By David Wolman
Another school year is in the books for Sachse.
And it was another successful year for the Mustangs, who won district titles in boys and girls cross country, boys and girls soccer, boys’ golf, while making extended playoff runs in girls soccer, boys basketball and baseball.
The Sachse News will take a more detailed look at each sport, beginning with cross country, football and volleyball.
Cross country
Sachse swept the team titles at the District 9-6A championships, marking the first time since 2016 that both programs have won district titles in the same year. The boys scored 31 points, while the girls tallied 35.
Sachse also produced the boys’ individual champion. Sophomore Dominic Richardson overtook Wylie East’s Kaleab Endale with a mile left and placed first in 15:55.
Samuel Ledbetter (third, 16:13), Sadiki Mburu (seventh, 16:29), Henry Lesley (eighth, 16:31), Roman Rabel (12th, 16:48), Ozzy Heredia (15th, 17:00) and Grayson Redden (26th, 17:52) also posted strong finishes.
Sachse’s girls showed impressive depth, placing six runners in the top 12. Abigail Leonard was the runner-up (18:40). Arora Dinh Ngo (fifth, 19:54), Alicia Payne (seventh, 20:12), Kaitlyn Herrera (10th, 20:25), Adeline Moss (11th, 20:33) and Maicen Keefer (12th, 20:34) placed in the top 15.
Leonard qualified for the state meet for the second time after earning 23rd at the Region II-6A meet. Ledbetter advanced to state for the first time after running to 11th place in a time of 16:10. He placed 94th at state, while Leonard took 122nd in the girls’ race.
Football
Sachse was faced with the task of retooling a roster that graduated 37 seniors from the 2024 team that guided the Mustangs to a second consecutive undefeated district championship.
Although that inexperience created some growing pains, the Mustangs put together their best football when it mattered the most. Sachse overcame a 2-2 start to District 9-6A play to fuel a 3-1 finish to the regular season with wins over North Garland, South Garland and Naaman Forest.
Sachse (6-5) lost 42-7 to North Forney in bi-district. The Mustangs trailed just 14-7 at halftime but were outscored 28-0 in the second half.
The season started with a two-player rotation at quarterback, but junior Christian McCaffrey took the reins in Week 4 against Wylie.
McCaffrey’s big arm made a huge difference for the Mustangs’ passing attack. He threw for 1,404 yards with 11 passing touchdowns. His top target, senior wide receiver Marcus Rhoden, finished with 783 yards and eight touchdowns.
Meanwhile, senior Dirk Williams Jr. was moved to a dual role at wide receiver and tailback. He contributed 182 yards and one receiving touchdown to accompany 531 rushing yards and eight rushing scores. Senior Roderick Rainwater filled the shoes of the previous year’s district MVP, Brendon Haygood, finishing with 634 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, Sachse got great production out of senior defensive tackle Trason Haley, who had a team-best five sacks. Senior linebacker Corbin Crane stuffed the stat sheet with 105 total tackles. Sophomore linebacker Willehado Palomo won 9-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year after logging 98 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery.
Volleyball
Sachse has never missed the playoffs and didn’t again despite fears of a rebuilding effort.
Despite losing six seniors from the 2024 team to graduation, including the district’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Kaelynn Sims, and Defensive Player of the Year, Taber Torres, the Lady Mustangs rounded into form after a sluggish start.
After starting 3-8, the Lady Mustangs went 12-4 against district competition to earn second place and earned another playoff berth.
Although Sachse’s season ended with a 3-0 loss to a hard-hitting Rockwall offense in bi-district, the Lady Mustangs finished 19-18.
Several Lady Mustangs stepped into new roles and delivered, including senior outside hitter Raniya Temple-Robinson, who was tabbed the district’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year after she logged 325 kills and 143 digs.
Junior setter Laney George was named the 9-6A Server of the Year. She racked up a team-high 45 service aces and dished out 406 assists.
Read the full story and stay informed — subscribe to The Sachse News.
Two white lionesses requiring urgent medical attention have found a new home in Wylie after being transferred to In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center.
The female lions, Kali and Nzuri, arrived late in the evening Tuesday, May 5 after concerns arose about serious mobility issues while they were housed at a roadside zoo in Pilot Point. The approximately 7-year-old sisters were transferred following intervention involving the Animal Legal Defense Fund after videos showing the animals struggling with instability and difficulty walking circulated online.
A specialized team from In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Educational Center, accompanied by the sanctuary’s veterinarian, traveled to retrieve and safely transport the lionesses to Wylie.
Read the full story and stay informed — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>By David Wolman
The Sachse baseball team extended its streak of playoff qualifications this season, with the Mustangs advancing to the area round for the second time in the last three years.
