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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-04 Euless Articles DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / O --�� — MAYOR CITY CNCL CITYATTNY GRIM MC'KAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR €"" A-1cDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARYADMVIIN LIBRARY REF _ DATE DISTRIBUTED /07/I//o DATE OF ARTICLE E3/ /q /0 7 NEWSPAPER; ' , , rR. — ' ''40"");.:•'4„0-7',..t. ' -.'" ,..;-..;44,,-,A, Lin ,,,,,, ,..„_,,...,_Nz,.. _, :,,,,7,1"[6. interview e • bme W..V,,:,.. Elaine Renfroe I am finding that Paradise has -;7 s, y y ,rt 5,:� `, ,{z, some of the most intelligent, , i� ' � , ,, , , t, � L caring and God fearing men k, , ` t -� ''..s1 4s• our community. *ti ,, 7,-.. 41,' l, w h : `: Darrell Rutledge is one of the a ,,,H ,�; a: fine men I am speaking of,and - gra,113 he serves unselfishly. Taking -4''''''''''',---.4., ': great pride in his career as the 1 ,,p • ' +, i,val ,t, Battalion Chief of the Euless 47,..:-4..a',..,;'' ,1:1,..,''.1 ,14' , .: " " im i Fire Department, Rutledge 1 .34' I 1 ., ' ~', .'-f--- also seeks to serve God in 1ial1lininm l4 .:'",,,-;11,-7:0-:-,:i .' �w „- , Levery aspect of his life. ►424�lm mr� 4 �f �M�"'':4,422;.'1':- in i Rutledge became a firefighter lid li1�B3 13,t f '�` "' in 1983, was promoted to 0elonm: ` Driver in 1985, lieutenant in OMeaOM ea OD� `k1 1989 served as Captain in i®�� '#' " tri 1995 and currently holds the 0 •t ", 4��:r 4,, , 4 5,'. t` j l t nj1 '-,Z '. } rank of Battalion Chief for the ., k,.�„ ;, ,,,� ar ti Euless Fire Department,being i .� � a,.:•:Y ! � ;� „� ;� promoted to this position in i ,;e - t v : 2003. When he first started ? v with the department, one of 41t44 (� _ ; �, .',. 4� y the guys said `Grab a hold of )s '-‘.,'''',;':1.,,,_ .°,j�! %�- . .".-1-'' ��' r ti's *:;.:11`„,''' ., :7.4..11+ , �S - L your officers coat and dont : ,,u.� S1rs-� , Iamii- - let go!" What great advice! " '� Rutledge has been around 4 ,e �'�ti 5 .1-' i'- . y44,� the likes of a fire department h'' �` .."..:.1.41::\'4%- all of his life. His Father isE �; ' 4 . a retired Battalion Chief . u „ y •" L serving the City of Arlington ;- °t x _ ' for 29 proud years. y ; , `:. Rutledge states that one -�, ,t7.1.-f., .-",401kc ! of his scariest moments was =:, V. ' V'� - 0 ,:,; '.,./ j� when he responded to a call at Darrell Rutledge Battalion Chief—Euless Fire Dept. an apartment complex where I a fire was blazing on the second floor. Rutledge and his partner were in the process of busting through the door when the out of control fire, with great force and strength blew them back as if they weren't even there. Rutledge was thrown down the stairs as his partner went flying onto the balcony. All Rutledge could think about was his partner's safety. They were both Lextremely shaken, but unharmed for the most part. What a blessing! They continued doing their job, fighting the blazing fire. Rutledge states, "Anytime we are able to save someone's L life or their precious belongings,THAT is our reward.", DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE OF MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY GRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED 1 /T/ 6 / DATE OF ARTICLE 8/ 19' 10 NEWSPAPE+ ,1 Outside of working, Rutledge treasures his every moment with his family and attending functions at First Baptist Church in Paradise."Any activity we can possibly get involved with _ at our church we do, and we love", says Rutledge. "My family and I also just love to "hang out"together and spend quality time together." Rutledge was born in Gilmer,TX,and at the age of 3 his family moved to Arlington,where he grew up and finally got to Paradise in 1992! (What took you so long?!)He and his lovely wife Susanna have 7 beautiful children, Brian, Kendall, Brittany, Kainen, Julie, Matti and Marki. They enjoy their 2 dachshunds, Samson and Angel! Rutledge wants everyone to take extra precautionary measures where our children are concerned and NEVER take for granted that they are safe as they start learning to drive. Instill in your child that they must always be aware of their surroundings.(Put the cell phones down....no texting!!) Oka so that line was from me,butpleaseguys and gals...listen to us! g..) y, "It is very important that we all respect and do as much as we can for our Paradise Volunteer Fire Department," says Rutledge. "These folks do it for FREE!" "I trust in God and believe in Him and know that HE has,and will always take care of me and those I love,"states Rutledge."I cherish my time with my family and long to be with them as much as possible. ***I want to thank all of the men and women that serve.Whether it be Firefighters,Policemen/ women, EMS, doctors, nurses, the list as you know goes on and on.You are truly a blessing to us all and are angels in so many ways.I will pray for you daily and may God Bless You my friends. *** —Elaine— DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF 1 MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY GRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR AlcDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF • _ DATE DISTRIBUTED /c /7` i 0 I DATE OF ARTICLE/01.30"1//34)/07 NEWSPAPER1 , �,1ird A.,4 — \ --.8.-,, tA.,-\1 C A so..w, , i#030.,. • •tsio/44I 't% y 40, 3- ;- '41.7 t/ ' ' 431'4"1 .'i :5€ f m immons Senior and Beverly Moore Center has itstaking home the third in own bowling place trophy. Everyone alley. This past spring had a fun time. If you a friend of the seniors think you can_beat our — donated the Wii game seniors come on in and system to the center. set up a match. Sim- - Since then the seniors mons,Senior Center is have been knocking , located at 508 Sim- { down the pins. Every- mons,Euless,Texas — one enjoys the game." 76040. A tournament was help We are open Monday, with fourteenseniors a Tuesday,Thursday signing up to bowl. 6.30 ain to 2:30 pm, Scores varied from yes we are opened that 130's to 200+. Each early. Friday is special senior;bowled three + event day. The coffee Lelimination games pot is always on and with the top four plenty of good corn- highest scores bowl- pany to enjoy while Ling.three more games, drinking it. with the winner taking" We do not stop play- L home the first place I ing because we grow trophy. Carter Rog- , old; we grow old be- ers was the tourna- cause we stop playing! meet winner with Al i' Thomas close behind 1 L DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE r OF 1 MAYOR CITY CNCL CITYATTNY GRIM MCKAMJE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR Mel)ONALD COLLINSIC. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED_ �� 1 • 1 0 / DATE OF ARTICLE/00-�1PI)I 07 NEWSPAPE L, ikyt WO A Awards0 TFE2009 t is with great pride Newsletter-Euless to announce that The' -Today City of Euless Parks Since becoming a mem- .11 & Community Services ber of TN'bA in 1995, Department won the Euless has received:47 . following four awards awards of excellence.. from the Texas Festivals for our commitment to No and Events Association promoting Arbor Day:"" ,Annual Awards Banquet Congratulations to the:, for 2009. Parks and Community im :.Best Children's Pro- staff and to our awesome gramming–Arbor Daze volunteers for making " KidZone Euless aridArbor Daze` Best Volunteer Program one of the most decorat- -Arbor Daze Volunteer ed events in TexasrYou Program - are all.. _ Best Educational �� �' — JC.tlleSS Program Arbor Daze - ct„�, Forestry Village , • . Best Organizational • FabE - ess. i I i DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRIM NICKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF _ DATE DISTRIBUTED I t2 / / U DATE OF ARTICLE/0/3O // /26/d NEWSPAPER c r% t looks like we with the historical decor �ae�S are going to have of the Texas Star'.` .8)t`\- e a cold, cold win- The statue cons sts of — y0cter. Acorns are falling three Indians fr m three Abe and caterpillars are fat separate nations sign- �to� and bushy. Our young \ ing a peace treaty with .friends look forward to Sam Houston stand- some,snow and maybe ing nearby. The artist, that will eliminate the Cindy Burleson, studied mosquitoes. the culture of each In; We are looking for -, dian and you will notice f ward to a busy season all are attired incloth- g with:all the traditional ; ingindigenous to their ' activities in our city... tribes. We begiii'with'the an- You can visitEulessTx nual Christmas Parade gov for more info of Lights. This year's about Euless activities, i theme is "A Star-Span- programs and projects. gled Christmas.." Each I Euless puts communica- MS3'Or Saleh year we seem to grow. tion high on our list of Euless larger so maybe this services for our citizens. year we will have one Enjoy the holidays,be THECITY 0 f E SiS hundred entries. safe and have a wonder- After thparade.;the ful new wonder- , following weekend is the Heritage Park Christmas Celebration. This is truly a festive affair for the whole fam- - ily. The library will be hosting several holiday activities and they are ;all.free. Have �%ou driven past the new statue,at the Texas Star Conference Centre?.It is truly mag- nificent. "At Peace" tells the-history of our area of Texas and blends DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF / MAYOR CITY CNCL CITYATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED l`;Z. 47" IDATE OF ARTICLE /D/Op- /1/3°/07 NEWSPAPER' S i�f J yo eitiftiFf My _ 1p ger• Qag, VIA Go• low 0. f veeaortr *p:‘,11110' opp 4. w ai _ ' Cady_ Q4ess Please call the shelter for : �zr, `7� �o more details.817-685- Qh r� �h"i 1594._Please-refer to my' c'2 g�,e cti-e 4`t°40/ shelter ID#011.332 when the �110 pleb ea.j contacting the Euless" ;;•.,(49/,74`.' Shelter. Thank you. I'm rd'h eq_ �hoojr q 1,2 being sponsored by the osh d'•cg Trinity GAP Club,"which means that my adoption fee is only$50,.and covers my neutering and shots. I'm a great:little girl that loves to be petted and scratched. behind my ear's I'll even let you brush me,if you'd. like.I just want a place that I can be happy and safe and give someone some love.Is that your home?, _ Euless Animal Services_ 1517 Westpark Way. Euless,TX 76040 (817)685-1594 DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF - M4 YOR CITY CNCL CITYATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDO:tiALD COLLINS� C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN c� LIBRARY REF / — DATE DISTRIBUTED / o 7 DATE OF ARTICLE // /1 3 /0 / NEWSPAPER FWST Six-vehicle wreck snarls traffic in Euless Star-Telegram Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 A six-vehicle wreck, including a large gravel truck, clogged traffic Friday afternoon on a service road of Texas 183 in Euless, police said. The wreck was reported 1:37 p.m. in the 1000 block of the highway, near the intersection with Industrial Boulevard, said Lt. John Williams, Euless police spokesman. He said the gravel truck reportedly had brake problems, so the driver exited "off the Airport Freeway at Industrial, eastbound, and ran through a red light at Industrial, striking several cars." Several people received injuries, Williams said, "but none life threatening." No other details were immediately available at 2:30 p.m. DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF l MAYOR CITY CNCL CITYATTNY GRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED /; / / o S DATE OF ARTICLE I/ //3/D /9 NEWSPAPER FWST Officials release name of pedestrian fatally struck in Euless Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 By BILL MILLER wmiller@star-telegram.com Authorities have released the name of a man who was fatally injured Thursday evening when he was struck by Ford pickup in Euless. Harry Cruz, 57, of Euless, was identified by the Tarrant County medical examiner's office. He was struck at 7 p.m. Thursday while crossing in the 600 block of Texas 10 near Simmons Drive in southeast Euless, police said in a news release. Cruz was hit by a truck driven by a 60-year-old man, who was westbound on Texas 10. The driver stopped and cooperated with the investigation, according to the news release. Records from the medical examiner's office indicated that Cruz lived at an address on Texas 10, a tenth of a mile southwest of where he was hit by the truck. The death was still under investigation, but no charges had been filed by Friday morning, according to the news release. DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF I MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRIM IYICKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS / C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARY REF — DATE DISTRIBUTED ,16 I l ✓ o DATE OF ARTICLE 11 /14,-/ /0 7 NEWSPAPER 7,J,4-44- iv Volunteers in Euless search for missing woman November 14,2009 By DAVID SCHECHTER/WFAA-TV Search for Kristen '' ti * M • n. EULESS — It's been an incredibly hard four years for David Charbonneau. In that time, his son died in a motorcycle crash and his 24-year-old daughter went missing. Police believe Kristen Charbonneau was murdered. On Saturday, the family was hoping for a break. David Charbonneau thanked volunteers for agreeing to search the last place Kristen was presumed to be before she disappeared in August, 2005. "I hope we find her, and that's a hard thing to say — but thank you guys, so much," Charbonneau told the volunteers as they set out to search by foot and by four-wheeler. "It's very hard for a father or a mother to say, 'I'm looking for a daughter's skeleton,' and that's exactly what I'm doing out there," Charbonneau said. Euless police said they have eliminated as suspects everyone Kristen knew, except for one person — a customer at Baby Dolls, the Forth Worth men's club where Kristin was a dancer. That person will not cooperate with investigators. "The person of interest was last seen leaving the club with Kristen that day," said police investigator Kimberly Althouse. 'We had an employee pick him out of a photo lineup." Searchers came up empty on Saturday. But since it is very difficult to charge someone with murder without the victim's body, the Charbonneaus say they will press on. "We're not going to give up," David Charbonneau said. "We're not giving up." DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF I MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMAN LIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED 1 A/ / 7 -T DATE OF ARTICLE l / l / S ( 0 NEWSPAPER FWST OBITUARIES Henry David Kasten Y !K • "t, -v. i! .. sk t. fir- ,! Litr% • as EULESS-._Henry passed away Henryasten was a member at the age of 56 on Thursday,Nov. Y 12, 2009, fighting a long battle of the Advisory Board for with juvenile diabetes. Social Concerns. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2 p.m. Monday.at First UnitedMethodist Church of Euless, 106 N Main St., ._ Euless Henry was born in Miami, Fla., Oct.17`1953,to Stanley and Ruth Kasten.He has lived in Euless for 25 years with his wife,Janice Rev- ell Kasten.They have two`vi7onder- ful children; Aaron',and Sara Kas-- ten. '. ,Family was_,his.existence:-for ' continuing an endless battle with juvenile diabetes and all its compli- cations.He was the true definition:1 of a proud father and.husband.He-- will ;be-•remembered for e his_ strength 'and, determination to keep fighting. Henry was a man•- that many:admired for his Continu- al dedication to his family,friends and work. No matter what obsta- cles were dished out to Henry, he would attack with.relentless wis dom and strength:.-." —. •; Henry was an engineer for the Corps of Engineers for 21 years.He would workeven when in ICU.,He Was dedicated to.his clients and profession.He was an advocate for persons- with '.disabilities.- Even with his own;disability he never asked Tor any favors. Being blind and with all his complications of-di abetes he never gave up.He was preceded in death by his father,Stanley Kasten,and sister, Karen Hamil. - SURVIVORS:Wife,Janice Rev- _ ell.Kasten;son,Aaron Revell Kas- ten;daughter,Sara Elizabeth Kas- ten; asten;mother,Ruth Reck and stepfa- ther, Albert, Reck; sister, Joanne Kasten; sister-in-law, Trina Frier and _brother-in-law, Jayi- Frier; nephews, Trent Frier, Robert Ha- mil, Jason Hamil and Ryan Cohn; many cousins and close friends. _ Forest Ridge Funeral Home Hurst,817-285-7777 View and sign guestbook at www.star-telegram.com/obituaries DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF / MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF — DATE DISTRIBUTED I call I /0 7 DATE OF ARTICLE I I // 7 /0 7 NEWSPAPER fJ/N co U.S. memory champ picks up tips, but no title, at world meeting of the minds Tuesday,November 17,2009 By ERIC AASEN/The Dallas Morning News For Ron White, competing against other top minds at the World Memory Championships in London was, well, something he won't soon forget. Last week's event wiped him out mentally, giving the Euless resident a headache. During one event, his hands were sweating and his heart was pounding. White, the reigning American memory champion, placed 30th in a field of more than 60 mental athletes from around the world during the three-day competition. Despite the mental turmoil, and the jet lag, White enjoyed learning from other memory masters. "It was an incredible experience with some of the brightest minds in the world," White wrote in an e-mail from England. The world event consisted of 10 memory events, including recalling a list of binary digits and remembering numbers that are announced each second. Competitors also had to recall random words and abstract images, while matching names to faces. _ White said he's picked up new strategies from other competitors, some of whom have been participating in the world championships for years. Ben Pridmore of Britain won this year's event, giving him a third world memory title. White was crowned the USA Memory Champion in March after memorizing a 167-digit number in five minutes and recalling myriad details about strangers, including their names and favorite hobbies, cars and foods. For White, memorization isn't a hobby — it's his job. He teaches memory seminars, and companies hire him to talk to sales forces, figuring that remembering names will help boost sales. White is already planning for next year's world championship in China. He hopes to find and train a group of memory maestros in Dallas so they can compete in 2010. "They may end up beating me and my records," he said, "but this is more about a team and the USA than it is me." DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF / MAYOR CITY CNCL CITYATTNY CRIM MC IE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN gLIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED 42 /7 /0 DATE OF ARTICLE 1 /( l0 / NEWSPAPER FWST NORTHEAST CLICK tr.