News Reader

The Dallas Mavericks Mavs Foundation announced Thursday, May 30, that it is giving $125,000 in emergency funding to nonprofits.

The Mavs Foundation is a nonprofit affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks that has dedicated itself to helping empower the youth, women, and families in need.

Founded in 1996, the foundation has provided grant funding totaling more than $10 million for the past 27 years to help nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families in need.

The initiative is designed to support communities impacted by the recent tornadoes and severe weather that left many North Texans without shelter and electricity.

The severe storms were part of a deadly storm cell that reached across several North Texas counties, and left Seven people dead, including four children.

The storm also left thousands of North Texans without power.

“The Mavs Foundation’s Emergency Fund was created in order to quickly respond to the ever-evolving needs of our communities,” said Katie Edwards, President of the Mavs Foundation.

The funds will help support the removal of a multitude of programs such as debris removal, cleaning, and outreach assistance for temporary housing for families.

The money will also be used to provide meals and comfort kits with hygiene items, mental and medical health support, long-term recovery resources, and generous donations of water and snacks from Kroger to respite centers.

The funds that will be sent are coming from the Mavs Foundation’s Emergency Grant Fund for disaster relief, economic and pandemic relief, and other emergency grants.

“The recent weather has affected so many families, many who lost loved ones or lost their homes, and thousands who remain without power. We thank the nonprofits and volunteers who continue to provide the services and resources so desperately needed at this time,” said Edwards.

For more information about the Mavs Foundation visit their website.

The post Mavs Foundation Donates $125,000 for Tornado Relief appeared first on DeSoto Tribune.

A Dallas man has been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison after he was found guilty of filming himself sexually assaulting girls as young as six years old.

Leigha Simonton, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas announced the sentence Wednesday, May 29, via press release.

Gemond Copage Miller, 34, was indicted in December 2021 and pleaded guilty in January 2024 to two counts of production of child pornography.

He was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr, who also ordered Miller to be supervised for life following his release from prison.  

Miller filmed himself sexually assaulting children as young as six years old, then sold the footage on the internet according to court documents.

When watching video footage, investigators were able to match Miller’s tattoo to the distinctive tattoos shown in the footage.

At Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, prosecutors said Miller admitted to abusing at least ten girls under the age of twelve.

Law enforcement identified at least 38 videos of child sexual abuse material produced by Miller according to the release.

Authorities have not yet identified all of the victims that were involved.

Miller was also in possession of approximately 722 images and 1,733 videos consisting of child sexual abuse material.

“My sense of safety and security has been shattered,” said a 13-year-old victim in a statement read aloud by her mother.

The victim at the time was just six years old when she was first assaulted.

“I am the first victim to come forward… Knowing that there are others shows that this is what he does. This is who he is. And he does not care that he took the innocence of children.”

The post Dallas Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Abusing Minors appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

A mosquito found in one of the traps set in DeSoto by the Dallas County Health and Human Services has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

The DCHHS has announced that the mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus.

In response, DCHHS will be ground spraying to target affected areas in coordination with the city.

The scheduled ground spraying will take place on Wednesday, May 29th, and Thursday, May 30th, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during these hours to avoid insecticide exposure.

Preventive Measures for Residents

DCHHS urges residents to take proactive steps to reduce mosquito breeding grounds and protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Recommended measures that residents can take include:

• Use of Insect Repellents: Apply repellents containing DEET or other EPA-registered ingredients whenever outdoors, following label instructions.
• Appropriate Clothing: Wear long, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
• Eliminating Standing Water: Regularly drain or treat standing water around homes and workplaces to prevent mosquito breeding. EPA-approved larvicides, such as Mosquito Dunks, are available for free at the Action Center in City Hall.
• Time Outdoors: Limit outdoor activities, especially during peak mosquito activity times, which include day, dusk, and dawn.

Spray Area and Weather Conditions:

The DCHHS will suspend spraying operations if wind speeds exceed 10 mph or during inclement weather.

Residents can view a detailed map of the spray areas online at Dallas County Public Map.

The spraying initiative is managed by Dallas County, not the City of DeSoto.

Residents needing EPA-approved larvicides also called “Mosquito Dunks” will be able to find them in the Action Center in City Hall at no charge.

For more information on West Nile Virus and preventive measures, residents are encouraged to visit the Dallas County Health and Human Services website.

The post Mosquito Trap Tests Positive for West Nile in DeSoto appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

The Dallas Cowboys are hosting their third annual Juneteenth Celebration at AT&T Stadium at their Miller Lite House entertainment park.

The celebration takes place on June 15 and commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and highlights the historical significance of Juneteenth.

The event begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.

The celebration will feature a variety of live entertainment from area artists for all to enjoy.

In addition to entertainment, the event will include a marketplace showcasing products from Black-owned businesses.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase handmade crafts, food items, and much more, supporting local entrepreneurs.

The event will also feature a range of culinary options, including barbecue and desserts that look to delight eventgoers’ senses.

The event aims to provide diverse food to cater to different tastes.

For more details and updates, visit the events page at attstadium.com.

The Juneteenth Celebration at AT&T Stadium is free and open to the public and aims to offer attendees a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

The post Dallas Cowboys set to Host Juneteenth Celebration appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.