By Staff Reports
Dallas, TX –
Dallas Co. Contaminated Cantaloupe
Dallas County is reporting a third case of listeria linked to the multi-state investigation of contaminated cantaloupes from Colorado. Earlier this week, health officials announced two cases of the gastrointestinal illness: a 75 year old and an 81 year old. Today, officials say a 64 year old Dallas County resident was sickened by the tainted cantaloupes and hospitalized. All three victims have recovered.
The cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado have been recalled. They were shipped between late July and September 10th to 17 states including Texas. Dallas area retailers received shipments from the farm within the last month.
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and muscle ache.
Some Dallas Teachers Worried About Mid-Year Layoffs
More than 200 Dallas School teachers are wondering if they'll have jobs through the end of the school year. Last night, the School Board voted to change its policy to allow for layoff of employees considered "excess" - even if they are under contract. Rena Honea is president of the largest teacher group, Alliance AFT.
Honea: We are certainly not happy about that at all. These people are not in this situation because of any of their wrongdoing, or anything like that.
The School District ended up with the excess pool of employees after the Legislature cut education funds and allowed increases in class size. Their actions came "after" the teacher contracts were issued. Honea says those two things left several hundred teachers without a classroom. Some of been reassigned, but she says a couple-hundred are doing things like monitoring halls and lunchrooms and doing clerical work for principals.
Honea says the School Board has promised to honor the contracts, but she says the layoff amendment passed last night sends a scary message to teachers.
Dallas Hockey Hero Retires
Mike Modano retired as a Dallas Star Friday afternoon. In a tearful goodbye, Modano thanked fellow players and coaches. He was a Dallas Star for 20 years, but was released and signed with the Detroit Red Wing last summer. The Stars offered him a one-day contract so he could retire as a Star - his team for 21 seasons and a Stanley Cup win.
Big Tex Puts His Boots On Monday
Friday was the first day of Fall, and in Texas that means the State Fair is right around the corner. Big Tex gets dressed up Monday morning, and will be standing tall for opening day at Fair Park in Dallas September 30th. This year's theme is "A Timeless Tradition, 125 Years". It's also the year of fried bubble gum.