Colleyville, Keller, Grapevine, Southlake Local News and Events LocalNewsOnly.com

December 31, 2004
This clever fellow decided to use Tom Thumb bags to heist Market Street items..they'll never notice?
12/23/04 Shoplifter reported at Market Street, 5605 Colleyville Blvd. Employees watched a man who must have thought himself a diabolically clever thief. Vijay Malik, 56, was observed stuffing merchandise into his pockets, as well as expensive lotions, lip gloss, and cologne into Tom Thumb Grocery bags. Officer Ron McFadden cited Malik, who lists a Southlake address, for Theft-between $50 and $500. Click Here for more crime and arrests in Colleyville.

December 31, 2004
The Fort Worth Children's Opera Theater will perform Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing in Colleyville's Center January 13th at 7 pm
Fort Worth Opera’s Children’s Opera Theatre introduces thousands of children to the wonder of opera each year through its touring program. The Colleyville MasterWorks series is proud to welcome them to Northeast Tarrant County. Performed in English, Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing, a new production for FWCOT, is a one-act interactive opera with full costumes and moveable sets. Click here for more information.

December 30, 2004
WIFE, CHILDREN, SISTER, NEPHEW AND PARENTS OF MARKET STREET'S POPULAR STORE DIRECTOR INVOLVED IN TRAGIC AUTO ACCIDENT

Alan Barron

The mother and father of Market Street's popular Store Manager Alan Barron were both killed in a tragic auto accident in Ropesville, Texas on Tuesday. Also in the vehicle were Barron's wife, and two children, his sister and a nephew.

Lubbock newspapers reported that Alan Barron's father, Lawrence Barron, 68, of Lubbock died Tuesday night from injuries suffered hours earlier in the accident outside of Ropesville on U.S. 62/82. His mother, Patsy Barron died at the scene of the accident that occurred around 4 p.m. She was not wearing a safety belt according to reports from the Department of Public Safety.

Alan Barron had flown back earlier to return to work in Colleyville.
Click Here for additional details.

December 28, 2004
Pipe Bomb found near walking trail
A couple walking in Sparger park on Tuesday afternoon discovered what appeared to be a pipe bomb near the trail. Colleyville Detective David Martz said the couple called police to investigate. Sparger Park is located in Colleyville at 4301 Bedford Road. The Northeast Tarrant County Bomb disposal team arrived on the scene and detonated the device. The lead investigator on the case is Detective Hillary Wreay of Colleyville. Wreay told Local News Only that the Colleyville Police Department was in the early stages of the investigation and had no suspects or leads at this time. Anyone with information in regards to this crime should contact Detective Wreay at 817.503.1200.

December 23, 2004
Winter blast blankets the area in preparation for Santa!

About one-quarter inch of snow fell at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport on Wednesday afternoon and coated North East Tarrant County in winter white.

Although it wasn't a record for the day -- that would be the 2 inches that fell on Dec. 22, 1963. The snow left everyone dreaming of a white Christmas. Event though LNO does not have a meteorologist on staff, it appears that the high on Christmas Eve will only be 32 degrees, which just might leave the white stuff on the ground for us on Christmas morning. It should be as warm as 48 degrees by Christmas afternoon.

December 16, 2004
Bond Issue on February 5th Ballot

Councilman Rich Hendler had expressed concern about the "burying the power line" because of an "odd wrinkle" from the Attorney General. On the other hand, Councilman Mark Skinner (on right) said some seem to think because a tax generating development was turned down, that "we don't have any business placing a tax increase on citizens...I totally disagree."

Mark Skinner said that the council still had a right to raise taxes even though they had just turned down a tax generating development.

Taken from city archives is the video and audio from the November Colleyville City workshop. Of particular interest is Councilman Rich Hendler pointing out there was an "odd wrinkle" with the Attorney General. The "odd wrinkle" was the fact the Attorney General apparently never had a city ask for an opinion on proposing a bond issue to bury private utility lines. There remained and continues to remain a significant legal question that the $14 million spent to bury a private company's lines qualifies as "in the interest of the public good." Click Here to see the Video and/or go to the LNO Video Magazine.

