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As of Wednesday, four adults with COVID-19 were hospitalized with 553 total staffed hospital beds in Trauma Service Area S, according to the state health department. Fourteen ICU beds were available, and one was occupied in the trauma service area, which includes Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca and Victoria counties. Hospitalization data is delayed by one day. The Victoria Advocate gathers all of its COVID-19 data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Some data reported to the state is occasionally delayed, which can occasionally result in a large increase in new total cases when the cases are finally reported. When the Victoria Advocate reports “new total” cases, not all of those new cases are necessarily active cases, but rather that number reflects new cases added to the total number of cases reported in a county since the beginning of the pandemic. You can read more about how the state gathers its data here.
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2022-05-27T00:13:08Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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26 new COVID-19 cases reported in the Crossroads | News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/26-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-the-crossroads/article_f0b3eb42-dd3e-11ec-a3b6-731c0928df7c.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/26-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-the-crossroads/article_f0b3eb42-dd3e-11ec-a3b6-731c0928df7c.html
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Shiner's A.J. Patek rounds third base to score Shiner’s eighth run of the game against Kenedy Thursday afternoon in Victoria.
Shiner's Drew Wenske gets congratulations from Daniel Boedeker, Shiner’s head coach, after a scoreless second inning against Kenedy in Victoria Thursday.
Kenedy's Bryan Leal started for Kenedy in the second game of their playoff series against Shiner in Victoria Thursday afternoon.
Keenan Hailey had no qualms about playing varsity baseball as a freshman.
Hailey has played baseball for most of his life and had faith in his Shiner teammates.
“It wasn’t that difficult,” Hailey said. “I came out here and I’ve always played baseball, and I always loved it. I played a lot of select and I’ve seen a lot of pitching so I just came out and played the game I love.”
Hailey had four hits and drove in two runs to help the Comanches capture an 8-3 win over Kenedy in Game 2 of their best-of-three Class 2A regional semifinal series Thursday at Riverside Stadium.
The Comanches swept the series and improved to 31-0 while moving into the regional final for the second consecutive season.
Shiner will play the winner of Saturday night’s Mumford-Refugio one-game playoff in the regional final.
“We got some runs early,” said Shiner coach Daniel Boedeker. “They got the big swing of the bat to put them right back in the game. Give our kids credit. They didn’t panic and scratched some more runs the next inning and it’s a compliment to the whole group.”
Hailey brought home Shiner’s first two runs with with singles in the first and second inning.
“They threw a lot of strikes and I just told myself, ‘I’m coming into the batter’s box and hit every strike I get,’” Hailey said. “I came out 4-for-4 so it came out pretty good.”
The Comanches had 11 hits and scored in four innings. Ryan Peterson and Carson Schuette each added two hits for Shiner.
“It’s been that way throughout the year,” Boedeker said. “That’s what I told them. It’s going to be different guys in different times and whenever you get your opportunity go up there and seize it. Keenan did a really good job with the bat today and got some big hits and some RBIs with it.”
The offensive support was enough for Drew Wenske, who pitched a complete game, striking out 10 and yielding only three hits and one walk.
“He competed his tail off today,” Boedeker said of Wenske. “It was tough conditions. It was hot out there for him. He didn’t have his best stuff. He struggled a little with his fastball, but his curveball was excellent today so he went to that and really kept them off balance. A great credit to him for his bulldog approach today.”
Kam Miller accounted for Kenedy’s offense, hitting a three-run home run over the left-field fence that pulled the Lions (25-5) within 4-3 in the third inning.
“Kam has been that guy for us all year,” said Kenedy coach Gualberto Gonzalez. “He’s kind of the one when he gets going the team gets going. I can’t say enough about that young man. I’m really going to miss him. He’s one heck of a ballplayer and there’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to miss him next year.”
Daniel Pena followed Miller’s home run with a double and Nando Vargas was hit by a pitch. But Wenske struck out the next two batters and did not allow a hit the rest of the game.
“You just have to keep fighting out there,” Wenske said. “I really relied on my curveball today. It was really working for me. I was just trying to get ahead early in the count and make them do what I want to do and that’s about it.”
The Lions were making their first regional semifinal appearance since 2014.
“They fought and gave it all they had,” Gonzalez said. “I’m very proud of them. I told them they had nothing to be ashamed of and to keep their heads up. What they did this year was very special. They’re going to remember it for a very long time. They brought this community together — a small town in South Texas — and it was a great thing to see.”
The Comanches are one step away from returning to the state tournament for a second straight season.
“I have faith in my team,” Wenske said, “We want to do it again.”
Shiner 8, Kenedy 3
Kenedy 003 000 0 — 3 3 1
W: Drew Wenske. L: Bryan Leal. Highlights: (S) Wenske 7 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K, 1-for-4, 2B, R; Keenan Hailey 4-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBIs; Ryan Peterson 2-for-3, 3 R, SB; Carson Schuette 2-for-4, 2 RBIs. (K) Kam Miller 1-for-3, 3-run HR; L.J. Barrientez 1-for-3, R. Records: Shiner 31-0; Kenedy 25-5.
Game 1: Shiner 10, Kenedy 0
Game 2: Shiner 8, Kenedy 3
Shiner wins series 2-0, advances to regional final
2a Regional Semifina
Gualberto Gonzalez
Keenan Hailey
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2022-05-27T02:24:22Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Shiner sweeps Kenedy, headed to regional final | Advosports | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/advosports/shiner-sweeps-kenedy-headed-to-regional-final/article_7362d3ac-dc9d-11ec-83cf-47d610c23cf2.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/advosports/shiner-sweeps-kenedy-headed-to-regional-final/article_7362d3ac-dc9d-11ec-83cf-47d610c23cf2.html
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Church members weep at the memorial in Cuero Thursday evening.
Allison Zengerle sings at the closing of the memorial Thursday evening.
Cuero Mayor Sara Post Meyer, center, attends the memorial service Thursday evening.
Children about the same age as the Uvalde victims listen to prayers at the memorial.
Members of four churches gathered in Cuero to mourn shooting victims
CUERO — Members from four Cuero churches gathered Thursday evening for a memorial service for the Uvalde shooting victims.
About 60 people gathered at the First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. McLeod St. in Cuero, to mourn the shooting victims. Pastor Stan Larson hosted pastors and members from three other parishes at the service.
The Rev. Paul Muehlbrad from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, the Rev. Peter Thaddeus from Grace Episcopal Church, and the Rev. John Britsch from First United Methodist Church all joined Larson to lead the attendants in prayer and scriptural readings.
Cuero High School junior Allison Zengerle started the memorial with a solo performance of the song “Scars in Heaven,” which says, in part, “Now what I’d give for one more day with you. There’s a wound here in my heart because something’s missing.” Several members of the audience were weeping.
The opening scripture was Psalm 121, which reads in part, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? The Lord will watch over your comings and goings both now and forevermore.”
Four more scriptures were read from the Psalms and the books of the New Testament, with prayers between each reading. During one prayer, Larsen implored God to “dispel the shadows of evil and death.”
The final scripture was 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ... who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.”
Larsen said some final remarks, urging his church to pray for all the victims and their families and to rely on God for protection, healing and peace.
Several children around the same ages as the victims attended the memorial with their families.
Allison finished the service with the song “Brighter Days,” which contains the lyrics, “Ashes fall from burned dreams ... never lived through times like these ... I know there’s gonna be some brighter days .... I swear that love will find you in your pain.”
Cuero’s Mayor, Sara Post Meyer, attended the memorial and commented afterward, “We’re all in shock. Our hearts go out to everyone in Uvalde.”
Thaddeus said that Grace Episcopal Church will ring their bell 21 times at noon every day for many to come, in remembrance of the 21 victims.
A program from the service listed the names of the two teachers and 19 children killed in the massacre. Larsen said that the husband of one of the teachers who was killed in Uvalde died the next day, “probably of a broken heart.”
Joe Garcia, the wife of slain teacher Irma Garcia collapsed while preparing for his wife’s funeral and died from a heart attack, according to the Associated Press.
Allison Zengerle
Sara Post-meyer
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2022-05-27T02:24:29Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Members of four churches gathered in Cuero to mourn shooting victims | News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/members-of-four-churches-gathered-in-cuero-to-mourn-shooting-victims/article_d5540b4e-dd3d-11ec-b014-8b1768fb7f77.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/members-of-four-churches-gathered-in-cuero-to-mourn-shooting-victims/article_d5540b4e-dd3d-11ec-b014-8b1768fb7f77.html
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Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Lloyd, retired, receives a painting based on a photograph taken of him while he held vigil for fallen soldiers during the 2022 Warrior’s Weekend Muster at the Victoria Community Center.
Veterans to be honored with local Memorial Day events
There will a variety of events this weekend honoring veterans and reminding people that Memorial Day is not merely a three-day weekend to kick off summer and enjoy barbecue.
Memorial Day honors the sacrifice of those U.S. veterans who died in defense of America’s Constitution, from those who fought the Nazis to those that fought Al-Qaeda. The ceremony started in the years following the Civil War, when the Northern states of the country fought the Southern to remove slavery from this country.
The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more U.S. lives than any conflict in the nation’s history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.
Among the events to be held locally will be an 11 a.m. ceremony on DeLeon Plaza in downtown Victoria, said Andy Rosalez, post commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Saturday through Sunday, DeLeon Plaza will also be the site of the annual Memorial Day Weekend Bash, which will feature Tejano music from more than 15 acts, a car show, food trucks and more. In Corpus Christi, the USS Lexington Museum will hold a ceremony on Monday at 2 p.m.
During the Warrior’s Weekend Field of Honor event held in Victoria on May 20, residents came out to thank those who have served this country in war. One of those who returns every year was a man who helped try to save a Texas soldier in Tikrit, Iraq, in 2003. Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Lloyd was a special operations medic who attended Warrior’s Weekend in 2010 in Port O’Connor to find a huge banner with a picture of Spc. Richard Arriaga.
“He was smiling in the photo,” Lloyd said. “I never saw him smile. I met him on the worst day of his life.”
Lloyd said after working to keep Arriaga alive following an attack where a rocket propelled grenade had passed through his chest, he found a photo of a child in a zip-lock bag in the man’s fatigues. The child was Bianca Mia Arriaga, the specialist’s daughter. He kept the photo and watched over those in Arriaga’s unit who had also been killed, standing guard over the dead.
Arriaga, of Ganado, was 20 when he died while Lloyd tried to save him. Lloyd would be wounded three times in Iraq and Afghanistan. He would spend 18 months undergoing various surgeries at military hospitals. While he was at Fort Campbell, home of the 101st Airborne with which he served, he heard about the event while being treated.
After first attending Warrior’s Weekend, Lloyd met Arriaga’s family and remains close with the family and the daughter. Lloyd lives in Pensacola, Florida, with his wife Christy and daughters Avery, 16; Lucy Brooke, 12; and Presley Blaise, 10.
“In five years in Iraq and Afghanistan, I never had a gray hair,” he said. “Until I had daughters.”
Arriaga was killed in action on Sept. 18, 2003. On Dec. 31, 2003, Lloyd was attached to the special operations group that located former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Hussein had spent nine months on the run. He was found in the small Iraqi town of Ad-Dawr outside of Tikrit.
Hussein was found hiding in a spider hole by elements of Task Force 121, which Lloyd was attached to as medic, and the Army’s s 4th Infantry Division. When captured, Hussein said he was president of Iraq and willing to negotiate. An Army Delta Force operator told him, “President Bush sends his regards.”
Lloyd said he heard Hussein identify himself. Lloyd said the area had been cordoned off by the 4th Infantry Division Bradley fighting vehicles. He said the people where Hussein was hiding were terrified of him.
“They were so scared of him,” Lloyd said. “They didn’t realize he was no longer able to hurt them.”
After Hussein was returned to the 4th Infantry Division’s base of operations, Lloyd performed the medical exam on the man.
“His blood pressure was high,” Lloyd said. “He was scared to death.”
After standing trial, Hussein was executed on December 30, 2006.
Brandon Lloyd
Andy Rosalez
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2022-05-27T02:24:35Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Veterans to be honored with local Memorial Day events | News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/veterans-to-be-honored-with-local-memorial-day-events/article_fbfeb1b6-dd3a-11ec-9e1b-7b32eab4a1b5.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/veterans-to-be-honored-with-local-memorial-day-events/article_fbfeb1b6-dd3a-11ec-9e1b-7b32eab4a1b5.html
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If you need a few head of cattle come on down to the auction at Sacred Heart Parish Spring 2022 Picnic on Sunday, May 29. In Shiner, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church is holding its spring picnic, with cattle auction, as well.
Bingo is one of many activities being held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville during its picnic on Sunday, May 28.
Although this year returns to a full in-person picnic event, last year the church held "Shiner Picnic at a Distance" due to COVID-19 concerns. Here, Juliana, Josie and Jane Davis set up at the Country Store.
Contributed by Philip Pilat
There is likely no more enjoyable method of donating to a good cause than a picnic. This weekend there are two big Catholic church picnics, one in Hallettsville and the other in Shiner, that take picnicking to a high art.
Sacred Heart parish in Hallettsville is celebrating 140 years in the community. The parish hosts two picnics each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring picnic is a huge fundraiser and draws large crowds — and not just from around town. “There’s lots of eating involved,” Rev. John Peters said.
Held inside the air-conditioned Knights of Columbus Hall and with covered pavilions outside, organizers are are ready for the weather, rain or shine. Since it is the Sunday before Memorial Day, Peters will lead “a special ceremony, remembering the veterans. And then we do the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner.”
The dinner part of the picnic includes lots of comfort foods, such as country fried chicken, stew, homemade cornbread dressing and more. “Everything's done by the parishioners,” Peters said.
One of the highlights of the event is an auction that will follow the Memorial Day ceremony. Peters said about 400 items will be up for auction. Everything from cattle (yes, actual cattle) to homemade canned goods are auctioned.
There are “lots of plants, and furniture — different types of furniture,” Peters said, noting there are people in the community well-known for the excellence of their gardens and canned goods, and many wait for the auction to obtain their products.
The event includes music and dancing, a country store, bingo, games, tournaments and lots of activities for children, including bounce houses and a big sand pile to play in. Music and dancing will be in the main pavilion, featuring music by Texas Sound Czech and Red Raven bands from 1 to 7 p.m.
“Well, if you want to have fun, you want to be with lots of people and experience a good Christian atmosphere. And just sample things. You'd love it,” Peters said of the picnic.
Down the road in Shiner, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church is holding its spring picnic as well. The Shiner picnic features many of the same types of activities, such as a homemade picnic dinner, country store, bingo and auction. Children’s activities also include a petting zoo from 2 to 5 p.m.
There is music and dancing inside their air-conditioned hall with Rusty Steins, The Shiner Hobo Band and Fritz Hoddie & the Fab 6. There will be music outside as well. A dance with The Emotions performing is also planned from 9 p.m. to midnight for those over 21.
Shiner’s auction begins at noon, with the cattle auction at 3 p.m. Also, because this is Texas, where everything is “bigger,” the raffle at Shiner includes a chance to win a tractor with loader and backhoe.
WHAT: Sacred Heart Parish Spring 2022 Picnic
WHERE: Knights of Columbus Hall, 321 US-77, Hallettsville
Dinner from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bingo Noon — 6 p.m.
Auction — 1 p.m.
Music on the Pavilion — 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Music and dancing — 1-7 p.m.
For more information go to: www.shcatholicchurch.org
WHAT: Shiner Catholic Church Spring Picnic
WHERE: Knights of Columbus Park, 102 South Ave. G, Shiner
Dinner — 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Auction — Noon (Cattle auction at 3 p.m.)
Bingo — 3-7 p.m.
Dance — 9 p.m.-midnight (over 21)
Music and dancing — 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Petting zoo — 2-5 p.m.
For more information call: 361-594-3836
Victoria Public Library is holding its Fun Fest Kickoff Celebration to get warmed up for a fun-filled summer of reading and activities. The kickoff is June 4 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Church Picnic
Where To Take The Family
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2022-05-27T10:19:33Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Picnic time: Two Catholic parishes celebrate the spring | Features | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/picnic-time-two-catholic-parishes-celebrate-the-spring/article_4fffb708-dd43-11ec-b668-cf9c3b390577.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/picnic-time-two-catholic-parishes-celebrate-the-spring/article_4fffb708-dd43-11ec-b668-cf9c3b390577.html
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county advance
The Victoria County Sheriff's Office (VCSO) presently employs over 160 full-time employees and 20 volunteer reserve officers, dedicated to protect and serve the citizens of Victoria County.
The VCSO is a 147,000 square foot building of law enforcement offices as well as the detention center, which can house up to 524 inmates.
Sheriff Shannon Srubar
Opened in 1958, Wharton County Jail is a medium therapeutic office in Wharton, Wharton County, Texas.
The workplace houses a broad scope of prisoners, from low-level bad behavior offenders to those detained for outrageous offenses like attack, thievery, and murder. The 144-bed limit office boasts of around 1673 arrangements yearly from all of Wharton County.
The Wharton County Jail works under tight security with authorities on the spot outfitted with maces and is astoundingly set up to oversee hostility.
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2022-05-27T19:18:31Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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county advance | | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/county-advance/article_245503c6-ddeb-11ec-a9cf-2f2aed2beaff.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/county-advance/article_245503c6-ddeb-11ec-a9cf-2f2aed2beaff.html
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Mike Singenstreu, pastor, Mission Valley
JJ Velasquez
Saturday Sermon Biblical illiteracy makes it difficult to talk about God
By Mike Singenstreu
There are days that it can be frustrating to be a Christian. It almost seems like you are on a different planet…and not in a country that was founded on the Word of God. The growing illiteracy concerning the Bible adds to this frustration since it is hard to carry on a conversation about God and His Word even with other Christians if they don’t read much of it and understand even less. A common sentence heard all too often in Christian circles today is, “I don’t read the Bible much because it is so hard to understand.”
Truth is, when we say such things we show our lack of desire to know…not our inability because we have no problems learning new things if we WANT to know them.
Of all people, Christians ought to be united in our understanding of at least the basic doctrines concerning God and His Word. We profess the Bible to be God’s Word, after all. So as family we ought to be able to speak the same language on the major doctrines that are taught in the Bible. As family we ought to be able to agree that this is God’s Word for if it isn’t then we have no standard with which to verify our faith which always leads to a lack of assurance and confusion. LifeWay Research has found that only 45% of those who regularly attend church read the Bible more than once a week. Over 40% of those who occasionally attend church are reading their Bible less than once or twice a month. In fact, 18% of all attenders say they never read the Bible.
The growing lack of trust in God’s Word is frustrating as well. Chuck Colson was asked once if he was a Bible believing Christian. He answered with a question back, “Is there any other kind?” So many people are seeking to redefine God’s Word to meet cultural and personal expectations and still wanting to call themselves Christian. They go so far as to deny the applicability of whole sections as not being relevant to our 21st Century sensibilities even though the Word itself declares in many places and in diverse ways that, “the word of the Lord remains forever.” (I Peter 1:25) In other words, it will never change and it is always absolutely true. The word of God is transgenerational, cross-cultural and is always trustworthy for all people especially for those of us who have been claimed by God as His child.
Christians used to be known as “people of the book.” They read and shared other books but the Bible was their standard for faith and practice. It was believed, talked about, taught to our children and to one another. We don’t do that anymore and as a result we find ourselves not being able to communicate or find unity in the basics of the words of God that are supposed to define us in Christ. Think about that.
Mike Singenstreu, pastor
Christ Presbyterian Church, PCA
Meeting at 1929 Red River
in the Crossroads Center
Mike Singenstreu is the pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church, PCA, meeting in the Crossroads Center, 1929 Red River St.
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2022-05-27T19:18:37Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Saturday Sermon Biblical illiteracy makes it difficult to talk about God | Faith | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/faith/saturday-sermon-biblical-illiteracy-makes-it-difficult-to-talk-about-god/article_29caa660-dd43-11ec-a67d-87134894953e.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/faith/saturday-sermon-biblical-illiteracy-makes-it-difficult-to-talk-about-god/article_29caa660-dd43-11ec-a67d-87134894953e.html
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Olivia Johnson poses for a photo with a picture of her daughter, Sheryl “Sharon” Hall, who was stabbed to death at Calhoun County High School by another student on April 2, 1991. She was 17.
Olivia Johnson shows off the back of a shirt with the words “stop bullying.” She says her daughter, Sheryl “Sharon” Hall, was killed by a high school bully in 1991 while attending Calhoun High School.
Ian Grenier | igrenier@vicad
Over 30 years after her 17-year-old daughter was killed at school in Port Lavaca, Olivia Johnson is still decrying government inaction after Tuesday’s elementary school massacre in Uvalde.
Johnson was traveling to Houston to protest at the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting, which began Friday and ends Sunday.
Sheryl “Sharon” Hall, Johnson’s daughter, was stabbed to death by another student at Calhoun High School on April 2, 1991, after an argument.
Johnson fought the school and the Calhoun County Independent School District in court for five years, suing them over claims of wrongful death and deprivation of civil rights, according to court documents. A 1997 Texas Court of Appeals decision dismissed her lawsuit, partly due to a Texas law which protects public school employees from being liable for many acts done within the scope of their job.
'I still hurt after 30 years': 1991 Port Lavaca stabbing victim to be honored at Tree of Angels
Johnson said this law stops schools from being held accountable, and that it's been hidden from parents.
“When by daughter was murdered in ‘91, I came out and opened this law up, and I put myself out there as being a nobody, but somebody, trying to tell everybody what was going on,” she said.
She’s going down to Houston to try and hold schools and the government accountable now, she said.
“I want schools to be held accountable. That’s what I want, whatever accountable means, whatever accountable stands for, every bit of what it stands for, that’s what I want.”
Johnson also sees the NRA’s influence in government as a part of the problem in holding these institutions accountable. While she’s not against guns, she said the ability of 18-year-olds to buy guns without being registered is “feeding our kids to danger.”
However, she’s not just protesting against one specific law or policy.
“I want to see a change in Texas government, period,” Johnson said. “There’s a whole lot of things in government and in Texas that the people do not know about.”
She believes the issue is also about race and class, saying governments are more willing to protect the children of wealthy parents in private schools than other families, and calling the laws protecting schools from liability “race discrimination.”
She has also taken on the issue of bullying in Victoria, putting up signs around town saying things like “Stop Bullying” and “Let’s Put Our Children First.”
Johnson sees a connection between what happened to her daughter and the tragedy in Uvalde.
“It’s negligence down there, they’re not going to get anything from the school system. That’s wrongful death right there,” she said. “Like I said, you have to struggle to bury your child or your children, and the school board ain’t doing nothing but sitting back.”
Johnson remembers Sheryl as a lovely daughter who was smart, pretty, and getting ready to graduate and get married.
“It’s not time to cry, along with these parents in Uvalde that’s crying, but I’m crying with the law,” she said.
Sheryl "sharon" Hall
Calhoun County Independent School District
Texas Court Of Appeals
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2022-05-27T19:18:43Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Mother of teen killed at Port Lavaca school in 1991 protests inaction | News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/mother-of-teen-killed-at-port-lavaca-school-in-1991-protests-inaction/article_ea477062-dde3-11ec-8358-1bba46b00875.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/mother-of-teen-killed-at-port-lavaca-school-in-1991-protests-inaction/article_ea477062-dde3-11ec-8358-1bba46b00875.html
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Bread Crumbs: For now, we walk with spiritual cataracts
A few years ago, my dad had cataracts. Cataracts are caused when the lenses of your eyes become cloudy and do not refract light properly. The result is that our vision becomes blurred or dark. Generally, if you have cataracts, you can still see, but you can’t see clearly.
Thankfully, modern medicine has found a solution to cataracts by replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial lens. My dad had the surgery a few years ago and has often said that the results were night and day. He hadn’t realized how cloudy his sight had become and was amazed how clearly he can now see everything.
The Apostle Paul once wrote about our lives here on earth, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror,” 1 Corinthians 13:12. The old King James Version of the Bible put it this way: “For now we see through a glass, darkly.”
In Paul’s day, most mirrors were crude compared to our modern versions. They were made out of metal. The reflections were poor and distorted. It was hard to make out the details of the image.
It was like looking at the world through cataracts.
Right now, we see through a glass, darkly. We can see. We can see God through the eyes of faith. We can see him hidden in Baptism and Holy Communion. We can hear his voice echo to us in his Word. But we can’t see him physically. We can’t fully understand everything that happens around us or why he does what he does. We can’t even fully understand everything he teaches us in his Word.
Don’t get me wrong. God has made us “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:15). We can see Jesus in the Bible. In the pages of Scripture, we can see him breathing and bleeding, living and dying for us. We can see what he expects of us, where we have fallen short, and how he forgives us. We can see his promise that he will make everything in our lives work out for our God.
But we can’t always see it with our physical eyes. We can’t always understand exactly how. And that’s hard. We get confused. We struggle to understand. We wonder why.
That’s why we need to remember that this side of heaven we still have cataracts. In this world, we aren’t always going to understand or see why, but Paul tells us that the day is coming when “we shall see face to face.” “Now I know in part,” he says, “then I will know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
When Jesus comes to take us to be with him, our faith will become sight. The clouds will be rolled back as a scroll. Our eyes will be opened and the cataracts removed.
Then we will get it. Then we will understand. Then we will see clearly.
For now, we walk by faith. For now, we strain our eyes and look to Jesus to help us to trust even though we can’t fully see or understand.
For now, we remember that we still have cataracts.
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2022-05-27T21:14:29Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Bread Crumbs: For now, we walk with spiritual cataracts | Faith | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/faith/bread-crumbs-for-now-we-walk-with-spiritual-cataracts/article_01988ad0-dbb4-11ec-96ac-d742ef8e3673.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/faith/bread-crumbs-for-now-we-walk-with-spiritual-cataracts/article_01988ad0-dbb4-11ec-96ac-d742ef8e3673.html
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Refugio's Jordan Kelley pitches the ball in the top of the first inning against Johnson City at Smokey Joe Williams Field in Seguin.
Refugio's Antwaan Gross made contact with the ball in the bottom of the first inning in their regional quarterfinal matchup against Johnson City in Seguin.
HOWARD ESSE
REFUGIO — To say the start of Refugio’s season did not go well would be a major understatement.
The Bobcats lost two of their first three games by a combined score of 33-7.
“I told them at the time that we were not that bad,” said Refugio coach Jarod Kay. “We could be a pretty good team, but we weren’t there. We had to improve and needed to improve each week. There were ups and downs during district play, but right now we’re probably playing our best baseball.”
The Bobcats (16-5) have rebounded from their slow start and worked their way into the Class 2A regional semifinals where they’ll face Mumford (19-7) in a one-game playoff at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the La Grange High School field.
“This team has worked real hard,” said senior Jordan Kelley. “Everybody has been counting us out since Day 1. They expected us to lose in the second round, but here we are in the fourth round playing.”
The Bobcats went through some rough patches and finished second in District 31-2A behind Kenedy.
But they have gone 5-1 in the playoffs against La Villa, Falls City and Johnson City.
“Just learning from our mistakes helped us out a lot and we improved every week,” said sophomore Troy Haug. “It was a matter of focusing up and not wanting to lose. This is a really fun group and we want to stay together as long as we can.”
Refugio was missing some important pieces when the season began and has become healthier as it has progressed.
“We had a couple of kids who were out with injuries that we got back who were key parts of our lineup,” Kay said. “We’ve had some younger kids who were freshmen or sophomores step up, and then we’ve had some seniors step in and fill some roles to a level that maybe they weren’t necessarily expected to when the year started, but they’ve raised their game.”
The Bobcats won a flip with Mumford as they did against Johnson City to play one game instead of a best-of-three series.
Kelley will be back on the mound after pitching a four-hitter in Refugio’s 2-1 win over Johnson City.
“I just try to do my job either way,” Kelley said. “I have full confidence in my defense behind me. My job is to throw strikes and let my defense make some plays.”
Kay has no second thoughts about putting Kelley in a pressure situation.
“When you choose to go one game, you are putting a lot on your pitcher,” Kay said. “We have the utmost confidence in him and anybody that we throw after him. He has been a starter on a varsity sports team for four years and he’s the only kid left on our program the last time we were this deep. The moment doesn’t get too big for him.”
Refugio is attempting to advance to the fifth round for the third time in school history. The Bobcats recognize where they finish is much more meaningful than where they started.
“The expectations were high because it says Refugio on our chest,” Kay said. “But most people did not think we would be playing right now. I’ve probably never been more proud of a group than I am of how far these kids have come.”
NOTES: The winner will advance to the regional final against Shiner. The Comanches swept Kenedy in their best-of-three game series, winning 10-0 and 8-3…Refugio will be the home team against Mumford.
