Mater Lakes Academy honored three of its teachers for the 2019 – 2020 school year. Jennifer Paez, is head of the Science Department. She teaches Anatomy and Physiology and is Teacher of the Year. The middle school’s Teacher of the Year is Ana L. Sanchez, who teaches Reading. And Steven Leano, who teaches Social Studies, U.S. History and Civics, is Rookie Teacher of the Year. Photos courtesy of the school.

     Khloe is a loving miniature Goldendoodle who is 9 years old but still acts like a puppy, her owner Lisbet Gutierrez says.     “She is a great dog,” Gutierrez said of her pet who lives with the family -- husband Angel Gutierrez and son Christian, 25, -- in Miami Lakes. “She is full of energy. Our vet can’t believe she’s not a puppy.”      Khloe likes people...

Georgia State University in Atlanta gave Jodi Sampson its Excellence in Research Award in Communication Sciences and Disorders, the school said. Sampson, 30, of Hialeah, received the award during a virtual Honors Day celebration on May 18. The award is given by the university’s College of Education & Human Development for “exceptional performance in research involvement as a master’s student,” according to the school. Sampson...

Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Miami Lakes resumed Masses May 26 after being closed during the first months of the coronavirus outbreak. The carpet and pews were marked with tape and signs to encourage spacing of six feet between parishioners, among other safeguards. Photo at left was taken during Mass on May 31 that was led by Father Flavio Montes and assisted by Deacon Juan Gonzalez. Photo: Nicolas de la Cova, courtesy.

Miami Lakes Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano has drawn an opponent in the town’s 2020 election. Political newcomer Raymond Garcia filed paperwork on May 4 to challenge Ruano for her District 3 seat, according to town records. But Ruano, who was mulling a run for mayor in February, hasn’t opened a campaign account for either seat. “I have every intention of continuing to serve my community and I plan to run for office this coming...