City of Keller Government

After a successful Citizens Police Academy wrapped up earlier this year, Keller PD has opened registration for a second course this fall!

This free, 11-week course gives participants a deeper understanding of KPD's operations and tactics and serves as a pre-requisite for those wanting to join the Volunteers in Police Services unit.

This fall's class will meet from 6-9 p.m. every Thursday beginning Sept. 5. To participate, you must be 21 or older, live or work within the Keller or Westlake city limits, and pass a criminal background check.

To learn more and apply for this year’s course, visit www.cityofkeller.com/CPA.

Ground spraying for mosquitoes will begin near the 540 Keller Smithfield Road and 7000 Shady Grove Road collection sites as early as tomorrow night after mosquito samples collected this week tested positive for West Nile Virus.

As our fogging vendor works to accommodate all their area customers seeing positive tests, Keller is confirmed to see service two nights between Friday, Aug. 16 and Monday, Aug. 19.

Efforts will target roads within a half-mile of each trap, with work between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Gated communities: Please open your gates both nights if you wish to have your streets sprayed.

You can find a more detailed, interactive map at www.cityofkeller.com/mosquito.

After a ribbon cutting last night, we’re thrilled to share the latest amenity from our incredible Keller Public Library team: a Sensory Room!

This specially designed space combines a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses — an enjoyable experiential service for all, but especially for members of our community with various sensory needs. The new space, housed in the Library Annex next to the library at 640 Johnson Road, is now available from 2-6 p.m. every Wednesday by appointment only. All you need to book your free reservation is your Keller library card!

Special thanks to the volunteers who helped us transform this old senior center craft room and the anonymous private donor who funded the project.

The polls are OPEN! Keller voters have their choice of three candidates this month to fill the Place 3 seat on the Keller City Council.

Early voting runs through Tuesday, Aug. 27, and Election Day is Saturday, Aug. 31. Please note that since this is a special election for Keller only, in-person voting will occur exclusively at Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy.

In ballot order, residents will have their choice of:

- Zane J. Kupper
- Karen Brennan
- Frank Roszell

As a reminder, the winner of the special election will hold the Place 3 seat through the spring, when they would need to run for re-election on the May 2025 ballot to seek a full three-year term.

Save the date and plan to grab a beer and some barbecue next month when you join us for our fourth annual Budget & Brews!

Hosted by Mayor Armin Mizani, this year’s presentation and Q&A about the proposed budget and tax rate is set for 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Outpost 36, 1801 S. Main St.

Residents will also have the chance to hear from Interim City Manager and Finance Director Aaron Rector and provide feedback on this year’s proposals before the City Council votes on them as part of their Sept. 17 agenda.

Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at city government? Applications are due at 8 a.m. next Monday, Aug. 19, for those interested in joining our next Keller Citizens Academy course.

Aimed at growing local leaders and empowering citizens, this free 10-week program offers presentations from city staff, hands-on activities, tours and more. Class starts Thursday, Sept. 5.

Learn more and apply now at www.cityofkeller.com/academy.

Ground spraying for mosquitoes will begin near the 8751 Davis Blvd. and 1792 Ottinger Road collection sites as early as tonight after mosquito samples collected this week tested positive for West Nile Virus.

As our fogging vendor works to accommodate all their area customers seeing positive tests, Keller is confirmed to see service two nights between Thursday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 11.

Efforts will target roads within a half-mile of each trap, with work between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Gated communities: Please open your gates both nights if you wish to have your streets sprayed.

You can find a more detailed, interactive map at www.cityofkeller.com/mosquito.

City Council recognized former Councilwoman Jessica Juarez at last night’s meeting, honoring her dedication to our community!

The Place 3 councilwoman was forced to cut her term short this summer as a requirement of accepting a position with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, where she is prosecuting cases focused on abused and neglected children.

“Councilwoman Juarez was a great colleague and teammate who advocated for all the issues that our residents care about most: tax relief, infrastructure investments, improvements to our trails and parks, and more,” Mayor Armin Mizani said. “Although we will miss her at the dais, we are excited for her as she embarks on a career advocating for our youth at the DA’s Office.”

Please join us in thanking Councilwoman Juarez for her years of service!

Keller is a certified beauty! (Not that there was any doubt in our minds😉)

Staff recently received news that Keller has been recertified as a Platinum Scenic City through the Scenic Texas Program, whose mission is to support and recognize Texas municipalities that implement high-quality scenic standards for public spaces.

