More Friday sports headlines

The Central boys basketball team did well at the Calallen Tournament in Corpus Christi. Central was 3-1 during the tournament, with the only loss last Wednesday to Corpus Christi Carroll - a team that has yet to lose a game. The Bobcats bring an18-4 record record back home Tuesday against Abilene Cooper in the District 3-5A opener.

The Lake View girls team lost a close one to Breckenridge yesterday at the Breckenridge Tournament. The Maidens were ahead 35-25 after three quarters, but couldn't hold on and lost 42-41. Lake View is 5-11 on the season and will play again Monday at Alpine.

This Sunday the NFL playoff picture will be set, and if the Dallas Cowboys want to enter the post season they have to beat the NY Giants Sunday on the Giants' home turf. The winner of that game wins the NFC East and moves on to the playoffs. The Houston Texans are already in. They host the Titans on Sunday.

Gas prices

For those of you hitting the road for the New Year's holiday weekend, here's a check on gasoline prices. Triple-a's Daily Fuel Gauge report, updated this morning, shows the statewide average price for a gallon of gas in Texas is just under three dollars, 10 cents. That's up six cents from a week ago, but still well below the national average of three-26. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, prices in San Angelo today range from three-14 to three-25 a gallon.

New Year's DUI patrols

If you're on the road this weekend, you'll have some company. The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office is increasing patrols of county roads. Additional deputies will be on patrol beginning tomorrow evening--New Year's Eve--and continuing after midnight. So, if you're planning to party, make arrangements to go home in a taxi or with a designated driver.

Hike in the park

Here's a way to recover from too much New Year's Eve celebrating: walk it off. Officials at San Angelo State Park are urging residents to start out 2012 on the right foot--and the left foot--with a special New Year's Day hike in the park. It will begin at the park's South Entrance, off FM 2288. Appropriate hiking gear is recommended for the three-mile trek through some rugged terrain. To find out more, call San Angelo State Park at 949-8935.

Showdown camping spaces

You can purchase camping spaces for the 6th Annual Showdown in San Angelo Drag Boat races starting at 8:30 next Wednesday morning. The races are scheduled for June 23rd and 24th at Lake Nasworthy. Each year, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce leases about 40 camping areas on the grassy Meadows side of the lake. Spots range from 300 to 400 dollars. For more information, contact Sandra Pomroy at the Chamber.

Ag Business On The Rebound After Record Hard Year

Despite the drought in the Southwest, the nation's overall agriculture picture is positive with 2011 farm income 28 percent higher when compared to 2010. U-S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has said farm exports reached a record high of $137.4 billion this year. In the Concho Valley, above-average December rainfall is helping the winter wheat crop but farmers and livestock producers are still recovering from a record hard year. Livestock inventories reported now to be at their lowest since the Great Depression. Agri-business experts say out region is on the comeback, however, if winter rains continue.

Airport incident

The Department of Public Safety is investigating an incident at the Eldorado Airport in which a private plane went off the runway. A pilot from Beeville was landing at the airport when a gust of wind apparently caught his plane on approach. The pilot was not injured.

Help for Grape Creek family

Monday night, a woman and her five grandchildren escaped a mobile home fire in Grape Creek with just the clothes on their backs. The Salvation Army has been helping out the Dupree family since then and now there's more help, thanks to the membership of the Grape Creek Baptist Church. Pastor Brad Winchester says the church is serving as a collection center for donations for the family. The immediate need is clothing. Monetary donations will be also accepted at the church, which is located at 9781 Grape Creek Road.

Fire in SW San Angelo

Faulty wiring is believed to have caused a housefire in southwest San Angelo Tuesday night. The fire started in the attic of the home on Briargrove and firefighters managed to contain the damage to the attic and part of the roof. The residents of the home escaped without injury.

Most Wanted surrenders

The latest fugitive to be featured as San Angelo's Most Wanted is no longer at large. Geronimo Ybarra Cavazos reportedly heard via the media that he was wanted and turned himself in to the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office. Cavazos was wanted for a Parole Violation-Burglary of a Habitation and a Tom Green County warrant for Felony Theft of Property.

Social Security still closed

Don't plan on visiting the Social Security office in San Angelo this week. ecause of water damage from a broken pipe, the office will be closed until next Tuesday. However, you can still access many services by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or going online at social-security-dot-gov.

Congressmen Battle Proposed Defense Spending Cuts

West Texas Congressional representatives are trying to walk the fine line between across-the-board cuts in federal government spending and keeping defense funds from drying up. They're especially concerned about jobs and spending at facilities like Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, where some civilian jobs have already been axed for the new year. The idea is to avoid across-the-board cuts and find specific savings that would accomplish the same thing instead. Congressmen Mac Thornberry and Mike Conaway say they're trying to buy time in order to ferret out those spending cuts before blanket cuts go into effect.

SA man arrested in Abilene

A San Angelo man was arrested in Abilene after police say he admitted to driving a stolen vehicle. 23-year-old Raymond Ramirez was charged with driving a stolen Honda Fit. Ramirez was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and failing to maintain financial responsibility. He was in the Taylor County jail with bonds of more than four-thousand dollars.

