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Suspects sought in murder of cab driver
Suspect sought in murder of taxicab driver in Justin, TX. Denton County Sheriff’s investigators are searching for two men in connection with the robbery and murder of a taxicab driver whose body was found dumped at a gas well site in Justin on Thursday night.

Around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, authorities responded to a grass fire at a well site on the corner of Hwy 114 and John Day Rd. While extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered the partially burned body of a Middle Eastern man lying in the field. The victim had several stab wounds and his throat had been cut.

A blue taxi cab was found at an adjacent well site about a mile south of the scene. Investigators discovered a large amount of blood in the front and rear seats.

Investigators contacted the cab company and learned that the driver had been missing since approximately 7:45 p.m. when they last had contact with him.

Authorities said that the driver picked up two white males in their early 20's near the Dallas bus station who asked to be taken to Wichita Falls, TX.

Police suspect the men robbed and murdered the taxi driver, whose name is being withheld pending positive identification from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, then abandoned the cab. No money was found in the cab or on the victim.

One suspect was caught on video buying beer at a convenience store near the scene of the crime. He was wearing dark green or green camouflage pants, a black t-shirt, and a black baseball cap with a “B” on the front.

Denton County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects in this case. Callers remain completely anonymous. 1-800-388-TIPS (8477) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website. Comment on this story

Area towns offer Independence Day fun

Looking for family fun on the 4th?

Across southern Denton County, area cities and towns are pulling out all the stops to celebrate America's day.

Hit your stride at the Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department's July 4th Fun Fest on Independence Day at J. B. Wright Park. New this year is the Declaration Dash 5k Run/Walk benefitting PediPlace, sponsored by the North Texas Striders. After the run and parade, enjoy the picnic, games, fire truck rides, raffle and live band. Raffle tickets are available from any member of the DOVFD. www.dovfd.org

Flower Mound will celebrate Independence Day with two of its most popular events. A children’s parade will kick-off the day at Timber Creek Elementary, and the much anticipated fireworks show at Flower Mound High School will follow in the evening. www.flower-mound.com/independenceday

Decorate your car, golf cart, tractor, motorcycle or anything that moves, bring the kids and get ready to have fun at Copper Canyon’s 4th of July Parade beginning at 10 a.m. The parade lineup begins at 9:15 a.m. Immediately after the parade, everyone is welcome to enjoy hotdogs and drinks in front of Town Hall. Call Carol Owens with questions at 940-241-1455.

The city of Lewisville's annual fireworks show, Red White & Lewisville, will light up the skies at 9:30 p.m. at Vista Ridge Mall. Activities will include live entertainment inside the mall during the day, music on the main stage outside the mall in the evening, and a spectacular fireworks show shortly after dark. The best viewing areas are between State Highway 121 and the south side of Vista Ridge Mall. www.cityoflewisville.com

You will get a lot of bang for your buck in Denton, where a day full of activities are scheduled during their 4th of July Jubilee celebration. A Yankee Doodle Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. and circles around the Square to Quakertown Park. Also scheduled is a Horseshoe Tournament, Flag Ceremony, Arts & Craft Show, Children's Carnival, Boat Race, Live Entertainment and the 11th Annual Liberty Run 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk. The day caps off with a giant fireworks show at Fouts Field at the University of North Texas. www.cityofdenton.com/pages/parks.cfm
Comment on this story

Bluegrass Fest loses venue; future uncertain
There may no longer be any pickin' and grinnin' in Argyle.

The Argyle Bluegrass Festival organizing committee announced Wednesday the cancellation of the March 2010 festival due to lack of a suitable venue.

Since the bluegrass festival's inception in 2004, the Argyle campus of Cross Timbers Community Church has been the home of the event.

Organizers said that due to the growth of both the church and the music festival, Cross Timbers Church is unable to commit their venue to the event at this time, making it impossible to book acts for the 2010 show.

"The level of talent that the Argyle Bluegrass Festival presents each year requires booking our artists months, sometimes years, in advance. Finding an alternate Argyle-area venue that can accommodate all that we offer our guests has proven to be an insurmountable challenge," festival organizers said in a statement released Wednesday.

Former Argyle Mayor Richard Tucker helped bring the annual bluegrass festival to reality over six years ago, travelling across the U.S. promoting the event and recruiting top bluegrass musicians to participate.

Organizers said that around 7,500 people attended the last festival, which was held on March 6-7, 2009. Comment on this story

Officials stress fireworks safety
The colorful fun that fireworks provide can easily turn into a dangerous situation if a wayward bottle rocket, Roman candle or Texas whistler starts a fire or hurts someone.

Area authorities are urging residents to know the rules and use extra caution as the 4th of July holiday approaches.

Most towns in Denton County prohibit fireworks. They are allowed in unincorporated areas if they are discharged on private property, away from buildings and people.

"Even though Lantana is in the county and fireworks are allowed, fireworks cannot be used on public roadways," said Argyle Chief Mac Hohenberger.

