Isabella Rodriguez

A tragic start to the New Year unfolded on the eastbound lanes of IH-20 in Mesquite, as a late-night car crash on January 1 ended in the loss of four lives. According to a social media post from the Mesquite Police Department, a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of the highway became the site of a fatal collision when another car veered off the road and struck the vehicle and its occupants, who were tending to a flat tire at around 1:45 AM.

While many were enjoying the festivities of the holiday season, the City of White Settlement's Public Works Stormwater Team was diligently laboring to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the community. In a recent social media post, the City of White Settlement shared the team's efforts to clear graffiti from city bridges and culverts, as well as their work in Bolliger Creek, where they removed debris and overgrowth.

Mark your calendars, Lewisville residents, as the local public library at 1197 W. Main Street is gearing up to host a series of engaging activities perfect for all ages. According to their latest announcement, the library welcomes members of the community Monday through Saturday, offering a comfortable space to learn and relax. For those eager to dive into the digital age with their reading, they are hosting an "Advice for Your Device Drop-In" on Tuesday, January 7th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your new gadgets to the Small Conference Room, where staff will be on hand to assist with setting up and navigating the cloudLibrary app.

Lewisville is gearing up for its city council elections, and residents with political aspirations now have their shot at shaping the future of their community. Starting January 15, those looking to serve on the Lewisville City Council can throw their hats into the ring, with the candidate filing period open until February 14, according to the City of Lewisville. The three seats up for grabs are Places 4, 5, and 6, currently held by council members Brandon Jones, Kristin Green, and Patrick Kelly, respectively.

The City of Lewisville is throwing a historical bash to mark its centennial and you're invited. As part of a year-long celebration for its 100th anniversary, Lewisville has unveiled four rotating history exhibits showcasing the city's evolution. For those interested in tracing the city’s footsteps—even if said feet were once horse hooves or train wheels—the exhibits offer a retrospective across 180 years of local legacy.

In Arlington, the local government is taking a decidedly non-mechanical approach to clearing dense underbrush. Beginning tomorrow, more than four hundred goats will be put to work at Randol Mill Park and then later at Crystal Canyon Natural Area, as part of a "goatscaping" effort by the City of Arlington.

The City of Dallas is gearing up to commence its MLK Celebration Week, slated to begin on Friday. A series of events organized by the Office of Community Care & Empowerment, HELP, Workforce Solutions, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., along with a band of community partners will be on deck to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

After over three decades of commitment, Deputy Chief Steve Copling of the Plano Police Department has retired. According to a social media post from the Plano Texas Police Department, the retirement ceremony occurred amongst family and friends, marking the end of a distinguished 38-year career in law enforcement. Copling’s journey with the department began in July 1980, just after his 21st birthday.

Stepping up its efforts to increase city-wide emergency response readiness, the City of Dallas, through its Office of Emergency Management & Crisis Response, has launched a new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Course, according to a recent news update. The free program, kicking off on January 12, offers Dallas residents the chance to develop crucial skills to manage emergencies effectively.

With winter's chill firmly taking hold of Fort Worth, residents are reminded of a crucial tool. The MyFW app is a direct line to city officials for reporting emergencies that may arise due to severe weather. The application, downloadable for quick access to reporting services, is a testament to the city's commitment to public safety and efficient response. According to the City of Fort Worth, emergencies can be reported conveniently through the MyFW platform.