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McKinney Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 FEB. 27 MAR, 26, 2025
Reading reimagined Planetarium, facility upgrades to improve McKinney’s Hall Library
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
A roughly $20 million renovation project at McKinney’s downtown library will add a plane- tarium, expand gathering spaces and enhance the patron experience at the facility by 2026, Director of Libraries Spencer Smith said. The city-led project, which saw planning e orts begin in 2023, will also displace services at the Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library for several months during the construction period, city o cials said.
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Also in this issue
Education: McKinney ISD opens its borders—learn more (Page 12)
History: St. John’s Lodge No. 51 celebrates 175 years of fraternity (Page 32)
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Valerie Covey, a librarian at Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library, collects books in the teen section. The renovated library will also include a new dedicated teen room and section.
Main Street & McKinney Performing Arts Center AT THE HISTORIC COLLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE
TEXAS TENORS Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m.
Remember to BUY McKINNEY when shopping and dining!
For tickets and information, call 214-544-4630or VisitMPAC.com TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Supporting local businesses helps generate sales tax that is reinvested in the community.
Nonprot Grant Opportunities TWO grants, ONE application! Apply for the Community Development Block Grant and the Community Support Grant through the Consolidated Grant Application Process.
Applications accepted Feb. 28 – April 3, 2025 Optional information sessions: IN-PERSON: Feb. 28 • 10:30 a.m. 222 N. Tennessee Street VIRTUAL: March 3 • 10 a.m. Registration required Email ConsolidatedGrants@McKinneyTexas.org
Grants are awarded to eligible organizations that support McKinney residents with: • Basic and community needs, including food, clothing, education, housing, and shelter • Counseling, safety, and mental health • Housing support, infrastructure, and more!
McKINNEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
mckinneycdc.org
To apply or learn more, visit McKinneyTexas.org/Grants
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MCKINNEY EDITION
Impacts
East McKinney
4 Susan Whigham Art Studio & Gallery Owner and namesake Susan Whigham creates oil paintings with subjects including florals, landscapes and still lifes. The gallery is open to the public. • Opened Jan. 1 • 115 W. Virginia St., Ste. 101, McKinney • www.flower-paintings.com 5 The Now Massage The business offers massages with optional service enhancements such as herbal heat therapy. • Opened Feb. 18 • 4010 W. University Drive, Ste. 300, McKinney • www.thenowmassage.com/mckinney
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6 McKillop Self Storage A self storage facility is planned for a 2.6-acre lot just east of SH 5 on Harry McKillop Boulevard. McKinney City Council members unanimously approved a specific use permit for the project at a Feb. 4 meeting. • Opening TBD • Southeast corner of SH 5 and Harry McKillop Boulevard, McKinney 7 Smalls Sliders The restaurant, originally slated to open in late 2024, is now expected to be serving sliders, fries and more later this year. • Opening in mid-2025 • 1681 N. Hardin Blvd., McKinney • www.smallssliders.com 8 The Victoria in McKinney The senior community housing project currently has model condominiums and a clubhouse available to tour. • Opening in April
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5 the business is a boutique real estate brokerage serving the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. • Opened Feb. 3
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1 Birdcall The restaurant’s menu features a variety of chicken sandwich options, salads, tenders and nuggets. • Opened Feb. 24 • 4702 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.eatbirdcall.com 2 Caple & Co. Business Owner and Broker Melanie Caple Miller said
• 114 W. Virginia St., McKinney • www.capleandcompany.com