Chief Hohenberger said that anyone shooting off fireworks is responsible for any damage caused to someone else's property.

The Denton County Fire Marshal will patrol the area, looking for violations. Residents in unincorporated areas, like Lantana, can report fireworks violations to the Denton County Sherriff's office at 940-349-1600.

The town of Bartonville allows residents to use fireworks on their own property as long as the Fire Marshall has declared that it is a Burn Day. Fireworks are not allowed on public streets in the town.

In Argyle, shooting off fireworks could land you with a fine of up to $2,000. The town council in 2001 prohibited the selling, possession, use, ignition and discharge of fireworks.

"Any fireworks could be seized by the Fire Marshal, a police officer or other authorized town agent who responds to a complaint," said Argyle Police Chief William T. Tackett.

Fireworks are also illegal in Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Flower Mound and Highland Village.

Chief Hohenberger said that if you plan to purchase fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, carefully inspect the packages to make sure that you only purchase legal fireworks designed for consumer use.

Legal consumer fireworks include fountains, cones, and sparklers. "Items such as M-80s, M-100s, quarter-pounders, and blockbusters may be presented for sale as fireworks, but they are actually federally banned explosives and can cause serious injury and even death," said Hohenberger.

If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, Chief Hohenberger offers the following safety tips:

- Never give fireworks to young children. Even sparklers can be unsafe in the hands of a child.
- Inspect fireworks before you purchase and avoid unlabeled fireworks. If you become aware of anyone selling such devices, report it to your local police department.
- Homemade fireworks are deadly. Mixing and loading chemical powders can seriously injure or even kill. Do not purchase or use any kits for making fireworks.

"Everyone doing their part will help make sure we all have a happy and safe Independence Day holiday," said Hohenberger. Comment on this story

Your Community, Your News!

Fire Department smokes the competition

The Denton Fire Department took the title in this year's Battle of the Badge Softball Tournament presented by the Lewisville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association on June 20th. The annual event, held at Lewisville Lake Park Fields, featured the Lewisville Fire Department vs. the Lewisville Police Department, along with the Flower Mound FD, Denton PD, Little Elm FD and Irving FD. Proceeds from the tournament benefitted the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County, which recently moved into their new location at 1854 Cain Drive in Lewisville. A grand opening ceremony will be held on July 15th. Visit www.cacdc.org or call 972-317-2818 for details.

Southern Denton County in region's most affluent area
Four zip codes in southern Denton County are near the top in North Texas when it comes to affluent households, according to new figures from the Dallas Business Journal Book of Lists.

With a median household income of $145,492 and a median home value of $309,989, the 75022 zip code in Flower Mound ranked first in Denton County and second in DFW, right behind Southlake's 76092.

The 75022 zip code lies south of FM 1171, between Hwy 377 and FM 2499.

Not far behind is Flower Mound's 75028, with a median income of $125,226 and a median home value of $214,300.

The 75077 zip code, which also includes Highland Village, Double Oak and Copper Canyon, ranked third in Denton County. The area's median income is $110,422 and median home value is $215,233.

Lantana, Argyle and Bartonville's 76226 round out the list with a median income of $96,663 and a median home value of $263,371.

Both the income and home value numbers showed slight decreases from last year's figures. Comment on this story

State approves funding for Denton Airport
Approximately $1.8 million for Denton Municipal Airport was approved by the Texas Transportation Commission at its June meeting.

The funds will be used for planned airport enhancements, which includes pavement improvements for the airport’s runways, officials said.

The project will be funded through the city of Denton and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system.

Quentin Hix, former Town Administrator for Copper Canyon, oversees the fast-growing airport.

A contract for the project is expected to be awarded this fall. Comment on this story

"The same day the Gazette reached mailboxes, our phone started ringing – and over a month later, callers are still referring to that ad.
We’re a little awestruck by the power of
your publication!"

- Kathryn Taylor, Owner,
Premier Academy of Bartonville

Park project to honor resident
Kim Brinkman and Pat Amstutz from the Bridlewood Garden Club review plans for the butterfly garden at Spring Lake Park in Flower Mound. Flower Mound's Parks, Arts and Library Services board voted unanimously Thursday to approve the final plan of the Spring Lake Park Project, which will be dedicated to a local resident who passed away last year.

Marianne Kilpatrick, 39, of Bridlewood, died suddenly last November after collapsing while speaking at a homeowner’s association meeting. Kilpatrick left behind her husband, Pete, and three-year-old daughter, Mackenzie.

Since Kilpatrick was an active volunteer, her friends came up with the idea of a community service project to beautify Spring Lake Park in her honor. They solicited the support of Keep Flower Mound Beautiful, which agreed to sponsor the project.

KFMB worked with town officials to develop an expanded Adopt-a-Spot program earlier this year. The new program allows for citizen-led enhancement to the town’s parks. The Spring Lake Park Project is the first major initiative under the new program.