TCG tobacco enforcement

Tom Green County will be one of 52 counties in the state participating in the Texas Tobacco Enforcement Program. County commissioners have approved a request from the sheriff's department for funding to help monitor the sales of tobacco to minors at retail locations. The money is coming from the state to help make parents, children and businesses aware of the law.

Social Security offices closed

A pipe broke over the weekend at the Social Security offices on Southwest Boulevard in San Angelo, leaving some three inches of water on the floor. The offices were closed Tuesday and will be again today. Workers have set up fans and heaters, trying to dry out the floors.

TCG Elections Office closing

First, there's the New Year's holiday--then, there's training for the staff. That's why the Tom Green County Elections Office will be closed from Friday through January 9th. But if you have business to take care of, such as filing a "Campaign Treasurer Appointment" or a "Campaign Finance Report," you can do that at the office of Tom Green County Clerk Elizabeth McGill at 124 West Beauregard.

TGC fireworks OK

If you want to bring in the new year with a bang, you can do so in Tom Green County. Because of recent rainfall, commissioners have not reactiviated the burn ban, so fireworks are allowed--but only in the county. They are still not allowed within the city limits of San Angelo.

Family burned out of home

The Red Cross is working to help a mother and her five children who escaped a fire in their mobile home in Grape Creek with only the clothes on their backs. The fire on Copper Mountain Circle Monday afternoon started in a double-wide home, which was unoccupied, then spread to the single-wide where the family was living. To make donations for the family, call the Red Cross at 658-4409.

Vehicle burglaries

Here's another reminder to lock your car, take your keys and keep valuables out of sight. That's how you discourage people from breaking into your car and taking things, which has been happening in San Angelo. Police have had reports of vehicle burglaries in the 34 hundred block of Millbrook Drive, the 33 hundred block of North Bryant Boulevard and the 29 hundred block of Sunset Drive. If you know anything about these burglaries, call San Angelo police or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP

Improvement Noted For Winter Wheat

Winter rain has perked up the winter wheat crop, which should be good news. But there's a problem: some ranchers have already turned their cattle onto what looked until recently like a marginal growth of winter wheat. Grazing obviously puts an end to wheat growth but agri-business experts say growers who stick by their crops may see dividends as moisture continues to arrive in the form of both rain and snow. That would be a relief as extension agents say the 2011 extreme drought stress resulted in the loss of about 240 million bushels of winter wheat in the Southern Great Plains.

Mega Monday

Retailers are saying the day after Christmas might have been the second-busiest shopping day of the year, behind only "Black Friday." San Angelo-area malls and stores were busy taking returns, redeeming gift cards and offering big discounts on what some were calling "Mega Monday."

Cut up large-item boxes

If you got a big-screen TV or similar big-ticket item for Christmas this year, don't leave the box out with the trash. That's a signal to criminals that you've got something worth stealing in your house. San Angelo police recommend that you cut up any large-item boxes and not leave them out for all to see.

UBS blood drive

O-negative blood is in very short supply in the Concho Valley and that has prompted United Blood Services of San Angelo to launch a new blood drive. If you donate from now through January 14th, you'll be in the running to win a flat-screen TV. United Blood Services is located at 2020 West Beauregard Avenue. Find out more info online at united-blood-services-dot-org.

Grape Creek fire

No one was injured as fire destroyed two homes on Copper Mountain Circle in Grape Creek Monday afternoon. All residents were found to be safe after an initial erroneous report that people were still inside the houses.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo`s Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for felony theft of property and parole violation. 49-year-old Geronimo Ybarra Cavazos is 5-8, 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He is associated with addresses in the 14-hundred block of Roosevelt, the one-thousand block of Almond Circle and the 14-hundred block of Preusser. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Geronimo Ybarra Cavazos, call CrimeStoppers at 658-HELP.

Monday holiday closings

The Christmas holiday continues today for many government agencies. Among those you will find closed today are Texas state offices, Tom Green County offices, City of San Angelo offices, Federal offices and the U.S. Postal Service. The offices at Angelo State University are closed through next Tuesday, January 3rd. The San Angelo Independent School District is closed through January 4th. And the TRANSA bus service is not running today.

Hotel fire

It looks like a fire that burned the old Quality Inn on West Concho was a case of arson. San Angelo fire investigators say there were multiple points of origin for the blaze, which caused minimal structural damage to the vacant facility, but there was a lot of smoke damage.

Xmas tree recycling

It's still early to think about getting rid of your Christmas tree, but keep in mind that the city of San Angelo has two recycling sites. Starting next Tuesday and running through January 13th, you can drop off your tree at the SAFE Recycling Center on Warehouse Road or the Coliseum parking on on East 43rd Street. Just remember to take off the ornaments and other decorations first so you don't damage the city chippers.

