Gladiator Regiment Band hosts Spring Concert

Image: Look at that table of trophies!  Earned this school year, the Italy Gladiator Regiment Band took sweepstakes in every competition.

The Beat of Champions is an appropriate statement for our local high school band. On Monday night, 6th grade, 7th & 8th grades and IHS bands made an appearance in the George Scott gymnasium for the annual spring concert. Each group performed and received awards from Director, Jesus Perez, and Assistant Director, Erica Miller, for outstanding work all school year.

4H Club informational meeting planned

Image:

There is an interest in getting an South Ellis County 4H club started. An informational meeting is planned for Thursday evening, May 23. The meeting will be in the Italy Boze Community Center Building at 161 W. Main Street, Italy and will begin at 6:00pm. All those interested in learning about the 4H organization are urged to attend.

Italy ISD Weather Alert; Releasing students early today, Tuesday, May 21

Image: National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for parts of North Central Texas, including Ellis County. Italy ISD is early releasing students at 1:15 p.m. today, Tuesday, May 21.

Italy ISD is releasing students early today, Tuesday, May 21, due to a severe weather forecast. The elementary students are being released at 1:15 p.m. The high school/junior high school campus will be releasing at 1:30. A severe storm is expected to pass thru Ellis County around 3:00 p.m. Italy ISD wants the community to feel free come to the dome to seek shelter if the need arises. There have been several activities cancelled this evening. Please read further for more information.

Salutatorian and Valedictorian Named At Academic Banquet

Image: Valedictorian Reid Jacinto and Salutatorian Megan Hooker take a photo together.

Italy High School hosted the 30th Annual Academic Banquet Thursday night at the Italy High School dome-nasium. Superintendent, Barry Bassett, and IHS Principal, Lee Joffre, recognized high ranking students. “The lowest GPA here tonight is 3.4,” said Joffre. The administration presented trophies to Valedictorian Reid Jacinto and Salutatorian Meagan Hooker.

Obituary: Jacklyn Mae Adams, 1937 – 2013

Jacklyn Mae Adams, age 75, of Italy, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Trinity Mission Health & Rehab. She was born September 11, 1937 in Italy to Jack and Aline (Hudson) Paisley. Jacklyn had been the secretary at Central Baptist Church for many years.

Donations raised while having a bit of fun

Image: Participants for the 2nd Annual Talent Show enjoy the entertainment.

Italy High School presented the second annual Talent Show on Tuesday evening in the open air. Parents, family and friends joined the students in the brand new Cargill-Gallman Pavilion downtown for fun, frolic and service to a neighboring community. Donations for the community of West were collected at both the Stafford Elementary campus and Italy High/Junior High School campus during the days prior to the talent show.

First annual Coffee With Cops

Image: Anna Luna, Ratara Singleton, Officer Daniel Pitts, Tieria Sheara, Lupe Tapia, Officer Pedro Gonzalez, Officer Nicholas Moore, Jonnetta Hardin and David Retter were proud to be a part of Coffee with Cops.

This past Saturday was the first Coffee with Cops at McDonalds in Italy. There was coffee for all and donuts too! The Italy police department has come up with a great way to help the citizens of Italy have better communication with the police department.

Parade planned to honor Kortnei Johnson, girls state track team and IHS baseball

Image:

On Saturday, May 18th, 2013, Italy school and city leaders have planned a downtown Italy parade to honor state record breaking track sprinter, Kortnei Johnson along with state qualifying runners, Halee Turner, Ryisha Copeland and Kendra Copeland. Parade time is 10:00am. Also included in the parade will be a send off for the Gladiator Baseball team as they head out to battle Trenton in game two of a best of three series for the regional quarter-final title. The entire community is welcome to come and hail these outstanding young athletes.

Italy Water – Where We Started, Where We Are Now

Image: Workers use a crane to help construct the new concrete water tank just down from a previously constructed steel water tank near downtown Italy. The new concrete tank will keep the water cooler than the metal tank and requires less internal maintenance to blast and clean every couple of years.

Dean Carrell, director of public works for the City of Italy is really proud of the progress being made concerning our water. The State of Texas told us we needed better water production, more water storage and better treatments for our water and the public works team did not waste any time going to work on it.

National Police Week 2013, May 12-18, 2013

Image:

This week, we will remember fallen officers throughout the nation and we will remember their individual sacrifices on May 15th. Please also remember the ones that continue to put on that uniform everyday knowing that their “ultimate sacrifice” may be today. If you see an officer on the street, tell them Thank You for their service.

Coffee With COPS

Image:

The Italy Police Department with sponsorship from McDonald’s in Italy is hosting it’s first Coffee with COPS on Saturday, May 11th, 2013 at 9:00am.

V-E Day May 8, 1945

68 years, a lifetime. 4 years was also a lifetime. 68 years ago today the nightmare for millions in Europe and America partially ended. Victory in Europe was the end of hostilities there, but it continued in the Pacific.