Tuesday’s regular council meeting featured several presentations and recognitions, including National Volunteer Week with several volunteers from local nonprofits in attendance. On the regular agenda, council considered writing an ordinance for a change of zoning for a 20-acre planned development located at 2535-2701 S. State Highway 78. Council also considered a midyear budget adjustment and the College Park saga continued. During a work session, an overview of the Parks and Recreation Department was presented, and five-year recommendations were discussed.  For more on this story see the ..read more

As a child growing up in Ashdown, Arkansas, we had two main grocery stores. Shur-Way and Piggly Wiggly. Or as my dad called it, “Hoggly Woggly.” A trip to the store was like each TV commercial had come to life. Advertising agencies at the time were very good at what they did. Think about how much artful effort goes into tying elves to cookies, a talking fish to tuna, and a tiger to sugar-drenched corn flakes. By John Moore For more on this story see the April 24, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Wylie News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community ..read more

A local business owner wants Wylie to make better use of Lake Lavon and its marina. James “Woody” Woodruff, owner of boat rental shop, Woody’s on the Lake, and The Boathouse restaurant at Collin Park Marina, says Collin Park has no shortage of swimmers and boats over the summer, but it rarely has events. For more on this story see the April 24, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Wylie News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community ..read more

WHS grad hired for new Wylie EMS unit Wylie Fire Rescue Paramedic Christen Peterson didn’t have to go far to find a career she loves after graduating Wylie High School. Peterson, 19, was hired by WF-R in October 2023 and is currently putting herself through fire academy with a goal of seeking a firefighter paramedic position with the department by the end of the year. For more on this story see the April 24, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Wylie News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community ..read more

SAF-Holland will build new facility in Rowlett After nearly five decades in Wylie, local manufacturer SAF-Holland has announced plans to relocate its manufacturing plant and 190 employees to Rowlett. With headquarters in Germany, SAF-Holland is a leading international manufacturer of chassis-related assemblies and components for trailers, trucks and buses. For more on this story see the April 24, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Wylie News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community ..read more

Each June Wylie ISD adopts its operating budget for the next school year, July 1 through June 30. Last week, as part of the planning process, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Scott Roderick gave an update on the 2024-2025 proposed budget. For more on this story see the April 24, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Wylie News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community ..read more

Plastic waste is polluting ecosystems, affecting health In the bustling urban landscape of modern America lies a problem that’s as pervasive as it is pernicious: plastic waste. And despite the concerted efforts to recycle paper, cardboard and metals, plastic continues to permeate our landfills, oceans and even infiltrate our bodies. A recent report by Greenpeace USA paints a stark picture of the situation, revealing that out of the estimated 51 million tons of plastic waste generated by U.S. households in 2021, a mere 2.4 million tons were recycled. This dismal figure underscores a larger issu ..read more

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Scott Roderick gave an update on the 2024-2025 budget. Property values were previously projected to grow by 3.5%, but Roderick said the Collin County Central Appraisal District’s (CCAD) new estimate is now 1% due to declining values in apartments and office space. At the Monday, April 15 board of trustees meeting, he listed district budget priorities including safety and security, competitive compensation packages, being staffed for growth and technology expenditures. Deputy Superintendent Kim Spicer presented the Texas Academic Performance Re ..read more

Fire Chief Brandon Blythe outlined a proposal for a new training tower to replace the current tower, which was constructed by WFR personnel in 2002. Courtesy of Wylie F-R The College Park development saga continued last week. After viewing a third proposed site plan last month, council finally approved a change in zoning request from Agricultural to Planned Development with single family attached, single family detached, commercial development and open space for the development.  At the Tuesday, April 9 regular council meeting, the developer appeared in front of council for the fifth ..read more

Collin County property values will take center stage as property owners will soon see how much the county thinks their property is worth.  Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD) has been busy collecting and entering information in preparation to generate appraisal notices for residential and commercial property owners.  The CCAD mailed the 2024 real property appraisal notices on April 15.  According to Brian Swanson, deputy chief appraiser-business operations and compliance, take action quickly if you have a question after receiving your notice. “We encourage everyone to revie ..read more