LOCAL/NEWS

03/01/2010

Voter Guide: Compare the candidates

File

Get ready to vote in tomorrow's primary for governor and other offices.
Find your polling place
Issues Watch: See where governor candidates stand
Election day weather: sunny, cool
Blog: Trail Blazers

Exclusive: Dallas departments asked to plan for major budget cuts
Suhm has asked nearly all departments to prepare preliminary budgets that slash some 30 percent from their current operating costs.

Chileans in Dallas-Fort Worth plan meeting to discuss earthquake relief
Club Chileno, a local group that has been dormant for years, hopes to revive itself.

UT Southwestern researcher ready to test new diabetes treatment in humans
Dr. Roger Unger, chairman of diabetes research at UT Southwestern Medical School, is quick to warn that a novel method that worked in mice with Type 1 diabetes may not help people.

McKinney woman sentenced to 10 years for heroin-injection death of best friend
A woman convicted of killing her best friend by injecting her with heroin was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison.

Texas death row inmate set to die for murder of Brazilian couple in Plano
Michael Sigala killed Kleber and Lilian Santos in August 2000 while he was on probation and was allowed to leave a Dallas-area substance abuse treatment center for the day to look for a job.

Dallas police investigating shootout at Lower Greenville bar
Four people were hit by gunfire after a fight broke out at the Billiard Bar, police said. None of the injuries was believed to be life-threatening.

Frisco police hope new fines will curb false alarms 8:53 AM CT
The city says it's wasting more than $1 million a year sending police out in response to burlgary alarms, almost all of which are false.

Last 2 figures in Dallas City Hall bribe case sentenced to 14 and 3 years, respectively
The infamous public corruption case, the biggest in the city's history, is essentially over.

Rains should persist all day in Dallas-Fort Worth

The rest of the week, however, should be warmer and sunny.
Rain means bumper bluebonnet crop
Dallas-Fort Worth radars, forecasts
Travel info: Traffic | DART | Flights
Blog: Weather

02/28/2010

Ex-offenders find tools to turn lives around in church's program

MONA REEDER/DMN

The last time Benita Nelson went before a judge, she was sent to prison. Sunday, she was was one of 150 grads of a program for ex-inmates.
Link: Texas Offenders Re-entry Initiative
Link: The Potter's House

A bumper crop of bluebonnets is on the way for Texans
Wildflower experts say the upcoming bloom should be exceptional throughout much of the state, thanks to heavy rains the past several months. Expect oceans of blue flowers to fill patches of Texas prairie and border country roads.

03/01/2010

Lewisville ISD weighs plan to rebuild oldest part of Lewisville High School
The Lewisville school district is considering a plan to rebuild the oldest part of the Lewisville High School campus at an estimated cost of $43 million to $48 million.

Regional roundup

History center in McKinney fighting to survive
Vicki Day is trying to preserve the museum that preserves Collin County.

02/28/2010

Richardson ISD has figure in mind for starting teacher pay: $45,800
Although no salary can be official until the budget is passed this summer, board members all seemed comfortable with the staff recommendation: $45,800 for someone with no teaching experience, which is $700 more than last year. Teachers with more experience, advanced degrees or other certifications can make more.

Tea Party effect becomes apparent in Dallas-area elections
Some local candidates have declared themselves "Tea Party approved" on campaign mailings as an overt appeal to Tea Party voters, while others have made state sovereignty a strong part of their message, a more subtle approach.

Texas requiring course for aspiring drivers 18 to 24
The state-mandated six-hour course, which costs $35 to $100 based on a check of several driving schools, will cover topics such as rules of the road, highway signs, drunken driving and insurance. Students must pass a written test at the end of the course, in addition to DPS' standard driving-skills exam, before they can receive a license.

Sports bars reap benefits but aren't overrun by crowds for U.S.-Canada final
Hyped by some as the hockey game more Americans would watch than ever before, the U.S.-Canada gold medal game didn't live up to that billing at several Dallas-area sports venues Sunday.

Chefs donate time, talent to raise funds for charity at Oak Cliff pop-up eatery

COURTNEY PERRY/DMN

Called 48 Nights, the restaurant was created by the team behind Smoke at the Belmont Hotel.
Restaurant review: Smoke
Blog: Eats
More restaurant reviews

Temporary shops, galleries, eateries popping up in Dallas
If shoes, entrees and paintings come and go, then why can't the stores, restaurants and galleries that sell them? Whether a two-night-only exhibition in an abandoned bank, a hip clothing store with an expiration date, or a limited-time eatery with alternating star chefs, pop-up establishments have hit Dallas.

