Keller, Texas –

The next Preview Day for Milestone College, a ministry-based learning institution established as a joint venture between Milestone Church and Oral Roberts University, has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 8 am to 3 pm. Each Preview Day gives prospective students and their families the chance to experience what it’s like to be a student at Milestone College.

Prospective Milestone College students and their families will get the chance to see the classrooms, observe a class in progress, and learn more about how the collaboration between Milestone Church and ORU will influence admissions and instruction. Participants will also receive breakfast and lunch.

In addition to their academic coursework, Milestone College students will get hundreds of hours of practical experience learning how to apply their faith in the workplace. All of Milestone College’s students have access to career counseling, one-on-one coaching, and academic support, ensuring that each graduate has the opportunity to pursue their academic goals.

Students at Milestone College receive preparation for a variety of job paths. In order to create the next generation of ministry leaders, Milestone College firmly believes that a top-notch education should be combined with practical ministry experience. Students are fully immersed in the Milestone Church culture to prepare them for a life of influence.

Students at Milestone College have the chance to obtain a bachelor’s degree at Oral Roberts University while also gaining real-world ministry experience at Milestone Church. Milestone College aims to be reasonably priced, and ORU tuition at their instructional site is less than $10,000 per year.

Milestone College’s mission is to equip students for more than just a specific career path. They firmly believe that the greatest approach to raise the next generation of ministry leaders is through good education combined with practical ministry experience.

Contact Milestone College:

Milestone College

201 Mount Gilead Road Ste 4

Keller, TX 76248

milestonecollege@milestonechurch.com

https://milestonecollege.org/

Personalized learning and the growth of each student are priorities at Milestone College. Students can receive academic support, career advice, and coaching on a one-on-one basis.

Milestone College is a ministry of Milestone Church. Oral Roberts University collaborates with Milestone Church to provide an educational facility on the church campus that offers students reasonably priced, regionally accredited degree programs. ORU has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the principal accrediting organizations in the nation. The academic workload at Milestone College is demanding and includes a sizeable ministry practicum, a leadership focus, and lifestyle expectations. Milestone Church considers lifelong learning to be essential to each student’s success, as development is one of its guiding principles.

Students can enroll in classes at Milestone College as freshmen or as transfers from other colleges, and the school offers both on-campus and online courses.

Key Enrollment Dates for Students Include:

March 1, 2023: Regular Decision Deadline for Milestone College Application

August 1, 2023: Late Decision Deadline for Milestone College Application

August 2023: Orientation for 2023 Cohort and Start of Class

Visit the Milestone College website at www.milestonecollege.org for more details and to register for Preview Day on February 15, 2023.

For more information about Milestone College, contact the company here:

Milestone College milestonecollege@milestonechurch.com Milestone College 201 Mount Gilead Road Ste 4 Keller, TX 76248

Mridula George, MD, discusses the methods used to evaluate cardiotoxicity associated with adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine plus concurrent radiation therapy, and explains implications on the use of trastuzumab emtansine plus radiation in patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.

Adjuvant ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1; Kadcyla) plus concurrent radiation therapy did not result in cardiotoxicities in patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, according to data from an retrospective institutional study presented in a poster at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

The institutional review from the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey identified 31 patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer who received adjuvant TDM1 with concurrent radiation for stage I to III breast cancer from January 2020 to January 2022. Findings showed that the mean pre-radiation left ventricle injection fraction (LVEF) was 60% compared with the post-radiation LVEF was 61%. Investigators noted that there was no statically significant difference in LVEF after radiation (P = .343).

“Based on this small study, we have sufficient data to say that [adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine plus breast radiation] is safe. However, the sample size is a limitation of the study. A larger study looking at this question, specifically using more sensitive cardiac biomarkers, would give us more information,” lead study author Mridula George, MD, explained in an interview with OncLive^®.

