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FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE
ARGYLE EDITION
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 6 APRIL 6 MAY 7, 2023
Future vision As Highland Village has grown, so has the amount of traffic passing through the city̶ especially at the intersection of FM 407 and FM 2499, or Long Prairie Road , causing officials to begin discus- sions on widening the two roads. The latest data from TxDOT is from 2021. SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
32,170
35,000 30,000 25,000
30,125
20,690
27,958
20,000
Fajita Pete’s to open in Flower Mound
21,696
5
0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023
Year
See a sample ballot
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The level of tra c passing through the intersection of FM 407 and FM 2499—also known as Long Prairie Road—has increased as Highland Village continues to grow. (Tim Glaze/Community Impact)
Highland Village plans for growth opportunities Highland Village turns 60 this year, and city o cials are marking the occasion by moving forward with a plan for the city’s development and future. BY DON MUNSCH vacant properties to see how we can develop,” he said.
Bella Italia Bistro o ers family-run Italian fare
“I think the most important part of the [“Our Village, Our Vision”] imple- mentation, even though there was so much focus on the opportunity areas, is to really look at the park plan and the trail plan, and start putting those together for pursuing grants,” City Manager Paul Stevens said. The comprehensive plan was adopted in 1995, with amendments adopted in 1996 and 1997, according to o cials. The parks, recreation and open space master plan was adopted in 2008, and the comprehensive trail system master plan was adopted in 2011. The city’s limits Stevens said Highland Village is “very limited” in how much acreage it has remaining for development—78 privately owned acres intended for commercial and/or residential devel- opment—so it was important city leaders “take a hard look at those
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Highland Village is at 97% build- out, according to Stevens and Mayor Daniel Jaworski. Although there have been proposals for some of the avail- able tracts, nothing has been built as of yet, Stevens said. There is concern about the chang- ing economy—with more dependence on internet sales, which takes away from local sales tax revenue, Stevens said. Although Highland Village’s sales tax has been healthy through the pandemic and beyond, internet sales have a ected brick-and-mor- tar stores and will likely continue to a ect the traditional retail model. Scott Kriston, public works director for the city, said it would be di cult to expand FM 407 with additional lanes—but the expansion of FM 2499 is a matter of when, not if, he said. “I think it’s important to keep up
Council adopted the “Our Village, Our Vision” comprehensive plan at a February meeting to update where the city stands with available land. Now that the plan is adopted, the next steps are to put parts of the plan into action, especially when it comes to managing the city’s growth. “Our Village, Our Vision” is the new guiding document for Highland Village. It features updates to the city’s comprehensive plan along with the parks, recreation and open space master plan; the trail system master plan; opportunity areas for future development; expanding roads to accomodate tra c and growth; and the FM 407 Trail Corridor and Amen- ity Plan, according to the city.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Cathy Williams EDITOR Tim Glaze REPORTER Don Munsch
FROM CATHY: As evidenced by the political signs showing up at many intersections across town, there is a lot of passion for local government in our communities. It’s so important to know the candidates and the issues! We provide a list of candidate names and resources in our voter guide (see Page 11). For full Q&As, please visit communityimpact.com. Cathy Williams, GENERAL MANAGER
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Paola Gonzalez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Isabel Prosper METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Leanne Libby MANAGING EDITOR Miranda Jaimes MANAGING COPY EDITOR Beth Marshall ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Chelsea Peters CONTACT US 7460 Warren Parkway, Ste. 160, Frisco, TX 75034 • 214-618-9001 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES fhanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING fhaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron
FROM TIM: It is my pleasure to welcome Don Munsch to the team here at Community Impact . Don joins us with decades of experience covering news all over the state and in Oklahoma. As the new reporter for the Flower Mound/Highland Village/Argyle edition, expect to see Don out in the community doing what he does best—covering the local news that matters to readers the most. If you see him, be sure to say hi! And don’t forget to send in news tips to fhanews@communityimpact.com! Tim Glaze, EDITOR
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TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL Master’s Degree Programs • Business Administration • Human Resource Development • Educational Leadership
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FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION • APRIL 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY TIM GLAZE
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MAP NOT TO SCALE N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TIM GLAZE COMMUNITY IMPACT
NOW OPEN 1 Esports Virtual Arena opened its doors in December at 3105 Justin Road, Bldg. C, Flower Mound. The virtual reality gaming experience, branded as a “new form of esports” takes place in a large arena, giving players the opportunity to play virtual video games against one another. EVA’s arenas are up to 5,600 square feet, according to the website. EVA also has a restaurant and lounge area for non-playing guests, and an eclectic food menu to order from. Customers can opt for a Battle Pass worth $99 a month, or a drop-in price of about $30 is available. 945-275-3367. www.eva.gg/us.