Mumford (19-7 vs. Refugio (16-5)
Where: La Grange High School
Twitter: @mikeforman21
Troy Haug
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2022-05-27T23:05:20Z
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Refugio attempts to continue playoff run | Advosports | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/advosports/refugio-attempts-to-continue-playoff-run/article_e333afc4-de02-11ec-a3b7-270558fe33ad.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/advosports/refugio-attempts-to-continue-playoff-run/article_e333afc4-de02-11ec-a3b7-270558fe33ad.html
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As of Thursday, four adults with COVID-19 were hospitalized with 542 total staffed hospital beds in Trauma Service Area S, according to the state health department. Eleven ICU beds were available, and one was occupied in the trauma service area, which includes Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca and Victoria counties. Hospitalization data is delayed by one day. The Victoria Advocate gathers all of its COVID-19 data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Some data reported to the state is occasionally delayed, which can occasionally result in a large increase in new total cases when the cases are finally reported. When the Victoria Advocate reports “new total” cases, not all of those new cases are necessarily active cases, but rather that number reflects new cases added to the total number of cases reported in a county since the beginning of the pandemic. You can read more about how the state gathers its data here.
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2022-05-27T23:05:26Z
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68 new COVID-19 cases reported in the Crossroads | News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/68-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-the-crossroads/article_8ba0fc26-ddf8-11ec-abe4-bb35c6a26300.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/68-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-the-crossroads/article_8ba0fc26-ddf8-11ec-abe4-bb35c6a26300.html
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"I'm most looking forward to actually leaving this town, not that this is a bad town, but I'm excited to venture out and see new things, meet new people, and just broaden my horizons."
Jaclyn Lerma, Valedictorian, studying physics at the University of Texas, San Antonio.
"Making new experiences, expanding my knowledge."
Viviana Gomez, Salutatorian, study nursing at Victoria College
"After graduation I'm looking forward to going on to college. I do start Aug. 29, and I look to better my skill in welding. I'm going for my associate's degree."
Diego Perez, studying welding at Texas State Technical College
"What I'm looking forward to after graduation day is moving on to college and preparing myself for better opportunities and bigger opportunities, and just working hard to get that bachelor's degree or associate's degree."
Karyme Segouia, salutatorian at Crossroads Connect Academy, studying criminology at Victoria College
"I'm really looking forward to experiencing a new life in a different city and getting to know the different cultures and stuff, and I'm most excited about going to college so I can pursue nursing, which is what I've always wanted to do."
Ariana Clay, valedictorian at Crossroads Connect Academy, studying nursing at Texas State University
Bloomington graduation interviews
The Victoria Advocate asked some of the Bloomington graduates "What are you looking forward to after graduation?" Here are their responses:
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2022-05-28T02:27:22Z
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Bloomington graduation interviews | | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/bloomington-graduation-interviews/article_3d5a2148-de19-11ec-94f3-7fe97425975c.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/bloomington-graduation-interviews/article_3d5a2148-de19-11ec-94f3-7fe97425975c.html
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Victoria West graduates assemble in the Victoria school district gym before proceeding to their commencement ceremony in Memorial Stadium on Friday evening.
Victoria West graduates walk to Victoria Memorial Stadium for their 2022 commencement ceremony on Friday evening.
Victoria West graduates walk from the gym to Memorial Stadium during the 2022 commencement ceremony on Friday evening.
After four years of their high school journey the more than 300 members of Victoria West High School's 2022 graduating class graduated Friday night at Memorial Stadium.
The stadium was packed with crowds of family and friends to cheer the graduates on to the next phase of their lives.
Graduates hugged, smiled and took pictures in the nearby gym reflecting on the memories of their lives.
However, when the clock struck 8 p.m. they all marched on the humid night from the gym to the stadium to be greeted by the roar of the crowd, whistles and even airhorns as if they were celebrating a state championship.
However, this occasion was about more than gridiron glory. It was the pride of families seeing their children become adults and the excitement of these now men and women celebrating their accomplishments and looking forward to their next phase of their lives.
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2022-05-28T02:27:28Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Victoria West High School graduates finish their high school journey | Graduation 2022 | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/graduation_2022/victoria-west-high-school-graduates-finish-their-high-school-journey/article_e3bd6472-de1f-11ec-9025-f73321ec9009.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/graduation_2022/victoria-west-high-school-graduates-finish-their-high-school-journey/article_e3bd6472-de1f-11ec-9025-f73321ec9009.html
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100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago: 1922, Boll weevil catcher to be demonstrated on Langford farm
MAY 29 – A course of instruction in livestock judging was given the boys’ and girls’ clubs of the Lone Tree and Wood Hi School Thursday. S.C. Evans of the A&M College was on the ground to conduct the instruction. He was assisted by George W. Johnson, district agricultural agent, and J.D. Jowers, county agent of Victoria County. Judging instruction at Lone Tree was at the residence of J.V. Burkhart, who had provided all the blooded livestock that was required.
G.W. Lee, Ellsworth Fredericks and Williams F. Crawford were added Sunday to the list of those who will take training in the Citizens Military Training Camp this summer. This brings the number up to 18 Victoria boys who signed up for the occasion.
JUNE 4 – The big boll weevil catcher that is to be demonstrated on the Langford farm near this city has arrived and is now erected ready for operation. Walter G. Schnelle of San Antonio designed the machine.
The register of Miss M.E. Hathaway of the Ladies Rest Room for the month of May shows 648 visitors availed themselves of the comforts provided there.
The many friends of Webb T. DeTar will be glad to hear of his graduation at the Baylor Medical College in Dallas on May 29. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. DeTar of this city.
JUNE 1 – Etta Lou Gentry of the County-Wide 4-H Club, and Eddy Bell Johnson of the Mission Valley 4-H Club were selected at a regular meeting of the 4-H sponsors on Saturday to attend the district 4-H Leader Training Camp.
Miss Kathryn Schroeder enjoying life as one of Braniff’s 95 hostesses between Texas and Chicago.
James Loyd played a mean bull fiddle at the Jaycee hoedown ball, his friends saying.
JUNE 2 – Assignment of Rev. Raymond E. Wilson, pastor of the Trinity Methodist Church of San Antonio, to be pastor of the First Methodist Church of Victoria was announced yesterday.
Philip Tibiletti, valedictorian of the St. Joseph High School graduating class, received the state scholarship and the Knights of Columbus award; and Francis Boldt, salutatorian, received the St. Mary’s University scholarship.
Dr. Nolan Simmons, former Victorian making good in the medical world, in for a visit from Wichita Falls.
In a bitterly fought extra inning game highlighted by two home runs, a fist fight and subsequent banishment from the game of two players, prolonged arguments with the umpires and brilliant fielding plays, the Victoria Rosebuds maintained their perfect record in the Guadalupe Valley League Sunday in Riverside Park with a stirring 6 to 5 triumph over the Hallettsville Lavacans.
MAY 30 – Forty-five special education students from Victoria competed in the 1972 Texas Special Olympics held in San Antonio and returned with 44 medals.
For the third time in four years, Bobby Briggs will have his name inscribed on the huge championship trophy at the Victoria Country Club. He and Walt Nicol were even through the first six holes, but by the time they completed the front nine Briggs was 3-up on Nicol.
JUNE 3 – The city received a single bid Friday on its proposed garage building, to be located at the old cotton compress site acquired by the city last year. Safety Steel Corp., submitted a base bid of $10,645. City Council is expected to act on the contract award Monday.
Members of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 704 E. Park, will open the doors to their new church building with a ceremony Sunday. Originally organized in 1908, the church started in a small community, Flagg Pond, near Nursery with the Rev. J.A. Meyers as pastor. In 1952 the present pastor, the Rev. F.J. Hobbs, came to the church.
MAY 31 – The Texas House of Representative passed a resolution Friday supporting 9-year-old David G. Baker of Victoria. The resolution was read and Rep. Steve Holzheauser, R-Victoria, spent time telling his fellow lawmakers about Baker’s accomplishments as a tumbler and trampolinist. Baker, the son of Garland and Danna Baker, is headed for South Africa and the Indo-Pacific World Games where he hopes to capture the world title in trampoline and tumbling. Baker will be in Durban, South Africa, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9 for the games if he can raise a total of $8,000 by July. So far, his dad Garland said $2,000 has been raised.
JUNE 4– Portions of Navarro and Goodwin streets were closed Tuesday morning while work crews cleaned up diesel that had spilled from the punctured fuel tank of an 18-wheeler. At about 9:50 a.m., an 18-wheeler belonging to Fleetline rolled over a manhole cover on Goodwin Street, causing the cover to flip up and hit the truck’s diesel tank. The cover knocked a hole in the tank allowing diesel to run out of the tank as the truck continued down Goodwin and turned onto Navarro Street. About 25 gallons of diesel leaked out, according to the Victoria Fire Department. Edna Spill Response applied peat to the roadway to absorb the diesel. At about the same time, an oil pan broke on an automobile involved in a wreck at Ben Wilson Street and Houston Highway, causing oil to spill. The Spill Response team also cleaned up that small spill.
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2022-05-28T21:02:25Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago: 1922, Boll weevil catcher to be demonstrated on Langford farm | Features | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/100-75-50-and-25-years-ago-1922-boll-weevil-catcher-to-be-demonstrated-on/article_f6b16b8c-d7a8-11ec-9652-6785ba1f884e.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/100-75-50-and-25-years-ago-1922-boll-weevil-catcher-to-be-demonstrated-on/article_f6b16b8c-d7a8-11ec-9652-6785ba1f884e.html
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The Dodge Challenger that we drove between Illinois and Missouri.
Pink azaleas I spotted on one of my exploratory walks.
A Different Perspective: Vacation versus agenda
My husband and I recently left town for nine days. Not sure you’d call it a vacation, but it at least deserved get-away status. We had two planned objectives — further evidence that it wasn’t exactly a vacation. I had signed up for a writing retreat in Hannibal, Missouri, and he wanted to see his relatives in Illinois. Since the locations were reasonably close together, we took the opportunity to put on our traveling pants in a post-COVID-19 world.
Chief on my mind was, did we still know how to do this? What with lockdowns, social distancing, masks, and a new virus around every corner, we hadn’t traveled for a while.
Making arrangements before we left was a task in itself. Two sets of sisters came over to feed and play with the dogs, pick up the mail and newspapers, and water the garden. We informed our closest neighbors we were leaving so they could keep an eye on the house. Packing for the trip meant buying a new suitcase and smaller versions of toiletries. Finally, we were ready to go.
After a quick trip to New Braunfels to visit our daughter and family, we headed into San Antonio to spend the night and to catch an early flight out. I’d forgotten how bumpy airplane landings and extra-long layovers build my faith. Due to severe weather, our departure gate at DFW changed four times. As much fun as it was to travel again, there were some things I didn’t miss.
One of them was the guy in the airport who decided the delay was his opportunity to call his friends and talk extremely loud. The lady who didn’t mute her silly videos was another.
While we waited, my husband called the car rental in Springfield to inform them about the delay. However, he emphasized we would still need a vehicle when we arrived. The young man gave us our choice of three cars left. It was fun to watch my almost 70-year-old husband’s eyes light up and say yes to renting a Dodge Challenger. And that was the car we drove between Illinois and Missouri. We loved every minute of it.
The weather in Missouri was still spring-like, so the first stop we made was to Wal-Mart for jackets. However, by the time we made it farther north to Illinois, it was in the low 90s again. It may be hard for Texans to believe, but AC isn’t a way of life for many folks who live up north. So we were hot — a lot. Despite the heat, my husband visited with his brother and sister, nephews, and a cousin who had just lost her husband to COVID-19.
The writing retreat was excellent. Now, if I can only apply everything I learned … the theme was “Perk Up Your Prose.” For a writer, that’s crucial. Readers aren’t always conscious of why they set aside a book or magazine, but often it’s because the writing is not up to par.
The trip was both sweet and necessary. We ate entirely too much and didn’t sleep particularly well. We still had an agenda, but it felt good to be away from my planner, regular workload, and schedules. I took a few exploratory walks and took pictures of flowers we don’t often see in South Texas.
Now that we’ve figured out we can still do it, we’re planning a trip to East Texas in June and another to Galveston in October.
The future is as uncertain as ever. But the Bible says God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV.
It feels good to move forward because I know He has my back always and forever.
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2022-05-28T21:02:31Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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A Different Perspective: Vacation versus agenda | Features | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/a-different-perspective-vacation-versus-agenda/article_a1032518-d78a-11ec-86db-8b6a5201ab19.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/a-different-perspective-vacation-versus-agenda/article_a1032518-d78a-11ec-86db-8b6a5201ab19.html
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Isabela Garza is a STEM girl, for sure. Her favorite subjects are math and science.
“I hope to either be a user experience designer, or work with AI (artificial intelligence).”
Despite her chosen career field, however, she said it was her English teacher, Gretchen Boyle, who made a big impact during her years at St. Joseph High School, where she is this year’s senior class valedictorian.
“She was just one to really encourage the class and always be there for us and support us,” Isabela said.
Her lover of STEM, short for science, technology, engineering and math, developed in middle school.
“We had an elective called ‘Robotics’ and we would build these little robots and program them on our computers,” Isabela said. “I think that’s what really sparked my interest in it.”
Isabela’s mother, Dr. Adelaida Resendez, a pediatrician, said her daughter worked very hard to achieve her success. “Since a little girl, Isa has always seemed to give her full effort to whatever she sets her mind to, whether it be in gymnastics, soccer, or academics.”
“Being in a small school … you’re around the same people all the time.”
She is looking forward to joining clubs and meeting and working with people from different backgrounds, adding “And attending games.”
Isabela considers herself a bit of an introvert. “I’m pretty shy when it comes to new people. I’ve never been one for public speaking. It’s something I need to work at.”
On May 27, this story was updated to correctly identify Gretchen Boyle.
Parents: Dr. Adelaida Resendz and Dr. Dante Garza
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2022-05-28T21:02:43Z
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Isabela Garza looks forward to new challenges | News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/isabela-garza-looks-forward-to-new-challenges/article_0f9af16e-dd25-11ec-aa9c-8b96c8de1ebd.html
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Her twin brother, Caleb, who will also go to A&M, attended football camps there. “We grew up visiting the town so often it kind of has always felt like a second home.”
Sarah said she grew up wanting to go into veterinary medicine but is “leaning toward general medicine.”
She is keeping her options open and is looking forward to exploring different areas of the healthcare field while in college.
Unsurprisingly, Sarah describes herself as a perfectionist, which motivates her to keep her grades up. But, she said she is also “a procrastinator. I stay up late. All my family will be sleeping, and I’ll be up studying. That’s just what works for me.”
Her mother, Charla Ybarra, agreed.
“She’s always been a go-getter academically.”
Outside of academics Sarah enjoys cross country running. This was a big change for her because prior to high school she had never liked running at all.
She said it was her brother who was the natural athlete. In middle school.
Now she enjoys running long distance outside of school as well.
“She did cross country, she did soccer, she was involved in student council for all four years.”
Sarah also developed a love of theater in high school.
Sometimes being a hard-working perfectionist can be awkward. “There’ve been several times I felt like I was going to fail a test. I would walk out of the classroom and be like ‘I for sure failed that’ then I’d get it back and it would be like a 90 or above.”
Sarah’s greatest challenge is learning to “not overextend myself.” Managing her time across many responsibilities and activities can be difficult.
“I want to give all of my effort.”
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2022-05-28T21:02:49Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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St. Joseph HS salutatorian conquers the perfectionist in her | News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/st-joseph-hs-salutatorian-conquers-the-perfectionist-in-her/article_00b8f326-dd25-11ec-ba66-932611dd8f1f.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/st-joseph-hs-salutatorian-conquers-the-perfectionist-in-her/article_00b8f326-dd25-11ec-ba66-932611dd8f1f.html
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Bible verse - Romans Rom.15:20-22; quote by Pat Riley
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.
Patrick James Riley (born 1945) is an American professional basketball executive and a former coach and player in the National Basketball Association.
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2022-05-28T21:02:55Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Bible verse - Romans Rom.15:20-22; quote by Pat Riley | Opinion | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/opinion/bible-verse---romans-rom-15-20-22-quote-by-pat-riley/article_8fdea032-d6ef-11ec-a2e9-bfd3bbc2eec1.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/opinion/bible-verse---romans-rom-15-20-22-quote-by-pat-riley/article_8fdea032-d6ef-11ec-a2e9-bfd3bbc2eec1.html
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Milwaukee Bucks acting coach Darvin Ham watches during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 8, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. A person with knowledge of the decision says Ham has accepted an offer to be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
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2022-05-28T22:45:02Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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AP source: Lakers choose Darvin Ham as next head coach | | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/ap-source-lakers-choose-darvin-ham-as-next-head-coach/article_7a48e40c-decf-11ec-9af7-631919a26af0.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/ap-source-lakers-choose-darvin-ham-as-next-head-coach/article_7a48e40c-decf-11ec-9af7-631919a26af0.html
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Faith Academy valedictorian Hannah Cornwell.
Faith Academy valedictorian Hannah Cornwell
Cornwell
“We were all shocked,” said her mother, Nina Cornwell, stifling tears as she recalled her daughter’s battle with the deadly disease.
Hannah’s mother credits her daughter’s successful battle with cancer and academic achievements to two things. First, her daughter is a fighter at heart. Second, her classmates were there for her when she needed them the most.
That year, they dedicated the school’s drama performance of “Aladdin” to her. At football games, players wore orange ribbons on their helmets in her honor.
And they wore T-shirts emblazoned with “Hope for Hannah C.”
During her cancer battle, Hannah’s teachers were willing to accommodate her, but they never stopped challenging her, her mother said. Looking back, her mother says that contributed to her daughter’s indomitable spirit.
“There was no assignment that other kids didn’t do. They never made excuses for her,” she said.
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2022-05-28T22:45:32Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Faith Academy valedictorian found strength through classmates | Education | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/faith-academy-valedictorian-found-strength-through-classmates/article_ced39ac8-dd24-11ec-9da6-fba6057d8818.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/faith-academy-valedictorian-found-strength-through-classmates/article_ced39ac8-dd24-11ec-9da6-fba6057d8818.html
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Tiarah Figueroa
Tiarah Figueroa, a University of Houston-Victoria senior communications major, has joined the team at Building Brands Marketing as a multi-media marketing intern. She served UHV president of the Student Government Association two years and student representative on the UHV President’s Cabinet. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in communication with a minor in humanities.
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2022-05-28T22:45:38Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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In Good Company: | News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/in-good-company/article_689eb3fa-dbc6-11ec-af94-bb09b913b9a7.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/in-good-company/article_689eb3fa-dbc6-11ec-af94-bb09b913b9a7.html
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Faith Academy salutatorian Ayanna Moten
And it doesn’t end until about midnight.
That’s just a necessary fact of life for the Faith Academy salutatorian, whose days are jam-packed with hours upon hours of studying, athletic practices and community service.
Apart from maintaining a 3.9 GPA, Ayanna finds time, and the dedication, to succeed in track and cheerleading, in which she was recognized as the most valuable player. She also serves as the president of the Christian Honor Society and has volunteered at Christ’s Kitchen and Food Bank of the Golden Crescent.
High expectations have always been a central part of Ayanna’s life. When she was born, her father, Bishop David Moten, said to her mother, “Our job as parents is to let her run free but keep her in a lane.”
After graduating, Ayanna plans to pursue a career in business and marketing. She was inspired by her mother, who has found her own success in those fields.
When Ayanna’s father suffered a massive stroke about 17 years ago, her mother found herself thrust into the midst of adversity. Her father’s ongoing health issues meant her mother had to balance a household on top of a full-time career of running a business consulting practice.
Those hard times have caused Ayanna’s mother to instill in her daughter many lessons, including the need to be fully financially independent and able to support a family.
But Ayanna has taken those lessons to heart, and her mother now sees a beautiful and bright future for her daughter, who is just as empathetic as she is driven.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Ayanna is going to be a beacon of light to young women, especially women of color, around the world,” her mother said.
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2022-05-29T00:25:08Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Salutatorian learned focus, hard work at home | Education | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/salutatorian-learned-focus-hard-work-at-home/article_e006a24a-dd24-11ec-a8b8-e336959aa585.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/salutatorian-learned-focus-hard-work-at-home/article_e006a24a-dd24-11ec-a8b8-e336959aa585.html
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For the school's administration, it was the best day of the year as they watched the student walk the stage.
"It all boils down to this night, to watch these kids be successful, walk across the stage, have a diploma and have something to do the Monday after," said Principal Justin Gabrysch.
"This is why we do what we do," he said. "No matter what path they've chosen, it's been a fun ride for four years and they overcome quite a bit."
Each graduate now will move on to the next tee after all the rough patches, hazards and traps along the way to reach then end of their high school careers.
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2022-05-29T01:59:55Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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2022 Victoria East High School graduates onto the next tee | Graduation 2022 | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/graduation_2022/2022-victoria-east-high-school-graduates-onto-the-next-tee/article_22b633c8-dee5-11ec-9ae0-abc383e2c328.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/graduation_2022/2022-victoria-east-high-school-graduates-onto-the-next-tee/article_22b633c8-dee5-11ec-9ae0-abc383e2c328.html
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Bloomington High School salutatorian Viviana Nicole Gomez.
The 18-year-old Bloomington High School salutatorian was impressed with the care provided to her grandmother while she was suffering with cancer. She decided in the seventh grade that she wanted to be a nurse.
“I guess I’ve always wanted to help others,” Gomez said.
Toward that end, Gomez has taken college classes since her sophomore year. She plans to attend Victoria College with the goal of earning her nursing degree. She will graduate with a 3.82 GPA.
“I’m very proud of the work she has accomplished,” her mother Esther Gomez said. “I think she is going to be successful in whatever she does. If she sets her mind on something she does it. She’s hard on herself.”
Gomez said she loved fishing with her father Trinidad. Once aboard her father’s boat she was competing against him as to who would reach their limit first. Although she was sick, she met her quota before he did.
In addition to her studies, Gomez served on the school’s volleyball, softball and track teams as well as was a cheerleader.
“The most surprising thing was juggling all those activities,” Gomez said. “The best part of high school was making memories with my friends and classmates.”
Parents' names: Trinidad and Esther Gomez
College plans: UTSA
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2022-05-29T02:00:07Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Bloomington salutatorian to pursue nursing career | Education | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/bloomington-salutatorian-to-pursue-nursing-career/article_c1f7107a-dd22-11ec-a42d-538689736e36.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/bloomington-salutatorian-to-pursue-nursing-career/article_c1f7107a-dd22-11ec-a42d-538689736e36.html
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Bloomington High School valedictorian Jaclyn Lerma
Bloomington High School valedictorian Jaclyn Lerma.
Jaclyn Galvan Lerma is fascinated with the cosmos, and she plans to make studying that realm her career.
“I think I realized my passion early,” Lerma, 18, said. “My parents were always taking me to museums, because I was always curious. I think this is my path.”
Lerma is the Bloomington High School valedictorian. Her parents Tess and Robert Lerma said they are impressed by what she has done.
“It’s unbelievable every step she has taken, that hunger for learning,” Tess Lerma said. “She always wanted to know more. It’s an honor to be her mother.”
Lerma received an associate’s degree from Victoria College May 14. She plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio where she hopes to major in physics and minor in astrophysics. In February, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education ranked UTSA as an R1 institution, meaning that it is in the top 4% of research universities in this nation.
“I’ve always wanted to learn the why behind things,” Lerma said. “Astrophysics is almost the perfect embodiment of that question.”
When she was a freshman, Lerma said she wanted to be a lawyer. That was before she “went down that rabbit hole of space.”
“I think I realized my passion, and I think I’m a better fit for astrophysics,” Lerma said. “I think this is my path.”
She has served as class president and serves on the student council. Lerma said she spent three years in the school’s marching band. Lerma holds a GPA of 3.95.
Her mother said she thinks her daughter will make an impact.
“She’s amazing,” her mother said. “She’s a caring, sweet person.”
Looking back at her time at Bloomington, Lerma said it was true that in retrospect, the time sped by.
“It’s been fast,” she said.
Name: Jaclyn Galvan Lerma
Parents' names: Tess and Robert Lerma
College plans: University of Texas at San Antonio where she hopes to major in physics and minor in astrophysics.
Career goal: Study physics
Jaclyn Galvan Lerma
Tess Lerma
Robert Lerma
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2022-05-29T02:00:13Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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Bloomington valedictorian plans for the stars | Education | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/bloomington-valedictorian-plans-for-the-stars/article_ac1e1aa0-dd22-11ec-8b2f-57b4aac33cb2.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/bloomington-valedictorian-plans-for-the-stars/article_ac1e1aa0-dd22-11ec-8b2f-57b4aac33cb2.html
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Victoria East graduates take to the field as the sun sets during the school’s 2022 commencement ceremony on Saturday evening in Victoria Memorial Stadium.
Victoria East graduates proceed to Victoria Memorial Stadium for their commencement ceremony on Saturday evening.
Anthony Hutson, right, adjusts a cap for graduate Rylee Rendon, left, before Victoria East’s 2022 commencement ceremony on Saturday evening at Victoria Memorial Stadium.
For the school’s administration, it was the best day of the year as they watched the students walk the stage.
“It all boils down to this night, to watch these kids be successful, walk across the stage, have a diploma and have something to do the Monday after,” said Principal Justin Gabrysch.
“This is why we do what we do,” he said. “No matter what path they’ve chosen, it’s been a fun ride for four years and they overcome quite a bit.”
Each graduate now will move on to the next tee after all the rough patches, hazards and traps along the way to reach the end of their high school careers.
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2022-05-29T03:35:14Z
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www.victoriaadvocate.com
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2022 Victoria East High School graduates onto the next tee | Local News | victoriaadvocate.com
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/local/2022-victoria-east-high-school-graduates-onto-the-next-tee/article_22b633c8-dee5-11ec-9ae0-abc383e2c328.html
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https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/local/2022-victoria-east-high-school-graduates-onto-the-next-tee/article_22b633c8-dee5-11ec-9ae0-abc383e2c328.html
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Jenkins says he’ll continue to push for measures that keep residents safe, even if it means going against the governor and spending his days in court.
DALLAS — Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins says the biggest challenge facing his county in 2022 will be the same as 2020 and 2021. And he says tackling COVID is the key to having an economically strong and happy new year.
“It should be team human versus the virus. We just need to listen to the doctors,” he said on Inside Texas Politics.
Jenkins says he’ll continue to push vaccination efforts and the county will have plenty of clinics available to help citizens get shots in their arms. And the judge says he’ll continue to push for measures that keep residents safe, even if it means going against the governor and spending his days in court.
One thing the judge stressed on Inside Texas Politics, though, is that it isn’t all bad news heading into 2022. Jenkins says Dallas County will be making an “unprecedented investment” in mental health next year.
“We’re going to build more inpatient facilities, more telemedicine, hire more doctors, make sure that if you need it, you got it,” Jenkins said.
Other 2022 projects for the county include expanding the “RIGHT Care” program, which provides teams of mental healthcare specialists to respond to 911 calls relating to a mental health crisis.
Jenkins says the county will also focus on tutoring programs to help kids catch up after falling behind during the pandemic. And he says the county will be spending unprecedented amounts on infrastructure, now that Congress passed that bill and federal dollars will begin flowing in.
“Some of the projects are really cool like the 55-mile loop, hike and bike trail around Dallas. And some of them are about congestion mitigation,” Jenkins said.
One growing problem facing Dallas County and many other Texas communities is housing affordability. Jenkins says the county will continue to try to take down buildings it owns and replace them with affordable housing.
“We’re partnering with private business to put affordable housing up,” he said. “We’ve got a project going up right behind where the old Oak Cliff sub courthouse used to be over off 12th and Zang and that will house hundreds of families.”
More on “RIGHT Care” teams: RIGHT Care Team - Rapid Integrated Group Healthcare Team (dallascityhall.com)
The RIGHT Care Program – Serving Our Community | DPD Beat
Dallas council member says new economic development corporation will attract business to city
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2022-01-02T05:05:03Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins says largest problem still COVID | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/inside-politics/judge-clay-jenkins-says-pandemic-still-largest-problem-for-dallas-county-2022/287-cbbe290e-dc30-4c9d-8bda-2bf7d11cd06c
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/inside-politics/judge-clay-jenkins-says-pandemic-still-largest-problem-for-dallas-county-2022/287-cbbe290e-dc30-4c9d-8bda-2bf7d11cd06c
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Health experts say the latest omicron surge has testing sites scrambling to keep up. Over-the-counter tests are in rare supply giving patients few options.
DALLAS — It is not just frontline health care workers dealing with the recent surge in omicron cases. It is also being felt at testing sites where workers are scrambling to manage the influx of patients.
"It's bad, it's horrible...but it's worth it. I just don't want to get friends and family sick," said Ferney Arboleda. One of the Arboleda boys was hoping to get tested for the latest COVID-19 variant so he can return to work. They parked outside a testing site at a Toyota Stadium parking lot in Frisco.
The Frisco testing site is run by Nomi Health, which is a direct health care company based out of Utah.
"Definitely this variant is quite infectious and quite difficult to manage," said chief technical officer Boe Hartman of Nomi Health.
Hartman says the latest omicron surge has testing sites scrambling to keep up. Over-the-counter tests are in rare or no supply which is pushing patients into these long testing lines.
"When we do see spikes like this we do hear people talk about wait times," said Hartman. The wait at the Frisco location is estimated anywhere between one and three hours. "A number of sites are contracting with lack of test availability or they're getting hit by COVID themselves," he said.
Meanwhile, Rockwall County announced a change in testing vendors in the city of Fate after the public said results took too long to return.
