Current Rockwall City Councilman and longtime Rockwall resident and businessman, Tim McCallum announced today he intends to run for Mayor for the City of Rockwall, in the May 3, 2025, general elections.

McCallum seeks to lead the Rockwall City Council and to bring strong leadership to one of the state’s fastest growing cities.  Since his election in 2023, McCallum has become a central figure in fight against the high density and multifamily developments that have created mounting pressures on the city’s infrastructure.

“As Rockwall continues its dynamic growth, we need to continue our focus on keeping density low and standards high.  The recent approval of additional multifamily and high-density housing developments should be concerning to our citizens.  I have a high sense of urgency to address infrastructure needs and curb the high density and small lot sizes that developers continue proposing within our city.” explained McCallum. “We need to focus on effective traffic and transportation management through a focus on our infrastructure, on supporting economic development to keep our taxes low, updating our Comprehensive Plan to ensure the density that our citizens expect is properly reflected in the plan, and we must lay out a vision for our city that ensure the quality of life we all moved to Rockwall for endures.”

Since most recently running for office in 2023, McCallum has actively sought to make an impact in the city. He has hosted numerous community meetings focused on density and has successfully involved citizens in the fight against these high density developments, and he fought for the control of STRs. He helped ensure the implementation of  the State’s PACE program to promote funding for economic development within the City of Rockwall,  McCallum supported law enforcement through the creation of a Court of Record in the City of Rockwall to stop frivolous appeals from undercutting the city’s policeman, investigators, prosecutor, and judges. Additionally, he opened a Charter Review to focus on election integrity and to ensure citizens have a voice in choosing their elected officials. Finally, he called for and opened a review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan to ensure density and the growth of Rockwall aligns with the citizens current expectations.

McCallum recognizes the challenges facing Rockwall as it grows, including bringing common sense and collaboration to issues including traffic, infrastructure, development and support of the local business community.  As a strong fiscal conservative, he is firmly committed to protect Rockwall citizens from runaway tax hikes during this financially uncertain time and high home valuations.

McCallum is well known for his service to his community, having been twice awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, for his many hours of service to various local and national organizations. Since moving to Rockwall in 1999, he has served in a variety of offices and volunteer positions, including:

• Rockwall City Council 2003-2007
• Rockwall City Council Mayor Pro Tem
• Rockwall Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.
• Cain Middle School PTA President
• Rockwall Heath HS HBO President
• The Oaks of Buffalo Way HOA President

McCallum currently leads a dynamic team of high-tech professionals as president of Raze Media, a Dallas-based digital marketing agency. Prior to working in digital marketing, McCallum was the Chief Marketing Officer for Incomm International and had an award-winning career in the retail sector as an executive for 7-Eleven, Inc. where he gained appreciation for the everyday challenges facing business owners.

He and his wife Jennifer also own and operate He Wines She Dines, a private winery and wine club in Rockwall. They are members of the First United Methodist Church in Rockwall and have two children, Caroline and Andrew.

For more information on volunteering for or donating to McCallum’s campaign please visit timmccallum.com .

This holiday season, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary invites families, friends, and nature enthusiasts to step into a winter wonderland like no other at Holidays at the Heard on December 6 & 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. Nestled in the heart of McKinney, Texas, the Heard will blend the joy of the holidays with the serene beauty of nature and the excitement of dinosaurs.

Celebrate the Holidays with Nature's Wonders

During this event, visitors will be captivated on a walk along one of the sanctuary's nature trails accentuated by lights and décor. Plus, guests will be able to get a glimpse of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit. This enchanting evening stroll will offer a magical escape into a world where wildlife and holiday cheer exist in harmony.

Engaging Experiences for All Ages

This year, we are excited to offer live music performances under the stars that will fill the air with festive cheer, creating the perfect backdrop for your holiday experience. On Friday, enjoy classic Americana-rock sounds and holiday cheer from JCD & Lone Star Attitude. And, on Saturday, La Pompe will bring a little bit of French, a little bit of swing, and a whole lot of holiday fun to the Heard amphitheater. Capture the joy of the season with fun photo opportunities, where families can create lasting memories.

