County, City To Share Costs of Inmate Work Camp

Tom Green County is entering into an agreement with San Angelo to share costs of running the state inmate work camp. County Commissioners approving a plan that would have the city contribute about half the fourteen thousand dollar cost of running the facility, which is one of the few of its kind left in Texas. The inmate camp, called the San Angelo Wilderness Camp, shares its volunteer inmate labor with a broad group of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Concho Christmas Celebration. The facility, which houses about 40 inmates, began in Carlsbad in 1995, and it moved to San Angelo in 2008.

Council Accepts Atmos Settlement

The San Angelo City Council voted unanimously to accept a settlement reached between Atmos Energy Corp's Mid-Tex Division and a group called Atmos Texas Municipalities. The cities in the group, including San Angelo, had challenged Atmos when it tried to increase base rates by $9 million. The settlement includes no increase to the base rate, however, there will be a net increase of 29 cents on customer-related charges. Revenue from that increase will fund a steel pipe replacement program for service lines.

Deadline For Non-Insurable Crop Insurance Near

The deadline is nearing for producers who want to buy into the Agriculture Department's Non-Insurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur because of normal disasters. Pretty much like this summer. The deadline is September first. Details available at the Tom Green County Farm Service Agency.

Hit and run driver sought

San Angelo police could also use your help in finding a hit and run driver. They say the driver of a black Dodge Neon was involved in a wreck in the 13-hundred block of Shiloh Street on Sunday afternoon. Two people were injured. The driver is believed to be a black male and his car might have sustained damage to the hood. If you have any information, call police or Crime Stoppers.

4th flight returns

American Eagle has reinstated a fourth flight going in and out of Mathis Field in San Angelo. The flight had been dropped earlier this year but it's back as of this week. However, it's on available on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. According to American Eagle, that schedule will continue through the winter.

Power outage

Some 10-thousand homes and business in San Angelo--most on the south side of the city-- lost power Tuesday morning. AEP says most customers were back online within two or three hours; the utility blames a problem with a transmission line for the outage.

Dollar General arrest

San Angelo police have arrested one of two suspects in the August 15th hold-up and robbery at the Dollar General store on North Chadbourne. After descriptions and photos of the suspects were publicized, tips were called in which resulted in the identification of Ahmad Rashad Varner as one of the suspects. Varner was located and arrested on East 21st Street on Monday. The second suspect is identified as Brandon Price. If you have any information you can call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

Home Access Center

San Angelo ISD will have a new portal for parents to access their child's assignments, grades and attendance this year. Known as "Home Access Center," the portal is targeted to be available to parents beginning on September 1st. A link to it will be posted on the school district website, which is at www-dot-s-a-i-s-d-dot-org.

Power Outtages Hit 10,000

Power blackouts affecting as many as ten thousand customers hit a number of areas in San Angelo this morning. A-E-P Texas says a faulty transmission line caused power to go out in several neighborhoods early this morning. Crews replaced the line and the utility says power was restored to most customers by around nine A-M.

City, county budget workshops

Spending plans for Navarro County and the city of Corsicana are being addressed this week. The county is holding a budget workshop today in the basement of the county courthouse in Corsicana; the city council and staff will hold their budget workshop on Thursday starting at noon in the conference room at the Corsicana Government Center.

Perry, Obama even

If the election were held today, Governor Rick Perry would find himself in a dead heat with President Obama. According to a new Gallup Poll, the president is running slightly behind another Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, and slightly ahead of two others--Ron Paul and Michelle Bachmann.

Perry, Obama even

If the election were held today, Governor Rick Perry would find himself in a dead heat with President Obama. According to a new Gallup Poll, the president is running slightly behind another Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, and slightly ahead of two others--Ron Paul and Michelle Bachmann.

Airport grant

The Federal Aviation Administration is giving San Angelo's airport a grant of more than one million dollars. The money will be used for maintenence and safety improvements at Mathis Field.

New ASU food option

Angelo State University students, faculty and staff, and the public will have access to quick meals and convenience store items in Roscoe’s Den next to the ASU Food Service Center on Vanderventer Avenue, beginning about September 1st. Roscoe’s Den will operate daily from 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday..Hours for Friday through Sunday haven’t been determined.