George discussed the methods used to evaluate cardiotoxicity associated with this regimen, elaborated on findings from the retrospective study, and explained what implications these data may have on the use of trastuzumab emtansine plus radiation in patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. George is a medical oncologist at the Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and an assistant professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

OncLive^®: What was the rationale of investigating cardiotoxicity associated with adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine and concurrent radiation therapy?

George: Trastuzumab emtansine has been approved for the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, and [since] 2019—based on the data from the [phase 3] KATHERINE study [NCT01772472], which showed a benefit in invasive disease-free survival [vs trastuzumab (Herceptin)] in patients who had residual disease after neoadjuvant systemic therapy—adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine has been used.

However, in the adjuvant setting after patients are done with surgery, they also need adjuvant breast radiation. There is a concern whether the concurrent use of trastuzumab emtansine with breast radiation would increase the risk of cardiotoxicity.

Trastuzumab emtansine, along with [other] HER2-targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab, increase the risk of cardiotoxicity that ranges from 2% to 4%. Radiation also increases the risk of ischemic heart disease, especially in women receiving left-sided breast radiation, given the proximity of the left breast to the heart.

Radiation oncologists, as well as medical oncologists, have a concern about cardiotoxicity. I've talked to providers who don't use trastuzumab concurrently with trastuzumab emtansine, given this concern of cardiotoxicity with concurrent use.

Based on this need, we did a retrospective study within [Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey], looking at patients who were receiving trastuzumab emtansine and concurrent breast radiation to determine if there was a decline of cardiac function, specifically [in] left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF].

What findings from this institutional review were shared at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium?

We identified [32] patients who had concurrent trastuzumab emtansine with adjuvant breast radiation. These patients also were monitored by echocardiograms on at least a 3-month interval. That gave us the opportunity to look at the changes in cardiac function while they were getting the drug [concurrently with] adjuvant radiation.

All [patients] were women. Thirteen out of the 31 patients had left-sided breast cancer, so they received left-sided breast radiation. Nineteen had right-sided breast cancer.

Fifteen patients had a history of hypertension, which increases the risk for cardiac dysfunction. We looked at the LVEF before patients started treatment, as well as post-treatment, and there wasn’t a significant difference of LVEF in patients who received concurrent trastuzumab emtansine and radiation.

However, during the course of the study, there were 2 patients who had a greater than 10% decline in their LVEF. Both patients were older, in their late 60s. They had a history of hypertension, but with the discontinuation of the drug, both of them had a restoration of their LVEF. They did not have any symptoms of heart failure, and they were both followed by cardiologists.

What does this research indicate about the future use of adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine and radiation therapy in patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer?

Our study is a small institutional study. We could do a larger study looking at this question [of cardiotoxicity associated with concurrent trastuzumab emtansine and breast radiation], especially looking at cardiac biomarkers to see if there is a change in cardiac biomarkers while patients are receiving radiation.

With the use of radiation, there is an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, especially in women receiving left-sided breast radiation. A longer follow-up of these patients is needed to determine if the concurrent use of trastuzumab emtansine and radiation does increase the risk of ischemic heart disease, especially in women receiving left-side of breast radiation.

What steps should physicians take when treating patients who are at a higher risk of cardiotoxicity with this regimen?

There are some concerns, especially among radiation oncologists, about giving radiation to patients receiving trastuzumab emtansine. Based on these data and other studies that have looked at this information, I believe it is safe at this time to use adjuvant radiation with trastuzumab emtansine.

However, a patient’s cardiac function should be closely monitored with echocardiograms. If patients have underlying risk factors, such as poorly controlled hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, or a history of smoking, those patients should be more closely monitored, and if needed, they should be referred to a cardiologist if they have early signs of cardiac dysfunction.

Reference

George MA, Farooq F, Cason D, et al. Evaluating the risk of cardiotoxicity associated with concurrent trastuzumab emtansine (TDM1) and radiation therapy in patients with early-stage HER2 positive breast cancer. Presented at: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2022; December 6-10, 2022. San Antonio, TX. Abstract P5-07-08.

