News from the Lone Star State
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Several School Districts See Illness Outbreak
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) - The small Blue Ridge School District is no stranger to flu outbreaks. In recent years, the entire district had to shut down because of massive absences, and it's happening again.
Twenty percent of the students were out sick on Monday, so schools will be closed until Thursday.
It's not just students who are calling in sick, faculty and staff are also.
Other districts have reported high absences as well. Grand Prairie and Duncanville reported slight increases in flu-like cases. Carollton says at least two campuses there have had high absences. In Garland, two campuses reported 10 percent of students out sick last Friday and Monday morning.
Health officials say not all of these illnesses will turn out to be the flu. Blue Ridge is also getting reports of strep throat, bronchitis and stomach virus.
In Dallas everything is OK.
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) - The small Blue Ridge School District is no stranger to flu outbreaks. In recent years, the entire district had to shut down because of massive absences, and it's happening again.
Twenty percent of the students were out sick on Monday, so schools will be closed until Thursday.
It's not just students who are calling in sick, faculty and staff are also.
Other districts have reported high absences as well. Grand Prairie and Duncanville reported slight increases in flu-like cases. Carollton says at least two campuses there have had high absences. In Garland, two campuses reported 10 percent of students out sick last Friday and Monday morning.
Health officials say not all of these illnesses will turn out to be the flu. Blue Ridge is also getting reports of strep throat, bronchitis and stomach virus.
In Dallas everything is OK.
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Adult Student Sues Over Paddling
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- When Jessica Serafin enrolled in a San Antonio charter high school, her mother signed a form allowing administrators to paddle her.
But by the time a summer school principal paddled her last June, Serafin was already 18 and legally an adult. Now she's suing the School of Excellence in Education, alleging it was wrong for the principal to paddle an adult student without her consent.
She says the beating she received for leaving campus to get breakfast was so severe she had to go to the emergency room.
The lawsuit was filed Jan. 10 in state district court. Last week, a notice was filed to move it to federal court.
The school's attorney says he and several school officials investigated the girl's account and found it to be without merit.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- When Jessica Serafin enrolled in a San Antonio charter high school, her mother signed a form allowing administrators to paddle her.
But by the time a summer school principal paddled her last June, Serafin was already 18 and legally an adult. Now she's suing the School of Excellence in Education, alleging it was wrong for the principal to paddle an adult student without her consent.
She says the beating she received for leaving campus to get breakfast was so severe she had to go to the emergency room.
The lawsuit was filed Jan. 10 in state district court. Last week, a notice was filed to move it to federal court.
The school's attorney says he and several school officials investigated the girl's account and found it to be without merit.
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Retaining Wall Collapses
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- A retaining wall in Forth Worth collapsed Monday afternoon. No one was injured in the collapse, although the bed of a pickup truck was crushed by debris from the wall.
The collapse occured at a used car dealership located on Jacksboro Highway near Northside Drive.
City officials dispatched an engineer to inspect the property and the wall. The engineer reported no further structural compromises threatened other portions of the wall.
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- A retaining wall in Forth Worth collapsed Monday afternoon. No one was injured in the collapse, although the bed of a pickup truck was crushed by debris from the wall.
The collapse occured at a used car dealership located on Jacksboro Highway near Northside Drive.
City officials dispatched an engineer to inspect the property and the wall. The engineer reported no further structural compromises threatened other portions of the wall.
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Virtual exercise?
Irving's Good Elementary is showing the benefits of using a PC in PE
By RUSSELL RIAN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas – Physical education – by computer?
Even for the technology-filled Irving school district, where every high school student gets a laptop, this sounds like a poor response to studies showing that too many Texas schoolchildren are overweight.
But Virtual PE is reality at Good Elementary, where third-graders line up before a bank of computers as gym class gets ready to roll.
The Kidnetic.com program launches, and soon third-graders are standing before the screen on one leg, jumping up and down. Others are doing sit-ups. The program tells them to drop and give 20, and the push-ups begin.
Across the gym, students with jump ropes in hand are trying to imitate some fifth-graders' moves by watching a digitally recorded multimedia presentation on a digital projector. "What better teacher than another kid, your friend?" principal Tina Richard asks.
At another station, students follow directions for jumping jacks given to them by peers at Keyes Elementary via a portable distance-learning lab computer. The Keyes students, meanwhile, record how many sit-ups and jumping jacks the Good Elementary students complete in one minute. The students then use the data for math lessons on a spreadsheet.
At yet another station – the favorite for many students – the computer program launches and students follow on-screen sequences of steps on a special mat.
Not every station at Good is digitized, and much of the equipment is used in other ways in the school as well, though the bank of computers stays put. The gym-with-technology classes resulted from the district's edict to incorporate technology into every class – not just history, math and language arts.
"They're really thinking outside the box," Ms. Richard said of gym teacher Olivia Martinez and technology specialist Pamela Crofoot, who collaborated on the virtual-gym concept. "Kids learn that technology is not just in the classroom. It's not just word processing and spell checking. It's not just in the classroom. We can do it in PE, too."
Why?
"We're trying to get kids excited about being physically fit," said Ms. Richard, who says schools must be tuned to the technological world that students are familiar with. "We've got to keep up with these kids."
It also makes managing as many as 100 students in the gym easier because students can focus on their own activities in small groups, she said.
Melanie Salinas, another PE teacher at the school, said the lessons are also useful for classroom teachers. On rainy days, for example, students can go to the Web sites for some exercises. And students with computers at home can go to Kidnetic.com, a noncommercial site that offers recipes, games and other health-related information backed by sponsors such as the American Academy of Family Physicians.
"It did take a lot of research finding what's out there," Ms. Crofoot said. "There are not a lot of ideas, because I don't think there's a lot of people out there doing this. There's a lot of people who would think this is crazy – putting computers in the gymnasium."
But students like it. They are particularly fond of the computerized dance sequences.
"That's my favorite," said Jonathan Sandoval, 9, though he also likes to see himself on the digital displays.
"The push-up one is kind of hard," admits Kourtenay Bolin, also 9. But overall, she likes the techno-stations. She boasts of her 95 jumping-jacks as she catches her breath.
"It's cool, and it's funner," she said. "It's fun to be on TV."
Irving's Good Elementary is showing the benefits of using a PC in PE
By RUSSELL RIAN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas – Physical education – by computer?
Even for the technology-filled Irving school district, where every high school student gets a laptop, this sounds like a poor response to studies showing that too many Texas schoolchildren are overweight.
But Virtual PE is reality at Good Elementary, where third-graders line up before a bank of computers as gym class gets ready to roll.
The Kidnetic.com program launches, and soon third-graders are standing before the screen on one leg, jumping up and down. Others are doing sit-ups. The program tells them to drop and give 20, and the push-ups begin.
Across the gym, students with jump ropes in hand are trying to imitate some fifth-graders' moves by watching a digitally recorded multimedia presentation on a digital projector. "What better teacher than another kid, your friend?" principal Tina Richard asks.
At another station, students follow directions for jumping jacks given to them by peers at Keyes Elementary via a portable distance-learning lab computer. The Keyes students, meanwhile, record how many sit-ups and jumping jacks the Good Elementary students complete in one minute. The students then use the data for math lessons on a spreadsheet.
At yet another station – the favorite for many students – the computer program launches and students follow on-screen sequences of steps on a special mat.
Not every station at Good is digitized, and much of the equipment is used in other ways in the school as well, though the bank of computers stays put. The gym-with-technology classes resulted from the district's edict to incorporate technology into every class – not just history, math and language arts.
"They're really thinking outside the box," Ms. Richard said of gym teacher Olivia Martinez and technology specialist Pamela Crofoot, who collaborated on the virtual-gym concept. "Kids learn that technology is not just in the classroom. It's not just word processing and spell checking. It's not just in the classroom. We can do it in PE, too."
Why?
"We're trying to get kids excited about being physically fit," said Ms. Richard, who says schools must be tuned to the technological world that students are familiar with. "We've got to keep up with these kids."
It also makes managing as many as 100 students in the gym easier because students can focus on their own activities in small groups, she said.
Melanie Salinas, another PE teacher at the school, said the lessons are also useful for classroom teachers. On rainy days, for example, students can go to the Web sites for some exercises. And students with computers at home can go to Kidnetic.com, a noncommercial site that offers recipes, games and other health-related information backed by sponsors such as the American Academy of Family Physicians.
