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02/09/2010

Denton ISD may end driver’s ed

Increased costs are turning a green light to red as Denton school district officials consider dropping driver’s education. Denton school board members tonight will consider discontinuing the driver’s education course the district offers to high school students.


Dish halts new drilling for now
DISH — After only a few minutes of discussion, town leaders declared a 90-day moratorium on issuing new drilling permits inside town limits, citing concerns about emissions from production equipment and their effect on human health. Both Commissioners William Sciscoe and Charles Smith told Mayor Calvin Tillman they were comfortable with the reasoning for the moratorium.

02/08/2010

Fracking elicits complaints but no violations
As Cathy McMullen surveyed the Rayzor Ranch gas well site on Friday afternoon from nearby McKenna Park, she felt her eyes water and nose burn. Smoke and a steady roar of noise rose from the 3-acre drilling site at Bonnie Brae and Scripture streets in Denton. To McMullen, the air smelled like pesticide.

Eyes on the Single Guy
Denton native Jake Pavelka, 31, is the latest leading man on ABC’s reality show The Bachelor. The Ryan High School graduate lives in Lantana and is a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. The Bachelor airs at 7 p.m. Mondays.

02/09/2010

Step to it

Blotter: Report: Boat dust-up linked to unwanted ads
After bickering over a boat for several days, a Copper Canyon man realized the man who was trading insulting messages with him had placed a phony ad on an all-male Internet dating site, causing the victim to receive numerous unwanted messages, he told Denton County sheriff’s deputies Saturday.

Superintendent’s contract extended
Argyle school board trustees extended Superintendent Telena Wright’s contract through 2013. Theextension was approved in a recent board meeting.

Military News

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know.” We accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Traffic

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

02/07/2010

DCTA project to hinder flow on Loop 288

A portion of Loop 288 is set to close as the Denton County Transportation Authority begins construction on an overpass for its passenger rail project, the A-train. Starting Wednesday, DCTA officials plan to close about 750 feet of the two center lanes of Loop 288, between Colorado Boulevard and Brinker Road, so bridge piers can be built in the median. The closure is expected to last through mid-May.


Parties clash on rights to use site
Denton County Democratic and Republican party leaders are butting heads over the use of a city building as a polling site for the March 2 primary. Democrats claim they are being unfairly excluded from using Denton Fire Station No. 4 at 2110 E. Sherman Drive, while GOP officials claim to have exclusive use of the facility.

Group joins Denton Bach Society
Andrew Justice came to Denton from upstate New York. It didn’t take long for the baroque violist to find out that there isn’t as much early music in Texas as there is in New England. That’s one reason he gives for co-founding the Denton Bach Players, a new ensemble with the Denton Bach Society.

02/08/2010

Five injured in vehicle accident
Three young children and two adults were injured and taken to area hospitals late Saturday after the van they were riding in fell off the shoulder of a county road and later wrecked, said Trooper Lonny Haschel, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

02/07/2010

Governor’s wife to speak at 20th anniversary celebration
Members of the community are making preparations for a visit from Anita Perry on Thursday, as the state’s first lady helps the Denton Main Street Association celebrate 20 years in the state and national program.

02/08/2010

Blotter: Officer: Doughnuts more likely cause of stranding
The driver of a pickup and his three intoxicated passengers got stuck in the mud early Saturday morning after allegedly doing “doughnuts” in the front yard of a residence in the 2000 block of Willowwood Street, according to a police department log.

Denton libraries to be closed Feb. 19
The Denton Public Library system will be closed Friday, Feb. 19, so library employees can attend the annual all-staff development day. All three branches will be closed that day, with normal operating hours resuming at 9 a.m. Feb. 20.

Lane closure
Beginning on Monday, Feb. 15, city utility crews will close multiple lanes of Audra Lane between McKinney and Paisley streets in Denton. Weather permitting, the lanes will reopen April 17.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Monday, February 8, 2010

02/07/2010

Opposition firm as vote looms

DRC/Barron Ludlum
Signs containing anti-annexation messages are pictured on Bonnie Brae Street near Loop 288 on Thursday.

Drivers on North Bonnie Brae Street recently saw a sign illustrating the way many rural landowners feel about Denton’s plan to annex their land. Someone wrote “CITY STEALS LAND” in large black letters on a roadside sign the city had posted to advertise a public hearing. Area landowners say they don’t know who did it but can relate to the sentiment. “This is very typical of how the entire neighborhood feels out there about the City Council,” said Ray Roberts, an annexation opponent.


Deft Dante

Blotter: Neighbor’s threat leads to contradicting tales
A man told police another man threatened him with a shotgun as he was walking through an apartment complex in the 400 block of Coronado Drive Friday evening. According to a police report, the man told police the second man threatened him, saying he “shouldn’t be looking around.”

Military News

Area Briefs

Director: EPA has eyes on drilling
FORT WORTH — Federal environmental officials are scrutinizing oil and gas operations in Texas and around the country, with new rules for the industry coming in about 18 to 24 months, according to the new EPA Region 6 director. Al Armendariz made one of his first public appearances in North Texas Thursday night as the Environmental Protection Agency’s new regional director for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and 66 American Indian tribes.

Candidates tout experience, heritage in DA race
Leadership is a key issue in the Republican race for Denton County district attorney: Incumbent Paul Johnson believes he has provided it for the office, while his opponent, Brent Bowen, thinks he can fill a leadership void. Both men believe their backgrounds make them good leaders. Johnson points to his history as a self-made man, and Bowen proudly says he is a fourth-generation lawyer.

02/06/2010

New fees tied to height

DRC file photo
AJ Wilkinson casually floats down the Winding River attraction at Water Works Park in August. The Denton parks board has endorsed a plan to base Water Works admission prices on height.

Most adults and teenagers could pay a dollar more to get into Water Works Park this year if city leaders follow through with a plan to switch to height-based entrance fees. On the bright side, some children could pay a dollar less.


Mayor pursues second term
Denton Mayor Mark Burroughs announced he will seek a second term this spring, saying he wants more time to accomplish his goals for the city. “I have just started a number of things that I would like to make sure move forward,” Burroughs told the Denton Record-Chronicle.

Exposed workings: Artists band together to launch First Friday
A handful of local businesses with a common interest in art launched a monthly event Friday to draw more people to downtown Denton and see them at work in their craft. Organized by Shannon Drawe and Leslie Kregel, who are husband and wife, Friday’s debut was intended to launch a monthly event that will expand into a downtown community event, Kregel said.

Blotter: Person found knocked out on Mulberry Street
Denton police are investigating the assault of a man who cannot remember what happened to him. A passer-by saw the man lying in the street near a car in the 200 block of Mulberry Street early Friday. She said his eyes were open but he was not moving and his face had blood on it.

On the up and up

Briefly in Denton

02/04/2010

Jannereth gets two years of probation

Ken Jannereth

A judge sentenced Precinct 5 Constable Ken Jannereth to the maximum six months in county jail for a Class B misdemeanor Thursday but suspended that sentence for two years. That means if the 69-year-old, two-term constable breaks the terms of his probation at any point within the two years, he could go to jail for any length of time up to 180 days at a judge’s discretion.


Worry not, web-footed friends

DRC/Barron Ludlum
Ducks swim, wade and waddle around the University of North Texas duck pond on Tuesday. The water level has been lowered to ease the construction of a spillway that will regulate and direct runoff, which could prevent flooding of structures near the pond.

Jennifer Wilcox points at the oversaturated ground in her backyard and the once-green St. Augustine grass that is now brown from being waterlogged. She said she’s had the problem since the University of North Texas started building an athletic complex on turf once designated as the university’s golf course.


02/05/2010

Disc golf course decision delayed
CORINTH — City Council members voted in favor of delaying a decision Thursday on the proposal for a disc golf course in Corinth Community Park until additional information is gathered. The council will meet in 30 days to discuss facts ascertained by city workers on resident and volunteer concerns, such as erosion, tree regrowth and safety issues.

Lake Dallas school officials pleased with audit results
LAKE DALLAS — While school district officials here say they are pleased to see an increase in Lake Dallas’ state funding revenue, their pleasure may be bittersweet. Growth in student enrollment led to the Lake Dallas school district seeing an increase in state revenue during the 2008-09 school year, according to a recent financial audit.

Blotter: Report: Gasoline bandit profits off card
Someone charged an unauthorized $12,534 worth of gasoline on a man’s credit card over one month, he told Denton police Wednesday.

Equestrian duo makes â€Tex-Oz’ appearance
The North Texas Eventing Association will host Australian equestrian Olympic medalists Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks in their first North American clinic today through Sunday, and limited auditing spots are available.

Library schedules kids’ science workshop
A free Super Science Saturday workshop will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. in Denton.

Group to discuss genealogical research
The Peters Colony Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at Southmont Baptist Church, 2801 Pennsylvania Drive in Denton.

Tax preparation help available to seniors
The Denton Senior Center and AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are again partnering to bring tax preparation help to Denton seniors.

Library to hold sessions
Free income tax assistance is available at North Branch Library from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through April 10.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Friday, February 5, 2010

02/04/2010

Work begins on Walmart, Sam’s
As retailers pull the reins on commercial projects throughout the nation, developers for the Rayzor Ranch mixed-use development are starting construction on a Sam’s Club and Denton’s second Walmart. The long-awaited stores are expected to open this fall.

Les Cockrell: Krum’s heritage banked at museum  

DRC/Barron Ludlum
Della Davis, historian for the Krum Society of Historic Preservation, checks out a Depression-era charge ticket cabinet from Lamm Grocery and Market, at the Krum Heritage Museum.

KRUM — The door to the building at 150 W. McCart St. once opened into a bank lobby, but today it’s a portal to the past. The building originally served as Farmers & Merchants State Bank and most recently housed First United Bank & Trust, but it is now home to the Krum Heritage Museum, a project that is just beginning to take shape.


02/03/2010

Rivera studying black history through music
The sounds of an electric guitar echoed through the center hallway of Rivera Elementary School this week as students in third, fourth and fifth grades piled into the cafeteria to kick off Black History Month festivities on the campus. Students bobbed their heads, clapped their hands and played air guitar for close to an hour Tuesday as they listened to musician Michael Dyson, also known as “Mr. Blue Shoes,” share the history of blues music through song.

02/04/2010

Blotter: Report: Gun, bat used in robbery
Two armed men walked into a man’s apartment Tuesday, beat him and took his cash, he told a Denton County sheriff’s deputy.

Several honored at annual GOP dinner
The Denton County Republican Party honored several individuals from around the county recently at its annual Volunteer Dinner, according to information released by party officials.

Bank plans â€Fat Friday’ celebration on Feb. 12
Town Center Bank will have a community celebration called “Fat Friday” from 3 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 12 at its Denton banking center located at Unicorn Lake, 3101 Wind River Lane.

Crownover earns honor
The Texas Association of Business has honored state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, as a “Champion of Free Enterprise,” the highest honor a legislator can receive from the association.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Thursday, February 4, 2010

02/02/2010

Scofflaws in the cross hairs
Denton County commissioners gave their approval Tuesday to forming a committee to look at establishing a scofflaw program. Under the program, residents with outstanding fines owed to participating cities would have to pay those fines at the county tax office before being allowed to renew their vehicle registration.

02/03/2010

Officer seeks to unseat Holland

Proud of the work he has done as justice of the peace, Joe Holland hopes voters will let him take a step toward retaining his Precinct 1 seat in the March 2 Republican primary election. Opposing Holland on the ballot is first-time political candidate and former police officer Jim Bryan, who says he has the experience to succeed on the bench. The winner of the primary election will move on to face unopposed Democrat candidate William K. Barnett in the November general election.


02/02/2010

Bonnie Brae project boosted by 121
Denton City Council members endorsed agreements Tuesday to fund the widening of South Bonnie Brae Street. The $57.7 million project is expected to expand Bonnie Brae from two to four lanes from Interstate 35E south to U.S. Highway 377.

02/03/2010

Teacher hired to help lead Argyle school
Argyle school board members have named middle school teacher and coach Mandi Pels as the new assistant principal at Hilltop Elementary School.

Blotter: Woman takes ride in truck to save computer
A woman jumped into the bed of her former boyfriend’s pickup Monday afternoon to save her computer and wound up having to walk home, according to a Denton County sheriff’s report.

