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Friday, April 18, 2008
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Banks, retailers invited into “No Hats” robbery-prevention program
The Lewisville Police Department is working with local banks and retailers to implement the “No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses” robbery-prevention program. Banks and check-cashing outlets have been given signs to post at their entrances that ask customers to remove hats, sunglasses and hoods before entering.
One typical form of robbery at financial business is “note job” crimes in which the robber tries to remain inconspicuous by concealing his or her face from staff, customers and cameras. Experience in other cities shows that the “No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses” program discourages that type of crime because the robbers become more conspicuous when regular customers remove hats and sunglasses upon entering. Anyone still concealing his or her face will then draw increased scrutiny from employees and become less likely to commit a robbery.
This national program already has been implemented in several North Texas cities, including Highland Village, and has been endorsed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a possible robbery deterrent.
Media contact: Police Capt. Kevin Deaver, 972.219.3685
City serves as host for business recycling workshop on April 24
Area business operators are invited to attend a recycling workshop on April 24 and learn how recycling can save their business money and other resources. The “Reduce Waste, Save Money” program, being presented by the City of Lewisville and the North Texas Corporate Recycling Association, will cover such topics as waste stream education and waste audits, capturing recyclables for pickup, and property management’s role in facilitating recycling for tenants. Registration is $25 for NTCRA members and $35 for non-members. The class will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Lewisville City Hall Council Chambers, 151 W. Church Street. On-line registration is available at www.ntcra.org. For more information, please contact Rose Chavez at rchavez@gptx.org or 972.237.8151.
Media contact: Lisa Weaver, Environmental Programs Coordinator, 972.235.3503
Environmental report available for DCTA commuter rail project
The Final Environmental Impact Determination document for the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) regional rail project now is available for public viewing. It can be accessed on-line at http://www.raildcta.net/documents.asp?area=rail or in person at the DCTA offices located at 1660 S. Stemmons, Suite 250, in Lewisville. The document also can be requests on a computer CD by calling the DCTA at 972.221.4600.
Because the DCTA rail project will not use federal funds for capital construction, local approval of the environmental document is appropriate. The local approving authority for the RailDCTA Final Environmental Impact Determination (FEID) will be the DCTA Board of Directors. The board is expected to approve the document at its next regular meeting on April 24.
Local approval will allow engineering and design activities to be expedited, which will help keep the project on schedule to operate service by late 2010. Early completion of the project will provide travelers with options for dealing with construction related to congestion on Interstate 35E.
The FEID document contains no significant changes from the draft document. Comments received during the 45-day review and comment period for the draft appear in the final version, along with responses. The comments include those from both regulatory and resource agencies, and the public.
Media contact: Dee Leggett, Communications & Marketing Manager, 972.221.4600
FM 407 bridge over Interstate 35E to close April 26 for resurfacing
The FM 407 bridge over Interstate 35E will be closed Saturday, April 26, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. while the Texas Department of Transportation resurfaces the roadway. The bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic during those times. Message boards at each entrance to the bridge and on Interstate 35E will advise drivers of the closure and direct them to detour routes.
Media contact: Dan Kendrick, Texas Department of Transportation, 972.235.3314
LLELA offering guided tour of bison range on April 27
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) is offering a guided tour of the wildlife preserve’s bison range on Sunday, April 27, starting at 2 p.m. Cost is $2 per person in addition to the LLELA gate fee of $3 per person. The next tour is scheduled for May 25.
Participants will meet herd owner Robert Vaughan at the gatehouse, then drive out for an opportunity to see the bison up close and learn more about bison natural history and husbandry. All ages are welcome, but reservations are required by calling 972.219.7980. The bison are normally off view in a secure area of LLELA, so this is a chance to visit a part of the preserve most people don’t get to see.
The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is 2,000-acre wilderness of prairies, forests and wetlands managed as a wildlife preserve by a group of agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the University of North Texas, the City of Lewisville, Lewisville ISD and Texas A & M University. Its mission is to preserve and restore native ecosystems and to provide and promote environmental education and scientific research.
LLELA is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing, picnicking and other outdoor activities. For information, visit www.ias.unt.edu/llela or call 972.219.3930.
Media contact: LLELA Publicist Lisa Cole, 972.219.3930
Musical Feast to present “Spring Delights” choral concert
Musical Feast Choral Society will present “Spring Delights” on Sunday, April 27, at 4 p.m. at Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 602 N. Old Orchard Lane. Tickets are $5 per person. The show will feature a variety of vintage and contemporary show tunes.
Musical Feast Choral Society is one of six local groups receiving funding from the Greater Lewisville Arts Council through a City of Lewisville grant program designed to foster cultural and fine arts in the community. Experienced singers are always welcome. For more information, please visit www.musicalfeast.org.
Media contact: Musical Feast President Peter Ots, 972.874.7777