3 Pelican Liquor The store offers a variety of wine, beer and spirits, as well as mixers, snacks, bar accessories and more, according to its website. • Opened in February • 1880 Bray Central Drive, McKinney • www.pelicanliquor.com
• 153 Enterprise Drive, McKinney • www.victoriaseniorhomes.com
Graceful Transitions The business offers a variety of services geared toward families who have lost a loved one and need help
Learn more about school funding issues and how they affect your local schools. THE 89 TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS HERE
Ad paid by Raise Your Hand Texas
RaiseYourHandTexas.org/school-funding
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BY KAREN CHANEY, SHELBIE HAMILTON & HEATHER MCCULLOUGH
sorting through belongings or managing a home. • Launching March 1 • www.graceful-transitions.com
recently surpassed 10 years of operation, is now owned by Jacob Honescko. • 218 E. Louisiana St., McKinney • www.filteredcoffeetx.com Top Dog Pet Sitters The pet care business, owned by McKinney residents Susan and Erick Gary, surpassed 10 years of service Feb. 13. • www.topdogpetsitters.com
Relocation
Expansion
9 The Samaritan Inn Representatives of the comprehensive housing program for homeless individuals in McKinney are building a 1,244-square-foot kennel that will accommodate up to 28 of the resident’s pets. • 1514 N. McDonald St., McKinney • www.saminn.org/paws-pet-kennel-expansion
Closings
12 Big Lots After a deal with a potential buyer fell through, the chain of discount stores is liquidating all of its stores. • Closing in February • 105 S. Central Expressway, McKinney • www.biglots.com 13 Party City Party City announced Dec. 21 the company filed bankruptcy and would begin closing stores. • Closing in March • 2097 N. Central Expressway, McKinney • www.partycity.com
In the news
14 Red Zeppelin Records The shop, which sells vinyl records in a variety of music genres, relocated to a space around the corner from its prior downtown location on Louisiana Street. The record store has the same amount of product held in the previous location and will also continue to host live music performances in its new location, owner Katie Scott said. • Relocated in December
10 Family AutoCare & Repair The business acquired Discount Auto Care and rebranded in October, staff at the location confirmed.
The shop offers various repair services. • 909 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.familyautocarerepair.com
11 Filtered The coffee shop, which originally opened in 2015 and
• 109 S. Tennessee St., McKinney • www.redzeppelinrecords.com
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MCKINNEY EDITION
Impacts West McKinney
Now open
Coming soon
LAKE FOREST DR.
1 Balanced Chiropractic The business is led by Dr. Troy Wilkins, who offers chiropractic care to treat a variety of conditions. • Opened Jan. 1 • 5810 Collin McKinney Parkway, Ste. 204, McKinney • www.balanced-chiropractic.com 2 Buzz Cuts The business offers children’s hair cuts including buzz cuts and bang trims, according to its website. Other services offered include styling, such as up-dos and braiding, and first haircuts for toddlers. • Opened Dec. 15 • 8880 SH 121, Ste. 128, McKinney • www.buzzcutssalon.com 3 Concept House The business offers rentable studio space with hourly, half-day and full-day options. Studio memberships are available for those looking for co-working space. Concept House also partners with local creatives and business owners to host events open to the public. • Opened in January • 8430 W. University Drive, Ste. 211, McKinney • www.concepthousetx.com
4 Chef Sun’s Noodle and Dumpling There are 10 dumpling options and six noodle dishes on the menu. Other menu items include eggrolls, bao, fried rice, lo mein and more. • Opening in spring • 7540 SH 121, Ste. 150, McKinney • www.chefsundallas.com 5 Keke’s Breakfast Cafe The eatery, initially slated to open in December, will likely open later this year in McKinney, a company representative said in an email. The restaurant’s menu includes breakfast and lunch options. • Opening TBD • 8885 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.kekes.com
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Relocations
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6 Endurance Therapeutics The business relocated from Auburn Hills Parkway to Mio Salon in McKinney’s Adriatica Village. Endurance Therapeutics offers a variety of massage options including deep tissue, pre- and post-natal, and cupping.
