News Archive
 

Tan Talks
By John LaVine, Contributing Writer
District 63 State Rep. Tan Parker feels fortunate to be in Texas during these tough economic times.

"Certainly, we’re going to become more and more impacted by this – especially in regard to real estate," said Parker. "So far, we’ve been relatively insulated, compared to other states."

Speaking of real estate, you’ve been very outspoken with your views on property taxes.

"During the 80th Legislative Session, I filed a bill to turn the entire surplus back to the taxpayers. It’s not our money; it’s your money. It’s important that the people know we delivered the largest property tax reduction in the history of the country during the last session. We need to do more meaningful appraisal reform, as well."

Parker would like to look at even more radical changes to cut property taxes.

"I’d like to get rid of property taxes completely, if possible, and look at moving over to a consumptive (sales) tax in its place."

What about toll roads? Are you in favor of raising tax money that way?

"I don’t want any currently free roads changed into toll roads. If we want to build "luxury" roads, I can see looking at toll roads to fund them. What I really think is important is that every dollar raised for transportation actually be used for transportation, not moved into the general fund. It’s about truthful taxation."

"The government needs to live within its means, just as the people have to do. We cannot burden the citizens with more taxes, but have to be fiscally disciplined and restrain government spending."

On November 4th, Parker will be running for a second term in office. Read more about his take on local and national issues in October's edition of The Cross Timbers Gazette. Comment on this story

Drilling latest victim of weak economy

The credit crunch is having a negative effect on gas drilling in the area.

A group of residents and landowners that make up the Double Oak Gas Committee said that negotiations have stalled as they prepared to finalize a deal to sell their mineral rights.

The group had a verbal agreement in September with Williams energy for a $10,000 signing bonus and a royalty rate of 25 percent, according to their website.

But the deal did not make it to the signing table before the financial market implosion.

Another factor in the breakdown was that Williams could not close any deals for drill sites in the area, the website states.

As to what happens next, the committee said the cloud of uncertainly in the credit market will have to lift before another offer in presented.

"At some point we expect someone will be willing to pay a fair price to harvest our gas. As to when might these happen, we believe that it is likely to be tied to at least a partial resolution of the credit crisis," the website said. Comment on this story

SWAT team ends standoff
An Argyle man is in jail after a six-hour standoff on Oct. 29.

Chester Wayne Clontz, 47, was arrested on felony charges of aggravated assault and retaliation.

Authorities said the incident began just after 10 p.m. when dispatchers received a call from a home in the 300 block of Redbud Drive about an armed man threatening to kill his family and police.

The caller was able to escape from the residence with the rest of the family, leaving Clontz inside.

Argyle police, with the assistance of the Double Oak, Northlake, Roanoke and the Denton County Sherriff's Department, began evacuating residents from the surrounding homes.

After numerous attempts were made to contact Clontz, the Denton County SWAT team made entry into the home around 4:15 a.m. and apprehended Clontz without further incident. He was taken to the Denton County Jail. Comment on this story

Crime rate up in development
The Denton County Sheriff's Department kept busy this summer in Lantana.

Calls for service to the sheriff's department between July 1 and Sept 30 rose 35-percent over the same period last year, according to new data analyzed by LantanaLinks.com.

Out of 300 calls for assistance, 133 were for burglar alarms going off.

Residents are keeping a look out for unusual activity, as there were 18 suspicious person or vehicle reports during the three-month period.

A majority of the thefts reported involved items being taken from homes under construction, police said. See the police call data here. Comment on this story

Monumental birthday celebration

Mary George Sullivan celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 10th with her friends at the Argyle Senior Citizens group. Photo by Denise Remfert

Students wage 'Penny War' to help Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Harpool Middle students recently raised more than $600 from a schoolwide "Penny War" competition to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

During the first week in October, students competed by grade level to collect the most pennies during the school’s lunch periods. As part of the competition, teams added silver change and dollar bills to subtract from the opposing team’s total penny count.

More than 55,000 coins were collected by the end of the week. A check for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was presented to Charissa Barnett, seventh-grade math teacher, who is participating in her second marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The Harpool Middle student council sponsored the event. Comment on this story

Taking it to the streets

The Argyle Police Department has a new "rolling billboard" in the form of a Disaster Recovery Trailer to advertise their community policing programs and provide storage for a police golf cart used at public events.

Paid for with a $23,104 grant from the CoServ Charitable Foundation, the trailer sports the Community, Teen, and Denton County Emergency Response Team logos.

"Without this trailer, we had no identity for disaster preparedness and nowhere to store needed equipment for our group," said Chief William T. Tackett.

"Our long-term goal for this trailer is to increase community involvement in disaster preparedness so that when it happens we all work together for recovery." Comment on this story

Fire crews battle Lantana blaze

Firefighters quickly extinguished a house fire in the Brazos neighborhood of Lantana on Oct. 10. Fire officials said that the late morning blaze at 8124 Tyler Drive apparently started near a telephone in the kitchen. The owner was not home at the time, and no injuries were reported. Comment on this story

Town sees drop in traffic scofflaws
There is less money coming into Double Oak these days, and town officials are happy about it.

