Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) are urging shoppers to use contactless payment methods to reduce the risk of credit card skimming.
Consumers are encouraged to tap to pay or use a trusted payment app on their mobile phones rather than swiping or inserting their cards into payment terminals, which are vulnerable to skimming devices.
While most skimmers are hidden deep inside gas pump cabinets, there are signs that shoppers can look for when making purchases at gas stations or other stores. Officials recommend checking the card slot and keypad for signs of tampering. “Wiggle the card slot—if it’s loose—or inspect the keypad for anything that appears to be placed over it,” advised the agencies.
To further protect against fraud, officials recommend using a credit card instead of a debit card whenever possible. Unlike debit cards, credit cards prevent access to PINs and bank accounts. Consumers are also advised to set up transaction alerts for their accounts and regularly monitor their bank and credit card statements for suspicious charges.
The FCIC and TDLR have produced a public service announcement available on YouTube, providing additional tips for identifying and avoiding skimming devices. The PSA can be viewed at https://youtu.be/M1bhDP722LU.
The FCIC, the first statewide financial fraud unit in the United States, operates in partnership with TDLR and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. The center coordinates law enforcement investigations into organized financial crimes, including fraud related to gasoline pump skimmers.
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A wide variety of items can be packed in the boxes including tools, toiletries, small toys, socks, art supplies and more. Courtesy photo
Children in need around the world are set to experience the joy of Christmas through Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse.
National Collection Week, taking place Nov. 18-25, offers individuals, families and groups the opportunity to pack shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items for children in need.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Cross Church in Wylie serving as a collection point. It is one of five drop-off locations in the south Collin County area, alongside Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, Prairie Creek Baptist Church in Plano, CityBridge Community Church in Plano, and Parkway Hills Baptist Church in Plano. Nationwide, there are more than 4,700 drop-off sites.
In 2023, the South Collin County team received 31,866 shoeboxes, including online submissions, nearly filling five trailers. For 2024, organizers have set an ambitious goal of 35,000 shoeboxes.
“It’s something the whole family can get involved with,” said Jon Bailey, staff contact for The Cross Church. “When my family does it, they pick kids their age and gender,” he added. “It helps them think about how blessed they are.”
Bailey shared that creativity plays a big role in packing boxes.
“You can give a child a water bottle and fit lots of useful items inside it,” he said, recounting stories of shoebox recipients using the gifts in transformative ways, like starting a small bicycle repair business with tools from a shoebox.
One group of members from The Cross Church made plans to pack over 500 boxes during a dedicated packing party, said Bailey.
Cheryl and Scott Bellamy, now in their fourth year, are the team contacts at The Cross Church. The couple have played a pivotal role in organizing the local effort, part of the largest regional team in the country.
Globally, Operation Christmas Child continues to make an impact. In 2023, more than 11.3 million shoeboxes were packed worldwide, including 902,340 from the Texas/Louisiana region. Since its inception in 1993, the project has delivered over 220 million shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, emphasized the importance of the project, adding, “You can show kids in need the true meaning of Christmas this year through a shoebox gift. Please prayerfully consider packing a shoebox this year.”
For those who prefer a digital option, Samaritan’s Purse offers an online shoebox-packing service at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline, where donors can select gifts, add a personal note and complete a virtual shoebox.
We will be accepting shoebox-filled gift donations at The Cross Church November 18-25, 2024 during the following hours:
Mon, Nov. 18: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tue, Nov. 19: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wed, Nov. 20: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thu, Nov. 21: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fri, Nov. 22: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sat, Nov. 23: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun, Nov. 24: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mon, Nov. 25: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
To learn how to pack a shoebox, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/
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Ray Jackson, center wearing medal, was of one two Wylie Way award winners celebrated by the Wylie Independent School District at the Monday, Nov. 20, board of trustees meeting.
During the regular Board of Trustees meeting held on Nov. 18, 2024, the Wylie Independent School District (WISD) recognized two outstanding individuals with the Wylie Way Award for their exceptional commitment to the district.
