The crew located the individual, believed to be the driver of a vehicle that veered off the 2900 block of northbound I-35E around 3:35 a.m. Saturday.

According to the Lewisville Police Department, the vehicle left the roadway, went over a guardrail and entered the lake.

Authorities said there is currently no evidence to suggest that anyone else was in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Sonar equipment was used during the search and recovery efforts.

The Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Laqwetta Robin Moore, 29. The incident remains under investigation by the Lewisville Police Department.

Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact Officer Rosales at 972-219-3600 or via email at Mrosales@cityoflewisville.com. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Denton County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-388-TIPS (8477) or online at dentoncountycrimestoppers.com.

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From those talks and meetings between Texas Department of Transportation officials as well as staff at AGL- the company overseeing the widening of Interstate 35E, county officials say they  now have a strategic plan in place.

“We’ve been meeting since the snow incident last year,” Eads said. “We studied west and northern counties for best practices because they have been dealing with it longer.”

One result of the meetings is a plan to begin sanding roads earlier in the process during a winter storm rather than waiting until after ice had formed on major thoroughfares.

In addition, the county has more sand and salt trucks ready to cover major areas and are working with TxDOT to make sure all efforts are coordinated, he said.

TxDOT oversees state and interstate roads while counties oversee farm-to-market and other roads in the unincorporated areas.

Eads said the new plan includes more specific timing for when to apply road treatments and which areas to target first, based on traffic patterns.

In Flower Mound, Emergency Management Specialist Brandon Barth indicated the town will continue to monitor weather conditions while the staff remains on call in case roads need to be pre-treated.

National Weather Service officials are indicating light rain is expected to hit Denton County by nightfall. With falling temperatures, slick conditions could develop on bridges and overpasses as well as roads by Thursday morning.

Accumulation could be anywhere from a tenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch, according to the winter weather advisory issued by NWS officials earlier Wednesday.

In addition, both Denton County Sheriff’s deputies and DPS troopers as well as local law enforcement will be on the roads to monitor traffic for drunk drivers on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

“The New Year’s Eve holiday has historically been a dangerous time on our roadways,” said TxDOT Executive Director Lt. Gen. Joe Weber, USMC (Ret), in a news release. “Texans should plan ahead for a sober ride or risk suffering the consequences. Drunk driving will not be tolerated in Texas.”

TxDOT’s annual Holiday Impaired Driving Campaign runs through New Year’s Day to promote planning for a sober ride. Anyone arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated can face up to $17,000 in court costs and legal fees as well as face imprisonment. The legal limit in Texas for intoxication is .08 blood or breath alcohol concentration, according to a news release.

From 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to midnight on Jan. 1 last year, an estimated 218 alcohol-related crashes resulted in 10 fatalities and 76 injuries across Texas. The alcohol-related fatalities marked a 25 percent increase from the year before during the same time period.

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The Dumpster is only for Christmas trees — no artificial trees with all lights and decorations removed — and is only for use by Double Oak residents.

Town officials ask that residents do not leave anything outside of the Dumpster. When it is full, nothing else should be dropped off or left on the ground.

As part of the town’s agreement with Waste Management, residents can receive four free passes to the landfill. The passes are available at town hall.

The Flower Mound Parks and Recreation Division is offering free Christmas tree recycling from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, through Jan. 5 at Gerault Park, 1200 Gerault Road.

The recycling program at 1200 Gerault Road will be offered to residents only, and will not be available to commercial Christmas tree businesses.

Trees cannot be flocked, and must have all the nails and decorations removed as well. Lumber and trash will not be allowed.

Residents who would like mulch are encouraged to bring their own containers. For more information, call 972-874-PARK (7275).

In Highland Village, residents can drop off Christmas trees at Unity Park, 2200 Briarhill Boulevard during the day through Jan. 2.

All decorations should be removed. Trees should be dropped off in the Kids Kastle parking lot.

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The new center is larger than the current facility and will offer more amenities, officials noted in a news release.

Among the new amenities at the senior center will be a large ballroom complete with a raised stage where the program can host parties, dances, weekly lunches and more.

The center also will have a fitness center, computer room, craft and activity classrooms, a large game area, a game room with billiards tables and a library.

Outdoors, the new senior center will also have a covered patio, a grilling station, bocce ball court, horseshoe pits and a garden.

