McKinney Main Street helps kick off the 2010 Relay For Life

City of McKinney Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKinney Main Street helps kick off the 2010 Relay For Life with event
Community Kick-Off calls for community support for American Cancer Society

McKINNEY, TEXAS (Jan. 12, 2010) – McKinney Main Street has partnered with Relay For Life to host the 2010 Community Kick-off in Historic Downtown McKinney. The event will take place at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. The Community Kick-off is a way to educate potential participants about the official Relay event, which will be held on April 30 through May 1 from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. at the Ballfields at Craig Ranch.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) national fundraising event to raise money to fight all types of cancer in children and adults, men and women. It is a volunteer-driven, local community event in which teams of 8 to15 members commit to camp overnight, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with each participant raising a minimum of $100 through pledges and fundraising activities. More than 91 cents of every dollar raised at Relay goes to the ACS to fund cancer research and patient services that can directly benefit McKinney residents.

“McKinney Main Street is honored to support and participate in such an important cause,” said Ty Lake, Main Street Program Director. “So many people have been affected by cancer. With more than 128 businesses located in Historic Downtown McKinney, it made perfect since to launch the Kick-Off downtown and do our part to help increase community awareness.”

The Community Kick-off is free and open to the general public. It will provide opportunities for event attendees to learn how to form a team, sign up as a survivor or caregiver, purchase luminaria, become a sponsor or serve on one of several committees. Relay For Life officials will be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

Mayor Brian Loughmiller will welcome the crowd, and Jon Christopher Davis of Lone Star Attitude will take center stage to perform a concert during the evening’s awareness activities. Davis, a McKinney-based singer/songwriter, will introduce the theme song which he recently composed for Relay For Life.

“McKinney’s Relay For Life has been named the #1 Relay out of 54 in the North Texas Region,” said Becky Neeley, Relay for Life Co-Chair. “McKinney’s Relay is larger than those held in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. In its first eight years, Relay For Life of McKinney has raised almost $2.4 million dollars for the fight against cancer, and we are extremely grateful to our wonderful community for the ongoing support.” McKinney’s Relay For Life event has been chosen as one of six Texas sites to enroll participants in a nationwide Cancer Prevention Study which will help the American Cancer Society understand genetic and lifestyle factors that cause and prevent cancer. For more information about McKinney’s Relay please visit www.mckinneyrfl.com. For more information regarding this event, please contact McKinney Main Street at 972-547-2660.

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About McKinney
McKinney, Texas, is unique by nature. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., McKinney has a current population of 126,500. Incorporated in 1848, the city is located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the county seat of Collin County. McKinney offers rolling hills, lush trees, a historic downtown square and unique neighborhoods and developments, and it was recently ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Move by Forbes Magazine. Visit the city’s Web site at www.mckinneytexas.org.

Media contact: Anna Folmnsbee, afolmnsb@mckinneytexas.org, 972-547-7525

Cell phone use limited in schools zones during school hours

City of McKinney Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cell phone use limited in schools zones during school hours
Use allowed with hands-free devices or when vehicles stopped

McKINNEY, TEXAS (Aug. 7, 2009) – McKinney City Council passed an ordinance last night limiting the use of mobile devices while driving in school zones. City leaders, McKinney Police and Fire Departments and school districts within the city worked together on the ordinance with the goal of increasing safety measures for school zones.

Use of a mobile communication device on city streets is prohibited when the school zone hours are in effect in the morning and afternoon for drivers of any vehicle if the car is in motion. Hands-free devices are allowed when using a mobile communications device in a school zone, and cell phone use is allowed in a vehicle when it is stopped. It is permissible for passengers in the cars to use cell phones. There are exceptions for medical, fire or police related emergencies.

“Using a cell phone to talk or send messages while driving distracts drivers and increases safety risks and creates a danger to school children. We want to do everything we can to limit those risks, and this ordinance helps us achieve that goal,” said Police Chief Doug Kowalski.

