Starting a new business

Thinking about starting your own company? Find out how in a free seminar called "Essentials of Starting a New Business," presented by the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. It will be held Thursday evening from 6 to 8:30 PM in the Rassman Building on the ASU campus. You can find out more and register at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Jessop jury selection

Jury selection began Monday at the Coke County Courthouse in Robert Lee for the trial of a former FLDS leader. Frederick Merril Jessop is accused of conducting an unlawful marriage between Warren Jeffs and Jessop's then 12-year-old daughter. He faces a possible 10-year prison sentence. Some 300 jury summons were issued to Coke County residents.

Collision on North Chadbourne

A collision on North Chadbourne at 33rd Street Monday left two people in the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. They were the driver and passenger in a whie Chevy sedan hit by a San Angelo woman driving a pickup truck. The pickup driver was cited for failing to yield the right of way.

Smoke to the east

You might have noticed a large white plume of smoke east of San Angelo Monday as many residents did. But it was not from a wildfire--it was from a controlled burn designed to get rid of debris in a plowed field outside Loop 306 near Eola. The land owner notified the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office of the burn.

Most Wanted captured

A fugitive featured this week as San Angelo's Most Wanted has already been captured. 30-year-old Jason Dale Whitlock was wanted on a parole violation warrant on a drug charge and a Tom Green County warrant for evading arrest. Whitlock was arrested Monday following an investigation by the U.S. Marshal Service with help from San Angelo Police and Homeland Security.

W in San Angelo

Former President George W. Bush is coming to San Angelo. Bush will speak at a fundraiser for the West Texas Boys Ranch on November 18th at Angelo State University's Junell Center. Tickets are 50 dollars for general admission, 75 for floor seating, plus reserved tables and sponsorship tables are available. You can purchase tickets through the Junell Center Box Office at 942-2583.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo`s Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for parole violation on a drug charge and a Tom Green County warrant for evading arrest with a vehicle. 30-year-old Jason Dale Whitlock is 5-11, 165 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes with a tribal design tattoo on his upper left arm. His last known address was in Grape Creek. If you know anything about Jason Dale Whitlock, call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

Texas Recycles Day

Your chance to do some free recycling is coming up on Saturday, November 12th--Texas Recycles Day. Items you would normally be charged for dropping off will be accepted free between the hours of 9 AM and 1 PM at the SAFE Recycling Center on Warehouse Road in San Angelo. That includes, for the first time this year, obsolete TVs--but they cannot be shattered, broken or cracked and there is a limit of two TVs per vehicle.

Early voting

A reminder from the Secretary of State's office: you've got through Friday to vote early in the November 8th Constitutional Amendment election. For complete election information, including details about all 10 proposed constitutional amendments and how to find voting locations and times, you can visit VOTEXAS.org--that's v-o-texas-dot-org.

Operation Christmas Child

A group of San Angelo-area volunteers is focused on filling empty shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, hygiene items and notes of encouragement for needy kids overseas. It's Operation Christmas Child—a project of Samaritan's Purse that has hand-delivered 86 million gifts to kids worldwide since 1993. National Collection Week is November 14th through the 21st and the local collection site is Christian Church of San Angelo on South Bryant Boulevard. You can find out how you can take part at samaritans-purse-dot-org.

Shoe drive

Baptist Retirement Community is hosting a shoe drive and inviting the Concho Valley community to participate. Shoes collected will benefit vulnerable children in San Angelo, as well as orphans around the world. The shoe drive is part of the humanitarian aid project Shoes for Orphan Souls. Most needed are new athletic shoes in youth sizes Shoes can be delivered anytime between tomorrow and November 15th to Baptist Retirement Community, located on Main Street.

Cop Killer Garcia Executed

Texas executed convicted cop killer Frank Garcia last night. It happened shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to grant a stay of execution for the killer of a San Antonio police officer. Lawyers for Garcia claimed he suffered from mental retardation and should not be executed for the slayings of his wife, Jessica, and San Antonio Police Hector Officer Garza. Garza was investigating a domestic violence complaint at Garcia's home in 2001.

