PROSPERTIMES Friday August 25, 2017 | Prosper, Texas
VOL. 1 | NO. 17
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Prosper Prosper Watches the Great American Eclipse Profiles Joyce Godwin Joyce@CedarbrookMedia.Com
Meet Carl Rau
Joyce Godwin Joyce@CedarbrookMedia.com
Carl Rau was surprised that anyone would be interested in writing a profile on him for “Prosper Profiles,” but that is exactly the type of person on which we at Cedarbrook Media want to focus. Rau has been popping up at some of the governing meetings that determine the business of Prosper and Prosper schools. Rau and wife Kathy have lived in for Prosper almost four years and moved here to be close to their children and grandchildren. He wants to learn all things Prosper. After 32 years in military service, Carl and Kathy Rau decided it was time to retire and move to Prosper. But it’s not the kind of retirement in which the two are sitting in rocking chairs. They have much more to do. Carl says his military service was as an Army Chaplain and that’s not something you just sign up for; it’s a calling and you don’t resign from a calling, he says. He retired as a full Colonel. But he insists, “I’m just an average schmoe, nobody special. I’m happy to be a private again.” Carl said when they decided to retire, his duty station was at Fort George G. Mead in Maryland. “I told Kathy to choose the place we would live and to find the house. Texas wasn’t really on our bucket list but we love it here. I kind of knew Kathy would want to live here to be close to the grandchildren.” When asked about skills and talents, Carl refers to Kathy. “She’s an artist, although she doesn’t think so. She does crafts and she will see something and then put it together. Artists see stuff that other people don’t see and that’s the way she is. As for me, I do whatever Kathy wants me to,” he said with a sly grin. “After 39 years of marriage, I finally figured it out.” But Carl also has activities he enjoys. One is riding horses and working on a ranch as a volunteer. “I love it,” he said. Although not born or raised in Texas he is one of those who got here as soon as he could. Carl has immersed himself in the Texas experience and punctuates it with his cowboy hat, bolo, jeans and boots. Carl Rau is a proud Texan. “I love that stuff,” he said about Texas. “It was kind of a fluke because I’m a city boy,” he said. “I want to embrace the culture,” and for Carl that is riding horses. He has even learned the cutting horse sport. The Raus have a dog Lexie who is a Schnauzer. They had two cats but both died last year. “It’s sad,” Carl said. Some in Prosper might know one of the Raus’ daughters Janelle Plana, a nurse who is active in over-seas adoptions helping others to adopt children. Having a heart for ministry seems to be a familywide affair. Carl is originally from Michigan attending high school in Frankenmuth, Michigan. He went on to get a bachelors degree at Michigan State and then two masters degrees. “God already was calling me,” he said, “so I studied human behavior, and at seminary I studied theology and pastoral counseling. The Army sent me to War College and I got a degree in strategic leadership. The Raus have five children — a son in Atlanta and the other four are in Prosper. In December, they will be married 39 years. His favorite quote and one by which he tries to live is John 15:13 — “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
“Oh my gosh. It’s amazing,” were only some of the comments from eighth graders at Reynolds Middle School as they looked up at the now famous eclipse wearing special viewing glasses Monday afternoon. “Okay you guys, it’s 1:09,” announced eighth-grade science teacher Amy Ousley to her class. “Be sure you’re looking.” “Right now, we are going to see 77 percent of the sun that’s blocked out by the moon,” Ousley explained. “It’s so extraordinary because it doesn’t happen very often. We are all excited.” Ousley said she and her students spent all of Friday’s class time just learning about the eclipse and what is actually happening to make it occur. “So, that way, when they walk out here, it’s not just simply, ‘Hey, it’s not very sunny out today,’ but it’s actually they understand what’s occurring in science.” Several students commented on the dropping temperature. “That’s something we talked about,” Ousley said. “It’s still warm but it’s cooler than it was.” “This is so cool,” said another student referring to the experience, not the temperature. Ousley said this will happen again in 2024. “On April 8, right through Prosper and it will be a higher percentage [of eclipse] than now.”
Photo by Joyce Godwin/PROSPER TIMES
Amy Ousley’s students get a look at the Great American Eclipse Monday. Ousley teaches eighth-grade science at Reynolds Middle School. These eighth graders will be off to came from NASA through the some of the high school students,” college by then, but Ousley says she University of North Texas. Ousley she said. “We really appreciate UNT hopes to be right here teaching the said that PISD curriculum designer participation.” sciences to Prosper students. “This Meredith Bell was able to get the PISD students were not the only is my second year here and I love it,” glasses and they are both NASA viewers of the eclipse. At each of the she said. “I love Prosper.” and ISO certified, “so we knew they school buildings, small groups of As her students looked up, she were good.” teachers could be seen just outside went back to instructing, “Look “Because it is the eighth-grade one of the doors to get a look of in the bottom right. See how it’s a standards and also there is a class at the historic event dubbed the Great little darker than the rest. That’s the the high school that it works with, American Eclipse. corona we were talking about.” we were able to get enough for both See ECLIPSE, Page 3 The glasses the students used middle schools’ eighth grades and
Town Council discusses 2017-2018 budget
Joyce Godwin Joyce@CedarbrookMedia.Com
The Prosper Town Council meeting kicked off with the presentation of a Storm Ready certification presented by Senior Meteorologist Eric Martello on hand from the National Weather Service. Martello explained that the certification means the Town of Prosper is storm ready and the community has communications in place and is able to get the word out quickly and also has the means with which to monitor weather and take action quickly. Martello presented the town with signs declaring the community to be storm ready intended for the public roadways. In the regular meeting, John Harris appeared and asked for a zoning variance for signs on First Street. The request was approved and provided for an ordinance for a Special Purpose Sign District for Prosper Town Center on the northeast corner of Preston Road
and First Street. In the next session, several residents of Windsong appeared one after another to address the council complaining about the condition of roadways in one area of Windsong Ranch. They were objecting to the Council’s lack of allocation of funds to repair those roads. Town Manager Harlan Jefferson explained that the money is still in the budget it was simply moved to another budget item to be held until the work can start on the Windsong roads. But the residents continued to make objections as if they hadn’t heard the explanation from Jefferson. One speaker said more Windsong residents will be at the next council meeting for more of the same. Since this issue was not a part of the agenda, Council members could not speak to the issue in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. In other business, the Council approved a variance to the Subdivision Ordinance regarding thoroughfare screening for Parkside, located on the west side of Coit Road and south of Prosper Trail.
