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Articles by Brooklynn Cooper
McKinney Education Foundation marks 30 years of growth
The McKinney Education Foundation was founded in 1991 to streamline the scholarship search process for McKinney ISD students, MEF Executive Director Ashley Sine said. Thirty years later, the organization has handed out almost $10 million in scholarships to MISD students, and its services have expanded with teacher grants and college advisors at MISD high school campuses, she said. “[The] MEF comes in to just enhance everything and allow innovative solutions to see if they work,” Sine said.
Learn more about McKinney's 3 local hospitals
See what services and specializations separate these three McKinney hospitals. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-McKinney Trauma level: II (pursuit status) NICU level: III Number of beds: 192 Total number of employees: 936 Total number of staff openings: 98 5252 W.
City Council greenlights design of two north Frisco parks
Design on two Frisco trails will begin soon after approval from City Council. The council approved professional agreements June 21 between the city and two architecture firms for the design of two recreational areas: Davis Park and Trail and Independence Trail. Studio TLA, an Ontario, Canada-based firm, will design Davis Park and Trail for $530,000, according to city documents. The park is located on Research Road next to Memorial High School.
Wilks Development receives final approval needed for north Frisco's Firefly Park
After more than five years of development plans and city meetings, Firefly Park is officially moving forward. Frisco City Council amended a zoning ordinance at its June 21 meeting that would allow the 230-acre mixed-use project at the southwest corner of US 380 and the Dallas North Tollway.
Here are the 6 newest restaurants coming to Frisco
Foodies can look forward to six new restaurants coming to Frisco. Birdcall Denver-based Chicken restaurant Birdcall is coming to Frisco at 5350 Preston Road. The company is opening in a space formerly occupied by Taco Cabana, which closed in January 2020, according to a previous Community Impact Newspaper report.
Dallas joins 16 U.S. cities to host 2026 FIFA World Cup
FIFA has chosen its host cities for the 2026 World Cup. Dallas was chosen to host matches following a concerted recruiting effort by the North Texas region. The Dallas Sports Commission along with players from the Dallas Cowboys and FC Dallas gathered at AT&T Discovery District in downtown Dallas ahead of the announcement. Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney and city leaders from Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington also attended.
Caffe Baonecci prepares to bring Italian food to Frisco
Italian restaurant Caffe Baonecci is planning to open on June 20 at 7151 Preston Road, Ste. 451D, Frisco. Menu items include pastas, salads, pizzas and traditional Italian desserts. The restaurant is accepting reservations via OpenTable and by phone. 469-473-4080. www.caffebaonecci.com
Summer concerts, Freedom Fest and more upcoming events in Frisco
Looking for something to do in Frisco? Check out one of these events! June 17 | Listen to live music Music lovers age 16 and up can head to City Hall for “Music in the Chamber,” a concert held on the third Friday of each month in the council chambers. The Stockton Helbing Quartet will perform jazz. 8 p.m. $10 (Frisco residents), $15 (nonresidents). 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco. 972-292-6652.
Bonchon sets June 20 opening date for Korean fried chicken restaurant
Korean fried chicken restaurant Bonchon is close to opening. The company announced its newest location will open June 20 in the Frisco Village Shopping Center, located at 4760 Preston Road, Ste. 228, Frisco. The first 100 people in line on opening day will receive a free, five-piece chicken meal and Bonchon’s signature “double-fried” T-shirt, according to a news release. Another grand opening celebration will include donating 15% of sales to Frisco Family Services for the week of June 27.
Children's Health set to open sports medicine clinic in Frisco
Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is opening a new clinic June 20 at 6950 Stadium Lane, Frisco. Like the Plano location, the Frisco clinic will offer treatment for sports injuries and musculoskeletal concerns related to bones, tissue and joints, including X-rays and ultrasounds. Physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers will specialize in pediatric care, but the clinic will also offer physical therapy for adults and Children’s Health employees.
Collin County jail campus expands to meet health needs
Collin County is making progress on a mental health and medical infirmary for inmates at the county jail. The facility, located on the Collin County campus at the corner of US 75 and Bloomdale Road in McKinney, is one of three county projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. That program provides federal funds meant for supporting public health and mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
Legacy Drive traffic switches, Panther Creek Parkway progress and more Frisco transportation updates
ONGOING PROJECTS Legacy Drive reconstruction Traffic is scheduled to switch to the new northbound lanes of Legacy Drive in early June. The goal of the project is to reconstruct Legacy’s existing lanes and widen the road from four to six lanes between SH 121 and Warren Parkway. The first phase of the project, which consists of paving the roads, is 95% complete, according to a May public works department report.