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BY KAREN CHANEY, SHELBIE HAMILTON & ALEX REECE
• Relocated in November • 210 Adriatic Parkway, Ste. 102C, McKinney • www.endurancetps.com
• 99 Lloyd Stearman Drive, McKinney • www.aerocountryeast.com
Now open
Worth the trip
7 Globe Life Insurance company Globe Life is expected to relocate its corporate headquarters in McKinney. The company, currently located in west McKinney at 3700 S. Stonebridge Drive, will move into the former headquarters of Independent Financial in the Craig Ranch area, a Feb. 3 news release states. The company acquired the 200,000-square-foot, six-story Class AA office building at 7677 Henneman Way from seller SouthState Bank, which acquired Independent Financial in 2024, the release states. • Relocation announced Feb. 3 • Relocating to 7677 Henneman Way, McKinney • www.globelifeinsurance.com
The Tavern on Broadway The restaurant offers a full bar with cocktails, spirits, beer and wine, according to its website. Menu items include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and more. The space itself has pool tables, a jukebox and multiple television screens. • Opened Jan. 30 • 350 W. Broadway, Ste. 60, Prosper • www.thetavernprosper.com
10 Shun by Yama The restaurant is a new upscale concept from the team behind Yama Izakaya and Sushi, which has four locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The restaurant serves sushi and sashimi with imported fish from Tokyo, as well as dishes featuring Wagyu beef from Japan. • Opened Jan. 24 6 • 651 Alma Road, Ste. 200, McKinney • www.shunbyyama.com
Closings
9 Z’s Good Vibez Juice Bar The business offered a variety of juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, wellness shots and more, according to its website. Owners John and Brittney Zuffinetti cited “rising costs of rent, taxes and goods” as the cause for the closure in a statement posted at the business. • Closed Jan. 27 • 301 N. Custer Road, Ste. 100, McKinney • https://goodvibezjuicebar.com
Expansions
8 Aero Country East Construction has begun on the second phase of Aero Country East, a gated, private airport community in McKinney. Hangars being constructed in the development’s second phase will be completed in spring, while homes being constructed are set to be completed in the fall. Construction on additional phases has commenced, and is on-going.
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MCKINNEY EDITION
Government
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
As development of telecommunication struc- tures continues in southwest McKinney, city officials are considering ways to improve cellular coverage in the area. Residents of the roughly 4,000-acre section of the city, south of Silverado Trail and McKinney Ranch Parkway but north of SH 121, have reported weak cellular service, according to a presentation at a Feb. 4 McKinney City Council work session. City staff presented an update on existing cellular towers as well as towers under construction. The gist The area currently has three telecommuni- cations structures that are registered with the Cellular tower development could improve service
Federal Communications Commission, city documents state. These towers serve the roughly 38,000 residents that live in the southwest section of the city, Exec- utive Director of Development Services Michael Quint said at the meeting. “There are only three registered cell towers in that vicinity and two of them are almost right next to each other, so not providing a lot of wide ranging cell coverage there,” he said. The structures are a private utility, Quint said, explaining that they are not installed or operated by city officials. The current situation There are three new cellular tower projects underway in southwest McKinney. The 217-feet tall Stacy Road Elevated Water Storage Tank is under construction, and will offer opportunities for cellular providers to co-locate on the structure. It is expected to be completed in January 2026. Another structure is under construction at TPC Craig Ranch. The 115-foot tall cellular tower will
Telecommunications structures in southwest McKinney
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offer opportunities for five providers to co-locate on the structure, which is expected to be com- pleted in April. A third 110-foot tall tower is under development at the StarCenter in Craig Ranch, and will offer three co-location opportunities. A specific use permit is expected to be considered for the tower by the City Council in March, and the tower could be completed by August, city staff said.
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Government
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
McKinney roadways will soon see Flock Safety cameras, an automated license plate recognition system, added as a way to enhance the city’s public safety e orts. City Council members unanimously approved a resolution to allow for the execution of a multi-use agreement with the Texas Department of Public Transportation to install the cameras on TxDOT right-of-way within the city as part of the consent agenda at a Jan. 21 meeting. The speci cs City o cials executed an agreement with Flock Safety for the installation and operation of 13 cameras at identi ed key locations, the agenda item states. The agreement follows a nearly $50,000 McKinney to implement citywide license plate camera system
McKinney o cials reveal data breach The city of McKinney experienced a data breach in late 2024, and personal information may have been exposed, city o cials said. The breach, announced Feb. 3, occurred Oct. 31, 2024 and was identi ed on Nov 14, 2024. The details An investigation identi ed that some personal or sensitive information within the city’s systems may have been exposed. Possible exposed information may include Social Security and Driver’s license num- bers as well as credit card and nancial information. To determine if an individual was impacted by the data breach, o cials recommend calling 833-799-4194 or visiting www.mckinneytexas.org/dataevent.