Plans for the project includes Texas native plantings, a fountain, fitness trail, education stations about the park’s ecosystem, an outdoor amphitheater for small group meetings, a butterfly garden and wildflower field. If fundraising goes as planned, the butterfly garden and education stations will be the first in Flower Mound’s park system, KFMB officials said.

The project team recruited a number of volunteers to make the project happen, including the Bridlewood Garden Club, which led the design process.

"We enjoy gardening and nature. Many of us visit the park frequently. We are gratified to be able to combine our gardening gifts to create something that will be a blessing to the community," said Pat Amstutz, Bridlewood Garden Club President.

Several Eagle Scouts have signed on to oversee elements of the plan, such as the fitness stations and the amphitheater. Businesses and local clubs have come forward to offer sponsorships or hold fundraisers for the project, officials said.

Business sponsors can email info@kfmb.org for more information. Donations can be made online at KFMB's donation website. Comment on this story

Fire District to show effectiveness of sprinklers with side-by-side burn

"Sometimes people just need to see it to believe it," said Assistant Fire Marshal Michael Lugo.

That's why the Argyle Fire District and the Denton County Emergency Management Office will intentionally set two fires in front of a live audience on July 18th at 9:00 a.m. in the Argyle High School Parking lot.

Firefighters built two structures to simulate the rooms and contents of a typical home, with furnishings, window treatments and a working smoke alarm. Only one of the rooms contains a fire sprinkler.

"There's nothing like the heat and smoke of a real fire to help adults and children understand just how fast a home fire is," said Lugo. "With our side-by-side comparison, we can show both the danger of fire and the value of having a fire sprinkler system installed."

AVFD officials said that this dramatic form of education has become increasingly popular with fire departments across the country, allowing people to see firsthand how a typical home fire becomes deadly in three minutes or less.

Lugo said that many people already understand how vital it is to have working smoke alarms, but home fire sprinklers are not as well known or understood.

That's one reason why the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition secured a federal Fire Prevention & Safety Grant to develop a free kit to help fire departments build and present side-by-side fire and sprinkler burn demonstrations in local communities.

The Argyle Fire District and the Denton County Emergency Management Office received financial support from Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Excel Fire Protection Systems and others to bring the event to Argyle. Comment on this story

Co-op incumbent keeps seat on board
Despite three challengers and a vocal activist group calling for change, CoServ District 5 board member Anne Vaden was re-elected to another three-year term on Tuesday night.

The results of the election were announced at the heavily attended annual meeting at the University of North Texas coliseum, where thousands of dollars of gifts were raffled away and hundreds of pounds of Rudy's Barbecue was consumed.

CoServ District 5 Votes Winner Percent

Anne Vaden 1058 X 54%

Mark Pape 486 25%

Mary Sue Friesenhahn 281 14%

Richard Yerxa 144 7%

Comment on this story

Recall petition denied

CoServ Watchdogs organizers gathered in the UNT Coliseum parking lot on Tuesday before the CoServ annual meeting.

CoServ CEO Mike Dreyspring discussed the failed recall petition with CoServ Watchdogs organizer Diania Hanson at the co-ops annual meeting on Tuesday night.
A petition to recall four of the seven directors on the CoServ Electric board has been rejected by the cooperative.

CoServ officials said Tuesday that the petition, filed on May 21 by consumer advocate group CoServ Watchdogs, did not have enough signatures to commence a recall election.

The group submitted 327 signatures in favor of removing board members Leon Pelzel, Clyde Geer, Jerry Cobb and Curtis Tally. Only 279 signatures were accepted by Co-Serv, leaving the group 21 names shy of the 300 needed to trigger a recall.

Co-op officials said that some of the signatures were disqualified because they were not Co-Serv members; did not have authority to sign on behalf of the CoServ member listed; or were duplicates.

CoServ Watchdogs, led by Diania Hanson has characterized the four board members as the "Bankruptcy Directors" because they served on the same board that led CoServ to declare bankruptcy in 2001.

Hanson accused the directors for diverting member funds into speculative for-profit investments, instead of performing their fundamental duty of providing the members with the best deal on electricity.

"We need to clean up CoServ, like what should have been done after the bankruptcy. New brooms sweep best and it is time for some new directors that will be responsible and responsive to the members," said Hanson.

Hanson is collecting signatures for a new petition submission. "We’ll have a much better buffer and will be more diligent on making sure that the signatures we collect this time are correct and valid."

Several lawsuits have been filed by both CoServ's members and the co-op in the last few months. CoServ President/CEO, Mike Dreyspring said Tuesday that the co-op's legal expenses were in the "seven-figure range". Comment on this story

New chief sworn in
Double Oak Police Chief Derrick Watson The town of Double Oak has a new police chief.

Derrick Watson was sworn in last week as the new police chief by Town Secretary Charlotte Allen.

Watson brings 19 years of experience to the post that includes 15 years with the Coppell Police Department and four years in the Dallas Police Department's Southwest Patrol Division.