The Dallas City Council has remained quiet about short-term rentals as election season is in full swing, but the residents who don’t want Airbnbs in their neighborhood appear determined to keep the issue in the forefront.

Several residents spoke about restricting or eliminating STRs from residential neighborhoods during Feb. 8 and Feb. 22 Dallas City Council briefings during “public comments” — even though the matter wasn’t on either agenda.

City Hall sources have said STRs won’t likely be addressed until after the May 6 election, but officials confirmed Wednesday the council is tentatively scheduled for a briefing the first week of April, with a vote the following week. Thirteen city council races are contested.

Plano Short-Term Rentals

Other North Texas municipalities also are tackling the issue of short-term rentals.

Plano heard from 13 residents at a November city council meeting who supported zoning changes that would regulate or prohibit STRs in residential neighborhoods.

The council agreed to consider changing zoning definitions and strengthening nuisance ordinances in a process similar to the one used in Arlington.

The Plano City Council again discussed the matter in late January and received the following update from Director of Planning Christina Day.

According to a Jan. 17 memo drafted by Day, Plano city staff has:

Moving forward, Plano staff is working toward finalization of the third-party STR contract, receipt of data, and full data analysis, Day said.

Campaign Contributions And STR Monitoring

Late last year, KERA News reported that each of the current Plano City Council members and Mayor John Muns received campaign contributions from a political action committee for a real estate advocacy group that strongly supports STR owners.

The Texas Realtors Political Action Committee donated $1,000 to all Plano council members and $2,000 to the mayor in late 2021 or early 2022, according to the KERA report.

Accepting a campaign contribution doesn’t guarantee a vote to support that organization’s cause.

Dallas City Council campaign finance reports are published online and can be searched using candidate names.

A look at Mayor Eric Johnson’s 2022 contributions shows pledges from the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas and the Texas Association of Realtors MetroTex PAC, but nothing from the Texas Realtors PAC, at least for last year. The Texas Real Estate Council PAC endorsed Mayor Johnson during his 2019 runoff election.

While advocates for residential STRs are making waves, those on the other side are showing up in droves to fight illegal and nuisance activity they say is connected to STR properties.

TX Neighborhood Coalition monitors the activity of 15 Texas municipalities as STR ordinances are drafted and debated. Those cities include Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Arlington, Grapevine, Keller, Richardson, and Southlake.

The four newest trustees voted in favor of the policy, prohibiting library books that discuss gender fluidity.

KELLER, Texas — It was standing room only at Monday night’s Keller ISD school board meeting.

On the agenda? Two issues that sparked emotion and passion from a community that was divided on the district’s direction.

The four newest trustees voted in favor of the policy, prohibiting library books that discuss gender fluidity.

The board’s decision came down after more than 70 speakers shared their thoughts during nearly three hours of public comment.

“Y’all would rather punch down a marginalized group than stand up for all kids. I promise you, my child is not a political agenda,” one parent said.

On the other side of the issue, speakers thanked the board for its proposal and said children are being indoctrinated through such books.

“School is no place to put those ideas of changing your sex,” said a parent.

The meeting’s agenda also included a proposal to potentially arm educators and other school employees on campuses. It drew both praise and criticism from the community.

“The only way to stop a bad person with a gun is a good person with one,” a speaker said.

Another speaker who identified herself as a teacher at Keller ISD spoke out against the proposal.

“I’m scared. I don’t want to be an SRO (school resource officer). That’s not what I signed up for. I don’t feel comfortable. If you truly support us, you would ask us what we think,” she said.

Those against the proposal argued that the board hasn't provided enough detail about the potential plan.

In a statement to WFAA, a Keller ISD spokesperson said: "No matter the direction, the safety of our students and staff will continue to be of our utmost concern as we continue to prioritize exceptional education in Keller ISD, while ensuring the safest environment possible."

