Texas Gov. Greg Abbott names 4 emergency items during Tuesday’s State of the State address

Gov. Greg Abbott addressed a joint chamber of the Senate and the House when naming his four emergency state priorities Tuesday during his State of the State address. These emergency items include Child Protective Services, border security, ethics reform and calling a convention of states. Once a biennium, the state’s governor gathers members of the two […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2kdoYMb
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Texas school choice bill filed by Senate leadership

After last week’s Capitol rally hosted by school choice proponents, many state experts have questioned what the proposed education policy could look like in Texas. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Senate Education Committee Chairman Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, answered many of those questions during a press conference Monday before filing Senate Bill 3. The proposed […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jMoAFO
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Texas children under Child Protective Services care still in jeopardy

In October, Gov. Greg Abbott, House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick joined forces to raise alarm about the state of Child Protective Services in Texas. The agency, which serves children embroiled within the foster care system, announced in October that more than 1,000 children at suspected risk of abuse, named […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2kkmApg
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

A brief history of each time Texas dipped into its savings account known as the ‘Rainy Day Fund’

Much like a savings account in any Texas household, the statehouse has its own account in which lawmakers store money for future rainy days—thus, the “Rainy Day Fund” was established. Officially called the Texas Economic Stabilization Fund, here is an overview of each time money was withdrawn from the Rainy Day Fund and a forecast […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2kKmJmF
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Advice Given to an Aspiring 14 Year-Old Entrepreneur Wanting to Learn SEO

I received an email this afternoon from a young man who is interested in a career in SEO, and he asked me how to get started, and I thought it was such a good question that I would include my response here on the blog to any others who might want to learn SEO and […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2kIzNst
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

6 road projects to expect this year in Colleyville

There are several transportation projects expected to begin or continue construction in 2017. Here are six transportation projects to expect: 1. SH 26 Phase 2 In November preliminary construction work began. However, utility relocations have not been completed deferring the project from fully taking off. City staff expects utility work to be finished mid-February. The project […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2kBZGGp
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Town Center Colleyville owner to install directory signage

On Jan. 17, Colleyville City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the land development code to allow for directory signage in shopping centers that are a minimum of 200,000 square feet, specifically in Town Center Colleyville. Due to the large size and number of uses in the shopping center, the property owner of Town Center Colleyville requested […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j8KTGP
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Google Search Query Refinements Patent Updated

In 2006, I wrote a post A Look at Google Midpage Query Refinements (Go ahead and read it; this post will make more sense if you visit the past and bring it in). The patent I wrote then was just granted again as a continuation patent, with new claims, reflecting a change in the process […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jzf9Hd
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Does Donald Trump want to help fund Texas Central’s high-speed rail project?

Texas Central Partners confirmed today that company officials have been in touch with the new White House administration team regarding its proposed high-speed rail project from Houston to Dallas. The president’s team is looking at airports, highways and other infrastructure projects that could receive support during President Donald Trump’s term. He signed an executive order […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2juKjiI
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Without state action, retirement fund for teachers could shut down

If the Texas Legislature declines to take action this session, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas may have to shut down its TRS Care Trust Fund, which provides medical care to about half a million retired teachers in the state. In the previous legislative session, the TRS Care Trust Fund faced a shortfall, and the Legislature […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jWX6ha
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Without state action, retirement fund for teachers could shut down

If the Texas Legislature declines to take action this session, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas may have to shut down its TRS Care Trust Fund, which provides medical care to about half a million retired teachers in the state. In the previous legislative session, the TRS Care Trust Fund faced a shortfall, and the Legislature […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j2eLoy
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

5 points you should know about school finance in Texas

The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony from the Legislative Budget Board and the Texas Education Agency on Tuesday morning about the state of public school finance. This presentation contained an extensive amount of numbers that paint a picture of how public schools are being funded now and in future years, should Senate Bill 1 be […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2keq21Y
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

National School Choice Week invites the question: What is the definition for school choice?

