Good Morning, Allen!

Top Story
Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Collin County Clerk

Collin County voters will choose between two candidates for the Collin County Clerk seat, which will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election.

What you need to know: The candidates running for the position are Republican incumbent Stacey Kemp and Democrat John Russell.

Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

What else? Oct. 5 is the last day for residents to register to vote, according to the Texas Secretary of State website. Early voting will take place from Oct. 19-30.

 
Now Open
Collector’s Edition now offering trading cards, figurines at Allen Premium Outlets

Collector’s Edition is now open in Allen, owner Stephen Steelman said.

The specifics: The business offers sports memorabilia, Funko Pop figurines, jerseys, games, trading cards and more, per its website. Collector’s Edition is located within the Allen Premium Outlets next to the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop.

Quote of note: "We just opened Saturday at the Allen Outlets, and it was amazing," Steelman said. "Everyone here was super cool, and I cannot wait to continue further business here with these sweet, sweet, awesome people."

  • 820 W. Stacy Road, Ste. 310, Allen

 
What's Next Wednesday
Sandman Signature Hotel, Allen ISD renovations: Check out 5 of the latest construction projects around DFW

A Sandman Signature Hotel is planned to be constructed in Grapevine and Allen ISD is working on renovations with funds from a 2024 Bond. Check out some of the latest construction filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

1. Sandman Signature Hotel in Grapevine: A six-story, 221-room hotel is planned to be constructed near Grapevine Mills, per a TDLR filing. Sandman Signature Hotels offer Canadian hospitality, comfort and style according to its website. A company spokesperson said Northland Properties closed on the 5.9-acre site in August.

  • Location: Lot 4 3400 Grapevine Mills Blvd. N., Grapevine

  • Estimated timeline: Nov. 15, 2026-Nov. 15, 2028

  • Estimated cost: $30 million

2. Providence Church in Frisco: Providence Church in Frisco has purchased a 27-acre site for a new church in Frisco, according to its website. The 61,645-square-foot facility will be constructed along Panther Creek Parkway, according to the TDLR filing.

  • Location: Panther Creek Parkway, Frisco

  • Estimated timeline: Jan. 4, 2027-June 5, 2028

  • Estimated cost: $25 million

 
CI Texas
Experts: Hardening homes against disasters could drive down Texas home insurance costs

The average annual insurance premium for a Texas homeowner rose 79% in six years, from less than $2,000 in 2020 to more than $3,500 this year, Texas Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford told state lawmakers Oct. 5.

The overview: The rise in home insurance costs has been caused by severe weather, high inflationary costs impacting home repairs and "the concentration of risk" in the insurance market, Crawford said.

Experts said hardening homes against severe weather could help reduce expensive losses from disasters, resulting in lower insurance premiums.

Zooming in: Proponents of home-hardening incentives have pointed to their success in other Gulf Coast states, such as Alabama. Texas consumer advocacy groups and the insurance industry backed proposals to create a similar grant program last year, according to previous Community Impact reporting, but those measures did not pass.

"Resilience helps homeowners long before it shows up in an insurance bill because a stronger home holds up better when the storm comes," said Chelsea Stallings, a regional vice president for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

 

Your local team

Shelbie Hamilton
Editor

Miranda Talley
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.