Primetime host at ASU

Angelo State University will present Emmy Award winning news reporter and co-anchor of ABC's Primetime, John Quinones, as part of ASU's Hispanic Serving Institution Speaker Series next Monday. Quinones' presentation, titled "Lessons Learned," will run from noon to 1 PM in the University Center's CJ Davidson Conference Center and is open free to the public. Attendees may bring their lunch or buy a boxed lunch at the event.

Dorm Residents To Be Required To Have Meningitis Vaccines

Some college students who are heading back to classes at Angelo State today and at Howard College next week will find a new requirement for attending their classes after the new year: meningitis vaccinations. The Texas Legislature has expanded a law that was already on the books to require all college students who live in dorms to be vaccinated for meningitis by January first. Bacterial meningitis, which is spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks and utensils, and kissing, is rare, but the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it more commonly strikes people 17 to 21. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the bacterial meningitis vaccine be administered to all college students.

TG County Reinstates Burn Ban

A burn ban that was lifted just over 48 hours ago is back in effect in Tom Green County today. County Commissioners reinstating a ban and an emergency disaster declaration due to forecasts of more hot and dry weather this week as well as wind picking up from the southwest. Commissioners had lifted a ban that had been in effect for some time effective last Saturday night after flooding in San Angelo last weekend.
Among other things, no trash burning, no open burning of any kind and if you're going to fire up the grill, use propane or white gas only. Certain other types of burns are permitted with the supervision of a fire department. The new burn ban and disaster declaration in effect in Tom Green County immediately and until further notice.

Free Meals for Students in Need in Veribest

Veribest Schools are participating in the federal program for free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches for economically disadvantaged students, this year. Regular price is 1.10 for breakfast and 1.75 for lunch for K-6, 2.25 for grades seven and up.

Rambunctious Weekend at ASU

ASU’s Rambunctious Weekend started officially with the fall convocation today. There’s a free brisket dinner and dance tonight for Angelo State University students and parents and more events all weekend.

Historic Ceremony at the Courthouse

Judge E. Scott Frost is being formally installed as federal magistrate judge for Abilene and San Angelo. The event is called an investiture ceremony, and there have been only three here, in 20 years, including today. Frost is replacing Judge Philip Lane, who retired in June.

San Angelo's Most Wanted: Jerris Reed

Crime Stoppers is looking for the public’s help locating this week’s most wanted fugitive. 26 year old Jerris Reed is wanted for engaging in organized criminal activity. He’s described as six foot four, 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, driving a white 2002 Buick Regal. Call Crime Stoppers with information at 658-4357.

Attorney General Accusing Sunmart Owner of Diluting Fuel

The Texas Attorney General has filed suit against Petroleum Wholesale L-P and some affiliates. Greg Abbott says the gas station company has been diluting medium and premium grade fuel with regular unleaded at 143 stations. The state is seeking penalties of as much as 20-thousand dollars for each violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and says the defendants diluted fuel in more than 1000 instances. They operate Sunmart Travel Centers and Convenience Stores and about 80 other service stations licensed in Texas.

Man Sentenced for Meth: 30 Years

A Tom Green County jury found a 50 year old San Angelo man guilty of possession of a controlled substance, his second offense. Mario De Los Santos was arrested after officers found methamphetamine and a meth pipe during a traffic stop. The judge sentenced him to thirty years in prison.

Morning Head On Crash Between 2 4-Runners

A San Angelo man and a Midland woman are both hospitalized after a head on crash in Irion County. The Sheriff’s office says Catherine Rushing was driving west on U-S 67 about 6:45 this morning, when she crossed the center line and hit a vehicle driven eastbound by Kyle Moore. They were both wearing seat belts.

Sales Tax Holiday Friday through Sunday

Tomorrow is also the start of the Sales Tax Holiday. There is no state or local sales tax on most clothing, shoes and school supplies, priced less than one hundred dollars.
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RJ DeSilva with the Texas Comptroller’s Office says Texas shoppers will save over 62 million dollars, this weekend.
Sunset Mall is offering extended shopping hours for the tax-free frenzy. The mall will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon until 8 p.m. Sunday.

