Jeremiah cleaned the mosaic. “I felt a lot of, ‘Oh my gosh, panic’ at first but I would chunk off a tiny piece of the work — and focus on nothing more,” he laughed. He also recalled saying many prayers involving St. Joseph as he toiled. Each day revealed more of the beauty and craftsmanship of the original door. Jeremiah sensed the care Wayne put into the placement of each wooden shape. He felt the Marine’s effort “to pull out all those emotions and compartmentalization of tragedies and put them on that door.” The finishing touch was selecting a stain as close as possible to the one Wayne chose. Now the light of the wood grains shines through, protected from the elements by a new sealant. Jeremiah said restoring the door renewed his spirit, much as creating it revived Wayne’s. When the door was finished three weeks later, Jeremiah called his father to help him rehang it. “That was a very special moment,” Jeremiah recalled. “He couldn’t believe how it came together so magnificently.” Bonnye insisted on paying Jeremiah, who originally quoted her about $500. If he had his way, he wouldn’t have taken any money. “To push through it and restore it was a gift to me,” Jeremiah said. On Veteran’s Day, Jeremiah will check up on friends he made in the Army via text. Bonnye will visit the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, where her late husband is interred. “I’ll take my McDonald’s and a good cup of coffee and eat breakfast there with him,” she laughed. Although Bonnye already senses how happy Wayne is about the new door, she plans to tell him all about Jeremiah and the restoration project. “I’ll say, ‘It’s even better than the original because it has so much new love in it.” I made what I expected to be a short career stopover here in 1980 and I'm still working to make Dallas a better city for all its residents You'll also find me writing about mental health care and substance abuse issues Includes 14MW data center facility and semiconductor fab US chipmaker Wolfspeed has put its Texas site outside Dallas up for sale Listed via Loopnet for an undisclosed price the site located in Farmers Branch comprises four buildings is expandable to 28MW and spans 4,700 sq ft (436 sqm) in the 35,826 sq ft (3,328 sqm) facility The four buildings are part of Corporate Technology Park; a 26-acre seven-building campus comprising 457,000 sq ft (42,500 sqm) of space None of the four buildings are available for sale individually Building A is currently a semiconductor fab spanning 162,500 sq ft (15,000 sqm) with lab rooms are an office space and a warehouse respectively The site has access to two 2500 KVA transformers Building G also has a 400kW diesel generator and 750kVA UPS in the main electrical room said in its Q1 2025 earnings call that it aims to simplify its business focusing on its 200mm silicon carbide wafers The company is currently grappling with reduced demand for its 150mm wafers with the closure of its Texas site expected to cut 75 jobs Wolfspeed is also indefinitely suspending construction plans for a device fab in Saarland The final production in Farmers Branch is expected to wind down imminently In October last year, Wolfspeed signed a provisional agreement with the department to receive up to $750 million in direct funding to support the construction of two new facilities in North Carolina and New York The company’s primary power device fabrication will now take place in New York Data Centre Dynamics Ltd (DCD), 32-38 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH Email. [email protected]DCD is a subsidiary of InfraXmedia Dallas-Fort Worth has some of the best barbecue restaurants in the state of Texas right now and that fact has received another confirmation Joshua Weissman is a chef-turned-YouTuber who recently went on a statewide expedition to try some of Texas Monthly's best barbecue restaurants His conclusion: The best Texas barbecue can be found in DFW While many may snub the idea of "just another YouTuber" reviewing Texas barbecue joints Weissman cut his teeth working in the restaurant industry and was once the lead cook at Uchiko in Austin His YouTube channel has amassed over 10 million subscribers and he's written two New York Times Bestsellingcookbooks Four BBQ in DFWWeissman ranked Goldee's Barbecue in Fort Worth the highest on the list out of the 17 total Texas barbecue restaurants he visited He even invited Texas Monthly's Dallas-based barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn to join him during their tasting (which was their final stop on their journey) who had rated this hometown staple No Weissman had nothing but good things to say about Goldee's classic side dishes and its brisket giving them 9.5 points (out of 10) for sides "The [brisket] seasoning is ridiculous it's exactly where it should be," he said "It's got the smoke flavor I want Coming in a close second in DFW was Cattleack Barbeque in Farmers Branch Cattleack's side dishes – Hatch chili mac & cheese and burnt end beans – were exceptionally elevated versions of classic barbecue sides Tiedemann was thrilled with the