Leads Sought In Christians In Action Theft

San Angelo Police are looking for a man who stole a donation jar from a Christians In Action store. The theft happened back on October tenth at the store on sixth street and the Criminal Investigation Division is looking for new leads. An Hispanic male allegedly walked around the store for over half an hour, then took off with a large donation jar containing money. The exact amount has not been disclosed. Police say the man has tattoos on the back of his neck, which can be seen on surveillance video. If you know anything about this robber, call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 658-HELP. 658-4357

Air Travel Survey

How many fliers does it take to interest an airline in connecting with San Angelo? That's what the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce wants to know and it's doing an online survey to find out. The Chamber is drumming up interest in a flight between the Concho Valley and Houston Intercontinental Airport and needs to be able to show sufficient interest for United Airlines to decide whether to do it. You can take the survey on the Chamber's website: san-angelo-dot-org-slash-chamber and clicking on "Air Travel Survey". It's easy: only four questions!

Arrest In San Angelo Stabbing Incident

San Angelo Police say they've arrested a man they were seeking in connection with a stabbing incident yesterday afternoon. Twenty-one-year-old David DePauw has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing A San Angelo man in the chest with a pocket knife. The victim, 28-year-old Weldon Harris, is listed in fair condition at Shannon Medical Center this afternoon. It's being described as a non-life threatening injury. Officers say the stabbing happened during an altercation between Harris and DePauw at a home in the 4600 block of Bowie Street.

Shannon Home Health honored

It's getting to be a habit for Shannon Home Health. For the sixth year in a row, the agency earned a spot on the HomeCare Elite 2011 list. The list, compiled by DecisionHealth, a provider of homecare information, recognizes the top 25 percent of home health agencies nationwide. It's based on performance measures in quality, improvement and financial performance. You can find out more about Shannon Home Health at shannonhealth-dot-com.

Ex-FLDS Pleads No Contest

The former President of the polygamous F-L-D-S church has pleaded no-contest to three counts of third degree bigamy. Wendell Nielsen had been indicted after a raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch in April 2008 by law enforcement looking for someone claiming sexual abuse at the ranch. That raid has already resulted in the high-profile conviction of F-L-D-S head Warren Jeffs, in Tom Green County. He's serving life plus 20 years for sexually assaulting girls 12 and 15 years old. Nielsen was immediately sentenced to ten years' probation in Schleicher County District Court. He becomes the ninth sentenced for charges of sexual assault and bigamy in the case.

Conviction In Road Rage Murder

In Abilene, a man was found guilty after only two hours of jury deliberation in a highly-charged road rage incident that led to murder. Jurors found 45-year-old Christopher North guilty of murder in the shooting death of 21-year-old Austin David. The two men had argued after stopping at a red light. Each left his vehicle carrying a gun and witnesses said North shot David. North had claimed it was self-defense since David produced a gun first. But prosecutors said North Backed his truck into David's vehicle and drove it up onto a median moments before the shooting took place on an Abilene street.

Thief sought

San Angelo police are looking for a man who stole money from Christians in Actions on East 6th Street. The crime occurred on Monday, October 10th, at around 12:30 PM. The suspect had been in the store about 40 minutes when he left with a large cash donation jar. He's described as an Hispanic male, in his 20's or 30's, medium build with short hair and tattoos on the back of his neck. He was wearing a baseball cap, blue jeans and a striped shirt. If you know anything about the case, call San Angelo police or Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

Colder weather coming

Get ready for the first taste of winter in the Concho Valley. According to the National Weather Service, a strong cold front will move across west central Texas this afternoon and evening with strong north winds. That will bring much colder conditions by Saturday morning with temperatures falling into the low to mid 30's. And there is a possibility of frost.

Free sky-watching event

Angelo State University's Society of Physics Students will host a Cosmic Café and "Star-B-Q" event next Thursday, November 3rd. It's free and open to the public starting at 7:30 at the Stillwater Bar and Grill on Lake Nasworthy. The family-friendly event will feature discussions with ASU physics faculty and students, plus games, trivia, Laser demonstrations, door prizes and opportunities to view the night skies through high-tech telescopes.