Texas Stars goalie sticking with NHL dream despite long odds

BENJAMIN SKLAR/Special to DMN

Brent Krahn has been on nine teams since 2000, when he was a first-round draft pick of the Calgary Flames.
Link: Team profile of Krahn
More hockey news
Blog: Dallas Stars

02/27/2010

Dallas ISD teachers' misconduct with students was kept quiet
In about half of cases involving sex allegations against teachers from late 2005 to 2009, educators were allowed to quietly resign and maintain clean criminal records, paving the way for them to continue working with children.

Dallas Tea Party rouses crowd at City Hall rally
With dozens of “Don’t Tread On Me” flags lifting in the breeze and a bristle of signs objecting to most of what comes out of Washington, it was clear the Tea Party crowd gathered outside Dallas City Hall on Saturday was spoiling for an Election Day fight.

Plano looking forward to city's first magnet school
Plano's school superintendent, Doug Otto, says the opening of the magnet school in two years could mark the beginning of significant reform in how the district's schools operate.

Irving uses psychographics study to choose which new retailers to woo
Ask Irving residents if there's a restaurant or retailer they'd like to see in their city, and they'll immediately start dropping the names of everything from fast-food joints to high-end department stores.

In Fort Worth speech, George W. Bush offers glimpse inside his presidency
Former President George W. Bush provided a glimpse of life in the Oval Office on Saturday evening in front of a packed ballroom at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

Oak Cliff volunteers lobby to rebuild Kiest Park's former pergola
David Klempin and 10 other Oak Cliff residents talk of lobbying for city bond money four years ago to rebuild the long-gone attraction. They talk of the park and the work of volunteers. They talk of being blindsided by word that those bond dollars may be spent elsewhere. They have questions and concerns.

Signs of slave turned successful landowner Bob Jones are few in modern Southlake
Bobby Jones, 72, is the grandson of Bob Jones – a slave who became one of North Texas' most prosperous landowners. Bob Jones built homes, a church and a school in Southlake long before the city existed.

2010 Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair results

02/28/2010

Local news highlights

West reporters' notebook

Deborah Fleck: Broadway star to honor theater's best at Column Awards
The Academy Awards is a week away. The day after Hollywood hands out its golden statuettes, John Garcia will come to Irving to host his version of the Oscars. His 11th annual Column Awards will be at 7 p.m. March 8 at the Irving Arts Center.

EDUCATION NOTES for South, West

DISD educators' misconduct with students kept quiet
Hey Baby – I just wanted to say hi before I go to bed. Good night baby! I'll meet you in our dreams. I miss you baby! Muaah!

Police have no record of allegations against these educators
The educators mentioned in the following profiles are among the subjects of about 10 cases revealed in public records in which Dallas school district officials documented allegations or evidence of sexual missteps, but none of the allegations led to criminal histories. Therefore, the cases would not come up in routine background checks for any of the former DISD employees.

AGENCIES INVOLVED AFTER SEX ALLEGATIONS
Public records show the following agencies at various times have looked into cases regarding sexual allegations against teachers in the Dallas Indpendent School District:

MANDATORY REPORTING

Dallas-area Eagle Scouts

2010 Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair results

DISD educator challenges incumbent in ed board's Dallas-Collin-Rockwall district
Longtime State Board of Education member Geraldine Miller of Dallas faces opposition in the Republican primary from a veteran educator in the Dallas school district.

Local news briefs

Plano looking forward to first magnet school
From Denver to St. Paul to New York, suburban school districts are building magnet schools, usually in poorer parts of town, to attract a mix of low-income to middle-class students. The theory: Mixing students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds improves learning for all.

Area magnet schools
DALLAS ISD started magnet schools after a 1976 court-mandated desegregation order and now has more than 20 magnet-type schools, including the acclaimed Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

George W. Bush joins Rick Perry, Kay Bailey Hutchison at church benefit but stays neutral
Gov. Rick Perry courted anti-abortion voters Sunday night at a huge church benefit dinner that featured former President George W. Bush. Perry’s rival, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, attended but did not speak.

Editor's Note by Bob Mong: Editorial board's efforts help you make an informed vote

Oak Cliff volunteers lobby to rebuild Kiest Park's former pergola
David Klempin looks at the squares of bare ground ringing a stone terrace.

Irving uses psychographics study to choose which new retailers to woo
Ask Irving residents if there's a restaurant or retailer they'd like to see in their city, and they'll immediately start dropping the names of everything from fast-food joints to high-end department stores.

At a glance: Irving's potential business targets
A recent study of Irving's shoppers and workforce found several businesses that four different areas of the city could support. Here's a look at some of them:

James Scott 'Jasper' Hobbs: Retired Dallas police detective, great story teller
James Scott "Jasper" Hobbs' 32 years with the Dallas Police Department included two dozen years as a detective investigating auto thefts.