City seeks community feedback for two northwest Frisco parks
The city of Frisco will host an open house on June 9 to hear from residents about two parks that are under design in northwest Frisco. Frisco on the Green and Northwest Community Park are expected to begin construction in early 2023, said Conners Ladner, principal at Design Workshop, the projects’ lead landscape architect. Both parks are along Teel Parkway near the PGA of America headquarters.
City of Frisco, PGA of America to host town hall about new headquarters, first golf championship
The city of Frisco and the Professional Golfers Association of America are partnering on a town hall for community members to learn more about the PGA headquarters. The event will be held June 6 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers located at the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco. People can also tune in via livestream on the city's Facebook page or call 888-409-5380 to listen live.
Heady Investments breaks ground on multibillion dollar mixed-use project in northwest Frisco
Workers broke ground on a $2.5 billion mixed-use development in northwest Frisco on May 31. The project, called The Railhead, sits on 80 acres off of Dallas North Tollway, bordered by Eldorado Parkway on the north and Main Street on the south. It will include office buildings, retail, restaurants, hotels and apartments, according to an email from Heady Investments. Heady Investments is partnering with landowner Jim Newman, a fifth-generation Frisconian, on the project.
Live music, a Juneteenth celebration and more things to do in McKinney this month
From a margarita-making competition to outdoor concerts, McKinney has no shortage of things to do this month. June 2 | Listen to local artists Music lovers can head to Bonnie Wenk Park Amphitheater to enjoy a live performance from Danni & Kris, an acoustic pop group from Fort Worth. 7 p.m. Free. 2996 Virginia Parkway, McKinney. 972-547-7500 www.mckinneytexas.org June 4 | Become a better friend The Sheraton McKinney Hotel will host a friendship retreat created by nonprofit A Motivating Love.
Coworking space Serendipity Labs to host grand opening at McKinney's Hub 121
Coworking space Serendipity Labs to host grand opening at McKinney's Hub 121 All Serendipity Labs feature natural light with areas for teams to meet that meet health requirements. Pictured is Serendipity Labs Madison/Middleton, Wisconsin. The Serendipity Labs at McKinney-Craig Ranch meets these same brand standards. (Courtesy Serendipity Labs) All Serendipity Labs feature natural light with areas for teams to meet that meet health requirements.
Family-owned restaurant Indian Kitchen offers authentic flavors
Chanchal Dhillon did not always have the goal of owning a restaurant, but when her house guests tasted her cooking, they said, “You’ve got to do something about this.” That is what led to the opening of Indian Kitchen in April 2021, said Chanchal’s husband, Jagjit Dhillon, who manages the restaurant. The couple moved to McKinney in 2015 from New Jersey, where Chanchal had a catering business. Now that the Dhillons’ children are older, he said they have more time to dedicate to a restaurant.
Board Member Natalie Hebert requests recount for Frisco ISD Place 2 election
Frisco ISD has received a petition to recount votes for Place 2 on the board of trustees. Board Member Natalie Hebert submitted the written petition earlier this week, according to an email from Meghan Cone, the district’s assistant director of communications. Unofficial results from the Collin County Elections Department and the Denton County Elections Administration show Hebert lost the Place 2 election by 0.35%, or 53 votes, to real estate broker Marvin Lowe on May 7.
Frisco ISD, city performing arts center could cost at least double planned amount, presentation shows
Frisco’s performing arts center could end up costing more than double what the city originally planned, according to a May 9 presentation to the Frisco ISD board of trustees. Representatives from CBRE, the Dallas-based commercial real estate firm, and architecture firm Corgan presented survey findings that included cost estimates and a space analysis to the board.
Ruiz Foods to bring regional headquarters to Frisco's Hall Park
Ruiz Foods, a frozen Mexican food manufacturer, is opening a regional headquarters at Hall Park in Frisco. The company announced in a May 12 news release that its senior executive team will move to the new office within the next month. The move will place company executives closer to its product packaging plant, which is located about 60 miles north in Denison.
Frisco ISD opens registration for 2022-23 prekindergarten students
Parents of students who will turn 4 years old by Sept. 1 may explore eligibility for the district’s free, full-day prekindergarten program. Prekindergarten focuses on language development, social skills, and early literacy and math concepts, according to the district website. The program is offered at the FISD Early Childhood School and elementary campuses across the district. Transportation to and from school must be provided by parents or guardians.