A Commitment to Community and Conservation

The Heard's events not only celebrate the season but also support our commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental education. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit our preservation and educational initiatives, allowing us to continue our mission of connecting people with nature and inspiring stewardship of the natural world.

Join Us for a Season to Remember

Whether you're a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary warmly welcomes you to join our holiday celebrations. More information and tickets are available now at HeardMuseum.org/Holidays-at-the-Heard, with special discounts available for Heard members. Let the Heard be your destination for a truly enchanting holiday experience this year.

Light the Night

The Heard will also offer Light the Night on December 10-14, from 5-8 p.m. After our Holidays at the Heard event dates, these evenings will offer the opportunity for visitors to enjoy a peaceful winter walking tour of one of our nature trails accented with holiday lights and décor.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Founded in 1967, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to bringing nature and people together. Located on a 289-acre wildlife sanctuary, the museum offers diverse educational programs, exhibits, and trails that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.

Organized by the Lake Highlands Women’s League, this annual event raises funds to support local schools and scholarships.

The Lake Highlands Women’s League will throw open the doors and welcome everyone to the 46^th Annual Holiday Home Tour: Holiday in the Highlands, presented by Walne Family Holdings, on Friday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This beloved annual tradition is more than just the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit: Since its inception in 1970, Holiday in the Highlands has raised approximately $3.5 million to benefit Lake Highlands’ schools, community groups and college scholarships.  

Four beautifully decorated homes in Lake Highlands will welcome guests to experience their unique spin on holiday magic. The charming, creative, eclectic architecture and home design in the northeastern Dallas neighborhood of Lake Highlands makes it the perfect locale to host a home tour. Visitors are delighted with ideas, inspiration and a healthy dose of the holiday spirit! 

Attendees will enjoy beautiful holiday displays at four Lake Highlands homes: 

• 9311 Moss Circle Drive, the home of the Allen family: This historic farmhouse built in the 1930s by Harry S. Moss to give a bull he purchased at the Texas State Fair room to roam. Known by their family as Moss Haven, the home was a reprieve from “city life” and was featured in Architectural Digest in January of 1958.

• 7737 Eagle Trail, the home of the Austin family: The horse stables across the street and the resident ostentation of peacocks drew the Austins to their unique lot on Eagle Trail in 2020.  As you tour the home, be on the lookout for many peacock “nods” seamlessly incorporated into art, lamps, wallpaper and even hand towels. With a great appreciation for both family history and the great outdoors, this family has created a beautiful home to cherish for decades.

• 8728 Fenchurch, the home of the Blessing family: This family of six has created the perfect family home that pairs classic sophistication with boyish-rugged charm. Gathering areas for family and friends encourage interaction with an inviting feel while the home’s flow works perfectly for a busy family with four growing boys. On display in the home is a charming and special collection of sketches by Lake Highlands resident and Allison’s best friend, Becky Haas.  Each sketch represents a home the Blessings have lived in along the way. 

• 9617 Shadydale, the home of the Gray family: Mark and Maurie Gray own an architecture firm, M-Gray Architecture, and their talent and eye for detail is evident in every corner of their home. Oak carpentry and several pieces of art celebrate the oak tree, which has been a symbol of strength and stability in the Grays’ marriage: Mark proposed under an oak tree and they married under an oak tree at Maurie’s parent’s farm in Fredericksburg.  A memorable Christmas spent in Sweden inspired a warm, rustic feeling they bring into their home when they decorate for the holidays.

