Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5 with polling hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registered Bedford voters can vote at ANY Tarrant County Vote Center location on this day, including several in Bedford:

• Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Dr.
• Freedom Church, 701 Harwood Rd.
• New Beginnings Church, 2000 Forum Parkway
• St. Michael Catholic Church,3713 E. Harwood Rd.
• The Bedford Center YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr.
• Central Baptist Church, 1120 Central Dr.
• Pat May Center, 1849-B Central Dr.
• Stonegate Elementary, 900 Bedford Rd.

Here are a few quick reminders:

• You need a photo ID to vote.
• As long as you are in line by the 7 p.m. cutoff, you will be able to vote.
• Curious about wait times? View updated wait time estimates throughout the day at all Tarrant County early voting locations: https://gisit.tarrantcounty.com/tcvotingwaittime/

For polling locations, and complete election information, go to www.tarrantcounty.com/evote

The City of Bedford has selected Bobby LaPenna as the new Chief of Police. LaPenna has served as Interim Police Chief since June and previously held the role of Deputy Chief since 2021.

“With nearly 25 years of dedicated service to the Bedford Police Department, Chief LaPenna brings a deep understanding of the department’s operations and culture, while also being a driving force behind its recent progress,” said Bedford Mayor Dan Cogan. “We are excited to see Bedford PD’s next chapter unfold under his leadership.”

Chief LaPenna began his career with the Bedford Police Department in 2000 as a Detention Officer, steadily rising through the ranks and gaining experience in all facets of police work.

“I am truly honored and humbled to serve as Chief of Police,” said LaPenna. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside the incredible men and women of the Bedford Police Department, who dedicate themselves every day to serving our community. While I grew up in Euless, Bedford has been my home for the past 24 years. The relationships I’ve built within the department and with our community fuel my passion for public service. This opportunity reflects the guidance and support of the mentors I’ve been fortunate to have, and I am deeply grateful for their influence in my life.”

As his first steps as Chief, LaPenna will begin the search for a Deputy Chief to join the command staff, and he will focus on addressing the department’s structural needs and staffing levels to achieve its purpose and vision.

“We couldn’t have found a more qualified candidate than Bobby LaPenna to lead our police department,” said Bedford City Manager Andrea Roy. “With a profound historical and operational knowledge of the city, he is a progressive, forward-thinking leader and a lifelong learner, always striving to improve. His transparency, accountability, and strong relationships with city staff make him the ideal choice to hit the ground running and continue fostering an inclusive, trustworthy, and equitable department.”

Chief LaPenna also expressed his gratitude for the love and support of his family, especially his wife Katie and daughters Ruthie and Rebekah. 

Construction is moving along at the future Senior Center, located at the corner of Central Drive and Cummings Road. City staff recently released a new episode of the award-winning series "Beyond the Fence" showcasing the Senior Center progress. To view the video, click on the link below.

The project is still on track for a soft opening before the end of 2024.

The City was notified of two significant road closures affecting Bedford residents in the near future:

Pipeline Road Closure

The City of Euless let Bedford staff know there are some upcoming closures happening along Pipeline Road, as their crews continue paving operations.

Pipeline Road, from Forest Ridge Drive to Raider Drive, will be CLOSED for overnight paving operations from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day beginning Tuesday, November 6 through Thursday, November 8. Outside of these hours, two lanes of traffic (one lane in each direction) will be open. Traffic detours and signs will be in place for those traveling in this area.

There will also be a daytime concrete pour in the same area on Monday, November 4. However, this pour will NOT cause a full closure, but rotating lane closures. Please use caution when driving through this area.

Please note, the City of Euless is overseeing this phase of the Pipeline Road project, and updates regarding the timeline will be posted on their website.

NTE Project Road Closures

Beginning at 10 p.m. each evening through Sunday, November 3, there will be a full closure of northbound and southbound Forest Ridge Dr. at SH 183, as North Tarrant Express crews continue bridge work. The closure will last overnight until 5:30 a.m. each morning. Detours and messaging signs will be in place for those traveling in the area, during overnight operations.

If you’re wondering when all these access road closures will wrap up, we have some promising news for you! NTE officials have shared with the City that the U-turns at Central Drive are estimated to be reopened in early November, and the Forest Ridge Drive lane closures could end as soon as February, weather dependent. When additional updates are shared about the timelines, they will be communicated on all City channels.

