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KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 APRIL 29 MAY 26, 2023
New Tarrant Appraisal District leader coming
Truck Yard Alliance debuts its food truck
6
“WE’RE UNAPOLOGETIC ABOUT PROTECTING OUR TAXPAYERS.” ARMIN MIZANI, KELLER MAYOR
2023
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE
Members of the Keller City Council, including Mayor Armin Mizani, voted to recall the chair of the Tarrant Appraisal board in February.
CODY THORN COMMUNITY IMPACT
Higher property tax values have residents, o cials calling for relief
PROPERTY PROTESTS
Local private schools
17
Between 2017 and 2021, appraisal protests increased by about 14% in Tarrant County. Number of properties protested with Tarrant County Appraisal Review board
BY MARK FADDEN & HANNAH JOHNSON
Properties protested in previous years
The Tarrant Appraisal Review board of directors is in need of a new leader after Chair Kathryn Wile- mon was recalled this spring by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court and Keller City Council. The board members lead the Tarrant Appraisal Dis- trict, the entity that appraises the value of homes and other properties in the county as well as administers property tax exemptions. The district is responsible for local property tax appraisals and exemptions in Tarrant County. The district does not directly tax resi- dents, but determines the value of a resident’s property. Council and local Realtor Chandler Crouch raised concerns over a lack of transparency and complaints about property tax estimates. When county resi- dents showed up for a special June 30 meeting of the appraisal board last year, they had been locked out. During a March 17 meeting, Chief appraiser Je Law apologized for the decisions made in leaving people to stand outside the previous June. He said the board does not have a set meeting space, and the multipur- pose room it usually uses was not available. He said the board was meeting in a smaller space that did not have the capacity for a large crowd of community members. “I regret that people wound up being out- side in the heat,” Law said. “If [I] had the abil- ity to rewind, and go back and redo things, [then] those folks should have been allowed in the lobby.” Following this incident, attention stayed on the Tarrant Appraisal District when the Keller City Coun- cil unanimously voted to recall Wilemon on Feb. 21. Keller Mayor Armin Mizani issued a letter on Feb. 22
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
+14%
Co ee shop aims to help young adults succeed
18
0
40K
80K
120K
160K
Protests led with the review board by property type A majority of the protests led in Tarrant County focus on single-family houses but business owners can also le protests.
All other property types
Single-family residential
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Z Bar Cattle sells locally raised meats in Keller
19
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
120K
160K
0
40K
80K
SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
and said the council voted for Wilemon in 2021 to see “increased accountability and transparency” within the board. He said many constituents do not have trust in the appeal process and the accountability and trans- parency is not there two years later, thus the recall.
CONTINUED ON 20
MAY 19, 20 & 21 GRAPEVINE, TEXAS
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Proceeds benefit historic preservation projects in Grapevine
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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. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Lexi Canivel EDITOR Cody Thorn REPORTERS Mark Fadden & Hannah Johnson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nicolas Delgadillo ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Arlin Gold 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 krnnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING krnads@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
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM CODY: Since some of us are new here, I wanted to give a rundown of what each member of the team does. Lexi recently became the general manager but has been in the market since 2018. Arlin is our account executive who helps businesses with their advertising needs in the community. Mark is the beat writer for Keller, Roanoke, Northeast Fort Worth, Westlake and Trophy Club. Hannah helps out writing whenever we need an assist. Nicolas is the one that does a little bit of everything for us. He designs ads, lays out the paper and handles making all the informative data in graphics easy to digest. Cody Thorn, EDITOR
MEET THE TEAM
Nicolas Delgadillo GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Mark Fadden REPORTER
Lexi Canivel GENERAL MANAGER
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Arlin Gold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
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1665 Keller Parkway #400, Keller, TX 76248 817-548-5696 gene@sollowsfamilylaw.com Request a Consultation A STRONG ADVOCATE AND UNDERSTANDING ALLY
5
KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • APRIL 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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Azores Craft Sausage & Charcuterie
Truck Yard Alliance
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MARK FADDEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
CODY THORN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
OAK ST.
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3 Bubbly Paws celebrated its grand opening April 1 at 201 Town Center Drive, Ste. 1111, Keller. Patrons can choose either self service baths or full service dog grooming. A self-service wash includes towels, brushes and house shampoo. Professional, waist-high tubs and nonslip ramps for larger dogs are also provid- ed, according to the company website. 682-428-9299. https://bit.ly/3KWmRcn 4 A Starbucks is at 3065 Alliance Gateway Freeway in Fort Worth opened on April 15, according to an employee at the store. A filing with the Texas Depart- ment of Licensing and Regulation notes construction started in October 2022 on a 2,200-square-foot building. The Seat- tle-based chain serves hot and iced coffee drinks, teas, breakfast food and coffees. 682-348-9472. www.starbucks.com 5 Truck Yard Alliance opened its own food truck, serving cheesesteaks and nachos, according to General Manager Jacob Jones. The location opened in January, but the Dallas-based business added its own food truck on March 17, adding another dining option at 3101 Prairie Vista Drive, Fort Worth. 469-401-6764. https://bit.ly/3LaSgZY COMING SOON 6 A second Little Brother’s Pizza will be located at 9500 Ray White Road in Fort Worth, according to state filings. The first Little Brother’s Pizza restaurant is located in Burleson. The menu includes regular crust and deep-dish pizzas with toppings, such as cheese, Hawaiian and Philly chees- esteak. Submarine sandwiches, chicken dishes, pasta, lunch specials and pizza by
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Stepping Stones Foundation
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MARK FADDEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
HICKS RD.