2 Hotworx in Argyle opened Jan. 14, allowing members to use the studio 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The location o ers virtually instructed, in- frared sauna workouts along with access to exercise equipment including bands, weights and ropes. The studio is located at 1248 FM 407 W., Ste. 200, Argyle. Memberships can be purchased online, by phone or in person. 940-488-4700. www.hotworx.net/studio/argyle 3 The drinks are bubbling at the new TeaLatte Bar location now open in Flower Mound. After o cially opening in February, the Hawaiian-based chain o ers brewed-to-order tea and other organic beverages. The menu includes
signature milk teas, organic co ee, re- freshing smoothies and more. TeaLatte’s ingredients are non-powder, non-GMO and gluten-free, with vegan options. The drink shop is located at 2701 Cross Timbers Road, Ste. 238, Flower Mound. 972-513-9727. www.tealattebar.com 4 Tomo Sushi opened in Flower Mound in March. The restaurant, an independent sushi eatery, o ers Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is located at 2628 Long Prairie Road, Ste. 105, Flower Mound. 214-285-0696. 5 Cracked & Crepe celebrated a soft opening in Flower Mound in March. The restaurant, located at 5851 Long Prairie Road, Flower Mound, in the old Starwood
Cafe location, o ers traditional break- fast and lunch options. 214-513-8800. www.crackedandcrepe.com 6 Harold Dean Smoked Goods opened in March and is located at 5801 Long Prairie Road, Ste. 870, Flower Mound. The restaurant dishes out Texas-style barbecue, including ribs, sausage, pork and brisket. Before owning a brick- and-mortar restaurant, the owners ran the company out of a food trailer at local markets, community events, neighborhood block parties, wed- dings, corporate events, and church and school gatherings as well as for family dinners around the greater North Texas area. 940-453-6804. www.hdsmokedgoods.com
Texas bluebonnets mean that summer is around the corner. Is your AC ready?
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Wise Healing Center offers specialized and advanced treatments, resources, and options to help patients get on the path to healing. Today Healing Starts
Upon referral to Wise Healing Center patients will undergo a thorough diagnostic examination to identify the type of wound they have and the underlying problems causing the wound. Wise Healing Center uses advanced diagnostic technology and methods to ensure an accurate and complete diagnosis.
Our Productions Theatre Company recently celebrated its 30th anniversary serving Flower Mound, Lewisville and Denton County. FEATURED IMPACT ANNIVERSARY COURTESY OUR PRODUCTIONS THEATRE COMPANY
Wise Healing Center specializes in the following wounds:
• Arterial & venous wounds • Burns • Diabetic ulcers & wounds
• Radiation tissue injuries • Slow or non-healing wounds • And more!
972-724-2147 www.ourproductionstheatreco.org
Intravenous (IV) Antibiotic Therapy We offer a wide range of infusion and medication monitoring specific to the wound healing process.
7 Brakes Plus is now open in Bar- tonville’s Lantana Town Center and is accepting customers after celebrating its grand opening in March. The new Bartonville location is 3351 E. FM 407. This is the 27th Brakes Plus location in Texas. Early car drop-o is available, and appointments can be made over the phone and online. 945-228-4101. www.brakesplus.com 8 Wild Fork Meat Market opened in March in Flower Mound. Wild Fork is an online and in-store butchery that sells prepackaged frozen meat such as beef, lamb, seafood and more. It is located at 5850 Long Prairie Road, Flower Mound. Curbside pickup and delivery is available. 833-300-9453. www.wildforkfoods.com COMING SOON 9 Ground was broken for Harvest by Hillwood , a new commercial location in Argyle, in January. The site is located at the corner of Homestead Way and Harvest Way, west of I-35W and north of FM 407. Known for its community neigh- borhoods, Hillwood’s commercial park in Argyle will include several retail chains and a grocery store. Hillwood contin- ues to build neighborhoods in the area, with additional subdivisions now up in neighboring Northlake and still expand- ing westward towards Justin. The site Founded in January 1993 in Flower Mound, Our Productions Theatre Company hit the 30-year mark of performances in and around North Texas. OPTC now operates out of the Lewisville Grand Theater, located at 100 North Charles St., Lewisville, and o ers acting workshops, young artist training programs and volunteer opportunities along with shows and performances. The company recently put on a weekendlong production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” OPTC is a nonpro t.
SCAN ME TO LEARN MORE
940-246-2094 7230 Crawford Rd • Argyle, TX 76226
W. CHURCH ST.
WiseHealingCenter.com
W. MAIN ST.
LEWISVILLE
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Summer 2023 Semester Kickoffs Lifelong learning for adults age 50+
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Are you curious about memory and brain health? Would you like to learn about Texas' most famous women warriors? Maybe you're interested in the true crime tales of incredible oil field thefts where no one went to jail, or would like to hear the history of jazz played for you in a live piano performance. OLLI at UNT is offering these subjects and many others this summer. Join us at one of our upcoming kickoff events to learn more.
Fajita Pete’s
COURTESY FAJITA PETE’S
Lantana Community Event Center Fri. May 5 @ 10:00am
of the Argyle business park has already been marked o , and Hillwood o cials expect building construction to begin in the next 12 months. 940-305-6093. www.harvestbyhillwood.com/location 10 A new Mexican eatery will be com- ing to Flower Mound soon. Fajita Pete’s will be coming to the area this spring, according to the town website. The fajita and Tex-Mex restaurant will o er chicken, steak, shrimp, carnitas, veggies and toppings on all fajitas. Gluten-free options will also be available, and fajitas can be custom made. The restaurant will be located at 3634 Long Prairie Road, Ste. 112, Flower Mound. 972-292-9384. www.fajitapetes.com
1301 Haverford Ln. Lantana, TX 76226
"OLLI at UNT classes add a new dimension to my life." Sally A.
Flower Mound Senior Center Wed. May 17 @ 2:30pm 2701 W. Windsor Dr. Flower Mound, TX
Open to the public. Free refreshments!
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FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE ARGYLE EDITION • APRIL 2023
Healthier back. More active you.
Do more with back care from Texas Health Flower Mound. What can you do with a healthier back? Live the active lifestyle you want. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound can help you get there, with back and spine care when and where you need it. Care like physical therapy, weight management, injections, and advanced surgical procedures. With convenient appointments just a click or call away. That’s how Texas Health cares more.
Take our Back Health Assessment or find a back and spine specialist at YourBackHealth.com/FMCI
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound is a joint venture involving Texas Health Resources and physicians dedicated to the community and meets the definition under federal law of a physician-owned hospital. Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. © 2023 Texas Health Resources
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
April & May events
COMPILED BY TIM GLAZE
29 SHRED PAPER Magic Shred Mobile Document Shredding service will be available for document shredding. The event is intended for Highland Village residents only, according to o cials. Residents wanting to shred items must present identi cation. 2-5 p.m. Free. Pilot Knoll Park Campground and Day Use Area, 218A Orchid Hill Road, Argyle. https://bit.ly/3TWYnUB MAY 06 SHOP FOR ART More than 30 artists will be selling and displaying their work at the Highland Village Art Festival, along with artist demonstrations, live music and entertainment, and interactive children’s art activities. Musical performances will be held in the south courtyard next to Chico’s. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free (admission and parking). Festival will be held at the corner of FM 2499 and Justin Road, in The Shops at Highland Village. https://bit.ly/40eytxP 12 MOVIE NIGHT A Movie in the Park night will show “Hotel Transylvania.” The movie begins at dark. 7-10:30 p.m. Free. Doubletree Ranch Park, 310 Highland Village Road, Highland Village. https://bit.ly/40BEAft
APRIL 15 GET SPRING CLEANING DONE Bartonville’s Annual Spring Clean Up Event kicks o with trash trucks, document shredding stations, computer crushers and a donation truck for small household items—all available for residents to drop o unwanted items. Disposal of tree limbs and brush will also be available, but limbs and logs can be no wider than 15 inches in diameter, according to town o cials. Also, treated wood, plastic, lumber or wood with nails cannot be processed through the wood chipper, so residents are discouraged from bringing those items. 8-11 a.m. Free. Lantana Fellowship Church, 2200 Jeter Road E., Lantana. 817-693-5280. 22 DISPOSE OF OLD MEDICATION The Bartonville Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host a townwide “Drug Take Back Day.” The program provides a convenient location for the public to drop o unneeded substances or other medications. This is a no-questions- asked program, and drop-o s are completely anonymous. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Bartonville Police Department, 1941 Jeter Road E., Bartonville. 817-430-1913. www.takebackday.dea.gov
The Vendaros Circus is coming to Flower Mound on April 12. (Courtesy Vendaros Circus)
FEATURED EVENT THE VENDAROS CIRCUS The Flower Mound River Walk from April 12-23 is the site of The Vendaros Circus, billed as a “broadway-style” circus. This animal-free circus features jugglers, magicians, acrobats, aerialists and more. There will also be preshow entertainment and classic circus food. Reserved and VIP seating is also available. Showtimes vary. $17 (kids tickets), $28 (adult tickets).
4400 River Walk Drive, Flower Mound 786-265-9765 www.tickets.venardoscircus.com
CENTRAL PARK AVE.
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Find more or submit Flower Mound, Highland Village and Argyle events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE ARGYLE EDITION • APRIL 2023
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY TIM GLAZE
COMPLETED PROJECTS
RIVER OAKS DR.
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WAKETON RD.
CHINN CHAPEL RD.
LOPO RD.
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FLOWER MOUND
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 20. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT FHANEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Timeline: fall 2016-March 2023 Funding source: interlocal funds, escrow, tax increment reinvestment zone funds Waketon Road improvements Work was recently finished to improve Waketon Road. The project consisted of upgrading the existing two-lane open-section asphalt roadway to a two-lane urban collector street from Chinn Chapel Road to the western limits of the Bradford Parks subdivision in Double Oak. The project included the installation of the two-lane concrete street, including an enclosed drainage system and a roundabout at the Wa- keton Road/Chinn Chapel intersection. This was a joint project with the town of Double Oak. Cost: $8.47 million
RIPPY RD.