Coaches in District 9-6A took note of their success and rewarded Sachse with a total of 12 selections on the all-district team.
Sachse senior third baseman Colt Upchurch was tabbed the district’s Offensive Player of the Year after he collected 25 hits, 25 runs, 13 RBIs and five walks during 9-6A competition. In four playoff games, he finished with six hits, four RBIs, four runs and two walks.
Mustangs senior catcher William Martin captured Defensive Player of the Year. He also stepped up offensively, which included a two-hit, one-RBI performance in Sachse’s 14-4 victory against Rockwall-Heath in Game 1 of the Class 6A Division I bi-district round of the postseason.
Senior pitcher Alex Moreno, sophomore pitcher Cade Burkey, senior second baseman Julian Moreno, junior first baseman Jacob Ponce, sophomore shortstop Noah Siddall and senior left fielder Greyson Darden landed on the first team. Junior right fielder Luke Visser and junior pitcher Carson DaSilva were recognized on the second team. Senior outfielder Prince Marish and junior center fielder Nathan Sereseroz were placed on the honorable-mention team.
Read the full story, stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News.
By David Wolman
After helping lead the Sachse softball team to 11 District 9-6A wins and another playoff berth, junior pitcher/shortstop Maya McClarity was named the district’s Most Valuable Player as voted on by the head coaches of all nine teams in the district.
McClarity was a force at the plate, finishing with 14 home runs, 72 RBIs, 46 runs scored, 52 hits, eight walks, nine stolen bases and struck out three times in 96 plate appearances. She also led the efforts of the Lady Mustangs’ pitching staff, striking out 96 while allowing 51 earned runs in 89 innings.
McClarity was one of four Lady Mustangs who were selected to the all-district team. Junior catcher Kendyl Cruz and senior third baseman Xochitl Mendoza were honored on the first team. Senior second baseman Brooke Robinson landed on the second team. Sophomore pitcher Jaycie Watson was named to the honorable-mention team.
Cruz, McClarity, Robinson, Watson, sophomores Alicia Payne and Alyssa Allmon, and senior Samantha Moore were named the academic all-district team.
Read the full story, stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News.
Data from the American Clean Power Association indicate that the state has 54 wind projects stalled as part of a nationwide delay affecting 165 onshore wind projects.
President Donald Trump has long opposed wind power. Energy experts such as Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger say the administration is using the regulations, such as ensuring a wind project would not affect military airspace, as an attack on renewable power.
“It’s hard to see this as anything other than an effort to slow or stop wind power regardless of the consequences for consumers, the environment and grid reliability,” Metzger said.
In a statement, a defense department official said DOD is still evaluating the projects.
The department’s evaluation of wind turbines “is inherently complex and time-consuming because it involves balancing two critical, and sometimes competing, interests: developing energy sources while ensuring military operations and readiness are not degraded or impaired to the extent an unacceptable risk to national security is created,” the official said.
R&D plays vital role in state’s economy
Texas is one of the top five states contributing to research and development, according to a recent report from the state comptroller’s office.
The federal Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates R&D’s contribution to gross domestic product, “after accounting for the resources used to produce goods and services, employment and compensation from 2012 to 2023.”
The R&D value added by Texas businesses reached $29.2 billion in 2023, a 131% increase from 2012. Further, R&D in the state supplied nearly 195,000 jobs and $30.1 billion in wages, salaries and benefits in 2023.
Texas has 15 Tier 1 colleges and universities, the most in any state. In 2024, more than 11,800 patents were issued in Texas, the second highest in the country, after California.
“When investments are made in research, the returns multiply — strengthening our competitiveness, securing our future and improving the lives of all Texans,” said Fernanda Leite, interim vice president for research at UT-Austin.
First case in 2026 of West Nile virus reported
The year’s first case of West Nile virus has been reported in a Harris County resident, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported. The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, though 80% of people infected with West Nile never experience symptoms.
“West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses are a fact of life in Texas in the warmer months, and all Texans should take precautions against mosquito bites to stay safe and healthy,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford. She advised removing standing water from homes and yards, such as in buckets, old tires and other items.
The symptoms experienced by the unlucky 20% include fever, headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue. Though rare, West Nile virus can be fatal.
In the past five years, there have been 976 cases of West Nile in Texas, according to DSHS, with 106 deaths during that period.
Franklin Mountains State Park grows by 1,000 acres
Franklin Mountains State Park, 15 minutes from El Paso, is now 1,054 acres larger to the east as the result of a new land acquisition, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported.