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HERITAGE TRACE PKWY.
the slice are also available. Construction is slated to be completed by June 15. www.instagram.com/littlebrotherspizza 7 Construction of The Little Gym is underway at 600 Byron Nelson Blvd., Ste. 600, in Roanoke. The Little Gym, a national chain, will occupy 3,190 square feet with a planned opening of July 1. The children’s gym will offer gymnastics, kids dance, sports skills, karate and parent/ child classes. www.thelittlegym.com RELOCATIONS 8 Stepping Stones Foundation relocated its thrift boutique from 139 Taylor St. to 131 Taylor St. in Old Town Keller on March 1. The new location is 1,910 square feet and offers more room to conduct business. The foundation accepts private donations of gently used clothing, accessories, home decor, purses and jewelry Tuesday to Saturday. Items at the boutique are for sale to the general public and staffed by volunteers. 817-575-7092. https://bit.ly/3LaSyQy
TOWN CENTER LN.
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WESTERN CENTER BLVD.
820 opened in March at 721 Keller Parkway, Keller. The owners are two brothers who already have experience feeding people in the greater Fort Worth area. Assamad “Sam” Ashim and his brother, Medet, own Ashim’s Hibachi Grill in downtown Fort Worth. They are natives of Kazakhstan, and the menu at Ashim’s Mediterranean Buffet will reflect the unique flavors of their heritage. Ashim’s will offer a dine-in NOW OPEN 1 Ashim’s Mediterranean Buffet
buffet, to-go food priced by the pound and a selection of a la carte items for delivery. https://bit.ly/41HVNo0 2 Located inside Roanoke’s Oak St. Food & Brew at 206 N. Oak St., Azores Craft Sausage & Charcuterie opened March 8. The family-owned restaurant offers a wide variety of craft sausages, burgers, sandwiches, charcuterie boards and pizzas. Appe- tizers and salads are also available. 682-237-7575. bit.ly/43u2cET
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY CODY THORN, MARK FADDEN & KARLY LAMM
Summer 2023 Semester Kickoff Lifelong learning for adults age 50+
Did you know that the Eurovision song contest launched the careers of ABBA and Celine Dion? Would you like to learn about Texas' most famous women warriors? Maybe you're interested in researching your family history to determine your eligibility for a lineage society, or you're curious to know the history of the electronic device at the heart of most intelligent machines. OLLI at UNT is offering these subjects and many others this summer at the Keller Senior Activities Center. Join us at our upcoming kickoff event to learn more.
Keller Senior Activities Center Tues. May 23 @ 1:30pm 640 Johnson Road BuildingC Keller, TX 76248
"OLLI at UNT classes add a new dimension to my life." Sally A.
Walmart Neighborhood Market will undergo renovations this summer in Keller.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
MARK FADDEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
EXPANSIONS 9 Keller Center for Advanced Learning , located at 201 Bursey Road, is expanding classroom and program spaces. The project will also add additional parking for the campus. The work on the building started last April and is scheduled to be done in August. The estimated cost of the project is $21.5 million, which includes the construc- tion costs of the district’s new Agriscience Learning Center, which opened this se- mester on a different site. 817-743-8000. bit.ly/3obi5Qh ANNIVERSARIES 10 Advanced Medical of North Texas celebrated its 10-year anniversary April 1. The pain management clinic, located at 5500 N. Tarrant Parkway, Ste. 108, Fort Worth, provides numerous medical and pain management services, includ- ing trigger point and cortisone steroid injections, chiropractic adjustments, weight management and counseling, rehabilitation therapies, sports physicals, and scoliosis treatment. 817-605-9500. www.advancedmedicalofnorthtexas.com/ FEATURED IMPACT RENOVATION Shoppers at the Walmart Neighborhood Market located 2130 Rufe Snow Drive in Keller will soon see several changes. According to state records, the store is undergoing a $1.1 million renovation that includes: remodel of the deli/bakery department, including the addition of a blast chiller that will allow the store to sell cold chickens again; addition of a wellness room to the pharmacy, so pharmacists will no longer have to administer vaccines in a fold up cubicle and customers can have more privacy; installation of a new refrigerated pet
Catalogs Reg. Forms Refreshments
food cooler; restrooms; and updated paint and signage throughout the store. The Keller Walmart Neighborhood Market originally opened in April 2001. 817-427-0413. www.walmart.com/store/2981-keller-tx
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IN THE NEWS 11 Keller City Council unanimously approved the sale of city property at 541 Keller Parkway on March 21 to make room for Te’Jun Texas Cajun restaurant. This location will be the third for the Tex- as-based, Cajun-inspired seafood restau- rant. While Te’jun started with serving crawfish, it has since expanded its menu to include lobster, crab and other Cajun favorites, such as shrimp, po’boy sand- wiches, blackened chicken and sausage. Te’jun Texas Cajun is slated to open in fall 2024. www.tejunthetexascajun.com CLOSINGS 12 Stanley Black & Decker announced March 20 that it is closing its Fort Worth plant at 15100 N. Beach St. According to a company press release, the closing will impact 175 employees at the facility. The closure is part of the company’s business plan to generate $2 billion in cost savings. The Fort Worth plant, which opened in 2020, was one of two closed. More than 300 jobs were eliminated with two closures, according to the press release. www.stanleyblackanddecker.com
www.LeakGeeks.com | 817- 431-8929
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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • APRIL 2023
TO DO LIST
May events
COMPILED BY MARK FADDEN
