Karen Chaney | Murphy Monitor

Former Wylie High School principal publishes autobiography

Karen Chaney — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 12:02:00 +0000

Despite a childhood riddled with deceit and hardships, Sachse resident Virdie Montgomery said he overcame the odds.

After finding himself with a little free time recently, Montgomery set out to check off “writing a book” from his bucket list. The result is his autobiography titled, “This Journey, A Rags to Middle Class Story.” Much like his life, his book is not all doom and gloom. It includes humorous anecdotes, personal interactions and philosophies which were developed over time.

For the full story, see our Jan. 6 issue or subscribe online.

Theatre teacher raises curtain on new business

Karen Chaney — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 17:14:07 +0000

Sometimes, it takes an off-campus activity to create a memory that will propel students to the next level.

For decades, music students have had the opportunity to experience kinesthetic activities, where they learn by experiencing, touching, doing or being physically active off-campus, and now theatre students can as well thanks to an innovative new business co-founded by Wylie High School Director of Theatre Polly Harrison.

For the see story, see our December 16 issue or subscribe online.

Dance studio makes its debut

Karen Chaney — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:19:00 +0000

Walking into Kaiser Center for the Performing Arts for the first time, patrons might find it hard to believe it was once the site of the former home décor store, Tuesday Morning. Aisles of kitchen gadgets, shower curtains and pet beds have now been replaced with a spacious lobby, five dance studios, two private lesson music rooms, two break rooms and office space.

Wylie residents, Jason and Jennifer Kaiser opened the 9,300 sq. ft. dance studio, located at 104 N. Murphy Rd. on Oct. 11.

To read the story visit http://murphymonitor.com

Murphy police officer retires after 18 years of service

Karen Chaney — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 11:00:07 +0000

Last week marked the end of an 18-year career with the Murphy Police Department for Officer Fred Mancias.

The police officer has worn many hats at MPD, and at least one cape, over the years.

His career in law enforcement began in 1992 after a 13- year stint in the Army. In 1993 he became an officer in Plainview, then in August 2003 he accepted a corporal position with the Murphy Police Department.

For the full story, see the August 12 issue or subscribe online.

By Karen Chaney • [email protected]

Sunny days on Sagebrush Trail

Karen Chaney — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 11:04:10 +0000

Sagebrush Trail is looking a little sunnier thanks to a few sunflower seeds that grew beyond one homeowner’s expectations.

In May, homeowner Janice Babcock was feeling particularly nostalgic and decided to plant sunflowers in her front flowerbed as a tribute to her grandmother. Babcock said some of her fondest childhood memories are those of working alongside her grandmother in her garden in Fort Worth.

For the full story, see the August 5 issue or subscribe online.

By Karen Chaney • [email protected]

Fitness, fun for all ages

Karen Chaney — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 11:03:21 +0000

Bill and Mary Jane Journey had to jump through a lot of hoops — and even a few obstacles — to get their Ninja Nation franchise fully operational in the midst of the pandemic.

When they finally opened Sept. 5, 2020, which they now refer to as their first grand opening, many parents came in desperate for a safe place to bring their kids so they could work off some energy.

“We had multiple parents in tears telling us how much this meant to them,” they said.

For the full story, see the July 8 issue or subscribe online.

By Karen Chaney • [email protected]

A night to remember

Karen Chaney — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 11:01:11 +0000

On the heels of two atypical school years, Plano East Senior High students donned their prom finery and pivoted from tradition once again.

Traditionally, prom has been held at Southfork Ranch in Parker, but this year’s final hurrah was held June 2 at Plano ISD’s Kimbrough Stadium in Murphy.

“Although we could not have a traditional prom at a venue, I was very excited to hear that at least prom was still going on,” Plano East Senior High Senior Class President Jada Li said. “We only get one prom, and an outdoor prom will definitely be a night to remember.”

Jada said the date was chosen to increase safety of the event as vaccines rolled out. Last year, prom was not held due to restrictions and mitigation efforts related to COVID-19.