The senior center will back up to Amy Lane Park, which is equipped with paved walking trails, benches and a small disc golf course.

The post New FM senior center to open this spring appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Thunderstorms rolled into Denton County on Friday night bringing lightning, thunder and more rain. Rain continued through Saturday morning, bringing almost an inch of rain to ring in the new year.

With temperatures in the 40s, the overnight storms capped a trio of rainy days that began with the threat of freezing rain and sleet. Temperatures were cold enough early New Year’s Day for icing on trees, vehicles and eaves, though roads remained clear.

Total rain accumulation was 1.78 inches at Denton Municipal Airport for the three-day period. In Double Oak, an estimated .87 of an inch has been recorded for the first three days of January 2015.

On Saturday, temperatures are expected to climb into the lows 50s as skies begin to clear by mid-day. Saturday night, temperatures will fall back to 28 degrees with a high Sunday high of 39 degrees. The low Sunday night will fall to 22 degrees. Skies will be clear Monday through Thursday with temperatures mostly in the mid-40s. Tuesday is expected to reach a high in the low 50s. Rain creeps back into the forecast on Friday.

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The Whataburger Basketball Tournament starts today as 48 boys’ and girls teams compete for top ranking high school teams. Argyle and Liberty Christian are among the teams participating.

More than 30,000 fans and spectators will attend the tournament today through Wednesday at three venues. The Argyle and Liberty Christian boys’ teams will complete at the Chisholm Trail High School arena while the Liberty Christian girls’ team competes at the Saginaw High School arena.

The tournament, which began in 1957 as a fundraiser for Fort Worth’s West Side chapter of the Lions Club, the tournament now has become a national competition with some participants advancing to careers in the NBA and other national sports leagues.

College scouts from across the U.S. will attend the conference to watch for potential recruits.

Whataburger will award a $500 scholarship to the winning team in each division, according to a news release.

“Whataburger is proud to support these outstanding student-athletes and give them a place to showcase their abilities while competing against both Texas and out-of-state talent,” said Whataburger Director of Operations Kelvin Buggs, in a news release. “We know how much hard work, drive and dedication goes into making it here, and Whataburger couldn’t be happier to see these athletes succeed.”

The tournament offers competitors an opportunity to test their skills against other top-ranked schools.

“We’re excited to bring back so many talented players from across Texas and beyond to take part in a little friendly competition,” said Tournament Director Tom Rogers in the news release. “The Whataburger Basketball Tournament continues to set the standard and we hope everyone is ready to end the year with some great basketball.”

Anyone interested in attending the tournament can buy tickets at each of the tournament’s three venues at $8 for a day pass, $20 for a three-day pass at one venue or $35 for a three-day pass at all venues.

For more information including brackets, rankings and specific player statistics, visit http://www.whataburger-bbt.org. Updated scores and game schedules will be posted in real time on Facebook and Twitter @WhataburgerBBT.

Local participating teams include:

Blue Boys’ Teams:
Argyle
Liberty Christian

Blue Girls’ Teams:
Liberty Christian

The post Argyle, Liberty Christian to compete in tournament appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Making plans to ring in the New Year? Here is a scattering of events around the region – from performances to celebrations and more.

*9 Social in Highland Village is hosting a party complete with food from Seven Loaves Catering, music from DH Productions, beverages, and a shuttle ride for locals. Limited tickets available. Follow link for details and tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/9-social-new-years-eve-bash-br…

*John Legend performs at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla. http://winstarworldcasino.com/entertainment

*Big D NYE is back to bring in 2015. The focus of attention will of course be Victory Park, where the Big D NYE free party offers food tents, bars, live music including the band competition and of course the famous midnight fireworks, Other features on the Big D NYE are the live music stages, the Victory Music Stage on Olive Street and the eponymous  Big D NYE Stage in Victory Plaza. For those wanting to stand out from the crowd, there is also a VIP option in the form of the Red Carpet Party, which adds access to exclusive VIP areas, the best fireworks views and complimentary champagne.

*City of Highland Village Parks and Recreation is planning the Senior All-Stars New Year’s Eve Party beginning at 7-11 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the Robert & Lee DuVall Center. It will include a traditional New Year’s meal.

*TopGolf, 3760 Blair Oaks, in The Colony is planning a New Year’s Eve Fire and Ice event from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Prices range from $75 to $450. A live DJ will play top hits of the year.