Club Women’s Club’s local charities. 5-8 p.m. (May 12), 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (May 13), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (May 14). Free (admission). Trophy Club Town Center “backyard,” 2240 Hwy. 114, Trophy Club. www.tcwcartandgardenfestival.com 19 SEE A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS The city of Roanoke will host several family movie nights this spring and summer. Hosted in Roanoke’s City Hall plaza, guests are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets for an evening of entertainment for the whole family. This movie will be Walt Disney’s “Ratatouille.” 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Roanoke City Hall plaza, 500 S. Oak St., Roanoke. www.roanoketexas.com 29 CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY Come together with others in your community to honor those who gave the ultimate sacri ce. The Memorial Day ceremony will include remarks and performances by the Trophy Club mayor and council members, town leadership sta and U.S. Army service members. The national anthem and “Taps” will be performed live. 10-11 a.m. Free. Medlin Cemetery, 1130 Trophy Club Drive, Trophy Club.
Roundup. Events include bounce houses, a brewfest, concerts, eating competitions, a petting zoo, pony rides, pitmaster barbecue tasting and a steak cooko . All proceeds bene t Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas as well as Speedway Children’s Charities. Noon-9 p.m. Free (admission). Downtown Roanoke. 817-491-2411. www.roanoketexas.com 11 GET FIRED UP Join members and guests of the Keller Chamber of Commerce for cigars, a ribeye steak dinner and an open bar with cocktails, craft beer and ne wines. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with an open bar and silent auction. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. with a ra e following the meal. 6-10 p.m. $150 (individual tickets), $1,000 (table for eight). Landscape Systems Garden Center, 1823 Keller Parkway, Keller. 817-431-2169. www.kellerchamber.com 12 THROUGH 14 TAKE MOM TO THE FLOWERS The Trophy Club Women’s Club Mother’s Day Art & Garden Festival is a celebration of the arts, natural garden beauty and Mother’s Day in a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere of garden greenery among the walkways of Trophy Club’s Town Center. Funds raised will be awarded to the Trophy
MAY 12 21
WATCH BULLS IN COWTOWN DICKIES ARENA
Experience the Professional Bull Riders World Finals at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. This event gives bull riders the chance to win the golden World Championship buckle and a $1 million bonus. Events are scheduled at various times each day. Single-day tickets range from $27.50-$998.20 Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. 817-402-9000. www.pbr.com/world- nals-2023 (Courtesy Bull Stock Media)
MAY 04 THROUGH 07
be available. 3:30-9 p.m. (May 4), 3:30-10 p.m. (May 5), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (May 6), 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (May 7). Free admission on May 4. $12 per day for adults, $7 for children and seniors. Trinity Park, 2400 Trinity Park Drive, Fort Worth. 817-332-1055. www.mayfest.org 06 ROUND UP SOME EATS AND ENTERTAINMENT Guests can join their friends and neighbors at the annual Roanoke
ATTEND FORT WORTH’S
BIGGEST PARTY Celebrate the 51st year of Mayfest in Fort Worth. Four days of live music, festival food, carnival rides, performing arts, pet adoptions, more than 60 art and gift market vendors, free children’s activities, and special attractions will
www.trophyclub.org/518/ Memorial-Day-Ceremony
Find more or submit Keller, Roanoke, Westlake, Trophy Club and Northeast Fort Worth 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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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Fort Worth, Keller join forces on $6.4 million transportation project at US 377/Keller Hicks
COMPILED BY MARK FADDEN
Fort Worth and Keller are working together to improve pedestrian safety and tra c ow near the intersection of Keller Hicks Road and US 377. With the Missouri Paci c Railroad line serving as the city limits between Fort Worth and Keller, the two cities have agreed that Fort Worth will make improvements to the west of the railway while Keller is responsible for improvements to the east side of the tracks. Fort Worth is managing the project. According to Fort Worth Communications Man- ager Valerie Colapret, the improvements to Keller Hicks Road on the west side of the railway include improving the road from a two-lane asphalt road to a three-lane concrete road with 10-foot sidewalks, drainage improvements, illumination improve- ments, a new tra c signal at Keller Hicks and Katy Road, and an improved railroad crossing. Keller will improve the roadway between the rail- road and US 377 with sidewalks, a sidewalk crossing at the railroad, curb and gutter improvements, and better-de ned driveways, according to Rachel Reynolds, Keller’s communication and public engagement manager. An interconnection installed
between the railroad infrastructure and the US 377 tra c signal combined with an improved intersec- tion to make turns easier will increase tra c ow. “This project is part of [Keller’s] continued investment in providing pedestrian safety around and across the railroad tracks,” Director of Public Works Alonzo Liñán said. According to Colapret, the construction cost esti- mate is $6.4 million, with Fort Worth contributing $4.5 million of that amount and Keller contributing the remaining funds. Funding from the Fort Worth side will come from its 2018 bond program and transportation impact fees. Keller will use money from its general fund. Most of the utilities have already been relocated, Colapret said. The nal one should be in place by the end of April. “We’ll be looking at construction starting around November 2023, expecting to take 15-18 months,” she said.
