MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunOpta (Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY), a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based food and beverages, is proud to announce the opening of its new plant-based beverage production facility in Midlothian, Texas, bringing up to 175 new jobs to the area.

“The fully-equipped and state-of-the-art facility will enhance our manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. In addition, through innovation and our dedication to sustainability, we can respond to the increasing nationwide demand for plant-based food and beverages.”

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The new mega facility will manufacture the company's entire suite of plant-based milks and creamers, along with tea and other products. Various package sizes and configurations will be produced including 16-ounce and 32-ounce packages typically used in food service, shelf-stable retail, and e-commerce for plant-based milk products, and 330-milliliter packages used primarily in high-protein nutritional beverages.

“This plant is an important part of SunOpta’s long-term goals and a powerful next step in our company vision,” said Joe Ennen, CEO of SunOpta. “The fully-equipped and state-of-the-art facility will enhance our manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. In addition, through innovation and our dedication to sustainability, we can respond to the increasing nationwide demand for plant-based food and beverages.”

By 2025, SunOpta aims to double its plant-based business and has invested nearly $200 million in its plant-based production capacity in the last three years to support the accelerated growth and developing demand for plant-based milk alternatives. This new Midlothian plant will add capacity and new capabilities to accelerate growth and reduce production costs to serve and meet the growing needs of SunOpta’s customers.

Designed with SunOpta’s sustainability objectives in mind, the new Midlothian plant will reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, efficiently utilize power and use recycled materials. With the plant strategically placed in Texas, SunOpta will significantly reduce emissions through lower transportation usage. The plant’s regional location will reduce more than 15 million freight miles annually and save 59 million pounds of carbon emissions. In addition, the facility is equipped with water reuse equipment that can save up to 20 million gallons of water a year, an energy-efficient HVAC system that reduces energy consumption by 45%, LED lights and water heaters that reduce power usage by 95%, and offices and labs constructed with at least 40% recyclable materials.

As of now, the new production facility has 285,000 square feet, with the capacity to expand to 400,000 square feet to take on future growth. When fully expanded, the facility will be SunOpta's largest plant for plant-based food and beverages. The new Midlothian site is located at 4126 Power Way, Midlothian, Texas 76065. In combination with SunOpta’s plants in California, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, the Texas location creates a competitively advantaged, ‘diamond-shaped’ national network for national distribution.

SunOpta works closely with the City of Midlothian and other key partners to minimize the environmental footprint of the manufacturing process.

For more information on SunOpta, visit sunopta.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About SunOpta, Inc.

SunOpta (Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based, and fruit-based food and beverages. Founded nearly 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures natural, organic, and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN™, Dream™, West Life™, and Sunrise Growers™. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.

MIDLOTHIAN – The Midlothian City Council meeting Tuesday evening had few items for approval and discussion.

A short agenda began the meeting at 6 p.m. after which council moved into executive session to discuss several additional items.

On the consent agenda, Council approved details for the upcoming May election. On the ballot will be the Mayor and Councilmember Places1 and 2.

Filing as a candidate began January 18th and continues through February 17th. For the special election, Councilmember Place 5 will be on the ballot with filing for a place on the ballot from January 25th through March 6th.

Early voting will be conducted at multiple locations beginning April 24th and ending May 2nd and Election Day will be Saturday, May 6th. During early voting, April 24th through April 28th, voting hours will be 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 29th, voting hours will be 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and May 1st and 2nd voting hours will be 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. On Election Day, May 6th, voting hours will be 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Council discussed the closures of additional existing median openings and other improvements along US Highway 287. This discussion was in preparation for an upcoming workshop meeting with the Texas Department of Transportation regarding closures and possible turnarounds as necessary.

The council had directed staff earlier this month to schedule a meeting with TxDOT to discuss the proposed closure of three additional existing median openings. These openings are located between Presidential Parkway and Rex Odom Drive. The meeting will be held on February 7 in order for council to get a consensus on the closures and any other improvements along US Highway 287.

TxDOT has said they want to close these additional median openings because of the ongoing development in the area, which is leading to increased traffic on the US Highway 287 corridor in the city. There have been a number of accidents at the various median openings along this highway, including a fatality at one of the new median openings that TxDOT is proposing be closed.

Staff said these closings are temporary. Closing them will offer safety while the frontage road is under construction. TxDOT would like the support of the city regarding these closures and will include these closures as part of their cable barrier project beginning this year.

Council discussed various options for closures and turnarounds for further conversation with TxDOT during the time period of the temporary closures. Mayor Pro Tem Justin Coffman said “I think it is important for us to advocate as a unified voice to TxDOT. My opinion is there needs to be further solution and not just shutting them down carte blanche, but looking at the situation, and evaluating them (the closures) and doing what is best for Firefly Gardens, Creekside Church of Christ and our airport. So, if a Michigan Turnaround is the best option I would like for us to ask for that.”

There was an executive session, which lasted about 45 minutes and resulted included the approval to hire a new Human Resources Director. Currently the position is being managed by one person who handles both Human Resources and Finance. With the growth in the city, these two positions will now be separated as two full-time employees.