An ordinance was passed amending Article 13.08 “Right-ofWay Management of Chapter 13 “Utilities” the Town’s Code of Ordinances, by establishing regulations related to network providers. In the public Photo by Joyce Godwin/PROSPER TIMES hearings section The town of Prosper receives certification for storm of the meeting the readiness during Tuesday’s meeting of the Town Council approved an Council. regarding bond issues regarding ordinance amending Permitted Uses and Definitions of substandard structures; personnel the Zoning Ordinance regarding matters; and appointments to the temporary buildings. Part of that Board of Adjustment/Construction, classification involves the temporary Board of Appeals, Parks and “portable” buildings used by the Recreation Board, Library Board, school district to help combat over- Prosper Economic Development Corporation Board, and Planning crowding when it happens. The Council adjourned into and Zoning Commission. After a lengthy closed session, closed executive session to discuss economic development incentives; the Council convened and Councilor purchase, exchange, lease or value Meigs Miller moved to authorize of property; consult with the town the town manager to modify the attorney for possible litigation personnel policies to reflect correct
PISD Officer Wins at Rangers Game Joyce Godwin Joyce@CedarbrookMedia.com
Rachel Fallwell, officer for the Prosper Independent School District, is having a banner year. Not only has she met the love of her life, but these days she’s sporting a diamond ring on her left hand and nuptials are in the works for a December wedding. And now, there is one more thing. Thursday night, Fallwell won the jackpot at Globe Life Park. Halfway through the eighth inning of the Texas Rangers baseball game, the winning number was announced for an award of more than $6,000. Fallwell was with her daughters in a complimentary suite for first responders for a girls’ night out with other officers. As the winning number was being announced, she pulled out her receipt from the donation and scanned the list. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing as the number stood out to her among the list. “I re-read it about four times because I thought surely I was reading the numbers backwards,” she said. “I turned to Erin [Hubbard, Courtesy photo an officer for the Prosper Police PISD Officer Rachel Fallwell stands with daughters Ally, 9, (left) and Department] and said, ‘Erin, I think Emma, 8, minutes after winning the jackpot at Globe Life Park in Arlington I just won.’” in the eighth inning of the Rangers Game against the White Sox Thursday Hubbard looked it over and sure night last week.
enough, Fallwell was a winner. Stadium security escorted her to the station where she needed to claim her prize. She filled out paperwork and was told her check will arrive within weeks. After a few pictures, the deal was completed except for the impatient waiting for the check to arrive in the mail. “It was so awesome,” Fallwell said the day after. “I’ve been on cloud nine all day.” She said her thoughts first went to consider the things she and fiancé Shane can now do and one of them includes a honeymoon trip that’s been in question. “We can take the kids on a trip and we can go on our honeymoon now,” she said. When looking back on Thursday, she considered its beginning. “We leave early for school because of my job,” she said. “On the way to school we put on the armour of God and thank God for our blessings. We were thankful for our house and our life here and then we remembered more blessings and thanked God for going to the Rangers game that night. And then, at the end of the day, we get this blessing.” See JACKPOT, Page 7
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Friday August 25, 2017
PT C o m m u n ity C a l e n da r Friday, August 25th
Please email calendar submissions to Admin@Cedarbrookmedia.com
by 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 25th to be placed on the schedule.
Lady Eagles Volleyball: Varsity and JV Tournament at PSA Murphy Eagles Tennis: Varsity vs. Heritage at PHS – 4:00 p.m. Eagles Football: 9th Green & 9th White at Colleyville Heritage HS – 6:30 p.m. Eagles Football: JV Green & JV White at Colleyville Heritage HS – 5:00 p.m. Eagles Football: Varsity at Colleyville Heritage – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 26th
Lady Eagles Volleyball: Varsity and JV Tournament at PSA Murphy Eagles Cross Country: Meet @ Norbuck Park – 8:00 a.m.
Monday, August 28th
NO SCHOOL: Professional Learning & Student Holiday GT Testing for NEW to Prosper ISD students in grades 1-5 who were referred: Testing for students in grades 1-5 who were referred for GT placement testing. Students will be notified of the time and place for their testing. Only NEW to Prosper ISD students who were referred by the deadline will be tested. Prosper Ladies Tennis Club: Plays Monday nights for all 2.5 and higher players. Contact Michele Williams for more information at m19williams@gmail.com or 469-583-1051. Residential Bulk Trash Pickup: From Coit to Custer Road. Call 469-452-8000 or email Prosper@WasteConnections.com
Tuesday, August 29th
Lady Eagles Volleyball: 9A vs. Keller at PHS Auxillary Gym #1 – 5:30 p.m. Lady Eagles Volleyball: JV vs. Keller at PHS Arena – 5:30 p.m. Lady Eagles Volleyball: 9B vs. Keller at PHS Auxillary Gym #1 – 6:30 p.m. Lady Eagles Volleyball: Varsity vs. Keller at PHS Arena – 6:30 p.m. Prosper 5-0 Club: Games and dominoes every Tuesday, 9:30am to 11:30am, in the basement of First Presbyterian Church, 300 S. Coleman. ALL ARE INVITED!
Artificial Turf Field – 5:30 p.m. Eagles Football: 9th White vs. Southlake Carroll at PHS Artificial Turf Field – 7:00 p.m. Eagles Football: JV Green at Southlake Carroll – 7:00 p.m. The Prosper Rotary Club: The Club meets Thursday afternoons from 12 - 1 p.m. at the Prosper Independent School District Administration Building (605 E. Seventh St., Prosper, TX 75078). Everyone is welcome. Lunch is $10. Please RSVP by emailing Melody Lehmann (melsmailbox73@gmail.com) if you plan on attending.
Wednesday, August 30th
Ham Radio Class to Support Family and Prosper City Emergency Preparedness – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 31st
Ribbon Cutting for Ebby Halliday, Realtors - Prosper | Celina: Make plans to join us for a combined ribbon cutting with Celina Chamber to welcome Ebby Halliday, realtors Prosper | Celina. The ribbon cutting will be at 4 pm with refreshments and open house to follow. Destination Imagination Information Night: 6:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Middle School Cafeteria Eagles Football: JV White at Southlake Carroll – 5:30 p.m. Eagles Football: 9th Green vs. Southlake Carroll at PHS
Courtesy photo
Rise Educators Recognized
Congratulations to the following educators who will be making a difference in their classrooms this year through the RISE (Research Impacting Student Excellence) Program: Samantha Cates (PHS), Derek Haney (Rucker), Alex Juarez & Roshounda Ellerbe (Light Farms).
PT IN HIS PRESENCE Charlottesville…well, we better say a thing or two about that nonsense. And make no mistake, that’s what it boils down to: nonsense. It is, on the one hand, infuriating, and on the other hand the foolishness is almost laughable. Almost.
imagine that? Of course not! For the Lord Jesus did what we rarely, if ever do. He came to live and die for his enemies. You think white and black are different? Try the infinite, holy, glorious, God and humans. And yet, he came to us!
Let’s take a look at a few of the repeated phrases used. One was, “Blood and Soil! Blood and Soil! Blood and Soil!” I understand that these people feel as though they are in danger of losing something dear to them; some notion of heritage and tradition. But my sympathies can only take me that far. Many of these people would regard themselves as Christians. However, the notion that one must fight to protect “blood and soil” is the very opposite thing that the Lord Jesus did. In fact, he left his pure-blood heritage and the holy soil of heaven to come to earth, born as a man, a Jew. If life was about protecting your own interests, your “blood and soil,” then none of us are getting into heaven. God himself would be up there yelling, “Holiness and Heaven! Holiness and Heaven!” And he’d be certain to keep us out! To create a perfect heaven-state with no intermixing with sinners. Could you
You see, I’m all for protecting and fighting for what’s dear to you. But what the Lord Jesus shows us is that what is dear to Him is us. No concept of pure blood and unstained soil was dearer to Jesus than we are. What was dear to Jesus was in fact his very enemies! Thus, what must become dear to the white supremacist is the African-American, the Jew, the Immigrant. So also, what must become dear to the Christian, what we have to fight for and be willing to die for, is our very enemies. They used another slogan that night, “Jews will not replace us!” Here’s the problem with that: if you want to be saved, you must bow to the Jews. There is no salvation outside the Jews. The Jews are the heirs of the promises, the children of Abraham, and from them come the Christ, our Jewish Messiah. If you want to be saved, you have to go through the Jews.