creamy texture But it was Cattleack's Japanese-American hybrid Texas wagyu brisket that stole the show Both the lean and fatty brisket earned high praise (and high rankings) across all three categories from both judges [Cattleack] is where I'd probably come back to and be like 'This was the complete barbecue experience that was my favorite so far,'" Tiedemann said The two other DFW barbecue restaurants that made the cut were both in the Fort Worth area: Panther City BBQ Fort WorthBrisket score: 19 points (7 for flavor; 5 for texture; 7 for salt level)Sides: 8.5 points Weissman said all of Panther City's classic side dishes were "very solid" but the borracho beans were a standout choice out of the four he was unimpressed with the lean's salt level but he did mention its flavor was unique and had "a little heat." But he was disappointed in its texture the lean was probably one of the driest I think I've ever had and we really didn't love how thick it was cut," he said Dayne's Craft BBQ AledoBrisket score: 25 points (8 for flavor; 8 for texture; 9 for salt level)Sides: 8 points Weissman praised Dayne's brisket for its deep smokiness and saltiness but Tiedemann wasn't as much of a fan of the classic smoke flavor The brisket's only shortcoming was its texture as it had a "heavily unrendered fat cap." Dayne's apple slaw was the most surprising (yet tasty) side dish they tried but Weissman said the Frito pie baked beans were the best he's had on their entire barbecue journey Other Texas barbecue restaurants Weissman visited Need Help? My Profile Logout Michael Cleveland accepts the Bluegrass Star award at Blooming Bluegrass 2024with Rhonda Vincent, Dan Tyminski, and Del McCoury – photo © Randy Watkins Also making news last month in Farmer’s Branch was the awarding of the Foundation’s Bluegrass Star trophy to fiddle great Michael Cleveland. This is presented each year to an artist notable for preserving and advancing traditional bluegrass music nationally. Bluegrass Heritage President Alan Tompkins said while presenting the award to Cleveland… “Michael’s incredible talents have brought bluegrass music to many thousands of new listeners over the course of his career, and he is a worthy recipient of the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation Bluegrass Star Award. Prior winners have included Rhonda Vincent, J.D. Crowe, Jerry Douglas, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, Bobby Osborne, and several others. We also thank Alan for sharing this array of photos from the 2024 festival, taken by Randy Watkins and Nate Dalzell. emailAbout the AuthorJohn LawlessJohn had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2004 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011 managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents Latest Event ListingsSearch Events powered by AhSo © Bluegrass Today 2025powered by AhSo By Sarah BahariStaff writer Discussing a potential funding cut to the public transit agency Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Richard Jackson said DART trains breed safety issues in the suburb’s Mustang Station neighborhood “Forty years and they can’t seem to police this parking lot here,” Jackson said at Tuesday’s council meeting “We’ve got residents in pretty high dollar townhomes right here in front of a beautiful little rose garden area with nothing but a chain link fence between them and all the trash that comes up here on their trains.” A snippet of Jackson’s comments was posted to the social media site Reddit and service workers that make the world function,” one commenter said “These make up the overwhelming majority of DART riders.” In a phone interview Friday with The Dallas Morning News Jackson also said the video posted to Reddit was cut to remove the context of his comments in which he said he and his wife were twice in unsafe situations coming home late at night on the DART “The impact that I’ve seen on our city from DART is vagrancy, trash, crime, threatening the safety of the neighborhoods we’re trying to build at Mustang Station,” Jackson said at the council meeting Jackson said he has received a flurry of public criticism Yet Jackson said he also has heard from Farmers Branch residents who thanked him for speaking about DART’s problems adding that people told him they have seen riders having sex and doing drugs on the train Jackson said the city’s train station is a “conduit for issues in that neighborhood,” including shoplifting and break-ins A Farmers Branch police spokesperson said the department responds to theft and trespass calls in the area “fairly frequently” but could not immediately provide figures Crime reports on DART trains, buses and stops jumped 18% during the second quarter of 2024 over the same time last year with assaults and theft the most frequent serious offenses These problems are not unique to DART. Transit agencies nationwide have seen an uptick in safety concerns in recent years. Crime rates on buses and trains surged nationwide following the COVID-19 pandemic, and assaults on transit workers have tripled since 2008 DART