More than 300 community members gathered Thursday, June 25, to celebrate the official grand opening of Jericho Village, a milestone years in the making that city leaders and organizers say will provide not only affordable housing for the resident but also hope and long-term support.

Located at 511 W. Brown St., Jericho Village is Wylie’s first income-based urban housing village. The 38-unit development is a project of Plano-based Agape Resource & Assistance Center, founded by CEO Janet Collinsworth to help women and families transition from homelessness, domestic violence and human trafficking. The community offers studio to three-bedroom apartments, including ADA-accessible units, along with on-site education, counseling and other wraparound services that promote long-term stability.

The celebration featured food trucks, face painting, a Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from civic and community leaders marking the project’s significance.

Serving as master of ceremonies, Hope for the Cities Executive Director Jon Bailey praised the perseverance of Agape founder and CEO Janet Collinsworth, noting that many people in attendance had watched the vision evolve from an idea into reality.

“It has been such a privilege to have walked alongside her, to have prayed with her, to encourage, to be challenged and to be inspired,” Bailey said. “So many of you today are inspired by who she is and what she has been able to accomplish.”

Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter recalled one of his first meetings after taking office, when he was introduced to the Jericho Village concept.

Porter said the name of Agape immediately resonated with him because of a family heirloom bearing the same Greek word, which represents unconditional love.

“That is exactly what we are called to do as a community,” Porter said. “To take care of everyone, not just one specific type of person, not just one group of people that vote for you. You’re supposed to care for everyone within that community.”

He said Jericho Village represents more than affordable apartments because residents will receive services designed to help them build lasting stability.

“It means it’s not a Band-Aid solution of just a roof over the head for today with no thoughts for tomorrow,” Porter said. “Instead, those services provide a new opportunity for generational uplifting.”

A congressional recognition from Keith Self was presented during the ceremony, commending Collinsworth, along with those of Agape Resources, and the many community partners who helped bring the vision to life.

“Jericho Village stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when compassion is spirited action,” the inscription read. “The opportunities created through this community will strengthen families, foster independence and provide hope to those who need it.”

Taking the podium, Collinsworth thanked the hundreds of volunteers, donors, churches, board members and community partners who supported the project, but first directed the crowd’s attention elsewhere.

“Without God, we would not be here,” she said. “It was a calling for each and every one of us to serve our neighbors and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Collinsworth reminded attendees that they are part of the change, referring to Ghandi’s “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“We collectively — all of us, each one of us here — we’re in the hope business,” she said. “We do that by standing in the gap for our friends and our neighbors that struggle each and every day just to have a roof.”

Agape Chief of Staff Christin Mixon reflected on watching the property transform from “a flat piece of ground” into a community made possible by volunteers, churches, businesses and civic organizations.

“What you see around you today is the result of prayer, generosity and partnerships,” Mixon said. “But today is not the finish line. In a lot of ways, today is the starting line. The opening of Jericho Village represents the beginning of a new chapter and a larger vision.”

Collinsworth emphasized that the housing itself is only one part of the organization’s mission.

“The secret to transforming lives is not a roof,” she said …“The secret sauce is really the wraparound services. It’s the love, it’s the prayer and hope. We are in the hope business.”

The same educational, counseling and empowerment services already offered through Agape will now be available on-site to Jericho Village residents, she said.

“It’s not just a roof, and it’s not just a key that we hand you to get into your door,” Collinsworth said. “We are your family. We are your village.”

Perhaps the day’s most emotional moment came when Collinsworth invited Jericho Village’s first resident, Keoni Hudson, to speak.

Hudson’s story reflects the vision behind Jericho Village. After escaping a domestic violence situation, she moved from Agape’s transitional housing into the village with her two children. Organizers said other women will follow the same path, creating space for new families entering Agape’s program while former residents continue building independent lives.

“I love Jericho,” Hudson said. “It’s more than just the roof. It’s the community. It’s the help that you get. It’s the services that you receive. It’s everything.”

She said paying an income-based rent has allowed her to support her children, pay for childcare and return to school without relying on government assistance.

“I’m able to enroll myself back in school,” Hudson said. “This has helped my family in so many ways.”

Asked why communities need places like Jericho Village, Hudson fought back tears.