Renovations made on both sides of the railway near US 377 and Keller Hicks Road will improve congestion and pedestrian safety. (Mark Fadden/Community Impact)
TWO TOWNS, ONE PROJECT The project will widen Keller Hicks Road from two lanes to three lanes.
377 377
KELLER HICKS RD. KELLER HICKS RD.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 12. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT KRNNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • APRIL 2023
ELECTIONS Tarrant County integrity task force formed ahead of election
A new task force will monitor election integrity in Tarrant County and the rst chance will be the May 6 election. Newly elected County Judge Tim O’Hare said the task force will not disparage Tarrant County’s Election Department, but will improve secu- rity and e ciency. The Tarrant County Election Integrity Task Force was announced by longtime Sheri Bill E. Waybourn, O’Hare and District Attorney Phil Sor- rells in a February press conference. “We want to assure the good citizens of Tarrant County that we intend to pursue any complaints regarding election issues where there is evidence or probable cause that a crime has been committed,” Way- bourn said. Support toward the task force was divided in the Tarrant County BY HANNAH JOHNSON & KARLY LAMM
Commissioners Court. O’Hare and Commissioner Manny Ramirez supported the task force, while Commissioners Alisa Simmons and Roy Charles Brooks did not. Commissioner Gary Fickes did not comment his thoughts. Previously, complaints were directed to the attorney general’s o ce. As of September, Attorney General Ken Paxton must get permis- sion from local county prosecutors to pursue cases of alleged election fraud. Paxton has since led a motion to appeal this decision. Simmons requested the number of documented cases of voter fraud that warrant the creation of the task force. Waybourn did not have precise data on hand, but said 11 cases are under investigation. O’Hare added there are four cases being prosecuted from the 2016 election and cited multiple instances of election complaints.
From left, Sheri Bill E. Waybourn, Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare and District Attorney Phil Sorrells announce the election integrity task force at a February press conference. (Hannah Johnson/Community Impact) VOTER RIGHTS Residents have the right to vote however they choose. It is a crime for someone to pressure or in uence a person while voting.
If a person has a disability or is age 65 or older, residents have the right to vote by mail- in or absentee ballot, or in person at the polling location. Residents have the right to vote a ballot by themselves, in private. Choose someone trusted to help if the ballot cannot be lled out.
It is a crime to take a mail ballot from residents, unless they are physically incapable of mailing their own ballot. home or outside of a polling place to oer assistance or take the ballot. An elections o cial will never approach voters at
SOURCE: THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
End of emergency SNAP benefits affects millions Approximately 3.6 million Texans experienced a reduction in their Supplemental Nutrition Assis- tance Program benefits in March. benefits, according to information from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. BY HANNAH NORTON
SNAP BENEFITS AND THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE Several bills have been filed to increase
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The Texas Department of Agriculture and Feeding Texas have also requested increased funding to help
Texans can also stretch their SNAP benefits to buy fruits and vegetables through the Double Up Food Bucks program. According to the program website, Double Up matches every dollar in SNAP benefits used to purchase local produce at over 50 participating farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets and grocery stores across Texas. Cole said Texans in need can also visit food pantries and other community organizations for groceries and hot meals. There are 21 food banks in the Feeding Texas network, and they work with thousands of local partners to provide food to households in every county. Cole said she expects food
food banks obtain fruits and vegetables. House Bill 1287 and Senate Bill 273
The temporary benefit increases that helped people pay for food during the COVID-19 pan- demic ended on March 1, cutting each household’s monthly SNAP benefits by at least $95. During the pandemic, states could opt to provide each SNAP household with the highest possible dollar amount for their household size. For example, a family of four would receive a monthly benefit of $939, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Under normal conditions, monthly benefits to
ACTION
WHY
Would annually adjust what portion of a vehicle’s value is used to determine SNAP eligibility
The existing limit on the value of a family’s primary vehicle ($15,000) was last updated in 2001.