last year added 100 armed security officers on transit vehicles That’s in addition to the DART police force DART spokesperson Jeamy Molina said the agency is also conducting additional cleanings of trains and stations and replaced all cloth seats with easier-to-maintain vinyl and the agency is upgrading cameras across the system and all our riders deserve respect,” Molina said “They are hardworking residents from across the D-FW region Only the 15-member DART board can authorize tax contribution reductions from member cities, and if those changes were proposed and passed, the reduction would apply to all 13 cities, not just one. Such cuts would cause a loss of about $6 billion over 20 years and cause staffing and operations cuts to the agency, Molina said. She previously worked as a writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram She is a graduate of Kansas State University By Julia JamesBreaking News Reporter About 3:40 a.m. Aug. 24, Farmers Branch police responded to a body in the road in the 1100 block of Valley View Lane. The man, identified as Nilzuly Arneaud Petit was found with a single gunshot wound to the head The 33-year-old and two juveniles were kidnapped from an apartment complex on Fair Oaks Crossing in Dallas around 12:30 a.m and were driven to the location in Farmers Branch where Petit’s body was found The suspects left the scene with the two juveniles and released them unharmed on an Interstate 35E service road in Lewisville Investigators believe Petit and the suspects were involved in an ATM theft operation and had a disagreement about the distribution of money, which led to the alleged kidnapping and killing, according to the Monday statement from police. The release also said Petit and the suspects are affiliated with the Venezuelan street gang known as Tren de Aragua which included a directive for law enforcement to disrupt the gang’s operations in Texas Detectives are still searching for a fourth suspect, Jhonny Jesus Martinez Serrano. Anyone with information about Serrano’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Farmers Branch Police Department at (972) 919-1406 or via email at pdinfoandtips@farmersbranchtx.gov She is a Louisiana native and a graduate of the University of Mississippi where she studied journalism and public policy She previously covered education for Mississippi Today in Jackson A city council member in Farmers Branch has come under fire for comments made during a meeting Tuesday in which he appeared to call Dallas Area Rapid Transit riders "trash." The comments from District 4 Councilmember Richard Jackson came during a discussion on safety, as the northwest Dallas suburb’s city council weighed a resolution to cap its one-cent contribution to DART. More than half of the agency’s 13 member cities want to cut funding including Dallas, Plano and Irving “Will this cut result in less policing or more unsafe or reduced services I find [that] offensive for a city that’s been paying half of its sales tax for 40 years,” Jackson said Jackson added that DART police don't seem to do their job in a parking lot near the light rail station “We’ve got residents in pretty high dollar townhomes right here in front of a beautiful little rose garden area with nothing but a chain link fence between them and all the trash that comes up here on their trains,” Jackson said Jackson's words led to backlash on social media, including from users on the DART Reddit page Jackson did not immediately respond to direct requests for comment told KERA in a phone call that Jackson’s intent wasn’t to call DART riders “trash.” trash and crime to Farmers Branch but he was referring to litter.” Brady said that littering and crime at the Farmers Branch light rail station has been an ongoing concern for the city “He was talking about the litter that the train actually and literally brings to the DART station in Farmers Branch," he said "It's become an issue and it's a recurring issue There is a crime element that our law enforcement has had to deal with on a recurring basis.” who represents Farmers Branch on DART’s board of directors said in an email that he wasn’t aware of the comment because he was in board meetings on Tuesday The Farmers Branch city council ultimately voted unanimously to pass the sales tax resolution calling to cap its contribution to DART This story was corrected to note that more than half of DART's 13 member cities want to cut funding but have not all formally passed resolutions Pablo Arauz Peña is KERA’s growth and infrastructure reporter. Got a tip? Email Pablo at parauzpena@kera.org. You can follow him on X @pabloaarauz By Arcelia MartinBusiness Reporter The medical group is laying off 129 workers at its Farmers Branch facility due to business conditions Southwestern Health Resources said in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letter filed with the Texas Workforce Commission All employees who will be permanently terminated were notified on Sept Southwestern Health Resources is the medical provider alliance created in 2015 by Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern Medical Center, two major hospital and doctor forces in North Texas. The same group laid off an undisclosed number of workers in September 2023. Business BriefingBecome a business insider with the latest news The bankrupt Dallas-based hospital operator intends to permanently close a Richardson electronic intensive care unit Steward Medical Group reported it expects 40 jobs to be cut by Oct The Richardson operation stopped a majority of its operations on Aug The health care company declared bankruptcy in May and sold its managed-care businesses for $245 million in August. The deal allowed Steward to keep its primary care doctors separate from the firm’s troubled hospital system cut an additional 43 jobs in Texarkana as the company sold off a medical center Steward Health expects a majority of the employees will be rehired by the hospital’s purchaser The tech company employs more than 20,000 across the U.S. and has three HCL America offices in Texas Join the conversation Thank you for reading. We welcome your thoughts on this topic. Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines Please read the guidelines before participating Grand openeing of the RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport Farmers Branch By Claire BallorFood Reporter and it’s about to get even more interesting Hospitality veterans-turned-bakers Seth and Jessica Brammer are transforming their pandemic-era bagel pop-up It will open this spring at Midway and Alpha roads in Farmers Branch the Brammers obsessed over crafting the perfect bagel with local organic flour first rolling and boiling dough in their home kitchen and eventually growing their hobby into a farmers market booth before starting a wholesale operation Eat Drink D-FWThe latest food and drink reviews But Lenore’s sets itself apart from most North Texas bagel shops in a key way Every bread product they make is crafted with local organic flour from Barton Springs Mill “We’re trying to create breads and products that are unavailable in the market right now by using really “Honest to goodness everyone is really using white flour White flour is fine for grocery stores and home cooks but he’s of the opinion that bakeries should opt for a higher-quality ingredient not only to yield a better product but to help lift Dallas' bread scene to the level of other major metros He concedes that it’s a harder route to take Organic stone-milled flour is inconsistent in comparison to mass-produced white flour That’s a big reason why it took the Brammers five years to finally open the bakery they always planned to open since they started making bread They wanted to perfect working with organic flour and to find ways to offset the cost of the flour for the sake of maintaining reasonable prices It also took them a while to find the right piece of real estate They almost gave up on their search when Jessica serendipitously found a vacant retail spot in Farmers Branch already outfitted with a bagel oven The 1,300-square-foot bakery will have bagels which distinguishes it from other local bagel shops they plan to add more pastries and some hot food items Lenore’s will be outfitted with a small bottle shop stocked with natural wines and other food merchandise sourced by Seth is to create an elegant neighborhood spot where people can grab a bagel on their way to work or pick up a loaf of bread or bottle of wine that would impress their mother-in-law That’s the kind of place the local food landscape is missing “I really want Dallas to be the best place to eat in the world,” he said “I think there’s so much room in Dallas to do so much more Lenore’s Bagels is expected to open spring 2025 at 13500 Midway Rd., #115, Farmers Branch. lenoresbagels.com. Claire has reported and written on a wide range of topics Her work last year included the shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets and the fentanyl epidemic 2025Celebrate diversity and culture at Gateway to the Globe a multicultural celebration promoting world geography and the traditions and cultures This heritage showcases exceptional exhibits and performances from representatives of diverse nationalities  Main stage: wide range of cultural performances  Ninja Nation Course: All participants are required to wear athletic shoes and sign a liability wavier  Venue 1842 - R.L Turner High School cultural art contest and art cultural vendors Don't miss out on this vibrant cultural experience Let us know here. All rights reserved.window.Fusion=window.Fusion||{};Fusion.arcSite="dallas-news";Fusion.contextPath="/pf";Fusion.mxId="00000000";Fusion.deployment="832";Fusion.globalContent={"data":{"SearchLocalGraf":{"totalCount":1,"results":[{"stableID":"32cab1c8-38f9-b725-83dc-4acf92529333","label":"Event","name":"Gateway to the Globe a multicultural celebration","description":"Celebrate diversity and culture at Gateway to the Globe Celebrate diversity and culture at Gateway to the Globe\\ a \r\n\tmulticultural celebration promoting world geography and the traditions and\r\n\t cultures This heritage showcases exceptional