„ t z� , s may. • �..''''1..'4,17;,,,,,nt q .. „'a''- 74$ a. ; \ Ei l ,rex. Y s`' r ; 1. �'_ 3 '. i ' ft:' i s t ' ' 1,0-0 -11,4.''' '';,* f .:i. 1 � � ~� ,_ Nik.,.., .., ,(,-'440‘.;' trv . .-,„,.....)1,::i 'Z f sem• _ tt *r„ w as, 4. sae',.FT i} ...i1 1 ' s � Seated:Ginger Awtry,Kim Sutter,Laura Wheat,Debbie Piper and Amanda DeGan. — Standing:Todd Wood,Larry Corson,Tom Brymer and Eddie Edwards. „'Al,,,,.,-,IN Westlake awarded excellence award Y " Westlake was awarded the 2009 Texas Municipal League Munic jpal Excellence Award in Man- agement Innovations at the Texas Municipal League Annual Conference and Exhibition.The , award ceremony was at the Fort Worth Convention Center. .. PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE Kim played a major part in the submission of the award for the Town of Westlake, so she accepted the recognition along with the other Town officials. DISTRIBUTED TO: _ PAGE I OF / MAYOR CITY CNCL CITYATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADIWIN LIBRARY REF — DATE DISTRIBUTED / o2/ /0 DATE OFARTICLE///a4)-/a//f:3/D j' NEWSPAPER - v From The Local Leader,$Jilp he upcoming year The city has initiated is going to be a i a new water payment busy one.Each 1 system called a January our police de- "Tiered System" that partment hosts two Town will benefit all users Hall;meetings open for of water and hopefully citizens to come and encourage citizens to hear what is happening save water. Remember in Euless and to share the city is on a time of concerns and problems, ' daywatering program all { and even kudos. Ev- year. Euless is partici- - councilperson and patine; with Fort Worth department directors areArlington P and Arlin in the use present to answer ques- of effluentf water for the tions. - golf course and parks. t4"4- � Every ten years the Euless is mindful as are' t � � 'constitution of the Unit=; other cities• of the need to ,N,rri r'P -; ; „ �# ed States declares that save our precious water: Mayor Saleh • all peoples living in the You can visit www. U.S. should be counted, )�ulessTx.gov for more' Euless . °. thus the Census. It is information about Euless c v o r important that ALL peo- activities.programs--and -SS. ple be counted includ- projects. Euless puts ° � � ing anyone hying in our: communication.high on city. Each city depends 4 our list of services for on an accurate countour`citizens.Enjoy the ` ,to receive monies from '2 holidays„:be safe,and the federal government, . have a wonderful new to elect officials from -, year- :',t, districts depending on -r a the number of residents and many other reasons. Euless has a census com — mittee already at work. ;,„ to help those that need' - help and assist the U$- Census committee' ere`°1 needed. j L DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE 1 OFJ MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY GRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED / /1YI o DATE OF ARTICLE///dv -/oZ//(�o NEWSPAPER j _ _C ommunity News. Texas — Star Names New Golf Professional z �z4,4 - 4r��� _ .,., he City of Euless be supervising the opera- • ' T and the Texas tion of the golf course, ' — Star Golf Course_ coordinating golf tourna- 4 i are pleased to announce ments,managing the that Dan Walden has• driving rarige,supervis- , e :'. : accepted the position of ing golf cart operations, ' Head Golf Professional. conducting golf lessons Walden has six years of and clinics. — Head Golf Professional "Dan not only has an . experience with the impressive background prestigious Four Seasons and has worked at some, — Resort and Club in Dal- New Head Golf Professional of the premier-golf clubs Dan Walden las,TX and Guanacaste, and resorts all over the-'" - -, Costa Rica. 3, world,"said Texas Star'c' to Dan joining the Texas ' — Walden will manage General Manager Glenda Star teats" • and supervise the opera- Hartsell-Shelton,"but;he Those interested in • tion of the golf pro shop also"has a great love of reserving tee times or i4 to ensure quality service • , the•game and-that'isevi i booking outings can { is provided to,the public ..:, dent just from speaking contact Texas-Starat _ His responsibilities will to him.We look forward 1-888-TEX-STAR;• I 1 1 7 DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE I OF MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY ('RIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADIWIN LIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED 4--/I C) DATE OF ARTICLE /I/a10 °2 /°7 NEWSPAPER ? Community NevvS _ _ Christmas Parade of Lights t • ,0'•• z r elebrate Tite spirit- this year's theme--"A of"A Star-Span- Star-Sparigled Christ- gled Christmas" mas."After the parade, at this year's Christmas join us at Trinity High Parade of Lights on School for float award Saturday,December 5 at announcements.For 6:30 p.m.This event is more information or to a spectacular-display of receive'a float applica- moving ligliti2Organif;'• tion call (817) 685-1449. zations of all kinds are The parade begins at welcome to enter floats 6:30 p.m, at Midway Pr • L ./ in the best parade in Tex- and Fliller-Wiser.It will as!Let your imagination \ travel west on Midway run wild as you consider and end at Trinity High School. / DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF / MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF � �7/ DATE DISTRIBUTED / /o DATE OF ARTICLE /I f::,7 0 - 1a/I Y //,NEWSPAPER Y 4 g Cornmuniy News') A Santa Express Party a blanket and stretch out — on our.:gymnasium:floor;, Come celebrate a ing The Polar Express. and get ready_for a.greati magical Christ Children will :be able moviegoing experience.7 . mas holiday on to enjoy themed arts This familyevent is free Saturday,December 5 • and craft along_:withlhot . 'and great_for.all ages at t 4 p.m.