House Bill 1501 and Senate Bill 557
ACTION
WHY
SNAP recipients are deter- mined based on household size, income and expenses, such as rent. In total, Texas was expected to experience a $340 million decrease in benefits from February to March, the com- mission reported. Austin-based nonprofit Feeding Texas, which bills itself as the largest hunger relief organization in Texas, encourages SNAP recipients to update their information if their circumstances have changed. “If you’re paying more rent [or] getting less income than
Would allow students in vocational and technical degree programs to apply for SNAP benefits
An inability to afford basic needs is the main reason students do not finish school.
banks across Texas will receive more requests for assistance, mirroring other states that chose to end their emergency allotments early. Cole said many food banks were already struggling to meet demand in February, as food donations have not recently kept pace with the increasing number of requests for emer- gency food. “Due to inflation, people are simply having to stretch their food dollars further,” Cole said. “For staples that used to be relatively inexpensive—eggs is a great example—the prices
“FOR STAPLES THAT USED TO BE RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE— EGGS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE—THE PRICES HAVE SHOT UP, AND WE’RE SEEING FOOD INFLATION AT 10%. PEOPLE ARE REALLY STRUGGLING TO BUY FOOD AND PAY ALL THEIR OTHER BILLS.” CELIA COLE, CEO OF FEEDING TEXAS
House Bill 1743 and Senate Bill 727
ACTION
WHY
Would allow inmates to apply for SNAP benefits before they are discharged or released from prison
Many people face unstable housing and employment after leaving the criminal justice system, which can hinder food access.
INFORMATION OPTIONS To find out how much their regular monthly benefit will be, Texans can: Visit www.yourtexasbenefits.com.
you were prior to the emergency allotments taking effect, make sure that you report any changes to your circumstances that might result in a higher SNAP benefit under the normal rules,” Feeding Texas CEO Celia Cole said. People with disabilities and people over age 60 can report out-of-pocket medical expenses—such as over-the-counter medications, transportation and costs related to trained service animals—to the commission to increase their monthly
have shot up, and we’re seeing food inflation at 10%. People are really struggling to buy food and pay all their other bills.” Cole said it will be challenging to “do more with less,” but emphasized that every food bank in Texas will work to help people as much as possible. She said Feeding Texas also directs clients to its Referral Partner Program, which helps people connect with additional resources.
Log into the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
Access the information online and through the 211 chat portal.
Call 211 and select option 2.
SOURCES: FEEDING TEXAS, TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • APRIL 2023
REGIONAL REPORT Peppa Pig Theme Park planned for North Richland Hills in 2024
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BY COLBY FARR
Florida,” Merlin Entertainments CEO Scott O’Neil said in a statement. The North Richland Hills commu- nity was a natural next step in expand- ing, O’Neil said. Merlin Entertainments also operates the Legoland Discovery Center, Sea Life Aquarium and the Peppa Pig World of Play, a smaller indoor play center, in Grapevine Mills mall in Grapevine. “Merlin is the de nitive partner of choice for brands engaging children, holding the research, care, experience and interest in bringing iconic brands to life through location-based attrac- tions,” O’Neil said. “Thank you to our friends at Hasbro for partnering with us to bring the playful world of Peppa Pig to this vibrant community.” Brittany Williams, senior public relations manager at Merlin Enter- tainments, said a timeline has not been announced for the theme park’s construction.
North Richland Hills will play host to a new Peppa Pig Theme Park that is slated to open in 2024, according to a March 7 news release. A 14-acre site located next to the NRH2O Family Water Park on Hwy. 26 will be redeveloped to accommodate a standalone theme park. The park will feature multiple rides, interactive attractions and themed playscapes, and shows based on the animated children’s TV series “Peppa Pig.” Entertainment companies Merlin Entertainments and Hasbro are partnering to bring the theme park to North Richland Hills. The two companies previously opened one other Peppa Pig Theme Park in Polk County, Florida. “Merlin’s platform and reach continues to grow in the U.S. as we build on the success of the world’s rst standalone Peppa Pig Theme Park in
A new Peppa Pig Theme Park is slated to open in 2024 in North Richland Hills. It will be the rst of its kind in the state. (Courtesy Merlin Entertainments)
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS’ OTHER ATTRACTIONS Merlin Entertainments operates three attractions at Grapevine Mills. The company previously collaborated with Hasbro to open a Peppa Pig Theme Park in Polk County, Florida. A park is scheduled to open in North Richland Hills in 2024.
