Hey everyone!

So this week has been very eventful! I got transferred to Desoto Texas! It's been 100 percent completely different than Whitehouse and Bullard, but I'm enjoying the new people I'm meeting and trying to stay as positive as I can about it!

I'm probably the only white guy here. but for real though, I'm definitely in the minority haha. Black people are funny though and I'm having a good time meeting them and getting to know them. Sometimes the things they say and the way they say them make me laugh very hard! I almost started laughing in a prayer once because I just kept thinking about this lady who was telling us a story about when she was getting fried chicken and a man went around asking for a dollar from everyone to get fried chicken and he never got fried chicken. She was super mad he didn't hahaha. One lady walked in during the middle of a lesson this week and said "I feel how I look and my teeth are in my bra." I couldn't hold it in, I just started laughing. hahaha.

My new companion is Elder Smith! He's from New Zealand, so that's pretty cool! He's a cool guy and we get along well so that's good.

We cover the YSA branch in our stake so it's fun to be with younger people and have a good time. They're all very nice and I'm glad I get to cover a YSA branch.

I cover a place called Oak Cliff... If you haven't heard of it look it up! haha. There's a popular song here called "Oak Cliff That's My Hood." Also I looked it up and this is what some people have described it as:

located in Southwestern area of Dallas, TX (also known as The OC, O.C.T., and The Cliff). It's famous for it's regular local news coverage due to violent crimes and acts of poverty, but this is a huge misrepresentation. While there are parts of Oak Cliff where looking at the wrong person in the wrong way will get you beat up, stabbed, or shot, overall it's an okay place to live.

Only the crunkest part of Dallas!!! Also called the OC.

Oak Cliff is a place mixed with blacks and mexicans only about 5 white people out of the whole hood. Oak Cliff is also kwown for its violent crimes and a deep unemployment line. People in oak cliff are very easily disturbed so please do not look at anyone wrong

So yeah that's where I'm at :)

Hope everyone is well! Have a great week!

Josh

Bresee Family from Texas! Had lunch with Josh and his companion. Their son Justin is Josh's age and they were childhood friends. Justin is currently serving in Mexico. It was so awesome of them to take their Saturday afternoon to spend some time with Josh.

Not Really sure what these are??

New apartment complex

Bresee's brought these pictures of our kids to share with Josh

This is Jeff Bresee. He served in the Cleveland, Ohio mission with Tim. Lots of smiles from everyone with this picture!

The old Zone. Old friends.

Elder Needles has been transferred. It has been a difficult few days for him. He was so sad that his first response was that he wanted to come home. He shed a lot of tears yesterday. Whitehouse has been his home for 4 months now. He has grown to love the area and the friendships he formed. The people of Whitehouse absolutely loved him. He had great companions and wonderful ward mission leaders. Josh forms friendships very quickly and is loyal to those friendships. He is so sad to leave and we ask for your prayers at this time that he may find the peace and reassurance that he can do this.
So where is he going? Josh has been reassigned to the Desoto/Duncanville area. This area is a suburb of Dallas 19 minutes away. He is also 13 minutes from Arlington where Six Flags is located. You know how much he loves amusements parks!! He is also close to the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and the Dallas Maverick stadiums. The population of the two cities combined is around 100,000. Praying that this new adventure is a good one!

DeSoto is a city in Dallas County, Texas, in the United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 51,102.^[4]

DeSoto is a suburb of Dallas and is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster.

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History[edit]

The area was first settled in 1847, making it one of the oldest communities in North Texas. A post office was established in 1881, and the settlement was named DeSoto in honor of Thomas Hernando DeSoto Stewart, a doctor dedicated to the community

By 1885, DeSoto was home to approximately 120 people, a cotton gin, and a general store. Soon after, the population declined to below 50. In 1930, there were 97 people living in the community and several businesses.