Drivers caught using a cell phone to place calls or send text messages in a school zone or in the public street without using a hands free device while operating a vehicle could get warning the first time or up to a $200 fine. Signs will be posted warning drivers of the new ordinance.

The ordinance was amended from one passed in February to be in compliance with state law and will be enforced at the start of the school year.

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City of McKinney offers special storm debris pick up

City of McKinney Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of McKinney offers special storm debris pick up

McKINNEY, Texas (June 12, 2008) – Due to storms that caused damage to McKinney yards this week, the city is offering a free, special storm debris pick-up service for residents starting Monday, June 15 and ending on Friday, June 26. Service is restricted to trees and limbs that are too large or bulky to be picked up as yard waste during regular yard waste collection.

No fencing or tree stumps will be accepted. Trees and limbs are limited in size according to the following guidelines:
• Each tree or limb must be less than 8 inches in diameter, weigh less than 80 pounds, and cannot exceed 15 feet in length.
• Debris must be removed from personal property before collection can occur.
• Place debris at the curb or alley, whichever is closest to where damage occurred.
• Keep debris out of the street and pedestrian walkways when placing it out for pick up.
• Placing tree debris on driveways or near garages will result in non-collection.
• This service is provided to residential homes only (no commercial accounts).
• Pick up must be scheduled.

To schedule service, contact Environmental Services at 972-547-7385. Requests for service must be scheduled at least one day prior to the regularly scheduled trash collection day for the residence. When calling to schedule service, please provide the name, telephone number and address of the residential account, and specify whether debris is stacked at the curb or the alley. This service will be performed in conjunction with the city’s regular yard waste collection service, so debris will be collected on the regularly scheduled trash collection days, only.

Residents can also take debris or other waste to the Custer Road Transfer Station, 9901 Custer Road. The facility is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed
Sunday. A current McKinney water bill and a valid Texas Driver’s license with the same address are required to use the facility. Fence posts must be free of concrete. Box trucks and flat bed trailers are not accepted at this facility. For more information about the Custer Road Transfer Station, call 972-727-6341

Additional disposal is available at the 121 Regional Disposal Facility, 3802 Highway 121North in Melissa. Call 972-837-4015 for more information about this facility. If you are using a box truck or flat bed trailer to haul your items, contact Environmental Services at 972-547-7385 prior to your visit to this facility. An authorization letter from the City of McKinney is required before residents may use the 121 Regional Disposal Facility.

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McKinney 2009 City Council election results

McKINNEY, Texas (May 9, 2009) – Today McKinney residents turned out to cast their ballots in the general election to elect new City Council seats for Mayor, one At-large seat, District 1 and District 3. To be elected to City Council, a candidate must receive a majority of votes in the general election, or more than 50 percent of the total vote.

Brian Loughmiller has won the seat of Mayor and earned a three-year term on McKinney City Council, according to the unofficial election results from the Collin County Election Administrator. Loughmiller earned 3915 votes or 60.53 percent of the total, defeating George Fuller, who earned 2553 votes or 39.47 percent of the total. Travis Ussery ran unopposed for the District 3 Council seat and collected 602 votes.

David Brooks was elected to the seat of At-large on McKinney City Council. He earned 3878 votes or 64.32 percent of the vote total and defeated Gilda Garza who earned 1117 votes or 18.53 percent, and Curtis Rath who earned 1034 votes or 17.15 percent of the vote total.

Don Day also was elected to City Council. He will represent District 1 during a three-year term. He earned 205 votes or 54.52 percent of the vote total. Day defeated Alonzo James Tutson, who earned 72 votes or 19.15 percent, Randall Odell Wilder who earned 36 votes or 9.57 percent of the vote total and Maurice Malvern who earned 63 votes or 16.76 percent of the vote total.

Please visit www.mckinneyinfo.com for more information on details for the run-off election for City Council.