Leslie Scott
2017 is already more than half over. Wasn’t it just the end of spring or the middle of summer? But here I am already planning the entire school year out and it became apparent that I didn’t have a planner to enter the 2018 plans in. I’ve said more than once if I were to ever lose my planner, then I would just stay home and mourn it’s loss. My planner is part calendar, part journal, part perpetual to-do list, and even part address book. I’m not the only one who utilizes a planner heavily obviously. The planner industry is pretty impressive and some are a good sized financial investment. I don’t get the most expensive, but I also don’t skimp on
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Rev. Tom Smith is vicar at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and may be reached at tom@stpaulsprosper.org.
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What you saw in Charlottesville wasn’t courage. It was a mixture of fear and foolishness. Here is courage: leaving the soil of heaven to dwell with your enemies; not loving your own blood too much, but shedding it for others. May we follow the Lord Jesus where he goes (and hint: he goes to people that could not possibly be more different from Him!).
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what I need to be included in it. If you’ve never ordered a personalized planner, there are more choices than you could imagine in creating one. Everything from mileage reimbursement, calorie counting, workout logging, password pages (which seems completely questionable in why), shopping lists, address book, pockets to place additional pages in, and even extra blank pages. My planner is pretty straight forward, and therefore the cost is minimal. If I need extra paper or post-it notes, I’ll add those when needed. And when I think of how much I utilize it and depend on it, it’s well worth the cost. I occasionally tell my husband,
whose “planner” consists of calendar pages printed out from the Internet and stapled at the top corner, that I wish my life was as uncomplicated as his planner! Wrongly I seem to have assigned levels of organization and responsibility with the size and complexity of a planner. But really perhaps the bigger and more complex the planner, the more the person owning it plans. I’m counting down the days until my planner arrives in the mail — it’s marked in my current planner the date of expected delivery. Oh, the coincidence! Leslie Scott is the Director for the Prosper Community Library.
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I finally ordered it this past week. I knew I needed to make time to do it, knew that I couldn’t put it off much longer, and I knew I would feel a sense of accomplishment once I did it. I set aside a little time one morning, sat down with a cup of coffee and my laptop, took a deep breath, and I did it. I picked out the format, the cover photo, the font, and all the extras. Wondering what my monumental purchase was? I placed the order for my 2018 planner. Although it’s just the end of August, I’m already planning events and happenings into 2018. There are library events, Town events, and my family’s events to plan ahead for. It just doesn’t seem possible that
But, we also know that since Christ has risen, God is working through the Body of Christ, the Church. Thus, if Jews want access to their own Messiah, they have to go through the Church! You see what this does? Whoever wants to be saved, must get low! No one is permitted to stand over and above anyone else. All Gentiles must humbly go to the Jews. And the Jews must humbly come to us. The only one left standing then is Jesus himself. It is written in Scripture, “The lofty will be brought down, but the lowly will be exalted.” This is not just a gauge of how your inner life should be. This has political and racial ramifications.
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Friday August 25, 2017
New Business, The Gin, Gets First Inspection from firefighters
PT F i re D e pa rt m e nt i n c i d e nt re p o rts August 16:
Lock out in the 200 block of Springbrook Drive; Odor Investigation in the 2700 block of Boulder Creek, Celina; Building fire in the 5500 block of Oak Bend Trail, Celina; Power line down on West University Drive and FM 1385; Motor vehicle accident with injuries on East Frontier Parkway at North Custer Road; Building fire in the 6600 block of Rock Ridge Drive, Aubrey; Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries on Crooked Stick Drive and Gentle Way. Photo by Joyce Godwin/PROSPER TIMES
Members of the Prosper Fire Department B Shift take a moment in front of the flag they donated for the Gin, a new business in Prosper on Broadway in downtown Prosper. Firefighters were in the midst of conducting a ‘prefire plan.’ The information collected in the inspection is stored in the fire department computer. If there is ever an emergency or a fire, the computer will bring up the layout of the building with eergency contacts and more information to help first responders know what they need to know to best serve the property owner and-or the business owner. The flag in the background of the photograph is constructed by fire fighters out of expired fire hoses and donated to the Gin by Prosper firefighters. From left are Jeremy Hunt, Ryan Bergman, Lieutenant Scott Himes, Quinton Ewalt, Engineer Jordan Doughty and Chris Hall.
ECLIPSE from page one
Locally the eclipse began around 11:40 a.m. and lasted until about 2:30 p.m. reaching its maximum coverage around 1:09 p.m. Across the town, people could be seen outside, looking up. Even among the residential areas, people could be seen outside their homes, sometimes in small groups, looking up. Prosper Police Chief Doug Kawalski said there was no reason for the police department to take special precautions. “We have issued the normal precautionary
warnings to officers,” he wrote in an email. “Since we are not in the path of the total eclipse, an area about 100 miles wide that traverses the country, we are not expecting any crowd or traffic problems that those areas will be experiencing.” At the fire department, firefighters and administrative personnel were out in a group to watch the event. There were a limited number of ISO certified glasses for the group to pass around to follow the progress of the changing sky.
August 17: EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury in the 700 block of Doe Creek; Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries at the intersection of FM 1385 and West University Drive, Aubrey; Dispatched & cancelled en route in the 1700 block of Navo Road, Little Elm; Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries on West University Drive and FM 1385; EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury in the 1700 block of Lakemere Drive; Alarm system sounded due to malfunction in the 2000 block of West University Drive; Alarm system activation, no fire - unintentional in the 100 block of West Broadway Street; EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury in the 300 block of Eagle Drive; Dispatched & cancelled en route in the 800 block of Riverscreek, Aubrey; Building fire in the 9100 block of Benevolent
Photo by Joyce Godwin/PROSPER TIMES
August
6:
Consumption of alcohol by a minor in the 900 block of South Coit Road; Criminal mischief valued at more than $100 and less than $750 in the 900 block of South Coit Road; Information report in the 800 block of Echo Drive; Possession of drug Paraphernalia in the 900 block of South Coit Road; Two charges of possession of Marijuana in an amount less than 20 ounces in the 900 block of South Coit Road.
August 8:
Burglary of a habitation in the 1700 block of Thackery Lane; Possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia on Lockwood Drive at Gee Road.
August 9: Information report in the 4100 block of Brazoria Drive; Other agency warrant on South Coit Road at East University Drive. August 10: Information report in the 1000 block of Sagebrush Drive; Other agency warrant in the 400 block of Hays Road.
Photo by Joyce Godwin/PROSPER TIMES
Assistant Fire Chief Stuart Blasingame takes a turn with the NASA-approved glasses to watch the eclipse in the Prosper sky on Monday. C shift was on duty and the group gathered out the back door of the Central Fire Station on First Street to watch the historic event.
