Andrew Branca - Freelance Journalist

03/04/2024

UTA Libraries will celebrate Open Education Week on March 4-8 with institutions worldwide. This annual event spotlights free educational resources and materials with open licenses for reuse or modification.

Read the article online at https://bit.ly/4c3f5de.

[ID: Pictured is a logo that reads, "Open Education Week." At the bottom of the image features a second logo that reads, "UTA Libraries."]

05/16/2023

The UTA Libraries Special Collections Department's new exhibit, "Retro Remix: Archives-Inspired Student Art," is currently on display.

The student art features "remixes" of historical materials from Special Collections. Each student's artwork is displayed next to the historical image, map, book, or object that inspired its creation. All originals in the exhibit have a QR code that links to a download page so that viewers can create their own Remixes. Submit your remix of Special Collections materials for a chance to win a prize!

The exhibit is displayed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday until Sept. 1.

[ID: Pictured is a graphic advertising the Retro Remix exhibit.]

05/16/2023

Having a can-do spirit and a willingness to help anyone are among the many things that Hailey Carson brings to UTA Libraries. Hailey recently joined the library as its new health and sciences librarian.

Read the article about Hailey Carson online at https://bit.ly/3M2FEDp.

[ID: Pictured is a photo of Hailey Carson.]

05/15/2023

Walter Bett’s years of public service were honored with the lifetime achievement award from the Texas Library Association. Betts was recognized at the association’s annual conference held in April.

Read the article about Walter Betts online at https://bit.ly/3VVTWdv.

[ID: Pictured is a photo of Walter Betts.]

05/15/2023

"Character is power." –Booker T. Washington

[ID: Pictured is a photo of Booker T. Washington courtesy of the Library of Congress.]

08/29/2022

World War II veteran Charles Atchley recently returned from a four-day trip to the nation’s capital, where he attended the annual reunion for the U.S. Army’s 75th Infantry Division. Atchley served in the 75th during World War II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and the Colmar Pocket (France).

World War II veteran Charles Atchley recently returned from a four-day trip to the nation’s capital, where he attended the annual reunion for the U.S. Army’s 75th Infantry Division. Atchley

08/10/2022

When driving behind a school bus, motorist must stop when the STOP sign and flashing lights are activated on the bus. This includes when children are entering or exiting the bus, at railroad crossings, and in school zones. Thanks for following these laws and helping keep our students safe!

08/10/2022

Waxahachie ISD hosted its second annual Back 2 School Bash at Railyard Park in downtown Waxahachie from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6.

Waxahachie ISD hosted its second annual Back 2 School Bash at Railyard Park in downtown Waxahachie from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6. On hand for the free celebration of the

08/10/2022

Have you ever wanted to run your own haunted restaurant? Here’s your chance.

The infamous haunted Catfish Plantation house located on 814 Water St., which has been home to both delicious food and ghosts, is on the market.

Have you ever wanted to run your own haunted restaurant? Here’s your chance.

08/04/2022

The Waxahachie City Council voted its unanimous approval Monday, Aug. 1, for an event center that will see the repurposing of the old school building at 716 Dunaway St.

08/04/2022

Ellis County Judge Todd Little has been elected to serve on the executive board of the North Central Texas Council of Governments, a regional association of county and municipal governments that coordinates common needs and opportunities among North Texas communities. As an executive board director, Little has voting authority over all policy, fiscal, and vision-setting activities undertaken by NCTCOG.

Ellis County Judge Todd Little has been elected to serve on the executive board of the North Central Texas Council of Governments, a regional association of county and municipal governments

08/04/2022

At 7:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, Dr. Jamal R.A. Rasheed will ring the bell at the 8/47 Memorial in Freedman Memorial Park in Waxahachie. The monument commemorates the 19 lives lost in a tragic traffic accident Aug. 5, 1947. In a brief ceremony, Rasheed will ring the monument’s bell 19 times in those men’s memory.

At 7:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, Dr. Jamal R.A. Rasheed will ring the bell at the 8/47 Memorial in Freedman Memorial Park in Waxahachie. The monument commemorates the 19 lives

07/29/2022

07/22/2022

Today Sheriff Brad Norman swore in Zachary Beauchamp as our newest Deputy Sheriff. Zach comes to us from Lancaster Police Department and is an experienced peace officer. Please join in with us in welcoming Zach to our LE family.

