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Davis Elementary Parents Respond To School’s Potential Closure
During a Plano ISD Board meeting on May 21, 2024, a district committee announced the recommended closure of Davis Elementary, Forman Elementary, Armstrong Middle and Carpenter Middle Schools. Davis Elementary, however, is a school for both mixed-hearing, deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children. It not only serves as the local elementary school but also operates as the regional day school program for the Deaf, catering to early childhood and elementary students. Many parents and staff members believe they are left without options when it comes to their Deaf community and fear their children will be left behind if moved to a neighboring...
North Texas Drone Show Earns Golden Buzzer On America's Got Talent
Sky Elements, a North Texas drone company, rocketed into the spotlight on America's Got Talent (AGT) this week, earning a history-making second golden buzzer for their stunning performance by judge Simon Cowell. The second week of season 19 saw Sky Elements take the stage with a dazzling display of 1,000 drones, captivating both the judges and the audience. The company, founded by college best friends Preston Ward and Brian Geck, has a rich history of innovation in large-scale light shows. They started with synchronized Christmas light displays, then transitioned to pyrotechnics and fireworks, before finally settling on the captivating world of...
Why Prosper, Texas Police Use A $689,000 Vehicle
If you see a military-grade vehicle cruising the streets of Prosper, Texas, don’t worry. These emergency response vehicles serve many purposes and just about every police department has something similar. In a Facebook post on June 1, 2024, several police officers were posed next to a large Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP) and many residents expressed their concerns about why the department owns one and where the funding for the vehicle came from. According to the town of Prosper’s Communications and Media Relations Manager Todd Rice, Prosper Police Department’s emergency rescue vehicle has attended most of the town’s events since it was...
Addison Kaboom Town Tickets On Sale Now
For 40 years, one of the nation’s most remarkable and unique Independence Day celebrations has taken place in Addison, Texas. Although Addison spans just 4.4 square miles and is home to 17,000 residents, more than half a million visitors from across the country gather each year on July 3rd to celebrate Addison Kaboom Town. When: July 3, 2024 | 5-11 p.m. Where: Addison Circle Park | 4970 Addison Circle, Addison Cost: $10 for all ages 10 and older, $5 for ages 2-9, free for those under 2, but ticket is required Tickets Make sure to get your tickets now to ensure you have the best...
Over 25 Inches Of Rain In North Texas This Year
Since January, Dallas-Fort Worth is recorded to have gotten 25.07 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Data from the NWS shows that in May alone Dallas-Fort Worth received 7.80 inches — but that doesn’t beat the record of May 2019, when the region recorded 8.15 inches during the month. This April, Dallas-Fort Worth saw 6.47, while March recorded 5.66. January and February were far less, with 3.2 and 1.94 inches, respectively. If weather patterns continue, the year may break some rainfall records. In 2022, the region only recorded 29.31 inches. However in years such as 2015 and 2007,...
McKinney, Texas Student Wins State Title In Doodle For Google Contest
Alice Kim, a student at Lizzie Nell Cundiff McClure Elementary in McKinney, was named the Texas winner in the 16th annual Doodle for Google contest, according to the Facebook community, McKinney Texas Life. The art competition closed for entries on March 21, 2024, and invited students to express their "wishes for the next 25 years" through any artistic medium, including traditional materials, digital art, videos and even poems. Each design needed to be accompanied by an entry form explaining the artwork's meaning. Winners were chosen based on artistic merit, originality and how well their work embodied the contest theme. Inspired by her grandfather's...
$180,000 Donated To Collin College For Automotive Technology Program
Repairify, a leader in remote diagnostics, calibrations, programming and automotive intelligence for the collision and mechanical repair industries, announced a donation of diagnostic tools worth over $180,000 in support of Collin College's Automotive Technology program. As part of an initiative with the Repairify Institute to support automotive training, the donation will advance Collin College's training efforts and allow students to use professional diagnostic tools as part of their curriculum in Allen, Texas. "I am a big believer in sharing the wealth, and with these donations, we'll be able to make an impact not only on our students, but also throughout the DFW...
