ROCKWALL – In remembrance of Memorial Day, a 40-foot American flag was unfurled last week from the 150-ft. high construction crane that sits atop the Rockwall Harbor by a group from TrendHR, Sterling One Development, Wade Construction and investors

By the end of 2013, the seven-story Trend Tower will be standing where the crane is now, looking out over The Harbor and Lake Ray Hubbard as the third photo shows.

By J.J. Smith (Middle and right photos by Richard Stahr)

Share

ROCKWALL – The funeral for Utley Middle School student Brianna “Bre” Escobedo will be this Sunday at 2 pm, at the Rockwall-Heath High School Performing Arts Center, 801 Laurence Dr. in Heath.

Immediately following the funeral service will be the burial service at the IOOF (International Organization of Odd Fellows) Cemetery, on Highway 6 between Caddo Mills and Josephine.

Visitation will be this Saturday from 6-8 pm at the Lynch Funeral Home in Caddo Mills at 2203 Gilmer St.

According to Bre’s obituary, she is survived by her parents, Chris and Christina Harrison; two brothers, Michael Escobedo and Christopher Harrison; sister Sidney Harrison; grandmother Kim Boedeker; and many more family members and friends.

She loved sports and was the only girl on the Utley baseball and football teams, plus played girls basketball.

A donation account for Bre and her family has been set up at American National Bank in Rockwall and the family says donations are very much appreciated.

By J.J. Smith

Share

ROCKWALL – Five area residents spoke out against the highly-controversial CSCOPE online curriculum management system that Rockwall ISD is currently using at the RISD Board of Trustees meeting Monday night.

After newly-elected Board of Trustees members Jon Bailey and Jim White were sworn in, replacing former Board President Doug Hamilton and Dr. David Loftis, the speakers urged the Board to discontinue using CSCOPE in Rockwall.

Local pediatrician and owner of Train Up Teen Fitness,  Dr. Kurt Pflieger, first encouraged Board members to have the courage to do their duty and use “Godly, nor worldly wisdom.”  He added that as a physician he sometimes must re-evaluate his original diagnosis and seek the truth at all times.

Father Kurt Bruner spoke about how his children had done well in RISD schools until this year, when something changed:  CSCOPE came to Rockwall. He added that sometimes when frustrated parents bring constructive criticism to the Board, it is met with “resentment” and urged Trustees not to treat them that way.

Father of three RISD students, Brett Sullivan, said CSCOPE has failed on many levels. He cited examples as no correct test answers, lack of reference materials and discrimination in re-testing. He recommended that RISD partner with peer school districts such as Allen, Frisco or Highland Park to use their curriculum.

Parent Carol McMillan, who said she moved to Rockwall specifically for the school district, stated that, earlier that day, CSCOPE announced they would no longer be providing lesson plans to school districts. In addition, she said HB1406 was passed which requires that online curriculum be approved by the State Board of Education.  She questioned why RISD would continue to use CSCSOPE with its lack of credibility?

Finally, Richard Langley said that he did not want his granddaughter taught at an RISD school that the Boston TEA Party participants were “Terrorists” and that the 9-11 attackers were “Freedom Fighters.” He stated that he moved here 10 years ago because Rockwall is such a great community and added while CSCOPE might be good for Austin or Dallas, it is not right for Rockwall.

After several business matters were discussed, RISD Superintendent Jeff Bailey gave his  Superintendent’s Report, stating that “he takes our children seriously” and, with the announcement Monday that CSCOPE lessons will be eliminated, promised he will look at the test scores next month and consider them along with other info to decide what curriculum to use next year and in the future.

He concluded by stating he wants the public to know that “we trust what you say. The Board takes you seriously.”

By J.J. Smith, with assistance from Rockwall parent Tina Millican who attended the meeting.

Share

ROCKWALL – The distraught mother of the Utley Middle School student who Rockwall police confirmed yesterday appears to have committed suicide says she has “no idea” why her daughter would do so and is struggling to understand.

In tears, Rockwall resident Christina Harrison (who provided the photo) told TheRockwallNews.com yesterday that there was no note left and that her 14-year-old daughter, Brianna “Bre” Escobedo, never appeared to be depressed.

“Bre was the one who was always smiling and the first person to want to help others who seemed sad or depressed,” her mother explained. “She would tell others to smile if they looked sad or depressed.”

The dozens of Utley Middle School students who spoke at a balloon launch in her memory yesterday evening at the Harry Myers Park lake all seemed to agree that she always seemed happy. Many remembered Bre as a funny, fun-loving girl who often made them laugh with her off-beat sense of humor.

