The Commissioners Court approved a modified all-funds budget totaling $1.589 billion for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30, 2027. The budget was reduced from an initial proposal of about $1.608 billion.
Commissioners also approved a county property tax rate of 24.865 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 3-2 vote supported by County Judge Clay Jenkins and commissioners Theresa Daniel and Andrew Sommerman. Commissioners John Wiley Price and Elba Garcia voted against the rate and budget.
The adopted rate is higher than the county’s voter-approval tax rate of 22.465 cents per $100 of valuation. Because the adopted rate exceeds that threshold, commissioners ordered an election for Nov. 3, when voters will decide whether to approve the higher rate.
The tax increase is tied to a proposal to fund programs aimed at reducing homelessness and resolving encampments, improving neighborhood conditions, expanding access to mental health treatment and helping provide stable housing.
Under the county’s adopted tax-rate notice, the higher rate would increase the Dallas County portion of the annual property tax bill on a $350,000 home by about $116.03 compared with the prior rate. If voters reject the higher rate, the county would use the voter-approval rate instead.
The county’s prior tax rate was 21.55 cents per $100 of valuation. The adopted fiscal 2027 rate represents an increase of 3.315 cents per $100.
The homelessness proposal also would support outreach and housing services, as well as mental health treatment. The plan calls for a minimum five-year contract with Housing Forward to help allocate funding among housing and health care programs.
Dallas County held its public hearing on the proposed fiscal 2027 budget and tax rate Aug. 11 at the Records Building. The Commissioners Court then adopted the modified budget and tax rate.
The county’s online FY2027 adopted budget provides detailed information on spending, revenues, departments, capital projects, road and bridge funds, public safety, health and human services and other county operations.
The fiscal year begins Oct. 1, 2026, with the tax-rate election scheduled for Nov. 3.
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]]>By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com
Long before anyone knew who Drew Carey was, there was a fella named Bob who hosted a little game show called, “The Price Is Right.”
My grandmother loved and never missed Bob Barker and his game show. Full disclosure, I was a closet fan of the program.
In the 1970s, it wasn’t very manly to admit that during the summer months and on sick days, I looked forward to playing The Price Is Right from the long, green velour couch in my parent’s living room.
It was just as uncool to be a Barry Manilow fan – but that’s another newspaper column.
My grandmother likely had something to do with my affection for that game show. During the time the show aired, she would get on the phone with her twin sister and they would discuss the contestant’s guesses and what they thought the correct price for the “Showcase Showdown” really was.
By my teens, I’d gotten a job at the local Piggly Wiggly and would do everything there from sack groceries, to running a register, unloading a truck at 3 a.m., or stamping prices on the cans and other products.
That was my favorite thing to do – stamp prices. Before there were bar codes and digital code readers at the registers, there were stock boys like me who walked around with a price stamper putting the correct amount on each and every item. The clerk at the register then had to manually punch in the amount on a mechanical cash register.
With that stamp gun, I felt important. I would walk around the store with it in a holster on my hip, ready at a moment’s notice to save a damsel in distress.
Customer: “Excuse me, young man. How much is this can of peas?”
Me: “Ma’am, I’ll take it from here.”
(Whips out price stamper; adjusts dial to read .19 cents; stamps price dead center of the top of can; returns can to waiting damsel.)
Me: “Here you go, ma’am. You’ll be fine now.”
Customer: “My hero!”
Well, it didn’t go exactly like that, but that’s how it felt.
My knowledge of product pricing tied in perfectly with The Price Is Right. From that long green couch, I would play The Price Is Right with the same intellectual precision that smart people play Jeopardy.
I was determined that one day I would be on The Price Is Right so that my grandmother could see me win a car, an Amana Radar Range, a set of World Book Encyclopedias, or the entire Showcase Showdown.
Flash forward from the 1970s to 1988.
My spouse announced that she was being sent to Irvine, California, to a class that was required for her job. I went to the bookshelf in our home and pulled the latest Rand McNally Road Atlas.
I opened it to California and began searching for Irvine.
Bingo. Just as I had thought. Irvine wasn’t far at all from Studio City, California, where they taped Bob Barker and his show.
I announced that I would tag along on her trip. I was determined to be on The Price Is Right.
I made a phone call to CBS Television and asked how it worked. The lady informed me that tickets to the show were free, but that there were only a couple of hundred seats available for each taping, and they were available first-come-first-served.
I asked what time I needed to show up to get in line. She recommended 3:30 a.m.
Just to be sure, I asked her to repeat that. She confirmed 3:30 a.m.
So, after arriving at the airport in Irvine, we rented a car so that I’d have a way to get to Bob Barker’s studio. The next morning, the alarm went off at 2:30. I dressed, put on my favorite shirt, and, with the Rand McNally in the passenger seat by my side, I headed into the darkness toward Studio City.