Ruth Ononogbu and Ray Jackson were honored for their dedication and service to the district. The prestigious award has been given to individuals and organizations who exemplify the district’s core ethical values since its inception in August 2012.
For more on this story see the November 21, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.
The Sachse City Council, after hearing expressions of frustration from staff and from its council members, voted Monday to authorize a change order for $428,000 to move a long-delayed roadway improvement project toward its completion.
The unanimous vote came after council members heard from engineer Dennis Thatcher about the myriad delays that have plagued a plan to widen Merritt Road from two lanes to four. In addition, the city wants to raise the roadbed about two feet, or enough to get it out of the flood plain.
For more on this story see the November 21, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.
Santa will once again be in Sachse for the annual Christmas Extravaganza. This year it is on Saturday, December 4, starting a 6 p.m.
Christmas is around the corner, and there is an abundance of local events to help residents get in the spirit of the season.
This year, Sachse is introducing a “Trail of Lights,” a self-guided holiday tour of homes that replaces the former Christmas decoration contest.
The Sachse Trail of Lights map will be released at the city’s annual Christmas Extravaganza at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. According to the city, residents and businesses with festive displays are asked to submit their addresses and photos to be included on the Trail of Lights map by Dec. 9. The form can be found on the city’s website.
As customary, Sachse’s holiday festivities will begin with a lighted parade along Miles Road. A tree lighting will be held in front of the Michael J. Felix Community Center at 7 p.m., and activities will follow. Miles Road will be closed from Sachse Road to Haverhill Lane between 5:50 and 7 p.m. Visit cityofsachse.com for more information.
If you’re on the hunt for unique gifts, The Coventry Reserve will host its annual Christmas Open House and Pottery sale from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
The Coventry Reserve, located at 2004 Parker Road in St. Paul offers life-enriching programs to adults with disabilities, and the pottery-making portion gives participants a creative outlet. Each piece for sale is crafted by a member of the Coventry Reserve community. Items include vases, ornaments, jewelry, Christmas cards and much more.
An evening of traditional Christmas music and meaningful storytelling awaits those who attend the show “Believe!” presented by the Wylie Acting Group. Performances will take place Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15. Visit wylieactinggroup.org for ticket information.
The Cross Church Event Center at 112 South Ballard Avenue will be decked with assorted crafts, art and gifts from more than 225 vendors. The Wylie Arts Festival will take place Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission, parking and activities for children will be free. Booths will be set up indoors and outdoors. In addition to holiday shopping, guests can enjoy fair food and visit the restaurants located in downtown Wylie. More information about the event can be found at wylietexas.gov or by calling 972-516-6023.
Held in conjunction with the Wylie Arts Festival, the Victorian Christmas Market at the Brown House will offer a festive trip to the past. Visitors can view historical demonstrations and explore the decorated home and its exhibits while live music plays from the porch. Exhibits will include a “Victorian Parlor at Christmastime,” Santa’s Workshop and more. Free hot cocoa will be provided for the first 500 participants to sip while browsing through the vendors on the lawn. A tin ornament craft, lawn games and opportunities to try old-fashioned handicrafts will also be available for children.
The CPKC Holiday Express train will make a stop on Oak Street in Wylie from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. The public is invited to tour the themed cars for free. Santa will be present, along with his elves and reindeer, and Rudy the tank car will greet guests with a smile.
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Sachse senior wide receiver Santana Quinn reaches across the goal line to score one of his two touchdowns during a Class 6A-Division I bi-district football game against Rockwall from Homer B. Johnson Stadium on Friday, Nov. 15. Photo by Tina Lopez / C&S Media
By David Wolman
GARLAND – Sachse was able to overcome mistakes during their run to a second consecutive District 9-6A title. But against Rockwall, Sachse head coach Mark “Red” Behrens knew that his Mustangs had to play a flawless game.
Unfortunately for Sachse, it was nowhere close to flawless.