“Nobody understands how hard it is for people to just be able to afford the basic things of life,” she said. “Just to be able to have someone that looks out for you and leaves you something left over so you can provide clothes and shoes for your kids — every community needs this. This is such a blessing.”

After the program, guests toured the apartments, playground, community center and garden, getting a firsthand look at what organizers hope will serve as a model for supportive housing across North Texas.

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Serving the community for more than five years, City Missions continues to provide essentials to individuals experiencing homelessness and is working toward developing a resource center. 

City Missions currently serves Collin County and the surrounding area through its mobile outreach unit. During Saturday Outreach opportunities, volunteers distribute necessities such as socks and hygiene items directly to individuals in need and build relationships in the process. 

“Our outreach team visits general areas where we have built trusted relationships with friends experiencing homelessness, while remaining flexible as needs and locations change,” Cherie Privett, founder and executive director, said. 

Part of City Missions’ values is maintaining dignity and connecting individuals with resources to guide them toward stability. Resources include medical care, identification cards, showers through Street Side Showers, recovery programs and housing solutions. The organization also has a mobile closet open twice a month near downtown Plano. A current need is men’s clothing. 

“About 80% of the Friends we serve are men, yet most of the clothing donations we receive are for women,” Privett said.  

Individuals, local churches, faith-based organizations and businesses support City Missions’ efforts.

Recently, two Wylie schools also helped their community through donations to City Missions. Students at Harrison Intermediate collected hygiene products and other items during last semester. The Burnett Junior High PTA selected City Missions to receive a grant that was presented in May. 

“City Missions was co-founded by my husband, Kevin Privett, who also works for Wylie ISD,” Privett said. “It has been meaningful to see local schools come alongside this mission in such a tangible way.” 

New donors and existing partnerships are important to City Missions as needs change with each season. 

Privett said one of the best ways to get involved is by supporting the organization’s future resource center. 

“We are still actively working toward funding a resource center with plans for it to be located in Plano,” Privett said. “This space would allow us to expand what we’re already doing and create a consistent place where individuals can come for support, resources and community.”

For ways to donate and volunteer, visit citymissions.org. Donations of clothing for adults and travel-size toiletries may be dropped off at A1 Affordable Garage Door Services in Plano from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

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By Allison LaBrot | [email protected]

The Sachse City Council welcomed a new member to its ranks after canvassing the results of the June 13 runoff election during a special meeting Wednesday, June 24.

The council swore in Tim Legh-Page, who took the oath of office from City Secretary Leah Granger. His wife and three children joined him for the ceremony. Legh-Page defeated Gurvinder Singh in the runoff election, receiving 1,217 votes, or 53.75%, compared with Singh’s 1,047 votes, or 46.25%.

The council had canvassed the election results the previous day and officially declared the outcome.

Legh-Page won the Place 4 seat previously held by former Councilmember Chance Lindsey, who did not seek reelection. Prior to the June 24 meeting, council held a brief reception in the City Hall Council Chambers to recognize Lindsey’s service.

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The June 22 meeting began with a public hearing on the proposed budget and tax rate for the 2026-27 school year. Deputy Superintendent Darrell Dodds presented the proposed General Fund, Student Nutrition Services Fund and Debt Service Fund budgets, noting the tax rate was not scheduled for approval that night.

The proposed tax rate for 2026-27 is expected to remain unchanged at $0.786900. Dodds said certified property values are expected to arrive in July and will be presented to trustees in September.

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By Andrew Norsworthy | [email protected]

According to a public notice issued by the city, Sachse City Council is expected to consider authorizing the debt in August at a council meeting.

The proposed certificates of obligation would finance street and roadway construction and improvements throughout the city, including associated drainage, traffic signalization, landscaping, sidewalks, lighting, utility relocation and replacement, bridges, signage and streetscape enhancements.

The funding would also be used for the construction, improvement and equipping of administrative office and departmental space for city governmental functions. A portion of the proceeds would cover legal, engineering and financial costs associated with the projects.

If approved, the certificates would be issued in one or more series and would be repaid through a combination of property tax revenues and a limited pledge of surplus revenues from the city’s water and sewer utility system after operating expenses and existing debt obligations have been met.

