1. New Collin College biotechnology program includes paid tuition
Collin College launched a program to help students prepare for entry-level lab technician jobs, according to a July 27 news release from the college.
The Biotechnology Boot Camp will include paid tuition and additional funding for a credentialing exam.
Students in Collin College’s new biotechnology program will attend the following classes in the fall:
- Introduction to Biotechnology I
- Introduction for Biotechnology II
- Quality Assurances for the Biosciences
2. Commissioners approve pay raises for Tarrant County employees
Tarrant County commissioners approved salary increases and merit raises for elected officials and county employees during a meeting Aug. 1 in Fort Worth.
Raises will range from 3% to 7%, depending on the department, according to documents.
The changes passed 3-0 with Commissioners Manny Ramirez and Gary Fickes along with County Judge Tim O’Hare voting in favor of the change. Commissioners Alisa Simmons and Roy Charles Brooks were not present at the meeting.
Read more.
3. United Way of Denton County expands mortgage assistance program for Lewisville residents
Lewisville residents can continue to receive financial assistance under United Way of Denton County’s mortgage assistance program.
Lewisville City Council approved the program’s extension Aug. 7. It is a partnership between the organization and the city.
Eligible households that are behind on their payments can receive up to six months of mortgage assistance. The program combines direct financial assistance with resource navigation to help homeowners stay in their homes and regain financial stability, according to United Way of Denton County.
Read more.
4. Tesla begins charge into Flower Mound
One of Elon Musk’s businesses is moving closer to setting up shop in Flower Mound.
But electric vehicle automaker Tesla still has to clear some hurdles with town requirements.
At the Flower Mound Town Council meeting Aug. 7, council approved in a 4-0 vote—with Council Member Brian Taylor absent—a site plan for Tesla to build a car sales dealership and service center. The building would be located south of Justin Road and west of Stone Hill Farms Parkway. The item included a public hearing, which included one comment from a resident, who supported the Tesla operation coming to town as he said he drives a Tesla and has to go to the Tesla service center in Plano.
“Welcome to Flower Mound,” Flower Mound Mayor Derek France said after council approved the site plan.
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5. Cook Children’s hospital now offering seizure-monitoring service in Prosper
Cook Children’s Medical Center, located at 4100 W. University Drive in Prosper, launched a new testing and diagnosis service July 28 for children experiencing seizures. The continuous electroencephalogram monitoring test reads electrical activity in the brain and can be used to diagnose a seizure disorder, according to the hospital's website.
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