-6 p.m.watch- cocoa and cookies Bring' All aboard at..the Mid- — way Recreation Center, bated at300:MidWay. I Drive in Euless! , — i 1 DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE I OFJ MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATINY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS/ C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMI yN��gLIBRARY REF — DATE DISTRIBUTED A / -7" /0 c DATE OF ARTICLE /1 /a d/C / NEWSPAPER FWST TARRANT COUNTY L Cities. . seep eater: , ,- ,, - communication „...,,,,,,,,,,,..,,,,,,,,,,, . s.F � .' w t,',,,4. ,, s ��a -^°"w °� - E ..Sash S +..nit Y��.•,4, for ._4---:,-., emergencies. �.., , .. , ',1 r b. '. S`Y¢ - Pk+`3,. — � 'I i, Illlll,l,ll +,,,i'''uillu IIIII'llIlli U , ,1 ;; We've been doingbusi .';'11,,, k 44, ` Fire and police departments � 4 ��, need to be able to talk with ness wrong over the years,and er' �� k we need to rethink about shat` ` �` - ',�£ + � , one another. - ,. <» , - mg these big, systems as op By YANK BERARD posed to hai�ing clot ofidiffer- Arlington police dispatcher Michelle Fason directs operations for the yberard@star-telegram.com tintlittle systems,"-”Said Eads, ' • north-side division last November:Seven area cities hope to hookup t Radio conununication among chairman .of the •technical a North Texas public safety radio system. STAR-TELe�RAy aacHlvs fire and police departmentscommittee that oversees the Eads said the-consortium -The consultant— Holland can mean life or death. operation and maintenance of 'probably can't afford to buy the &'Knight -•hires attorneys` .. "It's important that we're area dispatch radio systems ;system,including consoles,ra withexperience in federal ap` able to' communicate from l' 'North Texas now has more 'dios and other equipment, all ro dations law In. 2000, its one [police and fire depart-• than 211 analog radio'systems at once. ' p ' y • that belong. to individual citlawyers helped secure more. meet] to the other becau'se,.a "When budgets are tight, than $3.4 billion in federal o lot of times, the crimes move ,ies': police and fire depart-,,, you have to do something a lit, funding for clients, a spokes?` from one city to another,"said merits,Eads‘said The techm .l:tie more creative,"he said woman for the firm''said Friday Lt,John Williams,a Euless po :cal committee's plan is to buy Communication was !a , Eads,.who is also Arlington lice spokesman. • ' a digital system. that,"could problem on ,9-11, Williams police 'communications ads But as it stands,police dis- reach beyond Houston,•tying said. Some police and fire de iimustrator hopes that the patchers in Grapevine can't I police and fire agencies to one partments couldn't communi firm will bring home plenty b talk to patrol officers or fire another, cate with one another because opportunities, ,,• #`-- fighters in Arlingtori.;If a Bed- ..The consortium includes• they' had different radio Sys' "Thegrants have not been — ford officer pursues,a criminal Arlington, ,Bedford, Colley-;' teras. n released yet, Eads said. Thee, into Southlake,he will lose.ra- 'vile,Euless,Grapevine,Keller`` After 9-11,President George "'are so many grants. , , , Tliis dio communication with his and'Southlake.Grapevine andk, W. Bush said better coordina- I,company goes out and look's ll dispatchers outside e lle have approved:the city Co Yvi pP the tion among public safety agen- for them." } ; -.P.4 limits:`- -,c -= hiring of the consultant, Ar_ cies was- a priority, and he � • .41 "It's an officer'safetyfactor," lin ton is expected to do so in • called for makin •commumca YP g YAWL BERArw,817 deo-7705 said Gerard Eads,with Arling- -z January : a "tion systems compatible na- - ton police. "It's a great thing for public- .tionwide. Consortium-leadefs • Seven Tarrant County cities " safety,"said Mark Bills,techni- 2 expect'to capture a chunk of plan to change all that. They cal services manager for 'the federal funding to be red are teaming up in,hopes of -Grapevine police."We have to leased to cities to support:tle i hooking up to a North Texas 'have a new radio system. 2; 'radio cyst ATi1 : '" public safety. radio system Apparently,there's noe with multiple channels that l to waste, said Bills; also would widen emergency corn- member of the technicahcorir munications among their po- mittee. .Five years ago, .the lice and fire agencies. North Central Texas Council of ,y The expected cost:$25 mil- Governments said the lack of a `,,lion, To pay for it, the Arling- shared emergency"commute ton ,and Northeast Trunked cations system was North Tex; Radio System consortium is as'No.:1 weakness in anti-ter` rorism planning. I expected to cover the $96,000 iT, `, cost 'to hire a Washington, Adding, pressure, by De- D.C.,consultant to tap federal cember 2016,current dispatch grants. ' radios in area cities. will no longer be;.supported"by the • manufacturer and will be come obsolete, Bills said.:;lie said the new radio system would take about three years to construct. DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY A TTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF Jr DATE DISTRIBUTED /a /N /05 DATE OF ARTICLE 11/..?3 -a 9 JO 9 NEWSPAPER 10, Z,,,,),,,,a,„ around us." a s The entire Dream Gardens project willLeone began drawing plans for a botan- encompass 50 acres,with the 30-acre Chi- ical garden space in 1999.His first concept nese garden component becoming the was a private development that would fea- largest traditional Chinese gardens outside ture not only botanic,but cultural and ed- meets of China and the only one combiningboth ucational pieces. He had his sights on northern and southern architecture fea- property in Coppell,but when city planners tures,Leone said.The Dream Gardens also in Grapevine caught wind of his designs, %%T( s t will include a Chinese traditional theater the city was quick to court Leone. stage, a Chinese cultural center, an am- `The city of Grapevine saw it and invited phitheater, a torii gate, a wedding garden, me here,"he said. "I basically started with Suzhou gardens, a waterfall, artisan shops an idea and basic framework and it's just Asian garden planned and restaurants. been adding and adding." The Dream Gardens is tucked inside The Through the years, Leone has done de- for Grapevine Springs at Grapevine,which,including the sign jobs across the states.While building a 50-acre Dream Gardens,will offer 80 acres. water gardens