Keep the holiday fun going with a stop at the Sip & Shop, presented by Volvo Dallas, at the Lake Highlands Women’s League Marketplace at the KayCee Club, an event that complements the home tour by offering another way to support the Lake Highlands community. Visitors can shop for holiday treasures from 20 local vendors offering art, jewelry, clothing, food and other gifts while catching up with friends and enjoying a holiday cocktail. Admission is free for the Sip & Shop, which will take place at 10110 Shoreview Road in Dallas on Thursday, December 5, from 4 to 8 p.m.; and on Friday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

 You can also support the cause for the chance to win a great prize by entering the Lake Highlands Women’s League Holiday in the Highlands Raffle. Enter for a chance to win complimentary valet parking at NorthPark Center for a year (just in time for holiday shopping!) for just $25 per raffle ticket (drawing to be held December 6, winner need not be present to win).  

New this year: The giving will continue even after the Sip & Shop concludes! This year, the giving will continue December 7-14 through the Love LH virtual shopping event. Participating local businesses will give shoppers a 10% discount – and will also donate 10% of proceeds to the Lake Highlands Women’s League to help raise money for important local initiatives. More details will be available at www.LHWL.org.

The Holiday in the Highlands Home Tour is chaired by Jenny Littlefield and Stephani Walne, Lake Highlands residents and volunteers from the Lake Highlands Women’s League. They lead an effort assisted by the Home Tour Committee and Finance Committee of volunteers from the Lake Highlands Women’s League, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Lake Highlands community for more than 50 years.

“The holidays are a season of giving, and we’re grateful that this joy and spirit allows us to fund educational opportunities for our Lake Highlands High School seniors,” Littlefield said. “Seeing them receive their scholarships in the spring feels like the holidays all over again.”

“We invite everyone to kick off their holiday season with us here in Lake Highlands, viewing beautifully decorated homes and making a life-changing difference for a graduating senior by helping us raising funds for scholarships,” Walne added.

Holidays in the Highlands showcases four beautifully decorated homes in Lake Highlands on Friday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for the home tour are $25 and are available here, along with links to purchase raffle tickets. Admission to the Sip & Shop at the KayCee Club on December 5 and 6 is free. (Hot tip: Bring your Holiday in the Highlands Home Tour ticket to show at the Sip & Shop to get a complimentary glass of bubbly!)

Lake Highlands Women’s League also is encouraging visitor to the home tour to participate in Lunch Around Lake Highlands on December 1 to help support the local restaurant community by dining out at a Lake Highlands area restaurant of their choice.

In 2023, the tour raised $215,000, which directly funded specific projects and services for 12 nonprofit organizations and 13 schools, and provided college scholarships to 33 exceptional Lake Highlands High School students. From supplies and technology upgrades at area schools to car seats for new mothers and summer reading initiatives at area libraries, the Lake Highlands Women’s League heard and proudly responded to a wide range of impactful opportunities.

For more information on Holidays in the Highlands or to learn more about the Lake Highlands Women’s League, please visit www.lhwl.org.

Addison’s casually elegant, Table 13, invites you to enjoy a relaxing and memorable Christmas Eve dinner with our chef’s specially curated menu. Whether celebrating as a couple, family, or larger group, our fine dining experience is a treat for all complementing the gifts under the tree.

Served with three seating times of 4:00p.m., 6:00p.m. and 8:00p.m., and offered for $99/person our Christmas Eve menu includes your choice of appetizer Deviled Eggs, Bacon Wrapped Dates, or Shrimp Cocktail.

The next course presents options of Caesar Salad, House Salad, or Lobster Bisque followed by delicious entrée choices Tenderloin Lobster Oscar, Filet & Grilled Shrimp, Prime Ribeye, Potato and Herb Crusted Sea Bass, Lemon Caper Chicken, or Pecan Crusted Salmon. All entrees are served with family style sides of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables.

Dessert is part of the holiday experience and our famous Chocolate Cake, Candy Cane Ice Cream, or Milk and Cookies are not to be missed.

For those who prefer additional options, we offer several a la carte appetizers and sides with the holiday menu.