$19.9 Million Allen Public Library Expansion Gets Green Light
On May 28, the Allen city council approved a $19.994 million budget for the long-awaited expansion of the Allen Public Library, with $16.33 million allocated for construction, according to the official statement. This project fulfills a funding commitment made by Allen voters in 2016, who approved $16.045 million in bond funds specifically for the library's expansion. Construction is slated to begin this June and is expected to be completed by Summer 2025. A temporary location will be established at the former Rountree Elementary School building to accommodate ongoing library services during construction. This expansion project has been in development for several years....
Best Playgrounds In Addison And Farmers Branch, Texas
Even as the temperatures rise in North Texas, there’s still time to enjoy some family moments outdoors. Visiting a nearby playground with your kids is not only an excellent way to keep them entertained but also to let them burn off some energy — all without spending a dime. Here are some of the best playgrounds in Addison and Farmers Branch: Joya 13201 Tom Field Rd, Farmers Branch Suitable for all ages; Restrooms available Translating to “jewel” in Spanish, Joya is just that. As North Texas' first glow-in-the-dark park, Joya is a great park to meet and play with friends and family. The playground recently...
Kent Rathbun’s Curbside BBQ Rolls Into Klyde Warren Park
Kent Rathbun, a renowned figure in the Dallas culinary scene for over 25 years with restaurants like Abacus and Jasper’s, has relocated his popular mobile barbecue venture to Klyde Warren Park. Originally launched during the pandemic along the Katy Trail, Rathbun’s Curbside BBQ now serves smoked meats at the park every Thursday through Sunday, starting at 8 a.m. Klyde Warren Park, a vibrant green space connecting Uptown and downtown Dallas, is famous for its diverse array of food trucks, live entertainment and community activities. The addition of Rathbun’s Curbside BBQ enhances the park’s dining options, offering top-quality meats and sides for...
Construction Begins On 500 Acre Development In Allen, Texas
Billingsley Co., a Dallas-based developer, officially began construction on its expansive 500-acre project, Sloan Corners, in Collin County. The project will span between Allen and Fairview. started construction on multifamily units at Hartwood Square. According to The Dallas Morning News, construction officially started on April 25, 2024. Hartwood Square’s east building will feature 210 units over four stories, while the larger west building will offer 269 units across four stories. Leasing for the east building is expected to commence in the third or fourth quarter of next year, with the west building following in March or April 2026. Local Profile previously reported that in...
How Dogs Help North Texas Heal
As I enter the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Plano, the smell of a typical hospital is evident. But the chemical cleanliness is quickly overtaken by puppy breath. As I bend down, two dogs greet me with wagging tails — a white bichon frise (Rayna) and a golden retriever (Caleb). They each wear their own hospital uniforms in the form of a blue Baylor Scott & White bandana and a blue collar, and yes, they have their own official name tags. The owners, Linda Marler and Sue Geller, as well as hospital staff members, lead the way down the...
Plano, Texas Celebrates 151 Years Of Growth
On June 2, 2024, Plano marked its 151st anniversary, celebrating its rich history and modern achievements. Originally settled in the 1840s and incorporated on June 2, 1873, Plano has grown from a modest farming community into a bustling city known for its corporate headquarters and quality of life. Named "Plano," the Spanish word for "flat," the city quickly became a local trading post following the arrival of the Houston and Central Railroad. By 1874, Plano's population had reached 500. Today, spanning approximately 72 square miles, it boasts a population of 288,000, making it the ninth most populous city in Texas. Home to...
What Storm Sirens In Dallas And Collin County Actually Mean
After a week of extreme weather, many residents in North Texas have heard sirens throughout the region. But, contrary to popular belief, these sirens don’t always signal a tornado. Here’s what they mean for each city: Plano Residents of the city may face various emergencies, such as severe weather, civil defense situations and hazardous materials accidents. To address these, the city of Plano established an extensive outdoor warning system with 43 warning sirens. In the city, residents should heed warnings issued by the National Weather Service, particularly during severe weather events. These warnings include severe thunderstorm warnings indicating winds surpassing 70 miles per hour...