The reason for the drop in revenue is that the number of traffic tickets issued by the Double Oak Police Department is down considerably, according to Councilmember Dick Cook.

"I have certainly noticed much better driving here in town", said Cook. "Most people now come to a complete stop at stop signs. Drivers are obeying the speed limit."

Cook said that police normally issue about 140 citations a month. That number has been cut in half during the past two months.

It also means that revenue from tickets has decreased accordingly. But town officials are not concerned.

The town budgeted low for ticket revenue and does not depend on it for normal operations, Cook said. Comment on this story

Community reaches housing milestone
Lantana has eclipsed the 2,000 mark in occupied homes.

The two Fresh Water Supply Districts that make up Lantana had 2,004 occupied homes as of the end of September, according to a report from Kevin Mercer, Lantana's General Manager.

The districts have issued 2,153 single-family home permits since the master-planned community was established in 2001.

Although the number of housing permits issued has slowed considerably this year, the development is still in pretty good shape when compared to other areas of town, officials said.

Lantana's estimated residential build out is between 4,000 and 4,500 homes. Comment on this story

Hospital breaks ground

The first phase of The River Walk at Central Park development in Flower Mound began recently, with a groundbreaking held on Oct. 8th for the town's first full-service hospital.

Scheduled for completion in 2010, Presbyterian Hospital of Flower Mound will provide approximately 100 patient beds, an emergency department and bring between 500 and 600 new jobs in the area by its third year of operation.

The hospital will eventually be flanked by medical offices, parks, hotels, a grocery store, retail, restaurants, offices, senior-living, single- and multi-family residential space, luxury condos, and townhomes, planners said.

"This is an incredible piece of property, right at the center of town," said Bill Resch, senior vice president of developer Five Star Real Estate. "This is a rare opportunity to build a traditional downtown design after the town has already been established."

After many months of meetings, town leaders are on board with the project.

"We've learned from the mixed-use developments that we've seen in other cities, and we were patient, so we know exactly what we need and what we're targeting," said Flower Mound city council member Jeff Tasker.

"We needed a downtown identity, and this project gives us that in a centralized location. It adds a dynamic economic element to the country atmosphere we've worked hard to preserve. This is a project whose time has come."

The River Walk at a Glance:
• 158-acre site featuring existing waterway
• 676,000 square feet of retail space
• 1,100,000 square feet of general office space
• 298,000 square feet of medical office space
• 180,000 square feet of hospital space encompassing 100 beds, with potential to expand to 250 beds
• 150 townhouses
• 1,100 condos/multifamily units/senior living
• 250 hotel rooms
Comment on this story

Supercenter exceeds sales expectations
As the one-year anniversary of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Highland Village approaches, store officials are pleased with the warm welcome they have received from the community.

Sales have exceeded projections by 11-percent thus far, according to store management.

"We've beat our sales expectations and continue to grow every month, despite the ongoing road construction," said Wal-Mart manager Brad Cullum.

The 203,091-square-foot, upscale Supercenter on the northeast corner of FM 407 and FM 2499 opened its doors with great fanfare on Nov. 7, 2007.

With input from local residents, Wal-Mart used brick, limestone, large windows, and a metal roof to create a store that resembles ranches in the Texas Hill Country. The laid back atmosphere of the store has paid off, Cullum noted.

"Customers have told me that they feel relaxed here and not hurried," he said.

The store also features a sushi bar, organic and natural foods, a full-service bike shop, wide aisles and additional checkout areas. Comment on this story

Sex offender moves in
A convicted sex offender has recently taken up residence in Lantana.

Divendra "David" Kumar Patel, who is now living at 831 Carolina Way in Wisteria, pled guilty to one count of attempted aggravated sexual assault of a child in 1998. The victim was a five-year-old boy. Patel was sentenced to 10 years of probation.

He is 33 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 200 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes.

Patel is considered to be a Level 2 sex offender. Offenders are categorized in three levels: Level 1 is low risk to the
community, Level 2 is moderate risk, and Level 3 is considered at high risk to offend again.

When contacted by The Cross Timbers Gazette, Patel said that he has no other past criminal history and indicated that he was planning on purchasing a home and relocating by the end of the year.

Patel has to register his current address with local law enforcement agencies, which are able to share the information with the
public. Barring any future offences, he will no longer have to register as a sex offender after June 2016.

Patel is the only registered sex offender residing in Lantana, according to public records. Comment on this story

Old Town association proposed
Argyle Mayor Greg Landrum is advocating the formation of an association to preserve the history and character of the Old Town District.

The proposed Old Town Argyle Villager's Association will be a group of landowners, residents and merchants that live or work in what is considered the Old Town District, which lies east of Hwy 377 south of Country Club Road.

"The purpose of this group would be to guide the inevitable growth of the Old Town District to protect its history and drive its micro-economy," said Mayor Landrum.

After studying Grapevine and other thriving small downtown areas in Texas, Landrum said that "every one of them has an association similar to what I propose".

