Sports headlines for Central and ASU

Looking ot the weekend...the ASU Rams play their home finale on Saturday at 2pm versus Incarnate Word from San Angelo Stadium. It’s military appreciation day. All active military and their families get in for free with ID.

The Central Bobcats have their home finale on Friday night against Abilene Cooper at 7:30. Central has to win one of their final two games to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The playoffs have already begun for Central volleyball, and for the first time in six years, the Lady Cats advanced past the first round. Central beat El Paso Coronado in five sets to advance to play Arlington High in the second round on Friday night. Also, Miles swept McCamey in three sets. Miles plays Fort Hancock tomorrow night.

Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre won his fourth career Gold Glove Award last night.

Early voting

Early voting continues in Tom Green County, with more than 14-thousand-200 people casting ballots so far. You can vote at any of five locations from 7 AM to 7 PM through Friday, or--of course--on Tuesday, election day.

Xmas at Old Fort Concho

Christmas at Old Fort Concho tickets go on sale this coming Monday. So if you want to check out Miss Birdie's Tea Party or Santa's Workshop, buy your tickets at the Visitors Center in Barracks One at the fort on South Oakes Street. This year’s Christmas at Old Fort Concho will take place December 7th, 8th and 9th..

Truck or treat

The San Angelo Fire Department's "Truck or Treat" will be held from 6 to 8 tonight at all eight of the city's fire stations. The public is invited to stop by for some candy and a hands-on exploration of a fire truck.

Flags on military graves

The annual tradition of placing American flags on the graves of the approximately 14-hundred veterans interred at Fairmount Cemetery will take place Sunday at 2 PM. The public is invited to assist in the effort at the City-run cemetery at 1120 West Avenue N. Following a short ceremony, volunteers – including Boy Scouts and members of the Civil Air Patrol – will place a flag on each grave that has a military service marker.

Smartphones and Halloween

Halloween...there's an app for that: San Angelo police remind you that whether your kid is trick-or-treating or heading to a friend's house for a party, smartphones can come in handy. Parents can use their smartphones to keep up with their child's location, provide a network of trusted adults in case of emergency, or simply help revelers plan their route.

Child causes accident

San Angelo police responded Tuesday morning to the 1000 block of Roosevelt near Buchanan where an 11-year-old girl had been struck by a car as she crossed the street to get to a school bus. Officers say the driver was traveling west on Roosevelt when the girl failed to yield the right of way crossing the street in front of the vehicle and causing the collision. The child received non-incapacitating injuries and was transported to Shannon Medical Center. The 32-year-old female driver and her two child passengers were not injured.

New county commissioner

The Tom Green County Commissioners Court is back up to full strength. On Monday, Bill Ford was sworn in as the new Precinct Four commissioner. the 60-year-old Ford, a former San Angelo school board member, was appointed by County Judge Mike Brown on Friday. Ford replaces Yantis Green, who resigned as he faces federal charges of theft.

Watering restrictions

Be aware that on Thursday, November 1st, new watering restrictions go into effect for the city of San Angelo. Right now, twice-a-week watering is allowed, but under Drought Level One, that will change in two days to a maximum of watering once every two weeks. That's because, during the fall and winter, vegetation needs less water. That watering is allowed any time of day between November 1st and March 31st. Drought Level One also calls for surcharges of two dollars per one-thousand gallons once a customer goes over 25-thousand gallons.

Tropical Valley Foods recall

San Angelo-Tom Green County Emergency Managment has passed along an alert from Tropical Valley Foods. Following an inspection by the FDA, Tropical Valley Foods has recalled Dark Chocolate, Organic Dark Chocolate, and Trail Mix items which were sold in bulk quantities and, because of a label error contain undeclared allergens. The products were shipped to distributors and retailers across the United States and elsewhere.

Juvenile steals car

San Angelo police arrested a thirteen year old juvenile for stealing a car Friday night. Officers stopped a vehicle near College and Chadbourne, minutes after it was stolen from the 2900 block of San Antonio Street. The juvenile was the only occupant of the vehicle, which was returned to its owner who, it turns out, had left the vehicle running and unlocked as he went into a residence to retrieve some items. He returned to see his vehicle being driven away.

Meals for the Elderly

On Wednesday, H-E-B and Meals for the Elderly will kick off the holiday season in San Angelo with a special feast delivered to 600 home bound families. The meal will consist of baked turkey, mash potatoes, vegetable medley, dinner roll and milk, and will be hand delivered to families throughout the San Angelo community. These deliveries coincide with the 16th Annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing tradition.