Flock Safety’s license plate recognition cameras are solar and battery powered.
COURTESY FLOCK SAFETY
purchase by the city in early December, covering the cost of the cameras and installation work, city documents state. The cameras will serve as a resource for criminal investigations by the McKinney Police Depart- ment. The cameras capture and catalog the license plates and descriptions of vehicles driving on the road in a database that police o cers can access, according to Flock Safety’s website.
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11
MCKINNEY EDITION
Education
BY HANNAH JOHNSON
McKinney opens select schools to out-of-district enrollment
Select McKinney ISD schools will have open enrollment for students outside of the district. The Choose McKinney ISD program was approved by the district’s board of trustees Jan. 21. The program allows kindergarten through eighth grade students who do not live within McKinney ISD’s boundaries to apply for enrollment online. “We welcome both new and returning families to choose McKinney ISD,” said Melanie Raleeh, deputy superintendent of school leadership. The approach There are several reasons the district is launch- ing Choose McKinney ISD, Raleeh said. The program will help retain and attract students, and ensure financial stability for the district. Schools across the district have open seats which can be filled through the program, allowing the district to receive additional state funding as McKinney ISD is currently operating with a multi-million dollar budget shortfall.
Elementary school
Middle school
Choose McKinney ISD schools
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Wilmeth Elementary School
Faubion Middle School
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Eddins Elementary School
Caldwell Elementary School
Dowell Middle School
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Evans Middle School
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Students applying for the program must be eligible. Criteria includes, but is not limited to: • Residency in Texas • Attendance of 90% or better in the prior academic year • No expulsions or alternative education placement • Satisfactory grades in all subjects
McNeil Elementary School
Reuben Johnson Elementary
MCKINNEY RANCH PKWY.
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SOURCE: MCKINNEY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Education
BY SAMANTHA DOUTY & HANNAH JOHNSON
The McKinney ISD board approved new start times for its campuses during a Jan. 21 meeting. The details MISD sta researched school start and end times in other districts and obtained feedback from MISD high school students, parents and sta , according to the board agenda. The new start times were made to meet the needs of students, sta , parents and transportation services, according to the agenda. Zooming out Two options were then brought to students and sta , said Shelly Spaulding, MISD’s assistant super- intendent of public relations and communications, during the Jan. 21 meeting. Most preferred option one, which was approved by the board. This option only required minor adjustments as opposed to option two, which overhauled the start times. The option approved by the board also added 10 minutes to the start day for high school students. This will allow students and sta to have early release days during McKinney ISD changes school start times
School times The schools times for the 2025-26 school year are now: • Elementary schools:
• Middle schools: • High schools: 7:20 a.m.-2:40 p.m. 8:50 a.m.-4 p.m. 8:10 a.m.-3:20 p.m.
SOURCE: MCKINNEY ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
nal exams, Spaulding said. The survey, which supported the approval, showed: • 85.9% of the 2,894 students who responded preferred option 1 • 66% of the 5,505 parents who responded preferred option 1 • 63.5% of the 1,484 sta who responded preferred option 1 Option two, which was not selected, included: • Elementary school: 8:40 a.m.-4 p.m. • Middle school: 8:10 a.m.-3:20 p.m. • High school: 7:30 a.m.-2:40 p.m. Looking back The start times were previously: • Elementary school: 8 a.m.-3:10 p.m. • Middle school: 8:45 a.m.-3:55 p.m. • High school: 7:30 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
Find us on Social Media Keep up with our events and see your bankers in a whole new Like!
