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Home My WebLink About2016-08-30 Euless ArticlesEuless' U.S. Concrete expands its New York operations with acquisition Aug 12, 2016, 6:50am CDT Candace Carlisle Staff Writer Dallas Business Journal RELATED CONTENT • Current boom has U.S. Concrete building a solid future • Inside the numbers: Breaking down U.S. Concrete's business • Euless company’s stock is rising at rapid rate Euless-based U.S. Concrete Inc. (Nasdaq: USCR) — the North Texas city's only publicly traded company— has expanded its New York operations with the help of a Bronx-based concrete business. The acquisition of Jenna Concrete Corp. will bring a fleet of 52 mixer trucks and two ready- mixed concrete plants under U.S. Concrete's umbrella to aid its New York operations. About 31 percent of U.S. Concrete's business is in the greater New York city metro. "This acquisition further demonstrates our ability to strengthen our leadership positions in our markets," said President and CEO William "Bill" Sandbrook, in a statement. "Jenna will offer significant opportunities to leverage our expanded customer base and delivery efficiencies." By buying the 25-year-old company, U.S. Concrete will have even greater coverage of the Manhattan market and enlarges the footprint of the company in the Bronx borough. Sandbrook said this is how the company intends to grow in the future, with strategic acquisitions in key markets where U.S. Concrete can have a major market position. Jenna Concrete has worked on notable projects, such as Yankee Stadium, Hudson Yards and expansions to the RFK-Triborough Bridge. The concrete industry has historically been a fragmented industry with smaller, mom-and-pop companies. In the past 12 months, U.S. Concrete's revenues have surpassed $1 billion. Construction underway to bring big-name retailers to Euless' Glade Parks Town Center Aug 17, 2016, 6:28am CDT Updated Aug 17, 2016, 11:51am CDT Candace Carlisle Staff Writer Dallas Business Journal RELATED CONTENT • Belk brings ninth North Texas location to Euless development • Euless' U.S. Concrete expands its New York operations with acquisition • Construction gets underway on high-end office building in Southlake Construction is underway on the 194-acre Glade Parks Town Center retail-centric development in Euless, which will bring some big-name retailers — like Cinepolis, DSW and Bath & Body Works — to this part of the region. In all, Glade Parks Town Center will bring more than 800,000 square feet of big-box retailers, entertainment destinations and restaurants to Euless. About half of that footprint is under construction, said Zach Knutson, executive vice president and COO of Illinois-based North Rock Real Estate LLC. "Construction is progressing on the 24-Hour Fitness and DSW Shoes, which are in various stages of wrapping up," Knutson told the Dallas Business Journal. "We are working on various leases on the proposed lifestyle center with some national retailers and full-service restaurants." Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is also under construction at Glade Parks, which will bring a restaurant known for its cultivated mountain lodge ambiance and a 1,400- square-foot patio to the retail center. The restaurant is slated for a November 2016 opening. Glade Parks Town Center already has a Belk store that opened up last year, as well a Dave & Buster's entertainment hub. A 12-screen Cinepolis movie theater is also under construction and is expected to open to the public next summer. Even though the retail development is in the midst of evolution with only half of the tract under construction, Knutson said there's a lot of regional energy surrounding Glade Parks Town Center with H-E-B acquiring land to the south of the site for future development. "We are very excited about this being a super-regional play in the Mid-Cities," he said. "With our Belk store; it really sets us apart from other shopping destinations." The town center is also bringing apartment investors to adjacent properties, as well as single-family homes, Knutson said, adding he hopes to land a 135-key nationally- branded hotel in the next few months. He declined to name the hotel flag. HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD NEWS AUGUST 13, 2016 7:49 PM Work almost finished at Texas Health H-E-B intensive care unit Construction is winding down on the $25 million intensive care unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital H-E-B, which will open in September to serve the area's growing aging population. Texas Health Resources Courtesy photo BY ELIZABETH CAMPBELL liz@star-telegram.com BEDFORD Work is almost finished on the new $25 million intensive care unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital H-E-B. Hospital officials said the three-story, 18-bed ICU, designed to serve the growing population in Northeast Tarrant County, will open to patients Sept. 1. A grand-opening ceremony will be at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 31. “Patient acuity is higher. They are sicker and need to stay longer when they come to the ICU,” said Anna Riehm, the hospital’s support services officer, referring to the rising number of senior citizens in the area. When patients are admitted to the ICU, they will remain in one room and the staff will rotate to the different rooms, she said. “That really is the right thing to do for the patients,” Riehm said. The rooms are large so that family members can stay with their loved ones in the ICU. Four rooms will have ceiling lifts for moving patients, and there are two isolation