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%.
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]]>Community members will be invited to take part in the Path of Remembrance: A White Carnation Tribute, a new feature created in recognition of America 250 and those who have served the nation. A limited number of 250 white carnations will be available for participants to place at Freedom Plaza on Saturday, creating a collective memorial honoring veterans and fallen service members.
Audie Murphy Day commemorates the legacy of Farmersville native and World War II hero Audie Murphy while recognizing veterans from all branches of the military. The annual event traces its roots to Murphy’s hometown homecoming celebration in June 1945.
The weekend begins Friday, June 19, with special exhibits at the Farmersville Heritage Museum, where visitors can view a newly unveiled display featuring a custom-made suit Audie Murphy wore in the 1958 film “The Quiet American.” The suit was recently donated by the Murphy family, according to Audie Murphy Day co-chair Misty Wiebold. Additional Audie Murphy artifacts and memorabilia will be on display. A World War II living history encampment also will be open to visitors across from the museum.
Saturday’s activities begin with a veteran’s breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m., followed by a 9:30 a.m. ceremony in downtown Farmersville. Boy Scout Troop 310 will raise the flag, continuing a connection to Murphy’s original homecoming celebration when local Scouts participated in the festivities. Members of First Baptist Church’s choir will provide patriotic music.
Following the carnation tribute, members of the Fort Hood Sergeant Audie Murphy Club will present a ceremonial wreath at Freedom Plaza in honor of Murphy and local men and women who gave their lives in military service. Retired Army First Sergeant Hud Roberts will also present the Riderless Horse, a military tradition honoring fallen service members, before the parade begins.
After the parade, veterans and guests are invited to the Veterans Ceremony at the Historic Onion Shed. Tommy Moore, mayor of Gainesville and president of the Medal of Honor Host City Program, will present a program titled “The Meaning of the Medal of Honor.”
The ceremony will also include a Quilts of Valor presentation, during which three veterans will receive handmade quilts as a symbol of comfort, healing and appreciation for their service.
Additional exhibits will be available Saturday at the museum and the Bain-Honaker House.
“Audie Murphy Day is a time for our community to come together in remembrance, gratitude and pride as we honor the enduring legacy of hometown hero Audie Murphy and all who have served,” Audie Murphy Day co-chairs Bryon and Misty Wiebold said in a statement. “We hope families, friends and veterans will join us for this meaningful tradition that began in 1945 and experience the new Path of Remembrance: A White Carnation Tribute, a special moment of reflection that reminds us how important it is to honor sacrifice and keep these stories alive for future generations.”
Registered veterans will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch during the event. More information, including veteran registration, is available at audiemurphyday.org.
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]]>The exams measure student performance in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology and U.S. History.
Districtwide, 65% of Garland ISD students met grade-level standards in English I, up 4 percentage points from 2025. English II scores improved 1 point to 67%, Biology rose 3 points to 91% and Algebra I increased 4 points to 85%. The district’s only decline came in U.S. History, which slipped 2 points but still recorded a 92% passing rate.
At Sachse High School, students improved in three of the five tested subjects. Biology scores climbed 5 percentage points to 95%, Algebra I increased 4 points to 88% and English I improved 1 point to 75%. English II declined 4 points to 72%, while U.S. History fell 4 points to 93%.
Garland High School also posted gains in several subject areas. English I improved 8 percentage points to 61%, while Biology and Algebra I each rose 6 points to 92% and 77%, respectively. English II declined 2 points to 61%, and U.S. History increased 1 point to 94%.
Among middle school students taking Algebra I, Hudson Middle School posted a 99% passing rate, an improvement of 1 percentage point from last year.
In Wylie ISD, students posted gains in four of five tested subjects. Districtwide, Algebra I scores increased 3 percentage points to 96%, Biology rose 1 point to 98%, English I improved 2 points to 88% and English II increased 1 point to 88%. U.S. History declined 1 point but still recorded a 97% passing rate.
At Wylie High School, Algebra I scores improved 3 points to 94%, while English I remained unchanged at 88%. Biology and U.S. History each slipped 1 point to 97%, and English II declined 1 point to 89%.
