June 2023

Around Town

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July 4: Terrell's Freedom Fest 2023 will take place at the Ter rell Municipal Airport. The family-friendly event includes food vendors, a kids zone and activities for all ages.

Worth the squeeze

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The Titus Family of Terrell is a houseful of entrepreneurs. Jayla Titus and her brother, Carly, run their lemonade business on Talty Road in Terrell, just one block east of 148. Smackinade is typically open from 12-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Their mom, Lottie Titus, manages their TikTok to help grow their business. Lottie also owns Divine Healn, a business centered around natural healing products such as oils and teas, all naturally sourced and ethically created. To support the Titus Family, follow their social media accounts and go grab a cold cup of lemonade on these hot summer days!
Photo by Karla Dunson

County set to host two blood drive events

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Blood donors are lifesavers for local patients who need transfusions. This includes children fighting cancer, mothers going through difficult childbirths, family members who require surgery, and grandparents with health issues, among many others in need.

Reese honored during final council meeting

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DAVID KAPITAN editor@terrelltribune.com The Terrell City Council paid tribute to one of its own last week, recognizing outgoing District 5 representative Andreia Reese for her dedicated service to the city. Mayor Pro Tem Mayrani Velazquez stated, “Andreia has been serving on the city council for the last several months.
City Manager Mike Sims, Mayor Pro Tem Mayrani Velazquez, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Holmes-Thomas and councilman Grady Simpson recognized outgoing councilwoman Andreia Reese (second from left) during the most recent Terrell City Council Meeting. Courtesy photo

Historical commission honored with award

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DAVID KAPITAN editor@terrelltribune.com The Kaufman County Commissioners Court met for more than two hours this week, tackling a series items related to the adoption of a budget for the upcoming year while also hearing monthly reports from key department heads. While those items drew the lion’s share of the court’s attention, the commissioners also took time out to recognize the Kaufman County Historical Commission on their efforts to keep local historical milestones, achievements and places alive and well for future generations.

Unity in the Community

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Breezy Hill Park was the place to be June 17-19 as the Association of Breezy Hill Park held a special three-day event to commemorate Juneteenth in the City of Terrell. Juneteenth marks the arrival of Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger’s in Galveston on June 19, 1865 with the news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free.
Blistering temperatures and high humidity levels did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds of visitors that made their way to Breezy Hill Park June 17-19 for this year’s local Juneteenth event. Attendees were able to take in live music, learn about Terrell’s rich history, enjoy food, fun and fellowship, and see the newly opened and dedicated basketball courts. Additional photos on 2A. Photo by David Kapitan

Summer storms highlight need to create safety plan

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Information courtesy of the Texas Department of State Health Services East Texas residents were on high alert over the past week, keeping their eyes to the skies after multiple rounds of violent weather struck. With storm events still likely throughout the summer months, state officials issued a series of reminders centered on creating an emergency plan and building an emergency preparedness kit.

POLICE BLOTTER

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Terrell police made the following arrests and responded to the following incidents from June 14 to June 20: Arrests: Ramon Extapan Nunez, Terrell, 63, public intoxication; disorderly conduct – urinating in public; open container in a motor vehicle Demarqus Antwin Criss, Rowlett, 20, evading arrest/detention with a vehicle Jamie Leigh-Owens Hanselka, Terrell, 38, public intoxication Daniel Lynn Irvin, Athens, 48, theft of property =1G

Sales tax collections dip for second consecutive month

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The City of Terrell has found itself in a mid-year funk according to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office, seeing sales tax revenues dip when comparing against totals from the same calendar month from the previous year for the second consecutive reporting period.