*The 3 Redneck Tenors will perform a New Year’s Eve concert benefiting OhLook Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 8:15 p.m., at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles St. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and dancing at the post-show party for VIP ticket holders will go until 1 a.m. Show tickets are $45 and include the show, all pre-show and intermission entertainment, cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. VIP tickets are $75, which adds access to the post-show New Year’s Eve party with live entertainment, specialty showcase performances, food, dancing and a midnight toast with the 3 Redneck Tenors. Tickets are available at www.OhLookPerform.com.

*At Silver Lake Marina (Tejas Houseboat), Grapevine – Arispop offers the opportunity to cruise, dance and eat in the romantic moonlit atmosphere of beautiful Lake Grapevine as we praise, dance and pray in the New Year 2015. Event begins at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

*At the Sportsman’s Club in The Embassy Suites, Grapevine, a Black & White New Year’s Eve Ball featuring Blu Print DFW Band is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Formal tickets are $75 per person in advance.

*Interested in a family-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration? Little Elm Public Library, 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy., is planning an evening event beginning at 6 p.m. where families can hear stories, make crafts and count down to the new year. The cost is free. http://littleelmlibrary.org/

*A number of restaurants in Flower Mound are planning special New Year’s Eve dinners. See Jay Mark’s Foodie Friday column here.

If you know of other events in Southern Denton County, please send an email to dawn@crosstimbersgazette.com and it will be included on this list.

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If you’re anything like The Jay Marks Team, you still have zero idea what your New Year’s Eve plans are this year. So, we thought we’d fill you in on what some of the great Foodie Friday restaurants are offering this year. There’s no better way to bring in the new year than with delicious food, right?

Z Grill & Tap

As we mentioned in our post last week, Z Grill is hosting a killer New Year’s Party complete with live music from the band Inversion. They’ll be serving a menu of appetizers and your choice of steak, seafood or chef selection entrees to start your celebrating. Reservations are required to join the party, so be sure to contact them today to reserve your spot!

Twelve Stones

Twelve Stones will be serving their full menu on New Year’s Eve with their regular hours extended to 11:30 for dinner reservations. You’ll also get to listen to live jazz music from Eric Scortia and Dr. John Murphy as you dine! And then at midnight you can enjoy a toast and party favor at midnight to ring in the new year with other restaurant patrons! Be sure to schedule your reservations today!

Bistecca

Bistecca in Highland Village is hosting a fabulous four-course dinner on New Year’s Eve with a menu including choices like their infamous Steak Salerno, an Heirloom Tomato Salad, Applewood Bacon Wrapped Sea Bass, Espresso Seared Prime Tenderloin and a Tower of Chocolate for dessert. There will also be a special musical guest to entertain during your meal – Stacy Lynn Schriever. Again, reservations are required and the cost is $150 per couple or $75 per person. You can make your reservation by emailing stacey@bisteccasteakhouse.com or by calling 972-318-0515.

Salerno’s

If you want to enjoy New Year’s Eve at one of Flower Mound’s original restaurants, head over to Salerno’s to take part in their annual New Year’s Eve Dinner. You’ll start out with a delicious three-course meal including dishes like Salerno’s classic She-Crab Soup, Tenderloin topped with Crabmeat, Veal Ossobucco and a special New Year’s Eve dessert. After all that incredible food, the DJ and dancing will begin at 9:30 and you’ll also receive a complimentary glass of Chandon Brut at midnight! The cost is $44.99 per person and you can make reservations by calling 972-539-9534.

Bocelli’s

Some of you may want to spend the holiday at home, and if you do, there are also great catering opportunities you can take advantage of like Bocelli’s Italian Bistro! They have a great catering menu where you have the option to cater by person or by item. Your New Year’s Eve guests will love coming to your party with warm and comforting dishes like Bruschetta, Chicken Parmigiano and Penne Chicken! Throw in some mini cannolis and cream puffs and you may have a hard time getting your guests to leave at the end of the night! To coordinate your party menu, just call them at 972-539-2951.

Yellow Rose Steak and Chop House

Just in case there weren’t enough incredible multi-course dinner options for you on New Year’s Eve, Yellow Rose Steak and Chop House is also featuring a mouth-watering four-course dinner. It’s a set menu offering wonderful choices like Char-Grilled Halibut, Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Lamb Chops and Bread Pudding or Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake for dessert. The cost for the meal is $69 per person, but if you make your reservation for 6:30pm or earlier you get a $10 discount!