ASU poster winner

A senior in Angelo State University's Honors Program, won a "Best of Show" award in the 2011 Poster Competition at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference last weekend in Phoenix. Yolanda Elias took first place in the Mathematics/Computer Science category for her poster that illustrated her research project "The Effect of Color Space on Wavelet Image Compression."

No TGC burn ban

There will be no burn ban in Tom Green County for at least one more week. County commissioners made that decision Tuesday following input from City-County Emergency Management Coordinator Ron Perry and local Volunteer Fire Departments. Perry recommended not reinstating the burn ban based on discussions with the National Weather Service and various reports, including the latest drought index. But county officials remind you that, if you plan to burn, you are urged to let the Sheriff's Dispatch office know by calling 655-8111.

POW Advocate Passes Away

Every life is worth remembering and here's one that's being remembered by many today. Prisoner of war advocate Fred Campbell has passed at the age of 89. Campbell was himself a POW after being shot down by the Germans in World War Two. Campbell today being described as a tireless and consistent advocate the POW rights and benefits, so much so that he was once featured in a "Dear Abby" column that drew thousands of responses. Campbell also well-known for his efforts in counseling ex-POW's and their widows.

Faster trains

Starting in May of next year, you'll seen more trains going through San Angelo and they'll be moving faster. The Texas Department of Transportation is giving residents a heads-up that work will soon be complete on renovating a stretch of the South Orient railroad line from Coleman to San Angelo. Trains that currently go 10 miles an hour will be traveling 25 miles an hour, except within the city limits, where they'll go 20 miles an hour.

San Angelo ISD promotions

A couple of promotions within the San Angelo Independent School District. Sarah Montelongo Coronado has been named the new principal at Bradford Elementary School. Coronado takes over for Raquel Rodriguez Taunton, who has named the new Director of Head Start and Early Head Start. Both promotions take effect November 1st.

Battle of the Brains

A team of Angelo State University computer science students will compete in a "Battle of the Brains" competition with other Texas schools this Saturday at Baylor University in Waco. Each team is made up of three students who will be challenged to use their computer programming skills and mental endurance to solve complex, real-world problems under a five-hour deadline. The winning team gets a spot at the World Finals next May in Warsaw, Poland.

Hip replacement seminar

If you suffer from hip injuries, pain or arthritis, you might want to attend the next Shannon HealthBeat Live! seminar. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Caleb Vosburg will discuss the latest techniques available for hip replacement. The seminar will take place Thursday at 6 PM at the Shanon Orthopedic Center of Excellence on Sunset Drive. It's free and you can RSVP at 657-5064.

Tips for Successful Business

Business owners, find out how to succeed--especially in a tough economy--at a free seminar later today. The Angelo State University Small Business Development Center presents "Tips for a Successful Business" from 4 to 6:30 PM in the Rassman building on Dena Drive on the ASU campus. It's free to attend and you can register online at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Brown Bag Series

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the theme is "Profit by investing in workers with disabilities." You can find out how at the next edition of the San Angelo Business Brown Bag Series. The speaker will be Bernie Coffee, Disability Navigator for the Concho Valley Workforce Development Board. That's Thursday from noon to 1 in the Riverview Room of the Visitor Center on West Avenue B. It's free and you can sign up by calling 655-4136.

Quail Population In Desperate Straits

If you're a quail hunter, some iffy news about the quail population in the Concho Valley and West Texas. The bobwhite quail is now being called the hardest-hit of all Texas wildlife by the extensive drought and excessive heat. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says it's been worried about quail numbers declining in North and West Texas for decades. Now, it says a lot of rain is gong to be needed in order for the birds to make a recovery. One wildlife official saying it's so bad for quail right now that hunters are being urged not to bag a single one. It says take your dogs out to keep them in shape, but leave the gun at home and shoot quail with a camera only.

Perry Hunts Pheasant - And Votes - In Iowa

While Governor Rick Perry may have faltered in recent GOP Presidential debates, his aim was excellent over the weekend when he went pheasant hunting in Iowa. Perry's a lifelong hunter. Whether or not he'll pick off enough votes in the Hawkeye State's primary next spring to advance to the White House, he was right at home at a specially-organized pheasant hunt near Akron, Iowa. The subject of guns and hunting has come up more than once during the GOP debates. Mitt Romney struggling to explain his own limited experience with both hunting and firearms.