rooms for patients with infectious diseases. Jessica Kaszynski, director of communications for the Texas Health Resources Foundation, said that a capital campaign is underway to raise $2 million from the community for the new building. So far, almost $1 million has been raised. “This is definitely a need for our community. We’ve received such great support as we’ve gone out and met some of our donors,” she said. Lynne Moffatt, chairwoman of the board at Texas Health H-E-B, said donations are coming in from hospital volunteers, doctors and individuals in the surrounding communities. “We have done very well and have raised a substantial sum,” she said. The hospital is also seeking donations from the cities of Hurst, Euless and Bedford toward a donor wall. This month, officials have made presentations to the Bedford and Hurst city councils. Last month, the Hurst council voted to contribute $10,000 to the donor wall, and Bedford is also interested in contributing, said spokeswoman Natalie Foster. Euless spokeswoman Betsy Deck said that the City Council hasn’t met with hospital officials since there were no meetings in July but that the city is interested in the project. Moffatt recalled that when she moved to Bedford in 1981, the hospital was a small, one- story building with no tower. “It’s kind of astounding to watch how the hospital has progressed. The ICU is a definite need in Northeast Tarrant County. We are going to be so well equipped to serve future needs,” she said. Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/hurst-euless- bedford_news/article95565177.html#storylink=cpy NBA Star Returns to Euless Home to Surprise Relatives By Todd L. Davis NBA star Myles Turner returns to his Euless home to surprise his aunt and grandmother with a new Chevy Traverse as thanks for supporting him growing up. Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner returned to his North Texas home Tuesday to deliver a surprise to two of his relatives. The former Trinity High School star was in Euless to give his grandmother and aunt with a new car as thanks for supporting him growing up. Turner and other relatives met his grandmother and aunt at Lushaj's Pasta & Pizza. Before they ate, Turner brought his family outside for a picture. Instead of a picture, Turner told showed his grandmother and aunt their new Chevy Traverse, adorned with a bow. "Words can't describe what you've done for me," he told them. "You've had that same car since before I was born, so think it was time for a change." Published at 4:07 AM CDT on Aug 11, 2016 http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/NBA-Star-Returns-to-Euless-Home-to-Surprise-Relatives- 389738422.html Rally House Opening in Euless on 8/26/16 By PR Rocket on August 25, 2016 Rally House is opening their 10th location in DFW on August 26, 2016 Euless, Texas (PRWEB) August 25, 2016 On Friday August 26, 2016 Rally House will open a new store in Euless, Texas. This is the tenth store in the DFW area. The store is at 2800 State Highway 121, next to Petsmart and Bed, Bath and Beyond. The Grand Opening will launch on Friday August 26 with promotions and giveaways throughout the weekend. “We are very excited to open a new store in Euless," said Rally House CEO Aaron Liebert. "The space is bigger than other Texas locations, and will allow for wider assortment of Rangers, Cowboys, Stars and college gear.” Rally House Euless will offer a large variety of authentic and licensed merchandise for fans of all ages that includes tees, jerseys, sweatshirts, hoodies, polos, hats, drinkware, home décor, accessories and much more. The store will carry an unrivaled selection of gear for the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, FC Dallas, Dallas Mavericks, Arkansas Razorbacks, Baylor Bears, LSU Tigers, North Texas Mean Green, Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas A&M Aggies, Texas Longhorns, UT Arlington Mavericks, Texas Tech Raiders, as well as local Dallas and Texas-themed products. Rally House and Sampler Stores Inc. is a family-owned specialty boutique based in Lenexa, Kansas. ### For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/08/prweb13635082.htm HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD NEWS AUGUST 26, 2016 4:09 PM In wake of deadly ambushes on police, officers equipped with body armor Responding to nationwide violence against police and backed by their city council, Euless police officers will each be issued a new, heavier body armor kit. pmoseley@star-telegram.com BY ELIZABETH CAMPBELL liz@star-telegram.com EULESS Six months after one of its officers was shot to death in an ambush, Euless police bought ballistic body armor that is designed to offer better protection from shots fired from high- power rifles. Other police departments have done the same or are evaluating similar options after the March 1 shooting in Euless and more recent deadly attacks on police in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La. Last week, the City Council voted to spend $60,875 to buy armor that fits over the bulletproof vests the officers already wear. In neighboring Bedford, officials spent up to $8,000 to equip “front-line” vehicles with body armor for officers. And in Fort Worth and Arlington, police officer associations are advocating for the departments to purchase such armor. Euless Assistant Police Chief Gary Landers said the need for better body armor in some situations is a sad part of policing after the death of Euless officer David Hofer, who was killed March 1 when he responded to a shots-fired call, and the July 7 shooting deaths of