COUNCIL from page one
accruals as discussed in closed session to be effective immediately. The motion was approved with none against. Just before the meeting was adjourned, the Council heard updated results of an engineering study of Rogers Middle School zoning for traffic and school
JACKPOT from page one
The unexpected income will allow this new family to start out on a high note. “We want to tithe from the money we receive,” Fallwell said. “But we are going to wait until God shows us where we should apply the money. Giving is more fun than anything.
Lane, Little Elm; Lightning strike (no fire) in the 5700 block of Crestwood Drive; Alarm system sounded due to malfunction in the 800 block of Salada Drive; Power line down on Knoll Trail and East First Street.
August 18: Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries on Fishtrap Road and Gee Road; EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury in the 100 block of Collin Green Drive; EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury in the 1000 block of South Coit Road; Motor vehicle accident with injuries on Rockhill Parkway and Frisco Hills Boulevard, Little Elm; Lock out in the 900 block of Whistler Lane; Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries on Navo Road and West University, Little Elm; Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries on East University and Paloma Creek, Little Elm. August 19: EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury on East University Drive and South Coit Road; Alarm system sounded due to malfunction in the 200 block of South Church Street. August 20: EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury in the 27000 block of East University, Little Elm; EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury in the 1000 block of South Coit Road; EMS call, excluding
vehicle accident with injury in the 1700 block of Brookside Drive; Motor vehicle accident with injuries on West University Drive and Gee Road; Odor Investigation in the 1100 block of Circle J Trail; False alarm or false call, Other in the 2800 block of Meadow Ridge Drive; Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries on La Cima Boulevard and Stillhouse Hollow Drive.
August 21: Public service assistance, other in the 1000 block of Fox Bend Way; Smoke detector activation, no fire — unintentional in the 700 block of North Coleman Street; Dispatched and cancelled en route on East University Drive and Providence, Little Elm; Assist invalid in the 1000 block of South Coit Road. August 22: False alarm or false call, other in the 1000 block of Elk Ridge Road; False alarm or false call, other in the 300 block of Eagle Drive; Dispatched & cancelled en route to the 300 block of Cypress, Little Elm; EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury in the 700 block of North Coleman Street; Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries at the intersection of East University Drive & South Coit Road. Editor’s Note: Information found on the Fire Department website at www.prospertx.gov/firedepartment.
PT P o l ic e Re p o rts
August 7: Abandoned vehicle on North Preston Road at East Prosper Trail; Four arrests for burglary of a building in the 200 block of North Preston Road; theft of property valued at more than $750 and less than $2,500 in the 3700 block of Touchstone Court.
Amy Ousley’s students get a look at the Great American Eclipse on Monday. Ousley teaches eighth-grade science at Reynolds Middle School.
WeAreProsper.com | Page 3
August 11:
Driving while intoxicated on West University Drive at South Teel Parkway; Driving while intoxicated and with an open container of alcohol in the 1600 block of West University Drive; Information report in the 1000 block of South Coit Road; Possession of drug paraphernalia in the 1500 block of Lakeside Drive.
August 13: Assault causing bodily injury in the family in the 1000 block of South Coit Road; Striking a fixture while on duty with more than $200 in damages in the 3500 block of Amberwood Lane; False report to a police officer or law enforcement employee in the 3500 block of Amberwood Lane; Possession of a controlled substance, penalty group one, less than one gram in the 3500 block of Amberwood Lane; Possession of a controlled substance, penalty group three, more than 200 grams and less than 400 grams in the 3500 block of Amberwood Lane. August 14: Theft of property
valued at more than $2,500 and less than $30,000 in the 1400 block of Winding Creek Road; Theft of property valued at more than $750 and less than $2,500 in the 2100 block of West University Drive.
August 15: Abandoned vehicle on Good Hope Road at Parvin Road; Other agency warrant on Hays Road at Chandler Circle;
Other agency warrant in the 1500 block of East University Drive.
August 16: Assault causing bodily injury in the 200 block of East Fifth Street; Two charges of criminal mischief valued at more than $100 and less than $750 in the 900 block of South Coit Road; Harassment in the 500 block of Marbella Drive. August 17: Burglary of habitation in the 900 block of Speargrass Lane: Burglary of vehicle in the 1000 block of Lancashire Lane; Violation of a protective order in the 1500 block of Southern Pines Court. August 18: Accident on East First Street at North Custer Road. August 19: Theft of property valued at more than $100 and less than $750 in the 1000 block of South Coit Road. August 20: Accident on La Cima Boulevard at Stillhouse; Striking a fixture while on duty with more than $200 in damages on La Cima Boulevard at Stillhouse Hollow Drive; Fraudulent use or possession of less than five identifying pieces of information in the 700 block of Caddo Court. Information for this police report was provided by the Prosper Police Department.
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crossings. Before the town council meeting was a meet and greet in the Municipal Chambers to give Council members, town staff and board and commission members the opportunity to meet applicants for town boards and commissions. The room was crowded, even a little difficult to move through as Prosper folks chatted informally.
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Page 4 | WeAreProsper.com
Friday August 25, 2017
Hiding Modern Marvels that are Unsightly for Landscaping The modern world has many conveniences that most of us find absolutely necessary. It really doesn’t matter that these recent necessities were once luxuries reserved only for those living in the right places with the right financial means with which to support them. Today most people in modern America find the notion of living without utilities or central air conditioning simply impossible to consider. The one thing that most of these homeowners has in common though is the fact that the appearance of air conditioning units, as well as utility boxes, does much to disrupt the beauty and tranquility of our lawn and garden areas. The good news for the clever landscaper is that there are plenty of ways to disguise these objects that so terribly disrupt the flow and serenity of nature in your outdoor living area. Before you make any real attempts to hide these blemishes to your property, you must carefully think and consider the fact that there will be times when these items must be accessed. In other words, anything that is used to hide them must not impair your ability to access them. There are some common solutions to this problem as well as some creative solutions. All solutions will work well but you must ultimately choose the solution that works best for you. I love nature and all things that
remind me of nature. Shrubbery is a very common method used for hiding bulky air conditioning units and even many utility boxes. It is a low-cost feature that can be walked behind (if landscaped correctly) in order to gain access to the devices or units when needed. There are
other natural features you could use to disguise these boxes — not all of which are plant in nature. Stones make excellent landscaping features and large stones can be a great method for hiding smaller blemishes (this works better for utility boxes than for air conditioners). The clever gardener and landscaper can come up with all kinds of tricks to use for this purpose but those mentioned above are a great start. Another thing you may wish to consider is building a gated area around those blemishes. Wood is a natural material to use if that is your material of choice (I am very partial to wood and love the way it looks on the exterior of homes). Wooden fences with gates can be built around your visually unappealing landscaping necessities in order, not only to hide them from the eyes of the world and visitors alike, but also to create a lovely home for any climbing vines you may have. Flowering vines are an excellent choice for this but any vine will work. You can even use latticework rather than a full-on wood design if that is what you prefer (I tend to use solid wood at the bottom with a row of latticework surrounding the top). Best choices for those vines would be Evergreen ones like Cross vine or Carolina Jessamine. If these methods for hiding
unattractive lawn ornaments aren’t appealing to you but you still wish to hide them, perhaps you should consider some of the ‘ready-made’ options at your local garden center. Most of these will be either plastic or wood but will look a good deal better when landscaping than an ugly and unsightly piece of metal.
