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KAUFMAN COUNTY–District Attorney Erleigh Norville Wiley announced Aug. 4, the conviction of Margaret Ann Johnston, 80, for murder, a first degree felony offense. Johnston was charged with the murder of her daughter, Connie Lynn Helms, Sept. 14, 2021 at her home in Kaufman. 
Dispatch received a 911 call shortly after 4:30 p.m. from the victim’s sister reporting that she had been on the telephone with Helms’ and had heard what she believed to be the fatal gunshot. A grand jury indicted Johnston with murder Nov. 19, 2021.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Malakoff receiver Weston Cartlidge hauls in a pass in the end zone at the Tigers' Aug. 6 intrasquad scrimmage.

GUN BARREL CITY–During the Gun Barrel City council meeting July 26, council approved the demolition of nine unsafe structures within the city. One property owner was granted time to repair his structure on Westview Drive. The other nine structures were deemed unsafe and ordered to be demolished after a public hearing. 
Council also interviewed two applicants for one position on the Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. Applicants Jay Burson and Kate Weller both introduced themselves to council, with Weller receiving the appointment. 

KERENS–Kerens Independent School District (KISD) trustees voted July 25 to buy a radio frequency identification (RFID) card system that tracks bus routes and gives administrators real-time locations of its transit fleet.
The smart-card system also will be used by students, Superintendent Martin Brumit said. Students will be issued cards that will act as identification and keep up with lunch and library accounts, he said.