For the full story, see the June 10 issue or subscribe online.

By Karen Chaney • [email protected]

Law firm helps clients plan for future

Karen Chaney — Thu, 27 May 2021 11:05:13 +0000

Murphy attorney Jnana Settle discovered a passion for advocating for the underserved as an undergrad at University of Hawaii. During that time, through her volunteer work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Settle represented foster children in court and did home studies.

Through Settle’s experiences with CASA, it also served as her introduction into the legal world and she loved it.

In 2007, she graduated from University of Hawaii with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, then later earned her law degree from Southern Methodist University in 2016.

Prior to opening her own firm in 2017, Settle was an in-house attorney at Texas lender and Texas title companies and a Dallas real estate law firm.

“These (experiences) shaped my career,” Settle said. “Having those insights makes me good at what I do here.”

In May 2017, she opened her own firm in Plano which coincided with her family of seven moving to Murphy. In January 2018, she was able to move her firm, The Settle Law Firm, to Murphy. The original location was on FM 544, however, she quickly outgrew that location and moved to 213 N. Murphy Rd., Ste. 500 in Nov. 2019.

For the full story, see the May 27 issue or subscribe online.

By Karen Chaney • [email protected]

Moms learn basics of football

Karen Chaney — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 11:02:42 +0000

How does a split end differ from a tight end? What’s a blitz? How many points does a football team earn for a safety?

These were but a few questions moms could get answered on April 17, as it was far from business as usual at the Plano East Senior High indoor football facility. Huddled in the team inflatable wearing football gear and jerseys, sporting eye black and filled with team spirit were the moms of current and future PESH football players.

More than 30 moms rallied together for the inaugural Plano East Mom’s 101 Football Clinic held by Plano East Football Booster Club. Incoming club president Eric Atchley said the goal of the event was to educate, communicate and elevate football knowledge.

“Treat moms to a little fun and football to ensure they feel the love,” Atchley said. “Moms are the best.”

Joey McCullough, PESH head football coach and athletic director, led the clinic. He, along with other Plano East coaches, covered the history, evolution and current basic strategies of American football.

For the full story, see the April 22 issue or subscribe online.

By Karen Chaney • [email protected]

Council declines zoning change for townhome development

Karen Chaney — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 16:45:19 +0000

The Murphy City Council at its Tuesday meeting turned down a request for a zoning change at a location that would have been used for a new townhome development.

Councilmembers expressed concerns about the location, FM 544 and North Maxwell Creek Road, legally described as the Murphy Marketplace-East Addition. The zoning change sought was to move the property zoning from Planned Development-Retail to Planned Development Single Family-Attached for the 8.07-acre site.

The two-story townhomes would have had a minimum lot size area of 1,650 square feet, with homes ranging between 1,300 and 2,000 square feet in floor area, city officials said. The average price would run around $300,000.

The primary access to the homes would have been through Murphy Marketplace and North Maxwell Creek Road. Several people spoke in the public hearing about the proposed development, with many patrons against it, and one of the chief complaints was traffic that would be caused by the new development.

Mayor Scott Bradley said the city has worked for a decade to find something to fill that space where the proposed 68-townhome development would have been built. In October 2007, the city was approached about a movie theater being built in that location, but the developer withdrew its application a few months later, said Jared Mayfield, director or economic and community development for the city.

While some councilmembers disliked the quality of the townhomes’ appearance – Ken Oltmann used the word “junk” in his critique – Mayor pro tem Jennifer Berthiaume said the appearance of the townhomes didn’t bother her, but did say this location didn’t work for development. She thought the development could be viable in another part of the city.

Also Tuesday, the council declined to take action on the installation of a traffic signal at North Murphy Road and McMillen Drive. Bradley said the city needs a “longer-term strategy” for the intersection and sees the value of having a light at the intersection but as part of a bigger project. The proposal will probably be discussed again during the next bond election when officials discuss repairing or updating McMillen Road, city secretary Susie Quinn said in an email Wednesday.

By Don Munsch [email protected]