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ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Rippy Road reconstruction Crews are working to reconstruct approximately 2,500 linear feet on Rippy Road from an existing two-lane open-section asphalt roadway to a two-lane concrete road. The project also includes constructing an enclosed storm water collection system in the area and adding 2,000 linear feet of 12-inch waterline. The project begins at the intersection of Rippy Road and Pecan Meadows, and extends south and east to approximately 300 feet west of FM 2499. Cost: $9.25 million Timeline: fall 2016-spring 2024 Funding source: town of Flower Mound
3 Lopo Road reconstruction Public works officials have reported that work is ongoing to reconstruct Lopo Road from River Oaks Drive to 300 feet west of Garden Ridge Boulevard. According to Flower Mound officials, this project involves work on water and sewer line replacements, and street reconstruction will follow. This project will be constructed along with the Wood Creek Circle reconstruction project; both projects were approved by the Flower Mound Town Council in August 2022. Cost: $940,000 Timeline: January 2023-summer 2023 Funding source: Flower Mound dedicated sales tax
2 FM 2499 and Waketon Road intersection improvements
City crews are working to construct dedicated right-turn lanes for the northbound, southbound, eastbound and westbound directions of travel at the Waketon Road and FM 2499 inter- section in Flower Mound. The project also includes traffic signal and pedestri- an improvements on each corner. Road paving is substantially complete, and all turn lanes are open as this project nears its conclusion. Remaining work includes pedestrian railings and sod, per Flower Mound officials. Cost: $1.9 million Timeline: fall 2020-spring 2023 Funding source : town of Flower Mound
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION
Nearly $2B Northwest ISD bond supports growing enrollment
The Northwest ISD bond proposal will be broken down into three propositions.
Proposition A: $1.67B
Proposition B: $301.56M
• 4 new elementary schools • 2 replacement elementary schools • 1 new middle school • 1 new high school • 4 early childhood centers • Agriculture center • New buses • Safety and security upgrades
Analyzing the pieces The bond is divided into three parts, or propositions: Proposition A is approx- imately $1.6 billion; Proposition B is a little more than $300 million; and Prop- osition C is just less than $22 million. According to officials, funds for Prop- osition A are slated for educational and capital improvement. To accommodate the district’s growth—the bond pack- age provides space for an additional 8,400 students—Proposition A includes funding for the construction of six new schools: one new high school, one new middle school and four new elemen- tary schools. It also funds replacement schools for Justin Elementary and Prai- rie View Elementary. Further funding will go toward four early childhood centers, a second agriculture center, land acquisition for future schools and new buses. Proposition A includes relocating the transportation facility and maintenance building, and infrastructure lifecycle replacements and efficiency projects, such as replacing roofs and flooring as well as installing LED lighting, accord- ing to the NISD bond website. Expenditures when it comes to equity and evolving needs are also covered under Proposition A. According to the NISD bond website, these projects include enlarging high school cafeterias, upgrading com- petition gyms and auditoriums, turf and track replacements at Wilson Middle School and Northwest High School’s sub-varsity field, upgrades to the middle school family kitchen
BY MARK FADDEN
• 3 new football stadiums • Renovations of Texan Field, NISD Stadium at Northwest High School
The largest school bond package in the history of Northwest ISD will be on the May 6 ballot. If passed, the tax rate would increase by one-tenth of a penny. The fund- ing from the bonds will go toward the construction of new school facilities, renovating existing facilities and pur- chasing new technology devices for teachers and students. Assistant Superintendent of Facili- ties Tim McClure said the district has averaged about 1,000-1,100 new stu- dents each year over the past 20 years. After the 2021-22 school year, McClure said growth in the district spiked to 2,500 new students. “The main part of this bond is really focused on growth,” McClure said during a Feb. 13 board meeting. “Roughly 86% [of the bond] is deal- ing with the growth that we’re seeing within the Northwest ISD boundary.” One-tenth of a penny on a resident’s property tax bill would equate to a handful of dollars more for residents’ tax bills. For example, according to NISD officials, if all three proposi- tions are approved by voters, a home valued at $450,000—which is the median home value in NISD—would see an increase of $4.10 per year on the homeowner’s tax bill. This exam- ple includes the $40,000 homestead exemption. A Northwest ISD web- site, found at www.nisdtxbond.org/ tax-finance, has an interactive slider that shows the exact tax amount based upon the home valuation.
Proposition C: $21.75M
• New technology devices for students and teachers
SOURCE: NORTHWEST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
If approved, the bond package should increase the tax rate by one-tenth of a penny. Here are some examples of what that means for homes of three different values.
HOME VALUATION
$300,000
$550,000
$900,000
$3.00 more per $100 valuation
$5.50 more per $100 valuation
$9 more per $100 valuation
SOURCE: NORTHWEST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
and consumer science kitchen, and replacing classroom furniture. Further spending under Proposi- tion A would be used to upgrade the district’s safety and security, and tech- nology infrastructure. These expenses include security and safety hardware, as well as cyber security upgrades.
