Margie Townsend

As the holiday season heats kitchens across Fort Worth, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the City of Fort Worth want to cool down the potential problems caused by improper disposal of cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOGs). According to the City of Fort Worth, these substances can lead to blocked pipes and environmental issues if poured down the drain.

The White Settlement Police Department is launching a new initiative to foster stronger community ties and provide residents with insights into law enforcement operations. The winter session of the Citizen's Police Academy will commence on December 5, spearheaded by Officer Laura González.

Authorities reported a shooting incident that took place last Friday in the 200 block of Parkview St., where two adult males were found with gunshot wounds and were quickly transported to a local hospital, as detailed in a social media post issued by the department.

The Dallas Police Department has a new Senior Public Information Officer in town. Meet Corbin Rubinson, the latest addition to the team dedicated to communicating all the nuances and happenings within the #DallasPD to the public. In much the spirit of a feature Friday reveal, the Dallas Police Department took to social media to welcome Rubinson to the fold, urging the community to join in on the welcome wagon.

At East Regional Library's One at a Time Book Club, Percy Jackson catalyzes new friendships and shared laughs among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to a recent report by the City of Fort Worth, the club is no standard gathering—the group began reading "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" back in June and enjoys the collective experience of a novel over time, meeting weekly from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday, they aren't bothered by the pace which they inch through the adventures of Percy and his cohorts.

The holiday season is set to light up in Rockwall County with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. On December 6 at 6 pm, the community is invited to come together at the County Courthouse at 1111 E. Yellow Jacket Ln for an evening infused with festive music and holiday spirit. The event promises to be a showcase of local talent and a celebration of community.

The holiday spirit of giving is taking over Grand Prairie as the city partners with WFAA to ensure that local children and teenagers receive the gift of joy this festive season. In a joint effort that has been a tradition for over half a century, The City of Grand Prairie is inviting community members to participate in Santa's Helpers toy drive, which aims to brighten the holidays for thousands of needy youngsters across several counties.

The City of Dallas is committing financial resources to bolster the development of various cultural and economic projects, among these, an $8 million grant was recently approved to aid the revival of the historic Forest Theater. The unanimous approval by the Dallas City Council took place on November 13, signaling the city's support for the Forest Forward initiative, which aims to transform the long-closed theater into a beacon for community events and activities. The redevelopment plan also includes a sizeable expansion of the facility, promising to host over 140 events per year upon completion.

In what represents a small but significant victory in the ongoing battle against elder financial abuse, The Moonshot Initiative (TMI) acknowledged the efforts of Sgt. James Stewart of the White Settlement Police Department with a Certificate of Appreciation. The acknowledgment came after Sgt. Stewart's intervention in an incident involving financial deception aimed at an older member of the community. Through his timely communication with the scammer, Stewart effectively shielded the victim from potential exploitation.

In a bid to spread awareness about an existing statute that supports the safety and welfare of infants, the Plano Texas Police Department took to social media to issue a crucial reminder regarding the Safe Haven Law. Known colloquially as the Baby Moses Law, it provides a lifeline for individuals incapable of providing the necessary care for their children. The law permits the legal and safe relinquishment of an infant at designated safe locations.