along the Concho River in of gardens, two hotels, a Japanese inn, a San Angelo,Texas,several years ago,Leone BY ALESHIA HOWE river walk and entertainment venues. discovered what he calls a treasure: hun- m. ahowe@bizpress.net Leone said he plans to use much of the dreds of huge boulders dotting the bluffs surrounding nature into the design. The on the edge of town. Larry Leone went to China earlier this50,000-square foot International Cultural 'They are part of nature and I knew they year to gather more information and Center,for instance.will be built into a hill could be used in something," he said. "I knowledge for his planned Asian garden feature on the property, he said. And a just wasn't sure what." development in Grapevine. He returned 25,000-square-foot Asian spa will be set Years later,Leone will use those boulders from the journey with much more:the Chi- atop an 80-foot man-made mountain with as part of the project's man-made moun- nese government as his new partner. various water falls spouting down the sides:. tain, bringing them to Grapevine in 'spec' — Leone the developer of the planned 50- The Springs at Grapevine, however, is loads, with -specific orders for sizes and • acre Dream Gardens in Grapevine, left for part of an even larger planned project under shapes needed to cut down on waste. China in May of this year to meet with the the moniker The World Villages of But they aren't the only boulders to be Suzhou Institute of Landscape Architectural Design Co. Ltd., the Chinese design firm Grapevine,a$1.6 billion,3-million-square- shipped in for the project. Leone said foot mixed-use development including not Scholar Stones-Chinese national treasures that had designed the Huntington Botani- cal Gardens in San Marino, Calif. He was only the Springs at Grapevine, but also a -also will be imported from China. one-of-a-kind indoor ski park alongside res- Suzhou is known worldwide for its gar- Ns armed with drawings of his ideas as well as a video of himself and others constructing idential,hotel,retail and restaurant space. dens.The classical gardens in Suzhou were the small model of what he hoped his 50- added to the list of United Nations Educa- acre vision would include: Bonsai trees, His grand design tional,Scientific and Cultural Organization mill boulders,running water,all representing an Leone grew up an'Air Force kid'moving World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000. inspired Asian garden. But when he met from continent to continent before gradu- The Dream Gardens is a joint project be- with officials of the Chinese firm,his plans ating from Burleson High School and be- tween officials from Suzhou,the Society for changed. ginning his career in design in Texas.He has Environmental and Cultural Awareness - "I really went with no other intention no formal training in design,but he credits a Grapevine-based non-profit group-and than looking and considering, but when his dad's love of art for his design career. the International Cultural Center.The proj- "My dad was a real art buff. He drug us ect is scheduled to open in 2013. they saw what we were working on, they through every museum he could find so it Larry G.Brown,president of Grapevine- — immediately made a decision. They went was a sort of forced education,"Leone said. based Forward Group International and over my head and made a decision,"Leone said. "They went to the government and all "We were stationed in Japan for three years of a sudden, the Chinese government and I got tired of having to go to these gar- wanted to do a formal letter to help with dens over and over, but now I guess those the gardens." visions are really paying off." Though Leone's firm, Grapevine-based The Leone Group, is the formal developer — of the massive project, he says there is a Larry Leone is a Euless resident who lives in "spirit of partnership"withChina. Councilman Porterfield's neighborhood. "I just felt that they really understood what we were trying to do here," he said. — "We're trying to do something good;some- thing that will be here hundreds of years from now and something that will show _ the kind of beauty there is everywhere DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE '-'. OF _ MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRI111 MCK4iVIIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. 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' 7,k,..,', 1 '', ' -' ..:*'. , • '' 'Arvelaexo,, , - - • -,-- - . „. . .,... ,ft.,.._-,*war i t...'-4-,',A-.• ,,-,. ..'.,....,,„, -"+ .-, , ,-. . ...-... , _. - Larry Leone is the developer of the planned 50-acre Dream Gardens in Grapevine part of the SECA group,said The Springs at Grapevine has some financial backing now, mostly private investors,with some corpo- rate funding-induding backing from the Chinese government via the institute's do- nated design work-for the nonprofit por- tion of the project. Construction of The Springs will be han- dled by'TLG3,the construction arm of The IN Leone Group. Looking ahead The next steps for the development in- dude wrapping up procurement of addi- tional Bonsai trees as well as finishing design and civil engineering. Grapevine- based Goodwin and Marshall Inc.has been commissioned to do the civil engineering for the Dream Gardens project. In March, ..... Leone said Suzhou will begin construction pieces for its Chinese garden portion.