Bookkeeping seminar

Need a refresher in bookkeeping? The ASU Small Business Development Center is conducting a seminar entitled “Basics of Bookkeeping: Mastering Your Business’s Finances”. The seminar will be held on Thursday from 6 to 8:30 PM at the ASU Campus in the Rassman Building. Cost is 10 dollars per person; to find out more or to register, go to s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Shannon open house

Shannon Medical Center is hosting an Open House for its newest location – Shannon Clinic North – this afternoon from 4 to 6 PM. The new clinic is located at 2626 North Bryant and will house Urgent Care, Pediatric Urgent Care and Family Practice physicians. The Open House will include a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 and a chance to visit with these physicians along with flu shots, refreshments and an activity for children.

Early voting continues

Early voting in the November 6th election continues this week in Tom Green County. The polls are open 7 AM to 7 PM through Friday. You can cast ballots at the Edd B. Keyes Building on West Beauregard , Station 618 on South Chadbourne, Victory Christian Center on Sunset Drive, First Assembly of God Church on Edmund Boulevard and Plaza del Sol Apartments on Oak Grove Boulevard. The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail is tomorrow.

New McDonald's

Ronald McDonald's new home in San Angelo is open for business. The completely remodeled McDonalds restaurant, with an updated interior and kids play area, plus an outdoor fountain, is located at North Bryant and the Houston Harte Frontage roads. The first day's profits are being donated to DESK, Donate Educational Supplies to Kids.

Gas price update

Triple-A says retail gasoline prices decreased again last week as ample supply and lessening demand pushed oil prices to a three-month low. Pump prices are expected to continue their decline even as Hurricane Sandy threatens the East Coast. The average price of regular gas in Texas is three-34 a gallon, down 11 cents from a week ago. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-24 to three-45 a gallon.

Farmers Market

The Concho Valley Farmers Market is now open on Saturdays only and will have one final sale this year after the first fall frost. The Farmers Market continues to sell locally, home-grown tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, okra, pumpkins, farm-fresh eggs, goat cheese, honey and native plants from 7 AM until noon Saturdays under the pavilion at 609 South Oakes Street across from Fort Concho. The market features farmers who come from a 75-mile radius around San Angelo.

Arrest and drugs found

San Angelo police found narcotics after locating a wanted suspect in a vehicle on the north side of the city on Thursday. 42-year-old Rojelio Ortegawas found in the parking lot of the Joy Store located in the 2200 block of North Chadbourne. Ortega was wanted for failing to register as a sex offender. After he was taken into custody, officers located a half-pount of marijuana and a gram of methamphetamine. One of the vehicle’s occupants, 23-year-old Kali Lord of San Angelo was also found to be in possession of Lortab.

New commissioner

A new Tom Green County Commissioner for Precinct Four will be sworn in today. On Friday, County Judge Mike Brown appointed Bill Ford, a former member of the Boarrd of Trustees of the San Angelo Independent School District and a graduate of the University of Texas. The 60-year-old Ford replaces Yantis Green, who resigned as county commissioner after pleading guilty this month to theft charges.

Road work

If you're driving the next two nights on Bryant Boulevard, watch out for work crews. TxDOT will have a contractor working on Bryant between Houston Harte and LP 306. The contractor will be finishing the striping of the new road surface with crosswalk markings and other final pavement markings. The work is expected to begin about 8 PM and stop at 6 AM.

Early voting

Tom Green County elections officials say early and absentee balloting is up this year. So far, about eight-thousand voters have cast ballots in person and about three-thousand have submitted ballots by mail. The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail is Tuesday. You can find an application on the website: vote-tom-green-county-dot-org. Early voting at San Angelo's five locations continues every day through next Friday.

Fentanyl deaths

San Angelo police want to make the public aware that, within the last few weeks, they have investigated two separate incidents of deaths related to the drug Fentanyl. The FDA lists Fentanyl as a very potent narcotic painkiller that may cause death from overdose. Fentanyl is available by prescription only and should never be shared. Aside from the patch, Fentanyl comes in forms of powder, pill and lollipop. Both victims in San Angelo died from apparent respiratory failure.

Freeze watch

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a freeze watch for tomorrow morning for portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. The watch will be in effect from 5 AM to 10 AM tomorrow. Clearing skies could allow temperatures to drop as low as 31 to 34 degrees. Although temperatures might only briefly reach the freezing point, there is still a threat to sensitive vegetation that's left outside and uncovered.

ASU school fair

More than 20 universities and educational institutions will be represented at Angelo State University's inaugural Graduate and Professional School Fair next Wednesday in the Houston Harte University Center on Rosemont Drive. The fair will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center, is open free to students and others who are considering graduate or professional school. No registration is required.

Base credit union opening

It's a grand opening this morning at 9 for a new branch office of 1st Community Federal Credit Union on Goodfellow Air Force Base. The 26-hundred square foot office is on the base's main street, Kearney Boulevard, right across from the gas/service station. The new office offers state-of-the-art lobby service plus three drive-thru lanes along with a night depository and a drive up ATM.

Nursing Division to close

The City of San Angelo Nursing Division will be closed Monday through Wednesday of next week while the staff attends a conference in Austin. The immunization clinic will be closed all week. Regular office hours (8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-5 p.m.) for the Nursing Division will resume on Thursday, November 1st. For more information, call the Nursing Division

RV accident

A single-vehicle accident in northern Tom Green County Tuesday--according to state troopers, an RV driver lost control on Highway 277 just north of the Goodyear proving grounds. The driver apparently overcorrected after drifting off the road and wound up in a ditch. The driver was the only occupant and went to a hospital after the collision.

New commissioner needed

The Tom Green County Commissioners' Court was a commissioner short Tuesday. It was the first meeting since precinct four commissioner Yantis Green pleaded guilty in federal court to the theft of more than 62-thousand dollars from the water control district. Some 20 people have expressed interest in filling Green's seat, from which he resigned earlier this month.

Rainwater workshop

A free workshop at Fort Concho on November 10th will offer attendees a live demonstration of how to build a simple home rainwater harvesting system.
The workshop will be from 9 to 11 AM in the fort’s Commissary, and will feature an
educational presentation plus the hands-on demonstration by the Concho Valley Master Gardeners. To RSVP or for more information, call the AgriLife Extension office.

First female lieutenant retires

This Friday, members of the San Angelo Police Department will gather to honor and say goodbye to the department's first-ever first female lieutenant. The retirement ceremony for Lieutenant Rhonda Mida will be held on the steps of the police department, 401 East Beauregard, at 10 AM and is open to the public. Lieutenant Mida began her career with the SAPD on February 2nd, 1989, and leaves the department after twenty-two years and three months of service.

Sales tax seminar

The ASU Small Business Development Center will be hosting a free seminar entitled, “Do I have to collect sales tax?” covering sales tax basics tomorrow from six to 8:30 PM at the ASU Campus Rassman Building. A representative from the Texas Comptroller’s office who will be discussing proper collection and reporting of your sales taxes and will outline how to maintain required records. For more information or to register, visit s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Development Forum

Seventeen finalists will vie for five awards at the San Angelo Development Forum tomorrow night. In its sixth year, the forum honors outstanding achievements in economic and community development. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall on West College Avenue. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited. The Development Forum will also feature an update of City projects by new City Manager Daniel Valenzuela.

Ballet director

The San Angelo Civic Ballet has announced the hiring of an interim executive director. Tanya Pfluger served six years on the ballet's board of directors and recently served as a member of the San Angelo Performing Arts Coalition. Tara Rainey resigned as executive director to focus more on family.

Free smoke alarms

San Angelo's Fire Marshal's Office and firefighters are teaming up to provide and install 180 smoke alarms in the homes of low-income and elderly residents on a first-come, first-served basis. The effort is part of this year's "We're Out to Alarm Texas" smoke alarm campaign spearheaded by the Insurance Council of Texas and the State Fire Marshal's Office. As manpower allows, the San Angelo Fire Department will install the alarms in the bedrooms and outside the entrances to sleeping areas in the homes of the participants.

Bronte ISD bomb threat

A bomb threat prompted the evacuation of some 250 students in the Bronte Independent School District. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, an unknown person called the school around 9:30 Monday morning and claimed there was a bomb at the school. The students were taken to a local community center to be picked up by parents or bused home. A K-9 unit from Goodfellow Air Force Base was sent in to search the school and the buildings were cleared at around 2:15 in the afternoon. Bronte ISD superintendent Alan Richey says school will be back in session this morning.

Drug bust

A woman was arrested on drug charges Sunday evening after a report of a fight in progress in north San Angelo. Police responding to the 200 block of West 17th Street observed a vehicle attempting to leave the area and contact was made with the driver and passenger. During the contact, an officer observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and a search turned up marijuana and cocaine. The driver, Sharon Garrett of San Angelo, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. The passenger was released at the scene. The reported fight was never located.

ASU meat judgers

A team from Angelo State finished in the top five at the 2012 American Royal Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest held Sunday in Omaha, Nebraska. Competing against 14 teams from Division I universities, the ASU team came in fourth, behind only Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Kansas State.

LIbrary Snapshot Day

Angelo State University's Porter Henderson Library is participating with libraries statewide in "Texas Library Snapshot Day" today to capture the diversity of activities and learning made possible by libraries. On Snapshot Day the Porter Henderson Library will compile statistics, customer comments, photographs and other data chronicling a typical library day. The results will be added to those of other libraries across Texas to show how libraries provide invaluable services to Texans.

GOP women's luncheon

Congressman Mike Conaway will be the guest speaker at the monthly luncheon of the Concho Valley Republican Woman. It is scheduled for Thursday at 11:30 AM at San Angelo Country Club. You can call 653-7500 for reservations by noon today.

DIsability Awareness Celebration

Angelo State University's Multicultural Center will host a Disability Awareness Celebration tomorrow in the Houston Harte University Center on Rosemont Drive. Titled "Living Without Limits," the celebration from 11:30 AM to 1 PM will commemorate October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Gas price update

Triple-A says retail gas prices moved lower last week and are expected to do the same again this week as oil supplies continue to increase as demand weakens. In Texas, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular is three-45, down nine cents from a week ago. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo currently ranges from three-42 to three-58 a gallon.

Lake Nasworthy

By the end of the month, Lake Nasworthy should return to 80 percent of its capacity, which is its normal wintertime level. Under a City Council directive approved last Tuesday, the City of San Angelo’s Water Utilities Department has begun releasing water from Twin Buttes Reservoir into Nasworthy in an effort to raise the lake’s level about 8 inches. As of Thursday, Nasworthy was at 70 percent of its capacity, having been replenished by nearly 6 inches of rain at the end of September after two summers of severe drought.

Early voting

Early voting in the November 6th election begins today in Texas. The polls will be open 8 AM to 5 PM through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM Saturday, 12:30-5:30 PM on Sunday, and 7 AM to 7 PM next Monday through Friday, the last day of early voting. You can cast ballots at the Edd B. Keyes Building on West Beauregard , Station 618 on South Chadbourne, Victory Christian Center on Sunset Drive, First Assembly of God Church on Edmund Boulevard and Plaza del Sol Apartments on Oak Grove Boulevard. No photo ID is required because that law is facing court challenges.

Shannon Clinic North

The public is invited to attend an open house next week at the new location of Shannon Clinic North. It's at 2626 North Bryant Avenue, next to O'Reilly's Auto Parts. On Tuesday, October 30th from 4 to 6 PM, tours of the new facility will be offered and physicians will be available. The event will also include refreshments, a special children's activity and an opportunity to receive a flu shot. Flu shots will be 20 dollars each or free with an insurance card.

Hazardous weather outlook

Some violent weather could be on the way; the National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the Concho Valley. Thunderstorms with deadly lightning may develop this afternoon and evening. Severe thunderstorms are possible tomorrow and Sunday evening with large hail, damaging winds and deadly lightning.

Burglary arrests

A call from an alert citizen helped San Angelo Police make three burglary arrests on Tuesday evening. The citizen said he saw three male juveniles taking things from a storage unit at the Pack Rack storage facility on Millspaugh Street. Minutes later, officers caught the suspects just a few blocks away. The boys, ages 16, 12 and 11, were arrested and transported to the Tom Green County Juvenile Justice Center.

Helping Hands

San Angelo now has an additional resource to help provide services for low-income elderly homeowners in need of assistance. Helping Hands, a newly created organization, will work in partnership with community volunteers to help restore homes of qualifying homeowners. Helping Hands will hold its first blitz day tomorrow. More than 600 volunteers from organizations throughout the community who will be repairing 30 homes. The work includes painting the exterior, installing wheel chair ramps, repairing windows and doors, patching roofs, installing smoke detectors, and yard cleaning.

Shannon flu shots

Shannon Clinic is hosting a walk-in flu shot clinic next week at its downtown location, 120 East Beauregard. The clinic will be open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM and is located in the basement level of the clinic. The shots are 20 dollars per person, and no appointment is necessary. The clinic is open to anyone in need of a flu shot. The flu shot is approved for people six months of age or older.

Habitat ReStore

If you're looking to do some home improvements, save some money and help a good cause, you might want to check out Habitat for Humanity's Warehouse ReStore Saturday morning. Just five dollars for doors, windows, commodes, light fixtures and large blinds. Mini blinds just a dollar and paint, just one dollar a gallon. The Habitat for Humanity Warehouse ReStore will be open to the public Saturday morning from 8:30 to 11:30. It's located at 401 North Chadbourne Street.

Dense fog advisory

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a dense fog advisory for the Concho Valley. It's in effect until 10 o'clock this morning. Dense fog will reduce visibilities to less than a quarter-mile. If you're driving, slow down, use your headlights and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Bomber leaving

A vintage visitor will be leaving San Angelo today. A World War Two era B-17 bomber arrived Monday at Mathis Field and has been available for flights and tours. The aircraft is owned and maintained by members of the Commemorative Air Force, a Texas-based all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, demonstration and display of military aircraft through the ages. The bomber's next stop as it wraps up a summer tour is Midland.

National Merit scholars

Two seniors at Lake View High School have been recognized for outstanding performance in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Allison Gardella's score on the preliminary SAT qualifies her to be a semi-finalist. And Jacob Whitaker scored in the top five percent nationwide.

Gong Show fundraiser

Memories of Chuck Barris: West Texas Counseling and Guidance presents its first annual Gong Show fundraiser this evening. It will get underway at 6:30 at the House of Fifi Dubois on Charbourne in downtown San Angelo. Tickets are 10 dollars and come with 10 votes to choose the winning act. The Abell-Hangar Foundation of Midland will be matching up to 15-thousand dollars in donations to West Texas Counseling and Guidance, which used to be the Samaritan Counseling Center.

San Angelo Marching Festival

15 marching bands from across the state will be strutting their stuff this Saturday at San Angelo Stadium. The San Angelo Marching Festival is hosted by the Central High School Band Boosters and Tarpley Music. The band competition runs from 10 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday with special performances by the Central High Bobcat Band and the Angelo State University Band. Admission is three dollars for adults; two dollars for kids under seven.

State employees picnic

Employees of the state of Texas were celebrated last night in San Angelo. State Senator Robert Duncan and State Representative Drew Darby hosted the 24th Annual San Angelo State Employee Picnic at Chaparral Shelter at San Angelo State Park. More than a thousand local state employees and family members attended.

Celebrity Chili Lunch

You can be waited on at lunch today by a local VIP and help a good cause. Big Brothers Big Sisters presents a Celebrity Chili Lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM in the Multipurpose Building at Southland Baptist Church on Meadowcreek Trail. Tickets for the fundraiser are 10 dollars and celebs, including San Angelo Mayor Alvin New, will be competing against each other for your tips, which go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Treasurer's office honored

The Tom Green County treasurer office has been recognized for transparency in county finances. It is the third time the county received the Gold Leadership Circle Award from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Foreclosure fee increased

Tom Green County Commissioners have increased a maintenance fee on foreclosed property. They took the action at the request of the city of San Angelo. The fee will go from 300 dollarrs up to 500 dollars. It covers the cost to the city of keeping properties up to code between the time they are seized for failure to pay taxes and when they are sold.

Candidate in San Angelo

A candidate for the state board of education was in San Angelo Tuesday, accusing the current board of having an extreme agenda. Democrat Steve Schafersman, running for the District 15 seat, says the board will be considering science and social studies instructional materials with an eye toward rejecting or censoring materials which do not coincide with that agenda.

Trash fee increase

City of San Angelo trash pickup and landfill fees will increase slightly on November 1st, with most residential customers paying an additional 65 cents per
month for garbage collection. The City Council approved ordinance changes that raised fees for residential and commercial garbage collection and for landfill charges. The total increases will be phased in, with most of the increase realized this year and the remainder after October 1st of next year. The increases were necessitated by increasing operating costs at the city’s landfill, which is managed by Trashaway Services.

Health department relocation

The San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department will be closed today through Friday as it relocates to a new office space. The Health Department offices will remain at 2030 Pulliam Street, but will move from Suite 8 to Suite 9.
The Health Department will reopen on Monday.

City Hall grand reopening

San Angelo’s City Hall celebrates a grand reopening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. next Thursday, October 18th as the recent 11-million dollar renovation of the 84-year-old edifice is formally unveiled for the public. The event will coincide with downtown’s monthly Artwalk. The event will include self-guided tours of City Hall and the neighboring Community Development Building, a welcome by Mayor Alvin New, and a keynote address by City Councilman Fredd Adams.

ASU Spooktacular

The Angelo State University Choir's 11th edition of its Halloween Spooktacular will include two performances, at 7 p.m. next Monday and Tuesday in the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive. This year's program, titled "Follow the Yellow Brick Road," will feature a medley of favorites from "The Wizard of Oz." The program is open free to the public.

ASU Bass anglers

The Angelo State University Bass Anglers team took third place at the National Guard FLW College Fishing Southern Conference Championship last weekend on Lake Dardanelle in Arkansas. Ethan George and Josh Seale caught 14 bass during the three-day tournament with a total weight of 41 pounds, 13 ounces.

B-17 bomber at Mathis

Air traffic over San Angelo took on a vintage appearance Monday morning. A World War Two era B-17 bomber landed at Mathis Field. The aircraft is wrapping up a summer tour. It is owned and maintained by members of the Commemorative Air Force, a Texas-based all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, demonstration and display of military aircraft through the ages. The bomber will be at Mathis Field through Thursday morning with flights and tours available.

Crockett County murder charge

A Grape Creek man was arraigned Monday in Crockett County on a charge of first-degree murder. 27-year-old James Wesley Sherrer is accused of driving a pickup that struck and killed 31-year-old John Sepulveda. The Texas Department of Public Safety says it happened Saturday on a ranch in Crockett County. The incident remains under investigation.

SAPD Pistol Team

The San Angelo Police Department Pistol Team recently competed in the National Police Shooting Competition held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over 400 officers from across the nation competed as well as police from Germany and Venezuela. The SAPD team won a total of 23 trophies, including 2nd place in the 4-Man team revolver class and 2nd place in the 4-Man team service pistol class.

Profit Mastery

The ASU Small Business Development Center will sponsor "Profit Mastery: Get Control of Your Business," an internationally-acclaimed seminar for owners, managers, and advisors of small businesses. It will be held November 1st and 2nd at Angelo State University. Cost for the program is 300 dollars and includes program materials and meals both days. For more information about this program and to register, go to s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

State employees picnic

Employees of the state of Texas will be celebrated this evening in San Angelo. State Senator Robert Duncan and State Representative Drew Darby will host the 24th Annual San Angelo State Employee Picnic. It takes place from 5:30 to 8:00 at Chaparral Shelter at San Angelo State Park.

Columbus Day

A reminder that today is Columbus Day, meaning U.S. government offices are closed today and there is no mail delivery. Most banks are closed. Tom Green County offices are also closed but city of San Angelo and state offices are open. Classes are being held in the San Angelo ISD and at ASU and bus and trash service are operating.

Gas price update

Triple-A reports that retail gas prices are down for a third week in a row. Domestic and international demand numbers continue to fall and have caused oil prices to settle below 90 dollars a barrel.The average price of regular gas in Texas is three-53, down by two cents from last week. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-43 to three-69 a gallon.

Return to drought level 1

The City of San Angelo, under Drought Level Three for the past week, is back to Drought Level One as of today. The City Council approved a resolution returning to Drought Level One on Friday after getting a report from Water Utilities Director Will Wilde that recent rains had replenished San Angelo's water supply. It had dropped below one year, but is now at 22 months. Under Drought Level One, residents can water lawns twice a week between 6 PM and noon through the end of the month. After that, outside watering will only be allowed once every two weeks.

Chamber luncheon

Members of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce will be getting a legislative briefing tomorrow. State Senator Robert Duncan and State Representative Drew Darby will speak at the monthly chamber luncheon at Rio Concho West. The event is sponsored by the San Angelo Association of Realtors and Jackson Walker.

ASU symposium

A nationally known film and theater critic will be the featured speaker for Angelo State University's 2012 E. James Holland University Symposium on American Values on Monday, October 22nd. Jeffrey Lyons' presentation, "Thinking Twice Before Knocking Someone Else's Work: My 42 Years As A Movie Critic," will be covered in two sessions at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Houston Harte University Center's C.J. Davidson Conference Center. Both presentations are open free to the public.

New ASU scholarship

A new scholarship to be offered by Angelo State University will provide a full ride to cover the cost of college education for a select group of high school seniors. Starting in the fall of 2013, five academically-superior students will be chosen for the new Carr Distinguished Scholarship. Each student will receive 60-thousand dollars over four years.

Cold weather coming

A strong cold front will blast through West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley, tonight and early tomorrow. According to the National Weather Service at San Angelo, temperatures behind the front will quickly fall into the 40s and 50s by tomorrow morning. Strong north winds will drop wind chill readings as low as the upper 30s in come locations. These cold conditions will continue through the rest of the weekend, with temperatures Sunday morning falling into the low to mid 40s. However, a frost is not expected.

City garage sale

The City of San Angelo is holding a Garage Sale tomorrow from 8 AM to 2 PM at El Paseo de Santa Angela. If you want to be a seller, it's 25 dollars for a 10 by 10 booth, 10 dollars to place large items on the grass and tables are available to rent for one dollar until they're gone. To reserve a booth, contact Lori at 653-9577. All proceeds benefit the United Way of the Concho Valley.

City drought meeting

Last week, the water supply in San Angelo's lakes was down to less than a year and the city council approved Drought Level Three watering restrictions. But the weekend rainfall changed all that. The lakes are back up to a water supply of 18 months to two years and now the city council will consider dropping back to the less-stringent Drought Level One. The council has scheduled a meeting for 9 o'clock this morning at the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive.

Tommy at ASU

Angelo State University's Arts at ASU program will present the iconic musical "Tommy," based on the 1969 rock opera by The Who. It will take place on the newly renovated ASU Auditorium stage beginning next Friday, with performances over two weekends. Tickets are eight dollars for the general public, four dollars for non-ASU students and three dollars for ASU students. Reservations can be made by calling the ASU box office weekdays from 2 to 6 at 942-2000.

Fire training center grant

The City of San Angelo has been awarded a one-point-two million dollar federal Economic Development Administration grant to support the construction of a Concho Valley Regional Fire Training Center. In addition to serving as a training facility for the San Angelo Fire Department, the center will serve Tom Green and 12 other Concho Valley counties, increasing the region’s ability to contain wildfires. It will be built behind the City’s Animal Shelter on U.S.Highway 67 North.

Mosquito spraying continues

As the threat of West Nile virus continues, the City of San Angelo began a fourth round of mosquito spraying last night, touching every street and alleyway in the city limits. Weather permitting, the City’s two spray trucks spray from 5 AM to 9 AM and from 7 PM to 11 PM every day, including Saturdays and Sundays. Stagnant bodies of water are also treated with a larvacide.

Most wanted arrested

A man featured as San Angelo's Most Wanted in August has been arrested. 42-year-old Rojelio Ray Ortega had been sought for failing to register as a sex offender. Ortega was picked up in Eastland on September 20th for possession of a controlled substance and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, plus the Tom Green County warrant for sex offender absconding. He was released on a 60-thousand dollar bond.

Cold weather coming

It's about to get much colder in the Concho Valley. According to a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service at San Angelo, a strong cold front will drop Saturday morning with strong north winds and much colder temperatures, which will drop into the lower 50s and upper 40s by Saturday afternoon. Those north winds, which will be at least 15 to 25 miles an hour, will produced wind chills as cold as the upper 30s. Patches of light rain are possible.

Rainwater workshop

In the wake of San Angelo's two-year drought, a timely free workshop will be offered next month at Fort Concho. Attendees will view a live demonstration of how to build a simple home rainwater harvesting system. The workshop is scheduled for November 10th from 9 to 11 AM in the Fort Concho Commissary. To RSVP or for more information, call the AgriLife Extension office at 659-6522.

Fun with robots

The Tom Green County 4-H will be hosting a free, hands-on science experiment for students in grades two through 12 next week. The kids will learn how to design and build a robot to simulate an environmental cleanup project. They will learn to recognize what robots can do, how they are programmed, and the role they serve in solving community issues. It will take place next Wednesday from 4 to 5:30 PM at the Stephens Central Library on West Beauregard.

ASU degree for 10-grand

In response to Governor Rick Perry's challenge for colleges to create bachelor's degree programs that cost no more than 10-thousand dollars, Angelo State University has developed a plan to do just that. The governor was on hand at ASU as the school announced that qualifying students will be able to earn a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies for 10-thousand dollars, beginning in the fall of 2013.

National Merit scholars

Eight students in the San Angelo ISD have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Seniors Elizabeth Blose and Allison Gardella scored in the top one percent of seniors taking the test and have been named National Merit Semi-Finalists. Six students scored in the top five percent. Erin Brewer, Jamie Carriker, Nicholas Evans, Elijah McLaughlin, Kaleb Pereira and Jacob Whitaker are all National Merit Commended Students.

New Bush charge

A man currently being held in the Tom Green County Jail could soon be moved to Brown County. 53-year-old Lanny Bush is suspected of having something to do with the death of his ex-girlfriend, Michele Reiter of Brownwood, whose body was found in Coleman County two weeks after being reported missing. Now, Bush is facing a new charge out of Brown County of online impersonation, the same charge for which he was arrested in Tom Green County.

