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  • Plano PD investigating deadly shooting near busy intersection

    The Plano Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that took place just before 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Parker Road and Custer Road.Officer David Tilley, Plano PD spokesman, said dispatch received the call of a shooting incident outside the Subway in the 3100 block of Custer Road at 6:22 p.m. The male victim was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The suspect remained at the scene and was taken into custody."They knew each other and it was some type of altercation that took place," Tilley said. "When our officers got here he was actually still at the location. They started talking to people and it was determined that he was the one who actually shot the victim. He was placed under arrest and taken to Plano Jail."Tilley said multiple shots were fired from a handgun; the victim was shot multiple times."This is a shopping center, there are a lot of businesses here, this is one of the busiest intersections in our community and it was close to 6:30 in the evening," he said. "We had a lot of witnesses that fortunately stuck around and were able to give us a lot of information. This is not something that happens in our community very often so there was clearly a lot of concern."Tilley said motive is unknown at this time, but detectives will have to dig deep to determine why this incident took place.

  • More treats, less tricks

    The Plano Police Department will host its 25th annual Kids Night Out event from 6-8 p.m. tomorrow at Plano Market Square Mall, 1717 E. Spring Creek Parkway, as another option for children to trick-or-treat in a safe environment.Kids Night Out brings community retailers and Plano PD together on Halloween to provide children with a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Children will be able to play games, win prizes and trick-or-treat at numerous booths set up in the mall.“It’s been a very successful event and clearly it’s working,” said Officer David Tilley, Plano PD spokesman, previously. “I think parents recognize the fact that it is a much safer environment. It’s an opportunity for them to come out and meet public safety servants and police officers. It’s just been a really positive thing that we started and it’s had great success. People come back every year.”Kids Night Out caters to elementary school children ages 12 and under. Plano PD accepts candy donations from neighborhood groups, businesses and individuals. In return for making candy or monetary donations used to purchase candy, donors get their names displayed at the event.“Kids Night Out is a crime prevention program that offers our citizens with children attending kindergarten through 5th-grades a safe alternative to trick or treating,” Tilley said. “ This event is out of the elements of weather and eases concerns of parents regarding their children walking around the neighborhood streets.”While Plano PD doesn’t want to discourage outdoor trick-or-treating, Tilley previously said there are several communities where people don’t know their neighbors, which can make parents uncomfortable.

  • McKinner Fire Department: Check smoke alarms at daylight savings time

    As Texas marks the end of daylight savings time for 2014 by setting clocks back by one hour on Sunday, the McKinney Fire Department reminds residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button and replacing batteries annually – preferably on a designated date, such as the end of daylight savings time. According to Stacie Durham, MFD spokesperson, “The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are sleeping. Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.”In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, the MFD recommends dusting or vacuuming smoke alarms when you change the batteries.  “A great way to clean the alarm is by using canned air – the type used for cleaning your computer keyboard,” Durham stated in a city release.  “Also, if you have difficulty reaching the test button on your alarm for monthly testing, use the handle of a broom or mop.”Other recommendations: Replacing the entire alarm if it is more than 10 years old or doesn’t work properly when tested Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside of sleeping areas Installing both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor alarms, which detect slow, smoldering fires, as well as fast, flaming fires Interconnecting smoke alarms throughout your home so that when one sounds, they all sound  To improve chances of surviving a fire, make sure everyone in the home understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond. Prepare and practice an escape plan, identify a designated meeting place a safe distance from the fire and where first responders can easily see you. Always dial 911 from a safe location. And, once out of the structure, never go back inside.

  • McKinney ISD names new principal for Cockrill Middle School

    McKinney ISD officials on Tuesday approved the hiring of Amber Epperson as the new principal at Cockrill Middle School.Epperson, currently the principal at Malvern Elementary, will replace Melinda DeFelice, who last month became the district’s new senior director of college and career readiness. Epperson has served in campus leadership for most of her 11 years with McKinney ISD.“We chose Dr. Epperson to fill the shoes of Dr. DeFelice because we feel like she has the qualities to maintain and move Cockrill forward in a very productive way,” McKinney ISD Superintendent J.D. Kennedy said in a released statement. “Dr. Epperson has taken on tasks willingly that have been put before her over the past few years and has done it in amazing fashion.”The McKinney ISD Board of Trustees approved the decision at its regular meeting. Board Trustee Bobby Amick was the lone dissenting vote. He expressed concern that leadership could suffer at Malvern Elementary, a Title I school that serves many students of low socioeconomic status.He questioned the brevity of Epperson’s tenure at Malvern, saying a switch so soon could counteract the school’s development under her tutelage. She became principal at Malvern in 2012, after two years as principal at Valley Creek Elementary.“My concern is…new leadership will not have the same force and effect as if [Epperson] were to stay on for a few years,” Amick said during Tuesday’s board meeting. “There may be a negative impact on students.”