Frisco ISD to upgrade secondary school gym floors this summer
Frisco ISD is spending approximately $214,700 this summer to upgrade several campuses throughout the district. The board of trustees approved work for flooring renovations at all secondary schools at its May 9 meeting. Ponder Company Inc., a sports flooring company with offices in Dallas, Amarillo and Englewood, Colorado, will screen and recoat all middle and high school gym floors.
UPDATED: Daniel Jaworski wins Highland Village mayoral election
Updated May 7 9:50 p.m. This post has been updated with unofficial results from the Denton County Elections Administration and comments from Daniel Jaworski. Daniel Jaworski won Highland Village's mayoral election, according to unofficial results from the Denton County Elections Administration. Jaworski, who holds Place 7 on City Council, won with 63.59% of the vote, or 1,205 votes. His opponent, Barbara Fleming, who holds Place 4 on City Council, had 36.41% of the vote, or 690 votes.
UPDATED: Stephanie Elad wins Frisco ISD board election for Place 3
Updated May 8 12:08 a.m. This post has been updated with unofficial results from the Denton County Elections Administration and Collin County Elections Department. Stephanie Elad, a senior human resources director, won Place 3 on Frisco ISD’s board of trustees, according to unofficial results from Collin and Denton counties. Elad won with 7,646 votes, or 51.42%, and Dustin Paschal followed with 6,452 votes, or 43.39%. Timothy Soto had 771 votes, or 5.19%.
UPDATED: Incumbent Gopal Ponangi wins Frisco ISD election for Place 1
Updated May 7 11:27 p.m. This post has been updated with unofficial results from the Denton County Elections Administration and Collin County Elections Department. Frisco ISD Board Member Gopal Ponangi will remain in Place 1 on Frisco ISD's board of trustees, according to unofficial results from Denton and Collin counties. Ponangi, who has served on the board since 2019, won with 51.26% of the vote, or 7,634 votes.
UPDATED: Shawn Nelson wins seat for Place 4 on Highland Village City Council
Updated May 7 10:15 p.m. This post has been updated with unofficial results from the Denton County Elections Administration. Shawn Nelson won Highland Village's election for Place 4 on City Council, according to results from the Denton County Elections Administration. Nelson, who works as a consulting senior manager, won with 1,041 votes, or 59.38%, followed by project manager Kevin Cox with 417 votes, or 23.79%. Ray David, a bank president, had 295 votes, or 16.83%.
Early voting results show Stephanie Elad leading for Place 3 on the Frisco ISD board of trustees
Stephanie Elad is in the lead for Place 3 of Frisco ISD’s board of trustees, according to early voting results from Collin and Denton counties. Stephanie Elad holds 4,944 votes, or 53.10%, and Dustin Paschal has accumulated 3,953 votes, or 42.46%. Timothy Soto follows with 414 votes, or 4.45%. The winner of this election will fill Board Member Chad Rudy’s seat. Rudy, who has served on the board since 2015, announced in November that he would not seek re-election.
Early voting results show Angela Dunford leading for Place 1 on Frisco ISD's board of trustees
In Frisco ISD, board members are elected to three-year terms and there are no runoff elections. (Courtesy Adobe Stock) Angela Dunford is in the lead for Place 1 on the Frisco ISD’s board of trustees, according to early voting results from Collin and Denton counties. Dunford holds a tight lead with 50.95% of the vote. Incumbent Gopal Ponangi, who has served on the board since 2019, accumulated 49.05%. Total ballots from May 7 have yet to be released.
Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes marks 15 years in McKinney, US locations
Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes is celebrating its 15th anniversary at all U.S. locations, including its restaurant at 3201 W. Eldorado Parkway, Ste. 300, McKinney. In celebration, the restaurant is offering 15% off orders for Mooyah loyalty members from May 15-19, according to a news release. Mooyah is known for its variety of burger options that cater to all dietary needs, including keto, paleo and vegan. The restaurant also serves hand-cut french fries and eight milkshake flavors.
