DPS holiday patrols

The Texas Department of Public Safety will increase DWI patrols for a nine-day period that includes July 4th. From tomorrow through July 8th, DPS troopers will focus DWI patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. DPS Director Steven McCraw has this advice: “Plan ahead. If you are drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or some other form of transportation. Otherwise, you could be making a very expensive or even fatal mistake.”

Air Force Sex Scandal Investigation Now Includes Goodfellow

The widening investigation into sex scandals in the Air Force has now expanded to included Goodfellow Air Force Base. Training instructors at four bases in two states are now being accused of wrongfully conducting sexual relationships and making unwanted sexual advances toward basic trainees. A dozen instructors have been suspected of assaulting female recruits. The investigation now widening to include Goodfellow in addition to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Since allegations of misconduct began, 35 military instructors have been removed from their posts.

Hot again

It was another hot one in San Angelo: the National Weather Service says the official high temperature Wednesday was 107 degrees. A reminder that the city will be under drought stage two starting Sunday. That means lawn watering is only allowed once every seven days, outside the hours of noon to 6.

Power outage

A power outage hit some 24-hundred customers along with several traffic signals in San Angelo Wednesday morning. The electricity was off for more than an hour as firefighters responded to a transformer fire just east of the HEB store. At least three large transformers on poles had exploded and burned out in a malfunction that apparently began at a substation on Harris.

Arts at ASU

Angelo State University's Arts at ASU program will open its summer dinner theatre season tonight. "The Curious Savage," a timeless tale of greed and insanity, runs tonight through Satuday and next Thursday through Satuday with a special matinee on Sunday, July 8th, in the ASU Modular Theatre. Reservations can be made by calling the ASU box office at 942-2000 from 2 to 6 PM weekdays.

Children's ballet classes

The San Angelo Civic Ballet is offerering dance classes in July for children ages three and older. Classes include all levels of ballet, creative movement, tap and jazz. They begin next Monday and will be held at the Civic Ballet studios at 15 West Beauregard. Find out more about these and other programs being offered by visiting san-angelo-civic-ballet-dot-org.

Power Outage Affected 3,000+

A power outage today affecting just over three thousand customers in San Angelo. AEP says the outage affected customers in central San Angelo and came from a problem at a substation on West Avenue N. Power was restored to most of the affected homes and businesses by late morning. Apart from those whose homes were affected, the first indication of the outage came when motorists began calling in reports of traffic lights being out between College Hills Boulevard and Houston Harte Expressway.

SAISD promotions

The San Angelo ISD has announced several promotions: Tim Reid is now Principal and Zach Ramirez is Assistant Principal of Central Freshman Campus, Chrissy Eubank is Principal of Fannin Elementary. And Christy Diego is now Assistant Principal at Lee Middle School.

Narco-terrorism conference

Angelo State University will be the host of a major conference called "Transborder Narco-terrorism: Addressing a Changing Environment." It will focus on drug-related violence in the U.S.-Mexico border region, the influence of Iranian-backed violent extremist organizations in Latin America and the proliferation of drug cartel activity in Mexico and Central America. It will take place August 21st through the 23rd at the ASU Center for Security Studies. You can find out more at pit-tip-dot-org.

July 4th travel

Some two and a half million Texans are expected to hit the road for the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend. That's about five percent more than last year. Triple-A says Texas families will likely shell out, on average, about 750-dollars on transportation, lodge and other travel expenses.

Record temps, energy use

The Tuesday afternoon high temperature in San Angelo was 108 degrees, tying a record for that date. And Texans set another record for electricity consumption. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas says the power grid saw a peak demand of just over 66-thousand-500 megawatts, breaking the record set just the day before.

Burn ban

Just in time for Fourth of July, Tom Green Commissioners agreed Tuesday to issue a burn ban. It's effective three months. Except for prescribed burns, any open-outdoor burning is a prohibited. However, you will be allowed to cook outside using stoves fueled by white gas, propane or natural gas. And the burn ban does not prohibit fireworks in the county.

Roadcheck 2012

The Texas Department of Public Safety inspected more than eight-thousand commercial motor vehicles during a three-day inspection effort earlier this month as part of Roadcheck 2012. About 22 percent of the 18-wheelers, buses and other commercial vehicles inspected were placed out of service for a variety of safety violations until appropriate repairs can be made. Issues with brakes, lighting and tires were the most common infractions. More than 240 drivers were taken out of service.

Tom Green Initiates Burn Ban

A new open burning ban in effect in Tom Green County. The Count Board of Commissioners Court approving a ninety-day ban that primarily affects people living out in the county who want to burn trash. That's forbidden now. Certain prescribed burns, such as for agriculture, are still okay although fire officials urge you to let the county communications center know when you're going to do a burn so there will be no false alarms. Despite the burn ban, you can still have a careful amount of combustible fun. Propane gas grills are okay and, so far at least, so are fireworks for the Fourth.

Police building re-opening

Things are getting back to normal San Angelo police headquarters, which will re-open for regular business today. Last week, a woman led police on a high-speed chase which ended with her running a stolen truck into the corner of the building on Beauregard. Amanda Jeffries has been in the hospital with her condition going from critical to serious and now to stable. When Jeffries is released, she'll be charged with felony criminal mischief.

ASU-Colts food drive

Members of Lambda Chi Alpha at Angelo State University are partnering with the San Angelo Colts to host a food drive to benefit the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank. They will be collecting canned goods at the Colts' field this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Donors bringing one can of food to the game will receive a voucher for a free general admission ticket--with the purchase of a general admission ticket purchased for any Colts game in August--good for any Colts game in August.