Dream weavers

Seniors in Motion to celebrate award
Seniors in Motion Inc., 111 Industrial St., is scheduled to receive the NuStep Pinnacle Award during a ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Red Cross volunteers honored for service
The American Red Cross Dallas Area Chapter and the Red Cross’ Southwest Blood Services Region recently honored 58 Denton County Red Cross volunteers.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

02/01/2010

Trash bins in way of future
Downtown Denton has vast potential for development in coming years, but the city will have to overcome obstacles that include unsightly trash bins and a lack of public parking, a city consultant said Monday. City leaders are looking at those issues and more as they mount a final push to implement a 2002 downtown master plan.

02/02/2010

TAMS fields two at Intel competition

DRC/Al Key
Katheryn Shi and Peter Hu, both students at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at the University of North Texas, are two of 40 U.S. finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2010.

Two Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science students are finalists in a national science competition with a $100,000 scholarship at stake. In March, Peter Hu, 18, of Denton and Katheryn Shi, 16, of Sugar Land will be two of 40 finalists from across the nation traveling to Washington, D.C., for the Intel Science Talent Search 2010.


Krum plans to revamp aging sewer system
KRUM — City leaders decided Monday to shutter the city’s antiquated sewer treatment plant and install a new one with better treatment technology, a detour from initial plans that were derailed by a lawsuit over the project that lasted nearly four years.

Eyes on the Single Guy
Denton native Jake Pavelka, 31, is the latest leading man on ABC’s reality show The Bachelor. The Denton High School graduate lives in Lantana and is a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

Blotter: Report: Asinine behavior caught on video
Two women “mooned” a man’s 7-year-old son, the indignant father told a Denton County sheriff’s deputy Friday.

Waves of red

Community vital to scouting’s spread
This week marks a momentous occasion in U.S. history because it is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America.

GOP forums scheduled
Denton County Republican candidates in contested primary races have been invited to speak at several forums throughout the county, according to Dianne Edmondson, Denton County Republican Party chairwoman.

Club gives more than $1,000 to food bank
The Denton Hi Noon Lions Club recently donated more than $1,000 to the Denton Community Food Bank.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

02/01/2010

Guyer moving to Class 5A

It’s official. The Guyer Wildcats will be competing in Class 5A beginning with the 2010 football season. The University Interscholastic League announced its realignment for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons Monday morning and Guyer was pushed into the Class 5A division.


01/31/2010

The power of three

DRC/David Minton
University of North Texas students Robert Mitchell Burke, James Pascoe and Daniel Hooper will compete in the Association for Computing Machinery International Collegiate Programming Contest in Harbin, China, this week.

As Robert Mitchell Burke looked over one of the practice problems, trying to figure out a pattern, he stroked his chin. “You could divide it by tails of length of 100 and then divide it by tails of smaller lengths,” he suggested. His two teammates — James Pascoe and Daniel Hooper — thought about it for a moment and laughed. Apparently, computer science problems can be hilarious.


Two rise to face Collier
Two men are seeking to unseat Jake Collier from the 158th District Court bench in the March 2 Republican primary election. Lawyers David Moraine and Steve Burgess each hope to emerge as the Republican candidate heading into an uncontested November general election.

Band takes honor but no awards from Grammys
After receiving two nominations at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards, members of the University of North Texas’ One O’clock Lab Band left the glitz and glamour of the red carpet without a prized gold trophy in their hands Sunday. However, being nominated for such a prestigious award was an honor in itself, said Steve Wiest, director of the band. “The nomination itself was an award,” he said. “They don’t give out many nominations. Each category has only five nominations, and four of them are their [the students’] textbooks.”

02/01/2010

Blotter: Woman goes to police with husband’s threats
A woman told police that her husband, a soldier at Fort Hood, threatened to kill her and sent her a picture of his gun via cellphone early Saturday.

Family education center hosts benefit
The Family Resource Center of North Texas will hold its third annual Family Ties fundraiser luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Denton Country Club, 1213 Country Club Drive in Argyle.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Monday, February 1, 2010

01/30/2010

Teacher gets high marks on â€Idol’

Kimberly Carver

A high school teacher from Denton is advancing to American Idol’s Hollywood auditions, after winning judges’ approval during North Texas auditions that aired this week on Fox. Guyer High School English teacher Kimberly Carver performed an original song she wrote, and three judges gave her the “yes” response she needed to earn the “golden ticket” to Hollywood.


â€Ecstasy’ lands at sergeant’s feet
A fleeing drug dealer trying to rid himself of evidence dumped a big bag of “ecstasy” over a second-floor railing at an apartment complex and right at the feet of a narcotics sergeant chasing him Jan. 23, police said.

UNT professor to help Olympians in Vancouver
Dr. Sander Martin, a University of North Texas psychology professor, is preparing for a front-row seat at the upcoming Olympic celebrations in Canada next month. Martin will serve as a host in the Olympic Village during the 2010 Winter Games, which will be conducted Feb. 12-28 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Beauty redefined

Blotter: Wife charged in husband’s stabbing
A woman was in Denton County Jail on Friday charged with stabbing her husband of 30 years in the chest.

History program
A program titled “Underground Railroad: Path to Freedom” will be offered at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Emily Fowler Central Library.

Fundraiser slated for local bike cooperative
Querencia Community Bike Shop, Denton’s nonprofit bicycle cooperative, will have a benefit event at 8 p.m. Saturday at Dan’s Silverleaf.

Master Naturalists installs new officers
The Elm Fork Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists recently held its annual meeting, installing officers for the 2010 year and celebrating the chapter’s 10th anniversary.

01/29/2010

Officials give few answers to Argyle  

DRC/David Minrton
Roger Mathis, who lives in unincorporated Denton County near Argyle, shows Joan Wells of Argyle an aerial photograph of where a proposed disposal well site is in relation to his home, which is near another gas well, before a town hall meeting Thursday on the proposed disposal well.

LANTANA — More than 200 area residents packed a middle school gymnasium here Thursday night for a wide-ranging meeting on gas drilling operations. The gathering was called in light of public anger over plans to build natural gas compressors and a commercial disposal well inside a rural neighborhood near Argyle, and neighbors used an hour-long open house to discuss the plans with representatives of the companies behind them.