December 16, 2004
Colleyville Citizen's Charter Review Committee
The City Council Appointed Citizen's Charter Review Committee met for the second time on Wednesday evening at the Colleyville City Hall. The Committee's work to date has primarily been making minor "wordsmith" changes to the City's Charter.

Charter Committee members in attendance were Linda Bond, Steve Magee, Mike Taylor, Richard Newton, Frank Whitmire, Chairman Jim Moore, Louis Miller, Brad Rice and City Manager Bill Lindley were present. Not present was member and former Mayor Ed Baker who was out of town. The committee has determined to visit minor changes prior to discussing other aspects such as terms of City Council members, size of the Council and issues such as the Mayor's veto of council appointments. The changes recommended are contemplated to be available for a decision by voters in the city's general election in May.

December 14, 2004
Colleyville hires new Assistant City Manager
(Colleyville, Texas) Colleyville City Manager Bill Lindley today announced the selection of Mr. Paul Frederiksen as Assistant City Manager, starting January 10, 2005. Frederiksen currently serves as the City Administrator for Shenandoah, Texas. Located adjacent to The Woodlands and the city of Conroe (in northeast Houston), Shenandoah has witnessed significant retail, commercial and residential growth over the last several years. Frederiksen has served as Shenandoah’s City Administrator for the last six years. Prior to this, he worked with the City of Dallas for five years, three of those as an Assistant to the Assistant City Manager.

"We had an extensive process to find the best fit for our needs and we received exceptionally qualified applications," said Lindley. "Paul’s proven leadership and knowledge of city operations will be instrumental in continuing our commitment to quality citizen service. I was impressed with not only his involvement with community groups but also city employees. It is exciting to have Paul become a member of our staff."

In discussing the selection, Lindley said, "Paul is a strong manager who can make the tough decisions and still have a smile for everyone he meets. His enthusiasm and leadership skills make him the logical candidate to work with me and the staff in carrying out the City Council’s goals and objectives.”

“I am excited about coming to Colleyville,” Frederiksen said. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve the community and work with such an experienced and professional staff as they have in Colleyville.”

Frederiksen brings strong academic credentials to the job, holding both a Master of Public Administration and a Master of City and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Frederiksen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Southern Methodist University.

December 13, 2004
Applications Are Being Accepted For Colleyville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
The Colleyville City Council will accept applications for positions on the Colleyville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board through January 6, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to Parks and Recreation planning and programming. If you are interested in serving on this Board, contact Cynthia Singleton, City Secretary, 100 Main Street, 817.503.1133, or e-mail . Click Here for an Application for Appointment .

December 12, 2004
NEW COLLEYVILLE POLICE CHIEF, TOMMY INGRAM, TAKES OATH OF OFFICE OF FRIDAY DEC. 10TH
After reviewing 92 applicants, many distinctly qualified, Colleyville's City Manager Bill Lindley selected Tommy Ingram, formerly of the Arlington Police Department, to be the head cop in Colleyville. Lindley has received praise for the adept manner he conducted the search and hiring of the new Chief of Police.

Tommy Ingram takes the Oath as Colleyville's new Police Chief from City Secretary Cynthia Singleton, Friday December 10th at the Justice Center

While Lindley contracted with an outside consultant of help, he also took advantage of citizens with law enforcement expertise living in Colleyville and Colleyville own police personnel. The result is that Tommy Ingram begins work Monday with the blessings of all involved. His friendly style, easy smile, obvious love of family and pronounced professional background were qualities that seem to have won over virtually all they have come into contact with the new top cop in Colleyville.
Click Here for more photos of the Ceremony and reception.

December 12, 2004
Have you noticed any of your neighbors that suddenly think your husband's jokes are incredibly funny?
11/30/04 Burglary of a Building; the laughing gas was stolen from Heritage Family Dentistry, at 5110 Heritage. The complainant reported 2 blue colored, Nitrous Oxide gas cylinders were taken, value not available.
Click Here for this week's summary of Crime and Arrests in Colleyville
by Linda Baker

December 10, 2004
LOCAL NEWS ONLY WINS TOP MEDIA AWARD FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT CRIME PREVENTION GROUP...
Colleyville Cop wins top award for prevention specialist

Nelson Thibodeaux, Editor/Publisher of LNO accepts the award on Thursday Dec. 9th as the Top Media at the first annual Award Ceremony.