exhibits\\ and perf\r\n\tormances from representatives of diverse nationalities  Main stage:\r\n\t wide range of cultural performances  Ninja Nation Course: All participants are required to wear athlet\r\n\tic shoes and sign a liability wavier  Venue 1842 - R.L Turner High School cultur\r\n\tal art contest and art cultural vendors Don't miss out on this vibrant cultural\r\n\t experience Prepare to be amazed and inspired by the wonders of nature at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney visitors will have the extraordinary opportunity to explore larger-than-life animatronic insects and arachnids strategically positioned along the beautiful nature trails of the Heard This unique exhibit is not just about entertainment; it's a compelling conservation experience designed to deepen your understanding of these fascinating creatures and their vital roles in the ecosystem surrounded by the natural beauty of the sanctuary lifelike creatures such as colossal beetles each demonstrating the intricate adaptations that make them so essential to our planet's health Bugs LIVE is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages The exhibit offers photo ops and educational opportunities encouraging visitors to learn about the crucial conservation efforts needed to protect these often-overlooked yet indispensable members of the animal kingdom Discover how you can make a difference in preserving their habitats and supporting biodiversity Don't miss this extraordinary chance to witness the beauty and importance of insects and arachnids in an awe-inspiring setting Mark your calendars for Bugs LIVE at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary and prepare for an unforgettable adventure that combines education By Sarah BlaskovichSenior Food Reporter Gone is its longtime location on Northwest Highway and Lemmon Avenue in Dallas’ Bluffview neighborhood near Love Field Airport it served tortellini alla panna (veal-stuffed pasta) and capelli D’Angelo (angel hair pasta with shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes) for more than 35 years Bugatti relocated to a new development at Interstate 635 at Interstate 35E called Mercer Boardwalk in Farmers Branch Bugatti was expected to open in spring 2024 but construction delays pushed the debut to late 2024 It’s been quietly open since December 2024 The beloved restaurant had been closed for nearly two years Restaurant NewsGet the scoop on the latest openings The restaurant is named for owner Michael Bugatti Maître d Zee Aziz — who some people call “Mr Bugatti” — is still working the front of the restaurant Aziz acknowledged that the move was a change for customers especially for those who visited the previous location for decades “This evolution wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our loyal patrons,” Aziz said in a statement “We are profoundly grateful for the community that has embraced us as a dining destination and a part of their family traditions.” Mercer Boardwalk in Farmers Branch has room for at least least eight restaurants. Bugatti is the only one open right now. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Bugatti’s sweetheart’s menu includes the option of lasagna ($41), spaghetti with meatballs ($41), veal or chicken Parmigiana ($49) or a filet ($62). Bugatti Ristorante is at 1940 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Farmers Branch. Dinner only. Follow @sblaskovich on Twitter and ask her what to do where to eat or where to drink in your area The Carrollton-Farmers Branch (Texas) district is closing four schools at the end of the academic year. in response to declining enrollment and budget shortfalls McCoy and Furneaux elementary schools in Carrollton The district says the closings will save up to $9 million within the first year and eliminate 2,300 empty seats we refuse to sit by and must overcome these challenges," says  Board President Randy Schackmann "We want our district to continue to be a place where our students have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.”  The monthslong investigation found the suspects were replacing the legal contents of hemp and CBD packages with multiple illegal narcotics, such as marijuana/THC and psilocybin The products were allegedly repackaged at the warehouse and shipped to vape shops across Dallas-Fort Worth other cities in Texas and some locations across the country Officers undercover purchased multiple products and submitted the contents for testing, which confirmed the items contained high levels — as high as 70% — of THC and various concentrations of psilocybin Although people already inside the building were detained during the execution of the search warrant The DEA is assuming lead on the investigation and will be the agency that brings federal charges Nilzuly Arneaud Petit was found by a passing driver in the 1100 block of Valley View Lane The 33-year-old and two juveniles were kidnapped from an apartment complex on Fair Oaks Crossing in Dallas around 12:30 a.m. Petit was shot at the location where he was found before the suspected kidnappers left with the two juveniles They were later found unharmed walking on an I-35 service road by Lewisville police officers The investigation into this case is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Farmers Branch police at (972) 919-1406 or via email at pdinfoandtips@farmersbranchtx.gov Cheryl Jeanette GrubbsBirth date: Jul 2 Visitation & Funeral Information","description":"Honoring the memory of Cheryl Jeanette Grubbs with their obituary visitation and funeral information.","articleSection":"Obituaries","articleBody":"Cheryl Jannette Grubbs passed away in her childhood home in Farmers Branch dear friends and colleagues will also remember and celebrate her inspiring life.