Northeast Newsletter

 Volume 16 Issue 1      "Working together for a better tomorrow"    February 14, 2023

Question:  


What is the only Texas town named by a U.S. President?


** Scroll to end for answer **

"Nor is it the habit of Texans to look back. We have a tradition of looking forward and not looking back to see where we have been or who is following us."


~ Lyndon Baines Johnson

On February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter! With last week's wintery mix of snow, sleet, and ice, I'm sure most of you will agree that we are ready for winter to be gone. On that note, I want to thank the Tarrant County Maintenance crews and TxDOT, who worked tirelessly to keep our roadways safe during this past winter storm. We appreciate their dedication and service to our communities.

 

This month will mark the 13th year of our Annual Tarrant Transportation Summit. Our event has brought together elected officials, business leaders, transportation experts, and community members to discuss the present state and the future of our mobility system throughout our region. This year's theme is Automate, Accelerate, Elevate & Innovate. Robert Poole, Director of Transportation Policy and Searle Freedom Trust Transportation Fellow at the Reason Foundation, is our keynote speaker. Mr. Poole is an MIT-trained engineer and advised the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush on infrastructure and mobility issues. We look forward to hearing Mr. Poole speak about innovations in highway financing and what lessons we apply in Texas.

 

In addition to our outstanding keynote speaker, we have a lineup of panels and speakers covering automation, upcoming road projects, aviation, and how our supply chain resiliency is crucial to economic growth and national security. Our program will look at the present and future with excellent speakers and ideas. Join us for a great opportunity to listen, learn, and network with like-minded people interested in Tarrant County's transportation future. Visit www.TarrantTransportationSummit.com to register for the event on Friday, February 17th, at the Hurst Conference Center from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

 

The 88th Texas Legislature convened on January 10th, and the session will end on May 29th, 2023. Our lawmakers have a surplus of $33 billion which they will need to determine how to spend to benefit all of Texas. Some of the priorities they will be working on are Education, Mental Health, Infrastructure, Property Taxes, the Power Grid, and many other topics. You can find and follow the 88th session by going to www.capitol.state.tx.us. Learn who your representatives are at wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home.

 

Since we are talking about politics, election day will be May 6th, and early voting will begin April 24th – May 2nd, 2023. If you haven't registered to vote, registration is open now and will close on Thursday, April 6th, 2023. Be sure to exercise your right to vote during local, state, or federal elections. Visit our Tarrant County Election site for more details www.tarrantcounty.com/en/elections.html.

 

We all know that February is the shortest month of the year and a time to celebrate, learn and recognize various organizations. Many of us tuned in to see who won Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Others will be recognizing and supporting the American Heart Association. February is Heart month, so let's take this time to learn how to be heart-healthy for ourselves and our loved ones. Check out the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org. Black History Month is also in February; take time out to learn and honor many of the civil rights pioneers, from Harriet Tubman, Sojourner TruthMarcus GarveyMartin Luther King Jr.Malcolm Xand Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more. 

 

There is no Coffee with the Commissioner this month; however, we are serving coffee, and much more, at the Summit. Reserve your seat at  www.eventbrite.com/e/13th-annual-tarrant-transportation-summit-tickets-489000001167! 

For those who may not know, Rebecca Barksdale retired as Precinct Administrator on January 5th, so she could be home to care for a family member. We appreciate all she has done for Tarrant County and the community and will miss her.

 

Theresa Parsons and Kathryn Rotter will act as Executive Administrators for my office, with Theresa as the Administrator of Administrative and Constituent Services and Kathryn, the Administrator of Programs and Outreach. They both bring a great deal of experience and expertise in their fields.

 

Theresa has worked for Tarrant County for 22 years and has been with my office for 15 of those years. She holds a BS in Business Management and is a recipient of a 2016 Admin Award for Administrative Excellence in Government of Public Service. Theresa has been in a leadership role since 2015. She has successfully managed numerous special projects and events such as our Empowering Seniors EXPO, Wellness Seminars, and the Award-Winning NETC Seniors Rock Outreach Program. She looks forward to continuing to work with our excellent team and bringing services to the residents of Tarrant County.

 

Kathryn recently joined our office in the summer of 2022 as a Community Outreach Coordinator and has worked for Tarrant County for 10 years. She graduated from TCU with a BBA focused on Business Management and Marketing from Texas Christian University - M.J. Neeley School of Business. Kathryn came to us from the Tarrant County Judge’s office with several years of experience and connections through community outreach and in her years of managing Judge Whitley’s Senior Synergy Event. This year, Kathryn has done an excellent job overseeing the Tarrant Transportation Summit, which we are sure will be a huge success on February 17th. Kathryn looks forward to continuing to form partnerships throughout Tarrant County and bringing programs to Precinct 3 communities.  

