July 2025

Graduates from Texas Connections Academy, a fulltime, tuition-free online public school for students in grades 3-12, celebrated their achievements in front of family and friends at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Friday, June 6.

Lone Star CASA started their Clays for CASA event a decade ago, with a few goals in mind—provide a way for participants to hone their skills… right before dove season kicks off—and help support area children. Win-win, right? Clays for CASA is held at the Texas Gun Ranch in Terrell, and this year’s event takes place on August 15. All the proceeds benefit Lone Star CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to ensure that 100 percent of children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties have an advocate by their side.

editor@terrelltribune.com The Terrell City Council approved a resolution for a fiveyear plan for the Terrell Housing Agency during their regular meeting June 24. Terrell Housing receives federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Catching fish can be a challenging endeavor especially when conditions change quickly and patterns that have been as constant as the Polar star fail to produce bites. Such was the case with a striper fishing trip at Lake Texoma last week with my friends at Striper Express.

Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) proudly announces Carlton Tidwell as the new Board Chair for the Workforce Development Board for North Central Texas. With nearly 30 years of experience across the private sector, economic development, and community engagement, Tidwell’s leadership and vision will help advance WSNCT’s mission to create opportunities for individuals and strengthen regional businesses.

Kaufman County Grand Jury returned 28 indictments June 27. Indictment information obtained from the District Clerk’s office does not include ages or addresses of defendants.

July 7-28: Al-anon meetings for family and friends of alcoholics will be held each Monday at noon at the First United Methodist Church, located on 503 W. College Street in Terrell.

The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) has announced the recipients of our 2025 Workforce Excellence Awards. Seven recipients have been awarded in their respective population categories. An additional nine nominees were recognized for their outstanding workforce projects. The 2025 Workforce Excellence Award nominees and recipients were recognized at the TEDC’s 2025 Mid-Year Conference on June 19, 2025, in Rockwall.

As we move into the second half of 2025, many business owners find themselves caught between reflection and momentum. Mid-year is more than a calendar checkpoint, it’s a strategic opportunity to revisit goals, assess performance, and set a stronger course for the remainder of the year.

When is it time to take another position or change jobs? Is it about age or tenure? More often, the answer lies in leadership, both its presence and absence. Leadership has the power to elevate an entire school district or to slowly unravel years of progress.