Water Board Asks 53 Billion For Infrastructure

The Texas Water Development Board will ask voters next month to approve a constitutional amendment it says is necessary to help meet what's estimated to be $53 billion in new water infrastructure needs statewide .Known as Proposition 2, the proposed constitutional amendment would allow the state water board to issue additional general obligation bonds provided the total in outstanding debt never reaches more than $6 billion.The $53 billion is needed for new water supplies and would be invested between now and 2050, according to the draft of a state water plan.

State Discourages Hunting Of Numbers-Ravaged Quail

If you're a quail hunter, some iffy news about the quail population in the Concho Valley and West Texas. The bobwhite quail is now being called the hardest-hit of all Texas wildlife by the extensive drought and excessive heat. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says it's been worried about quail numbers declining in North and West Texas for decades. Now, it says a lot of rain is gong to be needed in order for the birds to make a recovery. One wildlife official saying it's so bad for quail right now that hunters are being urged not to bag a single one. It says take your dogs out to keep them in shape, but leave the gun at home and shoot quail with a camera only.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo`s Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for Probation Violation on a charge of Indecency, Sexual Contact with a Child. 59-year-old Jose Eric Alanis is 5-5, 155 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in the 1900 block of Webster Street. He was deported to Mexico in 2010 but is believed to be back in San Angelo. If you know anything about Jose Eric Alanis, you can anonymously tip Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

New time for AG at ASU

As we told you last week, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will speak on "Understanding the National Security Lessons of 9/11" tomorrow, as part of the Center for Security Studies Speaker Series at Angelo State University. However, there has been a time change: Gonzalez' talk is now scheduled for 1:30 PM in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center. Jointly sponsored by the speaker series and ASU's Multicultural Center, the talk is open free to the public.

September unemployment rates

Local and statewide unemployment rates are holding steady. Figures released by the Concho Valley Workforce Development Board show Metro San Angelo's unemployment rate for September was six-point-eight percent, up point-one percent from August. Concho Valley unemployment was unchanged at six-point-five percent as was Tom Green County at six-point-eight. Statewide, the jobless figure also stayed the same--eight-point-four percent.

Early voting starts today

Early voting for the November 8th Constitutional Amendment election begins today and runs through Friday, November 4th. The statewide ballot consists of ten proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. For complete information about where and when to vote, and information on all of the amendments, go online to v-o-texas-dot-org.

HEB Recalls Spinach, Other Salad Mixes

If you buy your groceries -- and especially your produce -- at H-E-B grocery stores, you need to know this: There's a recall of spinach sold there. The company that produces a spinach spring mix sold at HEB is encouraging customers to check refrigerators for the five ounce size -- because of possible contamination. The "HEB Spinach Spring Mix Bagged Salads"...Garden salads and chef's salads are sold at stores across the state.The voluntary recall is being issued by HEB as a precaution -- even though they say no reports of illnesses have been received. You can return the recalled spinach spring mix to any HEB for a full refund.

Wounded Teen Had Stolen Gun

A new development in the story of that sixteen-year-old boy who was dropped off at Shannon Regional Medical Center the other day with a gunshot wound. Police said it appeared the wound was accidental. And so it was. But we now know that the gun that fired the shot was stolen. And it appears the boy accidentally shot himself. San Angelo Police now say he was in the back seat of a pickup with two other juveniles when he inadvertently pulled the trigger and shot himself. The wound is described as non-life threatening. He's been arrested for burglary along with a fifteen-year-old who was in the truck and the driver, 17-year-old Anthony Rios of San Angelo. All charged with burglary.

HEB recall

If you bought bagged salad from HEB recently, you might want to check your refrigerator. If it's the five-ounce serving of HEB Spring Mix Bagged Salad, it could be contaminated and you should return it to the store. There have been no reports of illnesses so far. You can find out more by going online to H-E-B-dot-com and clicking on "Recalls."