Superintendent contract extended
Member FDIC
McKinney - Craig Ranch 6401 S. Custer Rd. McKinney, TX 75070 (972) 569-8301
McKinney - Redbud 1700 N. Redbud Blvd. McKinney, TX 75069 (972) 548-3010
McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt’s contract has been extended for another year. The district’s board of trustees approved the extension through 2028 during a Jan. 21 meeting. Pratt was appointed superinten- dent in March 2023. What happened The board met in closed session
to discuss Superintendent
Pratt’s perfor- mance, board President Philip Hassler said. The superintendent’s $305,000 salary was not increased due to the district not expecting to receive additional state funding. Shawn Pratt
FirstUnitedBank.com
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MCKINNEY EDITION
Education Private School Guide
2025
band, choir, various clubs Enrollment: 1,400+ Tuition: $15,400-$27,900 • 5000 Academy Drive, Frisco • www.legacyca.com
McKinney
Prosper
Excellence Academy Type: Montessori / religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12th grade Religious orientation: Islam Extracurricular activities: art, yearbook club, Arabic, gym, home economics, STEAM Enrollment: 100+ Tuition: $7,800-$9,900
Prestonwood Christian Academy Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K3-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: sports Enrollment: 620 Tuition: $7,520-$22,810 per year • 1001 W. Prosper Trail, Prosper • https://north.prestonwoodchristian.org St. Martin de Porres Catholic School Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K3-eighth grade Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: archery, band, athletics Enrollment: 385 Tuition: $8,750 per year • 4000 W. University Drive, Prosper • www.smdpcatholic.org
Starwood Academy of Frisco Type: Montessori Grades served: 18 months-15 years Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: fine arts, Spanish, nature
• 6200 Virginia Parkway, McKinney • https://myexcellenceacademy.org
study, athletics Enrollment: 350 Tuition: $15,000-$21,000 annually • 3443 Lebanon Road, Frisco • https://starwoodacademyoffrisco.com
Frisco
Legacy Christian Academy Type: Religious-based
Grades served: Pre-K3-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: athletics, visual arts, drama,
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY HANNAH JOHNSON
McKinney
McKinney
Cornerstone Christian Academy Type: Religious-based Grades served: K-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Enrollment: 420+ Tuition: $6,680-$9,220 • 808 S. College St., McKinney • https://ccawarriors.org
McKinney Christian Academy Type: Religious-based Grades served: K-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: athletics, band, choir, theatre, visual arts
Enrollment: 700 Tuition: $9,950-$18,400 • 3601 Bois D Arc Road, McKinney • www.mckinneychristian.org
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MCKINNEY EDITION
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Transportation
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Upcoming projects
Ongoing projects
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VIRGINIA PKWY. ELD ORADO PKWY. Project: The intersection of US 380 and Community Avenue will see improvements to add eastbound and westbound dual left turn lanes as well as a southbound right turn lane. The project will also include traffic signal improvements. Update: Relocations of affected franchise utilities are underway, and roadway construction is expected to begin by late March. • Timeline: March 2025-December 2025 • Cost: $5.6 million • Funding source: city of McKinney, Texas Department of Transportation Update: Design work is nearing completion and construction is slated to begin this summer. • Timeline: Summer 2025-summer 2026 • Cost: $4.5 million • Funding source: city of McKinney 2 US 380 and Community Avenue intersection improvements 380 1 Medical Center Drive expansion Project : Medical Center Drive, a three-lane undivided roadway, will be reconstructed and widened to a four- lane divided roadway between Frisco Road and Spur 399.
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3 East Virginia and Throckmorton infrastructure improvements Project: East Virginia Street and Throckmorton Street will be reconstructed. Update: Throckmorton Street is expected to reopen to traffic by the end of March, while East Virginia Street between SH 5 and Main Street is expected to remain closed. • Timeline: March 2024-August 2025 • Cost: $13.1 million • Funding source: city of McKinney
INDUSTRIAL BLVD.