Colleyville Police Officer Bill Hudgins received the award for the "Outstanding Crime Prevention Specialist Overall."

Click Here for more details and photos

December 10, 2004
Colleyville City Councilman Mark Skinner challenges Council member Elaine Dolan to reveal all that have sent emails opposing the February bond issue and resulting tax increase

Colleyville Council Member Elaine Dolan opposes spending $16 million on power lines and landscaping for SH 26.

Councilman Mark Skinner said, at the November CIP meeting that he had not received one email from anyone that was in opposition to the bond issues. Skinner challenged Dolan to reveal who the citizens were that were not in favor of the bond issues.

During the final November Capital Improvement Plan city council workshop the city council discussed the final decision to place $34 million of projects on a bond issue. Included in the bond issues is a plan to spend approximately $16 million to bury power lines and landscape SH 26 during the TexDot expansion of the road.
Click Here to see a video of the confrontation.

December 10, 2004 @ 9.56 am
Clarification on City Attorney article.
Dear Editor,
In your December 09, 2004 article titled "Colleyville City Council jettisons Ethics Ordinance, puts out RFP for City Attorney" you used the an acronym, RFP. Can you tell me what RFP stands for and what it is.

Thanks,
Jim Sherrill
Colleyville
Editor: RFP is an acronym for Request For Proposal

December 10, 2004
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE COLLEYVILLE CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Colleyville City Council will accept applications for positions on the Colleyville Center Advisory Committee through January 6, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. The Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on issues related to policies, procedures, and fees; develops plans for the use and marketing of the Center and provides to the Council a written report of the Committee’s activities and future plans each year. The terms of office are for two years. If you are interested in serving on this Committee, contact Cynthia Singleton, City Secretary, 100 Main Street, 817.503.1133, or Click Here to e-mail for an application or additional information.

December 09, 2004
Colleyville City Council jettisons Ethics Ordinance, puts out RFP for City Attorney
The Colleyville City Council, at its December 7th meeting, voted 5 to 0 to rid the city of the flawed Ethics Ordinance previously championed and passed during the administration of ex-mayor Donna Arp. The Ethics Ordinance had been shepherded through the process of City Attorney Ross Foster. As a result of the Ordinance the City recently paid out more than $25,000 in related legal expenses, including the reimbursement of former P&Z members Earl Swift and Jeff Wall for their attorney expenses.

In the matter of an RFP for City Attorney, Mayor Joe Hocutt expressed surprise that the item was on the agenda and demanded to know from City Manager Bill Lindley who requested the item. Lindley explained the item had been previously requested but an email problem delayed the notification. Hocutt continued to demand to know who ask for the item to be placed on the Agenda and Lindley said it was Councilman Elaine Dolan.

Hocutt then asked Dolan to explain why the item was on the Agenda and Councilman Dolan explained that, after 25 years of service from the same attorney, it seemed practical to get input from other sources. In addition, Dolan pointed out, the current City Attorney was asking for an increase in pay. Finally Dolan explained she felt that the Council should consider someone that did not live in Colleyville as City Attorney.

Councilman Mark Skinner objected to Dolan's rationale and stated that he felt it was better to have someone living in the City that had a "vested interest in our city."

Part of the recent criticism of the current City Attorney Foster was the litany of "opinions" that ranged from supporting the veto of Planning and Zoning members, although the result put the council out of compliance with the City Charter, to the moral turpitude ruling concerning the DWI of former P&Z member and council candidate, Mark Jones. The final vote to put out an RFP was 5 to 0.

The City Manager said he would have a report back to the council by the second meeting in January 2005.

December 08, 2004
Colleyville Lions Club posts 100 photos from Celebrate Colleyville and Breakfast with Santa
The Colleyville Lions Club posted 100 photos from this weekend's activities. See if you can find yourself in any of the photos. Click Here to see the photos.

December 08, 2004
Fire damages home on Bandit Trail
Colleyville Firefighters were called to a residence at 505 Bandit Trail around 7:30 am this morning. Sparks from an electrical box apparently climbed into the attic causing a blaze. The fire was primarily contained to the attic according to Fire Marshall Jeff Jones. Jones estimated the damage at $40,000.00

December 07, 2004
9th Annual Breakfast with Santa draws 1,300

Staci Simmons of Colleyville introduces her three sons to Santa.