Hiring seminar

If you have a business looking to hire new employees or just wondering how to keep the employees you already have, the ASU SMall Business Development Center has a seminar for you. “Hiring and Retaining the RIGHT Employees” is scheduled for Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. It will held in the ASU Rassman Building on Dena Drive. Cost is 10 dollars; find out more at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Forest Service reminder

With Independence Day celebrations drawing near, the Texas Forest Service is reminding you to exercise caution outdoors and remember that just one spark can cause a devastating wildfire. About 90 percent of wildfires in Texas are human-caused, which means they can be prevented. And while drought conditions have improved for much of the state, wildfire potential still exists – especially in areas where consecutive days of hot temperatures have dried out the vegetation.

Fort Concho Fourth

Fort Concho is planning an Independence Day celebration. The Fort Concho Artillery Unit will follow a 19th Century tradition and fire an hourly salute to mark the nation's 236th birthday from 10 AM to 3 PM next Wednesday, July 4th. The gun will be stationed on the Parade Ground in front of the fort's Visitors Center at Barracks One. There is no charge to watch the salutes and the new display on the "Cowboy Culture of the Concho Valley" in Barracks One. You'll need to pay regular admissions of one dollar to three-50 to see the rest of the site.

Chadbourne oil spill

Parts of North Chadbourne were shutdown around mid-day Friday by an oil spill. The oil came from a Trashaway Truck that leaked hydraulic fluid while stopped at the traffic light at 19th and Chadbourne. San Angelo police and firefighters helped soak up the oil. There was a minor collision involving a vehicle that slid through the oil.

City Hall re-opening

It took about two years, but the renovation of San Angelo City Hall is just about complete. Officials say City Hall will be open for business today with many departments moving back in over the past week. They might be in different locations; you can find out where they are now by going to the front desk in the lobby.

Showdown in San Angelo

Competitors from all over the country took part in this weekend's Showdown in San Angelo at Lake Nasworthy. And thousands of spectators braved the hot weather to watch the 6th annual Lucas Oil Drag Boat races Saturday and Sunday. The Showdown is sponsored by the city of San Angelo and the Chamber of Commerce.

Agency on Aging workshop

The Area Agency on Aging of the Concho Valley presents its June Community Workshop this Wednesday. A morning session at 8:15 will address the topics of "Legal Concerns" and "Making the Right Preparations." The afternoon session at 12:45 is entitled "Diabetes 101." The workshop will be held at the Concho Valley Council of Governments Training Center on West Loop 306.

ASU physics scholarship winners

Three Angelo State University physics students have been awarded prestigious scholarships by the national Society of Physics Students organization for the 2012-13 academic year. Blake McCracken, a senior physics major from San Angelo, is one of only three recipients nationally of the SPS Outstanding Leadership Scholarship and will receive three-thousand dollars. Dawn Olivia Popnoe and David To are two of only 14 national recipients of the SPS Leadership Scholarship and will each receive two-thousand dollars.

Gas price update

Oil prices dropped below 80 dollars a barrel last week after reports forecasted a continued bleak economic outlook. Triple-A says that means retail gasoline prices will continue their decline into the heart of the summer driving season. The statewide average price of regular gas in Tennessee fell another seven cents a gallon in the past week and is now at three dollars, 22 cents. A check of gas-buddy-dot-com finds the price of regular in San Angelo is cheaper--ranging from three-13 to three-21 a gallon.

July 3rd Pops Concert

You can celebrate Independence Day the night before with the San Angelo Symphony and the 25th Anniversary edition of its July 3rd Pops Concert. It will take place at the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial RiverStage. The concert features historic cannons from Fort Concho, an aircraft flyover, military pageantry from Goodfellow Air Force Base, and symphonic songs of celebration and, of course, fireworks.

July computer classes

The Stephens Central Library will offer free computer classes in July with registration beginning Monday morning at 9 o'clock. Special to the month of July are classes in building a resume using Microsoft Word and how to use the online computer catalog for more than just searching for books.All classes are held in the computer lab on the second floor of the Stephens Central Library on West Beauregard. Registration is required and classes fill up quickly.

Freedom Fest

You're invited to celebrate Independence Day at Freedom Fest 2012, a free event for the whole family at Colts Stadium on Wednesday evening, July 4th. Gates will open at 6:30. The event features carnival games and inflatables for the kids, live music, prizes, special guest illusionist Kurt Anderson and what organizers promise will be a spectacular fireworks show. You can find out more at freedom-fest-usa-dot-com.

Type-O blood needed

United Blood Services of San Angelo has issued an urgent appeal for Type-O blood. All O-donors are needed to help fill hospital orders. To donate, you must be at least 16 years of age and in good health. United Blood Services is located at 2020 West Beauregard. You can make an appointment online at blood-hero-dot-com or call 223-7500.

Showdown in San Angelo

Thousands of people are expected to be at Lake Nasworthy this weekend for the sixth annual Showdown in San Angelo. The race attracts competitors from the national drag boat racing circuit for the racing that begins Saturday. The boats will be tested tomorrow.

Most wanted is caught

A former San Angelo's Most Wanted has been caught. 21-year-old Brandon Rene Gonzalez was sought for violating probation and possession of marijuana in Tom Green County.

Chase ends at police building

The administration section of the San Angelo Police Department will be closed at least through Monday to assess damage after the subject of a police chase intentionally drove a stolen pickup truck into the building. 24-year-old Amanda Jeffreys of Manor, Texas, allegedly stole the pickup from a 7-11 on West Beauregard and then led police on a chase through the north and central areas of San Angelo. Speeds reached about 70 miles an hour before officers say Jeffreys drove the pickup into the northwest corner of the police department building. She sustained minor injuries and was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and folony evading arrest.

