General Education Development will be provided back to the community, thanks to FISD and AEL according to a Frisco Enterprise article from September 29. They say, 

“On Monday, Frisco ISD announced its partnership with Collin County Adult Education and Literacy (AEL), coordinated through Grayson College, to offer free high school equivalency test preparation classes. 

The classes come at no cost to attendees or to the district. The Collin County AEL program is funded through the Texas Workforce Commission.

However, GED prep courses are not the only new item to be provided to the Frisco Community according to a Dallas Morning News article from September 29. 

“In addition to GED prep courses taught in English, residents in Frisco ISD can also take GED prep classes in Spanish, English as a Second Language classes and citizenship classes through Collin Adult Education and Literacy, according to the release. The district said in the release that those classes will take place on varying times and days, both online and in person at locations outside Frisco ISD.”

 

Captain Bret Storck has been honored by the Frisco Fire Department after saving a person from a burning vehicle according to a Star Local Media article from September 9,  

“The Frisco Fire Department was alerted to a crash that occurred at 7:57 a.m. Sept. 3 on Eldorado Parkway east of Independence Parkway, a Thursday press release from the department stated. The first unit arrived at the scene at 8:01 a.m.

All units were told that a person was still in the vehicle, the department stated. When fire units arrived on scene, they found the vehicle “fully involved with fire” and the victim out of the vehicle.

The passerby, Bret Storck, an off-duty captain with Dallas Fire-Rescue, initially tried to render aid to the unconscious person but then removed them from the vehicle when he saw it ignite.”

Additional information regarding the incident was reported in a Dallas Morning News article from September 9. 

“The driver was taken to a local hospital. Keith Gall, a Frisco Fire Department spokesman, said the driver was in stable condition on Friday. No one else was in the vehicle, he said.”

The Frisco Fire Department released its statement in praise of Captain Storck which was published in a Frisco Enterprise article,

“The Frisco Fire Department is grateful that Captain Storck was there. His actions were instrumental in saving the patient from this vehicle accident that turned into a fire,” said Frisco FD.

Aside from the Frisco Fire Department, many people also expressed their praise and gratitude for the captain’s actions in a Facebook post from September 10. One man said,

“Hats off Captain.”

One woman said, 

“Job well done, sir!”

Captain Storck’s actions are indeed amazing and commendable! Not only is he a perfect example of restoring our faith in humanity but also a “testament to everyday heroes” as the Frisco Fire Department has perfectly put it.  

Plano City Council will be voting on an ordinance that will allow Plano residents to have backyard chickens according to a KRLD News Radio article from September 18, 

“A local group, known as “Plano Hens”, has been advocating for the change in the ordinance, and has worked with the city to come up with both a plan and the rules.

They say that many residents want to build their own chicken coop, and raise their own chickens so that they can have fresh eggs.”

Additional information regarding the proposed ordinance was provided in a Dallas Morning News article from September 15 which reports, 

“Only hens would be allowed. Roosters would be prohibited.

The ordinance isn’t finalized, but the proposed changes would require residents who want to keep backyard hens to:

• Follow minimum square footage for coops

• Meet building code requirements for coops

• Meet distance requirements from neighboring buildings”

In a Facebook post, people expressed their excitement about the possibility of the ordinance being passed. One woman commented,

“I can’t wait! I’ve been wanting chickens for years and I’m getting my yard ready for them. We need positive thinking that council will pass it.”

Another expressed her praise and gratitude for the group’s effort

“Thank you for all the hard works! Can’t wait!”

So far, Plano together with Coppell prohibits the raising of chickens. In Dallas and other cities, however, there is no prohibition or limit to the number of chickens that can be raised. The Plano City Council has voted unanimously to introduce the discussion of the ordinance changes until September 27.

A mosquito pool in Frisco tested positive for West Nile Virus according to a Patch Texas article from September 18 which reports, 

“A mosquito pool near Copper Point Lane in the Village Lakes neighborhood tested positive for West Nile Virus this week.

This puts Frisco at 30 positive pools this season. On Aug. 20, the city confirmed its 25th positive pool. There have been no confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans in Frisco this year, according to a release from the city.”

To reduce and eliminate mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus near Copper Point Lane and neighboring areas, the City has implemented countermeasures according to a Community Impact article from September 17 which states, 

“In response, the city will conduct ground spraying overnight, September 17 & 18, in some areas of these neighborhoods: Village Lakes, Crosspoint Park, Park Place Estates, Pearson Farms, Heritage Village, and Westfalls Village.

Weather permitting, a third-party contractor will apply treatment for two consecutive nights starting at 9 o’clock tonight, September 17, through 5 a.m. Saturday, September 18. The schedule is the same overnight Saturday through 5 a.m. Sunday, September 19.”

In a Twitter post, the City of Frisco, Texas posted an image of the areas that will be sprayed from September 17-18. Those living in the highlighted areas are advised to keep their children and pets indoors. 

City officials likewise remind residents to remain alert and vigilant of their surroundings and drain any stagnant water whenever possible. They recommend that residents use insect repellents whenever heading outside and wear long sleeves and pants.

A redesigned system for the Trinity Metro Bus is set to operate on September 5 according to a Fort Worth Texas article from August 12. They state,

“Trinity Metro will roll out its newly redesigned bus system with more frequency, extended hours and better customer options on Sunday, Sept. 5.

Known as A Better Connection, the redesign will offer customers more direct routes that reach their destination without having to go through downtown.”