Ice will fall, won’t stick
In Thursday’s atmospheric clash between warm and cold, warm held out longer than expected. Wintry weather brought three snowfalls to Denton County in December, but this week meteorologists didn’t expect much ice to accumulate overnight or during the daytime today, except in the northwestern part of the county.

Republican candidates cite their experience
Rain-soaked Republican candidates, supporters and curious voters packed the Denton County Commissioners Courtroom for a candidate forum Thursday night.

Helipad a welcome addition to medical facility
A new helipad debuted Thursday at the 24-Hour Emergency Room facility on U.S. Highway 380 near the Savannah development. The helipad is the first of its kind in that area, providing a safe location where CareFlite and other air ambulances may land.

Blotter: Bailiff reports seeing woman damage car outside court
A Denton County bailiff followed a woman outside after she caused a disturbance in a courtroom Wednesday and saw her vandalize her mother-in-law’s car, according to a sheriff’s report.

01/22/2010

Haiti - How to help

01/29/2010

Optimist judo team wins medals in OKC
Members of the Denton Junior Optimist judo team brought home several medals from the Sooner State Games on Saturday in Oklahoma City, coach Doug Newcomer said. The tournament featured kata competitions and combat matches.

Seminar to address college financial aid
The Denton County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Texas Woman’s University will present an economic summit addressing financial readiness for college from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know.” We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com  or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Friday, January 29, 2010

01/28/2010

Plans change for Fry  

DRC/David Minton
Josh Vasbinder, a partner with The Dinerstein Cos., speaks with Denton residents about their questions on the proposed development for the Fry Street area, during a public meeting Wednesday.

After a public hearing Wednesday about the proposed redevelopment of the Fry Street area, the company behind the proposal is preparing to draw up new plans for a mixed-use development. The new plans for a combined retail and residential development took shape at Wednesday night’s meeting at Denton City Hall as community members expressed concerns over a preliminary plan presented to city officials last month.


Elevated benzene levels found  
FORT WORTH — State environmental officials found elevated levels of benzene at 22 percent of natural gas facilities they sampled last year, according to a report released Wednesday.

01/27/2010

Argyle fights disposal well plan
ARGYLE — Town leaders have added their voices to the chorus of opponents fighting a company’s plan to build a commercial disposal well for oil and gas production waste in a rural neighborhood near Argyle.

01/28/2010

â€Gorgeous’ spelling earns championship
Spelling words is like piecing together a puzzle, says Crownover Middle School seventh-grader Varada Salimath, and identifying a word’s origin and definition are pieces of the puzzle. Grasping clues from the meanings of words, Varada advanced Wednesday to become the champion of the Denton school district’s annual spelling bee.

Blotter: Woman reports losing TV during move
A Denton woman reported that people she paid to help her move may have taken her television with them.

Former operator fined
State environmental officials approved an agreed order Wednesday that fines a former operator of an unauthorized public water supply $14,455 for 13 water quality violations, including failing to test the water for copper and lead.

Pair named finalists
Two Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science students Wednesday were named among 40 finalists for Intel Science Talent Search 2010.

Benefit luncheon
The American Cancer Society’s You’re Beautiful Luncheon and Style Show will be at the University of North Texas Gateway Center at noon Friday.

Candidate forum
Candidates in contested Denton County Republican primary races are set to speak at a public forum at 6:30 p.m. today in the Courthouse on the Square.

Military News

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

01/27/2010

County to seek software options
With one dissenting vote, Denton County commissioners on Tuesday approved Tax Assessor/Collector Steve Mossman’s proposal to seek out new tax payment software for his office. Mossman asked the commissioners two weeks ago to purchase new software after dealing with several problems with the software the county has used for 23 years.

Four file for seat on court

As Judge Darlene Whitten steps down from the County Court at Law No. 1 bench, a quartet of candidates have filed to run for the vacant seat. One has run for office before and the other three are newcomers to the political scene, but Republicans Kimberly McCary, Chance Oliver, George Mitcham and Christine “Chris” Ventura all say they have what it takes to be a county court judge.


2010 Political Chat Blog

01/26/2010

Lozano â€Dateline NBC’ to air Friday
Dateline NBC, a national television news magazine, will devote Friday’s show to the trial and conviction of Robert “Bobby” Lozano in the murder of his wife, Virginia “Viki” Lozano. The show airs locally at 8 p.m. on KXAS-TV (Channel 5).

Library puppets primed for program’s premiere
A television show that promotes literacy and helps children ages 2 to 8 become familiar with the community around them will debut next week on public access station Denton Television. Titled Library Larry’s Big Day and presented by the Denton Public Library, DTV and the Denton school district, the show attempts to provide a unique and educational opportunity for young viewers, said Kerol Harrod, show creator and co-producer and North Branch Library assistant.

01/27/2010

Blotter: Report: Fighting couple use gun, car to threaten each other
Denton police sorted out different versions of a former couple’s violent disagreement and took them both to jail early Monday.

Keeping up with the signs

Law program for seniors
Attorney Richard M. Barron will lead a free law workshop for seniors at 6 p.m. Friday at Wheeler House Assisted Living, 2310 E. Broadway St. in Gainesville.

Natural resources the topic of USDA meeting
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Denton County Soil and Water Conservation District will hold a work group meeting at 11 a.m. Thursday at the USDA Service Center, 525 S. Loop 288, Suite C-1, in Denton.

Native Plant Society to discuss insects
Gail Manning, an entomologist with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, will present a program titled “Symbiotic Relationship Between Insects and Native Plants” at the monthly meeting of the Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas on Thursday.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

01/26/2010

Forum touches on race, fairness
Candidates from the Precinct 1 justice of the peace and county district attorney races faced questions about race, fair treatment of employees, and the community at a candidate forum sponsored by the NAACP on Monday.

Program targets budding leaders

DRC/David Minton
Tim Owens of The Owens Group, an organizational training and development firm, speaks to students about the importance of respect at a recent meeting of the Leadership Development Institute, an after-school program at the Legends Academy.

Each person has the ability and potential to be a leader, says Cassandra Berry, superintendent of Legends Academy. To drive that message home, the Denton charter school began the Leadership Development Institute, a weekly after-school program that grooms students to become a positive influence in the community.


Agency must do with less
The United Way of Denton County fell $67,000 short of its 2009 fundraising goal — an outcome officials blame on a weak economy.

Blotter: Man stabbed by person acting oddly near pickup
Denton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a Denton hospital early Sunday to take a report from an injured man.

Eyes on the Single Guy
Denton native Jake Pavelka, 31, is the latest leading man on ABC’s reality show The Bachelor. The Denton High School graduate lives in Lantana and is a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

Preschool fair
The MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) Denton South chapter will host its annual preschool fair from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Southmont Baptist Church, 2801 Pennsylvania Drive.

Fundraiser to aid volunteer program
DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks at 220 W. University Drive will have a fundraising event today for Texas Woman’s University’s Alternative Spring Break program

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting www.dentonrc.com  and clicking on “Let Us Know.” We accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com  by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

01/24/2010

Developers want input on Fry
A public meeting Wednesday could help shape the proposed redevelopment of Denton’s once-vibrant Fry Street area. The company behind a proposal to build student housing on a mostly vacant block bordering the University of North Texas is inviting residents to offer their views on the area’s fate.

TWU shaves summer budget

Texas Woman’s University officials recently finalized budget plans for the upcoming summer semester that would trim an estimated $700,000 from expenses, compared to last year.

The $4.2 million budget allocated for the summer semester reflects increased enrollment caps on courses, fewer classes and salary savings from the elimination of vacant faculty positions, said Kay Clayton, TWU provost and vice president of academic affairs.


Disc golf had backers in Corinth
CORINTH — Aaron Quisenberry thought it was a good idea. So did Corinth’s parks officials. And so did a host of Lake Cities residents and businesses who chipped in for gas and meals and supplies — about $8,000 in all, Quisenberry estimates — to bring disc golf to Corinth.

Renting textbooks helps UNT students mind their budgets
The stack of textbooks in Shaun Kitchens’ arms grew as she made her way through a bookstore last week. While the University of North Texas sophomore compared prices of new and used books, trying to determine which route would be the cheapest, she found she had a third option — renting her textbooks.

01/25/2010

Seasonal stroll

Blotter: Report: Woman flaunts gun, issues threat
A woman allegedly started waving a gun around in a sandwich shop Saturday evening and made threats against the neighboring tax service in the 1600 block of East McKinney Street.

Justin teen named finalist in contest
Christina Ashmore of Justin was a finalist in the recent Texas Girls’ Choir Rodeo Sweetheart Contest.

Town hall meeting set for Thursday night
A town hall meeting Thursday night will focus on plans to build natural gas compressors and a wastewater disposal well in a rural neighborhood near Argyle.

Military News

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Monday, January 25, 2010

01/23/2010

Adding acreage to city comes at cost
Denton would have to add two police officers and spend more on street repairs and roadside mowing immediately if it follows through with plans to annex thousands of acres of land, a city analysis found. The short-term costs would be minor compared with the overall city budget, but they would come as Denton copes with sluggish property tax receipts and major declines in sales tax revenue. City officials announced a hiring freeze in December and said more budget cuts could be in store early this year.

Cunningham defends claim
Denton’s planning director is defending his claim that some residents with land in areas the city is eyeing for annexation are getting “representation without taxation.” Mark Cunningham told the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission last month that most unincorporated pockets within the city already receive fire and police protection, while some enjoy water and sewer services.

Clinic to close doors, move to new location in February
The doors are still open for health care at 505 S. Locust St., but the name has changed from People’s Clinic of Denton County to Health Services of North Texas. The board of directors voted to dissolve the nonprofit on Jan. 15. That same day, Health Services of North Texas hired the clinic’s staff, assumed its assets and brought six of the eight board members from People’s Clinic into its fold.

Blotter: Police respond to alleged gang fight outside club
Two men were injured after another man fired shots into a brawling crowd outside a night club in the 800 block of East Sycamore Street early Saturday, according to a police report. The fight allegedly began after members of a Dallas gang started arguing with members of a Denton gang.

Calendar
Tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com, and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com, by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Speaker examines job loss issues
Area employers gathered Friday at the Texas Business Conference in Denton as officials announced the city’s unemployment rate, which remained stagnant from November to December at 5.9 percent. The unemployment rate is lower in Denton than in the county, state and nation, according to data from the Texas Workforce Commission.

N. Texas leader Parker departs
Until Mildred Brock Parker, his college sweetheart and wife of nearly 70 years, died last year, Walt Parker threw a grand anniversary party for the two of them every year for decades, inviting family and friends to celebrate. Walt Parker — a University of North Texas Athletic Hall of Fame running back, a former NFL official, former member of the Texas House of Representatives and former vice president for UNT government affairs — died Friday. He was 92.

Historic church building gets home at park
The latest addition to the Historical Park of Denton County, the Elm Ridge United Methodist Church building, was placed alongside the park’s other historic landmarks Friday. The church building was obtained from Allegiance Development, which purchased the land the church was on.

01/22/2010

Blotter: Report: Witnesses help to end vehicle burglary spree
Three men were facing vehicle burglary charges after witnesses helped police disrupt an alleged plan to break into multiple vehicles late Wednesday night.

Briefly in Denton

Burroughs attends conference

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com, and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com, by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

01/21/2010

Collection program gaining support

Steve Mossman

Some area city managers are hoping county officials will approve a program whereby the county tax office could help collect municipal court fines. Steve Mossman, county tax assessor/collector, said he supports the idea and is working to establish it in Denton County. Under the program, residents with outstanding fines owed to participating cities would have to settle up at the tax office before being allowed to renew their vehicle registration.


Officials discuss threat of terrorism
In September, a Jordanian man brought the threat of terrorism close to home. He believed he was detonating a pickup filled with explosives in front of a Dallas high-rise building. Hosam Maher Husein Smadi was arrested in an FBI sting operation that showed just how close to Denton terrorism has crept. Denton police command staff met with local business leaders Thursday to talk about their concerns and to inform them of ways an event in North Texas might affect their businesses and what they might do to lessen financial damage in case of a terrorist attack.