DeSoto circa 1911

After World War II, DeSoto and surrounding areas began to grow. In order to improve the inadequate water distribution system, residents felt the need to incorporate the town. On February 17, 1949, a petition signed by 42 eligible voters was presented to the Dallas County judge requesting an election for incorporation. The vote took place on March 2. Of the 52 people who cast ballots, 50 voted in favor of incorporation and 2 were opposed. On March 3, 1949, the results were entered into the records of the Dallas County Commissioners Court, thereby creating the City of DeSoto. The new city was less than one square mile in size. On March 15, Wayne A. Chowning was elected mayor along with five aldermen. The first city council meeting was held two days later.

The first census conducted after DeSoto's incorporation occurred in 1950. There were 298 people and eight businesses in the city. Following a series of annexations in 1953, the city covered approximately 15 square miles (39 km²). By 1960, the population had grown to 1,969. In 1970, DeSoto was home to 6,617 people and 71 businesses.

During the 1970s, continued growth brought about improvements to the municipal infrastructure, including road construction, and a new water/sewage system. Industrial, commercial, and residential construction also increased.

On October 26, 1974, an election was held to determine the status of Woodland Hills, a small incorporated community located northwest of DeSoto. The result was 221 votes in favor of a merger with DeSoto and 219 opposed. Woodland Hills had a population of 366 at the time of annexation.

The rapid growth that began in the early 1970s was sustained throughout the 1980s. 1980 census figures put the city's population at slightly over 15,000. By 1984, DeSoto had a total of 360 businesses – up from 168 in 1980.

The population surpassed 30,000 in 1990. City development progressed in the following years. A primary example of this was the creation of DeSoto's Town Center. Officials converted an abandoned strip center located at one of the city's main intersections into a unique central business district. Since its opening, the Town Center has become an anchor of the community, housing city hall, the public library and chamber of commerce, along with civic and recreation centers. There is also a 180-seat auditorium and outdoor amphitheater.

Throughout the 1990s, DeSoto experienced a significant change in the demographic composition of the city. In the 1990 census, whites constituted 75.97% of the city's population, but that figure had declined to 48.83% in the 2000 census, and 17.4% non-hispanic white by 2010. By contrast, the African American population grew rapidly. In 2000, African Americans were 45.53% of the population, up from 20.83% in 1990. Hispanics accounted for 4.98% of the population in 1990 and 7.30% in 2000.

With approximately 45,500 residents as of 2005, DeSoto is the largest and most diverse city in southwest Dallas County.

On June 11, 2006, the National Civic League named DeSoto an "All-America City". The All-America City Award is the nation's oldest community recognition program and recognizes communities whose citizens work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve uncommon results.

Geography[edit]

DeSoto is located at 32°35′57″N 96°51′32″W (32.599286, −96.858828).^[5]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.6 square miles (56 km²), all of it land.

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1950	298	—
1960	1,969	560.7%
1970	6,617	236.1%
1980	15,538	134.8%
1990	30,544	96.6%
2000	37,646	23.3%
2010	49,047	30.3%

DeSoto was named an "All America City" in 2006

As of the 2010 Census, DeSoto had a population of 51,102. 68.6% of the population was Black or African-American, 17.4% was non-Hispanic white, 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% Asian, 1.9% from two or more races. 12.1% of the population was of Hispanic or Latino origin.^[6]

As of the census^[2] of 2000, there were 37,646 people, 13,709 households, and 10,459 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,744.5 people per square mile (673.5/km²). There were 14,069 housing units at an average density of 652.0 per square mile (251.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 48.83% White, 45.53%African American, 0.31% Native American, 1.29% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.56% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races. Hispanicor Latino of any race were 7.30% of the population.

There were 13,709 households out of which 39.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the city the population was spread out with 28.2% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $57,699, and the median income for a family was $66,986. Males had a median income of $41,847 versus $33,179 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,650. About 4.1% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government[edit]

Map of DeSoto's six council districts (places)

DeSoto is a home-rule city with a council-manager form of government. Under this type of local government, the day-to-day management of the city is directed by a city manager. The city manager is appointed by the city council and serves as chief administrative officer for the city. The city charter states this position will execute the laws and administer the government of the city. Dr. Tarron J. Richardson is the current city manager of DeSoto.