Landrum said that he is planning to host meetings with Old Town residents, landowners and businesses to discuss the formation of the association. Comment on this story

Boards approve raise in water, sewer, trash costs
Lantana Fresh Water Supply District #6 and #7 board members recently approved water, sewer and solid waste fee increases that will cost the average homeowner an additional $10.50 each month.

The fee change increases the base rate on water from $15 to $20 and the sewer base rate from $15 to $20. The rise in the cost of water and sewer treatment is the result of significant increases in chemical, energy, and raw water costs, according to Richard Harned, District Controller.

Harned said that the solid waste fee increase was caused by a boost in waste disposal costs charged to the districts.

In addition, the boards approved a policy establishing standards for block parties, including a $50 permit fee for such events (see related story). The new rates are effective as of Oct. 1.

The board of directors also approved their annual operating budgets for fiscal year 2008-09.

For more information, contact Richard Harned at 940-728-5050. Comment on this story

Builder satisfaction survey released
Huntington Homes once again took the top spot in customer satisfaction among Lantana home builders, according to J.D. Power's 2008 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study.

Huntington, which builds in the Bellaire section of Lantana, also ranked higher than their Lantana peers in the New-Home Design category and second - behind Sotherby Homes - in the New-Home Quality survey. A former Lantana builder, Darling Homes, was ranked number one in Dallas/Ft. Worth in all three categories this year.

"Home builders have adapted well to changes in the market that have necessitated a shift from an order-taking mode to an intensified focus on sales, service, and negotiation with prospective home buyers," said J.D. Power spokesperson Paula Sonkin.

Other Lantana builders making the top 10 list in the Customer Satisfaction Study were Drees Custom Homes, David Weekley Homes, and Highland Homes. Grand Homes scored lower than the Dallas/Ft. Worth market average score.

To be included in the studies, builders must have closed 125 or more homes in the market in 2007.

The study found that 93 percent of new-home buyers in Dallas/Ft. Worth report receiving sales incentives, and the average incentive totaled more than $13,500.

"Many home buyers are benefiting from generous sales incentives offered by builders. For example, upgraded features that used to be considered options - such as granite countertops - are now being included as standard," said Sonkin.

"It's a great time for consumers to consider buying a new home." Comment on this story

Teen dies after attending party
The Denton County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death of an 18-year-old who died following a night of partying with his friends near Argyle.

Austin Thomas Durant of Justin was pronounced dead at Denton Presbyterian Hospital on Sept. 22 after attending a "teen drinking party" in a mobile home in the 4200 block of Cactus Drive, according to Tom Reedy, public information officer for the Denton County Sheriff's Office.

The mobile home is located in unincorporated Denton County, west of Hwy. 377, near the Argyle/Flower Mound border.

Although alcohol poisoning may have been the culprit, investigators will have to wait weeks for a toxicology report to find out what killed Durant.

Reedy said that the only adult at the party, 21-year-old James Benjamin Reynolds of Denton, was charged with purchasing or furnishing alcohol to a minor. The charges against Reynolds could be upgraded pending the outcome of the investigation. Comment on this story

Council approves school's expansion plan
The Flower Mound Town Council recently approved phase one of the site plan for Coram Deo Academy's expansion.

Councilmembers asked for 20 more trees to be placed along the north and west property lines to provide screening and construction of a new exit road off of Wichita Trail directly across from the entrance to Twin Coves Park.

The approval came after two years of work on master plan concepts and design of the first phase of the development.

Adjustments were made to accommodate and compromise where possible, according to Ryan North, Coram Deo's business manager.

"I had several meetings with our neighbors both in their homes and on our property to discuss any concerns regarding our application," said Mr. North. "We did what we could to respond while still providing the best plan for our students and families." Comment on this story

Arrest made in attempted abduction
Flower Mound police made an arrest after a report of an attempted child abduction from a neighborhood near Lake Grapevine.

Razi Aamer, 51, of Dallas was arrested Sept. 18 on an attempted kidnapping charge after police said that he trolled the 6800 block of Crooked Lane in his taxicab attempting to lure children with money.

A girl was able to get away from Aamer after he tried to pull her into his cab by grabbing her arm, police said.

Police learned that the suspect was an employee of Taxi Dallas after conducting neighborhood interviews with residents in the area.

Anyone with additional information on the attempted abduction is asked to call the Flower Mound Police Department at 972-539-0525. Comment on this story

Sheriff's deputies return from Hurricane Ike deployment
Six Denton County Sheriff's Deputies who were sent to the Texas coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike have returned home. Sgt. Jose Peña, Operations Support Unit Sgt. Jerry Holton, Deputies Brad Garrett, Tony Tullos, Robert Lemley and Johnny Peters went to Orange County as part of Denton County's response to the hurricane.

Lewisville Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Brown led the Denton County response task force, which included firefighters, paramedics, communication specialists and
electrical technicians. Sgt. Peña supervised the Denton County law enforcement personnel, who provided security for the emergency personnel who searched for victims and treated the survivors.

"We overwhelmed the makeshift emergency management office in Bridge City," Sgt. Peña said. "They were expecting 40 EMTs, EMS and fire personnel to show up from Denton County, but 80 reported for duty."