five officers in Dallas. Hofer was shot in the head with a rifle at close range by Jorge Brian Gonzalez, 22, a drug addict who had been released from jail that day. Gonzalez was shot and killed by police. “It’s extremely unfortunate that we have to think about this,” Landers said. “In the past, things didn’t rise to the level where you would need body armor.” Firearms-related fatalities of U.S. law officers have increased 58 percent this year to 38 deaths through Friday, compared with 24 during the same period last year. Overall, 76 officers have died in the line of duty from all causes this year, including 13 in Texas, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Other departments in North Texas, including Fort Worth, have taken other safety precautions for officers, including enhanced training for the use of AR-15 rifles and doubling up patrol units. ‘An extremely high priority’ Euless has 92 sworn officers, and each has already been issued the body armor, which was purchased from Security Pro USA and consists of a vest with heavy plates that slips over the officer’s head and protects the vital organs. The officers will have the armor in their patrol cars along with first-aid kits to provide treatment to officers or civilians if they are injured. Michael Wilson, government sales and distribution coordinator for Security Pro, said Friday that his company has seen a surge in sales of the plated armor. “There is a sudden need, and departments are scrambling to get it,” he said. BECAUSE OF INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AND ATTACKS ON POLICE, THIS IS IMPORTANT. Euless Assistant Police Chief Gary Landers Euless also bought ballistic armor for the Fire Department so that paramedics and firefighters can have added protection if they respond to such incidents, Landers said. Euless police Officer David Hofer was killed in the line of duty on March 1. Fort Worth Police Officers Association In Bedford, Police Chief Jeff Gibson said he spent up to $8,000 to equip eight to 10 “front-line” vehicles with the armor. He also bought additional ballistic helmets and gas masks to supplement what the department bought after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. “I feel that this is an extremely high priority after what occurred in Dallas,” Gibson said, adding that there’s a fine line between protecting officers and giving the public the wrong idea. “What I don’t want is to become a militarily-perceived organization; that creates barriers between us and the community,” Gibson said. “However, there are situations that necessitate the special equipment to keep our community safe.” In Hurst, Assistant Police Chief Steve Niekamp said the department is evaluating different types of armor with plans to purchase what it finds most suitable. ‘It’s expensive to outfit a department’ National trends in the purchase of body armor are still developing, but recent news reports show that departments in other parts of the state and country are buying it, sometimes with help from private fundraising. In a presentation to the White House this month, John Matthews, director of federal partnerships for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, recommended that the use of body armor in high-threat situations be evaluated. Former Fort Worth police Chief Jeff Halstead, a consultant for police departments in the U.S. and six countries, said he is glad to see cities taking steps. He added that officers must be well trained in knowing how the armor will protect them but also understand its limitations and when they should wear it. I APPLAUD CITY OFFICIALS FOR WHAT THEY’VE DONE, BUT TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL. Former Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead For instance, if an officer responds to a family violence call where the husband fires a handgun into the ceiling, it’s probably not necessary to put on the additional vest, Halstead said. But if an officer responds to an active shooter, he could stop to put on the armor before arriving on the scene. It’s also important to determine how long an officer can wear the heavy equipment in the Texas heat and appropriate methods for storing it as police cars are often targets for theft, he said. If he were still a police chief, Halstead said, he would have intensive training for front-line officers and “massive” communications campaigns within the department to make sure everyone understands why the equipment is necessary and to educate community leaders so that they in turn can explain the need to others. And the budgetary bottom line is always a concern. “Funds for training are being drastically cut right now because the economy isn’t great,” Halstead said. “It’s expensive to outfit a department.” Halstead said he has seen situations where things quiet down for a time and officers stop carrying the additional equipment, and then something happens. Keeping officers, citizens safe Rick Van Houten, president of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association said the organization is advocating for the more protective body armor along with bulletproof helmets for every officer. WHETHER IT COMES FROM THE CITY’S COFFERS OR FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS, WHEN POLICE OFFICERS ARE SAFE, CITIZENS ARE SAFE. Rick Van Houten, Fort Worth Police Officers Association Van Houten said he believes that he has support of elected officials and that it would cost $1,000 to $1,500 to buy the additional equipment for each officer. Fort Worth has around 1,600 officers. “Whether it comes from the city’s