During his career with the Coppell PD, Watson worked in a variety of positions, including patrol, criminal investigations, support services, communications, and tactical. He served as a member of the department's command staff since 1999.

Prior to becoming a police officer, Watson served in the United States Army as a Lieutenant. He is a 1986 graduate from the University of Montana and a 2007 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.

Watson replaces former Chief Jason Jones, who stepped down in January. Comment on this story

Town increases storm clean-up efforts
Flower Mound officials are stepping up their efforts to clear a large of amount of debris left behind from the tornado on June 10th by increasing residential curbside pickup as well as offering free access to the landfill and a central debris drop-off location at Bakersfield Park.

The town has contracted with a Disaster Recovery Team through Allied Waste Services to provide much-needed reinforcements. Crews arrived last week with an additional 15 trucks, officials said. Town crews, along with Horton’s Tree Service and the City of Denton, are also assisting with debris removal.

Residents can deliver storm debris directly to Bakersfield Park, 1201 Duncan Lane, or the Camelot Landfill, 580 Huffines Boulevard, through July 1.

Call 972-539-SERV for more information and updates. Comment on this story

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Hot Wheels
All kinds of cars were on display for dads and their families on Father's Day at Parker Square during a car show sponsored by Flower Mound-based Cars Road Show. The event is held on the third Sunday of every month.

New record set for foreclosure postings
Foreclosure notices filed on homes located in Denton County surged above 600 per month for the first time on record, according to data from Foreclosure Listing Service, Inc.

644 homes were posted for foreclosure for the upcoming auction to be held in early July. Over the past year, July’s volume of home postings has jumped 68-percent.

Year-to-date default postings in Denton County surpassed previous levels, with 3,819 notices filed so far this year. This represented only the second time that year-to-date home postings in Denton County have reached into the 3,000’s.

When asked if there was any good news to report, George Roddy, Sr., President and CEO of Foreclosure Listing Service, Inc. said, "Sadly, foreclosures are devastating to the property owner and their family. However, for an investor, this is absolutely one of the best times in history to be buying real estate."

"Despite the troubled economy, I see investors each month that are ready, willing and able to buy properties either before the auction while the property is still controlled by the property owner, bidding at the foreclosure auction, or after the sale when the property is in the hands of the lender." Comment on this story

Bats test negative for rabies
Flower Mound officials are warning people to stay away from bats and other wild animals after at least two children touched dead bats on a neighborhood street.

The bats tested negative for rabies and were apparently killed by another small animal, officials said.

"As always, we would like to remind residents to keep their pets up to date on their vaccines because it is the time of year where we normally see an increase in rabies incidents," said Flower Mound Police Lt. Wess Griffin.

Griffin said that if you have a sick pet that displays lethargy, confusion, or an unwillingness to eat or drink, you should take the animal to the vet.

"And most importantly, stay away from wild animals, dead or alive," said Griffin.

Residents should call the town's Animal Services department to have deceased animals removed if found, he added. Comment on this story

"The Cross Timbers Gazette is the only paper
I will advertise in!"

- Dee Lemons, Owner, Cookie Advantage,
Argyle, TX

New drought plan on tap for Lantana
Lantana Fresh Water Supply District officials are seeking input from the public on a Drought Contingency Plan for the area.

The water conservation plan is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the district's municipal water supplier, the Upper Trinity Regional Water District, to deal with drought conditions, emergencies and when water use threatens to outstrip the capacity of treatment and delivery facilities.

Water rationing measures outlined in the plan range from the voluntary cutting back of watering lawns and washing vehicles, to freezing permits for new pools and homes.

Upper Trinity's customers, which includes many municipalities in Denton County, are expected to adopt the plan later this summer. Comment on this story

Road widening project moves forward
The expansion of Morriss/Gerault Road in Flower Mound is becoming closer to reality.

In a meeting that ran until 1:00 a.m., Flower Mound councilmembers approved putting the widening project on the town’s Capital Improvement Project roster.

The construction project will be designed in one phase and construction will occur in
two phases.

Phase 1 calls for widening the Gerault Rd. portion, including building a flyover ramp at FM 2499, as well as intersection improvements, safety elements, fencing, and landscaping for the entire corridor. Phase 2 includes the widening of Morriss Rd.

Phase 1 construction is estimated to begin in early 2010. Phase 2 will not begin until either late 2014 or upon the completion of the Riverwalk amenity, officials said.

A published statement on the Stop Morriss Rd Six Lanes blog read: "What we witnessed last night was a compromise. Many will be disappointed it was not a stronger compromise or a complete "no" vote; others will feel just the opposite. That is the nature of a compromise."

Councilmembers also approved a professional services agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. to provide engineering design services for the Morriss/Gerault improvement project in the amount of $1,252,890. Comment on this story

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- Mia Dunn, Owner, Mia's Canine Solutions, Copper Canyon, TX

Pedal power helps area kids
The Highland Village Police Department hosted a Police Bike Competition on June 13th and raised $5,000 to benefit the Children's Advocacy Center of Denton County.

