GLENN HEIGHTS, Texas - A grass fire in Glenn Heights burned hundreds of acres and, at one point, threatened a lot of homes.

SKY 4 flew over the fire just before 5 p.m. Friday. People in a nearby neighborhood were seen splashing buckets of water on nearing flames.

Thankfully, firefighters from several cities responded and got it under control.

After the week we've had with fires in multiple parts of the metroplex, Glenn Heights residents are thankful no homes were destroyed.

Around 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, a large grass fire sparked in a field in Glenn Heights.

Juan Perez says he was staying in Balch Springs earlier this week and saw the fire there that damaged more than two dozen homes. So he was worried when he got a call from family about Friday’s fire in Glenn Heights.

READ MORE: Balch Springs fire victims get helping hand from local organizations

"I got a call from my nephew saying there was a fire and not to come home," he said. "I just saw everybody with their buckets and their hoses, doing their part and stopping this from actually reaching out homes. For this to happen so close and to have moved here not too long ago and possibly lose everything was a tough one."

From Perez’s family’s backyard, you can see just how close the fire line got. He and others spent the evening watering yards and homes just in case another fire sparked up.

Conditions across North Texas remain dangerously dry.

Glenn Heights City Manager David Hall is thankful the situation did not end like other communities in the metroplex this week.

"There was no loss of life, firstly. No loss of any residential structures," he said. "We only lost one utility structure, which was an older barn. We had to semi evacuate a couple of streets and our park as a precautionary measure."

Firefighters from several surrounding cities assisted. There were some evacuation orders in the area, but no flames reached any homes.

The Red Cross did respond to the scene, but it appears no one needed any immediate assistance.

GLENN HEIGHTS – The City of Glenn Heights recognized Black History Month earlier this week with a strong program that included a glimpse into the past, the present and the future.

Glenn Heights Mayor Sonja A Brown presided over the evening’s event with the theme “Black Resistance.”

A look at the past concentrated on Harriet Tubman & the Underground Railroad with comments by Sheran Goodspeed Keyton and Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price speaking; the segment on the present Here & Now included a video presentation “How we Got Here” and speaker Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP) highlighting key discussion for that part of the program. The future segment included an interpretative dance by DeSoto High School’s Director of Dance Regina Tucker with Charles O’Neal, President of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce commenting for that part of the evening’s event.

“The 2023 Black History Month national theme focuses on the importance of Black Resistance. It was important for our program to provide historical reflections of the past, current perspectives of the present, and insightful projections regarding the future. Including many community leaders in our panel discussion, speaking on fundamental topics to create a positive future, was of equal importance. Black History Month hit a little differently for me this year.

My mother, a 1969 Bishop College graduate, often shared stories of not eating some days because they refused to enter through back doors while traveling with the choir. Now, her daughter is the first African American female Mayor of Glenn Heights. I am honored to now be [a part of] Black History. I look forward to working with other leaders across the nation to build bridges of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Mayor Brown.

The evening’s program also included a black art exhibit with a look at the talent that resides in the community and the importance of recognizing Black History Month not only locally but throughout the United States.

About the City of Glenn Heights: The City of Glenn Heights was incorporated in 1969 and is located along IH-35 East. A hospitable, business friendly and rapidly growing community divided between- Dallas and Ellis counties, Glenn Heights has a total area of 7.2 sq. miles.

Joint and General Election – City of Glenn Heights

A Joint and General Election will be held on November 8, 2022, for the positions of Mayor and Council Member Places 2, 4, and 6.

Beginning June 22, 2022, applicant information will be available in the City Secretary’s Office and online.

Applications for a place on the ballot will be accepted July 23, 2022 – August 22, 2022, during the City Secretary’s normal office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

How to request/obtain a candidate packet:

In Person: City Hall 1938 S. Hampton Road Glenn Heights, TX 75154 Email: brandi.brown@glennheightstx.gov Fax: (972) 223-9307

Download: https://www.glennheightstx.gov/230/Elections-Elecciones

You may return your application in person, or by mail, email, or fax.

For all up to date information regarding the Election, please visit the Glenn Heights Elections website: https://www.glennheightstx.gov/230/Elections-Elecciones.

Early Voting October 24, 2022 – November 4, 2022

Election Day November 8, 2022

2022-2023 Virtual Option At Harmony Public Schools

[TEXAS] – Harmony Public Schools will offer a full virtual learning option to DFW students in kindergarten through Grade 12 when the 2022-23 school year begins in August.

Students zone to Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Arlington ISD, Garland ISD, Grand Prairie ISD and Irving ISD are eligible to apply.

Harmony will, of course, also continue to offer in-person learning at each of its 15 campuses located in Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Euless and Plano. The virtual school – known as Harmony Virtual Academy – is intended for those families who either still need or prefer to learn online.

“We’ve learned during the pandemic that most students still learn best in the traditional classroom setting surrounded by their peers,” Harmony Public Schools CEO Fatih Ay said. “But that’s not necessarily true for every scholar. For students who need to continue studying from home or who simply just learn better that way, we’re excited to continue offering a virtual school choice for Fall 2022.”

To learn more or apply, families can visit www.HarmonyTX.org/virtual.

Harmony Virtual Academy is approved by the TEA for roughly 572 students for Fall 2022. About 400 students attended virtual classes with Harmony in 2021-22.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, students must be enrolled at Harmony for the upcoming year, maintain at least a 90 percent attendance rate, have passed their most recent STAAR test, and be passing in all of their core subjects.

