Nickel Neutering at Plano Animal Shelter

Get your cat neutered for just 5 cents during Nickel Neutering!

Make an appointment with us to get your cat neutered for just a nickel on Tuesday, February 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Here’s a few things to know about Nickel Neutering:

• Make an appointment by calling (972) 769-4360
• Bring your cat in a pet carrier with you...

Low Cost Vaccinations and Sterilizations

Are you looking for low cost vaccination and sterilization services?

Check out the options for local low cost vaccination and sterilization services:

• Humane Society of North Texas
  • Website: http://www.hsnt.org/
  • Phone: (817) 332-4768
• Spay Neuter Network
  • Website: https://spayneuternet.org/
  • Phone: (972) 472-3500
• Spay Neuter Your Pet
  • W...

All About Adoption from the Plano Animal Shelter

Are you interested in adopting a pet from the Plano Animal Shelter?

Keep in mind that all animals at our shelter are:

• Up-to-date on vaccines 
• Microchipped 
• Sterilized 
• Receive heartworm testing and treatment if needed 
• Given a collar and tags
• Loved by staff and volunteers 

Our standar...

Ready with Ron: Items to Keep in Your Vehicle as Part of Your Emergency Preparedness Plan

You never know when your car could suddenly break down or how long you may be waiting until help arrives. There are a number of things that could go wrong during your commute whether it’s a flat tire, a dead car battery or a weather-related inci...

Preparation and Sale of Homemade Foods

Have you ever wondered what you might be able to make at home and sell? The City of Plano Environmental Health Division has received several inquiries recently and would like to clarify the rules around homemade foods. The Texas Cottage Food Law does allo...

Prescribed burns scheduled for Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve Jan. 25 until February

Plano Parks and Recreation and Plano Fire-Rescue are working together to rejuvenate some of the blackland prairie ecosystem at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve with a series of controlled burns this month. The burns are expected to take place in areas w...

Plano Fire-Rescue is Hiring!

Join one of the best fire departments in the nation! Plano Fire-Rescue is looking for a few extraordinary men and women who will join us in providing Professional service with heart – integrity always.

The next entrance exam will held March 5. See below for eligibility requirements and to apply:

Fire Rescue Specialist Eligibility Requirements:

1. Be at least 18 to 35 years of age at the time of testing. Must have reached at least 18 years of age ...

Congratulations to the City Level Winners of this Year's Fire Prevention Poster Contest

Each year Plano ISD and Plano Fire-Rescue team up to sponsor the Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Using the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week theme, students across Plano create a poster and compete at the school and city level.

City level winners are chosen by Plano firefighters.  Here are the City level winners at the Fire Prevention Poster Contest Awards Ceremony held Wednesday evening at Plano’s City Council Chambers.  The City level winning poster...

Certificates of Appropriateness Activity

The effects of the improved workflow for Certificates of Appropriateness (CAs) continue to keep CA activity rolling. Between April and October, staff approved 15 CAs and the Heritage Commission approved seven CAs.

Staff Approved (15): 

• 8 related to...

Pop-Up Author – Gretchen Rubin Appearing

With clarity and humor, bestselling author Gretchen Rubin illuminates one of her key realizations about happiness: For most of us, outer order contributes to inner calm. And for most of us, a rigid, one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t work.

Hear Gretchen Rubin talk about her novel Outer Order, Inner Calm at 7:00 pm – Wednesday, March 27 at Haggard Library.

Gretchen Rubin suggests more than 150 short, concrete clutter-clearing ideas so each reader can choose the ones that re...

Family Place Playgroup

Family Place Playgroup at Harrington Library provides a welcoming environment for families to nurture their children’s development during the critical first years of life ages 0-3.

Make friends and talk one-on-one with specialists on various aspects of child development and early literacy. Ask our specially trained child development and family support librarians about our parenting collection. The sessions help ensure your child ent...

Readers & Waggers

Practice you reading skills by reading to a Heart of Texas Therapy dog. Bring your favorite book from home or choose one from the library. Details in Engage on page 14.

Book in Common - Death in the Air

Death in the Air by Kate Winkler Dawson is the true story of a serial killer, the great London smog, and the strangling of a city. The book is this year’s selection for the Book in Common.