"It did take a lot of research finding what's out there," Ms. Crofoot said. "There are not a lot of ideas, because I don't think there's a lot of people out there doing this. There's a lot of people who would think this is crazy – putting computers in the gymnasium."
But students like it. They are particularly fond of the computerized dance sequences.
"That's my favorite," said Jonathan Sandoval, 9, though he also likes to see himself on the digital displays.
"The push-up one is kind of hard," admits Kourtenay Bolin, also 9. But overall, she likes the techno-stations. She boasts of her 95 jumping-jacks as she catches her breath.
"It's cool, and it's funner," she said. "It's fun to be on TV."
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Site for school bought
Land considered likely place to build eighth middle school
By RUSSELL RIAN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Irving trustees have purchased about 17 acres across the highway from Irving Mall – a likely site for the district's eighth middle school, officials said.
The district paid about $2.1 million for the 17.57-acre site behind a new Lowe's under construction in a shopping center where a Kmart and a Hobby Lobby closed last year. There is nothing on the land, which is west of a bowling alley.
"There's not a whole lot of land that size that's available," said trustee Jerry Christian. "It'll be a very functional site."
It is oddly shaped, and a small portion lies in a flood plain, but architects have looked at the land and assured trustees the site could accommodate a middle school, fields and facilities, Mr. Christian said.
A middle school is the most likely facility for the site, officials said, though it could be used for an elementary school.
It's a better site for a middle school than an elementary school, Mr. Christian said. It would become Irving's eighth middle school but isn't likely to be needed until the start of the 2007 or 2008 school years, Superintendent Jack Singley said.
"This school will bring relief to Lamar and Sam Houston and perhaps Crockett," he said.
Lamar has more than 1,100 students and Houston more than 1,000, the district's largest middle schools.
"We're the largest," said Lamar principal Cynthia Goodsell. "The district is so good about trying to keep schools at a certain size. If they could take from each middle school, it would help."
Middle schools are generally designed to hold about 875 students – the district's targeted enrollment – though Irving's middle school campuses currently average about 1,000.
Money to purchase land and build an eighth middle school is available through the bond package voters approved in 2001. General design standards are for a building that covers roughly 145,000 square feet, said Scott Layne, executive director of facilities. The site would also include a football field, track, physical education and athletic locker rooms, two gyms and science labs.
The district is still negotiating for about 10 acres south of Shady Grove for the district's 20th elementary school, which officials hope to open by August 2006. Officials need to begin turning dirt on that project by April to allow enough time to complete the construction and have the school ready to open next fall.
It would give relief to Davis, Barton, Elliott, John Haley and possibly Townley elementary schools.
Officials had to delay the planned 2005 opening for the elementary because negotiations for land were continuing and plans for a surrounding community of more than 350 homes were going through the city's approval process.
The only relief for next school year is a bank of seven additional classrooms at Townsell Elementary, which opened to overcrowded conditions last school year and required redrawing school boundaries to accommodate the overflow. Work on that $1.86 million project, scheduled to begin this year, also includes additional restrooms and expansion of the cafeteria.
Land considered likely place to build eighth middle school
By RUSSELL RIAN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Irving trustees have purchased about 17 acres across the highway from Irving Mall – a likely site for the district's eighth middle school, officials said.
The district paid about $2.1 million for the 17.57-acre site behind a new Lowe's under construction in a shopping center where a Kmart and a Hobby Lobby closed last year. There is nothing on the land, which is west of a bowling alley.
"There's not a whole lot of land that size that's available," said trustee Jerry Christian. "It'll be a very functional site."
It is oddly shaped, and a small portion lies in a flood plain, but architects have looked at the land and assured trustees the site could accommodate a middle school, fields and facilities, Mr. Christian said.
A middle school is the most likely facility for the site, officials said, though it could be used for an elementary school.
It's a better site for a middle school than an elementary school, Mr. Christian said. It would become Irving's eighth middle school but isn't likely to be needed until the start of the 2007 or 2008 school years, Superintendent Jack Singley said.
"This school will bring relief to Lamar and Sam Houston and perhaps Crockett," he said.
Lamar has more than 1,100 students and Houston more than 1,000, the district's largest middle schools.
"We're the largest," said Lamar principal Cynthia Goodsell. "The district is so good about trying to keep schools at a certain size. If they could take from each middle school, it would help."
Middle schools are generally designed to hold about 875 students – the district's targeted enrollment – though Irving's middle school campuses currently average about 1,000.
Money to purchase land and build an eighth middle school is available through the bond package voters approved in 2001. General design standards are for a building that covers roughly 145,000 square feet, said Scott Layne, executive director of facilities. The site would also include a football field, track, physical education and athletic locker rooms, two gyms and science labs.
The district is still negotiating for about 10 acres south of Shady Grove for the district's 20th elementary school, which officials hope to open by August 2006. Officials need to begin turning dirt on that project by April to allow enough time to complete the construction and have the school ready to open next fall.
It would give relief to Davis, Barton, Elliott, John Haley and possibly Townley elementary schools.
Officials had to delay the planned 2005 opening for the elementary because negotiations for land were continuing and plans for a surrounding community of more than 350 homes were going through the city's approval process.
The only relief for next school year is a bank of seven additional classrooms at Townsell Elementary, which opened to overcrowded conditions last school year and required redrawing school boundaries to accommodate the overflow. Work on that $1.86 million project, scheduled to begin this year, also includes additional restrooms and expansion of the cafeteria.
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Residents' message: Enforce the codes
Council members acknowledge problems, say change is coming
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Dozens of residents stormed City Hall last week, slamming council members with a blunt message about code enforcement: They're annoyed that their neighbors don't take care of their properties, and they want city officials to act faster to force adherence to the rules.
For two hours Tuesday night, residents complained about people who leave mattresses on their front lawns or turn their front yards into parking lots. They requested that the city hire more code enforcement officers to tackle problems, and they encouraged council members to strengthen ordinances.
Council members say changes are on the way. They've been studying the matter for the last few months and will eventually vote on reforms.
"Their concerns are real and need to be addressed," Mayor Joe Putnam said.
Residents told the council last week that tougher code enforcement will entice people to move to Irving and instill community pride. More than 100 audience members clapped and cheered in support of the speakers.
Code enforcement officers need to spend more time on the streets looking for violators, said Frank Sinclair, an Irving resident for 50 years.
"Let's put the word out that the city of Irving is serious about enforcing the ordinances," the 80-year-old said.
Freda Boatright says she's tired of seeing residents trashing their neighborhoods.
"It's a shame the way Irving has let the city go to the dogs," the 67-year-old said.
Even a second-grader sounded off. When Katie O'Leary rides her bike in her neighborhood, she says she has to dart into the street because parked cars block sidewalks.
"That is dangerous for me," she told council members.
Katie volunteered to speak out, said her mother, Karen, who's concerned about houses crowded with too many people and junked vehicles parked in driveways.
Ms. O'Leary, vice president of the Grauwyler Heights Neighborhood Association, hopes the council takes notice.
"These are problems that need to be addressed and won't go away," she said.
While council members say they're going to take action, they stress that many residents follow the rules and take care of their houses and yards.
Council member James Dickens hopes the council finalizes code reform recommendations by June. In the meantime, the council will discuss code enforcement during committee meetings. Another public hearing for residents is scheduled for March 23.
The city has made progress improving code enforcement, council members say. Code enforcement officers now work weekends to find violators and plan to also work weeknights during daylight-saving time, April through October.
The city will probably hire more officers and require residents to act faster to follow the rules, Mr. Dickens said.
"There are going to be changes," he said.
Most of the residents' concerns can be solved and pertain to the appearance of neighborhoods rather than the structural conditions of houses, Mayor Joe Putnam said. Some ordinances will probably be upgraded, he said.
Ms. O'Leary is hopeful that the council will make changes, in part because of feedback from residents.
"We just have to stay on them," she said.
Council members acknowledge problems, say change is coming
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Dozens of residents stormed City Hall last week, slamming council members with a blunt message about code enforcement: They're annoyed that their neighbors don't take care of their properties, and they want city officials to act faster to force adherence to the rules.