Dallas Tea Party crowd's message is clear: 'We're not gonna take it'
With dozens of "Don't Tread on Me" flags lifting in the breeze and a bristle of signs objecting to most of what comes out of Washington, it was clear the Tea Party crowd gathered outside Dallas City Hall on Saturday was spoiling for an election day fight.

William F. Cole Jr.: Dallas lawyer was committed to service, helping those in need
William F. Cole Jr. was a Dallas lawyer who tenaciously stuck to his principles.

Local relatives work phones, gather news, worry
The small Chilean community in North Texas gathered all the news it could find about the devastating earthquake that hit the homeland early Saturday, and people remained optimistic that the country's preparations would limit casualties and damage.

Dallas Good Kid: Melanie Trostel of Lake Highlands

Dallas-area education notes

Dallas Community Calendar

Former President George W. Bush speaks at Fort Worth Christian School gala
He read 92 history books in one year while in office, was awed by soldiers and military families, and was comforted and sustained by the power of prayer.

Signs of early settler Bob Jones are few in Southlake
SOUTHLAKE – When Bobby Jones finally staggered back to the road, muddy, sweat-soaked and torn up by brambles, the windmill's ruins still lay hidden.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
What: The Bob Jones Nature Center Organization, in partnership with the Southlake Historical Society, the Denton County African American Museum and the city of Southlake will host a Black History Month celebration.

02/26/2010

Officials set traps as Rowlett residents complain about coyote encroachment

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Over the last several weeks, Rowlett officials have logged repeated coyote sightings, reports of cats missing and coyotes taking small dogs from yards.
Video: Sightings escalate
Blog: Rockwall/Rowlett
More Rowlett news

02/27/2010

Chileans in Dallas area seek details about earthquake, try to stay optimistic
Members of the small Chilean community in North Texas gathered all the news they could find about the devastating earthquake that hit their homeland early Saturday, but remained optimistic that the country’s preparations would limit casualties and damage.

Controversies in Dallas County constable races may be bad for incumbents
Dallas County's constable races, usually overlooked and forgotten contests at the bottom of the ballot, have elements of interest and intrigue this year – multiple challengers, political feuds, controversy and corruption investigations.

02/26/2010

Next round of sentencing in Dallas City Hall corruption case begins Monday
U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn will sentence two others convicted during last year's trial: car dealer Rickey Robertson and southern Dallas activist Darren Reagan.

Paperwork mistake led to Dallas County felons' accidental pardons
A former constable now running for Dallas County clerk is the beneficiary of a paperwork snafu in which the county's criminal-court judges granted unsolicited pardons to perhaps hundreds of convicted felons over the years.
Link: Compare the candidates

Woman who injected friend with fatal dose of heroin convicted of murder
A Collin County jury deliberated five hours Friday before finding Kristin Metz guilty of murder for the 2008 heroin injection slaying of her best friend, Stevie May.

Frisco officials weigh city's involvement in Collin County arts hall
On Friday, the arts hall was added to the City Council's Tuesday agenda so members could openly discuss options for the $68.9 million project in Allen.

Missed restitution payment could threaten Ex-Detroit mayor's stay in Southlake
The Michigan Court of Appeals agreed to postpone a court hearing scheduled for Friday, but Kwame Kilpatrick still could face arraignment on the charge of violating his probation by missing a $79,011 restitution payment due last week.

3 in Dallas City Hall case sentenced in a 'betrayal of our city'
Former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill was sentenced to 18 years in prison; his wife, Sheila Farrington Hill, to nine years, and D'Angelo Lee, received 14 years.
Video: Hill, attorneys speak
More sentencings on Monday
Graphic: Connecting the defendants

02/27/2010

BY THE NUMBERS: Super Bowl's impact
$611.7 million – Projected total economic impact

Chairman of state arts commission resigns following arrest
The SMU alumnus arrested this month for trespassing after being warned to stay off campus resigned as chairman of the Texas Commission on the Arts this week.

Irving ISD trustee Nita Patrick won't seek re-election
Irving ISD school board trustee Nita Patrick said this week she won't run for re-election for her Place 5 seat.

Officials set traps as Rowlett residents complain about coyote encroachment
Rowlett's coyote problem is all about encroachment.

Dallas man sharing his collection of holy relics in church exhibit
There's a 6-foot statue of Saint Francis of Assisi in Carl McGowan's living room.

Regional roundup
CARROLLTON- FARMERS BRANCH ISD

Perry brags about grassroots fundraising, but most money on record day came from a wealthy few
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry bragged this week about making fundraising history in a Texas governor's race by bringing in $1.3 million in one day from grassroots support.

Paperwork mistake led to Dallas County felons' accidental pardons
A former constable now running for Dallas County clerk is the beneficiary of a paperwork snafu in which the county's criminal-court judges granted unsolicited pardons to perhaps hundreds of convicted felons over the years.

