Trustees of Collin College have called for a November bond election to raise $600 million for expansion including three new facilities.

The board voted unanimously to place Proposition A on the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election ballot.

The proposition would authorize $600 million for workforce and academic expansions at the McKinney Campus, the Technical Campus located in Allen, the Frisco Campus, the Wylie Campus, the Farmersville Campus and the Courtyard Center located in Plano. 

The proposition also includes funding for new facilities, including an Aviation Academy in McKinney, a new campus in Anna and a new campus in Royse City.

“Based on current financial projections, the college does not anticipate an increase in the tax rate if voters approve the bond proposition,” the college said in a release on Friday, Aug. 7.

“The Board of Trustees has always believed in planning for the future while honoring the commitments we’ve made to our community,” said Jay Saad, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The projects completed through our previous bond program have strengthened the economic impact of our region, while providing accessible and affordable pathways for our students.”

The release said the proposed bond package is the next step in implementing Destination 2030, the college’s long-range master plan designed to expand educational access, strengthen workforce training and modernize facilities to serve one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.

The college said credit enrollment over has increased by more than 31% over the past decade, and the pace of growth is expected to continue. As enrollment and workforce demand continue to rise, the college developed Destination 2030 as a three-phase roadmap to expand capacity to address this growth.

Phase I prioritized projects addressing near-term enrollment growth, workforce shortages and aging learning spaces. Most Phase I projects are complete, with the remaining work scheduled for completion in 2027. 

Phases II and III focus on expanding educational opportunities in the county’s fastest-growing communities, increasing capacity in high-demand workforce and academic programs and modernizing existing facilities.

Collin College said it serves more than 62,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates.

Stay informed and support local journalism — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

For more than 30 years, the annual rodeo has been a community tradition, with the Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce partnering with Wylie ISD for the past 20 years to host the event at the F.O. Birmingham Agricultural Facility and Rodeo Arena.

Earlier this year, Wylie ISD began renovations to the facility as part of improvements intended to better serve students. In response, the Chamber and the City of Wylie spent several months exploring alternative locations for this year’s rodeo.

According to the Chamber, none of the sites considered could provide the space, infrastructure and safety needed to host the event while remaining logistically and financially feasible.

Read the full story in the August 13th edition. Stay informed — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. 

The three-day sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 7, and runs through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9.

The comptroller’s office says the sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items bought during the period. Items purchased before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.

The exemption applies to each eligible item sold for less than $100, and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items you can buy.

Computers, software and textbooks are not included. Jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and other accessories are also not exempt.

However, delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges by the seller are part of the item’s sales price. If the delivery charge is a flat rate per package, and the amount charged is the same regardless of how many items are included in the package, the total charge can be attributed to any one of the items in the package.

A complete list of school supplies covered by the tax holiday is available at: https://bit.ly/3RkCnpL.

Stay informed and support your local community newspaper — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

Fortunately, parents can do a great deal to ease the transition and help children begin the school year feeling prepared and confident.

One of the simplest ways to reduce first-day jitters is to make the occasion something to celebrate. Whether it’s preparing a favorite breakfast, taking the annual first-day photo or planning a special after-school outing, creating a family tradition helps turn nervous energy into positive anticipation.

As the first day approaches, it’s also helpful to begin re-establishing school routines. Moving bedtime a little earlier each night, practicing morning schedules and limiting late-night screen time can make those first few days much smoother for everyone.

Families with children attending a new school can benefit from doing a trial run before classes begin. Driving the route to campus, locating the bus stop or practicing the morning commute removes much of the uncertainty that can contribute to anxiety. Even something as simple as walking through the front entrance or finding the cafeteria can make a new school feel more familiar.

Many schools also host meet-the-teacher nights, orientation programs or campus tours before the school year begins. These events give students a chance to meet teachers, locate classrooms and reconnect with classmates in a relaxed setting before the hallways fill on the first day.

Parents can also help children focus on the opportunities that come with a new school year. New classes, electives, fine arts programs, athletics and clubs all provide chances to learn new skills and discover new interests. Talking about those possibilities shifts the conversation away from what summer is ending and toward what the new year can bring.

Another way to build excitement is to review the school calendar together. Mark holidays, field trips, concerts, athletic events, school carnivals and other activities on a family calendar. Looking ahead to memorable events throughout the year helps children see school as more than homework and tests.

Before classes begin, consider arranging a play date, neighborhood gathering or pool party with friends. Spending time together before school starts reminds children they’ll soon be seeing familiar faces every day, making the transition feel a little less intimidating.

Finally, remember that some nervousness is perfectly normal. Parents who encourage open conversations about school and listen carefully to their children’s concerns can often ease fears before they grow. Sometimes all a child needs is reassurance that others are feeling the same way and that it’s okay to be both excited and nervous about a new beginning.

Every new school year offers a fresh start. With a little preparation, patience and encouragement, parents can help children walk through the school doors ready to learn, make new friends and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Enjoying this column? Let us know. Support your local community newspaper — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

The organization’s highest designation awarded to community affiliates, Gold Star Affiliate status recognizes communities that demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, beautification efforts and sustainable practices.

The designation reflects successful local programs focused on litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, community cleanup initiatives and public education.

“This recognition is a testament to the pride our residents, volunteers, staff, and community partners take in keeping Murphy beautiful,” said Matt Foster, director of Parks & Recreation. “Maintaining a clean and vibrant community is truly a shared effort, and we are honored to receive this distinction from Keep Texas Beautiful.”

