Eastern extension of Highway 190 opens

Kim Everett | December 27, 2011

After more than 50 years since its original planning, the eastern extension part of the Loop 9/State Highway 190 opened Wednesday, December 21.  First planned in 1957, the $958 million dollar, 9.9 mile extension is now giving motorists the opportunity to travel from northwest Garland to Interstate 30 in record time. 

The extension cuts commute times for residents in the eastern suburbs drastically, and the completion of the toll road is also expected to relieve congestion on local roads.  In addition, it provides Rowlett and Sachse long-awaited highway frontage which should be an advantage for economic development in both cities.

The cost for driving on the new, three-lane section of the toll road is 15.3 cents for vehicles with a toll tag.  The fee jumps 50 percent for drivers without a toll tag.

Construction on the connection to Interstate 30 frontage roads is expected to be completed in February, and a connector from Rowlett’s Merritt Road to Liberty Grove Road should be finished in mid-2013.

“The NTTA is committed to improving mobility throughout the North Texas region,” said NTTA Interim Executive Director of Project Delivery Elizabeth Mow. “Opening the Eastern Extension on-time and on-budget is an example of our dedication to enhancing the driving experience for our customers.”

State representative sentenced to five years’ probation

Kim Everett | December 22, 2011

Update:  Republican state Representative Joe Driver received five years’ probation in a Travis County court for using taxpayer money to reimburse himself for expenses that had already been paid by his campaign. 

The sentence was announced December 19.  Prosecutors recommended this sentence after Driver’s guilty plea last month.   In addition, the representative was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay back more than $63,000.

State representative pleads guilty to third-degree felony

Kim Everett | November 27, 2011

According to an Associated Press report, state Representative Joe Driver of Garland pleaded guilty Tuesday, November 22 to using taxpayer money to reimburse himself for expenses that had been paid by his campaign.  He paid for airline tickets, meals, luxury hotel stays, and conference fees with campaign funds, then submitted receipts to the state for the same expenses.

The guilty plea was for official abuse of capacity, which is a third-degree felony.  The deal will allow him to avoid jail time, and sentencing is set for December 19. 

Driver has already repaid more than $49,000, and prosecutors are recommending that he be sentenced to five years’ deferred adjudication, pay a $5,000 fine, repay more than $14,000 to his campaign account, and undergo any treatment/counseling recommended by the probation department.

The AP report further states that when the double-dipping was revealed, Driver said that he did not know that he was doing anything wrong.  He referred to the double dipping as an inadvertent mistake. 

The document filed with Travis County in lieu of an indictment does not list the amount of money involved, and it states that Driver admitted to wrongdoing between September 2005 and August 2010.

Also according to the AP report, Driver could have owed more in taxpayer reimbursements, but House travel records before 2005 already had been destroyed, and his campaign said he was unable to calculate the amount of any double-billing that happened more than five years ago. 

Driver's term ends in January 2013, and he has announced that he will retire at that time.

Hawaiian Falls to add new attractions

Record growth brings $6.3 million in improvements, 60 new jobs to North Texas waterparks

Posted December 19, 2011

Coming off a record-breaking 2011 season, Hawaiian Falls unveiled plans for $6.3 million in expansions at its Garland, The Colony, Roanoke and Mansfield waterparks. The growth has already created 10 new permanent positions and will generate more than 50 new seasonal jobs at its four waterparks. All of this growth is in addition to the new $10 million waterpark currently under construction in Waco. All improvements and additions will be completed by Memorial Day 2012.

“Our mission is bringing families closer together,” said David Busch, president and CEO of Hawaiian Falls. “We’re always looking for ways to improve the guest experience and focus on attractions that mom, dad and the kids can play on together. We concentrate the rides within a small footprint so parents can engage their younger children while keeping up with their older kids at the same time.”

Hawaiian Falls Garland is adding The Abyss, a two-person dark ride that uses state-of-the-art special effects to create a thrilling, multi-sensory experience with lights, sound and projections on a water wall to simulate sliding into a shark’s mouth, spinning blades, etc. The attraction will have the ability to change effects so the ride can offer multiple experiences. Garland’s Splashwater Harbor area is being transformed into Keiki Kingdom, a special world of climbing, jumping, sliding and spraying with a floating obstacle course and more.

“All total, we’ll be spending $6.3 million in additions and improvements to our North Texas parks,” said Busch. “We’ve already added 10 new permanent positions this year to handle our growth. And we plan to hire an additional 50 seasonal employees this summer. We’re excited about all the new opportunities we’ll have to bring families closer together.”

Tiki Man was so popular at the Roanoke park that Hawaiian Falls plans to install similarly-themed Aqua Talkers at all of the parks for the 2012 season. The animated statue entices guests to come close then surprises them with a variety of spray features.

In Roanoke, there are plans to build the Cyclone Fury, a $1.6 million multi-slide complex.  The park is adding more shade, additional food service options, and other guest amenities, bringing the total new investment to more than $2 million after only one season.

Hawaiian Falls recently announced a $3 million expansion at its Mansfield park. The park plans to add two major family water slides, including the Cliff Hanger, a three-person tube slide featuring a 40-foot drop; and the Boomerango, a two-person tube slide which will send riders down a huge drop, then catapult them up three-stories, then backwards for a spectacular finish.