01/22/2010

Aubrey audit results favorable
AUBREY — Results of a recent financial audit were favorable for the Aubrey school district despite a state funding overpayment that could have resulted in a more than $1 million loss had it been overlooked during the 2008-09 school year, an audit report showed this week.

01/21/2010

Blotter: Woman reports dead ducks in yard as threat
A woman told police that she believes a recent incident involving dead ducks in her yard was a threat and was racially motivated. The victim said that at about 9 p.m. last Friday she heard honking from a vehicle driving past her house in the 300 block of Pear Tree Place. She went outside to investigate and saw a man standing in the bed of a pickup. Then she heard a noise she believes may have been gunfire.

01/22/2010

Bringing icy back

Expansion celebration
An open house will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday to celebrate the expansion of South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane in Denton.

â€Science Fair FAQs’ slated for Saturday
Denton’s North Branch Library, 3020 Locust St., will host a program on what it takes to make a winning science fair project, at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Southridge, police to hold safety meeting
Denton police will meet Thursday with homeowners in the Southridge neighborhood to discuss crime prevention strategies.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Friday, January 22, 2010

01/21/2010

Highway hero honored

DRC/David Minton
John Sumner, left, Denton Police Chief Roy Minter, Bryan Jacobs and Mary Ann Bax pose during an award ceremony Wednesday in Denton. Jacobs was recognized for saving Andrea Sumner — John Sumner’s wife and Bax’s daughter — after he noticed her having a seizure while driving on Interstate 35E.

Bryan Jacobs was on his way to a quick lunch at McDonald’s on Jan. 11 when a Chevrolet Blazer in the outside lane of Interstate 35E suddenly veered across his lane in front of him and struck the concrete median barrier. The sport utility vehicle reared, nearly turning over backward, but righted and scraped down the barrier as it continued at about 45 mph. Jacobs could see that the driver was slumped over into the passenger seat.


01/20/2010

Braswell donates salary increase
Ray Braswell, Denton school district superintendent, accepted a new three-year contract from the school board Tuesday but said he would forgo a 4.7 percent salary increase. Braswell opted to donate his more than $10,000 raise to the Denton Public School Foundation.

Aid worker gives insight
Most Haitians have had little food, water or medical care since the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake and are waiting for international aid, said Graham Sowa, a volunteer in Haiti, through his friend Scarlett Pope, a Texas Woman’s University nursing student who spoke during a panel discussion Wednesday at the school.

01/21/2010

Blotter: Police investigate report of trading car for drugs
A woman drained her mother’s bank account and traded her car for drugs, according to a Denton police report released Wednesday.

Sixth arrest made in November hazing case
A sixth member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity at the University of North Texas was arrested Tuesday on a charge of hazing, according to a police affidavit.

Williams to speak at GOP meeting today
Roger Williams, former Texas secretary of state and current candidate for U.S. Senate, will be the keynote speaker for the monthly meeting of the Denton County Republican Party.

Military News

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Thursday, January 21, 2010

01/19/2010

'Land grab’ could cost city $2.6 million
Opponents of Denton’s proposed annexations filled City Hall again Tuesday to plead their case, as a new report shed light on the potential cost of the city’s plan.

01/20/2010

Corinth cuts down disc golf course

DRC/Barron Ludlum
Corinth parks officials said volunteers cut down numerous trees on Pacman Hill before city crews realized the project had gotten out of hand.

CORINTH — The city’s newly revitalized parks board met in front of a full house Monday night and formally pulled the plug on Quisenberry Disc Golf Course, a volunteer-built course on Pacman Hill in Corinth Community Park.


01/19/2010

City not renewing auditor’s contract
A decision Tuesday by the Denton City Council means city auditor Steve Shepherd will soon be out of a job.

01/20/2010

Stadium in progress

Blotter: Officer reports intoxicated men in car
An officer investigating a report of a suspicious car in the 6400 block of Interstate 35 at about 3:45 a.m. Monday found a Lexus parked in front of gas pumps with its engine running. Witnesses said the car had been there for at least an hour, according to a police report.

Texans for Life leader to speak at meeting
Kyleen Wright, president of the Texans for Life Coalition, will be the featured speaker at today’s meeting of the Denton Republican Women’s Club.

Organic Society set for program tonight
The Denton Organic Society will host guest speaker Connie Hale of Windy Meadows Family Farm during its meeting today at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Ave.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

01/19/2010

Cross Roads deal voided
CROSS ROADS — Town leaders have revoked a $6.5 million tax-incentive agreement on a major retail development project after its developer filed for bankruptcy.

01/18/2010

â€He kept on marching’

DRC/David Minton
Sisters of the local Epsilon Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority lead the Martin Luther King Jr. Day march through downtown Denton on Monday. The march went from the University of North Texas to Fred Moore Park in Southeast Denton.

Students and community members gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally and march at the University of North Texas to honor and remember the civil rights activist’s message and contributions. The rally has become an annual event organized by the Epsilon Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Sorority President Shanel Brown said the rally and march stand for unity and make a bold statement to the Denton community that King’s vision lives on through them.


Eyes on the Single Guy
Denton native Jake Pavelka, 31, is the latest leading man on ABC’s reality show The Bachelor. The Denton High School graduate lives in Lantana and is a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Jake's task this week: To narrow a group of 12 women down to nine.

01/19/2010

Library Donations
The following gifts were made to the Denton Public Library for November and December.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

01/18/2010

Lake Dallas sizes up library plan
LAKE DALLAS — City leaders are putting together a proposal they hope will keep all the Lake Cities in the fold as they expand the Lake Cities Library. Lake Dallas City Council members agreed during a workshop Thursday to draw up plans for expanding the site where the library currently sits.

01/17/2010

Work for festival starts in earnest

Courtesy photo/Danny Fulgencio
Surrounded by other volunteers, Bethany Merren listens as North by 35 administrators instruct the crowd at the NX35 Music Conferette kickoff party at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton on Sunday evening.

Chris Flemmons tipped his shot glass to the music-filled ceiling in a toast, as someone said, “Let’s make this … rock,”  clinked his glass and took a swallow. The festival founder and organizer of the North by 35 Music Conferette wasn’t alone. Rocking it out, most of the 100 festival volunteers for the second annual event attended Sunday’s volunteer orientation and kickoff party at Dan’s Silverleaf, where small teams met to discuss plans for the upcoming March festival.