"All American Testing failed to return test results in the promised time. The City of Fate has selected a new vendor Curative to takeover testing in Fate," read a statement from Rockwall County of Emergency Management.
Hartman tells WFAA that Nomi Health has far fewer issues than most other testing sites. WFAA could not independently verify this claim.
Hartman also says most sites and personnel are just adjusting to the surge and should be at peak efficiency soon. He expects the wait times to go up in the very near future.
Nomi Health says it is partnering with Dallas County Health to open up a high capacity testing site by Wednesday. That site will be Ellis Davis Field House in southern Dallas County.
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2022-01-04T05:50:57Z
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www.wfaa.com
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North Texas COVID testing sites seeing long wait times | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-covid-drive-thru-testing-sites-seeing-long-wait-times-omicron-surge/287-fbe1bca1-60a4-4e19-aba0-f35da0562d23
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-covid-drive-thru-testing-sites-seeing-long-wait-times-omicron-surge/287-fbe1bca1-60a4-4e19-aba0-f35da0562d23
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In case you missed it, here are four COVID updates from the first Tarrant County Commissioners’ meeting of 2022 on Tuesday.
FORT WORTH, Texas — In case you missed it, here are four COVID updates from the first Tarrant County Commissioners’ meeting of 2022, which was held Tuesday:
The county's positivity rate is at a record high
Data shows the positivity rate in Tarrant County is just over 35%, a number Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said is “a record high for the pandemic."
“(Of the) people that are getting tested, one in three are coming back positive,” Taneja said. “That’s a huge number in our community.”
No surprise: Demand for COVID testing has skyrocketed
Before Christmas, testing sites were seeing 10 to 15 people a day on average, according to Taneja. Now, the public health director said some sites are seeing close to 1,000 people a day.
As a result? Delays and frustration that you probably know firsthand.
“I did hear quite a few complaints about people waiting four, five, six days for test results,” Tarrant County Commissioner Devan Allen told the court Tuesday.
So what’s being done?
Taneja said plans are in the works to open more testing sites, including possibly one in White Settlement next week.
The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office is getting some help
The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office accepted a donation of 10,000 rapid COVID tests from the Texas Army National Guard for the second year in a row.
This week, TCSO announced 173 inmates have tested positive in the Tarrant County jail.
The county is encouraging residents to use its website -- not Google -- to find testing locations
Taneja said he’s aware of the long wait times people have experienced at various testing sites recently -- a problem that's not unique to Tarrant County.
He said the county keeps its website updated, which can be a more effective tool than Google when trying to find an available and convenient testing location.
Once on the website, scroll down and click on “Additional Testing Sites” to view more links and a Google map showing more locations.
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2022-01-05T00:15:59Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Tarrant County commissioners hold first meeting of 2022: COVID | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/tarrant-county-commissioners-meeting-2022-covid-numbers-testing/287-c64883a8-b2a5-429a-91fe-2cebbb2c2696
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/tarrant-county-commissioners-meeting-2022-covid-numbers-testing/287-c64883a8-b2a5-429a-91fe-2cebbb2c2696
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Attorney Heath Harris also claimed that 14-year-old Abel was bullied in school over and over again.
GARLAND, Texas — Garland police continue to search for 14-year-old Abel Acosta. The teen is accused of opening fire at the Texaco gas station on West Walnut Street the day after Christmas, killing three teens and injuring another.
WFAA just heard from the attorney of the father of the teen, who says, "Dad had no idea his son had a gun on him."
Reporter Malini Basu: "He had no idea that his son had a gun on him?"
"No, that’s my understanding, [he] did not,” said attorney Heath Harris, who is representing Richard Acosta.
Surveillance video showed Richard Acosta walking into the convenience store prior to the shooting. He then got back in his truck and circled the parking lot.
Harris claimed that Richard and son Abel stopped at Kroger, then stopped at the Texaco to buy medicine.
“Comes back out. At that time, his son says he needs to go in,” said Harris.
Seconds later, police said, Abel got out, and opened fire inside of the store.
RELATED: Police name different 14-year-old as suspect in Garland shooting, say he's armed and dangerous
“He’s about to get on the phone with his wife, son is supposed to run in and come back out. Next thing you know, he hears shots, and ducks down,” said Harris.
And as the son ran back to the truck...
“Go, go, go, because they don’t know who is shooting. His son is breathing heavy, “ said Harris.
The father and son drove home, and started watching the news. Harris said Richard turned himself into authorities after watching the news.
RELATED: Man wanted in connection to fatal shooting of 3 teens at Garland convenience store turns himself in; 14-year-old suspect released
And a question remains.
“Did dad ever know that his son owned a gun? That I don’t know," Harris said. "I just know that he didn’t know that he had a gun when he went to the store."
Harris claimed that Abel was bullied in school over and over again.
“He made several complaints about it,” said Harris.
As Garland police are trying to figure out if those are the victims involved, all of the families are left grieving.
“Tragic, tragic situation,” said Harris.
The reward to find 14y/o Abel Acosta is up to $10k now.
Acosta is accused of killing 3 teens at a Garland gas station, & injuring a 4th.
He’s considered armed & dangerous.
Acosta allegedly told his parents over & over again, he was being bullied in school.
@wfaa pic.twitter.com/u6nRuDPUGu
Garland police said Abel Acosta is considered armed and dangerous. They’ve upped the reward to $10,000 now.
The arrest affidavit for Richard Acosta can be read in full below.
Suspect in Timberview High School shooting is jailed on bond violation, records show
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2022-01-05T01:46:47Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Attorney for man accused in Garland store shooting speaks out | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/attorney-representing-the-father-of-14-year-old-garland-shooting-suspect-speaks-out/287-c30fab1b-f1e0-4bed-b7f9-46706af41b37
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/attorney-representing-the-father-of-14-year-old-garland-shooting-suspect-speaks-out/287-c30fab1b-f1e0-4bed-b7f9-46706af41b37
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Around 74,000 Fort Worth ISD students will return to school from the holiday break on Wednesday.
FORT WORTH, Texas — As the Omicron variant drives a new COVID surge, around 74,000 students enrolled at Fort Worth Independent School District will return to school on Wednesday.
That’s the case in several school districts across North Texas.
Hazel Harris, a Fort Worth resident, rushed to the COVID testing site at the Scarborough-Handley Field in Fort Worth.
She made sure her girls were tested before returning to school from the holiday break.
“The testing is a peace of mind,” Harris said. “I won’t have to worry about whether the girls have COVID.”
Fort Worth ISD staff spent Tuesday deep-cleaning school buildings, unpacking PPE deliveries and putting up signs to remind students and staff that masks are still strongly encouraged at schools.
Claudia Garibay, FWISD Executive Communications Director, said the district is following the same COVID cleaning protocol in place from the beginning of the pandemic.
“It’s happening today, but we’re always doing this,” Garibay said.
Garibay said the school district is prepared to quickly adjust as needed. While the district will not provide COVID tests in schools, it has partnered with the city of Fort Worth to expand testing availability and inform parents about testing sites.
Joseph Coburn, FWISD Chief of District Operations, told WFAA that currently, the school district doesn’t have plans to provide a virtual learning option.
“Having students do in-person learning is the best way to help them succeed in the classroom, and we wanna do anything we can to help them,” said Coburn. “I think we’re all expecting the unexpected, we’re ready.”
The return to school comes as Tarrant County’s positivity rate climbed to 35%. During the Commissioner’s Court hearing Tuesday, county leaders said the current positivity rate is a pandemic high. Currently, one in three tests in Tarrant County is positive, according to county leaders.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitely stressed the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted.
“I expect that we’re gonna expect to continue to see increases over the next couple of weeks, and I hope we do everything we can to level this thing out and try to beat it back,” Whitely said.
Lyric Lawrence, a Fort Worth resident lined up at the Como Community testing site two hours before the site opened. Lawrence was trying to get her little brother tested before he returns to school Wednesday.
“The whole house got a scare, and we’re now all out here trying to get tested today,” Lawrence said. “It’s like it’s never-ending.”
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2022-01-05T01:46:54Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Fort Worth ISD welcomes back students amid omicron surge | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/schools/fort-worth-isd-gears-up-to-welcome-students-back-amid-omicron-surge/287-38de56c6-4c7f-499c-a5ce-95360411ccc5
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/schools/fort-worth-isd-gears-up-to-welcome-students-back-amid-omicron-surge/287-38de56c6-4c7f-499c-a5ce-95360411ccc5
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"And it really exposed a problem that your rank and file officers have known about for quite a while," said Manny Ramirez, Fort Worth Police Officers Association.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A Fort Worth mom's bad experience with an urgent 911 call has resulted in a city audit that shows her experience wasn't an isolated case, and that response times in Forth Worth are a lingering problem.
"She was unresponsive, not breathing," Jamie Haswell told us last June of the emergency involving her 2-year-old daughter. But her 911 call was never answered. She says she only got a recording. The result was the same when she ran outside screaming to neighbors for help.
"Nobody got a live person initially," she told us. "And to me, that's not acceptable."
RELATED: Fort Worth mom says neighbor drove her daughter to urgent care after 911 failed to answer call
Her very public complaints to us, and on social media, were the catalyst for an audit of Fort Worth police response times. The Department of Internal Audit's Police Response Time Audit Report, released December 30 by City Auditor Patrice Randle, showed that in June of 2021, 23% of 911 calls in Fort Worth were abandoned, indicating callers chose to hang up when they didn't get an answer. And the Fort Worth Police Department's goal of 8 minutes and 54 seconds as the target for an officer to arrive at a Priority 1 response call wasn't met 46.36% of the time in a 14-month period.
"And it really exposed a problem that your rank-and-file officers have known about for quite a while," said Manny Ramirez of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association. "This provides the wake-up call that's needed to tell our city leaders that we need more police officers."
In a written statement, the police department said that the contributing factors of "population growth, weather, current staffing, and traffic congestion" do play a role. "Some of the abandoned calls were caused by lack of personnel available to answer the calls. But we have since increased efforts and pay to retain employees and hire new staff to fill our vacant positions. We are starting to see positive changes as a result of those efforts."
As for Jamie Haswell, whose complaints started this audit and investigation, and whose daughter is "doing well," she told WFAA on Tuesday:
"I want them to know that I support the police, respect them, and am so thankful for each officer and dispatcher and their service to our community.
"I just hope and pray something as vital as the 911 system in place can be fixed as well as these response times. I hope getting the word out pushes our city toward positive changes."
City Auditor Randle also wrote that "we concluded that there were no written procedures or guidelines governing the reassessment, calculation and/or reporting of police response time."
The City and Fort Worth police agreed to a June 2022 deadline to solve that issue.
Read the audit in full below.
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2022-01-05T01:47:00Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Fort Worth PD audit finds lagging response time pattern | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/audit-confirms-fort-worth-police-department-response-issues-911-calls/287-ada6a9c1-205a-4a88-86d8-1c2990280529
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/audit-confirms-fort-worth-police-department-response-issues-911-calls/287-ada6a9c1-205a-4a88-86d8-1c2990280529
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When the results arrived on Jan. 3, they came via "email with the message "sorry it took so long," said Dallas resident Chris McClain.
DALLAS — Many North Texans have been stuck behind the wheel this week, and it's not because of any day-to-day traffic -- just abysmally long lines to get tested for COVID-19.
In Frisco Tuesday, people needing to get a test told ABC News that they waited in their cars for up to five hours just to get swabbed.
It's a surefire sign that drive-up testing sites are becoming overwhelmed, as the Omicron variant paves its path.
And if you need any more proof? Just listen to Chris McClain's story.
He visited New York in December, unknowingly, when the Omicron variant was taking hold in the state.
"I got that dreaded text message letting me know that I had been exposed to someone who had tested positive," McClain said. "I didn't want to get my wife sick or my family sick and wanted some quick answers, so I got tested."
McClain went to a drive-up site off of Northwest HWY and Abrams.
"It didn't require an appointment and took walk-ups," said McClain.
When McClain got tested, he said it was Dec. 15. He got a PCR test, the most reliable and accurate COVID-19 test, but it has to be analyzed in a lab and may take a few days for results to come back.
"I was expecting two to three days, hoping I would know a couple of days before Christmas," said McClain.
When the results didn't come back within a few days, McClain ordered a test through CVS and was able to get results within one to two days.
McClain ended up testing positive and adjusted his holiday plans accordingly.
He didn't overthink about the test he took off Northwest HWY and Abrams until an email arrived in his inbox on Monday.
"It looked like a phishing email with a bizarre address and a PDF attachment," McClain said. "It had no introductory sentences, no header, no footer."
The only message in the email: "Sorry it took so long."
Credit: Chris McClain
A photo of the email McClain received.
McClain opened the attachment, and it was his PCR test results from Dec. 15, they had arrived almost three weeks later.
A lab in Oklahoma City had analyzed the results.
"That explains it, they had sent it across state lines," said McClain.
Quest Diagnostics, one of the largest testing companies in the country, said Tuesday their turnaround time for results remains stretched at 2-3 days on average, according to ABC News.
Quest also reported "taking measures" to strengthen capacity and meet the surge in demand. The company said it's achieving that goal by using its national courier, air fleet, and logistics network to balance volume across roughly two dozen COVID testing laboratories.
The company plans to move specimens where there is minor inundation.
Quest is also announcing that it has reactivated their lab referral partner program, redirecting excess volume to other commercial and academic labs.
LabCorp, meanwhile, reports it's maintaining a turnaround time of 1-2 days.
CVS told ABC News it can offer results within 1-2 days across their 4800+ participating pharmacy locations nationwide.
Walgreens said it also continues to see high demand for its testing services, with available appointments fluctuating daily and "limited in many areas of the country." They anticipate results' turnaround in 24 to 48 hours.
McClain isn't sure if there's anyone else that's had an experience like his.
But it underscores the hurdles labs and sites are facing.
"From my personal experience, it feels like we're overwhelmed," said McClain.
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2022-01-05T04:50:15Z
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www.wfaa.com
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COVID testing in DFW: Lines long, results slow to come in | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/dallas-man-gets-covid-results-nearly-3-weeks-after-being-tested/287-379ed096-2b78-49cc-a522-73f330e9b2cb
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/dallas-man-gets-covid-results-nearly-3-weeks-after-being-tested/287-379ed096-2b78-49cc-a522-73f330e9b2cb
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Garland shooting affidavit shows investigation into social media posts
The victim's sister told the detective that she received a message from a fake Instagram account
Abel Acosta and his father, who police say was the getaway driver, face murder charges. His father, Richard Acosta Jr., 33, turned himself in to police. Police say Abel is evading arrest and is armed and dangerous.
In surveillance video, the alleged shooter, Abel, could be seen getting out of a white pickup truck and going to the front door of the store where he fired his weapon, police say.
Last week, police said the shooting, which happened Dec. 26 at a Texaco station in Garland, was spurred by a previous disturbance between Abel Acosta and one of the victims inside the convenience store. The affidavit says that in November one of the victims reported to police that they were shot at by another group of teenagers.
A lawyer representing Richard told WFAA Tuesday that he didn't know his son Abel had a gun on him when they went to the convenience store.
However, a newly released affidavit reveals what police believe happened and what happened before the deadly shooting.
The affidavit says that surveillance video allegedly showed Richard in the driver's seat of the Dodge white pickup truck, "just yards from the front door where the suspect can be seen in plain view standing in the front doorway shooting [at] subjects inside the store."
"The driver can be seen in the surveillance video waiting for the shooter to run back to the pickup truck. The shooter is then seen entering the back driver side door of the truck on surveillance footage," the affidavit said.
Another 14-year-old was initially arrested in the investigation on Dec. 27 but was released. The affidavit said that he told detectives that he was aware of what happened. He said he was in a group chat with several people who told them what happened. He "stated he was afraid" of two people and "they had threatened him and others in the past," the affidavit said. Some names were redacted in the affidavit.
At around 8 p.m. on Dec. 26, detectives arrived on scene where they found the three victims identified as 14-year-old Xavier Gonzalez, 16-year-old Ivan Noyala and 17-year-old Rafael Garcia.
Multiple witnesses were at the scene and were taken to the police station to talk with detectives.
A father of one of the victims told detectives that he heard that Ivan had been shot at the location. The dad gave the officer a physical description of him, which matched one of the victims who was found in the far southeast corner of the building in front of the drink coolers, the affidavit said.
Xavier's family said he was an innocent bystander who was just at the store buying food for the family. Xavier's uncle told detectives that Xavier went to the store in his vehicle and had not returned home. Xavier was found in the dining area of the meat market, the affidavit said.
Rafael was found on the floor on the far west side of the dining area in a hallway that went to the bathrooms.
Victim's sister talks to police
A female who was at the police station told a detective that Rafael was her brother. The detective asked her if she knew of anyone that may have wanted to harm her brother and she said no, the affidavit said.
She said Rafael had been reported as a runaway in March and that he was living with his friend, the affidavit said.
She told the detective that her family was not particularly fond of a person whose name was redacted. She told the detective that he was a "skinny kid that they did not want Rafael to hang around with," the affidavit said. It's unclear who this person is.
She said the last time they spoke with Rafael was on Christmas Eve and he seemed to be in good spirits.
The detective wrote in the affidavit: "I asked if Rafael was gang-affiliated and both sisters stated no, but Rafael liked posting pictures of himself holding or pointing guns on Instagram."
Police department records showed that there was a police report made on Nov. 19 where one of the victims had reported that he and some friends were shot at by another group of teens, the affidavit said. He named one of the teens to the police. The name was redacted in the affidavit.
The sister sent the detective a photo of Rafael holding and pointing a gun with a green laser, the affidavit said.
She also sent a second picture of another person wearing dark clothing and a black ski mask, the affidavit said. The person was holding and pointing a silver and black handgun with an extended clip, the affidavit said. Some names were redacted in the affidavit, so it's unclear who the person was.
A few hours later, the sister told the detective that she received a message from a fake Instagram account and sent the detective a screenshot, the affidavit said.
"The message read, 'Yo brotha dead asf,'" the affidavit said.
She forwarded another message which said that Rafael was dead and the response was "what happened who did it" and "its yall [expletive] fault," the affidavit said.
A third and last message from the Instagram account said "N$B5L ima die behind that on y'all [expletive] ain't active like gang that's on llopps." The affidavit said the acronym stands for "Northside blood for life."
The sister told the detective that she believes whoever did this was looking for a person whose name was redacted and was after him.
The detectives then contacted Instagram to verify a phone number connected with the account, the affidavit said. T-Mobile confirmed the user and address. The detective contacted the Garland ISD security department for any student information.
The detective was given information about several students who lived at that address.
The detective identified one of the students through school photos and saw Facebook photos that matched him with the suspect shown in the video shooting into the convenience store.
Anyone who sees Abel Acosta or knows his whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.
Garland Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. And in addition, police said Jerry Reynolds, president of Car Pro Radio Network and owner of KPIR, has offered an additional $5,000 – making the total reward $10,000.
Read the full affidavit:
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2022-01-05T16:57:08Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Affidavit reveals more information about Garland shooting, search for 14-year-old suspect | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/affidavit-garland-shooting-victims-previous-encounter-suspect/287-83a3807a-b343-4d80-bcd2-470fa985a5bc
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/affidavit-garland-shooting-victims-previous-encounter-suspect/287-83a3807a-b343-4d80-bcd2-470fa985a5bc
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COVID-19 testing on campuses, masks, continued cleaning and sanitizing efforts are in place as students return to schools across North Texas.
DALLAS — School campuses across North Texas were busy Wednesday, as tens of thousands of students returned from winter break.
At some campuses, it appeared business as usual as parents dropped off their children for classes.
The recent surge of the Omicron variant remains top of mind for some families, school administrators and staff. Many school leaders have been focused on finding ways to be proactive, even pivoting plans, amid COVID-19 concerns.
“My name is Ms. Jackson. I’m going to do a COVID test on you,” a nurse told a student at Uplift Luna Preparatory, as she began to administer a COVID-19 test in the school’s clinic.
Rapid tests are being provided for students at staff. It’s part of ongoing safety protocols in this school network during the pandemic.
A safe return to school for students and staff was priority as classes resumed on Monday.
“It’s been busy. It’s been extremely busy,” said Amy Cannon, senior director of Well Being and Health Services at Uplift.
Nurses are administering COVID-19 tests in school clinics across the Uplift education network of campuses. Masks are strongly encouraged in the buildings. Other proactive measures are also taking place.
“Our buildings are cleaned and sanitized all day long throughout the day. Frequently touched surfaces are cleaned and sanitized throughout the day,” said Cannon.
Students also showed up in strong numbers at some Dallas ISD campuses.
The school district was initially prepared to relax its mask protocols this month, until Dallas County’s COVID-19 threat level changed to 'Red.'
“That changed on a dime. And you have to be ready to pivot when you’re working in this kind of environment,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa.
In addition to extending mask protocols, Dallas ISD opened testing sites for staff on Monday and Tuesday of this week. It’s also partnered with Dallas County to open another testing site at Ellis-Davis Field House.
Each school campus in Dallas ISD now has nurses on-site to help administer COVID-19 tests to students and staff.
“I’m just very proud of the students, staff, and community for stepping up,” Dr. Hinojosa said. “All of us are looking for a better day.”
RELATED: 'Our context is working for us': The North Texas districts requiring masks, online learning are predominately low-income, Black and Hispanic
COVID testing: Students return to school with extra precautions
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2022-01-05T23:12:06Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dallas ISD students return from winter break: Masks, COVID safety | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/north-texas-dfw-schools-balance-covid-safety-and-cleanliness-as-students-return-from-winter-break/287-d4805b5b-a755-4e6d-a73d-b7eefe6e6e92
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/north-texas-dfw-schools-balance-covid-safety-and-cleanliness-as-students-return-from-winter-break/287-d4805b5b-a755-4e6d-a73d-b7eefe6e6e92
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District leaders are testing out a pilot program to test students for COVID at schools and urging parents to keep their children home if they're sick.
FORT WORTH, Texas — For some parents, sending kids back to school after a break comes as a relief.
That wasn’t the case on Wednesday for Fort Worth parent Claudia Guerrero. After dropping her daughter off at Fort Worth ISD’s Jean McClung Middle School, Guerrero sat in her car, filled with sadness.
“This is very hard, starting back over again,” Guerrero said.
The holiday break is over. Across North Texas, students are returning to school as cases of the Omicron variant reach new heights.
“Very sad,” Guerrero said. “I don’t want her to be here.”
As of Tuesday, 50 of the district’s 5,000 teachers were quarantined due to COVID, according to Fort Worth ISD Assistant Superintendent Michael Steinert.
Since Monday, the district has had 300 COVID reports amongst all staff members. The 300 COVID reports include close-contact reports and COVID positive cases. Not all of those staff members are quarantined, Steinert said.
“As much as we wanted this to be over, we’re prepared to continue responding to it just like we have,” Steinert said.
Steinert told WFAA that the district will continue its COVID safety measures of contact tracing, deep cleaning school buildings and buses daily, and encouraging students and staff to wear masks. Currently, masks are not mandatory at Fort Worth ISD.
District leaders have said in-person learning is the best option for students.
RELATED: Fort Worth ISD gears up to welcome students back amid Omicron surge
Steinert said that school nurses are keeping an eye out for symptoms in students, but he’s urging parents to self-check their children for symptoms at home. COVID or not, the district is urging parents to keep children home if they have symptoms such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.
Fort Worth ISD is testing out a Telehealth pilot program at 40 of its campuses. Parents can opt-in to the program, which allows nurses to coordinate Telehealth visits at school between medical doctors and students.
“What that looks like, is those students can actually consent to a rapid flu, strep, or COVID test on-site,” Steinert said.
The school district hopes to expand the program to all of its schools by next year. Additionally, the school district has partnered with the City of Fort Worth to inform parents of COVID testing sites available throughout Fort Worth.
Steinert reassured parents that the school district has a plan to keep students safe.
“This is not new for us, and as much as we wanted this to be over, we’re prepared to continue responding to it just like we started to over a year and a half ago,” Steinert said. “We have yet to close down an entire school. We’ve done a good job of contact tracing and mitigating extra exposures, and we’re gonna continue to do that.”
Guerrero just wants to keep her family safe. COVID already took away one of her loved ones last December.
“Whenever your dad passes away and you’re not able to be there and say your last goodbyes cause you have COVID, that’s hard,” Guerrero said.
Another Fort Worth Parent, Sekai Musenda, said she felt nervous sending her children back to school.
“I was feeling more safe when they were home, because I knew where I was taking them,” Musenda said.
How does COVID being an airborne virus affect our mitigation strategies?
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2022-01-05T23:12:18Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Fort Worth ISD on COVID safety plans, testing as students return | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/fort-worth-isd-students-return-to-school-as-omicron-surges-teachers-are-quarantined-due-to-covid/287-d0c78d28-7940-4df9-a253-ec32a2d1a788
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/fort-worth-isd-students-return-to-school-as-omicron-surges-teachers-are-quarantined-due-to-covid/287-d0c78d28-7940-4df9-a253-ec32a2d1a788
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Dr. Kimberly Prather is one of a growing number of scientists leading the call to acknowledge COVID-19 as an airborne virus and simple ways to mitigate its spread
DALLAS — Since the pandemic began, researchers have zeroed in on how particles of the COVID-19 virus spread.
Initially, scientists determined COVID-19 was spread through droplets. That's why the nation's top medical experts issued guidance to wipe down surfaces and use hand sanitizer.
But, a growing group of scientists have evidence that shows COVID-19 particles are an airborne virus.
Dr. Kimberly Prather is the director of the National Science Foundation's Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment and the Distinguished Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of California, San Diego.
During a three-part interview with WFAA, Dr. Prather explained how understanding COVID-19 as an airborne virus changes the strategies on how to stop the virus's spread, which masks you should keep wearing, and how air filtration and ventilation are critical tools to prevent COVID-19 infections.
PART 1: COVID-19 "is in the air"
PART 2: Everything you need to know about wearing masks
Dr. Prather recommends three websites for more information about masks.
Where to buy reputable masks
Information about masks for children
Masks FAQ
PART 3: The game-changing $100 DIY air purifier
If you would like to learn more about how to build your own Corsi-Rosenthal box, you can find instructions here.
Air filtration a key way to protect against airborne virus, like COVID-19
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2022-01-06T00:42:28Z
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How to stop the spread of COVID-19: Aerosols expert explains | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/aerosols-expert-explains-stop-spread-airborne-covid-19/287-31735dc6-673b-4f2d-8149-919e8c3846bb
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/aerosols-expert-explains-stop-spread-airborne-covid-19/287-31735dc6-673b-4f2d-8149-919e8c3846bb
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As Parkland sees a rise in COVID-19 cases following the holidays, they are starting to see some COVID-19 patients diagnosed with influenza simultaneously.
DALLAS — If anyone is feeling the impact of the latest COVID-19 surge, it's the staff at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.
"We're very tired," Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Chang said. "Today, we are at another high point. 187 active COVID patients, another about 30 convalescing, so about 220 in the hospital now."
As the number of patients increase, he said more employees are also testing positive for COVID-19, causing a staffing shortage. Chang said hundreds of employees are out.
His concern is that this rise in cases is not slowing down yet.
"The slope on this rise has not slowed down, so I really don't know where the top of this one is going to be."
RELATED: DFW COVID updates: Parkland Hospital opens 3rd ward for coronavirus patients
In addition, Chang said a few patients were diagnosed this week with both COVID-19 and influenza.
"We are definitely now seeing cases where people have flu and COVID, which is something we had not seen in previous winters," said Chang.
He said patients ill with both viruses are starting to pop up across the city.
Chang's message to the public remains consistent since the pandemic started: "If you haven't gotten vaccinated for both of those, you want to be. That is what is going to keep you alive, keep you out of the hospital."
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2022-01-06T00:42:40Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Parkland Hospital in Dallas: COVID, flu patients increasing | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/parkland-memorial-hospital-dallas-diagnoses-patients-with-covid-flu-at-the-same-time/287-8f81c2b6-0e47-48fa-a891-b8db67827698
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/parkland-memorial-hospital-dallas-diagnoses-patients-with-covid-flu-at-the-same-time/287-8f81c2b6-0e47-48fa-a891-b8db67827698
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"She loves people. She loves to just be a part of the family," said Christian McKinney. She is Andrea's caseworker.
DALLAS — This New Year means a new beginning for a little girl in foster care who we need to find a forever family.
Simply put, we cannot let her stay in the custody of the state.
And this is why.
Andrea, 11, loves to dance. And she gives away her love unlike anyone WFAA's Cynthia Izaguirre has ever met. When the WFAA crew met her at the Dallas World Aquarium in December, she jumped into Izaguirre's arms.
Over the last three years in foster care, Andrea has filled McKinney and all of those who have met her with joy.
"Though limited communication is there, the emotional expression of her feelings are there. You'll never not know what she's needing," said McKinney.
Andrea is one big cuddle bug! Before going dancing at the annual Christmas party at the Dallas World Aquarium, she got to hold a penguin and see the fish.
But like the sloth, she only wanted to be held.
When you spend time with Andrea, it's so evident that she desperately needs parents helping her and not the state.
Andrea can't speak in sentences; she needs help walking and she will never be able to live alone.
"She ended up here because of her medical needs," said McKinney.
Andrea had a family she loved, but they couldn't take care of her.