Texas Drive app

The Texas Department of Transportation has launched a new online map application. Drive Texas provides travelers with real-time traffic conditions, traffic and weather feeds, as well as links to other useful travel information. Users can plot a course by entering their start and end cities to view highway conditions along their route. The application can be found at Drive-Texas-dot-org.

Drought update

Your lawn-watering schedule will have to change again. The San Angelo City Council has taken the city back to drought stage level two. That followed an update from public works director Will Wilde on current water levels in area lakes--the city's water supply is down to less than 18 months. Under drought stage level two, lawn watering is only allowed once every seven days, outside of the hours of noon to 6.

CAC theif sentenced

The woman who admitted stealing from the Children's Advocacy Center was sentenced Wednesday. Former director Debra Brown was originally facing six counts of theft but was allowed to plead guilty to one count, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to a quarter-million dollars. A federal district judge sentenced Brown to four years in prison and ordered her to pay some 324-thousand dollars in restitution to the CAC. Brown served as director of the agency for 17 years.

City pool naming rights

It's not cheap to get the naming rights to San Angelo's newly-renovated Municipal Pool. The city council on Tuesday approved selling the rights to the family of Kevin and Kara Love. They'll have those rights for eight years at a cost of 56-thousand dollars. It's expected that the pool will be called the Love Pool or Love Municpal Pool.

Lawn parking ban

Your lawn can no longer double as a parking lot. The San Angelo City Council voted five to two Tuesday to ban parking on unimproved residential yards. There are a few exceptions: yards where the street is less than 36 feet across, areas where there are no curbs, fenced areas or on improved surfaces, such as gravel, hot mix or concrete paving stones.

Arts at ASU

Angelo State University's Arts at ASU program will open its summer dinner theatre season next week. "The Curious Savage," a timeless tale of greed and insanity, begins Thursday, June 28th, in the ASU Modular Theatre. Reservations are now available by calling the ASU box office at 942-2000 from 2 to 6 PM weekdays.

Summer festival

You're invited to a summer music, arts and crafts festival fearing local musicians and artists. It's coming up on Saturday, June 30th, from 3 PM to 10 PM at San Angelo State Park. Admission is free and you can also check out other sights at the park, including buffalo, longhorns and prarie dogs--and watch birds from the observation station. The event is hosted by the Friends of San Angelo State Park and park employees.

Young Professionals luncheon

Young Professionals of San Angelo will host their monthly Professional Development Luncheon at Zentner’s Daughter Steakhouse tomorrow from Noon to 1 PM. The luncheon will feature Cindy Hartin, the Executive Director of the Concho Valley Business Incubator. Hartin will speak about the Incubator and share the developments on the new Business Resource Center. The event is open to all young professionals in San Angelo, ages 21 to 40.

Teacher Salaries To Rise

It's been a long time since San Angelo's public school teachers got a raise but that's about to change. San Angelo Independent School District Trustees agreeing to a 15-hundred dollar raise for every teacher in the District as well as for guidance counselors, librarians and school nurses. In addition to the raises for current teachers, the starting salary for new teachers in the San Angelo district will increase to 36,500. That's a 500-dollar hike from the current level. Trustees say it's important to be able to attract quality teachers and retain good ones as teacher salaries in West Texas continue to climb.

San Angelo ISD raises

Most of the more than two-thousand people who work for the San Angelo Independent School District will be getting pay raises. They were approved Monday by the San Angelo ISD trustees. Teachers, librarians, counselors and school nurses are in line for a 15-hundred dollar increase. Starting salaries for new teachers, which had been cut by a thousand dollars last year, is going back up by half that--500 dollars. Most other employees will be getting a three percent raise. Assistant superintendent Jeff Bright says the total cost to the district is two-point-four million dollars.

Showdown goes green

The Showdown in San Angelo Drag Boat Race has again partnered with Keep San Angelo Beautiful and area businesses to help make the drag boat races a green event. This year attendees of The Showdown will be given recycle bags to place in which to place their empty cans and there will be prizes as incentives to return those bags. All proceeds from the recyclables will be donated to S.A.F.E.-- San Angelo Friends of the Environment--which operates the local Citizens Recycling Center in San Angelo. S.A.F.E. is located at 703 Warehouse Road.

Truck vs truck

It was a Chevy pickup truck versus a TX-Dot truck on Highway 67 last night. Authorities say the two vehicles were eastbound, about 10 miles from San Angelo
when the pickup rear ended the Tx-Dot truck. Both drivers were taken to the hospital.

Accident near Goodfellow

One person wound up being sent to Shannon Medical Center after a truck and a Cadillac ran into each other Monday afternoon. It happened shortly before two o'clock near the south gate of Goodfellow at South Chadbourne. The injured person was reportedly driving the Cadillac. A passenger in the car and the driver of the truck were not hurt.

Farmers market

Homegrown tomatoes will be available for sale when the Concho Valley Farmers Market celebrates its 2012 grand opening from 7 AM until noon this Saturday. The vendors, who come from a 75-mile radius around San Angelo, will be offering locally grown and seasonal fruits, vegetables and plants under the Farmers Market Pavilion on South Oakes Street, across from Fort Concho. The grand opening will also feature live music and door prizes of free produce every few minutes, plus free homemade baked goodies and free coffee and lemonade.

Tow truck reminder

This week the Texas Department of Public Safety will place special enforcement emphasis on the addition of tow trucks to the Move Over/Slow Down law, which requires motorists to move over or slow down when certain vehicles are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. To remind the public of this important safety measure, the Texas Department of Transportation will activate electronic signs this week, which will read: If Tow Truck Stopped Ahead, Move Over or Slow Down, It’s The Law.