Proposition B is approximately $300 million, and would go toward build- ing new home stadiums at three high schools, and renovations at Texan Field and NISD Stadium. Proposition C, coming in at around $22 million, is for new student and teacher technology devices.
Parents know their child’s education is more than just one high- stakes test on one day. Let’s prepare our students for the future, expand public school accountability, and Measure What Matters.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023
2023
LOCAL VOTER GUIDE GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
COMPILED BY TIM GLAZE
DATES TO KNOW April 24 First day of early voting
WHERE TO VOTE
May 6 Election day May 6 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
During early voting, registered voters can vote at any early polling location in the county. On election day, residents must vote at their designated polling site. To learn more about the election, visit www.votedenton.gov.
April 25 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) May 2 Last day of early voting
SOURCES: TOWN OF FLOWER MOUND, TOWN OF ARGYLE, TOWN OF DOUBLE OAK, CITY OF HIGHLAND VILLAGE, TOWN OF NORTHLAKE, LEWISVILLE ISD, ARGYLE ISD, NORTHWEST ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
SAMPLE BALLOT
*Incumbent
Place 2 Nick Reynolds Leigh Ann Artho LEWISVILLE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES Place 6 Mindy Bumgarner Michelle Alkhatib Place 7 Staci L. Barker Jacob Anderson Ashley Jones NORTHWEST ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES Place 5 Steve Sprowls*
Place 7 Jennifer Murphy* Michelle Slater PROPOSITIONS
of a tax su cient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. Northwest ISD Bond A one-tenth of a penny tax increase to the interest and sinking tax rate. Proposition A New schools and educational facility updates ($1,672,193,000) Proposition B New high school stadiums and updates to existing stadiums ($301,555,000) Proposition C Technology devices upgrades ($21,752,000)
FLOWER MOUND TOWN COUNCIL Place 2 Brad Ruthrau Chris Drew HIGHLAND VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL Place 3 Kevin Cox Cindy Richter ARGYLE TOWN COUNCIL Place 2
DOUBLE OAK TOWN COUNCIL Mayor Patrick Johnson
Jean Hillyer Council seat Ginger Brittain
Flower Mound, Proposition A
Flower Mound Town Council voted to place Proposition A, related to the construction of a possible tennis center in Flower Mound, on the upcoming May 6 election ballot. If approved by voters, Proposition A will issue $7.5 million in general obligation bonds toward the cost of designing, constructing and equipping a proposed tennis center. Proposition A The issuance of a $7.5 million general obligation bond for parks and recreation facilities, to-wit; a community tennis center and the imposition
Lisa Miller Pat Wellen Mike Gwartney NORTHLAKE CITY COUNCIL Place 5 Maryl Lorencz Rena Hardeman ARGYLE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES Place 1 Tori Ryon Craig Hawkesworth
Bryan Livingston Ronald Schmidt Place 4 Casey Stewart Cindy Sheddy
Jennifer Stephens Amanda J. Smith Place 6 Jon Pendergrass Lillian Rauch*
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE ARGYLE EDITION • APRIL 2023
GOVERNMENT
WHO IS JANE NELSON? The Republican from Flower Mound was appointed the 115th secretary of state March 15. • Served two terms on the State Board of Education • First woman in Texas legislative history to chair a standing budget- writing committee • Member of the Senate State A airs Committee, which oversees election policy, for eight sessions • Has written four state budgets • Established the Cancer Research & Prevention Institute of Texas • Has passed 30 bills protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human tra cking RECENT SECRETARY OF STATE CHANGES Since 2018, Abbott has appointed four secretaries of state. • David Whitley, 2018-2019 • Ruth Ruggero Hughs, 2019-2021 • John Scott, 2021-2022 • Jane Nelson, con rmed in 2023
Jane Nelson, R Flower Mound, named 115th Texas secretary of state after nomination from governor
BY TIM GLAZE
of Texas’ economic prosperity to the world.” Nelson succeeds John Scott, who was appointed in 2021. Scott said in December that he would step down at the end of the year to return to private practice. Because Scott resigned before the Jan. 10 start of the 2023 legislative session, he did not undergo the con rmation process. But neither of Abbott’s previous two picks for the role—David Whitley and Ruth Hughs—received votes from two- thirds of the Senate, which is required for con rmation. Nelson’s career in state government includes becoming the longest-serv- ing Republican woman in the Senate as well as the rst woman to lead the Senate Finance Committee. She was elected to Senate in 1992 after serving on the Texas State Board of Education. She was also a member of the State Senate A airs Committee,
which overseas election policy. In her time in govern- ment, she passed 30 bills protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human tra cking. Nelson
Longtime state Sen. Jane Nelson, R Flower Mound, has been o cially con rmed as the 115th Texas secre- tary of state after being nominated at the end of 2022, o cials reported March 15. Nelson served in the Senate for 30 years before deciding not to run for re-election in 2022. However, she was nominated for the state secretary position by Gov. Greg Abbott in December. “I will work to safeguard honest and accurate elections in all 254 counties across our great state, while continuing to support business owners by ensuring that government moves at the speed of Texas business, not the other way around,” Nelson said in an o cial statement. “I also look forward to strengthening rela- tionships with all of our international partners and telling the great story
Jane Nelson
also established the Cancer Research and Prevention Institute of Texas. The Texas Legislature meets during odd-numbered years from January through May. In one of her rst moves as secre- tary of state, Nelson said her o ce would be creating an interstate voter registration program for Texas. “You can count on me to safeguard our elections, enhance transparency, and help continue the work of enhancing Texas’ position on the global stage,” Nelson said on Twitter in January.
