When Jim Burns began building custom homes 29 years ago he also sold some homebuyers insurance of a sort.

Burns, who has lived in Burleson for 23 years, sold those interested in protecting their family from a ravaging tornado storm shelters that he would add to the construction of the home.

Considering Johnson County lives in the middle of “Tornado Alley,” Burns selling point was a simple one – Don’t wait till it’s too late to protect your life and your family.

“All you are doing when you buy a storm shelter is purchasing a different type of insurance,” Burns said. “A storm shelter doesn’t pay you money if something bad happens, instead if something bad happens it pays you with your life.”

While some might see the purchase of a storm shelter as a luxury, Burns would need to take off his shoes to count the numbers of times someone who bought one of his storm shelters called or thanked him in person because the 4x6-foot addition to their home saved their family.

According the texasalmanac.com, Texas averages 132 tornadoes each year. Which means that even when it comes to tornadoes 'Everything is bigger in Texas.'

The North Texas area is a hotbed for tornadoes, with more touching down here than any other part of the state.

The tornadoes that ripped through Rowlett on Dec. 27, 2015, caused an estimated 1.2 billion dollars in damage. Most of that damage can be repaired or is covered by insurance.

But the 11 lives lost in the storm can’t be recovered.

That’s where Burns company, Storm Shelter Manufacturing, can help. The local company builds and installs steel storm shelters.

“A major advantage in having a storm shelter is that it saves lives,” Burns said.

Burns’ storm shelter business is a division of Jim’s Custom Homes.

Recently Burns, who is retired from the corps of engineers, also retired from his custom homes operation and started manufacturing storm shelters to help protect families from deadly tornadoes and straight line winds.

A tested steel heavy duty storm shelter is some of the best insurance that can be purchased, because a storm shelter that has been FEMA tested protects your family and pets by stopping and blocking nails, protruding pieces of steel or other products. Pieces of all types of wood, even pencils, can kill due to high winds.

Not only can tornadoes strike with ferocity, they can also appear suddenly with little or no warning. A tested storm shelter could make the difference for your family as tornadoes can kill in just minutes. Many of the most deadly tornadoes were only in the kill zone for three to five minutes.

Burn’s storm shelters are made of steel and anchored to concrete. They are tested to withstand pressure of 6,000 PSI, thanks to their concrete base. The concrete laid for most houses is tested to 4,000 PSI.

All of the storm shelters are tested by FEMA, and rated to withstand F-5 tornado strength winds, flying debris and structural destruction. While serving with the corps of engineers, Burns became certified and trained in the production of storm shelters that have the federal government's seal of approval.

If you move or your house is lost to a tornado, the shelter can be moved to a new home. Burns tells of a man in Oklahoma who bought one of his storm shelters. After the man’s family was saved by using the storm shelter, he had the shelter moved to his son’s house and installed there. Then when the man rebuilt his home, he purchased a new storm shelter for installation.

Burns' company has vast knowledge in the manufacture of storm shelters and doomsday bunkers. The company serves Burleson, Joshua, Alvarado, Cleburne, Crowley, Fort Worth, Arlington and many DFW Metroplex areas.

To learn more about Burns' storm shelters click here.

The average couple spends more than a year planning a wedding. Susan and Don Gregory did it in a matter of days.

A chance meeting in an online chartroom led to the beginning of a relationship 13 years ago. The couple had been waiting on a day where Don could be off work to go to the courthouse to complete paperwork, but then he was checked into the intensive care unit at Texas Health Huguley Hospital.

“He got very ill suddenly,” Susan said. “This was someone who was previously very healthy and every organ in his body was affected.”

Susan turned to an old friend, Rev. Jerry Patton, to perform a wedding, until Erick Clein, manager of the ICU at Huguley got involved.

“One of my staff members came into my office and asked me if I knew that one of our patients was going to be getting married," he said. "From there, my brain just started turning and wondering what we could do from a hospital standpoint – from a nurses standpoint – to make it cool for them."

Staff went to work and converted Gregory's ICU room into a wedding hall, with decorations and a cake.

“My staff is great. They just jumped all over it and wanted to do everything they could do for them," Clein said.

Nursing staff hung signs with medical tape, decorate the cake using medical gloves and used earrings as wedding rings, because of the short notice.

The invitational list included family and hospital staff, including Mandy Gregory, the daughter of the groom.

“In the beginning so much was going on, it was one [piece of] bad news after another,” Mandy said. “They were going to get married before, and now it’s even more important. She loves him, he loves her and I think it’s a great thing.”

Many joined Susan in the wedding march to the ICU room, which had been converted into a wedding chapel.

“The staff has been a tremendous help,” Susan said. “I saw one nurse that told me she had the day off. She came up on her day off.”

Within the final week leading to the wedding, Don had begun to progress in his medical treatment. He was scheduled to move out of ICU in the days following the wedding.

“He’s made tremendous progress,” said Lindsey Malone, one of Don’s nurses. “It’s quite exciting to see him get out of bed and get ready for the wedding.”

Don expressed his surprise with a wedding in his room.

“What happened here was a bunch of good people came together to help me out,” Don said. “Words can’t express how it feels.”

It led Don to call Susan his 'wifey' and nurses blew bubbles in celebration.