The new system’s schedule was posted in a Community Impact News article. The schedule shows the much more organized and improved system that will be implemented. Verily, the system’s changes will prove to provide more access and options to the customers who have given their insights and inputs as data for the company to develop this new system.  the needed data to produce the new system.  

Trinity Metro’s article laid out the overall highlights set to take place in September. 

“Increased frequency

• Route 4 East Rosedale and Route 6 8th Ave/McCart will increase service to every 15 minutes.
• Within 1/4-mile of high-frequency transit:
  • 44,500 more people in 15,100 more households
  • 25,100 more jobs
• 7 hospitals, 40 schools, and 1 college campus

 

More Sunday service

• 7 route segments with new Sunday service
• Serving 25,600 more people in 9,300 more households
• Providing access to 9,600 more jobs
• Serving 4 hospitals and 1 college campus
• Later service (until between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.)

 

12 route segments with later service

• Serving 27,400 more people in 23,100 more households
• Providing access to 23,100 more jobs
• Serving 4 hospitals and 2 colleges
• Streamlined services

 

Better crosstown connectivity with 14 routes combined into 8 longer routes

• Another 13 routes adjusted for faster and more direct service.
• Overall, 8 fewer routes because of system simplification.”

 

The changes in the transportation system by the Trinity Metro will dramatically relax commuters and workers alike because the additional frequency, hours, and routes are convenient and accommodating. Notably, while the pandemic crisis is ongoing, it is a relief to know that there are still improvements happening to make life easier.

The Community Awareness Night is already set this weekend with additional reminders to follow Covid-19 protocols according to a Dallas Morning News article from August 5. In it they say:

“Frisco is bringing back its annual citywide block party for residents to gather with neighbors and nearby friends after canceling last year’s event as a result of the pandemic.

Any neighborhood or community can participate in the block part but must register online by Saturday evening. Additionally, they can request a visit from Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney, a local police officer or firefighter, or a city council member.”

An article on Frisco Police Department’s website posted the brief history of Community Awareness Night,

“In 2013, Frisco CAN was launched as a local version of National Night Out. During this event, our residents are encouraged to host block parties and similar get-togethers, using them to get to know each other better, all the while making their neighborhoods safer.”

However, some people are wary of the idea of a block party in the midst of a Covid-19 resurge. A man tweeted a reply on the Dallas Morning News article,

“Sure. That will slow down the Delta variant’s spread.”

Another tweeted,

“What I read: Frisco is bringing back potentially more Delta Variant cases next weekend.”

The Frisco Police Department provided the block party’s form where several guidelines were laid out to help people prepare for their block party. Provided that,

“Time for the party should be limited to 3 hours.

You must include an estimate of the number of attendees.

Only cones may be used to block streets and they may be picked up from public works.
Please be aware that all City of Frisco Ordinances and current State Mandates shall be enforced. Subjects shall comply with CDC, State and Local Guidelines related to Covid-19.”

While the intention of Frisco’s annual CAN is to connect and make the neighborhood safer, it is still advisable to follow the guidelines and protocols related to Covid-19 as there is indeed a growing situation with the number of Covid-19 cases.

Frisco officials approved of a partnership to bring a new performing arts center to Hall park according to a Community Impact article from June 1st. In it they say: 

“Frisco officials on June 1 entered into an agreement between fellow public entities and developer Craig Hall for the construction of several facilities at Hall Park, including a performing arts center, a parking garage and a roughly 5-acre park.

Fellow public partners of the city include Frisco ISD, the Frisco Community Development Corporation and the Frisco Economic Development Corporation. Development from this agreement includes a $66 million performing arts center with at least 1,250 seats in a main performance hall, and at least 250 seats in a community venue, according to a memo prepared for Frisco City Council by city staff.”

More than the cost of the center, periphery structures will also add to the overall cost of the project according to another Community Impact article from June 1st. In it they say: 

“In addition, a $33 million, 1,100-stall parking garage would support the performing arts center and a $30 million, roughly 5-acre public park similar to Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, the memo stated.

Funds for these projects would come from already-approved municipal bonds and Craig Hall.

Frisco City Council will reconvene in open session at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.”

There’s no official timeline yet as to when the project will officially break ground and be completed. 

 

Frisco is lowering its speed limit on FM 423 according to a Community Impact article from April 23rd. In it they say: 

“A portion of FM 423 that runs through Frisco now has a lower speed limit.

The Frisco Police Department announced April 15 that FM 423 south of Main Street has been lowered from 55 mph to 50 mph. Enforcement along this corridor began immediately, officials said.

The speed limit was lowered after the city requested in April 2019 the Texas Department of Transportation conduct a speed study on FM 423 south of Main Street. The resulting study found the speed limit should be lowered from 55 mph to 50 mph, according to a city statement. Frisco City Council supported that finding and adopted an ordinance, which was sent to TxDOT for processing and a new sign installation, the statement said.”

Other places are also lowering their speed limits according to a WTKR article from May 15. In it they say:

“Crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation spent Thursday and Friday changing speed limit signs along sections of N.C. Highway 12 in several parts of Currituck and Dare counties ahead of peak travel season on the Outer Banks.

On Saturday, May 15, the speed limit in areas through Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Duck, Corolla and Frisco dropped from 45 mph to 35 mph to account for more vehicle and pedestrian traffic during the summer months. Speed limits will also drop in congested areas of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, like the area north of Oregon Inlet and the area near the Haulover parking lot south of Avon.”

It looks like areas across the South are getting more concerned about road safety going by the number of areas lowering their speed limits.