Children's Advocacy Center moves with help from local businesses

Two companies stepped up to help a local non-profit organization move into a new facility that will serve abused children.

Convergint Technologies, a North American Systems integrator with a district office in Carrollton, closed its doors on June 12th to allow its employees to move the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County into a new building in Lewsiville.

Most of the office furniture that was moved by Convergint was donated by KLA-Tencor Corporation, a global semiconductor capital-equipment company with offices in Richardson and Austin.

Over 65 Convergint colleagues cleaned and moved furniture, placed computers and helped fill most of the 14,070 square foot facility. Three years ago, Convergint painted the agency’s current building, and the two organizations have maintained a close relationship.

KLA-Tencor has donated all of the office furniture needed to fill the staff and partner agency portion of the new building.

"Because of the donation of furniture and manpower by Convergint and KLA- Tencor, we have probably saved over $50,000," said Dan Leal, CACDC Executive Director.

The Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County is a non-profit agency that serves severely abused children and their non-offending family members. Over 90% of the children seen at the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County have suffered from sexual abuse.

"We are thrilled to finally be moving into the new building. The staff housed here are so happy," said Leal. "What’s really going to be special is the look on the children and parent's faces when they come to the Center for the first time." Comment on this story

Free dunks to aid in mosquito fight
The town of Bartonville is giving away "dunks" - sustained-release, non-toxic larvicides - that kill mosquito larvae in standing water before they mature.

Residents can stop by town hall during regular business hours to pick up their mosquito dunks. There is a limit of six dunks per household.

Bartonville residents are also encouraged to visit the town's website to sign up for the town's e-newsletter and update their emergency contact information. Comment on this story

Argyle Police Blotter
The following is a summary of incident reports recently made to the Argyle Police Department as compiled by the staff of The Cross Timbers Gazette:

An officer observed a juvenile jumping a fence into the Country Lakes pool area. The boy told the officer that he just wanted to get a drink of water out of the fountain.

Someone threw a metal bolt through the back window of an incarcerated man’s Jeep in the 300 block of Redbud St.

The principal of Hilltop Elementary School said that a parent of a student was harassing her via e-mail and she had thus far received 139 crude and threatening messages between February and April. Police told the woman to avoid future contact with the principal or charges would be filed against her.

Four horses were running loose behind Argyle High School. Police contacted the owner, who showed up and corralled them.

A woman told police that her ex-boyfriend would not leave her alone. The woman said that her ex left rose pedals all over her family’s house and keeps calling her at her place of employment, putting her job in jeopardy. Police advised them to coordinate a visitation schedule for their two-year-old daughter. The man later contacted police, concerned that his ex would continue to accuse him of harassment in order to get him in trouble.

An officer was called to Argyle High School to speak with two male students who were smoking marijuana in the restroom during lunch. No marijuana was found on the pair and no criminal charges were filed.

Click here to read more. Comment on this story

Town may raise trash fee
Double Oak officials are mulling over a request from Waste Management to raise trash fees from $9.83 per month to $10.83.

A representative of Waste Management recently met with several members of the town council and told them that they are losing money doing business with the town.

"They have no right to raise rates for a couple of more years according to the contract, but I believe that Mayor Donnelly may put it on the agenda and let the Town Council decide whether or not to approve a price increase," said town councilman Dick Cook.

Aside from the possible $12 per year increase, Waste Management may also charge more for extra carts and make a few other changes to their fees, according to Cook.

"In my opinion the service has been exemplary," said Cook, who added that the company goes above and beyond their contracted responsibilities on a regular basis.

"Nobody can run a business at a loss. And if they lose, so will we," said Cook. Comment on this story

"My ads get major visibility and the readers are highly responsive. Not only are their rates a fantastic deal, but they over deliver
on service every time."

- Kelli Calabrese, Argyle Adventure Boot Camp

Driver killed in fatal head-on collision
Rush-hour traffic was snarled in Flower Mound on the afternoon of June 12th due to a deadly accident that had FM 1171 shut down for several hours between Tour 18 and Hwy. 377.

According to police, the head-on collision involved a Dodge Dakota pickup traveling eastbound and a concrete mixer truck traveling westbound in the 10400 block of Cross Timbers Rd. around 4:05 p.m.

The driver of the Dodge truck, Patrick Driggers, 43, was killed in the accident, police said.

The cause of the collision is under investigation. Comment on this story

Civic leader passes away
A local man who loved his community has died. Tom Harpool, 91, passed away on June 10th.

"He has spent so much of his time dedicated to assisting others throughout the community. From education to banking, Tom Harpool has made a difference in our lives," said Congressman Michael Burgess.