The city reported it currently has approximately $68.63 million in outstanding debt obligations. The combined principal and interest required to retire that debt is approximately $92.21 million.

The proposed certificates would add up to $18.15 million in principal, with an estimated total repayment cost of approximately $26.09 million, including interest, if issued at the maximum authorized amount.

City officials stated the certificates would have a maximum maturity date of Feb. 15, 2046. The interest rate could not exceed the maximum rate allowed by state law.

Certificates of obligation are authorized under Texas law and allow local governments to finance public projects without voter approval unless a petition election is successfully initiated by residents.

The Sachse City Council is scheduled to consider the authorization during its regular meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at Sachse City Hall, 3815 Sachse Road, Building B.

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Nearly 25 years after city planners first envisioned a downtown district near Sachse’s original town site, the effort continues to evolve. City leaders are still working to determine the right mix of development and amenities needed to create a district that remains relevant to Sachse’s future, according to Economic Development Director Jerod Potts.

The Fifth Street/Old Town District came to life as part of the city’s 2001 comprehensive land-use plan, Potts said. The plan, he said, “included a reference to the creation of a new ‘Old Town District’ in the vicinity of the original town site through zoning and business incentives.”

The city’s 2017 comprehensive plan then established “the Old Town catalyst area, which became the impetus of the Old Town Zoning District.”

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Sachse residents will have a chance to kick off their celebrations early as the city’s annual Red, White and Blue Blast returns to Heritage Park on Friday, July 3. The event is one of several Fourth of July festivities planned locally, offering fireworks, live entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout the holiday weekend.

The Red, White and Blue Blast will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Drive. The celebration features live musical performances by Kendall Shaw and Party Machine, along with stage games, a petting zoo, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, booth and food vendors, yard games, spirit awards and a splashdown hosted by Sachse F-R.

The evening concludes with a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m.

In Wylie, Founders Park, 851 Hensley Lane, will host the city’s annual fireworks celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 3. Attendees can enjoy live music by Midnight Traveler, food trucks, eight bounce houses and a Wylie Fire Rescue water spray zone. The 17-minute fireworks display, launched from the Birmingham Agricultural Center adjacent to Founders Park, is scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. and will feature fireworks reaching heights of 250 to 500 feet.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Parking will be available at Founders Park, Wylie High School, Cooper Junior High and Draper Intermediate. The event is hosted by the city of Wylie, Wylie Parks and Recreation and Wylie Fire Rescue.

Earlier in the day, the Brown House, 301 N. Ballard Ave., will host “The Party Starts at the Brown House,” an America 250 community celebration from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include yard games, refreshments, a costume contest and trivia honoring the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Rockwall’s annual Fourth of July Celebration also returns July 4, beginning with a downtown parade at 11 a.m. Activities continue at Harry Myers Park from 5 to 9 p.m. with food vendors, live entertainment and a fireworks show to cap off the evening.

For a patriotic event with a different twist, In-Sync Exotics in Wylie will host its annual Watermelon Toss on Sunday, July 5. The event gives visitors a chance to watch rescued big cats enjoy watermelon treats while supporting the nonprofit sanctuary’s ongoing rescue and care efforts.

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What began as an effort to tell a story about one cadet’s struggle to find his place has evolved into a student-produced short film that is drawing praise from educators, military instructors and viewers across the region.

Recent Wylie High School graduate Tuan Nguyen and fellow student filmmaker Phaolo Le teamed up to create “New Beginnings,” a short film highlighting opportunities for students to experience growth, leadership and success through the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC program.

The project was entirely student-led and produced with limited resources, relying on school equipment, faculty guidance and the dedication of students balancing filming schedules with academic and extracurricular commitments.

Nguyen, who served on the AFJROTC Public Affairs team throughout high school, said the idea grew from a desire to help others better understand the program.

“Recognizing this and remembering that I did not fully understand what JROTC was when I first signed up, I dedicated myself to this project in hopes of helping others succeed as I did and understand that JROTC is more than a class,” Nguyen said.

The film follows cadets as they navigate uncertainty, pressure and personal obstacles, emphasizing the mentorship and support available within the program. While many people associate JROTC primarily with military preparation, Nguyen said the film was designed to showcase its broader impact.

