Roanoke City Council approved more than $3 million for road improvements on North Walnut Street at the Feb. 24 council meeting.

The details: Roanoke City Council awarded a bid to McMahon Contracting, a construction company, for the reconstruction of North Walnut Street from Byron Nelson Boulevard to North Oak Street at an amount not to exceed $3.6 million, according to city documents.

The project will include new concrete street, curb and gutter drainage improvements, installing sidewalk and street lighting and storm drain improvements along a section of Lois Street, per city documents.

Work will begin mid-April, said Sandra Pettigrew, Roanoke’s public engagement manager.

Also on the agenda: Landscaping will be added to US 377 from Denton Street to north of SH 114 after Roanoke City Council approved an advanced funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the project.

Nekter Juice Bar is now open along Heritage Trace Parkway in Fort Worth with plans to celebrate its grand opening March 21.

The details: Nekter Juice Bar offers fresh-pressed juices, smoothies and bowls. Its grand opening celebration will offer $5 small smoothies all day and free protein waffles for customers who spend more than $15 while supplies last, according to a news release. Grand opening attendees can also participate in a raffle.

The background: The Fort Worth location is owned and operated by a Northlake resident, according to the release. 

• 3529 Heritage Trace Parkway, Ste. 123, Fort Worth

Funktional Kinections is a dream venture for Sheena Johnson, merging her background as a mother of a child with a rare neurological disorder and a massage therapist.

Located in the Fort Worth Design District, it is an adaptive gym for abilities, specializing in helping people with disabilities or mobility limitations to train and recover.

A grand opening celebration, along with a car show, was held at the location March 1.

Zooming in: Johnson said the space is available to anyone and is booked by appointment only.

The gym has a traditional feel and look but the location will also have services such as a massage chair, red light therapy, tanning bed, steam sauna, vibration therapy and therapeutic massage services, Johnson said.

The background: Johnson hopes the gym provides a space for those with special requirements to create their own environment that will make them feel encouraged and capable.

• 1953 Golden Heights Road, Ste. 1301, Fort Worth

As springtime pollen allergies approach, North Texas residents with seasonal allergies may experience increased symptoms.

The specifics: Dr. Deepika Kumaresan, an internal medicine doctor with Baylor Scott & White, spoke with Community Impact about allergies in Dallas-Fort Worth, including symptoms, most prevalent allergens and treatment.

What are allergies, and what does the average person need to know about them? Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless—like pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. When exposed, the immune system releases chemicals such as histamine, which trigger symptoms ranging from sneezing and itchy eyes to more serious reactions. Understanding your triggers and recognizing symptoms early helps you manage allergies effectively. 

What time of year are allergies most prevalent, and why? In Texas—and especially North Texas—seasonal allergies can occur nearly year‑round due to our climate and plant diversity. 

• Winter (December-February): Cedar pollen is the main culprit.
• Spring (February-May): Tree pollens such as oak and pecan dominate.
• Summer (April-September): Grass pollen peaks.
• Fall (August-November): Ragweed surges until the first frost.