Council also approved the hiring of a new Planning Director for the City.

City staff reminded council members of the upcoming Public Safety Facility groundbreaking at 10 a.m. on February 2 at 1150 North Highway 67 followed by the Public Library/City Hall groundbreaking at 11 a.m. at 207 North 8th Street.

Midlothian, TX, January 26, 2023– The Midlothian Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the 2022 Chamber Award winners who were nominated and voted by the members of the organization.

“We were elated to recognize our outstanding businesses, organizations, and leaders in our community,” Chamber President Melissa Shook said. “They have committed valuable time, resources, support to make our business community vibrant and successful.”

Nominees and winners were recognized at the Annual Awards party hosted at Firefly Gardens on January 19th , 2023. The event was sponsored by AFairchild PC, Camp Bow Wow, Gerdau, Methodist Midlothian Medical Center, and Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP.

And the winners were…

Hand selected awards included the Ambassador of the Year, Danny Gildea, by 2022 Ambassador Chair Kasey Cheshier. Sharon Price, 2022 Chairman, selected Amy Tounget from Amy Tounget Insurance Agency, for the Midlothian Chamber Chairman’s Award. Chamber Volunteer of the Year was Angela Lopez from Elite, Foot, and Body. Jermaine Rodriguez of Solution Engine IT Services won the Midlothian Chamber President’s Award.

You can reach the Midlothian Chamber by stopping by their new office space at 116 N. 8 th Street, giving them a call at 972-723-8600, or follow them on their social media accounts to stay up to date with new events and business promotions.

2024 wide receiver

Bryant Wesco

has seen his stock really start to pick up in recent weeks. The standout pass-catcher from Midlothian (TX) has picked up several new scholarship offers this month, and he earned a big rankings bump from Rivals.com in early February, moving him into the Rivals250.

One of the schools that is fairly new on Wesco’s offer sheet is the Texas Longhorns.

“Over the summer I went to a camp there and last year I was in contact with the old receiver coach, Coach (Brennan) Marion. After the camp, I hadn’t really been in contact with them that much but just recently, after the football season, I talked to coach (Steve) Sarkisian a few times and a few other coaches,” Wesco said. “When (new wide receivers) coach (Chris) Jackson was hired, I talked to him, and then about a day or so after, I got a call from coach Sarkisian and that's when he offered me.”

The 6-2, 170-pound Wesco has several offers from big-time college programs, but he admits that getting a scholarship offer from Texas was an attention-getting moment.

“It was pretty big to me. I always looked at Texas to be one of the most powerhouse schools in the country,” Wesco said. “And growing up not too far from them, it was pretty big.”

Wesco is still working out his plans for visits once the February dead period lifts, but he said he’ll try to attend UT’s junior day on March 25. He’s anxious to get a closer look at the Texas program.

“I know that they produce a lot of good receivers, and they have good talent, good coaches,” Wesco said of the Texas program.

With Jackson still being new in Austin, the relationship-building aspect of his recruiting efforts is still in the beginning stages. Wesco said he likes what he’s heard from Jackson so far, including talk of how Jackson would develop Wesco should the talented receiver wind up in Austin.

“He's a pretty chill, laid-back coach. He doesn't seem too strict on his stuff and he seems like he’s a pretty good coach,” Wesco said. “I'm interested to see how the receivers do at UT. From what I can tell, from what I’ve (talked to him), I like his personality. He’s pretty cool.”

A four-star prospect, Wesco is keeping an open mind to all his early scholarship offers. He hopes to cut his list to roughly eight schools after the spring, take some summer official visits and then possibly commit before his senior season begins. Wesco’s sister plays soccer at Oklahoma, so the Sooners will likely be a factor in this one.

As for his game on the field, Wesco can do a little bit of everything with his length and athleticism, but he said his strength is making contested catches.

“I feel like what I do well is attacking the ball. Whenever the ball's in the air, I can attack it and I win almost all of the 50/50 jump balls by the way I attack it and jump up,” Wesco said.

Wesco is the No. 165-ranked player on the Rivals250 and the No. 21-ranked wide receiver in the country.

Junior season Highlights

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Cedar Hill’s school board of trustees approved the hiring of Nick Ward as its football team’s next coach Monday night.

Ward will replace Carlos Lynn, who resigned as head coach in November after six seasons. Cedar Hill went 44-26 under Lynn and advanced to the 2020 6A Div. II state championship game. Cedar Hill went 2-8 in 2022. Lynn was named Crowley’s head coach in January, where he’ll share a home stadium with former Cedar Hill defensive coordinator Ray Gates, North Crowley’s head coach.

Ward worked as the defensive backs coach at Midlothian, which went 12-1 in 2022 and allowed 18.8 points per game. A Seagoville graduate, Ward played cornerback for the University of Miami from 1995-99, and coached at Cleburne and North Mesquite before he served as Cedar Hill’s defensive backs coach from 2020-21.