"She's been in care since 2018 and she's gonna [sic] need a family that says I'm gonna [sic] take her on forever. She'll never be able to live on her own," said McKinney.
Make no mistake about it, though, Andrea is very aware of what's happening around her.
"She understands us. She understands everything," said McKinney.
This is why McKinney needs you to understand this: "She's such a sweet, loving girl. And she deserves a loving family," McKinney said, wiping away tears in an emotional moment.
The state shouldn't be anyone's parent, especially not for a little girl who needs the protection of parents the rest of her life.
"Mama," yelled out Andrea. "Mama."
For more information on how to adopt Andrea, please send all approved home studies to LaQueena Warren at LaQueena.Warren@dfps.texas.gov. Please remember to include Andrea's name within the subject line.
Wednesday's Child: Brothers 10-year-old Keshawn and 8-year-old Kendrick hope 'a good family' adopts them together
'I dream about having a family that loves me': Wednesday's Child, 11-year-old Olyvia hopes for second chance after failed adoption
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2022-01-06T03:45:31Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Meet Wednesday's Child: 11-year-old Andrea | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/wednesdays-child-11-year-old-andrea-needs-adopted/287-e8fc5ee2-247e-43df-b1fe-5cab6b5a827a
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/wednesdays-child-11-year-old-andrea-needs-adopted/287-e8fc5ee2-247e-43df-b1fe-5cab6b5a827a
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"Dallas loves him just as much as he loves Dallas, if not more," said die-hard Dirk fan Tiffany Johnson.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks superstar was unlike any other seen on the basketball court and outside of it. Dirk Nowitzki was somewhat an unknown product out of Germany, and the Mavs had a hunch on his potential.
NBA executives are quick to relegate seven-footers to back-to-the-basket roles, but Nowitzki was the opposite. He made his mark by facing the basket with the patented one-foot fadeaway.
"Who is this tall lanky blonde-haired dude from Germany?" die-hard Dirk fan Bobby Koshy recalled thinking back in 1998.
The 7-foot foreign product once a mystery had quickly showed mastery.
Nowitzki would spend all 21 seasons with the Mavs and win an NBA championship in 2011. In his illustrious NBA career, he scored 31,560 points -- good for sixth all time.
On Wednesday night, Nowitzki's #41 jersey was retired at the American Airlines Center and that number will never be worn again.
#41Forever pic.twitter.com/EvVFYdqgby
— Joe Trahan (@JoeTrahan) January 6, 2022
"I'm remembering things I wish everybody could have seen," said longtime Mavs photographer Steve Chavera, who calls Nowitzki "dirty." The nickname originated from former Mavs guard Nick Van Exel.
Chavera was the former Mavs social media director and photographer for many years. He recalls many great moments with Nowitzki; the good and bad. One of his most treasured keepsakes is his 2011 NBA ring that he got being with the organization.
"He is without a doubt as humble as they come," said Chavera.
Chavera witnessed his greatness through a lens. Hundreds, thousands, millions of people witnessed his patented one-foot fade-way jumper that was nearly un-guardable.
"I know Dallas is a football city, but he brings the Mavericks really close to that," said Chavera.
Cuban unveils a small scale version of the statue that is to come.#41Forever pic.twitter.com/cICw47ZKZR
The man who created many moments over 21 seasons; visited children in hospitals, returned letters, autographed for hours, had his own moment Wednesday.
"People came up to me and thanked me for my services...that's special, really special," an emotional Nowitzki said.
"Dallas loves him just as much as he loves Dallas, if not more," said die-hard fan Tiffany Johnson.
NBA announces its top 76 players in history for 75th anniversary
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2022-01-06T05:16:55Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dallas Mavericks retire Dirk Nowitzki's #41 jersey in ceremony | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/dallas-mavs-retire-dirk-nowitzkis-41-jersey/287-70f54bc0-5cdc-43df-ac25-eaf18c73ab49
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/dallas-mavs-retire-dirk-nowitzkis-41-jersey/287-70f54bc0-5cdc-43df-ac25-eaf18c73ab49
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'Everyone Eatz': Restaurant owner's mission spreads nationwide to serve free hot meals to anyone who needs it
This restaurant owner has a real heart for others. His restaurant serves food to anyone in need to honor his mother's legacy.
Author: Susanne Brunner
MCKINNEY, Texas — The pandemic has forced some locally owned businesses to close their doors. For one North Texas restaurant owner, he’s finding ways to overcome these challenges and continues to serve free meals to those who need them.
Ram Mehta now operates two businesses: La Meglio in Plano and Firo Fire Kissed Pizza in McKinney.
“I get to meet a lot of amazing people. It’s all like a big extended family,” says Ram Mehta, Everyone Eatz Founder.
Before customers order at the counter, they’re greeted with a sign on the door.
It says, “If you are Hungry, Homeless or Can’t afford a meal. Please honor us by stopping by during business hours for couple of slices of Hot Pizza & Fountain Drink at No Charge. If any employee here doesn’t treat you with same respect as a paying customer. Please Call Ram directly at 469-494-9555. No questions no judgement. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to serve you. God Bless You.”
“At one point in my life I was homeless, and my mom basically wanted to tell me ‘never forget where you came from,’” said Ram Mehta, Everyone Eats Movement.
These are words he took to heart. So, he posted this sign to his restaurants' front doors as a reminder.
“She asked me what if someone is hungry and they can’t afford it?" Mehta said.
It honors his mother, Lata Mehta. She passed away three years ago.
“She always taught me, it’s not about how you help people, but the respect you show,” Mehta says.
A kind gesture called “Everyone Eatz” bloomed into a movement bigger than Ram ever imagined. He started holding events throughout Texas and has provided more than a half a million free meals and more.
“We started giving out cars to single moms, we started paying for rent for a few people, we started giving backpacks, toys for Christmas. So it’s just about helping your neighbor,” he said.
Friends and strangers started helping his cause. Despite closing one of his restaurants during the pandemic, his mission remains open.
"If I can make one person smile, I’ve done my job,” he explains.
“Everyone Eatz” is still being shared online social media thousands of times, and Ram doesn’t do it for recognition.
“It’s the right thing to do and I want to set an example for my kids,” he said.
An example he hopes will inspire others to pay it forward. It’s already working. He says restaurants in Wisconsin and Florida have reached out asking to adopt the movement and help people in their communities.
Texas restarts defunct banking oversight group after WFAA investigation exposes lack of lending in minority communities
Nonprofit on mission to help homeless children, young adults with emergency shelter in Collin County
North Texas food banks, nonprofits navigate through challenges as holidays approach
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2022-01-06T17:26:53Z
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www.wfaa.com
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'No judgment': McKinney restaurant owner continues to serve free meals to those who need it to honor his mother | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/no-judgment-mckinney-restaurant-owner-free-meals-who-honor-mother-ram-mehta/287-18bd90bc-704b-4761-a366-afc15dd324c5
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/no-judgment-mckinney-restaurant-owner-free-meals-who-honor-mother-ram-mehta/287-18bd90bc-704b-4761-a366-afc15dd324c5
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The total bed occupancy rate is 93% and the adult ICU occupancy rate is 96%, county data shows.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarrant County Public Health reported 6,040 new COVID cases Thursday as the demand for tests remains high. The county also reported eight additional deaths.
As cases surge, hospitals in the county are filling up. The total bed occupancy rate is 93% and the adult ICU occupancy rate is 96%, county data shows. Compared to Wednesday, there are 67 additional COVID-positive patients in county hospitals, totaling 944 patients, or 22%.
In Texas, there are 8,740 COVID patients hospitalized, up 194% in the past month, according to the state. COVID patients make up 26% of adult ICU patients in Texas, according to state data.
The state also set a new record for pediatric COVID patients at 350. The previous high was 345 on Sept. 4.
In Tarrant County, there are 275 ventilators in use, an increase of 16, according to county data. That makes up 31% of ventilators.
At John Peter Smith Hospital, there are 177 patients being treated for COVID, an increase of 19 from the previous data reporting.
Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said on Tuesday that one-in-three people who are getting tested are positive.
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office says cases have decreased from 170 earlier this week to 119 cases reported on Wednesday.
There have been 5,057 COVID deaths in Tarrant County and a total of 75,014 COVID deaths in Texas.
Wise County's COVID cases and hospitalizations have increased. There are 607 active cases as of Wednesday, according to the Wise County Messenger.
That represents a new high and "increase of 312 cases from a week ago. Wise Health System reports med/surg/ICU capacity has risen to 105 percent," the Messenger reported.
Friendship-West hosts COVID test, vaccine clinic
Friendship-West Baptist Church is hosting a free rapid COVID tests and vaccines clinic on Thursday.
The free rapid testing site will be held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 2020 W. Wheatland Rd., Dallas, 75232. Pre-registration is not required.
Friendship-West is also partnering with L&H Scientific Labs and Trust Diagnostics to host a free COVID vaccine and booster clinic for people 5 years old and up from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 9.
The clinic will have:
Pfizer first, second and booster shots for people 5 years old and up.
Moderna first, second and booster shots.
Adults will need to present ID and their vaccination card to receive their first vaccine, second dose or booster shot. Proof of age will be required for kids and can be shown via shot records, report cards or birth certificates, officials said.
Vaccination cards are required for second doses and boosters.
MedStar
MedStar Emergency Services says that there is an increase in patients showing COVID symptoms.
The average number of potential COVID patients is 146 per day for Jan. 1 through Jan. 5. That's a 112% increase from November.
MedStar is hosting a vaccine clinic from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14 at the 911 Communications Center, 2900 Alta Mere Drive, Fort Worth, 76116.
Pre-registration is required. Go here to register for the vaccine clinic.
Credit: MedStar Emergency Services
Reporter William Joy contributed to this report.
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2022-01-06T22:00:02Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Tarrant County reports more than 6,000 new coronavirus cases | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/covid-updates-tarrant-county-6000-new-coronavirus-cases-thursday-texas/287-817c4926-3a94-4214-a811-b00d85be3e02
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The rendering for the Dirk Nowitzki statue was revealed at his jersey retirement celebration, and the internet had some thoughts
It didn't take long for folks on Twitter get the jokes going.
DALLAS — It was a moment of fanfare, excitement ... and a little bit "huh?"
Two years after his retirement from the NBA, beloved Dallas Mavericks great Dirk Nowitzki was celebrated as the Mavs retire his jersey in a ceremony during Wednesday night's home game against the Golden State Warriors.
Mavs owner Mark Cuban also revealed a blueprint statue of Nowitzki - of which the full-sized version will stand outside American Airlines Center, the Mav's home court.
During the unveiling, Cuban thanked Nowitzki for his contributions to the team, saying "we did this not because you won us the championship ... this is because of who you are, and what you've done, and we always want to recognize greatness."
But after the statue was unveiled, some fans were left wondering - "what's going on with the balls on the Dirk statue"?
what’s going on with the balls on the Dirk statue
— self squrrantined (@esqurred) January 6, 2022
The statue, which shows the baller mid-air while shooting a basketball toward an invisible hoop, attempts to depict the arced path of the ball on the way to the hoop. For most, it was an odd design choice.
Oh lord this Dirk statue is definitely one of a kind pic.twitter.com/KZjaUxDolv
— Bad Design Podcast (@badesignpodcast) January 6, 2022
The Dirk statue will be just as I imagined, except I always pictured him shooting one ball, like in a basketball game, and not three, like in a circus. pic.twitter.com/QtFQdoGQdo
— Craig Miller (@junior_miller) January 6, 2022
Dirk Nowitzkis new statue pic.twitter.com/9f6SzoIoCD
For every 25 likes, I'll add another ball on Dirk's statue... pic.twitter.com/VK96BLCND8
— Toasted (@Toasted_6) January 6, 2022
The multiple basketballs weren't the only criticism, though.
Dirk don't have no neck on the statue either. Lord Jesus be a sculptor. pic.twitter.com/UrRzKl2B42
— 🏀 Bibs (@BibsCorner) January 6, 2022
And some wanted a different concept all together.
This is how I imagined Dirk's statue would look. pic.twitter.com/N69AGQz7V8
— dc (@devinnotbooker) January 6, 2022
Some were underwhelmed by the design.
The Dirk statue....I don't know man...I'm very underwhelmed... pic.twitter.com/z9iKvlX9ah
— Tier 1 P1 (@Tier1P1) January 6, 2022
But others thought it looked great.
While it might take time for the critics to warm up to the depiction, some said as long as Dirk approves, that's all that matters.
the three balls on the statue is kinda weird, but Dirk said he went to the design meetings and signed off on it, so I don’t care as long as Dirk likes it
— All Things Mavs (@All_Things_Mavs) January 6, 2022
And it looks like Dirk approves.
Nowitzki will join Brad Davis (#10), Rolando Blackman (#22), and Derek Harper (#12) as the only other Mavs players to have their jersey’s hung in the rafters.
Nick Blackhall contributed to this report.
Mark Cuban and Live Nation's new concert venue is finally open in Dallas' Design District
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2022-01-06T23:32:00Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dirk Nowitzki statue: The internet reacts to rendering unveiling | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dirk-nowitzki-statue-internet-reaction/287-8de0f580-3c25-43ac-b0c6-29677851aaa7
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dirk-nowitzki-statue-internet-reaction/287-8de0f580-3c25-43ac-b0c6-29677851aaa7
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The Dallas Cowboys will play their first ever Week 18 finale matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night with a shot at sweeping the NFC East.
DALLAS — Week 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles marks the last game of the regular season for the Dallas Cowboys. Playoff seeding is still vaguely up in the air but it appears as though Dallas is set as the No. 4 seed in the NFC, barring a major outbreak of upsets this weekend. So, it’s fair to wonder just how much playing time the Cowboys starters will get in Philadelphia.
Dallas can use the game to make sure they stay healthy for the postseason, or they can play their stars most of the game to work on things and try to keep everyone locked in. For a team that started the season on fire but is heading into the playoffs with major question marks, Week 18 could show a lot about their thought process.
No matter which way head coach Mike McCarthy lands, here are some of the keys to sweeping the rival Eagles on Saturday night:
Contain the running game
In today’s NFL, it’s all about the passing game, unless it’s the Eagles. Philadelphia has the league’s top rushing attack at over 160 yards per game. They also routinely employ four running backs in the backfield, although two are hurt and one is in COVID protocol, to keep legs fresh, and have one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the game with Jalen Hurts.
Hurts leads the Eagles with 784 rushing yards and has 10 rushing touchdowns, the same number of scores as Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott.
QBs in NFL history with 700+ rushing yards & 10+ rush TDs in a season
Jalen Hurts 🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/B40zhq3sff
The Dallas defense not only needs to account for whichever RB is carrying the ball, but also for Hurts. It will take a huge effort to slow down one of the more diverse running games in the league.
Attack the secondary
The wild-card bound Eagles have a solid secondary, but they can be thrown on. Cornerback Darius Slay earned himself a spot on the Pro Bowl team with a good year, but the rest of the group is vulnerable, especially on intermediate and deep passes. Philadelphia’s pass defense has surrendered 23 touchdowns on the year.
Among the offenses that have been successful against the Eagles’ pass defense include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Kansas City Chiefs. All these teams attacked the Eagles vertically and had no issues moving the ball.
The Cowboys haven’t been leaning on these types of plays recently, but they have the weapons to do it. Tight end Dalton Schultz had a strong game the first time around and some of his six catches were in the middle of the field. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb hauled in a 44-yard pass in the first meeting, as well.
Dallas needs to be aggressive in throwing the ball down the field instead of throwing too many passes horizontally, as they have done in recent weeks.
Cover Dallas Goedert
The Eagles have been getting the tight end more and more involved over the last month of the season, and Goedert has responded with three games of at least six receptions, including two 100-yard outings. In his first 11 games of the season, Goedert only had a game with six or more catches once and surpassed 70 yards receiving twice.
The fourth-year TE has well surpassed his career high in yardage and yards per catch as he has developed into a top target.
Tight End Yards/Rec. leaders in 2021 (min. 20 targets) ⤵️
Dallas Goedert - 15.4
Kyle Pitts - 14.8
David Njoku - 14.5
Mo Alie-Cox - 13.7
George Kittle - 13.4
Rob Gronkowski - 13.4
Mark Andrews - 12.8
Travis Kelce - 12.8
Jimmy Graham - 12.6
Darren Waller - 12.1
Dawson Knox - 11.7
— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) December 29, 2021
Goedert is one of 12 Eagles currently in COVID protocol, so his status is up in the air, but if he plays, the Cowboys will need to slow down the Eagles’ hottest receiving option.
Create turnovers
The Cowboys are tied for the NFL Lead with 33 takeaways on the year. The Eagles are among the top five teams in the league at protecting the ball with just 15 turnovers on the season.
During their current four game winning streak, the Eagles have turned it over just two times.
In the first meeting, the Eagles had two giveaways, one was a Trevon Diggs pick-6, that helped propel the Cowboys to a blowout win.
Creating turnovers might be more difficult without star rookie Micah Parsons, who will miss the game due to COVID protocol, but Dallas is a team that thrives off turnovers. When they get them, they usually win the game.
Taking the ball away gets their offense back onto the field, helps put up points, and forces offenses to play catchup. That’s when mistakes happen and the Cowboys have taken advantage of this all year.
Do you think the Cowboys will close out the regular season with a win? Share your predictions with Ben on Twitter @BenGrimaldi.
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2022-01-06T23:32:06Z
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How Dallas Cowboys can sweep Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18 | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/keys-to-victory-cowboys-can-beat-eagles-week-18-finale/287-3ec717d9-6245-43e9-8678-e9e43735d597
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A long line of cars waited outside Friendship-West Baptist Church in southern Dallas, before its COVID-19 testing clinic officially opened at noon on Thursday.
DALLAS — On a chilly Thursday morning, six days into the new year, cars could be seen lining up outside Friendship-West Baptist Church in southern Dallas.
“We got here about 9:45 or so,” said Delories Gonzales.
More than 200 cars were weaving through the church parking lot and along W. Wheatland Road, all before noon. All of the drivers were waiting for the church-sponsored COVID-19 testing site to open to the public.
“It’s scary, because it’s like all of these people really need the help,” said Gonzales.
The demand for testing was no surprise to church staffers.
Friendship-West’s Chief Strategist Alisha Trusty said the church has been getting dozens of inquiries from the community, especially as Dallas County continues seeing surging positive cases, including the spread of the Omicron variant.
“Friendship-West has a reputation as being a trusted community partner. So, as our residents on the southside have had a hard time receiving access to appointments to receive rapid testing, they’ve reached out to us,” said Trusty.
Convenient access to testing, like this, is significant for some of the city’s most vulnerable communities.
Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas announced another testing location would be opening in Oak Cliff.
“This Tuesday, Thurgood Marshall Rec Center will be a testing site for COVID,” Thomas mentioned during a press conference.
Community partners say the efforts are about providing access to resources.
Friendship-West is also hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for ages five and up Sunday, Jan. 9, from 11 a.m.. to 2:30 p.m.
With lines expected to continue at COVID-19 testing sites across North Texas, you could always check in with your county health department for information to testing sites and vaccine clinics.
You could also text the word COVID to 214-977-6028 and WFAA will send all of that information to your phone.
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2022-01-07T01:03:22Z
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Friendship-West Baptist hosts COVID testing, vaccine clinic | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/dallas-church-city-rec-center-host-covid-19-testing-and-vaccine-clinics/287-36d0e24a-c912-4726-b71f-06a037c5d186
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/dallas-church-city-rec-center-host-covid-19-testing-and-vaccine-clinics/287-36d0e24a-c912-4726-b71f-06a037c5d186
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Case numbers are the highest since the end of September 2021, according to the D-FW Hospital Council.
FORT WORTH, Texas — John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth will soon receive some additional staff support as they deal with an influx of patients.
On Friday there were 13 additional COVID patients, reaching a total of 183, according to data. JPS Health Network tweeted that within the next week, there will be 49 additional traveling healthcare workers to help care for patients.
Multiple counties in North Texas are in the state health department's Trauma Service Area E. There are 2,746 COVID patients. Of those, 127 are pediatric patients. For adult patients, 498 are in ICU beds, and 2,121 are in general hospital beds.
President and CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council W. Stephen Love says that adult COVID patients account for 32.4% of adult ICU patients.
"It is obvious we are surging from Omicron as our numbers are the highest since the end of September 2021," Love said Thursday.
Love says that he’s anticipating approximately 1,000 state-supplied traveling nurses to arrive in North Texas over the next few days to help with staffing at local hospitals.
"We recommend people wear masks, stay out of large crowds and gatherings. If unvaccinated, please get vaccinated as the omicron variant is very contagious and is causing this serious surge in North Texas," Love said.
COVID projections
UT Southwestern released its COVID forecasting on Wednesday, reporting that, locally, the omicron variant is now by far the dominant variant and represents more than 95% of sequenced cases.
"Hospitalizations in Dallas and Tarrant Counties are projected to continue to increase rapidly in near term and will likely exceed previous peaks by the end of January," UT Southwestern said.
Local transmission of COVID may increase further with the recent holiday gatherings, UT Southwestern added.
The positivity rates statewide "are currently at their highest recorded level since the pandemic began and are still increasing," UT Southwestern said. "This means that the true number of cases is far higher than recorded case counts."
Richardson Walmart closed
Walmart announced that they will temporarily close the Richardson store at 1501 Buckingham Rd. beginning at 2 p.m. Friday to allow third-party cleaning crews to thoroughly clean and sanitize the building.
The closure will also allow extra time for associates to restock shelves and prepare the store to serve customers, the store said.
The Richardson Walmart will be closed through Jan. 8 and will reopen Sunday, Jan. 9 at 6 a.m.
"Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and the thousands of customers we serve daily, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and health experts," Walmart said in a statement. "We will follow CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission."
Dallas County to open 4 additional COVID testing sites
Dallas County Health and Human Services announced on Friday that early next week, they expect to open four additional drive-thru testing sites. In addition to COVID tests, flu tests will be available at some locations.
“To help keep our community safe during this winter COVID surge, it is vital that people get tested, continue to wear a mask, and get their vaccine and booster,” said Dr. Philip Huang, the director for the DCHHS.
According to the CDC, anyone who may have been exposed to someone with COVID should test five days after their exposure, or as soon as symptoms occur.
5001 N. McArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75038
Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2221 E. State Hwy. 356, Irving, TX 75060
Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Start date: Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2021
3809 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Start date: Wednesday, Jan.12, 2022
Sunday – Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Go here to find a COVID testing site near you.
Texas Faculty Association urges colleges, universities delay re-openings
The Texas Faculty Association (TFA) is urging all colleges and universities in Texas to delay reopening their campuses as the state deals with a surge in COVID cases.
“Spurred by the highly contagious omicron variant, Texas is experiencing record numbers of COVID infections,” TFA Vice President Cary Wintz said in a statement. “For the safety of university and college employees, their students and their families, we urge all higher education institutions to limit classes to virtual instruction until we are through this immediate crisis.”
He also urged employees and students to get fully vaccinated, including boosters and to wear masks.
“Many higher education employees and students have underlying health conditions that put their health and lives at extra risk,” he said in a statement.
UT Dallas and UT Arlington make changes for classes
Some students at UT Dallas will have classes online starting Jan. 18, when the semester begins.
The University of Texas at Arlington said Thursday that classes will start as scheduled on Jan. 18, but they will be moved online through Feb. 4.
Dr. David Winter discusses COVID cases, surge in Dallas-Fort Worth
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2022-01-07T20:58:24Z
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Health care staff are coming to North Texas to help with surge | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/covid-updates-health-care-staff-coming-north-texas-help-surge-dallas-fort-worth/287-56367d23-a47b-4615-8e5f-766cee195e37
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/covid-updates-health-care-staff-coming-north-texas-help-surge-dallas-fort-worth/287-56367d23-a47b-4615-8e5f-766cee195e37
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Johnson plans to place an item on the voting agenda that would require sexually-oriented businesses to close between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
DALLAS — The hours in which certain sexually-oriented businesses can be open in Dallas may soon be changing, according to a memo sent out by Dallas mayor Eric Johnson Friday.
Johnson notified the Dallas City Council Friday that he plans to place an item on the Jan. 26 voting agenda that would require sexually-oriented businesses to close between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. each day in the interest of "public safety."
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia has requested changes to Chapter 41A of the Dallas City Code, bringing up data that showed high incidences of "violent crime" occurred at and around these Dallas businesses during the early morning hours.
Chief Garcia has said changing these hours would help support his violent crime reduction plan moving forward.
This agenda item will also amend the Dallas City Code to reflect a new state law that forbids sexually-oriented businesses from employing or contracting with anyone under 21 years of age, according to Johnson.
Johnson told the council members about the proposed amendments to Chapter 41A on Wednesday, discussing the impact it would have on public safety.
“We must continue to put public safety first in Dallas,” Mayor Johnson said. “Through a 'kitchen sink' approach to public safety in 2021, we achieved a reduction in violent crime that bucked national trends. But to meet our goal of becoming the safest major city in America, we must take our efforts to the next level in 2022.
Johnson also said Garcia's data on what restricting these operating hours would do is "compelling" and that it would put Dallas in line with "other major Texas cities."
“The chief has done exactly what we have asked of him," Johnson said. "We have requested clear plans to address violent crime where it occurs. We have asked police commanders to make data-driven decisions. We have called for solutions that would alleviate the burdens on our police department by eliminating the need for a police response. This plan accomplishes all of those objectives."
In his memo, Johnson mentioned Public Safety Committee Chairman Adam McGough and quality of life, arts and culture committee chairman Adam Bazaldua as two people who were also involved in putting together this proposal.
You can read the mayor's full memo here.
Lego vows to remove 'gender bias and harmful stereotypes' from toys
The future of retail? A new way to shop (and sell) started in Plano
Woman drank six-pack of Stella Artois in Target dressing room: police
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2022-01-07T20:58:36Z
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Dallas mayor wants store hours changes at sex-oriented businesses | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mayor-johnson-proposes-restrictions-store-hours-sexually-oriented-businesses/287-82cd8f59-7f79-4dec-9062-0b489fd2470e
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mayor-johnson-proposes-restrictions-store-hours-sexually-oriented-businesses/287-82cd8f59-7f79-4dec-9062-0b489fd2470e
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Along with the three new players, safety Donovan Wilson (illness) is not traveling with the team but remains questionable, team officials say.
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys will be without three more players for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, with another considered questionable, according to team officials.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs (illness), safety Jayron Kearse (hamstring) and running back Tony Pollard (foot) will not travel with the team to Philadelphia, and all have been ruled out for the game.
Safety Donovan Wilson (illness) is not traveling with the team but remains questionable, team officials say.
This comes one day after the Cowboys added offensive tackle Tyron Smith and cornerback Anthony Brown to the list the day before that. The team added linebacker Micah Parsons to the COVID reserve list.
Head coach Mike McCarthy, according to the team, recently said there are also "a number of guys that are sick" who have not tested positive.
The Cowboys play the Eagles on Saturday night in their final game of the regular season. Kickoff is at 7:15 p.m.
Here's who is expected to miss Saturday's game:
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2022-01-07T22:32:06Z
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3 more Cowboys ruled out for Sunday's game in Philadelphia | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-rule-out-three-more-players-for-philadelphia-eagles-game/287-b9becee9-d203-4133-a040-00c3666be02e
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-rule-out-three-more-players-for-philadelphia-eagles-game/287-b9becee9-d203-4133-a040-00c3666be02e
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Grapevine-Colleyville ISD needed 147 subs Friday. The district had 81. "It makes me sad for the students," a GCISD principal said. "That's who will pay the price."
Credit: Justin Dearing, GCISD
COLLEYVILLE, Texas — North Texas school districts are not immune to the substitute teacher shortage plaguing the country.
“I have been doing this 31, 32 years,” O.C. Taylor Elementary School Principal Lisa Pedevilla said. “I've never seen anything remotely close to this.”
On Friday, Pedevilla said the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District needed 147 subs. The district only had 81.
“It makes me sad for the students,” Pedevilla said, sighing. “That's who will pay the price. Our teachers are doing all they can.”
From COVID-related reasons to routine doctors’ appointments, teachers do call out. And recently, there’s nobody to step in, Pedevilla told WFAA. But the students still need to be supervised in the classroom.
“We have the counselor go in. We had the librarian go in. We'll have the principal, assistant principal. We've had people from our central office come and sit in the classroom,” Pedevilla said. “We do all that we can.”
North Texas school districts know they have to stay competitive to attract subs.
In October, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD approved a pay raise for substitutes, Pedevilla told WFAA.
Starting Friday and until Feb. 4, Dallas ISD is paying subs an additional $50 for every day they work for the district.
“There's no cap. They can work every day in that time window and receive the additional $50 for every day that they work,” DISD’s Chief of Human Capital Management Robert Abel said.
There were 230 DISD teachers out due to COVID-related reasons Friday, Abel told WFAA. That’s out of about 10,000 total teachers.
Their substitute pool includes 2,200 people, Abel said. But the district knows they can never have too many.
“We know that our substitutes sometimes work for multiple school districts and this ($50 incentive) is a way to say that we value what you do for our schools and our campuses,” Abel said. “And hopefully you'll choose Dallas ISD over any other surrounding district to substitute.”