School choice advocates advertised a statewide rally at the Capitol on Tuesday, promising 4,000 supporters in celebration of National School Choice Week. Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are included in the lineup of speakers. “It is time to empower all parents to choose a school that is best for their child,” Abbott […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j1fCFU
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Carroll ISD passes resolution asking Texas Legislature to repeal A-F system

The Carroll ISD board of trustees adopted a resolution Monday night asking the Texas Legislature to repeal the A-F accountability rating system. “This is broken. We have to fix this,” Superintendent David Faltys said. “We certainly think this particular system is politically motivated …” Although the new rating system will be officially implemented in the 2017-18 […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2kboWUo
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Texas Senate to examine school finance system replacement plans

The Senate budget debate kicked off Monday, with the first of 18 scheduled hearings to examine Senate Bill 1, filed by the committee’s Chairwoman, Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound. In Monday’s hearing, Nelson highlighted the amount available for spending in the 2018-2019 biennium, roughly $105 billion. She emphasized the tightness of the budget while appointing […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jRpIIJ
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Here are the top 20 exemptions picked by Texas districts of innovation

More than 60 Texas school districts have approved district of innovation, or DOI, plans in the two years since state lawmakers passed legislation creating the new system, which allows districts to exempt themselves from portions of the Texas Education Code. Together, those DOI plans identify more than 50 sections of the state’s education code as […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jKbKGw
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Here’s what Texans are saying about President Trump’s inauguration

[<a href=”//storify.com/impactnews_cyf/here-s-what-texans-are-saying-about-president-trum” target=”_blank”>View the story “Here’s what Texans are saying about President Trump’s inauguration” on Storify</a>] The post Here’s what Texans are saying about President Trump’s inauguration appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2k9bRKz
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

4 things to do in Grapevine this weekend, Jan. 20-22

This weekend there are several events happening in Grapevine, from photography exhibits to classic movies shown at a historic theater. Friday “Fantasia” “Fantasia” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. at Grapevine’s historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St. The movie is a collection of animated interpretations of great works of Western classical music. Guests with a […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iKoLTg
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Dallas-Irving-Plano metro area maintains unemployment rate as Texas adds 210,200 jobs in 2016

Statewide job growth continued an upward trend through the end of 2016, with year-over-year data showing an estimated 210,200 seasonally adjusted jobs gained since December 2015, according to a Texas Workforce Commission [TWC] report released today. “Texas employers continue to boost the diverse Texas economy by adding jobs, including 210,200 over the year,” TWC Chairman […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2k9kSDB
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Call for unity: North Texans react to today’s inauguration

[View the story “Call for unity: North Texans react to today’s inauguration” on Storify] The post Call for unity: North Texans react to today’s inauguration appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jI7ARM
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Candidates begin filing for city council, board of trustees seats in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake

The filing period for the May 6 election opened Wednesday and ends at 5 p.m. Feb. 17. On the Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake city councils there are two council seats that will be on the ballot in each city. Voters in Carroll ISD and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD boundaries will also be deciding on board of trustees positions. As […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jDXoK7
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Texas Senate names leaders in each committee, early in session

On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stocked each of the 14 committees of the Texas Senate with various members and leaders. Here are the key players in each of the 14 committees: Administration Chairwoman: Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham Vice Chairwoman: Sen. Konni Burton, R-Colleyville Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs The post Texas Senate names leaders […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jagEv7
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

GCISD’s iUniversity Prep accepting students for spring semester

iUniversity Prep announced that it is now accepting applications for the spring semester, which begins Jan. 24, however, enrollment is open through early February. The tuition-free virtual academy is operated by Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, but enrollment is open to any Texas resident in grades four through 12 who meets the school’s eligibility requirements. “If you’re a parent […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2k5jrtD
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Austin legislator Dawnna Dukes indicted on corruption charges

Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, who was the center of controversy over whether or not she would resign her position at the beginning of this session, has been indicted on three corruption charges, according to reports from the State Capitol. Dukes confirmed the indictment and released a statement on Facebook Wednesday morning. “Of course, I am disappointed […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jxkx0M
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Hotels drawn to local area

What we reported The hotel development business is booming in  Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake. In November, Grapevine City Council approved a 300-room Renaissance Hotel. Additionally, Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center reinvested in the area by announcing it would undergo a $120 million expansion and add 303 guest rooms. In Southlake, council members approved a […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jKLjzT
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

7 things to look for in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake in 2017

1. Grapevine plans TEX Rail station What we reported Last summer ground broke on TEX Rail, a 27-mile project that will extend commuter rail from downtown Fort Worth, through Colleyville and Grapevine, and into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. When TEX Rail opens there will be nine stations, including one in Grapevine. The city purchased 4 acres […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iR12iA
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Grapevine plans TEX Rail station

What we reported Last summer ground broke on TEX Rail, a 27-mile project that will extend commuter rail from downtown Fort Worth, through Colleyville and Grapevine, and into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. When TEX Rail opens there will be nine stations, including one in Grapevine. The city purchased 4 acres of property at the northeast […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jL1Tj5
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