The deputies used Forest Elm Elementary School in Vidor as their headquarters, setting up cots and taking cold showers from hoses. The school provided a breakfast of cereal before the deputies left at daybreak to work 12 to 14 hours a day providing security for the emergency personnel going house-to-house to search for victims and survivors. They ate MREs in the field, and in the evening the ladies auxiliary of the Bridge City Volunteer Fire Department provided supper.

During the day the teams assisted search and rescue efforts from house to house, turned off electric and gas meters, and cut down fallen trees that were blocking residential streets. The deputies helped homeowners secure their homes from looters and secured empty homes, handled disturbances, apprehended looters and detained them until local law enforcement officers took them to jail, attended ambulance calls and responded to fires.

"TV and pictures don't even begin to show the extent of the devastation," Sgt. Peña said. "The smell of rotting fish and animals, the oily black muck that covered
everything-you had to be there to realize how bad it really was."

He said that in the area they were in, most of the damage was due to water, and that all the homes, from the smallest to the largest, suffered damage.

"In some houses the water mark reached as high as seven feet," he said. "We saw families who had lost all their belongings and keepsakes; we saw family pictures floating down the creek. We saw two coffins, and we didn't know if they had floated out of their graves or came from somewhere else, so we notified the funeral homes."

The teams also returned alligators back to the water that ranged in size from six inches to six feet. The deputies called the game wardens to relocate the larger
ones, he said.

Sgt. Peña said the emergency response operation went smoothly because of lessons learned during the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He said that the emergency personnel learned even more this time as a result of using new equipment and new techniques that will help make future responses more efficient.

"In a sense, the most valuable asset we gained was the bond we forged with other emergency responders," he said. "Working with the firefighters as a team, a lot of barriers came down in terms of law enforcement culture and firefighter culture-friendships developed and a sense of shared mission developed that will
definitely make a difference in future deployments." Comment on this story

City takes low crime crown
For the second year in a row, Highland Village was named the Safest City in Texas with a population over 10,000, based on the FBI's 2007 Uniform Crime Report.

The city has been recognized as the Safest City in North Texas for the past six years.

Officials said in a press release that the honor was a result of the city's community-oriented public safety model of policing and their strong partnership with residents and businesses.

Flower Mound was ranked as the 72nd safest city in Texas. Comment on this story

County calls for bond election
Voters in November will have the choice of approving $495 million of improvements to county roads, bridges and building projects.

County Commissioners are asking for $310 million for transportation improvements and $185 million for new county buildings and technology upgrades.

Some of the road projects included in the November 4th bond election include: US 377, FM 407, FM 1171, Chinn Chapel Road, Orchid Hill Lane, Gibbons Road, Country Club Road, Simmons Road and Waketon.

The majority of the $185 million buildings component of the bond proposition will provide funding for phase two and three of the Denton County Administrative Complex on Loop 288 in Denton.

Construction of the first phase of the complex was recently approved by Commissioners.

The complex will house the health department, elections administration, agriculture extension office, Child Protective Services, adult probation and other administrative functions of the county.

Click here to read more about the bond election. Comment on this story

Lantana enacts block party regulations
Fresh Water District Board Members recently approved a set of guidelines regulating block parties in Lantana.

General Manager Kevin Mercer said that recent incidents prompted him to recommend the changes, including one where party-goers placed an unmanned barricade in the street that blocked access to a family with special medical needs.

Previously there were few regulations on block parties in Lantana.

Mercer researched block party guidelines from neighboring towns and presented a two page permit application to board members.

The new guidelines call for a maximum of 8 homes that can be located within the block party area. A fee of $50 is now required to file a block party permit with the district.

"The new rules are designed to keep residents safe and to protect the district from liability claims that may arise during a block party," said Max Miller, FWSD #6 President. Comment on this story

Officials address bottleneck
Denton County officials recently took steps to unclog the construction bottleneck at the main entrance to Lantana.

County Commissioners approved a $587 thousand change order for the Lantana Curve road project that includes funding to lower a water line under Lantana Trail.

The roadway was restricted to one lane in each direction in March. On May 9, a work crew with Ed Bell Construction ruptured a 16-inch water line while working on FM 407 near Lantana Trail. Very little work has been done near the intersection since then.

"Although the water line was marked on the plans supplied by the Lantana Fresh Water District, it was shown to be deeper than it actually was," said Pct. 4 Commissioner Andy Eads.

Country officials have spent the last few months negotiating an acceptable arrangement to get the water line lowered so work can resume on the intersection, Eads said.

An employee of Ed Bell Construction, who asked not be identified, said once the line is lowered, the intersection could be reopened within a month.

In addition to the water line work, approximately $360 thousand from the change order is earmarked to realign Post Oak Road in Bartonville and construct a new bridge at the culvert where it connects to FM 407.

"The new Post Oak bridge at FM 407 will be a nice-looking structure and an attractive addition to the neighborhood," Eads said.

The change order adds 37 working days to the entire project, which is now expected to wrap up by early February.

Eads stressed that Lantana Trail is a priority. "Our goal is to have it opened back up as soon as possible," said Eads. Comment on this story

Resident info needed
Ready to share that family recipe with your neighbors?