For two hours Tuesday night, residents complained about people who leave mattresses on their front lawns or turn their front yards into parking lots. They requested that the city hire more code enforcement officers to tackle problems, and they encouraged council members to strengthen ordinances.
Council members say changes are on the way. They've been studying the matter for the last few months and will eventually vote on reforms.
"Their concerns are real and need to be addressed," Mayor Joe Putnam said.
Residents told the council last week that tougher code enforcement will entice people to move to Irving and instill community pride. More than 100 audience members clapped and cheered in support of the speakers.
Code enforcement officers need to spend more time on the streets looking for violators, said Frank Sinclair, an Irving resident for 50 years.
"Let's put the word out that the city of Irving is serious about enforcing the ordinances," the 80-year-old said.
Freda Boatright says she's tired of seeing residents trashing their neighborhoods.
"It's a shame the way Irving has let the city go to the dogs," the 67-year-old said.
Even a second-grader sounded off. When Katie O'Leary rides her bike in her neighborhood, she says she has to dart into the street because parked cars block sidewalks.
"That is dangerous for me," she told council members.
Katie volunteered to speak out, said her mother, Karen, who's concerned about houses crowded with too many people and junked vehicles parked in driveways.
Ms. O'Leary, vice president of the Grauwyler Heights Neighborhood Association, hopes the council takes notice.
"These are problems that need to be addressed and won't go away," she said.
While council members say they're going to take action, they stress that many residents follow the rules and take care of their houses and yards.
Council member James Dickens hopes the council finalizes code reform recommendations by June. In the meantime, the council will discuss code enforcement during committee meetings. Another public hearing for residents is scheduled for March 23.
The city has made progress improving code enforcement, council members say. Code enforcement officers now work weekends to find violators and plan to also work weeknights during daylight-saving time, April through October.
The city will probably hire more officers and require residents to act faster to follow the rules, Mr. Dickens said.
"There are going to be changes," he said.
Most of the residents' concerns can be solved and pertain to the appearance of neighborhoods rather than the structural conditions of houses, Mayor Joe Putnam said. Some ordinances will probably be upgraded, he said.
Ms. O'Leary is hopeful that the council will make changes, in part because of feedback from residents.
"We just have to stay on them," she said.
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3 seek seats on council
Positions open in 2 districts; 1 incumbent will face opposition
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Two City Council members say they'll run for re-election this spring. And at least one council outsider says he'll enter the race.
Jim Beggs and Allan Meagher want to continue serving on the council. But Mr. Beggs will face at least one competitor: Roland Medina, who ran for the council in 2002.
Election day is May 7. Filing begins Feb. 7 and ends March 7.
Mr. Beggs, a lawyer, has served in Place 5 since 2002.
Irving needs to be proactive in economic development, strengthen code enforcement and preserve and restore neighborhoods, he said. The city also needs to focus on the future of the Texas Stadium site once the Dallas Cowboys leave for a new stadium in Arlington.
Mr. Beggs, 57, has served as president of the Irving Downtown Association and vice chairman of the Preservation and Redevelopment Board.
He said he wants to continue his council work because he gets to serve as a citizens' advocate.
"I think I'm a people's representative and I love representing the public, and that's what motivates me," he said.
Priorities for Mr. Medina include a greater emphasis on economic development and tougher code enforcement.
The city needs new council members to move Irving in the right direction, he said.
"We need to have a new focus, we need to have a new vision, we need to realize that Irving is not what it was 20 or even 10 years ago," he said.
Mr. Medina, 68, lost a council election in 2002. He's on the board of directors of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and vice chairman and treasurer for the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He's also served as chairman of the Irving Hospital District Neighborhood Association.
Mr. Meagher, 42, was elected last spring to a one-year term to the Place 3 seat.
Mr. Meagher, an operation supervisor for United Parcel Service, previously served as a planning and zoning commissioner for five years.
He said he needs a full term on the council to best represent residents.
"One year doesn't give you enough time to make a difference," he said. "Give me a three-year term. Give me a chance."
Mr. Meagher wants the city to bolster economic development by luring more businesses to town and get tougher on code enforcement.
"We have to take a stance right now to do what we can to improve our standard of living," he said.
Although all races are citywide, candidates running for Places 3 and 5 must have lived in their respective districts for at least one year before the election. Place 3 is on the city's west side; Place 5 is in central Irving.
ELECTION DAY
IS MAY 7
The mayor's post and two council seats are available.
Filing for the races begins Feb. 7 and ends March 7. For more information, call the city secretary's office at 972-721-2493. So far, at least eight people say they're running:
Mayor
Owen DeWitt
Joe Putnam, incumbent
Herbert Gears
Marvin Randle
Terry Waldrum
City Council, Place 3
Allan Meagher, incumbent
City Council, Place 5
Jim Beggs, incumbent
Roland Medina
Positions open in 2 districts; 1 incumbent will face opposition
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Two City Council members say they'll run for re-election this spring. And at least one council outsider says he'll enter the race.
Jim Beggs and Allan Meagher want to continue serving on the council. But Mr. Beggs will face at least one competitor: Roland Medina, who ran for the council in 2002.
Election day is May 7. Filing begins Feb. 7 and ends March 7.
Mr. Beggs, a lawyer, has served in Place 5 since 2002.
Irving needs to be proactive in economic development, strengthen code enforcement and preserve and restore neighborhoods, he said. The city also needs to focus on the future of the Texas Stadium site once the Dallas Cowboys leave for a new stadium in Arlington.
Mr. Beggs, 57, has served as president of the Irving Downtown Association and vice chairman of the Preservation and Redevelopment Board.
He said he wants to continue his council work because he gets to serve as a citizens' advocate.
"I think I'm a people's representative and I love representing the public, and that's what motivates me," he said.
Priorities for Mr. Medina include a greater emphasis on economic development and tougher code enforcement.
The city needs new council members to move Irving in the right direction, he said.
"We need to have a new focus, we need to have a new vision, we need to realize that Irving is not what it was 20 or even 10 years ago," he said.
Mr. Medina, 68, lost a council election in 2002. He's on the board of directors of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and vice chairman and treasurer for the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He's also served as chairman of the Irving Hospital District Neighborhood Association.
Mr. Meagher, 42, was elected last spring to a one-year term to the Place 3 seat.
Mr. Meagher, an operation supervisor for United Parcel Service, previously served as a planning and zoning commissioner for five years.
He said he needs a full term on the council to best represent residents.
"One year doesn't give you enough time to make a difference," he said. "Give me a three-year term. Give me a chance."
Mr. Meagher wants the city to bolster economic development by luring more businesses to town and get tougher on code enforcement.
"We have to take a stance right now to do what we can to improve our standard of living," he said.
Although all races are citywide, candidates running for Places 3 and 5 must have lived in their respective districts for at least one year before the election. Place 3 is on the city's west side; Place 5 is in central Irving.
ELECTION DAY
IS MAY 7
The mayor's post and two council seats are available.
Filing for the races begins Feb. 7 and ends March 7. For more information, call the city secretary's office at 972-721-2493. So far, at least eight people say they're running:
Mayor
Owen DeWitt
Joe Putnam, incumbent
Herbert Gears
Marvin Randle
Terry Waldrum
City Council, Place 3
Allan Meagher, incumbent
City Council, Place 5
Jim Beggs, incumbent
Roland Medina
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Teens sparkle at competition
'Friday Nite Live' showcases students' knack for performing
By DEBORAH FLECK / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - "Friday Nite Live" was a melting pot of entertainment. Three students from Ranchview High School started the talent show with a sassy rendition of "Lady Marmalade" and the band Janicans closed the program with a hard rock song, "Janicans Mix."
In between, Sabrina Blackner of Irving High stroked the strings of her harp, Jennifer Grant of de Zavala Middle School shook her hips in a belly dance, the Sharara Girls of the Academy of Irving ISD swirled around to a soulful Indian tune and Crew 2 Flyy of MacArthur High and the Academy bounced across the stage in a kinetic hip-hop number.
Almost every soloist belted out a different type of song, from country to rap to pop. And Keno Berry of Irving High was brave enough to sing a cappella.
A few more bands and dancers, and a solo guitarist, were among the 20 acts in the Irving Youth Council's annual talent competition. Under the bright lights at Carpenter Hall at the Irving Arts Center, MacArthur High seniors Michael Jarboe and Daniel Svoboda served as hosts.