  • Private company proposes railway connecting Houston, Dallas

    In an age where cellphones and computers can connect people across the world in seconds, the physical boundaries of geography are becoming lessened. The Texas Central Railway (TCR), a private company, is looking to make the distance between Dallas and Houston smaller with a proposed high-speed train.The project, which company officials speculate could cost about $10 billion, would connect two of the state’s largest cities in about 90 minutes.“In looking at 97 city pairs across the country, TCR found an incredible potential market in the Dallas to Houston corridor,” said Travis Kelly, TCR vice president of government relations, via email.“Dallas and Houston already are the 4th and 6th largest metropolitan regions in the country. ... Introducing high-speed passenger rail – a clean, all-electric and safe technology – to this corridor will provide much-needed capacity without the need for federal grants or operational subsidies.”Public meetings on the project – held by TCR, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and TxDOT – began last week in Dallas and wrapped up in Houston on Wednesday. Topics of discussion included potential routes and stops for the train. However, before construction can begin, an environmental impact statement must be conducted. The environmental review study is being conducted by the FRA and TxDOT, and is expected to be complete in about 18 or 24 months.According to statistics from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, by 2035 the population of the Metroplex is expected to grow to more than 10 million and the Houston area is expected to increase to more than 9 million. Both cities are known for being large transportation hubs and industrial centers.“While TCR is a private company, its project is heavily regulated by federal, state and local agencies,” Kelly said. “We also coordinate closely with DART and Houston Metro, largely on issues related to connectivity with their current and planned systems.”

  • Plano’s Texas Recycles Day celebration features a collection event and compost fair

    Remove the clutter and celebrate Texas Recycles Day on Nov. 15 with the city of Plano. The city is transforming its annual Learn 2 Live Green spring event into Learn 2 Live Green Year-Round Learning Adventures. Texas Recycles Day leads off the Learning Adventures with a One Stop Drop Collection event and a compost fair. Residents are invited to attend at the Chase Oaks Church parking lot, 281 Legacy Dr., from 9 a.m. to noon.The One Stop Drop Collection is bringing together several partner organizations to collect items removed from closets, attics and garages. Items to be collected include bikes in any condition, books, clothing and textiles, old prescription glasses, hearing aids, phones, pet items, knitting supplies, blankets, sheets, smartphones and iPads.Compost Fair participants will learn how to recycle yard trimmings and food waste into lawn and garden nutrients with hands-on demonstrations. They will also have the opportunity to purchase a C.E. Shepherd compost bin at the discount price of $20 after they complete the Compost Fair stations. Registration for the Compost Fair closes on Nov. 12. Residents can sign up at plano.gov/compostfair.Free document shredding by dfwshredding.com will be on-site and residents are encourages to take the pledge to live green in the photo booth. Kids and adults can also take a turn at operating the recycling truck. Attendees can also visit Plano’s latest innovation, the New Leash on Life Mobile Animal Shelter, to meet some of the great shelter pets who are looking for forever homes.For information, visit learn2livegreen.com.

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Denton County+Metrocrest

The Leader Lewisville Lake Cities The Colony Carrollton Coppell L.E.

  • Broncos clinch playoff spot: Boyd returning to postseason for fifth straight year

    The McKinney Boyd defense functioned as needed, and junior quarterback Grant Restmeyer and junior utility man Brandon Bowling clicked in the aerial attack for a 31-17 victory over Lewisville on Thursday at Ron Poe Stadium.Restmeyer threw for 204 yards, one score and one pick, completing 17-of-30 attempts. Bowling was the recipient on 10 Restmeyer tosses, accruing 97 yards and two touchdowns.The win moved Boyd to 5-2 in District 6-6A and clinched a playoff spot for the program. Boyd has the lowest enrollment in the district, locking it into the Division II postseason bracket. Whether the Broncos will be the high or low seed from 6-6A will be determined after next week’s season-ending games. If Boyd beats Hebron, it will be the high seed for the Division II playoffs. If the Broncos fall and Plano loses as well, Boyd still retains the higher position. If Boyd loses and Plano wins, Boyd will be slotted lower.“We had a lot to play for tonight,” said Don Drake, Boyd head coach. “On senior night, with it being the last time those guys play on this field, it was exciting for them to get that win and clinch the playoff berth.”The loss for Lewisville (3-4) ended the Farmers’ shot at the playoffs.“When that district list came out, we were the ones that everyone picked to be at the bottom,” said Greg Miller, Lewisville head coach. “I’m proud of the way our kids fought. They know we can play with the people in this district.