After parking the car and walking three or four blocks to the studio, my heart sank. There were already a lot of people in line for tickets. But, when they opened the ticket window five hours later, I made it. I got my ticket with only a few more people behind me able to secure theirs, too.
They told us to return at 1:30 p.m.
I visited the farmer’s market and other Hollywood landmarks and returned at the appointed time.
Now, here’s what’s interesting about game shows – they don’t work anything like you think that they do.
I assumed that they drew names out of a hat to determine who got to “Come on down!” But, no. They herded us through a line where we had to go before a sleazy-looking Hollywood producer, who said, “What’s your name? Where are you from? What do you do for a living?” and then he says, “Next!”
If you’re a good-looking woman, a person in your military uniform, or a jovial person of girth, you had a chance to get picked to play the game. If you weighed 145, had a mullet, and weren’t a good-looking woman, a person in the military, or a jovial person of girth, you didn’t.
I obviously didn’t.
However, when it came time to seat us all in the studio (which is incredibly small, by the way), someone came up to me and said, “Please come with me.”
They had a single extra seat on the front row and needed someone to sit in it. Since I was alone, I was put there, right behind all of the contestant spots.
Game shows don’t tape the way you think they do and how they achieve the camera shots and angles is completely different than you expect. You know The Price Is Right logo that has the marquee lights that blink in sequence around the name of the show? That whole thing is about 3×5 inches with tiny light bulbs. They just put the camera right on top of it to make it look huge.
They also don’t have three or four stages. They had one. So, when Bob says, “How’d you like to win this?!” the director then yells, “Cut!” and they spend 45 minutes to an hour moving the old items from the stage and then bringing in the new ones. When they’re finished, the director says, “Action!” and they pick right back up.
It looks seamless on TV, but a one-hour show takes about four hours to tape.
I had a great view of the action, and watched one lady win a ton of things, including a new Corvette. But, I didn’t get on the show.
That was fine. Because my grandmother got to see her grandson on The Price Is Right.
And I still have that Piggly Wiggly price stamper. If I have to whip it out to help a damsel on aisle five with her can of peas, I’m not afraid to use it.
I’ll also remember the price. And it’ll be right.
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]]>By David Wolman
After struggling in a 3-0 loss to Rockwall-Heath (25-9, 25-18, 25-15) in its season opener, Sachse found much better success in the Garland ISD Tournament.
The Lady Mustangs (4-5) posted back-to-back, two-set sweeps of Dallas Roosevelt (25-8, 25-4) and Hanks (25-20, 25-10) for their first two wins of 2026.
Sachse lost a hard-fought match to JJ Pearce (25-20, 25-22) to round out the first day of action and then proceeded to drop its first two matches of the second day, losing a three-set thriller to Frisco Memorial (17-25, 12-25, 23-25) and in straight sets to Plano (25-15, 25-13). The Lady Mustangs finished the day on a winning note, earning a win over El Paso Socorro (28-26, 25-23).
Sachse went 1-1 on the final day of the Garland ISD Tournament, defeating South Grand Prairie (25-21, 23-25, 25-15) and falling to Hallsville (25-17, 29-27).
Read the full story, stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News.
The luncheon begins at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church’s Pondant Hall, 404 N. Ballard Ave.
Local author and historian Tracy Lawson will deliver the keynote address, “Using Family Lore, Letters, and Journals as the Basis for Historical Novels.”
Lawson, curator of the Brown House Welcome Center and public relations liaison for the Wylie Historical Society, is the author of 15 books, including four inspired by stories from her own family history.
Rather than focusing on a single book, Lawson said her presentation will feature three case studies showing how different family stories evolved into books. She will also offer tips for preserving family lore and using letters, journals and other personal records to share those stories with a wider audience.
Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of one of Lawson’s “Ladies of the Revolution” novels, courtesy of Frost Bank, the event’s literacy sponsor.
The program will also take attendees back to the 18th century through a presentation and demonstration of period fashions by Jen Thompson and Beth Klimek of the DFW Costumers Guild.
Guests are encouraged to participate in a patriotic outfit and hat contest. The luncheon will also include door prizes and a silent auction featuring items from local merchants.
Tickets are $50 for adults and $15 for children attending with a parent. Although children are welcome, organizers note the program is not designed for young children. Space is limited.
Proceeds benefit the Wylie Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The historical celebration will continue at 2 p.m. with a reception marking the placement of Wylie’s newest Texas Registered Historic Landmark plaque at 405 N. Ballard Ave.
The 1901 Queen Anne-style house is owned by Lawson and her family, who purchased it in October 2020. They are the 21st owners of the home since it was built.
“As soon as we moved in, we started talking about getting a historical marker for the house,” Lawson said. “We read that another family had tried in the past, so we assumed it would be difficult.”
Lawson said researching the house required considerable work, including several trips to the courthouse to establish its history.
