FARMERS BRANCH ~ The four municipalities that partnered for one of the most innovative, joint public safety dispatch centers in the nation, have received the North Central Texas Council of Governments' William J. Pitstick Regional Excellence Award in part for their work that became the North Texas Emergency

	Farmers Branch Police Department Deputy Chief David Hale (left) and Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Thomson accepted the Regional Excellence Award on behalf of the City of Farmers Branch.

Communications Center (NTECC).
   Representatives of the Cities of Farmers Branch, Addison, Carrollton and Coppell were all on hand to accept the award at the NCTCOG General Assembly meeting on Friday in Hurst. The award recognizes entities that refuse to let jurisdictional boundaries of local governments become barriers to the solutions of community issues.
   "This area of the Metroplex is becoming quite well-known for advancing the cause of regional cooperation to never-before-seen lengths," said Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller. "The fact that these four cities can work together so flawlessly is not only a benefit to the citizens of Farmers Branch, but a tribute to local leadership that can rise up to see the big picture." 

   Residents of these four cities are receiving direct benefit from the use of regional resources in solving multi-jurisdictional problems to establish higher levels of safety and well-being. Currently, the cities collaborate on the newly opened NTECC, a regional dispatch operations hub, the Regional Critical Incident Response Team, NORTEX Regional SWAT Team, the Regional Crash Investigation Team, as well as the soon-to-be-erected joint fire training facility which will begin operation this winter. 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The City Council-appointed Citizen Bond Committee is inviting the public to attend one of, if not both, "Listening Meetings" on potential bond issues, set for Tuesday, July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Center or at 7 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center.

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   The Committee is asking for the public's help in deciding on potential bond issues for a 2017 ballot by offering suggestions for bond projects through June 30 and by attending the Listening Meetings on July 19.

   Requesting feedback on potential bond ideas, the Citizen Bond Committee is posing a single question - What can Farmers Branch do for you and your family to help make Farmers Branch an even better place to live, work and play?

   The committee is asking residents to answer the question via several response options:

• Log on at farmersbranchtx.gov/bond to fill out a returnable form
• Mail ideas to or stop by City Hall at 13000 William Dodson Parkway, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
• Call 972.919.1410 and leave a message

   The Citizen Bond Committee requests that residents please submit their ideas by Thursday, June 30.

   By popular demand, Uncle Willie's Pie Eating Contest will return. There will be two rounds for adults and one for children, top three places of each round will be awarded prizes.

   The traditional, low-level fireworks show will conclude the evening after dark. 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ "Red, White and Broadway" is the title of a patriotic musical celebration to be staged by The Firehouse Theatre with performances at 7:30 p.m. on June 30 and July 1 & 2.

   Later in the month, the theatre will host the regional premiere of "Billy Elliot: The Musical" on select nights July 28 through August 14.

   The Firehouse Theatre is located at 2535 Valley View Lane. For tickets or more information, visit thefirehousetheatre.com or call 972.620.3747.