The Christmas Eve experience also includes the classic Vegas-style music of Henry Munoz. Henry’s performance will delight your table, adding an unforgettable ambiance to your dinner celebration from 3:30-7:30p.m.

Reservations are required for Christmas Eve and seating is limited. Please call 972-789-9558 to make your reservations soon.

Table 13, known for exquisite entrees and classic cocktails, has been awarded Best Fine Dining in DFW by the readers of Dallas Morning News amongst numerous other awards. Dining at Table 13 is a premier experience where one can make memories lasting a lifetime. Table 13 is located at 4812 Belt Line Road in Addison.

The 43^rd annual Friends of the Dallas Police Awards Banquet paid tribute to 357 extraordinary officers and professional staff members of the Dallas Police Department on Nov. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. With nearly 1,000 guests in attendance, the event was presented by Nexpoint Philanthropies and organized by the Friends of the Dallas Police. 

The top two honors were presented to Senior Corporal David Massey of the Wellness Unit, who was named John T. McCarthy Police Officer of the Year, as well as Administrative Specialist II Paola Romero Vazquez of Employee Relations who received the James C. Taylor Professional Staff Employee of the Year Award.

"The ceremony is a testament to the bravery, dedication and selflessness displayed daily by the men and women of the Dallas Police Department,” said Interim Chief Igo. “These awards not only honor individual excellence but also highlight the collective commitment of our organization to serve and protect our communities with integrity and compassion. It is a privilege to stand alongside these remarkable officers and professional staff members as we celebrate their notable achievements."

The family of Officer Darron Burks, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Aug. 29, 2024, was presented the Police Cross. In addition, Senior Corporal Karissa David and Senior Corporal Jamie Farmer received the Medal of Honor for their extraordinary heroism shown when responding to the horrific incident.

Joining Interim Dallas Police Chief Michael Igo, who personally congratulated each award recipient, was Interim Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas Chief of Public Safety Dominique Artis, several Dallas City councilmembers, Dallas Fire Chief Justin Ball and other community leaders.

The Dallas Police Honor Guard and Dallas Metro Police Pipes & Drums presented the colors, the Dallas Police Choir performed the National Anthem, and Reverend Jacob Dankasa of the Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church delivered the invocation. Dia Wall, WFAA-TV anchor, served as the master of ceremonies.

Major awards plus Chief’s Awards presented this year

While many awardees knew they were award recipients prior to the ceremony, the top awards were revealed during the ceremony. Recipients were chosen from nominations submitted by DPD supervisors to the Meritorious Conduct Board based on overall yearly performance.

The Marvin R. Bullard Supervisor of the Year Award went to two individuals – the Sworn Supervisor Award was given to Sergeant Kelvin Pope of the Traffic Unit, Tactical & Special Operations Bureau, and the Professional Staff Supervisor Award went to Tanisha Harris of Personnel Services, Administrative Bureau.

The James R. Leavelle Detective of the Year was presented to Senior Corporal Olivia Zambrano of the Domestic Violence Unit Investigations Bureau, and the Field Training Officer of the Year went to Senior Corporal Joseph Dillard of Southeast Patrol. The Telecommunicator of the Year Award went to 911 Call Analyst II Carlos Sierra, and the Johnny Sides Rookie of the Year Award was presented to Police Officer Ryan Nunns of South Central Patrol. The Joe C. Jones Reserve Officer of the Year Award was given to Reserve Officer Michael Freeman of the Reserve Unit, Patrol Bureau.

Six officers received Police Shield Awards including Senior Corporal Raul Diaz, Senior Corporal Joshua Gonzalez, Senior Corporal Kevin James, Senior Corporal Edgar Morales, Police Officer Tyler Morris and Retired Sergeant John Barton.