“I thought I was going to be spending the rest of my life without him,” Susan said. “And now it’s with him.”

U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, is joining U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, in wishing two Texas colleges luck entering a meeting Sunday in the NCAA College World Series.

TCU meets Texas Tech in the one-game playoff. Neugebauer is a Red Raider. Williams graduated from TCU.

“I have total confidence in my Texas Tech Red Raiders and cannot wait to see them go all the way to the championship,” Neugebauer said. “As for beating the TCU Horned Frogs, all I have to say is Wreck ‘Em Tech!”

Williams was an All-Southwest Conference selection and named to TCU’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s. After playing professional baseball, he returned to coach the team.

“Although some of these guys aren’t strangers to Omaha, it’s an honor for all of them to be there, so I know TCU will come in ready to play,” Williams said. “I look forward to watching the game Sunday and cheering on my team.”

Despite the friendly rivalry, Neugebauer and Williams said they are proud of the accomplishments of both schools.

“It is fantastic to see two such talented teams from Texas make it into the national spotlight. These fine institutions represent a commitment to excellence that extends beyond sports. The lessons these athletes are learning - including teamwork, leadership and self-discipline – will serve them well their entire lives. We commend both teams on their seasons.”

Motor vehicles in Burleson can be easy targets for thieves, Police Chief Billy Cordell says.

Twenty-one of the 25 vehicles burglarized in May and 89 of 109 burglarized this year were without force.

"That means they are not locked and something valuable is probably being left behind," Cordell said. "Always remove your valuables and lock your vehicles."

The 20 vehicles that have been burglarized by force is likely because something of value was visible, he said. The 109 burglaries represents a 36 percent increase compared to the first five months of 2015.

While vehicle burglary has increased, Cordell praised a 15 percent decline in home and non-residential burglary cases this year realized in Burleson's most recent crime data report for May and the year-to-date.

"Burglary being down is always pleasing," Cordell said. "We haven't done a special detail, so it might be attributable to good patrol work and some luck."

Shoplifting is down by 10 percent from comparable months in 2015, while motor vehicle parts theft is down 62 percent and vehicle theft is down by 20 percent. All Part 1 crimes, known as major crimes, are down 2 percent.

There's a growing concern with simple assault cases on the rise in Burleson. The 119 family violence assaults in 2016 is a an increase of 50 cases from comparable months in 2015. There have been 20 more non-family assaults than for the same period in 2015.

"That's pretty significant," Cordell said. "We partner with the Safe City Commission, and so we're working with them to address these cases."

He predicts officers will be supplied with materials to help families address violence.

Data also reflects a 68 percent increase in drug law violations. The 94 cases is just 24 shy of all cases in 2016.

"This is bad news in the fact that drugs are out there," Cordell said, "but I think it is a positive that we are taking drugs off the street and out of our community."

The 34 runaway cases reported in 2016 is six more than in all of 2015, but it could be misleading, Cordell said.

"We have several repeat offenders," he said. "We're fortunate to have found them all, in many cases within hours. We believe they are running away, but they're not entering a trafficking trade."

The report also defines an uptick of 10 percent in adult arrests, including a 31 percent increase from comparable months in 2015. Total calls for service are down by 10 percent. Reported crashes are down by 10 percent.

"We have a lot of traffic accidents in Burleson," Cordell said. "I think that's a product of [Interstate 35W] and all the traffic on Wilshire and Renfro. The decrease in accidents may be indicative of everyone becoming more comfortable with the changes we've had on Wilshire."

A surprise in the monthly report is red-light citations, Cardell said, which are trending up by 79 percent for the year. There have been 5,930 violations since December, compared to 3,321 during the same period last year.

"The goal of red-light cameras is to put ourselves out of business," Cordell said. "Nothing would make us happier than to have no violations."

Following are calls reported by the Burleson Police Department June 13-19. An arrest should not be construed as a conviction of guilt. Subjects have a presumption of innocence until convicted in a court.

Monday, June 13
12:36 a.m. – DWI, 300 block SW Gregory Street.
8:25 a.m. – Criminal mischief, damage of $100 to $750, 900 block Joshua Drive.
10:00 a.m. – Building burglary, by forced entry, 1500 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
10:22 a.m. – Credit or debit card abuse, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
3:56 p.m. – Credit or debit card abuse of elderly, 1000 block Fox Willow Court.
8:14 p.m. – Criminal mischief, damage of $100 to $750, 200 block N. Burleson Boulevard.

Tuesday, June 14
4:31 a.m. – Assault, causing bodily injury, 500 block SE Gardens Bulevard.
10:17 a.m. – Graffiti, damage of $100 to $750, 1400 block Windy Meadows Drive.
12:56 p.m. – Assault, causing bodily injury, 400 block Arborlawn Drive.
4:04 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 1300 block NW Summercrest Boulevard.
6:30 p.m. – Criminal mischief, damage of $100 to $750, 500 block Marybeth Drive.
10:16 p.m. – Bicycle theft, $100 to $750, 1100 block Scarlet Sage Parkway.
11:08 p.m. – Abandoned vehicle, 1800 block Brooks Road.