• oup DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF MAYOR CITY CNCL CITYATTNY CRJM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF // DATE DISTRIBUTED /A f "1 / C 9 DATE OF ARTICLE /( D NEWSPAPER FWST BRIEFS Hurst man, 32,dies in car crash EULESS—One man is dead and another is in jail after a one-car accident early Saturday morning..The two were in a 2007 BMW traveling north in the 1200 block of Bear Creek Parkway when it hit a utility pole MIMIO and slid into a tree,according to police,who re- sponded at 2;20 a.m.The passenger,Ricky Morrison, 32,of Hurst died at the scene,-police said.The driver, Cody Worrell,32,was treated for injuries at a hospi- tal and was in the Euless Jairon Saturday,police said. He faces a charge of intoxication manslaughter. —Aman Batheja DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF — MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF —DATE DISTRIBUTED /, Z /'7 /0 / DATE OF ARTICLE /I /02 9/ 09 NEWSPAPER FWST THE WATCHDOG . - ONCOR TREE CUTTING SPARKSBACI(L �' AS �� ': PThe Grapevine mayor , i g ° " '" s r , r % gryf,+��ri xt II" a� Ir.";'''-'7''''''1"" r wb n r'�`a K F'"$ aY d d a"„-;,44:,:,,,,,402#%,.1,0,,,,,i,2%::• d ” ,Y�,��,g� " x meets •with the u,ality,and y S},ry(,p f ,G w ,;r ,, ;,4a�� ;,i z the com an romises to ,.,y.,,,,0,,-,9„,,,,,,,-,p,„ 01,i ,' w'• , r: 1s" as rf y• 2 r�,r1��,Y x�o ./ P . YP 'mow ` �tr�, r change its pruningways- , AM a y 4 hw�r, Qy 4 , wlf a vr After .33- years in office, 'haaa��x .; , f x% r -4 kg:' r • ::;,m,--.1 Grapevine l Mayor William « '. •'4;',.;1 * -$4419 h fiyv� ' b I Tate says he doesn't take on y ,,,..„,,,,',...• ty �-/yr l�, ,, 3 �a' ` ., -, L '::'?„,%,,,,,,e,,,,,,,l '„ fi u-3 -$1, 6 im too mangyfig,ht anymore.But , , � s a,ate 't when he does,he's serious.” ,,, ,wa ti a '',_,',,,i;.,,,, a + '�,, :. Fifteen 'years ago, 'he F ,, -= ,„r „: $;,. fought Dallas/Fort Worthci x / F"�SSF { 'S' t4 w 6 1 a5,44 L t•_t, * ' 1. Airport on an'expanded run- •:".W",-`1' M� �*��.�, ,� "`� ' '� *�. ,"•I''4"`: _ way. ;` ,k�," .� j1 4 , His latest' target: Oncor .0 r ''E `' w Electric Delivery. 1 'r" `" He calls the company a '' +"2.a ' k- -'u;r;"s �aea e°";'" ,,. `:. bully hires other compa- Trees along Autumn Drive in Grapevine bear the marks of heavy nies to butcher trees in the trimming to clear limbs away from power lines. s-TR0DGER MAL ISON': IIIIII name of safety '" ".TXU will tell me.one thing,and . When Oncor threatened to cut';' "Absoluteuglmess;"he de- Oncor will tell me something else,"' trees around the, city's 'treasured' Glared of'Oncor's''arbor as ' she said. Nash Farm, the city,decided to I sault on Grapevine at an Oc- Nancy.Norello, also of North spend$25,000 to bury electric lines (ober City Council meeting. • Richland;Hills, paid for her own i instead. - "You can't imagine what' trimming'this year. Later,,.:when Tate was"so angry he filed a• the 'pe done t9 us.For some Oncor notified her that more trim- complaint with the Public Utility' _ one;just to come in and have their ming was.corning,she refused to ' Commission„ Even though the way with you while you stand help; -let workers on her property-Mak- PUC'doesn't regulate tree trim- lessly'and grieve isn't right." ing it worse,they spoke only Span- ming,'Tate says the complaint got Tate and others say tree trim- ish,she says. ' Oncor's attention. . finers hired by the electricity trans Another Oncor worker told her` The mayor recently hosted •a, mission company have butchered she could face jail time for hiring '"summit"with several North Texas trees worse this year than any other an unapproved trimmer.(State law mayors and top Oncor officials at: time since Grapevine got electric-.,' allows a one-year jail term for vio ,Grapevine Convention =Center:: lug ity'in 1929.The loudest complaints lating the High Voltage'Overhead Tate:invited The Watchdog to at come from Grapevine, Euless and Lines Law)Another told her_`power tend: • , North Richland Hills.' could be cut:off,she says. - 1 Rob Trimble,chief operating of- IL ' Homeowners say Oncor, a sub- - "They thought they were going fiver of Oncor, 'represented the sidiary of Dallas-based Energy Fu to bully me, she said. company,and,acknowledged that ture Holdings(fornierlyTXU),cuts - When the trimming company 'itmade mistakes and wants`to rrri trees in 'a ham-handed 'manner brought a constable to her proper- prove. ' • without providing'enough notice '' ty,she says she convinced the con- ' 'Tate was'joined at the slimmit ow or information. Workers some- stable that Oncor was attempting by Euless,Mayor Mary Lib Saleh,` times cannot speak English. to gain unlawful entry. who said the lack of communica-- The whole system is a mess, " She hired a lawyer and negotia- tion between customers and:tree:'' some say.Bonnie Whatley of North , tions are continuing: Richland Hills tells The Watchdog ' Athishouse, Mayor Tate says," that she received a$490 bill from backyard trees were trimmed "re Oncor after,the company:discon- ally harshly" after an April storm. i .nected power lines near her house : Limbs were left on his property for so a tree trimmer:she.hired-could weeks • - prune nearby trees. ,"My wife was extremely upset," She made many calls to Oncor he said. . INN and TXU Electric to complain Throughout town, .;pines, ,cy about the bill and has refused to press and post oak trees were re- pay ined,he says. DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE c OF Gil MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C.BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF DATE DISTRIBUTED /a Ill/ 0 ! DATE OF ARTICLE I /a y /0 NEWSPAPER FWST More informations 1 In,October, Oncor launched a ■Oncor produces booklets with toll-free number that homeowners tree growing and trimming in- can call when the_company puts a .. formation.Visit www.oncor.com/ tree-trimming announcement on trees or call the company's new a front door vegetation management depart- .Qncor•1 says it wants trees ment`at'800-518-2375: trimmed at least 10 feet, 4 inches -- •State law prohibits residents _from power lines. from trimming trees near power Tate says the trimming goes well lines. beyond that-and that needs- of •Oncor urges homeowners to varying species are not considered. use Oncor-senttrimmers or hire Oncor donated $25,000 to their own qualified trimmers. Grapevine's tree-sharing,program •Homeowners can also pay to "so we-can give a tree back.to"some- bury lines underground: one whose trees were butchered'," •Homeowners should avoid Tate said.He called that a"superfi- planting spreading trees within cial"gesture. 50 feet of power lines. "That doesn't replace ,a 200- .