ASU president website

Officials at the Texas Tech University System and members of the Search Committee for the next president of Angelo State University have unveiled a new website to assist in attracting and identifying top candidates for the position. The new website has been launched to provide information about the position of ASU president and to seek nominations from the public. You can access it at texas-tech-dot-e-d-u-slash-presidents-seach.

Online marketing seminar

You can learn how to find new customers for your business online at a free seminar being given by the ASU Small Business Development Center. “Winning Interactive Strategies for Marketing Your Business Online,” will be presented this evening from 6 to 8:30 at the ASU Campus, in the Rassman Building, Conference Room 100.
You can find out more and register on-line at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

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Girl survives accident

San Angelo police say a 10-year-old girl was thrown more than 40 feet when she was hit by a vehicle Friday night but will apparently be OK. It happened on West Beauregard as the child ran out into traffic near Sherwood Way and was struck by an eastbound Jeep. She was transported to Shannon Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. The Jeep driver and passenger were not hurt.

Vehicle burglary arrests

San Angelo police responding to a report of a suspicious person in the 17-hundred block of Louise Drive Saturday morning found two men. One was 19-year-old Jorge Hernandez, who was standing at the open door of an SUV, and the other was 19-year-old Magdaleno Suniga, passed out in a nearby driveway. Their vehicle allegedly contained a number of items reported stolen in recent vehicle burglaries in the area. Hernandez and Suniga were arrested. Police say it appears that all of the vehicles the pair struck had been left unlocked.

Drowning at Lake Nasworthy

A San Angelo man has drowned at Lake Nasworthy. Police say 21-year-old Fernando Tovar was with two friends Friday afternoon off the Mary E Lee beach and they tried to swim out to a bouy and back. Officers arrived to find Tovar out of the water, unconscious and not breathing. A bystander had begun CPR. Tovar was transported to San Angelo Community Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. His death was ruled an accidental drowning.

Debra Brown sentencing tomorrow

Tomorrow is sentencing day for the woman accused of stealing from the Children's Advocacy Center. Former director Debra Brown was originally facing six counts of theft but was allowed to plead guilty to one count, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to a quarter-million dollars. Brown served as director of the CAC for 17 years.

Business Brown Bag series

The Business Brown Bag luncheon series, presented by the ASU Small Business Development Center, the Chamber of Commerce and the Concho Valley Center for Entrepreneurial Development, continues this week. The topic will be "Finding the Best Employees" and will feature Erin Vaught, Project Director at Concho Valley Workforce Solutions. It takes place Thursday from noon to 1 in the Chamber Riverview Room and is free and open to the public. You can find out more at san-angelo-dot-org.

San Angelo's most wanted

Crime Stoppers of San Angelo and the probation department need your help in locating a fugitive wanted for probation violations--burglary habitation, engaging in organized criminal activity, unlawful possession of marijuana and fleeing from an officer. 20-year-old Brandon Lee DeLeon is an Hispanic male, 5-4, 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in the 1200 block of Orient. If you have any information regarding Brandon Lee DeLeon, you can call Crimestoppers and remain anonymous at 658-HELP.

Texas helps New Mexico

Last year more than 16,000 emergency responders from all 50 states lent a hand during the devastating Texas wildfire season. This weekend, Texas got a chance to return the favor. 15 emergency responders – including 11 from Texas Forest Service – went to New Mexico this weekend to aid in recovery efforts on the Little Bear Fire near Ruidoso. That fire ignited on June 4 and has burned almost 38-thousand acres.

Texas most wanted sought

Earlier this month, the Department of Public Safety added a fugitive, 32-year-old Rocky Duran Ramirez, to Texas' 10 Most Wanted list. Ramirez was sought on a parole violation-engaging in organized criminal activity--and two local city warrants. Word was sent out that he had gang ties and friends and family in San Angelo and Lubbock. Friday, we learned that Ramirez was apprehended in San Angelo last Tuesday by the DPS, the U.S. Marshal Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The arrest resulted from a collaborative investigation by the agencies.

Bomb threat arrest

An arrest in connection with a bomb threat at a Tom Green County building last month. 28-year-old Leslie Coleman is accused of making a terroristic threat that forced the evacuation of dozens of employees. Back on May 24th, police said a caller claimed there was a bomb inside the County Community Supervision and Corrections Division on North Bryant. No bomb was found. Coleman is also charged with impairing government services. He was being held without bond and his arraignment is scheduled for this morning.

Juneteenth in San Angelo

This weekend, San Angelo will celebrate Juneteenth, when news of the emancipation of slaves finally arrived in Texas. A parade begins tomorrow at 10 AM at the Carver Learning Center on West 9th. it ends with lunch at MLK park. On Sunday at 2 PM, the Miracle on 18th Ministry will give a special free concert at the Museum of Fine Arts. On Monday from 11:30 AM to 1 PM, Angelo State University will host a celebration at the U. C. Patio.

Keep San Angelo Beautiful

A reminder that tomorrow is your chance to get rid of non-hazardous refuse and debris by bringing it to the San Angelo Coliseum. Volunteers with Keep San Angelo Beautiful will be set up in the parking lot from 8 AM to 1:10 PM. They'll be collecting items including household trash, iron and metal products, old tires and batteries, appliances, furnture, mattresses and box springs, brush, wood, paper and plastics.

Shannon Clay Shoot

Registration is open for the 13th Annual Shannon Sporting Clay Shoot which will be on July 20th and 21st at the San Angelo Claybird Association. The event is the second largest charity shoot in Texas attracting more than 500 shooters and 15-hundred spectators each year. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs at Shannon Medical Center. You can register online at shannon-health-dot-com.