The employees of Upper Trinity Regional Water District who operate the Tom Harpool Water Treatment Plant lowered the plant flag to half staff, as an expression of respect and remembrance. In 1954, Harpool began the first of six terms on the Denton Independent School District Board of Trustees, serving as its board president from 1969 until 1973. He has also been a part of the Kiwanis Club, United Way of Denton County, Denton Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, 4–H Club and Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church. In addition, Harpool has served on the boards of a local bank and savings & loan.

Harpool is credited with securing a large water supply to allow Denton to grow and helped form the Upper Trinity Regional Water Supply District.

Harpool Middle School in Lantana bears his name, and in 2007, the Upper Trinity Water District named a water treatment plant in Aubrey after him. To honor his commitment to the community, March 31st, 2005 was declared Tom Harpool Day in Denton.

After a private burial at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Denton, a memorial service was held at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Oak Street on June 15th. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice. Comment on this story

- Kathryn Taylor, Owner,
Premier Academy of Bartonville

Residents clean up in wake of severe storms

Many southern Denton County residents spent the day surveying the damage and cleaning up debris left in the path of vicious storms that tore through the area on the evening of June 10th and continued into the following morning.

Heavy damage was reported in many Flower Mound neighborhoods, with numerous downed trees and fences, broken patio furniture, widespread power and phone outages, and missing roof shingles.

"Powers lines and trees went down all over town. Even the police station had to use a backup generator due to the outage," said Flower Mound police officer William Trammel.

The National Weather Service later confirmed a EF-1 tornado in the area.

Just east of town, there was substantial damage at the Villas at Waterchase apartments on Old Orchard in Lewisville, where part of the roof was ripped off.

No injuries associated with the storms were reported in Flower Mound, Trammel said, but an accident at FM 1171 and Shiloh around the time the storm hit had medics on the scene.

Flower Mound has contracted with Allied/Republic Waste Services to provide two additional trash trucks and two claw trucks for storm debris abatement. All debris should be placed by the curb and does not have to be bundled, officials said.

Residents can also drop off storm debris free of charge at the Camelot Landfill, 580 Huffines Blvd. in Lewisville. Call 972-539-7378 for additional information. Comment on this story

Summer kicks off
Families flocked to Copperas Branch Park in Highland Village on June 6th to enjoy live music and fireworks at the city’s 10th annual Red, White & Blue Festival. Attendance for the event was estimated to be around 10,000, according to city officials.

Gun biz rising at record clip Julia Whitby of Lantana at the Denton County Sports Association on Copper Canyon Rd.

The firearms industry has been going great guns lately.

"Our business volume virtually doubled in the past 12 months," said Lonnie Ward, owner of the Denton County Sports Association indoor gun range on Copper Canyon Road.

Ward points out the Obama administration's desires for implementing more gun laws, a shortage of certain types of ammunition due to police training and military needs, and the hoarding of ammo, and gun owners are feeling a squeeze, both in accessibility and in their wallets. Read more about this story in the June issue of The Cross Timbers Gazette. Comment on this story

Your Community, Your News!

Towns, police embrace social media
You may soon get a "tweet" from your local officials.

Both Flower Mound and the Highland Village Police Department recently launched a Twitter feed to keep residents up-to-date on the goings on in their towns.

Flower Mound's Twitter feed will provide news briefs on a variety of topics, and the Highland Village Police Department will use their feed to update the public with emergency information, accidents, severe weather, traffic information, and the like.

Citizens can subscribe to the Twitter feeds at www.twitter.com.

Flower Mound has also established a Facebook group, enabled text message updates via Nixle, has a YouTube channel, Flickr Photo Album and offers RSS Feeds. Comment on this story

Outdoor movies are back in action
Moviegoers of all ages came out to Bartonville Town Center the evening of June 4th to catch an outdoor showing of "Journey to the Center of the Earth". The shopping center is featuring free flicks under the stars all summer. See the schedule here. Photos by Bill Castleman

Eagles soar at tourney Pictured from left to right: (front row) Jared Bogosian, Colton Hinnrichs, Jack Vickery, Cody Phillips, Ian Byrne, Jack Graham; (back row) Ian Sadler, Grant Lowry, Jon-Benton Brittenum, Reagan Page, Jared Cole, John Michael Pucciarello
After a late game the night before, the Argyle Eagles 13U baseball team battled through the day on May 31st, to win the Championship Game in the TNT Baseball May Qualifier USSSA tournament at Integrity Park. Key performances were made by Jon Michael Pucciarello, Jack Graham, Jared Cole, Grant Lowry, Ian Sadler and Colton Hinnrichs. The Eagles will wrap up their season at the USSSA North Texas State Championship tournament, June 26-28.

Town appoints Upper Trinity rep
Double Oak resident Niels Martin was named as the town's representative on the Upper Trinity Regional Water District board of directors.

Martin, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Double Oak Planning and Zoning Commission, was sworn in at Upper Trinity's June meeting.