Boy shot by another juvenile

More now on that story of the 16-year-old boy who had been shot and then dropped off at Shannon Medical Center Wednesday morning. San Angelo police say the boy was shot by a 15-year-old in the back of a pickup truck who pulled the trigger of a gun that was reported stolen. The 17-year-old driver of the truck, Anthony Rios, and the 15-year-old were both charged with burglary of a habitation for allegedly stealing the gun. The 16-year-old boy is expected to recover.

Call before you burn

The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office reminds you to call the Sheriff’s Dispatch line to notify them of any plans to burn each day. Especially if you plan to burn fields, large amounts of brush, etcetera. Local Volunteer Fire Departments are making unnecessary runs to burn-offs that are actually being closely controlled by land owners. The time and money spent to make these runs could be saved if everyone called the Sheriff’s Dispatch line 655-8111 before the burn.

Former AG at ASU

Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will speak on "Understanding the National Security Lessons of 9/11" next Tuesday, as part of the Center for Security Studies Speaker Series at Angelo State University. Gonzalez' talk is scheduled for 11 AM in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center. Jointly sponsored by the speaker series and ASU's Multicultural Center, the talk is open free to the public.

ASU grad is Teacher of Year

An Angelo State University graduate has been named the 2012 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year in a joint award by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Association of School Administrators A reading specialist at Round Rock High School, Stephanie Stoebe received her award and a five-thousand dollar honorarium during ceremony last week in Austin. Stoebe graduated from ASU in 2000 with a Master of Education, Reading Specialist degree.

More Information Released On Drop-Off Shooting Victim

Yesterday, we reported that someone had dropped a wounded person off at Shannon Regional Medical Center in the early morning hours. Very little additional information was available at that time. New today: word that the shooting victim is actually a teenager. Police won't yet reveal how many times the sixteen-year-old boy was shot. They do say, however, that the wounds came from a hand gun. Also today: An update on the description of that truck that dropped the boy off the hospital's emergency room entrance. Police now describe it as a maroon-colored pickup and they're looking for the driver of that vehicle today. Further reports say the shooting was apparently accidental.

Call Sheriffs Dispatch Before You Do A Burn

Concho Valley law enforcement is urging that if you're planning any open burning, notify the authorities in advance. Now that burn bans have been dropped, many people are taking advantage of the opportunity to burn off areas of land as well as trash and debris. The problem is that local Volunteer Fire Departments are making unnecessary runs to burn-offs that are actually being closely controlled by land owners. The time and money spent to make these runs could be avoided if everyone called Tom Green County Sheriff’s Dispatch line 655-8111 before the burn. That's especially true if you plan to burn off fields, large amounts of brush and other sizable burns. Call every day you're going to burn and save a lot of wear and tear and money for local first responders. Again, Sheriff's Dispatch is at 655-8111.

Powerball changes

The Texas Lottery Commission has approved changes in the Powerball game to increase the odds of winning and to give players more chances to win. The ticket price will go up to two dollars, starting jackpots will double and the prize for matching all five numbers without the Powerball will increase from 200-thousand dollars to one million dollars. Also, the number of possible Powerball numbers will drop from 39 to 35.

FLDS trial still set

The man accused of conducting an unlawful marriage between FLDS leader Warren Jeffs and an underage girl is still scheduled to go on trial October 31st in Coke County. Frederick Merrill Jessop, who served as bishop at the YFZ Ranch, was scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in San Angelo Wednesday, but that never happened.

Boy shot

San Angelo police are investigating the shooting of a 16-year-old boy, apparently the result of an accident. Shannon Medical Center said an unknown person driving a maroon pickup truck dropped off the boy for treatment shortly before 9 AM Wednesday. The gun was said to be a handgun. The boy was reportedly going into surgery in the afternoon. The number of times he was shot and the extent of his injuries were not immediately known.

Big check for firefighters

AEP Texas has donated 100-thousand dollars to the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund. The fund is a statewide non-profit organization which helps provide needed supplies and equipment to volunteer first responders fighting wildfires throughout the state. The donation was announced in Abilene Wednesday by AEP, along with State Representative Drew Darby and members of the State Firemen's and Fire Marshall's Association of Texas.

