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Easter Services (2008): First Baptist McKinney

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 05:16:00 GMT

McKinney's economy seems to be thriving

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:43:00 GMT

Brandi Hart, from the McKinney Courier-Gazette, writes:

"McKinney seems to be weathering the downturn in the national economy as residential and commercial development continues to thrive throughout the city. The city s employment rate was below the state unemployment rate last month.

The city s unemployment rate in January was 4.1 percent, which is higher than the Collin County unemployment rate of 3.9 percent last month, but higher than the state 4.5 percent unemployment rate, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. McKinney has maintained an unemployment average of 4 percent since 2005, and had an 8 percent unemployment rate in 2004."

Great news for McKinney! Read the full article here

McKinney Trade Days this weekend - 1/18/08 through 1/20/08

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:17:00 GMT

HOURS: 8AM to 5PM

ADMISSION: FREE

PARKING: $3

Click Here for Directions

Third Monday Trade Days in McKinney, Texas is the oldest and largest monthly trade days/flea market in North Texas. Located in a historic area of Collin County amid trees and a creek, TMTD is less than an hour’s drive from Dallas and Fort Worth.

Over 400 vendors offer almost anything you can imagine—unique gifts, delightful home décor, trendy clothing and accessories, sporting goods, antiques and collectibles, landscaping materials, tools, and small animals along with many specialty “state fair” type food concessions.

Shoppers will find plenty of all-weather parking, clean restrooms, two ATMs, an air conditioned and heated Mall building, mobility cart rental, wagon and stroller rental, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Third Monday is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the third Monday of each month. Admission is free and parking is only $3.00.

Christmas Eve Services: First Baptist McKinney

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:21:32 GMT

Click Here For Directions

Slight Change On Site

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:10:19 GMT

UH-OH!

Looks like the city of McKinney didn't like our old banner. So, we tossed together a quick replacement for the time being, which might turn out to be permanent :)

If anybody reading this is proficient at logo designs, we need a new McKinney Texas logo for the banner.

Thanks!

"Good afternoon,

My name is Kelly Ferneding and I am Marketing Coordinator for the City of McKinney. Your blog was brought to our attention a few weeks ago, and first off, I'd like to thank you for your interest in the City's official news and programming.

However, I would like to request that you remove the McKinney logo and "Mr. McKinney Would Love What We've Done With His Town..." tag line from your site. While we greatly appreciate your pride in the community and our message, this tag line and logo are strictly identified with official City of McKinney communications, advertising, etc. In addition, the City has obtained a copyright for the use of the McKinney logo.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions/concerns/comments. My email address is kferneding@mckinneytexas.org and you can reach my direct phone line at 972-547-7381.

Again, thank you for your interest in all things McKinney.

Kind regards,
Kelly

Kelly Ferneding
Marketing Coordinator
City of McKinney"

Recording Artist Jennifer Grassman Tours Historic Texas to Promote New Christmas Album

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:16:31 GMT

The album, entitled Keep Silent, is a collection of traditional Christmas carols dating back to the 5th century, and arranged in Grassman’s gothic/classical style. To promote her upcoming release, Grassman will be touring many historic Churches and buildings in cities across the state of Texas.

“I wanted to perform at venues that would create a powerful atmosphere in which to showcase these ancient carols,” said Grassman. “The Churches became a dream come true. Not only are they architecturally, acoustically and historically impressive, but the congregations are so very excited to host my performances. I didn’t want these concerts to be the sort that parent’s felt like they needed to hire a babysitter in order to attend, or where people on fixed incomes would have to save up forty dollars to get a ticket. These concerts will be all inclusive and free of charge. This is going to be a Christmas tour in every sense of the phrase.”

Familiar tracks on the Keep Silent album include Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Carol of the Bells, Greensleeves, and O Holy Night. The total track count lists fourteen songs, including two of Grassman’s original composition, Can This Be So and John’s Song. The oldest of the songs was originally translated from Latin, and is part of The Liturgy of St. James. Keep Silent was recorded at Sugarhill Recording Studios in Houston, Texas and is produced by Dan Workman on TLM Productions independent record label.

Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. – Dallas

Landon Winery

101 N. Kentucky Street, McKinney, TX 75069

Additional dates and locations will be listed on www.JenniferGrassman.com and www.MySpace.com/JenniferGrassman as they are scheduled.

Drive Through Nativity in McKinney-

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:25:30 GMT

The Christmas Journey is a "drive-through Nativity" that depicts the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Visitors drive through the church parking lots where 15 scenes are acted out by about 400 cast members.

Click Here to see pictures from past Christmas Journey's

TIMES AND LOCATION:

FBC McKinney

1615 W. Louisiana St.

972.542.0041

Wednesday, December 5th - 6pm-9pm
Thursday, December 6th - 6pm-9pm
Friday, December 7th - 6pm-10pm
Saturday, December 8th - 6pm-10pm

If Driving - Please enter through Rockhill Road entrance by Children's Building. Line starts on Wilson Creek near McKinney High School

If Taking Hayride - Enter and park behind Family Sports Center. Enter off Graves St.

McKinney Adopts Smoking Ban

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:15:08 GMT

PLACES SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED

Smoking shall be prohibited in all enclosed public places and enclosed places of employment within the city, including, but not limited to, the following places:

1. Within any enclosed facility within all places of employment and/or within any enclosed area available to and customarily used by the general public in all businesses, including but not limited to, retail stores, offices, banks, laundromats, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, leasing centers, food establishments and restaurants, including private club restaurants, and country clubs, except where specifically provided for in Section 20-134.A, below;

2. Hotels and motels, except as provided for in Section 20-134.A.8, below;

3. Buses, bus terminals, taxicabs, airports and other facilities and means of public transit, as well as ticket, boarding, and waiting areas of public transit depots;

4. Movie theaters, drama and recital theaters, lecture halls, galleries, libraries, museums, conference centers, meeting rooms, and outdoor amphitheaters;

5. In or within 25 feet of sports stadiums, stadium seating, ticketing, queuing, and waiting areas, concession stands, and restrooms, whether public or private;

6. In public parks, including but not limited to public recreation fields, pools, children’s playground equipment, concession stands, and restrooms, except as provided for in Section 20-134.A.5, below;

7. Waiting rooms, hallways, wards, private and semiprivate rooms of physical and mental health facilities, including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, physical therapy facilities, doctors’ offices, and dentists’ offices;

8. Lobbies, hallways, and other common areas in apartment buildings, condominiums, trailer parks, retirement facilities, nursing homes, and other multiple-unit residential facilities;

9. Elevators;

10. Restrooms, lobbies, reception areas, hallways and any other common-use areas;

11. Service lines and waiting queues, whether indoor or outdoor;

12. Polling places;

13. Every room, chamber, place of meeting or public assembly, including school buildings under the control of any board, council, commission, committee, including joint committees, or agencies of the city or any political subdivision of the state during such time as a public meeting is in progress, to the extent such place is subject to the jurisdiction of the city; and

14. Within 25 feet of any door, operable window/vent or other opening to an indoor enclosed area.

Aug. 25 - Annual Killis Melton Homemade Ice Cream Crank-Off

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:19:50 GMT

McKINNEY, Texas (July 24, 2007) - Visitors in the mood for something cool and sweet should mark their calendars for a spoonful of fun in Historic Downtown McKinney at the 12th Annual Killis Melton Ice Cream Crank-Off presented by Clyde's on the Square and McKinney Main Street. The flavorful event is set for Aug. 25 and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"It's the perfect way and place to spend the day with family before the kids head back to school," said Main Street Program Director Ty Lake. "Historic Downtown McKinney lends itself to a day of ice cream sampling, shopping, dining and good times. The Ice Cream Crank-Off in one more example of what makes our wonderful community truly unique by nature."

The ice cream contest is open to the general public and pre-registration is not required. Contestants should arrive by 10 a.m. with an ice cream freezer (minimum of one gallon to enter the contest, more welcome) and pre-mixed ingredients (all dairy products must be pasteurized and no raw eggs may be used). Salt and Ice will be furnished by Clyde's on the Square.