Cinderella is coming

The San Angelo Broadway Academy brings the classic story of Cinderella to life June 29th through July 1st at the Coliseum. Based on the popular Broadway musical, “Disney’s Cinderella” is a production of the Academy’s summer musical theatre camp featuring 65 students ages 8-18. Tickets are 10 dollars for adults and eight dollars for children 10 and under and can be purchased at the Academy office on North Taylor or online at s-a-broadway-academy-dot-org.

Fort Concho kids tours

Fort Concho is offering special tours for young people later this month. On Tuesday, June 26th, "Private Michael," Fort Concho guide Michael Smith, will take boys on a special tour, telling tales of the fort and how boys in those days enjoyed all the special activities of that time period. On Wednesday, "Miss Cindy," guide Cindy Bishop will offer a special girl's tour, including stories of young girls in the Victorian era. Registration for both tours is due next Friday. Call Fort Concho for more information.

ERCOT app

You can now get real-time updates on the ERCOT grid--and tips on how to effectively conserve electricity during peak times--on your smartphone or tablet. On Wednesday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the grid operator for most of Texas, unveiled its long-anticipated mobile app that will make energy conservation a little bit easier for iPhone, iPad and Android users.

No bond for library vandal

No bond has been set for a man who allegedly went on a destructive rampage that caused six-thousand dollars worth of damage at the Stephens Central Library in downtown San Angelo on Tuesday. 39-year-old Juan Lizardo is accused of throwing a table out of a large plate glass window, turning over a computer, and kicking two people inside the library. Lizardo is charged with assault by contact, injury to an elderly person, and felony criminal mischief.

Cattle Raisers ranch gathering

You're invited to join the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers for a ranch gathering on Thursday, June 28th, at the Fort Chadbourne Visitors Center in Bronte. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary barbecue dinner. The featured speaker will be Garland Richards, owner of Chadbourne Ranch. Garland will provide an overview of the history of the ranch and Fort Chadbourne.

ASU Bass Anglers

Two members of Angelo State University's Bass Anglers club took second place in a West Texas Team Trail fishing tournament last Saturday at Oak Creek Reservoir just outside of Blackwell. Josh Seale and Ryan Easterly caught five bass weighing a total of 16-point-63 pounds for the runner-up spot and a purse of 415 dollars, which will go to the Bass Anglers club fund. This marks the fourth time this spring that ASU anglers have placed at a tournament.

Runoff polling places

Elections officials are not expecting a huge turnout for the Texas runoff election coming up on July 31st. As a result, only four polling places will be open in Tom Green County. Voters will be casting ballots in the race between two Republican candidates for sheriff. Early voting will take place the week before, July 23rd through the 27th, at the Edd B. Keyes Building. On election day, the 31st, your precinct number will determine which of the four polling places will be your voting location.

Library damage

San Angelo police arrested a man Tuesday who allegedly threw a table through a window at the Stephens Central Library. The large double-pane window was broken with damage estimated at six-thousand dollars. The man, whose name has not been released by police, also reportedly assaulted a man and turned over a computer. Charges against him could include assault and criminal mischief.

Hazardous weather outlook

Parts of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley, are again under a hazardous weather outlook today. According to the National Weather Service at San Angelo, showers and thunderstorms will continue today with the main hazards being hail, strong winds and deadly lightning. Showers and thunderstorms will again be possible later this afternoon and evening.

Farmers Market

Homegrown tomatoes will be available for sale when the Concho Valley Farmers Market celebrates its 2012 grand opening from 7 AM until noon on Saturday, June 23rd. The vendors, who come from a 75-mile radius around San Angelo, will be offering locally grown and seasonal fruits, vegetables and plants under the Farmers Market Pavilion on South Oakes Street, across from Fort Concho.

Drought management class

In the wake of last year's drought and recent record high temperatures, Texas Agrilife Extension Service is presenting a Landscape Drought Management Class. The goal will be to teach homeowners how to keep their landscape looking good while reducing water use and keeping the water bill as low as possible. The program will run from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday, June 23rd at the Tom Green 4H Center on North US Highway 67. The cost to attend will be 20 dollars - call the Extension Office to RSVP.

Leader of the Year

The Leadership San Angelo Alumni Association has announced its Civic Leader of the Year. Bernay Sheffield won the award at the group's annual meeting and dinner last Thursday evening. The member of the year award went to Harry Thomas, retired from Goodyear Proving Grounds, which was named Outstanding Business of the year. In addition, Thomas was introduced as the new president the Leadership San Angelo Alumni Association.

Record heat

The forecast high temperature today in San Angelo is 100 degrees, which might seem relatively cool compared to Monday's high of 109 degrees. That broke the old record for the date of 107 set in 2009. And that followed a record high of 108 degrees on Sunday, which broke the record of 104 set back in 1958. The highest temperature ever recorded on any day in San Angelo is 111 degrees in 1933, 1944, and 1960.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for parts of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Thunderstorms will be possible today and tomorrow, with the best chance of rain tonight as an upper level disturbance moves across the region. Some storms could become severe with the primary threats being large hail and damanging winds.

Keep San Angelo Beautiful

Keep San Angelo Beautiful is working to "Shine Up San Angelo." The Great American Cleanup returns this Saturday from 8 AM to 1:30 PM at the San Angelo Coliseum. Volunteers will be set up throughout the parking lot to collect all types of non-hazardous refuse and debris. That includes household trash, iron and metal projects, old tires and batteries, appliances, furniture, mattresses and box springs, brush, wood, paper, plastics and just about any other type of non-hazardous trash. All San Angelo residents are invited to bring their items to drop off at no charge; there will be a one-dollar fee for each car and truck tire collected.

ASU Writing Project grant

Angelo State University's Pearl of the Concho Writing Project (PCWP) has received a 20-thousand dollar continuation grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the National Writing Project. The grant will help fund the Project's Summer Writing Institute for 2012-13. 16 teachers from K through 12 will join together for collaboration and networking across grade levels to improve the teaching of writing in their classrooms.