Most Wanted captured

One of San Angelo's Most Wanted is no longer on the loose. Mario Angel Perez, featured by Crimestoppers last month, had been sought on a parole violation warrant for burglary of a habitation. Perez surrendered on October 10th to the Nolan County Sheriff's Department in Sweetwater.

Parole denied for killers

The men convicted of beating and drowning Monica Joy Martinez of San Angelo in 1992 won't be getting out of prison anytime soon. Robert Villescaz and Timothy James Rodriguez were both recently denied parole. Villescaz is serving a 40-year sentence; Rodriguez is in for 75 years. Both confessed to the crime five years after the fact.

House burns again

A house on Lake Drive, just off Highway 87, in Bloomington that was destroyed by fire Monday night--started burning again Tuesday. Firefighters made their second visit to the home, which was unoccupied when the original fire started. Cause of the fire--or fires--is still under investigation.

No front-yard parking

If you live in the city of San Angelo, you soon might not be allowed to park your car in your front yard. The city council approved on first reading Tuesday an ordinance banning the practice. There would be exemptions for streets less than 36 feet across and for certain arterial and collector roadways.

Road name change

A stretch of road in the Lakeview area is being renamed in honor of local veterans. Residents and Councilman Dwayne Morrison had suggested the name change. On Tuesday, The San Angelo City Council voted rename 50th Street from Highway 208 to Covington "Lakeview Heroes Drive."

Profit Mastery Series

Business owners can learn how to enhance their business skills at a two-day seminar hosted by the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. The Profit Mastery Series will be presented November 11th and 18th at the ASU Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building. Registration is 295 dollars per person and the deadline is October 28th. You can sign up at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Doing biz with government

If you have a small business, there's a good chance you have goods or services of use to local, state and federal agencies. Find out more at the "How to do Business with the Government" forum, hosted by the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. The free event takes place November 10th, 9 AM to noon at the West Texas Training Center on North US Highway 67. You can register online at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Monster Dust Storm In Lubbock

Be glad you weren't driving in Lubbock yesterday afternoon. Around four-thirty, an enormous dust storm hit and even people who've lived there a long time say they've never seen anything like it. Wind up to seventy miles per hour for awhile.

Cops Trail Would-Be Robbers

San Angelo police are on the trail of two men who tried to rob a North Side store over the weekend. They acted tough, as though they had guns in their waistbands, and locked the door when they entered the H and H Snack and Save on Howard Street. But when a customer tried to enter the store, they panicked and fled on Greenwood Street in a late model gray or silver sedan.

Occupy Movement Hits San Angelo

San Angelo joins a world of unrest - but in a fairly small way. The "Occupy Wall Street" movement hit the Concho Valley yesterday. About two dozen marchers turned out for the Occupy San Angelo trek between the federal building and city hall. The grass roots movement has spread widely from the original protestors, who still occupy a private park on Wall Street in New York City, to cities and towns around the world. Locally, marchers said they're in tune with the concerns of the broader "Occupy" movement: taxes, unemployment and what they call the greed of big companies.

Country Super-Stars Perform Wild Fire Benefit

A big fire is bringing out some big names. George Strait, Willie Nelson and the Dixie Chicks are among the performers that are going to perform in Austin tonight as part of a mega-concert benefit to raise money for victims of recent Texas wildfires. Asleep at the Wheel front man Ray Benson helped bring the list of performers together. He says he expects the event to raise at least $500,000. Lyle Lovett, Christopher Cross, the Texas Tornados and others are also set to perform. Actor Kyle Chandler will emcee the event. A fire that started Sept. 4 in Bastrop County destroyed at least 1,500 homes and left two people dead. It was the most devastating of the numerous wildfires that have scorched some 6,000 square miles in Texas in nearly a year.

Troopers To Ride School Buses

It's School Bus Safety Week in Texas and that may mean a little more than just a reminder to be careful around school buses. Texas Highway Patrol troopers in many rural areas, including here in the Concho Valley, say they may be following or actually riding on school buses to catch motorists who try to pass stopped buses that have their flashing lights on. The Texas Department of Public Safety says that when a vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus with the red lights activated, Troopers riding on the bus will radio ahead to other Troopers who will then pull over the offending motorist and issue a ticket that could cost up to $1,000. Troopers will also be patrolling areas where school buses pick up and drop off children, looking for motorists violating the school bus law.