"Ice Cream is an American pastime and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate summer than this," said Clyde Geer, owner of Clyde's on the Square. "Everyone has some sort of fond memory about making homemade ice cream. My family and I enjoy putting this together each year and our hope is that families throughout our community will continue to relive those special moments and cherish time spent with one another in Historic Downtown McKinney."

At 1 p.m. the public will begin taking part in sampling the various ice cream flavors. A minimum of $3 will be accepted in exchange for a sample cup to try the many flavors. All proceeds from the sampling will benefit the McKinney Education Foundation in memory of Leslie Geer.

Trophies will be awarded in nine categories: "Best Vanilla, "Best Chocolate", "Best Fruit or Nut" "Best Gourmet", Best You Made What", "Best Community Partner Flavor", "Best Commercial", Tasters Choice" and "Overall Presentation".

In addition to the ice cream sampling, visitors can enjoy Historic Downtown McKinney's many charms by strolling through the area's specialty shops, art galleries, furniture stores, antique collections, gift shops, apparel boutiques and more than a dozen restaurants.

Lake said that entertainment during the event will include stilt walkers, clowns, jugglers, face painters and "plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy." Live musical performances will be featured throughout downtown.

"You shouldn't miss Doc n' Clyde's, a museum located at Clyde's on the Square that features more than 300 antique ice cream freezers and ice cream memorabilia," Lake said.

For More Information, Please Call:
Steve Hill
Communications and Media Manager
shill@mckinneytexas.org
972-547-7525

McKinney Capital Improvements Program 2008-2012

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:20:09 GMT

McKinney, TX City Council Presentation on the Capital Improvement Program.

CIP Project Categories

Funding Sources

Here is the link to the full power point presentation: CIP PowerPoint Presentation

For more detailed breakdown on where this money is slated, check out the spreadsheet here: CIP Spreadsheet

No Breastfeeding allowed in Collin County Courthouse

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:08:35 GMT

At least that is what Collin County Courthouse employees think!

Elydia Arthur said she was humiliated when two female employees called security and began shouting at her to leave.

It was Thursday, and the mother of three was at the Collin County Courts and Probation building in McKinney with her 10-day-old son, Noah.

Arthur said she received permission to go into an office to nurse the baby. Minutes later, the two women employees confronted her.

"They were like standing in the doorway and they told me I needed to go to the bathroom to feed my baby," Arthur said. "They said, 'You know what? If you don't get up, we'll call security.'"

It amazes me when stuff like this happens, and by two women employees! I hope this incident encourages some education in the community, or at the very least at our COURT HOUSE. Breastfeeding is natural and perfectly acceptable.

If this happened to my wife, I can't imagine the outrage I would feel. Luckily for those involved, Elynda Arthur says she'll settle for an apology. I can only hope that La Leche catches wind of this and makes an example out of it.

full story

Like John Denver? Catch the tribute concert this weekend in McKinney!

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:13:02 GMT

McKinney Performing Arts Center is hosting a John Denver tribute this Saturday (July 28th, 2007).

Rocky Mountain High
A Musical Tribute to John Denver
Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 8:00 PM
McKinney Performing Arts Center
at the Historic Collin County Courthouse
111 N. Tennessee
McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: (214) 544-4630
Website: www.mckinneyperformingartscenter.org
E-Mail: info@mckinneyperformingartscenter.org
Map & Directions

[youtube aWU8XWksg_0]

Find the Cheapest Gas in McKinney

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:18:08 GMT

This might be old news, but I just stumbled on a site that reports gas prices based off of user input and luckily for us, there is a McKinney section. There are listings for Regular, Midgrade, Premium and Diesel.

It looks like the gas stations out on Hwy 5 @ Eldorado are almost 20 cents cheaper per gallon than the stations near my house! (Eldorado @ Lake Forest area).

