Monday was a sad say at for Galleria — Saks Fifth Avenue, my favorite department store, left the premises. The iconic New York retailer’s space will be replaced with Belk‘s southwest flagship store, opening in spring of 2014. In the meantime, Belk will be making $20 million in renovations of the space.

Have you ever shopped at Belk before? What can Dallas consumers expect from the new department store?

Between 7:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. on June 10, a thief stole a wallet from a purse at George Bannerman Dealey Montessori School.

At around 6:30 p.m. on June 12, a reckless driver in a gray 2010 Chevy SUV struck a wheelchair-bound pedestrian in a crosswalk in the 3700 block of West Northwest Highway, fleeing without stopping to assist the victim.

At 1:15 p.m. on June 13, a thief stole a $250 Chanel wallet containing $80 cash and various ID, credit, and debit cards from the purse of a shopper at Whole Foods Market in Preston Forest Shopping Center.

At 1:15 p.m. on June 14, a thief approached a man at a garage sale in the 10300 block of Hillcrest Road and asked to borrow his phone. As soon as the man handed over his iPhone 5, the thief took off running into traffic.

At 12:50 a.m. on June 16, a resident of the 4400 block of Alta Vista Lane was in his backyard when he saw a burglar inside his pickup. When the resident yelled, the victim fled with $500 worth of tools.

• Between Hillcrest Road, Churchill Way, Pecan Forest Drive, Lake Edge Drive, and Stone Meadow Drive
• Between Edgemere Road, Northport Drive, Hillcrest Road, and Norway Road
• Between Preston Road, Northhaven Road, Tibbs Street, and Azalea Lane

Staff photo: Chris McGathey

I heard this week from a reader who vaguely remembered our May 24 story about ESD student Ben Kelly, but she had lost the flyer promoting his “Operation Fly Your Flag.” If you’d like to get in touch with him, his email address is benkelly@operationflyyourflag.com.

I like to peruse the agendas for Board of Adjustment meetings, looking for potential drama. (How would you like to see that as an interest on a match.com profile?) That’s how I came across the Case of the Vanishing Contractor.

The owner of a house at the corner of Meadowcrest Drive and Jamestown Road needs a variance to the side-yard setback regulations. This variance would be related to an already-built pavilion, and the homeowner is putting the blame on the aforementioned contractor. From the application:

After he bought the house, the current property owner hired a contractor to construct an open-air pavilion next to the existing pool, which would connect with the house. The owner was unaware that the contractor failed to get a building permit and proceeded to construct the pavilion into the side yard setback along Jamestown Road. The contractor has vanished, and the owner has not been able to contact him.

If you’re bored/curious, the public hearing will begin no earlier than 1 o’clock tomorrow.

5810 Meadowcrest

Starting on June 22 you’ll be able to stock up on all the One Direction gear you your tween’s heart desires thanks to 1D World. This includes shirts, jewelry, life size posters, and what the website describes as “the famous 1D onsie,” whatever that is.

To be honest, I’m a little scared of One Direction fans and a little too old to know that much or care about the band. But if this is something you’re interested in, make sure you scoop it all up while you can — the store will only be open for two weeks.

Here are the details: 1D World will be located at The Shops at Park Lane, snuggled between Bowl & Barrel and Gordon Biersch. It is open from June 22 to July 7. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Preston Hollow home at 6645 Northaven Road is on the market for nearly $10 million. (Photo by Scott Womack)

Allie Beth Allman & Associates recently listed Preston Hollow’s 6645 Northaven Road for $9,995,000. Architect Lionel Morrison designed this modern home with natural light in mind. The property spans 1.77 acres and includes 7 bedrooms, 8.4 baths. The 14,795 st/ft. home was previously listed for $11.5 million in 2011.

Father’s Day is on Sunday, and if you don’t have plans for dad yet, we’ve got plenty of options. Man of Steel just happens to open this weekend, so why not take the Superman in your life to a viewing?

The JCC is hosting a kids open mic show for senior adults at 11 a.m. this morning. If you’ve got a budding superstar, sign up here to secure a five-minute performance slot.

As I mentioned here, The Shops at Park Lane will show a free, family-friendly movie every Friday this month, in the park across from Bowl & Barrel. Tonight’s film, The Lorax, begins at 8:30 p.m. Popcorn will be available for $1 per bag, with soft drinks and more adult snacks (think real food, beer, and wine) provided by Gordon Biersch.

Keep reading for more weekend fun! Read More…

Just in case you missed my post from last week — tonight the award-winning St. Mark’s Photography program is doing their share to raise money for Granbury tornado relief. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. they will be selling their artwork at $100 a pop at Banks Fine Art Gallery (1313 Slocum St.), with all of the proceeds going toward the Hood County Habitat for Humanity.

Jennifer Staubach Gates, George Dunham, Gordon Keith, Roger Staubach, and Craig Miller

The Ticket’s Dunham & Miller show is broadcasting a special “Salute to Fathers” episode this morning from the Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff. Newly elected City Councilwoman Jennifer Staubach Gates is scheduled to be on the show at 8:55 with her dad, Roger Staubach.

Some people say that Gates owes her election to her father. Not me, but some people. I’ll be interested to hear if that comes up on the air. You can listen at 1310 AM or 104.1 FM.