Want to sub for Dallas ISD? Send an email to substitute@dallasisd.org. Click here for more details.
Want to sub for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD? Go to their website and click “Employment” in the top right corner.
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2022-01-08T00:01:34Z
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North Texas school districts see shortage of substitute teachers | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/schools/shortage-of-substitutes-north-texas-school-districts-offering-incentives/287-f9fcf0fd-e9ee-467d-a055-97b9662d9cd3
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/schools/shortage-of-substitutes-north-texas-school-districts-offering-incentives/287-f9fcf0fd-e9ee-467d-a055-97b9662d9cd3
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The Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Associations made the allegations against Judge Amber Givens in a complaint filed in late November.
Credit: Dallas County
Author: Ryan Osborne, Tanya Eiserer
DALLAS — Court employees for the Dallas County judge who was accused by defense lawyers of having a staffer impersonate her during an online court proceeding have said in sworn affidavits that those claims are not true.
Judge Amber Givens and her attorneys said the allegations were the result of rumors and political motivations, as Givens is up for re-election this year and is facing two opponents in the March primary.
"These sworn statements from the people who were involved and who were in the best position to know what went on that day are very clear," Givens said in a statement to WFAA this week. "There was nothing out of the ordinary here, and I am proud that the truth is exposed. To make more of it than that is to pursue a false narrative based on unsubstantiated claims during the height of my re-election campaign."
The Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (DCDLA) made the allegations against Givens in a complaint filed with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in late November.
This week, Amanda Branan, the president of the DCDLA, stood by the allegations in the complaint and denied that politics were involved.
"That could not be farther from the truth," Branan said. "This is because of the judge's actions. It happens to be on an election year. It can look like it is politically motivated, but this is solely based on the judge's actions."
Givens, the presiding judge of the 282nd Judicial Court, denied the allegations when they were first reported in December.
The complaint alleged that Givens had her court coordinator illegally conduct a court hearing in her place on Aug. 3.
But in sworn affidavits signed in December -- and obtained by WFAA on Tuesday -- Givens' court coordinator, court reporter and bailiff all denied the allegations and said what they witnessed did not align with what the defense lawyers association's complaint portrayed.
The DCDLA accused Givens' court coordinator, Arceola Warfield, of impersonating Givens during a court proceeding that was held over Zoom on Aug. 3.
The allegations against Givens claimed that only her picture -- not a live video -- appeared on the Zoom call and that the voice conducting the court proceeding came from Warfield, not Givens.
Defense attorney Tim Jeffrey and prosecutor Eduardo Carranza both reported the allegations, according to the DCDLA complaint. Also, two probation officers, Amanda Kent and Erin Barron, noted in their file that the judge "was not present for the hearing."
"A video of whoever was conducting the hearing did not appear, only the audio," Jeffrey wrote in an affidavit. "The audio was a female who I knew was not Judge Givens."
But Givens' staffers, in their affidavits, denied that Warfield impersonated Givens and said Givens was participating on the call over the phone due to technical difficulties.
Givens said she was unable to "directly log onto Zoom because I had technical difficulties with the Zoom app."
Givens, when contacted by WFAA, denied the allegations, calling the claims "unsubstantiated" and a "false narrative."
In a Nov. 16 email obtained by WFAA through an open records request, District Attorney John Creuzot told Givens that he planned to "open a criminal conversation" into the accusations. Givens had notified him that she claimed a prosecutor was falsely accusing her.
Creuzot declined to comment on if any investigations were being made.
What court staffers said
Warfield gave her account of the Aug. 3 proceeding, which centered on a bond reduction for Floyd Aaron, a defendant who was accused of violating his parole on a burglary charge.
Warfield said Givens had called her that morning and told her she was unable to directly log into Zoom for that day's proceedings. To avoid a delay, Warfield said, Givens asked her to use the judge's Zoom login credentials to start the call.
Givens told Warfield to tell anyone on the call about the judge's technical difficulties, and Warfield said she did. At one point during the proceeding, an attorney referred to Warfield as "Judge," and Warfield said she corrected the attorney.
"No, this is Arce," Warfield told the attorney, according to her affidavit.
The complaint from the defense lawyers association alleged that the person who was referred to as "judge" and "your honor" did not correct anyone on the call.
When Aaron's attorneys and prosecutors agreed on a bond reduction, Warfield said she told Givens and also gave the judge a copy of Aaron's probation paperwork.
Warfield said she then connected Givens to the Zoom call by speakerphone, and Givens told both sides that she accepted their agreed bond reduction.
Givens then told the attorneys that Warfield would read them the bond conditions and that she (the judge) was leaving the call, Warfield wrote in her affidavit.
Before reading the bond conditions, Warfield said she jokingly told Lisa Jackson, the court reporter, to "go on the record."
"This was a joke because I said it after Judge Givens told the parties she was getting off the call," Warfield said in her affidavit. "I recall that several people in attendance on the Zoom call laughed in response."
Jackson wrote in her affidavit that attendees on the Zoom call "recognized this statement as a joke and laughed in response."
Jackson said Warfield read the bond conditions, and then told Aaron and his attorney that they would meet in the courtroom with the paperwork for the bond conditions.
"At no time did Ms. Warfield pretend to be Judge Givens," Jackson wrote. "Ms. Warfield's voice is noticeably distinct from Judge Givens' voice, and Ms. Warfield did not alter her voice in any way to sound like Judge Givens or otherwise pretend to be Judge Givens."
Deputy Kenneth J. Brame, the court bailiff, also gave his account of what happened in an affidavit.
Brame said he heard Warfield tell the Zoom participants that Givens was having technical difficulties and would participate over the phone.
Brame said Givens told the court that she wanted to move forward with the hearing to prevent the defendant, Aaron, from serving unnecessary jail time.
In his affidavit, Brame recounted how the hearing unfolded over Zoom, with Givens on the phone. Givens granted the agreed bond reduction between Aaron's attorneys, and prosecutors and ordered a GPS monitor for Aaron.
Givens then told the court that Warfield, who was in the courtroom, would read the bond conditions, Brame said.
Brame wrote in the affidavit that Givens and Warfield "do not sound alike, and their voices are clearly distinct."
Brame also said that when an attorney inadvertently addressed Warfield as Judge Givens, Warfield immediately corrected the attorney, saying at least twice, "This is not Judge Givens. This is Arce the coordinator."
Previous complaints against judge
The impersonation allegations aren't the first time the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association brought up an issue with Givens.
The group filed three complaints against Givens in 2020 -- all three involving virtual court proceedings in June of that year.
The first complaint involved Givens allegedly "[staring down]" someone on the call while asking them to consider changing their tone on the call. The second complaint accused Givens of talking in a "belittling and condescending tone." The third complaint alleged that Givens "[made] a conspicuous facial expression" toward a defense attorney, accusing Givens of "mocking him or indicating that she does not believe him."
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has not ruled on the complaints.
Givens had the lowest score among criminal court judges in Dallas County who handle felony cases, according to a poll released in November by the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Out of a possible 30 points awarded by the anonymous poll, Givens scored a 9.6. The next lowest score was an 18.1.
For the impersonation allegations, Givens' attorneys are seeking a retraction from Amanda Branan, the president of the DCDLA, and Deandra Grant, president-elect of the DCDLA, who filed the complaint against Givens.
In a demand letter to Grant and Branan on Dec. 23, attorney Angela Zambrano, who is representing Givens, included an alleged social media post from Grant from August, quoting her as saying "we have a HORRIBLE judge in Dallas County that needs to be defeated in the Dem Primary."
Grant then endorsed Teresa Hawthorne to replace Givens, according to the letter. Andy Chatham, who was previously the judge for the 282nd Court but lost re-election in 2014, is also running against Givens.
The DCDLA has not endorsed a candidate in the race.
Givens' attorneys obtained sworn affidavits "to make it very clear that the gossip is directly refuted by sworn testimony from people who were in the virtual room for the proceeding," said Zambrano. "The point is, we have rumors and gossip on one side and sworn testimony that directly contradicts that gossip on the other."
Attorney Nicole Knox, who is also representing Givens, called the impersonation allegations "a political hit job."
"What I'm not OK with is to have an incumbent judge's reputation and demeanor completely demolished by what is essentially gossip," Knox said.
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2022-01-08T00:01:40Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dallas court staffer denies impersonating judge on Zoom | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county-court-staffers-deny-allegations-that-employee-impersonated-judge-amber-givens-on-zoom/287-23d3e1eb-cf04-4ee3-8549-be03197710f4
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county-court-staffers-deny-allegations-that-employee-impersonated-judge-amber-givens-on-zoom/287-23d3e1eb-cf04-4ee3-8549-be03197710f4
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"Lot of groups are treating this is as a smash-and-grab, they're popping up out of nowhere," said Justin Simons.
DALLAS — COVID testing sites are beginning to pop up all across North Texas.
As the omicron variant spreads, the demand for tests goes up - as is the number of complaints originating from those tests sites. Local and federal agencies are now warning consumers of possible scams.
"I've called them twice. I've sent two emails with no response," said one patient, who did not want to be identified. She told WFAA that she has yet to receive her COVID test results. It's making her wonder if the place she waited hours for is legitimate.
Justin Simons is the CEO of MyLabsDirect, a certified and accredited laboratory with full service diagnostic lab testing, including tests for COVID. He said there is reason to be concerned.
"Lot of groups are treating this is as a smash-and-grab," he said. "(Test sites) are popping up out of nowhere. They are not affiliated with a legitimate laboratory."
"It's not been core to the business...it's been a big part of it now," he added.
Simons said he has noticed the upswing in test pop-ups, and he said people should research where their sample is going. Unlike at MyLabsDirect, in many cases, the testing site and lab are often two different entities. Justin urged people to ask the testers about the CLIA, or Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, number for the lab. It is a 10-digit number that indicates the lab is federally regulated.
Justin said there are some red flags that people should pick up on when at a site, including:
How well is it run?
Is it sanitary?
Are they asking you to write down private information on paper?
Is the wait too long?
Are the testers unprofessional and/or inefficient?
"A turnaround time beyond 72 hours to me is a red flag," Justin said.
WFAA has also heard from the public about testing sites asking for social security and credit card numbers. These can still be legit operations in the event the patient does not have insurance. But still, do your research, urged the Better Business Bureau.
"My experience shows me that the crooks will follow the headlines, and the crook’s prey on our confusion,” explained Monica Horton with the BBB.
Currently, the state does not license pop-up testing sites, and the feds ask that patients rely on testing sites affiliated with city and county health departments and hospitals.
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2022-01-08T03:08:51Z
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www.wfaa.com
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How to tell if your COVID-19 testing site is legit | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/how-to-tell-covid-19-testing-site-legit/287-c719add3-6d8a-4327-b760-c74f8bdf9d6b
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/how-to-tell-covid-19-testing-site-legit/287-c719add3-6d8a-4327-b760-c74f8bdf9d6b
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"No pun intended [the infections] are a game changer for many teams as they enter playoff seasons," said Dr. Mark Casanova of the TMA Covid-19 Taskforce.
DALLAS — Professional sports teams live by the mantra "next man up." And that adage holds no truer now that COVID-19 cases mount for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Mavericks.
For the Cowboys, three players Micah Parsons, Anthony Brown and Tyron Smith have been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Eagles. All three have entered the NFL's COVID protocols.
"We've assembled a team that I think can actually make a run for the Super Bowl and now we are in trouble," said Cowboys fan Mark Engle.
Every main U.S. professional sports league has protocols when a player tests positive. Quarantines are a standard 10 days.
"No pun intended [the infections] are a game changer for many teams as they enter playoff seasons," said Dr. Mark Casanova who is with the Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Taskforce. "Omicron tends to set in much faster. The incubation period is much shorter," he said.
The Mavericks are also dealing with the spike. Head coach Jason Kidd and players Kristaps Porzingis and Boban Marjanovic are all out for the near future.
"It's an opportunity to play the players that haven't been able to play. I'm always a silver lining kind of person," said Dallas sports fan Jennifer Steckmann.
The latest spike in infections is also a reminder that nobody is truly immune from the virus, including people like professional athletes who some look up to.
"We may all think we are superman and superwoman but there is heck of lot of kryptonite around," said Dr. Casanova.
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2022-01-08T06:10:50Z
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www.wfaa.com
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COVID infections coming at pivotal time for Cowboys, Mavs | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/covid-infections-coming-at-pivotal-time-for-dallas-cowboys-mavericks/287-6bb76c73-9e11-4973-bb89-9c8601780dbb
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/covid-infections-coming-at-pivotal-time-for-dallas-cowboys-mavericks/287-6bb76c73-9e11-4973-bb89-9c8601780dbb
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Police dispelled social media rumors that shots had been fired inside the mall Saturday evening.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Five juveniles were taken into custody after a large fight inside The Parks Mall at Arlington Saturday evening, police said.
Police took to Twitter just before 8 p.m. to dispel rumors that shots had been fired inside the mall. They said investigators determined there were no shots fired.
Police said a group of around 20 to 30 people were involved in a fight inside the mall. The fight was broken up and led to five being taken into custody.
Details such as the ages of those involved or what caused the fight were not immediately released as the investigation continues.
Police added that there no reports of any injuries during the situation.
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2022-01-09T04:29:42Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Fight at Parks Mall at Arlington leads to 5 taken into custody | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/5-taken-into-custody-large-fight-the-parks-mall-arlington-police-say/287-59cdcc30-c193-4211-994b-67c796fbcfa5
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/5-taken-into-custody-large-fight-the-parks-mall-arlington-police-say/287-59cdcc30-c193-4211-994b-67c796fbcfa5
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5 taken into custody following large fight inside The Parks Mall at Arlington, police say
Got a new or lightly used coat? Bring it to 225 BBQ on Sunday for some free, delicious barbeque.
Credit: Ariel Plasencia
ARLINGTON, Texas — There’s something about warm BBQ on a chilly day.
And that's basically how Rene Ramirez of 225 BBQ got the idea.
“When I’m out here smoking all night, I see a lot of homeless people out in the streets. So if I’m cold, I know they’re cold,” Ramirez said.
He and his wife, Joyce Paz, own 225 BBQ.
Their offer is simple: On Sunday, Jan. 9, bring a new or lightly used coat to donate to Arlington Life Shelter, and they’ll give you some free BBQ.
“We’re here for one another. And that’s the example we want to set,” Paz said. “We try to give back as much as we can.”
Customers at 225 BBQ have already filled six large boxes full of coats since Friday.
It’s been cold in North Texas lately. And not everybody has the proper gear.
“That's something that we've noticed firsthand,” Kirkpatrick Elementary Principal Nancy Atkinson said. “We were like, ‘Why aren’t our kiddos wearing socks?’”
“We have a large population of students who are economically disadvantaged, so any way that we can help our students, we want to help them any way that we can.”
Her Fort Worth ISD students are excited to be receiving new, donated shoes through Operation Warm at the end of the month.
Now, the school needs your help to make sure the kids have socks to go with those shoes.
“I think a lot of people don't realize that a lot of students who are economically disadvantaged don't have those basic things,” Atkinson said.
You can drop off brand new socks at Kirkpatrick Elementary (3229 Lincoln Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76106) from Monday, Jan. 10, to Friday, Jan. 14, between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
“We just want our students to be safe and warm and comfortable while they're at school,” Atkinson said.
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2022-01-09T04:29:48Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Where to donate coats and socks in North Texas | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/where-to-donate-coats-socks-cold-north-texas-winter-days/287-ed46050a-f989-4722-b564-c5dc6eccbc68
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/where-to-donate-coats-socks-cold-north-texas-winter-days/287-ed46050a-f989-4722-b564-c5dc6eccbc68
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Cowboys leading Eagles' B-team at halftime
The Cowboys played their starters, while Philly didn't. It showed. But probably not as much as it should have.
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles decided not to try. The Dallas Cowboys decided to try.
And while it took until late in the second quarter to finally look like it, it does. The Cowboys lead Philadelphia, 30-17, at halftime. Dallas will also have the ball to start the second half.
Against an Eagles defense that played just one starter tonight, the Cowboys offense looked exactly as they should -- five possessions, five scores. Four of them touchdowns. And two of those touchdowns came in the final two minutes of the half.
The Cowboys got the ball back with 24 seconds remaining in the first half, with excellent field position thanks to a shanked punt by the Eagles Arryn Siposs, and capitalized quickly. A four-play, 43-yard touchdown drive ended the half, as Dak Prescott hit Dalton Schultz for his second touchdown of the game.
The Eagles have played only a handful of their regular 22 starters tonight. Dallas has played most of their starters the entire game.
In a game that has felt far more like a preseason game than the final week of the regular season, the Cowboys turned it into the Cedrick Wilson show, as the fourth-year wide receiver has hauled in a pair of touchdowns so far, to help Dallas' offense look relatively sharp through the opening 30 minutes. Wilson has four catches for 82 yards and the two scores, at halftime.
The Cowboys first offensive drive was an efficient, 10-play, 75-yard drive, ending in Wilson's first touchdown reception of the day. Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb probably got away with a pick on the play, helping to spring Wilson wide open in the flat, to walk into the endzone and tie the game at 7-7. Dallas converted on a 4th & 4, two plays before the touchdown, when Dak Prescott found Amari Cooper for a 14-yard hookup, to get to the Eagles 20.
The Cowboys second offensive possession showed some promise but, ultimately, was stalled by a familiar foible -- a penalty on the offensive line. Connor Williams was called for ahold, setting Dallas up with a 2nd & 21. They weren't able to convert, and had to settle for a 46-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal, to take a 10-7 lead.
After the Eagles responded with a field goal of their own, the Cowboys offense engineered another solid drive, going 74 yards in seven plays, and culminating in another Prescott-to-Wilson touchdown hookup, this time from 24 yards out. Dallas led 17-17.
But Philly again found an answer against a Cowboys defense somewhat depleted by COVID and other illnesses. Micah Parsons was added to the COVID list this week, Trevon Diggs missed tonight's game with an illness, and Dallas was also without Jayron Kearse and Anthony Brown, also on the COVID list. The Eagles drove 75 yards in 10 plays, and capped it off with a 7-yard Kenneth Gainwell touchdown run.
The Cowboys offense remained efficient, putting together another 75-yard drive, over eight plays and just 1:55 off the clock, finishing with a Prescott-to-Dalton Schultz touchdown pass from two yards out. Dallas took a 23-17 lead, due to a missed PAT by Zuerlein. The Cowboys drive featured a 26-yard run by Ezekiel Elliott, and a pretty ball up the right sideline from Prescott to Amari Cooper.
The Eagles drove down the field with remarkable ease on their first possession of the game, compiling an 11-play, 75-yard drive to take a 7-0 lead off the opening kickoff. Gardner Minshew connected with Tyree Jackson on a shovel pass for a 3-yard touchdown, finishing off a possession that nearly ended with a Kelvin Joseph interception. The Cowboys rookie got both hands on the football, and should have made the pick. But in the cold, he couldn't squeeze it, and it ricocheted up in the air, and right into the waiting arms of DeVonta Smith for a first down. After that, the Eagles moved the ball comfortably and efficiently, to paydirt.
The Eagles have the vast majority of their starters out tonight, either because of COVID-19 or because they were designated as inactive pregame. Philadelphia has just one defensive starter, middle linebacker TJ Edwards, playing tonight. Their offense was nearly as depleted. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was inactive, as was running back Miles Sanders. Right tackle Lane Johnson was designated inactive, as was left guard Landon Dickerson. Center Jason Kelce played the first snap, to extend his starting streak, but then left the game.
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2022-01-09T04:30:06Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Cowboys lead Eagles at halftime, 30-17 | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/cowboys-leading-eagles-at-halftime-30-17/287-a0bcc8e9-f9d1-4647-aebb-b1a1420ccbdc
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/cowboys-leading-eagles-at-halftime-30-17/287-a0bcc8e9-f9d1-4647-aebb-b1a1420ccbdc
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The effects of the latest COVID surge are being seen at testing sites, school districts and hospitals across North Texas.
DALLAS — Across North Texas, and the country, the number of COVID cases are at an all-time high.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, some schools are now requiring students to wear masks in classrooms again.
Other school districts are having a hard time getting supplies in for testing.
The latest surge after the holidays are filling up hospitals across North Texas, and help is on the way.
“Our hospital system is under a lot of stress,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of Brown University School of Public Health.
This week, additional staffing will arrive to relieve some of the stress hospitals are feeling.
The DFW Hospital Council released its numbers, saying more than 3,000 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19.
And, overnight the number increased by 99.
“A lot of unvaccinated people, and high risk people that have not gotten boosted, and they’re really filling up the hospitals,” said Dr. Jha.
With the rising number of cases and testing sites overrun, Dallas County health officials say they’re opening up four new testing sites across the county starting on Monday.
Live in Dallas? Have a hard time getting a COVID test done?
4 new sites are opening up this week:
⚫️Dallas College North Lake Campus
⚫️Trinity View Park
⚫️Thurgood Marshall Rec Center
⚫️Fair Park@wfaa @DCHHS
Over at Friendship-West Baptist church on Sunday morning, dozens lined up to get tested and vaccinated.
“I expect this virus to peak in the next few weeks,” said Dr. Jha.
Starting on Monday, Richardson ISD will require students to wear a mask in classrooms to try to combat the number of rising cases.
“To keep their mask up, always,” said Zara Siddiqui, a second grader at Richardson ISD.
For 8-year-old Siddiqui, her mom is constantly having conversations with her about COVID and wearing a mask.
“Social distancing is more important. I tell them not to share any foods, and keep at a distance,” said Amber Siddiqui, a Richardson ISD parent.
With all the safety precautions, Siddiqui says she’s all about keeping kids in school.
“Friendship is a good thing, social activities is more important,” said Siddiqui.
In Garland, because of the surging number of cases, school officials say they’re running out of supplies. Starting on Monday, they will only do rapid tests on students and staff.
Here are the list of testing sites opening up across Dallas County this week.
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2022-01-10T04:34:18Z
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www.wfaa.com
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New COVID testing sites opening across Dallas County | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/new-testing-sites-opening-across-dallas-county-monday/287-ec30ef63-47c6-4b5e-ace8-e7c76b647421
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/new-testing-sites-opening-across-dallas-county-monday/287-ec30ef63-47c6-4b5e-ace8-e7c76b647421
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Garland ISD said multiple buses will be delayed due to several absences
PLANO, Texas — Note: The video above is about a shortage of substitute teachers.
Two major school districts reported delays on their bus routes Monday morning.
Garland ISD said multiple buses will be delayed due to several absences. One bus route, Bus 804 Brandenburg/Vial, is running approximately 30-45 minutes behind regular schedule, the transportation department tweeted. A route for South Garland High School was running about 90 minutes behind.
Plano ISD said that several bus routes are experiencing significant delays. The district told parents that if they have a child riding the bus, they should consider driving them to school today. It's unclear what is causing the delays.
Good Morning, due to several absences, multiple buses will be delayed this morning. If your child's bus is delayed please contact transportation at 972-494-8530. Thank you for your patience and understanding, we will have your students picked up as soon as possible.@gisdnews
— GISD Transportation (@gisdbuses) January 10, 2022
Absences have also affected the Rio Vista ISD this week. The district will be closed Monday and Tuesday due to a lack of staffing caused by COVID-19, officials said Sunday.
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2022-01-10T13:48:27Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Garland, Plano ISDs report significant bus delays Monday morning | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/bus-delays-reported-at-garland-plano-isd-staffing-shortage/287-88b2d077-c682-450b-99fc-4b3c1456767b
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/bus-delays-reported-at-garland-plano-isd-staffing-shortage/287-88b2d077-c682-450b-99fc-4b3c1456767b
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Five people were inside one vehicle and three people were in the other vehicle.
DALLAS — A two-vehicle crash Sunday night in southeast Dallas left one person dead and five others injured, officials said.
It happened about 11:30 p.m. at S. Great Trinity Forest Way and Jim Miller Road.
One vehicle was headed westbound when the other vehicle turned in front of it, an officer at the scene told WFAA. Five people were inside one vehicle and three people were in the other vehicle.
All six people were taken to the hospital. One of the victims later died, police told WFAA.
No other information was available, including the name of the deceased victim, were available.
Just days earlier along that same stretch of Great Trinity Forest Way, emergency responders worked a major crash involving seven vehicles, including one crumpled car that hit a pole.
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2022-01-10T18:26:31Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Fatal crash at South Great Trinity Forest Way and Jim Miller Road | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/1-dead-5-injured-crash-southeast-dallas-great-trinity-forest-way/287-e4caac7d-a906-416b-8885-cb710dff3e88
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/1-dead-5-injured-crash-southeast-dallas-great-trinity-forest-way/287-e4caac7d-a906-416b-8885-cb710dff3e88
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There's little to no waiting at a North Texas church for people wanting to know if they have contracted COVID-19.
FORT WORTH, Texas — There's little to no waiting at a North Texas church for people wanting to know if they have contracted COVID-19. Within minutes, Claudia Valdez and her 7-year-old son, Ayden, completed testing after showing COVID symptoms.
"He's had diarrhea, and I had a headache and was throwing up and feel really weak right now," said Claudia Valdez. "There's no line you go in and out."
The testing site is set up in the church's front foyer. It's where Pastor Kyev Tatum believes the heavens have smiled down on Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church to help people get through the pandemic.
Right now, more testing is just what North Texas needs as the number of positive cases skyrocket. Tarrant County alone has seen a significant number of positive cases which has impacted the workforce, schools and even service organizations like bus drivers.
The statewide increase in COVID-19 cases involving the omicron variant has state health officials looking at ways to slow down the infection rate.
That's the same goal for Pastor Tatum. He's been exploring ways to continue the distribution of his huge inventory of personal protective equipment to more church leaders.
Monday afternoon, Pastor Greg Franklin, Senior, drove from Dallas to pick up PPE supplies. Franklin pastors Bible Believers Missionary Baptist Church. He will share masks, gloves, wipe and hand sanitizers with members of his congregation.
Around the same time Monday afternoon, the Texas Division of Emergency Management reached out to Pastor Tatum by telephone. Tatum learned he will also receive 6,000 N95 Masks to share with local churches. The N95 Masks are scheduled for delivery to the church this week.
Tatum hopes to start distribution right away to help people have more protection against omicron.
"They are saying with this omicron variant the cloth masks are not doing well," said Pastor Tatum.
The extra protection comes as state health officials offer testing options to people online, showing testing sites and drive‑thru locations along with self-test kits.
Some COVID-19 testing sites like the Fort Worth drive-thru site at I-35 and Baker Street are busy with non-stop traffic most of the day. The COVID-19 tests are free, administered on the spot, or people can obtain a self-test kit to take with them.
Either way, church volunteers like Arletha Franklin encourage everyone who wants a test not to delay learning their health status. She is a retired anesthesiologist who has dedicated her time to helping anyone who walks in the door at New Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church.
"We are set up from 10 to 3 but certainly if someone comes after that time we are here," said Arletha Franklin.
Volunteers at Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist are set up for COVID-19 testing Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 2864 Mississippi Avenue in Fort Worth.
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 can also schedule an appointment for the limited number of monoclonal infusion treatments available at the church.
North Texas school districts dealing with shortages of staffing for both buses and classrooms
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2022-01-11T02:05:35Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Fort Worth church offering COVID testing and more face masks | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-texas-church-offering-covid-19-testing-more-face-masks/287-8c185e03-3249-47c9-970d-3671aa945c7b
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-texas-church-offering-covid-19-testing-more-face-masks/287-8c185e03-3249-47c9-970d-3671aa945c7b
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Coppell police say Alexander Hawkins Rivera has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability.
COPPELL, Texas — Update: This missing person alert has been cancelled.
An Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued early Tuesday morning and canceled around 7 a.m. for a 14-year-old boy, police say.
Coppell police said Tuesday morning that he was found in good condition at an Irving warehouse and was returned home.
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2022-01-11T14:17:55Z
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www.wfaa.com
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14-year-old boy found in Irving | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/endangered-missing-14-year-old-boy-last-seen-monday-elementary-school/287-53016cd3-7eab-4bb7-85cb-aecc545dd05f
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/endangered-missing-14-year-old-boy-last-seen-monday-elementary-school/287-53016cd3-7eab-4bb7-85cb-aecc545dd05f
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Here is the latest.
COVID in Tarrant County
According to numbers from Tarrant County, there were 4,402 new COVID cases recorded in the county, with six deaths, bringing the county's total deaths to 5,085.
The hospital situation in Tarrant County looks grim, with 92% of total hospital beds occupied, with 27% of those total beds occupied by COVID patients; 97% of adult ICU beds are occupied.
Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said in Tuesday's commissioner's court meeting that Tarrant is "sky-high with COVID issues."
Taneja said 4-in-10 people are testing positive for COVID.
"That's a lot of disease activity happening in the area," he said.
Over the last week, Taneja said the rate of transmission in the county stood at 1,000 cases per 100,000 people, meaning that a full 1% of the county's population (roughly 23,000 - 24,000 people) came down with COVID. For comparison, "high" transmission as defined by the CDC is 100 or more cases per 100,000 people.
"That's a pandemic high," Taneja said.
Also at a pandemic high are the number of pediatric hospitalizations. Currently, Tarrant County has 45 kids confirmed with COVID, which is one more than the county's previous pediatric hospitalization peak.