Here is an example of the information provided on DallasGasPrices.com :

Lowest Regular Gas Prices in the Last 24 Hours
Regular Gas	Midgrade	Premium	Diesel Fuel

Station	Area	Time	Thanks
RaceTrac	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Hwy 5 & Eldorado	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
QuikTrip	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Hwy 5 & Eldorado	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Albertsons	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Medical Center Dr	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Shell	McKinney	Wed 8:46 AM	Stargazer_1
Hwy 5 & Industrial	McKinney	Wed 8:46 AM	Stargazer_1
Murphy USA	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
US 380 & Custer	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Valero	McKinney	Tue 11:59 AM	n5vkm
Lake Forest Pkwy & US 380 West	McKinney	Tue 11:59 AM	n5vkm
Tom Thumb	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Hardin	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Conoco	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Ridge	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
7-Eleven	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Hardin	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Valero	McKinney	Tue 12:00 PM	n5vkm
US 75 & White Ave	McKinney	Tue 12:00 PM	n5vkm
Chevron	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Lake Forest	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Shell	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Lake Forest	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71

No Auto Parts on the West side of McKinney

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:56:53 GMT

I have been a resident of McKinney, Tx for 4 years and in that time, I have had a need for a few auto parts here and there.

Now, I don't do any major auto repair in my driveway or anything. But, if I happen to need a new [insert minor auto part here] for my vehicle, and it isn't a wiper blade or an air filter, I have to drive all the way across town to get to an Auto Zone, O'Reilly's, or the like.

It makes me wonder...is this by design or what?

At one time, I started looking in to what franchise scenario's might be available. I just can't imagine that an auto parts business somewhere along Eldorado wouldn't thrive. What I found was that, of the franchiseable stores, the rights for the city are held by the first franchisee. And apparently those owners aren't interested in expanding their business (I guess?).

Why don't we have any parts stores on the West side of McKinney?

McKinney, Tx Web Development: World Wild Web Systems, Inc

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:37:27 GMT

World Wild Web Systems, Inc is an online application and web development company passionate about developing websites and online applications that are clean, scalable, powerful and effective.

Some of the great services World Wild Web Systems offers: Complete Website design / re-design, E-commerce / shopping carts, Search Engine Positioning as well as Consulting on your own application.

The great guys at WWW are actually the creators of this great free web site/blogging network www.InstantSpot.com.

More Arrests in the 2004 Quadruple Murder

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:28:57 GMT

McKinney residents may remember the quadruple slayings of Rosa Barbosa, 46; her nephew, Mark Barbosa, 25; and his friends, Austin York, 18; and Matthew Self, 17, inside the Barbosa home back in 2004.

Good news for those still seeking justice!

McKinney PD plans to file murder charges following the arrest of three men last Friday. Raul Cortez, Javier Cortez, and Eddie Williams. Eddie Williams, of McKinney, is the only one McKinney is planning on filing murder charges against at this time.

"We're confident now that this will go to trial and they will be indicted and there are additional charges to come with Javier Cortez," Capt. Roland said. "It would be our hope that we can get enough evidence, have enough evidence to convince a grand jury that he was an integral part of this besides just buying the weapon."


Raul Cortez	Javier Cortez	Eddie Williams

McKinney City Council 07/17/07 - New Water Ordinance Proposed

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:56:15 GMT

PURPOSE OF AMENDMENTS

Lawn and landscape irrigation practices within the city, especially during the summer months, can cause a waste of valuable water resources. The purpose of this landscape water management regulation is to provide a consistent mechanism for preventing the waste and unnecessary use of water resources supplied by the City of McKinney.

CURRENT REGULATION

No watering 10 AM to 6 PM June 1st through September 30th
Unlimited number of days to water
No water overflowing onto streets
No "Smart" water controls required
Fines up to $2,000 per violation

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

No watering 10 AM to 6 PM May 1st through September 30th
Twice per week watering (On trash day and three days after)
No water overflowing onto streets more than 10ft from property
Requires all new irrigation systems to be equipped with ET weather based smart controllers
Fines up to $500 for 1st violation, up to $2,000 for repeat offenders

First Watering Day: Normal Residential Trash Zone Day	Second Watering Day: Three Days Later
Monday	Thursday
Tuesday	Friday
Wednesday	Saturday
Thursday	Sunday
Friday	Monday

Coffee Shops in McKinney, TX

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:28:55 GMT

We all know that AnyCity, USA is going to tout at least a few Starbucks locations and McKinney is no exception to that rule. Here are a few alternative coffee shops we have here in McKinney.

