Monday, June 01, 2009

Major Events Put Fort Worth On World Stage

FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ― From golf, to baseball to music Fort Worth has had a variety of events this weekend.

It all translates into big dollars for the city at a time when Fort Worth is facing a budget deficit.

"We are both from Venezuela," says Miguel Angel.
Angel in his wife are in town for the Crowne Plaza Invitational at the Colonial Country Club.
"I'm a golf fan and that's basically the reason why we choose this area," explains Angel.

Golf fans had plenty of options this weekend.

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Dallas, Fort Worth gas prices edge up

May 28, 2009

Gasoline prices in Texas edged upward in the past week, AAA-Texas said in a report.

The report says Texas gas prices jumped more than six cents in the Lone Star state alone, and climbed nine cents nationwide.

Motorists in Texas are currently paying $2.33 per gallon, which is still below the national average of $2.45 per gallon, but 38 cents higher than what the average Texan was paying last month.

In Dallas, a gallon of gas is now selling for $2.33, up from $2.26 a week ago. In Fort Worth, a gallon of gas is now going for $2.32 per gallon, which is up from $2.24 per gallon.

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The Road Warrior: Wise County gets $37 million for highway project

By GORDON DICKSON May. 31, 2009

The incredible population growth of Dallas-Fort Worth continues to spread its tentacles north and west.

Not long ago, Wise County was considered a rural enclave and wasn’t even part of the federally recognized metropolitan planning area. Today, it’s the beneficiary of a big ol’ chunk of metropolitan-style highway money.

A $37 million chunk, to be precise. That’s the amount awarded to contractor J.D. Abrams L.P. to widen a two-lane stretch of U.S. 380 to a four-lane, divided highway from Decatur to the Denton County line.

The 10.5-mile project is scheduled to be completed in fall 2011 — and until then motorists can expect delays. The work could begin in weeks.

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DFW schools' later closing dates cause headaches

By DIANE SMITH and SHIRLEY JINKINS

Gabriel Hinojosa’s last days of second grade at Castleberry Elementary School have been fun-filled.

The 8-year-old took part in May Day, Popsicle Day, Playground Day, Ball Day and Father’s Day Craft Day. But no day brightens his face (complete with a grin missing front teeth) like the last day of school.

"I’m going swimming every day," Hinojosa said of his upcoming summer vacation, which starts Thursday for Castleberry schools. "I wish it was just over already."

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North Texas will have to rely on state for road funding

June 1, 2009

MICHAEL A. LINDENBERGER

Later today, we'll know whether the giant transportation bill that has been deadlocked in the Legislature for the past week is on its way to the governor's desk, or whether Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, has succeeded in talking it to death.

But this much we know for certain: The local-option tax proposal, the one tool North Texas leaders said would give the region a fighting chance to thin out its traffic and clean up its air, is not going to pass. Carona said Sunday: "Local-option is absolutely, positively dead."

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Rise in Tarrant County property values puzzles some homeowners

By ANTHONY SPANGLER May. 16, 2009

FORT WORTH — A reeling economy plus rising foreclosures plus a faltering housing market equals higher home values.

Sound like fuzzy math?

Thousands of property owners in Tarrant County may be asking that question. Roughly the same number of homeowners’ values increased as fell, but overall property values rose 4.6 percent in Tarrant County in the past year, according to preliminary data.

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Dallas-area home foreclosure filings jump 31% from last year

May 14, 2009 By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News

The number of Dallas-Fort Worth area homes scheduled for foreclosure next month jumped by almost a third from a year ago.

But foreclosure filings inched down a bit from the record highs recorded last month.

More than 5,000 homes in the four-county area are threatened with foreclosure at next month's auctions, a rise of 31 percent from a year ago, Addison-based Foreclosure Listing Service said Thursday.

The biggest jumps were in Tarrant and Collin counties, where the volume has risen about 40 percent since last June.

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Texas state parks to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day

May 29, 2009
PegasusNews.com

Any time is a good time to head outside to hike, camp, backpack, picnic and enjoy other recreational pursuits, but Saturday, June 13, has been designated National Get Outdoors Day to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun.

As a part of the second annual GO Day, more than two dozen Texas state parks are joining federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and recreation industry leaders throughout the nation in hosting a variety of outdoor recreational activities and special events to mark the day.

On the outskirts of San Antonio, for example, Government Canyon State Natural Area is inviting the public to join volunteers for an 8 a.m. guided hike on one of the many canyonland trails. In addition, reservations are being accepted to attend a presentation by an expert in First Aid and CPR on how to hike safely in hot weather with your four-legged companion. "Hot Dogs-Tips on Summer Hiking With Your Pet" will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (210) 688-9055, ext. 291 to reserve your spot.

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