Wylie East High School recorded gains across most tested areas, including 4-point increases in English I, English II and Algebra I. Biology improved 1 point to 98%, while U.S. History declined 1 point to 97%.
Statewide, the Texas Education Agency reported improvements in every end-of-course subject area compared with 2025.
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]]>By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com
Author’s note: This week’s column was originally published in August of 2016. It chronicles the activities of three young men who spent the summer of 1976 in a camper, celebrating America’s Bicentennial. As we now celebrate our 250th, Happy Birthday, America.
There was almost no breeze. Record temperatures were being shattered in England, and the Southern US was also pretty darn hot.
In spite of the hot weather, three kids in Arkansas decided that it would be a great idea to live in my backyard for most of the summer of 1976.
My cousin Randy was up from Alvin, Texas. I honestly can’t remember why he stayed with us for so many weeks, but I do remember that my mom quickly reached the end of her rope in regard to a couple of rowdy boys in the house.
So, Randy and I went out and cranked open the pop up camper. At first, we did it just to have a place to go to give my mom a break, but we also did it to get way from my sister and her friends, who frequently were around.
Younger girls are annoying when you think you’re cool.
My best friend Clint, who lived across the street, and was a couple of years older than Randy and me, popped by. He loved our new “clubhouse,” as he called it.
“Clubhouse?” I asked.
Clint pointed out that this was the perfect clubhouse for guys. We didn’t have to construct anything, and we had sleeping bunks, a stove, and we could run an extension cord from the back of my parents house into the Coleman camper for lights and whatever else we needed to use that required electricity.
I ventured into the house to get my mother’s permission for us to ‘get a couple of things’ to take out to the camper for us to just hang out for the day. She happily agreed.
That day would last virtually all of America’s Bicentennial summer.
You’d think that people would have had enough of silly love songs
I look around me and I see it isn’t so
Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs
And what’s wrong with that
Paul McCartney and Wings played often on the transistor radio we had imported into the camper.
We brought in a fan, an ice chest of soda pop, bags of chips, and other snack food. We also had several decks of cards.
We spent the day riding our bikes all over town. We would mow the occasional yard to raise the necessary funds for soda pop, chips, or a milkshake from Herb’s Creamland, a hometown burger stand.
But after the sun would set, we headed to the camper. It would take a couple of hours for the temp to become bearable. We secured the window flaps open on the outside of the camper walls so that the night air could circulate through. We propelled the hot breeze from side to side with an old oscillating fan we’d borrowed from the house.
After getting some air moving, and some sodas and snacks out on the table, we played canasta. Canasta is a card game that is supposed to be played in teams. But, Clint’s mom had showed him a variation that three people could play. We were competitive. It was a blast.
Just let your love flow
Like a mountain stream
And let your love grow
With the smallest of dreams
And let your love show
And you’ll know what I mean
It’s the season
The Bellamy Brothers came on the radio. We sang along, off key, but with great enthusiasm.
We stayed up until all hours playing cards. We laughed, we told jokes, we talked about the start of the school year, and how it was looming. Clint was already in high school; I would be in my sophomore year, and Randy still had a year of junior high.
All alone at the end of the evening
And the bright lights have faded to blue.
I was thinking ‘bout a woman who might have loved me
I never knew
The Eagles were on the precipice of becoming one of the biggest recording acts in American history. They sang as we continued to enjoy our camper clubhouse.
Other than going into the house for showers, changes of clothes, or to eat nutritious meals that were mandated by my mother, Clint, Randy and I lived in that camper virtually all summer.
We just viewed it as a fun way to pass the school break. We had no inkling of the responsibilities that were just around the corner, or that this would be one of the last carefree summers of our lives.
Summer ended. We cleaned out the camper, put away the radio, fan, and the cards, and cranked the camper back down. Randy went home to Alvin, and Clint and I went back to school.
It has been said that youth is wasted on the young. I disagree. I believe that teens deserve those carefree years. And I encourage them to use their summers to bond, live life, and as the Eagles advised us all 50 years ago, to Take It To The Limit, one more time.
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]]>By Carrie Dunlea
Surrounded by mountain landscapes and natural beauty, mountain retreats in the United States offer an idyllic escape for those who seek solitude and a peaceful getaway. From the rolling hills of the Appalachians to the majestic Rockies, these destinations offer a blend of tranquility, adventure and relaxation.