Improv comedy, a lawn care workshop, live music and more things to do in Frisco in May and early June
Looking for something to do in Frisco? Check out one of these events! Now-May 15 | Go to the fair The Frisco Fair is back with a giant ferris wheel, roller coasters and more rides. Food lovers can enjoy Fletcher's Corny Dogs, the Taste of Frisco event and traditional fair food. The fair also features a market of vendors, Frisco Arts Foundation student art competition winners and Instagram photo spots. 4-10 p.m. (Mon.-Thu.), 1-11 p.m. (Sat.), 1-10 p.m. (Sun.). Free (admission). 9215 John W.
Clean Origin celebrates 1 year at Frisco's Stonebriar Centre
Clean Origin is celebrating its one-year anniversary at Stonebriar Centre mall, located at 2601 Preston Road, Ste. 1053, Frisco. Clean Origin is known for its environmentally friendly, lab-grown diamonds. The store sells rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Diamond shapes range from round, oval and cushion to princess, pear and marquise. The Frisco location has hundreds of diamonds and mountings to choose from, spokesperson Christina Shackett said in an email.
Hanson Capital Group to bring home rental community to east McKinney
Hanson Capital Group is bringing a home rental community to east McKinney. The real estate firm, which has offices in Arizona and California, is building the neighborhood on about 13 acres of land located on the southeast corner of Rockhill Road and North Brook Drive. Construction is underway on the community called Legacy at McKinney, which will have floor plans ranging from 800-1,600 square feet.
Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home sets new opening date for east McKinney community
Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home is scheduled to open by late May at 3149 Medical Center Drive, McKinney. The community, which will serve seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory impairments, was originally set to open in February, but the opening was delayed, Community Relations Director Megan Hester said. Amenities include open common areas, family-style dining with care partners and team members, private suites, a courtyard, a patio area and a walking path.
Disc golf grows in McKinney after course receives state, national recognition
Although it has been two years since Alex Clark Memorial Disc Golf Course earned state and national accolades, the sport is still popular in McKinney, Parks and Recreation Director Mike Kowski said. UDisc, the official app of the Professional Disc Golf Association, announced McKinney’s first disc golf course as the No. 1 disc golf course in Texas and No. 2 in the nation for most rounds played in 2020.
Morgan Properties purchases, renames McKinney townhome community
Parchaus at Skyline Drive, a home rental community located off of U.S. 380, has a new name. Morgan Properties announced it purchased the community at 1999 Skyline Drive, McKinney, in a May 2 news release. The multifamily property owner renamed the neighborhood Elevate at Skyline as part of its rebrand. The 136-unit community offers one-, two- and three-bedroom townhomes with private backyards, in-unit washer and dryers and smart thermostats.
Applications open for Frisco ISD's stakeholder committees
Frisco ISD is accepting applications from community members who would like to join the district’s committees. The district has nine committees: the Alumni Advisory Committee, the District Advisory Council, the District of Innovation Committee, the District Improvement Team, the Legislative Leadership Committee, the. Safety and Security Committee, the School Health Advisory Council, the Special Education Parent Committee and the Student Advisory Council.
McKinney Boyd High School to receive new sound system for auditorium
McKinney Boyd High School will invest in a new audio system for its auditorium this summer. The district’s board of trustees approved the purchase of the system at its April 26 meeting after a presentation from the facilities department that detailed issues with the auditorium. Since the auditorium’s opening in 2006, students and staff have reported poor acoustics, Chief Operations Officer Greg Suttle told the board.
Dodge City CDJR of McKinney plans expansion north of Rockhill Road
Dodge City CDJR of McKinney is expecting to break ground on its new facility May 3. The new building will be on the northwest corner of Rockhill Road and U.S. 75, just north of its current location at 700 S. Central Expressway, McKinney. The dealership, which sells and services Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, has “outgrown” its space after 17 years, said Augie Rodriguez, spokesperson for Dodge City of McKinney. 972-838-1658. www.chryslerjeepdodgecityofmckinney.com
McKinney ISD purchases 75 new school buses
McKinney ISD will buy 75 new school buses after approval from the board of trustees at its April 26 meeting. The district’s 2021 bond program allotted $12 million for the purchase of buses, according to meeting documents. MISD expects to buy buses in three separate transactions, the documents stated. The first purchase of 55 buses was approved at a March 22 meeting for about $7.3 million. The second purchase of buses costs a little more than $9 million, according to meeting documents.
Taco Bueno opens new McKinney location
Taco Bueno opened a new location April 25 at 6530 SH 121, McKinney. The restaurant offers tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, among other options. The Muchaco, a taco in a pita-like shell, is one of the restaurant’s most popular items, according to a news release. Taco Bueno owner Guillermo Perales said he expects 20 new locations to open within the next year.