Plano Library and Collin College are partnering to create a community of adult readers, promote discussion, and spark conversations featuring different perspectives and diverse opinions.

Companion programs for the book in common include a book discussion b...

The Lounge at Schimelpfenig and Haggard

Share your writing, artwork and other forms of self-expression during monthly conversations with different themes and formats. Afternoon sessions (ages 55+) are at Haggard Library and evening sessions (adults) take place at Schimelpfenig.

Details in Engage on page 19.

2019 Spring Programs and Classes at the Library

Plano Public Library is your place for #morethanbooks. Visit us, spark your curiosity and learn something new this spring. From 3D Printing to Wonder Café, we have classes and programs for everyone.

• Learn about 3D printing with classes at Davis, Harrington and Parr libraries for families, teens and adults.
• Enter the annual Bookmark Contest January 2 – February 15. Entries in five age categories will be accepted at all libraries.
• Visit four ar...

2019 HOA Legal Clinic

Join us on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 8am. Plano has partnered with the City of Garland and the DFW Chapter of the Community Associations Institute to host the 2019 HOA Legal Clinic.You won’t want to miss it! Mandatory HOA representatives are e...

Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze

Here are some quick trash and bulky waste reminders:

Check the 2019 Bulky Waste Collection Calendar to make sure your monthly pick up date was not changed. You can place your bulky trash items out up to 5 days before your collection day. 

Is your N...

Get a $5,000 Rebate on your Home

Is your home due for a new roof, fence or foundation repairs? Is the vinyl flooring in the kitchen begging you for an update? Is it finally time to remodel that one bathroom that still has carpet? If you answered yes to any of these questions- we&rsqu...

Fight Crime Alongside the Pop-Up Party Trailer

This year, your neighborhood group has the opportunity to WIN the chance to use the Pop-Up Party Trailer on National Night Out 2019!

Here's how to enter:

Raffle entries are earned by having at least one neighborhood representative attend the following event...

Who Can I Call?

Plano City News: Swing into Spring with the Courtyard Texas Music Series

Don't miss the 2019 Courtyard Texas Music Series, sign up for the HOA Legal Clinic, join us for Plano Town Hall on Thursday, avoid traffic delays and get the latest on Backyard Cottages in Plano City News.

Plano City News is distributed every Tuesday to 39,400 subscribers by the City of Plano Communications and Community Outreach department. To receive a copy directly in your inbox, please subscribe. Thank you for your readership!

Save Your Cat a Spot for Nickel Neutering

Get your male cat neutered for 5 cents during Nickel Neutering on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

We'll have appointments from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Plano Animal Shelter, 4028 W. Plano Pkwy. You are not required to live in Plano to take advantage of this special offer. Schedule a time for your cat by calling 972-769-4360.

What you need to know for th...

Apply for Mayor's Summer Internships by March 1

Are you a high school student who wants to beef up your college applications? Consider applying for the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship program.

Read on...

What is Chlorine Maintenance?

March 4 through April 1 is when the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will perform the annual chlorine maintenance of our water system.

You may notice a slight change in smell or taste. If you do, try these tips: 

• Fill a pitcher of water and place it in your fridge overnight. This allows the chlorine to dissipate.
• Add a slice of cucumber to a glass of water for a few hours to impro...

Prescribed burns scheduled for Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve

Through the rest of February, you may see smoke if you live near Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve.

Plano Parks and Recreation and Plano Fire-Rescue are rejuvenating some of the blackland prairie ecosystem in this area with a series of controlled burns. The burns are expected to take place in areas west of Jupiter Road. Days may vary depending on weathe...

Read the 2018 City of Plano Annual Report

Check out our 2018 Annual Report for highlights, budgetary information and accolades, as well as information on how you can get involved in the community and love Plano.

Mark Israelson Appointed Plano's Next City Manager

Plano City Council members voted last night to appoint Mark Israelson as Plano’s new city manager. Israelson replaces City Manager Bruce Glasscock, who retires at the end of April.

“The Council and I are excited about what is to come,” said Mayor Harry LaRosiliere. “Mark combines innovative thinking with a genuine understanding of Plano's culture of excellence. Those qualities make him uniquely qualifie...

Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+ Reopens March 18

Mark your calendars. The Plano Parks and Recreation Department has announced the date for its special grand reopening of the newly expanded and renovated Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+.

The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 18 at 401 West 16^th Street. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility immediately following the ribbon cutting.

Voters approved funding for the project in the 2009 bond election. The city ...

City Manager Bruce Glasscock to Retire

Plano City Manager Bruce Glasscock notified the City Council of his intent to retire at the end of April, 2019. Glasscock served in the public sector for 50 years, the last 29 with the City of Plano.

Glasscock began his career with the City of Plano in 1990 when he was selected Police Chief. In 1998 he was appointed additional responsibilities as Deputy City Manager and held dual leadership roles through 2001 at which time he transitioned to full-time...

Take Care of Your Plano Parks

Plano’s parks and nature preserves are popular venues for taking wedding, family, graduation and other memorable photos — and why wouldn’t they be?

Plano’s parks and nature preserves are popular venues for taking wedding, family, graduation and other memorable photos — and why wouldn’t they be? The City’s 85 parks are beautifully maintained year-round by the Pa...

National Night Out - Pop-Up Trailer Raffle

Enter your neighborhood for a chance to win use of the Pop-Up Party Trailer during National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Entries are earned by having at least one neighborhood representative attend the following events/meetings (up to 8 entries per neighborhood group):

• Neighbors Connect Series - ongoing until the April Neighbors Connect Roundtable
• 2019 HOA Legal Clinic - Satu...

Is a Backyard Cottage a Fit for Your Property?

You may have thought about building additional living space on your property to host family and guests or to serve other needs.

Some Plano residents have tried to do this by building a second, smaller living space in their backyard. We call these structures Backyard Cottages. Under the current zoning regulations, only 141 Plano properties can accommodate this housing style. If the...

Lead the Pledge at a City Council Meeting

Scout groups and youth organizations are a big part of each City Council meeting. Would your troop or group like to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge at an upcoming Plano City Council meeting?

Email Alice Snyder in the City Secretary's Office to secure a place on the schedule.

Sign Up for Trash and Recycling Reminders

If you struggle with remembering when to place your recycling cart out for collection, we've got a new tool for you. Get reminders by text or email to your favorite device (or both).

Alerts are sent the night before your collection between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (you pick the time). The reminders adjust with the City's holiday collection schedule. A special thanks to our Kings Ridge HOA residents for helping with testing.

Route Around Road Construction

Every Friday afternoon we update a list of current construction projects across Plano.

Visit plano.gov/roadconstruction for these updates. Keep in mind, weather can always change our schedule.

If you want day-to-day updates on City of Plano projects or traffic flow, try the Waze app. Our projects automatically upload to the app. It'...

Plano’s parks and recreation system contributes millions to local economy

From its parks, trails and playgrounds to its recreation centers, pools and athletics fields, our city’s investment in its parks and recreation pays off in a multitude of ways.

In 2017, the Trust for Public Land released a study that explored the economic benefits that this system provides. The study also measured Plano Parks and Recreation’s overall performance and how such has impacted the community at-large.

The Trus...

Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+ Reopens March 18

Mark your calendars. The Plano Parks and Recreation Department has announced the date for its special grand reopening of the newly expanded and renovated Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+.

The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 18 at 401 West 16^th Street. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility immediately following the ribbon cutting.

Voters approved funding for the project in the 2009 bond election. The city ...

Ask an Urban Forester: What is emerald ash borer and how is it affecting trees in Plano?

Q. I heard emerald ash borer has been found in Fort Worth. What is it and is it affecting our trees in Plano?

A. The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a destructive wood‐boring pest of ash trees. Native to Asia, the emerald ash borer beetle (EAB) was unknown in North America until its discovery in southeast Michigan in 2002. Since then, the invasive pest...

Prescribed burns: What you need to know

By now, you may have already heard the news about Plano Parks and Recreation and Plano Fire-Rescue teaming up for a series of prescribed burns at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve.

Construction and Detour along Chisholm Trail

Work will soon begin to address erosion control on the Chisholm Trail just north of Spring Creek.