BODYBAR Fitness Southlake to partner with local nonprofits this year

What we reported Natasha and Jason Hatcher opened BODYBAR Fitness Southlake in February. The fitness boutique offers Pilates-inspired, high-intensity classes. The latest Natasha has designed class schedules for clients’ needs. Newer class formats, such as Lower Body Burn, are intended to challenge BODYBAR athletes to push past their limits and build strength. The post BODYBAR […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j94GC1
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Ask the editor

How does the new 911 app work? We’ve all heard about how difficult it can be for dispatchers to find you in an emergency situation if you are using a cell phone to call 911. However, that could change for Colleyville and Southlake residents. In December, NETCOM, the 911 dispatch center for the cities of […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2k47eWq
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

The Coliseum partners with city of Grapevine and the Dallas Raiders

What we reported The Coliseum, a sports training facility, opened in February. The center is an indoor baseball practice facility for teams. The latest Since opening the facility has hosted more than 25 teams and over 500 players. Chad Rhodes, a pitching coach for the Miami Marlins, hosted workshops. The post The Coliseum partners with […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j93zSM
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Local legislators file bills at the Capitol

Sen. Kelly Hancock • District 9 R-North Richland Hills Elected: 2012 • 512-463-0109 kelly.hancock@senate.state.tx.us Recent bills filed: The post Local legislators file bills at the Capitol appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jyyFWY
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Expanding technology on Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s list of priorities in 2017

Big decisions made in 2016 $249 million bond passes In May voters passed a $249 million bond package that included rebuilding Cannon Elementary School, two multipurpose activity centers and renovations to several schools. Renovations for Mustang-Panther Stadium announced In October, GCISD announced its stadium would undergo an $18 million renovation to be complete in 2018. […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iIruHJ
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Carroll ISD focuses on potential bond, District of Innovation in 2017

Big decisions made in 2016 Planning for facility projects A committee of citizens and district employees worked together to recommend $208 million in facility projects that could end up in a future bond package. Hiring two principals Mike Landers was selected to serve as principal of Walnut Grove Elementary School,  and Janet Blackwell was selected […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iIktXC
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Southlake City Council hears first reading for a Tesla gallery in Southlake Town Square

Southlake City Council heard the first reading Tuesday night of a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow a Tesla gallery in Southlake Town Square. If the second reading is approved, the Tesla store would operate at Buckle on Grand Avenue. Buckle is in the process of moving into the space currently occupied by Justice. The Southlake gallery would […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iOj1Gw
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

New hotel, office buildings approved at SH 114 and White Chapel in Southlake

On Tuesday night, Southlake City Council members approved a site plan for Delta Southlake Center, a 15.872-acre development at the southeast corner of North White Chapel and SH 114 in Southlake. Developers said the development will be built in two phases. The first phase will consist of a six-story, full-service Delta Marriott hotel on 6.28 acres […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j7XK8b
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

High-performing school districts to Texas legislators: Repeal A-F system

The Texas High Performance Schools Consortium has once again submitted a list of recommendations to state lawmakers to improve college and career readiness within public schools. Formed in 2011, the group consists of 22 school districts, all hand selected as part of an application process. Member districts study and develop suggestions for learning standards and […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jlExkf
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

See which 64 Texas school districts have District of Innovation plans

In the two years since Texas lawmakers created the district of innovation, or DOI, system that allows school districts to exempt themselves from portions of the Texas Education Code, more than 60 districts have approved DOI plans. Together, those DOI plans identify more than 50 sections of the state’s education code as targets for exemption, […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iMdosb
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

First draft of Texas’ $104 billion state budget unveiled for 2018-19

Texans just got their first peek at what a reduced budget could look like in 2018 and 2019. Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, filed SB 1 Tuesday and unveiled the first draft of the Senate budget. “While we need to make prioritize and make efficient use of our resources, I am confident we can meet the […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iEEK02
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton Q&A

The Railroad Commission of Texas oversees the lifeblood of the state economy—the energy industry. The agency regulates the oil, gas and mining industries, and a three-member commission serves at the head. Each commissioner is elected in a statewide race and serves a full-time, six-year term. Friendswood resident Ryan Sitton was elected during the 2014 gubernatorial […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j5S52B
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Cafe Italia damaged after woman drives through restaurant

Cafe Italia is closed after a woman accidentally backed her car into the Italian restaurant Tuesday morning. The restaurant, located at 2647 Ira E. Woods Ave., Grapevine, did sustain damage to the front of the building as well as inside. Owner Nick Kreka said the woman suffers from a foot injury and was using one […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iLhxMT
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

