🌱 Frisco Traffic Fatalities Rising + New Library Opening Delayed

Happy Thursday, people of McKinney-Frisco! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's everything going on today in McKinney-Frisco.

First, today's weather:

Winds subsiding and cooler. High: 61 Low: 24.

Here are the top three stories in McKinney-Frisco today:

1. In 2021, the Frisco Police Department reported 12 traffic fatalities and 11 fatal crashes making it the highest level of traffic fatalities in 15 years. Previously, the highest total of fatal accidents reported in Frisco had been seven, both in 2006 and in 2012. Throughout 2021, the Frisco Police Department reported 2,000 total crashes, which is up 26% from 2019. 1,324 of those crashes involved injures, up 27% from 2019. While this trend is alarming, Police Chief David Shilson noted these numbers follow a national trend. (Star Local Media)
2. The Frisco Public Library is moving from the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center into the former Beal Building, but locals will have to wait a few more months to check it out. A renovation of the building was approved by voters in 2019 and is funded by a $62 million bond. According to Chief Innovation Officer Jason Cooley, air conditioning equipment for the building has been delayed by 12 weeks due to supply shortages. (Community Impact)
3. The Frisco ISD administration lobby has been converted to an art gallery showcasing the incredible talent and imagination of students across the District. Each year, select students are invited to display their artistry in the Vertical Art Show located inside the administration building. The artwork will be displayed for two weeks and the community can attend an artist reception and virtual art gallery. (Press Release Desk)

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Today in McKinney-Frisco:

• Silent Yoga At Apex Centre (9:30 AM)
• Tech Help (Adults) At John and Judy Gay Library (10:15 AM)
• Mom & Tots Open Gym At Old Settler's Recreation Center (10:30 AM)
• McKinney Black History Month Lecture Series: The Future of African Americans in Politics At McKinney Performing Arts Center (6:00 PM)
• Latin Dance: Bachata At Old Settler's Recreation Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In case you missed Tuesday night's Frisco City Council meeting, check out this 3-minute recap from Mayor Jeff Cheney. (Facebook)
• In the market for a new home? These two upcoming McKinney-Frisco area open houses are worth a look. (McKinney-Frisco Patch)
• Can you hook the biggest trout in McKinney? Bring the whole family to Towne Lake Recreational Area for the City's annual Trout Derby this Saturday, Feb. 19, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is free for everyone! (Facebook)
• In honor of Black History Month, the North Texas Food Bank, in partnership with POWERHANDZ Power to Give Foundation, is highlighting Black individuals who have played a major role in fighting hunger and food insecurity in Texas. Check out this highlight feature on Kelvin Browning of Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry. (Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.