During this time, trail users are asked to follow detour signs around the trail. The detour will take trail users on a 5 ft. sidewalk with a new ramp and end on an ADA asphalt (temporary access) trail. Construction is scheduled to be complete in spring 20...

Liberty Recreation Center renovations

Liberty Recreation Center (2601 Glencliff Dr.) is preparing for an exciting renovation project, which, when complete, will feature more than just a fresh coat of paint.

The center is expected to reopen in the fall of 2019. Follow Plano Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Twitter or visit Liberty Recreation Center’s web page to stay up-to-date on this project’s progress.

Plano voters approved funding f...

VIP Connection Newsletter Winter 2018

Thankful to serve

VIP Connection Newsletter Summer 2018

Committed to serve

VIP Connection - Spring 2018

This spring brought many milestones to the VIP program. Read more.

VPay Employees Volunteer at Plano Animal Shelter

Employees from Plano-based VPay spent two Fridays in March volunteering at Plano Animal Services. Volunteering as a group with Plano Animal Services provides valuable resources for our community and helps those precious pets get one step closer to home. V...

Volunteers Wanted for Plano CARES

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Plano Code Abatement by Residents Engaged in Service (CARES) connects local volunteers to residents in need of assistance with common property code violations. Project work days are scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of ev...

Toyota Teams with VIP for National Public Lands Day

Volunteers in Plano brought Toyota USA and National Environmental Education Foundation to celebrate National Public Lands Day in Plano, Texas! These partnerships are paramount in impacting our community. Thank you to Kym Hughes and the staff of Oak Point ...

ESL Teachers Needed

Harrington Library is looking for volunteer ESL teachers. Training is free and materials are provided. For more information, contact Julie Brown, ESL Program Director at juliebrown@lift-texas.org or call 214-824-2000 ext. 3218

In Memory of Russ Kissick

We are saddened by the passing of Russ Kissick. Russ was one of three Co-Founders and ongoing Co-Director of The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., the non-profit organization that has served as manager of the Interurban Railway Museum sin...

Bank of America Volunteers Become Super Sorters

Thank you to the team of 14 Bank of America employees for giving an afternoon of service to Haggard Library. Employees from India and several different states joined together to help sort donations and package items for the annual fundraising books sale. ...

United Healthcare Employees Volunteer at Parr Library

Thank you to United Healthcare employees for lending a hand at Parr Library. Staff enjoyed a morning of service by cleaning and organizing children’s books for the library. Children’s book are frequently checked out and at the end of e...

Bank of America Rolls Up Their Sleeves

On Friday, September 30 six employees from one of Plano's Bank of America locations chose the Plano Animal Shelter for their volunteer day. Employees were excited to lend a hand in the kennels, help with laundry, wash many dog bowls and spend time togethe...Read on...

Hyundai Capital Lends A Hand

On Saturday, September 24th seven employees from Plano's Hyundai Capital office spent their morning volunteering at the Animal Shelter. Creating a team building event around service to the community is a great way to build comradery and motivate staff to ...

Capgemini Serve Plano

On Friday, September 23 staff from Capgemini selected the Plano Community Garden and the Animal Shelter for their service day. Staff members rolled up their sleeves helped provide maintenance of the garden, weeding, turning compost piles, laying mulch and...Read on...

Capital One, A Dog's Best Friend

On Friday, August 19 employees from Capital One spent the day volunteering at the Plano Animal Shelter. Corporate volunteers play a vital role in helping advocate for the shelter after they spend a day in the life of shelter staff. Groups are all smiles a...Read on...

Cambria Hotel & Suites Supports Animal Shelter

On Friday, September 9th staff from Cambria Hotel & Suites Plano rolled up their sleeves and spent the day volunteering at the Plano Animal Shelter. 9 Cambria employees enjoyed a day of service helping the shelter maintain a clean facility, provide se...Read on...

Frisco Roughriders lend a hand at Animal Shelter

On Sunday, August 21 staff from the Frisco Roughriders donated a morning of service to the Plano Animal Shelter. They spent time helping with cleaning and maintenance of the facility which improves the customer experience and provides a safe environment f...Read on...

Bank of America Volunteers Plant Seedlings for Parks Department

A big thank you goes out to the 10 Bank of America volunteers who planted 100 trees in the Russell Creek greenbelt for the Plano Parks Department.