Considering dozens of criteria, the program provides a consistent measuring stick across the state for Texas cities to compare best practices in areas like:

• Streetscape Enhancement
• Parks, Trails and Open Space
• Lighting Standards
• Design Integrity
• Landscaping
• Sign Control
• Litter & Graffiti Prohibition
• Utility and Cable Line Programs
• Dumpster Screening
• Other Unique Municipal Features and Special Programs

Statewide, the program aims to uplift communities, enhance civic beautification, promote environmental sustainability, and improve the well-being of Texas residents. Keller first earned Scenic City recognition at the Silver level in 2010 and moved up to gold before our recent run in platinum.

Only 29 communities hold the program’s highest honor, and we’re in great company here in the region! Other Platinum communities include neighbors North Richland Hills, Roanoke, Southlake and Westlake.

The SILVER is coming home to Keller!🥈

Congratulations to Austen Smith and her partner in the mixed team s***t competition, teammate and coach Vincent Hancock.

This is Austen’s second medal of the Paris Games after winning bronze🥉in the women’s individual s***t on Sunday. Simply amazing.

Keller PROUD! Austen is bringing the BRONZE MEDAL🥉home to Keller in women’s s***t shooting. Next up: The mixed-team competition tomorrow.

It’s nearly her time to shine; don’t forget to begin cheering on Keller’s own Olympian, Austen Smith, this weekend!

Smith is set to compete in the women’s s***t and mixed-team s***t competitions. The women’s qualification rounds are slated for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3-4, with the final on Sunday. The mixed team qualifications and matches will follow on Monday, Aug. 5, when Smith will be paired with her coach and three-time Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock.

Paris is this hometown hopeful's second time at the Olympic Games after being the youngest member of Team USA’s shooting team in Tokyo. Good luck, Austen! We could not be prouder!

Check out the full Olympic Shooting schedule at www.nbcolympics.com/news/shooting-2024-paris-olympics.

We’re looking forward to a month of cool crafts, book clubs, bad art and back-to-school fun at the Keller Public Library! We hope you can join us:

Ground spraying for mosquitoes will begin near the 7000 Shady Grove Road and 151 Bear Creek Pkwy. West collection sites as early as tonight after mosquito samples collected this week tested positive for West Nile Virus.

As our fogging vendor works to accommodate all their area customers seeing positive tests, Keller is confirmed to see service two nights between Thursday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 4.

Efforts will target roads within a half-mile of each trap, with work between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Gated communities: Please open your gates both nights if you wish to have your streets sprayed.

You can find a more detailed, interactive map at www.cityofkeller.com/mosquito.

NOW OPEN/TRAFFIC ALERT
In case you were thinking to yourself, “You know what sounds perfect for Friday morning? Enduring a long line and heavy traffic BUT getting a sweet deal out of it,” have WE got NEWS for YOU!

Kroger is celebrating the opening of its new fuel center at 2061 Rufe Snow Drive by giving away up to 20 gallons of gas to 100 vehicles. The giveaway starts at 8 a.m. this Friday, Aug. 2 and will last until 9 a.m. (or the 100th customer is served). Cars can begin lining up at 7 a.m.

Are we excited to have this fuel center open so that folks can Keep it in Keller while using their gas rewards? YES! Is this particular event likely to create a small traffic snafu in the Rufe Snow/North Tarrant area on Friday morning? ALSO YES!

Kroger plans to stack the line in their parking lot as best they can, and Keller Police will be on hand, but drivers should anticipate some extra congestion and plan accordingly. Not interested in wading into the fray? Kroger has shared that customers will get 20 cents off per gallon on any fuel grade at the Keller location from Friday through Sunday.

One last note for the giveaway: Vehicles only! Please leave your gas cans, lawnmowers, RVs, boats and construction equipment at home.

DON’T FORGET! If you’re planning to vote in the Aug. 31 City Council election, you need to be registered by tomorrow, Aug. 1.

Confirm your status now at www.tarrantcounty.com/evote. Keller voters will have their choice of three candidates (in ballot order):

- Zane J. Kupper
- Karen Brennan
- Frank Roszell

In-person voting will occur exclusively at Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy., with early voting kicking off on Aug. 14. Learn more at www.cityofkeller.com/election.

TRAFFIC REMINDER
The Keller Hicks railroad crossing will close tomorrow, Aug. 1, for approximately three months as work continues on road improvements between Lauren Way and Hwy. 377.

This partnered effort between Fort Worth and Keller includes expanding to a three-lane road in Fort Worth, reconstructing Keller's two-lane portion of the street to just east of the railroad tracks, installing new sidewalks and upgrading the Katy Road intersection.