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MCKINNEY EDITION
Reading reimagined From the cover
The details
Library renovations overview
Main entrance
Stairs/single-user bathrooms
Stairs/single-user bathrooms
55-seat planetarium
Central self-serve station
Dedicated teen area
Community meeting room
Storage
Bridge
2,500-square-foot exhibit space
Elevators
Staff area
1st floor
2nd floor
Dedicated adult areas, including the local history room
Dedicated youth area
Study rooms
SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Stephanie Harrison, a librarian at the location, said that existing permanent fixtures and restricting room layouts don’t align with how patrons use the library. “It will be so nice to have all the areas designed for the volume of patrons we see and how they are using the spaces instead of an outdated model of how libraries are supposed to work,” Harrison said of the project in an email. The project will also update technology throughout the library, expand public meeting spaces, and improve the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces at the library, Smith said.
very positive way,” Smith said. “We see thousands of people a month. ... We have the opportunity to showcase a positive return on their tax investment.” The roughly 33,000-square-foot facility will only grow by 670 square feet in the renovation process, with most changes happening internally to the building. Staff at the library have worked to optimize the layout of library materials and services building for years, but the floor plan of the two-story building, which has multiple wings branching off of a central lobby, has been challenging for staff members, Smith said.
The renovation project will add a planetarium, expand gathering spaces and create dedicated spaces for the library’s collection of youth, teen and adult materials. The library, which has been in operation for more than 20 years, has outgrown its current design and the comprehensive renovation project is aimed at updating the library so it can meet the future needs of the community, including serving patrons of all ages. “Our goal is when we’re done and [patrons] walk in, that their jaws drop and they say, ‘Oh, that’s where my tax money went,’ and they mean it in a
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
Diving in deeper
The impact
The library will close prior to the start of construction on the project, which is expected to begin in May. During the roughly year-long closure, Smith said library services and programming will be impacted. Library sta are working to create solutions to o er pick-up locations for books on hold and other programming during the closure. Smith said the library often sees homeless community members spend their days in the facility. Library o cials have been working with the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness to prepare for the impact the closure will have on this community, he said. The reimagined library is slated to be completed in summer 2026, and grand re-opening celebrations are expected, city documents state.
The second oor will see the addition of a 26-foot, full-dome planetarium, which will increase the library’s educational and entertainment o erings. The planetarium will be able to hold 55 people and can be used for a wide variety of programming, Smith said. It will also be the only free public planetarium in Collin County. Beth Beck, chair of the Library Advisory Board and a former NASA employee, said the planetarium will o er opportunities for the community to see content like rocket launches. Beck also said she has collaborated with city o cials to pursue a software package that will allow for content created locally to be shown in the planetarium. “I’m super excited about the possibilities that technology can bring to the community,” she said. Adjacent to the planetarium is a 2,500-square-foot exhibit space that will enable the library to host traveling museum exhibits, such as exhibits from
The seating in the planetarium will be non- xed, allowing for exibility in the space’s programming.
RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF MCKINNEY
children’s museums in Pittsburgh and Minnesota. “To be able to view and interact [with] muse- um-quality exhibits and see a related planetarium show all while visiting the library creates a unique experience that is repeated with each new o ering,” Harrison said. “It is going to be a lot of fun.” The second oor will also feature the dedicated adult area and nine study rooms.
“We’re not getting rid of the Roy and Helen Hall legacy. We’re really just [considering] how we can use … the space we have to
By the numbers
2024 library usage
The library currently accounts for 4% of all visits and visitors to the Historic Core area in East McK- inney, Smith said. Hall Library averages between 2,500-3,000 unique borrowers each month. “The Hall Library gets a lot of tra c just from the downtown area, and I think it will be more of a major draw once the library reopens,” said Lauren Smith-Carter, president of the McKinney Public Library Foundation. Smith said he expects the library to see an addi- tional 100,000 visits annually upon reopening.
