Good Neighbor: Meet Gunnar Ledermann, Pastor of Divine Peace Church Rockwall

Good Neighbor: Meet Gunnar Ledermann, Pastor of Divine Peace Church Rockwall

Meet Gunnar Ledermann, the pastor of Divine Peace Church in Rockwall. Gunnar grew up in Northern California on 60 acres surrounded by cattle ranches, mountains and vineyards. He’s been married for eight and a half years to his college sweetheart, Marinda. They started dating after Gunnar organized a surprise group date while at college, just […]

Senior Rockwall resident chronicles her life, recipes and helpful hints

Senior Rockwall resident chronicles her life, recipes and helpful hints

Maynell Munson might be 91 years old, but she definitely isn’t letting that slow her down. Maynell is a resident at Rockwall’s Orion Senior Apartments. She cooks and entertains regularly, and never misses a game of bridge at theSeniorCenter. Maynell single-handedly created the phone directory for the Orion residents. When new residents move in, Maynell […]

Q&A with new Helping Hands President Jon Bailey

ROCKWALL, TX (Feb. 1, 2015) Rockwall County Helping Hands recently named Jon Bailey as its new President & CEO to serve in the place of Margo Nielsen, who retired after 25 years at the helm of the organization. A lifelong Rockwall resident, Jon currently serves on the Rockwall Chamber Board of Directors as well as […]

Pullen teacher paints bright future for students

Pullen teacher paints bright future for students

ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (October 5, 2014) We’re just six weeks into the school year, and Pullen Elementary teacher Julie Woodard is busy making a lasting impression on her fourth graders. The award-winning Rockwall ISD educator has a teaching style that is, in her words, “messy, sticky, reflective, fun, challenging – and of course, student-driven.” Using all […]

‘The Voice of Rockwall’ carries positive message

‘The Voice of Rockwall’ carries positive message

ROCKWALL, TX (March 19, 2014) Gary Freedman may be best known for his voice, but the public speaker and charity auctioneer does much more than talk. In his 60-something years, the Rockwall resident has helped raise more than 3.7 million dollars for at least 50 nonprofit organizations, many of them here in his hometown. Gary’s […]

Q&A with North Texas photographer Jack Palmer

(Rockwall) June 30, 2013 –Jack Palmer has always loved taking pictures of his surroundings: places, objects and people. At age 9, he began capturing images of the world around him. In 2007, he turned his passion into a profession. From architectural, commercial, event and corporate photography to awe-inspiring landscape shots, many of Jack’s photographs document […]

Q&A with retiring Heath City Councilman Bob Hille

(HEATH-April 27, 2013) Retiring Heath City Councilman Bob Hille is truly an officer and a gentleman, as evidenced by a lifetime of service to God, country and community. The 82-year-old will soon celebrate 59 years of marriage to his wife, Bobbie, about whom he says, “any discussion of my family starts with her; she is […]

Q&A with Sherry Hamm of Helping Hands

As Director of Emergency Assistance and Referral at Rockwall County Helping Hands, Sherry Hamm is passionate about faith, family and helping those in need. Her humble demeanor is one reason a Blue Ribbon News reader nominated this “phenomenal lady and amazing role model” for our Good People profile series. After devoting 24 years to teaching […]

Blue Ribbon News – fair & balanced?

Perhaps not.  At least not when it comes to the types of stories we cover. We prefer “good” news. There’s plenty of it to go around; it’s just rare to find those who will report it. At Blue Ribbon News, we shine the spotlight on people, places and events that impact our communities in a positive […]

Q&A with Rockwall Mayor David Sweet

Blue Ribbon News thanks Mayor David Sweet for graciously sharing a little bit about his background and why he’s so passionate about making Rockwall such a great place to live, work and play. To nominate someone you know for our Good People profile series, email .  WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Dallas  HIGH SCHOOL? West Mesquite […]