Highlight

PRECINCT 3 MAINTENANCE CENTER UPDATE

 

We have 32 Interlocal Agreements (ILA) for projects in Precinct 3 that are estimated and scheduled throughout 12 of our cities and Birdville ISD. This year our construction schedule has fewer but larger projects, which has our construction schedule filled into next year. Currently, most project requests are in the process of contract approval through City Councils and Commissioner Court. Still, we have already made a strong start and have completed several projects.

 

County Projects: We have been concentrating on improving congestion points over the past several years. This year we are installing a turn lane on West Blue Mound Road at John Day Road to serve the growing community and new schools in the area. This project should be completed in mid-February 2023. Utility improvements related to the NorthStar development off Hwy. 287 are scheduled to impact Spring Way Drive and Willow Creek Road, which should be completed later this year. We will be resurfacing Spring Way Drive and Willow Creek Driver later this year following utility installation for the NorthStar Development north of Avondale Haslet Road. Additionally, we are working with the City of Fort Worth through the 2021 Tarrant County Transportation Bond Program to improve and provide additional capacity to Avondale-Haslet and Bonds Ranch Road in 2024/2025.

 

Interlocal Projects: These projects are a cooperative effort between the County and Cities to complete needed resurfacing, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects on City streets. The city provides the material funding, and the County provides the labor and equipment to perform the work. 

 

Below is a list of proposed projects this fiscal year and a little beyond (Oct 1, 2022, thru next November 2023). These 32 projects should yield an estimated $5 million in saving to the Cities by using County equipment and personnel for construction. Projects and schedules may be subject to change.

Bedford

Schumac Ln - Asphalt Overlay (March-23)

McLain Rd - Asphalt Overlay (March-23)

 

Birdville ISD

Green Valley Elementary - Asphalt Overlay (Completed October-22)


Colleyville

Tinker Rd - Rehabilitation (August-23)

Roberts Rd - Rehabilitation (August-23)

Timberline Dr (North & South) - Rehabilitation (October-23)

 

Euless

Pamela Dr - Rehabilitation (March-23)

Himes Dr - Rehabilitation (April-23)

Oak Forest Trl - Rehabilitation (April-23)

Shelmar Dr - Asphalt Overlay (May-23)

Oakwood Dr - Rehabilitation (April-23)

Limestone Dr - Rehabilitation (May-23)

 

Fort Worth    

Westport Pkwy - Rehabilitation (April-23)

Keller-Haslet (phase1)) - Rehabilitation (April-23)

Keller-Haslet (phase2) - Rehabilitation (March-23)

Elizabeth Cemetery Rd - Rehabilitation (August-23)

Old Denton Rd - Rehabilitation (May-23)

Harmon Rd - Rehabilitation (November-23)

Grapevine  

Kimball Rd - Rehabilitation (Completed December-22)


Haslet

Keller-Haslet Extension - New Construction (November-23)

 

Hurst

Hurstview Dr - Rehabilitation (March-23)

 

Keller

Whitley Rd - Rehabilitation (July-23)

 

North Richland Hills

Onyx Dr - Rehabilitation (Completed November-22)

Sunset Rd - Rehabilitation (November-23)

 

Richland Hills          

Norton Rd - Rehabilitation (May-23)

 

Southlake    

Jellico Cir - Rehabilitation (October-23)

 

Watauga      

Chapman Rd - Rehabilitation (June-23)

Kennedy St - Rehabilitation (Completed December-22)

As always, your safety and the safety of our crews are of the utmost importance. When encountering any roadway construction or maintenance, please be patient, drive slowly through the construction area, and be keenly aware of the equipment and personnel working around you to make your commute safer long after the project is complete.

Announcements

Reduced Rates for Veterans


In 2023, Trinity Metro is offering reduced ticket pricing for veterans to show appreciation for their service. Beginning Jan. 1, veterans will receive a reduced fare on local tickets by showing proof of veteran status. Local tickets are for all Trinity Metro buses, ZIPZONE on-demand rideshare services, TEXRail, and the west zone of Trinity Railway Express (to CentrePort).


In addition to veterans, other riders eligible for reduced local tickets are seniors 65 and older, persons with disabilities, Medicare card holders, and youth ages 5-19. Children who are four and younger do not need a ticket.



If you have questions about Trinity Metro’s reduced ticket program, call customer care at 817-215-8600.

