The man responsible for the death of Terrell Police Officer Jacob Candanoza pled guilty to his murder and was sentenced on Wednesday, May 27. Darrian Johnson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by a Kaufman County Judge shortly after appearing in court and pleading guilty.
News
May 26, Kaufman County Commissioners’ Court proclaimed June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. “Y’all have been so gracious every year to proclaim June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Kaufman County, and we appreciate it,” Waxahachie- based Department of Family Protective Services Community Engagement Specialist Sue Stalder said.
Kaufman County Grand Jury returned 49 indictments May 29. Indictment information obtained from the District Clerk’s office does not include ages or addresses of defendants.
Staff Reports Kaufman County Commissioners’ Court voted May 10 to approve a self-evaluation and transition report in regards to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Kaufman County’s Title VI coordinator, Shelley Tackett, explained to the court that the self-evaluation plan “basically means the county’s program services, facilities and websites complies with identifying barriers and making adjustments as needed.
Sports
This past week was a very good one for me. I was fortunate to enjoy some great times on the water and in the woods with a couple of very good friends. There was a time when I was young when I judged every outdoor outing by the fish in the cooler or game on the meatpole. Granted, fresh fish fillets or backstraps from wild pork or venison is a big plus but what really matters is the quality time spent with good friends. This past week definitely provided a lot of white bass and catfish fillets for the freezer. I even had an up close and personal encounter with a chunky wild porker that I had earmarked for the smoker. The real reward though was the time spent with a couple of close friends. Let me tell you about my two adventures, the first with Brandon Sargent, Lead Slingers Guide Service on Lake Ray Hubbard, for a few hours of catching post spawn white bass and then on to Wood County for some hog hunting and creek catfishing with Jeff Rice.
Kaufman Lions basketball player DJ Gaddis played in the Azalea Orthopedics All-Star Basketball Game this past weekend. He scored 20 points and had seven rebounds and hit six three-pointers. His team won by three, and Gaddis was named MVP of the game.
news@kaufmanherald.com The Scurry-Rosser Wildcats baseball team took down the Clifton Cubs in the Bi-district round of the playoffs on Wednesday, April 29. The Wildcats swept the first two games of their best-ofthree playoff series over the Cubs.
Country music artist Tracy Byrd is set to perform a benefit concert at Kemp High School on Saturday, May 16. Byrd will perform at the Second Annual Benefit Concert to benefit Kemp FFA.
Opinion
June 6: Kaufman County Pet Adoption Center is hosting a drive-thru vaccine clinic on Saturday, June 6 from 7:30-10 a.m. at 1904 U.S.
May 16: Bee Happy, along with the 2026 Kaufman County Leadership Group is hosting a Pickleball Classic to raise money for a new van by hosting a pickleball tournament on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. at Ben Gill Park in Terrell.
Winning through the ‘doubtstorm’ Many times, in our lives, we face doubt. Author Max Lucado calls these moments ‘doubtstorms.’ If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve likely weathered one.
April 25-June 27: Kaufman Poor Farm Spring Market will be held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. The Spring Market takes place from 9 a.m.
Obituaries
1938 - 2026Beverly Ann Vaughan, 88, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 22, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion to family.…
1929 - 2026Billye Jo Harvey Nolan, age 96, died on Saturday, the 16th of May 2026 at the Holly Hall Retirement Community in Houston, Texas. She was born on the…
1948 - 2026A true Texas car salesman to the end, on May 22, 2026, John Byron Murrey traded his “mortal coil” for an eternity in paradise with his savior, Jesus…
1947 - 2026Nancy Linda Edwards Coverdell Corbett September 5, 1947 – May 14, 2026 Nancy Linda Edwards Coverdell Corbett, age 78, passed away on May 14, 2026,…
Community
Kemp High School Class of 2026 graduates celebrated their graduation on Friday, May 22 at Athens High School.
Crandall’s Class of 2026 high school seniors culminated the school year with their graduation on Thursday, May 21at The OC in Forney.
Scurry-Rosser ISD celebrated their Class of 2026 seniors as they walked the stage for their high school graduation on Thursday, May 21 at Athens High School.
After many years of time spent toiling classrooms and study halls, many students welcome graduation. Graduating high school or college is a major milestone. It is associated with many symbols that have endured for some time. As graduates prepare to receive their diplomas or degrees, they might be curious to know what's behind some notable symbols of graduation ceremonies.
