FARMERS BRANCH ~ The left lane of north and southbound I-35E will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. through 6 a.m., between Valley View Lane and Valwood Parkway, through July 25, according to officials with the 35Express construction group.

   Also, due to unusual mid-summer rain events, officials with the 35Express group have again extended nighttime closures of Valley View Lane under Interstate 35E now until Monday, July 21.

  Construction crews close the intersection to affect work on the overhead bridge and support during the nighttime hours of 9 p.m. through 6 a.m.

   All closures are subject to weather conditions and may be postponed if necessary.

   More info at www.35express.org or call 214.483.7777.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Actually invented 50 years ago, and named after either a dog or a rowing boat, and not a gherkin, Pickleball is now one of the fastest growing sports in the United States.

Using a paddle and a whiffle ball, the game of Pickleball is gaining traction in the U.S.

   Described as a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, the name supposedly is attributed to the inventor's dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball during the game, or from a rowing boat shaped like a pickle that requires teamwork. Either way, the team sport has found a home in Farmers Branch with frequent play at the Community Recreation Center and, now, with two courts installed at the Gussie Field Watterworth Park tennis courts.

   "I find the dog story more romantic and believable," says John Gaylord, who plays Pickleball ever week. "You are welcome to believe whichever story you choose but once you step onto a pickleball court, you will be caught up in a fast and exciting game that will give you a good workout, promote teamwork and leave you eager for the next game."

   Pickleball is played much like tennis doubles but on a smaller court. Players can be either male or female or a combination. Local organizers say all ages are drawn to the sport, but it seems to be a big draw.

   Paddles are used in place of rackets and the ball resembles a "whiffle" ball. Scoring only happens when the server wins the point. First team to 11 points wins the game.

   The Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department has provided two Pickleball courts for play, laid over regulation tennis courts at Gussie Field Watterworth Park (the courts can be used for either Pickleball or tennis). If the weather is not agreeable, a local Pickleball group schedules times to play at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center. For more information on days and times when equipment and courts are available for play, call 972.243.6993.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Ironclad Performance Wear Corporation has announced that their corporate headquarters will relocate from El Segundo, California to Farmers Branch, Texas later this summer. 

   Built on specially designing gloves for particular types of work or activity, Ironclad Performance Wear Corporation will be moving into a 13,000-square foot space in the 1900 block of Hutton Court.  Six employees will come from California with about 20 more from the local area.

   "Ironclad is excited about our move to Farmers Branch and Texas," said President and CEO Jeff Cordes. "Many of us have personal roots in Texas and recognize the significant growth opportunity Texas offers today. Positioning our corporate headquarters in Farmers Branch and the north Texas region provides greater access to our expanding customer base and quality of life for our team members."

   "We couldn't be happier to welcome a company like Ironclad that exemplifies innovation in their industry," said Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer. "Locating here, in the heart of the Metroplex, sets the stage for future growth as they continue to expand."

   Ironclad Performance Wear Corporation will continue their distribution operations from their existing facility in Valencia, California. Their new corporate headquarters in Farmers Branch is expected to be open by September 1.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ With a nod to safe solar observation of the late day sun and sunset, in advance of celestial viewing, a Family Star Party has been planned for the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Friday, July 18, from 7 until 11 p.m. 

   Free and open to the public, the party begins with a bring-your-own-picnic dinner to accompany safe solar observation and a "How To" telescope clinic. Volunteers from the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas will be on hand.

   After sunset viewing at 8:15, the high-powered telescopes kick into gear for viewing of Saturn, Mars, summer constellations and more.

   For more information, call the Historical Park at 972.406.0184 or visit www.texasastro.org.

   The year-round, indoor section of the new complex is expected to be open next winter with the outdoor portion ready for the summer, 2015 swim season.

  In the meantime, Farmers Branch residents can still get season passes, at 2013 Farmers Branch prices, for the Carrollton Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatics Facility. Call 972.247.4607 for more information, or check out this video.