"I really love doing this," said Michael, who has acted in plays throughout high school.
He and Daniel had to improvise skits between each act and even sing and dance at the end of the show until the judges were ready to give them the names of the winners. Three students, one from each high school, and Jackie Madden of Irving's Parks and Recreation Department had the tough job of rating the talent. The Irving Youth Council is a part of the Parks and Recreation Department.
"We started out with 48 acts at the auditions," said Ray Cerda, a supervisor of Lively Pointe, the city's center for teenagers. He said it took more than five hours to cut the finalists to 20.
Every participant in the show received a medal and winners received a large Lucite trophy.
The show included the presentation of the Spirited Youth Award. North Hills School freshman Suruchi Srikanth received the award from Gary Schepf, a member of the Irving Youth Council.
"She is an amazing young woman who is involved in many activities ... and makes Irving a better place," Mr. Schepf said.
One winner was amazed to win the award for best solo performance. Veronica Clayton of Ranchview High screamed and jumped as her name was announced for her rendition of "I Have Nothing."
When asked where she got her talent, she said, "It's just natural."
THE WINNERS:
Best Band – Janicans, featuring Joseph Alaniz, DeShawn Davis and Derek Pittman, all of Nimitz High; Erick Galban and Robert Belize, North Lake College; and Sergio Quinpinilla, Irving High
Best Dance Performance – Brittany Messer and Jessica Willis, MacArthur High
Best Variety Performance – Kelsie Griffin, Shakari Griffin and Veronica Clayton, Ranchview High
Runner-up Solo Performance – Angelaca Piacentini, MacArthur High
Best Solo Performance – Veronica Clayton, Ranchview High
'Friday Nite Live' showcases students' knack for performing
By DEBORAH FLECK / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - "Friday Nite Live" was a melting pot of entertainment. Three students from Ranchview High School started the talent show with a sassy rendition of "Lady Marmalade" and the band Janicans closed the program with a hard rock song, "Janicans Mix."
In between, Sabrina Blackner of Irving High stroked the strings of her harp, Jennifer Grant of de Zavala Middle School shook her hips in a belly dance, the Sharara Girls of the Academy of Irving ISD swirled around to a soulful Indian tune and Crew 2 Flyy of MacArthur High and the Academy bounced across the stage in a kinetic hip-hop number.
Almost every soloist belted out a different type of song, from country to rap to pop. And Keno Berry of Irving High was brave enough to sing a cappella.
A few more bands and dancers, and a solo guitarist, were among the 20 acts in the Irving Youth Council's annual talent competition. Under the bright lights at Carpenter Hall at the Irving Arts Center, MacArthur High seniors Michael Jarboe and Daniel Svoboda served as hosts.
"I really love doing this," said Michael, who has acted in plays throughout high school.
He and Daniel had to improvise skits between each act and even sing and dance at the end of the show until the judges were ready to give them the names of the winners. Three students, one from each high school, and Jackie Madden of Irving's Parks and Recreation Department had the tough job of rating the talent. The Irving Youth Council is a part of the Parks and Recreation Department.
"We started out with 48 acts at the auditions," said Ray Cerda, a supervisor of Lively Pointe, the city's center for teenagers. He said it took more than five hours to cut the finalists to 20.
Every participant in the show received a medal and winners received a large Lucite trophy.
The show included the presentation of the Spirited Youth Award. North Hills School freshman Suruchi Srikanth received the award from Gary Schepf, a member of the Irving Youth Council.
"She is an amazing young woman who is involved in many activities ... and makes Irving a better place," Mr. Schepf said.
One winner was amazed to win the award for best solo performance. Veronica Clayton of Ranchview High screamed and jumped as her name was announced for her rendition of "I Have Nothing."
When asked where she got her talent, she said, "It's just natural."
THE WINNERS:
Best Band – Janicans, featuring Joseph Alaniz, DeShawn Davis and Derek Pittman, all of Nimitz High; Erick Galban and Robert Belize, North Lake College; and Sergio Quinpinilla, Irving High
Best Dance Performance – Brittany Messer and Jessica Willis, MacArthur High
Best Variety Performance – Kelsie Griffin, Shakari Griffin and Veronica Clayton, Ranchview High
Runner-up Solo Performance – Angelaca Piacentini, MacArthur High
Best Solo Performance – Veronica Clayton, Ranchview High
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Mayor says Irving is 'moving forward'
Putnam defends years in office, offers positive outlook in address
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - The state of the city is strong, and officials are working hard to improve Irving's quality of life, Mayor Joe Putnam said last week in his annual address about the city.
In some ways, Mr. Putnam's presentation resembled a campaign speech, as he defended the last six years in office and offered an optimistic outlook on city affairs. He's running for re-election in May.
Mr. Putnam's remarks come in light of mounting criticism from mayoral opponents and critics who say the city has moved in the wrong direction during the mayor's tenure.
Not so, Mr. Putnam says. Businesses are moving to town, and city officials have invested in numerous projects in the last few years, including Heritage Senior Center, he said. And the city is making progress with plans to build a Valley Ranch library, he said.
"It's a mistake for someone to draw the conclusion that the city is not going in the right direction," Mr. Putnam told a crowd of about 400 people Tuesday night at the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas.
"Every indication we use indicates that things are moving forward, moving in the right direction," he added.
Irving has experienced dramatic demographic and population changes in recent years, but, Mr. Putnam said, "change doesn't mean change for the worse."
His opponents say Irving needs new leadership. Mr. Putnam, mayor since 1999, faces at least four declared candidates: former council members Herbert Gears and Terry Waldrum; former mayor Marvin Randle; and Owen DeWitt, a former Irving school board member. Election day is May 7.
A new mayor is needed because Irving is in decline, from its neighborhoods to its tax base, Mr. Gears has said. Mr. Waldrum has said he wants to improve code enforcement and the quality of life in south Irving.
Mr. Randle has said the city needs stronger leaders who focus on the future. And Mr. DeWitt has said it's time for residents to elect a mayor who hasn't served on the council.
The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce hosted last week's 24th annual address, which was sponsored by Verizon.
Putnam defends years in office, offers positive outlook in address
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - The state of the city is strong, and officials are working hard to improve Irving's quality of life, Mayor Joe Putnam said last week in his annual address about the city.
In some ways, Mr. Putnam's presentation resembled a campaign speech, as he defended the last six years in office and offered an optimistic outlook on city affairs. He's running for re-election in May.
Mr. Putnam's remarks come in light of mounting criticism from mayoral opponents and critics who say the city has moved in the wrong direction during the mayor's tenure.
Not so, Mr. Putnam says. Businesses are moving to town, and city officials have invested in numerous projects in the last few years, including Heritage Senior Center, he said. And the city is making progress with plans to build a Valley Ranch library, he said.
"It's a mistake for someone to draw the conclusion that the city is not going in the right direction," Mr. Putnam told a crowd of about 400 people Tuesday night at the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas.
"Every indication we use indicates that things are moving forward, moving in the right direction," he added.
Irving has experienced dramatic demographic and population changes in recent years, but, Mr. Putnam said, "change doesn't mean change for the worse."
His opponents say Irving needs new leadership. Mr. Putnam, mayor since 1999, faces at least four declared candidates: former council members Herbert Gears and Terry Waldrum; former mayor Marvin Randle; and Owen DeWitt, a former Irving school board member. Election day is May 7.
A new mayor is needed because Irving is in decline, from its neighborhoods to its tax base, Mr. Gears has said. Mr. Waldrum has said he wants to improve code enforcement and the quality of life in south Irving.
Mr. Randle has said the city needs stronger leaders who focus on the future. And Mr. DeWitt has said it's time for residents to elect a mayor who hasn't served on the council.
The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce hosted last week's 24th annual address, which was sponsored by Verizon.
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Time off now paid for dads
New fathers offered leave similar to that of adoptive parents
By RUSSELL RIAN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Birth moms get paid time off to have a baby. Adoptive parents – both moms and dads – can take paid leave to be with their newly adopted child.
But dads of newborns could only get unpaid time off if they wanted to stay home with their new infant under Irving ISD rules.
"I told them it didn't sound fair," said Anthony Patrick, a teacher at De Zavala Middle School whose concerns have sparked a change in benefits for the district's employees.
Now dads of newborns will be able to take paid leave similar to that of adoptive parents – up to 30 calendar days immediately after the child's birth.