Rambunctious Weekend: Population Goes Up

Rambunctious Weekend starts tomorrow. Angelo State University will close Johnson Street on campus between Vanderventer Avenue and Dena Drive. There will be lines of traffic, as students move into resident halls, activities to welcome students, and ASU officials expect high pedestrian traffic. They want to ensure that new students are safe, as they learn their way around campus.

Free Lunch for Business Owners Thursday

Tomorrow, the ASU Small Business Development Center is hosting a free lunch for entrepreneurs and business owners, from noon to one at the San Angelo Visitor’s Center’s Riverview Room. The owner of Chaos Marketing will talk about how social media can help a business.

Todd Staples Headlines Summit at ASU

The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture was the keynote speaker for lunch, during the West Texas Legislative Summit at Angelo State University, today. There were panel discussions on redistricting, municipal water supply and treatment and wildfires, throughout the day, at the Conference Center.

Eldorado Gets Grant for Solar Power

Eldorado is getting a 226-thousand dollar grant to install solar arrays on two of the town’s water wells. The project is being funded by a Texas Department of Rural Affairs pilot program to help rural communities cut energy costs by paying for renewable energy technologies. It’s estimated the 10 kilowatt solar arrays will provide up to 40 percent of the electricity needed for the wells.

Social Security Office Hours Reduced

This week, the Social Security Office has started a new schedule, because of Congressional Budget Cuts. The Office now closes at 3:30 each afternoon, Monday through Friday.

New Library Gets Noticed for Excellence in Rehabilitation

The Stephens Central Library is a finalist for the Texas Downtown Association’s President’s Award in the Best Renovation/ Rehabilitation category, which recognizes excellence in repurposing an existing building.

San Angelo Schools Welcome Employees Back and Discuss School Year Spending

The back to school convocation welcomes all of the employees of the San Angelo Independent School District to the new school year. Author, singer and Fulbright Scholar, Scott MacIntyre, was the keynote speaker.
In the last Board of Education meeting before classes begin, members got an update on the Early College District Initiative. The Assistant Superintendent of Education Support Services says more than 350 juniors and seniors participated, last year. They took courses for college credit. Another 710 students took courses in technical areas and earned over 350 certifications in things like nursing, auto mechanics and criminal justice. The goal is for every student to earn more than 20 hours of higher education through one of the Initiative’s programs.
The Board of Education discussed how to designate 7.8 million dollars of the 26 million dollar fund balance. The Legislature now requires School Districts to project spending, instead of keeping an excessive amount in the balance. Planned expenditures include stadium turf and insurance deductibles.

New Wildfire South of Sweetwater

There haven’t been any red flag warnings lately, but the wildfire danger is still very real. A blaze started yesterday afternoon, about 2:45 in Nolan County. It’s burned about 500 acres and is listed as still zero percent contained. One home and one outbuilding are threatened. The Texas Forest Service has still not determined a cause. It’s about 23 miles south of Sweetwater, and rapidly spreading in short grass.

Help for Producers and Livestock Raisers from the USDA

The Farm Service Agency has modified the Conservation Reserve Program, extending the emergency grazing period through the end of October, without an additional payment reduction and allowing harvested hay to be used for feed. In addition, the FSA is accepting applications for the Non-insurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program through September first. And, the Livestock Forage Program is available through the end of the year.
Local FSA offices:

Tom Green Co. FSA Office
3514 Devonian Dr., Suite A
San Angelo, Texas 76903
Phone 325-653-1246 ext. 2

Coke-Sterling City Co. FSA Office
214 E. 7th
Robert Lee, Texas 76945
Phone 325-453-2751 ext 2

Police Arrest Two for Weekend Kidnapping and Burglary

San Angelo police arrested 37 year old Luis Granado and 26 year old Rachel Bradley, Saturday. They are charged with aggravated kidnapping and burglary. Police say they attacked a 64 year old woman who was house sitting for a friend on Cactus Lane. They reportedly held her against her will and stole items from the house and from the victim's own apartment.