Copper Canyon Mayor Sue Tejml is asking residents to submit their favorite recipes and contact information for a couple of publications in the works.

Town officials are compiling a resident directory that will include everyone in Copper Canyon.

The town's first cookbook, with recipes contributed by Copper Canyon citizens, is also being put together by resident Pris Johnson.

Residents can download a contact form for the directory here and a recipe submission form here. Comment on this story

Area communities lend a hand to the Gulf Coast
As the clouds parted in the wake of Hurricane Ike, Denton County activated its Hurricane Task Force and deployed people and equipment to the Gulf Coast to assist with search and rescue efforts.

Among the resources deployed from various towns and agencies were four firefighters and a fire engine sent by Double Oak; nine personnel, a fire engine, command vehicle, three-quarter ton pick-up truck, and 3,000 gal. water tender from Flower Mound; three personnel and a Light/Air Truck courtesy of Highland Village; and six employees, two Expeditions, and a pick-up truck from the Denton County Sheriff's Department.

In addition, Denton Municipal Electric sent 18 employees and equipment to Liberty, TX to assist with the restoration of electric power.

About 330 evacuees utilized three shelters set up by the Denton County Office of Emergency Management in Carrollton, Lewisville and Denton, officials said. Some may be here for weeks, depending on how quickly electricity and water service can be restored.

Cash donations are being accepted by the United Way of Denton County for their Disaster Relief Fund to support local agencies providing services for Hurricane Ike evacuees. Call 940-566-2688 to donate.

People interested in volunteering should contact the Denton County United Way at 940-566-2688, the American Red Cross at 940-384-0880 or the Salvation Army at 940-566-3880. Comment on this story

Fox found in FM had rabies
The recent discovery of a rabid fox in western Flower Mound has prompted town officials to warn residents to get pets vaccinated and to avoid wild animals.

Flower Mound Animal Services recently confirmed that an injured fox found in the 3500 block of Sunnyview Lane has tested positive for rabies.

The fox did not come into contact with any resident or pets, officials said.

State law and Flower Mound ordinance mandates that all dogs and cats receive annual rabies vaccinations. Although the law does not require livestock vaccination, immunizations are also available for horses and livestock and are recommended by Flower Mound Animal Services.

Residents are advised to not approach wild animals, especially those exhibiting erratic or unusual behavior. Direct contact with a wild animal by a human or pet should be reported immediately to Animal Services.

This is the third reported case of rabies in Flower Mound in 2008. Two cases were reported in 2007 and one case was reported in 2006.

For more information, call Animal Services between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at 972-874-6390. Comment on this story

Tradition of giving continues

Dan Leal from the Children's Advocacy Center for Denton County accepts a grant from Penny Gee, Vice President of Communities Civic League, on Sept. 2 during CCL's  10th Anniversary ceremony at the Miles Foundation building in Argyle. The organization, which serves Argyle and the surrounding area, has given over $160 thousand to area non-profits during the past decade.

Town gets cash influx to step up roadwork
Flower Mound's thoroughfare system is getting a booster shot in the form of regional funding that should speed up a handful of road projects in town.

The Regional Transportation Council recently approved the new Regional Toll Revenue Project Plan, which includes more than $105 million for eight separate construction projects that are partly or wholly within Flower Mound, officials announced.

Funded projects include the expansion of and improvements to FM 1171 - Section Two and Three, U.S. 377, FM 407, Flower Mound Road, Garden Ridge Road - Phase Four, Spinks Road - Phase Four, and Gerault/Morriss Road.

The long-awaited FM 407 widening project from Briarhill Road in Highland Village to Chinn Chapel Road in Flower Mound may start by the end of 2009.

The State Transportation Commission is expected to approve the list of projects this month, and the funding is projected to be available in January.

"Recognizing the positive impact that the completion of these projects will have upon the daily commutes of our residents, the Town of Flower Mound has implemented an aggressive design and construction program and established a goal of completing all of the roads that are solely under Flower Mound jurisdiction as quickly as possible. The Town will also work closely with Denton County and TxDOT to expedite and complete the State projects as quickly as possible," according to a press release issued by the town. Comment on this story

Area towns prepare for night out against crime
Southern Denton County, along with the rest of Texas, will celebrate National Night Out on October 7 this year, a change from the traditional second Tuesday in August.

The date change will allow for cooler temperatures and encourage greater participation in the annual event designed to bring neighborhood organizations and law enforcement together to increase crime and drug prevention awareness, organizers said.

Historically, National Night Out events include a neighborhood block party with food and organized social activities. The goal is to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships, along with sending a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

For the first time this year, the Argyle Police Department and the Argyle Crime Control District are actively encouraging residents to hold National Night Out block parties.

The police department will schedule an officer to make an appearance at neighborhood block parties and provide promotional materials. Interested residents should contact the police department at 940-464-7254 before Sept. 15.

In Lantana, Crime Watch coordinator Shelley Caro is asking residents to host block parties in each neighborhood. Residents should contact the Fresh Water Supply District at 940-728-5050 to request street barricades or contact Caro at msrdtx@yahoo.com for more information.