“It did take a lot of work and several trips to the courthouse before we could document the house’s exact age and had a complete list of all the house’s owners and their importance to the community,” she said.
The public is invited to the 2 p.m. reception, which will include light refreshments and tours of the historic home.
The luncheon is part of the Wylie Historical Society’s observance of America’s 250th anniversary, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Tickets and additional information are available at wyliehistoricalsociety.org.
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The Collin County Commissioners Court called the bond election Aug. 10 after weeks of discussion and consideration of funding options. The court unanimously selected the larger of two final bond program options for the November general election.
The six-year program, covering fiscal years 2027 through 2032, would divide the proposed investment among four propositions.
Read the full story in the August 20th edition. Stay informed — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>For the second consecutive year, no Garland ISD campus received an F rating, according to the district.
District officials attributed the gains to a continued focus on high-quality instruction, strong leadership and ensuring students have the opportunity to succeed.
Read the full story in the August 20th edition. Stay informed — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>Sachse City Council on Monday set Sept. 8 as the date for approving a municipal budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.
The current fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.
Council approved the proposed budget on July 31 after a series of public hearings and open meetings, including a burger event with Mayor Jeff Bickerstaff in June.
The new budget projects a surplus at the end of the new fiscal year and keeps the municipal tax rate at 68.0416 cents per $100 assessed property valuation, according to Finance Director David Baldwin. He said the new tax rate is below both the no-new-tax-rate and the rate needed to avoid calling for an election.
Read the full story in the August 20th edition. Stay informed — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>By Carrie Dunlea
By August, many Texans have had enough. Triple-digit temperatures, baked sidewalks and endless afternoons indoors have us dreaming of somewhere cooler. Fortunately, late summer can be one of the best times to head for the coast. Crowds begin to thin, hotel rates often become more reasonable and ocean breezes provide welcome relief from the North Texas heat.
Whether you’re looking for a long weekend or planning one last getaway before fall arrives, these coastal destinations are worth considering.
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Travel up the Atlantic Coast to Bar Harbor, Maine, if ocean views, mountain adventures and small-town charm are on the agenda.
Situated along Frenchman Bay, this charming harbor town serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, where granite peaks, scenic carriage roads and rugged coastline await.
One of the area’s biggest draws, Cadillac Mountain rises 1,530 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands. From early October through early March, it’s one of the first places in the country to see the sunrise. Visitors can watch lobster boats unload their daily catch, stroll the picturesque Shore Path or drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sweeping views of the Atlantic.
The Gulf of Maine attracts humpback, fin, minke and other whale species. Excursion boats also frequently encounter puffins, seals and porpoises during the season.
Jordan Pond is a favorite stop inside Acadia, known for its crystal-clear water and the twin rounded peaks called “The Bubbles.” Many visitors make time for the historic Jordan Pond House, famous for serving warm popovers with strawberry jam.
Downtown Bar Harbor is filled with locally owned bookstores, art galleries, ice cream shops and seafood restaurants. It maintains the feel of a working harbor rather than a commercial resort.
Finish the day with a classic Maine lobster dinner while sailboats bob gently in the harbor, and it’s easy to see why Bar Harbor remains one of New England’s most beloved coastal escapes.
America’s oldest seaside resort is aptly nicknamed “America’s Victorian Seaside Resort.” Featuring more than 600 colorful “painted ladies” with wraparound porches and gingerbread trim, nearly every block photo-worthy while broad beaches, the historic Cape May Lighthouse, pedestrian-friendly Washington Street Mall and spectacular evening views over the Delaware Bay invite visitors to slow down and explore.
Nature lovers can watch dolphins just offshore or visit one of North America’s premier bird migration hotspots. Cape May sits along the Atlantic Flyway, making it famous among birders. During spring and especially fall migration, hundreds of species pass through the area, attracting birdwatchers from around the world. End the day at Sunset Beach, where visitors gather for spectacular evening skies and search the shoreline for the polished quartz pebbles known as “Cape May diamonds” — quartz pebbles polished by the surf — and watch the flag-lowering ceremony held each evening during the summer.
It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking history, relaxation and classic seaside beauty.
For a very different—but equally appealing—late-summer coastal experience, visit Beaufort, South Carolina. Draped in Spanish moss and surrounded by winding tidal marshes, Beaufort captures the timeless charm of the South.
Stroll along the waterfront, including Waterfront Park, one of the city’s signature attractions featuring swings, walking paths, docks and shady spots to watch shrimp boats, sailboats and dolphins.
The historic downtown centers around Bay Street, where locally owned shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants and cafés overlook the Beaufort River.
Kayaking through tidal creeks often brings sightings of dolphins, herons, egrets and pelicans. Just 20 minutes away, Hunting Island State Park, a barrier island, offers five miles of undeveloped beaches, maritime forests and one of South Carolina’s few historic lighthouses open for climbing. It’s consistently ranked among the state’s best beaches.