Wednesday, June 15
8:49 a.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 1100 block Ben Drive.
9:34 a.m. – Theft, $100 to $750, 800 block Vicksburg Lane.
3:45 p.m. – Theft, $100 to $750, 1300 block NW Summercrest Boulevard.
4:53 p.m. – Credit or debit card abuse, 400 block Nutmeg Avenue.

Thursday, June 16
1:06 a.m. – Possession of controlled substance, less than 1 gram, 300 block S. Hurst Road.
8:30 a.m. – Abandoned vehicle, 2400 block S. Interstate 35W.
9:38 a.m. – Building burglary, by forced entry, 800 block Beverly Drive.
11:58 a.m. – Assault, causing bodily injury, 800 block Pebble Creek Drive.
4:44 p.m. – Forgery of currency or security, 100 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Friday, June 17
8:36 a.m. – Theft, less than $100, 1000 block Hewitt Street.
12:19 p.m. – Assault, causing bodily injury, 1000 block Caleb Street.
9:55 p.m. – Possession of controlled substance, less than 1 gram, 300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Saturday, June 18
1:15 a.m. – Failure to identify as fugitive, 800 block NE Alsbury Boulevard.
2:06 a.m. – DWI, 400 block S. Hurst Road.
9:10 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 900 block Walnut Street.
4:56 p.m. – Possession of controlled substance, 1-4 grams, 800 block Edgehill Road.
7:37 p.m. – Credit or debit card abuse, 500 block NW Summercrest Boulevard.
9:59 p.m. – Criminal mischief, damage of $100 to $750, 2500 block Fairway View Drive.

Sunday, June 19
7:08 a.m. – Criminal mischief, damage of $100 to $750, 2500 block Fairway View Drive.
12:07 p.m. – Recovery of stolen property, 700 block NE Alsbury Boulevard.
2:32 p.m. – Assault, 200 block NW Tarrant Avenue.

ARRESTS

Monday, June 13
12:36 a.m. – Ryan Vernon, 300 block SW Gregory Street.

Tuesday, June 14
2:51 a.m. – Eduardo Ramirez Larraga, 1100 block N. Interstate 35W.
5:46 p.m. – Zachary Stogryn, 100 block N. Wilson Street.

Wednesday, June 15
5:18 p.m. – Seaver Taylor, 100 block N. Burleson Boulevard.

Thursday, June 16
12:03 a.m. – Bryan Miller, 100 block Meador Lane.
1:06 a.m. – Armando Munoz, 300 block S. Hurst Road.
1:06 a.m. – Alan McCommas, 300 block S. Hurst Road.
4:44 p.m. – Garett Wiley, 100 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
8:04 p.m. – Darin Hopkins, 200 block NW Renfro Street.

Friday, June 17
1:51 a.m. – Landon Brewer, 800 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
2:02 a.m. – Tara Phillips, 800 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
10:10 a.m. – Bobby Durance, 800 block NW John Jones Drive.
3:14 p.m. – Brian Owens, 500 block Memorial Plaza.
9:55 p.m. – Michael Isley, 300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
9:55 p.m. – Jason Morrow, 300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Saturday, June 18
1:15 a.m. – Clinton Drain, 800 block NE Alsbury Boulevard.
2:50 a.m. – Lisa Curry, 400 block S. Hurst Road.
5:10 p.m. – James Woodall, 800 block Edgehill Road.

Sunday, June 19
No arrests reported.

When it comes to emergency response, Police Chief Billy Cordell will accept nothing less than immediate response. But, when it comes to dancing, well it's not so much the case.

Burleson police were challenged about a month ago by Mansfield police. The gauntlet was thrown when Mansfield Chief Tracy Aaron and his officers completed a Walking Man video, and then asked Burleson to break out their dancing shoes.

"We're getting around to it," Cordell said, when quizzed about the progress by Mayor Ken Shetter. "We've accepted the challenge."

Cordell was initially unsure of his own dancing ability, but he and other officers are fast learners. With the help of Bruce Lea Dance Factory, police are coming closer to answering the challenge.

"I've actually been impressed," Cordell said. "Capt. [Melvin] McGuire, Sgt. [Brian] O'Heren and a few others have shown some ability.

"We're cops; we're not dancers. But, we're going to put our best foot forward."

It takes time, Cordell explains, to coordinate a video that would put Mansfield to shame. After all, their Dancing Man video was a Facebook sensation, Shetter says.

"We thought if Burleson was going to respond, it had to be grander than Mansfield," Cordell said. "We want to incorporate our schools, the city, organizations we work with, our department volunteers and police officers. We don't want to be a sensation, we want to go viral."

Even the mayor has hinted he may not be against dancing.

"I think we're all willing to do our part to answer the challenge that has been accepted," Shetter said. "We are happy to help in any way to further the mission of the police department."

So stay tuned to "Burleson Police Department Texas" on Facebook, Cordell says, where he promises the completed video, with the help of Reggie Washington with Washington Filmz, will appear soon.

Following are calls reported June 13-19 by Burleson Fire Department.