4 ethics reforms state Sen. Van Taylor says are important to build public trust

At the beginning of the 84th legislative session two years ago, Gov. Greg Abbott declared ethics reform an “emergency item” for lawmakers to consider. But by the end of the session, that urgency did not result in any meaningful changes as the House and Senate’s ethic reforms package spectacularly crumbled. A bill field that would […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jYiSSt
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

3 things Grapevine, Colleyille and Southlake residents should know this week, Jan. 16-20

Tuesday City Council meetings The cities of Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake are scheduled to have City Council meetings Tuesday night. Grapevine Grapevine’s City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission will have a joint meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 200 S. Main St., Grapevine. The agenda can be found here. […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j1nEe1
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Allen ISD, Northwest ISD in Fort Worth recognizes by H-E-B as Excellence in Education Award finalists

Two local school districts were cited among the eight school districts and five early childhood facilities across Texas as finalists for the H-E-B 2017 Excellence in Education Awards program on Friday, Media Coordinator Jill Reynolds said in a news release. The grocery chain also selected five Texas school boards that display strong leadership in their districts. H-E-B’s 2017 […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jNZfwb
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Here’s how Carroll, Grapevine-Colleyville ISDs stack up to Texas’ highest-scoring districts in TEA’s new A-F ratings

Of the state’s roughly 1,200 school districts, just two districts in Texas received straight As under the state’s preliminary A-F accountability report, which measures performance in four areas. The preliminary report was released to the public Jan. 6, based on data from the 2015-16 academic year. Examining the scores According to the Texas Education Agency’s report, one-third […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jNdOjE
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Rooting for the Dallas Cowboys? A postseason kickoff event and 2 other things to do this weekend in North Texas, Jan. 14-15

Saturday Dallas Cowboys Postseason Kickoff: The Dallas Cowboys and Fans United will host a free event at The Star in Frisco from noon to 4 p.m. ahead of the Cowboys first playoff game on Sunday. Cowboys fans of all ages are invited to enjoy family-friendly activities on the Tostitos Championship Plaza as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Hall […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iMH8CE
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Sunset Advisory Committee offers recommendations to improve TxDOT

Every 12 years, each state agency must go before the Sunset Advisory Committee for evaluation and critical review. The result is a series of Sunset bills, filed in the House and Senate, that translate the committee’s recommendations into proposed agency changes. If those recommendations are approved, the agency will alter its processes and protocol. After […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iMwT1o
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Truths about Off Page SEO and Link Building

 I get a lot of questions about my Off Page SEO and Link Building and there are some important reasons why I can’t reasonably share everything I do. First and foremost, link building is a deep rabbit hole where each answered question reveals several more questions. Explaining some details usually leads to more details needing […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j4tvji
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

4 things to know about Grapevine’s TEX Rail station

Last summer, ground broke on TEX Rail, a 27-mile commuter rail project that will extend from downtown Fort Worth, through Colleyville and Grapevine, and into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. When the rail project opens in late 2018 there will be nine stations, including one in Grapevine. Here are four things to know about Grapevine’s TEX […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j2aVIH
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Texas legislators decide today what rules state House, Senate will follow this legislative session

Before taking up rules that will eventually govern the citizens of Texas, lawmakers debated what rules should they should be governed by. Today, the second day of the 85th legislature, the Senate and House passed their own rules packages with a few controversial debate-filled amendments attached. House rules The basics: House members passed HR 3, a […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2il21Hl
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

The average Texan’s guide to keeping up with the legislature

For 140 days during every odd-numbered year, the Texas legislature meets and determines laws, rules, regulations and restrictions that will affect the life of every Texan. Here is how you can keep up with is going on in Austin under the dome. Visit your legislators at the Capitol Take a note from state lobbyists and […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j6r5CW
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

6 takeaways from the first day of the 85th Texas Legislature

After a year and a half break, the Texas Legislature returned to session. Here are five things of note that happened on the first day, and one thing to look forward to tomorrow. 1. The House and Senate gaveled into session at noon today. Lines for the House and Senate galleries winded around the third […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iCtzGb
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces his 2018 plans

The leader of the Texas Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, announced he will seek reelection as Lieutenant Governor in 2018 at a press conference Monday morning at the Republican Party of Texas’ headquarters. Patrick said he called the press conference to put an end to stories speculating at his future gubernatorial aspirations in 2018. “Put […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iwhPEW
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Texas financial chief announces $2.86 billion revenue shortfall during next two years

Today, the state’s chief financial officer announced the 85th Legislature will have roughly $105 billion to use in the coming two years, down $2.86 billion from the previous biennium. Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar pointed to a decrease in sales tax revenue and struggles in the oil and gas industry as reasons the lawmakers […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2i9lyHF
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