Thanksgiving City Closures, Trash Delays

All Bedford City offices, including City Hall, Municipal Court, Animal Shelter, and Library, will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Trash, recycle, and bulk materials will NOT be picked-up on Thanksgiving Day. Therefore, the schedule will be delayed by one day. Thursday’s customers will be serviced on Friday and Friday’s customers will be serviced on Saturday, November 30. Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services will remain in operation at all times.

Volunteers of ALL ages are invited to help pick-up litter and debris from City streets and parks in the annual Bedford Fall Sweep on Saturday, November 16 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Check-in for individuals and groups begins at 9 a.m. at the Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Dr. Keep Bedford Beautiful will provide supplies such as litter pickers, trash and recycle bags, and gloves. Water and snacks will be provided, as well. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

To register, please complete the volunteer application form at www.bedfordtx.gov/volunteer and be sure to check the “Fall Sweep” event box.

The City is partnering with the Tarrant Regional Water District for four different water, landscape, and lawn care programs in November:

“DIY Sprinkler Repair” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 9 at the Bedford Public Library (2424 Forest Ridge Dr.): In this class, participants will learn about the basics of a home sprinkler system and how to fix common issues on your own. If you attend this workshop, you’ll also receive a free sprinkler test kit. 

Register: https://tinyurl.com/bedfordsprinklerrepair

“DIY Rainwater Harvesting Workshop” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 14 at the Bedford Library: Learn the ins and outs of rainwater harvesting, how to install a barrel, where to put a barrel to capture the most water, and more. The workshop is $45 to attend and does include a discounted rain barrel to take home.

Register: https://rhbedford.eventbrite.com/

“Backyard Composting” at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 at the Bedford Library: In this class, learn about the benefits of composting, how to design a pile, container options, how and when to use composting, and more. 

Register: https://tinyurl.com/bedfordbackyardcomposting

“Trees for North Texas” at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 25 at the Bedford Library: In this class, learn about the native and adapted trees of North Texas, which trees work best for your home landscape, planting and care tips, and more. The first 25 folks to register will also receive a free tree.

Register: https://tinyurl.com/bedfordtreesfornorthtexas

Start saving those frozen turkeys! The Bedford Fire Department will hold its annual frozen turkey drive from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 21 at the Central Fire Station (1816 Bedford Rd.).

Turkeys collected on this day will be donated to the North East Emergency Distribution Center to help feed local families in need over the holidays.

Game on, y’all! Get ready for a blast from the past at Time Rift Arcade, now open in Bedford!

Located at 2113 Harwood Rd. (near the Macarena’s Taco Spot in the Kroger shopping center), Time Rift features more than 100 classic and modern arcade games. Level up your fun with classics including Pac-Man, Galaga, Space Invaders, Tetris, Street Fighter, Donkey Kong, and many others. Modern games include Crusin’ Blast, Mario Kart, various pinball machines, Stranger Things, air hockey, and more. The Bedford location also includes a vintage console area. New games will be rotated in for endless adventures.

A daily pass to Time Rift Arcade will cost $12, or you can purchase a $20 monthly pass for unlimited game use! Time Rift also has a sister-arcade in Haltom City called Electric Starship Arcade and if you purchase a monthly pass to either location, you can visit BOTH arcades and try out every game.

Don’t forget to bring extra money to enjoy various hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, chips, and other snacks while you play. For those over 21, Time Rift Arcade does serve a selection of beer, wine, and ciders. The Bedford location also includes a rentable party room for birthday parties, work events, etc.

The arcade is open Wednesday-Thursday from 3 to 11 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight, Sunday from noon to 11 p.m., and is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Time Rift is adult friendly (21+ only) after 8 p.m. each night. Learn more and view an FAQ on their website - https://timeriftarcade.com/.

Don't forget to shop local this holiday season! Those sales tax dollars benefit expanding and improving City services. 

To help you keep your tax dollars local, City staff has created and maintains a Bedford Restaurant Directory. All restaurants with an * by their name offer senior discounts!

View the Bedford Restaurant Directory at https://www.bedfordtx.gov/restaurants.

Do you have a general question related to code enforcement, economic development, trash/recycling, parks, etc.? Ask us! Each month, we’ll feature at least one question from “Bedford Buzz” subscribers from the previous issue. Submit your questions at www.bedfordtx.gov/questions.

QUESTION:Are residents able to use portable generators or whole generators for power outages?

ANSWER: Portable generators are allowed as long as they are installed/utilized in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Permanent generators must be installed by licensed electrician/plumbers and the licensed electrician will need to pull an electrical permit from the City of Bedford. Permanent generators are required to be three feet from any property line.