Trauma Service Area E hospitalizations
Health officials said 265 more patients have been hospitalized in the region in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of hospitalizations in the region to 3,664.
Another 23 pediatric patients have also been hospitalized since Monday, bringing the total number of pediatric COVID patients to 147.
Kelly Canon dies after being hospitalized for COVID, pneumonia
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Kelly Canon, an Arlington Republican known for her work to ban red light cameras and for her vocal opposition to vaccine mandates, died Monday.
She was remembered as a "headstrong activist and a grassroots leader" by Rick Barnes, the president of the Tarrant County Republican Party.
Read more on the Start-Telegram.
Lewisville Animal Shelter closes due to COVID cases among staff
The Gene Carey Animal Shelter and Adoption Center in Lewisville is temporarily closing to the public due to an increase in COVID cases among the staff members, the City said Tuesday morning.
The facility is set to reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Staff members will still care for the animals at the shelter and Animal Service Officers will respond to animal emergencies during the closure.
"The closure of this facility is being done in an attempt to protect the health of staff and visitors," the City said.
Animal surrenders and animal adoptions will continue by appointment only. Appointments can be made online at lewisvillepets.com.
Dallas ISD announces pay incentives for substitutes
Many districts are experiencing staff shortages during this wave of COVID cases. Dallas ISD announced they will pay substitute teachers an additional $50 per day on top of their regular rate. This incentive started last Friday.
"This way, our students will continue to enjoy top-quality teachers in their classrooms even during a COVID eventuality," the district said.
Last week, of the more than 10,000 teachers, the district averaged 200 teachers out due to COVID, the district said.
Ellis Davis Fieldhouse testing site
Beginning Tuesday, the COVID testing site at Ellis Davis Fieldhouse will only be available by appointment only.
Click here for appointment info.
Starting tomorrow, January 11th, the Ellis Davis Fieldhouse COVID-19 testing site will be available by appointment only. To schedule, visit: https://t.co/BvYmg7Lz5I pic.twitter.com/RgOUMk7VPL
— Dallas County HHS (@DCHHS) January 11, 2022
Insurance companies will have to start covering the cost of COVID tests
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2022-01-11T23:28:44Z
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www.wfaa.com
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COVID news for North Texas on Jan. 11, 2022 | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/covid-news-north-texas-jan-11-2022/287-84cb661c-02c0-4317-919d-883fe6d30c1f
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/covid-news-north-texas-jan-11-2022/287-84cb661c-02c0-4317-919d-883fe6d30c1f
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"It's so empowering watching Olivia ride a horse," her mom said. "To see her do this she's really defying the odds and paving her own way."
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo continues to provide a competitive venue for almost everyone. And a very competitive young lady named Olivia Mclean is very thankful for that.
Early Tuesday morning, Mclean and her parents found themselves in the stands of the John Justin Arena watching the first several heats of an equestrian competition. But the 9-year-old, sitting patiently in her wheelchair, wasn't just there to watch.
"You have your name in the brochure," her mom Maggie showed her. "Isn't that cool?"
Mclean was participant number 351. And, after some final instructions from her mom, she was there to compete.
"But what do we, and your coaches expect of you?" her mom asked.
"To do my best," the 9-year-old answered.
"And?" her mom asked again.
"To try your hardest," Mclean said.
"And?" her mom prodded one more time.
"Have fun!" Mclean answered.
"There you go. That's the most important," her mom replied.
Minutes later, Mclean was on a horse named Dottie. And, with her feet in the stirrups and her hands in control of the reins, she was the next one on the arena floor.
And next, they were handing her yet another blue ribbon.
"It's so empowering watching Olivia ride a horse," her mom said. "To see her do this, she's really defying the odds and paving her own way."
Mclean has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). She will always need her wheelchair. But with the help of the Dallas Equine therapy organization called Equest, and with events like this, the Chisolm Challenge, where people with physical or intellectual disabilities get a chance to compete, equestrians like her get their turn in the spotlight too.
On Monday, equestrians with disabilities competed in American Quarter Horse Association events. Tuesday and Wednesday, North Texas-area therapeutic riding centers, such as Equest, brought their riders to the John Justin Arena and Will Rogers Coliseum for a series of competitions.
"You get to experience what it would be like if you were actually walking rather than just pushing yourself around," Mclean told WFAA.
"To see her out there independently riding a horse is tremendous," her mom said.
"So if you can get up out of your chair and get on a horse and be in charge of that horse, how powerful is that and how much independence does that give you," said Joan Cutler, with Equest.
"They're all sweet and kind and they'll do anything to help me," Mclean said of the Equest staff, which serves more than 150 clients.
PTSD therapy for military and first responders is part of their program offerings too.
Winston Churchill gets the credit for saying that "no hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle."
Mclean is more direct.
"I just like it," she said.
And her smile, while in the saddle, said pretty much everything else anyone needed to hear.
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2022-01-12T00:59:18Z
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www.wfaa.com
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9-year-old competing in Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo competition | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-stock-show-rodeo-chisolm-challenge/287-350611c0-8d7f-4105-b09d-173f970e4cca
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-stock-show-rodeo-chisolm-challenge/287-350611c0-8d7f-4105-b09d-173f970e4cca
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DALLAS — Omicron is spreading fast, and the daily number of positive cases across North Texas are on the rise. For a Dallas-area girl, she was forced to postpone a surgery, while she was in her hospital gown, waiting to get operated on.
Sewell was with her parents, in the hospital when a doctor came in and gave them the news.
“I was laying down, and waiting for the doctor to come in, and she told me I tested positive,” said Sewell.
She said she’s been waiting for years to have this surgery. Her body was aching.
“My legs, my arms, my head,” said Sewell.
Sewell was waiting to have surgery in her tonsil area.
“I hear beeping a lot in my ears, I have fluid in my ears,” said Sewell.
Often times, she loses balance.
WFAA reporter Malini Basu asked, "What happened at school?"
"I fell at recess a couple of times,” said Sewell.
Now, the family is forced to wait weeks for the surgery again, because of the shortage in staff across hospitals in North Texas.
“Yeah, she’s crying, it’s very emotional. She’s very scared,” said Priscilla Sewell, her mother.
“With COVID spreading like wildfires, what are you seeing? Exactly that, it’s spreading like wild fire,” said Stephen Love, the president and CEO at DFW hospital.
Before a patient goes in for surgery, they get tested for COVID-19.
“Many times people are coming in for medical procedures, non-COVID related, and they test positive,” said Love.
Forcing doctors to work double duty, and treat the patients immediately.
“Omicron is extremely dangerous,” said Love.
Back at the Sewell household: “We all went and got tested yesterday,” said Sewell.
As the family is anxiously waiting at home for the results, they’re all forced to stay home, and not work.
"Financially, this is taking a huge toll on you guys?" asked Basu.
"Very much so. My 22-year-old son moved back in the house, and he’s working 18 hours a day to support us,” said Priscilla Sewell.
They’ve set up a GoFundMe account -- hoping it will help provide for miracle’s surgery, and the long road ahead for them.
“I honestly don’t know how it’s going to all happen (wiping away tears),” said Priscilla Sewell.
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2022-01-12T04:03:12Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dallas girl tests positive for COVID ahead of her surgery | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/10-year-old-girl-tests-positive-for-covid-19-right-before-her-scheduled-surgery-now-its-postponed-while-she-awaits-in-her-hospital-bed/287-0bac7b4a-e63e-4ed2-aad1-7b9e2143099d
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/10-year-old-girl-tests-positive-for-covid-19-right-before-her-scheduled-surgery-now-its-postponed-while-she-awaits-in-her-hospital-bed/287-0bac7b4a-e63e-4ed2-aad1-7b9e2143099d
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COVID is expected to overwhelmed struggling hospitals for the next few weeks, but researchers believe that could be the final major wave of the virus
Credit: denisismagilov - stock.adobe.com
FORT WORTH, Texas — The top COVID question for just about anyone is the same: When will the pandemic end?
Models from across the country appear to point the current Omicron-driven wave peaking in the next week for the East Coast with hospitalizations dropping in the following weeks. In previous waves, Texas has trailed the country by roughly two weeks.
The CDC’s latest model appears to show hospitalizations increasing dramatically until the end of January and then beginning to fall.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington points to nationwide COVID-19 hospitalizations increasing by roughly 100,000 and peaking Jan. 25.
“It started snowballing. We started seeing these chains of infections,” Dr. Diana Cervantes, an epidemiology professor at UNTHSC said.
Cervantes said while cases are currently surging, she’s optimistic about the future.
“We’re actually in a really good spot because we have really effective vaccines,” she said. “We have great treatments.”
In Britain, hospitalizations from its Omicron wave have shown slight decreases in recent days.
Before North Texas can turn the corner on COVID, though, the current surge, which is already forcing some hospitals to cut back on elective procedures and is overwhelming strained staff, is expected to get much worse.
UT Southwestern’s COVID-19 model predicts North Texas to roughly double previous records for hospitalizations by the end of January. The state is averaging more than 40,000 total COVID cases per day while 4 in 10 tests taken are positive.
RELATED: Here's how quickly health officials project COVID-19 will spread in North Texas
“If we look at the hospitalizations, if we look at the deaths, those are people who unfortunately did not get vaccinated,” Cervantes said.
Last year, unvaccinated Texans died at 40 times the rate of those fully vaccinated according to a review of vaccination and death records by Texas state health officials.
The most recent data from the CDC showed unvaccinated adults being hospitalized at more than 17 times the level of vaccinated adults.
“This is something that we’re going to always deal with for many years to come unfortunately,” Cervantes said.
Living with it doesn’t mean surrendering to it. According to CDC data, 1,600 Americans died from COVID every day last week.
By contrast, the US averages around 100 deaths per day.
More than 86% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccine production is expected to increase enough to cover 70% of the world’s population by the middle of 2022.
While vaccinations are expected to increase, new, effective COVID pills and treatments should see production increase. Pfizer says it will produce 120 million courses of its new COVID-19 pill, Paxlovid, by the end of 2022. Studies found the pill to reduce hospitalization risk by nearly 90%.
While COVID-19 trends are expected to improve dramatically in the next two months, it’s not yet time to give up the protective measures that have worked.
“Remember the three ‘Cs": Avoid crowds, avoiding those cramped confined spaces, avoiding that close contact when we know that there is a lot of illness and transmission going on,” Cervantes said.
Get tested, wear a mask and stop waiting to get vaccinated and the answer to "when will this finally end" could become "sooner than you think."
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2022-01-12T04:03:19Z
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www.wfaa.com
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When will the COVID surge, pandemic end? | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/when-will-the-covid-surge-end-health-experts-say-it-could-be-soon/287-8e8ef85c-e0c2-4799-ae9e-aa64d25fcdd5
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/when-will-the-covid-surge-end-health-experts-say-it-could-be-soon/287-8e8ef85c-e0c2-4799-ae9e-aa64d25fcdd5
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Dr. Vanessa Bouché founded Savhera, a natural wellness company that provides jobs to trafficking survivors.
Author: Kara Sewell (WFAA)
A Texas Christian University political science professor gave up a career and her tenure at the university to start a socially conscious brand with a global outreach.
Dr. Vanessa Bouché founded Savhera, a natural wellness company that provides jobs to trafficking survivors. In 2017, Dr. Bouché was in Delhi, India on a study abroad when she met a woman who changed her perspective on what it means to offer help.
"We were sitting on the floor of a medical clinic in the red-light district in Delhi and a woman said to me that day, 'why should I share my story with you, why should I tell you anything about myself? You are no different than the people who come here to exploit my body, you’re exploiting my story.' And when I asked her what she needed, she said I need dignified employment to get out of this dirty business," says Vanessa Bouché.
Bouché admits she had no idea what she was getting herself into when she offered to help but today, Savhera employs seven survivors of trafficking in India and more in Texas. Savhera’s essential oils are ethically made, and USDA certified organic.
Bouché says socially conscious companies are more than a trend; the business model requires a market solution that will solve a social issue.
She came up with certain criteria to create a strategy honoring Indian culture while developing a consumable product expected to grow over the next decade. As they scale, Bouché says she created a way to reflect on their mission every day.
"And one of the ways we’ve decided to do that is that every single day reflecting on one of our values as a company. We identified 30 values, our top three are dignity, integrity, and excellence but underneath those are twenty-seven other values that are very important to us as a company so, we wrote a book of meditations that dissects each of those 30 values and every single day whether we’re in India or whether we’re in the United States the team reflects on the same value," says Dr. Bouché.
A Nielsen global survey found more than half of consumers would be willing to pay more for a socially responsible product.
January is National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month; you can learn more about Dr. Bouche’s mission and essential oils at savhera.com.
Dr. Bouché is looking to build momentum by partnering with influencers online who focus on wellness and justice.
#UpWithHer: Corny Dog heiress is Fletcher's marketing queen
#UpWithHer: Mindfulness helps Dallas dermatologist and mother of 5 find balance
#UpWithHer: Wine creator says networking is the key to building your brand
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2022-01-12T13:13:06Z
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TCU professor trades career to create brand with global outreach | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/money/business/up-with-her-tcu-professor-career-create-brand-global-outreach-sahvera/287-5424d989-3416-48f0-b906-908d71ae63c0
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/money/business/up-with-her-tcu-professor-career-create-brand-global-outreach-sahvera/287-5424d989-3416-48f0-b906-908d71ae63c0
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According to fire officials, the man was suffering from a heart attack. Crews began CPR and tried to administer oxygen when the apartment caught fire.
MESQUITE, Texas — A man was killed and a firefighter was injured in a fire at an apartment complex after Mesquite fire officials were trying to treat a patient and an oxygen tank ignited, fire officials said Wednesday.
On Tuesday night, Mesquite fire crews responded to a medical call at the apartment complex near Interstate 635 and La Prada Drive. According to fire officials, the man was suffering from a heart attack and crews began CPR.
Firefighters then began to administer oxygen to the patient from a tank, fire officials said. That is when they saw a flash and the apartment caught fire.
Officials say fire crews did not have their fire gear on and had to evacuate. Firefighters were not able to evacuate the patient with them.
Once crews were able to get their fire gear on, they were unable to go back inside to rescue the patient due to the amount of fire that had spread from unit to unit.
Officials on the scene said the fire spread so easily due to there being no wall barriers between the units in the attic area.
Fire crews believed the patient died from a heart attack.
One firefighter was transported to the hospital for second-degree burns on his hands.
While fire crews believe the oxygen tank played a part in the fire, the official cause is under investigation.
The power to the apartment complex has been disconnected. It's unclear at this time how many residents were affected.
Mesquite Firefighters respond to a medical emergency but began fighting a flash fire inside an apartment. The fire spread quickly to other units at the Country Club apts. One person died a Mesquite firefighter injured. pic.twitter.com/HzJtE1bQvV
Mesquite police chase vehicle through Dallas, person in custody
Daughter of fallen Mesquite officer shares her father's last text to her during emotional eulogy
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2022-01-12T13:13:12Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Officials: Apartment fire may have been started by an oxygen tank | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/mesquite-apartment-fire-may-started-oxygen-tank-officials-say/287-38e2cab0-5708-44e0-b399-d44ad92c8d12
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/mesquite-apartment-fire-may-started-oxygen-tank-officials-say/287-38e2cab0-5708-44e0-b399-d44ad92c8d12
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The Fort Worth hospital has seen a dramatic increase in pediatric patients and positive COVID-19 cases to start 2022.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Cook Children's Medical Center has reached a new record for COVID-19 patients, with 69 children hospitalized as of Wednesday, a number that has more than doubled in two weeks.
Last week there were 51 COVID-19 patients at Cook Children's. Two weeks ago, on Dec. 29, the hospital reported 29 COVID-19 patients.
"This is a significant increase," Cheryl Peterson, Cook Children's chief nursing officer, said in a news conference Wednesday. "It certainly gave all of us pause this morning."
Peterson said the hospital saw 440 children at its emergency room in Fort Worth on Tuesday and 1,027 children at their clinics across Tarrant County.
Of the hospital's 7,600 employees, 165 are out with COVID-19.
The increase in hospitalizations at Cook Children's is in line with the sharp uptick in positive cases the hospital is seeing.
Cook Children's 7-day average case rate has exceeded 700 this month. In the previous two major COVID-19 waves -- in winter of 2020-2021 and in the fall of 2021 -- the hospital's 7-day average case rate did not exceed 300.
Credit: Cook Children's Medical Center
The latest COVID-19 data from Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth.
Peterson said the hospital is approaching "a crisis point" with the rise of COVID-19 cases among children.
Peterson said most of the patients are not in intensive care, though the surge in COVID-19, along with other seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, has Cook Children's officials concerned.
In addition to the hospitalizations, the number of children being treated in the emergency room and at Cook Children's clinics is "extremely high," Peterson said.
Cook Children's has been operating at capacity for weeks, officials said. The hospital had converted a single floor of the hospital for COVID-19 patients. Before Christmas, the hospital expanded COVID-19 patients to a second unit and has since expanded beyond that, Peterson said.
What COVID-19 symptoms do children have?
Dr. Bianka Soria-Olmos, a Cook Children's pediatrician, said many children are showing symptoms of "upper airway inflammation," causing a distinct cough.
"It's a very tight cough," Soria-Olmos said. "It almost sounds like a seal, or a 'barky' cough, is a typical description in the world of pediatrics."
Soria-Olmos said that specific cough symptom wasn't common with other variants of COVID-19.
Peterson said patients have typically shown less severe symptoms with the Omicron variant, compared to previous strains, despite the rise in hospitalizations. While some children have had to be placed on a ventilator, their time on a ventilator has typically been less than in previous waves of the virus, Peterson said.
"We're pleased that it's a lesser length of stay," Peterson said. "But if you come to the hospital, and you're admitted, it's because there is some necessity for supporting ventilatory or respiratory or antibiotic or fluid administration. It's not to be taken lightly."
Watch Cook Children's full update here:
Tarrant County on Wednesday reported 9,001 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 172 people hospitalized. Statewide, Texas set a record for most new cases in a single day, reporting 75,817.
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2022-01-12T22:23:42Z
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COVID-19 in children: Cook Children's sets hospitalization record | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/fort-worth-cook-childrens-reaches-highest-level-of-covid-19-omicron-patients-more-than-doubling-in-two-weeks/287-df35e17f-1915-44ac-bfc8-4eb6f8532f96
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/fort-worth-cook-childrens-reaches-highest-level-of-covid-19-omicron-patients-more-than-doubling-in-two-weeks/287-df35e17f-1915-44ac-bfc8-4eb6f8532f96
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Wednesday, Wise Health System's Med/Surge/ICU capacity was at 100%. EMS officials in Wise County are also grappling with challenges amid COVID surge.
WISE COUNTY, Texas — It’s not the way frontline workers envisioned the start of a new year.
Like much of the U.S., rural areas such as Wise County, northwest of Fort Worth, are dealing with yet another COVID surge.
Randall Preuninger, the head of Emergency Medical Services in Wise County told WFAA the latest surge has made emergency operations a challenge. Preuninger said some EMS staff have worked longer hours as staff become infected with COVID.
“It kind of blindsided us a little bit,” Preuninger said. “The whole term 'COVID fatigue' sets in, especially for crews out in the field having to deal with it over and over.
Wednesday, Wise Health System, the only hospital in the county, reported that its Medsurge/ICU units were at 100% capacity. Currently, the hospital has 32 patients with COVID. COVID patients make up 31% of the hospital’s patients, according to hospital communications director Shannon Spann.
Last summer, the hospital opened tents outside to handle the overflow of patients. The hospital is no longer using tents.
An antibody infusion center outside of the hospital has also closed amid supply shortages, according to Spann.
COVID patients make up more than 30% of all hospitalizations.
Lee Ann Jennings, chief nursing officer at Wise Health System said the hospital’s nursing staff is stretched thin.
“They’re very tired,” Jennings said. “It’s very taxing on the staff. I’ve been nursing for 28 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. We’re trying to find beds for them, what we can do for them, what staff we have. That’s a daily topic."
RELATED: COVID-19 updates: Texas sets pandemic record for new cases reported in one day -- 75,817 new cases
This week, the hospital received some relief with the help of 14 additional state-provided nurses.
Preuninger told WFAA that EMS is dealing with more COVID-related 911 calls, and first responders are up against major challenges.
“Right now, with the way the hospitals are full, sometimes getting patients to the right facility becomes difficult,” Preuninger said. “Once we get to the ER, there’s times we have to put them in hallway beds.”
Medical staff and hospitals across North Texas are being pushed to their limits.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth announced it’s currently treating 69 COVID-positive children, which is more than at any point during the pandemic.
Cheryl Petersen, chief nursing officer and vice president at Cook Children’s Medical Center said the hospital has been running at capacity for several weeks.
“We’re approaching what we consider a crisis point,” Petersen said. “We are scrambling every day.”
RELATED: Cook Children's reaches highest level of COVID-19 patients, more than doubling in two weeks
Petersen said quite often, patients from rural areas are being transported to Cook Children’s to seek the proper care for children.
“Our partners at rural hospitals are all a little different. Some of those are not comfortable taking care of children, so that would be where our request for transfers would come from,” Petersen said.
Wise County’s current surge forced Boyd ISD county to close all schools for a week beginning Wednesday. In a letter to parents, Superintendent Tami Vardy said the decision to close campuses came after a sharp rise in COVID cases across the district. Boyd ISD schools will reopen Tuesday.
RELATED: Several more North Texas districts canceling classes due to COVID cases
Healthcare workers are eager to see a slowdown soon.
“It’s 24/7, it’s constant with COVID patients, heart attacks, and strokes,” Jennings said. “Nurses are taking care of all of them. It’s just a new attitude with each new day.”
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2022-01-13T01:26:03Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Texas rural healthcare workers feel strain, as COVID cases surge | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/rural-healthcare-workers-feel-strain-as-omicron-cases-surge/287-54e5866a-d981-4dfd-8370-7e3f859d9155
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/rural-healthcare-workers-feel-strain-as-omicron-cases-surge/287-54e5866a-d981-4dfd-8370-7e3f859d9155
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Lyneric has spent nearly half his life in and out of the foster care system. Through it all, football has been his greatest companion.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Opportunities like this don't happen very often for 12-year-old Lyneric.
The Dallas Cowboys invited him to come tour AT&T Stadium. He was even allowed to go inside the players locker rooms!
“It’s so big!" he exclaimed, describing the stadium. "And there are so many more details than I thought."
Lyneric has spent nearly half his life in and out of the foster care system.
Football has been his greatest companion.
"Some foster homes were not good, and football was like my safe spot, you know what I mean? Like, my go-to hobby," he explained.
He always cheers on the Cowboys.
"The defense is good, but they like need to do more man coverage," he coached.
Lyneric's favorite player inspires him.
"You mean a lot to me, because you helped the Cowboys through the games," he described. "You're one of my idol players"
Attention CeeDee Lamb: he's talking about you.
"Hi CeeDee," Lyneric said, waiving to WFAA's camera during a chat.
Lyneric also wants parents he can look up to: a mom who's a sweetheart and a father who understands him.
"Someone you'll have the bad times with and the good times with, but in the end, they will still love you," he described.
Lyneric's advocates call him a STAR! But, he says he’s just a normal kid.
That’s what he wants people to see in him: that he’s a normal 12-year-old.
His court-appointed special advocate calls him a normal kid who's kind with a gentle soul.
The trauma he's experienced in life is also the reason Lyneric wants to become a doctor.
"I want to be a surgeon to save people's lives, because we need more doctors," he said.
And he's smart enough to do it. He just needs a Forever Family to guide him.
And for all of you healthcare heroes, Lyneric said thank you for trying to save lives.
This 12-year-old shines wherever he goes.
May this trip to the home of the Dallas Cowboys end in a loving home - for him.
For more information on how to adopt Lyneric, please send all approved home studies to LaQueena Warren at LaQueena.Warren@dfps.texas.gov. Please remember to include Lyneric's name within the subject line.
If you're not licensed, please visit adoptchildren.org to find out more information on how to become licensed to foster and/or adopt, or contact LaQueena Warren at (817)-304-1272.
Wednesday’s Child, 12-year-old Andrew wished for a forever family and trusted God to find him the right one. His prayers were answered.
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2022-01-13T02:57:40Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Wednesday's Child: 12-year-old Lyneric wants a family to love him | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/lyneric-wants-a-family-to-love-him-in-both-the-good-times-and-bad/287-aa9fc5d3-d85b-415e-be2c-ea9175eaf974
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/lyneric-wants-a-family-to-love-him-in-both-the-good-times-and-bad/287-aa9fc5d3-d85b-415e-be2c-ea9175eaf974
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Drivers are being forced to exit.
DALLAS — All lanes are blocked Thursday morning on eastbound Interstate 30 at Jim Miller Road in eastern Dallas due to a fatal accident involving a pedestrian.
The crash happened around 3:18 a.m., according to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to the scene and the person was pronounced dead.
Drivers are being forced to exit. Some alternate routes are Ferguson Road or Samuell Boulevard.
No other information was available regarding the crash.
Eastbound RL Thornton at Jim Miller all lanes closed after an auto pedestrian crash on the freeway. Dallas County Sheriff Deputies investigating. pic.twitter.com/PAhyHYXz1X
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2022-01-13T12:56:12Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Lanes closed on I-30 after fatal crash involving pedestrian | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/traffic/traffic-alert-lanes-closed-i-30-after-fatal-crash-involving-pedestrian/287-68e57968-a61b-49cd-ab51-9df7899d611c
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/traffic/traffic-alert-lanes-closed-i-30-after-fatal-crash-involving-pedestrian/287-68e57968-a61b-49cd-ab51-9df7899d611c
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Scribner has led the district since 2015.
Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner
FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner announced on Thursday that he is stepping down from his position at the end of his contract.
Dr. Kent Scribner tweeted Thursday that he informed the FWISD Board of Trustees last month that he planned to retire.
Scribner has since 2015 led the district, which serves about 76,000 students and stands as one of the largest in the state.
He said the board will discuss his retirement and consider the search process for a replacement superintendent at the FWISD's next board meeting on Tuesday.
"The Fort Worth school-community deserves a thoughtful superintendent transition process -- so infrequent in large urban districts," Scribner tweeted. "I bring this news to you now to provide the Board with sufficient time to conduct a search for a new superintendent."
On Wednesday, Dallas ISD superintendent Michael Hinojosa also announced his intentions to step down from his post. In December, Richardson ISD superintendent Jeannie Stone also abruptly resigned from her role.
Fort Worth ISD, like other districts in North Texas, has dealt with various challenges surrounding the pandemic -- including the digital divide, learning loss and the battle between parents, school leaders and government officials over face masks.
In August, Fort Worth ISD was requiring face masks, but soon became involved in lawsuits as a district court ruling blocked the district from enforcing the mask requirement.
Debate over the possible teaching of critical race theory has also been a hot-button issue in Fort Worth in recent months, with opponents of the notion openly calling for Scribner to step down from his role.
'A strong leader': A look at Dallas ISD Superintendent Hinojosa's long history with the district
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2022-01-13T17:08:41Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Scribner stepping down | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/fort-worth-isd-superintendent-kent-scribner-leaving/287-08718fb5-cb77-42d4-a87f-d696534a8b0e
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/fort-worth-isd-superintendent-kent-scribner-leaving/287-08718fb5-cb77-42d4-a87f-d696534a8b0e
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COVID-19 patients currently make up 31% of the total hospital bed capacity in Tarrant County.
Tarrant County Public Health reported Monday there are currently 1,414 people hospitalized with COVID-19. There were 1,354 hospitalizations the previous day.
This is the highest this statistic has been since last year's winter surge, when there were 1,429 people hospitalized in Tarrant County on Jan. 19, 2021. The county's record-high day happened on Jan. 6, 2021, when there were 1,528 hospitalizations.
Health officials also announced 12 new COVID-19 deaths, which ranged in age from a Saginaw man in his 30s to a Bedford woman in her 90s. There have now been 5,111 total deaths in the county since tracking began in March 2020.
There were also 9,957 new COVID-19 cases reported Thursday. There have been 441,134 total cases since tracking began in March 2020.
As of Wednesday, there have been 3,172,067 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered in Tarrant County, according to health officials.
Denton County Public Health reported there are currently 198 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the county. There were 201 on Wednesday.
Health officials also reported 1,549 new COVID-19 cases Thursday. There have now been 125,337 total cases in the county since tracking began in March 2020.
As of Monday, there are currently 208,693 people in Denton County who have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; 199,883 who have received their second dose and 1,139 who have received their third dose.
On Thursday, state health officials reported there are currently 11,653 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Texas. This is up from 11,571 the previous day.
Hospitalizations in the state have remained above 10,000 hospitalizations for four consecutive days.
The state currently has a 14-day average of 8,842 hospitalizations.
The state's current 14-day average is 43,348 cases. This is a record-high for Texas.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD to quarantine some classes
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD said that any elementary class that has more than a 20% positivity rate must quarantine beginning Friday, Jan. 14 through the end of next week, Jan. 21, after which the affected students may return to Monday, Jan. 24.
Currently, the district said its threshold for immediate quarantine is a positivity rate of 30% or more. But, the district added it has discretion to quarantine, if necessary, classrooms with a positivity rate of 20% or more.