Flower Mound will commemorate National Night Out by hosting a Neighborhood of the Year contest and Police Department Open House.

Registered block parties could receive visits from members of the Flower Mound Town Council, Police Department, Fire Trucks, and McGruff the Crime Dog.

The Flower Mound Police Department will host an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Activities include station tours, displays of police and fire equipment, a SWAT display, the K-9 unit, McGruff the Crime Dog, crime prevention information, and digital child identification services.

The deadline to register a block party is Sept. 30. Register online here. For more information about Flower Mound’s National Night Out celebration, call 972-874-3357.

RECAP: The 25th Annual National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, October 7th, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Visit www.natw.org for party ideas. Comment on this story

Fire Department offers flu shots
It's not too early to start thinking about getting a flu shot.

The Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department will hold a flu shot fundraiser on two Saturdays in October and November.

Rapid Med Urgent Care will administer the vaccine at the firehouse on October 4th and November 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

The cost is $25. B-12 shots are also available for $25. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the fire department. Cash and checks only will be accepted. No insurance or Medicare claims will be filed.

The flu shot is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing the influenza virus, according to health officials.

The shot is designed for adults and children at least six months of age. It is generally safe and causes no side effects in most people, including mothers who are breast feeding. Call 972-539-7683 for more information. Comment on this story

Senator visits Lantana
Senator Jane Nelson spoke at a GOP fundraiser and voter drive on Sept. 2 at the Lantana Golf Club. Nelson is pictured with Ross Ferguson, Denton County Fresh Water Supply District #6 board member.
Photo by Adrian Weaver

Town plans to annex road
The Double Oak Town Council is moving ahead with plans to annex a stretch of FM 407 near Lantana.

Councilmember Dick Cook said that the proposed annexation of FM 407 between the Bartonville Water Tower at Simmons Road and Lantana Trail is in the interest of public safety.

"Speeding and other safety problems have been observed in that area and we believe better enforcement will be possible," Cook said in his September column in The Cross Timbers Gazette.

The short section of FM 407 is currently under the jurisdiction of the Denton County Sheriff's Department.

Cook said that Double Oak Police Chief Jason Jones is in the process of putting the proper annexation paperwork together for council approval. Comment on this story

Prayer combats back-to-school jitters
Sure, moms joke about back-to-school being "the most wonderful time of the year," but that doesn't mean it's not also anxiety provoking.

A group of moms in southern Denton County have discovered that back-to-school anxiety and fear can be replaced with peace, hope, and even joy.

Lantana resident Meridith Copeland is the local coordinator for Moms In Touch International, a nondenominational prayer ministry that encourages mothers and grandmothers to come together regularly to pray for children and schools.

Groups usually meet weekly in area homes and churches, praying for public and private schools, from preschool through college.

Copeland is the coordinator for the Argyle ISD and the southern portion of Denton ISD, including Blanton, E.P. Rayzor, Hawk, and Sam Houston Elementary, Crownover and Harpool Middle, and Guyer High School.

"Personally, Moms In Touch has been such a blessing for me," said Copeland, a mother of two young children.

"My prayer life has completely changed since I began a group last year. I have seen amazing things happen for my children and the schools as we continue to intercede for them."

Moms can pray in groups specifically for their children’s school or participate in other groups, including career, special needs children, church-based, college, grandmothers, homeschool, and military.

"I love knowing that I am joining with other women, globally, in prayer. It is so invigorating to participate with women who share their joys and burdens before the Lord," said Copeland.

Moms In Touch will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year with a historic prayer event, calling moms around the world together to simultaneously pray for children and schools.

For more information about the ministry, contact Meridith Copeland at mercopeland@yahoo.com, visit www.MomsInTouch.org or call 1-800-949-MOMS. Comment on this story

Town hall to relocate
Argyle officials are getting some new digs.

The Argyle Town Council recently approved $930 thousand to acquire the Argyle United Methodist Church for a
new town hall.

The 13,800 square-foot church, designated a historical site on the Texas Register of Historic Places, sits on two acres at 308 Denton St. in Argyle's Old Town District.

Renovation is scheduled to begin in early 2009, after the church's congregation relocates to their new facility on Highway 377. The new town hall is expected to be ready for occupancy by mid-year, officials said.

The existing town hall on Highway 377 will be renovated to accommodate the Argyle Police Department, which will have the opportunity to expand into space that it currently shares with the town.

The cost of acquisition and renovation will be paid from the issuance of certificates of obligation by the town. Selling certificates of obligation allows the town to issue debt with a council vote, rather than gaining an
endorsement from voters. Comment on this story

Town gets grant for mobile command center
Flower Mound is purchasing a new fire command and control vehicle, with help from CoServ.

The CoServ Charitable Foundation recently approved a $20,000 grant for the mobile command center that will improve emergency service to Flower Mound and unincorporated areas of Denton County.

"Because of Flower Mound's rapid growth, the demand for services has outpaced available revenue," said Mayor Jody Smith.