Another Colleyville tradition was well served on Saturday morning December 4th as more than 1,300 showed up to have pancakes and sausage prepared on the famous Colleyville Lions Club smoker.

Click Here for the Breakfast with Santa Photo Gallery.

December 07, 2004
6th Annual Celebrate Colleyville featured Local News Only.com Car Show

The days events began with the Colleyville Lions Club Breakfast with Santa and concluded with a magnificent low level fire works show. In between these events, this year's Celebrate Colleyville included the Local News Only.com Car Show, with more than 75 entries from 27 classes, Click Here to see photos of all entries.

December 07, 2004
Sweet Tooth Bandits Jailed for Halloween Robbery and Assault on Trick-or-Treaters.
Detective Hillary Wreay collared two L.D. Bell students at their High School on December 2, 2004, and charged them with Robbery. These charmers, Charles Donese Roberts and Aaron Michael Michel, were arrested as the perpetrators of the October 31st Robbery and Assault of two young Trick-or-Treaters.

The suspects drove past two juvenile victims, approximate ages 8 to 10, on Halloween evening, assaulted them both by punching them in their faces and snatching their pillow cases of candy.

The two arrestees had been given the opportunity to turn themselves in by a specific date, but they chose not to do that and so they were arrested at their high school. They were still held in custody on Friday at the Colleyville Justice Center.
Click Here for more crime in Colleyville reports.

December 03, 2004
Correction
LNO incorrectly identified the photo of Colleyville Firefighter Scott Gill as that of former Colleyville Firefighter Brian Meroney in a headline email alert. The following are the correct photos, LNO regrets the error and apologizes to the respective firefighters.

Colleyville Firefighter Brian Meroney was named Emergency Medical Service Paramedic of the Year for 2001 and 2002.

Colleyville Firefighter Scott Gill was Firefighter of the Year in 2002

December 03, 2004
Colleyville Firefighter files lawsuit against City of Colleyville

Colleyville Firefighter Brian Meroney was named Emergency Medical Service Paramedic of the Year for 2001 and 2002. He was told to resign or face theft charges, according to court documents.

Concerning the Colleyville Firefighter Brian Meroney, according to court documents filed on November 18th, the Colleyville Firefighter was the Firefighter of the Year in 1997, he received a Heroism award in 1999, received "EMS Provider of the Year" for two years in a row in 2001 and 2002, received the first and only Merit Achievement Award given by the Colleyville Fire Department in 2002, was responsible for managing all of EMS inventory, supplies, ordering, and the budget for seven years, he started the Public Access Defibrillation program in the city, wrote 3 different grants, he was a field training officer, responsible for all CPR instructors and had served as a Lieutenant in the absence of a lieutenant.

Click Here for more details and read a copy of the legal petition.

December 01, 2004
Weekend fire damages Colleyville home

The fire was visible through the roof at the rear of the house when Colleyville fire fighters arrive. The quick response of the Colleyville Fire Department contained the fire in the rear of the home and saved the main structure. However, the fire, smoke and water damage has forced the family of a grandmother, mother and three small children to relocate temporarily.
Click Here for more photos.

November 30, 2004
Lighting of Colleyville Tree held Saturday at the Village of Colleyville
The official city Tree Lighting was held in the Village of Colleyville on Saturday evening, November 27th. Celebrate Colleyville is expecting over 7,000 visitors for its main event, to be held at the corner of Riverwalk and Church Street, in front of the Colleyville Center, next to Town Center, starting at 7am with Breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 4th. At 1pm is the Luke's Locker Colleyville Chase 5k and Fun 1k run. At 3pm the main midway opens and there will be theater acts, musical acts, a Step Back in Time Museum, the LNO Car Show, a real milking demonstration and historical dairy items, food vendors, craft shops and the grand finale fireworks show will be at 7 pm. Admission is free, parking at Lifetime Fitness.
Click on photos to enlarge

Holiday Park in the Village of Colleyville featured a tree donated by developer David Bagwell and lighting compliments of Colleyville's Yard Art.
The lobby of City Hall featured a large tree as well.
For more photos click here.

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