Governor Perry Admits Mistake in Iowa

Governor Rick Perry made it official, this weekend, in New Hampshire. He's running for President. He even received a good percentage of votes in the Ames Straw Poll, in Iowa, as a write in candidate, before he made the announcement. Later, in a campaign stop at the Iowa State Fair, a caller asked about his 2007 executive order that girls get vaccinated against the human papilloma virus. Perry says he "made a mistake on that," and should have gone through the legislature.

Free Show from American Idol Contestant at San Angelo Schools Convocation Tuesday

An American Idol favorite is going to be the keynote speaker and perform for the San Angelo Independent School District's convocation at the Coliseum, tomorrow. Scott MacIntyre will talk about overcoming obstacles. The blind singer, songwriter and piano virtuoso was on Season Eight of Idol. The program is free and open to the public. It starts at 9am.

Fundraiser for Mosaic All Day Tuesday at Carino's on Knickerbocker

Carino's Italian Restaurant on Knickerbocker Road is donating ten percent of all sales tomorrow to Mosaic. Anyone interested in helping local residents with intellectual disabilities should go, any time, from 11am to closing and tell the server you want to support Mosaic.

Local Sales Tax Allocations are Up

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce reports that local sales tax allocations for the state are up eight point four percent over a year ago, for the month of June. And the city’s allocation is up almost twenty percent from June of 2010.

San Angelo Police Seeking Woman Using Stolen Check

The San Angelo Police Department is looking for the public’s help, as well. The Criminal Investigations Division wants to identify a woman who is suspected of felony check forgery. On June 21st, about 4:15pm, she bought items with a stolen check and forged the signature at the CVS on West Beauregard. She’s described as white, thin, in her late 20s with blonde hair that is pulled back with sunglasses. If you have any information on this crime, call 659-8012. And, the San Angelo Police Department has posted videos of the woman and the crime on its Facebook page.

Crime Stoppers Most Wanted: Jerry Paxton

The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department is looking for your help locating this week’s Most Wanted. 44 year old Jerry Paxton is wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of marijuana, issuance of bad checks and two city warrants. Paxton is described as five foot seven, 190 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. He is known to move from motel to motel. Information can be given anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers, at 658-4357.

Indictment Against Former CAC Director

A federal grand jury has indicted former Children’s Advocacy Center Executive Director Debra Brown. She’s facing six counts of theft, involving programs at the center that received federal fund. The indictment is the result of a four month investigation by the FBI. It says Brown embezzled, stole or obtained by fraud almost 250-thousand dollars. She will reportedly turn herself in to authorities within the next few days.

Measurable Precipitation and Maybe More

There will be scattered thunderstorms again, this afternoon and overnight. It’s not likely they will be severe, but cloud to ground lightning, gusty winds and heavy rainfall is possible, through tomorrow night.
Overnight, the National Weather Service recorded point five two inches of rain. Weather watcher totals varied from point eight seven inches north of town to two tenths of an inch in Bentwood. The last time the Concho Valley had measurable precipitation was June 21st.

Municipal Pool Renovation Work Begins

The City of San Angelo has started renovating the Municipal Pool. Improvements will include new restrooms, dressing areas, a lifeguard area, concessions and tables for eating. They will add spray toys and a lap swimming area to the pool, with a vortex pool, two large water slides, a new pumping and filtration system and improved accessibility. This is the first complete renovation of the pool since it was built in 1938. Work should be complete in time for the next summer season.

Walmart Clerk Fired After Accepting Return of Fake Diamond

A north side Walmart customer returned a diamond ring, last week. She had the receipt number with UPC and received a refund of 600 dollars. Trouble is, the stone in the ring had been switched out with a fake. The clerk in the jewelry department who processed the return has been terminated. 58 year old Janet Anderson had been with Walmart for almost 16 years.

Suspects Arrested After Fuel Tanks Stolen in Carlsbad

The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office says two men were arrested for burglary, yesterday. 19 year old Jim Chadwick the Third and 17 year old Joseph Doty are being held in lieu of 30-thousand dollar bonds. They were found in Carlsbad on Monday with gas cans, a siphoning hose and bolt cutters, during a routine traffic stop. Tuesday, the Carlsbad Volunteer Fire Department reported that fuel tanks had been stolen off of at least one of their brush trucks. Deputies tracked down Chadwick and Doty for questioning.

