Coppell launched a Web site this month that offers several new features. The site uses Flash, the multimedia software that provides a continuous stream of pictures. There are new drop-down menus, hot buttons and a reorganization of information. Live streaming of the city's government cable access channel should be available by spring. The new site also features links to Coppell's Facebook and Twitter sites. Visit www.coppelltx.gov.

Deborah Fleck

The Farmers Branch Police Department and neighboring area agencies have launched an initiative to create a Child Abduction Response Team, or CART.

The primary goal of the team is to provide a pool of specialized, trained investigators from area agencies to focus intensive investigative efforts on a confirmed incident of an abducted child or children. Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller said the pooling of resources will allow the collective departments a better chance to locate victims and apprehend suspects.

Along with the Farmers Branch Police Department, the team is expected to include police departments from Addison, Carrollton and Coppell, along with Child Protective Services, Dallas County Child Advocacy Center and the Dallas County District Attorney's Office Child Abuse Section.

Deborah Fleck

Dallas and Tarrant Counties offer a free Weatherization Assistance Program for qualifying residents of Grand Prairie.

The program assists with the costs for insulation, weather stripping, caulking, appliance repair and more according to income guidelines. A family of eight needs to make less than $74,020; seven people, less than $66,540; six people, less than $59,060; five people, less than $51,580; four people, less than $44,100; three people, less than $36,620; two people, less than $29,140; and one person, less than $21,660.

Grand Prairie joins Irving, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Waco in offering the program.

For Dallas County residents, call 214-819-2884 or e-mail daraiza@dallas county.org. For Tarrant County residents, call 817-392-7332 or e-mail joe.cordova@fortworthgove.org. The city contact is Julie Pena at 972-237-8127.

Deborah Fleck

The Irving Police Department is issuing a crime alert to make residents aware of a recent trend of tailgate thefts.

During the last several weeks, the department received more than 30 reports of tailgate thefts.

The police recommend using a factory-installed locking device if available and parking close to a wall to prevent easy access.

Deborah Fleck