  • Marcus, Argyle bands returning to state, FMHS to make debut

    Lewisville ISD continues to be a marching band powerhouse, and one look at the lineup for next week’s UIL State Marching Band Contest shows why.Three bands from LISD – Marcus, Flower Mound and Hebron – will participate in the Class 6A competition  Tuesday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.In addition, Argyle will compete in the Class 4A event Monday.For Marcus, which won the Class 6A Area B contest last week, it’s a familiar trip. The school has won the Class 5A championship in 2012 and 2010 and qualified for state in 2008 and 2006.But every year stands on its own merits, said Band Director Amanda Drinkwater. And this year has been a good one for all new reasons.“Most of our leaders are new,” Drinkwater said. “We have four new drum majors, and we have no returning section leaders. So this accomplishment is really awesome. It’s good to have a strong year when we’re filling in new roles.”

  • CHS band rocks UIL meet

    The Coppell High School Marching Band is presenting “Rise”, a spectacular show featuring music from Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird suite. The band performed in Mesquite last Saturday at the University Interscholastic League's (UIL) Area Marching Band Competition.“I personally love this year’s show”, says Julia Carroll, a member of the Color Guard. “The amount of intensity and power is absolutely incredible.”Grant Knippa, a freshman trumpet player admits “I was nervous as we all arrived on the buses at Mesquite.  I’m sure we all were”. Coppell High School Marching Band gave a tremendous performance in the preliminary round, then waited three hours for the announcement of the schools that would make it through to the finals.  There was excitement as the announcement came that Coppell had made the finals, and preparations were made for a repeat performance. “We went better in finals than in [the preliminary round]," Knippa said. 

  • Lost and Found: Copper Canyon

    Last week a resident found a male Yorkie puppy on Chinn Chapel Road in Copper Canyon.It is very friendly and has been groomed recently. Brian Hall of animal control for Copper Canyon has been boarding him for a week. If the town cannot locate the dog's owner, he will be put up for adoption. Residents are encouraged to check the front page of the town website for a picture of the puppy.Residents who recognize this dog are encouraged to contact the town office at 940-241-2677. 

  • Nebraska Furniture Mart to hold hiring event at MCL Grand

    Nebraska Furniture Mart will hold a hiring event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles St.The 1.86 million-square-foot store being built at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Plano Parkway in The Colony will sell thousands of pieces of furniture, electronics, computers, flooring and other home products. The facility will have 2,200 employees. It will open to customers next spring.For information visit nfm.com/careers.

  • Anatomy of a comeback: A by-the-numbers look at Friday’s wild Plano East-Lewisville finish

    Let’s be 100 percent honest – I didn’t strategically venture out to Max Goldsmith Stadium on Friday for Plano East and Lewisville expecting one of the most memorable football games I’d ever see.But that’s what I got. For those living under a rock, the Farmers orchestrated the kind of comeback that’s rarely rivaled in sports, erasing a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 58-56 victory over the Panthers.It’s not the same kind of heartbreak East endured a decade earlier in the its infamous 48-44 playoff loss to Tyler John Tyler – the Panthers were the ones making the improbable rally before falling short.  Nope, Friday was just a seven-minute stretch of unmitigated hell for East.So before properly laying that game to rest, here are a few key numbers from last Friday to encapsulate one of the more stunning outcomes in recent state high school football history.31: The number of unanswered points Lewisville scored in the fourth quarter, all coming in a span of 4:55 of game time. Twenty-four of those points came in just 1:51, starting with a 38-yard touchdown pass from senior Adrian Villareal to sophomore Tyrell Shavers at 7:01 and ending on a go-ahead safety with 5:12 to play in the game to nudge the Farmers in front, 51-49.69: The average number of seconds for Lewisville’s three scoring drives to turn a 49-27 deficit into a 49-49 tie. The Farmers ran 11 plays during that span, five producing at least 14 yards.