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
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Legoland Discovery Center
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Sea Life Aquarium
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SH 121 FRONTAGE RD.
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SOURCE: MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
EXCITING EVENTS SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER
July July 1 – Independence Day Celebration Weekend July 8 – Freezer Pop Day July 15 – I Love Horses Day July 22 – Day of the Cowboy July 29 – Chicken Wing Day August August 5 – Chocolate Chip Cookie Day August 12 – Back to School Celebration September September 2 – Eat an Extra Dessert Day September 9 – Teddy Bear Day September 16 – Dance Day September 23 – Library Card Sign Up Month September 30 – Hispanic Heritage Month/ Closing Day
April April 1 – Opening Day April 8 – Zoo Lovers Day April 15 – Take a Wild Guess Day April 22 – Earth Day April 29 – National Brunch Month May May 6 – Roanoke Round Up ( No Market ) May 13 – Mother’s Day Celebration May 20 – Rescue Dog Day May 27 – Burger Day June
@CityofRoanokeTX August 19 – Aviation Day August 26 – Hot Dog Day
EVERY OTHER THURSDAY EVENING April 13 th - June 22 nd 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM AUSTIN STREET PLAZA 221 N. Oak Street
June 3 – Bubbly Day June 10 – Egg Roll Day
SQUEEZEBOX BANDITS APRIL 13 MAD LIFE APRIL 27 ZACK KING BAND MAY 11
WANDA KING BAND MAY 25
June 17 – Eat Your Vegetables Day June 24 – National Soul Food Month
AFTER PARTY JUNE 8
ME & MY MONKEY JUNE 22
Follow Our New Facebook Page at : Facebook.com/CityofRoanokeTXFarmersmarket
@CityofRoanokeTX
Roanoketexas.com/Farmersmarket
RoanokeTexas.com/114/Evenings-on-Oak-Street
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Keller & Northwest ISDs
Keller ISD board of trustees will meet May 22 at 6 p.m. 350 Keller Parkway, Keller www.kellerisd.net Northwest ISD board of trustees will meet May 10 and 22 at 6 p.m. 2001 Texan Drive, Fort Worth www.nisdtx.org MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS KELLER ISD The Keller ISD board of trustees approved a contract for new computer technology for students in a special meeting March 9. The contract calls for the district to enter into a four-year lease agreement with Microsoft to provide new Microsoft Surface devices for students in grades fth to 12th for four equal payments of $5.1 million. The district will receive 23,000 new devices in July. The contract was brought up during the Feb. 27 meeting but was tabled due to cost concerns from several trustees. That initial discussion called for the district to pay $2.1 million this school year, but the deal called for $8 million payments the second and third years. O cials said the district will continue to work on the 2023-24 school year budget to help reduce the cost to the general fund.
Keller ISD names new principals
Northwest ISD board against state-funded school vouchers
BY MARK FADDEN
according to the press release. Over- all, Nunn brings to Sunset Valley more than 13 years of experience in school leadership and 22 years of experience education. He began his administrative career in KISD as an assistant principal at Parkwood Hill Intermediate School and Chisholm Trail Intermediate School before moving to Decatur. Indian Springs Middle School will welcome Phillip Daurio as its next principal. According to the press release, Daurio is serving as an assistant principal at Timberview Middle School. He also served as an assistant principal at Timber Creek High School. He began teaching at a KISD middle school.
KELLER ISD The Keller ISD board of trustees approved the administrative recommendations for the next principals at Freedom Elementary School, Sunset Valley Elementary School and Indian Springs Middle School on March 27. According to a Keller ISD press release, Jason Snyder has been selected to serve as the next principal at Freedom Elementary. He will join Freedom after spending four years as assistant principal at Parkview Elementary. He taught at Keller High School for 13 years. Sunset Valley Elementary’s next principal will be Roby Nunn, who returns to KISD after working in campus administrative roles in Decatur ISD,
BY MARK FADDEN
NORTHWEST ISD Members of the Northwest ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a resolution opposing school vouchers during their regular meeting April 10. School vouchers use public tax dollars to pay private school tuition. Funds would be allocated to pay par- tial or full tuition for private school. Anne Simpson, the president of the NISD board of trustees, read the resolution voicing concerns with academic standards, public account- ability of tax dollars and protections for students receiving special education services. Superintendent Mark Foust issued his view on the state of vouchers. “Public school systems do not support taxpayer dollars going to private schools for tuition,” Foust said, who started on Jan. 10.
NEW ROLES Keller ISD hired three new principals for the 2023-24 school year.