"The CoServ Charitable Foundation’s funding in this project is an investment in improving our community’s ability to protect life and property." Comment on this story

Summerall speaks to Argyle athletes
Veteran sportscaster Pat Summerall (left) spoke to Argyle High School students on Aug. 29 at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Prayer Breakfast at Faith Harvest Church. Summerall, a former NFL kicker and lineman, was an All-State football player for Columbia High School in Lake City, FL, and earned varsity letters in basketball, baseball and tennis as well. Pictured next to Summerall is AHS teacher Scott McClure. Photo by Bill Castleman
 

Police seek information on break-in's
Flower Mound Police are offering a cash reward for information about two property crimes that occurred over the summer.

Police said that vandals broke a glass door at Flower Mound High School on June 3rd and did more than $18,000 in damage to the interior of the building.

On July 13, police discovered four businesses between the 2600 block and 3300 block of Long Prairie Road had been burglarized. More than $5,000 in damage and stolen property was reported. Police do not think that the two crimes are related.

Anyone providing a tip that leads to an arrest and indictment in the cases will be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 per offense. Callers with tips should call the non-emergency police number at 972-539-0525 to receive their anonymous tip code. Comment on this story

Town to add traffic light
Flower Mound officials recently announced that a traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of FM 2499 and Windsor in early September. The intersection sits about a half-mile north of FM 1171.

Town officials said that the light is needed to alleviate congestion, especially during elementary school zone times. FM 2499 is one of Flower Mound's busiest thoroughfares and is currently under construction in the area.

In the meantime, police officers plan to direct traffic at the intersection during elementary school zone times from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. and from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Officials are advising commuters to expect long delays on FM 2499 and to build additional time into their travel schedule with the school year underway. Comment on this story


Master plan update unveiled
By Heather Smith
After ten months of planning and research, Argyle's master-plan steering committee and MESA Design Group recently presented their suggestions to update the town's Comprehensive Plan to local officials.

In their goal to develop a blueprint for future growth while maintaining a rural atmosphere, the committee held seven principles in place: balance economic development, control population growth, maximize rural development, create villages, work with the natural environment, establish a regional and local thoroughfare, and provide flexibility.

"This is one of the most challenging plans we've been a part of," said Roberto Zuniga of MESA Design Group.

Based on research presented at the meeting, Argyle's projected population could grow as high as 30,000 by 2030, while the town's target population for the same year is only 12,000. However, with a population of only 12,000, Argyle would have a severe tax gap from what is needed to fund development.

To remedy this situation, the proposal was to encourage high-quality non-residential development along the I-35W corridor. This would preserve the rural environment in other areas of the town and prevent residents from bearing a massive tax hike, committee members said.

One plan to keep Argyle from drastically changing was to keep parts of the FM 407 corridor semi-rural, which would ensure that the first impression of Argyle would still be that of a small town.

Plans were also presented to develop "thematic elements" throughout Argyle to ensure uniqueness in different areas of town.

In order to enhance Argyle's natural environment, the plan suggested using about 160 acres to create parks around town. From baseball parks, to playground areas, to walking and biking trails, each area of land zoned for natural preservation would pay homage to a rural area.

"I think tonight went good. It was a unique challenge to balance rural and natural environment with development," Mayor Greg Landrum said following the conclusion of the meeting. "There is still a lot of work to be done, but I'm encouraged by this."

The next step for the town is to allow the planning and zoning commission and town council to thoroughly review the findings of the steering committee before making any concrete plans. The town hopes to adopt the comprehensive plan update by October.

Residents in attendance at the meeting seemed to feel that the plan was a good start, but didn't want the town to get ahead of themselves, and take it one step at a time. While the town's build-out is many years off, Argyle and its citizens are on the road to developing into a unique and expanded town. Comment on this story

Mayor throws hat into ring again
Copper Canyon Mayor Sue Tejml recently announced that she intended to seek a third term for the top post.

Tejml cited concerns with personnel and budget issues in the town of 1,350 people as her motivation to run again next May.

"The difficulties with accurately identifying budget revenue and expenses, which surfaced last spring at Town Hall, has prompted me to make the decision now as to whether I would be a candidate for Mayor this spring," Tejml said in her August column in The Cross Timbers Gazette.

In addition, Tejml said that there are "several ongoing unresolved personnel issues at Town Hall that concern me."

Tejml said that the town recently discovered a $140,000 surplus that they were previously unaware of due to repeated "mis-postings of line items at town hall and failure to timely balance bank statements."

Tejml has been Copper Canyon's Mayor for three years. She ran unopposed for her second term last May. Comment on this story

Drugstore on hold for now
Pharmacy giant CVS is still planning to make its presence felt in Lantana, it will just take a while longer.

Although the proposed drugstore cleared the hurdles to break ground at the corner of FM 407 and Copper Canyon Road earlier this year, the chain's corporate office has yet to give their blessing to begin construction.

The pharmacy's local developer was unable to get the corporate approval needed to proceed with the store in May, but will make another pitch to the company in November, according to Tony Ruggeri, Vice President of Republic Property Group.

Industry professionals are reporting that many national retailers are proceeding with caution in regards to their expansion plans due to the uncertain economy.