Frisco's Pizza Hut Park to host NCAA Football Championship Subdivision game for next 3 years
The NCAA Football Championship Subdivision game will be played for the next three years at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco.

RESULT: NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

U.S. 'surge' targets illegal immigrants who have criminal records
The nation's top immigration cop said Friday that the Obama administration is stepping up enforcement against immigrants who commit crimes and will move aggressively against employers who hire unauthorized labor.

REMOVALS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
Removals of illegal immigrants Fiscal

Woman who injected friend with fatal dose of heroin convicted of murder
McKINNEY – A Collin County jury deliberated five hours Friday before finding Kristin Metz guilty of murder for the 2008 heroin injection slaying of her best friend, Stevie May.

Hank Haney Golf Center moving, finally
The Hank Haney Golf Center, an Uptown outpost of suburbia, is being broken up and moved.

Three in Dallas City Hall case sentenced in a 'betrayal of our city'
Former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill was sentenced Friday to 18 years in prison for leading a massive shakedown scheme that a federal judge called a "betrayal of our city."

SENTENCING SCHEDULE

SPCA seizes 63 starving longhorns in Van Zandt County
Dozens of starving longhorns were seized Friday from a Van Zandt County pasture, where sheriff's deputies found more than 50 dead longhorns a day earlier.

Democrats dominate Dallas County judge primaries
The judicial primary elections Tuesday in Dallas County are yet another indicator that the balance of political power has shifted to the Democrats. The Democrats have 10 primary battles for state district judge. The Republicans have none.

Spending turns into an issue in Dallas County judge race
Just days before Tuesday's primary, the Democratic candidates for county judge are making their final pitches to voters, with each echoing themes of leadership, accountability and vision.

Controversies in Dallas County constable races may be bad for incumbents
Dallas County's constable races, usually overlooked and forgotten contests at the bottom of the ballot, have elements of interest and intrigue this year – multiple challengers, political feuds, controversy and corruption investigations.

AT A GLANCE: DALLAS COUNTY CONSTABLE RACES

Frisco officials weigh city's involvement in Collin County arts hall
Some Frisco City Council members have questions about moving ahead with the planned Collin County arts hall.

Head of charity confesses to lying about how he lost his leg
Amputee Craig Gavras has traveled America, drumming up support for an organization that raises money to buy artificial limbs for the needy. At times, he's shared his personal story: He lost his leg during a mob attack while working as a Dallas police officer.

Toll agency approves plan for Highway 161
The North Texas Tollway Authority's decision Friday to formally accept State Highway 161 into its growing network of paid highways could reshape how the fastest-growing metropolitan area in America builds – and pays for – the roads North Texas leaders say are needed so badly.

02/25/2010

Tasty fare increase planned for Dallas Love Field

TOM FOX/DMN

After years of limited dining and retail options at Dallas Love Field, city officials released ambitious plans this week for an expanded menu as part of the airport's $519 million overhaul.
Blog: Airlines

02/26/2010

Report projects $611.7M economic impact from Super Bowl XLV in Dallas-Fort Worth
Local organizers commissioned San Diego-based Marketing Information Masters which has done this kind of work on previous Super Bowls as well as this month's NBA All-Star game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, to produce the report.

Tollway authority approves State Highway 161 project
Even some supporters of the massive project fear that it will leave the North Texas Tollway Authority awash in debt, unable to pursue other ambitious plans.

U.S. announces Texas roundup of 300 immigrants with criminal records
The largest share of the arrests were in North Texas. About half the convictions were for violent crimes or drug offenses, officials said.

Dozens of longhorns found starving, dead in Van Zandt County
The SPCA of Texas was called to seize the malnourished animals, which are being moved to the Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, pending a custody hearing Tuesday.

Frisco's Pizza Hut Park to host Football Championship Subdivision title game
The NCAA chose Frisco, Texas over Chattanooga, Tenn. to host college football's title game for the FCS, or the second tier of college football in the U.S.

Fatal crash closes U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County
The accident occurred about 3:30 a.m. and shut down U.S. Highway 380 about 10 miles west of Denton. Traffic was being diverted around the area for hours afterward.

84-year-old woman beaten, robbed at Far East Dallas home
The victim told officers that she had fallen, but her nephew said it appeared as though there was a struggle in the home.

Jury begins deliberating in McKinney murder trial stemming from heroin overdose
Kristin Metz has admitted she injected her friend with the fatal dose, and prosecutors argue that the heroin was a deadly weapon that Metz wielded in a "clearly dangerous" manner.

Wet, cold day will yield to sunny weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth
North Texans may have already seen today's high temperature, as a storm system moves in slowly from the east.