07/21/2022

Adam Sandler is one of those actors who’s hard to imagine in any other movie besides a comedy. Over the years, however, he has shown audiences and critics there is more to him besides being just a funny man. His new movie, “Hustle,” which just premiered on Netflix, is proof of that fact.

Adam Sandler is one of those actors who’s hard to imagine in any other movie besides a comedy. Over the years, however, he has shown audiences and critics there is

07/21/2022

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office reported Sunday, July 17, that a live mortar shell found near the city of Italy had been safely detonated.

07/21/2022

In a unanimous vote Monday night, the Waxahachie City Council approved a resolution to name the new city hall annex after former city council member and mayor Chuck Beatty. Almost all who spoke on the agenda item testified to Beatty’s longtime service to the community, including his 26 years on the council, of which five were as mayor.

In a unanimous vote Monday night, the Waxahachie City Council approved a resolution to name the new city hall annex after former city council member and mayor Chuck Beatty. Almost

07/20/2022

07/13/2022

A few weeks ago, members of the community joined with the staff at the new Baylor Scott & White Center for Bariatric Surgery – Waxahachie to officially open the doors to patients. The center focuses on addressing obesity with modern treatment strategies by considering the different characteristics of each person.

A few weeks ago, members of the community joined with the staff at the new Baylor Scott & White Center for Bariatric Surgery – Waxahachie to officially open the doors

07/11/2022

Darrell Phillips, Airport Manager, was recognized with a plaque by the Airport Board for his years of dedication and commitment to Mid-Way. Best wishes on his next adventure!

07/11/2022

If you are looking to get transported to another world, lost on a new adventure, solve a mystery or find romance then check out Waxahachie’s newest book and plant store, Paper Leaves. Located inside a historic home at 510 Water St., Paper Leaves offers a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.

If you are looking to get transported to another world, lost on a new adventure, solve a mystery or find romance then check out Waxahachie’s newest book and plant store,

07/11/2022

After almost a year, the Waxahachie City Council approved a new policy establishing a process and procedure to name city-owned facilities. The item passed in a 4-1 vote with council member Billie Wallace casting the dissenting vote at the July 5 meeting.

After almost a year, the Waxahachie City Council approved a new policy establishing a process and procedure to name city-owned facilities. The item passed in a 4-1 vote with council

07/11/2022

The Waxahachie Police Department K-9 team recently participated in a competition where it won first place in Narcotics Detection in Rooms and Vehicles. The team is headed to nationals in September to become nationally certified and where it will compete once again. Congratulations to officer Curtis Farmer and Mattis on their accomplishments, with best wishes for the upcoming national competition.

The Waxahachie Police Department K-9 team recently participated in a competition where it won first place in Narcotics Detection in Rooms and Vehicles. The team is headed to nationals in

07/11/2022

On Tuesday, June 21, the United Way of West Ellis County partnered with organizations across the county to make an impact and service the people of the community on the 2022 Day of Action. On and around this day, thousands of people in hundreds of communities worldwide volunteer through the United Way to build stronger, more equitable communities.

On Tuesday, June 21, the United Way of West Ellis County partnered with organizations across the county to make an impact and service the people of the community on the

07/11/2022

07/11/2022

After competing in a variety of physical competitions over the years, Matt Yrlas of Waxahachie decided he needed a new challenge. The Lancaster firefighter has teamed up with personal trainer Daniel Ortiz to take part in the Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas’ annual boxing tournament in September.

After competing in a variety of physical competitions over the years, Matt Yrlas of Waxahachie decided he needed a new challenge. The Lancaster firefighter has teamed up with personal trainer

07/07/2022

07/07/2022

In this edition of The Ag Report, Waxahachie, Texas-based ag producer and host John Paul Dineen III shares the conversation he was able to have with a Ukrainian farmer, who told him about the difficulties producers are facing there because of the ongoing war with Russia.

In this edition of The Ag Report, Waxahachie, Texas-based ag producer and host John Paul Dineen III shares the conversation he was able to have with a Ukrain...

07/05/2022

As of Friday, July 1, the Sun estimated the number of active COVID-19 cases in Ellis County at 484, an increase of 32 from the week before. In making its calculation, the Sun combined confirmed and probable case numbers for the past 10 days as available from the state’s data prior to deadline.

As of Friday, July 1, the Sun estimated the number of active COVID-19 cases in Ellis County at 484, an increase of 32 from the week before. In making its

07/05/2022

The following government meetings are scheduled the week beginning Monday, July 4.

The following government meetings are scheduled the week beginning Monday, July 4: