Suspected Narcotics Robber Arrested

A man accused of robbing three San Angelo-area pharmacies of narcotics is in jail today. Police say 34-year-old John Briggs, Junior, was arrested after an employee at a Walgreens pharmacy recognized him from a robbery at the pharmacy last month. Officers cornered Briggs near Houston Harte Expressway and made the arrest. Investigators now say evidence found in Briggs' car and home implicate him in narcotics robberies at two area Walmarts and a C-V-S pharmacy. In each of them, a lone robber demanded drugs, particularly hydrocodone.

City Manager List Down To 5

And then there were five. After starting with nearly four thousand possible candidates there are now five names on the list of possible replacements for departed San Angelo City Manager Harold Dominguez. The permanent position has been vacant since Dominguez left in March to become City Manager of Longmont, Colorado. Now, the San Angelo City Council has four Texans and one from the largest suburb of Phoenix to choose from. You'll have a chance to meet the candidates and ask questions, too. While the Council will conduct formal interviews with each candidate privately next Tuesday and Wednesday, all of them will be available for a meet-and-greet with the public on Tuesday evening from six to eight at the McNease Convention Center.

City manager finalists

The city council has selected five finalists to be San Angelo's next city manager. They are Sealy City Manager Christopher Coffman, North Richland Hills Assistant City manager Jared Miller, Peoria, Arizona Deputy City Manager Susan Thorpe, Eagle Pass City Manager Daniel Valenzuela and Angleton City Manager Melissa Byrne Vossmer. The candidates will be interviewed next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Boat ramps closed

The city has announced that five boat ramps at Lake Nasworthy have been closed because of low water levels. Those ramps are at Red Bluff Road, the east end of Middle Concho Park, Fisherman’s Road by the City’s maintenance shop, South Concho Park near the public restrooms and the left side of the ramp at the old marina off Knickerbocker Road.

Pharmacy robbery arrest

San Angelo Police have apprehended a suspect involved in several robberies of local pharmacies. On Wednesday afternoon, a man entered the CVS Pharmacy on South College Hills Boulevard and handed a note to an employee at the pharmacy counter demanding narcotics. Police caught up with him in the 4900 block of the Houston Harte Expressway. He was identified as 34-year-old John Briggs Jr. of Eustace. It was determined that Briggs was also responsible for robberies on July 24th at the Sherwood Way Walgreens and on May 12th at the Abe Street Walgreens.

Aggravated robbery arrests

Two San Angelo men have been charged in connection with an aggravated robbery that occurred last Saturday at a home in San Angelo. Three people said they were in the front room of a residence in the 2900 block of North Street when two unknown men entered and demanded money at gunpoint. One the occupants was hit in the head, apparently with a handgun, and the suspects left with an undisclosed amount of money. Police executing a search warrant Wednesday in the 1800 block of Chapman Street found evidence implicating 32-year-old Patrick Semple, who was arrested at that residence, and 27-year-old Billy Jack Vercher, who later turned himself in.

Criminal mischief arrests

San Angelo police say they've arrested three people suspected of being responsible for at least 20 cases of criminal mischief throughout the city. That includes BBs and rocks being used to break windows out of vehicles, homes and businesses. One incident resulted in 25-hundred dollars in damage at Jim Bass Ford. 17-year-old Collin Whitlock was arrested on Monday, a 16-year-old male was arrested Wednesday and a 15-year-old male was arrested Thursday.

Hit and run case

San Angelo police are asking for help from the public in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle involved in a hit and run accident. On the night of Sunday, August 12th, a motorcycle was traveling north in the 2300 block of North Chadbourne when a white Dodge Ram 1500 pickup driven by a male subject moved into the lane directly in front of the motorcycle and slammed on the brakes. That caused the motorcycle to crash into the back of the pickup. The motorcyclist was treated for his injuries and released. The pickup never stopped. If you know anything about the accident, call CrimeStoppers at 658-HELP or San Angelo police.

Fields of Faith

Students from San Angelo and from across the Concho Valley will be joining thousands of other youth on athletic fields all across the nation on Wednesday, October 10th. They'll be sharing their Christian faith with fellow students during the 8th annual national Fields of Faith event. The interdenominational outreach event will be held at more than 400 locations throughout the nation on that same date. You can find out more at Fields-of-faith-dot-com.

Hutchison reception

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is leaving office at the end of her current term, will be honored in San Angelo next week. The Friends of the Stephens Central Library will hold an appreciation reception for Senator Hutchison next Wednesday at 3:15 PM in the Reading and Story Room of the Library at 33 West Beauregard.

Holiday schedule

City of San Angelo offices will be closed Monday, September third, for Labor Day, and will reopen Tuesday, September fourth, at 8 a.m.There is no change to the trash pickup schedule or landfill hours during the holiday weekend.

City pool

The Labor Day weekend marks the final opportunity this summer to swim in the newly renovated Love Municipal Pool. The pool will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Admission is five dollars for ages 3 and older. Seniors are admitted for three dollars. There is no charge for children 2 and younger.

City manager finalists

The San Angelo City Council will today announce the finalists it will interview for the city manager's position. The names will be revealed after the Council deliberates in closed session, beginning at 1 p.m., at the McNease Convention Center.The City Council is expected to announce its choice for city manager next Wednesday following a two-day interview process that will include an opportunity for the public to meet the finalists. The public is invited to a meet-and-greet session at the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive, from 6 to 8 PM next Tuesday.

ASU planetarium shows

Angelo State University's Global Immersion Center, formerly the Planetarium, will present three full-dome public astronomy shows during its fall 2012 schedule beginning Thursday, of next week in the Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building on Vanderventer Street. Each Thursday through November 15th, "Tales of the Maya Skies" will run at 7 p.m., "2012: The End of the World? Not!" will run at 8 p.m. and "Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity" will run at 9 p.m. Admissiion is three dollars for adults and two dollars for children, active military and senior citizens. ASU students, faculty and staff are admitted free.

Traffic enforcement

San Angelo Police patrol and traffic officers worked LIDAR--Light Detection and Ranging--traffic enforcement near the 2100 block of West Houston Harte from Wednesday morning from 7:45 to 10:15. It resulted in 21 citations for speeding, including someone going 83 in a 65-mile-an-hour zone, five for not having insurance and one for expired registration plus one warning.

Bicyclist arrested

Last Saturday, police patrolling near South Chadbourne and East Concho pulled over two San Angelo men on bicycles, one of which did not have a working headlamp. A routine check showed that one of the men, 34-year-old Joshua Tijerina, had outstanding local city warrants and an outstanding warrant out of Bexar County. As an officer tried to take him into custody, Tijerina fled on his bicycle and then on foot. With the help of two police service dogs, he was tracked down, arrested and faces multiple charges.

Mosquito spraying

Here's an update from the City of San Angelo on efforts to protect residents from the mosquito-borne West Nile virus. Mosquito spraying has been completed in City Council districts 1, 2, 5 and 6, and in section 1 of District 3. Spraying continues in section 2 of District 3 and in section 1 of District 4. Depending upon weather conditions, every street and alley in San Angelo will have been sprayed by Friday.

Vehicle break-ins, reminder

Another reminder from San Angelo police designed to keep your vehicle from being the target of a break-in. Vehicle burglaries occurred in the 200 block of west 22nd, unit block of east 19th, and 600 block of east 26th. All reports indicate the vehicles were unlocked and/or stolen valuables were in plain view. Police ask you to please hide your things or take them inside and lock your vehicles. Vehicle Burglary is a crime of opportunity; help eliminate the opportunity.

Girls Night Out

The Laura W. Bush Institute at Angelo State University will hold its second annual "Girls' Night Out" tomorrow evening. Last year, more than 660 freshmen women from ASU and Howard College attended. Topics to be covered include sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections, date rape, date rape drugs and establishing sexual boundaries. It will be held from 6 PM to 10 PM at the Houston Harte University Center.

ASU profs get grant

Two professors working in Angelo State University's Center for Security Studies have been awarded a grant of more than 118-thousand dollars by the National Science Foundation for their project to improve cyber-security education at regional community colleges. The project by Doctors Robert Ehlers and James Phelps is a collaborative effort with Texas Tech University, which received a separate grant.

Tuesday morning accident

Fatigue might have been a factor in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday morning about two miles north of Christoval in Tom Green County. The DPS says a Saturn driven by 51-year-old Troy Wayne Morgan of San Angelo was hit from behind after stopping for a schoolbus loading students on southbound US 277 near Leal Road. 22-year-old Jonathan Ray Schmidt of San Angelo was driving the second vehicle which overturned. Both men were treated and released at the scene; Schmidt was cited for failing to control speed.

Most Wanted arrested

A Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, is now in custody after being captured last Thursday at a residence in San Antonio. A five-thousand dollar reward will be paid on a tip that helped lead to the arrest of 40-year-old Eddie Garza Junior. The Texas Mexican Mafia member was wanted for Parole Violation, and his convictions include Attempted Murder and Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon.

Green Gives Up GOP Convention Seat

As the republican National Convention gets under way in Tampa, it's doing so without Tom Green County Commissioner Yantis Green. Green gave up his convention seat after being fired as manager of an area water district that's now the subject of an F-B-I investigation. Green is being replaced by alternate convention delegate, former Midland mayor J-D Faircloth. The water district says the F-B-I now has Green's personnel records. Agents seized those records from the district's office in Veribest about a week after the water district board terminated Green, who also represents District Four on the County Commission, as its Manager.

Isaac update

Tropical Storm Isaac continues to close in on the northern Gulf Coast. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center say Isaac should become a hurricane today and approach the coast of Louisiana sometime tonight or early tomorrow. A hurricane warning is up from east of Morgan City, Louisiana, to the Alabama-Florida border. As of 5 AM, Isaac was located about 205 miles south-southeast of Biloxi, Mississippi, moving northwest at 12 miles an hour with top winds of 70 miles an hour.

Water change

If you notice your water tasting a little different, here's why: on Monday, the City of San Angelo began temporarily changing the method of disinfection used in its public water supply. The Water Department is switching from chloramine, a mixture of ammonia and chlorine, to chlorine only, for about eight weeks. The city says this is a normal procedure for water systems, ensuring water safety and the highest quality of drinking water. You might initially notice a "chlorine odor" and slight discoloration. Those symptoms should lessen after the first few weeks and do not affect the safety of the water supply.

Seal-coating underway

Something to watch for if you're behind the wheel: the annual seal-coating of selected San Angelo streets is underway this week. Each day through Friday, Brannan Paving will begin its work at sunrise and end 30 minutes before sundown, while trying to avoid peak times in high-traffic areas such as around schools and large retailers. Seal-coating seals micro-cracks in pavement and prevents water from seeping into the roadway foundation and thus helps prevent problems such as potholes. You can find a map of the selected streets at san-angelo-texas-dot-u-s.

Unclaimed money and property

The Texas Comptroller's office is searching for tens of thousands of people who may have a rightful claim to over two-and-a-half-billion dollars in unclaimed money and property. An online search at "claim-it-texas-dot-org" is free.

DWI enforcement

As the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, keep in mind that the Texas Department of Public Safety is already conducting increased DWI patrols. The enhanced enforcement will continue through next Wednesday. Troopers will deployed in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent.

Back to school

With some 12-thousand students heading back to school in San Angelo today, police remind you to get back in the zone--the school zone. Watch out for kids walking to school or waiting for buses. Slow down and pay attention in school zones and around bus stops. Remember, speed limit fines double in school zones. And drivers are prohibited from using handheld devices in school zones.

Water forum Thursday

The City of San Angelo will host a public forum on water issues this Thursday evening. It will be held from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive to offer the most recent information about the city’s water supply and to answer citizens’ questions. Unless San Angelo receives significant rainfall, the city is expected to enter the last of three phases in its drought contingency plan in October, although the Council will consider accelerating implementation of the final stage on September 18th.

Friday chase

On Friday, San Angelo police pursued a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on 17th and running three stop signs at North Bryant, MLK and Chadbourne. The vehicle came to a stop and the driver was caught after a brief foot chase. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Joe Saldana, said he was fleeing because he had an outstanding parole violation warrant. A passenger, 28-year-old Mary Lynn Brock was arrested for an oustanding warrant. Saldana is also facing drug charges after police say narcotics paraphernalia was found in his car and Ativan pills were found in his possession.

Most Wanted arrested

A fugitive featured last month as San Angelo's Most Wanted has been apprehended. 35-year-old Samuel Jessie Riffle was wanted on a probation violation for sexual assault of a child and failure to register as a sex offender. Riffle was arrested July 28th in West Virginia.

Water supply change

The City of San Angelo is temporarily changing the method of disinfection used in its public water supply, starting today. The Water Department is switching from chloramine, a mixture of ammonia and chlorine, to chlorine only, for about eight weeks. The city says this is a normal procedure for water systems, ensuring water safety and the highest quality of drinking water. Water users might initially notice a "chlorine odor" and slight discoloration. Those symptoms should lessen after the first few weeks and do not affect the safety of the water supply.

Masonic honor

Last week, a member of the Concho Masonic Lodge 1260 was awarded his 65-year pin. The District Representative of the Grand Lodge of Texas made the presentation to Reverend Norman Steinbach at the lodge on Thursday night. Stienbach was recognized for his wisdom and continued service to the community.

ASU student honor

A student in the Angelo State University Honors Program has been chosen to attend The Washington Center's Campaign 2012 Academic Seminar in Charlotte, North Carolina, which began Sunday and will continue through September 7th. Preston Wimberly is one of only about 100 students that will take part in the program to be held on site at the Democratic National Convention. It will examine the role of the national political conventions in the presidential nomination process.

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. Today and tonight, you can expect mainly isolated thunderstorms. The main threats will be strong winds and deadly lightning. The chance of thunderstorms will continue through Sunday evening.

City manager selection near

The San Angelo City Council is expected to announce its city manager selection on September 5th following a two-day interview process that will include an opportunity for the public to meet the finalists. The public is invited to a meet-and-greet session at the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive, from 6 to 8 PM on September 4th.
The Council will meet in closed session to decide whom to interview during a special meeting at 1 p.m. August 30th at the Convention Center. The new city manager will succeed Harold Dominguez, who joined the City of Longmont, Colorado, as its city manager in March.

Seal-coating starts Monday

Annual seal-coating for selected San Angelo streets will begin on Monday. Each day Monday through Friday, Brannan Paving, will begin its work at sunrise and end 30 minutes before sundown, while trying to avoid peak times in high-traffic areas such as around schools and large retailers. Seal-coating seals micro-cracks in pavement and prevents water from seeping into the roadway foundation and thus helps prevent problems such as potholes. You can find a map of the selected streets at san-angelo-texas-dot-u-s.

Most wanted captured

A fugitive featured in February of this year as San Angelo's Most Wanted has been captured. 59-year-old Frutoso Lozano Puente was wanted in Hobbs, New Mexico, for criminal assault of a minor. He was said to have friends of relatives in San Angelo. On Monday, he was arrested in Mexico on an Interpol hit. Mexican officials turned Puento over to the U.S. Marshals Service in El Paso.

Drought Level 3 May Be Implemeneted

This may be the last week before even more severe water restrictions go into effect. The San Angelo City Council is considering moving the city into Drought Contingency Level Three, the most stringent set of rules designed to preserve the city's water supply. The Council could make the leap next week, although when the new rules would go into effect isn't yet known. Under Level Three, no watering at all would be permitted for lawns, plants, shrubs and golf courses. No car washing or re-filling of swimming pools and fountains, either. San Angelo's water supply has steadily dropped due to the extended drought. City officials say that by October, there will be about a year of water left without further efforts to conserve it.

Stay of execution

A convicted triple-murderer is back on death row after the U.S. Supreme Court stayed his execution less than an hour before he was to be given a lethal injection last night in Huntsville. John Balentine was convicted in the 1998 murders of his ex-girlfriend's brother and two 15-year-old boys in Amarillo. Balentine argues that he had ineffective legal representation that cost him a possible life sentence instead of death.

Darby road ideas

A state lawmaker from San Angelo suggests a possible solution to fund repairs of the state's deteriorating roads is to raise annual vehicle registration fees by 60 dollars. Representative Drew Darby said Wednesday that could amount to one-point-two billion dollars in additional road funding each year. Darby also said state officials should also re-examine permit fees for commercial vehicles using state roadways, inspection fees for semtrailers hauling from Mexico and study the road damage caused by overweight vehicles.

Democratic Party guest

A New York Times bestselling author will be featured at two Democratic Party events in San Angelo next month. On Monday, September 10th, Jim Hightower of Austin, former Texas agriculture commissioner, will help open the Tom Green County Democratic Party headquarters on West Twohig at 5:30 PM. Then, Hightower will headline the meeting of the Tom Green County Democratic Club at 7 PM.

QuickBooks finale

The ASU Small Business Development Center is concluding its series of seminars on QuickBooks today with Part Four. You'll learn how to build reports necessary for analyzing your business. It is scheduled from 3 to 5:30 PM on campus at the Rassman Building on Dena Drive. The fee is 40 dollars per person. You can sign up at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

ASU registration

Prospective Angelo State University students who did not attend an ASU Student Orientation, Advising and Registration session this summer are still encouraged to register for classes before the fall semester begins on Monday. The Office of Admissions is honoring fall 2012 ASU acceptance letters that prospective students received in the past year. And the Student Support Center is holding a "Get Connected to ASU" program on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the Houston Harte University Center on Rosemont Drive.

Unclaimed money

The Texas Comptroller's office is searching for tens of thousands of people who may have a rightful claim to over two-and-a-half-billion dollars in unclaimed money and property. An online search at "claim-it-texas-dot-org" is free.

Get in the zone

With school underway for some students and starting next week for the rest, San Angelo police are reminding you to get back in the zone--the school zone. You are reminded to watch out for kids walking to school or waiting for buses. Slow down and pay attention in school zones and around bus stops. Remember, speed limit fines double in school zones. And drivers are prohibited from using handheld devices in school zones.

Drought discussion

No action was taken Tuesday, but San Angelo city council members did discuss the possibility of moving the city into drought stage level three. That's the plan if there is no significant rainfall in the next month. It would mean all outside watering would be prohibited.

Water district dismissal

Tom Green County Commissioner Yantis Green has been fired as manager of the County Water Control and Improvement District Number One. And the FBI has seized materials from the water district. It is not known if the two events are related.

City commissions consolidated

The San Angelo City Council has approved the consolidation of two city commissions into one. The River Corridor Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission are being combined to form the new Design and Historic Review Commission. Officials say it will streamline the process of getting approval for downtown renovations.

MedHab incentives

The City Council has approved three and a half million dollars in incentives for a high-tech medical device manufacturer to locate its permanent operations plant in San Angelo. The agreement with MedHab involves financial help for employees, a building, capital investments and the leasing or purchase of equipment to expand the company in San Angelo. MedHab estimates it will eventually generate more than 220 new jobs.

Dead man identified

San Angelo police say that family members have identified a man who collapsed and died Monday afternoon. He was found unconscious in the 2900 block of Sherwood Way, near the ATC building and was dead on arrival at Shannon Medical Center. He had no ID on his person but family members later identified him as 42-year-old Pedro "Pete" Serabia of San Angelo. Medical complications are listed as the cause of death and no signs of trauma were observed.

ASU recognized

For the fourth consecutive year, Angelo State University has been listed by The Princeton Review as one of the country's best institutions for undergraduate education. That honor goes to only about 15 percent of the nation's more than 25-hundred four-year colleges. "The Best 377 Colleges" was released Tuesday and author Robert Franek said, "We commend Angelo State University for its outstanding academics, which is the primary criteria for our selection of schools for the book."

Traffic signal operating again

The traffic signal at the intersection of Abe Street and Beauregard Avenue was operational again as of Monday afternoon. The signal was severely damaged by a pickup truck that collided with it early on July 29th. Since then, stop signs have regulated the flow of traffic through the three-way stop. The city says replacing the signal was delayed by the need to order anchor bolts for the signal’s stanchion, drill new holes and pour a new foundation that had to set for 10 days.

New city info officer

The City of San Angelo’s Civic Events manager is getting a new job. Anthony Wilson has been selected as the city's public information officer, effective September 1st. Wilson replaces Ty Meighan, who joined the State Bar of Texas in June as a communications strategist.

GOP women's luncheon

Three sitting justices on the Texas Third Court of Appeals and one candidate will be featured at the August luncheon of the Concho Valley Republican Women. Speaking will be justices Jeff Rose, David Puryear and Bob Pemberton and Place Three candidate Scott Field. It's open free to the public Thursday from 11:30 to 1 at the San Angelo Country Club.
If you want lunch, it's 15 dollars--RSVP by noon tomorrow at 653-7500.

Meth bust

Friday night, San Angelo police spotted a suspicious vehicle in the 4200 block of Mercedes Street. While speaking to one of the two occupants, an officer noticed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Police service dog Reno was called to the scene and alerted officers to the presence of contraband. A search turned up a small plastic bag containing methamphetamine. 48-year-old Kelly Kerr of Christoval was arrested for possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. The other person, 35-year-old Julie Kendrix of San Angelo, was released at the scene.

Dead man unidentified

San Angelo police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who collapsed and died Monday afternoon. He was found unconscious in the 2900 block of Sherwood Way, near the ATC building and was dead on arrival at Shannon Medical Center. He had no ID on his person. He is described as an Hispanic male in his mid-40's, 5-7 to 5-10, 180 to 200 pounds with black hair in a five-inch long braid. He was wearing a black "Off the Rack Deer Hunting" brand t-shirt, blue jeans and white athletic shoes with blue trim. If you know anything about this man's identity, contact San Angelo police.

Narco-terrorism conference

Starting today, Angelo State University is hosting 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 today through Thursday at the ASU Center for Security Studies. You can find out more at pit-tip-dot-org.

Rambunctious weekend

Angelo State University will kick off the 2012 fall semester with its annual Rambunctious Weekend activities this Friday through Monday at various campus locations. Students begin moving into residence halls on Friday and will be greeted with a variety of activities designed to help new students make the transition to college life and to welcome back returning students. You can find the Rambunctious Weekend schedule on the ASU website at angelo-dot-e-d-u.

DWI enforcement

As of Sunday, the Texas Department of Public Safety began increasing DWI patrols. The enhanced enforcement will continue through September 5th, which includes the Labor Day holiday weekend. Troopers will deployed in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. The enhanced patrols are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Police shooting investigation

The Texas Department of Public Safety has released the name of the suspect in a domestic disturbance who was shot and killed by by a San Angelo police officer. He was 30-year-old Julio Cesar Lopez of San Angelo. Police say that, early Sunday morning at the Riverbend Mobile Home Estates, Lopez attacked and strangled an officer who was attempting to take him into custody. As the officer was about to lose consciousness, he fired his service weapon, hitting the suspect, who died from his injuries. The officer was transported to a local hospital, treated and released. The incident is under investigation by the Texas Rangers.

Fatalities on message signs

Starting today, the Texas Department of Transportation will try to get the attention of motorists and encourage safe driving by displaying some frightening statistics on their message signs. For one week out of every month, TxDot says it will display the year-to-date number of traffic deaths in Texas on more than 700 message signs in the state.

Gas price update

Triple-A reports that both the price of oil and retail gasoline increased again last week. Motorists now pay more for a gallon of gas than they did this time last summer. The statewide average price for regular gas in Texas is now three-54 a gallon, up four cents from a week ago. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-46 to three-65 a gallon.

Cardenas fails to make ballot

A former San Angelo City Councilman and San Angelo ISD School Board member has failed to get on the ballot for Tom Green County Commissioner in Precinct One. According to a news release from County Judge Mike Brown, Daniel Cardenas failed to get a sufficient number of qualified signatures on his petition. Cardenas was seeking to run as an independent candidate.

Mosquito spraying continues

As the West Nile virus continues to spread across Texas, the the City of San Angelo continues its systematic effort to spray every street and alleyway for mosquitoes. Weather permitting, the City’s two spray trucks will treat streets and alleys from 5 AM to AM and from 7 PM to 11 PM every day, including Saturdays and Sundays, until the entire community has been treated. The city is also treating small standing bodies of stagnant water, such as in the Red Arroyo, with larvicide to prevent mosquito larvae from hatching.

Suspect shot and killed

The suspect in a domestic disturbance in San Angelo wound up being shot by police. The incident happened early Sunday morning at the Riverbend Mobile Home Estates. San Angelo police say the suspect attacked and strangled an officer who was attempting to take him into custody. As the officer was about to lose consciousness, he fired his service weapon, hitting the suspect, who died from his injuries. The officer was transported to a local hospital, treated and released. The incident is under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

ASU professor's poetry honored

A poem written by an Angelo State University professor of English has been included in the 2013 Texas Poetry Calendar. The newly-published annual desk calendar features Texas-themed poetry and pairs the weeks of the year with the works of more than 90 poets, including Dr. Chris Ellery's poem "Christ the King Sunday at the Carmelite Hermitage near Christoval." The Texas Poetry Calendar, in its 15th year of publication by Dos Gatos Press of Austin, is available online at Amazon-dot-com and at independent bookstores throughout the state.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo's Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for failing to register as a sex offender. 42-year-old Rojelio Ray Ortega is 5-11, 190 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes. His last known address was in the 600 block of West 15th Street and he was last seen last month, walking away from that residence. If you have any information regarding Rojelio Ray Ortega, you can call CrimeStoppers at 658-HELP.

ASU Alumni golf

The Angelo State University Alumni Association will host its 15th annual golf tournament this Friday at the San Angelo Country Club on Country Club Road. Proceeds will be used to fund ASU scholarships, special events for ASU alumni, students and the San Angelo community, and outreach projects that promote the university and its accomplishments. The alumni association will also make a donation to the Rambelles golf team. Players can register online at angelo-state-alumni-dot-com.

Sales tax holiday

Just in time for back-to-school shopping, the tax-free weekend has arrived in Texas. It runs today through Sunday. Most clothing, shoes and school supplies priced under 100 dollars are exempt from state and local sales and use taxes, saving shoppers about eight bucks for every one hundred spent. You can find a list of tax-exempt items at visit-texas-tax-holiday-dot-org.

Accident with injury

A single-vehicle accident south of San Angelo left the driver injured. Troopers say the 30-year-old man was on his way to Nacogdoches Thursday afternoon when he lost control of his car and drove off Highway 87 at York Road. He wound up in a drainage ditch and was being treated at Community Medical Center. Two dogs that were in the car were being taken care of by Wall volunteer firefighters.

Murder indictment

A San Angelo man has been indicted for murder. 54-year-old Robert Wayne Bain is accused of fatally shooting 38-year-old Steve Joe Gutierrez Junior. The killing took place last March at a residence on east 25th Street. Authorities say Bain and his wife had been having marital problems and, just before the shooting, Bain found Gutierrez helping his wife pack up to leave their home.

Bar fight arrests

San Angelo police broke up a bar fight early Wednesday morning. Officers arriving at Tom's Bar on South Chadbourne Street found more than a dozen people involved in a brawl. They arrested three San Angelo men: 37-year-old Reimundo Robles, 25-year-old Daniel Casillas and 23-year-old Jesse Rodriquez.

SAISD convocation

The San Angelo Independent School District is inviting the public to its back-to-school convocation, which will be held next Wednesday at 9 AM at the Coliseum. Keynote speaker will be adventurer Eric Alexander, who scaled Mount Everest in 2001 while guiding his blind friend, Erik Welhenmayer, to the summit. The convocation will also include campus and department recognitions as well as music provided by the Central and Lake View high school bands, orchestras and choirs.

Mosquito spraying

San Angelo officials don't know how long it will take to spray the entire city for mosquitoes as an outbreak of West Nile virus continues to grow. Four cases have been reported at Shannon Medical Center and one of those, a Concho County resident, died. The city's two spray trucks have begun the job of spraying every street and alleyway. They're out from 5 to 9 in the morning and 7 to 11 in the evening, currently in the south and southwest sections of San Angelo.

ASU still registering

Prospective Angelo State University students who did not attend an ASU Student Orientation, Advising and Registration session this summer are still encouraged to register for classes before the fall semester begins August 27th. The Office of Admissions is honoring fall 2012 ASU acceptance letters that prospective students received in the past year. And the Student Support Center is a "Get Connected to ASU" program on Saturday, August 25th, at 3:30 p.m. in the Houston Harte University Center on Rosemont Drive.

Accident with injury

San Angelo police were busy mid-morning on Wednesday working an accident with injuries at the intersection of Sherwood Way and Johnson Street. Officers say 26-year-old Ludonna Yoder was driving a Camaro eastbound on Sherwood Way and collided with a Hyundai northbound on Johnson and trying to turn left. Yoder was taken to the hospital.

West Nile virus

So far, there have been more than 380 total confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Texas. That's according to the Department of State Health Services. On Tuesday, Shannon Medical Center reported that it has diagnosed four cases of West Nile virus, including the death of a Concho County resident. The San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department is encouraging you to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the mosquito-borne illness. The best way to avoid becoming infected by West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites.

West Nile virus

The San Angelo – Tom Green County Health Department encourages the public to continue to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness. Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid becoming infected. On Tuesday, Shannon Medical Center reported that it has diagnosed four cases of West Nile virus, including one death. That person was a resident of Concho County. The Department of State Health Services is reporting more than 380 total confirmed cases in Texas.

QuickBooks training

Later today, the Angelo State University - Small Business Development Center will be hosting the second of two QuickBooks training workshops being held this week: QuickBooks Basics is scheduled in ASU's Rassman Building on Dena Drive from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Cost is 40 dollars per person. Registration is required and you can do that at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Facebook Tips and Tricks

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 today. The topic will be "Facebook Tips and Tricks." Andy Allen of Chaos Marketing will be sharing ideas on how to improve your Facebook business page’s effectiveness. It takes place from noon to 1 in the Chamber Riverview Room and is free and open to the public with an RSVP. You can find out more at san-angelo-dot-org.

State of the City

The State of the City address to members of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday focused on water conservation. Interim city manager Michael Dane spoke at the annual luncheon held at the West Texas Training Center. Dane said residents must continue to conserve water and hope for more rainfall to prevent further water restrictions.

West Nile death

Shannon Medical Center reported Tuesday that one of four patients being treated at Shannon for West Nile virus died over the weekend. The only information released about the patient is that the person was not a resident of Tom Green County and was over the age of 50. Health experts say the very young and older people are most susceptible to the West Nile virus.

Car vs scooter accident

A car versus motor scooter accident in San Angelo Tuesday afternoon left an elderly man injured. Police say 83-year-old David Rogers was on the scooter heading east on West College Street when he was hit by a Toyota at the intersection with North Chadbourne. Rogers was wearing a helmet, according to police, who are investigating the collision.

Legislative summit

San Angelo will be the site of the 9th annual West Texas Legislative Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, August 28th, at the McNease Convention Center. This year's topic will be Water Resources, Now and The Future. Speakers will include experts and 16 State elected officials. The Summit is open to the public and you can register at san-angelo-dot-org. Early-bird discount registration has been extended through today at 5 PM.

Drought and heat continue

Only about 12 percent of Texas remains drought-free as hot, dry weather patterns of late summer are setting in. That's according to the U.S. Drought Monitor and Texas AgriLife Extension Service. And it was getting hotter. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 15 high-temperature records in Texas were broken on Monday alone. Brown County, southeast of Abilene, had the highest record-breaking temperature on that day: 110 degrees.

Food bank donation

H-E-B customers says its customers statewide have taken a stance against hunger with a record-setting Help End Hunger campaign raising more than 440-thousand dollars this year to benefit 15 Texas Food Banks. The money is collected and awarded to the Food Bank that services the area where the funds were raised. Today, H-E-B will donate two-thousand-500 dollars to the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank. This donation will enable the Food Bank to provide an estimated eight-thousand-750 meals to the hungry in this area.

Howard College donation

The local San Angelo Service Chapter of Royal Neighbors of America, a fraternal insurance company, will be presenting a check today to Howard College. The money is to be used by students who need to buy books and supplies. The chapter is planning to do this each August for at least the next four years. Members are hoping others in the community will follow their lead and also donate.

Fatal Menard housefire

One person got out and another did not when a house caught on fire in Menard County early Monday. Authorities say Billy Moore thought that 63-year-old Clara Porter was behind him as he escaped. She was not. Porter died; Moore was treated for smoke inhalation. It's believed the fire might have been ignited by lightning.

Sunday night crash

Several people were injured in a crash Sunday night on US 87 about 22 miles south of San Angelo. A pickup pulling an empty box trailer was traveling westbound on US 87 in rainy and windy conditions. The winds pushed the trailer over onto its side causing it to block both west bound lanes. When two other pickups stopped to check on the trailer, a westbound truck-tractor pulling a semi hit one of the two pickups that stopped to help and then crashed into the overturned trailer and pickup. The driver of one of the two pickups was injured along with two passengers from the pickup pulling the overturned trailer. They were taken to Shannon Medical Center for treatment

Check fraud arrest

San Angelo police looking for a man suspected of passing fraudulent checks to local hotels responded to the Spring Hill Suites on Southwest Boulevard last Wednesday. 30-year old Jonathan Mosier was detained and found to be in possession of items used to commit financial fraud, including books of phony checks, blank check paper, ID cards belonging to other people and a computer and printers. Police say other people might be involved. Mosier was taken to the Tom Green County Jail and charged with theft.

QuickBooks workshops

The Angelo State University - Small Business Development Center will be hosting two QuickBooks training workshops this week: Introduction to QuickBooks today and QuickBooks Basics on Thursday. Each session will be held in ASU's Rassman Building on Dena Drive from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Cost is 40 dollars per seminar, per person. Registration is required and you can do that at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Leadership San Angelo

30 years ago, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce created Leadership San Angelo, designed to seek out and help develop future leadership for the community. The Chamber is now accepting applications for the next class of Leadership San Angelo, which begins in October. You can find out more information at the Chamber's website at san-angelo-dot-org. The deadline to submit applications is September 4th.

West Nile virus

The Tom Green County Health Department is urging you to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus, a mosquito borne illness. Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid becoming infected. According to the Department of State Health Services, there has been a higher than usual number of West Nile cases in Texas this year due to the warm winter and recent rains. The San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department received its first reported and confirmed case of West Nile virus last week.

Gas price update

Gas prices jumped again in the past week and, according to Triple-A, factors include elevated oil prices, domestic supply disruptions, and tropical storms. The statewide average price of regular gas in Texas is at three-50 a gallon, up nine cents from a week ago. Gas-buddy-dot-com shows the price of regular in San Angelo ranging from three-46 to three-65 a gallon.

Tom Green tax hearings

Starting this week, the Commissioners' Court will hold two public hearings on the proposed tax rate for fiscal year 2013 in Tom Green County. Commissioners have voted to keep the tax rate the same: 52 and a half cents per 100 dollars valuation. The hearings are scheduled for tomorrow at 9 AM and Tuesday, September 4th at 9 AM. They will be held in the commissioners' courtroom on the second floor of the Edd B. Keyes building on West Beauregard in San Angelo.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather advisory for portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening south of Interstate 20. The main threats will be damaging winds and deadly lightning.

Base Closures Off Table - For Now

Military bases in the U-S have dodged the bullet again, at least for now. The Defense Department says closure of military bases is off the table, at least for 2013. Many cutbacks and some outright closures had been proposed as a way of trimming the defense budget. Some of those changes could have affected a number of Texas bases including Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo. Now, though, they've all received at least a temporary reprieve. Many in Congress are lobbying hard to keep the so-called Base Realignment and Closure Commissions out of budget plans for as long as possible as a boost to their local economies. Even though a Commission won't be sitting for 2013 a Defense Department budget proposal submitted earlier this year still calls for another one in 2015.

Hazardous weather outlook

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says isolated thunderstorms will be possible south of a line from Iraan to Eldorado to San Saba this afternoon and evening. The primary threat will be dangerous lightning. The stronger storms will have the potential to produce localized damaging winds.

Egg on Track Day

Tomorrow, the Railway Museum of San Angelo will hold its 2nd annual "Fry an Egg on the Track Day". Texas-Pacifico Railroad has been notified and the track will be clear at 2 pm when kids from 2 to 16 try to see if the track really is so hot you can fry an egg on it. Prizes will be awarded. The museum, located at 703 South Chadbourne, is open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Power line falls

People on the south side of San Angelo and around Goodfellow Air Force Base lost power Thursday afternoon when a power line fell near the south gate of the base. The area was blocked off to traffic while AEP crews worked to fix the problem. It was not immediately known what caused the power line to fall.

Traffic stop, drug bust

A traffic stop by San Angelo police on Wednesday night turned into a drug bust. An officer stopped a vehicle in the 1500 block of Koberlin that was traveling without working taillights. 19-year-old Jonathan A. Leura of San Angelo was also allegedly driving without a valid driver's license. The officer, noticing Luera acting nervously, asked if he had anything illegal in his car and Leura said he had marijuana. Police say further investigation revealed he had two ounces of pot and also methamphetamine. Leura was arrested on possession charges and taken to the Tom Green County Jail.

More Wells Recommended

With San Angelo's water supply good for only a little over a year unless major rainfall occurs, the city is hustling to find additional sources of water. A water advisory and burn ban are already in place. Now, the city's Water Advisory Board is recommending that seven new wells be drilled in the Hickory Aquifer water field. Board members say the move is based on worst-case scenarios and would not involve pumping the maximum daily amount of water possible, just enough to get San Angelo through the drought and leave a reserve. The project could cost up to eighteen million dollars. Most of the money is already available in leftover funds from the Hickory Aquifer project.

Deputy shooter dies

The man charged with killing Deputy Mitchell died Tuesday night. Marcus Madison had been hospitalized at Shannon Medical Center after being airlifted from the scene of the standoff in Big Lake with what was believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities were planning to file other charges had Madison survived.

Deputy funeral

Funeral services were held in Big Lake Wednesday for the Reagan County deputy gunned down in a standoff last week. Members of the San Angelo Police Department were in attendance and posted this message on Facebook--quote--"To the Mitchell family and community of Big Lake, thank you for sharing Josh with all of us. Deputy Josh Mitchell, you will be missed by many and never forgotten. Thank you for your service. Rest easy Deputy, we will keep the watch covered here. That is what you would want, and that is what we will do."

Credit card suspects found

San Angelo police recently requested help in identifying suspects wanted in connection with the use of a stolen credit card. The three suspects in the crime bulletin have all now contacted the police since seeing their photos on social media and the news. Through investigation it was found that one female, 32-year-old Lacy Nance, was responsible for the crime. Nance will be charged with one felony count of Debit/Credit card abuse.

Window thief

San Angelo police responded Tuesday evening to the alley behind the 11-hundred block of East 21st Street where a suspicious subject was reported to be unloading windows from a white Ford Escape. Officers found the vehicle and its driver and, nearby, several brand new windows with Angelo Glass and Mirror stickers. A search of the Escape turned up packaging simlar to that of the windows and drug paraphernalia. The windows turned out to be stolen. Also found was a pawn ticket for a DVD player reported stolen in Arlington. The driver, 29-year-old Joe Salas, was arrested.

Low-speed chase

On Tuesday afternoon, a San Angelo police officer tried to stop a vehicle for running a stop sign at 6th and Main. Despite the officer activating his emergency lights and siren, the vehicle failed to pull over. A low-speed chase continued south on Main until the vehicle made a u-turn in Diego's Burritos and headed north on Main. It finally stopped at East 22nd Street and the two occupants were taken into custody. 21-year-old Edward Crisp and 22-year-old Timothy Espinoza were arrested on several charges, including possession of marijuana, which was found in the vehicle.

No Property Tax Hike In Sight

There will be no increase in San Angelo property taxes for at least a year. The City Council has taken a vote that, while it allows the tax rate to be reduced, prohibits any increase. With that vote, the tax rate will remain at or below the current 78-point-six cents per hundred dollars valuation. The first hearing on the proposed tax levy will come when the city budget ordinance is introduced on August 21st. The final tax levy won't be approved until September 18th. Some Council members and city staff saying the rate may actually drop by about half a cent.

Deputy Slaying Suspect Dies

A dramatic new twist in the slaying of Regan County deputy sheriff Josh Mitchell last week: the only suspect in the shooting has died. Marcus Madison of Big Lake was hospitalized after his arrest following a SWAT team standoff last week. He was accused of gunning Mitchell down outside a house in Big Lake then hiding in the house. Madison reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the head that may have been self-inflicted. Reports today say the wound was very severe and that it was surprising Madison lived as long as he did. Meanwhile, a funeral procession from San Angelo to Big Lake this morning brought the body of Deputy Mitchell back for funeral services. Police agencies from throughout the state took past in the cortège. Burial took place in Big Lake with an honors ceremony following the service.

Deputy funeral today

The funeral for the Reagan County deputy shot and killed in a standoff at Big Lake last week is scheduled for this morning at 10 at the First Baptist Church in Big Lake. Tuesday, law enfocement personnel from across Texas gathered to honor 26-year-old Josh Mitchell. A funeral procession went from Johnson Funeral Home west on Sherwood Way to U.S. 67 and finally to Big Lake. The procession included DPS troopers, sheriff's deputies and San Angelo police.

Tom Green County burn ban

Tom Green County is once again under a burn ban. County commissioners issued the ban as drought conditions continue. It's in effect for 90 days. You're not allowed to do any outdoor burning or to cook outdoors with charcoal or wood, but you can cook outside with propane or white gas. Violators can face fines of up to 500 dollars.

San Angelo police chase

San Angelo police wound up in a brief chase Tuesday morning after responding to a report of a family violence assault in the 100 block of East Avenue L. Officers got a description of a suspect and his vehicle, a maroon 2000 Daewoo, and then saw him flee the location. He failed to comply with police orders to pull over, instead heading north on South Oakes Street, running the red light at East Harris Avenue and crashing into a car traveling east on Harris. No one was injured. The suspect was finally caught after leaving his vehicle on College Street and attempting to escape on foot. 27-year-old Michael Rosales was arrested and faces a number of charges.

Funeral Procession For Slain Deputy

Tomorrow's funeral for a slain Reagan County deputy will include a procession escorted by San Angelo police and police units from across the state. Deputy Josh Mitchell's funeral will be a ten o'clock tomorrow morning at First Baptist Church in Big Lake. Plans shaping up today for a funeral procession that will run from San Angelo to Big Lake along Sherwood Way and on to U-S 67. Police say citizens are welcome to line the route as long as it's safe. Meanwhile, the man accused of killing Mitchell and precipitating a 17-hour SWAT team standoff last week is in Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo with a head wound that police say may have been self-inflicted. Marcus Madison is accused of gunning Mitchell down in a Big Lake alley last Wednesday night.

Telephone scam

San Angelo police are warning of a telephone scam involving credit unions. They say they've gotten a number of complaints from residents who say they received an automated message from a credit union asking for personal information, including PIN numbers. If you get such a call, simply hang up. Financial institutions say they will never call to request personal information.

Deputy funeral arrangements

Funeral arrangements have been made for the Reagan County sheriff's deputy killed in last week's standoff at Big Lake. Services for Josh Mitchell will be held tomorrow at 10 AM at First Baptist Church in Big Lake. This afternoon at 1:30 there will be a procession from Johnson's Funeral Home on West Beauregard heading west on Sherwood Way to the city limits on U.S. Highway 67. Citizens are welcome to safely line the route.

Lunch and Learn

The Concho Valley C.A.R.E.S. Coalition will host their next Lunch and Learn tomorrow from noon to 1 PM at River Crest Hospital on Hunters Glen Road in San Angelo. Kevin Huddleston, Youth and Family Minister at Johnson Street Church of Christ and representatives from the Children’s Advocacy Center will discuss how to speak to teens. The public is invited and parents are encouraged to attend. Find out more at c-v-cares-dot-org.

Fry egg on track day

This Saturday, the Railway Museum of San Angelo will hold its 2nd annual “Fry an Egg on the Track Day”. Texas-Pacifico Railroad has been notified and the track will be clear at 2 pm when kids from 2 to 16 try to see if the track really is so hot you can fry an egg on it. Prizes will be awarded. The museum is open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Symphony movie premiere

The San Angelo Symphony will present a San Angelo movie premiere later this month. The Odd Life of Timothy Green is written and directed by Academy Award nominee Peter Hedges, who has roots in the Concho Valley. Hedges will be the guest for a luncheon on August 21st with the film, starring Jennifer Garner, showing that evening. Proceeds benefit the symphony and you can get ticket information at san-angelo-symphony-dot-org.

ASU Civil War series resumes

Due to the success of the Angelo State University lecture series commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the series will be continued for the 2012-13 academic year with seven new programs. They will begin September 17th with "Reading the Civil War: Favorite Civil War Books." Other programs will include performances of Civil War music, topics including slavery in early Texas and a dramatic reading of original Civil War letters.

Wade Reportedly Made Threats In Earlier Arrest

News today that the man who's accused of murdering a Reagan Count deputy then precipitating an all-night SWAT team standoff in Big Lake had allegedly threatened to kill police officers as recently as early July. 42-year-old Marcus Wade is charged with killing deputy Josh Mitchell Thursday night in Big Lake prior to a seventeen-hour standoff that ended with his arrest. Now, word that Madison had allegedly been uncooperative and made threats against officers while he was jailed in Brown County on charges of family violence and resisting arrest. Wade was freed on bond in Brown County on July 14th.

Unpaid tickets

Some folks in the Midland-Odessa area might be hearing from authorities in San Angelo. The Standard Times reports that residents from those two cities visiting Lake Nasworthy have racked up unpaid tickets totalling 600-thousand dollars. Those who think they might have an unpaid warrant in San Angelo should contact the city's Municipal Court by phone or online.

Starting your own business

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.

Workers comp seminar

Later this week, the ASU Small Business Development Center will sponsor an educational seminar for medical office staff, including office managers and billing staff. The Basic Workers' Compensation seminar is presented by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation. It will be held Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM, at the West Texas Training Center on North US Highway 67 in San Angelo. You can find out more and register online at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Gas price update

Last week, Triple-A said indications were that gas prices would stabilize. Instead, news of more U.S. jobs pushed up oil prices and regional gas prices jumped as well. The auto club says the statewide average price for regular gas in Texas is three-41 a gallon today, up seven cents from a week ago. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-32 to three-47 a gallon.

Get ready for school

It's time to get ready for school. San Angelo ISD will hold Pre-Kindergarten registration for the new school year today from 7 to 5 PM and tomorrow from 8 to 6 PM in the SAISD Administration Building at 1621 University. Students at Central High School can pick up schedules, textbooks and parking decals this Wednesday through Friday and next Monday through Wednesday. Lake View High students can buy a parking decal or yearbook on August 22nd; schedules and registration packets will be given out on the first day of school, which is August 27th.

Accused Cop-Killer Had SA Record

The man accused of killing a Reagan County deputy sheriff Wednesday night then forcing a SWAT team standoff all night and well into yesterday morning has a police record in San Angelo. Police say Marcus Madison drove through a construction zone on his motorcycle to avoid a red light back in 2002, and was chased by police officers. He finally punched one of them as they tried to subdue him. Madison on that occasion got off with five years' probation. That won't be the case this time, though. Madison is accused of shooting and killing Reagan County deputy Josh Mitchell while Mitchell was searching a Big Lake alley Wednesday night. Then, as we reported throughout the day yesterday, a SWAT team cornered him at a Big Lake home and finally arrested him late yesterday morning.

Gas price update

Here's a check of gas prices as we head into the weekend: Triple-A reports that the average statewide price for regular gas in Texas is three-37 a gallon, up two cents from a week ago. Gas-buddy-dot-com shows prices in San Angelo ranging from three-21 to three-39 a gallon.

Heat advisory

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a heat advisory for an area including the Concho Valley. Strong high pressure aloft will continue to produce very htot temperatures. These temperatures will combine with afternoon relative humidity values to produce heat index values up to 108 degrees. The potential for dangerous heat-related illnesses will increase. The heat advisory is in effect until eight o'clock tonight.

Wal-Mart thief

San Angelo police have arrested a man for stealing items from the northside Wal-Mart. Following reports that someone had tried to steal merchandise from the store and then walked to the Murphy's gas station, officers found 32-year-old Alfredo Amaro. They connected Amaro, who was already wanted on county and city warrants, to a truck in the Wal-Mart parking lot that contained items matching items previously reported stolen from Wal-Mart. A search of the truck also turned up a device used to remove electronic anti-theft devices from merchandise.

Juvenile suspects sought

San Angelo police are trying to track down some juveniles who might have been involved in the theft of a vehicle. An investigation last month of a suspicious vehicle revealed that it had been previously reported stolen and one male juvenile was arrested. However, it's believed others took part. If you know anything about the suspects, you can contact the San Angelo Police Department or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

DWI enforcement totals

The Texas Department of Public Safety has announced that its troopers made more than 12-hundred DWI arrests during a nine-day special enforcement period, including the July 4th holiday. The targeted DWI enforcement took place from June 30 – July 8 and included additional patrol hours funded by a Texas Department of Transportation grant.
DPS Director Steven McCraw said the effort made Texas roads safer and saved lives, adding--quote--“We are grateful for the men and women of our Texas Highway Patrol who work every day to keep our communities safe.”

Big Lake Deputy Killing Suspect Captured

In Big Lake today: a standoff between police and a man who's suspected of killing a Reagan County deputy sheriff. Deputy Josh Mitchell was shot and killed last night while searching an alley in Big Lake. The suspect then barricaded himself in a house. Officers evacuated the area and the standoff last all night and well into this morning. Finally, around eleven-fifteen,SWAT team officers tossed concussion grenades and tear gas into the house and entered it. Reports say they found the suspect, Marcus Madison, hiding in a closet. Madison will be charged with Deputy Mitchell's murder and a number of other crimes.

Twin Buttes pumping

Workers began the process of pumping water out of the south pool at Twin Buttes Reservoir Wednesday. About five-thousand acre feet of water is being transferred into the main pool at Twin Buttes so it can flow into Lake Nasworthy to keep the water level from dropping. According to city officials, we're in the peak time of year for usage of San Angelo water sources. The city is at drought stage two, but could go to stage three if San Angelo drops below a one-year water supply.

Chick-Fil-A Day

Supporters and opponents of gay marriage brought their fight to Chick-fil-A restaurants across the nation Wednesday. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee had suggested that August 1st should be "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" after the restaurant's CEO received some criticism for his remarks in support of traditional marriage. In San Angelo, police put out an advisory just before one o'clock urging motorists to avoid the intersection of Southland and Sherwood Way because of excessive traffic around Chick-Fil-A.

Heat advisory

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a heat advisory for the Concho Valley. It's in effect until 8 o'clock tonight. Strong high pressure aloft will continue to produce very hot temperatures. The temperatures will combine with afternoon humidities to produce heat index values in the 105 to 108 degree range. At these values, the potential for dangerous heat-related illnesses will increase.

Texas housing sales up

The Texas Association of Realtors calls it an example of how the Lone Star State is leading the nation’s economic recovery. The latest edition of the Texas Quarterly Housing Report indicates the real estate market continues to show marked improvements over last year. Single family home sales were up 13 percent and the median price was up seven percent over the second quarter of last year.

ASU honor

An honor for Angelo State University's Office of Development and Alumni Relations: the Council for Advancement and Support of Education has recognized the department with a Circle of Excellence Award for Overall Improvement in the university's fundraising activities. ASU was one of only 30 colleges nationally so recognized in 2012 and one of only three so honored among public comprehensive universities in the United States.

Water Pumped From Twin Buttes

Workers today started pumping water out of Twin Buttes Reservoir in an effort to sustain San Angelo's dwindling water supply. Officials say it's critical to pump water into Lake Nasworthy now because demand in these hot summer days exceeds what's available from O-H Ivey Reservoir. Today, crews began pumping water from the south pool to the main pool at Twin Buttes. From there, it will go into Lake Nasworthy. San Angelo is battling an ongoing water shortage which currently has the city in Stage Two of its drought plan with a maximum of sixteen months' water supply available. City officials say pumping water from Twin Buttes to Nasworthy is only a short-term solution to the water shortage. Only one thing, they say, will provide a real fix: rain and lots of it.

Latino keynote

The mayor of San Antonio will be the first Latino to give the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention on September 4th. Julian Castro is scheduled to speak right after first lady Michelle Obama on the opening night in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Senate runoffs

The matchups are set for November's U.S. Senate election. Ted Cruz took 57 percent fo the vote to win the Republican nomination over Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. On the Democratic side, former state representative Paul Sadler defeated retired educator Grady Yarbrough. The senate seat is being vacated by Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is retiring.

GOP sheriff runoff

Unofficial final results are in from Tuesday's primary runoff elections. In Tom Green County, David Jones won the Republican nomination for sheriff, taking 63 and a half percent of the vote to 37 and a half percent for Steve Mild. Jones will face Democrat Walter Bryant and Libertarian David Benton in the November general election.

ASU seminar

For those of you with your own businesses, the ASU Small Business Development Center is conducting another free seminar. This one is entitled, “Federal Government Contacts: Finding the Missing Pieces to Your Success.” It will be held tomorrow from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at Angelo State University in the Rassman Building Conference Room on Dena Drive. Visit sbdc-dot-angelo-dot-edu to register online.

Restore open Saturday

You can save big this weekend on new and used building materials as the Habitat for Humanity Warehouse Restore opens to the public. They're selling paint for just a dollar a gallon, mini blinds for a dollar. Five dollars gets you large blinds, doors, windows, commodes and light fixtures. Save money on those home improvements and help a good cause: Habitat for Humanity's ReStore will be open Saturday morning from 8:30 to 11:30. The address is 401 North Chadbourne Street.

TCG tax rate hearings

The Commissioners' Court will hold two public hearings on the proposed tax rate for fiscal year 2013 in Tom Green County. County Judge Mike Brown has scheduled the hearings for Tuesday, August 14th at 9 AM and Tuesday, September 4th at 9 AM. They will be held in the commissioners' courtroom on the second floor of the Edd B. Keyes building on West Beauregard in San Angelo.

ASU professors awarded grant

An Angelo State University professor and an ASU research scientist have been awarded a 309-thousand dollar grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The money will fund the project headed by Dr. Christine Purkiss and Dr. Kit Price Blount that is designed to improve Earth system science teaching practices in rural elementary schools.