Election Information

Tarrant County

May 6, 2023 – Local Entity Election


Early Voting by Personal Appearance:

April 24, 2023 - May 2, 2023


Click here for voter registration information.

Click here for current election information.

Seniors

United Way of Tarrant County provides FREE income tax preparation assistance at its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free Tax Centers. With multiple locations, low-income working individuals and families have the opportunity to receive help with their taxes. For many years, this successful program has helped Tarrant County residents with financial stability and resiliency. VITA helps taxpayers who make less than $60,000 per year and need to file a return for the prior or current tax year. 


Curbside Drop-off Service will be offered at two select locations:

  • Grace In Grapevine 837 E. Walnut St. Grapevine, TX 76051
  • Opening Doors for Women In Need 3600 Horne Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107


Curbside Drop-off allows taxpayers to drop off their tax documents beginning in early January at several VITA locations. Remain in your vehicle at all times; no one will be allowed to wait inside the facilities. A staff member will come to your vehicle, copy your documents, and return them to you. No originals will be kept.


Here’s the list of required documentation to bring with you to your appointment.

  • Social Security card(s) or ITINs for everyone listed on the tax return.
  • Photo ID for taxpayer and spouse if applicable.
  • All tax forms (W-2, 1099’s, Medical Expenses, Education Expenses, Charitable Contributions, etc.)
  • Bank information (routing and account numbers for direct deposit)
  • Last year’s tax return (if you have it)

 

To find other locations that offer in-person services near you go to: www.unitedwaytarrant.org/vita/

Rae of Hope Program

Humane Society of North Texas


Research shows that senior citizens with pets enjoy various physical and mental health benefits. Unfortunately, many seniors are forced to surrender their pets because they have difficulty providing them with basic veterinary care. In 2014, the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) started our Rae of Hope Program to address this issue and help keep seniors and pets where they belong, with their loving owners.​

The Rae of Hope Program, named after a long-time supporter, provides basic veterinary care to keep senior citizens' beloved pets in their homes and will be held in our HSNT Clinic every Tuesday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

 

HSNT is here to help serve our senior community by providing FREE primary preventative care (vaccines, microchipping, flea & tick treatment, heartworm testing, and prevention) to the following zip codes: 76102, 76103, 76104, 76105, 76106, 76110, 76111, 76112, 76114, 76115, & 76119. 


To schedule your appointment, please email [email protected] or call 817-332-HSNT (4768) x112. Please bring your pet(s) in a secure carrier or on a leash to your appointment. Click here for more information.

Senior Centers

Bedford Senior Center

817-952-2326

www.bedfordtx.gov

Haltom City Senior Center

817-834-8021

www.haltomcitytx.com

North Richland Hills Senior Center

817-427-6695

www.nrhseniorcenter.com

Colleyville Senior Center

817-503-1195

www.colleyville.com

Haslet Parks and Rec

817-439-5931

www.haslet.org

Richland Hills - The Link

817-616-3738

www.thelinkrec.com

Euless Family Life Senior Center

817-685-1671

www.eulesstx.gov

Hurst Senior Activities Center

817-788-7710

www.hursttx.gov

Southlake Senior Activity Center

817-748-8315

www.southlaketexas.com

Grapevine Active Adults 55 & Better

817-410-3465

www.gograpevine.com

Keller Senior Activities Center

817-743-4370

www.cityofkeller.com


Watauga Senior Center

817-514-5892

www.cowtx.org

Congratulations

Commissioner, Precinct 3 employees Dee Long, Assistant Precinct Administrator, and Mayo Sanchez, Mechanic III, were recognized at Commissioners Court on January 24, 2023, for completing the 2022 Tarrant County Leadership Program.


Congratulations to Dee and Mayo for their success in preparing for leadership roles with Tarrant County!

Congratulations to Camryn Robbins, who was recently promoted to Branch Manager for the Northeast Courthouse Tax Office.


Camryn will celebrate ten years with Tarrant County this July. She is very excited about the new role and welcomes all that comes with it.

Congratulations to Dee Long, Assistant Precinct Administrator for Commissioner Gary Fickes, for completing her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science - Cum Laude from the University of North Texas on December 17, 2022.


Dee has been employed with Tarrant County for 27 years and looks forward to continuing to serve the county for many more years.

Congratulations to Precinct 3 Maintenance Center Equipment Operator III Roy Wooley on his retirement in December 2022 after serving Tarrant County for 20 years!


We wish Roy all the best in his retirement!