Plans are underway to spend $1 million at The Colony waterpark to add the Whirlwind, a new body slide with a twist. Two riders enter separate launchers at the top of the 60-foot tower. The floor drops and both riders are launched simultaneously, travelling opposite arcs around a large bowl at up to 40 mph. After several revolutions, they come to a gradual stop and climb out on a staircase in the middle of the bowl.

Hawaiian Falls’ is open daily 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Season passes are on sale now for $69.99 each, or four or more at $64.99 each. There’s an Early Bird Flex Pay plan with five payments of $14 each.  Season passes are good at all four North Texas waterparks plus the new park in Waco. More info at http://www.hfalls.com/.

Sam Johnson formally files for re-election

Posted December 10, 2011

U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) filed official paperwork Thursday, December 8 to formally launch his re-election efforts to serve the Third District of Texas.

Johnson recently sent a letter to his supporters. "As a 29-year Air Force veteran and a former Prisoner of War for nearly seven years in Vietnam - more than half of that time in solitary confinement - you have honored me by allowing me to serve as your voice in Congress and I am humbled by your support," he wrote.

"You know my record; you know that I know that freedom isn't free. I don't take our liberty for granted. As a Constitutional conservative like you, I have fought for our liberty and freedom every day that I've been in Congress," he professed.

"My belief is if families across America have to balance their budget and live within their means, so should the federal government. I am proud to be known as a strong advocate of smaller government. That means balancing the budget, cutting spending, shrinking the deficit and reducing burdensome taxes and regulations that hamper our economic growth. The sign in my office reads, ‘It's the spending stupid,'" he said.

Johnson sits on the powerful tax­-writing Ways and Means Committee, where he chairs the Social Security Subcommittee. House leadership appointed him to the Joint Committee on Taxation and he serves as a Deputy Whip (vote counter). Johnson helped found the Republican Study Committee – formally known as the Conservative Action Team – and recently the nonpartisan publication National Journal ranked him as the most conservative Member of Congress in the last session solely based on his voting record.

"It's time for Washington to stand back and help - not hinder - the American Dream. I hope you'll join me. I believe America's best days lie ahead of us," said Johnson.

Johnson has held numerous events to garner support for his campaign. Additional cities added to the re-crafted Third District include Celina, Fairview, Lowry Crossing, Lucas, Princeton, Prosper, and St. Paul.

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.SamJohnsonforCongress.com.

State representative pleads guilty to third-degree felony

Kim Everett | November 27, 2011

According to an Associated Press report, state Representative Joe Driver of Garland pleaded guilty Tuesday, November 22 to using taxpayer money to reimburse himself for expenses that had been paid by his campaign.  He paid for airline tickets, meals, luxury hotel stays, and conference fees with campaign funds, then submitted receipts to the state for the same expenses.

The guilty plea was for official abuse of capacity, which is a third-degree felony.  The deal will allow him to avoid jail time, and sentencing is set for December 19. 

Driver has already repaid more than $49,000, and prosecutors are recommending that he be sentenced to five years’ deferred adjudication, pay a $5,000 fine, repay more than $14,000 to his campaign account, and undergo any treatment/counseling recommended by the probation department.

The AP report further states that when the double-dipping was revealed, Driver said that he did not know that he was doing anything wrong.  He referred to the double dipping as an inadvertent mistake. 

The document filed with Travis County in lieu of an indictment does not list the amount of money involved, and it states that Driver admitted to wrongdoing between September 2005 and August 2010.

Also according to the AP report, Driver could have owed more in taxpayer reimbursements, but House travel records before 2005 already had been destroyed, and his campaign said he was unable to calculate the amount of any double-billing that happened more than five years ago. 

Driver's term ends in January 2013, and he has announced that he will retire at that time.

Winters Park Nursing, Baylor Garland receive award

Posted November 14, 2011

TRISUN Healthcare is proud to announce that Winters Park Nursing and Rehab, in partnership with Baylor Medical Center at Garland, recently received first place in the Baylor Health Care System 2011 Bill Aston Quality Improvement Summit Awards. The “Partnering with Winters Park Reducing Readmissions Project” won the top honor for Quality Circle of Care.

The goal of this project was to reduce the number of readmissions to Baylor Garland after a patient had been discharged to Winters Park Nursing and Rehab. The evaluation period for the award was May 2009 through March 2011, although the project continues today due to its overwhelming success.

For twelve weeks during the evaluation period, the readmission rate from Winters Park to Baylor Garland was zero, and the overall readmission rate was eight percent. The readmission rate goal for healthcare providers, which is set by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, is 20 percent while Baylor’s goal for this project was to reach a 14 percent readmission rate.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that we were able to dramatically reduce the readmission rate from our facility to Baylor Garland through stringent guidelines put in place as part of this project,” Janet Marks, Winters Park administrator, said. “This award further affirms our staff’s dedication to providing superior-quality care for our residents. We also want to thank Baylor Garland for being an ideal partner and helping us not only reach, but exceed our readmission reduction goal.”

