Mesquite ISD’s School Bus Stop Arm Enforcement Program goes live

Last month, the City of Mesquite began a partnership with the Mesquite Independent School District (MISD) in their efforts to utilize the latest equipment and technology to detect motorists making illegal passes around stopped school buses. The “Stop on Red, Kids Ahead” safety program went live last month with a 30-day warning period. During the warning period, 60 warnings were issued. Motorists will now receive citations for failing to stop for a school bus that has come to a complete stop and has its stop arm extended. Each violation will be reviewed and approved by the Mesquite Police Department before a citation is issued. The program establishes a civil penalty of $300 for the offense. More details are available at www.cityofmesquite.com/StopOnRed.

Mesquite to host National Night Out events on October 4

The City of Mesquite will host a variety of activities in neighborhoods on October 4 in recognition of National Night Out. The National Night Out campaign involves citizens, law enforcement, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 15,000 communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada, and military bases worldwide. For the most current schedule, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/NNO.

TxDOT to open I-635 TEXpress Lanes on October 1

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will begin tolling 9.3 miles of HOV/Express Lanes, a form of TEXpress Lanes, on Interstate 635 (I-635) from Greenville Avenue to I-30 in Dallas County on October 1 at 8 a.m. The I-635 TEXpress Lanes feature one lane in each direction and a total of four entrance ramps and four exit ramps. The lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When the I-635 TEXpress Lanes open, HOV and motorcycle drivers, with a valid toll tag, who register and activate their HOV status through the Drive On TEXpress website or app, will be able to use the lanes at no cost.

Certificate of excellence financial reporting

Mesquite receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Mesquite by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report. This achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals.

Street Division receives new
asphalt recycler

The Street Division has initiated use of a new 4-ton asphalt recycler to increase efficiency in street repair operations. The unit was purchased through a grant with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The equipment will be used to reclaim and renew asphalt removed from a repair area and allow it to be reused in the same location.

Fall 2016 Fun Guide available online

The Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department is offering activities for all ages this fall. The new Fall 2016 Fun Guide is now available online at www.cityofmesquite.com/FunGuide. The guide features special events, athletics, camps, therapeutic recreation and more. Activities listed are offered from October 2016 through January 2017. View the Fall Fun Guide online or call 972-216-6260 for more information.

All Day RASP available on October 3

On October 3, an All Day Recreation After School Program (RASP) is available for students in kindergarten through sixth grade from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Florence and Rutherford Recreation Centers. Participants must bring a water bottle and sack lunch. The fee is $16 per child, per day.

Parks and Recreation Department to host Haunted Camp Out

The Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department will host a Haunted Camp Out at Camp Rorie-Galloway, 3100 Lawson Road, October 8 - 9, from 12 p.m. - 10 a.m. Activities will include zip lining, kayaking, a costume contest, tent decorating contest, a haunted hike and more. The fee is $35 for a family of four, plus $5 for each additional camper. A campfire dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning are included. Families will need to bring their own tent and bedding. Visit www.cityofmesquite.com/HauntedCampOut for more information.

Keep Mesquite Beautiful to host Recycling Fashion Show

Keep Mesquite Beautiful, Inc. (KMB) will host its 8th annual Recycling Fashion Show on Saturday, October 15 at 2 p.m. in Dillard’s Court at Town East Mall. The event is intended to educate the public about recycling in a fun and interactive way. Children of all ages, organizations and businesses are invited to show their costumes created from recycled materials. There is a $3 fee for each entry and advance registration is required. For more details, call the KMB office at 972-329-8331 or visit www.keepmesquitebeautiful.org.

City booths recognized at Mesquite Chamber of Commerce Taste & Trade

Congratulations to the Mesquite Public Library and Mesquite Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department. All three City services were represented at the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce Taste & Trade on September 27 and were recognized for their creative displays. The Mesquite Public Library was awarded “Best Booth,” while the Mesquite Convention and Visitors Bureau and Parks and Recreation Department were honored respectively as “Most Creative” and “Most Creative Runner-Up.” This year’s Taste & Trade theme was “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

Mesquite CVB Director serves as guest speaker at Richland Community College

Mesquite Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Director Judy Skowron recently served as guest speaker at Richland Community College for a class in the Travel, Exposition and Meetings Management Program. Ms. Skowron presented a program about Mesquite’s cultural and heritage tourism attractions including: the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, the Florence Ranch Homestead, the Opal Lawrence Historical Park, Mesquite Arts Center, Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, Mesquite Community Theatre, Devil's Bowl Speedway and more. To find out more about the Mesquite CVB, visit www.realtexasflavor.com.