“Certified mulches and soils can be found at major retailers and garden centers across the country.” So, look for MSC Certification Logo if you wish to improve the chances that the dyed mulch you’re buying is safe for humans to handle. I will always only recommend shredded Cedar or shredded Cypress to all of our residential clients. They are really the only two mulches that deter the bugs and don’t float or move around much. They seem to also do the best job in retaining moisture around root systems and limiting weed germination. Until next time…Happy Gardening!! Jimmie
Question: Jimmie, I am wondering about “dyed” mulch. I see it around the Lowes and Home Depot stores and know it’s a cheaper option than some of the higher end mulches. Do you think it’s safe to use around existing landscape? Kate L. in Prosper Answer: Hi Kate, The source of most dyed mulch is recycled wood. So far, so good. But the problem is that some of that recycled wood may be CCA-treated wood, which, used as mulch, can raise the arsenic level in your soil. Although the use of arsenic in making pressure-treated lumber was largely banned after 2002, who’s to say part of the source of the dyed mulch you’re buying isn’t old, leftover CCA-treated wood? Enter the MSC Certification Logo, which certifies that a mulch or soil product is free of CCA-treated wood. MSC stands for Mulch and Soil Council. According to MSC’s Product Certification program,
Send your landscaping and gardening questions to Jimmie Gibson Jr. at http://www. absolutelybushedlandscaping.com or jimmie@absolutelybushed.com Jimmie is a Prosper resident and the owner of Absolutely Bushed Landscaping Company, an award winning, family and veteran owned and operated business created in 1980 to provide the highest quality custom Outdoor Renovation available to homeowners in the Dallas Ft. Worth area.
School Board Approves New Budget
Budget summary: Graphic by PISD
This is a graphic of the Prosper ISD summary for the 2017-18 budget. This information and other more detailed information may be seen on the district’s website.
Prosper ISD Elementary Zones S Preston Rd
2017-2018
289 Frontier Pkwy
Windsong Prosper Trail
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Bloomdale Rd
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Coit Rd
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growth storm,” Watkins said. “Our projections between now and 2025 push our student enrollment to about 30,000 students. Track growth information and timing of facilities on the district FAQ document located on the district website.” The Board cleaned up some zoning for attendance concerning some of the northern district borders. Up-to-date maps may be located online on the PISD website. The Board approved updates from the 85th legislative session pertaining to the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbooks. Mays Davenport asked about how disruptive students will be handled. Watkins explained that every kid is different. “Sometimes you have to remove the kid and sometimes you have to remove the classroom,” he said. Davenport said he wants to be sure there will be no incidents like the airlines had where somebody gets dragged out. “Oh no,” Watkins said, “We are not dragging people anywhere. Usually it’s a matter of isolating the student until they can cool down.” Jana Thomson asked, “How is the district ensuring our families are reading the handbooks?” Watkins explained it is part of the registration process. In other business the Board approved: End-of-year amendments to close out the fiscal year; Letter of Intent for the Texas Education Agency as it applies to the Chapter 41 (wealth equalization required by TEA) status for the 2017-18 school year; Final list of new employees for the 2017-2018 school year; Resignations submitted to Watkins; A class size waiver for those elementary classrooms exceeding 22:1 in any K-4 classrooms throughout PISD; The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System evaluators for the 2017-2018 school year.
S Preston Rd
The 2017-2018 budget was approved as well as the projected tax rate to fund the budget in Monday’s meeting of the PISD School Board. The Board also approved the various campus improvement plans as well as a class-size waiver for a few kindergarten classes. Rusty Craig presented the budget in a public hearing before the general meeting began and the gallery room was filled. The Board eventually approved the 2017-2018 budget as presented in the hearing as follows: Fund 199 — $104,900,000 (general fund); Fund 599 — $27,500,000 (interest & sinking / debt); Fund 240 — $3,910,000 (food service); Federal — $1,125,000 (Title and Spec. Education); Fund 164 — $175,000 (athletic activity fund); For a total budget of $137,610,000. The projected tax rate to fund this budget is $1.17 (Maintenance & Operation) and $0.50 (Interest & Sinking) for a total of $1.67. This is not an increase over last year’s rate. More detailed information including the tax-rate history is available on the PISD website. In his Board Briefs memo prepared after the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Drew Watkins explained the Financial/Investment/Tax Reports for July 2017 approved by the Board. “As of the end of July, we had approximately $216.5 million (approximately $78.2 million of which is general fund with the rest dedicated to construction/capital and/or I&S). We have realized 111 percent (115 percent) of our projected revenue for Fund 199. Local revenue is over 100 percent as it was last year, which simply means we realized more students than projected in the budget. As funding goes, unfortunately, state funding will decrease as a result of the local revenue increase. Also, we will
expect ‘payback’ on the settle up in September. We have expended 85.2 percent of 199 compared to 82.4 percent last year (see the district website for more detailed financial information).” Construction updates were presented by Jim Tony, construction coordinator for the Prosper Independent School District. At the Miramonte Elementary site grading is completed. Storm and Sanitary sewers are started and chemical injection for underground utilities inside the building are in progress. For the Light Farms Elementary site grading has begun and temporary access roads are ongoing while the contractor is removing the excess dirt pile on the north side of the site. The field office trailer should be on site next week. For Middle School No. 3, the final design meetings with PISD departments are nearing completion. Preliminary civil designs have been approved by the city of Frisco in preparation for full design submittals. Annexation documents are in the process of completion for application. Concept documents for the new football stadium have been sent to the town of Prosper P&Z Commission for approval while meetings with PISD departments are ongoing in preparation for design documents for High School No. 2. Discussions regarding Coit Road including turn and deceleration lanes are continuing with the city of Frisco. Watkins said he expects the construction will begin on the new high school in late spring of 2018. Watkins also reported the current enrollment. He said 52 students enrolled Monday bringing the total enrollment to 11,943 which is about 1,600 more than end of school last year – essentially a 16 percent increase. “The great news is that we have added many new amazing families… the less than great news is that this is just the front end of the
Dallas Pkwy
Joyce Godwin Joyce@CedarbrookMedia.com
Campus Locations
school zones: Graphic by PISD
This is the graphic shown at Monday’s school board meeting to show minor changes in the school zones. Changes are in the northern sections around Auburn Hills and Liliana, said Dr. Drew Watkins, PISD Superintendent. He pointed out that there are not a lot of houses involved right now but that will change. There are about 1,200 houses in each section now. This map may be found on the PISD website.