Specifically, the upcoming closure will allow crews to complete work on water and stormwater infrastructure, a retaining wall and road repaving around the railroad tracks.

While east-west access on Keller Hicks is impacted, drivers should anticipate additional congestion at the Keller Parkway/Golden Triangle Boulevard and Mt. Gilead Road/Timberland Boulevard crossings.

NOW OPEN
A new group fitness studio that takes its cues from boxing is making some noise up on North Main Street! Introducing Rumble Boxing.

The national chain combining punching moves and resistance training got its start in 2017, attracting celebrity backers like Sylvester Stallone. And by 2021, it was bought by Xponential Fitness, which also owns popular fitness brands like Pure Barre, Club Pilates, StretchLab and Row House.

Now, the first Tarrant County location is open at 1320 N. Main St., thanks to 15-year Keller resident Clayton Gilbert. The family already owned two occupational health businesses but began searching for something new after the height of the pandemic.

“We were vetting several different ventures, but when I first saw the logo, I thought, ‘this is really cool,’” Gilbert said, “and then my wife and I went out to headquarters in California, took a class, and this was it.”

The Gilberts and General Manager Kelsey Morris promise a sweaty, upbeat, invigorating workout that’s “an absolute blast.” Rumble’s signature classes feature 10 rounds of full-body strength and conditioning using a mix of dumbbells and specially designed water-filled boxing bags. Other classes — available at 30, 45 and 60 minutes — focus on various goals and skill levels.

Members of the Keller location enjoy fun themes in the studio — like Wednesday’s “Christmas in July” classes (so apologies if any holiday décor made it into the accompanying photos) — and community builders like cookouts and volunteer efforts beyond the studio. Once he decided Rumble was the way to go, Gilbert says there was no question he would open in Keller.

“I wanted something close to home, and I wanted to give back to my own community — not only the health aspect but also we do a lot of events,” Gilbert said. “Just trying to keep it in Keller.”

Interested in taking a jab at it? Your first class is always free! Just be sure to bring hand wraps, or you can purchase them on-site. Learn more at www.rumbleboxinggym.com/location/keller.

Applications are OPEN! Join us this fall to go behind the scenes with us as part of the 2024 class of our Keller Citizens Academy.

Participants will enjoy tours, presentations, demonstrations and hands-on activities focused on every aspect of municipal government. This is the perfect opportunity to learn firsthand how city leaders make decisions and how citizens like you can make a difference.

The free 10-week course kicks off Thursday, Sept. 5. Learn more and apply by Monday morning, Aug. 19, at www.cityofkeller.com/academy

As work continues on improvements to Keller Hicks Road between Lauren Way and Hwy. 377, city staff has been notified that the Keller Hicks railroad crossing will close next week for approximately three months.

This full road closure, set to begin on Thursday, Aug. 1, will allow crews to complete work on water and stormwater infrastructure, a retaining wall and road repaving around the railroad tracks. During the closure, drivers should head south to Keller Parkway/Golden Triangle Boulevard or north to Mt. Gilead Road/Timberland Boulevard for the closest east-west routes.

As a reminder, the Keller Hicks project is a partnered effort between the cities of Fort Worth and Keller that includes expanding to a three-lane road in Fort Worth, reconstructing Keller's two-lane portion of the street to just east of the railroad tracks, installing new sidewalks, and upgrading the Katy Road intersection.

Residents will notice ground spraying for mosquitoes around all five of Keller’s traps in the days ahead after mosquito samples collected this week tested positive for West Nile Virus. As a reminder, our traps are located at:

- 151 W. Bear Creek Pkwy.
- 540 Keller Smithfield Road South
- 1792 Ottinger Road
- 7000 Shady Grove Road
- 8751 Davis Blvd.

The latest positives bring us to 13 out of the 168 total tests of Keller traps throughout the season, but having all five locations test positive in a single week has not been the norm in Keller. Our results reflect the trends Tarrant County is seeing as a whole, with a jump in positive tests over the past several weeks.

With 76 positive tests reported throughout the county since last Thursday, our mosquito spraying vendor is working hard to meet demand. Wind and weather permitting, spraying will occur in Keller between tonight, July 25 and Sunday evening, July 28.

Efforts will target roads within a half-mile of each trap, with work between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Gated communities: Please open your gates all four nights if you wish to have your streets sprayed.

You can find a more detailed, interactive map at www.cityofkeller.com/mosquito.