The board will vote on whether or not to arm school employers during its regular meeting on Dec. 12.

1. Torchy’s Tacos will open a third Fort Worth location at 9700 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The filing states an interior finish-out of the restaurant will take an estimated three-plus months, wrapping up in February 2023. The estimated cost of construction is $750,000. The future Torchy's Tacos will offer the restaurant's traditional menu, including specialty tacos, queso, burritos, margaritas and more. The restaurant chain's other locations in Fort Worth are at 5030 S. Hulen St. and 928 Northton St. www.torchystacos.com

2. A Wichita Falls ramen noodle restaurant is expanding to Keller with construction scheduled to wrap up by December. Owner Injun Shim said he expects to open Hoshi Ramen shortly after construction finishes at 1301 Keller Parkway, Ste. 200, Keller. The Fort Worth resident opened Taki Ramen in Wichita Falls in 2021 and is bringing a second restaurant to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The business will offer appetizers such as edamame, gyoza and spring rolls. Entrees include rice bowls; salads; and tonkotsu, shoyu, aka, miso and specialty ramen noodles with brisket, pork, shrimp, kimchi or tofu. Japanese beer, Korean liquor and sake are on the menu, and Shim said he will apply for a liquor license for the Keller location. A website and phone number are not yet available. www.takiramen.com (Wichita Falls location)

3. Buffalo Wild Wings Go is planning to open at 1411 Keller Parkway, Keller. “We are thrilled to introduce the new takeout- and delivery-focused ‘Go’ model in Keller," according to an email statement from Buffalo Wild Wings. "Buffalo Wild Wings ‘Go’ is the perfect spot for wing-lovers featuring a curated menu of wings, burgers, chicken sandwiches, tenders, sides, and all our famous sauces and seasonings." The new location is expected to open this winter as part of the Keller Marketplace development, according to the city of Keller. www.buffalowildwings.com/en/bww-go

4. Portillo’s, which is known for its Chicago-style street food, submitted a permit application with the city of Fort Worth for a 2.068-acre site at 2491 N. Tarrant Parkway near Tehama Ridge Parkway. A spokesperson for the restaurant chain said no further information was available at this time on the Fort Worth location. Portillo’s officials announced plans to open its first Texas restaurant within the Grandscape development in The Colony this fall. The restaurant chain has more than 70 locations across multiple states. Portillo's is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chargrilled burgers, chopped salad, cheese fries and chocolate cake, according to its website. www.portillos.com

5. In less than a year, Danny and Joy Atkisson have gone from running To Chai For Cafe out of a tent at the Keller farmers market to a food truck and will soon open a brick-and-mortar store. The Atkissons bought Roscoe’s Coffee House at 841 N. Tarrant Parkway, Ste. 100, Keller, on Sept. 1. Former owner Alan Spicer sold the coffeehouse named after his dog to the Watauga couple, according to Danny Atkisson. A small remodeling project is underway, and the Atkissons have applied for the permits needed to open, Danny Atkisson said. He said he hopes To Chai For Cafe will be open for business by the end of September. The food truck will still be in operation and available at local festivals and events. To Chai For Cafe will continue to sell its chai drinks and waffles as well as expanding to include offerings from Roscoe's, such as its cold brew, Danny Atkisson said. The hours and days of operations are still in the planning phase, but Danny Atkisson said the location will be closed on Sundays. www.facebook.com/tochaifor

Editor, Grapevine-Colleyville-Southlake, Keller-Roanoke-Northeast Fort Worth

Cody joined Community Impact Newspaper in August 2022. He covers the local government, education, business, real estate development and nonprofits in Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Roanoke and Fort Worth. Prior to CI, Cody worked for various Missouri newspapers in Kansas City, St. Joseph, Maryville, Neosho and Joplin. When he is not writing, Cody enjoys attending sporting events, traveling and trying various BBQ establishments.