Savory Bistro

If you’re going to spend New Year’s Eve in and around Argyle, we DEFINITELY recommend you head to Savory Bistro for their New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu including dishes like Duck Confit Spring Rolls, Ribeye Filet, Butter Poached Lobster Tail and a Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Chocolate Praline. Call them at 940-584-0255 to make your reservation! The cost is $80 per person for the tasting menu, with optional wine pairings and other beverages available separately.

Prime Farm to Table

After your late-night antics on New Year’s Eve, you’ll probably be in the mood for a delicious brunch on Thursday. So, we encourage you to head over to Prime Farm to Table, one of Flower Mound’s newer restaurants, for a fun and festive brunch on New Year’s Day. Make your reservations quickly before they fill up! Prime will also be open for regular lunch and dinner business hours on New Year’s Eve so you can take advantage of their delicious menu then as well!

Jay Marks writes the Foodie Friday each week. You can read his blog at http://iamjaymarks.wordpress.com

The post Foodie Friday: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in (Foodie) Style appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Shoppers are liking the fast-casual dining experience and the increasing trend of telling consumers from where their food is originating. In addition, retailers will likely be using more mobile technology and e-commerce in the coming year to hone in on customer shopping habits and offer more conveniences.

Dining chains like Baja Fresh, Chipotle, Panera Bread and Qdoba have provided landlords a way to spice up their properties over the past few years, according to reports from the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Sales in the fast-casual food industry hit roughly $35 billion in 2013, an increase of 11 percent over 2012, according to research firm Technomic. And preliminary data shows another estimated 10 percent growth spurt in 2014, officials say.

Will fast-casual dining’s growth continue in 2015?

“We absolutely think it will continue,” said Mary Chapman, senior director of product innovation, in a news release.

In addition to continuing sales growth, innovation is taking hold in the industry with such trends as made-to-order meals from restaurants. And locally, in Flower Mound and Highland Village, the trend has been toward farm-to-table dining with such chains as Modmarket and Prime Farm to Table, among others.

“People really dig the story behind what they are eating,” Chapman said in the news release. “Chipotle gets a lot of credit, for example, for its ‘Food with Integrity’ menu. They do a good job of telling the story of where the food came from and how it is grown sustainably or raised humanely.”

The use of social media has also proven to be beneficial in the restaurant business, officials say, showing the continued move to using technology to reach customers. Pinterest has also picked up in the retail world as more stores call attention to items emerging as Pinterest favorites.

The growth of mobile technology and e-commerce will continue in 2015, according to analysts and researchers.

In a November report, eMarketer projected the number of Internet users worldwide would surpass 3 billion in 2015 with nearly half of the world’s population accessing the Internet at least once per month.

For retailers, the rise of mobile technology also likely will increase opportunities to use customer data in ways to imnprove overall performance, officials say. 

“Stores and malls that have Wi-Fi can use this technology to track traffic patterns, dwell times, repeat visits and more by triangulating people’s locations using the signals generated by their cellphones,” said Steven Keith Platt, director of Platt Retail Institute in Chicago. “It is a huge area right now.”

“The most popular analytic would be sales conversion: whether you are turning those shoppers into buyers,” Platt said. “If that isn’t happening, it could be for a myriad of reasons — everything from inadequate staffing on the floor to too many out-of-stocks to not setting up signage in the appropriate place. This technology clues you in to the problem.”

Other retail trends for 2015 will include growth in the same-day delivery phenomena, tracking technology, increasing use of mobile payment technology, curbside pickup and delivering information to consumers based on locations, shopping trends and more, according to the National Retail Federation.

The post What to expect in retail trends for 2015 appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

In addition to their responsibility of fire suppression and prevention, the Flower Mound Fire Department has operated an ambulance service since 1987.

As of mid-December, three ambulances are in service at all times, with one older rig on reserve which is often used for medical standby at events or when the other three medics are in use.

At a recent Town Council meeting, funding was approved to purchase a new, updated ambulance that will allow the department to use one of the three current rigs as a standby unit.

The typical life of an ambulance is around five years, but as technology changes and new, lifesaving equipment becomes available, it’s important to stay ahead of the game, officials said.

The new ambulance will be in service by August 2015.

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