SOURCE: WWW.SOS.STATE.TX
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
QUOTE OF NOTE
Property tax relief among leading House priorities Two months into the 88th Texas Legislative Session, Speaker Dade Phelan has announced eight priority bills that are likely to pass in the Texas House and include property tax relief and corporate tax incentives. that relocate to Texas. The legislation would replace Chapter 313, a similar program that expired in December. Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, filed HB 19, which would create a state business court system to handle BY HANNAH NORTON STATE PRIORITIES House Speaker Dade Phelan has endorsed several bills as his top priorities for the 2023 Texas Legislature. House Bills 1-20 are typically reserved for the speaker’s priorities, which include:
Chris Drew Council Supporting Residents & Low Density for F.M. Town HIGHLIGHTS DENTON COUNTY Residents from Denton County traveled to Austin on March 28 to celebrate Denton County Day, a day designed to “acquaint the state’s top elected decision-makers and key agency officials with the many assets of [Denton] County,” according to the official Denton County Day website. The 88th Legislature will conclude on May 29. “TO BUILD THE TEXAS OF TOMORROW, WE MUST CONTINUE THE STATE’S UNRELENTING EFFORTS TO BUILD INFRASTRUCTURE, GROW THE ENERGY SECTOR, IMPROVE JOB TRAINING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND ENSURE HEALTH CARE ACCESS.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT IN HIS STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR 2024-25.
lawsuits and regulatory cases. Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, filed HB 8, which would overhaul the funding system for Texas community colleges with a focus on measurable student outcomes, such as graduation rates and credentials earned. The changes were recom- mended by the Texas Commission on Community College Finance. Phelan also endorsed HBs 4 and 18, filed by Reps. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, respectively. The bills aim to give Texans more authority in how companies collect and monetize data from themselves and their chil- dren. Many minors are overexposed to social media, which can increase suicide rates and other mental health issues, Slawson said.
Other bills focus on data privacy, Medicaid eligibility and feminine hygiene products. Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-Dallas, filed House Bill 2, also known as the Property Tax Relief Act. According to a news release, the bill would cut school property taxes by 28% and prevent property values from increasing by more than 5% each year. Phelan’s office said this would be the largest property tax cut in Texas history, with a $460 reduction for homeowners in 2024. If HB 2 is approved, Texans could vote on the policy change during the Nov. 7 general election. Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, filed HB 5, which would give substantial tax breaks to corporations
HB 2 : Property tax relief
HB 5 : Corporate tax breaks
HB 19 : New state business court HB 8 : Community college funding redesign HB 4 and HB 18: Online data privacy HB 12 : Expanded postpar- tum Medicaid eligibility HB 300 : Tax-free baby and period products
SOURCE: TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
GIVE
Ways to help: Volunteer • Donate • Assist with Senior Paws Donate to Meals on Wheels SPAN Denton County and help the seniors in our community. GIVE TO ALL OUR SENIOR MOTHERS NEEDING MEALS ON WHEELS
972-365-584 ChrisDrewforfm.com ChrisDrewfmtc@gmail.com
Early Vote Apr 24-May 2 / Election May 6: 7a-7p voteDenton.gov /TarrantCounty.com Ad paid for by Chris Drew campaign Chris Drew for Flower Mound Town Council Pl 2
Donations can be made via mail or online: 1800 Malone Street, Denton, Texas 76201 span-transit.org/ways-to-give/
13
FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION • APRIL 2023
CITY & SCHOOLS
News from Flower Mound, Highland Village, Argyle, Bartonville, Lewisville ISD & Argyle ISDs
Lewisville ISD approves payments for ‘refreshes’ at pair of district campuses
Residents given update on FM 407 BY TIM GLAZE DENTON COUNTY Residents lled the Gene Pike Middle School gymnasium March 27 to view blueprints of the FM 407 widening project and chat with project engineers. Representatives from the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation were on hand to inform the public of the project’s status. They also provided an opportunity for public input while showing residents how motor- ists may be a ected by the planned road widening. Construction on FM 407 will cover 11.5 miles, from Bill Cook Road—west of Justin— to FM 1830 in Bartonville. Construction costs are estimated at $235 million. Since the project is unfunded, only construction on rights of way can begin. Approximately 121 acres of new rights of way will be required, with the potential displace- ment of six residences. A second public meeting is scheduled for spring 2024. O cials said the project is expected to be put out for bids in 2028.