City garage sale

City of San Angelo is holding a Garage Sale this Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM at El Paseo de Santa Angela. If you want to be a seller, it's 25 dollars for a 10 by 10 booth, 10 dollars to place large items on the grass and tables are available to rent for one dollar until they're gone. To reserve a booth, contact Lori at 653-9577. All proceeds benefit the United Way of the Concho Valley.

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.

SAISD superior FIRST score

For the 10th year in a row, the San Angelo Independent School District has received a Superior Achievement ranking on FIRST, the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. The school system received a perfect score on the rating criteria. Assistant Superintendent Jeff Bright credits district staff and the school board for maintaining high standards and seeing that San Angelo ISD continues to operate efficiently, effectively and within the limits of state and federal guidelines.

ASU health fair

Angelo State University will host its fifth annual ASUFit Health and Wellness Fair next Monday in the Houston Harte University Center on Rosemont Drive. The largest health fair in the Concho Valley will provide information and resources related to fitness, healthy living and wellness from more than 50 vendors between 11 AM and 5 PM. For more information, go online to angelo-dot-e-d-u-slash-a-s-u-fit.

Air Force ASU grant

The U.S. Air Force is providing a three-million dollar grant to Angelo State University that will be used to continue and expand the school's Center for Security Studies. That was announced Monday by officials at the Texas Tech University System and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, who said that the ASU Center for Security Studies--quote--"gives our Air Force personnel the special skills they need to work in foreign countries where they are likely to operate in the future."

Development forum

The sixth annual San Angelo Development Forum honoring outstanding achievements in economic and community development will be held the evening of October 25th at City Hall. The event will feature an update of City projects by new City Manager Daniel Valenzuela and the presentation of five development awards recognizing outstanding adaptive reuse, architectural design, landscaping, community spirit and neighborhood revitalization. Nominations are being accepted through October 19th. The nomination form can be found on the City’s home page at san-angelo-texas-dot-us.

National Night Out

You're invited to step outside tonight and take part in an annual crime and drug prevention event. It's the 29th National Night Out and neighborhoods throughout San Angelo and Wall are joining forces with thousands of communities throughout Texas. From 4:30 to 9 tomorrow evening, residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. For more information, check out the San Angelo Police Department's Facebook page.

Drought level meeting

The San Angelo City Council will meet this Friday to consider replacing Drought Level Three restrictions currently in effect with less stringent Drought Level One requirements. That follows weekend rains that replenished San Angelo’s lakes to between 18 and 24 months of water supply. The move from one drought level to another is required by the City’s drought contingency ordinance whenever the developed and available water supply meets benchmarks established by the ordinance. The city council meeting is scheduled for 9 AM Friday at the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive.

Openings and closings

San Angelo police report that the gates are now open at Twin Buttes with the exception of the dirt road between Marina Park Road and the back side of Middle Concho. Heavy runoff destroyed the road and it will remain closed until it is repaired. In addition, the dirt road on the north side of the south pool, which goes to the dirt boat ramp, will remain closed due to past vandalism to the pumps that are set up and the ramp.

Hazardous weather outlook

There's only a 20 percent chance of more rain in the forecast for today, but the National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. A few thunderstorms will be possible today and tonight. Potential hazards include cloud-to-ground lightning, small hail and gusty winds.

Gas price update

Triple-A says motorists will see retail gas prices drop again this week with oil prices decreasing in the wake of poor economic news that threatens to drive down demand at a time when supplies are ample. The statewide average price of regular in Texas is three-54 a gallon, down six cents from a week ago. Gas-buddy-dot-com shows the price in San Angelo ranges from three-53 to three-65.

Drought Level III in effect

A reminder from the city of San Angelo: despite this weekend's rainfall and higher lake levels, Drought Level Three went into effect as of midnight. That means no outside watering of lawns and shrubs. Luckily, according to the city, no landscape will need it before the Water Utilities Department has time to calculate how much lake water we have available and the City Council has time to act if the water supply meets the standards for a lesser drought level.

Big Wheels deliver meals

Meals For The Elderly will hold its 22nd Annual Big Wheels Deliver Meals Day this Wednesday. Leaders throughout San Angelo, including Mayor Alvin News, will learn about Meals For The Elderly by assisting volunteers with the delivery of the meals. The VIPs are invited to stay and enjoy the same lunch that they helped deliver and experience the meal's quality and nutrition.

New ASU Alumni director

The Angelo State University Alumni Association has named a new director. Kimberly Adams takes over the post, effective today. Adams is an ASU alumna and has been serving as corporation and foundation office in ASU's Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Adams said her goals are to promote alumni communication, increase alumni community outreach and assist ASU in achieving its goals and academic mission.