McKinney wedding industry experiences ‘boom’ following pandemic lull
McKinney wedding planner Wendy Kidd walks with a client before her ceremony begins. (Courtesy Each & Every Detail) McKinney wedding planner Wendy Kidd walks with a client before her ceremony begins. (Courtesy Each & Every Detail) Although the city was unsuccessful in a 2019 attempt to earn a state designation as the Wedding Capital of North Texas, the wedding industry has continued to prosper, according to Visit McKinney, the city’s convention and visitors bureau.
There are several roadway projects under construction in McKinney. (Courtesy Fotolia) There are several roadway projects under construction in McKinney. (Courtesy Fotolia) Ongoing projects East Louisiana Street infrastructure improvements Reconstruction of East Louisiana Street, Greenville Street, Green Street and Andrews Street began in April. Improvements along East Louisiana street will be located between Hwy.
McKinney's Erwin Park expands with skills course for off-road bikes
The McKinney Parks and Recreation Department will unveil a new addition to Erwin Park on April 23. The Erwin Park Skills Area, a series of mountain biking trails designed for progressive skills development, is expected to draw cyclists from McKinney and beyond, said Rich Szecsy of the McKinney Parks Foundation. Erwin Park has had a hike and bike trail for more than 20 years. The skills area will bring designated lines organized by skill level for off-road bikers, Szecsy said.
Golf tournaments, a comedy show and more things to do in McKinney this spring
Rhymin’ N Stealin’ has performed in cities throughout the U.S. (Courtesy Rhymin’ N Stealin’) Rhymin’ N Stealin’ has performed in cities throughout the U.S. (Courtesy Rhymin’ N Stealin’) Looking for something to do in McKinney? Check out one of these events! Worth the trip: April 22 | Enjoy a rap show Beastie Boys tribute band Rhymin’ N Stealin’ will perform an energetic show of the rap group’s most popular tunes, per a release. 7 p.m. $5-$300. Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano. 972-846-4255.
Frisco ISD updates library website with book selection, complaint processes
Frisco ISD's book selection process is reviewed each year by the library department and the District Advisory Council. (Courtesy Adobe Stock) Frisco ISD's book selection process is reviewed each year by the library department and the District Advisory Council. (Courtesy Adobe Stock) Frisco ISD’s library services department has updated its website with information on the district’s book selection and complaint processes.
Arby's readies to open along SH 121 in McKinney
Dallas - Fort Worth McKinney Impacts Arby's readies to open along SH 121 in McKinney Arby's is known for its selection of roast beef sandwiches. (Courtesy Haigwood Studios Photography) Arby's is known for its selection of roast beef sandwiches. (Courtesy Haigwood Studios Photography) By Brooklynn Cooper | 12:44 PM Apr 18, 2022 CDT | Updated 12:44 PM Apr 18, 2022 CDT A new Arby’s is planning to hold a grand opening April 28 at 6540 SH 121, McKinney. This will be the second Arby’s in McKinney.
Frisco ISD approves meal prices for 2022-23 school year
Frisco ISD's meal pricing for the 2022-23 school year is slightly higher than prices from the 2021-22 year. (Courtesy Adobe Stock) Frisco ISD's meal pricing for the 2022-23 school year is slightly higher than prices from the 2021-22 year. (Courtesy Adobe Stock) The Frisco ISD board of trustees approved meal pricing for the 2022-23 school year at its April 11 meeting. FISD has provided free meals to every student under the age of 18 since October 2020.
Daily Deals & Furniture expands with Frisco store
Dallas - Fort Worth Frisco Impacts Daily Deals & Furniture expands with Frisco store Daily Deals & Furniture opened in the former Pier 1 Imports building at The Centre at Preston Ridge. (Brooklynn Cooper/Community Impact Newspaper) Daily Deals & Furniture opened in the former Pier 1 Imports building at The Centre at Preston Ridge.
iCleanKitchens launches restaurant and residential cleaning service in McKinney
iCleanKitchens offers cleaning for commercial and residential kitchens in addition to grills. (Courtesy Adobe Stock) iCleanKitchens offers cleaning for commercial and residential kitchens in addition to grills. (Courtesy Adobe Stock) iCleanKitchens, a mobile cleaning company, opened in March at 2150 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 200, McKinney. The business offers services for both restaurant and home kitchens.
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