Reduced readmissions were achieved by putting hospital guidelines in place at Winters Park, which is not a requirement for skilled nursing facilities. Residents with conditions such as congestive heart failure, cardiopulmonary disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are monitored closely, including daily weight checks and dietary monitoring in addition to in-depth disease education provided to the resident and family.

The Quality Improvement Summit Awards program, now in its fifth year, recognizes teams that have successfully set and sustained process improvements in one of Baylor’s Circle of Care goal areas—people, quality, service and finance. Nominations are made by Baylor Health Care System employees who have first-hand experience with the programs. For the 2011 awards, 176 programs were nominated and 45 were honored with the award, with one first-place winner in each of the goal areas. Winters Park and Baylor Garland continue to meet monthly to monitor project outcomes and data.

Texas-based TRISUN Healthcare manages Winters Park, a skilled nursing facility that provides the highest-quality care for residents in a comfortable, home-like setting. The facility provides services that include 24-hour skilled nursing care and medical rehabilitation, and emphasizes a holistic approach, encompassing physical, emotional and spiritual care.

Visit http://www.trisunhealthcare.com for more information.

Reminder:  Change clocks and smoke detector batteries

Posted November 3, 2011

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, November 6.  That means most people will turn back their clocks before they go to bed Saturday night.

The Garland Fire Department reminds you to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as well.  The Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program urges Americans to change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when they change clocks for Daylight Saving Time each spring and fall.

If you have questions about smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, please contact the Garland Fire Department at 972-781-7100.  

State Rep. Driver announces retirement

Posted October 20, 2011

State Rep. Joe Driver (R-Garland) recently announced that he will retire from the Texas House at the end of his current term at the end of next year.  He will not seek re-election in the 2012 election.        

"I am thankful to the people of Garland who honored me by electing me and re-electing me to represent them since 1992," said Driver.  "I am proud of what our state has accomplished in that time.  Texas has become a true shining light on a hill of economic stability.  I am truly blessed to have been part of making that happen."

"I will now return to private life and let others carry the torch.  May God bless Garland and God bless Texas!"

Drought worsens; Stage 3 Plan to be implemented

Kim Everett | October 10, 2011

The city of Garland’s Managing Director of Water Utilities John Baker attended the Monday, October 3 City Council meeting to provide an update on the adoption of the Stage 3 Drought Plan.  Garland purchases its water from the North Texas Municipal Water District, who recently sent out a message that Lake Lavon, the city’s main water source, is half empty and the situation is getting worse.

Baker explained that there are ways of predicting future rainfall, which show that the drought is going to continue.  In addition, a pipeline from Lake Texoma, which provides one-fourth of Garland’s water, is out of commission because of a zebra mussel infestation.  To further add to the problem, water levels at Jim Chapman Lake and Lake Tawakoni are low.

All of these factors have made it necessary to move from the Stage 2 Drought Plan to the next level.  NTMWD has asked member cities to implement Stage 3 effective November 1, and Garland will comply with the request. 

The primary impact is that watering will be limited to two days per week.  Those whose addresses end in an odd number will water on Saturdays and Wednesdays.  Those with even numbered addresses will be allowed to water on Sundays and Thursdays.  Other restrictions include:

·         No operation of ornamental fountains/ponds except to support aquatic life

·         No draining or refilling of existing swimming pools

·         No washing down exterior hard surfaces

·         Hand watering/soaker hoses allowed at any time

NTMWD is researching other short-term strategies including purchasing raw water from Dallas and implementing seasonal pumping at Lake Texoma.  Several long-term strategies are being looked at as well, but these are plans that will take time to implement and have a high price tag.

According to Baker, the current drought is comparable to the worst drought ever experienced in this area which was in the 1950s.

Mesquite’s agreement with DART seen as unfair by some

Kim Everett | October 10, 2011

Mark Enoch, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board representative for Garland, Rowlett, and Glenn Heights, was at the City Council meeting on Monday, October 3 to answer questions about Mesquite’s buy-in to the DART System. 

Last month the DART Board voted by a margin of 10-3 to allow Mesquite to enter the system, and there are those who believe that the deal is unfair to the original 13 member cities.  Enoch was one of the votes against the proposal.

Mesquite’s deal with DART calls for them to spend approximately $330,000 each year, payable on a monthly basis, to fund a shuttle bus that will pick up riders at Hanby Stadium and transport them to a rail station where they can then ride the train for $7 for a day pass.  Residents of the 13 member cities ride for $4 per day.

Enoch explained that even though the Mesquite riders will pay $7 for a day pass, the actual cost of transporting a passenger is $7.80.  The result is that Mesquite riders will not pay a fee that covers the cost to DART, and in actuality will be riding for less than residents of member cities who contribute to the system with their sales tax.  He said that by the terms of the agreement, the rate can be adjusted in one year.

“I appreciate you voting against that,” Councilman Larry Jeffus, who is against the deal for several reasons, said.  He cited the fact that Garland has lost businesses to Mesquite because they had that extra penny of sales tax on every dollar that Garland had been paying into DART for many years, and they used that penny to go toward economic development.  One example he gave was the Centerville Road Target Store that moved to Mesquite.  He also said that it was not right that Mesquite had not contributed to the cost of the DART system’s infrastructure as the 13 member cities had.