But the changes won't help Mr. Patrick, who is expecting his second child in July. That's because the policy limits the time off to the 30 days immediately after the birth, so employees whose children are born during the summer break or winter break, for example, won't see the full benefit.
"It's real frustrating," he said.
Paid time off for new dads is relatively rare, experts say.
"It's really telling about our societal structure. ... The biological dad is considered an appendage," said Kirk E. Harris, senior vice president and general counsel for Family Support America, a Chicago-based national organization that promotes strengthening families. "It's not very common."
American fathers typically take a week or less off from work during and after the birth of a baby and American mothers at least six weeks, according to a 2000 Oxygen/Markle Pulse survey on the topic. But the poll also found that both sexes want new fathers to take off at least three weeks – with nearly two-thirds of fathers saying they would like to take the time off.
Most don't however, because leave is often unpaid, the survey indicated. The federal Family Medical Leave Act allows workers 12 weeks unpaid leave for family reasons. But most – nearly three-quarters – indicate they can't afford the lost pay.
"That's exactly why dads don't do it," said Mr. Patrick, who stayed home for six weeks. "My wife and I had to plan for us to have the money laid aside."
A 2000 analysis by the National Partnership for Women and Families indicated more than 35 million people have taken leave under the Family Medical Leave Act since it began in 1993. Of those, 26 percent take time off to care for a new child or for maternity disability reasons. About 23 percent of males who took family leave did so to care for a new child, compared with 29 percent of women who took the time off.
District officials aren't sure how many will take advantage of the new benefit and, therefore, are uncertain of what it will cost the district, but officials estimate only a couple of people typically take the time-off benefit for adoptions and fewer than 100 moms typically take off for maternity in a year.
Cheryl Wilkinson, a teacher at Davis Elementary, said she was glad the changes left intact provisions for adoptive parents – also a possibility for leveling the playing field. She's currently on leave after adopting a second child.
"I was able to use my accumulated sick leave to stay with my new child. I didn't miss a day of school for about 2 1/2 years in order to save up my leave for this purpose," she said. "I can see where this would be great for a dad to be able to be with his child just as the mom is. Of course I am pleased that the board has seen fit to expand the policy instead of reducing the leave for adoptive parents. My daughters have encountered a lot of losses in their young lives, and I appreciate that IISD recognizes that they have the need to bond with their parent just as newborns do."
North Texas districts vary widely on the types of leave available to new dads.
Plano ISD, for example, makes available the 12-week unpaid leave required by federal law and allows employees to use up to five personal days, said Becky Garrett, director of risk management.
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD has offered leave to both moms and dads of newborns and adoptive parents for many years, said Bobby Burns, assistant superintendent for administration and personnel. Parents can take up to six weeks of accrued paid leave, along with the 12 weeks offered under federal law.
"We don't exclude the dad," he said.
Officials weren't sure how many dads have taken leave under the policy, though more adoptive parents seem to take it to accommodate travel and meetings required for the adoption process, he said.
New fathers offered leave similar to that of adoptive parents
By RUSSELL RIAN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Birth moms get paid time off to have a baby. Adoptive parents – both moms and dads – can take paid leave to be with their newly adopted child.
But dads of newborns could only get unpaid time off if they wanted to stay home with their new infant under Irving ISD rules.
"I told them it didn't sound fair," said Anthony Patrick, a teacher at De Zavala Middle School whose concerns have sparked a change in benefits for the district's employees.
Now dads of newborns will be able to take paid leave similar to that of adoptive parents – up to 30 calendar days immediately after the child's birth.
But the changes won't help Mr. Patrick, who is expecting his second child in July. That's because the policy limits the time off to the 30 days immediately after the birth, so employees whose children are born during the summer break or winter break, for example, won't see the full benefit.
"It's real frustrating," he said.
Paid time off for new dads is relatively rare, experts say.
"It's really telling about our societal structure. ... The biological dad is considered an appendage," said Kirk E. Harris, senior vice president and general counsel for Family Support America, a Chicago-based national organization that promotes strengthening families. "It's not very common."
American fathers typically take a week or less off from work during and after the birth of a baby and American mothers at least six weeks, according to a 2000 Oxygen/Markle Pulse survey on the topic. But the poll also found that both sexes want new fathers to take off at least three weeks – with nearly two-thirds of fathers saying they would like to take the time off.
Most don't however, because leave is often unpaid, the survey indicated. The federal Family Medical Leave Act allows workers 12 weeks unpaid leave for family reasons. But most – nearly three-quarters – indicate they can't afford the lost pay.
"That's exactly why dads don't do it," said Mr. Patrick, who stayed home for six weeks. "My wife and I had to plan for us to have the money laid aside."
A 2000 analysis by the National Partnership for Women and Families indicated more than 35 million people have taken leave under the Family Medical Leave Act since it began in 1993. Of those, 26 percent take time off to care for a new child or for maternity disability reasons. About 23 percent of males who took family leave did so to care for a new child, compared with 29 percent of women who took the time off.
District officials aren't sure how many will take advantage of the new benefit and, therefore, are uncertain of what it will cost the district, but officials estimate only a couple of people typically take the time-off benefit for adoptions and fewer than 100 moms typically take off for maternity in a year.
Cheryl Wilkinson, a teacher at Davis Elementary, said she was glad the changes left intact provisions for adoptive parents – also a possibility for leveling the playing field. She's currently on leave after adopting a second child.
"I was able to use my accumulated sick leave to stay with my new child. I didn't miss a day of school for about 2 1/2 years in order to save up my leave for this purpose," she said. "I can see where this would be great for a dad to be able to be with his child just as the mom is. Of course I am pleased that the board has seen fit to expand the policy instead of reducing the leave for adoptive parents. My daughters have encountered a lot of losses in their young lives, and I appreciate that IISD recognizes that they have the need to bond with their parent just as newborns do."
North Texas districts vary widely on the types of leave available to new dads.
Plano ISD, for example, makes available the 12-week unpaid leave required by federal law and allows employees to use up to five personal days, said Becky Garrett, director of risk management.
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD has offered leave to both moms and dads of newborns and adoptive parents for many years, said Bobby Burns, assistant superintendent for administration and personnel. Parents can take up to six weeks of accrued paid leave, along with the 12 weeks offered under federal law.
"We don't exclude the dad," he said.
Officials weren't sure how many dads have taken leave under the policy, though more adoptive parents seem to take it to accommodate travel and meetings required for the adoption process, he said.
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Specialty programs passed most ratings
State will notify of need for any interventions
By RUSSELL RIAN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Irving Independent School District specialty programs – such as special education, career programs and bilingual programs – generally surpassed state ratings, according to an annual review by administrators.
State officials will notify the district in the next couple of months whether any interventions are required, but the district met or exceeded state rates on 81 of 96 indicators tracked for special education, career and technology, bilingual and English as a second language programs and some federal No Child Left Behind factors.
The indicators include passing rates on state assessment tests for limited English speaking students, participation, dropout and graduation rates, course completions, exemptions, and disciplinary actions for those areas and programs. The district had only two areas that were 5 percentage points outside the state standards.
The passing rate on the reading portion of the state assessments for career and technology students was 37.9 percent, compared with the state standard of 50 percent. The number of black students among special education students was also outside the state standard – 2.96 percent for the district compared with 1 percent for the state standard.
Judy Rudebush, director of special services for the district, said the data is more helpful to administrators than parents.
"It puts us on alert that all our programs aren't perfectly calibrated," she said.
She said she would be meeting with program heads to review the findings and tweak certain aspects, such as referral systems for special education and discipline placements.
State will notify of need for any interventions
By RUSSELL RIAN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Irving Independent School District specialty programs – such as special education, career programs and bilingual programs – generally surpassed state ratings, according to an annual review by administrators.
State officials will notify the district in the next couple of months whether any interventions are required, but the district met or exceeded state rates on 81 of 96 indicators tracked for special education, career and technology, bilingual and English as a second language programs and some federal No Child Left Behind factors.
The indicators include passing rates on state assessment tests for limited English speaking students, participation, dropout and graduation rates, course completions, exemptions, and disciplinary actions for those areas and programs. The district had only two areas that were 5 percentage points outside the state standards.