Beginning this August, the academy’s team of teachers will be housed in the building currently occupied by the Harmony School of Science-Houston. Located in Houston’s historic Braeswood neighborhood, the location was the site of Harmony’s first campus in 2001 – creating a unique nod to both Harmony’s history and future.

From there, Harmony educators will connect with scholars from across Texas in both real-time synchronous learning and student-led asynchronous lessons. Students also will have access to Harmony’s full range of support services, as well as an array of extracurricular activities.

“Parents deserve to have a choice in their child’s education,” Ay said, “and so many families have told us that a virtual option is a choice they still need. At Harmony, we listen to our families and we’re committed to providing those who choose virtual learning the most comprehensive online education possible.”

Students zoned to Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Arlington ISD, Garland ISD, Grand Prairie ISD and Irving ISD are eligible to apply.

In Person Classes Still Available

Harmony will, of course, also continue to offer in-person learning at each of its 23 Houston-area campuses, located in North Houston, Southwest Houston, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, Beaumont and Bryan. The virtual school, however – known as Harmony Virtual Academy – is intended for those families who either still need or prefer to learn online.

“We’ve learned during the pandemic that most students still learn best in the traditional classroom setting surrounded by their peers,” Harmony Public Schools CEO Fatih Ay said. “But that’s not necessarily true for every scholar. For students who need to continue studying from home or who simply just learn better that way, we’re excited to continue offering a virtual school choice for Fall 2022.”

To learn more or apply, families can visit www.HarmonyTX.org/virtual.

NEW FOR 2022!

Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.

Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year for both students and team members at both it’s online and in-person campus options.

Harmony Public Schools are 58 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.

GLENN HEIGHTS — Speculation runs high as to who might take the role of interim City Manager in Glenn Heights in a few weeks. The current City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides is saying her goodbyes July 7.

While it’s not the outgoing City Manager’s decision as to who might fit in her shoes she said “They are looking at making my Deputy David Hall the Interim. He previously worked for Lancaster and Fort Worth. He’s smart and has been with the City for two years.” In her opinion, either Hall or Fire Chief Eddie Burns would be likely candidates for the interim position.

“Everyone likes and respects Hall,” she said. “He has the most government experience next to Mr. [Charles] Brewer, [Director Public Works and Infrastructure] who should also be in line.”

The Glenn Heights City Council will decide this week regarding the interim seat.

Moving Forward

“Over the past few years we have worked to establish a very capable staff, all of whom are well prepared and qualified to keep the City moving forward,” Ferrell-Benavides said. “The Mayor and Council made a commitment prior to my arrival to create a level of succession planning and my Deputy City Manager David hall is poised keep the City moving forward.”

Hall is more than prepared to step into the role since he has a law degree and years of City Government experience.

She also added, “David has been by my side for the past two years. He is versed on every aspect of city business.”

As for the transition, the outgoing City Manager expects the change will go smoothly.

“I will work on a transition plan however. We perform as a team, so I am not at all concerned about the team’s ability to move forward in my absence,” she said.

Ferrell–Benavides added she believes the city of Glenn Heights is moving forward in many ways.

“We have attracted the right people to the team and we have a Council that is supportive and committed to moving the City forward,” she concluded. “I have been a lifelong public servant. My mother retired from the City Manager’s Office with the City of Fort Worth and my husband retired from being City Manager of Dallas, Texas. I owe so much to the City of Glenn Heights for giving me this opportunity and I will forever be grateful.”

2022 City-Wide Cleanup Event April 9, 2022

April 1, 2022 Glenn Heights, TX – The City of Glenn Heights will host its annual City-Wide Clean-Up Event on Saturday, April 9, 2022. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to Noon at Heritage Community Park located at 400 E Bear Creek Rd, Glenn Heights TX.

“The City of Glenn Heights staff looks forward to providing this service to our residents because we know they take pride in keeping their properties and this community clean and safe”, said Glenn Heights City Manager, David Hall.

This free event is open to all Glenn Heights residents who present a valid photo ID and utility bill. Services provided to residents as part of the city-wide cleanup and beautification include:

The City invites neighborhood associations and residents to take part in the city-wide beautification effort by planning neighborhood cleanup & volunteer activities to assist fellow neighbors who might be disabled, widowed or without tools & equipment for property cleanup.

To view the list of Frequently Asked Questions and find out more about the 2022 City-Wide Cleanup Event, visit: https://glennheightstx.gov/303/Citywide-Clean-Up-Community-Beautification

The City Council of the City of Hutchins will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 18, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Hutchins Community Center located in 500 W. Hickman Street, Hutchins, Texas. All interested citizens of the city and interested parties are invited to either submit their comments by email to the City Secretary at colguin@cityofhutchins.org by 4:00 p.m. on Monday April 18, 2022 or attend this public hearing in person and participate in same. The public hearing will be for consideration of the following:

Consider a request by applicant Bill Sanchez (representing property owner Cindy D. Lugo) for a zoning change from Single Family Residential 10 (SF-10) to Light Industrial (LI) on an 35.894 Acre tract of land in the city of Hutchins, Texas. Property is legally described as being Lot 1, Block 1, Richard Adams Addition and a portion of that certain tract of land conveyed to KLMN Ranch, LLC, in a special warranty deed recorded in Instrument No. 2021200241999 of the Official Public Records of Dallas County, Texas, and a 1.477 acre tract of land in the George Marshall Survey No. 5, Abstract No. 984, Dallas County, Texas. Property further known as 1349 E. Cleveland Road. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Tim Rawlings, Building Official at 972-225-6121, Ext. 111.

Tim Rawlings City of Hutchins