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Stage 3 Water Restrictions & Nightly Roundup

Siddy Lam, Flicker

By Staff Reports

Dallas, TX –

Tougher Water Restrictions For Some North Texas Cities

The North Texas Municipal Water District - which serves Collin County cities plus Garland and Mesquite, is going to "Stage 3" Water restrictions November first.

The District's Denise Hickey says there are a couple of reasons for bumping up the restrictions.

Hickey: It is because of the ongoing drought conditions. The drought is anticipated to continue through the fall and into the spring season. And we continue to have a loss of 28% of our supply from Lake Texoma due to the invasive species of zebra mussels.

Stage 3 restricts lawn and landscape watering to once every two weeks; no hosing down of pavement, buildings, or windows; no ornamental fountains.

North Texas Municipal Water District cities went to Stage 2 restrictions August 19th.

Fort Worth Workshop On Public Education Funding

"SaveTexasSchools" - a non-partisan coalition of parents, educators and community organizations -- hosts a two day workshop in Fort Worth starting Friday.

Organizer Dana Brewer, an Arlington public school parent, says they'll hear from a panel of North Texas educators about the effects of the recent state budget cuts, and how some districts have managed to survive and thrive.

Brewer: I'm really curious to hear what they have to say about what they see for the future, because if you're already running a really tight ship, what do you do when you get more money taken away?

There will also be a "training session" to prepare participants for another battle over education funding in the 2013 Legislature.

Former Lt. Governor Bill Ratfliff and Fort Worth State Senator Wendy Davis are among speakers.

Texas Prisons Scrap "Last Meal"

Texas prison officials say they are stopping the practice of a "last meal" for inmates facing execution.

White supremacist Lawrence Brewer received a lethal injection Wednesday night for the infamous dragging death of James Byrd Jr. in Jasper 13 years ago. His order for the traditional "last meal" included two chicken fried steaks, a triple meat bacon cheeseburger; cheese omelet, pound of barbeque, and ice cream. He did not eat any of the food.

The extensive last meal menu raised the ire of one state senator. Democrat John Whitmire of Houston called on prison officials to immediately stop what he termed a "ridiculous and inappropriate" practice. Prison officials say they will comply.

Mike Modano A Dallas Star Once Again

Dallas National Hockey League favorite Mike Modano is a Dallas Star again. Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk says the team has signed Modano to an official NHL one-day contract, giving him the opportunity to officially retire as a Dallas Star.

Modano spent 20 years with the Stars before being released and signing with the Detroit Red Wings last summer. He announces his retirement at a news conference today.

Reward For Missing Renoir

A 25 thousand dollar reward is being offered for a Renoir stolen from a Houston home.

Police say Renoir's "Madelaine Leaning On Her Elbow With Flowers In Her Hair" is part of a private collection at the Vaughn Christopher Art Gallery in Houston.

According to a police statement, officers were called to a west Houston home two weeks ago when a person reported an armed man wearing ski mask and gloves entered and demanded money and jewelry. Police say the home occupant pointed to the valuable painting, so the gunman took it - in its frame - and left.

Police are not revealing the value of the Renoir.