Curnutt & Hafer, LLP, commissions mural

by Chris Gonzalez

CURNUTT & HAFER, LLP, a downtown Arlington law firm, recently commissioned a mural painted by Arlington-raised artist, Chris Gonzalez. The richly painted mural is located on the East and North sides of the firm's Abram Street headquarters.

Known commercially as C. Joseph Art, Gonzalez’s work was done in collaboration with the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation’s Business Improvement District grant.

The “Merciful Wisdom” mural has been in the works for almost a year now. Firm partners, Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafer, wanted to create a lasting gift to Downtown Arlington while elevating the aesthetics of their office exterior, but were waiting for the right artist and an inspired concept. Chris Gonzalez was the perfect choice for this initiative.

Once the artist and partners discussed potential ideas, it became clear the mural should not only be a nod to each partner’s respective life’s work, but should also align with the firm’s motto, “Seek. Serve. Do.”

“After speaking with partners Curnutt & Hafer, I knew it would have to involve their passions," Gonzalez says. "When they mentioned ‘mercy and fair’ in the context of law, the first thing that popped into my mind was an owl and the wisdom which the owl symbolizes. The partners also wanted to have words that they live by and follow incorporated into the mural. The Law of Living, The Law of Believing and The Law of Praying are inscribed in Latin. Finally, I embedded the Curnutt & Hafer logo at the center of it all."

Brock has been named new audit partner at PSK LLP

PSK LLP, an Arlington-based accounting firm offering expertise in audit and assurance services, financial consulting and tax services, last month named Kevin Brock as the firm's newest audit partner.

Brock concentrates his efforts within the commercial sectors of manufacturing, transportation, and construction along with performing similar services for churches and other nonprofit organizations. He conducts financial statement audits and reviews, audits of employee benefit plans, agreed-upon procedures and consulting services.

“We are delighted to have Kevin join us as a partner in PSK," says Managing Partner Casey Campbell. "Kevin possesses a high degree of character, and is someone who integrates leadership and technical skills in everything that he does. We are confident that he will continue to bring our clients the personalized expert services PSK prides itself in providing locally and nationally."

A graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, Brock worked with KPMG in the audit department for five years before joining PSK, where for the past 17 years he has served as Audit Senior/Manager and Audit Principal.

College Baseball Showdown will feature Big 12 and SEC teams at Globe Life Field

THE 2023 College Baseball Showdown presented by Higginbotham, featuring three teams each from the Big 12 and SEC, will be played Feb. 17-19 at Globe Life Field. Here is the schedule:

Friday, Feb. 17 – 11 a.m.: Oklahoma State vs. Missouri; 3 p.m.: Vanderbilt vs. TCU; 7 p.m.: Arkansas vs. Texas. Saturday, Feb. 18 - 11 a.m.: Oklahoma State vs. Vanderbilt; 3 p.m.: Texas vs. Missouri; 7 p.m.: TCU vs. Arkansas. Sunday, Feb. 19 - 10:30 a.m.: Vanderbilt vs. Texas; 2:30 p.m.: Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State; 6:30 p.m.: Missouri vs. TCU For more: shorturl.at/oDFIN

Arlington's culinary royalty, Preston Nguyen, will join 'Next Level Chef' after the Super Bowl

AFTER THE SUPER BOWL on Feb. 12, stay tuned to catch Arlington’s own Preston Nguyen on the television program "Next Level Chef."

The Martin High School graduate and former practicum student and youngest star of the kitchen at Prince Lebanese Grill continues to find success in the culinary world, as he joins Gordon Ramsey’s team to create dishes under the pressure of alternating kitchen environments.

The latest big news follows Nguyen's most notable competitive cooking-scene triumph. As a 19-year-old college student he took home the first place award at the 2021 World Food Championship, topping numerous renowned international chefs.

ACA honors Board President Debbie Sterba with a building in her name

DEBBIE STERBA, who has served on the Arlington Classics Academy board of directors for 23 years, was honored last month when the school named one of its classroom buildings "Deborah Sterba Wisdom Hall."

During Sterba's time on the board, ACA has grown from 249 students in 2003 to serving more than 1,500 today, and evolving from one building to three campuses over the past 18 years. The charter school has maintained the highest rating from the Texas Education Agency and the highest rating for Financial Integrity. ACA received recognition from the State Comptroller for developing high achievement in students at a low cost.

Sterba, an IT specialist, has been involved with the school since her oldest son Drew became a student in 2002. She joined the board of directors a year later. Over her 20 years as a board member, she has served as secretary, vice president, and most recently president since 2016.

Under her direction, ACA managed to grow enrollment, develop a "brand" and prosper. The primary campus opened in 2005 and has been expanded twice. ACA purchased property for a middle school, and ACA's bond rating improved to B++. Academically and athletically, students in grades K-8 at the school routinely have won or shown well in competitive endeavors all over the state.

"As a community member, ACA strives to lead by example and educate our stakeholders in how to be the best possible participant and neighbor in all our communities," Sterba says. "I will continue to invest in the future of ACA because there is nothing more noble than helping a child see just how smart they truly are."

Duo promoted at The Jones Financial Cos.

JACK WEBB, CRPC® , an Edward Jones financial advisor in Arlington, and TRACY PLACKEMEIER recently have been named limited partners in The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P.

"I am honored to be invited to become a limited partner in the firm," says Webb. "I value working at a firm with such a strong sense of purpose – to make a positive difference for our clients, colleagues and community."

"I couldn't agree more," Plackemeier says. "I've always enjoyed my job and the Edward Jones culture that promotes personal relationships, teamwork and doing what's right for our clients."