There is only ONE WEEK left to register if you plan to vote in next month’s special City Council election!

Especially if you have recently moved, changed your name or turned 18, we encourage you to double-check your status at www.tarrantcounty.com/evote.

Early voting in the Aug. 31 City Council Place 3 election begins on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Learn more at www.cityofkeller.com/election.

Mentally we’re here.

Seriously, though, these downright frigid July days have us craving pumpkin spice lattes and “Hocus Pocus” marathons on repeat. So, what the heck: Registration is 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 for this year’s Haunted Campout! (For real.)

Double down with us on these fall feelings and secure your spot for spooky fun and camping under the stars Oct. 19-20 at Bear Creek Park. Costume contests, tent trick-or-treating, s’mores, the works.

In honor of this week’s beautiful weather, we’re giving away the first 25 tickets for FREE with coupon code WISHINGFORFALL

Register now (just $5 per person once the freebies are gone): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/keller-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTIyMDEyNzI=

Proud to be celebrating 𝟯𝟰 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 of successful service at the Keller Public Library.

Our team was recently notified that KPL qualified once again for accreditation by the state library system, which requires meeting minimum standards in collection development, programming, funding, staffing, technology, and public service.

Three cheers for our exceptional library staff! Learn more about everything they have to offer at www.cityofkeller.com/library.

As Atmos Energy continues its proactive maintenance efforts, company vehicles will conduct automated natural gas leak detection surveys through the heart of Keller this week.

You’ll notice them in neighborhoods near the Keller Sports Park, Bear Creek Park and Keller Town Center as far east as Bloomfield Drive and north as Johnson Road. Work is expected daily through Saturday, July 27.

NOW OPEN
Calling all carnivores! A new go-to spot for high-quality cuts has officially opened its doors. Outpost 76, a butcher shop and meat market tucked inside Outpost 36 BBQ at 1801 S. Main St., is now serving a wide selection of beef, pork, chicken, seafood and more.

“We’re cutting out the middleman,” Manager Jordan Ross said. “This is the only retail location for our meat; the only other place you can get it is high-end restaurants and hotels.”

In addition to sister restaurants Outpost 36 and Horizon 76 American Grill House, the beef and pork that come from Outpost 76 Cattle Company — a 1,100-acre ranch in Sulphur Springs — serve diners at brands like JW Marriott, Ga***rd Texan, and Ritz-Carlton along with top destinations in the Dallas and Fort Worth fine dining scenes. The ranch was established in 2022, and since then —

“We’re really branching out,” said Hayden Brixley, a product specialist and sales executive, “and we’re just getting started.”

The Outpost 76 Cattle Company is home to 1,500 head of cattle (Angus, Full-blooded Wagyu, and F1, often referred to as “Texas Wagyu”) as well as roughly 600 heritage breed pigs that cross Berkshire boars with Red Wattle, Large Black and Duroc sows. And while all the beef and pork products offered at the market come from the ranch, offerings are supplemented with quality chicken and seafood.

Most products are sourced locally, Brixley said, but you can find options like Hawaiian tuna and Alaskan halibut in addition to Gulf Coast seafood. A selection of spice rubs, sides, desserts and specialty items like jarred beef tallow round out the inventory.

“We do retail and wholesale,” Brixley said, “so if you’re a restaurant owner or chef reading this, reach out to us and get that beef!”

Ross promises it’s the best you’ve ever had, but you don’t have to take his word for it: the company’s Angus recently won grand champion in the Triple Crown Steak Challenge.

“I’ve been a butcher since I was 18, and I’ve not had this quality,” he said. “It’s easier on the wrist, even, to cut; it’s so tender, the knife just glides right through.”

While the new shop sits inside Outpost 36, customers will notice it has its own entrance facing South Main Street. It also has its own operational hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

A website will also go live soon, including an ordering portal and options for local delivery.

It’s been a busy season for mosquitoes so far, and we’ve seen five weeks straight of positive tests for West Nile Virus around town. While city staff monitors and treats potential breeding grounds on public property, we could use your help in our battle against the bite!

From clogged rain gutters to pet bowls, outdoor toys, and plant saucers, potential mosquito breeding grounds can be found all around your property. Please take some time this week and after every rain event to dump water and clear clogs wherever you encounter them. A little prevention goes a long way!

And remember: you can protect yourself from bites by avoiding being outside at dusk and dawn, dressing in long sleeves, pants and light-colored clothing, and using a mosquito repellant containing Deet before heading outdoors.