Rockwall forced six Sachse turnovers, punctuated by a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown by junior safety Will Ashworth early in the fourth quarter, and the Yellowjackets cruised to a 50-17 win over the Mustangs from Homer B. Johnson Stadium in a Class 6A-Division I bi-district playoff game last Friday.
Sachse got two receiving touchdowns from senior wide receiver Santana Quinn.
Senior defensive back DJ Wells had two interceptions in the last two minutes of the first half for the Mustangs, the latter of which led to a Josh Weston 29-yard field goal as time expired. His field goal reduced Sachse’s deficit to 22-10.
However, Rockwall blitzed Sachse with 28 second-half points to re-assume control.
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Texans have returned Republican Ted Cruz to the Senate and U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R-McKinney) will serve a second term for the 3rd Congressional District.
Results of the Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election are not official until the votes are canvassed, but final unofficial returns show Cruz got 53.13% of the vote to 44.5% for Democrat Colin Allred, who resigned from his 32nd District U.S. House seat to challenge Cruz.
Self received 62.55% of the vote to 37.45% for Democratic Party challenger Sandeep Srivastava.
In the race for Texas House District 67, State Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) bested Mala L. Washington, his Democratic Party opponent, 60.32% to 39.68%.
“I am humbled and honored,” Leach said. “Serving you and your families — advocating for you and being your voice in the Texas House of Representatives — is the joy, privilege and honor of a lifetime. And I’m more committed than ever to delivering on your behalf.”
In District 89, State Rep. Candy Noble (R-Lucas) received 60.72% to 39.28% for Democrat Darrel Evans.
“I’m so grateful to God and to my voters for the honor of serving another two years in the Texas Legislature,” Noble said. “Thank you to all of those reading this that helped make it happen. I’m overwhelmed with joy.”
District 8 State Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney) beat Democrat Rachel Mello, 59.46% to 40.54%.
State Board of Education District 12 Member Pam Little (R) beat Democratic challenger George King, 63.41% to 36.59%.
In the race for Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector, Republican Scott Grigg beat Democrat Stephanie Cooksey 59.18% to 40.69%.
Precinct 3 County Commissioner Darrell Hale (R) received 61.42% to 38.58% for Yvette Johnson (D).
Precinct 3 Constable Sammy Knapp (R) beat Cesar Avila 54.98% to 45.02%.
According to Collin County Elections, 68.78% of the county’s 751,832 registered voters took part in the election. There were 424,236 early in-person ballots, 13,856 mail-in ballots, 2,108 limited ballots and 76,942 votes cast at the polls on Election Day, for a total of 517,142.
Results are not official until the votes are canvassed.
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Sachse resident Brandon Hern was among 25 Collin County veterans awarded a special commendation by U.S. Rep. Keith Self Monday, Nov. 11, at Collin College in McKinney.
Twenty-five veterans have received Congressional Veterans Commendations in a ceremony hosted by U.S. Rep, Keith Self.
“Celebrating these men and women is a powerful tribute to their service and a reminder of their vital role in protecting the freedoms we cherish as Americans,” Self said in announcing the honorees from the 3rd Congressional District.
Among those recognized in the Monday, Nov. 11, ceremony at Collin College in McKinney were U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Paul Hern of Sachse, U.S. Air Force Sgt. Mary Matilda Lange of Wylie and 1st Lt. Bryan Sylvester of Allen.
For more on this story see the November 14, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.
DFW Jeep Girls recently held a food drive donating 350 pounds of food to 5 Loaves Food Pantry. Courtesy photo
As the holiday season approaches, food pantries across Wylie and Sachse are preparing for an influx of families in need, driven by rising costs and persistent food insecurity. Area pantries are expanding efforts to meet demand, with each organization expressing gratitude for community support.
Jon Bailey, director of Hope for the Cities in Wylie, emphasized the increase in demand.
“It is such a busy time for everyone,” he said. “We are trying to stay on top of all the needs coming in.”