\n\nCheryl’s life was a testament to perseverance she was adopted just days later by her loving parents Cheryl’s faith was a guiding force in her life where she participated in Sunday services and youth events forming the foundation of her lifelong discipleship in Christ Her childhood was filled with joy—summer days swimming with her brother and trips to see her grandmother in Port Arthur She endured many long road trips in the backseat of the family’s 1973 Chevy Impala station wagon Thanksgiving in Brenham with her mother’s family remained a cherished tradition throughout her life.\n\nCheryl was a talented and ambitious young woman She developed a deep love for the Dallas Cowboys a passion she shared with her family through the team’s glory years in the ’70s and ’90s She later continued her musical journey at Stephen F where she pursued her education and remained devoted to the marching band she pursued her degree in Criminal Justice at Texas A&M Commerce Cheryl used her investigative skills to reconnect with her biological mother and grandmother building a meaningful relationship that she cherished for the rest of her life.\n\nProfessionally Cheryl’s career was defined by her exceptional organizational and leadership skills where she excelled alongside her brother and future sister-in-law dedicating herself to her work with unwavering loyalty and kindness She led and participated in Bible studies and prayer groups she achieved another milestone—earning her master’s degree in criminal justice Cheryl joyfully welcomed Chris as her sister-in-law when Marc married she embraced her role as an aunt with open arms at the birth of her twin nephews One of her most recent joyous gatherings was celebrating the boys’ 21st birthday at El Fenix Cheryl took on the selfless role of caregiver for her aging parents She moved into her father’s home to care for him until his passing in 2021 a time made easier by the support of their loving church life group who embraced her as family.\n\nCheryl faced many challenges in her lifetime including surviving a gunshot wound while sitting at a traffic light on her way to work But her story was never defined by hardship—rather and her resilience.\n\nShe will always be remembered for her radiant smile and while her absence leaves a profound void we take comfort in knowing she has found peace in the arms of her Heavenly Father GRACE James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.\n\nFriends and family are invited to join in remembering and honoring Cheryl’s incredible life and legacy.\n\nIn celebration of Cheryl’s generous spirit and unwavering faith the family kindly requests that donations be made to Valley View Christian Church or P.E.O. an organization dedicated to supporting women in their pursuit of higher education Valley View Christian Church: Give | Valley View Christian Church P.E.O.: Make a Gift - P.E.O International","keywords":"Cheryl Jeanette Grubbs Biography","dateCreated":"2025-03-03T20:29:57.183Z","datePublished":"2025-03-03T20:29:57.183Z","dateModified":"2025-03-03T20:35:00.667Z","genre":"Obituary Biography","author":[{"@type":"Organization","name":"Restland Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory","url":"https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/"}],"mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries/cheryl-grubbs-2/obituary","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Restland Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.f1connect.net/cdn/14362D-Zjk/layout/images/logo.63873319164.png"}},"creator":"Restland Funeral Home dear friends and colleagues will also remember and celebrate her inspiring life Cheryl faced many challenges in her lifetime Friends and family are invited to join in remembering and honoring Cheryl’s incredible life and legacy Share a story where Cheryl's kindness touched your heart Describe a day with Cheryl you’ll never forget the Nationalist Party announced that it is joining the new branch of the European People’s Party (EPP) focused on farmers thereby shaping European policy around the needs of Maltese farmers and herdsmen European Parliament Member of the Nationalist Party Peter Agius stated that it is the duty of politicians to support those who ensure food security the Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries remarked that the Nationalist Party has always been close to farmers and herdsmen.