Monday, June 13
2:06 a.m. – Canceled call, E. Bovell Street (Crowley).
4:02 a.m. – False call, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
5:59 a.m. – False call, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
6:00 a.m. – Alarm activated, no fire, NE McAlister Road.
6:28 a.m. – Canceled call, N. Burleson Boulevard.
6:56 a.m. – Canceled call, S. Burleson Boulevard.
9:13 a.m. – Canceled call, Oak Lane Drive (Joshua).
10:04 a.m. – Person in distress, Evelyn Drive.
10:28 a.m. – EMS call, NW Lorna Street.
1:40 p.m. – Vehicle fire, S. Burleson Boulevard.
2:24 p.m. – Alarm malfunction, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
2:38 p.m. – Assist police, S. Interstate 35W.
3:05 p.m. – EMS call, Willow Circle North.
3:11 p.m. – Medical assist, Old FM 1187 (Fort Worth).
3:24 p.m. – Medical assist, SW Johnson Avenue.
4:21 p.m. – EMS call, Elk Drive.
6:08 p.m. – Canceled call, S. Burleson Boulevard.
6:20 p.m. – Medical assist, Rock Springs Drive.
8:18 p.m. – Medical assist, N. Burleson Boulevard.

Tuesday, June 14
12:31 a.m. – Canceled call, Archbury Road.
4:44 a.m. – Medical assist, SE Gardens Boulevard.
8:50 a.m. – EMS call, Wicker Hill Road.
1:08 p.m. – EMS call, Valley View Court.
3:52 p.m. – Vehicle accident with injury, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
4:57 p.m. – EMS call, SW Alsbury Boulevard.
6:01 p.m. – Medical assist, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
7:18 p.m. – EMS call, SW Alsbury Boulevard.
8:49 p.m. – EMS call, Glenn Ranch Drive.
8:57 p.m. – Medical assist, Elk Drive.
9:29 p.m. – EMS call, Naomi Court.

Wednesday, June 15
9:36 a.m. – Canceled call, N. Burleson Boulevard.
11:39 a.m. – EMS call, Vaden Avenue.
4:59 p.m. – Canceled call, S. Interstate 35W.
5:56 p.m. – Vehicle accident with pedestrian, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
6:07 p.m. – Vehicle accident with injury, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
9:49 p.m. – Gas leak, Valley Ridge Road.

Thursday, June 16
1:14 a.m. – Medical assist, Remington Circle.
7:42 a.m. – Person in distress, S. Burleson Boulevard.
8:13 a.m. – Medical assist, Evandale Road.
8:33 a.m. – EMS call, Celeste Lane.
9:45 a.m. – Medical assist, Centre Drive.
11:42 a.m. – EMS call, SW Alsbury Boulevard.
11:54 a.m. – Good intent call, S. Hurst Road.
12:44 p.m. – EMS call, Reagan Lane.
2:46 p.m. – EMS call, Dorsey Street.
2:57 p.m. – False call, Windy Meadows Drive.
6:07 p.m. – Medical assist, Elk Drive.
8:08 p.m. – Medical assist, S. Warren Street.

Friday, June 17
6:49 a.m. – Medical assist, NW Summercrest Boulevard.
8:39 a.m. – Medical assist, Royal Oak Lane.
9:37 a.m. – Medical assist, Vaden Avenue.
10:51 a.m. – EMS call, Irene Street.
10:54 a.m. – Grass fire, E. Rendon-Crowley Road.
12:12 p.m. – EMS call, Elk Drive.
12:23 p.m. – EMS call, NW John Jones Drive.
12:30 p.m. – EMS call, Caleb Street.
2:02 p.m. – EMS call, Elk Drive.
3:33 p.m. – Medical assist, Memorial Plaza.
4:51 p.m. – EMS call, NW Summercrest Boulevard.
6:55 p.m. – Lockout, NW John Jones Drive.
7:51 p.m. – Medical assist, N. Burleson Boulevard.
11:34 p.m. – Medical assist, Jasmine Court.

Saturday, June 18
12:44 a.m. – EMC call, Vaughn Drive.
2:27 a.m. – Medical assist, NW Douglas Street.
6:15 a.m. – Medical assist, Elk Drive.
10:31 a.m. – Canceled call, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
11:23 a.m. – EMS call, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
4:00 p.m. – Assist invalid, Golden Valley Court.
5:40 p.m. – Canceled call, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
5:50 p.m. – Hazardous condition, SW Southridge Drive.
10:14 p.m. – Medical assist, Sierra Vista Court.
10:31 p.m. – EMS call, Lisa Street.
10:45 p.m. – Medical assist, Cedar Ridge Lane.
11:06 p.m. – Medical assist, Maple Avenue.

Sunday, June 19
6:45 a.m. – Medical assist, Lisa Street.
8:19 a.m. – Person in distress, SW Thomas Street.
8:44 a.m. – EMS call, NE Alsbury Boulevard.
4:27 p.m. – Medical assist, Kingswood Court.
4:29 p.m. – Medical assist, Pin Cushion Trail.
6:36 p.m. – EMS call, NW John Jones Drive.
8:49 p.m. – EMS call, Vaughn Drive.

The first human case of West Nile Virus in 2016 has been confirmed in Tarrant County by Tarrant County Public Health.

Officials have identified the case as being the severe form, known as neuroinvasive. The patient resides in Bedford. No other details are being released pertaining to the case because of patient identity protection.

The first human case of WNV was reported by Tarrant County Public Health in Tarrant County on July 31.For the year, there were 30 human WNV cases reported, including two deaths.

