Someone once said "whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting." 

   During the last few years, I have learned there is a lot of truth to that statement. At least, the latter part of it. 

  We have been involved in a discussion with the Town of Addison concerning their water permit for the Vitriuvian development for several years. This long, drawn-out dialogue came to the point that we could not reach agreement concerning what their permit says and how they were supposed to be managing the creek water. 

   Once we came to an impasse the best way to resolve the issue was to ask the state regulatory agency (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) to intervene. Therefore, a complaint was submitted by the City of Farmers Branch and citizens along Farmers Branch Creek to bring resolve to the issue once and for all. 

   Basically, we are seeking to assure proper water flow, downstream, in Farmers Branch Creek.

   Sounds like a reasonable request that could be handled quickly and easily, right? 

   Not so much. 

   The City, and property owners along the creek, have had to spend around $250,000 on lawyers, consultants and experts to prove our point. That doesn't even take into account the tireless hours spent by City staff, creek property owners and organizers Todd Womble, John Brownlee and Mike Bomgardner. We even had to call for assistance from State Representatives Rafael Anchia and Bennett Ratliff (and their staffs) to help us through the complicated process. 

   This concerted and coordinated effort by all involved has put us in a great position for positive results. The good news is that the TCEQ is going to render their decision on the issue later this month. We are optimistic that the state will issue an order that will require compliance with the water permit, assure future compliance and bring the condition of Farmers Branch Creek back to its naturally flowing state. 

   Having this issue resolved will be very positive for the community, will end a multi-year dispute and open the flood gates to address other longstanding storm water issues such as dredging Winn and Mallon Parks.

   It will be great to stop fighting and to start working positively on other important water issues.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing elderly man who hasn't been seen since mid-afternoon. 

   Police said Clarence Avery, 85, left his residence in the 2900 block of Selma Lane at about 3:50 p.m. Wednesday. He is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, weighing about 165 pounds. He has brown eyes and grey hair. 

   Mr. Avery was last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans, beige jacket, green Army hat and brown shoes. He is driving a white 2002 Toyota Camry with Texas license plate number LWF101. Mr. Avery has been diagnosed with dementia. 

   Anyone with information on the location of Mr. Avery or his vehicle should call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.484.3620. 

   

Irving earthquakes noted in Farmers Branch

FARMERS BRANCH ~ After the loud sound and the rattling blinds, some employees at City Hall thought a large truck had run into the building.

   That was 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday. 

   The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed shortly thereafter it was one of the strongest earthquakes in the area, measured at 3.5 on the Richter scale and epicentered near the old Texas Stadium site in Irving.

   Farmers Branch Emergency Management Coordinator, Fire Chief Steve Parker said some of the smaller quakes of recent months haven't been strong enough to be noticed in Farmers Branch.

   "This one was felt," he said.

   About three and a half hours later, just before 7 p.m., a 3.6 magnitude temblor shook the building again.

   Police Chief Sid Fuller said their Communications Center was inundated with calls after the first quake but cautioned citizens to keep 911 lines clear for emergencies.

   "Especially in this part of the country many of us have never felt anything like that before and it's a strange experience," Chief Fuller said. "There's a natural desire to either report it or call in to find out what's going on. But, we need to ask everyone to please only call 911 if they are in need of help."

   He added that the Police Department has not received any reports of injury or damage.

   According to the USGS web site, two more, sub-3.0 events happened shortly after 8 p.m. and a few additional ones overnight.

   In total, 11 earthquakes were recorded in the 24 hour period.

   Chief Parker said that although these quakes are considered minor, City officials will be speaking with seismologists to get a better picture of the seismic landscape and what might be expected in the future.

 "Earthquakes are unpredictable, especially in a historically earthquake-free area, so we want to be sure we're as much in the know as possible," he concluded.

   

Tour of Lights turns in record numbers for 2014

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The 2014 incarnation of the Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights was the most successful, to-date, according to statistics released by the Parks and Recreation Department.

   With a new route, a new synchronized light show and region-wide buzz, the 2014 Tour generated a total of 13,764 vehicles - up 51 percent over last year's 9,129. 

   Likewise, non-profit organizations who worked the light tour each night reported a cumulative donation total of $39,421 - a dramatic increase of 69 percent over 2013. 

   

FARMERS BRANCH ~ A significantly larger than life sculpture of a Monarch butterfly now graces the Butterfly Garden in the Farmers Branch Historical Park, thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor.

   Created by Idaho artist Thomas Brunner, the sculpture is intended to inspire a sense of whimsical fun for visitors as it welcomes them to the garden located on the north side of Farmers Branch Lane, across from the Historical Park's parking lot.   

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ In partnership with the Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc. the Farmers Branch Manske Library will resume citizenship classes January 21.
   Classes to prepare for the United States citizenship test will be free, but seating is limited. Students must register before January 21, by calling Rigo Aguilar at 214.553.9909, ext. 144.
   For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.

 

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Trying to foster childhood literacy by the time kids start school, the "1,000 Books before Kindergarten" program encourages parents and caregivers to read many, many books with their child by the time he or she starts kindergarten.
   While this is an ongoing program open to children who have not yet reached kindergarten, there will be a kickoff party for 2015 on Thursday, January 8 at 10:15 a.m. in the children's area of the Library.
   For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511, or visit the Youth Services Desk.

 

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Embracing lifestyles of classic, but bygone, decades is the focus of the second annual North Texas Vintage Life Expo: Celebrating the 20s, 30s and 40s Today, set for Saturday, January 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
   Presented by The North Texas Dieselpunks, the event will include music, games and other vintage-themed groups and artists to inspire incorporation of the style and spirt of the era into modern living.
   The Expo is planned from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511 or visit ntvintagelifeexpo.com.

 

Anyone looking for the perfect, early Valentine's Day gift can look no farther than the Community Recreation Center, where new "Love the Branch" t-shirts are available for sale in different colors. Now available in blue, purple, green and the traditional red, the shirts are all short-sleeved and cost $10 each (including tax). For more information, call 972.247.4607.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Residents will soon receive their annual supply of 84 paper trash sacks as the annual delivery process has begun.

   Farmers Branch Public Works officials said crews began delivering the bundles of the 23-gallon sacks on Monday and will continue during the next two weeks, weather permitting, until all neighborhoods have been covered.

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Police Chief Sid Fuller will preside over a promotion ceremony Friday for three veteran members of the department moving up in rank.

   Set for 2 p.m. in the Municipal Courtroom at the Farmers Branch Justice Center, the ceremony will elevate Erik Stokes to the rank of Lieutenant, Terry Eoff to Sergeant and Matt McCain to Corporal.

   The public is invited to attend.

 

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Mayor Bob Phelps will hold his "Tell it to the Mayor" sessions on January 14 & 28, 3 to 6 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.

   Anyone can come by to speak to the Mayor for any reason, without an appointment.

   Mayor Phelps regularly holds these open office hour sessions on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Call 972.919.2515 for more information.