The passing rate on the reading portion of the state assessments for career and technology students was 37.9 percent, compared with the state standard of 50 percent. The number of black students among special education students was also outside the state standard – 2.96 percent for the district compared with 1 percent for the state standard.
Judy Rudebush, director of special services for the district, said the data is more helpful to administrators than parents.
"It puts us on alert that all our programs aren't perfectly calibrated," she said.
She said she would be meeting with program heads to review the findings and tweak certain aspects, such as referral systems for special education and discipline placements.
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Hit-and-run victim gives life
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
GARLAND, Texas - Police have yet to arrest a suspect in a hit-and-run accident that killed a 41-year-old mother of four from Garland last week.
But now, a story of new life is bringing renewed attention to the unsolved tragedy.
The husband of victim Amy Francis said his wife would have given her last dime to a needy stranger.
"She's a great person, she's a giving person," Dick Francis said.
In this case, Wanda Adams was in need. A week ago, she was on a transplant waiting list - and now, she has Amy Francis' heart.
"I have a nice, steady beat," Adams said, recovering in a hospital bed in Dallas.
Her family never imagined her second chance at life would come after seeing the television news report about Francis' death.
"I cried on Friday when I saw the story, and I didn't even know that it was going to result in my mother getting a heart," daughter Amy Ellison said. "But I cried when I saw the picture of her and the husband and the kids. Those kids don't have a mama anymore."
Ellison has her mother and Glen Adams has his wife, a gift that has them both guilt-ridden and overjoyed.
"We will be forever indebted, forever grateful," Glen said.
They're speaking out to help inspire anyone who knows something about the fatal accident to come forward.
Dick Francis wanted to be present to meet the woman who received his true love's heart, but it was also the day he was burying his wife.
So, Wanda Adams has a promise inspired by the pounding heart in her chest.
"It will only go through life doing good ... I'll see to that," she said.
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
GARLAND, Texas - Police have yet to arrest a suspect in a hit-and-run accident that killed a 41-year-old mother of four from Garland last week.
But now, a story of new life is bringing renewed attention to the unsolved tragedy.
The husband of victim Amy Francis said his wife would have given her last dime to a needy stranger.
"She's a great person, she's a giving person," Dick Francis said.
In this case, Wanda Adams was in need. A week ago, she was on a transplant waiting list - and now, she has Amy Francis' heart.
"I have a nice, steady beat," Adams said, recovering in a hospital bed in Dallas.
Her family never imagined her second chance at life would come after seeing the television news report about Francis' death.
"I cried on Friday when I saw the story, and I didn't even know that it was going to result in my mother getting a heart," daughter Amy Ellison said. "But I cried when I saw the picture of her and the husband and the kids. Those kids don't have a mama anymore."
Ellison has her mother and Glen Adams has his wife, a gift that has them both guilt-ridden and overjoyed.
"We will be forever indebted, forever grateful," Glen said.
They're speaking out to help inspire anyone who knows something about the fatal accident to come forward.
Dick Francis wanted to be present to meet the woman who received his true love's heart, but it was also the day he was burying his wife.
So, Wanda Adams has a promise inspired by the pounding heart in her chest.
"It will only go through life doing good ... I'll see to that," she said.
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Irving family recalls Marine lost in Iraq
By KARIN KELLY / WFAA ABC 8
IRVING, Texas - In Irving, the family of Lance Corporal Nazario Serrano is making plans to bury the young Marine.
Serrano was killed in action Sunday in Iraq, just weeks before he was to return home and marry.
"We were going to get married next month and I was going to move to California," said Serrano's longtime girlfriend Amanda Story.
Serrano was also looking forward to seeing his four-month-old son for the first time. However, fate intervened.
"Two weeks before he came home ... that's what's so shocking about it," Story said. "You just hope it's a bad dream and you wake up."
Serrano, 20, graduated from Irving High School in 2003.
"He was just always real positive," said Irving High principal Carolyn Dowler. "He loved his motorcycle."
Serrano is the second Irving High graduate to be killed fighting in Iraq. Three months ago, Josiah Vandertulip lost his life, and a plaque now honors him in the school library.
"Our faculty and staff are in shock that we would have a second student that we would lose," Dowler said.
The district created a $1,500 scholarship in Vandertulip's honor. Another will most likely follow, meaning Serrano's sacrifice will also enrich another student's life.
Duty to America and his family prompted Serrano to enlist 18 months ago. He provided for his parents and his first child - and now his loved ones will miss him terribly.
"One minute you're looking for a wedding dress, and the next you're looking for a dress for the funeral," Story said. "It's shocking."
But are they angry that a war so far away claimed Serrano? Not this family.
Said his girlfriend, "It's what he's always wanted to do."
By KARIN KELLY / WFAA ABC 8
IRVING, Texas - In Irving, the family of Lance Corporal Nazario Serrano is making plans to bury the young Marine.
Serrano was killed in action Sunday in Iraq, just weeks before he was to return home and marry.
"We were going to get married next month and I was going to move to California," said Serrano's longtime girlfriend Amanda Story.
Serrano was also looking forward to seeing his four-month-old son for the first time. However, fate intervened.
"Two weeks before he came home ... that's what's so shocking about it," Story said. "You just hope it's a bad dream and you wake up."
Serrano, 20, graduated from Irving High School in 2003.
"He was just always real positive," said Irving High principal Carolyn Dowler. "He loved his motorcycle."
Serrano is the second Irving High graduate to be killed fighting in Iraq. Three months ago, Josiah Vandertulip lost his life, and a plaque now honors him in the school library.
"Our faculty and staff are in shock that we would have a second student that we would lose," Dowler said.
The district created a $1,500 scholarship in Vandertulip's honor. Another will most likely follow, meaning Serrano's sacrifice will also enrich another student's life.
Duty to America and his family prompted Serrano to enlist 18 months ago. He provided for his parents and his first child - and now his loved ones will miss him terribly.
"One minute you're looking for a wedding dress, and the next you're looking for a dress for the funeral," Story said. "It's shocking."
But are they angry that a war so far away claimed Serrano? Not this family.
Said his girlfriend, "It's what he's always wanted to do."
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Homeless center may need tax hike
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Backers of Dallas' new Homeless Assistance Center plan to tell the City Council on Wednesday that construction will likely require a property tax hike.
The city estimates it will take $18 million to build the center on a 3.5-acre site at the eastern edge of downtown near the Farmer's Market. Voters already approved $3 million in bonds in 2003, which means the city still has to find $15 million.
Mayor Laura Miller is ready to ask voters to approve bonds. That would mean boosting the yearly property tax rate by less than a quarter of a penny for every $100 in value. For the average home, that adds about $2.67 a year.
Some think voters will say yes.
"Providing they're comfortable with the fact that what they're getting is well thought-out, it's going to be funded, and is ultimately a strong public private partnership," said council member Lois Finkelman.
The mayor wants to set the election soon.
"I think we should do it in May or November," Miller said.
But council member Mitchell Rasansky said the city should buy the land and then design the center before figuring out the exact costs and needs.
"We don't have anybody at the city capable of telling us that, so we have to go out and hire a professional," Rasansky said.
In the interim, he said, see what the private sector donates to the project before hitting up taxpayers.
Miller, however, said all that can be done by November.
"We've been discussing doing a central intake facility for two years; we've known we wanted to do this," the mayor said. "Now we have a tentative location, and we should be prepared to move forward."
She added that pushing a bond vote later could mean no facility until 2009, and with the homeless population continuing to grow she said the city can't afford to wait.
City officials said the construction cost isn't the end of the story. They're also budgeting $3 million a year to operate the center once it is built.
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Backers of Dallas' new Homeless Assistance Center plan to tell the City Council on Wednesday that construction will likely require a property tax hike.
The city estimates it will take $18 million to build the center on a 3.5-acre site at the eastern edge of downtown near the Farmer's Market. Voters already approved $3 million in bonds in 2003, which means the city still has to find $15 million.
Mayor Laura Miller is ready to ask voters to approve bonds. That would mean boosting the yearly property tax rate by less than a quarter of a penny for every $100 in value. For the average home, that adds about $2.67 a year.
Some think voters will say yes.
"Providing they're comfortable with the fact that what they're getting is well thought-out, it's going to be funded, and is ultimately a strong public private partnership," said council member Lois Finkelman.
The mayor wants to set the election soon.
"I think we should do it in May or November," Miller said.
