McKinney water system and public works recognized

For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
972-547-7525
afolmnsb@mckinneytexas.org

McKinney water system and public works recognized

McKINNEY, Texas (Feb. 11, 2009) - The City of McKinney water system, operated by the Public Works department, has received a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) 2008 Public Drinking Water Recognition Program award for exceptional compliance with the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) requirements.

According to TCEQ, “The program recognizes the effort, dedication, and contribution public water suppliers make to the state and to protecting the public health of all citizens.”

“We are proud to receive this award, recognizing our commitment to protect the public health of the citizens of McKinney. It takes hard work and cooperation of our entire water maintenance team to maintain the 737 miles of water main with 39,590 service connections to all 122,000 residents of McKinney, and it’s nice to be recognized as doing our job well,” said Public Works Executive Director Hal Cranor.

Other tasks to ensure safe drinking water include collecting 120 water samples per month to ensure quality and performing system flushing at 136 sites throughout the city to ensure fresh quality water to all customers. To receive a TCR award, a public water system must have no TCR violations and must be active for 60 consecutive months.

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Hot Dog! Seventh-annual Krewe of Barkus Parade in McKinney

For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Ty Lake
Main Street Program Director
972-547-2662

Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
972-547-7525

Hot Dog!  Seventh-annual Krewe of Barkus Parade in McKinney
Families and dogs dress up for parade, contest in Historic Downtown

McKINNEY, Texas (Feb 4, 2009) - McKinney Main Street is partnering up with the Art Institute of McKinney to host the seventh-annual Krewe of Barkus “Classic TV for Canines” dog parade and costume contest on Sunday, Feb. 22 in Historic Downtown McKinney.

Located at Mitchell Park, just west of the downtown square, vendors will be on hand starting at 12:30 p.m. to showcase their products and services. The parade begins promptly at 2 p.m. followed by the costume contest. Participants should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. to check in for the contest and parade. All prizes will be awarded at the main stage in the park.

Last year, 200 dogs participated in the parade and more than 3,000 spectators enjoyed the sights and sounds of the event which was created by the Art Institute of McKinney.

“Of all of the successful events in Historic Downtown McKinney, Krewe of Barkus is possibly the family favorite,” said Main Street Program Director Ty Lake. “There are fun, free activities for entire families, whether they walk on two legs or four. This is an opportunity for creative fun in a family environment.”

Patterned after the Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans, which was established to help abused and abandoned canines, the Krewe of Barkus in McKinney will feature a parade, vendor booths, interactive activities and much more.

“There is nothing like a bulldog wearing a feather boa to put you in the Mardi Gras spirit,” said Blynda Christian, director of the Art Institute of McKinney and parade coordinator.  “I’m constantly amazed at the creativity we see in the costumes.”

Barkus fun isn’t limited to the dogs and their owners. Children may enter decorated floats and take part in the parade. The parade route begins at Mitchell Park at the corner of Church St. and Louisiana St., proceeding east on Louisiana, then north on Tennessee St. and finally east on Virginia ending back at Mitchell Park.

The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required for costume contestants. Individuals planning to participate in the parade should register now, as space is limited to 250 entries. Cost for participants is $5 per dog to enter the costume contest. To register, contact the Art Institute of McKinney at 972-529-6872 or info@artinstituteofmckinney.com. Please include the dog’s name, color and breed, and the owner’s name, address, phone number and email address.

For more information about the festival call 972.547.2661 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com.

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Construction starts on McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter

For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
afolmnsb@mckinneytexas.org
972-547-7525

Construction starts on McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter
New agreement costs no additional taxpayer funds, provides same benefits

McKINNEY, TEXAS (Feb. 3, 2009) – Work will start as early as today on the McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter after the final contract was signed yesterday. The new agreement dictates the facility will open in October and uses no additional taxpayer funding. Some improvements from the initial design include a better layout and more environmentally friendly features like energy-efficient lighting.

“The Dr. Pepper StarCenter will greatly benefit the citizens of McKinney. People in McKinney have been asking for this new public recreation facility, and we are extremely pleased to come through on this promise to bring it to them,” said City Manager Frank Ragan.

The final agreement between the Dallas Stars and the City of McKinney includes previously negotiated features, like a minimum commitment for public skating, scholarships for McKinney youth and other benefits for McKinney residents.

When completed, the Dr. Pepper StarCenter will be approximately 85,000 square feet with two sheets of ice fit for both regulation hockey play and competition figure skating. Locker rooms, a concession area, at least two party rooms and a Dallas Stars retail store make up the rest of the space. The more than six-acre site in Craig Ranch, building and equipment in the facility will be owned by the City of McKinney, and the Dallas Stars will provide all scheduling and programming with some exceptions.

McKinney residents will have a three-day priority period before non-residents in which to register for major programs at the facility like hockey or ice skating leagues, clinics and camps. Public skating will be allowed for at least 520 hours, and adult and youth drop-in hockey is guaranteed at least 364 hours annually.

The agreement also provides up to 25 scholarships for economically disadvantaged McKinney youth. The funds will pay for the registration fee and the free rental of basic equipment for 15 hockey players and 10 ice skaters.

Dallas Stars will promote City programs through advertising at the facility. The organization agreed to provide donated Dallas Stars or Texas Rangers tickets at local charity auctions in McKinney as well as discounted tickets for certain events. During each calendar year, the Dallas Stars will host several events at the facility, like a practice by the Dallas Stars and an appearance by a Dallas Stars player or coach selected by the City.

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