February 2023

KELLEY SHANNON Executive Director, Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Fifty years ago, responding to public demand in an era of reform, Texas enacted a sweeping law ensuring the people’s right to know about their government. The Texas Public Information Act – originally known as the Open Records Act when it passed in 1973 – was one of the strongest transparency laws in the nation.

The 88th Texas Legislature convened on January 10, 2023 and will adjourn on May 29. The legislature meets every odd-numbered year for 140 days, followed by a 19-month interim (barring any special session called by the governor at his discretion).

1952-2023 Rev. Norman Wallace, Jr., age 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Houston on Jan.

1946-2023 Joe Allen Hogan, of Terrell, passed away on Feb. 6, 2023.

Terrell police made the following arrests and responded to the following incidents from February 1 to February 7: Arrests: Oliver James Snowton, Terrell, 37, no drivers license; expired vehicle registration; failure to appear

JW Long Elementary School counselor Sandi Helm has been nominated for the 2022-‘23 National LifeChanger of the Year Award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

DAVID KAPITAN editor@terrelltribune.com The number of new filers seeking a to throw their name in the race for a spot on the Terrell City Council or the Terrell ISD Board of Trustees ground to a halt last week with no packets returned between Jan. 25 and Feb.

DAVID KAPITAN sports@vanzandtnews.com The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided a welcome bit of news to states across the country last week, reporting a sharp decrease in the number of confirmed cases of flu and influenza-like illnesses. According to data released Jan.

Mother Nature made her presence felt across the region during the past week, delivering a powerful arctic blast highlighted by a steady helping of sleet and icy conditions that caused business and school closures, accidents and countless power outages due to downed limbs and trees.

The E! Terrell Entertainment Series is bringing the acclaimed Dallas Symphony Orchestra to perform in concert at the Terrell ISD Jamie Foxx Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening, Feb. 10.