PT A B it of W is d o m …
Back to school Joyce Godwin Joyce@CedarbrookMedia.com Watching these sweet Prosper families send these sweet Prosper children back to school this year has
triggered some really old memories of my own first day more than 50 years ago. I went to a parochial school in Toledo, Ohio and my first day was for kindergarten. I remember other kids in the classroom crying and I didn’t understand the why of that. There were mothers out in the hallway peeking through the glass window in the door to get one last glimpse of their little prince or princess, all grown up for kindergarten. I’m not sure if my mom was one of those. I don’t think either of us was suffering from separation anxiety. My mom was probably happy to be free of me for a few hours. As I recall, I was pretty “matter of fact” about the event. I was excited because I was going to learn to read. I couldn’t wait for back to school. Up to that time, my dad read to me. It was especially fun on Sunday mornings before church when he
read the Sunday comics from the Toledo Blade. I stood behind him to follow along with the pictures in the comic strip. When I saw a frame that looked more interesting than the one he was on, I would point to it and say, “Read that one, Daddy,” in the middle of whatever he was trying to read. He patiently obliged although I’m sure that was irritating. If he was reading a book to me, I sat in his lap but whenever he was reading the comics, I stood behind him and sometimes combed his hair. It strikes me as I write these words, my dad was a really patient man when I was little. For weeks, I told my brother and sister, 12 and 13 years my senior, over and over that I was going to school and I would be able to read. I’m sure I gloated to my younger sister by one year, the same brag to let her know I’d have something she wouldn’t have.
I was dressed in a little pleated skirt with matching suspenders, a white blouse, little white socks and black patent shoes, and so was each of the other girls. We wore uniforms. But that never bothered me. That day, everything was right for me because I was going to learn to read. The disagreeable part of the day for me and my big disappointment, came when I went home from school that first day and I still couldn’t read. My parents hadn’t understood that I expected to be able to read as soon as I went to school until they were trying to reason with a wailing 5-year-old to help me understand — it’s a process. And so is much of life — a process. When I look back, I can’t imagine that my life has already spanned 69 years. I have to keep saying that to wrap my head around the fact that I will be 70 in January. But after that long of a journey, I think I should
be really smart about things. And yet, I’m just average; sometimes better than and sometimes less than average but average just the same. When I was 12, I had plans to be an operatic singer. That’s when we moved to Texas and interests changed. Another time, I thought I might be an Olympic skater. I could do all those spins and jumps but I didn’t have the drive to practice every day for hours and hours. So here I am at 70 looking at a life of accomplishments, just not the ones I planned as a youngster. I’ve raised two great children who now are raising their own. I am saved by the blood of Jesus relying on God’s design and so are my children. I am wife to an amazing husband and excited to see what the next 10 years hold in store for me. Just like my reading accomplishments, it’s all a process.
Friday August 25, 2017
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WeAreProsper.com | Page 5
PT I n G o o d Ta ste
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FAMILY FEATURES
arm-fresh is what many families desire. Straight from the farm to your table is one of the best ways you can ensure you’re delivering a nutritious and delicious meal for family or friends. Wholesome meals can bring everyone together around the dinner table; even little ones can enjoy flaky, baked fish, a nutritious potato-based side dish and a trendy-twist on a farm-fresh beverage with these fun, flavorful recipes. Find more farm-fresh recipes at Culinary.net.
DELIGHTFULLY BAKED FISH When it comes to baking fish, flaky and fresh can make for a great combination. For a classic meal with a seasoned flare, try this delicious baked fish with lemon pepper seasoning and onions. Find more traditional, tasty recipes at USDA.gov.
Baked Fish
Recipe courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture Servings: 4 Nonstick cooking spray 1 pound fish fillets (whitefish, trout or tilapia) 1 onion, sliced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (optional) Heat oven to 350 F. Place 12-inch piece of foil on counter. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. Place fillets in middle of foil. If fillets have skin, place skin-side down. Spread sliced onions, salt, pepper and oil on top of fillets. Add lemon pepper seasoning, if desired. Fold foil over fish. Place foil pouch on baking sheet and place in oven. Bake fish 15-20 minutes until fish reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145 F on a food thermometer and is flaky when tested with fork. Divide into four portions and serve.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
A SENSATIONALLY SIMPLE SIDE DISH
pepper, to taste 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill salt, to taste 2 cups baby arugula In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook potatoes until just tender when pierced with fork, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool slightly. Slice one lemon into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. In small saucepan, combine sliced lemon, water and kosher salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lemon slices are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain lemons then coarsely chop. Cut remaining lemon in half and squeeze out 2 tablespoons juice. In small bowl, mix chopped lemons, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar and oil. Coarsely crush cumin and coriander seeds using mortar and pestle. Mix seeds into lemon dressing. Season, to taste, with pepper. Cut lukewarm potatoes in half lengthwise. Place in large, shallow bowl. Mix in green onions and dill. Pour lemon dressing over and toss to coat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add arugula and toss gently. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature.
When you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish to complement any meal, look no further than this Fingerling Potato Salad. Made with nutrient-rich Wisconsin Potatoes and topped with a lemon dressing, this simple potato side packs plenty of flavor. Find more potato recipes at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.
Fingerling Potato Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Servings: 6 1 1/2 pounds mixed Wisconsin fingerling potatoes 2 large lemons, divided 2 cups water 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds 3/4 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
FROM FARM TO GLASS
Many may be surprised to learn that milk is one of the original farm-totable foods, typically arriving on grocery shelves in just two days (or 48 hours) from many familyowned and operated dairy farms. For a trendy twist on the farm-fresh beverage kids already love, try this DIY flavored milk recipe as a tasty start to the morning. To learn about milk’s journey from farm to glass, visit MilkLife.com.
Farm-Fresh Festivities
Themed parties can be challenging, especially when you want everything to be perfect for your guests. Make your party simple and festive with these tips for planning your own farm-to-table gathering. Mason jars A farm-to-table classic, mason jars can be used for drinks or even to fill with flowers to make a beautiful, seasonal centerpiece for the table. Mason jars are clean, cute and easy to wash when the gathering is over.
Chocolate Banana Milk
Servings: 1 8 ounces fat free milk 1/2 large banana 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder Place 8 ounces milk, large banana and unsweetened cocoa powder in a blender and blend until just smooth. Enjoy! Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 0 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 9 g protein; 29 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 105 mg sodium; 306 mg calcium (30% of daily value).
Rustic vibe Adding some rustic decor can help spruce up your table or serve as an accessory for your farm-to-table dinner party. Also consider adding a bit of fall-flare with decorations such as pumpkins, squash and brightly colored leaves. Seasonal fare It’s easy to get inspired with the variety of things you can find at your local farmers market. Ingredients like onions can be used in this Baked Fish recipe while a batch of locally sourced potatoes is the perfect foundation for a Fingerling Potato Salad.
PT K i ds S a y …
By Leslie Scott Special to the Prosper Times
Her favorite color is purple, she’s in fourth grade, she thinks the word yo-yo is silly, and she moved to Prosper from Ottawa, Canada. What is your favorite thing you did this summer? I went to D.C. to see my cousins and I spent three days with them. What do you think you’ll be when you grow up? I want to be a baker when I grow up and a doctor. I love cooking and I did a Panera birthday party, but I want to be a doctor and then bake stuff and take it to my work for the staff. Wow, your employees are going to love you! Yes, I think so, but I’m going to need to learn to cook a lot more. Favorite animal? Jaguar, no black panther, yes a black panther and then a jaguar in that order.