"The increased number of student cases this week, coupled with the rapid nature by which this variant is spreading, has led the district to quarantine these additional classes," the district said.
Those classes impacted by the quarantine will receive an additional notice from the principal, the district said, and students in a class quarantine will participate in remote learning.
Pop-up vaccine clinics in Tarrant County
Tarrant County Public Health is hosting several pop-up COVID-19 clinics across Tarrant County this upcoming week.
Each site has the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and, at times, the Johnson & Johnson.
Children five and older are all eligible for the vaccination. Parents need to bring proof of the child’s age and their own ID for the vaccination. Booster vaccinations are also available at all of the vaccination locations.
Friday, Jan. 15 - Saturday, Feb. 5: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1501 Rip Johnson Dr.
Campus Drive United Methodist Church
Tuesday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.
3800 Adam Grubb Rd.
6601 Watauga Rd.
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2022-01-14T00:16:24Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Latest COVID updates for North Texas on Jan. 13, 2022 | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-numbers/covid-updates-north-texas-jan-13-2022/287-9476096f-fc87-4761-b8bb-e8b51e22f972
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-numbers/covid-updates-north-texas-jan-13-2022/287-9476096f-fc87-4761-b8bb-e8b51e22f972
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Mansfield ISD has closed all of its campuses through Tuesday. It's one of almost a dozen North Texas school districts to announce closures heading into the weekend
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — On Thursday, Yolanda Bledsoe's daughter was at home, instead of at school.
She's in third grade at one of the six elementary schools that Mansfield ISD announced would temporarily close because of COVID-related "strains" within the Mansfield Independent School District.
That announcement came on Wednesday, along with a plan for students to return to class next Tuesday after campuses were cleaned.
Shortly after the announcement, Bledsoe took to Twitter to share her thoughts about how more districts in the district should close as case numbers rise across North Texas.
She has two other children -- a middle school and high school student -- who also attend school in Mansfield ISD.
"There are a lot of teachers out, and there are a lot of kids out," Bledsoe said.
On Thursday, her thoughts were confirmed.
Mansfield ISD announced that all of its campuses will be closed through next Tuesday. The district reported 750 students and 195 staff members with confirmed cases of COVID, as well as large numbers of staff and students who were either absent while quarantining pending test results or for other illnesses.
RELATED: Mansfield, Forney ISDs closing all schools due to rapid rise in COVID cases; Keller closes 2 schools
"It was a little predictable that we'd be in this situation," Bledsoe said.
On Thursday, Northwest ISD also announced it would close all of its campuses through next Tuesday.
RELATED: 'It's a battle I fight almost daily': Parents react to Northwest ISD's temporary, COVID-related school closures
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, meanwhile, announced that all elementary school students who are in classes with a positivity rate above 20 percent must quarantine through the end of next week. The district did not confirm how many students were impacted, but its public online dashboard shows 188 active student cases and 59 active staff cases across 11 elementary school campuses.
This week, Cook Children's announced a record 69 children admitted to its hospital with COVID-19, and the system's epidemiologist predicts case numbers won't peak for another three to four weeks.
Bledsoe said she and the parents she's spoken to worry that temporary closures without the implementation of any new protocols will result in more closures, as well as learning loss and more cases.
"They're putting a Band-Aid over a wound that's hemorrhaging," Bledsoe said.
For Bledsoe, it's personal. She has a three year-old at home, who is too young to be vaccinated.
"That’s the part that’s missing for a lot of people," Bledsoe said. "It’s not just you that you need to be worried about. It’s the other people who are in vulnerable positions."
Bledsoe said she would like to see a mask mandate and a sustainable plan for online learning. But Mansfield ISD will not require students to log on for online instruction, and Monday was already scheduled as a district holiday.
Still, the district says the academic calendar may change if additional closure days are needed.
For its part, Northwest ISD said it will update its COVID-19 protocols in time for next week's return to class -- even if state officials might prefer they not.
Governor Greg Abbott is holding firm on his order banning districts from implementing mask mandates. But three North Texas districts implemented them anyway: Dallas ISD, Duncanville ISD and Richardson ISD.
Bledsoe said she would like to see her district do the same.
"[Dallas ISD superintendent] Dr. Hinojosa's hands were tied too" she said. "He untied them."
Multiple North Texas school districts forced to cancel classes due to COVID-related issues
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2022-01-14T03:36:15Z
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Will temporary school closures lead to changes in COVID protocol? | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/band-aid-over-wound-thats-hemorrhaging-temporary-school-closures-enough-without-longer-term-changes-to-covid-19-protocol-mansfield-isd/287-948e260a-4394-4375-87dc-e343e210ccfd
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/band-aid-over-wound-thats-hemorrhaging-temporary-school-closures-enough-without-longer-term-changes-to-covid-19-protocol-mansfield-isd/287-948e260a-4394-4375-87dc-e343e210ccfd
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Sun glare, punts hitting scoreboard and misspelled jerseys: Cowboys trail 49ers at the half, 16-7
It's playoff football from AT&T Stadium.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Billed as the premier game for NFL Wild Card Weekend, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have combined for just 23 points at the half.
No, Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch did not legally change his last name to Vander Esch.
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2022-01-17T00:50:33Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Sun glare, punts hitting scoreboard and misspelled jerseys: Cowboys trail 49ers at the half, 16-7 | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/head-injuries-sun-glare-and-misspelled-jerseys-cowboys-trail-49ers-at-half/287-c60b32e5-7855-4b20-8024-28d7ae503acc
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/head-injuries-sun-glare-and-misspelled-jerseys-cowboys-trail-49ers-at-half/287-c60b32e5-7855-4b20-8024-28d7ae503acc
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After a promising season, the Dallas Cowboys once again fell flat in the most frustrating ways under the withering lights of playoff football.
DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys fizzled in the 2021 NFC wild-card as the San Francisco 49ers achieved the first upset of the postseason by the final score of 23-17 on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium.
The entire game came down to one poorly executed spike at San Francisco's 24-yard line as the clock ticked to zero. However, there were other factors that went into the Cowboys' season-ending defeat. Here are four takeaways from the wild-card:
1. San Francisco was the "bad matchup" — What made the 49ers the "bad matchup" was the fact they were healthy. San Francisco struggled with availability of key players, particularly quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, all season.
Once they had their complete roster to take into the playoffs, they proved what a juggernaut they can be. The 49ers generated 169 yards rushing at 4.4 yards per carry, and they stifled Dallas' offense to just 307 total yards.
#49ers DE Charles Omenihu, Rowlett High School alumnus & former Texas Longhorn (the @SlaterNFL combo), waves goodbye to #Cowboys fans leaving the stadium.
The Cowboys offense did benefit from defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner leaving the game with injuries. When the Cowboys got a diminished version of San Francisco's defense, they took advantage with 10 fourth quarter points. Ultimately, the 49ers' ball control offense and pass rush bottled up the Cowboys.
2. Nerves of tinfoil — Although the 49ers missed the playoffs with a 6-10 mark last year, mostly due to injuries, the '21 incarnation is not too dissimilar from the '19 squad that qualified for Super Bowl LIV. The moment didn't seem too big for the 49ers and they looked calm.
The Cowboys played like a team that doesn't have much postseason experience, and the reality is their core players don't. This was Prescott's fourth career playoff game, and the last one came following in 2018 season. Randy Gregory, who committed two neutral zone infractions, was in his third.
The problem with the post-Triplet Cowboys is they have lacked adequate postseason experience. The '90s Cowboys tasted two playoff games two years after the 1-15 finish in 1989, and they kept stacking playoff qualifications and postseason games.
Technically, Jason Garrett has a more recent playoff win than Mike McCarthy does (2018 NFC wild-card vs. 2016 NFC divisional).
Consider that when Troy Aikman finished his sixth season — just as Dak Prescott has — he had played in nine playoff games, including two Super Bowls. Like his predecessor, Tony Romo, Prescott is underdeveloped in this formational area. If the Cowboys qualify for the playoffs like it's an olympiad, there is no hope to improve upon this issue.
3. Heart of lion — Rookie linebacker Micah Parsons was still dealing with lingering effects from COVID-19 against the 49ers, as he was seen multiple times sucking wind, taking oxygen on the sidelines. Nevertheless, Parsons played up to his All-Pro status with 10 combined tackles and a tackle for loss.
Even though he was clearly not 100%, Parsons managed to battle through the discomfort. The Cowboys need to foster this mentality and build their culture around Parsons' attitude, discipline, and commitment. The former Penn State product is displaying many of the same traits that Prescott did earlier in his career.
4. Spike strip — The concept of Prescott's quarterback draw to pick up a few cheap yards before a closer Hail Mary attempt made sense, but it seemed rushed and not clearly thought out.
The clock was stopped after tight end Dalton Schultz caught a 9-yard pass and rushed out of bounds at the San Francisco 41-yard line. In fact, the 49ers called a timeout. Dallas had plenty of time to make sure to get enough yardage and not cost themselves a few precious seconds.
Prescott continuing to the San Francisco 24-yard line is what doomed Dallas more so than the botched spike wherein umpire Ramon George collided with Prescott and center Tyler Biadasz.
After the game, coach Mike McCarthy posed the question: would it be better to try a Hail Mary from the 50-yard line or five verticals from the 20? Similarly, would it be better to try a Hail Mary from the 30-yard line or have the season end ignominiously after a botched spike?
Do you think the Cowboys wasted a golden opportunity with their wild-card loss? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane.
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2022-01-17T21:35:51Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dallas Cowboys drive a spike through hearts with Wild Card loss | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/cowboys-hash-marks-dallas-drives-spike-through-fans-hearts-playoff-loss/287-43374b75-6032-4cf9-870a-842983926ad0
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/cowboys-hash-marks-dallas-drives-spike-through-fans-hearts-playoff-loss/287-43374b75-6032-4cf9-870a-842983926ad0
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This is now the fifth time in the last six days state health officials has reported more than 1,000 new cases in long-term care facilities.
TEXAS, USA — There were 1,342 new COVID-19 cases added in nursing facilities and assisted living facilities Monday, state health officials said.
This is now the fifth time in the last six days the state has reported more than 1,000 new cases.
On Monday, state health officials reported there are currently 12,286 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Texas. This is up from 12,220 the previous day.
Hospitalizations in the state have remained above 10,000 hospitalizations for eight consecutive days.
RELATED: Djokovic leaves Australia after losing deportation appeal
This reported statistic has remained above 40,000 for eight consecutive days.
There are currently three ICU beds currently available in the county's hospitals.
National website launched for deliverable at-home tests
The Biden administration has launched a website that allows U.S. citizens to sign up to have four COVID-19 tests delivered to their homes.
Private insurers are now required to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests
Since a recent President Biden announcement about the omicron variant of COVID-19, the Department of Defense has awarded contracts to multiple companies to help with the delivery of the tests. Biden later said in a Jan. 13 tweet that he has directed his team to purchase an additional 500 million free tests.
The administration has also announced other ways Americans can get free tests, including through reimbursement from private insurance companies.
These private insurers are now required to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests.
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2022-01-17T23:53:51Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Officials add 1,342 new COVID cases in long-term care facilities | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/covid-updates-texas-health-officials-report-more-than-1000-new-cases-long-term-care-facilities/287-3647f651-6d2e-4524-963e-704e52124861
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/covid-updates-texas-health-officials-report-more-than-1000-new-cases-long-term-care-facilities/287-3647f651-6d2e-4524-963e-704e52124861
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It's happening one week from Monday, on Jan. 24.
Credit: DART
DART buses
DALLAS — Next week, Dallas Area Rapid Transit will embark on the biggest change in it's history: a complete overhaul of the bus system.
WFAA first reported about the changes back in November when the plans were announced.
In addition to streamlining fixed bus routes, DART is also expanding its GoLink service from 17 zones to 30 zones. That service is specifically aimed at transportation options in areas where riders are finding fixed routes are limited, according to DART staff.
RELATED: DART will offer free rides for a week at the end of January
DART said the changes are necessary because of growth the Metroplex has seen in our area over the last few decades.
So, what does this mean for dart riders?
Every bus route in the system is changing, and many of them will be completely different. Some stops will be eliminated altogether. All of the routes will have different numbers. You can view the full update to DART's bus network here.
DART said the new changes will have greater frequency, expanded coverage, more direct routes and longer hours of service, just to name a few.
To get a better understanding WFAA's Tashara Parker looked over several videos dart has put out to explain the updates. Here are some of the things you need to know:
DART Go Pass app
The new app is one of the ways riders can schedule a ride with the new system. If you're familiar with Uber or Lyft or any of those ride-sharing apps, it's not the same, but very similar.
Riders who don't have a smart phone can call 214-515-7272 to schedule a ride. Reservations are accepted at 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Riders can only book same day trips.
Watch traffic all this week on Daybreak for everything you need to know.
DART launches new on-demand service for residents from local Dallas neighborhood
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2022-01-17T23:53:57Z
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www.wfaa.com
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New DART bus routes: What to know | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dart-bus-routes-changing-what-to-know/287-909a6ffe-be24-45ba-b5d5-40cf6ef78bdc
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dart-bus-routes-changing-what-to-know/287-909a6ffe-be24-45ba-b5d5-40cf6ef78bdc
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'The Omicron variant is really presenting a challenge for the district right now,' said Asheley Brown with Little Elm ISD, one of many searching for substitutes.
DALLAS — Multiple North Texas school districts are going to great lengths to hire additional staff but, at the same time, are finding that the supply of available substitute teachers is impacted by COVID-19, as well.
"We are imploring you guys," Little Elm ISD Human Resources executive Asheley Brown said in a recent hiring appeal posted by the district on YouTube. "We would love for you to come and join us, even if it's just temporarily."
Little Elm ISD, which says it has received 15 new applicants since the video was first posted, is seeking as many as 200 to fill teacher and staff shortages.
"The Omicron variant is really presenting a challenge for the district right now," Brown continued. "You're looking at a super increased demand of substitutes and a super decreased supply of substitutes. And that's what's causing some districts to have to close."
And competition is fierce. Richardson ISD, through its website, is asking parents and community members to consider becoming campus volunteers. Garland ISD, starting Jan. 25, will hold weekly virtual job fairs. The district says that aspiring teachers can join them virtually from 4-6 p.m. every Tuesday to speak directly with district recruiters and select campus administrators. DeSoto ISD and Arlington ISD will also be holding job fairs next week.
Alyssa Gilmore is an example of that dire need. She is a substitute and student-teacher at Arlington ISD while also still enrolled at UT Arlington studying early childhood education.
"There is definitely a need for subs and not enough subs to go around," Gilmore said. "Kids are grateful having someone in the classroom willing to teach them and to be with them, and teachers and staff are so incredibly grateful that you're able to be there because it is so tough right now."
But in the middle of all of this, with school districts and private businesses showing ready evidence of the Omicron impact on absenteeism, some recent headlines have suggested that the COVID/Omicron spike might be flattening in Texas. Dr. Mark Casanova with the UTSW COVID Task Force wanted to address that rumor head on.
"You know, just the physician in me wants to say, 'whoa, whoa, whoa, not quite,'" he said in a Tuesday Zoom interview with WFAA. "We're just seeing a steady stream of patients coming in. It is human nature for us to desire and want this stuff to be over with and to move on with it. And if we do a celebratory dance too early, then we run the risk of regressing and taking two steps back."
"We are seeing some indicators that are suggestive that we may be nearing our peak, but by no means are we beyond our peak or have we flattened the curve," Casanova cautioned.
So, competition for substitutes and volunteers is expected to remain yet one more COVID indicator that its impact on the workforce is far from flattened.
The most recent report issued by the UTSW COVID Task Force predicts that "the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 in Dallas has exceeded all prior peaks, and hospitalizations across North Texas are near record levels. Hospitalizations in Dallas and Tarrant Counties are projected to continue to increase in the near term, putting a severe strain on local health systems" and that "levels of local transmission are the highest seen since the beginning of the pandemic and still increasing."
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2022-01-19T00:12:08Z
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www.wfaa.com
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COVID in schools: Omicron variant driving teacher shortages | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/teacher-shortages-substitute-competition-evidence-covid-curve-not-flattened/287-c51a7f56-1a27-4767-8d6b-34622b2a973b
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/teacher-shortages-substitute-competition-evidence-covid-curve-not-flattened/287-c51a7f56-1a27-4767-8d6b-34622b2a973b
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3 teens dead in apparent double murder-suicide, Harris County sheriff says
David Givans lives near the house where the bodies were found.
"It's really surprising to see something like this happen out here to one of us," Givans said. "Out here it's a close community for the most part. We all watch out for each other."
DFW Airport ranks second in the country on TSA list of passengers detected with guns
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2022-01-19T04:47:32Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Bodies of 3 teens found at home in Crosby area | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/teen-bodies-found-crosby-area-home/285-3e1cb7cd-99cd-4390-bd80-e70914ebc3f1
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/teen-bodies-found-crosby-area-home/285-3e1cb7cd-99cd-4390-bd80-e70914ebc3f1
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BASTROP, Texas — Officials evacuated nearby residents in Bastrop County as first responders work to get a large wildfire under control on Tuesday night.
Officials are providing updates below, and are asking the following residents to evacuate:
Around 10 p.m., Bastrop County OEM said fire behavior has greatly reduced, allowing for firefighters to use direct attack tactics to create a containment line. No fire has been reported within Circle D or Pine Hill Estates. Crews overnight will work on constructing a containment line using heavy equipment.
Officials said aircrafts are making water and retardant drops to help slow the spread of the fire and assist in protecting structures in the area.
The Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) said it responded to a request for assistance with the fire, which the forest service estimated is currently consuming about 500 acres and is 10% contained. The fire has so far burned through at least 630 acres.
An Emergency Medical Task Force Wildland Support Package is also responding to provide medical needs. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is responding with personnel support on scene, and the Texas Military Department deployed a UH60 helicopter with a fire suppression water bucket and has additional aircraft on standby.
The Winchester Fire Department also has three units and six crew members already on scene assisting. The department sent two brush trucks and a tanker/tender. Meanwhile, Lee County has four departments on scene as well, and the Austin Fire Department also deployed nine members to assist.
BCOEM confirmed the wildfire started in relation to a prescribed burn at Bastrop State Park. The burn was set to be conducted Tuesday, Jan. 18, and possibly the next day as well. Park Road 1C from Harmon Road to Park Road 1A were closed for the prescribed burn.
Three subdivisions that are made up of about 100 homes were threatened by the fire Tuesday, Gray said, but there has been no verified information that any homes or structures had burned as of Tuesday evening. He credited the effort of the firefighters in helping prevent the destruction of homes so far.
Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Carter Smith said a prescribed fire specialist at the original burn site noticed spotting outside the burn boundaries caused by embers, which is initially thought the be the cause. However, Smith said further investigation into the cause will continue after the flames are put out.
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2022-01-19T12:24:21Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Wildfire at Bastrop State Park started from prescribed burn | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/bastrop-wildfire-evacuations-150-acres/269-a12daebe-9db1-4da0-a8ac-d6ec4b265bb3
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/bastrop-wildfire-evacuations-150-acres/269-a12daebe-9db1-4da0-a8ac-d6ec4b265bb3
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Western wear fashion evolves through the years, and the hippest and hottest items are east to spot in Cowtown.
Credit: Cody Marcom
Author: Chris Sadeghi (WFAA)
Even back in 1975, former WFAA reporter Doug Fox reported on how his typical dress shoes, business suit, and tie might be the uniform for Dallas but would not fly in Fort Worth come rodeo time.
Nothing a trip west and a few dollars can’t fix.
By the end of the story archived and preserved in the SMU Jones Film Collection, Fox was outfitted in $65 boots, $10 jeans, a $10 belt, a $15 shirt, a $40 cowboy hat and even lit up a cigar for extra flair.
Anybody looking to do the same can still get “Fort Worthified” at the FWSSR Trade Show where several western outfitters have all the latest trends. WFAA got the help of Cavender’s to show us what’s “in” on the rodeo circuit these days.
“Plaids or some kind of print for a shirt,” said AnnaLynn Alewel, an employee and fashion expert with Cavender’s. “Also, slim straight pants where it is not as wide on the bottom. It is a little snug against your boot.”
As for those boots, cowboys and cowgirls can be particular when it comes to the style they want.
“A lot of people like the rubber on the bottom of the boot so it grips to the floor, but if you want to go dancing, you need a leather bottom.”
Finally, you have to top it all off with the very symbol of western culture, the cowboy hat.
A few pieces of advice when picking a hat: Dark-haired people should wear light-colored hats and vice-versa. Always rest your hat on the crown to protect the shape of the brim.
And do not ever put your hat on your bed. It is bad luck.
Another significant change since 1975 in western wear is the cost.
Boots alone or even the hat alone could well cost you more than Doug Fox’s entire 1975 getup.
Cavender’s also said people who wear western-style clothes are very brand loyal, very rarely mixing and matching different brands in their wardrobe.
The 2022 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is back
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2022-01-19T12:24:22Z
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www.wfaa.com
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REWIND: Rodeo brings western fashion to Fort Worth | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/rewind-rodeo-brings-western-fashion-fort-worth-stock-show/287-df4c8bc7-df7f-4f5e-a3f7-1bb41ebf7571
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/rewind-rodeo-brings-western-fashion-fort-worth-stock-show/287-df4c8bc7-df7f-4f5e-a3f7-1bb41ebf7571
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Two other schools were placed on soft lockdown.
DENTON, Texas — Denton police placed multiple schools under lockdown as officers investigate "unsubstantiated threats" at Denton High School and Ryan High School, police said. There are large police presences at both campuses as an abundance of caution.
Police are working to determine the credibility of the threat. Police are asking people to avoid the areas so that officers can work.
The lockdown was lifted at Guyer High School, as well as the lockouts at Calhoun Middle School and Newton Rayzor Elementary.
Searches inside the buildings are ongoing, police said at about 11 a.m.
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2022-01-19T18:25:17Z
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www.wfaa.com
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3 Denton high schools placed on lockdown as police investigate | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/3-denton-high-schools-lockdown-police-investigate-unsubstantiated-threats-ryan-guyer/287-bb118c6b-3dcc-4f8a-8641-c1a6c0949fee
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/3-denton-high-schools-lockdown-police-investigate-unsubstantiated-threats-ryan-guyer/287-bb118c6b-3dcc-4f8a-8641-c1a6c0949fee
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Hospitalizations jumped from 4,014 patients on Monday to the record mark Tuesday.
DALLAS — The North Texas region set a new record for most COVID-19 hospitalizations, with 4,180 patients on Tuesday, though patients decreased on Wednesday, according state data and local officials.
Hospitalizations jumped from 4,014 patients on Monday to the record mark Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council reported 4,082 patients with COVID-19.
"We are glad to see this decrease, but one day is certainly not a trend so we will carefully monitor the volume the remainder of this week," Stephen Love, president of the hospital council, said in his daily update.
COVID-19 patients account for about 27% of all patients in North Texas hospitals, according to Love. North Texas has 162 children hospitalized with COVID-19, an increase of 10 patients from Tuesday.
Overall, the region has 42 intensive care beds available.
"Our number one concern is staffing as our healthcare heroes are fatigued and we need additional staffing for all our patients," Love said.
Hospitalizations had surged in recent weeks, more than quadrupling in North Texas over the last month. Hospitalizations in North Texas were at 809 patients on Dec. 18.
Statewide, hospitalizations jumped to 12,905 on Tuesday, below the pandemic record but up 322% in the last month.
A sliver of good news for Texas is that the state's seven-day average positivity rate has ticked down slightly each of the last six days, from 35.39% on Jan. 12 to 33.70% on Tuesday.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD shuts down for 2 days
Tarrant County reports 4 COVID-19 deaths
Tarrant County health officials reported four COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday.
The victims were a man in his 90s from Grapevine, a man in his 80s from Fort Worth, a woman in her 80s from Bedford and a woman in her 60s from Fort Worth. All had underlying health conditions, officials said.
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2022-01-19T23:03:18Z
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COVID-19 updates: Latest North Texas hospitalization numbers | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-numbers/covid-19-coronavirus-updates-north-texas-dfw-january-19-2022/287-2dfe8585-a041-4320-9afd-4d2a0f549f23
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One cold night in the beginning of January, officials from the mosque say Akram showed up, and appeared 'emotionally unstable.'
IRVING, Texas — Day-by-day, we’re learning more details about the Colleyville hostage-taker's time in the Dallas area - what was he doing and who was in contact with - in the days leading up to the hours-long standoff with authorities on Jan. 15.
Malik Faisal Akram, a British national, was killed around 9 p.m. Saturday, after authorities say he held four people from Congregation Beth Israel, including the synagogue's rabbi, hostage for nearly 12 hours.
These are questions the FBI and several other international agencies are trying to figure out now.
We now know he spent some time at a mosque in Irving.
Just four miles away from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport sits the Islamic center of Irving.
One cold night in the beginning of January, officials from the mosque say Akram showed up.
“He looked like he was homeless,” described Khalid Hamida, the attorney for the Center. "He was mulling around asking if he could spend time in the mosque, prayer hall."
Hamida said Akram asked if he could spend the night there, but Hamida said that goes against their bylaws to allow people to stay overnight. According to the staff at the Islamic center, Akram got mad.
“He looked emotionally unstable," Hamida recounted.
"It was like you turn the light on - went from normal to rude,” he added.
A source told WFAA Akram then, at some point, went to a nearby Irving motel to spend the night.
As the FBI continues to backtrack Akram’s every move from the U.K. to the United States, retired Dallas FBI agent Danny Defenbaugh said local and international investigators will be focused on who Akram was with, and whether they are possibly "involved in some type of cell activity."
"Any organized activity of other individuals who may be with Akram, and maybe planning or conspiring to have another incident," explained Defenbaugh, who was the inspector in charge of the Oklahoma City Bombing investigation. "So (the FBI) would be able to thwart another type of incident before it happened."
Defenbaugh said he suspects authorities willy likely go back through Akram’s past, possibly up to the time he went to school, to see who he was associated with.
Malik Faisal Akram spent time at a local mosque in Irving.
He stayed for a prayer service,&asked to spend the night there.
A former longtime FBI agent says, authorities are looking at Akram’s past. Who else was he associated with?@wfaa pic.twitter.com/Oumj1HhN9H
Meanwhile, the Islamic Center said it is combing through video to get the specifics as to what time Akram arrived and if anyone dropped him off to help authorities with their investigation.
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2022-01-20T02:06:28Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Colleyville hostage standoff suspect turned away by Irving mosque | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/colleyville-hostage-taker-spent-time-irving-mosque/287-e8df8325-74ae-48ea-be4e-9f803299fe7a
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/colleyville-hostage-taker-spent-time-irving-mosque/287-e8df8325-74ae-48ea-be4e-9f803299fe7a
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Princeton ISD to close campuses
Princeton ISD, located off 380 between McKinney and Farmersville, said it will have to close its campuses for the next three days because of the rise in COVID cases in the district.
Schools and offices will be closed from Friday, Jan. 21 to Tuesday, 25. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
The announcement comes just days after both Grapevine-Colleyville and Weatherford ISDs reported they would also have to close because of the number of illnesses and quarantining students and staff.
Officials with the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council said there are now 4,171 patients in Trauma Service Area E who have COVID. That's an increase of 89 patients from the day before.
The region now has 59 adult ICU beds available, and COVID patients account for nearly half (47%) of all adult ICU patients.
As for pediatric hospitalizations, there are currently 166 pediatric patients - an increase of four from the day before.
Denton reports more than 4,000 new COVID cases
Denton County Public Health confirmed 4,036 new and active cases of COVID-19 within the county, bringing the total number of cases to 143,171 during the pandemic.
Tarrant County health officials said 18 more people have died from COVID-19. Among those who died are:
A man from unincorporated Tarrant County in his 80s
A woman from Arlington in her 80s
A man from Bedford in his 80s
A woman from Azle in her 70s
A woman and two men from Fort Worth in their 70s
A woman from Mansfield in her 70s
A man and a woman from Arlington in their 60s
A man from Grand Prairie in his 60s
A woman and a man from Arlington in their 40s
A woman from Fort Worth in her 30s.
All had underlying health conditions, officials said.
Tarrant County has now had 5,144 people die from the COVID-19 virus.
Free vaccine event for DeSoto ISD
DeSoto ISD along with Baylor Scott & White will be hosting a pair of vaccine clinics available for the school community on two upcoming Saturdays.
First, second and booster doses of the Pfizer vaccines will be administered at the DeSoto High School ninth grade gymnasium, and will be available for those ages 12 and up.
620 S. Westmoreland Road
DeSoto, TX 75115
Saturday, Jan. 29 from 9 - 11 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m.
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2022-01-21T02:47:12Z
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www.wfaa.com
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North Texas COVID news for Jan. 20, 2022 | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-numbers/north-texas-covid-news-jan-20-2022/287-81a9419f-576c-4735-8bbf-66b400705e18
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-numbers/north-texas-covid-news-jan-20-2022/287-81a9419f-576c-4735-8bbf-66b400705e18
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While the game itself was disappointing enough, it was Prescott's comments afterward that drew sharp criticism.
DALLAS — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been slapped with a $25,000 fine, according to a report by ESPN, after he appeared to cosign the actions of upset fans who threw trash and bottles at refs after Dallas' sloppy loss to the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday.
