News Reader

Amateurs are invited to attend the annual emergency preparedness exercise (Field Day) of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) this weekend. The Southwest Dallas County Amateur Radio Club (SWDCARC) will be participating in the annual ARRL Field Day. This event is held in many different venues nationwide, and is intended to exercise the many different types of amateur radio equipment. Those participating attempt to contact as many different locations worldwide as possible.

The SWDCARC will hold their Field Day on June 22 and 23 at the DeSoto Fire Training Center at 501 East Pleasant Run Road. Parking is available behind the Training Center in Grimes Park. This is an overnight event, and visitors are welcome.

Field Day for Amateur Radio Operators

Even those who do not have an Amateur Radio license will be allowed to operate at the G.O.T.A. (get-on-the-air) station with a licensed coach. Several stations will be set up and available especially for guests.

Participants in the field exercise will begin operating on Saturday, June 22 at 1 p.m., and will take down the equipment before noon on Sunday, when everyone starts to get tired and hot.

SWDCARC Monthly Meetings

The SWDCARC meets the third Tuesday of each month in the music room at First United Methodist Church on Main Street in Duncanville. The Board of Directors meet at 6 p.m., and the General Membership meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Please check out the web site at SWDCARC.ORG for additional information, or contact Pat Roberson, the secretary for the Southwest Dallas County Amateur Radio Club (SWDCARC), at pvroberson@sbcglobal.net

The post Amateurs Invited to Field Day for Amateur Radio Relay League appeared first on Focus Daily News.

DeSoto Police Chief Joseph Costa has been named one of the finalists for the top cop job in the city of Austin.

Costa is a candidate for the currently unoccupied chief role in the Texas capital and could be soon headed to Austin.

He is among more than 30 candidates that are being considered for the position.

Costa first arrived in DeSoto in 2012 from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department where he worked since 2005.  

Before relocating to Texas, Costa had a distinguished 25-year career with the Massachusetts State Police.

His roles included patrol officer, radar enforcement, homicide investigations, narcotics, and Internal Affairs.

He also served on the Massachusetts Governor’s Auto Theft Task Force, the DEA Task Force, and worked with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

In Texas, Costa continued his law enforcement career, serving as a Sergeant/Investigator with the Texas Lottery Commission and as an Investigator with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Education from Boston University and a Master’s Proficiency Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLOE).

Costa is also a graduate of the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy and the FBI National Academy.

“We believe in Chief Joe and are supportive of any path that he chooses to pursue,” said DeSoto Mayor Rachel L. Proctor in a statement.

“Joe is a valuable member of our community and has done an excellent job of building a police department that we are proud of and that serves the people of DeSoto well.”

The post DeSoto’s Police Chief Joseph Costa Named Finalist for Austin’s Top Cop Position appeared first on DeSoto Tribune.

The cities of DeSoto and Lancaster are gearing up to host a grand 4th of July Fireworks Show on Thursday, July 4.

The event takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This free event promises an evening of patriotic celebration, live performances, and family fun at Grimes Park.  

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m., with festivities starting at 6:00 PM.

Headlining the concert is The Bar-Kays featuring Larry Dodson with additional performances including the Natural Change Band, Dominique Hammons, and the GoGo Band.

These acts aim to energize the crowd and provide a memorable evening.

The event will also feature children’s activities, games for all ages, and a variety of food vendors.

The highlight of the night will be the fireworks show, scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m., promising a special and captivating display.

Admission and parking are free and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots and enjoy the full range of activities.

The DeSoto and Lancaster communities are invited to join in this celebration of the nation’s independence.

For more information and to RSVP visit Eventbrite.com.

The post DeSoto and Lancaster Host 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza appeared first on DeSoto Tribune.

The DeSoto Senior Activity Center is set to host its 3rd Annual Ice Cream and Friends Social on Thursday, June 27th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The event will be a day filled with ice cream, food, music, and games, fostering community and fun for all attendees.

Sponsored by Councilman Andre Byrd and presented by the DeSoto Parks and Recreation, the Ice Cream Social aims to bring together residents for a delightful summer gathering.

The event will be held at 204 Lion Street and will offer a refreshing and enjoyable experience, especially for seniors in the community.

The event will feature a range of ice cream flavors and food options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Attendees can look forward to music and games, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Classic cars will be on display, adding a nostalgic touch to the event.

Volunteers are welcome to assist with the event and can express their interest by contacting the senior center.

In addition to ice cream and entertainment, the social event helps emphasize the importance of social interaction and engagement, particularly for the senior residents of DeSoto.

For more information or to volunteer, residents can call 972-230-5825.

The DeSoto Parks and Recreation Department encourages everyone to mark their calendars and join in the fun at this year’s Ice Cream and Friends Social.

The post DeSoto Senior Activity Center Hosts 3rd Annual Ice Cream Social appeared first on DeSoto Tribune.