Man found dead in pond behind North Dallas home
The man appeared to have been dead for some time, police said, and there were no signs of trauma on his body.

Transportation blog: NTTA to vote today on taking up State Highway 161 project
The vote on whether to actually undertake the project comes after the Texas Transportation Commission on Wednesday formally agreed to extend NTTA a line of credit that will act as a guarantee to creditors in the event that traffic on 161 is so low that the authority cannot make its debt payments.

Batman comic from 1939 sells for record amount in Dallas auction
the rare copy of Detective Comics No. 27 sold Thursday for $1,075,500 to a buyer who wished to remain anonymous.

Dallas businessman arrested, barred from SMU over student complaints
Lee William "Bill" McNutt III, a former White House official who heads a Texas arts commission, was arrested by campus police Feb. 15.

Dallas-Fort Worth area news briefs for Feb. 26
Arlington police are investigating what they believe is the city's first homicide of 2010.

'Idol' whittles field down to 20
After Thursday's American Idol eliminations, the field of hopefuls is down to 10 girls and 10 guys. A whopping four of those gentlemen are from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Hockaday headmistress to step down after next school year
Jeanne Whitman said she loves heading one of the top private girls' schools in the country – she's just ready to love doing something else for a change.

More schools join Hockaday's Keen on Green fair
The environment and living green will be the focus of Hockaday's Keen on Green fair today, bringing together students and parents from six Dallas private schools.

02/25/2010

With Hodge still on ballot, mail votes could be key in House Democratic primary
The District 100 race features Dallas lawyer Eric Johnson, who is running against a band of activists and politicos pushing voters to choose disgraced state Rep. Terri Hodge.

02/26/2010

United Way raises $56 million, beating goal
The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas exceeded its recent campaign goal and raised $56 million during a time of rising needs, officials announced Thursday.

02/25/2010

Incidents of violence, crime jump 20 percent at Dallas ISD schools
Across the district, nearly 18,000 incidents were reported by all schools in 2008-09, compared with about 14,600 in 2007-08.

02/26/2010

Wandering 7-year-old forces Dallas elementary to change policy
A Dallas elementary school has changed its policy regarding sending students to the principal's office after a 7-year-old walked off campus this week.

02/25/2010

Garland tots take tests to get into school district's new gifted kindergarten programs
They demonstrate their mental talents in a 15-minute one-on-one IQ test with a diagnostician and then complete a short achievement test.

Former Dallas mayor pro tem, 2 others to receive corruption sentences
Former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill and two others convicted last year of bribery and extortion will be sentenced today for their part in the massive City Hall corruption investigation that began more than five years ago.

02/26/2010

McKinney teacher arrested on charge of improper relationship with student
A McKinney high school teacher was arrested Wednesday on a charge of an improper relationship with a student, a second-degree felony, police said.

02/25/2010

Potholes left after winter storm rattle Dallas drivers

KYE R. LEE/DMN

The city is scrambling to make fixes, but rainy weather could mean some repairs won't last the weekend.
Tell us: Your tales of pothole peril
Problem Tracker: Report potholes
Graphic: How potholes form
Blog: Weather

Three deputies seek removal of embattled Dallas County constable
They allege in a petition that the constable is guilty of misconduct, criminal conduct, retaliation, incompetence, official oppression and misuse of county property.
Blog: Investigates
Download: See the petition for removal

Arrest warrant issued for Dallas police officer accused in off-duty confrontation
An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for a Dallas police officer who is accused of illegally pointing his gun at a man and ordering him to his knees while during an off-duty confrontation in July.

Stabbing is Arlington's first homicide of 2010
At first, the victim's girlfriend denied involvement, but eventually she confessed, police say.

Crime blog: Prosecution rests in McKinney woman's murder trial for friend's heroin overdose
The state has rested its case against Kristin Metz, the McKinney woman charged with murder for injecting her best friend with heroin two years ago. The defense will begin presenting its case after the lunch recess, with closing arguments expected later this afternoon.

Dallas ISD elementary school adopts new policy after 7-year-old wanders away
The episode causes Casa View Elementary School to change its policies whens ending students to the principal's office.

Obama picks Beaumont judge to be U.S. attorney for Collin, Denton, East Texas
The selection of John B. Stevens Jr. gives hope that a political impasse over judicial nominees in Texas may have been broken.

02/24/2010

Olympic dreams are on ice for Dallas-area skaters

TOM FOX/DMN

Tonight, as the world’s top figure skaters take to the ice in Vancouver, up-and-coming skaters like Ashley Cain have their eyes on Sochi, Russia, home of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Blog: Olympics

02/25/2010

Drug suspect arrested after chase in northeast Dallas
The chase began about 10 p.m. when Billy Bob McGowan left a suspected drug home at an apartment complex in the 6400 block of Melody Lane.