“It just didn’t seem quite right with the $22 million in sales tax we’re putting in this year and all the years we’ve put in sales tax, to have a city come in and join DART without having to ante up for all the infrastructure over the years,” Jeffus said.  “That really bothers me, and it bothers a lot of citizens that have called me about it.  Now we still battle their penny that they have to take our businesses away, and we’re helping provide bus service to further take business away.”

Another problem is that because DART riders are on the honor system, there is no mechanism in place to keep the new riders from buying a regular day pass for $4.  “Oh wonderful,” Jeffus said.  “I just see lots of holes in the system.”

Puppy rescued by animal services employees

Posted September 17, 2011

Three city of Garland Animal Services Department employees made 10-year-old Ketrick Sanders and his mom happy when they rescued their puppy from a large crack in their South Garland back yard.  The one month-old puppy fell into the drought-caused crack in the earth on Thursday, September 15.  Ketrick had only gotten the puppy the day before.

The owner told CBS11 News that the puppy had disappeared in the yard, and they found him because they heard his cries.  Animal Services employees were able to free the dog using a few tools and a little bit of water.  The rescue took about 40 minutes, and the puppy suffered no injuries.  A veterinarian recommended that it be returned to live with its mother for a while until it becomes a stronger.

Congressmen Sam Johnson and Jeb Hensarling make 9/11 statements

Posted September 11, 2011

U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3^rd Dist.-Texas) released the following statement on the ten year anniversary of September 11, 2001.  A 29-year Air Force veteran, Johnson spent nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam – more than half of that time in solitary confinement.

“Today, we remember the thousands of innocent Americans who lost their lives in the fateful September 11th terrorist attacks that forever changed our nation.  On this tenth anniversary of 9/11, we must remember the innocent victims – as well as their loved ones, the heroic first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to help others, and those in uniform who risk their lives every day for our freedom.  We owe a debt of gratitude to our military men and women who worked for more than a decade to capture or kill Osama bin Laden and succeeded in their mission on May 1st, when the Al Qaeda leader was killed in a firefight with U.S. forces.

“The United States stands as a beacon of freedom and democracy for the entire world to see.  Americans have shown time and again that we are willing to defend our freedom when it is threatened.  We will prevail in the war against terror, showing the world that our love of freedom is stronger than our enemy’s desire for bloodshed and tyranny.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost loved ones and our nation as a whole.  May God bless our men and women in uniform and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”

U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement in recognition of the tenth anniversary of the al Qaeda terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.

 “Ten years after the deadliest attack on our soil in American history, the world can still look upon a proud and resilient nation as we bow our heads and lower our flags to honor the victims of that grave September morning. The words ‘Never Forget’ still hold true for all Americans as the wounds of that day are still felt and lost loved ones are still deeply missed.

“Americans will forever recall the stunning heroism of our fellow citizens who responded to the chaos in New York and Washington with the courage that defines us as a people. After all, it was on that day that the war against terrorism was begun in the sky above Pennsylvania by a brave patriot and his fellow passengers who chose to fight back. Their fearless charge will never be forgotten.

“On the morning of 9/11, history came knocking and a new generation of patriots answered the call that previous generations had answered before them. These warriors would go on to showcase the very best of our nation as they liberated two countries from despotism and brought countless terrorists to final justice. As the killing of Osama bin Laden reminded the world, those who threaten our people and our way of life will never succeed and will ultimately share the same fate.

“The world has changed in many ways over this hard decade, but the fundamental purpose of the United States in the world has not. Just as we led the fight for liberty against tyranny on so many fronts throughout the 20^th century, we must stay committed to winning the global struggle for freedom over Islamist terror in this new century. As our enemies adapt, evolve, and persevere, so too must we. The price of liberty—and security—remains eternal vigilance.

“On this solemn anniversary, I join the American people in prayer and in paying special tribute to those who have given their lives since 9/11 in defense of our homeland and our cherished freedom. Their sacrifices continue to inspire a grateful nation every day as we continue the fight for a safer and freer world for our children and grandchildren. In this long war, I have no doubt America will be victorious.”

Apparent drowning accident claims child’s life

Posted August 16, 2011

On the evening of Monday, August 15 just before 7 p.m. Garland police and paramedics responded to a possible drowning in the 2700 block of Manor Drive.  When they arrived they found 17-month-old Cecilya Garcia not breathing.  Her mother, Pauline Garcia, had been administering CPR to her child before paramedics arrived.

It appears the family was preparing for dinner when several of the children went outside to pick up toys.  Cecilya followed and when the others returned several minutes later Cecilya was not with them.  Ms. Garcia went to the backyard and found Cecilya floating in their two-foot deep wading pool.  She pulled her from the pool and began administering CPR.  

Garland paramedics took over and continued CPR as they transported Cecilya to Baylor Hospital of Garland.  Cecilya later died while at the hospital.  Police are investigating the drowning which at this time appears to be a tragic accident.     

Bad economy, high utility bills cause concern 

Kim Everett | August 15, 2011

The tough economy and recent heat wave are a source of worry for many area electric utility customers.  With expenses already higher than usual for families purchasing back-to-school necessities, the increase in utility bills caused by the high temperatures is more than some family budgets can survive.