Symptoms of the mild form of the disease, known as West Nile Fever, include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. Patients typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks.

Symptoms of the more severe form include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. This form of the disease can be deadly.

Residents are being encouraged by health officials to take measures to safeguard against the disease. Residents should routinely dump standing water on their property, use EPA-approved insect repellent and dress in long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.

A new era at Texas Health Huguley Hospital is on the cusp.

Ground was broken about two years ago and Sunday a grand opening is planned for the new hospital building on the grounds of Texas Health Huguley Hospital.

“Interest in the new hospital has been immense since we broke ground more than two years ago," said Ken Finch, president and CEO of Texas Health Huguley Hospital. "This beautiful healing sanctuary we have built is unsurpassed in our area, and we want to give our friends and neighbors the opportunity to see all that we have to offer."

The grand opening is 4-7 p.m. Sunday. Tours of the hospital building, family activities and music will highlight the ceremony. The hospital will open to patients Aug. 7.

The new, six-story hospital includes 234,300 square-feet of medical space. The second through fifth floors of the new hospital will offer 140 beds, and the sixth floor will add another 36 beds when completed in the future.  

The second floor is dedicated to women’s care, with eight private labor, delivery and recovery suites, 20 post-partum rooms and two C-section delivery rooms.

It should not be difficult for hospital users to notice improvements from present space. The new, family-friendly design features larger rooms that include a couch with the ability to fold into a bed for an overnight guest. Each patient floor has three visitor lounges.

In-room wireless technology includes a 42-inch smart TV, so patients are able to watch educational videos, select a movie from the rotating library or use other apps. The television also displays the name, photo and title of employees or physicians who enter the room.

The rooms also feature a computer for documentation, a patient safe, bedside controls of the shades and television, and a state-of-the-art nurse call system.

A new lobby leads visitors into a convenient registration, pretesting, lab and outpatient services area. A new chapel, gift shop, bistro and landscaped courtyard also create a welcoming entrance to the hospital.

“Texas Health Huguley has provided our growing community with the highest quality of healthcare, delivered with compassion, for almost 40 years," Finch said. "This new hospital is a symbol of our dedication to serving our neighbors with personal world-class care."

Anyone interested in attending the grand opening should make reservations HERE.

Pumping up the volume to your favorite music may not only leave you deaf, but it could put motorists in dangerous situations, Sheriff Bob Alford wrote in his "Traffic Tip Thursday" report.

Loud sounds inside a vehicle can leave a motorist unable to hear car horns, emergency vehicles or motorcycles coming up behind you, Alford wrote.

"Make sure you can still hear the sounds of the road – often they will be your only warning of an impending situation," Alford wrote.

DFW Strong announced Friday a partnership with Chisholm Trail 100 Club to raise funds for the families of Dallas and DART police officers killed or seriously injured during the July 7 ambush attack on police.

Donations will filter through Chisholm Trail 100 Club, an organization that provides a line of duty death benefit to emergency responders in Johnson and Somervell Counties.

Dallas Cowboys’ legend Jay Novacek and his wife, Amy, are heading the DFW Strong fundraising campaign. One of the initiatives is the placement of blue donation buckets in partnering businesses, a program headed by Sherri Aaron, wife of Mansfield Police Chief Tracy Aaron. DFW Strong is also preparing a fundraising event to include sports and music celebrities, gourmet food from local chefs and auctions for unique items and custom experiences. Tickets will be available through dfwstrong.com or ct100.org.

Donations made through either organization are tax-deductible. Donations can be made at the respective websites or at P.O. Box 332, Burleson, TX 76097. Both organizations may also be found on Facebook.

Members of the Burleson Rotary Club and Burleson Area Midday Rotary Club will offer residents a chance to help replenish blood supplies and honor fallen police officers.

The "Restock the Shelves" blood drive in honor of #DallasStrong is 6:30 a.m. to noon Friday, July 22, at the Burleson Star, 327 NW Renfro Street, near Pathway Church.

Because of prior blood donations, there was supply at Dallas hospitals for police officers wounded in the Dallas attack. That leaves Carter BloodCare with an increased need for blood donation.

Amado Martinez was spending the evening with Blake Novacek, at the Joshua home of Amy and Jay Novacek. The phone rang and it wasn't good news.

He was told his godfather, Officer Patrick Zamarrapa, had been killed in a murderous attack on police in Dallas. A dozen police officers had been wounded, but Amado's godfather had been killed.

"I woke Jay to tell him," Amy said. "We knew we had to do something."

While reacting and grieving with Amado, the scale of the attack quickly became evident to the Novaceks.

"It was bigger than one family," Amy said. "We needed to do something to take care of all the families involved."

DFW Strong was born from their response. They turned to a few friends supportive of law enforcement, and a plan began to develop.

"We've been working behind the scene 24/7 since July 7 to make a significant response," Amy said.

One she turned to was Mel Birdwell, the wife of Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell. The family is no stranger to tragedy. Brian was a lieutenant colonel serving in the Pentagon on 9/11 when a plane was flown into the outer ring. He survived, but 125 others did not.

"It's an honor to be a part of DFW Strong," Mel said. "What we are doing is nothing in comparison to those men and women who protect and serve us every single day, but if we can make even a small difference in the lives of the fallen and wounded then let's all dig deep into our pockets and support this great event."