Special weather statement

We're still expecting Christmas eve snow in the Concho Valley. The National Weather Service says a strong upper-level storm system will move across West Texas late tonight into tomorrow. A mixture of light rain or snow might develop as early as tomorrow across the Concho Valley. However, precipitation chances will increase markedly tonight and tomorrow. Accumulating snow is expeced to begin tomorrow night and continue through tomorrow. Total snowfall amounts of one to three inches are possible, especially to the north and weat of a line from Ozona to San Angelo to Sweetwater.

Top 5 weather events

The National Weather Service office in San Angelo has sent us a list of what it considers to be the top 5 local weather events from 2011. Number five: the San Angelo flash flood in August, number four: the Clyde downburst in May, number-three: the Abilene hail storm in April, number two: the powerful winter storm and cold in Abilene in February and the number-one local weather event in 2011: drought, wildfires and heat.

Gas prices

With the holiday weekend just ahead and millions of Texans about to hit the road, here's an update on gas prices. According to Triple-A's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is still dropping--now at three-oh-four--almost five cents a gallon less than last week. Gas-Buddy-dot-com finds gas prices in San Angelo ranging from three-oh-two to three-15 a gallon.

Iowa poll

A new poll backs up other results released this week showing that a Texan is the new frontrunner in the Republican presidential race in Iowa. But it's not Governor Rick Perry--it's Congressman Ron Paul. The survey shows Paul with 27 percent, two points up on Newt Gingrich. Among voters between the ages of 18 to 29, Paul gets almost 60-percent of the vote.

Robert Lee pipeline

Earlier this week, residents of Robert Lee were boiling water because of a water main break--now, they might be running out of water. To alleviate that situation, the city has contracted with Bronte for water and will be building a 12-mile pipeline to deliver that water. Mayor John Jacobs says the first load of pipe is due in today and construction will start after the first of the year, with completion set for April.

Christmas eve snow possible

There's a chance of a white Christmas eve in the Concho Valley. The National Weather Service says snow is possible across much of West Central Texas tomorrow night and Saturday. That's due to an upper level storm system developing over new Mexico and moving east into Texas. The best chance of snow is along and west of a line from Throckmorton to Abilene to San Angelo to Ozona. Snowfall accumulations of one to two inches will be possible.

Extradition process continues

A man accused in a three-year-old San Angelo murder case is still in Missouri and will likely be there for another month. 43-year-old James Owen Winchester was arrested by police in Joplin earlier this month. He's accused of murdering Kim Burton at a Cornell Street residence in March of 2008. A third extradition hearing was held in Joplin Wednesday and the judge set yet another hearing date for January 25th.

Golf Course Wants To Drill Water Wells

The private managers of San Angelo's historic Santa Fe Golf Course are asking the city for permission to drill water wells on the property. Officials of Two Pro Management asking the city council for permission to drill three or four wells in the hope of finding enough water beneath the property to alleviate what they say is a major operating expense, their city water bill. Company officials saying their water bills have doubled since they took over management of the city-owned golf course two years ago. Santa Fe has yet to make a profit and the prolonged drought is a major reason why. The course is situated along the banks of the Concho River and the operators are being warned not to tap into the river basin for their water supplies when they drill.

Ex-FLDS Leader's Bigamy Trial Will Be In San Angelo

A judge has ruled that the bigamy trial of a former FLDS leader will be held in San Angelo, not in other locations, as defense attorneys has requested. DIstrict Judge Barbara Walther ruling that 71-year-old Wendell Nielsen's trial will take place January 24th at the Tom Green County Courthouse. Nielsen is charged with three counts of bigamy, all of which will be tried at the same time. He rejected an earlier plea deal that would have resulted in ten years of probation because he said he didn't like the terms of the probation. Now, he faces up to ten years in prison on each of the bigamy charges. Neilsen will be the first FLDS leader actually tried on bigamy charges. Nine other former leaders of the religious sect have been prosecuted for sexual assaults on children.

Operation Holiday

It's never a good idea to drink and drive--or to exceed the speed limit--or to leave your seat belt unbuckled. It will be an especially bad idea over the Christmas and New Year's weekends. The Texas Department of Public Safety says all available troopers will be on patrol during "Operation Holiday," which is being funded through a one and a half million dollar grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Back to jets

Flights between San Angelo and Dallas-Fort Worth should be a little quicker next year. American Eagle Airlines is reportedly going to replace the turboprop planes currently in use at Mathis Field with Embraer regional jets, originally used here a few years ago. The jets carry fewer passengers but should be able to handle the traffic at Mathis.

Symphony Golden Ticket

You can support the San Angelo Symphony Guild by purchasing the Amazing Golden Ticket. Buying a Golden Ticket enters you to win a voucher for a 2012 MINI Cooper, a trip for two to London, England, or a beautifully designed ring from Holland Jewelers. You can find out more at www. san-angelo-symphony-dot-org.

Early-bird rodeo tickets

A reminder that the holiday ticket special for the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo continues today and tomorrow and next Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 AM to 5 PM each day. Tickets will go on sale at all ticket outlets to the general public on January 4th. The rodeo takes place February 16th through the 26th at the Coliseum.