Plano IT Employee Retires After Over 25 Years With The City
On May 31, 2024, Kui Rawson retired from the city of Plano after over 25 years of dedicated service. During her tenure with the information technology department, she significantly contributed to the management of the department’s records management systems and other essential programs and applications. According to the Plano Police Department, Rawson moved to the U.S. in December 1975 and balanced her education with working and caring for her two children. She began her career in 1990 with Collin County, assisting with public safety application support programs and collaborating with the geographic information system team to configure 911 addresses for display...
What Are Mammatus Clouds And Why Were They Over North Texas
If you were outside on the evening of June 2, 2024, you might have looked up to notice some strange clouds over several North Texas counties including Dallas, Denton and Collin County. According to Met Office, these clouds, known as mammatus, are distinctive pouch-like formations that hang beneath the base of a cloud. Typically associated with cumulonimbus clouds that generate powerful storms, these clouds generally form during the warmer months. Mammatus clouds develop from descending air within the cloud. Yesterday evening, the clouds were spotted after large storms throughout North Texas. Hail and flooding was reported in some areas of the region. Usually, turbulence...
Plano ISD Student Wins Second Place At 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee
In a spellbinding display, Faizan Zaki, a sixth-grader from Rice Middle School in Plano, Texas, won second place at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Held from May 28 to May 30, the competition showcased Zaki's exceptional talent and determination as he competed against 245 spellers across the United States, Canada, Germany, Guam, the Bahamas, Ghana, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To reach the finals, Faizan correctly spelled "hellebore," "splenetic," "Adirondack," "samisen," "Braggadocio," "selvagee," "yawp," and "morlop" through eight intense rounds. He is one of eight students who advanced to the finals after Wednesday’s competition eliminated 140 of the...
Top 10 Things To Do This Week In Dallas & Collin County
Looking for the best ways to spend your time in Dallas and Collin County this week? We've got you covered. From a fun-filled evening for kids to an interactive comedy game show, there's something for everyone. Enjoy Women's Golf Day at PGA Frisco, catch the Eagles tribute band Desperado at The Revel Patio Grill or join the Kids Botanical Adventure camp in McKinney. Don't miss the Wine and Gourmet Mom & POPcorn Pairing Experience, and savor innovative ramen at Uchibā Dallas. Don't forget to scroll all the way down to see our local picks for must-go upcoming events. Here’s a curated roundup of...
125,000 North Texans Remain Without Power
After several days of city cleanups, power remains out for approximately 125,000 North Texas residents. According to Oncor (via The Dallas Morning News), a significant portion of the outages occurred in Dallas County, affecting around 70,000 customers. The data also indicated that around 4,300 customers were without power in Collin County, 4,800 in Tarrant County and 2,000 in Denton County. These numbers are subject to change following publication. Oncor previously estimated power would be restored for most by Friday, May 31, but additional storms throughout the week slowed down the progress. “Oncor crews continue to work 24/7 to restore power in your area,” Oncor...
First Look: Shodo Japanese Kitchen
Shodo (書道) means "the way of writing" — basically, calligraphy. But the kanji character "do" (道), which can also be read as "michi" or "road," means "way." The character is used in other words, such as kendo (剣道), meaning "way of the sword." During our recent visit to Shodo, we tried the restaurant's signature rolls, the truffle lobster dynamite (lobster, crab, avocado, cucumber, mushroom, tobiko, scallions, eel sauce and truffle aioli), mango lover roll (avocado, cream cheese, mango, salmon, tobiko and mango sauce), and the riceless yummy lollipops (bluefin tuna, yellowtail, crab, avocado, tobiko, furikake and yuzu ponzu), among other dishes...
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