Temperatures in the teens in Texas may be gone for now, but it is Texas and weather is always unpredictable. While you are winterizing your house, your car, and yourself, the staff at the Burleson Animal Shelter says don't forget about your pets. If your pet's coat gets wet, the fur loses some of its insulation. It doesn't take long for snow or ice to freeze on the pads of your dog or cat's feet. During the holidays, keep your pets away from poinsettias and other potentially toxic plants, chocolate, holly berries, leaves, and tinsel. Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has eaten something dangerous. Read the news release for more.

If you live inside the city limits of Burleson, it's easy to recycle your Christmas tree when it begins dropping needles. The City's compost/mulch/recycling center is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. The center will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 1, but will be open Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28-29. The center is located at 620 Memorial Plaza, behind Fire Station #2. You have to be a resident of the city of Burleson to use the City's center. If you don't want to recycle your holiday tree, set it at the curb along with your regular trash. There will be no trash or curbside recycling collection Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Dried-out trees should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.

The City of Burleson is hosting the second Connect with Council on Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Senior Activity Center, 216 S.W. Johnson Ave. Councilmembers Rick Green (Place 2) and Dan McClendon (Place 5) will field questions and talk about their top priorities. Call 817-426-9681 for more information.

Sandy Bradley, the purchasing manager for the City of Burleson, was recently named as the president of the Texas Public Purchasing Association for the 2013 term. She is a certified public purchasing officer. In 2006, Bradley served as an advisor for the Foundation Committee to establish the statewide Texas Public Purchasing Association. TxPPA was established in 2007 to serve public purchasing professionals across the State of Texas. Bradley is one of more than half a dozen City employees elected to top leadership positions in regional, state or national associations related to their work with the City. Read More

Are you looking for gifts that will make the receiver smarter, pampered, or loved unconditionally? Then the City of Burleson has some great ideas for you. The Burleson Recreation Center (BRiCk) is offering the New Year's Resolution 3-month membership special as well as specials on one-hour Swedish massages. The Burleson Animal Shelter is offering gift certificates, good for six months, for the adoption of a pet and the Burleson Public Library has a plethora of ideas for you from free library cards to a book about the history of Burleson. Read the news release.

The Tarrant County Commissioners and the Johnson County Commissioners have approved bans on outdoor burning. Tarrant County's ban was enacted Dec. 4 and is good for 90 days.Johnson County's ban was enacted Dec. 10 and will be place until March 9. The burn bans in Tarrant and Johnson counties only apply to the unincorporated areas of the counties. The City of Burleson fire code prohibits outdoor burning in the city limits at any time of the year. However, a City homeowner can have a recreational fire as long as it is one of the burn-type pits (with a grate cover that can be put over it) that can be purchased at Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.