Courtyard Texas Music Series Season Ticket Available Now!

Be a Season Ticket holder! Season tickets provide access to all nine Courtyard Texas Music shows of 2019. You will be guaranteed to have your chosen seats at each concert.

Be a Season Ticket holder! Season tickets provide access to all nine Courtyard Texas Music shows of 2019. You will be guaranteed to have your chosen seats at each concert. The cost for season tickets is $260 per seat. The price of new season tickets will ...

Courtyard Texas Music Series: Pam Tillis - March 7

Whether it’s on the elaborate stages of the Grand Ole Opry or in the intimate setting of Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, you will experience that feeling of delight that comes from Pam Tillis singing.

Pam Tillis is a child of country music royalty, proud member of The Grand Ole Opry,  3-time CMA award winner,  1994’s Female Vocalist Of The Year, 2-time Grammy award winner and 6-time Grammy nominee.  Tillis has always insisted...

Courtyard Texas Music Series: Monte Montgomery - April 4

Since his jaw-dropping performance on Austin City Limits, Monte Montgomery was named one of the “Top 50 All-Time Greatest Guitar Players” by Guitar Player Magazine.

Since his jaw-dropping performance on Austin City Limits, Monte Montgomery was named one of the “Top 50 All-Time Greatest Guitar Players” by Guitar Player Magazine. With the release of his eponymous CD, he cements his place as not just a blazingly electri...

Courtyard Texas Music Series: Kevin Russell & The Shiny Soul Sisters Trio - May 2

Beginning as a side-project of singer/guitar player Kevin Russell of The Gourds, Austin Music Awards named Shinyribs 2017 Funk/Blues/Soul Band of the Year. In this incarnation, Russel pairs with The Shiny Soul Sisters - Kelley Mickwee & Alice Spencer.

Kevin Russell is a founding member of  the American alternative country band The Gourds.  After 18 years of good times and hard travelin’, the Gourds came to an end and Russell has been riding high on the Shinyribs river of country-soul,...

Beatles Night 2019

It’s Beatles Night at the Amphitheater in Oak Point Park! Get your tickets now for headliner Hard Day’s Night and opening act Revolution 9. Let It Be your favorite night of the year!

A Hard Night’s Day have played the Cavern Club, the Kaiserkeller in Hamburg, and recorded in Abbey Road Studios in Studio 2. With a catalog of more than 200 songs, they give an in-depth, genuine Beatles experience. Revolution 9 will open the night.&nb...

Courtyard Texas Music Series: Tommy Alverson & Ed Burleson - June 6

Tommy Alverson has shared the stage with Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker. Ed Burlson’s 1999 album “My Perfect World” hit number four on the Americana charts.

Tommy Alverson has shared the stage with Texas musicians Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush, Johnny Gimble, Jerry Jeff Walker, Clay Blaker, Gary P. Nunn, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Radney Foster, and Steven Fromholz, as well as Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, Charlie Robiso...

Courtyard Texas Music Series: Max Stalling - August 1

Max Stalling's style is modern with a vintage feel. Stalling’s “Home to You” earned a Best Album and Best Male Vocal nomination for the 2011 Lonestar Music Awards, as well as #1 single on the Texas Regional Radio Report.

Stalling's style is modern with a vintage feel. With Jeff Howe on drums and percussion, Clay Willis on guitar, and Jason Steinsultz swapping between upright and electric bass, Stalling creates a dynamic live show that’s smart, charming and as listenable a...

Courtyard Texas Music Series: Prophets & Outlaws - October 3

The southern soul band originated the heart of metropolitan Dallas. Their commanding instrumental groove, relatable lyrics, and authentic five-part harmonies have sent them to the top of the music charts and earned the band over 2 million Spotify streams.

The southern soul band originated in a Jesuit high school set in the heart of metropolitan Dallas when two brothers and a best friend came together in their shared love of music. Almost a decade and five EPs later, the now band of five boasts a massive fa...

Exam Weekend:

What to Bring and What to Know the Day of the Exam

Saturday Morning: bring your ID, exam ticket and completed and notarized PHS to the exam.  Wear athletic clothing as those who pass will immediately proceed to the physical agility test. ...