For example, one girl said Bre once asked if she could hold her pencil for a minute. But when the girl asked for it back, Bre said, “Nope, you need to get your own pencil.”  The 200-300 students and adults who were gathered by the lake laughed and several more confirmed, “That was Bre.”

Harrison said that she and her family are hoping the Rockwall police investigation can provide more details about her death. A sales person, Harrison said she was in Beaumont yesterday working when she received the call about her daughter.

Rockwall Police stated in a news release yesterday afternoon that when they arrived at the family’s home at 12:29 pm they “were directed to a juvenile who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” Detectives are awaiting the results of an autopsy that will be conducted by the Dallas County Medical Examiner. The case is currently under investigation by the Rockwall Police Department Criminal Investigation Division.

If police are correct that is how she died, she would be the second Rockwall teen to die by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her home in less than 30 days. Rockwall High School freshman Hanna Clark took her life at her home April 26, apparently because she was upset that her boyfriend had broken up with her, according to the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office.

No funeral plans have yet been announced but a family friend at the balloon launch said a funeral home in Quinlan is handling arrangements and the family is trying to arrange services Sunday or Saturday at a Rockwall church or building large enough to accommodate what they expect will be a large crowd.

Rockwall ISD confirmed yesterday that grief counselors are available at Utley to help students deal with Bre’s sudden death.

Harrison said she is surprised and extremely thankful for all the support and condolences she and her family have received from their neighbors and the Rockwall community in general who have expressed their love and helped their family.

“I don’t even know anybody here,” she explained. “We just moved here recently. The community has really come together over this and we are very grateful.”

By J.J. Smith

Share

ROCKWALL – A 14-year-old Utley Middle School student committed suicide yesterday at her home in Rockwall.

Brianna Raquell “Bre” Escobedo is the second Rockwall teen to commit suicide in less than 30 days. Fifteen-year-old Rockwall High School freshman Hanna Clark took her own life April 26 at her Rockwall home.

According to the numerous parents of close friends and neighbors of the family who have contacted The Rockwall News, many students who knew Bre and were her friends were in shock yesterday and could be seen in tears as they exited the buses at Utley this morning.

Rockwall ISD normally makes grief counselors available to help students for tragedies like this and we are expecting word from the school district shortly.

The Rockwall Police Department plans to issue a news release early this afternoon with more information.

More details to come as we learn them.

Also watch for a separate news story today or tomorrow about the “Red Flags” to watch for to prevent further teen suicides, plus comments from a psychologist about how parents. family members and friends can help students in a positive manner who are affected by teen suicides.

By J.J. Smith

Share

LOS ANGELES – After her dramatic last-minute selection Tuesday night as one of the final 8 contestants on NBC-TV’s The Voice singing competition, Rockwall’s Amber Carrington says she sends a “group hug” to all her family, friends and fans back home and looks forward to when she can return and thank everybody by performing a concert at The Harbor.

In an exclusive hometown interview with TheRockwallNews.com last Friday, arranged by publicity agents for The Voice, Amber said she is extremely thankful for all the support she’s been receiving from her fans everywhere – especially those from the Rockwall area where she grew up.

She added she is thrilled to be “living her dream” and has now set a goal to make it as one of the top 3 contestants, after initially setting her goal to sing her way onto The Voice.

She explained that working with Team Adam Captain Adam Levine has been a great experience.

“Adam is ADD, that’s for sure,” she laughed. “With all that’s going on, it’s so hard for him to stay focused. He’s very funny and makes jokes all the time. But when it comes time to pick the song and coach contestants he really gets down to business and doesn’t sugar-coat anything. He really wants to help us to win.”

(According to The Voice website, “He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as a teenager but brought it under control with medical help.”)

She said he picks a song for each of his team members to sing but if they don’t feel comfortable with the song, he allows them to select another. She said she likes the way they are working together.

Amber explained that it seems like such a “weird world” that she’s living in right now. She said she feels rather “isolated” because the pace is so “non-stop,” with little time for family or friends, which she misses. She said she’s up early each morning practicing her songs and choreography for the next week and days are long for all contestants.

For example, the Swon Brothers were in the studio cutting a CD the other night at 1:30 am. Others were being interviewed on a radio station at 5:30 am.

She added that she feels grateful that she can be involved with a TV show which is so family-oriented, where the whole family can sit down together and watch.

“That’s cool!” she said.