01/18/2010

Ponder schools add to savings
PONDER — The Ponder school district added more than $880,000 to its general fund balance last fiscal year, a recent audit report released by district officials indicates.

Blotter: Report: Intoxicated man threatens Salvation Army
An intoxicated man allegedly threatened to get a gun and kill everyone at the Salvation Army shelter in Denton early Saturday evening, according to a police report.

In the making

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know.” We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Monday, January 18, 2010

01/17/2010

Holiday closings
Most government offices and many businesses will be closed Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Area Briefs

01/16/2010

Blotter: City contractor reports theft of equipment
A contractor for the city of Denton reported to police Saturday morning that someone broke into three storage trailers located off Fort Worth Drive and stole nearly $4,000 of construction materials during the overnight hours.

Calendar

Haiti hungry for hope

DRC/David Minton
Amy O’Keefe, left, and Scarlett Pope collect donations Friday for Haiti earthquake relief from Judy Elias, associate director of the Leadership Institute at Texas Woman’s University, and student Archana, who only gave one name. Pope organized a garage sale this weekend to benefit Real Hope for Haiti, a charity that operates a clinic in Cazale, Haiti.

Along with other volunteers, Scarlett Pope is hustling to raise funds this weekend to send to earthquake-devastated Haiti on Monday. The Texas Woman’s University nursing student and former student regent organized a garage sale, picking up donated items throughout North Texas to hopefully sell and earn money for medical supplies and clothing. The garage sale, in North Richland Hills, started Saturday and raised $811.17. The sale will run through today.


Evidence readmitted in Ross case
The 2nd Court of Appeals in Fort Worth has reversed a local judge’s ruling that would have kept crucial evidence out of an upcoming trial for criminal conspiracy. But prosecutors in the first-degree felony case against Earnest Lynn Ross aren’t free to set a trial date yet, because Ross’ attorney says he will appeal the ruling to the Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin.

City approves plan to pay for widening of Mayhill
Denton city leaders recently approved agreements to fund the widening of Mayhill Road from two to four lanes from Colorado Boulevard north to U.S. Highway 380. The nearly $56.7 million project will tap a mix of funding sources, with the bulk coming from the State Highway 121 toll agreement.

Protesters seek spotlight

DRC/David Minton
Robin Gregory, Melinda Carter and Eddie Carter protest against the city of Denton’s proposed annexation of their land, outside the Murchison Performing Arts Center before the first Republican gubernatorial debate Thursday.

Denton-area residents fighting the city’s plan to annex their land used Thursday’s gubernatorial debate as a platform to highlight their cause. A small group of protesters carried signs reading “Vote No Denton Land Grab!” outside the Murchison Performing Arts Center as crowds waited to be let inside for the Republican candidates’ debate.


Debate gets rivals, voters fired up
The battle for March 2 primary election votes took another turn Thursday night with the first Republican gubernatorial debate. Jonathon Fite of Denton said it was a great event to “spotlight UNT and highlight what is Denton County’s growing role in the Texas political scene.”

Blotter: Burglar flees home, chased by resident
A woman told police she awoke Wednesday morning to find a stranger standing in her kitchen holding what appeared to be a burglar kit.

Maintenance on city sirens

Purple premiere

Appeals court upholds dismissal of term limits suit
An appeals court has upheld a ruling dismissing a 2008 challenge to Denton’s former term limits law.

Churches work to aid Haitians
Local churches continue to join efforts to bring relief to Haiti after an earthquake devastated the country, killing an estimated 50,000, according to latest reports.

Briefly in Denton and the area

01/15/2010

Hopefuls trade barbs over jobs, taxes  

Associated Press/LM Otero
Republican candidates for Texas governor, on stage from left, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Debra Medina and Gov. Rick Perry participate in a gubernatorial debate at the Murchison Performing Arts Center at the University of North Texas on Thursday.

It didn’t take long for the pre-debate handshakes and smiles to devolve into political jabs and haymakers between gubernatorial candidates during “The Texas Debates: Race for Governor” Thursday night.


Local groups contribute to Haitian relief efforts
Several local organizations and individuals are joining efforts to offer assistance to Haitians suffering from the devastation brought by Tuesday’s massive earthquake. Churches and service agencies are taking up monetary collections to help injured civilians as relief workers continue to assess what is needed and by whom.

Sessions nurture students’ empathy
ARGYLE — Students at Argyle High School recently were challenged to see people for whom they are on the inside and to not judge them by outward appearance or preconceptions. Two hundred students last week entered an auxiliary gym where they were greeted with posters that read: “Be the change” and “Be the hero you are looking for.”

Blotter: Police officer reports being called ‘dude’ by angry dad
A man who allegedly was harassing employees of a bail bond business said he was not intimidated by a call from police, and called a responding officer “dude” Wednesday, according to a police report.

Citizen Police Academy set
The Denton Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy class begins Tuesday at the department’s training room, 601 E. Hickory St.

Science fair program scheduled for library
Denton’s South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane, will host a program on what it takes to make a winning science fair project, from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Space program today
A free program called “Space Days: The Moon” is planned for children ages 8-12 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. today at Denton’s South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane.

Blood drive Saturday
An American Red Cross community blood drive is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the gymnasium of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Oak St. in Denton.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Friday, January 15, 2010

01/13/2010

City firm on plan to annex property
Denton city officials said Wednesday that they’re holding firm on their schedule for annexing thousands of acres of rural land, a day after opponents packed City Hall to ask for a delay.

GOP debate tonight in Denton

The eyes and ears of Texas will be focused on three Republican candidates tonight as the first gubernatorial debate between Gov. Rick Perry, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina is conducted in Denton. The debate will begin at 7 p.m. at the University of North Texas Murchison Performing Arts Center.


Conference yields business tips
As Denton business leaders and other community members shared tips at Wednesday’s Green Business Conference, the point was apparent: “Going green” could save businesses a lot of money. Organizers estimated that about 70 people attended the conference, which was sponsored by the city of Denton, the Denton Chamber of Commerce and the University of North Texas.