Wreck kills San Angelo man

A two-vehicle wreck Sunday morning took the lives of three people, including a man from San Angelo. 32-year-old Brandon Scott Cochran was in a car with two men from Winters that collided head-on with an SUV on Farm Road 28-87 near Highway 83. According to the DPS, their car had drifted into oncoming traffic. All three were killed; the driver of the SUV was not injured.

Hazardous weather outlook

Parts of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley, are under a hazardous weather outlook. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says there will be a chance of thunderstorms tonight through Wednesday as a cool front moves south through the area. A few storms might be severe with the main threats being large hail and damaging winds.

Gas prices down again

Here's the latest on gas prices from Triple-A: anemic economic growth across the globe continues to weigh heavily on the market and keep oil prices down. As a result, the national average price of regular gas is at three-dollars, 54-cents, down five cents from a week ago. In Texas, the average price is down by four cents from a week ago and now stands at three-34. And, according to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular gas in San Angelo ranges from three-19 to three-37 a gallon.

Just One Day

Concho Valley PAWS is joining with hundreds of animal welfare organizations nationwide today for “Just One Day”: an initiative to prevent unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable pets. Hundreds of animal shelters, including San Angelo Animal Services, have taken a pledge to focus on adoptions and not to euthanize any savable animals today. PAWS always encourages people to adopt a rescued dog or cat. Today, PAWS will be offering discounted adoption fees of 100 dollars for dogs and 50 dollars for cats.

ASU prof honored

A book by a history professor at Angelo State University has received the Luciano Guajardo Award from the Webb County Heritage Foundation in Laredo. Professor Arnoldo De Leon was honored for his book, "War Along the Border: The Mexican Revolution and Tejano Communities." The foundation said it presented the award to De Leon "in recognition of efforts to promote awareness of the history, architecture or folklore of the region."

DPS Most Wanted

The Texas Department of Public Safety has added a member of the Tango Blast-West Texas gang to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive list, and a 10-thousand dollar cash reward is now offered for information leading to his capture. 32-year-old Rocky Duran Ramirez, whose last known address was in San Angelo, has a lengthy criminal history. Ramirez is 5-5, 135 pounds and has several tattoos. If you know anything concerning his whereabouts, you can remain anonymous and call 1-800-252-TIPS.

West Texas Drug Ring Smashed

A West Texas town rocked by a drug scandal. Authorities say that 24 Fort Stockton residents have been arrested in connection with a cocaine distribution operation. The U-S Attorney's Office says the group's alleged ringleader, 33-year-old Noe Torres Ortega, also known as "Prieto," was among those in custody. A judge has now unsealed a 27-count indictment the defendants were charged with in May. The charges include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, distribution of a controlled substance in a school/playground zone, using a phone in a felony drug offense and maintaining drug-involved premises. The twenty-four Fort Stockton-area defendants range in age from 22 to 65. If convicted of drug conspiracy, each faces between 10 years and life in federal prison.

Credit card theft

San Angelo Police are trying to track down some credit card theives. They're looking for three men who used a stolen credit card back on Monday, May 7th, at about 10:30 a.m. at the north side Wal-Mart store. You can check out video of the men on the San Angelo police department Facebook page. If you know anything, call your police department or Crimestoppers at 658-HELP.

ASU Bass Anglers

Two members of Angelo State University's Bass Anglers club took second place at the National Guard FLW College Fishing Southern Conference qualifying tournament last Saturday on Toledo Bend Lake in Louisiana. Josh Seale and Ethan George caught four bass weighing a total of 12 pounds, 14 ounces to bring home the second-place 15-hundred dollar purse, which will go to the Bass Anglers club.

DPS seeks murder suspect

The Texas Department of Public Safety is asking for the public’s help in finding a woman wanted in connection with the March 17th murder of a teenager whose burned body was left on the side of a road in the Ellis County town of Ennis. 18-year-old Jennifer Samantha Puente is 5-4, about 150 pounds, and has a mole on her left cheek. She also has several tattoos. A one-thousand dollar reward is being offered for her arrest and indictment. If you know anything, call 903-874-TIPS or your local police.

ASU hosts foreign students

Angelo State University will host a group of 15 college students from Egypt and Morocco for an educational conference on hydrology and hydrogeology. The students will be here for nine days starting next Wednesday at various locations on the ASU campus and in the Concho Valley region. The conference is being funded by a U.S. State Department grant. The purpose of the conference is to integrate technical instruction and field preparation for professional hydrology and hydrogeology practices in northern Africa.

ASU applications

Prospective students considering enrolling at Angelo State University for the upcoming fall semester who have not yet applied for admission are encouraged to begin that process now. Requirements for admission are listed online at angelo-dot-e-d-u-slash-admissions and vary depending on whether applicants are entering as first-time students or as transfer students.

Sports headlines for Thursday

Last night's game between the San Angelo Colts and the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field was rained out. It's been rescheduled as part of a doubleheader that will start this evening at 6.

Texas Tech head football coach Tommy Tuberville will be in San Angelo next week as part of the 2012 Texas Tech Tailgate Tour. Monday is the deadline to make reservations for the luncheon, and it will be held Thursday, June 14. (email rrc.events@ttu.edu)

San Angelo's semi pro football team will play for a state championship. The West Texas Scorpions are 15-1 on the season, and beat the Texas Xtreme last weekend to advance to the Crossroads Amateur Football League's championship game this Saturday. The Scorpions will take on the Edinburg Landsharks in Victoria.

The Rangers have one more with the A's tonight in Oakland. The Astros wrap up their series tonight with the Cardinals.