Item circulations— 32% increase from 2020 Active accounts. 66% of McKinney households have an active account New memberships added
reimagine what a library downtown could be,” SPENCER SMITH, MCKINNEY DIRECTOR OF LIBRARIES
1.78M
73,000+
12,000+
42,500+
Program attendees
4,750+
Volunteer hours
SOURCE: MCKINNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM COMMUNITY IMPACT
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19
MCKINNEY EDITION
Events
BY HANNAH JOHNSON
• 610 Elm St., Ste. 1000, McKinney • www.millhousemckinney.com
February
McKinney Repertory Theatre’s “12 Angry Jurors”
Bugs LIVE Presented by the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, Bugs LIVE features animatronic insects and arachnids. • Starting March 15 • $11-$15 • 1 Nature Place, McKinney • www.heardmuseum.org/bugs-live McKinney Shamrock Run 5k Don a green outfit and head to the 8th annual 5K, which includes a finisher’s medal and green beer. • March 15, 8-11 a.m. • $35 • 1405 Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney • www.visitmckinney.com McKinney St. Patrick’s Day Beer Walk The beer walk includes 20 stops featuring a variety of North Texas breweries. • March 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • $35 • 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney • www.mckinneystpatricksday.com/beer-walk
This adapted courtroom drama tells the story of a jury tasked with deciding the fate of a young defendant. • Feb. 28, Mar. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, show times vary • $24.50 (adults), $21 (seniors ages 55+), $19 (students) • 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney • www.mckinneyrep.org
March
McKinney Farmers Market Vendors at the farmers market offer a variety of fresh produce, body care products and more. • March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 9 a.m.-noon • Free (admission) • 315 S. Chestnut St., McKinney • www.chestnutsquare.org/farmers-market-mckinney Art Journal Play Explore your creativity through art journaling with MillHouse McKinney. Supplies and snacks are included. • March 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m. • $45
23rd annual Krewe of Barkus The annual event is a Mardi Gras dog parade styled after the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans. The event includes pet adoptions, pet-specific vendors and general vendors. This year’s theme is “Out of This World: From Astronauts to Aliens, Barkus Shoots for the Stars.” • March 2, 2 p.m. (parade start time) • Free • 300 W. Louisiana St., McKinney • www.mckinneytexas.org/674/krewe-of-barkus
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Dining
BY KAREN CHANEY
Seven Mares soup ($10.50 small, $19.50 large) includes sh and other seafood in a housemade broth.
Tablitas ($22) are short ribs and shrimp on a bed of bell peppers and onions in a sizzling skillet served with rice, refried beans, salad and tortillas.
PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
El Pollo Alegre sees tides turn to seafood demand
Norma and Carlos Nevarez own El Pollo Alegre. Their daughter, Karla Mercado, also works at the restaurant.
When Norma and Carlos Nevarez moved from their native country of Mexico to Texas in 1996, they worked at a taqueria for six years before launching El Pollo Alegre in 2002 in McKinney. The married couple started out with a chicken-centric menu but overtime, saw rising demand for seafood selections. The backstory Carlos Nevarez thought he would continue work- ing in the computer science eld when he moved to Dallas, however, he opted for a career reboot. “We had no money, just a vision,” Norma Nevarez said of the couple’s plan to open the eatery. On the menu The restaurant serves authentic Mexican fare.
Carlos Nevarez changes the menu almost annu- ally and weeds out underperforming menu items while adding new options. Camarones a la Diabla, a dish featuring pan-seared shrimp in homemade Diabla sauce, is a popular dish as well as Seven Mares soup, a seafood dish. What’s in a name? Karla Mercado, the Nevarez’s daughter, said she never really liked the business name but when her dad explained the true meaning of ‘alegre’, he changed her mind. “El Pollo Alegre means more than just ‘The Happy Chicken’” Mercado said. “Alegre means more than ‘happy’, it means positive and joyful. It’s a way of life—not just a moment.”