By J.J. Smith

Share

LOS ANGELES – In a highly dramatic moment at the end of last night’s “The Voice” singing competition TV show, Rockwall’s Amber Carrington was finally selected as the seventh contestant in the final eight to continue on next week by the vote of a national audience.

With just minutes to go before the show’s end and only two more places left in the top 8, Amber was left nervously standing on stage with the Swon Brothers, who were selected right after her, as well as Josiah Hawley and Kris Thomas, who were both eliminated.

Upon hearing her name, the 19-year-old – who was raised in Royse City and Rockwall – covered her face with both hands, started shaking and let out a deep sigh of relief. As she made her way down the runway to exit the stage, a very excited Team Captain Adam Levine jumped up on the runway and gave her a huge, long-lasting hug. Amber was the third member of his team to advance to perform again next week, joining Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons.

Carrington earned the right to continue with her powerful rendition Monday night of Kelly Clarkson’s hit song, “Breakaway.”

Click here to watch Amber’s “Breakaway” performance.

This morning Amber will be given a new song to learn to sing for next Monday’s live performance and spend the next five days practicing it.

In an exclusive interview with TheRockwallNews.com last Friday afternoon, Amber said that contestants are told each Wednesday morning what their new song will be and then they work hard for the next five days to learn, practice and prepare to sing the song live the following Monday. Watch for the interview later today in a separate article.

She added that on Team Adam, Adam actually picks the song but said if she or other team contestants are not comfortable with it, then he allows them to pick another song.

During the live show last night, Amber joined her remaining Team Adam performers Hill and Simmons to sing “I’ve Got The Music In Me.”

Click here to watch their “I’ve Got The Music In Me” performance.

Carrington will compete live next Monday on NBC-TV, 7 – 8 pm, for a chance to make it as one of the top 6 finalists.

By J.J. Smith

Share

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that all U.S. citizens become prepared for natural disasters such as the f5 tornado that devastated Moore OK yesterday.

In addition to being informed and making a plan, FEMA recommends on their “Ready” campaign website that everyone have a 72-hour disaster supplies kit, which is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

FEMA suggests you try to assemble your kit well in advance of any emergencies:

“Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.”

“You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.”

“Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.”

By J.J. Smith

Share

ROCKWALL – Rockwall ISD elementary schools will be delaying release of elementary schools today while high winds move through Rockwall County due to the Tornado Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Warning, which was just  issued by the National Weather Service for Rockwall County until 3:45 pm.

According to RISD’s Facebook post, parents may pick up their students if they come inside the campus to get them.

All after-school activities have also been cancelled, including the Memorial Day Ceremony.

RISD just sent out an Emergency Communications Reminder, as well, stating that during District-wide emergencies, communications are coordinated at a district level so staff on school campuses can focus on the safety of students.

RISD encourages those picking up children to use these methods to stay up-to-date with emergencies:

• Rockwallisd.com Website: District emergency messages and updates will be posted in real time on the Rockwall ISD home page.
• Skylert Email, Text and Phone Messages: RISD will send out urgent messages to parents via email, text and phone notifications. Parents provide this contact information through Skyward Family Access.
• Social Media: RISD will post all emergency updates to our Facebook (facebook.com/rockwallisd ) and Twitter (@rockwallschools ) accounts
• Local news: RISD will provide emergency information to local news outlets; however, this information maybe delayed. They encourage you to use the methods list above first.

For more info about what to do during a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, see the following and more from www.readygov.com.

Before:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• More about what to do before thunderstorm and lightning.

During:

• Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

By J.J. Smith

Share

(Dallas Morning News story/Sam Ballew photo) UNIVERSITY PARK — Rockwall got a complete game from senior right-hander Cason Adams in a 2-1 victory over Plano on Saturday in the decisive Game 3 of the Class 5A regional quarterfinal at Highland Park’s Scotland Yard. Plano forced a deciding game with a five-run rally in the bottom of the sixth to win Game 2, 5-1, earlier on Saturday.

Rockwall (31-7) advances to meet highly regarded Klein Collins in the Region II semifinals. Rockwall had reached its fourth regional quarterfinal in the last seven years but advances for the first time since reaching the 5A state final in 2005.

Rockwall’s Adams got strong defensive support from left fielder Cole Ballew, who made a shoestring catch in the third inning as Plano got two runners on base. In the fifth inning, a tag at the plate by catcher Garrett Moon on a throw from third baseman Brad Barnett thwarted a potential game-tying run.

MORE

Share