The Upper Trinity Regional Water District provides wholesale water, wastewater, solid waste, and storm water services to many areas of Denton County, including Lantana. Comment on this story

City acquires property for soccer fields
The Doubletree Ranch property is now in the hands of the city of Highland Village.

City officials, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land group, purchased the 37-acre property at a recent auction for one cent over the opening bid price of $2,866,659.

Plans for the land include soccer fields, trails and a conservation area.

"Thanks to the voters approving the 4B sales tax that will fund this purchase, we won’t have to look at increasing taxes or holding another bond election to pay for this land," said Mayor Dianne Costa.

Several years ago, the retreat was purchased by a group of local investors with plans to develop it into a high-density retirement community, but the project did not come to fruition.

The Trust for Public Land is a non-profit organization that conserves land for communities to use as parks and other natural places. Read more about this story in the June issue of The Cross Timbers Gazette. Comment on this story

"The Cross Timbers Gazette is the only paper
I will advertise in!"

- Dee Lemons, Owner, Cookie Advantage,
Argyle, TX

Denton ISD board officers selected
Dr. Jim Alexander, who has been a member of the Denton ISD Board of Trustees since 1993, was selected by his colleagues to serve as president for the 2009-10 school year.

Alexander replaced board member Charles Stafford, who served from 1988 to 1994, and returned to the board in 2004.

Mia Price, a trustee since 2001, was chosen as vice president. Dr. Glenna Harris, who was elected to the board in 2007, was named secretary. Comment on this story

Bank closes financing for electric co-op
CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving agribusinesses and rural utilities, has closed a $150 million transaction with CoServ Electric to provide financing for infrastructure projects, facility upgrades and other capital expenditures.

"By strengthening its capital position with this $150 million loan, CoServ will be better positioned to serve its fast-growing customer base moving forward," said Mary McBride, CoBank executive vice president.

The Corinth-based electric distribution cooperative provides power to about 142,000 homes and businesses in a six-county region north of North Texas. Comment on this story

LISD anticipates Recognized rating
For the first time in seven years, the Lewisville Independent School District is expected to receive a Recognized rating from the Texas Education Agency, based on the 2009 TAKS testing data.

School officials predict that all of their high school campuses will receive a Recognized or Exemplary rating, a first in LISD history.

A total of 30 out of 61 schools are projected to be rated as Exemplary in the district.

"These ratings are a reflection of our dedicated teachers, principals and staff who work tirelessly to achieve success," said Dr. Jerry Roy, LISD Superintendent.

The TEA will announce the official ratings in August. Click here for the list of individual campus ratings. Comment on this story

Serving our area for 30 years!

Ladies name new board members Top Row (L–R): Kym Emerson, Joni Carlton, Sharon Hill, Diana Carey, Glenda Ponce deLeon. Middle Row: Rhonda William, Gloria Dillard, Thea Wood, Melanie Watson. Bottom Row: Valerie Mason, Carol Reinbeau, Jennye Wilsey

The Lantana Ladies League announced their new board members at their final meeting of the year on May 19th at Palermo’s Italian Café. The club’s 2009-2010 season will kick-off this September. Visit their website for more information.

Police on prowl for parties
The Flower Mound Police Department is going on a party-crashing mission this summer.

In order to crack down on underage drinking and driving, police are utilizing their Flower Mound Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, or FATE, program, and strictly enforcing the town's curfew ordinance.

A central aspect of the FATE program is the use of a search warrant system that was initiated in conjunction with the Denton County District Attorney’s Office in 2008.

Volunteers will patrol neighborhoods throughout town in order to find teen parties and notify officers of their locations. If they suspect teens are drinking, police will have the benefit of a search warrant signed by a judge if the partygoers refuse to allow the officers inside their residence.

In addition, the police department is taking a zero tolerance approach to violations of the curfew ordinance. Curfew hours for ages 16 and younger are between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Authorities said that the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest days of the year for teen drivers, due in part to underage drinking and driving. Comment on this story

Board approves tax payment extension
Lantana residents that were accidently left off of the Fresh Water District's property tax rolls will have more time to pay up.

Fresh Water District #6 board of directors recently approved a payment extension for 17 homeowners in the Meridian neighborhood after residents brought the issue to the board's attention at their May meeting.

Steve Mossman, Denton County's tax assessor-collector, told the board that he did not know how the homes were left off of the district's tax rolls, yet were included on the county and school district's rolls.

When the discrepancy was discovered in May after an audit, the homeowners received bills for back taxes with a June 1 due date. District board members passed a resolution extending the payment due date to Feb. 1, 2010.

The Fresh Water District should recoup nearly $100,000 in tax revenue, officials said. Comment on this story

"People are going to your website! I've gotten several responses to the job posting and have found a qualified person who I hired today. Thank you so much!" -
Pamala Hamilton, Farmers Insurance, Argyle

Keeping a low profile

The Highland Village Police Department will soon be using a new type of patrol vehicle - a specially outfitted black Ford Taurus that will blend in with traffic to help catch aggressive drivers. But don't let the sleek look fool you, the vehicle is fully equipped and marked with emergency lighting in the dash, grill and rear deck, and has an in-car mobile video/audio system that can record all traffic stops.