“There are many misconceptions about JROTC, so one of our goals was to show what the program truly represents and its positive impact,” he said. “JROTC is meant to help students develop leadership skills, confidence, character and a sense of purpose within a supportive environment that encourages growth.”

The film’s lead role is played by Wylie High graduate Miles Whitmire, whose own experience in AFJROTC inspired much of the story.

According to Nguyen, Whitmire considered leaving the program during his freshman year because he did not see its value. Instead of accepting his decision, an instructor encouraged him to stay and become more involved.

The conversation changed the course of Whitmire’s high school experience. He remained in the program for four years, eventually serving in two of its highest leadership positions. He also enlisted in the Army National Guard, attending basic training in his junior year and is currently completing Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of his training as an indirect fire infantryman.

“If it wasn’t for the instructor to recognize his potential, he wouldn’t likely be where he is today,” Nguyen said. Le, an Audio Visual student at Wylie High, helped bring the story to life through film. Nguyen said he was impressed after seeing one of Le’s earlier projects and invited him to join the production.

Together, they worked to create a film that would resonate with both cadets and those unfamiliar with the program.

Producing the film presented several challenges.

Most filming took place within a single week as cadets prepared for the year’s final drill competition. Weather also created obstacles, with strong winds affecting audio quality and changing lighting conditions forcing the crew to work quickly.

“We used our bodies to shield the microphones from the wind and attempted to get all of the shots before sunset,” Nguyen said.

To create authentic scenes, the filmmakers coordinated with drill team leaders and filmed portions of practices while minimizing disruptions.

The finished product debuted May 1 during the AFJROTC annual awards banquet, where it was viewed by more than 200 cadets, family members and guests.

Nguyen said the reaction exceeded expectations.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “Many teachers approached our actors, director and instructor to tell them how much they loved the short film. Some even shared that they became emotional while watching it.”

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Lt. Col. Darren James praised both the film and the students who created it.

“The cadets that created this video have taken our PA program to new heights, and the thought-provoking concepts of those in the short film emulate what we hope any cadet can realize about the confidence they need to go out into this world,” James said. “Reflection is a powerful tool for success, and the family atmosphere that our corps continues to maintain each year is emulated within this story.”

The film’s reach has since extended beyond Wylie.

After being shared with an AFJROTC regional director, “New Beginnings” was distributed to instructors across the region. Nguyen said several instructors have expressed interest in showing the film to incoming cadets as an example of how the program can influence students’ lives.

For Nguyen, that impact is exactly what he hoped the project would achieve.

“Some characters are portrayed as pursuing the military path, while others pursue a more normal [traditional] career path,” he said. “No matter their desired destination, they can all benefit from the mentorship, friendships and leadership opportunities the program provides.”

Editor’s note: Nguyen will be attending Texas A&M this fall as a communications major and joining the Corps of Cadets in August.

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Finance Director David Baldwin said the city plans to present portions of the budget as they are developed, rather than unveiling a nearly completed document later in the process.

Baldwin said property taxes are expected to account for 61% of the fiscal year 2027 budget. Sales tax revenue is projected to provide 11%, while franchise taxes are expected to contribute about 8%. 

For the rest of the story, see the June 18 e-Edition. Support your local community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.

Legh-Page received 1,211 votes, or 53.63%, while Gurvinder Singh received 1,047 votes, or 46.37%, giving Legh-Page a 164-vote margin of victory. The results remain unofficial until they are canvassed by the Sachse City Council at its June 23 meeting. Legh-Page is scheduled to be sworn into office June 24.

The runoff was required after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in the May 3 general election. Singh led the four-candidate field with 45.91% of the vote, while Legh-Page received 36.67%.

Final unofficial returns showed Legh-Page winning both portions of the city divided between Collin and Dallas counties.

In Collin County, Legh-Page received 497 votes, or 58.4%, compared to 354 votes, or 41.6%, for Singh.

In Dallas County, Legh-Page received 714 votes, or 50.75%, while Singh received 693 votes, or 49.25%.

Combined totals from both counties gave Legh-Page 1,211 votes and Singh 1,047 votes out of 2,258 ballots cast.

With the runoff victory, Legh-Page will succeed Place 4 Councilmember Chance Lindsey, who did not seek reelection.

The results will become official following certification by the council later this month.

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