According to Elizabeth Kimbrough, Garland Power & Light’s electric marketing manager, the city partners with the three agencies listed below to help customers in need with the payment of utility bills: 

• Friendship House – 620 Avenue B, Garland, 972-272-1010
• Good Samaritans – 214 N. Twelfth St., Garland, 972-276-2263
• Salvation Army – 451 W. Avenue D, Garland, 972-272-4531

Each of these agencies has its own qualification requirements and can help clients through the process.

In addition, the city has the PAID (Provide Aid in Dollars) Program, which is a voluntary program through which GP&L customers can donate money to help families in need with utility bills.  To donate to this program, customers can simply round up the amount of their monthly payment to the whole dollar, and the difference goes into the PAID fund.  Customers can write in an amount if they wish to donate more.

The city also offers payment arrangements for qualified customers as well as budget billing to help consumers even out the cost of utilities throughout the year.

Kimbrough suggests that customers visit www.garlandutilities.org for information on energy audits that can help them save money.  In addition, tips for energy and water conservation can be found on the website. 

It’s also important to note that GP&L technicians are not cutting off customers’ electric service because of non-payment during the heat wave.

Congressman invites HS students to apply for Youth Advisory Council

Posted August 14, 2011 

At the Richardson New Teacher Luncheon recently hosted by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) officially launched the 2011-2012 Congressional Youth Advisory Council when he invited students in the district to apply for the group.  The CYAC is open to district high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in public, private, and home schools. 

Applications can be found in the “INFO FOR STUDENTS” section on www.samjohnson.house.gov.  Students have until Friday, September 23 to apply and must live in the Third District to be considered.

 “As a former Prisoner of War in Vietnam for nearly seven years, more than half of that time in solitary confinement, I take the bounty of America and service to this country very seriously.  America’s democracy and liberty – and the many blessings that come with them – like freedom of speech and the freedom to vote – were bought with a price.  People all over the world do not enjoy these same blessings.  I encourage young people to cherish them and thrive by loving and serving your country and your community.  Making your voice heard on the CYAC is one way to do that,” Johnson said.

Johnson created the council in 2004 to gain insight from students in his district and to inspire civic-minded young adults to achieve their full potential.  The group meets approximately twice each school semester.  During the CYAC activities, high-achieving students explore the role citizens, lawmakers, and experts play in a thriving democracy.

To apply, students must submit the completed application form, a current photo for identification purposes only, a short personal essay, and two letters of recommendation.  Selections are based on leadership ability, academic performance, extra-curricular activities, and community service.  Students must apply each year and may only serve on the council two of four years between grades 9-12 to ensure as many students may participate as possible. 

Completed applications must be submitted to Johnson’s office no later than Friday, September 23. 

City establishes railroad quiet zone

Posted July 10, 2011

Beginning July 12 a railroad quiet zone will be established by the City of Garland along the Kansas City Southern Railroad mainline, in order to improve safety and minimize the impacts of train horn noise. The KCS mainline runs from south to north Garland along South Garland Avenue and Lavon Drive as well as through downtown Garland. Railroad quiet zones are federally approved groups of railroad crossings at which train horns are NOT routinely sounded. 

Below are some important aspects of the quiet zone and railroad crossing safety: 

·         The quiet zone includes 21 at-grade rail crossings along the KCS Railroad between Shiloh Road in the south and Murphy Road in the north. 

·         The quiet zone will be in affect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

·         Even with a quiet zone, the train engineer may always sound the horn in case of an emergency. This includes situations when a person or animal is on the track; when any maintenance work is being done; or other potential danger exists. Train engineers have been sounding horns at Garland crossings for years. It will take time for them to form new habits. The sounding of horns should diminish with time and eventually become a rare occurrence.

·         All crossings included in the quiet zone meet the Federal Railroad Administration’s Final Rule on Quiet Zones. This requires all public crossings to have active vehicle gates, flashing lights, and bells to alert motorists of an approaching train. In addition to active warning devices at the crossing, all crossings also have advanced signing and pavement markings to identify the rail crossing. This includes an advanced warning sign with a NO TRAIN HORN legend.

·         Safety has been enhanced by adding medians or channelizing devices to crossings that did not already have them, except on one-way streets where the gates cover the entire roadway approach already. Pavement markings have been refurbished at all KCS crossings.

·         The quiet zone does not affect train horns on the DART and Dallas, Garland and Northeastern tracks which run in an east-west direction through Garland.

·         Driving around lowered gates is both illegal and dangerous. Although the vehicle gates may not protect sidewalks and trails, pedestrians and bicycles should also exercise caution when crossing railroad tracks. Always cross the tracks at a marked crossing location and never cross when the lights are flashing and the vehicle gates are down.

·         Trains do not follow set schedules; always expect a train! 

·         Once the engineer applies the brakes, it can take over a mile for the train to stop. 

·         Trains always appear to be moving slower than they actually are. When crossing railroad Tracks, always: LOOK, LISTEN, AND LIVE.

For more information contact the Garland Transportation Department at 972-205-2430. 