East Dallas County

Mesquite Rowlett Sunnyvale

  • Want to get scared? Take a paranormal tour of Dallas Heritage Village

    Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 South Harwood St. in Dallas, offers after hours Paranormal Investigative Tours of four hours or more with a reservation for groups of five to 15. Participants must be 16 or older and minors must be accompanied by parents or guardians. The cost is $100 per person for four hours and $25 per person for each additional hour. Call 214-413-3675 or visit dallasheritagevillage.org for more information.

  • Check it out: Is there a better place to trick-or-treat than the library?

    Come in costume to the Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main St., on Halloween and receive a treat. The library is open from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Fridays.

  • Mesquite police make arrest following standoff

    A Mesquite man is in custody after an almost five hour standoff with Mesquite police and U.S. Marshals.Today at approximately 2:20 p.m., Mesquite police and U.S. Marshals arrived at a residence in the 100 block of Brunswick Lane to serve an aggravated robbery warrant for Mesquite resident Ronnie Pryor, 26. Upon arrival at the home, officers observed Pryor standing on the front porch. Once Pryor noticed the officers, he ran into the house.After numerous attempts by police negotiators to resolve the situation had failed, tactical officers deployed gas in the home at approximately 7 p.m. Following deployment of the gas, Pryor began to communicate with officers and tactical team members entered the home and took Pryor into custody.Officers did not notice anyone else leaving the home during the incident.

  • James Gang rumors continue to be associated with Lawrence Home

    Urban legends abound throughout our society and the city of Mesquite is no different. One of the urban legends present in the city centers around the S.D. Lawrence House and a gang of outlaws.The house, which now serves as one of the centerpieces of the Opal Lawrence Historical Park, is believed to have been visited on several occasions by outlaws Frank and Jesse James, commonly referred to as the James Gang.According to a May 6, 1940 article that appeared in the Dallas Morning News, the James boys once left a white horse as a gift for the Lawrences.Charlene Orr, Historic Mesquite executive director, said Historic Mesquite Inc. (HMI) has tried to verify the authenticity of the claims but has so far been unable to do so.“We have tried to put all the pieces and dates together and so far have not been able to validate the information,” Orr said.An article written by Carol Riggs Anderson in 2008, a descendant of the Lawrence family, disputes the authenticity of the claims made about the association of James family and the Lawrences.

  • Not just picking a governor: Tuesday’s ballot also includes $455.5 million GISD bond proposal

    With early voting ending Friday and Election Day following on Tuesday, voters in Rowlett, Sachse and Garland will soon decide whether to tax themselves more to pay for remodeling and new construction in Dallas County’s second largest school district.On local ballots already crowded with choices for governor and other state office holders is a $455.5 million bond proposal for Garland ISD, a district with 58,000 students at 71 campuses.If approved, the school district’s tax rate will rise to $1.45 per $100 of taxable valuation, up from $1.24 now, but the rate won’t increase the full amount all at once, Superintendent Bob Morrison has said.The district would sell the $455.5 million in bonds in increments over a few years, gradually increasing the tax rate to cover the amount of indebtedness issued, Morrison said.Senior adults with exemptions filed with the Dallas County Appraisal District, would see no impact to their taxes, he said. Other homeowners would pay roughly $17 a month on a home with $100,000 of taxable value, he said. That works out to more than $200 a year on the tax bill. The owner of a home with $300,000 in taxable value would see an increase of more than $600 a year.Much of the bond money is projected to go to bring campuses up to date and into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sprinkler systems would be addressed. Old windows sealed now with asbestos would be replaced.

  • Seniors class: Get an introduction to Excel beginning on Election Day

    The Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main St., in conjunction with the Rowlett Senior Advisory Board, is offering for seniors a free three-session computer class, Intro to Microsoft Excel, starting from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday.To register, call 972-412-6161. Plan to attend all three days.

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<p>Marcus Smart, left, in previous action with Team USA.</p>

Smart makes NBA debut

Celtics rookie guard Marcus Smart made his NBA debut in the regular season Wednesday in Boston’s 121-195 victory over Brooklyn.

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Local Female Powerlifter Shows there is Beauty in the Beast

Come out to the American Indoor Sports facility in Carrollton to watch Wendy Hajik compete at the USPA Ross Shreves Classic Powerlifting meet! Wendy is a certified personal trainer, licensed massage therapist and world record holding powerlifter that competes both lifting gear free and drug free. This is a benefit to fund raise for the local teacher Ross Shreves who was killed last year and all proceeds go to his foundation. Defying the stereotype that all female lifters are bulky and manly, Wendy brings a strong feminine presence to the sport while squatting and deadlifting over twice her bodyweight.

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