“I am excited about this acquisition,” said Superintendent Cesar Mendez, “which extends the buffer zone all the way to Martin Luther King Boulevard, adding some lower elevation and flatter land to Franklin Mountains State Park and securing access points (trailheads).”
With 28,000 acres — or 43 square miles — the park is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the world. It has more than 120 miles of trail and is a popular site with birders.
The acquisition helps safeguard the main mountain area of desert bighorn sheep habitat.
Federal aid for Panhandle wildfire victims
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a request for grant funds to assist victims of the Hunggate Fire in Randall County, which has merged with the Chocolate Chip Fire, burning an estimated 14,000 acres and threatening more than 1,245 homes. Aid has also been granted for the Sinky Fire in Potter County, which has burned more than 2,500 acres and prompted evacuation of more than 500 acres.
“Texas has secured federal resources to further guard against wildfire threats in the Panhandle,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “With this grant approval, Texas has additional tools to help Texans remain safe from wildfire danger.”
The approval of a Fire Management Assistance Grant makes the state eligible for 75% reimbursement from the federal government for eligible costs associated with wildfire suppression. These grants are available to states, counties and cities to support the mitigation, management, and control of fires that threaten to become major disasters.
Broker imposter scams being reported
Several attempted broker-imposter scams over the past few months have prompted the Texas Department of Banking to warn that such ruses could pose a significant threat to financial institutions and consumers.
According to a TDB news release, “consumers are targeted after conducting searches for high-rate investment opportunities. Individuals contacted by the fraudsters are often not existing bank customers and are located across the United States.”
Some red flags to look for are cold calls, an incorrect or bogus email address, low-risk/high-reward offers, and unusual funding procedures.
Anyone who is targeted by a broker imposter is encouraged to contact the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority at finra.org.
Enjoying this column? Let us know. Support your local community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com
Back in 2011, it didn’t rain. It didn’t rain for a long, long time. It didn’t rain for so long that fires began to pop up where I live.
One of them popped up near where our oldest son lived, which also wasn’t very far from where we live.
It reminded me of the extremely delicate balance that’s required for all of us to live what we consider a ‘normal’ life. Our normal life was upended and replaced by fear.
I prayed that if God would let it rain, I would never complain about rain again.
At times, my promise was tested.
It rained. It rained for a long, long time. It rained for so long that large amounts of water began to flood where I live.
It reminded me of how easy it is for each of us to complain or gripe about things that we have absolutely no control over.
Watching the news, I see people losing their minds over things, but they are things that they do have control over.
Everyone has the ability to control how they act.
Those who don’t like the politicians in power stand in the streets and scream, or do TV interviews where they discuss doing harmful things to the politicians.
Some of these same people, celebrities in some cases, were visited by the Secret Service because of the things they said.
My momma at least taught me well enough to not say things in public that would get me a visit from the Secret Service.
One elected congresswoman used extreme profanity on camera regarding her dislike for the president.
It seemed less extreme, but wasn’t much different when the last guy was president. The people who didn’t like him talked of the impending doom that would come because he was in charge.
Chain mail used to be passed around through the Postal Service. Today, similar material is passed around on social media.
The principal was the same with a letter in the mailbox as it is now with an instant message on Facebook. “Share this, or the world as we know it will end. Break the chain, and it’ll be all your fault.”
The end didn’t come when the last guy ran the country. It likely won’t end with the current guy, either.
I truly believe that we are our own worst enemy when it comes to enjoying life.
“Everything in life has its place,” the older folks in my family used to say when I was a child.
And that was how they lived their lives. Family time and work time had their places; civic involvement had its time, and church and politics had theirs.
But, the balance of those areas of life was kept in check by how much of each we discussed with others. My parents freely discussed most things, but religion and politics were considered personal decisions.
“Never discuss politics or religion,” the older folks in my family used to also say.
That meant with people inside or outside the family.
I can remember many discussions about which church someone else attended and how their beliefs didn’t match our own, but those discussions took place at the supper table within the walls of our house.
It never would have been considered appropriate to chastise someone else for where they worshipped, and it certainly was considered taboo to ask someone else who they voted for.
It was none of our business; anymore than who we voted for was theirs.
But 24/7 news and 24/7 social media have changed that. Some of the things that people say to folks they claim to care about can be pretty shocking. And it’s ruining lifelong friendships, relationships, and our ability to get along as a nation.
I’m always amused when one minute, I see a Bible verse on someone’s Facebook page, and a few minutes later they’re cursing someone over politics.
The odds of anyone changing anyone else’s mind about politics or religion are, and always have been, almost nil.