Still no burn ban

Because recent state-wide moisture indicators continue to move closer to the normal range, Tom Green County Commissioners did NOT enact a burn ban Tuesday. Residents are still reminded that if they plan a controlled burn of brush, grass, etc, to contact the Sheriff's Dispatch Office to let them know in advance, be cautious and check the forecast a day ahead of time and never burn during windy conditions.

Fort Concho holiday closing

Don't plan on visiting Fort Concho this weekend. To allow its staff and volunteers time to enjoy the holidays, Fort Concho has announced that its offices and all tour buildings will be closed from Saturday through Monday. The fort will be open for limited service from 9 to 5 on Friday. Regular hours resume next Tuesday.

Boil water notice over

Good news for residents of Robert Lee. The city has notified us that Robert Lee water customers no longer need to boil their drinking water. After receiving results of bacteriological samples, officials say the water is safe for consumptions. Anyone with questions can call Robert Lee City Hall.


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Defense Bill Raises Military Pay

The new Defense Authorization Bill means good news for the economy of the Concho Valley. AMong the items in that legislation: pay raises for service members at Goodfellow Air Force Base. The bill provides a military pay hike of one-point-six percent which will be on top of Goodfellow's already-approved annual payroll of 306-million dollars. That makes the military the only branch of the federal government to see pay raises any time soon. The salaries of all other federal employees remain frozen.

SA officials honored

Two city of San Angelo officials have received national recognition. Parks and recreation director Carl White and civic event manager Anthony Wilson were given the Askew Award by the American Academy of Certified Public Manager. That was for research the pair did on parks near Lake Nasworthy.

Rodeo ticket sales

Early-bird ticket sales got underway in San Angelo Monday for one of the biggest rodeos in the country. The annual PRCA Rodeo returns to the Coliseum in mid-February. It's listed as one of the top 10 rodeos in the country when it comes to prize money. In San Angelo, 60-thousand dollars will be given out just on Saturday night.

DIal-A-Lawyer Dispenses Free Legal Advice

Last week, we told you about a free one-day dial-in legal clinic that was available to qualified individuals in the Concho Valley. Legal Aid of Northwest Texas now says its San Angelo office was able to help about twenty people during the Dial-A-Lawyer event. It was held to commemorate Legal Aid's sixtieth anniversary. People were encouraged to call in and see if they were financially eligible, then ask about any questions on legal issues they might have. The volunteer attorneys say the response was lower than expected but that almost everyone was helped.

City Xmas schedule

In observance of Christmas, City of San Angelo offices will be closed this Friday and next Monday. On Saturday, Christmas Eve, there will be no residential or commercial trash pickup and the landfill will be closed.

Sports Complex honored

The Sports Complex of the Year as named by the Texas Turfgrass Association is right here in San Antonio. The Texas Bank Sports Complex was honored at the association's winter conference and awards banquet in San Antonio.

House fire

A house fire Saturday in the 500 block of Spaulding on east San Angelo caused extensive damage to the residence. It might have started in a trash can. The fire is under investigation.

Convicted man sought

San Angelo Police are asking for your help in locating a man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Last Tuesday, 45-year-old Juan Ramon Medrano Junior of San Angelo was found guilty at a trial in Eagle Pass. Medrano failed to show up in court the next day to find out he was being sentenced to 55 years in prison. He may be headed to San Angelo driving a 2011 tan or charcoal brown Dodge pickup truck. Medrano is 6 feet tall,170 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. If you know anything about the whereabouts of Juan Ramon Medrano Junior, contact San Angelo Police.

Shannon CATCH honoree

The CATCH in Motion program coordinator at Shannon Medical Center was honored earlier this month. September Summers received a 2011 CATCH Champion Award from the University of Texas CATCH team. CATCH stands for Coordinated Approach to Child Health. Summers received the award for her work towards the improvement of school health and her dedication in helping children develop healthy habits.

Stephens Library computer classes

The Stephens Central Library will offer free computer classes in January with registration beginning today. The schedule includes a new class, Kindle and Overdrive Basics. It will instruct users on how to check out downloadable eBooks for use on their Kindle. All computer classes are located in the computer lab on the second floor of the Stephens Central Library at 33 West Beauregard. You can find out more at t-g-c-library-dot-com.

Winchester murder case

A man arrested for a three-year-old San Angelo murder case was in court in Missouri Thursday. 43-year-old James Owen Winchester was arrested earlier this month by police in Joplin. Winchester is accused of murdering Kim Burton at a residence in the 33-hundred block of Cornell Street in March of 2008. He is awaiting extradition back to San Angelo. As the extradition process continues, Winchester is scheduled for yet another hearing in Joplin next Wednesday.

Health Foundation announces grants

11 area non-profit organizations recently picked up some big bucks. The San Angelo Health Foundation announcing grants totaling more than one-point-eight million dollars. Recipients included Angelo State University's new College of Health and Human Services, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and Sterling County EMS.