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21
MCKINNEY EDITION
Nonpro t
BY KAREN CHANEY
ManeGait, an equine therapy center, started construction on an expansion initiative called the Beacon Project in January 2024. The nonpro t pursued the expansion following an increase in demand for therapy services as exhibited by the over 400 people on the organization’s waitlist, Executive Director Tricia Nelson said. Currently the facility includes one active riding arena, a second arena is currently being used as a barn, and various small buildings that house the organization’s programming and a horse riding simulator. The $12.1 million project includes another covered arena, a 32-stall horse barn, a new administrative building, a brain-building therapy center, a multi- use event area and a 75-seat conference space. ManeGait to debut $12.1M expansion
Diving in deeper
Looking ahead
RUTHERFORD BRANCH
ManeGait was founded by Priscilla and Bill Darling in 2007. Priscilla Darling had previous volunteer experience at an equestrian therapy center but it was an hour away from their McKin- ney home. She felt there was a need for a similar service in McKinney, said Nelson. GaitWay to the Brain, a program focused on brain-building while riding horses, was developed at ManeGait by licensed speech pathologist and brain-building expert Robin Harwell, and is based on the science of neuroplasticity. “Our target here is about building attention in the brain,” she said. “If you’re struggling with attention, which is what usually happens with some sort of neurological challenge ... you’re going to struggle with attention because the sensory information tends to come in too fast, too loud or too bright.” A carriage driving program is o ered for those who are unable to mount a horse. Nelson’s daughter, who has special needs, was
The expansion project is slated to be completed in November, Nelson said. In the meantime, Nelson said there are a variety of ways to get involved at ManeGait including volunteer and donation opportunities. ManeGait has raised $9.5 million for the project as of January 2025 and fundraising e orts are still underway.
Participant results
856
380
Beginning in 2015, Texas Woman’s University students studied 25 special needs children in ManeGait’s therapeutic riding program for 32 weeks. Researchers reported a 20% increase in overall motor skill pro ciency including:
N
Agility Balance Coordination Dexterity
Motor precision and integration Running speed Strength
“The thing I’m most excited about is whittling away that wait list and getting those riders on horses.” TRICIA NELSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SOURCE: MAINGAIT COMMUNITY IMPACT
three years old when she became the rst rider at ManeGait in 2008. Nelson said ManeGait’s primary focus is on children and adults with special needs, however there is a small percentage of veterans who utilize their services.
ManeGait is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Premier Accredited Center that provides weekly therapy programs to 150 children and adults with physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral disabilities.
KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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FIRST EDITION!
A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT FEBRUARY 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
EXCURSIONS: A Port Aransas Quest CRITTER: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: A Western Wear Pair FEATURE PREVIEW: Panhandle Fires, One Year Later
Above: Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas.
25
MCKINNEY EDITION
TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025
Dear Fellow Texan, WELCOME
I couldn’t be prouder and more excited to bring you this special edition of Texas Monthly ’s February issue within the pages of Community Impact . One great Texas institution meets another. Community Impact and Texas Monthly have shared goals: to equip you with the news and perspectives that help you understand your state and your neighborhood and inspire you to engage with the people and places that surround you. Each month, we’ll provide you a kind of sampler of what Texas Monthly has to offer. Food, drink, travel, critters, and a taste of some of the award-winning storytelling Texas Monthly is known for. Enjoy the next few pages, thank you for welcoming us into your home, and please consider subscribing to Texas Monthly. —ROSS McCAMMON
EXCURSIONS Among the Craniacs North America’s tallest bird stalks Port Aransas once again. Its fans are back too. BY ROSE CAHALAN
I'M LEANING ON the rail of the Scat Cat, a red-and-white charter fishing boat in Aran- sas Bay, when two bottlenose dolphins leap majestically out of the water alongside our wake. The midday February sun gleams on their fins as the pair chases us. “Look!” I shout. A few of my sixty or so fellow passengers turn to watch, but this is only a warm-up for the real stars of the show: the whooping cranes. Today’s tour is part of the Whooping Crane Festival, an annual four-day winter celebra- tion of one of the continent’s rarest avian
species—and its tallest. About two thousand birders have descended on Port Aransas, a Gulf Coast town of around 2,900 residents on Mustang Island, for the twenty-seventh iteration, which is packed with more than fifty events, including birding tours and lectures by scientists. (This year’s festival happens February 20–23.) Before the arrival of European settlers, more than ten thousand of these birds soared across the continent, but habitat destruction and overhunting drove them to the brink. By
EDITOR IN CHIEF, TEXAS MONTHLY
26
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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