Trees for Arbor Day

Trees can help with home cooling costs, and they add to the beauty of a yard. Anyone who becomes a member of the National Arbor Day Foundation, this month, receives ten free white flowering dogwood trees. They will be shipped during the perfect planning season, between October 15 and December 10. Membership is ten dollars. The address and web link are on our web site.
(Send a $10 contribution to Ten Dogwoods, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Aug. 31, or visit arborday.org/august)

Governor Perry Sounding Like a Candidate in San Antonio

Governor Rick Perry gave his first public remarks since it became clear he’s going to make a run for the Presidency, today. He spoke about job creation and spending restraint at the National Conference of State Legislatures meeting in San Antonio. He has not made an official announcement of his candidacy. That’s likely going to come Saturday, in South Carolina. He has appearances scheduled in New Hampshire and Iowa, this weekend.

Man Arrested for Stealing Car and Smashing Cruiser

A 56 year old man was arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle, felony criminal mischief and felony evading in a motor vehicle, last night. Police say a Dodge Ram Pick Up was reported stolen from the Lowes on South Main Street about 5:30. Officers spotted the truck on East 24th Street and attempted to arrest the driver. He put the truck in reverse and rammed the police cruiser, then sped away. Officers found it on Holcomb and located the suspect, George Yarbrough, who’s been charged.

Jeffs in Prison and Still in Charge

Polygamist leader Warren Jeffs will serve a life sentence for child sexual assault charges, but experts say he will likely still rule his church from behind bars. There was, reportedly, no mass exodus from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after Jeffs was convicted of sex assault charges in Utah. He’s been in various jails for the last five years, but has continued to direct his congregation. He’s even led Sunday services by phone.

National Weather Service Alert

Dangerous heat continues today. The National Weather Service has a heat advisory in effect, through 10 o’clock.

C.A.R.E.S Coalition Lunch and Learn Wednesday

The Concho Valley C.A.R.E.S. Coalition will have Lunch and Learn, tomorrow at River Crest Hospital. City Councilman Johnny Silvas will be the guest speaker and discuss goals for San Angelo’s Downtown District and changes that are already underway. The public is welcome to attend. The Hospital is on Hunters Glen Road.

Gas Cards Help Patients get to Cancer Care

Shannon Medical Center has gas cards available for uninsured and underinsured cancer patients to ensure that they can get to therapy and support sessions. The Oncology Department received over two thousand dollars in grant money from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Patients must meet with the Patient Navigator for assistance and save receipts. Grants are funded through the sale of the Texans Conquer Cancer specialty license plates.

Moveon.org March Set for Wednesday Noon Hour

There will be a political rally tomorrow at noon. Residents will meet at South Chadbourne Street and Twohig Avenue about 11:45 and march to Representative Mike Conaway’s office, in the Federal Building, asking the Congressman to work for more jobs, not more cuts to vital services.

Jeffs Effectively Sentenced to Life in Prison

The Tom Green County jury spent just 40 minutes deliberating before returning with a verdict for Warren Jeffs, this morning. The religious leader received the maximum sentence for one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of sexual assault of a child. 99 years for the first offense, 20 for the second offense, to be served consecutively.

Conserve Electricity

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas continues to ask residents and businesses to turn off all unnecessary lights and unplug appliances and electronics, daily, during peak hours, from 3 to 7pm.

Dangerous Heat

A heat advisory is in effect, through Wednesday night at 10pm. The hot temperatures combined with a flow of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is producing dangerous heat index values along and east of a line from Sterling City to San Angelo to Junction.

Family Movie Night: Tangled

Tonight is Family Movie Night at the Library. There’s a free showing of Tangled at six pm at Stephens Central Library.

SHOT Show and Clinic, Friday and Saturday

Stock Horse of Texas is hosting a clinic tomorrow and Saturday to show the benefits of owning a horse. It’s a 75 dollar fee at Spur Arena, for the clinic. The show is free. This event was re-scheduled from May.