■Read Texas law about overhead year-old oak, but at least we got power lines by searching for "something..." - - Texas Health and Safety Code, Oncor is also sending a Grape- Chapter 752,High Voltage Over- vine supervisor to the city in Janu- — head Lines, ary.."We havent had one in years," Tate said. trimmers is"distasteful." The company wants cities to Holding up a photo of a badly enact ordinances" that prohibit — damaged tree, Tate asked Oncor planting Qftrees near power lines. higher-ups:"How would you like to In.return,Tate.says,North Tex- have that on your Christmas card?" ans want to know Oncor's tree- _ Complaints have been so severe trimming plans a year in advance, that Oncor is forcing supervisors at not the customary five days before. its five tree-trimming.companies He wants Oncor to find another to take customer"sensitivity-train-train- way to pick up"expenses for.bury- _ mg"to better deal with homeown= mg lines underground, other than ers. Repeatedly I asked Oncor to charging homeowners show mewhat the training consists He says-he plans to keep'up the of,but the companywould only re- heat. lease a one-page synopsis.Topics "IlcindoffeellikeTheWatchdog include: first impressions, tele- on this,"the mayor said phone etiquette,dealing with an - ; You go gry callers and "conversation.ex- — amples." — DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY CRIM MCKAMIE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR i cDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF — DATE DISTRIBUTED l / DATE OF ARTICLE� /I d /c NEWSPAPE The Smith Smears Richard Whittaker Tuesday, December 1, 2009 rt g h . � f Smith:Too smart and contemplative for a GOP primary? There's no more thankless task in the state legislature than being the lawmaker to grasp a thorny issue, and House Elections Committee Chair Todd Smith, R-Euless, has become that guy. Unusually for a committee head, Smith has drawn a primary opponent: Former Bedford City Council member Jeff Cason. Painting the primary as "a law and order conservative vs. a personal injury trial lawyer," Cason is going after him for authoring House Bill 3148, which he portrays in his press release as a get-out-of-jail-free bill for sexual predators. In fact, the bill did nothing to restrict prosecution or punishment. Instead, it was intended to show a little clemency on painting someone for life with the "sexual offender" tag in very, very specific circumstances. In cases of a sexual relationship between a minor aged at least 14 and a defendant no more than four years older than them, the defendant could ask the judge not to require them to register as a sex offender if, and only if, there was no coercion involved. Smith's work on this thorny issue was so well received and commended by his legislative peers that it passed the Senate unanimously and the House 129-14 (after statements of vote), with even hard-core law'n'order GOPers like Jerry Madden and Dan Gattis making empassioned speeches in its support. It only failed because Gov. Rick Perry vetoed it. Guess what? His veto statement contained a whopping great big untruth. He claimed that the exemption could be applied for "regardless of the age of the victim." Not true, since the enrolled version clearly states that the rule would only apply if "the victim or intended victim was at least 14 years of age." At the time of passage, Smith said to everyone that voted for his bill, Republican or Democrat, "if your opponent comes and says that you were soft on sexual predators, I make a personal pledge to come to your district and call that person a liar." Let's see if anyone out of the 160 other lawmakers who approved this bill has the guts and moral fiber to return the favor. S DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF 1 MAYOR CITY CNCL CITY ATTNY GRIM MCKAMJE BROWN YOUNG ANIMAL CNTR McDONALD COLLINS C. BARKER GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF — DATE DISTRIBUTED /a/II/o DATE OF ARTICLE /a /-3/ C F NEWSPAPER FWST EULESS Recreation center to ..... project include new digs for seniors ,__ �ti0 ,...es. It will be renamed the Resident Lonnie Allen;73, \O. Midway Park Family Life shared Bellamy's excitement -y4 C, d QV Center,officials say. but said he will miss the md-_-- — mate feel of.the current center. 1�11�e e� By ADRIAN McCANDLESS "The only thing that wor= , 1 >> amccandless@star-telegram.com I e�� nes me about the new •place is re- 1.eC C a1ev4 00' By atioEUnCenterhs e nettinaaRc ;-that it.will be too big,";he said,,, reel- ce- gettingmajorMcDonald said the new se-. ' s• to ve a>oi�a makeover and'anew name mor center will have a connec- V\etise etiv4 a Cl" Cityofficials want the facil tor to the fitness center ce meter is t e. e' la ay ity at 300 W Midway Drive to The$2.1 million expansion — 1 bled,teatY'e eI be a place that every resident and makeover of Midway will o'm c Gel- eo4�e can enjoy,said Ray McDonald,. also. include space for youth ',��1 . yea ��O? c lPl• park and community services and adult classes, new locker Y's V'61 of e ac os director.It will be anchored by ;rooms and a drop-in day care, t\l-e y,,es�zo alone center and a 9t new Mc"Midwa said. park is the Central of�l y fitness center. Park of.,Euless," McDonald We are calling this project saidWecoitldn't have asked the'Midway Park Family Life for abetter location." Center,because that is exactly Although a date has not what it is,,'he said. "It will be _been set, McDonald said the anopportunity for a family recreation center will close in no matter what age-to par late December and reopen in ticipate in programs." May - The city will open bids for He added that the fitness — the project.Dec. 22 and will center is expected to open in ' likelyaward contracts in Janu--- August. = ary,McDonald said. It will be worth the wait, The senior center is expect said resident Mark David,52. :. — ed to:cost about $4.8 million "The first.thing that came and openby next winter, Mc- to my mind was having more 'said.said. It will include classes offered . and maybe,; classroom space, staff offices, having the opportunity-to`- a.kitchen,a game room,a lob- eventually do.'some personal by- and °a 5,000-square-foot training once-I get certified,- ballroom. he said.:• ": — "The ballroom is probably the grand feat'Ure`of the new center,"he said."You could fit the current center in just the — ballroom."-The city has outgrown the Simmons Senior Center, said- resident Barbara Bellamy 70.- — "We are very excited about it," Bellamy said. "It-will be nice to have a new place:"