coffers or from private donations, when police officers are safe, citizens are safe,” he said. Arlington Police Association President J.P. Mason said that the Arlington department is looking at purchasing body armor and that the Police Chief Will Johnson understand the need. Mason doesn’t know exactly when but said the equipment will be purchased “sooner rather than later.” Euless Deputy City Manager Bob Freeman said that when he started out as a police officer over 30 years ago, assault rifles weren’t a threat. The bulletproof vests that officers still wear don’t protect against them. “The rifles don’t surprise me,” he said, “but the anger and people’s willingness to use them does.” Elizabeth Campbell: 817-390-7696, @fwstliz Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/hurst-euless- bedford_news/article98156122.html#storylink=cpy Fitch Affirms Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, TX ULT GO Bonds at 'AA+'; Outlook Stable August 26, 2016 05:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time NEW YORK --(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'AA+' rating on $274 million Hurst-Euless- Bedford Independent School District, Texas (the district) unlimited tax bonds. In addition, Fitch has affirmed the district's Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'AA+'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY The bonds are payable from an unlimited property tax levied against all taxable property within the district and are further backed by the Texas Permanent School Fund bond guaranty program, rated 'AAA' by Fitch. (For more information on the Texas PSF see 'Fitch Affirms Texas PSF Rating at 'AAA'; Outlook Stable', dated Aug. 5, 2015). KEY RATING DRIVERS The 'AA+' IDR reflects the district's diverse economic resource base and healthy overall financial profile. The district's strong operating profile is supported by a sound level of expenditure flexibility, expectations for solid revenue growth, and exceptionally strong gap-closing capacity. Stable enrollment performance is expected to require manageable levels of capital spending in the near term. As a result, Fitch expects the district's modest long-term liability burden to remain low. Economic Resource Base The district is located along a key transit corridor in the heart of the broad, diverse, and fundamentally strong Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metro economy. Area job growth continues to outpace the nation. The district's residential base is complemented by industrial and commercial sectors that include aviation (the corporate headquarters of American Airlines and helicopter manufacturer Bell Helicopter), healthcare, and retail (Northeast Mall). Taxable assessed valuation (TAV) grew by a moderate 7.3% for fiscal 2015, reflecting a strengthening real estate market. Revenue Framework: 'a' factor assessment A combination of local property taxes and state aid supports district operations. The natural pace of revenue growth is expected to remain solid, given historical performance and ongoing enrollment growth. The district's legal ability to raise revenues is limited. Expenditure Framework: 'aa' factor assessment The natural pace of spending growth is expected to remain in line with or modestly above that of revenues, given limited enrollment-driven capital needs. The district retains solid spending flexibility with manageable carrying costs, reflecting state support for retiree benefits. Long-Term Liability Burden: 'aaa' factor assessment The combined burden of long-term debt and pension liabilities represents a modest share of resident personal income. Fitch expects debt levels to remain low, given the district's minimal immediate debt plans. Retiree benefit obligations do not represent a significant burden on resident income. Operating Performance: 'aaa' factor assessment The 'aaa' operating performance assessment reflects the district's ample reserve funding levels relative to Fitch's expectations of revenue sensitivity, and a solid level of spending flexibility in the event of revenue declines. RATING SENSITIVITIES Maintenance of Financial Flexibility: The rating is sensitive to material changes in the district's solid expenditure flexibility and ample reserve levels, which Fitch expects it to maintain through a typical economic cycle. CREDIT PROFILE The district is located between Fort Worth and Dallas in Tarrant County and includes the primarily residential cities of Hurst, Euless, and Bedford within its 47-square mile boundaries, totaling approximately 147,800 residents. District enrollment of approximately 22,000 students has registered consistently modest growth over the last decade. District campuses, including 20 elementary schools, five middle schools, two high schools, are adequate to meet near-term growth expectations. Revenue Framework Funding for public schools in Texas is provided by a combination of local (property tax), state and federal resources. The state budgets the majority of instructional activity through the Foundation School Program (FSP), which uses a statutory formula to allocate school aid taking into account each district's property taxes, projected enrollment, and amounts appropriated by the legislature in the biennial budget process. The majority of districts are funded using a target revenue approach, whereby the combination of local and state funding for operations meets a predetermined per pupil amount (which varies from district to district). Approximately 41% of district operating revenues come from state aid, with the remainder generated by local property tax