Younts Running For Congress

Local businessman Chris Younts is expected to formally announce his candidacy for Congress in San Angelo tomorrow morning. Younts is set to make his first campaign stop on the steps of the tom Green County Courthouse at ten tomorrow. He's running for the Eleventh Congressional District seat held by four-term Congressman Mike Conaway.

Darby, SA Schools, Applaud School Financing Lawsuit

State Representative Drew Darby is charging the Texas public school financing system with being inherently unequal and unfair. This after a coalition of 150 school districts filed a suit claiming the system is unconstitutional. Darby telling the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce he unnderstands the issue and supports the action. That's good new for the San Angelo Independent School District which regulalry ranks in the bottom 20 percent of school districts in the amount of per-student funding it receives from the state. District officials say they're considering joining either that lawsuit -- which was filed by the Equity Center, an Austin-based non-profit group -- or another being filed on behalf of the Texas School Alliance, which is made up of about 60 of the largest school districts in the state.

Conaway Expenses Less Than Average

A bargain in Congress. There's a phrase you don't hear very often but it turns out, we've got one when it comes to the cost of running a Congressman's office. A news service is reporting that the office of San Angelo representative Mike Conaway cost taxpayers $1,120,000 to run last year. That's around $200,000 less than the Congressional average. Those costs include running offices at the Capital and back home in the Congressional district. They also include salaries for staff and expenses for keeping in touch with constituents. One key to keeping office expenses down, Conaway says, is that he has three free ones in the district, provided by local governments who share space for constituent services.

Voter Registration Deadline Tuesday

If you plan to vote in November and you're not registered, make a note to yourself to do it Monday. That's because Tuesday is the last day for voter registration in Tom Green County. Even if you think you're registered, it's a good idea to check. Registrations could change, for instance, if you've moved or gotten married and changed your name since the last time you voted. Among other ballot issues you can vote on November eighth are: property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, restrictions on Texas Water Development Board bonds and whether to allow people who complete deferred sentences to get a pardon from the governor.

Concho Valley Dems Discuss Elections

Concho Valley Democrats kicked off the election season with a meeting in San Angelo last night at which they discussed how to handle strong, organized opposition to President Obama and his policies. A number of current and future candidates for area elective office attended the meeting. Among them: a longtime Tom Green County deputy sheriff who says he'll announce his candidacy for sheriff early next week. Walter Bryant would thus become the only Democrat in the sheriff's race.

Council Accepts Streetscape Grant

The San Angelo City Council this morning approved acceptance of a $275-thousand dollar grant that will beautify an area of the city's center. It's a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation that will be used to "streetscape" the five-block area on North Chadbourne between 7th and 12th streets. City engineering and design services will provide a $68,777 in-kind matching funds in order to quality for the grant.

National Night Out Tomorrow

It's National Night Out tomorrow night, a time when people all across the country are urged to get outside and interact with their neighbors and local law enforcement. Here in San Angelo, it will be the 28th annual National Night Out. Events are planned at a number of locations, all designed to get people to come together and meet local first responders and law enforcement.

Grant To Help Subsidize New Airline Service At Mathis

Will there be additional airline service at Mathis Field? That's what San Angelo officials say they're working on. Their efforts are being helped by a new federal grant of 500-thousand dollars to help subsidize a second airline service for the Concho Valley. San Angelo is the only community in Texas to receive that grant, which was based on the city's need for additional airline service. The city says it's talking with several airlines who are interested in adding to the service already provided at Mathis Field by American Eagle Airlines.

SWAT Team Arrests Apartment Gunman

A San Angelo Police SWAT team has arrested a man after neighbors said he kicked in an apartment door and threatened a woman with a gun. Police say twenty-year-old Ernesto Lopez was arrested early this morning after a standoff in what officers feared was a hostage situation. As SWAT officers and a hostage negotiator were arriving, however, Lopez gave himself up. The incident happened at the Nueva Vista Apartments on North Lillie. No one was injured. Lopez charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.