Late summer and early fall bring fewer visitors, making it an ideal time to kayak through quiet waterways, sample fresh Lowcountry seafood and experience one of the South’s most picturesque coastal communities at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Some of North America’s most memorable waterfront escapes are found along the Great Lakes.
Often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is a 70-mile-long peninsula extending into Lake Michigan with more than 300 miles of shoreline, charming harbor villages and a refreshing escape from late-summer heat.
Communities like Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay and Egg Harbor offer waterfront restaurants, art galleries, locally owned shops and marinas filled with sailboats. Many visitors spend their days hopping from town to town.
Door County is famous for its tart cherry orchards, which burst with fruit during the summer. Visitors can enjoy homemade cherry pies, jams, wines, ciders and even chocolate-covered cherries. Many orchards welcome guests during harvest season.
The 3,700-acre Peninsula State Park features scenic overlooks, wooded hiking and biking trails, sandy beaches, campgrounds and spectacular views of Green Bay. Eagle Tower, rebuilt in 2021, offers an accessible treetop walk and panoramic vistas over the forest and shoreline.
One of Wisconsin’s most photographed landmarks, the 1869 Cana Island lighthouse sits on its own tiny island. Depending on the lake level, visitors can walk across a shallow causeway or ride a wagon pulled by a tractor to reach the lighthouse before climbing to the top for sweeping lake views.
Kayaking along limestone bluffs and sea caves, sailing on Green Bay or cruising Lake Michigan are favorite ways to experience the peninsula. Unlike many Great Lakes destinations, much of Door County faces west over Green Bay, making it one of the few places in Wisconsin where visitors can watch spectacular sunsets over the water.
For travelers seeking natural beauty and cooler temperatures, the Apostle Islands offer an unforgettable late-summer escape where rugged wilderness replaces crowded beaches. This collection of 21 islands along the shores of Lake Superior is known for its dramatic sandstone sea caves, historic lighthouses and crystal-clear waters. Paddle a kayak through sculpted rock formations, hike forested trails or take a ferry to Madeline Island to browse shops and enjoy a leisurely waterfront lunch.
The islands are best known for their dramatic sandstone sea caves, sculpted over thousands of years by Lake Superior’s waves. Guided kayak tours allow visitors to paddle beneath towering cliffs, through narrow arches and into cathedral-like caves where the water glows shades of emerald and turquoise.
Several islands are accessible by ferry or private boat. Madeline Island—the largest and only permanently inhabited island—is home to charming shops, restaurants, beaches and a small museum, making it an excellent base for exploring the area.
Six historic lighthouses stand throughout the archipelago, reminders of the area’s maritime past. Some can be toured seasonally, offering a glimpse into the lives of lighthouse keepers while providing spectacular views across Lake Superior.
Located on the mainland, Meyers Beach offers one of the easiest ways to experience the area’s stunning cliffs and shoreline. It’s also the launching point for many kayaking adventures.
Trails wind through dense forests and along rugged bluffs where visitors may spot bald eagles, black bears, foxes and white-tailed deer. The islands are also home to nesting seabirds and abundant wildflowers during late summer.
With little light pollution, the Apostle Islands are an outstanding place for stargazing. On clear nights—and during periods of heightened solar activity—visitors may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing above Lake Superior.
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Whether your idea of the perfect getaway is watching fishing boats glide into a quiet harbor, hunting for seashells along a sandy beach or enjoying fresh seafood with an ocean view, North America’s shorelines offer no shortage of memorable escapes. Sometimes the best vacations aren’t about checking attractions off a list—they’re about finding a place where the rhythm of the tides reminds you to slow down.Whether your idea of the perfect getaway is watching fishing boats glide into a quiet harbor, hunting for seashells along a sandy beach or enjoying fresh seafood with an ocean view, North America’s shorelines offer no shortage of memorable escapes. Sometimes the best vacations aren’t about checking attractions off a list—they’re about finding a place where the rhythm of the tides reminds you to slow down.
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]]>Nearly 150,000 Collin County residents were estimated to lack consistent access to adequate food in 2024, according to newly released data from Feeding America, with the number of children experiencing food insecurity increasing by more than 9,000 in one year.
Feeding America released its 2026 Map the Meal Gap report July 28. The study uses data through 2024 to estimate food insecurity at the state, county and congressional district levels. Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as limited or uncertain access to adequate food at some point during the year.
The numbers present a mixed picture in Collin County.
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]]>The Texas Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert as students across the state return to school.
In 2025, Texas recorded 877 crashes in school zones, a 12% increase from the previous year. Another 2,358 crashes involved school buses. Distracted driving and speeding were the most common contributing factors.
Read the full story, stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News.
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