"Best case scenario is that the store will go under construction at the first of the year," said Ruggeri. Comment on this story

Donnelly appointed Mayor Pro-Tem
Double Oak Town Council member Mike Donnelly has been named Mayor Pro-Tem.

Mayor Pam King made the recommendation at the town council meeting on August 3rd, and his fellow council members voted him into office starting immediately. Donnelly took his new position at the council meeting on August 18th.

"Mike loves the town and works every day for it's benefit," said councilmember Dick Cook in his August column in The Cross Timbers Gazette.

"Mike is a quiet man that lets his actions speak for him, but when he does speak up, he knows his stuff and speaks with a quiet confidence that gets everyone's attention."

Donnelly replaces John Dondrea, who has served for several years. Dondrea will remain on the council.

The Double Oak Town Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. Comment on this story

First day enrollment numbers show gains
Over 21 thousand students showed up on the first day of classes in the Denton ISD.

The district's enrollment count increased by 1,133 students from last year's first-day numbers to 21,543, a 5.6 percent increase.

The number of elementary students totaled 11,572, which is 752 more students than the first day in 2007.

Secondary school students numbered 9,934, compared to 9,590 last year. Comment on this story

Traffic watch

Harpool Middle School Principal Mike Vance (left) and a sheriff's deputy keep an eye on traffic on the first day of school. Photo by Adrian Weaver
 

Teachers get ready

Blanton Elementary School kindergarten teachers Brooke Hutchinson (left) and Shauna Oman (below) worked late on Aug. 25th to put the finishing touches in their classrooms before the first day of school. The new $12.3 million elementary school in Lantana has six kindergarten classes this year. Denton ISD is considered the second-fastest growing school district in North Texas, with an estimated 22,000 students for the 2008-09 school year. Comment on this story

Area school zones are off limits for mobile phones

Don't get hung up when driving through school zones.

Both Flower Mound and Highland Village approved ordinances earlier this year banning the use of hand-held cell phones in active school zones.

Flower Mound police will enforce the cell phone ordinance immediately - while a grace period has been instituted in Highland Village to encourage familiarity and compliance with the new law, city officials said this past summer when the ordinance was passed.

Hands-free phone use is still allowed under the new ordinances. Comment on this story

Police assist with school traffic flow
In response to resident's concerns, county officials are working with the Sheriff's Department and city of Denton to place police officers at two key school intersections.

Police will direct traffic at the intersection of Old Alton Road and FM 2181 near Guyer High School - providing a protected left turn from students driving to the school - and at Hickory Hill Road and Stacee Lane next to the new Blanton Elementary and Harpool Middle Schools.

"Safety is a top priority for all of us, that's why we are pleased to have worked out a partnership with local authorities to cover these busy intersections," said Pct. 4 Commissioner Andy Eads.

In addition, the Denton County Sheriff's Department will have morning and afternoon patrols around E.P. Rayzor Elementary School for the first two weeks of classes.

"We will have marked units within the school zones of all the schools located in our jurisdiction," said Patrol Captain Mike Caley. "We'll also have additional patrols out. We're using all available marked units." Comment on this story

Truck rollover causes detour
 

Traffic was diverted on Copper Canyon Road for over two days after a tanker truck flipped over and spilled 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel on Aug. 19.

Authorities had to drill a hole into the tanker to empty out the remaining fuel.

Hazmat crews worked throughout the next two and a half days to clean up the fuel spill, which occurred near Poindexter Creek. Photos by Bill Castleman Comment on this story

State gives area schools passing grade
The Texas Education Agency recently released its annual accountability ratings, in which the Argyle, Denton and Lewisville school districts all received academically acceptable marks.

Ratings are based on student performance on state tests, dropout rates and high school completion rates.

As expected, E.P. Rayzor Elementary school in Lantana retained its recognized rating. However, Argyle ISD's only elementary school tumbled from exemplary to acceptable.

Both Argyle and McMath middle schools were downgraded this year as well, primarily due to the addition of eighth grade science scores counting towards the ratings for the first time this year.

"Science became a new indicator this year, which adds to the ratings' challenges for the middle school staff and students as it adds an additional five indicators that the campuses must address," said Dr. Ray Braswell, superintendent of Denton ISD.

Every student in Argyle High School's Class of 2007 graduated, while Marcus High School had a 98 percent completion rate. Statewide, the graduation rate for the 290,662 member Class of 2007 was 78 percent.

Here is how area schools stacked up:

	2007 Rating	2008 Rating	Change
Argyle ISD	Acceptable	Acceptable	NC
Argyle High	Recognized	Exemplary	p
Argyle Middle	Exemplary	Recognized	q
Hilltop Elementary	Exemplary	Acceptable	q
			q
Denton ISD	Acceptable	Acceptable	NC
Guyer High	Acceptable	Acceptable	NC
McMath Middle	Recognized	Acceptable	q
E.P. Rayzor Elem	Recognized	Recognized	NC
Lewisville ISD	Acceptable	Acceptable	NC
Marcus High	Acceptable	Recognized	p
Downing Middle	Exemplary	Exemplary	NC
Bridlewood Elem	Exemplary	Exemplary	NC
Heritage Elem	Exemplary