Following an increase in fall-related emergency medical services calls in recent years, Allen officials are launching a fall prevention initiative.

The context: The Allen Fire Department is aiming to reduce falls and fall-related calls by 20% over the next three years through its Steady Together initiative, which launched in January, Community Safety and Prevention Manager Jill Hernandez said. The fire department has seen a 10% increase in fall-related calls since 2023, according to city documents. 

“One in 3 [seniors] will experience a fall this year, with an average of 1 in 17 going to an emergency room,” Hernandez said.

How it works: The Steady Together initiative has five phases over the next three years and includes education, environmental improvements and community outreach. Phase 1 began in January and will continue through April, city documents state. This phase includes partnering with four skilled nursing facilities to provide education to seniors that would help decrease fall risks, as well as home visits and free safety improvements.

Relax Myora Massage and Wellness Spa is coming soon to Allen, a company representative said.

The details: The business will offer several massage therapies including Swedish massages, deep tissue massages, prenatal massages and more, per its website.

• 190 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1518, Allen

Several city of Allen projects are moving forward, with one on track to be completed this spring.

The details: Director of Engineering Chris Flanigan gave a presentation updating members of Allen City Council and city staff on seven projects that are part of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan at a Feb. 10 meeting. Check out these project updates.

1. Police department headquarters

• Project: The new 103,000-square-foot, three-story facility ​​​​​​building will be “dried in” in early summer, which means the majority of the remaining work is focused on the interior, Flanigan said.
• Timeline: The project is expected to take two years to complete, with an anticipated opening in early 2027, per the city’s website.

• Project: The scope of the project includes replacing the original front steps, adding a ramp for accessibility and updating the surrounding landscaping, per city documents.
• Timeline: The project is on schedule and is estimated to be completed April 15, Flanigan said.

Two candidates are on the Republican ballot for Collin County justice of the peace Precinct 1 in the March 3 primary election.

What you need to know: C.D. Mayfield and incumbent Paul M. Raleeh are vying for the Republican nomination. The winner of the primary election will appear on the November ballot against the Democratic primary winner.

Early voting begins Feb. 17 for March 3 primary races across Texas, including 18 statewide races and various local races.

Preparing for the polls: Early voting begins Feb. 17 for March 3 primary races across Texas, including 18 statewide races and various local races. Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November.

Richardson ISD junior high renovations and new construction at the DFW airport some of the new projects filed recently with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Here are five of the most expensive area permits filed with TDLR in the past week.

1. Liberty Junior High School in Richardson ISD
2. Terminal F and Skylink Station
3. Apollo Junior High School in Richardson ISD
4. Denton Point buildings 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
5. Hardin at SH 121