BY TIM GLAZE
LEWISVILLE ISD The board of trustees approved the nal stages of “refreshes” on two district schools, as well as an update on district expenditures at the March 21 meeting. Speci cally, the board agreed to nish payments on 20-year refresh projects for Hebron High School and Southridge Elementary School that upgraded major areas of both campuses. Both projects, included in the 2017 bond, came in under budget. According to o cials, $28 million was budgeted for Hebron High School, and only $27.94 million was spent. More than $9.06 million was budgeted for Southridge Elementary, and only $8.38 million was spent. Hebron’s refresh included a new entryway and updates to campus safety, including video doorbells, controlled access points and keyless door vestibules, per district o cials. Southridge’s refresh included the renovation and replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as new paint, oors, wall nishes, audio and video equipment and more, according to district o cials.
A new entryway was completed at Hebron High School.
COURTESY LEWISVILLE ISD
Lewisville ISD is currently under budget in several areas earmarked for general fund use. • School leadership: less than $50 million spent of $75 million budgeted • General administration support: less than $5 million spent of $15 million budgeted • Nonpupil support services: approximately $40 million spent of $150 million budgeted SOURCE: LEWISVILLE ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT STAYING WITHIN BUDGET
HIGHLIGHTS BARTONVILLE Town Council is canceling its May 6 election since each candidate is running unopposed, per Mayor Jaclyn Carrington. Incumbent Jim Roberts will continue in Place 1, as will incumbent Clay Sams in Place 3. Margie Arens will ll Place 5, as Josh Phillips did not seek re-election.
Unity Park in Argyle set for three upgrades
BY TIM GLAZE
MEETINGS WE COVER
ARGYLE In anticipation of spring and summer, Argyle Town Council approved several upgrades to a popular park at a special meeting March 22. Unity Park, located on Crawford Road north of Argyle Intermediate School, will be getting a plethora of updates following unanimous council approval on three action items. Those included $50,000 from the town’s Tree Reforestation Fund to provide additional trees; placement of a monarch butter y garden and way station; and a mural painted on the side of the park’s main storage shed. Town o cials were on hand during the meeting, including members of the Denton County Master Gardener Association. The association’s
Flower Mound Town Council meets at 6 p.m. April 17 and May 1 at 2121 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound. www. ower-mound.com Highland Village City Council meets at 6 p.m. April 11 and April 25 at 1000 Highland Village Road, Highland Village. www.highlandvillage.org Argyle Town Council meets at 7 p.m. April 17 and May 1 at 308 Denton St., Argyle. www.argyletx.com Argyle ISD board of trustees meets at 7 p.m. April 17 at 6701 Canyon Falls Drive, Flower Mound. www.argyleisd.com Lewisville ISD board of trustees meets at 6 p.m. April 17 at 1565 W. Main Street, Lewisville. www.lisd.net
Argyle’s Unity Park was approved for three updates by town council: $50,000 worth of new trees, a butter y garden and a mural on the park storage shed.
TIM GLAZE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Perking up the park Unity Park was approved for more than $50,000 in upgrades by council on March 22.
members brought the idea of the butter y garden, way station and mural before council, and representa- tives of the public works department requested funds for the trees. John Ankeny with the master gardener association will begin planting the trees in the fall, and he will also hold an educational session for the public to attend, according to town o cials. The projects are scheduled to begin as soon as possible now that they are approved, according to town o cials. Unity Park opened in Argyle in spring 2019.
CRAWFORD RD.
377
UNITY PARK
ARGYLE
OLD JUSTIN RD.
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LEWISVILLE 2416 S Stemmons Fwy (214) 488-0888
WESTLAKE 2341 Highway 377 (817) 490-9072
DENTON 2315 Colorado Blvd (940) 243-2929
DINING FEATURE
BY KAREN CHANEY
Chicken Murphy ($18)
TOP SELLERS A creamy chicken dish and a chef’s special highlight Bella Italia’s menu.
Tour of Italy ( $21 ) is a plate of lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo and chicken parmigiana.
Chicken breast sauteed with garlic, onions, mushrooms and jalapenos. Served in a pink vodka sauce.
Lasagna
Fettuccine Alfredo
Chicken parmigiana
Chicken Florentine ($19)
A breaded chicken dish with fresh spinach, creamy Alfredo and served with ziti pasta.