A quick list of things to know before the 85th Legislature convenes Tuesday

The state’s 85th Legislature convenes officially for the first time Tuesday. Sherri Greenberg, fellow of the Max Sherman Chair in State and Local Government at The University of Texas, helps break down everything you need to know to start the 2017 legislative session as well as a refresher on issues from two years ago—the last […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iloj9M
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

5 essential things to know about Lt. Gov. Patrick’s bathroom bill

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, unveiled details Thursday behind the so-called “bathroom bill.” Here are more details about the proposal: 1. The bill would prohibit and nullify any existing or future local laws regulating private business’ bathroom policies. The legislation would let any private business decide if and how they […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2jkU2fh
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

EXPLAINER: How does the Texas budget work?

Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar is preparing to give his once-every-two-years revenue estimate on Monday, signaling the start to the 85th session and the beginning of the budget debate. The Lone Star State is home to the world’s 10th largest economy, but few Texans know how the state formulates its budget. Here […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2i1tmOI
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Healthcare, energy professions among top 20 list of fastest growing jobs in Texas

Wind turbine service technicians earned the top spot on a list of fastest growing jobs in Texas, according to a new report by career website Zippia. Zippia took data from each state’s Department of Labor and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile the report, identifying the occupations in Texas that are projected to have […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iMRljz
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

How Carroll, Grapevine-Colleyville ISDs scored in the TEA’s new A-F scale

The Texas Education Agency released a provisional set of accountability ratings for school districts and campuses across the state Jan. 6 based on the TEA’s new A-F rating system. The system change comes as a result of House Bill 2804 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature in 2015. Although the new rating system will be officially implemented […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iQT4GY
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Exodus to Texas: More than 500K moved here in 2015, report says

People are still moving to Texas in droves, according to a new report by the Texas Association of Realtors. The report, released Wednesday, showed the Lone Star State is second only to Florida in the number of people relocating, with 553,032 people moving to Texas in 2015—a 2.8 percent increase over 2014. Nearly 42,000 Californians migrated to […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2i0X7iP
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Pet adoption, NCAA and wine pairing: 6 things to do North Texas this weekend, Jan. 6-8

Friday The Plano Metropolitan Ballet presents “Jungle Book Fairy Tale Ballet—An Original Production” between Jan. 6-21. The troupe brings pages of the book to life with music and dance. 7 p.m. (Jan. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21), 3 p.m. (Jan. 7, 14, 21). $16. Courtyard Theatre, 1509 H Avenue, Plano. 972-769-0017. http://ift.tt/2iJZsiV Saturday Rubber stamp and paper […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2hYUlai
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Texas Lt. Gov. details new controversial transgender bathroom bill filed today

In November, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick identified regulation of bathroom use based on the gender individuals were born as a legislative priority for the coming session. He named the Women’s Privacy Act the No. 6 on his list of 10 priorities alongside property tax reform, voter identification and a statehouse spending cap. That list of priorities […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2j96bzG
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

State committee proposes 4 ways to solve Texas-sized pension problem

In 2014, $196 million in the Dallas’ police and firefighter’s retirement fund was lost due to risky investments. Houston is up against a shortfall of roughly $10 billion for its own pensions. Austin ranks in the top 15 United States cities with the largest pension liabilities, according to a report from Moody’s. Texas’ largest cities […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2iUAevD
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Town Center Colleyville seeks approval from council to allow directory signage

At Tuesday’s Colleyville City Council meeting, council members heard the first reading of an amendment to the land development code to allow for directory signage, specifically in Town Center Colleyville. Due to the large size and number of uses in the shopping center, the property owner is requesting to utilize some wayfinding signage, or directory signage, […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2hPq8iK
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Austin, Dallas area legislators work together on legislation that would strengthen Public Information Act

After two recent Texas Supreme Court decisions widened loopholes against the Texas Public Information Act, Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, is reaching across the aisle, and statehouse, to Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake. The two legislators pre-filed bills Tuesday to close the loopholes. Each bill addresses a separate ruling made by the Texas Supreme Court. The first […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2hPtReK
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r

Google and Spoken Queries: Understanding Stressed Pronouns

The future of searches on the Web will likely involve searches by voice, as more and more people are connecting to the web with phones and Google has added voice search interfaces to its search on desktop computers. I thought it was interesting when I ran across a patent that focused on a problem that […]

from Grapevine SEO Geek http://ift.tt/2irbE7T
via http://ift.tt/19ykp5r