“The players and coaches can expect to see a change,” Ward said in a statement provided by Cedar Hill ISD. " We need to raise our expectations and set a higher standard the everyone involved. The community can expect to see me everywhere. I believe I need to be visible and available for a community that has had a coach like Joey McGuire who made the blueprint.”

Under the direction of current Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire, Cedar Hill established itself as a state power in the 2000s. Cedar Hill won three state championships — 2006, 2013 and 2014 — under McGuire, who left to coach at Baylor in 2016. Since the 2006 season, only Allen (five) has won more state championships among Dallas-area UIL teams.

Cedar Hill’s 2022 campaign was the program’s second season with a record of .500 or worse since 2004.

Cedar Hill ISD’s school board had scheduled to approve the hiring of a head coach at its Jan. 23 meeting, but it was removed from the agenda. Cedar Hill superintendent Dr. Gerald Hudson declined to explain why and told The Dallas Morning News that night that the district has to “make sure we get the right person to our kids.”

According to documents obtained by The News, Cedar Hill received at least 100 applications for the position. Hudson said Monday night that while there were established head coaches who applied for the position, they were not necessarily a fit for the community.

“Nick Ward is a dynamic coach, and he’s the best fit for our scholars, program and community,” Cedar Hill Director of Athletics Melanie Benjamin said in a statement. “We know that he’ll build a strong culture and make Longhorns everywhere proud of our success.”

Ward will take over at Cedar Hill in the midst of a pivotal juncture. Two teams in District 11-6A — Duncanville (6A Div. I) and DeSoto (6A Div. II) — won state championships in December, and Waxahachie (10-3) established itself as a potential threat. Elsewhere in Dallas’ southern sector, South Oak Cliff (back-to-back 5A Div. II state championships) and Lancaster (19-5 since 2021) remain teams to beat.

Cedar Hill, one of Texas’ top programs over the last decade, has plenty of competition within its own county. But Cedar Hill’s history and the overwhelming amount of talent in the region proves it can be a winner, too.

Related:Dallas-area Texas high school football coaching carousel: Tracking changes ahead of 2023

The Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University has launched a Ministry Fellowship Program offering fully accredited classes for participants in residency programs at partnering churches.

Residents who complete required courses in a specific area of study earn an advanced certificate from DBU that enables them to transfer courses directly toward a master’s degree in the student’s respective field of ministry.

Areas of specialization include children’s ministry leadership, Christian counseling, education ministry leadership, family ministry leadership, global leadership, special needs children’s ministry, theological studies and worship studies.

“The Ministry Fellowship Program was developed out of DBU’s desire to be a kingdom resource to churches who either already have a residency or internship program or are in the process of developing one,” said program director Shelly Melia, associate dean of DBU’s Graduate School of Ministry.

“Previous church staffing models relied on ministers attending seminary prior to serving in a local church. However, a growing number of new ministers often serve in a church without any formal theological training. The Ministry Fellowship Program is designed to provide theological education alongside the valuable practical experience a resident is getting while serving inside the local church.”

Through a private donation, DBU can partner with a local church to provide an advanced certificate in ministry to the church’s resident or intern at no tuition cost to the student.

“This partnership has been a great blessing at just the right time as we are building a younger team with very gifted residents and ministers,” said Isai Cazares, discipleship pastor at Northwood Church, a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated congregation in Keller.

“This program has facilitated our intentional development of these young leaders but also has elevated their sense of the experience of being on the Northwood team. It communicates clearly to our students that we care about them and their ongoing professional development.”

Becoming a partner of the program “was a no-brainer opportunity for us, especially when we learned how easy the process to get started and onboard a new student was,” Cazares added.

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“We were motivated by this partnership because we knew the quality education students at DBU receive. Because of the list of learning focuses, the Ministry Fellowship Program is able to aid in providing the specialized learning and tools needed to further equip our interns, residents and young staff,” he said.

“It allows us as a ministry staff to focus more on providing the opportunities and environment for them to gain hands-on ministry experience and ensure they are healthy disciples.”

Dan Gibson, vice president for graduate affairs, expressed excitement about the opportunity to partner with churches through the program.

“The Ministry Fellowship Program equips ministers in their respective fields of calling, while also being a kingdom resource to their church and congregations. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our partners to make this endeavor a reality,” Gibson said.

In addition to Northwood Church, other participating congregations include The Heights Church in Richardson, Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas, Oak View Baptist Church in Irving, Longbranch Community Baptist Church in Midlothian, Fielder Church in Arlington and Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell.

Other Texas churches participating are El Buen Pastor Church in Fort Worth, Community Life Church in Forney, Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Champion Forest Church in Houston, Cross Creek Church in Colleyville, Igreja Batista Brasileira in Bedford, Stonegate Church in Midlothian, Rush Creek Church in Arlington and The Avenue Church in Waxahachie.

Two out-of-state congregations also are participants in the program—King’s Covenant Church in Bridgewater, N.J., and Primera Iglesia Bautista in Pompano Beach, Fla.

Based on reporting by Dallas Baptist University’s communcations office.