Good Samaritans news

Posted July 10, 2011

Good Samaritans of Garland, Inc. is planning a new program called the Personal Empowerment Program that will help them meet their mission of preventing hunger and homelessness.  Through this program, the organization will help clients out of poverty and into mainstream society.  The first step in accomplishing this will be to identify clients who are willing to do what is necessary to make the transition.

The next step will be to provide them with the necessary tools for independence.  The agency will need assistance from the community to provide mentoring, job interviewing and skills training, financial literacy training, social skills, and spiritual guidance.

In addition, Good Samaritans needs volunteers for a variety of other programs.  Needs include individuals to organize the pantry, package food, help keep the facility neat and clean, answer phones, data entry, and more.  Contact Bill Clifton at goodsamofgarland@verizon.net if you have time to commit to the cause of preventing hunger in the community.

The need for food donations is currently very high, which is not unusual from June until the fall when holiday giving begins.  Approximately 981 people visit Good Samaritans each month in need of food, and any assistance would be appreciated.  Peanut butter, jelly/jam, pasta, rice, and any other perishable or non-perishable food items are needed.  Call 972-276-2263 for more information.

Local waterpark receives
world class safety scores

Posted July 6, 2011 -- Photos by David Alvey

Hawaiian Falls Garland's water safety program recently received the highest rating from the National Aquatic Safety Company.  On a recent audit, the park's lifeguards scored in the World Class rank, which is an accomplishment that less than three percent of waterparks worldwide achieve. It is the first time any Hawaiian Falls waterpark has achieved this score.

“I am very proud of our water safety team,” said Clint Hill, Hawaiian Falls Garland general manager. “Our water safety supervisors worked very hard and diligently with the lifeguards all season to achieve this amazing success.”

Hawaiian Falls also operates waterparks in Mansfield, The Colony, and Roanoke.  For more information, visit http://www.hfalls.com.

Coca-Cola Recycling opens new center

Posted April 20, 2011

Coca-Cola Recycling LLC will opened a new consumer recycling center in Garland that accepts and processes aluminum cans and #1 PET plastic beverage bottles on Wednesday, April 20.  The center is the third of-its-kind in the world.  The Reimagine Beverage Containers unit will be located in the Kroger shopping center at 6850 N. Shiloh Road. The new center is designed to offer free and convenient access to beverage container recycling.

Coca-Cola Recycling introduced the world’s first Reimagine Beverage Containers unit last November in Arlington, and that center has already processed more than 500,000 aluminum cans and PET plastic bottles. The second unit was introduced in Plano last week. The Dallas−Fort Worth metroplex was chosen as the pilot market for this new technology because of high levels of beverage consumption and the opportunity to improve recycling rates.

Recycling provides many benefits to communities, but the Reimagine center also features a ‘Rewards for Recycling’ program that provides added benefits for schools. Community members who recycle at Reimagine in Garland can designate a local K-12 school to receive credit for the containers they recycled. The school will be awarded My Coke Rewards points redeemable for free school supplies and equipment.

Message from U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson

Posted April 1, 2011

As a U.S. representative, part of my job is to serve as a voice for the Third District of Texas in Washington, D.C.  Much of my time is spent listening to constituents, chairing and attending committee hearings, crafting legislation on a number of issues, and, of course, voting on bills.

But a big part of my job happens right here in North Texas.  The federal government is an enormous bureaucracy that is complex, confusing, and sometimes unresponsive.  Many people dealing with the federal government find themselves wound up in conflicting rules and regulations.  Even experts can get lost navigating through federal agencies.

Frustrated by bureaucracy in times of personal, family or business crisis, people turn to their Member of Congress. My staff and I work with federal government agencies on a daily basis. In many cases, we are able to cut through some of the red tape, expedite certain processes, and resolve problems with the federal government.  While we can’t fix every problem you may have with the government, we can help you explore all your options and provide assistance through reliable and timely information.

Here’s one example of how my office may intervene on your behalf.  I consider this case truly emblematic of the exceptional work my staff and I can do for constituents.

A few years ago, Kenneth Mandell of Plano contacted my office for assistance in cutting through some red tape at the Social Security Administration.   Social Security incorrectly calculated his retirement benefits based on a major reporting error by his former employer, the now defunct Indy Mac Bank. 

Battling a serious illness, every day and every penny counted.  Because Kenneth’s former employer had shut its doors, there was no way to gather the paperwork to right this wrong.  His personal tax returns proved this error and he had the truth on his side.  That’s when he contacted my office and when my staff stepped in to help.

By contacting the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), my staff was able to track down Kenneth’s original records, verify the income reporting error and then issue the correct paperwork to the Internal Revenue Service and SSA in time to restore full benefits for Kenneth before his surgery.  Thanks to the diligence of my staff, Mr. Mandell’s benefit rose exponentially.  They truly found a needle in a haystack and emerged victorious.  It’s inspiring stories like this one that demonstrate how the government can work for the people, not the other way around.

My staff and I are frequently asked to intervene with several agencies such as the Veterans Administration, the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. Whether it’s protecting a family home from foreclosure, facilitating of an overseas adoption, expediting a passport request, or finding lost Social Security checks, my office is here to help you resolve problems with federal agencies.