But council member Mitchell Rasansky said the city should buy the land and then design the center before figuring out the exact costs and needs.
"We don't have anybody at the city capable of telling us that, so we have to go out and hire a professional," Rasansky said.
In the interim, he said, see what the private sector donates to the project before hitting up taxpayers.
Miller, however, said all that can be done by November.
"We've been discussing doing a central intake facility for two years; we've known we wanted to do this," the mayor said. "Now we have a tentative location, and we should be prepared to move forward."
She added that pushing a bond vote later could mean no facility until 2009, and with the homeless population continuing to grow she said the city can't afford to wait.
City officials said the construction cost isn't the end of the story. They're also budgeting $3 million a year to operate the center once it is built.
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Families dedicate shuttle memorial
HOUSTON, Texas (AP/The Dallas Morning News) – Evelyn Husband couldn't get her son Matthew to come to breakfast Tuesday. She found him staring at a clock instead.
"He was watching the clock and remembering when exactly it happened," the widow said, referring to space shuttle Columbia's disintegration over Texas two years ago. "This is the first time he's done that, but he's nine now. He was seven when it happened."
Matthew's father, commander Rick Husband, and six other astronauts died as Columbia returned from a 16-day science and research mission shortly before 8 a.m. CST on Feb. 1, 2003.
On Tuesday, the second anniversary of the tragedy, Houston Mayor Bill White and other city officials dedicated a granite memorial in a downtown park to honor the Columbia astronauts. A similar tribute to the seven astronauts who died in the 1986 Challenger disaster is nearby.
Husband, wearing a necklace with a shuttle emblem she got from her husband, said she still deals with the tragedy every day.
"There is such a desire in my heart to return to normal and yet this is something we are never going to be able to forget," she said.
Speaking to those who gathered inside a visitors center because of cold, rainy weather, Johnson Space Center Director Gen. Jefferson D. Howell Jr. said it was fitting that a Columbia memorial was placed in Houston.
"As most of us in Houston know, the first word spoken from the surface of the moon was Houston," he said.
He said Columbia's final mission was a wonderful success because "what they accomplished was incredible. They just didn't make it all the way home. And that was no fault of their own. They were doing marvelous work at that time. We will never forget them. Everything we do at the Johnson Space Center is in their memory."
Investigators determined the shuttle was brought down by a hole in the leading edge of its left wing caused when a piece of insulating foam broke off and struck the wing during liftoff. The searing gases of re-entry entered the gash and melted the wing from the inside out, leading to the breakup of the orbiter.
The loss is still painful, said Jon Clark, a NASA neurologist who was married to astronaut Laurel Clark, a member of Columbia's final crew.
"It's not the searing heart ripped out of your chest, it's more of just a chronic ache," he said. "My son is still very upset about this loss. He has gone from denial to anger and so that's the focus of my existence now, is to help him through this. It has been really tough on him."
Evelyn Husband said she planned to go to her son's school Tuesday because Matthew wanted to release a balloon with a private note attached for his father.
"It is little things like that that have an impact on him," she said. "I told Matthew the other day, 'Feb. 1 was not a bad day for daddy. He had a bad minute or so, but he didn't have a bad day. He went from flying the shuttle to being in the presence of God."'
Howell said the pain remains but the healing process has begun.
"It's a reminder to us of the price we have to pay at times to explore and do great things," he said.
The shuttle fleet has been grounded since 2003 as NASA works to meet return-to-flight recommendations put forth by Columbia accident investigators. The agency plans a May or June launch of space shuttle Discovery.
HOUSTON, Texas (AP/The Dallas Morning News) – Evelyn Husband couldn't get her son Matthew to come to breakfast Tuesday. She found him staring at a clock instead.
"He was watching the clock and remembering when exactly it happened," the widow said, referring to space shuttle Columbia's disintegration over Texas two years ago. "This is the first time he's done that, but he's nine now. He was seven when it happened."
Matthew's father, commander Rick Husband, and six other astronauts died as Columbia returned from a 16-day science and research mission shortly before 8 a.m. CST on Feb. 1, 2003.
On Tuesday, the second anniversary of the tragedy, Houston Mayor Bill White and other city officials dedicated a granite memorial in a downtown park to honor the Columbia astronauts. A similar tribute to the seven astronauts who died in the 1986 Challenger disaster is nearby.
Husband, wearing a necklace with a shuttle emblem she got from her husband, said she still deals with the tragedy every day.
"There is such a desire in my heart to return to normal and yet this is something we are never going to be able to forget," she said.
Speaking to those who gathered inside a visitors center because of cold, rainy weather, Johnson Space Center Director Gen. Jefferson D. Howell Jr. said it was fitting that a Columbia memorial was placed in Houston.
"As most of us in Houston know, the first word spoken from the surface of the moon was Houston," he said.
He said Columbia's final mission was a wonderful success because "what they accomplished was incredible. They just didn't make it all the way home. And that was no fault of their own. They were doing marvelous work at that time. We will never forget them. Everything we do at the Johnson Space Center is in their memory."
Investigators determined the shuttle was brought down by a hole in the leading edge of its left wing caused when a piece of insulating foam broke off and struck the wing during liftoff. The searing gases of re-entry entered the gash and melted the wing from the inside out, leading to the breakup of the orbiter.
The loss is still painful, said Jon Clark, a NASA neurologist who was married to astronaut Laurel Clark, a member of Columbia's final crew.
"It's not the searing heart ripped out of your chest, it's more of just a chronic ache," he said. "My son is still very upset about this loss. He has gone from denial to anger and so that's the focus of my existence now, is to help him through this. It has been really tough on him."
Evelyn Husband said she planned to go to her son's school Tuesday because Matthew wanted to release a balloon with a private note attached for his father.
"It is little things like that that have an impact on him," she said. "I told Matthew the other day, 'Feb. 1 was not a bad day for daddy. He had a bad minute or so, but he didn't have a bad day. He went from flying the shuttle to being in the presence of God."'
Howell said the pain remains but the healing process has begun.
"It's a reminder to us of the price we have to pay at times to explore and do great things," he said.
The shuttle fleet has been grounded since 2003 as NASA works to meet return-to-flight recommendations put forth by Columbia accident investigators. The agency plans a May or June launch of space shuttle Discovery.
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Tarrant cities offer ticket amnesty
By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas - Officers all over North Texas spend countless hours issuing dozens of warrants each day.
Many of those warrants wind up in city court. Kennedale, for example, has 2,100 warrants with fines totaling $400,000.
"As you can tell, it's just packed as far as it can be," said court administrator Bobbie Spence. "All drawers are completely full."
Most of them issued for failure to pay fines on Class C misdemeanors of traffic and city code violations. It's a mounting problem some local cities and agencies decided to get a handle on.
Each is offering amnesty through the month of February.
"For the entire month, people can come in, take care of their business and not have the fear of being arrested," said Mansfield's Thad Penkala.
Offenders can go the court and pay their fines in person. Some city courts such as Kennedale are even offering $50 discounts on each warrant if the offender pays in full.
"Last year we cleared about $28,000 in warrants in a two-week amnesty period," Spence said. "This year, we're extending it for four weeks, so we anticipate to maybe triple that hopefully."
This year, nearly 20 cities and agencies are participating, compared to just eight last year. All told, between the cities there are more than 67,000 warrants amounting to $17 million in fines.
Police want offenders to know the courts are there to help for the next four weeks.
"They'll work with them," Penkala said. "They'll do whatever they can to get things taken care of."
_________________________________
Cities/areas offering ticket amnesty:
Burleson
Cedar Hill
Cleburne
Crowley
Forest Hill
Godley
Grandview
Haltom City
Hurst
Keene
Keller
Kennedale
Mansfield
Venus
Westlake
White Settlement
Willow Park
Johnson County
By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas - Officers all over North Texas spend countless hours issuing dozens of warrants each day.
Many of those warrants wind up in city court. Kennedale, for example, has 2,100 warrants with fines totaling $400,000.
"As you can tell, it's just packed as far as it can be," said court administrator Bobbie Spence. "All drawers are completely full."
Most of them issued for failure to pay fines on Class C misdemeanors of traffic and city code violations. It's a mounting problem some local cities and agencies decided to get a handle on.
Each is offering amnesty through the month of February.