One such destination that attracts travelers from across the world is Asheville, located in the western region of North Carolina. This charming town is surrounded by the lush Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a wide range of mountain retreats, including cozy cabins and luxurious lodges. Visitors can take a stroll through the town’s historic district and admire the architecture of the grand old homes, enjoy a leisurely hike on the nearby trails, or indulge in a spa treatment in the tranquil mountains.
One grand home you won’t want to miss on your tour of the area is the iconic Biltmore Estate, built in 1895. This 250-room home with its extensive grounds rivals many world-class hotels and can take up to two hours to tour. Once you leave the estate, make sure to stop at the nearby Biltmore Village, touted as a “destination for those who enjoy fine art, exceptional cuisine and a nice mix of boutique and nationally recognized shops.”
Even if you’re pressed for time on this trip, don’t miss the opportunity to drive at least a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway while visiting the area. It is considered “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive,” and near Asheville the Parkway offers access to hiking trails and stunning views. If you plan to drive the whole 469-mile route before or after your visit, the road winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more.
Visit exploreasheville.com
Another popular mountain retreat is the charming town of Park City, Utah. It may be most well-known for winter sports, but this city nestled amid the stunning Wasatch Mountains offers an array of recreational activities, hiking mountain biking, fly fishing, river rafting and much more in other seasons as well.
Park City is also home to several upscale resorts, which provide high-end amenities and expansive mountain views.
The Sundance Film Festival is held annually in January, but there are other art-related opportunities offered in the summer including the Deer Valley Music Festival and the Kimball Arts Festival. Family fun activities include the Utah Olympic Park where adventure-seeking visitors can try a bobsled, alpine or zipline ride or adventure courses designed to test your limits.
Visit parkcity.com
For those who prefer a more remote retreat, the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota offer a perfect escape. The Black Hills are home to several mountain retreats that provide an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. From hiking along the mountain trails to enjoying a scenic drive through the winding roads, visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. The area is also home to iconic attractions, such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, as well as many others, which offer a glimpse into the rich history and native culture of the region.
Stop first at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center in Rapid City where experienced travel advisors are on hand to help with trip planning, itineraries, and reservations, as well as maps and guides for the entire region. In addition, motorized trail permits for ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles can be purchased at the center.
If you plan your trip in June or September, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, and participate in the Volksmarch, an organized hike with up to 10,000 hikers, who hike the world’s largest mountain carving to view the 87-foot face of Crazy Horse up close.
The area also offers museums to fit a variety of interests such as Sioux Indian, geology, dinosaur museums, as well as the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame to name a few. If you prefer to explore beneath the earth, there are hundreds of miles of caves beneath the Black Hills including two that are national parks. Other adventures to explore include Chuckwagon shows, trail and wagon rides, fossils, gold mines and much more.
One mountain retreat that offers a unique experience is the town of Sedona, located in the heart of Arizona’s Red Rock Country. The town is famous for its stunning red rock formations and offers a variety of lodging options ranging from rustic cabins to luxurious resorts. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, participate in a yoga retreat, meditate, explore the town’s vibrant art scene including 80 art galleries and shops, visit a winery, and dine at a variety of restaurants.
For those opting for a more spiritual vibe, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross with its Frank Lloyd Wright flair or book one of many Tripadvisor tours to sacred sites and vortexes which promise “a transformative reawakening of spirit and reconnection with the earth.”
Sedona is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, including two state parks so outdoor activity options are abundant. There are over 400 trails to hike and bike, along with opportunities to go rafting, horseback riding, yoga retreats, among the many activities available. If motorized movement suits you best, you can rent ATVs, Jeeps or motorcycles and then hit the trails. If a slower pace is more your thing, e-bike rentals or tours offer a unique way to experience all the area has to offer.
While visiting Sedona, plan to squeeze in a day trip to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Drive on your own or book a bus tour for a memorable excursion.
Visit Sedona.com
Nestled amid the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains, the town of Leavenworth, Washington, offers a unique mountain retreat experience. The town’s Bavarian architecture creates a cozy and charming atmosphere that perfectly complements the stunning natural surroundings. From the morning Alp Horn serenade, the Nutcracker Museum, 96-foot maypole in the town square, German restaurants, beer gardens and bratwurst eateries, shops that carry cuckoo clocks, beer steins and music boxes, the town’s website declares, “you’ll swear you’re in Bavaria.”
