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Friday, August 15, 2008
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Health officials confirm West Nile Virus in local mosquito pool
The Texas Department of Health has notified Lewisville officials that samples taken from a local mosquito pool tested positive for West Nile Virus, the first such positive test in the city this year.
City officials have been using mosquito traps in order to determine if the virus is present in the local insect population. The positive sample was collected July 24 in the Purgatory Pass area in the far northwest corner of the city. Additional testing and control measures are being planned for the area around the positive sample site.
Health officials say that the positive test should serve as a reminder to residents that they should attempt to avoid or limit exposure to mosquito bites. The Texas Department of Health recommends four steps:
· Try to stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes tend to be most active.
· Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
· Use repellent containing the active ingredient Deet when going into areas where mosquitoes might be active.
· Drain standing water from such sources as tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, cans, buckets and ground depressions. These are prime mosquito breeding areas.
Residents also are encouraged to report standing water on city-maintained property by calling Lewisville Animal Control at 972.219.3478.
The Texas Department of Health operates a toll-free WNV information line in both English and Spanish at 888.883.9997, and has expanded information posted on its Web site at www.dshs.state.tx.us. Denton County Health Department also has information about West Nile virus at 940.349.2909, or on the Web at www.dentoncounty.com.heart.
Media contact: Health and Code Manager Sherry Harper, 972.219.3481
Resident participation sought for 2008-09 budget process
Lewisville taxpayers will be able to participate in the city’s 2008-09 budget process during a City Council workshop in August before the new budget and property tax rate are approved in September.
The City Manager submitted his proposed budget to City Council on July 21. Copies are available for public viewing at the Public Library, 1197 W. Main Street, and the City Secretary’s Office inside City Hall, 151 W. Church Street.
A budget workshop will be held Aug. 16, starting at 9 a.m. in the Municipal Annex Community Room, 1197 W. Main Street. The workshop is open to the public.
City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget during its regularly scheduled Sept. 8 meeting at Lewisville City Hall, 151 W. Church Street. A second public hearing -- required if the city rate exceeds a calculated rate as set by Texas law -- will be held during the regularly scheduled Sept. 15 City Council meeting. The council is expected to adopt the budget and tax rate at a special called meeting on Sept. 29.
For more information on speaking at the budget public hearing, call the City Secretary’s Office at 972.219.3413.
Media contact: Community Relations & Tourism Director James Kunke, (972) 219-3726
Wave Swim Team boasts five champions at state meet
The Lewisville Wave Swim Team celebrated its 20th season of summer competition at the TAAF state meet in San Antonio with five first-place finishes. The local team qualified 87 swimmers for the TAAF Games of Texas, held July 25-27, in San Antonio. The local champions were Alexandra Augustyn, 8 and under; Sarah Stone, 12 and under; and adults Allyse Anderson, Beverly Stone and Jeff Bromfield, all of whom were two-time winners. Lewisville had several more swimmers place in the top six of their event. The meet was attended by about 2,500 participants from around the state.
Media contact: Aquatics Supervisor Hilary Boen, 972.219.3749
Purchasing office receives Achievement of Excellence award
The City of Lewisville has earned the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award for the 10th year in a row. Lewisville is one of only 16 Texas cities to receive the national award in 2008. The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award is designed to recognize organizational excellence in procurement and was judged using standardized criteria to measure innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity and leadership attributes of the procurement function.
Media contact: Purchasing Manager Todd White, 972.219.3764
Parade applications available for Western Day festival
Applications are being accepted from anyone wanting to participate in the Western Day parade during the festival being held Saturday, Sept. 27, in Old Town Lewisville. Parade start time is 3 p.m. Applications are available on the city’s Web site, www.cityoflewisville.com, or by calling 972.219.3401. Festival volunteers also are needed.
Media contact: Events and Promotions Coordinator Melinda Stephens, 972.219.3712
Canine swimmers invited to special event at Sun Valley pool
Lewisville Parks and Leisure Services will hold Doggie Dive-In at Sun Valley Aquatic Park on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. A full morning full of fun canine activities is planned, including contests and prizes. Proof of current vaccinations must be presented upon check-in on the day of the event. Only dogs will be permitted in the water. For more information, contact either the Civic Circle Recreation Center at 972.219.3560 or Memorial Park Recreation Center at 972.219.5061. Cost is $4 per dog and space is limited to 400 dogs.
Media contact: Aquatics Supervisor Hilary Boen, 972.219.3749
Teen Court to hold volunteer training
The Lewisville-Flower Mound Teen Court will hold a volunteer training session for teens and adults on Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Lewisville Municipal Annex, 1197 W. Main Street. Students ages 13 to 17, or still in high school, are eligible to volunteer as attorneys, bailiffs, judges or jurors. Adult volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities. The training will be from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m., and lunch will be provided. For information, visit www.cityoflewisville.com or www.flower-mound.com and click on “courts,” or call Teen Court Coordinator Anne Dubinsky at 972.219.3671.
Teen Court is an alternative, voluntary program that offers young offenders an opportunity to make restitution for an offense through community service, specialized classes and jury service, thus avoiding fines and keeping the juvenile’s record clear. By bringing the teens before a jury of their peers, the program seeks to prevent unlawful behavior while providing direct experience in the judiciary system.
Media contact: Teen Court Coordinator Anne Dubinsky, (972) 219-3671
Citizens Police Academy accepting applications
The Lewisville Citizens Police Academy, the closest civilians can come to the men and women in blue, short of pursuing a badge of their own, is accepting applications for its 2008 class that starts on Sept. 4.
The free 13-week program includes instruction and training experiences from the classroom to the firing range. Since 1989, dozens of Lewisville residents have gained a better understanding of local law enforcement efforts through the program.
“As both an instructor and program coordinator, I’m always pleased to see the students’ excitement and enthusiasm each and every week,” said Lewisville Police Training Coordinator Scott Pedigo. “At the conclusion of each class, I’m always overwhelmed by the appreciation of the students. It seems that most don’t want their involvement in the program to end.”
Classes are held on Thursday evenings, and there are Saturday sessions on Oct. 11 and Oct. 18. Graduation will be Dec. 4. After completing the class, many graduates join the CPA Alumni Association and volunteer with the department in a variety of capacities. Alumni also are eligible to ride with patrol officers as observers.
For information on the next class, scheduled to begin in September, call Training Coordinator Scott Pedigo at 972.219.3608. Participants must be at least 18 years old before classes begin and either live or work in Lewisville. Class space is limited, so those interested in participating should apply as soon as possible. Applications can be obtained at the Lewisville Police Department, can be mailed to applicants, or can be downloaded from www.cityoflewisville.com.
Media contact: Training Coordinator Scott Pedigo, 972.219.3608
Visual Art League schedules juried art exhibit
The Visual Art League of Lewisville will present a juried members show, “Inspired By,” from Aug. 23 through Sept. 27 at the VAL Gallery, 701 S. Stemmons Freeway. All member entries will be accepted for the judged show. Juror will be Diane Dunaway of Studio 2600 in uptown Dallas. The show will include special exhibits by artists Laurie Weller and Gary Washmon. The opening reception will be 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.
The gallery is located in the Lewisville West Shopping Center, on the west side of Interstate 35E between Main Street and Fox Avenue. Gallery hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Admission is free.
Visual Arts League (VAL) is one of six local groups receiving funding from the Greater Lewisville Arts Council through the City of Lewisville grant program designed to foster cultural and fine arts in the community.
For more information, call 972.420.9393 or visit www.visualartleague.org.
Media contact: VAL Publicity Chairwoman R’Lene Winters, 972.874.3919