The response began with a "blue bucket" donation drive at Chick-Fil-A and Our Place restaurants throughout the western portion of North Texas, including in Burleson. It has expanded to other "blue bucket" businesses.

DFW Strong's major fundraising event, including live music, celebrity chefs, silent auction, food trucks and celebrities, will be 3-10 p.m. July 24 at Dallas' American Airlines Center. More details and ticket sales will be announced HERE.

"Everyone has been amazing at how we have come together," Amy said. "That's just the way we are in Texas. I believe that's what makes Texans different."

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the families of the fallen officers. DFW Strong announced Friday it had partnered with the Chisholm Trail 100 Club, an organization that provides a line of duty death benefit to emergency responders in Johnson and Somervell Counties.

Donations made through either organization are tax-deductible. Donations can be made at DFW Strong or the Chisholm Trail 100 Club, or at P.O. Box 332, Burleson, TX 76097. Both organizations may also be found on Facebook.

"We're doing this to help bring people together," Amy said. "We're all the same and we want the same thing in the end."

She added a challenge. The business collecting the most "blue bucket" donations will get an autographed Jay Novacek football and a visit from the three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time all-pro tight end.

"We've always been staunch supporters of the military, always been staunch supporters of law enforcement," Jay told CowboysHQ. "There's going to be a point in time where we have to make a decision to allow law enforcement to do their job and duty, or they pull back. If we force them to pull back that will not be good."

The Burleson Star has joined the "Blue Bucket" brigade in helping to raise funds for the families of fallen Dallas law enforement officers, including Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens of Burleson.

Residents may begin donating to the DFW Strong effort Monday at 327 NW Renfro Street. The Burleson Star is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and has an overnight drop mail slot. If using the overnight slot, please identify funds are intended for "DFW Strong Fundraiser." The Burleson Star will be able to accept cash, check or money order.

Event organizers and Burleson Police Chief Billy Cordell plan to help the Burleson Star officially kickoff the fundraiser Monday.

An off-duty firefighter traveling southwest on Texas 171 near Godley may have narrowly missed a potentially dangerous accident Saturday evening, Sheriff Bob Alford said.

Another vehicle traveling northeast on the two-lane road was reportedly traveling at 90 mph and nearly struck the firefighter's vehicle. The other vehicle proceeded toward Cresson, according to sheriff's radio traffic. Neither party was injured, Alford said. Johnson County's dispatch notified Hood and Parker County, but the other party is not believed to have been located. A vehicle description was not immediately available.

A routine call of a disturbance led to more Saturday in the 1500 block of FM 1807 in Venus.

One Johnson County sheriff's deputy discovered a 1998 Nissan passenger vehicle on FM 157 being operated by Inocencio Martinez, 35, a suspect involved in the disturbance. Duncanville police had reported the vehicle as being stolen.

That led back to the disturbance, where other deputies, Venus police and the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force found several vehicles in the backyard of the residence. Among those vehicles found to be stolen were a 2005 GMC 1500 pickup, reported by Arlington police; a 2004 Chevy Avalanche, reported by Cedar Hill police; and a 1997 Nissan Frontier, 2005 GMC Yukon and 2005 Cadillac Escalade, all reported by Dallas police.

In all, six stolen vehicles were recovered at a total value of $53,475.

Martinez has been arrested in connection with the auto theft. Martinez faces the third-degree felony charge of theft valued at $30,000 to $150,000.

Following are calls reported by the Burleson Police Department July 11-17. An arrest should not be construed as a conviction of guilt. Subjects have a presumption of innocence until convicted in a court.

Monday, July 11
12:10 a.m. – Criminal mischief, less than $100, 1100 block Miles Avenue.
3:42 a.m. – Possession of controlled substance, less than 1 gram, 1400 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
5:19 a.m. – Criminal mischief, $750 to $2,500, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
7:58 a.m. – Building burglary, without force, 1000 block NW John Jones Drive.
11:02 a.m. – Hinderance of secured creditors, $20,000 to $100,000, 800 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
2:54 p.m. – Vehicle burglary, 400 block Post Oak Lane.
2:38 p.m. – Harassment, 500 block NW Summercrest Boulevard.
4:48 p.m. – DWI, 1900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
5:47 p.m. – Auto theft, $2,500 to $30,000, 1900 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
5:48 p.m. – Interference with child custody, 1000 block Rock Springs Drive.
6:08 p.m. – Harassment, 900 block Grant Street.
9:09 p.m. – Home burglary, by force with intent to commit other felony, 900 block Aspen Court.

Tuesday, July 12
10:03 a.m. – Debit or credit card abuse, 1000 block Mitchell Lane.
10:05 a.m. – Debit or credit card abuse, 500 block NW Mound Road.
12:17 p.m. – Harassment, 100 block NW Springtide Drive.
3:48 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 1100 block Mourning Dove Drive.
4:21 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 1000 block St. Andrews Drive.
4:27 p.m. – Home burglary, by force, 2000 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
5:22 p.m. – Forgery of financial instrument, 300 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
5:15 p.m. – Possession of controlled substance, less than 1 gram, 100 block SW Thomas Street.
6:45 p.m. – Vehicle burglary, 1000 block Oak Valley Road.