01/14/2010

Blotter: Single bullet wounds man and wife
Denton police officers responding to a report of a shooting in the 500 block of South Carroll Boulevard about 6:15 p.m. Saturday found a man and woman both injured by the same bullet.

Publishing pointers

Lane closures set for Bell
Denton drivers who travel Bell Avenue between Oak Street and Eagle Drive should be advised that lane closures are planned during the next few days to allow city crews to perform road repairs. Motorists are urged to use caution and heed posted traffic signs when driving through the area, said Bill Murdock, operations manager for street construction/patching.

Denton Broncos to christen new Purple Pit
The Denton school district will join Denton High School administrators, as well as former and current players and coaches, in officially opening the new Purple Pit at 7:15 p.m. Friday at the school’s new gymnasium at 1007 Fulton St.

Museum officials to discuss ‘Images’ book
Denton County’s Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum will host a lecture by Images of America: Denton authors Georgia Caraway, executive director of the museum, and Kim Cupit, curator of collections, at 12:15 p.m. Friday.

Two men named Patriotic Employers
Kyle Duininck and Danne Pearn of Duininck Brothers Construction Co. were presented with Patriotic Employer awards Tuesday

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

01/13/2010

Mossman seeks new tax software

Steve Mossman

After three years of dealing with insufficient tax collection software, the county’s tax assessor/collector went before the Commissioners Court on Tuesday to ask for a $600,000 solution. On Monday, Steve Mossman issued a memo to county commissioners listing problems with the software.


Crowd pushes against city plan
Denton-area residents packed City Hall on Tuesday night to urge city leaders to not annex their land, saying the city risked stretching its resources too thin while trampling their right to live a rural lifestyle.

After 35 years in education, Sanger superintendent to retire
SANGER — School district Superintendent Jack Biggerstaff will retire at the end of the school year.

Blotter: Police try to sort out damaged-car incident
A woman told police that someone stole her car from its parking place at an apartment complex, wrecked it and then returned the car to the lot.

In the wind

TCEQ reports findings
The Texas environmental agency says a survey of more than 100 natural gas facilities in Fort Worth showed no cause for concern about potentially dangerous pollutants.

United Way still short of 2009 campaign goal
United Way of Denton County officials say they’re still facing a shortfall in their 2009 fundraising campaign, as the latest deadline approaches on Friday.

Animals find homes during Adoption Day
Fifty pets found new homes through the Denton animal shelter’s first Rays of Hope Adoption Day, the Denton Animal Shelter Foundation announced recently.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com  and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com  by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

01/12/2010

County GOP’s debate tickets all spoken for
Tickets for the gubernatorial debate are gone, but county Republican Party officials say plenty of tickets remain to attend watch parties for the event.

Denton plan has critics in country
After a career in health care and sales, Janet Ross retired to the country to garden and raise chickens northwest of Denton. She pays county taxes, gets police and fire protection from Krum and has no desire to be part of Denton. Ross is among dozens of Denton-area residents opposing the city’s annexation plan, which faces its first public hearing tonight.

Rolled, sealed and delivered

DRC/Barron Ludlum
Barry Veanueva, an independent contractor for the Denton Record-Chronicle, has been nominated for the Texas Circulation Managers Association’s Contractor of the Year award.

Imagine working 365 days for each of nine consecutive years without a single day off. It sounds harsh, but it’s a source of pride for Barry Veanueva, an independent contractor for the Denton Record-Chronicle, who is a contender for the Texas Circulation Managers Association Contractor of the Year.


Pipe fixers booked solid
As temperatures climbed above freezing over the weekend, plumbers went to work fixing the damage from last week’s cold stretch. Denton companies reported an increase in business over the weekend and expected to be busy through the early part of this week as well.

Tillman to address state on drilling
Dish Mayor Calvin Tillman plans to travel to Austin today to address the Texas Railroad Commission about some local and state officials’ call for a drilling moratorium in the Barnett Shale region.

Blotter: Police investigate apartment break-in
Officers who responded to a report that an apartment door had been kicked in about 12:40 a.m. Sunday found one roommate who was frightened and a second roommate who was sound asleep.

Lecture on grieving
Larry Barber, a licensed professional counselor, will give a talk titled “Stop Avoiding Grief and Start Enjoying Life” at noon today at a hospice family luncheon hosted by Ann’s Haven VNA at the Denton Elks Lodge, 228 E. Oak St.

Eyes on the Single Guy
Denton native Jake Pavelka, 31, is the latest leading man on ABC’s reality show The Bachelor. The Denton High School graduate lives in Lantana and is a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. The Bachelor airs at 7 p.m. Mondays.

Organization set to honor Nelson today
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Denton County will honor state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, at the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce luncheon today.

Calendar
Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

01/11/2010

Samples taken at Rayzor drilling site

DRC/David Minton
A noise-reducing barrier wall surrounds the natural gas well site at Rayzor Ranch in Denton.

The first round of air and water sampling around the Rayzor Ranch gas well site is complete, but residents are still raising money for tests that would show whether the drilling has any measurable environmental effects. “The key is to see, as time goes on, what variation occurs — if there is a variation,” said Alisa Rich, president of Wolf Eagle Environmental, an environmental firm based in Flower Mound.


Six advance in Elks Hoop Shoot competition  
As Trayvon Brockington stepped up to the foul line, he dribbled a basketball three times — bam bam bam — before taking the shot. It landed slightly off target, hitting the back of the rim and bouncing out of the basket.

Comptroller to give presentation on unclaimed property
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs will pay a visit to Denton Thursday, just one of her many stops around the state to talk to Texans about unclaimed property.

Blotter: Woman says husband drew blood with punch
A woman and her 4-year-old son fled their Krum home early Saturday after the woman was allegedly punched by her husband while she was driving Friday evening on Carroll Boulevard, according to a police report.

South Branch Library celebrates reopening
Denton’s South Branch Library will hold its grand reopening celebration at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

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Please tell us about your event or meeting by visiting the Denton Record-Chronicle Web site, www.dentonrc.com , and clicking on “Let Us Know,” which will take you to our online forms. We prefer online submissions. We still accept information by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com , by fax at 940-566-6888; or by mail to Page 2 Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

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