Shoeless bandit gets 35 years in prison in Fort Worth heists
Detectives say 21-year-old Johnny Lee Britt thought he could elude police by not leaving shoe prints.

Report says Fort Worth officer drank on duty before fatal crash
The review found that Officer Jesus Cisneros drove to three bars and drank up to three beers in an unauthorized undercover detail before going off duty, drinking more and colliding with a vehicle driven by Sonia Baker.

Ex-UNT president Bataille: Resignation 'was not of my doing'
University of North Texas President Gretchen Bataille, who abruptly resigned Feb. 10, said Wednesday that she was unaware of any issues with her performance until the matter was brought up three days earlier in a meeting with UNT Chancellor Lee Jackson.

Keith Olbermann turns down invitation to Saturday's Dallas Tea Party anniversary rally
At least one invited guest will not be coming to Saturday's Dallas Tea Party anniversary rally.

Super Bowl host committee nearing donor goal
The North Texas Super Bowl host committee is now three donors shy of its goal of securing 15 million-dollar commitments to help pay for the most expensive effort of its kind in NFL history.

Dallas-Fort Worth area news briefs for Feb. 25
A judge last week dismissed a felony charge of injury to a child against a Dallas police senior corporal after prosecutors asked that he do so.

Texas Transportation Commission OKs loan to North Texas Tollway Authority for State Highway 161
The North Texas Tollway Authority has been fighting for nearly three years to build the State Highway 161 toll road, and on Friday its board members will finally have to decide whether it really wants to.

Hodge tells backers to stop pushing her candidacy for Texas House
State Rep. Terri Hodge asked supporters Wednesday to stop pushing her candidacy in the District 100 race for the Texas House.

Hockaday headmistress to resign
The headmistress of the Hockaday School announced Wednesday that she will be resigning.

Loan guarantee paves way for Collin County arts center
Groundbreaking for the long-discussed Collin County arts hall could come this spring, thanks to lower construction prices and a $5 million loan guarantee.

Cheerleaders' belongings stolen at Dallas Convention Center during competition
Someone stole cellphones, credit cards, cash, jewelry, electronics and other items from out-of-state teenage cheerleaders in town for a national competition at the Dallas Convention Center over the weekend.

Agriculture commissioner candidate Hank Gilbert would make people think Texas when they eat beef
It's not so much a question of what's for dinner as where it came from.

Kinky Friedman bringing animal welfare concerns into agriculture commissioner's race
Friedman wants to use his Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch in Medina as a prototype for state-run facilities across Texas.

02/24/2010

Stanley Marcus' iconic former home becomes city landmark

JOHN F. RHODES/DMN

Mark Lavvorn, who bought the Lakewood house from Marcus in the mid-1990s, said he was pleased with the outcome.
08/16/08: After uproar, owner opts against razing
05/19/09: Owner now embracing preservation
Photos: Stanley Marcus home
Blog: East Dallas
Lakewood news, resources

02/25/2010

Asian culture and community events in the Dallas area
The Crow Collection of Asian Art unveils its LinkAsia gallery this month with an exhibit by a Dallas photographer. "Ka Yeung: China Impermanent Beauty, Photography 1996-97," an exhibit of black-and-white photographs, provides "a portal into a fading landscape, a city of contrasts" and more, according to the museum.

8 DISD high schools cited for keeping exit doors locked
Surprise inspections at 31 Dallas public high schools this week revealed that eight were locking exit doors that serve as escape routes during catastrophes, a serious fire code violation.

Interstate 35E near downtown Dallas crawls to dubious title in traffic study
Five of the region's most congested interchanges are along I-35E near downtown Dallas, according to a comprehensive new private traffic study.

02/24/2010

Toll road may rescue DART's Orange Line from delay
Officials from three transportation agencies and Irving are hoping one of the region's most expensive toll roads can prevent a possible eight-month delay in bringing light rail to Las Colinas.

Medical testing company bringing 900 new jobs to Lewisville
NewCo is a collaboration among Baylor Health Care System, U.S. Oncology and Texas Oncology.

State District Judge Mark Stoltz faces accusation ahead of primary
State District Judge Mark Stoltz, facing a re-election fight in Tuesday's Democratic primary, was accused of not telling "the whole truth" by another judge while testifying about whether or not he knew the victim of a man on trial for a string of purse snatchings in Stoltz's court.

02/25/2010

Democratic candidates for Dallas County judge say tax increase should be last resort
The Democratic candidates for Dallas County judge agree on one thing: A tax increase should be the last resort for the county in confronting another dismal budget year.

Dallas City Council votes to formalize meetings between management, first responders
But in a 12-1 vote Wednesday, the City Council for the first time formally approved "meet and confer" teams for management and first responders.