Foster added that the city continues to prioritize initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents while promoting environmental responsibility and civic pride through volunteer programs, beautification projects and community events.

The Gold Star designation is awarded annually to affiliates that meet Keep Texas Beautiful’s high standards of organizational performance and community impact.

Stay informed and support local journalism — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

Local thrifters now have a place to shop closer to home. The newly opened Hope’s Gate Thrift Store offers a variety of preloved items in support of a cause.

“We’re a nonprofit organization, and our proceeds go to women facing unplanned pregnancies,” manager Brennan Barbara said.

Hope’s Gate Thrift Store is located at 201 E. Butler St. in Wylie. Similar to its sister business, Hope’s Gate Boutique in downtown Wylie, the thrift store gives shoppers an opportunity to give back with each purchase.

Proceeds from the thrift store support Hope’s Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center in Wylie.

Currently, the store carries clothes and accessories, home decor, books, games, toys and furniture. The nonprofit relies on donations to keep the store stocked and ready for customers.

“We really take anything and everything,” Barbara said. “What we are wanting to do is not turn down donations so that we can help the community around us.”

Hope’s Gate Thrift Store’s donation requirements at this time are for items to be gently used or new. Questions about the donation process can be answered by phone at 945-385-0702 or by email at [email protected]. The store is open solely for donations Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Donations are also accepted during storefront hours, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Volunteers from Youth With A Mission (YWAM) have been working to open the store for approximately a year.

Between finding a location, hosting yard sales for fundraising and completing renovations, the team has given many hours leading up to the grand opening Saturday, May 9.

In addition to donating to a pregnancy resource center, Barbara said the thrift store exists to provide community connection and a place for individuals to bring items they no longer need.

“We have been working hard to get ready for everybody to come in and come shop,” Barbara said. “We really are doing this as a ministry.”

Volunteer opportunities will be open to the community soon. Visit thrift.hopesgate.org for updates.

Stay informed and support local journalism — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center will host The Great Catsby: ROARing ’20s Casino Night Saturday, June 27, at the Cotton Mill in McKinney. The fundraiser will transform the historic venue into a 1920s-inspired speakeasy featuring casino-style gaming, live entertainment, auctions and other interactive experiences.

Guests can enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres served throughout the evening, a premium open bar and opportunities to win prizes while supporting the sanctuary’s mission. The event will also feature curated silent and live auction items, along with surprises designed to capture the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

Based in Wylie, In-Sync Exotics is a nationally recognized sanctuary that provides a permanent home for rescued lions, tigers, cougars, bobcats, servals and other exotic felines. Many of the animals arrive from situations involving neglect, abandonment or unsafe living conditions.

Through rehabilitation, specialized care and educational programs, the organization works to provide a safe environment where the animals can live out their lives with dignity.

The fundraiser plays an important role in helping the nonprofit meet its annual operating budget of nearly $2 million. In-Sync Exotics relies on donations, grants, corporate sponsorships and fundraising events to support the care, feeding and medical needs of its residents.

Organizers say every ticket purchased, auction bid placed and donation made directly supports the sanctuary and the animals in its care.

For tickets and additional information, visit In-Sync Exotics’ event page. To learn more about the sanctuary, or make a donation, visit www.insyncexotics.org.

Stay informed and support local journalism — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

Wylie ISD trustees approved the district’s 2026-27 budget during their June 16 meeting, adopting a spending plan that projects a nearly $15 million deficit while providing pay increases for teachers and staff and maintaining the current tax rate.

Proceedings began with several recognitions, including the introduction of Leslie Dodson as director of secondary curriculum and career and technical education, Jennifer Temesvary as director of career and technical education, Heather Beaty as director of special education and Morgan Power as principal of Tibbals Elementary School.

Following the recognitions, trustees heard public comment on non-agenda items, many of which centered on the World Hijab Day incident at Wylie East High School in February. Several students spoke about their concerns regarding former Principal Tiffany Doolan, who resigned in the months following the incident, and the district’s response.

For the rest of the story, see the June 18 e-Edition. Support your local community newspaper — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

Six projects by Plano ISD students advanced this year to the 76th annual International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.

Four projects captured category grand awards. One student placed first and three placed fourth. In addition, four projects received special awards.

Ana Spiride of Plano East Senior High School placed first in Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics and won $6,000 for her project, Handtalk: A Translation System for American Sign Language.” She also won a Third Award of $2,000 from Qorvo technology.

Read the full story and stay informed — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.

Health officials said all blood types are currently needed, with particular demand for O negative and O positive donations. O negative blood is especially critical because it is the only blood type used to treat premature and unborn babies, while O positive is often used for patients experiencing severe trauma and life-threatening bleeding injuries.

Wylie residents will also have an opportunity to help locally during an upcoming blood drive hosted by Wylie ISD in partnership with Carter BloodCare. The drive is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 24, aboard the Carter BloodCare bus at Wylie ISD, 951 S. Ballard Ave. Donation appointments are planned throughout the morning and early afternoon.

According to Carter BloodCare, donations help a wide range of patients, including individuals injured in serious traffic accidents, children undergoing cancer treatment, new mothers, burn patients, organ transplant recipients and older adults facing age-related health concerns.

Individuals may begin donating blood at age 16 with parental consent, while those 17 and older can donate independently. Donors also must weigh at least 110 pounds and be feeling well at the time of their appointment.

As an added incentive, everyone who donates blood with Carter BloodCare during June will receive an official 2026 beach towel while supplies last.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, visit Carter BloodCare’s donor scheduling website.

Stay informed and support local journalism — subscribe to Murphy Monitor.