Security in San Angelo

If you live in San Angelo, you should feel secure. According to a new study, San Angelo ranks as the 17th most secure place to live among 138 small towns in the United States. The rankings, by the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, take in a number of factors, including as crime, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, housing depreciation and life expectancy.

Showdown camping spots

You can purchase camping spaces for the 6th Annual Showdown in San Angelo Drag Boat races starting at 8:30 Wednesday morning, January 4th. The races are scheduled for June 23rd and 24th at Lake Nasworthy. Each year, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce leases about 40 camping areas on the grassy Meadows side of the lake. Spots range from 300 to 400 dollars. For more information, contact Sandra Pomroy at the Chamber.

Genealogist to speak

A professional genealogist will present “Finding Your Ancestors in the Republic of Texas” at the next meeting of the San Angelo Genealogical and Historical Society. Teri Flack has studied genealogy at Samford University and at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The meeting will begin at 7 PM, on Tuesday, January 3rd at the Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall on YMCA Drive. It's open to the public, free of charges.

Texas Cotton Crop Taking A Hit

The Texas cotton crop took a beating this year because of the prolonged drought. Now, word that the state's entire cotton industry is in a slump. One indicator: The Cotton Classing Offices, which normally hire dozens of people each to sort through cotton and push it through a machine to determine its quality. Quantities of incoming cotton to test have been so low that many fewer workers were hired this year. Some industry experts saying the Texas cotton crop is down by as much as 75 percent this year, many saying it's the worst cotton season in over thirty years.

Phishing scam

They call it phishing but there's no rod and reel involved. San Angelo police have issued a warning about a possible phone scam. They've been getting reports from people who say they received an automated message on their phones where the caller says he's from a local bank. He claims that the account holder's debit card has been suspended. If you receive such a call, do not provide any personal information.

Local man arrested for Midland crime

A San Angelo man was arrested here last Thursday and is now jailed in Midland County. On November 18th, 28-year-old Kevin Duane Thorp allegedly asked an 85-year-old woman for directions as she waited at a stop sign in Midland. Thorp then allegedly put a pistol in the woman's face, took her purse and left in a pickup. He's charged with aggravated robbery.

SA Man Charged In Robbery Of 85-Year-Old Woman

A San Angelo man arrested in the armed robbery of an 85-year-old woman. Police in Midland say 28-year-old Kevin Thorp is accused of robbing the woman at a stop sign in Midland in November. Officers say Thorp first asked the woman for directions, then pointed a hand gun at her and stole her purse. He's in jail in Midland today.

Robert Lee still boiling

That boil-water notice continues for residents of Robert Lee. The water main break that occurred over the weekend was repaired Monday and the water is back on. However, city officials are still waiting for test results on water samples. So, in the meantime, boil any water to be used for drinking, cooking or making ice.

TCG fireworks OK

If you want to bring in the New Year with fireworks in Tom Green County, it's allowed. County commissioners decided not to ban the activity, given the area's recent moisture. However, lighting any kind of fireworks is NOT allowed with the city limits of San Angelo.

Target practice OK

A Dove Creek landowner has gotten the OK to combine two five-acre tracts of land for the purpose of conducting target practice. Tom Green County Commissioners, acting on the advice of attorneys, approved the request from Corby Maskill, despite protests from his neighbors who are concerned about the safety of guns being shot.

Hydraulic fracturing rules

The Texas Railroad Commission on Tuesday adopted one of the nation’s most comprehensive chemical disclosure rules for hydraulic fracturing chemicals. The rule will require Texas oil and gas operators to disclose on a national public website all the ingredients and water volumes used to hydraulically fracture wells in Texas.

New ASU positions

Angelo State University is creating two new positions this month designed to enhance coordination and communication between the university and the ASU Alumni Association. The two positions--executive director and office manager for the association --will report to the ASU Office of Development and Dr. Jason Penry, whose title will be expanded to vice president for development and alumni relations.

Schools report

The San Angelo Independent School District has gotten a good report card from the state. A report from the Texas Education Agency was presented to the school board Monday. It shows that students' scores are improving on the TAKS test as well as the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. And fewer students are dropping out.

Robert Lee water

Residents in Robert Lee have their water back as crews worked to locate and repair a leak in a water main line under Highway 208. Classes are expected to resume today in Robert Lee ISD schools, which were closed Monday because of the leak. Residents are still under a boil-water order until further notice.

Nutcracker tix available

Tickets are still available for The San Angelo Civic Ballet's 2011 performance of The Nutcracker. It opens this Friday and runs for four performances through Sunday, December 18th. All performances will take place at Lake View High School Auditorium. You can purchase tickets to The Nutcracker at the Civic Ballet office located at 15 West Beauregard or online at san-angelo-civic- ballet-dot-org.

Four County School Districts Join Suit Against State

Four Tom Green County school districts have now joined in that lawsuit against the state over school funding. School boards in San Angelo, Water Valley and Grape Creek have joined Cristoval in suing the state over what they claim are unfair funding practices. The school districts participating in the Texas Taxpayer and Student Fairness Coalition say some districts receive thousands of dollars more per student than others -- and they want those inequities explained and changed.