News of the fine was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Cowboys collapsed in a blunder-filled afternoon at AT&T Stadium, as the visiting San Francisco 49ers escaped with a 23-17 win on NFL's Wild Card Weekend.
After it initially seemed like Prescott thought a reporter was stating trash was thrown on the field in regards to the team losing, reporters corrected him, saying trash was thrown at refs. Prescott then responded, "credit to them then."
Prescott later walked back those comments, apologizing, writing on Twitter that he "deeply" regretted his comments.
"I was caught up in the emotion of a disappointing loss loss and my words were uncalled for and unfair."
"I'm just wavering now with Dak. I just saw regression as the season went on, and that's a disappointment at $40 million a year.".
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2022-01-21T04:23:34Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dak Prescott fined for 'credit to them' postgame comments | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/report-cowboys-qb-dak-prescott-fined-for-comments-refs-after-playoff-loss/287-107b58ea-6a66-41af-a951-ba9cef1d0cf7
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/report-cowboys-qb-dak-prescott-fined-for-comments-refs-after-playoff-loss/287-107b58ea-6a66-41af-a951-ba9cef1d0cf7
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Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson declared Saturday "South Oak Cliff Day" in honor of the Golden Bears historic title.
DALLAS — South Oak Cliff became the first Dallas ISD football team to win a state championship in more than 60 years. And now they're getting their own day on the calendar -- and a parade to celebrate.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson declared Saturday "South Oak Cliff Day" in honor of the Golden Bears' historic title, which they earned in a December with a win over Liberty Hill at AT&T Stadium.
On Saturday morning, more than 20 Dallas ISD schools, bands and drill teams will participate in a downtown parade for South Oak Cliff.
The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Pearl and Main in downtown and will proceed up Main, before looping around to City Hall.
At 12:45 p.m., city and state officials will hold a program at City Hall to cap off the festivities.
You can watch the program live in the video player above.
Mayor Johnson and U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson will be on hand, and Eddie Bernice Johnson will be the grand marshal.
Road closures will include Main Street from Good Latimer to Griffin Street, Griffin from Main to Young Street and Young Street from Griffin to Akard.
South Oak Cliff's championship marked Dallas ISD's first UIL title since 1950.
The win was also the city's first statewide honors since Booker T. Washington High School's state title in the pre-integration Prairie View Interscholastic League in 1958.
In clinching SOC's first ever state title in football, the Golden Bears -- whose defense alone featured three players carrying on a bloodline legacy from the last Dallas ISD team to win a state title -- also helped their their head coach Jason Todd become the first Black high school coach from the Dallas area to lead a team to that feat since 1990.
At celebration, South Oak Cliff's state title seen as win for school - and the city of Dallas
South Oak Cliff football team celebrates UIL state championship with parade and celebration
South Oak Cliff makes history with first state championship. Here's how it happened
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2022-01-22T15:38:55Z
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South Oak Cliff championship parade in Dallas: Where and when | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/high-school/hs-football/its-south-oak-cliff-day-in-dallas-isd-watch-the-golden-bears-football-celebration-here/287-5158077b-bb92-4758-84f2-1a26a38d6526
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/high-school/hs-football/its-south-oak-cliff-day-in-dallas-isd-watch-the-golden-bears-football-celebration-here/287-5158077b-bb92-4758-84f2-1a26a38d6526
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PLANO, Texas — Editor's note: The above video originally aired on Jan. 14, when Rhodes was taken into custody.
A detention hearing was held Monday for the reported founder of the Oath Keepers, the far-right militia group the FBI says organized attacks at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
But ahead of fellow Oath Keeper entering the courtroom, along with other Capitol rioters, prosecutors said their alleged leader, Rhodes, was sending the following text and chat messages:
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2022-01-24T23:24:10Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Oath Keeper founder in court for role in Jan. 6 US Capitol attack | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/detention-hearing-for-oath-keeper-founder-stewart-rhodes-in-jan-6-capitol-attack/287-7801539d-b1a4-4229-a1aa-95a28830b1fc
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/detention-hearing-for-oath-keeper-founder-stewart-rhodes-in-jan-6-capitol-attack/287-7801539d-b1a4-4229-a1aa-95a28830b1fc
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"Are you available to sub tomorrow?" Tobi Bray recalls the text messages she routinely receives from teachers she knows. She tells WFAA teachers are stretched thin.
DALLAS — Tobi Bobo Bray first started teaching in 1984 in East Texas and would continue teaching until 2009, when she retired. She would return to the classroom just six years later to substitute and never really looked back.
As an experienced and retired teacher, Tobi Bray still felt "the call" to return for the children.
"Kids are our future. We have to take care of kids and we have to take care of our teachers," said Bray.
She says in her nearly four decades of teaching she has never seen a teaching environment like this one -- in a pandemic coupled with a teacher shortage.
"Are you available to sub tomorrow? Are you available to sub Friday?" she recalls the text messages she routinely receives from teachers she knows. She tells WFAA that these teachers are stretched thin.
"I've never seen anything like the scenario right now," said Tim Lee who is executive director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association or TRTA, a non-profit. "I think one in five [retired teachers] are probably thinking about [coming back]," he said.
Bray is one of 95,000 members with TRTA and one of many retirees who have returned. The decision to return is not a simple one, according to Lee.
Lee points to the legislative and administrative environment retirees are currently entering into. Retirees are navigating through district surcharges and consequences against their pensions for returning.
"A lot of our folks are telling us there are hurdles that are difficult to get over in the current emergency situation. If they're retired less than 12 months there are other cost consequences that they may have to incur," said Lee.
There is certainly no shortage for work in districts across the D-FW Metroplex. Bray only subs for Richardson ISD and can only speak for that district alone.
Bray showed WFAA an app that tracks the teacher vacancies. Dates that are marked in green signify there is a vacancy. Most all of February is "greened out."
"There's a big need there and those are kids that need a teacher. I don't remember seeing it solid green like this," said Bray.
Bray chooses the days she works and where she works and she encourages other retirees to return.
She also encourages retired teachers to join TRTA and increase its membership. She believes increased membership is the precursor for positive change for retirees at the legislative level.
"It is the most rewarding job there is," she said.
An opportunity to renew the oath some took long ago in the biggest time of need.
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2022-01-25T05:31:34Z
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One answer to Texas teacher shortage? Retired educators | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/retired-teachers-one-answer-to-texas-teacher-shortages/287-6951c78b-c72e-4879-b2ad-788ca418a7d9
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/retired-teachers-one-answer-to-texas-teacher-shortages/287-6951c78b-c72e-4879-b2ad-788ca418a7d9
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Common Desk, founded in 2012, has expanded to serve 4,000 customers at nearly two dozen locales.
Credit: Courtesy of Getty Images
Author: Brian Womack (Dallas Business Journal), Dallas Business Journal
WeWork is acquiring a North Texas co-working company.
The well-known New York firm has signed a deal for Common Desk, which has sites throughout the Dallas area and beyond, the companies said on Tuesday.
Common Desk, founded in 2012, has expanded to serve 4,000 customers at nearly two dozen locales. With the deal, it will operate under the name “Common Desk, a WeWork Company," the statement said.
"Over the course of the past several months, I’ve gotten to know WeWork, its CEO — Sandeep Mathrani — and the entire executive leadership team," CEO Nick Clark told the Dallas Business Journal. "This time has led me to see that WeWork is an organization with values that align with Common Desk. After spending so much time with the leaders of WeWork and establishing relationships with everyone I’ve met, I wholeheartedly trust that Sandeep and his executive leadership team will be great partners to take us into this next phase of Common Desk."
Go here to continue reading this story from our partners at the Dallas Business Journal
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2022-01-25T18:37:18Z
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WeWork acquiring DFW co-working company Common Desk | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/money/business/wework-acquiring-dfw-co-working-company-common-desk/287-720936bb-f790-42d0-9d9c-f5b2c9cfe9c1
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/money/business/wework-acquiring-dfw-co-working-company-common-desk/287-720936bb-f790-42d0-9d9c-f5b2c9cfe9c1
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In the September incident, the man, 18-year-old Estevan Ramirez, allegedly pointed a gun at officers during a chase, officials said at the time. Granado was placed on administrative leave during the investigation, but he resigned on Dec. 1, before the case was submitted to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office on Dec. 22.
Manoushagian said Granado resigned on his own. It was unclear Tuesday if that case had been submitted to a grand jury, which would decide to indict him or not.
Now, Manoushagian is holding a news conference at 3 p.m. Tuesday to address both the lawsuit and the September shooting. Manoushagian did not address the September shooting Granado was involved in during Monday's press conference about the lawsuit.
"Everybody bailed out," Manoushagian said. "Literally went all different directions."
Only one officer shot at the suspect, Manoushagian said.
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2022-01-25T20:26:39Z
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Texas officer who hit man with SUV later shot man on duty: Police | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/lake-worth-police-officer-who-struck-man-with-patrol-suv-later-fatally-shot-another-man-fort-worth-chief-says/287-823e0e9c-77d5-484d-8a77-c616691827ab
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/lake-worth-police-officer-who-struck-man-with-patrol-suv-later-fatally-shot-another-man-fort-worth-chief-says/287-823e0e9c-77d5-484d-8a77-c616691827ab
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The officer had previously been under investigation in two other incidents.
DALLAS — A Dallas police officer who was seen in a viral video punching a man in Deep Ellum over the summer has been terminated from the department, police confirm.
That officer, Melvin Williams, was fired by Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia following an administrative hearing, according to the department. A criminal investigation into the officer's involvement in the incident is still ongoing.
RELATED: Dallas officer on leave after video shows him punching man outside Deep Ellum bar
Williams, a SWAT officer, had previously been under investigation in connection to his actions in the Deep Ellum incident and two other cases during which two separate people were shot with sponge rounds during the 2020 summer protests.
Previous investigations
Williams was reportedly working off-duty at the Off the Cuff Bar on Elm Street in July 2021 when he was captured on video punching a man at least five times while responding to a large fight in Deep Ellum.
Two other officers intervened to break up the fight.
Williams was placed on leave after the incident and an investigation was launched, but it was not the first time the officer had been investigated for use of force.
In one of the cases, 21-year-old Vincent Doyle was shot in the head with a sponge round, cutting him in the eye and leaving him with limited vision.
In the other case, Brandon Saenz had to have his eye removed after he was shot in the face with a 40 mm sponge round.
RELATED: Dallas police officer seen punching man on viral video currently under two other use of force investigations
Attorney Daryl Washington is representing both Doyle and Saenz in a federal lawsuit.
"He's not someone who should be wearing a badge and have a gun in his possession,” Washington said of Williams.
Questions had been raised about why Williams was not on restricted duty while under investigation for those use of force cases.
"If they have that much anger and they can't de-escalate situations then they should not be a police officer,” Washington said.
Chief Garcia declined a request for comment on the termination.
Rebecca Lopez and Addie Haney contributed to this report.
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2022-01-25T23:51:05Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Dallas police officer seen punching man in viral video fired | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-police-officer-punching-man-viral-video-deep-ellum-fired/287-4a35260f-5a5f-4dab-9d07-8f66230b31ca
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-police-officer-punching-man-viral-video-deep-ellum-fired/287-4a35260f-5a5f-4dab-9d07-8f66230b31ca
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Our new Young Street studio will make its bow during the 6 p.m. newscast on Tuesday, February 1. But our reporters have a sneak peek to share with audiences now.
DALLAS — After 15 years at Victory Park, WFAA's newscasts are returning home to our headquarters on Young Street in Downtown Dallas.
Over the past few months, the space traditionally known as "Studio C" within our home offices has been renovated into the most innovative and visually striking multimedia studio in the market -- and, at an estimated cost of $850,000, it better be.
When the new set debuts during our 6 p.m. broadcast on Tuesday, Feb. 1, every WFAA franchise you've come to know and love -- Daybreak, Good Morning Texas, our weather forecasts, our sports reports and our daily midday, evening and 10 o'clock news broadcasts -- will enjoy refreshed, new looks that take advantage of the extremely flexible, bi-level space.
The main anchor desk will likely be the first area audiences will see in a newscast. Its surrounding by a large LED back wall and a multi-position desk to give viewers a familiar, yet fresh take on local news presentation.
But the new look doesn’t stop there.
Pete Delkus and the WFAA Weather team will utilize a state-of-the-art area of their own that's been jam-packed with all the technology our meteorologists need to keep you and your family safe in the event of severe weather.
There's a loft space, too, as well as a dedicated desk just for our Daybreak morning show team. Meanwhile, high-resolution LED screen walls and dynamic lighting installations line nearly every available inch of wall surface throughout the space.
All combined, these elements around the facility will shape the look and feel for a new era of WFAA programming.
And, as the video at the top of this article showcases, you can bet our team is excited to share the space with you -- even now, before the space makes its formal debut in just a few days' time.
We can't wait for you to see these new digs in action!
Bye, Victory Park! WFAA is moving to an innovative, new studio
The Beatles visited Dallas only once. And they were 'here to work,' cowboy hats and all
Did you see that impressive drone shot on 'Hard Knocks'? Producer shares how it was done
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2022-01-25T23:51:17Z
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www.wfaa.com
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WFAA's new, innovative studio to debut on February | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/wfaas-new-innovative-young-street-studio-to-debut-february-1-at-6pm/287-43f6a03c-6104-499c-a4c3-a09b42a916bb
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/wfaas-new-innovative-young-street-studio-to-debut-february-1-at-6pm/287-43f6a03c-6104-499c-a4c3-a09b42a916bb
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The 16-page document includes data as of January 20-21.
DALLAS — UT Southwestern updated its COVID forecasting report Monday, saying “new cases may have peaked locally this past week.”
The 16-page document includes data as of Jan. 20-21. UT Southwestern reports its “forecasted peaks have been revised downward due to slower growth in hospitalizations and plateaus in test positivity rates.”
“These positive developments are likely attributable to recent increases in masking and decreases in mobility, which may indicate a significant number of people are quarantining or isolating themselves due to exposures or symptoms, curbing onward transmission,” according to the UT Southwestern report.
The updated report also said "hospital admissions for COVID-19 are plateauing at high levels across most age groups and counties in the DFW area."
On Tuesday, Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said the county reported 100,000 COVID cases in the last three-and-a-half weeks. Later this week, the county’s pandemic total will surpass half a million.
“Let that sink in for a minute,” Taneja said during his presentation to county commissioners Tuesday. “Over the last two years, one-fourth of Tarrant County has come down ill with COVID.”
Page 11 of UT Southwestern's COVID Forecast Model (Updated Jan 24 2022)
The highly-contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus represents nearly 100% of positive tests studied at UT Southwestern.
Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Philip Huang addressed reaching the “peak” during Tuesday’s county commissioners meeting.
He said the county is “starting to see some turnaround in the numbers,” including a decline in emergency department visits in the last 24 hours for suspected and confirmed COVID-19. At the same time, “these levels that we’re seeing are still at record highs compared to the entire pandemic,” Dr. Huang added.
“It’s good that we’re starting to turn the corner and reach the peak, but a reminder that we’re at some of these record levels, still, now,” Dr. Huang said.
Dallas County remains in the "red" COVID-19 threat level.
“How many weeks until we get back to relatively low numbers of cases, assuming that we don’t get another wave of a new (variant) right on top of this?” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins asked Dr. Huang Tuesday.
“We’re thinking probably five to six more weeks in that we would get down to levels where we were before Omicron,” Dr. Huang responded.
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2022-01-26T01:29:03Z
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www.wfaa.com
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UT Southwestern COVID model: Cases may have peaked | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/new-cases-peaked-locally-ut-southwestern-covid-forecast-model/287-e3c421d1-aa60-4f6a-9c25-819aea1c93df
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/new-cases-peaked-locally-ut-southwestern-covid-forecast-model/287-e3c421d1-aa60-4f6a-9c25-819aea1c93df
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The community donated over 1,000 socks. As a result, each pre-K through 3rd grade student received three pairs of socks each, the district said.
Credit: FWISD
FORT WORTH, Texas — Over 250 students at Kirkpatrick Elementary in Fort Worth received donated shoes and socks Tuesday morning.
National nonprofit Operation Warm provided the shoes, thanks to a donation by the Sid W. Richardson Foundation.
“That’s something that we’ve noticed firsthand,” Kirkpatrick Elementary Principal Nancy Atkinson told WFAA on Jan. 8. “We were like, ‘Why aren’t our kiddos wearing sock?”
RELATED: Want to help? Where to donate coats and socks during these cold North Texas winter days
“We have a large population of students who are economically disadvantaged, so any way that we can help our students, we want to help them any way that we can,” said Atkinson.
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2022-01-26T03:06:24Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Fort Worth ISD elementary students gifted shoes and socks | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/over-250-fort-worth-elementary-students-receive-shoes-socks-thanks-to-donations/287-9e95375a-92f5-41cd-9cf1-b9993679a1d3
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/over-250-fort-worth-elementary-students-receive-shoes-socks-thanks-to-donations/287-9e95375a-92f5-41cd-9cf1-b9993679a1d3
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Health officials also announced 23 new COVID-19 deaths, which ranged in age from an Arlington man in his 40s to two Arlington women in their 80s.
TEXAS, USA — Tarrant County Public Health reported Wednesday there are currently 1,344 people hospitalized with COVID-19. There were 1,339 hospitalizations the previous day.
There have now been 5,197 total deaths in the county since tracking began in March 2020.
There were also 8,686 new COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday. There have been 507,026 total cases since tracking began in March 2020.
There have been 3,213,566 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered in Tarrant County, according to health officials.
There were 503 new COVID-19 cases in Collin County Wednesday, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. There were 1,130 cases reported Tuesday.
Denton County health officials report 2 new deaths
Denton County Public Health reported two new COVID-19 deaths, which included a man in his 50s who was a resident of unincorporated southwest Denton County and a Hickory Creek man in his 80s.
There have now been 774 total deaths in the county since tracking began in March 2020.
Health officials also reported 2,439 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday. There have now been 157,735 total cases in the county since tracking began in March 2020.
Hospitalizations in the state have remained above 13,000 hospitalizations for seven consecutive days.
This is the first time this reported daily statistic has been below 30,000 since Dec. 31, 2021.
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2022-01-27T02:37:11Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Tarrant County health officials report 1,344 hospitalizations | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/covid-19-updates-tarrant-county-health-officials-report-1344-hospitalizations-january-26-2022/287-a704b3b6-4661-4a88-81c6-98d49d1eeb74
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/covid-19-updates-tarrant-county-health-officials-report-1344-hospitalizations-january-26-2022/287-a704b3b6-4661-4a88-81c6-98d49d1eeb74
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Stop loss orders, stop-limit orders and trailing stop orders might help you to stop constantly logging in and obsessing over your investments in a turbulent market.
Credit: joyfotoliakid - stock.adobe.com
Investment stock market entrepreneur discussing and analysis graph stock market trading
TEXAS, USA — It seems like when the stock market goes upside down, sideways and backwards, experts say if you’re in it for the long term, just leave it alone. And they have a point.
Over the long arc of time, the market has steadily risen. But after a recent steep drop, one former financial advisor said something different.
The advisor said maybe you should consider selling some of your stock, but that it is important to at least figure out now how low you are willing to let a stock drop before it makes you uncomfortable.
So, this is a good starting point for a new year-long series of reports called “Right on the Money: How 2 in ’22," where WFAA will share “how-to” information about a variety of money-related topics.
The stock market is always rollercoaster, but lately, the thrill ride has been especially wild, with some precipitous drops.
If you are an amateur investor, and you have been constantly logging into your account to figure out what to do about your stocks, especially on down days, it might be a good idea to consider the types of trades you have been making.
Have you limited yourself to market orders? Perhaps you usually select that when asked what type of stock order you’d like to make. In some cases, “market order”, may be automatically selected by default. This kind of order will usually be filled immediately after you confirm a trade.
Stop loss orders
If you have bought shares and you are constantly worried about how much they might fall before you have to intervene and place a market order to sell those shares, a stop loss order may be a useful tool.
This kind of order lets you decide how much pain you are willing to take before you choose to dump your position in a stock.
Let’s say you own a stock valued at $10 apiece. Will you be okay if it goes down to $9.50 per share? $9.33 per share? Maybe $8.99 per share?
Find the price that might make you blurt out “stop it from falling anymore!” That can be your stop price.
To set that, you can go into your brokerage account and opt to sell that stock. You choose the quantity you would like to sell and choose to do it as a stop loss order. You will be prompted to set your stop price (again, that’s the lowest price you would want to tolerate before deciding to sell the stock).
Let’s say you set your stop price at $8.99. If the stock falls from $10 down to $8.99 or below, it triggers an order to sell your shares.
But this is not a foolproof protection from further losses. Sometimes, stocks go into a rapid freefall.
What if the stock plunges from $10 to $5 in a matter instantly?
Even though the automatic order to sell your shares had triggered at $8.99, by the time that order actually executes, the stock may have already plunged to $5, leaving you with greater losses than you had planned.
Stop-limit and trailing stop orders
There is also a stop-limit order. This one works a lot like a stop loss order, but also allows you to choose a limit–where you specify the stock will only be bought or sold at a price you choose (or better).
And there are trailing stop orders. These are stop orders that can keep adjusting as the stock moves up or down.
The Securities and Exchange Commission describes it like this:
1. You buy XYZ stock at $20 per share.
2. XYZ rises to $22.
3. You place a sell trailing stop order with a trailing stop price of $1 below the market price.
4. As long as the price moves in your favor (i.e., increases, because here you are looking to sell it), your trailing stop price will stay $1 below the market price.
5. The price of XYZ peaks at $24 then starts to drop (not in your favor). Your trailing stop price will remain at $23.
6. Shares are sold when XYZ reaches $23, though the execution price may deviate from $23.
That and more information on stop loss, stop-limit, and trailing stop orders from the SEC can be found here.
Here is even more information on stop loss orders, stop-limit orders, and trailing stop orders.
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2022-01-27T04:13:28Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Stock market amateur: Consider theses types of trades | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/money/business/right-on-the-money/right-on-the-money-how-2-in-22-amateur-investor-tips/287-3e7dc3f5-b52f-431c-a8ea-c5e10b3834e3
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/money/business/right-on-the-money/right-on-the-money-how-2-in-22-amateur-investor-tips/287-3e7dc3f5-b52f-431c-a8ea-c5e10b3834e3
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UT Southwestern confirmed two cases of BA.2 in North Texas, a new mutation of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
DALLAS — UT Southwestern confirmed two cases of BA.2 in North Texas Thursday, a new mutation of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Researchers identified these BA.2 cases through genomic sequencing. Medical experts have to analyze the genetic traits of BA.2 closely in order to diagnose it, which is why some refer to this new mutation as “stealth omicron.”
“You have to do genome sequencing to identify it,” Baylor University Medical Center infectious disease physician Dr. Mezgebe Berhe said. “Any of the PCR studies, by the way, would be positive. Any of the rapid tests would be positive because they target multiple segments of the virus.”
The state’s first two cases of this subvariant were detected at Houston Methodist last week.
Dr. Wesley Long leads the genome sequencing lab. “Stealth omicron is similarly contagious maybe slightly more contagious, but we don’t have any reason to believe it’s any more severe,” Long said.
Medical experts agree more research is needed to learn more about BA.2.
“There is concern that it may be either more transmissible or maybe evading the current immune responses from vaccines and from natural infections,” Dr. Berhe said. “It may be more evasive, but we don't know. We're still waiting for additional data.”
The World Health Organization classifies omicron overall as a variant of concern, its most serious designation of a coronavirus mutant, but it doesn’t single out BA.2 with a designation of its own.
“Variants are not new. There will always be variants because there is still an ongoing transmission,” Dr. Berhe. “This should not distract us from what could be life-saving: Vaccination, boosting seems to help very much because many of our patients in the hospital with complicated disease are unvaccinated.”
Answering your questions about the Moderna vaccine
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2022-01-28T01:42:39Z
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www.wfaa.com
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2 cases of 'stealth omicron' variant detected in North Texas | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/stealth-omicron-variant-detected-in-north-texas/287-23e1b2f6-a6fd-4175-a453-6f7555b92de1
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/stealth-omicron-variant-detected-in-north-texas/287-23e1b2f6-a6fd-4175-a453-6f7555b92de1
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In hopes of curbing the illegal activity, the Texas DMV said it will be limiting the number of temporary tags available to dealers.
AUSTIN, Texas — In an effort to crack down on the unlawful use of temporary tags across the state, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles held a special board meeting this week to decide what responses it could take.
In a news release issued on Friday, the DMV said it was hoping to address an issue brought to its attention earlier this week involving people obtaining vehicle dealer licenses in order to fraudulently issue temporary tags throughout the state.
The DMV said it was believed that some of those tags were also being used for illegal activities or were sold on social media.
In hopes of curbing the illegal activity, the DMV will be limiting the number of temporary tags available to dealers, as well as "denying bad actors access to the temporary tag database as soon as fraudulent activity has been identified," the department said.
The DMV cited House Bill 3927, which went into effect Sept. 1, 2021, for the ability to enact the changes. According to the DMV, the new law gives the department legal authorization to "take swifter action" in regards to addressing the illegal use of temporary tags.
"These tools will reduce the ability of criminals to print unlimited numbers of temporary tags for illegal purposes while ensuring legitimate dealers retain full access to temporary tags needed to support vehicle sales," the DMV said in its news release.
KBMT in Beaumont reported in October 2021 that temporary paper tags were a growing concern in the southeastern area of the state. The Vidor Police Department claimed about seven out of 10 paper tags on Interstate 10 were fake.
The DMV also said in its new release that department staff members were directed to look into ways of enhancing the identification process for dealer license applications.
According to the DMV, staff will be looking into the ability to use fingerprinting during the approval process.
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2022-01-29T00:54:22Z
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www.wfaa.com
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Texas DMV addresses increased illegal use of temporary tags | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-dmv-takes-decisive-action-crack-down-fraudulent-use-of-temporary-tags/287-0f9896c3-9a01-41d1-8b67-0c99cc76f4b9
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-dmv-takes-decisive-action-crack-down-fraudulent-use-of-temporary-tags/287-0f9896c3-9a01-41d1-8b67-0c99cc76f4b9
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The number of students who tested positive for that week is more than double the previous record high set the week ending Sept. 5.
DALLAS — Quick glance at state numbers
Daily New Cases: 30,892
Daily New Deaths: 225
Current Hospitalizations: 13,023
Public schools logged more than 110,000 COVID cases in 1 week
Public schools in Texas reported more than 110,000 COVID cases in one week. However, the actual number of COVID cases may be higher; the health department says hundreds of districts across the state aren't sending reports.
Data available from the week ending Jan. 16 shows more than 87,000 students and more than 23,000 staff tested positive for the virus.
The number of students who tested positive for that week is more than double the previous record high of more than 43,500 cases, set the week ending Sept. 5.
Data from the week ending in Jan. 23 shows a combined more than 77,000 students and staff tested positive for the virus, down from the previous week. Several school districts closed campuses to students and staff for several days between Jan. 16 and Jan. 23.
According to data, there have been 190,013 student cases reported in the first three weeks of school after winter break (Jan. 2-Jan. 23):
Jan. 2: 2,132 cases
Jan. 9: 41,263 cases
Jan. 16: 87,268 cases
Hospitalizations for Region E
Health officials with the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council say they are "optimistic" that hospitalizations in Trauma Service Area E, which serves much of North Texas, are leveling off.
In its report Friday, officials said they are seeing a downward trend in adult COVID hospitalizations, pointing to the decrease in hospitalizations from more than 4,100 last week, to the roughly 3,600 reported Friday.
Officials said they're also seeing a plateau in pediatric hospitalizations, too.
Current number of adult patients with COVID: 3,633, a 222 decrease from the day before.
COVID patients account for nearly a quarter (25%) of available bed capacity
Current staffed adult ICU beds available: 54
Current number of pediatric hospitalizations: 137, a decrease of six from the day before.
3 deaths reported in Denton County
Denton County Public Health (DCPH) reported three more people have died from COVID, bringing the total to 777.
Today’s reported COVID deaths include:
A male in his 70s who was a resident of Hickory Creek
A male over 80 who was a resident of Brookdale Lewisville
A female in her 70s who was a resident of The Colony
The county also reported 1,408 new and active cases of COVID-19 in Denton County, bringing the cumulative, countywide total to 160,096 cases.
Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) reported 24 COVID-19 deaths. All except one had underlying health conditions, officials said. Tarrant County now has 5,247 confirmed deaths from the COVID-19 virus.
The county also reported more than 3,900 new cases, brining the total number of cases for the county throughout the pandemic to more than 517,200.
The county's test positivity rate from the most recent date (Jan. 25) currently stands at around 35%, which is down from the peak of more than 41% recorded on Jan. 15.
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2022-01-29T02:25:30Z
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www.wfaa.com
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COVID news for North Texas for January 28, 2022 | wfaa.com
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-numbers/covid-updates-public-schools-110000-cases-1-week/287-a129e5e4-1092-46e9-9ca7-38ad9f1b043a
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-numbers/covid-updates-public-schools-110000-cases-1-week/287-a129e5e4-1092-46e9-9ca7-38ad9f1b043a
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