Jason Snyder Freedom Elementary
Roby Nunn Sunset Valley Elementary
Phillip Daurio Indian Springs Middle School
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KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • APRIL 2023
CITY & COUNTY News from Tarrant County, Westlake & Trophy Club Study planned for new terminal at DFW Airport
HIGHLIGHTS KELLER The public works department completed the recon guration of the southbound lanes of Keller-Smith eld Road as they approach Keller Parkway on April 12. The new lane assignments are left-turn only, straight only and right-turn only. Fort Worth City Council 200 Texas St., Fort Worth www.fortworthtexas.gov Keller City Council 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller www.cityo eller.com Roanoke City Council 500 S. Oak St., Roanoke www.roanoketexas.com Trophy Club Town Council 1 Trophy Wood Drive, Trophy Club www.trophyclub.org Westlake Town Council 1500 Solana Blvd., Bldg. 7, Ste. 7200, Westlake | www.westlake-tx.org Denton County Commissioners Court 1 Courthouse Drive, Ste. 3100, Denton | www.dentoncounty.gov Tarrant County Commissioners Court 100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth www.tarrantcounty.com MEETINGS WE COVER
Council approves pickleball courts at Harmony Park
Taylor Swift donates to local food bank
New town managers named in Westlake and Trophy Club after Carroll’s hire
BY KARLY LAMM
the terminal. The project was originally unveiled in 2019 but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed sixth terminal was estimated to cost between $3 billion-$3.5 billion at the time and could add up to 24 new gates. Discussions are ongoing regarding the timeline of the project, Poinsatte said. There is no new estimate on how much the terminal would cost. Airport o cials are negotiating a new use and lease agreement with the airlines, according to documents.
EXPANSION ARRIVING? Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport o cials are looking at adding Terminal F, rst discussed in 2019.
FORT WORTH The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport received approval for a $27 million planning study for the proposed Terminal F. Chris Poinsatte, DFW Airport’s exec- utive vice president and chief nancial o cer, announced the airlines had approved the request during the March 7 Fort Worth City Council work session. The study’s funding will be pro- vided by previously approved bonds and will help determine the design of
BY MARK FADDEN
BY MARK FADDEN
TARRANT COUNTY In the days prior to her concerts at AT&T Stadium March 31-April 2, Taylor Swift made what a Tarrant Area Food Bank o cial called a “very generous” donation to the nonpro t organization. “We were thrilled and hon- ored,” Chief External A airs O cer Stephen Raeside said. “While we can’t reveal the exact amount, it was very generous and will provide a couple hun- dred thousand meals to people in our service area.” To get Swift’s attention, TAFB conducted an Instagram cam- paign, which included tempo- rarily changing its name to the Taylor Area Food Bank. The Tarrant Area Food Bank was founded in 1982 by Fort Worth residents concerned about food insecurity.
BY KARLY LAMM
WESTLAKE Following a unanimous vote at the March 20 meeting, West- lake Town Council announced Wade Carroll as the new town manager. Carroll will begin his new role May 1. This announcement followed a nationwide search led by Mosaic Pub- lic Partners. According to a town press release, numerous applications were submitted with council narrowing it down to a handful of semi nalists. Carroll was formerly the town manager of Trophy Club. He was with Trophy Club since 2017 and also served as interim town manager, assistant town manager and re chief, according to the press release. Before his time in Trophy Club, Car- roll was deputy chief of the Southlake Fire Department from 2010-17. He was with the city of Southlake for 18 years. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from American
$3B-3.5B Cost of a proposed new terminal from estimates in 2019 24 Number of new gates that could be added
TROPHY CLUB City Council members approved plans for building four pickleball courts at Harmony Park, at 699 Indian Creek Drive, during the March 28 City Council meeting. Harmony Park pickleball players share two blended-lines courts with tennis players. The four new courts will replace the shared courts for pickleball players and revert the shared courts back to tennis courts, the town said. The estimated cost of $300,000 and will be paid for with money from the park dedication funds.
Wade Carroll
Patrick Arata
Military University as well as several leadership certi cations. “[Wade] brings a wealth of munic- ipal knowledge and experience and is a true professional who will lead our town in the right direction,” said Mayor Sean Kilbride. To ll the town manager role in Trophy Club, council appointed Police Chief Patrick Arata as the interim town manager. He has been with Trophy Club since 2014 as chief of police and has served as interim town manager once before in 2016. Trophy Club is conducting a national search to ll this position.
SOURCES: DALLAS FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CITY OF FORT WORTH COMMUNITY IMPACT
Commissioner Gary Fickes will not seek re-election in 2024 TARRANT COUNTY After serving for 18 years as the commissioner of Precinct 3 in Tarrant County, Commissioner Gary Fickes will not seek re-election in 2024. BY MARK FADDEN Fickes said in a statement. “It’s now time to make that o cial.”
Fickes was mayor of Southlake for 10 years and he also chaired the Southlake Planning and Zoning Committee. As commissioner, Fickes last day in o ce will be Dec. 27, 2024, according to his o ce.
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“As I’ve casually said over the past three years, I will not seek re-election in 2024,”
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WESTLAKE 2341 Highway 377 (817) 490-9072 KELLER 101 Keller Smithfield Rd S (817) 482-8295
Come for the hospitality. Stay for the experience.
Shop.
Dine.