And now, people have joined factions. Just like a pack of animals that run and attack together, they watch, listen to, and read only what they agree with. This feeds their social media commenting – alienating, sometimes forever, friends and family members.
And it’s all so preventable.
Many of our universities have become extreme, only allowing one type of thought to be expressed on campus. News channels are extreme. One side of the news is highlighted, not both.
I’ve worked in and around the media since I was 16 years old. I started out working on our high school newspaper. Shortly after that, I worked in radio for three decades. I was taught that a reporter’s job was to go out, document what you saw and heard, and come back and report that. But that basic level of reporting is all but gone now.
Stories get twisted to fit an ideology, rather than relayed with just the facts.
On June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln stood before 1,000 delegates in the statehouse in Springfield, Illinois, at the Republican State Convention. There, he gave his famous, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” speech.
Those listening were familiar with this because it was Jesus who said it first in three of the Gospels. The version in Matthew 12, Verse 25, says, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”
And, so it is, I believe, with our country.
His colleagues thought that Lincoln’s reference in his speech was courageous, but politically incorrect.
It doesn’t look like much has changed since 1858. But if each of us is willing to change ourselves, maybe we can stop dividing our house before it falls.
Enjoying this column? Let us know. Support your local community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>Gurvinder Singh and Tim Legh-Page have advanced to the June 13 runoff election for the council seat.
The Place 4 contest, currently held by Chance Lindsey, drew multiple candidates in the general election, but none reached the threshold needed to secure the seat outright, leading to the head-to-head runoff between Singh and Legh-Page.
Singh led the field with 825 votes (45.91%), followed by Legh-Page with 659 votes (36.67%). Alan Bell received 220 votes (12.24%), and Beau Hooten finished with 93 votes (5.18%).
Early voting is scheduled to begin June 1 and will continue through June 9, giving residents multiple opportunities to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
Early voting locations will be limited and vary by county. Dallas County voters may cast early ballots at Sachse City Hall, Courtroom, located at 3815-B Sachse Road. Collin County voters will vote early at the Michael J. Felix Community Center, Room A/B, located at 3815-E Sachse Road. Officials are encouraging voters to verify their assigned polling locations in advance due to the reduced number of early voting sites.
The deadline to submit an application for a ballot by mail is June 2. Applications must be received by the voter’s county of residence by the close of business that day in order to be processed for the runoff.
Election Day for the runoff is June 13, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mail ballots must also be received by election officials no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
See page 8A in this week’s edition of The Sachse News for election notice.
]]>Collin County is advancing work on Segment 5 of the planned Collin County Outer Loop, a roughly 21-mile corridor extending from State Highway 121 near Anna to U.S. Highway 380 near Farmersville in northeast Collin County. Officials say the project is intended to address future transportation demands as the county’s population continues to increase.
According to project information, Collin County is currently the sixth-most populated county in Texas and is projected to grow by approximately 70% between 2026 and 2050. County officials said long-term transportation planning will be critical to maintaining regional connectivity.
Read the full story and stay informed — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>By Allison LaBrot | [email protected]
Sachse High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated its achievements during commencement exercises Wednesday, May 20. The ceremony for the 741 graduates was held at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland.
The processional began with an array of flags representing the many cultures that made up the Class of 2026. The highest-ranking student from each nation carried a flag. The Sachse High School Wind Ensemble performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” featuring senior Braxton Blankenship as vocal soloist.
Student Council President Sophia Mary Olalde Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge.
Senior class president Amsi Simei Orozco and Garland ISD superintendent Ricardo López welcomed graduates, guests and administrators. López also recognized Saniya Reed and Brooklynn White for displaying “grit” throughout their journeys to graduation.
The program continued with a performance of “From Sea to Shining Sea” by the school’s wind ensemble and A Cappella choir.
Principal Shae Creel’s praised the graduating class for its diverse academic and extracurricular achievements. He also encouraged graduates to reflect on their high school years and find joy in the journey before them.
“I charge each and every one of you to get out of your comfort zone, experience the world and all it has to offer, make good decisions, be a good person to everyone and know that we love you,” Creel said.
Salutatorian Michelle Chung expressed gratitude for the community of people that supported the Class of 2026 and specifically thanked her parents for their care and sacrifices. While acknowledging the different paths her classmates will take, Michelle also reminded the audience of their shared humanity.
“We all have the ability to learn, to change, to be curious and to dream,” she said, “As we do that though, it is inevitable that we will make silly mistakes and mess up, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from high school … it is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
Valedictorian Imanol Matos Colón dedicated his speech to his grandparents and reflected on a question he has considered throughout high school: “What does it truly mean to be human?” He said his answer now differs from the one he would have given as a freshman.