On the other hand, traveling to Leavenworth is not nearly as complex as traveling to Germany, and if you’re there for outdoor activities, there are four seasons of recreation to enjoy including hiking, skiing, river rafting, paddle boarding, climbing, mountain biking and more.
While in Leavenworth, visitors can book spa treatments or explore the town’s many restaurants and attractions such as the Leavenworth Summer Theater, Icicle Creek Center for the Arts and Village Art in the Park. And if you visit in June, you might witness the Leavenworth National Accordion Celebration!
Mountain retreats offer an ideal escape for those seeking solitude, adventure, and relaxation. From the stunning red rocks of Sedona to the charming mountain towns of North Carolina, there’s no shortage of options for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the United States. Whether you opt to hit the trails or explore wondrous caves, these mountain retreats offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.
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]]>The America@250 special section is scheduled for publication in The Sachse News on July 2 and will highlight the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration ahead of Independence Day on July 4, 2026. The section will feature content focused on American history, patriotism, trivia, activities and educational features designed for readers of all ages.
The publication aims to recognize the nation’s founding and the spirit of community as the country marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Businesses, organizations and community partners have the opportunity to participate through sponsorships and advertising packages available in both print and digital formats.
Advertising options range from full-page placements to smaller display advertisements.
The deadline to reserve advertising space and submit copy is June 19. The special section will be published July 2.
For additional information or to reserve advertising space, interested participants may call 972-442-5515 x22 or email [email protected].
]]>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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]]>Participating museums include the Welcome Center at Brown House in Wylie. Brown House visitors can tour the home and complete at least one activity to earn a patch embroidered with the home’s iconic turret and an American flag. Trying a handicraft, using the interactive Declaration of Independence and watching a Schoolhouse Rock video are among the activity choices.
“Our tour guides will be happy to show the young and the young-at-heart how to earn a patch,” Tracy Lawson, Brown House curator, said.
Patch-seekers at the Farmersville Heritage Museum will make their way through a Farmersville history scavenger hunt. All answers will be found in the museum. Successful visitors will leave with a patch and knowledge of the people, places and stories that made Farmersville the community it is today.
The patch features the museum and its outdoor Blackland Prairie Landscape exhibit.
“For the Farmersville Heritage Museum, participating in the America 250 Museum Patch Quest is about more than collecting keepsakes,” Misty Wiebold, museum chair, said. “It is an opportunity to connect people of all ages with the local stories that help tell America’s story.”
The Interurban Railway Museum, operated by the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, will also participate in the countywide quest. The exhibits and interactive elements convey the history of the Texas Electric Railway.
“To earn a limited-edition sticker at our location, participants only need to ask one of our friendly tour guides,” Executive Director Kim Hils said. “We also offer a scavenger hunt within the Interurban Railway Museum for a chance to receive another free takeaway.”
Additionally, the Allen Heritage Museum, the Military Heritage Collection of North Texas in Nevada and four locations in McKinney are participating in the America 250 Museum Patch Quest. For a full list, visit the Welcome Center at Brown House Facebook page.
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]]>Detective Alexandra Waters, a police public information officer, said the Criminal Investigations Division arrested Zachary Christian Neu on Thursday, June 4, on a second-degree felony charge alleging soliciting prostitution or other activity with a payor person under the age of 18.
Waters said Neu, a 32-year-old Richardson resident, was accused of offering to buy alcohol and lingerie for a recent 2026 Wylie East graduate “in exchange for sexual conduct.”
Police later identified a second victim after executing a search warrant on Neu’s personal devices, Waters said in a Friday, June 5, release.
“Neu is also being charged with improper relationship between educator and student,” Waters said. Court records show he was transferred Friday to the Collin County Detention Center, where he was held on two bonds totaling $1.5 million. No attorney for his case was noted.
Wylie Independent School District said Neu was hired as a science teacher at Wylie East HS in August 2017, promoted to dean of students in July 2024 and then assistant principal in January 2026.
