Local News

Latest Local News articles from Inforney News

New BJs Wholesale Club to Add Retail Gas Station in Forney

New BJs Wholesale Club to Add Retail Gas Station in Forney

Forney, TX - March 26, 2023 - The anticipated BJs Wholesale Club location at the intersection of Hwy 80 and Gateway Blvd has taken a significant step forward by applying to build a retail gas station on the premises. This project, which is part of the broader development of the wholesale club, is expected to enhance convenience for local residents.

March 26, 2025 Read More
Forney ISD Issues RFP for Security Guard Services Purchasing Contract Starting July 1 2025

Forney ISD Issues RFP for Security Guard Services Purchasing Contract Starting July 1 2025

Forney, TX - The Forney Independent School District (FISD) has announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Security Guard Services, designated as 2025-007. This initiative aims to ensure a safe environment at various campuses, including Brown Middle School, Jackson Middle School, Forney High School, North Forney High School, and The Keith Bell Opportunity Central (The OC).

March 26, 2025 Read More
Mesquite breaks ground on Fire Station 8 in Trinity Pointe

Mesquite breaks ground on Fire Station 8 in Trinity Pointe

Mesquite, TX – March 24, 2025 – Mesquite broke ground on Monday on a new fire station that will serve the fast-growing Kaufman County portion of the City.

March 26, 2025 Read More
Does Forney need its own Housing Authority to oversee housing assistance programs like Section 8?

Does Forney need its own Housing Authority to oversee housing assistance programs like Section 8?

Forney does not have its own housing authority to administer housing assistance and section 8 voucher programs. Instead, Forney relies on the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) which operates the DHA Housing Choice Voucher Program.

March 25, 2025 Read More
Forney City Council Approves New Definitions for Cigar and Hookah Lounges

Forney City Council Approves New Definitions for Cigar and Hookah Lounges

Forney, TX - On March 18, 2025, the Forney City Council held a public hearing to discuss and approve an ordinance amending the city’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. This amendment introduces new definitions and regulations for “Cigar Lounges” and “Hookah Lounges,” aiming to establish clearer zoning classifications for these establishments.

March 24, 2025 Read More
Forney City Council Approves Final Plat for Fire Station No. 2 at Reeder & Whaley

Forney City Council Approves Final Plat for Fire Station No. 2 at Reeder & Whaley

Forney, TX - March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025 Read More
Lovers Lane Transformation to 3 Lanes Between Hwy 80 and FM 740

Lovers Lane Transformation to 3 Lanes Between Hwy 80 and FM 740

FORNEY, TX – In the November 2022 election, Forney voters approved Proposition E, allocating $52.7 million for road and infrastructure improvements. One of the projects funded by this initiative is the expansion and reconstruction of Lovers Lane, extending from State Highway 80 to FM 740.

March 24, 2025 Read More
Mabank Junior High School Set for $3.2 Million Renovation

Mabank Junior High School Set for $3.2 Million Renovation

Mabank, TX - The Mabank Independent School District (ISD) has announced a significant renovation project for Mabank Junior High School, located at 822 W Mason St, which is set to cost approximately $3.2 million. This extensive renovation aims to enhance the school's interior finishes with upgrades that include new tile, ceilings, paint, and flooring.

March 24, 2025 Read More
Crime Stoppers Most Wanted- Jose Raudel Muro-Ortega

Crime Stoppers Most Wanted- Jose Raudel Muro-Ortega

Terrell Police Department Seeks Public's Help in Locating Fugitive

March 24, 2025 Read More
Housing Vouchers and Crime- What does the research tell us?

Housing Vouchers and Crime- What does the research tell us?

This is Part Two of our InForney Investigates series on Housing Vouchers. In Part One we examined how voucher programs work, which agencies are involved, and who is eligible to receive assistance. Today we look at the impact vouchers have on local crime levels.

March 23, 2025 Read More
Housing Vouchers in Kaufman County- The Basics

Housing Vouchers in Kaufman County- The Basics

Kaufman County, TX – March 22, 2025 — Residents of Kaufman County, including those in the city of Forney, have access to affordable housing through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. This federal initiative assists low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in securing safe and decent housing within the private rental market.Eligibility CriteriaTo qualify for the HCV program, applicants must meet specific requirements:Income Limits: Generally, a household’s income must not exceed 50% of the median income for the area. Priority is often given to families with incomes below 30% of the median. For precise income limits based on family size and local median income, applicants should consult the local Public Housing Agency (PHA).Citizenship Status: The program is available to U.S. citizens and certain categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status.Family Composition: Eligibility extends to families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Specific definitions of “family” may vary by PHA.Program OptionsSeveral variations of the HCV program cater to diverse housing needs:Tenant-Based Vouchers: These allow participants to choose any housing that meets program requirements. The voucher is tied to the tenant, permitting them to move without losing assistance.Project-Based Vouchers: Attached to specific housing units, these vouchers require tenants to reside in particular developments to receive assistance.Homeownership Vouchers: Some PHAs offer vouchers that assist first-time homebuyers with their monthly mortgage expenses.Coverage in ForneyForney residents seeking housing assistance can benefit from the HCV program. While Forney does not have its own housing authority, residents can apply through neighboring agencies:Terrell Housing Authority: Manages 458 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and serves areas including Forney. Currently they are operating off of a wait list. For more information, please visit the Terrell Housing Authority website: https://www.terrellhousing.org/ or call 972-563-2651.Dallas Housing Authority (DHA): Assists approximately 16,000 households through the HCV program and accepts applications via an open lottery system. The lottery opens periodically, and information regarding open enrollment can be found at the Dallas Housing Authority Website : https://www.dhantx.com/.Application ProcessInterested individuals can apply for the HCV program through the respective housing authority’s application portal. Required documentation includes proof of income, identification, and social security cards. It’s advisable to contact the housing authority directly to confirm application procedures and current availability.Landlord ParticipationLandlords in Kaufman County must be willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. Information on how to participate in the program can be found on the HUD website or by contacting the housing authorities directly.Fair Housing RightsThe Section 8 program adheres to fair housing rights, ensuring equal access to housing regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.For more detailed information about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, please visit the official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/aboutThis expansion of the Section 8 program in Kaufman County aims to provide more residents with access to affordable housing, enhancing community stability and individual well-being.HOA's May Not Ban VouchersTexas law, specifically Section 202.006 of the Texas Property Code, prohibits homeowners' associations (HOAs) from adopting or enforcing restrictions that prevent property owners from leasing their homes to individuals with Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers or other government-funded rental assistance.This legislation ensures that landlords can participate in programs designed to provide affordable housing without facing discriminatory restrictions from their HOAs. By preventing such bans, Texas law aims to promote fair housing practices and expand housing opportunities for low-income families and individuals with disabilities, aligning with broader state and federal efforts to combat housing discrimination. 

March 22, 2025 Read More
Navy Veteran Kevin Morrow Needs a Life-Saving Kidney Transplant – You Can Help

Navy Veteran Kevin Morrow Needs a Life-Saving Kidney Transplant – You Can Help

For Kevin Morrow, service has always been a way of life. At just 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he dedicated three years as an engineman aboard the USS Peleliu. He worked on everything from diesel engines to HVAC systems, supporting critical missions during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

March 19, 2025 Read More