"For the entire month, people can come in, take care of their business and not have the fear of being arrested," said Mansfield's Thad Penkala.
Offenders can go the court and pay their fines in person. Some city courts such as Kennedale are even offering $50 discounts on each warrant if the offender pays in full.
"Last year we cleared about $28,000 in warrants in a two-week amnesty period," Spence said. "This year, we're extending it for four weeks, so we anticipate to maybe triple that hopefully."
This year, nearly 20 cities and agencies are participating, compared to just eight last year. All told, between the cities there are more than 67,000 warrants amounting to $17 million in fines.
Police want offenders to know the courts are there to help for the next four weeks.
"They'll work with them," Penkala said. "They'll do whatever they can to get things taken care of."
_________________________________
Cities/areas offering ticket amnesty:
Burleson
Cedar Hill
Cleburne
Crowley
Forest Hill
Godley
Grandview
Haltom City
Hurst
Keene
Keller
Kennedale
Mansfield
Venus
Westlake
White Settlement
Willow Park
Johnson County
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Possible Road Rage Shooting Lands Man In Hospital
NBC 5: Bullet Went Into Victim's Chest
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- A driver is in the hospital after a possible road rage shooting overnight in Dallas.
The victim said he was driving south on Highway 67 at about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday when someone shot him.
The victim is at Methodist Medical Center after a bullet went into his chest, NBC 5 reported.
Police are still sorting out the details on the shooting, but say they can't rule out road rage.
Police said the victim managed to get off the highway and stop in a parking lot off Red Bird Lane. He was already on the phone with his mother and was able to ask for help.
She drove to him, took him to the hospital and called police.
NBC 5: Bullet Went Into Victim's Chest
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- A driver is in the hospital after a possible road rage shooting overnight in Dallas.
The victim said he was driving south on Highway 67 at about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday when someone shot him.
The victim is at Methodist Medical Center after a bullet went into his chest, NBC 5 reported.
Police are still sorting out the details on the shooting, but say they can't rule out road rage.
Police said the victim managed to get off the highway and stop in a parking lot off Red Bird Lane. He was already on the phone with his mother and was able to ask for help.
She drove to him, took him to the hospital and called police.
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Final Trinity River Project Plan Goes To Council
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- The city of Dallas plans to turn its attention to the Trinity River rather than turn its back on the waterway south of downtown. Years after its approval by Dallas voters, a final implementation plan of the Trinity River Project goes to the city council Wednesday.
The overall project includes elements of transportation, recreation and flood control along the Trinity River. One portion of the project, though, centers on a section of Dallas miles from the river.
The plan calls for reconstruction of a hairpin turn along Highway 175, also known as C.F. Hawn Freeway, where it merges with the old Highway 75, South Central Freeway. The turn presents a potentially dangerous stretch of road for motorists.
"It's a pretty hard section," said Charles Jefferson, who frequently drives the section of road. "There are a lot of wrecks from truck turnovers."
Engineers would straighten the turn with the beginnings of a new toll road that would cross Interstate 45 heading west toward the Trinity River. Plans in the area also include a landscaped park built where a segment of old South Central Freeway, S.M. Wright, once stood.
"It gets rid of all the impediments that road created years ago when it was built," Councilman Ed Oakley said. "It actually heals the neighborhood."
Some junkyards on Lamar Street near the stretch of road could become prime real estate development sites, according to NBC 5.
Area residents said they welcome the plan and its developments.
"If it's going to make it look better and make it have easier access to the community, I don't see any problem with it," resident Shirley Johnson James said.
The road improvements represent a small part of the overall Trinity River Plan. Other aspects include parks, artist-designed bridges and redevelopment.
"This will be another moment in time that we'll look back and go, 'That was a life-changing event for Dallas, Texas,' " Oakley said.
Other council members said it's time to begin work on the long-discussed plan.
"We definitely need to make dirt fly and move on with this project," Councilwoman Elba Garcia said.
Groundbreaking is due to occur later this year on the new Woodall Rogers Bridge on the west side of downtown.
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- The city of Dallas plans to turn its attention to the Trinity River rather than turn its back on the waterway south of downtown. Years after its approval by Dallas voters, a final implementation plan of the Trinity River Project goes to the city council Wednesday.
The overall project includes elements of transportation, recreation and flood control along the Trinity River. One portion of the project, though, centers on a section of Dallas miles from the river.
The plan calls for reconstruction of a hairpin turn along Highway 175, also known as C.F. Hawn Freeway, where it merges with the old Highway 75, South Central Freeway. The turn presents a potentially dangerous stretch of road for motorists.
"It's a pretty hard section," said Charles Jefferson, who frequently drives the section of road. "There are a lot of wrecks from truck turnovers."
Engineers would straighten the turn with the beginnings of a new toll road that would cross Interstate 45 heading west toward the Trinity River. Plans in the area also include a landscaped park built where a segment of old South Central Freeway, S.M. Wright, once stood.
"It gets rid of all the impediments that road created years ago when it was built," Councilman Ed Oakley said. "It actually heals the neighborhood."
Some junkyards on Lamar Street near the stretch of road could become prime real estate development sites, according to NBC 5.
Area residents said they welcome the plan and its developments.
"If it's going to make it look better and make it have easier access to the community, I don't see any problem with it," resident Shirley Johnson James said.
The road improvements represent a small part of the overall Trinity River Plan. Other aspects include parks, artist-designed bridges and redevelopment.
"This will be another moment in time that we'll look back and go, 'That was a life-changing event for Dallas, Texas,' " Oakley said.
Other council members said it's time to begin work on the long-discussed plan.
"We definitely need to make dirt fly and move on with this project," Councilwoman Elba Garcia said.
Groundbreaking is due to occur later this year on the new Woodall Rogers Bridge on the west side of downtown.
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Dallas-Based Owner Of Crashed Jet In NJ Had Similar Accident
2 Missing, 11 Injured After Jet Sped Off Runway Wednesday
DALLAS, Texas -- The Dallas-based company registered as the owner of a jet that crashed in New Jersey Wednesday had a similar accident a year ago.
A corporate jet the FAA said is registered to Four-Four-Eight Alliance LLC sped off the end of a runway and crashed while attempting take off from Teterboro Airport Wednesday. At least 11 people were injured and two were missing.
Four-Four-Eight Alliance shares the same address as DDH Aviation in Dallas. DDH president Dennis Debo declined immediate comment.
DDH, which operates at 2800 W. Mockingbird Lane, leases corporate jets, NBC 5 reported.
Nearly a year ago, on Feb. 26, a Gulfstream Three registered to the company, rolled off a runway into the mud at Atlanta's Peachtree-DeKalb Airport after a snowstorm. No one was injured that time.
2 Missing, 11 Injured After Jet Sped Off Runway Wednesday
DALLAS, Texas -- The Dallas-based company registered as the owner of a jet that crashed in New Jersey Wednesday had a similar accident a year ago.
A corporate jet the FAA said is registered to Four-Four-Eight Alliance LLC sped off the end of a runway and crashed while attempting take off from Teterboro Airport Wednesday. At least 11 people were injured and two were missing.
Four-Four-Eight Alliance shares the same address as DDH Aviation in Dallas. DDH president Dennis Debo declined immediate comment.
DDH, which operates at 2800 W. Mockingbird Lane, leases corporate jets, NBC 5 reported.
Nearly a year ago, on Feb. 26, a Gulfstream Three registered to the company, rolled off a runway into the mud at Atlanta's Peachtree-DeKalb Airport after a snowstorm. No one was injured that time.
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Teacher Facing Charges For Incident With Student
Incident Occurred Off Campus
GARLAND, Texas -- A Garland teacher is facing indecency charges after an off-campus incident involving a student.
Investigators would only say that Wilfredo Carrion's charges involved a teenage student and that the act occurred off school property.
Carrion is now on administrative leave from his job as a speech teacher at Garland's Naaman Forest High School.
It is unknown if the district will allow Carrion to return to the school.
Incident Occurred Off Campus
GARLAND, Texas -- A Garland teacher is facing indecency charges after an off-campus incident involving a student.
Investigators would only say that Wilfredo Carrion's charges involved a teenage student and that the act occurred off school property.
Carrion is now on administrative leave from his job as a speech teacher at Garland's Naaman Forest High School.
It is unknown if the district will allow Carrion to return to the school.
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