Alexandria Do you think you’ll ever have one as a pet? No because they eat people. Favorite food? Lasagna. My dad makes it. And my aunt makes her famous lasagna and it takes six hours to make and it’s so delicious and it’s worth waiting six hours for. Favorite book? The Toothpaste Genie. It’s my mom’s book. Favorite movie? The Parent Trap. What are you looking forward to this year at school? Science, I really like science. You get to go in the science lab and do experiments and learn new things in a fun way. What makes you happy? My family. What is something that you’re proud of?
I’m proud of getting second place in the science fair, taking the GT test, and getting into WonderLab. And I’m proud of my sister who works so hard. She got a ton of medals and I’m really happy for her and happy she’s my sister. What’s your favorite game? Fairy-opoly! I play it with my grandfather, he is so funny. When I owe him acorns, that’s money, he says “Twinkle freeze, acorns sneeze!” I always win, but it’s really fun playing with him. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? Alexandria, Egypt. I would say, “Hello people, this is what my name is, this is me! I should be the queen of Alexandria because that’s my name!
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Friday August 25, 2017
Eagle HYPE
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Dedicated to Prosper Sports
PISD, Parents Team Up for Educational Athletics Renee Marler Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com Data shows involvement in extracurricular activities helps increase overall GPA, decreases discipline issues, decreases attendance issues, improves standardized test scores, as well as providing many more intangible benefits. But often times, athletes are criticized to a degree that makes the sport no longer enjoyable, which can negatively impact the student athlete’s successes. You see it watching little league, AAU basketball, pee-wee football and other youth sporting games; officials don't even have time to blow the whistle before they are being chastised by a crowd of parents, players, spectators and unfortunately, even members of the coaching staff at times. In return, we are facing an official shortage in high school athletics across the state. Prosper Independent School District is trying a different approach that Prosper Athletic Director Valerie Little calls Educational Athletics. Educational Athletics is a community approach. A letter sent to all PISD athletes
read, “Prosper ISD student athletes have the expectation they will consistently work to improve themselves, their teammates and the game as a whole. Prosper ISD Parents will be supportive and positive at all times and help their student athletes to absorb the life lessons being taught. Athletics is an educational process which requires all three vital components – coaches, parents, and student athletes – to unite together to create the best possible educational athletic experience.” The message parents deliver at home can also help reinforce the components of Educational Athletics. At the middle school parent presentation, Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), showed data to parents reporting their student athletes' most dreaded part of the game was the trip home with his or her parents. PISD is trying to change that statistic. “When a student athlete makes a mistake, instead of throwing up your hands and yelling 'What are you doing?', take a moment and realize it takes courage to participate in a sport in front of peers and other critical adults,” said Little. “Our job as parents is to foster their love of the sport, not make them regret trying.” Being involved in athletics demands a great deal of time and dedication from coaches, players, and parents alike. Players will reflect attitudes, beliefs and work ethic of those around them.
“This does not necessarily translate into a superb win-loss record,” Little states. “But it does mean that our players will have discipline, responsibility and a strong work ethic if we live by example. Never assume that each student athlete is born with these traits, rather these traits need to be brought out through a developmental process.” Educational Athletics focuses on academics,
a positive school culture, character curriculum, positive reinforcement, productive citizenship, responsibility, and overcoming adversity. “A very small percentage of high school athletes go on to become collegiate athletes, but 100% of them go on to become members of society and it is our goal at Prosper ISD Athletics to develop better student athletes and to develop better people,” said Little.
Prosper Track Club Continues to Impress Renee Marler Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com Previously in The Prosper Times, we told you about the Prosper North Texas Jackrabbits Track Club boys relay team's impressive results at the Junior Olympics, but the successes don't end there for this club of local standout athletes. The select club, directed by Prosper residents Omar and Sheila Stoutmire, just completed its ninth season and had 62 athletes compete in the AAU Junior Olympics in Detroit, Michigan last month. Out of those 62 athletes, the club brought home 53 total Courtesy Photo medals from athletes who finished in the top Members of the girls eight nationally in their events. 12U relay on the The 12U Division 4x100 relay dominatpodium ed in the finals, edging out the long-running Courtesy Photo champion team. Prosper athlete Madison Madison Brinkley Brinkley, daughter of Prosper High School shows off her Allassistant football coach, John Brinkley, was a member of the relay American long jump that ran a winning time of 50.15. Madison also medaled All-Ameri- medal
can in the long jump after jumping 15 feet 8 inches. “We knew our main competition at the Junior Olympics would be the Owing Mills Track Club from Maryland, but our girls ended their streak,” said Sheila Stoutmire. Omar and Sheila's Courtesy Photo daughter, Hannah, comHannah Stoutmire poses with her peted in her fifth Junior All-Ameriacn medal at the AAU Junior Olympics. She ran in Olympics. the 4x800 relay and placed fourth overall in the nation and medaled All-American. Courtesy Photo Haftom Foutz, age 13, competed in the long jump and came in Hafton Foutz, 13, third with a jump of 18 feet 5 inches and ran the 400 meter in which he celebrates a 3rd placed fourth overall with a time of 53.6. Haftom was also a member place finish in the of the 4x400 relay which ran a season best time of 3:35 to finish fourth long jump overall in the nation.
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Friday August 25, 2017
WeAreProsper.com | Page 7
Photos: Renee Marler/PROSPER TIMES
Renee Marler Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com The community came out in force to support the Prosper Eagles as they kicked off the fall sports season on Saturday night at Meet the Eagles. Football season tickets were available for purchase, Children’s Health was demonstrating some of their enhanced sports training and rehabilitation, Kona Ice was
serving up their delicious shaved ice and the students were having a great time celebrating the end of a great first week of school. Fall athletes, including members of football, athletic trainers, cross country, volleyball, swim and dive, Talonettes, band and cheer squads were recognized at the annual event presented by Prosper Cheer and the Eagle Touchdown Club. Players and coaches from each sport
emerged through the huge Eagle tunnel where the coaches addressed the crowd and thanked them for their continued support. Seniors were announced individually at their last Meet the Eagles by Eric Manto, the voice of Prosper sports. The band, Talonettes and cheerleaders entertained the huge crowd that had assembled for the annual “pep rally” of sorts. After the player recognitions, the Spirit Leaders, students and football players led the
Renee Marler Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com If you live in the sports world as I do, you know that it's quite possible, and even pretty easy, to connect just about anything to sports, including this week's solar eclipse. Because I follow many professional athletes, teams and fellow sportswriters on various social media platforms, I was able to see the sporting world's reaction to the rare phenomenon as well as the warnings of retinal damage and melting cameras. Prior to this week, I don't believe I had ever thought of staring directly into the sun, nor had I used the word “totality,” but on Monday, it was the word of the day. In Prosper, the percentage of totality was 77.8%, but with the click of the mouse we could watch the events unfold in real time across the country. And we could also follow along with celebrities via social media.
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Dedicated to Prosper Sports
Athlete of the Week Madi Whitmire Junior, Prosper Volleyball
Whitmire dominated her role over the last week racking up 116 assists, 36 digs and 5 aces in the NWISD Tournament and Prosper Home Opener. Keep it up, Madi!
