Local News on KUZU 92.9FM, Denton, Texas
June 21, 2023
Here are the headlines Katey Margolis read on-air this week:
It’s the heat — and the humidity
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service say a surge of humidity from the Gulf of Mexico is making the current heat wave particularly dangerous.
The heat dome that gripped much of south Texas last week has pushed up to counties along the Red River. Excessive heat warnings began Monday because the heat index is now more than 110 degrees. Meteorologist Steve Fano said that, in his 25 years of working at the Fort Worth office, he could count on one hand how many times they’ve issued such a warning.
Steve Fano: “Basically the moisture we’re seeing here is more indicative of like what Houston and Brownsville typically see this time of year, and not us. It usually doesn’t quite make it this far north.”
Humidity is keeping the overnight temperatures around 80 degrees, which contributes to the dangerous conditions. Fano said that the forecast models show the high-pressure ridge starting to break down at the end of the week, as systems come in from the west. The ridge could shift to the east by next week, taking some of the humidity with it.
Fano: “The good news is, as we start losing a little bit of that moisture, we start, we get some relief at night where your lows cool down into to the low to mid 70s instead of 80, so you get a little more relief, at least.”
You can prevent heat-related illness by limiting time outdoors to the early morning and late evening. People working outdoors should stay out of the sun, take breaks in the shade, and drink water to help prevent heat stroke. Heavy sweating, nausea, and feeling weak are signs of heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke. Call 911 if a person gets dizzy, confused or falls unconscious. While you wait for help, move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and cool their body temperature as best you can with water or ice.
More information at weather.gov/fwd.
Sediment Pond 2.0 — wetlands for wildlife
According to a recent staff report, the city has finished an important step in decommissioning its old power plant. Back in 1975, Denton formed a partnership with three other cities to build a coal-fired power plant near Bryan. The partnership, known at the Texas Municipal Power Agency, finally closed the power plant in 2018. Some of the land around the plant was prepped for coal mining, but the agency decided to get its coal from Wyoming instead.
Back then, the agency had built a sediment pond on the land, but it was never used for mining. Over the past few years, crews worked to turn the pond into a wetlands habitat.
The Texas Railroad Commission recently released the agency, Denton, and the other member cities from their bond obligations to restoring the land and recognized them with an award for creating the wetlands.
More information at cityofdenton.com.
Chairy Orchard 2.0
City parks officials confirmed that they obtained several prominent elements from the former Chairy Orchard. Now they are seeking public feedback on what to do next.
Orchard fans can share their ideas for the big Papa Bear chair and giant picture frame, the Locks of Love Chair-ish Wall, the metal archway, and other chairs from the long-running art installation. Parks officials will be available to discuss ideas during the July Jubilee celebration beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, July 3, on the Square, or at a public meeting tentatively planned for July 13, or online through discussdenton.com.
Details for Denton’s Independence Day celebration
By the way, there is still time to sign up for the downtown Liberty Run and the Yankee Doodle Parade as part of the Jubilee celebration. The Liberty Run 5K and 1-mile walk begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, July 1, and the parade begins at 9 a.m. No word yet whether the Denton Institute of Phrenology Half-Fast Marching Band will appear. More information at dentonparks.com.
The Jubilee celebration will end with a drone fireworks show, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 3, on the Square.
Local News currently airs each Wednesday at 10 a.m. on KUZU 92.9 FM-LP in Denton, Texas, with rebroadcasts airing at 3 p.m. Thursday, and 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday. The Weekend Edition of Local News airs each Saturday at 4 p.m., with rebroadcasts at 9 p.m. and midnight; and 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday.
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