School Board To Vote On Redistricting Map

The San Angelo Independent School District Board will vote tonight on a new redistricting map. While many school districts in Texas have battled over various versions of redistricting maps, there's only one under consideration in San Angelo. The map addresses population growth in the district by making adjustments to the single member districts of the six board members elected by district. The map does not deal with school zones or boundaries for campuses.It's important that a vote come soon because the map must be reviewed and approved by the U-S Department of Justice -- along with redistricting maps from every other state -- and that could take up to ninety days.

Democratic Candidates File

Another candidate has field to run for Tom Green County Sheriff. This time, it's Democrat Walter Bryant. He'll run for nomination in the March primary, hoping to face off against a Republican. That field currently led by Sheriff's Captain Steve Mild. In another filing, Jesse Martinez has filed to run for the District One seat on the Tom Green County Commission. Martinez also a Democrat. Thursday is the last day candidates can file for the March primaries.

Robert Lee school canceled

Classes are canceled today for the Robert Lee Independent School District. That's because of a water main breaks in the city. Robert Lee residents are also under a boil water notice; all water used for drinking, cooking and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption.

Music and art fundraiser

You can help out music and art education in San Angelo ISD schools this week. The Angelo Canvas Project gets underway tomorrow evening and continues through Thursday evening. A five-by-eight canvas will be erected inside Sealy Flats, on which local artists have each painted one square foot. This week, you can buy one or more of the other squares to paint at 25 dollars each. When it's done, the entire canvas will be auctioned off--again to benefit music and art in San Angelo schools.

Democratic candidates

Two Democrats filed for office in Tom Green County last week. Walter Bryant is running for sheriff and Jesse Martinez is a candidate for county commissioner in Precinct One. Thursday is the deadline for candidates to file for the primaries, which are scheduled for March 15th.

Financing options seminar

If you're looking to fund a business start-up or expansion, the ASU Small Business Development Center has a free seminar for you. "Financing Options: How to Find Funding for Your Business" is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon from 4 to 6:30 at the ASU Campus in the Rassman Building. You can sign up at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-e-d-u.

Congressional candidate

District 11 Republican Congressman Mike Conaway is facing a challenge from within his own party. Chris Younts, a partner at Younts Insurance Agency in San Angelo, filed last week for a place on the ballot. In a statement, Younts called Conaway "out of touch" and said "enough is enough, it is time to make a change."

Drought Conditions Lessen

Less than half of Texas remains in the so-called Exceptional Drought stage following rain in several areas of the state recently. The U-S Drought Monitor Map shows forty-three percent of the state is still in the Exceptional Drought stage -- but that's well down from the nearly eighty-eight percent of the state that was in that classification in October.

Still in Missouri

Last week, San Angelo police announced an arrest in a three-year-old murder case. 43-year-old James Owen Winchester was arrested by police in Joplin, Missouri. Winchester is accused of murdering Kim Burton at a residence in the 33-hundred block of Cornell Street in March of 2008. He is awaiting extradition back to San Angelo. In Joplin Thursday, Winchester appeared for an extradition hearing. The judge appointed a defense attorney and scheduled another hearing a week from today.

Second Saturday

Shannon's Healthier Choice program and H-E-B present Second Saturday Cooking Connection. Participants can learn about healthy meals, perfect portions and well-balanced diets for diabetics and those at risk for diabetes. It happens tomorrow from 10 AM to 12 noon at H-E-B on Sherwood Way. There is no cost to attend Cooking Connection.

Minor Texas Earthquake

Texas has had another minor earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey says the 2.7 magnitude earthquake happened at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday and was centered 16 miles east-northeast of Cleburne. No damage or injuries were immediately reported. USGS says the last earthquake in Texas happened Nov. 24. The 3.0 magnitude quake was centered 17 miles north-northeast of Snyder, in West Texas. A rare South Texas earthquake with a 4.8 magnitude happened Oct. 20, centered 37 miles northwest of Beeville. Nobody was hurt and no major damage was reported.

Central TexasGun Battle Wounds Deputy, Kills Suspect

A man is dead and two deputies were wounded after a domestic disturbance call to a home near a central Texas lake climaxed in a shootout.
Hill County Sheriff Jeffrey Lyon said a deputy approached the home at Lake Whitney when an armed man emerged and opened fire, wounding the deputy in the shoulder.The man returned to the house and barricaded himself with his ex-wife inside. The woman escaped, and another deputy approached to make contact. The man said he'd come out shooting and did, wounding the deputy in the leg before return fire took the suspect down.

Anti-Kid Smoking Group Blasts Texas Efforts

A group that targets smoking among teens is blasting Texas' use of funds in smoking-prevention programs. The group Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids says that while the Lone Star State collects almost two billion dollars a year from cigarette taxes and its settlement with big tobacco manufacturers, only about five-and-a-half million gets spent on programs to prevent youth smoking. That, says the group, amounts to less than a penny per year per child in Texas. The group ranking Texas 39th among states in spending for smoking cessation programs for youth.