Meritorious Conduct Unit Awards were presented to the Fugitive Unit, Northwest Prostitution Task Force, Special Investigations Division Tactical Training Group, Special Investigations Overdose Unit and the Special Response Group.  The Friends of the Dallas Police also bestowed Meritorious Conduct Awards to 11 officers, Police Commendation Awards to 52 officers and Life Saving Awards to 75 officers.

The Chief of Police Citizen Award was presented to Pete Schenkel, and the Chief of Police Volunteer Awards were presented to DPD Reserve Deputy Chief Dr. Alex L. Eastman and the Dallas Metro Police Pipes & Drums. Additionally, Interim Chief Igo presented the Chief’s Award to two units – the Honor Guard and the Wellness Unit – as well as Senior Corporal Karissa David and Police Dispatch Analyst Owen Larsen.

Nominees (and bureau winners) for the John T. McCarthy Dallas Police Officer of the Year, which was presented to Senior Corporal David Massey (Office of Chief of Police Bureau Officer of the Year), were Police Officer Corey Parker (Administrative Bureau Officer of the Year); Officer Julio Flores (Community Engagement and Operations Officer of the Year); Officer Daniel Waller, Jr. (Northeast Patrol Division Officer of the Year); Officer Alban Karanfili (Northwest Patrol Division Officer of the Year); Senior Corporal Jacob Deloof (Southeast Patrol Division Officer of the Year); Officer Jennifer Atherton (South Central Patrol Division Officer of the Year); and Officer Edward Resendez, Jr. (Southwest Patrol Division Officer of the Year).

Nominees (and bureau winners) for the James C. Taylor Professional Staff Employee of the Year Award, which was presented to Administrative Specialist II Paola Romero Vazquez (Administrative Bureau Professional Staff Employee of the Year), were Administrative Specialist I Tiffany Young Jones (Office of the Chief of Police Bureau Professional Staff Employee of the Year); Community Outreach Representative Dr. Chen Yuan (Community Engagement and Operations Patrol Bureau Professional Staff Employee of the Year); Crime Scene Analyst Jamie Mueller (Investigations Bureau Professional Staff Employee of the Year); Fleet Coordinator Juan Cruz (Southeast Patrol Division Professional Staff Employee of the Year); and Fleet Coordinator Jennifer Greer (South Central Patrol Division Professional Staff Employee of the Year).

The 2024 Anita Ruiz Family Foundation Educational Scholarship Awards, given to the child of a DPD employee for college tuition, provided $5,000 scholarships to three deserving students. The first recipient was Rachel Fox, daughter of Sergeant Timothy Fox, a 34-year DPD veteran assigned to the South Central Investigative Unit. The second recipient was Ontanayia Hatter, daughter of Sergeant Tawanna Manuel, a 17-year DPD veteran assigned to the Jubilee Park Storefront. The third recipient was Colton Weltman, son of Reserve Officer Dean Weltman, a 22-year DPD veteran assigned to the Reserve Unit.

In addition to Presenting Sponsor Nexpoint Philanthropies, Major Sponsors are Lisa and Kenny Troutt; Hunt Consolidated, Inc. and The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated Inc.; Copart; Sam Pack’s Five Star Family of Dealerships; and QuikTrip. Lieutenant Sponsors are Anita Ruiz Family Foundation; Central Market; Access Healthcare; Freeman Auto Group; Hillwood; Baylor Scott & White Health; Ellen McStay – In Honor of Cynthia Villarreal; 7-Eleven; Sewell Automotive Companies; and The Alinda Hill Wikert Foundation.  

About Friends of the Dallas Police
Founded in 1982 by a group of Dallas business leaders, the Friends of the Dallas Police Awards event recognizes the DPD employees for outstanding performance in the line of duty and raises money to celebrate those employees who risk their lives every day to make Dallas a safer city. The Friends organization believes that no matter their position within the department, each of DPD’s employees has made a commitment to better the city and the quality of life of its citizens. For more information about the Friends of the Dallas Police, go to friendsofthedallaspolice.org.