Wednesday, July 13
3:03 a.m. – DWI-third or greater offense, 400 block E. Renfro Street.
5:05 p.m. – Abandoned vehicle, 300 block E. Renfro Street.
6:00 p.m. – Criminal mischief, $2,500 to $30,000, 400 block Berkshire Drive.
6:38 p.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 700 block NW Lorna Street.

Thursday, July 14
2:14 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 500 block Memorial Plaza.
8:25 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
11:38 a.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 800 block Sheryn Drive.
12:53 p.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 300 block NE Taylor Street.
3:31 p.m. – Warrant arrest, 700 block Judith Street.
5:35 p.m. – Debit or credit card abuse, 400 block Hanover Street.
5:54 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 500 block Linda Drive.
11:45 p.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 2300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Friday, July 15
2:24 a.m. – DWI-second offense, 300 block SW Gregory Street.
7:21 a.m. – Auto theft, $2,500 to $30,000, 3300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
12:30 p.m. – Theft, $100 to $750, 2400 block Buffalo Run.

Saturday, July 16
12:00 a.m. – Engaging in organized criminal activity, 700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
12:59 a.m. – DWI, 100 block N. Wilson Street.
2:58 a.m. – DWI, 400 block E. Renfro Street.
4:49 p.m. – DWI-second offense, 100 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Sunday, July 17
1:08 a.m. – Auto theft, $2,500 to $30,000, 500 block NW Ann Lois Lane.
2:45 a.m. – Possession of controlled substance, less than 28 grams, 200 block NW Renfro Street.
5:28 a.m. – DWI-second offense, 700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
6:32 p.m. – Bicycle theft, $100 to $750, 600 block Pleasant Manor Avenue.
11:23 p.m. – Criminal mischief, less than $100, 600 block Deborah Court.

ARRESTS

Monday, July 11
3:42 a.m. – William Shroyer, 1400 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
5:39 p.m. – Christopher Seay, 1900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Tuesday, July 12
4:44 a.m. – Demarcus Lee, 200 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
10:16 a.m. – Sara Amador, 9600 block Parkview Drive.
12:16 p.m. – Brian Carter, 300 block W. Belknap Street.
5:15 p.m. – William Blakeney, 100 block SW Thomas Street.
5:15 p.m. – Raymond McCoy, 100 block SW Thomas Street.

Wednesday, July 13
3:03 a.m. – Justin Hanna, 400 block E. Renfro Street.
2:25 p.m. – Tony Roberson, 4500 block Forest Hill Circle.
10:27 p.m. – John Crocker, 1100 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Thursday, July 14
3:31 p.m. – Justin Garcia, 700 block Judith Street.

Friday, July 15
2:36 a.m. – Dustin Watson, 300 block SW Gregory Street.
8:21 p.m. – Thomas Trotter, 200 block SW Cindy Lane.

Saturday, July 16
1:22 a.m. – Jeremy Lea, 100 block N. Wilson Street.
2:58 a.m. – Andrew Kelly, 400 block E. Renfro Street.
12:32 p.m. – Jerry Donald, 2500 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
4:49 p.m. – William Sherman, 2700 block N. Cummings Drive.
4:30 p.m. – Kelly Davis, 7800 block E. FM 917
10:47 p.m. – Addyson Taft, 700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
10:46 p.m. – Nathan Lane, 700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
10:30 p.m. – Jordan Lacroix, 300 block SE Gardens Boulevard.

Sunday, July 17
2:45 a.m. – Ryan Larson, 200 block NW Renfro Street.
5:28 a.m. – Omar Aguilera, 700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
3:39 p.m. – Rodolfo Estrada, 6900 block E. FM 917.
5:46 p.m. – Jesse Smith, 700 block N. Burleson Boulevard.

Following are calls reported July 11-17 by Burleson Fire Department.

Monday, July 11
12:25 a.m. – Medical assist, Sandgate Drive.
4:27 a.m. – Medical assist, Rock Springs Drive.
6:26 a.m. – Alarm, Rock Springs Drive.
7:34 a.m. – EMS call, S. Masters Court.
10:22 a.m. – Alarm, N. Burleson Boulevard.
12:32 p.m. – Accident with injury, FM 1187 at Interstate 35W.
12:37 p.m. – Medical assist, E. Renfro Street.
1:27 p.m. – Lockout, E. Renfro Street.
3:50 p.m. – Medical assist, Marybeth Drive.
3:55 p.m. – Canceled call, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
4:18 p.m. – Accident with injury, S. Interstate 35W.
4:55 p.m. – EMS call, SW Hulen Drive at SW Wilshire Boulevard.
7:14 p.m. – Medical assist, Southern Oaks Drive.

Tuesday, July 12
2:08 a.m. – Medical assist, Walnut Street.
7:42 a.m. – Invalid assist, Hawks Ridge Trail.
8:54 a.m. – Medical assist, Market Street.
9:16 a.m. – Electrical issue, Pinnacle Drive.
9:52 a.m. – Medical assist, Old FM 1187.
11:03 a.m. – Medical assist, NW Jill Ann Drive
12:26 a.m. – Medical assist, Boone Road at Stone Road.
12:29 a.m. – Lockout, N. Burleson Boulevard.
5:33 p.m. – Person in distress, Flounder Drive.
7:35 p.m. – Medical assist, Sandgate Drive.
7:56 p.m. – Canceled call, Old FM 1187.
8:44 p.m. – EMS call, S. Wilson Street.
11:28 p.m. – Medical assist, Parkview Drive.