Bailey noted that Hope for the Cities has served 283,543 meals over the past 12 months, bringing their total to more than a million meals since the organization was formed in 2020. This year alone, Bailey said 352 families have received assistance, with volunteers logging over 10,000 hours of service.
In collaboration with Wylie ISD, Community ISD, Wylie UMC, Wylie Community Christian Care Center and Wylie Police Department, Hope for the Cities is preparing to deliver 310 special Thanksgiving food boxes.
“We are seeing new families signing up for assistance every week,” Bailey said. “We are grateful for the partnerships in the community so that we can work together on meeting the needs.”
At the Amazing Grace Food Pantry on Parker Road, director Karen Ellis said they are also experiencing a steady rise in need.
“We still have very busy November and December months to go,” she said, highlighting the year-to-date totals: 23,853 client visits, 3,667 families serve, and over 2 million meals provided. Amazing Grace Food Pantry ranks third in food distribution among Collin County’s 35 partner agencies, according to the North Texas Food Bank, and is the largest all-volunteer pantry in the county.
Ellis detailed several recent expansions, including an increased client parking area, additional fresh produce options, and an offsite distribution service that delivers essentials to over 200 seniors at nearby facilities. The pantry also assists homeless ministries and Hope Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center.
“God is using this little pantry for big things in our community,” Ellis said.
Mary Warkentine, co-director of the Wylie Community Christian Care Center, expects to serve 500 families in November and December.
“This has been a busy year for the Care Center,” she said. “We have seen many new clients who are struggling with the continued increase in rent, utilities and groceries. Most of them have never had to visit a food pantry and ask for assistance.”
By the end of the year, the Care Center anticipates serving 1,200 families and spending approximately $174,000 on rent and utilities alone—a significant increase over last year.
“It has been a struggle to keep our shelves stocked,” Warentine said. “It has taken an additional $30,000 of our funds to purchase food.”
Warkentine highlighted a unique aspect of their holiday support: rather than providing Thanksgiving box dinners as many pantries do, the Care Center instead focuses on supplying a turkey and a box of necessary items to make a complete Christmas dinner.
“We want to help families celebrate Christmas together with a full meal, so we make sure they have everything they need for a festive holiday dinner,” she said.
Warkentine also emphasized the importance of community contributions, such as the Wylie ISD Legacy Food Drive, among others, the help to alleviate the rising costs straining the Care Center’s resources.
“We need your support to continue serving all those in our community who are facing food insecurity and financial struggles,” she said. “Please prayerfully consider how you can help make a difference in someone’s life.”
At 5 Loaves Food Pantry in Sachse, Assistant Director Rebekah Rodgers described a sharp rise in need, with the pantry currently serving over 4,500 families a month.
“Since August, we are seeing about 150-200 new families a month come to the pantry for food and services,” Rodgers said. With the holidays fast approaching, she expects the numbers to increase further.
One of the pantry’s challenges this season is providing enough turkeys for Thanksgiving.
“We currently only have 90 turkeys allocated for our families and that is not nearly enough,” she said, encouraging community members to donate a turkey or ham.
The food pantry is also preparing for its annual “Christmas for the Children” event, aiming to provide gift bags for over 500 children. Rodgers urged the community to help by purchasing items through the pantry’s Amazon link which can be found at 5loavesfoodpantry.org.
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A ceremonial shoveling of dirt was performed onstage at The Cross Church Thursday, Nov. 7, marking a significant milestone for Jericho Village, an income-based urban village to be built in Wylie. Courtesy Craig Kelly//City of Wylie
Community, political and nonprofit leaders gathered Thursday, Nov. 7, to celebrate the groundbreaking of Jericho Village, an income-based urban village in Wylie that has been years in the making. The project, located at 511 Brown Street, is expected to be completed within a year.
The Cross Church hosted the event, which was emceed by Jon Bailey, executive director of Hope for the Cities. Bailey recalled his first encounter with Janet Collinsworth, founder and executive director of Agape Resource and Assistance Center, in 2020 to members of the Greater Wylie Resources Connection via Zoom.
For more on this story see the November 14, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.