The Terrell Informer

09/02/2026

🥪🏗️ POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP COMING TO FORNEY

Forney is getting another dining option as Potbelly Sandwich Shop is planned for the Village at Gateway development.

📍 1960 N. Gateway Blvd., Suite 110, Forney, TX 75126

According to project records, the approximately $450,000 privately funded project will involve a tenant finish-out within a newly constructed shell building.

🔨 Project Details:
• Project: Potbelly Sandwich Shop
• Location: Village at Gateway
• Type of Work: Renovation/Alteration
• Estimated Cost: $450,000
• Construction Start: December 31, 2026
• Estimated Completion: April 16, 2027
• Scope includes mechanical, electrical and plumbing work

The project will transform the new shell space into a Potbelly location, adding another restaurant option to Forney’s growing Gateway Boulevard corridor.

📸 The Terrell Informer
Keeping you informed about growth and development across Kaufman County.

09/01/2026

🚨🚨DATA CENTER COMMITTEE HEARING🚨🚨

TUNE IN NOW

The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs is currently taking up its interim study charge on data centers. They have invited expert testimony and will also hear public testimony today regarding:

“Assessing the Water Demands of Energy-Intensive Technologies: Examine the current water consumption rates for high-consumption cooling technologies, including data centers. Make recommendations to improve transparency for local water providers and ensure industrial growth does not compromise the affordability of water for Texas residents and agricultural producers.”

There are good actors when it comes to the development of both large, including hyperscale, and small data centers, and we thank you for working to be good neighbors. And then there are bad actors: You are on notice.

Stay tuned for the development of state policy and guardrails that will protect and support our local communities.

Tune in here: https://senate.texas.gov/av-live.php

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

🚨 FORNEY COMPANY AT CENTER OF MAJOR MULTI-STATE OIL THEFT INVESTIGATION

FORNEY, TEXAS — A company with its headquarters in Forney has become a central focus of a major multi-state law enforcement investigation involving alleged oil theft, money laundering and organized criminal activity.

Vallee Oil and Gas, a wastewater disposal company headquartered in Forney, was at the center of “Operation Black Market Basin,” an investigation led by the Texas Department of Public Safety and involving multiple law enforcement agencies across Texas and Oklahoma.

Authorities say the investigation uncovered an alleged operation involving the purchase, transportation and trafficking of petroleum products across Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Investigators allege the company was involved in recovering oil from wastewater—commonly referred to as “skim oil”—and handling petroleum products that authorities say were illegally obtained.

🚔 17 SEARCH WARRANTS — INCLUDING KAUFMAN COUNTY

Authorities executed 17 search warrants across several Texas counties, including Kaufman, Rockwall, Hunt and Reeves, as well as in Oklahoma.

The investigation resulted in six arrests, including individuals identified by authorities as members of Vallee Oil and Gas' corporate leadership.

Those arrested face state charges including felony oil theft, money laundering and engaging in organized criminal activity.

💰 MORE THAN $12 MILLION IN ASSETS SEIZED

Authorities reported seizing more than $12 million in assets, including:

🛢️ Approximately 2,600 barrels of petroleum products
🚙 Approximately 60 vehicles
💵 More than $786,000 in cash
⌚ Luxury watches and jewelry
🏦 Eight bank accounts containing more than $8 million

The investigation represents a significant multi-state enforcement effort targeting alleged criminal activity within the oil and gas industry.

For residents of Forney and Kaufman County, the case has a particularly local connection: the company's headquarters is located in Forney, placing the community at the center of an investigation extending far beyond North Texas.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests could follow.

⚠️ All individuals accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Terrell Informer
Keeping you informed.

08/31/2026

Paul Murrey Ford is now under new ownership and will be known as Diamond Ford

After 74 years of Paul Murrey Ford heritage, the time has come for Britt and I to pass the torch.
It’s official: I am retiring and am no longer the owner of Paul Murrey Ford. I have spent 40 years in the automobile business—really closer to 50 when you count the years I began working for my dad in the shop. It has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply grateful for every customer, employee, friend, and family member who has been part of it.
Owning and leading this dealership has been an honor and a privilege, my life. We have built lasting relationships, served generations of local families, and worked hard to earn the trust of this community. That legacy is something I will always be proud of.
I am excited to hand the keys to Cole, the new owner. I truly believe you are going to love him. He understands what this dealership stands for: honesty, integrity, taking care of people, and treating customers the right way. I have every confidence that he will continue that tradition while leading Paul Murrey Ford, now Diamond Ford into a strong new chapter.
While it is never easy to step away from something that has meant so much, I know this is the right time. I look forward to retirement, spending more time with family and friends, and enjoying the road ahead.
Thank you for your loyalty, your friendship, and your support over all these years. It has meant more to me than I can say.

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

According to some reports Texas added a $1 insurance fee to fight motor-vehicle crime.

That money helped build at least 3,200 Flock cameras across Texas.

Lawmakers say Flock was never discussed when the fee passed.

Should Texas drivers be paying for this surveillance network?

08/29/2026

Directory of the men from Kaufman County, Texas who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. Each person's entry contains their photo, a short biography, and where they served.

1945