Bryant Boulevard construction

Construction crews will be out on Bryant Boulevard in San Angelo all summer. A resurfacing project stetches seven miles from the southern end of the city, where Highway 277 turns into Bryant at Loop 306, north to the Houston Harte overpass at 6th Street. As a result, you'll find lane closures on Bryant from now to Labor Day.

2nd teen dies

The death toll from the Monday morning crash involving three teenagers from Christoval has now reached two. 16-year-old Cheyanne Peterman, the driver of the SUV that crashed into an 18-wheeler at Highway 277 and Venado drive, died Wednesday morning at Shannon Medical Center. 17-year-old Gavino Madrid passed away Monday evening. His brother, 16-year-old Pete Madrid Junior, is reportedly in stable condition at San Angelo Community Medical Center.

Just One Day

Next Monday, June 11th, Concho Valley PAWS will hundreds of animal welfare organizations nationwide for “Just One Day”: an initiative to prevent unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable pets. Hundreds of animal shelters, including our local San Angelo Animal Services, have taken a pledge not to euthanize any savable animals on that day. PAWS encourages people to adopt a rescued dog or cat before and/or after June 11th. On Saturday and Monday, PAWS will be offering discounted adoption fees of 100 dollars for dogs and 50 dollars for cats.

Medicaid presentation

If you are a Medicaid recipient or the parent, caregiver or guardian for a recipient on the 1915-C waiver program, be aware that there changes in the way medical services will be delivered starting July 1st. You can learn about these changes, at a presentation where they will be explained, questions can be answered, and personal help with enrollments will be provided. It will take place tomorrow morning at 10:30 at 1501 West Beauregard in San Angelo.

Romney in TX

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is spending some campaign time in Texas this week. Romney was in Fort Worth on Tuesday, he'll be in Houston today.

Trash test

A pilot program involving rolling trash carts for city trash service gets underway in San Angelo next month. Some 500 households will be issued the 96-gallon roll-out carts. Pickup schedules will remain the same during the test from July 2nd through the end of September.

Accident injures older man

A two-vehicle crash Monday night left a 70-year-old man injured. It happened between Highway 87 and Broadnax Lane. According to the DPS, George Daniel Westover of Garden Springs went through a stop sign on Broadnax and ran into an 18-wheeler that was eastbound on Highway 87. Westover's car spun around and slid off the roadway. He was taken to a hospital and cited for failure to yield the right of way.

Fire training center grant request

San Angelo fire officials say their current fire training center is too small and outdated. That's why the city council on Tuesday approved a request for a grant from the Economic Development Administration. The city is asking for one and a half million dollars to help build a new fire training center along Highway 87 north. The amount might be matched by the city.

Hazardous weather outlook

Portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley, are under a hazardous weather outlook. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are expected today and tonight across an area roughly north of a line from Sterling City to Robert Lee to Brownwood. Some of the storms will also contain frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Other threats include strong gusty winds, hail and localized flooding, especially in poor drainage areas.

PaulFest blocked

Supporters of Ron Paul say they're unhappy that organizers of the Republican National Convention organizers are not letting them throw a festival honoring the Texas congressman and presidential candidate the weekend before the convention. The group is organizing a three-day "PaulFest" at the Florida State Fairgrounds that would include music, comedians and speakers. But the Republicans control Tampa's public venues during the convention and haven't given PaulFest approval to use the fairgrounds.

Roadcheck 2012

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers are bolstering commercial vehicle inspections this week as part of Roadcheck 2012, a nationwide enforcement effort to increase motor carrier, vehicle, driver and cargo safety and security. DPS troopers will be targeting 18-wheelers and buses with serious equipment violations and drivers not complying with state and federal requirements. Similar to the Roadcheck program, DPS has taken other steps to crack down on unsafe truck and bus operators. Launched in 2011, the DPS says Operation Texas Thunder – unannounced surge enforcement operations in a targeted area where unsafe trucks or buses may be operating – has had significant results.

Christoval Teen Killed In Crash

Shock and mourning in Christoval today after a deadly crash that killed a high school athlete and injured two others. A Christoval teen died and two others were injured in a crash south of San Angelo. Officers say 17-year-old Gavino Madrid was killed when an S-U-V in which he was riding collided with a semi at Ganado Drive and U-S 277 near Christoval. Madrid's brother Pete and the driver of the S-U-V, 16-year-old Cheyanne Peterman, were both injured. None were wearing seatbelts. All three teens reportedly students at Christoval High School. State troopers say the cause of teh crash was failure to yield by the S-U-V, which apparently pulled into the path of the oncoming truck. The semi driver was not injured.

Spurs on verge

The San Antonio Spurs are on the verge of elimination from the NBA playoffs. The Oklahoma City Thunder held on for a 108-103 win at San Antonio in Game Five of the Western Conference finals. The series moves back to Oklahoma City tomorrow night with the Thunder leading the Spurs three games to two.

Wall High explosion

A small explosion outside Wall High School resulted in a science teacher being severely burned on her arms and hands. School officials say the teacher was outside the school, cleaning lab equipment when a chemical reaction occurred. She was initially taken to Shannon Medical Center but has since been airlifted to the Lubbock Burn Center.

WalMart scuffle

There was trouble at the northside Wal-Mart Sunday morning. A woman reported that she was loading groceries into her car when a man forced her into her car. When he pulled out a knife, she screamed and he fled. Witness descriptions led to the arrest of 26-year-old Monty Fate Parker, who was charged with aggravated kidnapping and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible today and tonight. A few of these stormes might become strong to severe. The main hazards will be locally heavy rainfall, dangerous lightning, damaging winds and hail.