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Southbound U.S. 75 Exit Ramp to U.S. 380 Scheduled for Closure

Press Release
For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Mark Pettit
TxDOT Public Information Officer
(214) 317-2480
mpettit@dot.state.tx.us

Gus Khankarli
TxDOT Assistant Area Engineer
(972) 542-2345
gkhanka@dot.state.tx.us

Southbound U.S. 75 Exit Ramp to U.S. 380 Scheduled for Closure

COLLIN COUNTY - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will close the southbound U.S. 75 exit ramp to U.S. 380, in McKinney, beginning Monday, April 6. The closure is expected to last until spring 2010 and is necessary to ensure the safety of the traveling public, as well as contractor crews and TxDOT inspectors during the reconstruction of the southbound U.S. 75 mainlanes and frontage road.

The closure is part of a traffic control plan designed to keep traffic moving while the $25.6 million U.S. 75/U.S. 380 intersection improvement project is completed.

TxDOT asks motorists to drive carefully through the work zone, and has placed electronic message boards along southbound U.S. 75 to notify the public of the scheduled closure. Signs will be in place to direct all traffic exiting southbound U.S. 75 to U.S. 380 to use the Wilmeth Road exit for the duration of the closure.

The project is scheduled for completion by fall 2010. TxDOT and Texas Sterling Construction Co. would like to apologize in advance for any inconvenience, and thank area drivers, local businesses, the City of McKinney and Collin County for their continued patience and cooperation as crews work diligently to complete this vital project as soon and as safely as possible.

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Outstanding warrants targeted during statewide roundup

Press Release
For Immediate Release

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

Outstanding warrants targeted during statewide roundup
McKinney law enforcement agencies urge violators to pay, avoid consequences

McKINNEY, Texas (Feb. 13, 2009) - The City of McKinney is participating in a statewide warrant roundup starting Feb. 16. The effort in McKinney will primarily target people with outstanding class C warrants, although all warrants are subject to be served. Anyone with an outstanding warrant or citation is urged to take care of it as soon as possible to avoid arrest.

“Because of the success of the roundup the last two year, we are broadening our target this year. Anyone with an outstanding warrant could be arrested at any time of the day or night – at home or at work,” said City Marshal Tim Rich.

Approximately 200 agencies across Texas will be participating in this third annual roundup. Agencies participating in the McKinney roundup include: The McKinney Marshals Office, McKinney Municipal Court, McKinney Police Department and the McKinney Citizens on Patrol. Last year during the warrant roundup, the McKinney Municipal Court cleared 596 misdemeanor warrants.

For more information on how to pay citations and avoid arrest during the warrant roundup, violators should contact the McKinney Municipal Court at 972-547-7679.

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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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City of McKinney takes measures to contend with budget deficit

For Immediate Release

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

City of McKinney takes measures to contend with budget deficit
City Manager outlines steps to make up estimated $5.1 million difference

McKINNEY, TEXAS (Jan. 16, 2009) - The City of McKinney announced today that the downturn in the economy has adversely affected revenue. Actual revenues from sales tax, permits, licenses and interest earnings are estimated to be $5.1 million less than budgeted for this fiscal year.

City Manager Frank Ragan has outlined several measures to balance the budget against the decline in revenues. However, the city does not anticipate any staff layoffs.

“It is necessary for us to cut expenses to balance the budget. The most important thing is to explore every measure possible in order to avoid layoffs and avoid reductions in the most critical services to our citizens. I think the plan we are putting into place does just that,”said Ragan.

Effective immediately, the city will implement the following measures to balance the budget:

- Freeze or delay hiring of newly budgeted and vacant positions.
- Review the need for planned consultant studies, resulting in possible delays or deferment of some.
-  Reduce or eliminate overtime by 25 percent from the original approved budget.
-  Reduce travel and training by a minimum of 10 percent from the original budget.

City staff will continue to evaluate daily operations and seek ways to save.

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