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CHILDREN + TEENS + ADULTS
community in the “We are Prosper, We are One” ceremonial chant as well as the school song. As the lights dimmed on the school song, the skies lit up with an approximately six and one-half minute fireworks show, complete with Prosper green ending. Please support our Eagles. Prosper sports schedules are available at www.prosper-isd. net.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. posted a video squinting while searching for the eclipse and ignoring warnings not to look directly into the sun. While Seattle Seahawks coach, Pete Carroll, was safety first with his NASA approved eclipse glasses. Wearing some sort of steampunk inspired eyewear, Detroit Tigers pitcher, Justin Verlander, and his fiancé, Kate Upton, took in the sights with #pathoftotality on Twitter. National Hockey League right winger, Jack Skille improvised with a welder’s mask from a zamboni driver. But what might be my favorite 80's youth reference of all was Philadelphia Eagles' Taylor Hart's “total eclipse of:” tweet. Share your favorite eclipse moments with us on social media @WeAreProsper. If there is something sports related you would like to see explained or mentioned “Inside the Locker Room” please email Renee Marler at Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com.
Prosper Tennis at Home Friday
Renee Marler Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com Prosper Tennis suffered a 16-3 loss against Frisco Liberty on Thursday afternoon. “We had some extremely close matches and each and every member of our team is improving with every match,” said Prosper Tennis coach Mandy Bowling. The Eagles were prepared to play on Friday, but matches were canceled due to inclement weather. Prosper Tennis will take on Frisco Heritage at 4 p.m. this Friday at home.
Renee Marler/PROSPER TIMES
Junior Neha Madhira serves the ball in the first match of the season against Frisco Wakeland on August 10.
PROSPERTIMES
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Friday August 25, 2017
Prosper XC Dominates in Mansfield Meet
Senior Erin Konvalin Spotlight
Renee Marler Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com Prosper Cross Country traveled to Mansfield Timberview on Saturday and competed in a four-person, sixmile relay. Each leg ran 1.5 miles, and instead of a baton, the team used a plastic chicken for handoffs. The varsity girls team, made up of Tatum Castillo, Emily Patterson, Anna Hornyak and Kendall Rose, finished first with a total time of 36:38. The other varsity team of Peyton Lammons, Macy Owens, Madison Christy and Audrey Haugh finished third. Varsity boys, Sam Rizzo, Leon Valdman, Wyatt Landis and Alex Velez, also finished first with a time of 31:18. Reagan Beavers, Brianna Villalba, Kelsey Hodges and Emma Kruse, members of the girls JV team, finished second in the meet. Prosper had two JV boys teams compete in the relay and they placed first and second, respectively. The team of Hamilton Burdett, Phoenix Buchmiller, Bryce Earls and Zach Griffin placed first with a time of 34:13 while the team of Nick Guerrero, Cody Duke, Ayden Reddington and Brian Piotrowski followed closely behind to snag second. The Eagles will compete next Saturday at Greenhill Luke's Locker 6 Mile Relay at Norbuck Park starting at 7 a.m.
Class of 2018
Sport: Tennis Position: Doubles Player Parents: Wade and Nelda Konvalin Nickname: Ren
Courtesy Photo
Varsity girls cross country relay after their first place win in Mansfield on Saturday
When did you start playing tennis? I’ve been playing since I was 7 years old. Biggest strength and weakness in tennis? My backhand (strength), Consistency when playing points (weakness) What do you love about tennis? I’ve always loved how it’s only me and one other person because if the chemistry matches with your partner, it’s so fun and makes winning that much better.
Courtesy Photo
Varsity boys cross country relay after their first place win in Mansfield on Saturday
Sport you always wanted to try? I’ve always wanted to try track because I loved running the 100 and 200 in middle school. Most memorable moment in tennis? My last match with my doubles partner before she graduated. We played together for 2 years and was a really close friend.
Favorite Athlete: Rafael Nadal
Three people you’d like to have dinner with....dead or alive: My Grandma and Grandpa and Ryan Gosling
Courtesy Photo
Varsity girls cross country relay after their third place win in Mansfield on Saturday
Favorite Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys
Favorite quote: “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” Favorite subject in school: English What’s on your playlist? Every genre except screamo Plans after HS? I want to attend Kansas State and become an event planner
Courtesy Photo
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Action photos of your child in personalized online download gallery
Action photos of your child in personalized online download gallery
Ten (10) 5x7 lab quality professional prints of your choosing from the season
Ten (10) 5x7 lab quality professional prints of your choosing from the season
Football/Volleyball/Cheer $350 Talonettes/Band $250
Senior Photo Session including Two (2) outfit changes, Two (2) local locations and Eight (8) High-Res Images
Football/Volleyball/Cheer $750 Talonettes/Band $650
Contact Us at 972.347.6231 or Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com to schedule or for more information
To Advertise in the PROSPER TIMES and reach every mailbox in the 75078 zipcode, please contact Cedarbrook Media at 972.347.6231 or email Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com
Prosper boys JV Cross Country placed first and second in the Mansfield meet on Saturday
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Eagle HYPE
Prosper Volleyball Wins At Home Renee Marler Renee@CedarbrookMedia.Com Prosper Volleyball went 7-2 during the Northwest ISD Tournament last week to capture the Bronze Championship over Aledo. The Lady Eagles, led by senior Haley Killinger and junior Madi Whitmire, defeated Mansfield 2-0. Killinger had 14 kills while Whitmire brought 25 assists and 18 digs. In the second match, Prosper swept Reedy by going 28-26 and 25-19. In addition to Killinger and Whitmire, Hope Gramly and Cici Hecht brought a strong game to help put Prosper on top. Aledo would force the Lady Eagles to a third set for the first time in the tournament, but team leaders Gramly, Killinger, Hecht, Whitmire and Macy Walterschied would ultimately help Prosper edge out Aledo, earning Bronze. In the final match, Gramly had 6 blocks, Killinger brought 16 kills and 16 digs, Hecht had 12 kills and 9 digs, Walterscheid put down 11 digs and Whitmire had a sensational 35 assists and 11 digs. Tuesday, the Lady Eagles swept Richardson 3-0 in their home opener by going 25-18, 25-8, and 25-14. Whitmire led the team with 5 aces, 26 assists and 7 digs. Killinger had 4 aces and 13 kills. Hecht had a solid performance with 3 aces, 7 kills and 12 digs. Senior Taryn Weber had 3 aces and junior Kayla Martin, 7 digs. The Eagles, now 17-4, will play this Friday and Saturday in the PSA Murphy Tournament hosted by Plano West.
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PRE-GAME Sponsored By:
PROSPERTIMES
Renee Marler/PROSPER TIMES
Seniors Hope Gramly (left) stretches for the kill and Haley Killinger (right) shows off her jumping ability in a serve at the home opener against Richardson Tuesday night.
Starting 2-hours before kickoff at every PROSPER EAGLE home game in the Reynolds Middle School parking lot!
Pre-Game Podcast Eagle Coach & Player Video Interviews Game Highlights BBQ Provided by: First 20 people are FREE 1/2 off for all PISD Employees (with badge)
Each plate purchased this season enters you into the drawing for a custom Prosper Eagles Fire Pit!
Renee Marler/PROSPER TIMES
Freshman Sami Jacobs (left) tips the ball over the net and Taryn Weber (right) slams a kill over the net at the home opener against Richardson Tuesday night.