If you need assistance, please contact me at 972-470-0892 or visit SamJohnson.house.gov.    

May God Bless You and God Bless America.

Hensarling one of top spending reducers

Posted April 1, 2011

Congressman Jeb Hensarling, a leading fiscal conservative and Chairman of the House Republican Conference, has been recognized by the National Taxpayers Union—the nation’s oldest taxpayer watchdog group—as having one of the largest saving agendas in the House of Representatives for the 111^th Congress.

Of the 435 Members in the House, only 163 had net spending agendas that would reduce the budget. Of those 163, Hensarling’s spending agenda was rated the second highest for reduction with a proposed savings of over $300 billion. Hensarling has been rated among the top two budget reducers in every Congress he has served.

In addition, Hensarling’s budget reform bill was named the third largest spending reduction bill in the 111^th Congress. The bill, entitled the “Spending, Deficit and Debt Control Act” has been heralded as the “Gold Standard” of budget enforcement legislation by conservative groups including NTU, Americans for Tax Reform, Citizens Against Government Waste and Citizens for a Sound Economy.

Upon learning of his latest NTU rankings, Hensarling said “I am grateful to the National Taxpayers Union for the outstanding work they do analyzing legislation and rating the impact of bills on taxpayers. I am honored to have been named among the top budget reducers again this year.”

“No nation can spend, borrow, and bailout its way to economic growth and job creation. At a time when we are borrowing 40 cents on every dollar, mostly from the Chinese, we need to take significant steps to ending Washington’s culture of spending so that economic confidence can be restored and Americans can go back to work.”

The National Taxpayers Union is a nonpartisan, nonprofit citizen group founded in 1969 to work for lower taxes, smaller government, and economic freedom. Member rankings are reached by averaging the net cost of all legislation they sponsored or co-sponsored in the 111^th Congress.

City looking at accident-prone Arapaho Road

Kim Everett | March 22, 2011 -- Photos by Billy Gallion

Some neighborhood residents have expressed concern about the safety of the stretch of Arapaho Road between Shiloh and Jupiter Roads.  Accidents occur on both the north and south sides, and the most recent ended with a vehicle running off the road, knocking over a gas meter and two fences, and then plowing into someone’s home.  Fortunately, the residents were unharmed, and there were no children playing in the back yards.

According to Garland’s Director of Traffic and Transportation, Robert Wunderlich, speed is the only common denominator between the nine accidents where a vehicle has run off the road in the last four years. The accidents have happened at all times of the night and day, so lighting is not the problem. According to District 7 Councilman Rick Williams, alcohol or cell phone use was not involved.

The city is currently seeking a solution by looking at the feasibility of special markings on the road or adding guardrails.  One of the problems with guardrails, aside from the $80,000 cost, is that the intersections cannot be blocked off, and some of the accidents have happened at intersections where drivers tried to make a turn at a high rate of speed.  “We’d rather find a way that they didn’t leave the road,” Wunderlich said.

Building a brick wall, in addition to not being financially feasible, will not stop the cars, which is evidenced by the fact that there are many patched areas in neighborhood brick walls around the city.  “Generally speaking, the city doesn’t build brick walls around neighborhoods,” Wunderlich said.

The possibility of finding vegetation that is thick enough to stop vehicles is being researched, but Wunderlich is not hopeful that it will be the solution.

Williams said that the worst problem area is on the north side of Arapaho Road between Jupiter and Galaxy Roads.  He said that theoretically, no houses should be built with the back on a major thoroughfare without some kind of barrier; however, when these houses were built, Arapaho was not that heavily traveled.

The city tried installing a radar system to alert drivers of their speed, but it has not helped.  “You can’t do much about idiots,” Williams said.

Garland participates in warrant round-up

Posted March 5, 2011 

The Garland City Marshal’s Office will participate in the North Texas Annual Warrant Round-Up along with other North Texas Cities.  Judge Robert Beasley, Chief Judge in Garland, has agreed to a special program for the first time in Garland.

On Tuesday, March 8, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Judge Beasley will be on the bench for a special docket for citizens with Garland warrants who would like to dispose of their cases without being arrested.  On this day only, during the above listed time, anyone with Garland warrants can come to the Garland Court Building at 1791 West Ave. B in Garland for disposition of the case.

Warrants will be cleared upon disposition of the case.  At that time disposition options include waiver of warrant fees and payment plans, if the person has not previously been on a payment plan for that citation.

All citizens participating should be prepared to pay something toward their fines even with the payment plan. At this special time they would also be provided an opportunity to present proof to the court, should it apply to your situation, such as insurance, driver’s license, registration, or inspection.

If warrant is capias pro fine, meaning a plea has already been entered and fine imposed, the amount of the outstanding fine and court costs could be reduced.

This program will be available only on the date and time listed above. After this date our marshals will be out, along with other law enforcement officers in North Texas, making arrests and clearing warrants for the regional warrant round-up.

J.R. Granado #101, Lieutenant, Garland City Marshal’s Office, Garland.  Call 972-487-7342 for more information.