Congratulations to Precinct 3 Maintenance Center Equipment Operator IV Bernard Jackson on his retirement in January 2023 after serving Tarrant County for 15 years!


We wish Bernard all the best in his retirement!

Calendar

Feb 14 Valentine's Day


Feb 16 Colleyville Chamber Annual Awards Banquet

www.colleyvillechamber.org


Feb 16 Grapevine Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon

www.grapevinechamber.org


Feb 16 NE Tarrant Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon

www.netarrant.org


Feb 17 Tarrant Transportation Summit

www.tarranttransportationsummit.com


Feb 18 Alliance for Children: Let's Play Bingo

www.allianceforchildren.org


Feb 18 9th Annual Prostate Cancer Screening Event

www.tarrantcounty.com


Feb 20 Presidents' Day

Tarrant County Offices CLOSED


Feb 22 Keller Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon

www.kellerchamber.com


Feb 23 Southlake Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon

www.southlakechamber.com


Feb 23 Mid Cities Care Corps: Friends of SOS 

midcitiescarecorps.org


Feb 24-26 The Cowtown Marathon

www.cowtownmarathon.org


Feb 25 Colleyville Rotary Club Dancing for the Stars

www.colleyvillerotaryclub.org


Feb 25 Town of Trophy Club: Fun Run 4 Kindness

www.trophyclub.org


Mar 2 Colleyville Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon

www.colleyvillechamber.org


Mar 2 NE Tarrant Chamber Annual Awards Banquet

www.netarrant.org


Mar 3 CWC Street Style Fashion Show

www.c-w-c.org


Mar 3 CASA of Tarrant County Pull For Kids Clay Shoot

www.speakupforachild.org


Mar 3 Metroport Chamber: Economic Development

www.metroportchamber.org


Mar 3 The Clubhouse For Special Needs: A Magical Journey of Learning & Growing www.theclubhouse.org


Mar 7 Spring Senior Health Fair

www.colleyvillechamber.com


Mar 9 HEB Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon

www.heb.org


Mar 11 City of Bedford: Holi Festival of Color

www.bedfordtx.gov


Mar 12 Daylight Saving Time


Mar 17 St. Patrick's Day


Mar 18 Town of Trophy Club: Touch A Truck

www.trophyclub.org


Mar 25 Keller Chamber 2023 Home Lawn Garden Expo

www.kellerchamber.com


Mar 25 Metroport MOW: Party In the Pasture

www.metroportmow.org


Mar 27 Colleyville Lions Club Knights of Sight Charity Scramble Golf Tournament www.colleyvillelions.com


Mar 27 Cesar Chavez Day

Tarrant County Offices CLOSED


Mar 31 Tarrant County Food Bank: Charity Shootout

www.tafb.org


Apr 7 Good Friday

Tarrant County Offices CLOSED


Apr 9 Easter


Apr 13 Metroport Chamber: The Taste

www.metroportchamber.org


Apr 14 Kids Matter Charity Ball

www.kidsmatterinternational.org


Apr 14 A Wish with wings: Butterfly Wishes

www.awww.org


Apr 15 Community Storehouse Hope Gala and Concert Featuring Trace Adkins

www.communitystorehouse.org


Apr 15 City of Colleyville: 5th Annual Car Show

www.colleyville.com


Question: What is the only Texas town named by a U.S. President?


Answer: Burkburnett.


Just before the civil war, the town was originally named Gilbert after the first settler. However, in 1907, U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt took a hand in naming the newly established post office after area rancher Samuel Burk Burnett, who had once taken Roosevelt on a wolf hunt along the Red River. Roosevelt returned the favor by pushing postal authorities to rename the town after his hunting companion. Burkburnett later became famous as a rough and tumble oilfield town and was the subject of the 1939 film Boom Town, starring Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy.

Information

Chambers of Commerce

Colleyville Chamber of Commerce

Grapevine Chamber of Commerce

Keller Chamber of Commerce

HEB Chamber of Commerce

Northeast Chamber

of Commerce

Metroport Chamber

of Commerce

Southlake Chamber

of Commerce

Commissioner, Precinct 3 Administration

Gary Fickes

Commissioner

[email protected]

Theresa Parsons

Executive Administrator

Administrative and Constituent Services

[email protected]

Kathryn Rotter

Executive Administrator

Programs and Outreach

[email protected]

Dee Long

Assistant Precinct Administrator

[email protected]

Freida Landerholm

Office Administrator

[email protected]

Ariana Raines

Office Administrator

[email protected]

Northeast Courthouse

645 Grapevine Highway, Suite 200

Hurst, Texas 76054

817-248-6295

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