Church bus, car collide

A collision between a church bus and a car in Tom Green County Monday morning left several people injured. According to the DPS, 39 children--third through fifth graders--were on the Grape Creek Baptist Church bus that was eastbound on highway 2105. It collided with a car driven by 24-year-old Cynthia Carleen Woodson of San Angelo, who was southbound on Schwertner Road. Both vehicles went off the roadway; the bus wound up on its side. 18 children were taken to Shannon Medical Center with minor injuries. Woodson was also taken to the hospital and was cited for failing to yield the right of way at a stop sign.

Red Wheel fundraiser

Red Wheel Fundraising of West Texas is hosting their annual "Straight from the Freezer Sale." Proceeds from the sale will benefit the children of Clayton Taylor, who passed away recently from pancreatic cancer at the age of 42. The event takes place this Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM in the parking lot of Q's Printing--the former Shakey's Pizza Building--at the corner of Beauregard and Howard. Products for sale include cookie dough, pies, cheesecakes, pizzas, pizza breads, muffin and bread batters and more.

ASU Venus watch

Staff from Angelo State University's Global Immersion Center and members of the San Angelo Astronomy Society will offer a special Venus observation event this afternoon outside the ASU Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building on Vanderventer Street. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and is open free to the public. Telescopes for safe viewing of Venus' transit across the Sun will be provided. The Venus transit occurs only once every 105 years, so this is truly a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to observe the phenomenon.

TGC Democrats speaker

Tom Green County Democrats will hear from one of their party's candidates in the fall election when they meet tonight. Bryan Case is running for Third Court of Appeals Place Six; for the past 15 years, Case was Director of the Appellate Division at the Travis County District Attorney's office. The meeting gets underway at 7 at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts on Love Street.

Life After Cancer

Cancer survivors of all ages, their friends and family are invited to Life After Cancer, presented by Shannon Medical Center. The inspiring and educational session will address the important strategies for cancer survivors to employ during this time of their life, including additional prevention strategies. It will be held Tuesday, June 19th, at 6 PM at the McNease Convention Center.

Cancer survivorship classes

Cancer survivors, their friends and family and anyone wanting to know more about care after cancer are invited to attend monthly Cancer Survivorship classes at Shannon Medical Center. The first classes are scheduled for tomorrow at noon and Thursday, June 21st, at 5:30 at the Cancer Empowerment and Resource Center at Shannon on North Magdalen Street. There is no cost to attend the meetings.

Starting business seminar

A free educational seminar is designed to provide you with the basic knowledge and tools you must know to start a small business. The ASU Small Business Development Center presents "Starting Your Own Business? What You Need to Know!" tomorrow from 6 to 8:30 PM in the ASU Rassman Building on Dena Drive. To find out more or to register, go to s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Loan proposals seminars

The ASU Small Business Development Center is conducting a FREE seminar entitled "Loan Proposals Begin with a Strong Business Plan, Part One" on Wednesday from 6 to 8:30 PM at the ASU Campus, Rassman Building on Dena Drive. It's recommend that this seminar be taken in conjunction with Part Two of the seminar the following Wednesday, June 13th, 6 to 8:30 PM, which is also free. For more info or to register, go to s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

San Angelo's most wanted

Crime Stoppers and the Parole Department need your help in finding San Angelo's Most Wanted for this week. 40-year-old Mario Deleon is a fugitive wanted for parole violation--assault on a family member. Deleon is an Hispanic male, 5-11, 185 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his arms, chest and neck. His last known address was in the unit block of West 15th Street and his last known vehicle was a 2003 grey Buick Rendezvous. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Mario Deleon, call CrimeStoppers at 658-HELP.

ASU-Ranger transfer agreement

Angelo State University has signed a course-transfer agreement with Ranger College. ASU President Joseph Rallo and RC President William Campion signed the agreement last Thursday at the Ranger College campus. As a result, RC students who transfer into any ASU academic programs will have all their RC course credit accepted at ASU.

Tornadoes touch down

The National Weather Service at San Angelo warns us that we're in the peak period for severe storms and it will continue through mid-June. Residents should be prepared for weather activity like we saw Wednesday evening in the Concho Valley. It's been confirmed that three tornadoes touched down, causing damage in Runnels, Concho and McCulloch counties.

GED graduation

Nearly 200 students from the Concho Valley will be getting their GED certificates on Monday evening. Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for 7 PM at the Johnson Street Church of Christ, honoring those who did not graduate from high school but made up for it by going to the GED Testing Center. It serves San Angelo and the Concho Valley and is located at the West Texas Training Center.

Radar operation

San Angelo police might have been watching you Wednesday morning. Officers conducted a LIDAR radar operation on West Houston Harte by the Howard Street Overpass. During the hours of 8 to 11 AM, a total of 49 citations were issued. 35 were for speeding, four for not having insurance and three for not having a drivers license, plus six warnings were issued. Motorists on the Loop were clocked at between 74 and 85 miles an hour.

San Angelo auction

The city of San Angelo has some bargains for you. The annual surplus property auction is coming up a week from tomorrow. It will take place at the Indoor Arena next to the Coliseum. There will be a preview next Friday from 10 to 4 and at 8 AM the day of the sale. Items up for bids from the city, Tom Green County, San Angelo ISD and other agencies include vehicles, bicycles and computers. You can find a longer list of items and photos at the website joe-pippin-auctioneers-dot-com.

Summer food program

A reminder that the San Angelo Independent School District will again present its Summer Food Service Program this month. Free meals are available to all children ages 18 and younger. All kids have to do is show up at a feeding site. Those open next Monday at Austin and Holliman Elementary Schools, Tuesday at Lake View High, Rio Vista Head Start and the Northside and Lake View Boys and Girls Clubs, and Thursday at Lincoln Middle School.