Back Stage Coffee Co.

Back Stage Coffee is located on the square in McKinney - about a block from the McKinney Public Library.
Hours:

Monday - Thursday 7am – 5pm
Friday - 7am – 10pm
Saturday - 8am – 10pm

Website: http://www.backstagecoffee.com/
Address: 103 East Virginia St. Suite 109
Number: 972-562-6620

Kalare Coffee Company

Address: 407 East Louisiana Street
Number: (972) 547-0667

Bill Smith’s Café

While not strictly a coffee shop, Bill Smith’s Café is a McKinney landmark. “There is no better place for quite a ways, especially if one considers the atmosphere as well as service and food. Its an old-time town cafe and there aren't that many of those around anymore. Plus my little boy absolutely LOVES the place.”
Address: 1500 W. University Drive
Number: (972) 542-5331

Planning And Zoning Committee Items (Highlights) - July 10, 2007

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:18:23 GMT

K. Hovnanian Homes requesting approval to rezone 129.22 acres from "AG" (Agricultural District) to "PD" (Planned Development District). K. Hovnanian Homes hopes to develop Single-Family Residential homes. Location: 1,600 ft north of Virginia Pkwy and along the East and West side of Future Ridge Rd.
Mac 3M Mac, LLC requesting approval to rezone .25 acres to allow for office uses. Location: Northeast corner of First Ave and McBee St.
The Blue Print, on behalf of Paul Sturkie, requesting approval of a site plan for a 4,087 sq ft apartment building (Kentucky Street Apartments). Location: Northeast corner of Church St and Erwin Ave.
Alice's Tea Shoppe requesting approval of a request to rezone .17 acres to "PD", generally for commercial uses. Location: North side of Louisiana St and approx. 186 ft East of Highway 5 (McDonald St).
DR Horton-Texas, Ltd. requesting approval to rezone 3.90 acres to "PD". Location: 900 ft South of McKinney Ranch Pkwy and approx. 800 ft East of Ridge Rd.
Russel and Chris Davies, on behalf of Geneva Pettway, requesting approval to rezone .20 acres to be used for parking. Location: Northeast corner of Tennessee St and Short St.

Poor Scoring Restaurants in McKinney, TX - July 5, 2007

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:58:01 GMT

McKinney scores its restaurants on a regular basis and reports the findings. A score of 0-30 is passing, anything over 30 is a FAIL. So, while many restaurants pass, they may not be passing by much!

Here is a list of the failing, and borderline, 20 points or higher, businesses (as of 07/05/07):

22pts - ALBERTSON'S GROCERY #4296 (6800 W. Virginia Pkwy)
26pts - BIG TONY'S PIZZA AND SPORTS (1705 W. University)
38pts - CHOPSTICKS (1717 W. University)
23pts - DODIE'S CAJUN CAFE (3190 N. Central Expy)
21pts - EL POLLO ALEGRA (2011 N Tennessee St)
26pts - GOLDEN CORRAL (475 S. Central Expy)
29pts - HANK'S TEXAS GRILL (1310 N. Central Expy)
25pts - JALAPENO TREE (2020 N. Central Expy)
32pts - LA INDEPENDENCIA (821 McDonald)
25pts - LA SALVADORENA (1103 S. McDonald Street)
20pts - LONG JOHN SILVERS (1708 W. University Drive)
29pts - MARRY'S BISTRO (6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
21pts - MISD/ WILMETH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (901 Lacima Dr)
25pts - MR. GATTIS PIZZA (2107 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
31pts - RICE LOVERS (2960 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
22pts - ROSATI'S PIZZA (5261 McKinney Ranch Pkwy)
20pts - SALTGRASS STEAKHOUSE (2801 Craig Drive)
24pts - SHOGUN HABACHI GRILL (1230 N. Central Expy)
20pts - SHOP N GO #6 (101 Industrial Blvd)
26pts - SUPER LA INDEPENDENCIA (821 N. McDonald Street0
20pts - TACO CABANA (2005 W. University Drive)
23pts - THE LONDONER (100 N. Tennessee)