The city council consists of the mayor and six council members. The mayor represents the city as a whole and six council members represent particular districts (places) within the city. All are elected citywide for a term of three years with two-term term limits.

Duncanville, Texas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Duncanville, Texas
City
Nickname(s): City of Champions
Location of Duncanville in Dallas County, Texas
Coordinates: 32°38′47″N 96°54′41″WCoordinates: 32°38′47″N 96°54′41″W
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Dallas City Type: City
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
• City Council	Mayor David Green Ken Weaver Steven Jones Anthony Skinner Mark D. Cooks Johnette Jameson Dorothy Burton
• City Manager	Vacant
Area
• City	11.3 sq mi (29.2 km²)
• Land	11.3 sq mi (29.2 km²)
• Water	0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²)
Elevation	725 ft (221 m)
Population (2010)
• City	38,524
• Density	3,400/sq mi (1,300/km²)
• Metro	6,538,850
Time zone	Central (UTC-6)
• Summer (DST)	Central (UTC-5)
ZIP codes	75116, 75137, 75138
Area code(s)	972
FIPS code	48-21628^[1]
GNIS feature ID	1334786^[2]
Website	www.duncanville.com

Duncanville is a city in Dallas County, Texas, in the United States. Duncanville's population was 38,524 at the 2010 census.^[3] Duncanville is a city in southern Dallascounty and is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes Duncanville, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, and Lancaster.

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Geography[edit]

Duncanville is located at 32°38′47″N 96°54′41″W (32.646333, -96.911309).^[4]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29 km²), all of it land.

History[edit]

Settlement of the area began in 1845, when Illinois resident Crawford Trees purchased several thousand acres south of Camp Dallas. In 1880 the Chicago, Texas and Mexican Central Railway reached the area and built Duncan Switch, named for a line foreman. Charles P. Nance, the community's first postmaster, renamed the settlement Duncanville in 1882. By the late 19th century Duncanville was home to a dry goods stores, a pharmacy, a domino parlor, and a school. Between 1904 and 1933 the population of Duncanville increased from 113 to more than 300.^[5]

During World War II, the Army Air Corps established a landing field for flight training on property near the present-day intersection of Main and Wheatland roads.^[6]

Duncanville residents incorporated the city on August 2, 1947. During the post-war years, the military developed the Army’s old landing field into the Duncanville Air Force Station, which was the headquarters for the four Nike-Hercules missile launch sites guarding Dallas/Fort Worth from Soviet bomber attack. It also housed the Air Force tracking radars for the region.^[7]

Monument commemorating NIKE missile base in Duncanville.

Plaque describing NIKE base.

When the town's population reached 5,000 in 1962, citizens adopted a home-rule charter with council-manager city government. Sometimes regarded as a "white flight" suburb in the 1960s and 1970s, the city is now known for its racial diversity (see "Demographics"). Its population increased from about 13,000 in 1970 to more than 31,000 in 1988.^[5]

Water tower in the Fairmeadows neighborhood of Duncanville, depicting the city slogan.

Water towers on the southern edge of Duncanville, northern edge of Cedar Hill.

Historic preservation[edit]

The Texas Historical Commission has designated the City of Duncanville as an official Main Street City.^[8]

Duncanville recognizes the importance of the former Duncanville Air Force Station. The Duncanville Air Force Station was closed on July 1, 1964; however the Army continued to operate the Nike Missile air defense operations until 1969 at which point, the facility was turned over to the city. The WWII-era barracks and some other structures were initially re-purposed for civic and community use. Over time the buildings were systematically demolished, obliterating all signs of the historic base. But the history of the facility lives on in a monument which stands outside the library and community center.

The "stone igloo", a spring house originally located near the intersection of Center Street and Cedar Ridge Road, was preserved in a unique way. In the late 1960s or early 1970s it was demolished, thereby producing a supply of rocks that were used to build a replica of the structure at a nearby park and paving the way for the construction of a neighborhood retail center.

