Latest News
The second regular trustee meeting of the school year on Sept. 18 had several recognitions, information on a new initiative, and a Bond 2023 update. Recognitions included the Wylie High School Theatre team for receiving an award of distinction by the Texas Education...
The Murphy City Council has unanimously approved an average monthly increase of $6.47 or 7.31% for residential Atmos Energy service. The higher rate was negotiated by Atmos and the Atmos Cities Steering Committee (ACSC) representing Murphy and 181 other...
For the first time in almost 20 years, retired public school employees will have a chance to receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) provided Texas residents vote “yes” at the polls in November. Texans will cast votes on 14 proposed amendments to the Texas...
Fentanyl poisoning continues to claim a growing percentage of drug deaths in the state, according to the Texas Health Data dashboard published online by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). As of Aug. 25, 45.39% of all drug deaths were attributed to...
There’s a deep satisfaction in seeing how far you can shoot a pumpkin from a giant slingshot. And there’s even more satisfaction if you can hit something with it. Well, for $5 a pumpkin you can try your luck at Punkin’ Chunkin’ at the annual Maize Days festival,...
Sports
PROSPER – Plano East’s third-down offense and defense struggled in a 42-14 loss to Prosper Rock Hill Friday night. Rock Hill (1-2) scored on five consecutive possessions in the first half, capitalizing on third-down conversions most of the evening. Late in the first...
Plano East’s defensive preview ends in the secondary, where the team is led by two experienced and talented safeties. The duo, Andrew Earls and Desmond Smith return for their second year as a starting tandem. Smith, a multi-year starter entering his senior year, had...
With returning varsity talent and a strong finish to the 2022 season, Plano East volleyball is optimistic for the new season. Head coach Sarah Perez brought new energy to the program last season, as the Lady Panthers won seven games in the competitive District 6-6A....
Part of the changes to Plano East’s defense is about getting more linebackers on the field. The team did graduate two of its best defensive players from last season – Chiagozie Oliver and Daniel Cabrera, but boasts a new look at the linebacker position for this...
Plano East replaces multiple players on the defensive line but brings back plenty of talent in 2023. Returning to the fold are the Panther's top two defensive ends, rising seniors Jadyn Lindsey and Chima Chineke. Those two lead a talented group on the line of...
Education
For the first time in almost 20 years, retired public school employees will have a chance to receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) provided Texas residents vote “yes” at the polls in November. Texans will cast votes on 14 proposed amendments to the Texas...
Wylie ISD trustees are expected to consider a bond proposal at their regular August 21 meeting and will likely call an election for Nov. 7. Trustees were presented a Comprehensive Facilities Plan at a July 17 workshop that was developed over the past several months by...
WISD recruits, welcomes 225 new teachers It’s crunch time for area school districts as they race against the clock to prep for the 2023-24 school year welcoming new students and new teachers. In Wylie ISD, new teachers — 225 in all — were celebrated at the annual “New...
Wylie ISD trustees approved a budget for the upcoming fiscal year despite some uncertainty surrounding property relief and statutory requirements to raise teacher compensation in special legislative sessions. The overall budget was presented by Scott Roderick,...
Plano East Senior High (PESH) Valedictorian Shriya Bhat recalled how COVID had cut short freshman year for the Class of 2023. “Our infinite spring break turned into a year of online school in our pajamas,” she told the 1,370 graduates. “At least we got TikTok from...
Life & Style
Turn off lights to protect migrating birds Nearly 2 billion birds migrating through the United States in spring and fall pass through Texas. And many of them that fly by night can become confused by light pollution, slamming into buildings or other obstacles. To help...
Finishing up a Veteran’s Day speaking tour, Vietnam veteran and Rowlett native Tim Lee delivered a message of perseverance and faith at the quarterly Murphy Chamber of Commerce meeting Nov. 15. The luncheon was sponsored by the Murphy Veterans Tribute organization and...
Area residents looking for some yuletide cheer, and perhaps some shopping, will have several opportunities to get in the spirit. The city of Murphy will hold its annual Christmas in the Park celebration, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Murphy Municipal...
Individuals or groups with a yearning to add merriment to the season in the form of parade participation should act now and register for their float at the annual Holiday in the Park in Murphy. The deadline to register to walk, ride a bike, pull a wagon, or drive a...
If you’re the parents/guardians of elementary school-age children, the Monitor is collecting Letters to Santa again this year. The letters will be printed in the December 23 edition of The Murphy Monitor. Please print out the attached document, have your child write...
Opinion
One of my most vivid memories of fall happened during junior high. I was standing in the end zone prior to the start of a game. I could barely feel my fingers and toes. It was October, but it was unusually cold (Al Gore had yet to invent global warming). My shoulder...
They were called, “Victory Gardens.” And they were one of the weapons US citizens used to help win World War II. With the bad guys throwing everything at us that they could, in return, we were throwing everything at them that we could. By John Moore To Login to read...
When our parents would take my sister and me from Ashdown, Arkansas to Texarkana, often they’d succumb to our begging and stop for ice cream. The only destination considered was Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors. By John Moore To Login to read the full story or to subscribe,...
A granddaddy long legs climbed onto my face while I was out brush hogging on the tractor. I’d like to apologize to the neighbor for his fence, chicken house, doghouse, clothesline, and for leaving the scene of an accident. By John Moore To Login to read the full story...
Ever have one of those moments where something in your head says you need to do something, but you’re not sure why? Recently, a memory I have of my grandfather cooking on a charcoal grill sparked that little voice to give me a direct order. The instructions were to...