Road renamed for veterans

A stretch of roadway was officially renamed on Wednesday, Pearl Harbor Day, in honor of the thousands of local military veterans who have given their all in service to the country. A special dedication ceremony was held at Kids Kingdom Park. Veterans and officials from Goodfellow Air Force Base, along with San Angelo and Tom Green County officials, were on hand as more than two miles of River Drive was renamed Veterans Memorial Drive.

State Parks Hard Hit, Need Help

Texas Parks and Wildlife is sending out an S.O.S message to the public. They need your help to keep state parks across Texas operating as the department faces a $4.6 million budget gap.Texas state parks attract millions of visitors annually, but this year was different. The prolonged drought and many wildfires significantly reduced visitor levels at many park,s which rely heavily on visitor fees which make up nearly half of their $69 million operating budget.

Indicted For Stealing From Non-Profit Organization

A San Angelo woman has been indicted on charges she stole money from the non-profit organization where she worked. Court records show 44-year-old Angela Clayton was indicted by a Tom Green County grand jury for stealing between twenty and a hundred-thousand dollars from Samaritan Counseling Center, where she worked as an office manager. Police affidavits reportedly show that the center reported that 35-thousand dollars that was supposed to be deposited in 2010 and early this year disappeared. Clayton's pre-trial hearing is set for Monday.

Residential Mail Thefts Reported

Someone's stealing mail from residential mail boxes around San Angelo. Postal officials confirming at least eight areas of the city in which mail has been stolen lately. It's a federal crime and police and postal inspectors urge you to report any mail theft immediately. Also not to leave your mail, which typically increases quite a bit this time of year, sitting in your mailbox, especially if you're expecting a check of package delivery.

Mailbox thefts

Keep an eye on your mailbox. San Angelo police say they're investing several recent incidents of mailbox theft. It's happened on West Avenue L, Stanton Street, San Jacinto, Lindenwood, Nueces, West Concho and Alta Vista. Police remind you that stolen mail can lead to stolen money and/or stolen identify theft. If you know anyting about these thefts, you can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

ADA seminar

The ASU Small Business Development Center will be hosting a free seminar for small business owners to learn about what ADA--the Americans with Disabilities Act--is, how it pertains to them, and how they can be sure to be compliant with new guidelines that will be mandatory next year. It will take place tomorrow, 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Rassman Building. Find out more at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Parks need help

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hosted 11 news conferences at different locations across the state Tuesday, appealing to the public to visit state parks and make donations to help offset a revenue loss caused by heat, drought, wildfires and a resulting drop in park visitor revenue. That's left a four-point-six million dollar gap in the 2012 park system operating budget. Officials say they want to alert people now while there is still time to help.

No burn ban

Because recent state-wide moisture indicators are moving closer to the normal range, Tom Green County Commissioners did NOT enact a burn ban Tuesday. Residents are still reminded that if they plan a controlled burn of brush, grass, etc, to contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch Office to let them know, be cautious, check the forecast and never burn during windy conditions.

Gunfire On Amtrak Train

If you've ever ridden Amtrak's "Texas Eagle" long-distance train from San Antonio to Chicago, you know it's normally a nice, relaxing trip. Not this time. As the train was sitting at Union Station in Dallas, gunfire broke out between plain-clothes police and a passenger. Officers were searching the train when they say a passenger produced a handgun and opened fire. One passenger and a train crew member were hospitalized.

Council Okays Airport Terminal Project

Also at today's City Council meeting, a bid was approved for reconstruction of the main terminal at San Angelo Regional Airport. The five-point-nine-two-million-dollar proposal got the green light despite at least one question about why the expense is worth it, given that San Angelo is currently served by only one airline. American Eagle had cut daily flights to three before adding a fourth in August. Airport officials responded that the reconstruction is a move toward the future, when it's hoped additional air service will become available.

Council Approves Redistricting Plan

The San Angelo City Council today unanimously approved a third redistricting proposal, one that represents a compromise over distribution of the city's minority populations. Objections had been raised to earlier plans, one of which allegedly favored African-Americans and the other, Hispanics. The plan approved today was hailed by representatives of both communities as a solid compromise. The move came during a special public hearing at the Council's first meeting since it considered the two earlier proposals in November.

Hazardous weather outlook

Once again this morning, the National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for an area including the Concho Valley. Areas of light snow or flurries will be possible over western portions of the Concho Valley this morning. Black ice on roadways could produce icy and dangerous conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. That's until temperatures climb above freezing, which should be around noon.

Storage Unit Arrests

Caught in the act of robbing storage units. That's what police say happened last night on South Jackson Street. A sharp-eyed San Angelo police officer on routine patrol spotted two men closing a storage unit without locking it at South Jackson Storage, then driving off in a pickup with obscured license plates. That was enough for a traffic stop. The officer noticed bolt cutters in the truck along with a number of items that could have been taken from storage units. A subsequent search confirmed that three units had been broken into and contents stolen. Officers arrested 58-year-old Erasmo Rodriguez and 41-year-old Gabriel Garcia, both of San Angelo, on burglary charges.