No change in outcome after recount
Sheryl English Five-time Denton ISD trustee Curtis Ramsey was reconfirmed the winner in Place 1 after a recount was conducted on May 29th.

Ramsey edged out challenger Sheryl English by a 15 ballot margin - 1,555 votes to 1,540. English requested the recount after losing by 18 votes on May 9th.

In making her decision to petition for a recount, English noted that there were some irregularities on election day, including a power outage at the Corinth polling place and reports of voters being locked out at the Steven Copeland Government Center.

"I'm glad I was there for the whole (recount) event to make sure every vote was counted," said English. "Now I can have closure and so can the parents and supporters."

The recount cost English $1,470. She said that people who wish to donate to her campaign can do so at her website.

Despite her loss, Engilsh said that she "plans to stay involved with the district and work with the children to make the Denton ISD a better place.". Comment on this story

Chief attends Homeland Security training
Argyle Police Chief William T. Tackett recently completed an intense terrorism training program offered by the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, AL.

The course is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and is the only federally-chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction training facility in the nation.

Along with having to wear the hats of Chief of Police, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Teen CERT Trainer, Chief Tackett is constantly seeking out the best training for the officers of the Argyle Police Department.

"I would whole-heartedly recommend this class to any first responder," said Chief Tackett. "It is thought-provoking, intense and skill focused training that will raise your awareness level and provide confidence in your abilities."

The training ensures that first responders gain critical skills and confidence to be better prepared to effectively respond to local incidents or potential WMD incidents, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Comment on this story

Your Community, Your News!

Town's crime rate up
Crime is up 4.5-percent in Flower Mound from 2007 to 2008, according to data from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The new numbers show a total of 691 offences reported in the town of 62,800 last year, including two sexual assaults, 20 vehicle thefts, and 110 burglary reports.

Town officials said that 2009 is off to a busy start, with nearly 90 vehicle burglaries reported and nine related arrests since January.

The crime is preventable, as a majority of the burglarized vehicles were unlocked with valuables in plain view, according to police.

Lewisville had the highest crime increase in the state for cities over 100,000 people, at 19-percent.

The study shows a 3-percent decrease in crime across Texas in 2008. Comment on this story

"My ads get major visibility and the readers are highly responsive. Not only are their rates a fantastic deal, but they over deliver
on service every time."

- Kelli Calabrese, Argyle Adventure Boot Camp

Students pony up for a great cause

Maureen Tignor and Kendall Tignor, a 3rd grader at Liberty Elementary who was one of SpiritHorse's first 25 students, present a check for $1839.47 to Michele Dillard, administrative director for SpiritHorse, as Liberty Elementary Principal Linda Holman watches on.

When Liberty Elementary students in Flower Mound emptied their piggy banks to bring in "Pennies for Ponies", the total amounted to $1839.47 to lend a hand to Corinth’s SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center.

The penny drive kicked off with a visit from Snowflake and Pocket, two SpiritHorse ponies that gently serve 450 children and adults from 10 counties. Over a two-week period, Liberty Elementary students and faculty collected coins to help feed and care for the animals, one of the Center’s biggest expenses and greatest needs.

"SpiritHorse serves more children than any center in the world and provides all services free of charge," says Charles Fletcher, founder and CEO. "We are so grateful to Liberty Elementary for putting deserving children on a pony … and on their way to joy, independence and accomplishment!"

Kendall Tignor, one of the first 25 students at SpiritHorse and a 3rd Grader grader at Liberty Elementary, presented the check to Michele Dillard, administration director. Her mother Maureen says when Kendall began the program she was non-verbal and could barely sit up straight because of her low muscle tone. Almost seven years later, SpiritHorse is one of Kendall's favorite places and she has gained a sense of pride, accomplishment and self-esteem through learning to ride more independently.

In fact, SpiritHorse has heard 45 children speak their first word, seen 38 children walk for the first time and seen 30 children sit up for the first time on a SpiritHorse pony, a spokesperson said.

"We are so pleased to be able to support such a worthy cause," said Linda Holman, principal of Liberty Elementary. "Our children learn a valuable lesson by helping others, and have come to understand that, when we work together, even a few pennies can add up to make a big difference." Comment on this story

Women's Club awards scholarship
The Copper Canyon Women's Club named Courtney Wood of Copper Canyon as their 2009 Senior Scholarship Winner. CCWC President, Suzanne Boltz, and Treasurer, Nita Humphreys, presented Wood with a $500 check at their monthly meeting on May 7th. Courtney, who is preparing for a career as a Sports Dietitian, is a senior at Marcus High School and plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University this fall to begin her major in Nutrition and minor in Kinesiology. She is the daughter of David and Shon Wood.