Wednesday, July 13
10:44 a.m. – Person in distress, NW Park Meadow Lane.
10:50 a.m. – Invalid assist, Barkridge Trail.
11:43 a.m. – No incident found, SW wilshire Boulevard.
11:43 a.m. – Medical assist, NE Alsbury Boulevard.
8:32 p.m. – Lockout, White Oak Lane.
9:01 p.m. – Canceled call, Judith Street.

Thursday, July 14
12:01 a.m. – EMS call, NW Summercrest Boulevard.
2:09 a.m. – Medical assist, Walnut Street.
4:28 a.m. – Overheated engine, Aaron Drive.
6:24 a.m. – Accident with injury, Tarver Road
12:24 p.m. – Person in distress, Betty Lane.
12:56 p.m. – Medical assist, NE Taylor Street.
2:21 p.m. – Medical assist, S. Burleson Boulevard.
2:42 p.m. – Person in distress, Surrey Lane.
5:29 p.m. – Accident with injury, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
7:05 p.m. – Medical assist, Windy Meadows Drive.
7:13 p.m. – No incident found, Rendon-Crowley Road.
8:16 p.m. – Medical assist, NW Wintercrest Road at Nicole Drive.
8:40 p.m. – Medical assist, Pleasant Manor Avenue

Friday, July 15
5:23 a.m. – Person in distress, Betty Lane.
8:06 a.m. – EMS call, Ruby Court.
8:54 a.m. – Vehicle accident with injury, S. Interstate 35W.
10:31 a.m. – Alarm, W. Ellison Street.
12:17 p.m. – Medical assist, Nicole Drive.
1:21 p.m. – Medical assist, Miles Avenue
2:21 p.m. – Medical assist, NW Jill Ann Drive.
3:07 p.m. – Gas leak, NW Renfro Street.
4:00 p.m. – Canceled call, Interstate 35W.
8:01 p.m. – Medical assist, Marybeth Drive.
9:04 p.m. – Medical assist, N. Burleson Boulevard.
9:52 p.m. – Person in distress, Mitchell Saxon Road.
11:21 p.m. – Medical assist, NW Hillery Street.
11:39 p.m. – Medical assist, Smith Street.

Saturday, July 16
1:55 a.m. – Canceled call, NW Hillery Street.
3:56 a.m. – Medical assist, Rolling Meadows Drive.
11:44 a.m. – Medical assist, SW Sunnybrook Drive.
7:12 p.m. – EMS call, SW Thomas Street.
8:51 p.m. – Lockout, SW Wilshire Boulevard.
8:56 p.m. – Medical assist, N. Burleson Boulevard.
10:21 p.m. – Medical assist, Mitchell Lane.
11:27 p.m. – Medical assist, Elk Drive.

Sunday, July 17
4:44 p.m. – Medical assist, NW Newton Drive.
5:00 p.m. – Medical assist, S. Burleson Boulevard.
6:30 p.m. – Outdoor fire, Roaring Springs Drive.
6:34 p.m. – Medical assist, E. Miller Street.
7:30 p.m. – Lockout, NW John Jones Drive.

That GoldStar Transit received no opposition to renewal of its annual contract was in itself enough to garner the support Monday of the Burleson ISD school board, Trustee Beverly Volkman Powell alluded.

"It says a lot that our [school trustees meeting] audience is no longer populated with school bus drivers," Powell said.

A year ago, when the Burleson ISD was considering transportation vendors, the audience at several summer meetings included numerous drivers, many who plead for a change in vendor. That lead to the selection of GoldStar.

"One of the biggest things we enjoy is [GoldStar's] attentiveness to our needs," said Brenda Mize, BISD's chief financial officer. "They want our children to arrive safely. Safety is a priority to them."

The transitional process to GoldStar may have had a few early bumps, Superintendent Bret Jimerson said.

"It is how they responded to our customers that has really made a difference," Jimerson said, noting his pleasure with GoldStar and recommending approval of the contract extension.

GoldStar inked a five-year deal with BISD in 2015-16, a contract renewable annually. The 2016-17 renewal includes a .06 percent cost increase, with potential for and discussion of routes and stops that might be added based on student transportation requests. Upon selection of GoldStar as the transportation vendor, service began with new buses that include air conditioning and heating.

Trustees supported the contract renewal by a 7-0 vote.

Parents have routinely offered "unsolicited support" of GoldStar when speaking with Jimerson in public settings, the superintendent said. He also heard from drivers.

"They could not say enough good things [of GoldStar]," Jimerson said of both.

Top ranking school officials like Mize praise GoldStar, because of their "top-down" management approach to successful outcomes.

"We have appreciation for the effort they have made to meet our needs," Mize said.

Burleson ISD families can click HERE for bus stop information and can call Goldstar at 817-245-1180. Route information, bus rules and transportation request forms may be found HERE through the transportation link for parents and students.

In addition to Burleson, GoldStar services school transportation needs in the North Texas communities of Boyd, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw, Little Elm and Terrell.