In April 1998, the body of an unidentified Black female were discovered in Lake Ray Hubbard in Collin County, Texas. At the time of the discovery, the woman was wearing black Adidas jogging pants, gray socks, and black Adidas athletic shoes. The woman's height was estimated to be 5'7" and her weight was approximately 170 pounds. Her age could not be determined. With few leads to go on, the woman became known as Collin County Jane Doe. Details of the case were entered into National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP3612. A forensic sketch depicting the woman's likeness was developed and released to the public in hopes that it would generate leads about her identity. 

In 2024, the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office partnered with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® and forensic genetic genealogy to develop new leads in the case. Forensic evidence was delivered to Othram's laboratory where scientists successfully developed a DNA extract and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a forensic genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.

Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the woman. A reference DNA sample was collected from a possible relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified woman using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the woman, who is now known to be Penny Gunn, who was also known as Penny J. Morris, born in August 1962. Penny would have been 35 years old at the time that her body was found.

The investigation into Penny Gunn's last days and death continues. Anyone with information about Penny Gunn should contact the Dallas Police Department Cold Case Supervisor Sergeant Jeffrey Hunter at jeffrey.hunter@dallaspolice.gov or call (214) 671-3661.

A portion of Othram's casework costs associated with the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy completed in this case was contributed by donors through a DNASolves® crowdfund. We are grateful to everyone that helped crowdfund this case and other DNASolves cases. Remaining costs for the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy used in this case was provided by NamUs, a national program that assists the criminal justice community with the investigation and resolution of missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases across the United States and its territories. NamUs is funded and administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and is managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International (RTI). Othram is grateful for the support of RTI, NamUs, and the NIJ.

The identification of Penny Gunn represents the 21st case in the State of Texas where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Texas cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.

The Lorain County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society is welcoming Thomas MacEntee, as guest presenter for its upcoming meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 8.

MacEntee, author, educator, student, advocate, marketer, storyteller and entrepreneur, will show guests how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing and summarizing a variety of genealogy records, according to a news release. His presentation will cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.

This free online Zoom program is open to the public. To receive the ZOOM link for the meeting, email meetings@loraincoogs.org.

The Utah 100 Award event is the first and best of its kind. We recognize Utah’s 15 largest revenue companies, 100 fastest growing, and a select list of newer, Emerging Elite Companies. This is MountainWest Capital Network’s flagship event, with over 1,000 business leaders in attendance.

The Top 15 Annual Revenue Companies are ranked according to the highest total dollar growth from last year. The Utah 100 Companies are ranked according to a weighted average calculation of percentage and dollar growth. Companies are only eligible to be included in 1 award category. First consideration will be given to the Top 15 Annual Revenue category

The following announcement was written by the BCG Education Fund:

It’s been a record-setting year at the Stratford-Perth Archives.

Staff and summer students have worked to preserve the region’s history while opening new avenues for public access. County council will hear the full update on September 4, when the latest activities report comes forward for review. Staff have already handled 1,357 queries this year as of mid-August. The requests came from municipal governments, local organizations, the media, and residents searching for family history. 

This summer proved especially productive thanks to two student employees, Rory Drygas and Ashley Staines, who helped expand drop-in hours to Saturdays and tackled digitization projects. Between May and mid-August, the pair scanned more than 40,000 newspaper pages from nearly 5,000 issues, setting a new seasonal record. 

Beyond digitization, the archives accepted 42 donations of records in 2025, including Rotary Club of Stratford documents, Women’s Institute programs, and a collection of historic photographs from the Adolph family of Listowel. Staff also completed their annual inspection of more than 12,000 archival boxes, cleaning and checking for mould or pests. Only one box required minor follow-up.

The archives also took part in Stratford’s “History Alive” cultural pop-up event in July, where staff showcased local history through photographs and displays. Roughly 150 people visited their booth in just a few hours.

County council will be asked to receive the report and forward it to the municipal shared services committee meeting on September 18.

Washington County was established in 1777 as part of North Carolina. This vast area, designated as the Washington District, stretched well beyond today’s county borders. In later years, the area became known by various names: State of Franklin, Southwest Territory, and in 1796 part of a new state named Tennessee. Over the years, this larger area has been divided into multiple counties. However, we all have a shared heritage of hard-working, resilient, patriotic, and industrious people who built amazing mountain communities.

The Jonesborough Genealogical Society, in partnership with other regional heritage organizations, will host the 6th Annual Heritage Fair on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Annual Heritage Fair’s purpose is to bring local heritage to the public through various regional heritage related groups gathering for a common cause. This event has multiple aspects that when brought together offer an engaging and educational experience for all ages.

For more information, look at https://www.jgsoftn.org/annual-heritage-fair. 

The following was written by Susan Weinberg, President of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS):

The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS), on behalf of its member societies around the world, expresses its sorrow to learn of the death of Gary Mokotoff. Gary was a central figure in the history of IAJGS with many firsts attached to his name. From 1989 to 1995 he served as the founding president of IAJGS, and in 1998 he was the first recipient of the IAJGS Lifetime Achievement Award. The international network of Jewish genealogical societies that we have today grew in large part out of his early efforts.

The Falkland Islands Government has announced that Chloe Anderson-Wheatley, Corporate Records and National Archives Manager, has been named Record Keeper of the Year by the Archives & Records Association UK & Ireland (ARA).

The award, decided by public vote during the 2025 ARA Conference in Bristol, saw Anderson-Wheatley secure 74% of the votes, making her the first person from the Falkland Islands to win the accolade.

She was nominated by a peer in recognition of her efforts to raise the profile of the Jane Cameron National Archives, her direct involvement with ARA, and her success in expanding both local and international engagement with the Falklands’ archival collections. Over the past 18 months, she has built new partnerships and strengthened awareness of the Islands’ heritage.

“This award is richly deserved and reflects the outstanding contribution Chloe has made,” said MLA Roger Spink. “Her work has ensured that the Falkland Islands’ story is preserved, shared and better understood – both at home and abroad.”

The ARA awards aim to highlight excellence and innovation in the archives sector across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

History comes alive in Jonesborough as the Genealogical Society hosts its annual Heritage Fair.

The Jonesborough Genealogical Society’s annual Heritage Fair is on Saturday, and it promises to provide entertainment for all ages, according to a press release from the nonprofit.

The release said the event aims to showcase the heritage of the area through reenactors, artisans and exhibition booths that will bring history to life. New to this year’s festival is traditional music by Bratfolk, “A Conversation with History” series and a kid’s crafting area.

The historical timeline will span stories from Indigenous communities through the Revolutionary War, the Lost State of Franklin and up to World War II. The release said visitors will be able to visit reenactors and learn about life during a different period. Guests will also hear Native American style flutes, learn about colonial land surveying and meet a black powder maker.

Artisans and vendors will display traditional crafts for sale as well, according to the release.

The 2025 History and Genealogy Fair in Watertown will be at the Jefferson County Historical Society. The staff at the historical society will give people an opportunity to connect with experts in the field.

This will be on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. People will be able to share research stories while exploring the local resources and asking the experts questions. Attendees are also welcome to explore the newly renovated Historical Society.

No research experience is necessary to attend. This event is open to anyone with an interest in family history, no matter where they fall on the research journey.

There is a $5 admission fee with two local history talks included in the price of admission. You can purchase food items from the Mike & Colleen Hancock Food Truck.