Hazardous weather statement

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather statement: SNOW OR RAIN and SNOW MIX WILL CONTINUE ACROSS MUCH OF THE CONCHO VALLEY THIS MORNING. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS ARE GENERALLY EXPECTED TO REMAIN BELOW ONE INCH...WITH MOST ACCUMULATIONS OCCURRING ON EXPOSED SURFACES AND GRASSY AREAS. ICY SPOTS ON ROADWAYS WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE. MOST OF THE PRECIPITATION SHOULD END BY MID MORNING.

SAISD redistricting

Redistricting will be among the topics at tonight's meeting of the San Angelo school board. Members will consider a third version of a new district map, which is required following the latest U.S. Census to reflect changes in population among the six districts in the San Angelo Independent School District. The board is expected to vote on a plan next Monday, then the U.S. Justice Department has 60 days to review it.

Coat drive

The first wave of donations in the 2nd Annual Give a Coat / Share the Warmth Coat Drive was dropped off Thursday at the Salvation Army. You can donate gently used or new coats at the Dry Clean Super Center on Sherwood Way or at the Salvation Army. This drive is to help those who need a coat for the winter. They are being distributed through the Salvation Army. The drive will end on December 31st, however, Dry Clean Super Center takes clothing and coat donations year round.

Burglar sought

Tom Green County Sheriff's investigators are still looking for one of two men who tried to burglarize a welding business in Ballinger. The owner said the suspects were two men heading toward San Angelo on Highway 67 in a red Chevy Blazer. The vehicle was spotted and stopped by a sheriff's deputy. The passenger ran off but the driver was arrested. 41-year-old Jose Lewis Flores is charged with driving with an invalid license.

Stiff burglary sentence

A San Angelo man convicted of burglary is facing a very long stretch behind bars. 37-year-old Luis Martinez Granada pleaded guilty this week to burglarizing two homes. An initial charge of kidnapping was dismissed but he still received a sentence of 35 years in prison. Granada's alleged accomplice, Rachel Bradley, goes on trial in March.

Arrest in 2008 murder

San Angelo police have made an arrest in a three-year-old murder case. 43-year-old James Owen Winchester was arrested by police in Joplin, Missouri. Winchester is accused of murdering Kim Burton at a residence in the 33-hundred block of Cornell Street in March of 2008. He is awaiting extradition back to San Angelo.

Shannon groundbreaking

Shannon Clinic officially broke ground Thursday on a new and expanded location in north San Angelo. The 18-thousand square-foot facility is located in the 26-hundred block of North Bryant Avenue. It will be open seven days a week with radiology and lab services available on site. The clinic is set to open in late summer 2012.

Vandal sought

San Angelo police are investigating an act of vandalism at a local church. Someone broke several windows in a church located in the 18-hundred block of West Beauregard. If you know anything about this incident, you're encouraged to contact San Angelo police--or you can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

Texas Works On Long-Range Water Plan

Texas is moving toward adopting its next five-year state water plan. The severe or extreme drought conditions that affect virtually every area of the state are moving the Texas Water Development Board to consider approving a new water plan Dec. 15 after postponing a decision at its last meeting. An adopted plan is due Jan. 5 to Gov. Rick Perry and legislative leaders. It's a look ahead to the next 50 years and is the product of work done by regional water planning groups. One major message of the new water plan, at least in the draft that's now available: Texas' population is projected to grow from its current 25 million to 46 million by 2060, and demand for water is expected to increase 22 percent during that time. However, existing water supplies are expected to decline about 10 percent.

Prison In Robbery-Kidnapping Case

A San Angelo man gets thirty-five years in prison on a pair of robbery charges. 37-year-old Luis Granado, Junior, had also been charged with kidnapping after [plice say he threatened and then kidnapped a 65-year-old woman who was housesitting one of the homes he robbed. The kidnapping charge was dropped after Granado pleaded guilty on the two curglary counts. You might remember the story, which we told you about at the time. Granado took the woman who had been housesitting to her own apartment and then ransacked it, looking for valuables. Then Granado and a female accomomplice lef the apartment to get cigarattes. Which is when the woman called police.

Power outage

Some 800 households lost power in southwest San Angelo early Wednesday morning. AEP blames an equipment malfunction at its substation in Southland Hills. Power was back on in about an hour and a half.

Plane crash kills San Angelo woman

A San Angelo woman was one of two people who died in a private plane crash in New Mexico. Her sister confirms that 30-year-old Tracy Martinez was in the single engine Cessna. Search crews found the plane's wreckage Wednesday in the foothills between Roswell and Ruidoso. The plane was registered to a pilot from Snyder named Jerry Greene. Martinez was employed in the business office at San Angelo's Community Medical Center.