Neighborhood Meeting in The Bluffs

San Angelo City Leaders and representatives of the Police Department are hosting a neighborhood meeting in The Bluffs, tonight, to address citizen concerns about the drought contingency plan, speed limits, roads, patrols. They’re gathering at the Tree of Life Church on Melrose Avenue.

Citizen's Police Academy Open Registration

The San Angelo Police Department is accepting applications for the Citizen’s Police Academy. The group will meet for ten straight Tuesdays, from six to nine pm, to learn about the police department and responsibilities of officers. Deadline to apply is August 26th. Other application information:
(Contact the Community Services Division at 657-4331 or pick up an application at 505 S. Chadbourne. You must be at least eighteen years old to apply.)

Jeffs Jury Begins Deliberations

The Warren Jeffs trial has gone to the jury. This morning, Special Prosecutor Eric Nichols reminded jurors of DNA evidence and audio recordings presented. In his closing arguments, Jeffs stood silent before the jury for 24 minutes, said “I am at peace,” stood gazing into space five more minutes and sat down. Judge Barbara Walther gave instructions to the jury, and they began deliberations at 12:40.

Emergency Alert

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is expected to call an emergency alert again, this afternoon. They’re asking everyone to turn off all unnecessary lights and unplug appliances and electronics through 7pm.

Heat Advisory

A heat advisory is in effect, through Friday night at 10pm. Today’s afternoon heat index values are making it feel around 110 degrees. And, there is going to be little relief overnight, so that creates the potential for heat related illness, into Saturday.

Prescription Permit Backlog May Lead to Registration Lapses

The Texas Department of Public Safety has a backlog of prescription permits, and at the end of August, more than 48-hundred registrations are set to expire. Doctors, dentists, veterinarians and hospitals have been frustrated by the wait for their renewals, this summer. The state is encouraging anyone with a registration that is going to expire before November to submit their application as soon as possible.
Registration Status Check: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/csr/index.aspx

Prosecution Rests, Warren Jeffs Begins His Defense

Warren Jeffs begins his defense, as his defense, this afternoon. The prosecution wrapped up its case in his sexual assault trial, today. The evidence included audio recordings, which contained instructions to a 14 year old girl and other young wives on how to please him to win God’s favor. Jeffs is charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child.

Property Tax Rate and Budget Picture Shaping Up

The Council gave preliminary approval to a property tax rate of 79 cents per 100 dollars of valuation, which is two cents less than the current rate. That would be the first time since the 90s that property taxes were that low. The city will still get revenues from an increase in some fees. There’s a public hearing on the proposed tax levy and budget proposal at the next council meeting.

Hickory Aquifer Radium Treatment Testing

Yesterday, San Angelo City Council members got a report on progress at the Hickory Aquifer. One of the major concerns has been radium levels in the water. A first choice of treatment method is going to be significantly more expensive than expected. Council members voted six to one to allow the design firm to test a different kind of treatment that might be cheaper.

Please Practice Energy Conservation

Utility companies are urging everyone to practice energy conservation, today. There was a level one emergency alert, yesterday, between four and five pm. Turn off all unnecessary lights and unplug appliances and electronics during the peak hours of 3-7pm, every day this week.

Heat Advisory This Afternoon

A heat advisory is in effect, roughly along and east of a line from Haskell to Ballinger to Mason. The heat index makes it feel even hotter than the 100 plus degrees it is.

State Backlog on Prescription Permits Means Registration Lags

The Texas Department of Public Safety has a backlog of prescription permits, and at the end of August, more than 48-hundred registrations are set to expire. Doctors, dentists, veterinarians and hospitals have been frustrated by the wait for their renewals, this summer. The state is encouraging anyone with a registration that is going to expire before November to submit their application as soon as possible.
(Registration Status Check: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/csr/index.aspx)

Princeton Review Gives ASU a Good Grade

Angelo State University is listed as one of the country's best institutions for undergraduate education, for the third straight year by The Princeton Review. Only three other public schools in Texas made the list, this year.

Santa Rita Traffic Town Hall Tonight

There will be a town hall meeting to discuss traffic concerns and potential stop sign placement in the Santa Rita area, tonight at 6 o’clock in the Hope Hall of Life Point Baptist Church on Austin Street.