Bella Italia Bistro o ers a range of classic Italian fare. (Photos by Karen Chaney/Community Impact)
Bella Italia Bistro Fraternal restaurateurs in Northlake follow in their father’s footsteps A lban “Al” Berisha said he and his brother, Adrian Berisha, grew up watching their dad, John Berisha, own and operate Italian restaurants in Prior to opening Bella Italia Bistro in 2021, Al and Adrian opened Giovanni’s Pizza in Argyle in 2015. Al describes Giovanni’s as a casual pizzeria, while their newest eatery is more elegant. “It’s a ‘date night’ and family
touch than I do.” The menu consists of traditional Italian fare, such as lasagna, fet- tuccine, pizza and more. There is, however, a recipe John created that strays from the expected options. “One of our customer favorites is Chicken Murphy,” Al said. “That one is chicken breast sauteed with garlic, onions, mushrooms and jalapenos in a pink vodka sauce. It’s unusual in an Italian restaurant to have a dish with jalapenos in it. People love it.” The family atmosphere is appar- ent, as there is always a family member working at the restaurant, including Al and Adrian’s wives. “We know what customers want when they come in,” he said.
Al Berisha, a Northlake resident, opened Bella Italia Bistro with his brother Adrian Berisha in 2021.
Bella Italia Bistro 101 Plaza Place, Ste. 500, Northlake 940-271-0405 www.bellaitalianorthlake.com Hours: Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Mon.
Texas and Arkansas. Eventually, they started lending a hand at the family business, and when they were 18 years old, they each ran their own location. The Berisha family moved to America from Kosovo, Al said. “All of my family moved here in 1999 as refugees during the war,” Al said. “[My dad] worked in an Italian restaurant for a few years until he got the experience, then he got the opportunity to get his own Italian restaurant.”
place,” he said. “It’s a bit of every- thing, which works well for special events and for everyday outings.” The decision on how to divide restaurant ownership responsibili- ties between the two brothers came naturally, Al said. “His specialty has been more of the back, and I’ve always been more front of the house,” Al said. “He’s a people person as well, but when it comes to cooking, he has a better
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BUSINESS FEATURE
BY KAREN CHANEY
Business Snapshot Longoria o ers a variety of photography packages.
Wedding package pricing for photos only starts at $2,500. Senior portrait packages start at $400. Family portrait sessions start at $200.
Join Us For Our Tastings
April 8th
Meet the Easter Bunny! Sweetie's Cheesecakes 12-4 PM
Free kids gifts and photos with the bunny!
April 15th
Southern Glazer's Wine Sweetie's Cheesecakes 4-7 PM
Always passionate about photography, Miranda Longoria opened her own business in 2011 with her husband Eric. Miranda Longoria Photography KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Wedding photos are Longoria’s favorite.
April 22nd
COURTESY MIRANDA LONGORIA PHOTOGRAPHY
MEXCOR WINES 4-7 PM
Argyle photographer captures personalities, makes memories M iranda Longoria can trace her love of photography back to her childhood.
April 29th
Longoria Photography. “He carries equipment, and he’s been known to scout out locations for me,” she said. “He’s kind of the right-brain, and I’m the left-brain. When I need administrative advice, I go to him.” The top three requests she receives for photography sessions are weddings, senior portraits and family portrait sessions. “I capture moments as they happen versus trying to force the moments,” Longoria said. “A lot of times, the rst thing I tell my clients is I’m going to put you in a pose, but feel free to laugh, breathe, giggle, snuggle and kiss, because we want to capture real moments.” Prior to a session, Longoria will visit with clients to get a feel for their personalities. “I like to narrow down the [photo session] locations based on what their personalities are,” she said. “Are they outdoor people or more urban people? Are they more active or more sit at home and cud- dle on the couch? We’re not trying to make magazine layouts here. We want it to be real representations of who they are.”
Casa M Spices 4-7 PM
“As a child, I was the one who had the little camera with the drop-in lm,” she said. “I would show up at our friends’ birthday parties or the [high school] senior trip, and I was the one document- ing, taking the pictures.” She took photography classes while attending Sam Houston State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and public relations. In the early 2000s, while running her custom greeting card business, her clients had a new request. “My clients started saying, ‘I want me and my ance’s picture on our save-the-date invitation; can you take the picture?’ Or they wanted their baby’s picture on the announcement,” Longoria said. “So, I started taking pictures for the clients.” Eventually, she found she was taking more photos than doing actual design work. So, in 2011, she and her husband, Eric Longoria, opened Miranda
May 6th
Siren Rock Brewery 4-7 PM
Senior photos are a popular choice.
COURTESY MIRANDA LONGORIA PHOTOGRAPHY
Family-run, craft beers, fine wines and local specialty vendors
www.lakesideurbangrocery.com 214-513-4000 Monday Closed
Tues - Sat 9am - 8pm Sunday 10am - 4pm
2500 Lakeside Pkwy. Ste. 100 Flower Mound, TX 75022
Family photos are often requested.
COURTESY MIRANDA LONGORIA PHOTOGRAPHY
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Miranda Longoria Photography info@mirandalongoria.com 972-313-5739 www.mirandalongoria.com Hours: by appointment
Free samples of our new Draft beers
17
FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE ARGYLE EDITION • APRIL 2023
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