revenues. Enrollment, which is a key component of state funding, has grown over the last decade, generating solid revenue growth. The district's demographer projects further enrollment gains in the intermediate term, driving expectations for additional state aid. Fitch's expectations for revenue growth are based on the anticipated additional enrollment, given the district's minimal revenue-raising ability. District revenues have grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 2.8% over the last decade, exceeding national CPI but below GDP. Fitch expects the natural pace of district revenue growth in future years to remain in line with historical performance, given current enrollment expectations. The district's independent legal ability to raise revenues is limited, as the current maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate is $1.04 per $100 TAV and would need voter authorization to be increased to the statutory limit of $1.17. Management reports no plans currently to do so. The district levies a separate, unlimited debt service tax rate of $0.34 per $100 TAV, 67% of the statutory cap of $0.50 per $100 TAV that cannot be exceeded for new debt issuances. Expenditure Framework The district spends the majority of its operating budget on instruction, and also funds a considerable share of capital needs through a separate capital projects fund to which it transfers surplus general fund revenues annually. Fitch expects the natural pace of spending growth to remain commensurate with revenues absent policy action, given that the district is relatively mature and has no major enrollment pressure and related capital needs. The district's solid expenditure flexibility reflects substantial control over workforce costs and manageable carrying costs for debt service, pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) of 15.6% of fiscal 2015 governmental spending. Carrying costs benefit from state support for all but a small percentage of district pension and OPEB costs. Long-Term Liability Burden The district's long-term liability burden is low at 7.8% of resident personal income and is comprised almost entirely of the district's outstanding debt, which amortizes at a moderate pace of nearly 60% in 10 years. The district's manageable capital needs suggest debt levels will likely remain modest in future years. The district participates in the Texas Teachers Retirement System (TRS), a cost-sharing multiple employer pension system. Under GASB 67 and 68, TRS' assets covered 83.3% of liabilities as of fiscal 2015, a ratio that falls to 75% using a more conservative 7% return assumption. The state assumes the majority of TRS' employer contributions and net pension liability on behalf of school districts, except for small amounts which state statute requires districts to assume. Like all Texas school districts, the district is vulnerable to future policy changes that shift more of the contributions and liabilities onto districts as evidenced by a relatively modest 1.5% of salary contribution requirement, effective in fiscal year 2015. The proportionate share of the system's net pension liability paid by the district is minimal. Operating Performance The district has maintained their financial cushion at robust levels despite recessionary pressures and state funding cuts, garnering an 'aaa' assessment. Fiscal 2015 available reserves were $79.4 million, or a high 48.7% of spending. Fitch believes the district would use its considerable expenditure flexibility to maintain a satisfactory level of financial flexibility in a moderate economic decline scenario. The district has demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining financial flexibility. Budgeting is conservative, and management has been proactive in using excess revenues to limit debt issuance and boost reserves. Fund balances have increased significantly in years of recovery despite state funding volatility. The district projects a surplus of $8.6 million for fiscal 2016, further bolstering reserves, and has no plans to materially reduce fund balance in the near term. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. In addition to the sources of information identified in the applicable criteria specified below, this action was informed by information from Lumesis and InvestorTools. Applicable Criteria U.S. Tax-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 18 Apr 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/879478 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1010902 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1010902 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK:HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. Contacts Fitch Ratings Primary Analyst George Stimola Associate Director +1-212-908-0500 Fitch Ratings, Inc. 33 Whitehall Street New York, NY 10004 or Secondary Analyst Maria Coritsidis Analytical Consultant +1-212-908-0514 or Committee Chairperson Steve Murray Senior Director +1-512-215-3729 or Media Relations: Elizabeth Fogerty, New York, +1 212-908-0526 elizabeth.fogerty@fitchratings.com HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD NEWS AUGUST 27, 2016 1:17 PM H-E-B happenings A makeshift drive-in theater will show Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Saturday at The Parks at Texas Star, 1501 S. Pipeline Road in Hurst. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with live music, followed by the movie at about 8 p.m. Handout DARTH VARDER AND CO. COMING TO EULESS ON SATURDAY Saturday will be movie time at The Parks at Texas Star. A makeshift drive-in theater will show Star Wars: The Force Awakens at The Parks at Texas Star, 1501 S. Pipeline Road. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with live music, followed by the movie at about 8 p.m. Admission is a food donation (such as a canned good) per person, which will go to the 6 Stones nonprofit. Those attending will be able to tune in the sound on the radio in their car or truck. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: 817-685-1666. TRINITY, BELL OPEN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON FRIDAY NIGHT Friday night lights is here and both Trinity and Bell high schools will open their football seasons Friday. Trinity will take on Broken Arrow, Okla., at 7:30 p.m. at Pennington Field, at Central Drive on the south side of Airport Freeway. Bell will open its season at Coppell, also at 7:30 p.m., before returning home to play North Crowley at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2. SALSA AND SALSA CONCERT IS SEPT. 1 AT HERITAGE VILLAGE PLAZA Hurst’s fifth annual Salsa and Salsa concert is Sept. 1 at Heritage Village Plaza, 841 W. Pipeline Road. Those attending can bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the music by the salsa band Havana NRG at 7 p.m. Before the concert, at 6 p.m., free salsa lessons will be offered. The Hurst Public Library will provide free glasses of agua fresca, and Latin food vendors will be onsite with items for purchase. Information: 817-788-7300. Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/hurst-euless- bedford_news/article98332572.html#storylink=cpy NORTHEAST TARRANT AUGUST 29, 2016 12:17 PM Euless officers get national award for bravery in March gun battle The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has selected Euless officers Ed Pietrowski, left and Michael Sarro to receive its Officer of the Month Award for August. The officers received the award for their bravery and courage during the March 1 gun battle with Jorge Gonzalex, who killed fellow Euless Officer David Hofer. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Courtesy Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/northeast- tarrant/article98602192.html#storylink=cpy BY DOMINGO RAMIREZ JR. ramirez@star-telegram.com EULESS Officer Michael Sarro and Ed Pietrowski watched a fellow Euless officer gunned down on March 1 and ultimately killed the suspect after facing gunfire themselves. “These officers were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, to lay down their lives for their brother and friend,” Euless Assistant Police Chief Gary Landers said in a news release. For their action that day, the two — friends since they worked together for the New York City Police Department — have received the Officer of the Month Award for August from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in Washington D.C. Pietrowski and Sarro had responded to a call that day reporting shots fired at J.A. Carr Park. Officer David Hofer, who also had known Sarro and Pietrowski from his days as an officer at the NYPD, decided to back them up. The three arrived at the park and searched it. Hofer, 29, saw movement and was walking toward a creek when Jorge Gonzalez, 22, stood up and fatally shot him. Then Gonzalez turned his weapon on Sarro and Pietrowski. “I was trying to process everything,” Sarro said in a news release. “What just happened? Was that real? I don’t hear Dave (Hofer), that’s not good, so I start returning fire.” Pietrowski heard Sarro say on the radio, “Officer down, shots fired.” Sarro, who had been just a few feet away from Hofer, kept shooting as he sought cover. Pietrowski fired at Gonzalez, trying to draw his attention away from Sarro. “The biggest relief was when I saw him (Pietrowski) running in to help me,” Sarro said. “If it wasn’t for him, I’d be dead too. I’m sure.” Officials said that because of quick action by Pietrowski and Sarro no one else was injured at Carr Park, nor were students from Oakwood Terrace Elementary School, Harmony Science Academy or other officers. “Despite witnessing their colleague and friend get shot, Officers Sarro and Pietrowski were able to rely on their training and focus on their job to keep the community safe by taking down the gunman,” Memorial Fund President and CEO Craig W. Floyd said in a news release. “The bravery these men showed that day earns them our gratitude.” Gonzalez had been released from the Euless Jail at 11:23 a.m. after being arrested the day before for public intoxication. His family has said he was high on “ice,” or methamphetamine. After his release, he broke into a home on Bayless Drive — near the back entrance of Carr Park — and stole multiple weapons, police said. He had walked across the street, fired off a few shots in the park, and then took cover in a creek before killing Hofer. Sarro and Pietrowski, along with the other Officer of the Month Award recipients for 2016, will be honored during National Police Week at a special awards ceremony in Washington D.C. in May 2017. “It’s acts of courage like those demonstrated by Officers Sarro and Pietrowski that should be held up as an example for all to see when they discuss what it means to be a community servant and police officer,” Landers wrote. Pietrowski remembered his slain friend and fellow officer in a news release. “I know I’d take a bullet for a guy I care about. As a great example of David Hofer, this loving guy would just show up and say, ‘I’d take a bullet for you’ jokingly. But with him it was never a joke.” Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/northeast- tarrant/article98602192.html#storylink=cpy