Most Wanted Resists Arrest

One of San Angelo’s Most Wanted is in custody. 28 year old Samuel Sutton was wanted for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and City Warrants. We told you about him early in June. A multi agency group, including San Angelo City Marshals picked up Sutton Friday night, about 11, in a parking lot at North Chadbourne and East 19th Street.

Vehicle Burglary Suspect Found in Car, Thanks to Quick Call from Hotel Employee

San Angelo police arrested a 26 year old San Angelo man, after an employee of the San Angelo Inn said he observed the suspect burglarizing a vehicle in the hotel’s parking lot. Officers found Jeremy Jacques inside the car, early Sunday morning. He’s been charged with burglary of a vehicle.

Ray Lemes Cleared of Wrongdoing in Death of ASU Student

A jury has found homeowner Ray Lemes not guilty of criminal wrongdoing in the death of 19 year old Angelo State University student, Tracy Glass. Lemes said Glass was trespassing. He shot him five times and killed him in 2007.

Prosecution Ties Jeffs to 15 Year Old's Baby

Warren Jeffs has been disruptive in court, today. He has objected or interrupted the prosecution’s case more than two dozen times. The leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints says he should not have to bow to man’s law. Prosecutors introduced evidence that he married a 14 year old girl when he was 48 and fathered her child, when she was 15. Jeffs is accused of two counts of sexual assault of a child.

Water is Top of Mind and Agenda at San Angelo City Council Meeting

The San Angelo City Council approved an ordinance that will increase base and usage water rates to pay for the operation of and debt service payments for the Hickory Aquifer. The average monthly residential water bill is going up about 14 dollars and 75 cents.
Council members reviewed and approved changes to the city's drought contingency plan. It’s a draft ordinance, which will get a first reading, later this month. Look for a new watering schedule, based on address and day of the week. It would lower the usage amount allowed before fees kick in.
And, the Council got a report from Siemens about the feasibility of a landfill gas project. They’re going to proceed with investigating what kind of demand there is for that kind of direct gas product.

Computer Tools Available for Farmers to Help with Drought Strategy

Texas Tech University researchers have released two new farmer friendly computer tools to help battle the drought. They are designed to help with irrigation scheduling and resource allocation. They are internet programs offered free through the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation.
(CONTACT: Justin Weinheimer, research associate, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-1921 ext. 270, or justin.a.weinheimer@ttu.edu.)

San Angelo School Board Members Work on Budget Tonight

The San Angelo Independent School District Board of Education is meeting this afternoon for another budget workshop. The District’s Assistant Superintendent for Business Support Services will present the current budget proposal to the board for comment from board members and the public in the Administration Building on University Avenue.

Santa Rita Town Hall Meeting Tuesday to Talk about Traffic

There will be a town hall meeting to discuss traffic concerns in the Santa Rita area, tomorrow night at 6 o’clock in the Hope Hall of Life Point Baptist Church on Austin Street. City Councilman Kendall Hirschfeld has suggested placing four way stop signs at the intersections of South Park Street and West Avenue J and South Monroe and Live Oak Streets, to reduce speed and traffic volume.

San Angelo's Most Wanted: Alejandro Cabrera Junior

Crime Stoppers is asking for your help to find a fugitive. 30 year old Alejandro Cabrera Junior is wanted on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His last known address was on East 42nd Street. He is described as five foot seven, 230 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Tips are anonymous at 800 756-3434. And, there is more information about him on our web site.
(He has also lived in the 3800 block of Old Ballinger Highway. Visit sanangelocrimestoppers.com or call 325-658-4357)

Jeffs Trial Back on After Morning Delay

The jury trial continues for Warren Jeffs, after a delay of about one hour, this morning. Jeffs told the courtroom, that a revelation from God prompted him to file a 16 page motion against Texas District Judge Barbara Walter, calling for her to recuse herself from the case. An outside judge reviewed the filing, it was denied, and testimony continued, this afternoon.

Body Found in Lake Nasworthy

San Angelo Police are investigating the death of 22 year old Kenneth Hunn. The body of the San Angelo man was found in Lake Nasworthy, yesterday afternoon, near a retaining wall off Beaty Road. The death is classified as "questionable," until autopsy results are available.