Low temperatures affect electric, city services; GISD cancels classes

Kim Everett | February 2, 2011

A statewide power emergency precipitated the need for rolling blackouts beginning early Wednesday, Feb. 2.  The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the electricity grid, instructed utility companies, including Garland Power & Light, to implement the controlled blackouts because of a power shortage.

The interruptions lasted approximately 15-45 minutes per neighborhood, and residents were encouraged to reduce electricity use by turning off all unnecessary appliances, lights, and electronic equipment.

The outages ended at approximately 3 p.m., but with continued low temperatures and the possibility that generation units could be affected by the cold, the outages may be initiated again tonight or tomorrow.

In addition, the city of Garland initially announced that garbage collection would resume today after yesterday’s suspension.  However, when the trucks went out, it was discovered that the street conditions were not improved enough to resume services.

Libraries, recreation centers, senior centers, the Plaza Theater, Atrium, and Granville Arts Center closed at 5 p.m. today. 

All Garland Independent School District classes and evening activities were canceled today as well, and the schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 3.

Local weather forecasters are predicting a low tonight of 10 degrees with a wind chill at –5 degrees.  The high of 20 degrees today was the coldest daily high temperature since 1990.

Making this situation even more unusual is the fact that snow is forecasted late Thursday into the middle of the day Friday, Feb. 4.  Temperatures are not expected to go above freezing until Saturday.

North Texas in deep freeze

Kim Everett | February 1, 2011 -- Photos by Paula Gallion

After receiving a coating of freezing rain and ice and experiencing 30-50 mile per hour winds, North Texas residents are preparing for the coldest night in 15 years.  The predicted low is nine degrees with wind chills below zero.

Wednesday’s predicted high temperature is 20 degrees, with a low of eight, which will make this week the coldest in 22 years.

The Garland Independent School District, along with all other area districts, canceled today’s classes, along with all evening school-related activities, and the GISD will be closed again tomorrow. 

Even though the city of Garland Street Department has been out sanding bridges and major intersections today, the weather forced the rescheduling of tonight’s City Council meeting to Tuesday, Feb. 8.

In addition, garbage pick-up was cancelled today, and libraries, recreation centers and senior centers closed at 5 p.m.

DFW was forced to close for an hour this morning, and 800 flights were cancelled.  Love Field also had to shut down today because of the weather for the first time in recent history.

According to local weather reports, more snow is possible on Friday, Feb. 4. and again on Monday, Feb. 7.

Photos:  GISD student enjoys snow day

Emergency Management Partners strengthen collaboration

Emergency managers urge you to work with your communities to get ready now for potential disasters

Posted January 31, 2011

People are being encouraged to act right now, working with their communities and states to get ready for potential disasters in the future.

The Dallas County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region 6 office are partnering to increase awareness about the importance of "Whole of Community" involvement in emergency preparedness.

"The 'Whole of Community' concept is truly a long-term commitment to engaging everyone when it comes to resolving to be ready for emergencies," said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Russell. "That resolve should start at the ground level with you- the individual. That resolve should extend to your city, your hometown, your county and your state."

Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd said, "This is a great initiative. We encourage everyone in Texas to learn as much as possible about emergency preparedness."

Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins added, "Dallas County is committed to ensuring all of our citizens have access to critical information pertaining to potential disasters in our region and how to quickly be able to respond and recover."

Tools and resources are available to help people prepare for, respond to, and recover from any type of disaster. Visit www.Ready.gov, the Spanish language site www.Listo.gov, www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/  or www.KnoWhat2Do.com. These sites include important information such as how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.

Prosecutors will not seek death penalty against second
man charged in murder of Christian recording producers

Kim Everett | January 14, 2011

The trial of Demarius Cummings, the second assailant charged in the June 2008 murders of Matthew Butler and Stephen Swan, will begin next week in Judge Snipes courtroom at the Frank Crowley Courthouse.  The other assailant, James Broadnax was tried, found guilty, and given the death penalty in August 2009.

Butler and Swan, Christian recording artists/producers, were leaving Butler’s downtown Garland studio late on a June 2008 night when Cummings and Broadnax allegedly approached them, engaged them in conversation, then later killed them for $2 and a 1995 Crown Victoria automobile.

In subsequent interviews from jail, Broadnax, the trigger man, admitted to the killings, using profanity-laced language.  He also said during the interviews that he felt no remorse. 

Cummings said in jailhouse interviews that he was not responsible for the shootings and that he was sorry for what happened.  However, during the interviews, he stated that he told Broadnax that he might have to “pop ‘em a few times.” Police investigators contend that shooting Swan and Butler was Cummings’ idea, but the district attorney’s office has chosen not to ask for the death penalty in the case.

Mother of one of the victims, Theresa Butler, does not understand the decision to ask for life without parole instead of the death penalty.  “I think that the jury should have the option to sentence him to death,” she said.  “He was responsible for killing Matthew and Steve.”

She said that she had been told by someone in the district attorney’s office that cases go before a panel for a decision to be made regarding whether to seek the death penalty.  Cummings case was presented to the members of the panel, who then decided not to seek lethal injection.

Ms. Butler also wonders why getting Cummings’ trial underway has taken so long.  “He’s been on the taxpayers’ tab all this time,” she said.  “What in the world happened to swift justice.”