02/24/2010

Dallas constable at center of corruption probe seeks removal of county judge
Constable Jaime Cortes' removal petition accuses Judge Jim Foster of incomeptence and "gross misconduct."
Download: See Cortes' petition
Report: Constable Cortes abused power
Blog: Crime

Meet the Dallas-Fort Worth contenders for 'Idol' crown

AP Photo/Fox

Out of the top 24 on 'American Idol,' Dallas-Fort Worth gets to claim four. Clockwise from top left, Todrick Hall, Tim Urban, Casey James and Alex Lambert will sing tonight.
TV Blog: Follow along tonight
More 'American Idol'

Volunteer on cross-country trip delivers meals in Dallas
Drew Johnson, a 30-year-old minister from Idaho, is visiting every state in the continental U.S. to promote serving others. This week, it’s Texas’ turn.

Video: Golf analyst David Feherty becomes U.S. citizen

MICHAEL AINSWORTH/DMN

The Dallas resident said working with veterans moved him to take the oath.
Veterans celebrate with Feherty
Link: Becoming a citizen
Link: Feherty's Golf columns

Woman on trial for murder for friend's heroin overdose in Collin County
Kristin Metz admits aministering the injection that killed 21-year-old Stevie May in 2008, but the defense says the state is overreaching in charging Metz with murder.

New punishment hearing ordered for Texas death row inmate Charles Dean Hood
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, in its ruling, declined to address the issue of a romance between the trial judge and the prosecutor.

Driver in fiery northeast Dallas crash grateful to her rescuers
After colliding with an 18-wheeler Monday morning in northeast Dallas, Vickie Roberson's vehicle began rolling over, with flames shooting out of it.

02/23/2010

Dallas/Fort Worth Curling Club shows novices that curious sport tougher than it looks

NATHAN HUNSINGER/DMN

The Dallas/Fort Worth Curling Club is working to educate the casual spectator what the sport is really like. More than 200 novices took to the ice at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Farmers Branch this weekend to give it a try.
Blog: Olympics
Link: The Dallas/Fort Worth Curling Club

02/24/2010

Fire damages commercial building in Stemmons Corridor
The fire was reported about 6 a.m. at the Thermo King building in the 3300 block of Jane Lane, just off Mockingbird Lane and Irving Boulevard.

Transportation blog: TxDOT panel approves loan to NTTA, with terms attached
he Texas Transportation Commission has agreed to offer a $4.1 billion line of credit to the North Texas Tollway Authority, a mostly technical move that will greatly reduce the borrowing cost associated with building and operating the State Highway 161 toll road.

Transportation blog: Tarrant County home to area's worst freeway bottlenecks

AP File

A new INRIX study lists Stemmons Freeway (above) as Commuter Enemy No. 1 in Dallas.
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Lewisville woman dies in overnight crash in Euless
Police received a call about 2:45 a.m. from a passer-by saying that a yellow 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt had driven off the road. The caller didn’t see the accident, and there were no other witnesses, police said.

Appeals court rejects Arlington killer's claims of mental impairment
The decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans moves Michael Wayne Hall, 30, a step closer to execution for the 1998 torture and fatal shooting of 19-year-old Amy Robinson.

Dallas-Fort Worth regional briefs
Frank Poe, director of the Dallas Convention Center, announced Tuesday that he is leaving Dallas to become director of the Georgia World Congress Center, one of the largest convention centers in the nation.

Snow falls mostly east, south of Dallas
Tuesday's snow traced a fine line across North Texas with furious flurries but little accumulation in Dallas and neighboring towns while points south and east saw 3 to 5 inches.

Irving light-rail segments may be delayed
DART officials said Tuesday that the first two phases of the planned Orange Line light-rail through Irving may be be delayed.

Report: Dallas County deputy constables given comp time for volunteer security at Price's charity event
A Dallas County investigation has concluded that deputies from two constable precincts improperly received the equivalent of more than $15,000 from the county for security work at a charity event run by Commissioner John Wiley Price.

Tarrant woman's case shows challenge authorities face in distinguishing between erratic behavior, real threats
Kimberly "Asma" Al-Homsi, 45, did all of these things. But figuring out whether such a person is really dangerous, merely suspicious or part of a terrorist network can be tricky – and law enforcement authorities walk a fine line between infringing on the rights of people who exhibit erratic behavior and monitoring people who are real threats.

02/23/2010

TV golf analyst David Feherty becomes U.S. citizen in Irving
Pro golf television analyst David Feherty stayed in immigration limbo as a green-card holder for more than a decade, but on Tuesday, he became a red-white-and-blue U.S. citizen.