Various pieces of the city's history are preserved at the Duncanville Historical Park, which is located on Wheatland Road in Armstrong Park on land that was once a part of the Duncanville Air Force Station. Historic buildings include the city’s first Music Room.^[6]

Tourism[edit]

With the completion of nearby Joe Pool Lake in the 1980s, Duncanville has increased in stature as a popular tourist destination. Overnight accommodations include several well-known chains, such as Motel 6 and Hilton Garden Inn. The city is home to a variety of local eateries and national restaurant chains, some of which have been in business for decades.^[9]

Notable people[edit]

Singer Elliott Smith moved to Duncanville after his parents divorced and stayed till age 14 when he went to live with his father in Portland, Oregon.^[10]

Ex-pro football player "Mean" Joe Greene lived in Duncanville during the height of his pro career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tamika Catchings, WNBA all-star, graduated from Duncanville High School in 1997, having played on the women's basketball team that won the state championship. She is the first person to achieve a quintuple double.

Tim Urban, an acoustic, contemporary musician who began his music career in 2007, and gained fame for making it into the top 7 on the ninth season of American Idol.

Tim DeLaughter (born 18 November 1965 in Dallas, Texas), is a singer and songwriter. He has gained attention as a very energetic and engaging frontman for both Tripping Daisy and his current band, The Polyphonic Spree.

Current Kansas City Chiefs running back, Cyrus Gray, played his freshmen year of high school football for Duncanville High School before he moved to Desoto.

Perry Jones, forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, played basketball at Duncanville High School.

The current Texas State Attorney General, Greg Abbott, is a 1976 graduate of Duncanville High School.

Linguist and author Kenneth Lee Pike lived in Duncanville for many years, later moving to a nearby neighborhood in Dallas. While he lived in Duncanville, US Senator Alan J. Dixon and US Congressman Paul Simon announced that they had nominated Pike for the Nobel Peace Prize^[11] (though the Nobel Prize committee does not officially announce nominations).

Government and infrastructure[edit]

Duncanville City Hall is located at 203 E. Wheatland Road Duncanville, TX 75116. Most city services are located in this facility which also includes the Duncanville Recreation Center featuring meeting rooms, a double gymnasium, and an indoor walking track. Armstrong Park is also located next to City Hall.Duncanville has 3 walking trails, 17 city parks, and many other recreation spaces for team sports.^[12]

U.S. Route 67 runs through the eastern portion of Duncanville. Interstate 20 passes through the northern portion of Duncanville.

The United States Postal Service operates the Duncanville Post Office.^[13]

Demographics[edit]

As of the 2010 census Duncanville had a population of 38,524. The racial and ethnic makeup of the population was 32.3% non-Hispanic white, 29.4% non-Hispanic black, 0.7% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% non-Hispanic from some other race, 2.5% reporting two or more races and 35.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.^[14]

As of the census^[1] of 2000, there were 36,083 people, 12,899 households, and 10,239 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,196.6 people per square mile (1,233.9/km²). There were 13,290 housing units at an average density of 1,177.4 per square mile (454.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 63.90% White, 24.76%African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.99% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 6.83% from other races, and 2.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.30% of the population.

There were 12,896 households out of which 38.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 17.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the city the population was spread out with 28.1% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,654, and the median income for a family was $57,064. Males had a median income of $39,199 versus $30,145 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,924. The Average Household Income for the city in 2008 is $82,500. About 3.9% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education[edit]

Duncanville is served by the Duncanville Independent School District.

The Duncanville ISD portion is zoned to Duncanville High School, which enrolls approximately 3,750 students annually. Duncanville High School currently enrolls over 4,000 students during the 2010–2011 school year.^[15] At about 900,000 square feet (84,000 m²), the Duncanville High School campus is the largest in Texas, the largest in the nation, and the largest in the world in terms of physical size. In total, 13 out of the 17 schools in the district are rated Exemplary or Recognized by the TEA Texas Education Agency, and the district's ratings continue to outperform those of the surrounding districts (Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Lancaster, Dallas, Grand Prairie). They also outperform many of the school districts throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. There is also a charter school located in this city called UME Prep.