Unwind.
Home of the AT&T Byron Nelson • May 8-14 • TPC Craig Ranch
plan Scan to your visit.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE
GUIDE
A guide to private schools in Keller, Roanoke and surrounding areas
COMPILED BY XXXXXXXX COMPILED BY MARK FADDEN & CODY THORN
Private schools in the area o er a variety of specialized instruction from di erent religious a liations and various types of curriculum. This guide features primary and middle schools with grade levels through eighth grade and as well as high schools with grade levels through 12th grade. This guide is not comprehensive.
10 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School Grades served: Pre-K 8 Religious orientation: Catholic Tuition: $4,750-$8,920 per year 2016 Willis Lane, Keller 817 431 3857 www.seascs.net ROANOKE 11 E.A. Young Academy Grades served: K 12 Religious orientation: None Tuition: $12,750-$18,300 per year 608 Henrietta Creek Road, Roanoke 817 427 4888 www.eayoungacademy.com 12 Pettit Private School Grades served: Pre-K-age 12 Religious orientation: Christian Tuition: $95-$290 per week 900 Litsey Road, Roanoke 817 491 2999 https://pettitprivateschool.com TROPHY CLUB 13 Premier Academy at Trophy Club Grades served: Pre-K-age 12
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KEY
Montessori
Religion based Traditional
FORT WORTH 1 Alliance Christian Academy Grades served: Pre-K 12 Religious orientation: Christian Tuition: $430-$794 per month; discount for multiple students 13105 Harmon Road, Fort Worth 817 840 7767 https://www.acaknights.com 2 Bethesda Christian School Grades served: K 12
Religious orientation: None Tuition: Varies according to plan 1255 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller 817 409 6033 https://bit.ly/3G9mGJb 6 Harvest Christian Academy-Keller Grades served: K 12 Religious orientation: Christian Tuition: $1,027-$1,147 per month, depending on grade 225 Keller Parkway, Keller 817 485 1660 https://www.hcasaints.org 7 Joyous Montessori Keller Grades served: Pre-K 12 Religious orientation: None Tuition: $1,000- $1,200 per month 1685 Keller Parkway, Keller 817 431 6661 https://joyousmontessori.com 8 Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy Grades served: Pre-K 7 Religious orientation: Lutheran Tuition: $9,195 per year 1308 Whitley Road, Ste. 101, Keller 817 431 5486 www.mlcatexas.org 9 Primrose School of Keller
Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy
CODY THORN COMMUNITY IMPACT
9
Religious orientation: Christian Tuition: $10,885-$11,480 per year 4700 N. Beach St., Fort Worth 817 281 6446 https://bethesdachristianschool.org 3 The Children’s Courtyard on Alliance Gateway
Primrose School
COURTESY PRIMROSE SCHOOL
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Grades served: Pre-K-age 12 Religious orientation: None Tuition: $164-$210 per month 4500 Alliance Gateway Freeway, Fort Worth 888 652 5831 https://bit.ly/3JSOgve 4 Crossing Heritage Academy Grades served: K 12 Religious orientation: Christian Tuition: $3,570 per year 8400 Park Vista Blvd., Fort Worth 817 903 8259 https://www.facebook.com/crossingheritage/ KELLER 5 The Children’s Courtyard of Keller Grades served: Pre-K-age 12
Religious orientation: Christian Tuition: $540-$1,000 per month 915 Trophy Club Drive, Trophy Club 682 237 4600 https://premieracademy.com 14 Trophy Lakes Academy Grades served: K 8 Religious orientation: Christian Tuition: information not provided 800 Trophy Club Drive, Trophy Club 817 491 0025 www.trophylakesacademy.org
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School
LEXI CANIVEL COMMUNITY IMPACT
WESTLAKE 15 Primrose School of Westlake at Entrada Grades served: Pre-K-age 12 Religious orientation: None Tuition: information not provided 26 Arta Drive, Westlake 817 773 8811 http://bit.ly/3Mkoe78
Grades served: Pre-K-age 12 Religious orientation: None Tuition: $520-$1,255 monthly 905 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller 817 337 0717 https://bit.ly/3m5b8zD
Roanoke LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION
NATIONALDAYOFPRAYER.ORG
FEATURING
SPRING INTO ACTION AND BOOK YOUR CLEAN UP! Irrigation Install & Repair-Landscape Lighting-Drainage
BARA CHURCH CENTER OF JOY CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST THE CHURCH AT TROPHY LAKES COMPASS CHURCH CROSS & CROWN CHURCH FREEDOM FELLOWSHIP CHURCH NEW DAY CHURCH ROCKHAVEN CHURCH
$ 59.00 A $115 value. (up to 12 zones) EXPIRES 5/31/23
SCAN TO JOIN US ONLINE
THURSDAY · MAY 4 · 12 PM Hosted by Lake Cities Church of Christ - Trophy Club
LI 27375
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KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • APRIL 2023
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