Railroad museum wins restraining order against city of Dallas
A Dallas County district judge granted Fair Park's railroad museum a 14-day restraining order against the city of Dallas Tuesday but declined to force City Hall to keep paying for the museum's water and electricity.

Texas House race starting to get ugly in Plano
The GOP campaign to represent West Plano in the Texas House of Representatives is emerging as one of the city's most cantankerous races in years. Candidates are trading barbs over everything from resume discrepancies to charges of tax evasion.

Task force urges education on homeless housing in Dallas
A Dallas task force recommended Tuesday that the city launch a major campaign to educate the public about housing that officials want to build for the chronically homeless.

In lawsuit, family says officer killed in Clinton motorcade needed more training
The suit also names the city and the maker of the motorcycle helmet he was wearing.
Download: See the lawsuit (PDF)
02/22/2008: Officer dies in motorcade crash
Photos: Crash | Funeral

DART ridership falls, despite opening of Green Line
The numbers for the last three months of 2009 are even worse than the most pessimsitic forecasts had suggested.

Judge orders ex-Detroit mayor back to court
The judge said Tuesday that a warrant will soon be issued for Kilpatrick.

Dallas County commissioners favor civil service protections for deputy constables
Commissioners revoked the protection in 2003 because of a lengthy and costly lawsuit filed against the county by three former deputies.

Mesquite school trustee's district-issued computer contained porn, police report reveals
Randy Dobbs resigned from the board in October after school district technicians said they found what they would only describe as "material that was unacceptable" on his district-issued laptop.

Hutchison says she is the true conservative in Texas governor race
Four more years of the incumbent, she says, will mean more taxes and more out-of-control spending.

National Pancake Day at IHOP benefits Shriners Hospitals
As part of the event, patrons are invited to make a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Last year, the benefit raised $1.5 million nationwide.

Texans turning out in big numbers for primaries
AUSTIN – Texans are turning out in big numbers in this year's primaries, buoyed by a high-profile race for governor with candidates crisscrossing the state and spending millions on TV.

University Park council members want Bush library parking changes
UNIVERSITY PARK – With a little more than a week until they are scheduled to vote, city officials made it clear Monday that they do not intend to rubber-stamp SMU's proposal to rezone land for the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

Transportation blog: As D/FW Connector work gets under way, watch for lane closures
Commuters in Northeast Tarrant County should be aware by now that the massive DFW Connector project will be slowing their drives from time to time over the next four years.

Railroad museum fights to stay in Fair Park
Officials at the Museum of the American Railroad asked a district judge Monday to grant the museum a temporary restraining order and injunction to prevent the city from kicking the museum out of its home at Fair Park.

$66 million bond package goes before Richardson voters
Richardson voters will decide May 8 whether to approve $66 million in bonds, a proposal that would increase the city's tax rate more than 10 percent.

Love Field restaurant plan near completion at City Hall
A plan to divvy up concessions, including coveted restaurant contracts, at the modernized Love Field appears to be in its final stages at Dallas City Hall.

Boyfriend pleads guilty, gets life term in woman's slaying
A Dallas man who killed his girlfriend when he tried to steal her television set pleaded guilty to murder Monday in exchange for a life sentence.

Texas panel aims to use education to prevent new Holocausts
Peter Berkowitz hopes he can help students across Texas learn lasting lessons from the Holocaust and more modern genocides – to choose right over wrong and good over evil.

DART plans meetings on service changes
Dallas Area Rapid Transit has scheduled a series of community meetings about extensive service changes that are set to take effect in December. The changes will affect a majority of DART's bus routes when new parts of the Green Line open. The community meetings will be capped by a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. March 23 at the DART boardroom at 1401 Pacific Ave. in downtown Dallas.

Group working to get vote for beer, wine sales for all of Dallas
A push to eliminate the patchwork of wet and dry areas that govern the sale of beer and wine in Dallas could be headed to the November ballot.

Supreme Court ruling means no Lake Fastrill reservoir for Dallas
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday drained the last bit of life from the city of Dallas and Texas Water Development Board plan to build a massive reservoir called Lake Fastrill along the Neches.

Chaining school doors a 'fairly common' fire hazard, state officials say
Dallas' Samuell High School violated fire codes and created a potential firetrap for students when it chained a school exit door last week, fire officials say. But Samuell's action wasn't unusual.

08/26/2009

Carrollton couple celebrates son's birth, and begins waiting for the end
The Lauxes faced the hardest lessons of parenthood all at once: learning to love unconditionally, accept limits and let go.

08/27/2009

Carrollton couple finds support to deal with unborn son's terminal condition
A black gap marred the middle of the computer screen. The void split a cloud of light that ebbed and flowed into the shape of a human fetus. The sonogram technician turned from her computer screen to Deidrea and T.K. Laux. She told them she saw problems.

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