If you’re wondering about the big hole that’s been dug on Bedford Euless Road in front of Ernie’s Seafood, it’s for improvements to the underground storm drain system. This work will take approximately 1 month, weather permitting. Once that’s finished, they’ll get started on reconstructing Bedford Euless Road from Booth Calloway Road to just east of Strummer Drive. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the project. Access to restaurants and other businesses on Bedford Euless will remain open. Please slow down and use caution when traveling in this area. The improvements to Bedford Euless Road are part of the 2020 Street Bond Program. You can learn more about the street bond projects at www.nrhtx.com/2020bond.

North Richland Hills water and sewer rates will be adjusted on Oct.1, 2022. This includes a water rate increase of $0.33 per 1,000 gallons and a sewer rate increase of $0.18 per 1,000 gallons from the City of Fort Worth and the Trinity River Authority (TRA). The impact to the average residential water customer will be $4.12 per month. This is an average and will vary based on your actual usage.

The rate increases are due to increasing costs for treating and providing water, as well as wastewater treatment services. Because the City of North Richland Hills purchases drinking water and wastewater treatment services from the City of Fort Worth and the Trinity River Authority, their cost increases are passed on to NRH water customers. The City of NRH does not mark up or make a profit off of the pass-through rate increases.

North Richland Hills water customers only pay about 1 penny per gallon for water and sewer service, but over the course of a month that quickly adds up. Your water bill also includes a monthly garbage fee and drainage fee. Questions about your water bill may be directed to the Water Office at 817-427-6200 or customerservice@nrhtx.com.

The Birdville ISD Fire Academy is a partnership between the NRH Fire Department, Birdville ISD and Tarrant County College to prepare today’s youth for a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Grayson Smith is the first graduate of the program to join the NRH Fire Department. CBS11 News shared Grayson’s story earlier this week. We are thankful for the partnerships that make this program possible and look forward to watching Grayson progress in his career. Students who are interested in the Birdville ISD Fire Academy Program can learn more on BISD's website.

National Night Out takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights, get out and meet their neighbors and show unity against criminal activity. Questions can be directed to the Police Department Community Services section at 817-427-7021.

The NRH Fire Department will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Public Safety Training Center and Fire Station #5, both of which are located at 7202 Dick Fisher Drive N. Families are invited to meet our local first responders and learn about the many services they provide to the community. Questions may be directed to Fire Administration at 817-427-6900.

Congratulations to the students appointed to the 2022-23 NRH Youth Advisory Committee! The NRH Youth Advisory Committee was first established in 1997 to educate youth in our community about city government and serve as an advisory body to the City Council on matters relating to youth and teens. There are just a few seats remaining for this year’s committee. You can find more details and the application form at https://nrhtx.com/523/Youth-Advisory-Committee.

Did you know the North Richland Hills Public Works Department provides determinations on whether a property is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area? Information is also available on:

NRH Public Works staff will make site visits to review flooding and drainage problems for property located within the city limits. These services are offered free of charge. For more information, please contact Public Works at 817-427-6400.

If you’re needing to dispose of limbs, fence panels or other bulky items following Sunday’s storm, here are some reminders from Republic Services:

If you have questions for Republic, you can reach them at 817-317-2085 Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Drop by the NRH Library on Saturday, Oct. 15 for a fun-filled day celebrating Young Adult books! They'll have free lunch for teens, engaging panel discussions, art and writing workshops, book signings, and a special keynote with authors J. Elle (Wings of Ebony) and Liara Tamani (Calling My Name). The Mid-Cities Teen Book Fest is a free yearly event at the NRH Library where teens in the DFW area have the chance to meet Young Adult authors and other book-loving teens. The Library is located at 9015 Grand Ave. Visit www.library.nrhtx.com/MCTBF to learn more. Please call the Library at 817-427-6800 with any questions.