“His employment with the district ended today,” April Cunningham, chief communications officer for WISD, said after police announced Neu’s arrest.
In a letter to Wylie East parents, WISD Superintendent Kim Spicer said the district had been cooperating with police.
“While I am limited in the details I can provide due to the ongoing criminal investigation, I want to be absolutely clear — the allegations being investigated are serious and wholly inconsistent with the standards we expect of our employees,” Spicer said.
“Educators hold positions of authority and are entrusted with tremendous responsibility,” she said. “As adults, they are expected to exercise sound judgment and understand that they are responsible for maintaining appropriate boundaries and relationships with students at all times.”
The superintendent said district employees should never engage in private communication with a student through personal social media or other unofficial channels.
“Electronic communication between students and staff should occur only through official district platforms, such as district email or Wylie ISD Connect (ParentSquare),” Spicer said. “These rules exist to protect students and staff, maintain transparency, and ensure accountability.”
She thanked the graduate and their family for reporting their concerns to law enforcement.
“Speaking up when something feels wrong takes courage, and their actions allowed the matter to be investigated quickly,” she said.
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]]>After helping guide Collin College from a fledgling institution offering classes in area high schools to a system serving more than 60,000 students annually, founding trustee Robert “Bob” Collins is stepping away after 41 years on the board.
Collins, a Farmersville resident, officially retired following the college’s May commencement ceremonies, ending one of the longest tenures by a community college trustee in Texas.
His final commencement carried special significance. Among the graduates crossing the stage was his grandson.
“We always believed Collin County deserved a college that could grow with the community and provide opportunities for generations of students,” Collins said in a statement released by the college. “Watching my grandson graduate from Collin College during my final commencement ceremony made this moment especially meaningful for my family and for me.”
Looking back, Collins said one accomplishment stands above the rest.
“I guess the thing I’m most proud of is that we’re able to pretty well cover the whole county with campuses,” he said. “That’s been a goal of mine since the very beginning. We did not want to become a Plano College or a McKinney College. We wanted to be Collin County College.”
That vision helped shape the college’s growth over four decades. Today, Collin College operates 10 campuses and centers across seven cities, along with its iCollin Virtual Campus and more than 200 degree and certificate programs.
While Collins said he could not have predicted exactly how large the college would become, he always expected Collin County’s population boom would drive demand for higher education.
“As a matter of fact, I had anticipated that,” Collins said of the county’s rapid growth. He added that East Collin County is poised for significant expansion in coming years as transportation projects improve access to the area.
Affordability remained a central focus throughout his tenure. Collins said the college has worked to maintain a low tax rate while continuing to expand educational opportunities.
“We’ve been able to hold the tax rate pretty well constant for the entire time,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to pay for what you’re going to provide. What I’ve tried to emphasize is, don’t spend money on stuff you don’t need.”
At the same time, Collins said quality has never been sacrificed.
“Let’s emphasize quality — quality in our education, quality in our facilities as we develop them,” he said.
Before joining the Collin College Board of Trustees, Collins spent more than 30 years with a Fortune 500 defense electronics company, eventually serving as a corporate vice president. He later taught and served as an administrator at Texas A&M University-Commerce for nearly two decades.
His public service also included time on the Plano City Council, where he served as mayor pro tem. Collins said those experiences proved valuable during his years as a trustee.
“I have a pretty fair understanding of the relationship in the community, and what’s needed and what’s not needed,” he said.
Collins has also been a strong supporter of workforce training and dual-credit programs, noting that students who earn college credits while in high school can provide significant savings for their families.
“A kid who does a dual credit program can save his family anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000,” he said.
Collin College President Neil Matkin credited Collins with helping build the institution’s foundation and expand opportunities for generations of students.
“Since its inception, Dr. Collins has helped shape the college into the institution it is today, creating a foundation for student success,” Matkin said in a statement.
Though retiring from the board, Collins said he has no plans to slow down completely. He remains active in his church and community and plans to continue supporting causes important to him.
Reflecting on more than four decades of service, Collins said he leaves with gratitude.
“It’s really been a pleasure,” he said. “I enjoyed being on the board. I’ve enjoyed the people we serve with, enjoyed having a great presence for the college. So, I suppose it’s been a good deal.”
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