“To me, to be human means to feel emotion, the good, the bad and the in-between,” Imanol said.
He also thanked teachers, friends and family members who taught him what it means to be human and live in the present.
School board trustee Wes Johnson, who also celebrated the milestone as the father of one of the graduates, shared remarks during the ceremony.
“The value of one’s life is not measured by how safely it was lived,” Johnson said, “The value of one’s life is measured by how fully it is lived.”
In addition to receiving high school diplomas, 131 students were honored for receiving associate degrees.
Soloist Sidney Mallari led the alma mater, and the ceremony concluded with the traditional cap toss and the wind ensemble performing John Williams’ “Coronation March” for the recessional.
Stay informed and support your local community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>By Carrie Dunlea
Backyards have evolved far beyond basic patios and grills. Today’s outdoor spaces are increasingly designed as extensions of the home — places where families can stream movies, host game-day gatherings or simply unwind outdoors without sacrificing modern comforts.
As homeowners continue investing in outdoor living areas, dedicated TV spaces have become especially popular. Whether it’s a Friday night movie under the stars, a playoff watch party or a spot to binge a favorite series while enjoying fresh air, an outdoor entertainment zone can quickly become one of the most-used areas of a home.
The investment can pay off in more ways than one. According to the National Association of Realtors®, outdoor improvements can deliver strong returns, with patio additions often recouping a significant portion of their cost at resale. But creating a space that works year-round takes more planning than simply carrying a television outdoors.
Protection should be among the first considerations. Standard indoor televisions are not designed to withstand fluctuating temperatures, humidity, wind or sudden weather changes. Homeowners can invest in weather-resistant outdoor televisions or choose a protective enclosure designed to shield a traditional television from the elements. Many enclosures are built to withstand moisture and impact damage while helping protect screens from flying debris during storms or strong winds.
Audio also deserves attention. Backyard spaces often absorb sound differently than indoor rooms, meaning television speakers alone may struggle to provide an enjoyable experience. A full surround-sound setup may be unnecessary, but a pair of weather-resistant speakers or an outdoor-rated soundbar can significantly improve viewing quality without requiring a major investment.
Lighting is another detail that can dramatically affect comfort. Once the sun sets, relying solely on the television screen for illumination can create an awkward viewing environment. Soft lighting integrated into pergolas, pavilions or landscaping can create ambiance while improving visibility. String lights, recessed fixtures and pathway lighting continue to grow in popularity because they provide both style and function.
Comfortable seating remains one of the biggest factors in whether a space gets used frequently. Dining chairs pulled over from the patio table may work occasionally, but cushioned outdoor sectionals, loungers and modular furniture pieces create a more inviting environment. Flexible seating arrangements also make it easier to transition from movie nights to casual gatherings.
Shade and cooling features can make a significant difference, particularly in Texas summers. Ceiling fans installed beneath covered structures help circulate air and discourage insects. Retractable shades, privacy screens and pergolas with adjustable louvers can also help reduce glare and keep spaces cooler during daytime viewing.
Many homeowners are also incorporating smart technology into outdoor areas. Weather-resistant outlets, hidden charging stations and integrated streaming capabilities can simplify setup and eliminate tangled cords.
Designers also note that outdoor TV rooms are increasingly being planned as multipurpose spaces rather than single-use viewing areas. Homeowners are combining entertainment areas with outdoor kitchens, dining spaces and fire pit gathering spots to maximize functionality. That flexibility can help justify the investment, allowing the space to serve as a destination for everything from weekend football games to family celebrations and quiet evenings outdoors.
Outdoor TV rooms continue to gain popularity because they create a comfortable place to gather. With a few thoughtful additions, a backyard can become more than a place to sit outside — it can become a favorite destination for entertainment and relaxation.
5 upgrades that take an outdoor TV space to the next level
Not every backyard entertainment area requires a major renovation. A few smaller additions can improve comfort and functionality.
Weatherproof storage: Keep remotes, blankets, outdoor games and accessories protected and within reach with deck boxes or storage benches.
Portable fire features: Fire tables or compact fire pits can extend the use of outdoor spaces into cooler months and create a cozy atmosphere for movie nights.
Outdoor rugs: Rugs can define a seating area and make outdoor rooms feel more like indoor living spaces while adding color and texture.
Cooling touches: Misting fans, shade sails and cooling curtains can make outdoor spaces more enjoyable during the hottest parts of summer.
Snack station: A rolling cart, mini beverage cooler or built-in serving area can help guests avoid repeated trips indoors during gatherings.
Enjoying this column? Let us know. Support your local community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.
]]>