You're invited to watch San Angelo's July 3rd fireworks from the coolness of Love Municipal Pool. Tickets to the Splash Party are on sale at the Recreation offices in Santa Fe Crossing on South Chadbourne.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Water change
Starting on Monday, San Angelo drinking water will be getting back to normal. The City Water Utilities Department will revert to its normal disinfectant in the public water supply, having completed its temporary conversion to free chlorine. You might notice a change in the taste and odor of your water in the first week of the conversion back to chloramine.
Water consumption still down
Water consumption in San Angelo continues to run behind last year. On Wednesday, the city used 14 and a half million gallons of water compared to 18 and a half million on the same date last year. A reminder that watering is allowed once every seven days for up to an inch. Watering is prohibited between noon and 6 PM, when evaporation rates are highest.
Extreme heat today, tomorrow
It's going to be extremely and possibly dangerously hot over the next two days in the Concho Valley. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says afternoon temperatures will be well into the triple digits today and tomorrow, ranging from 103 to 107 degrees today, possibly cooling by a few degrees tomorrow. If you're working of planning to spend extended amounts of time outdoors, you'll want to take extra precautions: wear light-colored clothing, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and take frequent breaks. Also, never leave children or pets in vehicles, even for only a few minutes.
ASU honor society honored
An honor for an Angelo State University honor society. ASU's Mu Gamma chapter of the Kappa Delta Pi international honor society for education has received a 2013 Achieving Chapter Excellence Award from the KDP national organization. The ACE Award is the highest honor a KDP chapter can earn. It recognizes chapters that meet strict eligibility criteria and exhibit outstanding programming, such as initiation banquets, fundraising and community service projects, in support of KDP goals.
July 3rd Pops Concert
The San Angelo Community Band, directed by Doctor Daniel McCloud of the Angelo State University music faculty, will perform at the 26th annual San Angelo Symphony July 3rd Pops Concert. It gets underway Wednesday evening at 7 on the Bill Aylor Senior Memorial RiverStage. General admission to the Pops Concert is free, but reserved seating is available for 10 or 25 dollars per person and can be purchased at the San Angelo Symphony office at 72 West College Avenue.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Judge announces candidacy
District judge Barbara Walther is a candidate for a seat on the state's highest criminal court. Walther announced Wednesday that she will run for seat three on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals as a Republican. If elected, Walther would be the only justice on the court from outside a metropolitan area and the only one from west of Interstate 35. The primaries are next March.
Water usage update
Speaking of water, here's an update on San Angelo's water usage, which continues to be down from a year ago. On Tuesday, the city used 12-point-one million gallons of water compared to 18-point-six million on the same date in 2012. That's a decrease of one-third.
Airport renovation continues
Overnight Tuesday, the terminal renovation project at San Angelo Regional Airport transitioned into the second of three phases as American Airlines moved into new offices. The project’s first phase includes a passenger meet and greet area, and office and work spaces for airlines, airport staff and the Transportation Security Administration. Phase two will include expansion of the rental car and baggage claim area and phase three will involve space to the south of the baggage claim, to include the lobby, counters and restrooms. The work should be mostly done by the end of the year.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Water returning to normal
The City of San Angelo Water Utilities Department will revert to its normal disinfectant in the public water supply next Monday, having completed its temporary conversion to free chlorine. In the process of converting back to chloramine, there may be a change in the taste and odor of the water during the first week. Once chloramine disinfection is back in full process, the taste and odor of the water should return to what it was prior to the last four weeks. The from chloramines to free chlorine is a normal procedure for public water systems that ensures water safety in distribution lines and the highest quality of drinking water.
July 4th closings
Most City of San Angelo offices will be closed next Thursday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.There will be no residential garbage collection or landfill operations on Thursday. Those residential customers will next receive service on Monday, July 8th. There will be no interruption of commercial service during the holiday week. Residential collection and landfill operations will resume and city offices will reopen Friday.
Burglary suspect arrested
An alert member of the San Angelo Police Department is credited for the arrest of a burglary suspect. On Tuesday morning, Officer Abel Nandin saw a man walking in the alley of the unit block of Jackson Street, carrying a box that appeared to be heavy. Suspicious because of recent residential burglaries, Nandin called for an additional unit. Police found the suspect and the box, which contained ammunition and other gun-related items, which turned out to have been stolen from a residence in the 1600 block of Rio Grande. 40-year-old Jerry White Junior was charged with burglary of a habitation and transported to the Tom Green County Jail.
Execution milestone
Texas, which executes more people by far than any other state in the country, is about to hit a milestone. Kimberly McCarthy is scheduled to be executed tonight by leghal injection for killing her neighbor during a robbery in 1997. She will be the 500th person put to death in the Lone Star State since the death penalty was reinstated in 1977. Number-two in executions is Virginia, but that state is almost 400 behind Texas.
Swearing-in
During a special San Angelo City Council meeting on Tuesday, the votes were canvassed and the results of last week's San Angelo City Council runoff election were certified. The three winners were then sworn into office. Mayor-elect Dwain Morrison began serving a two-year term, replacing Alvin New. Rodney Fleming was sworn into the Single Member District 1 seat, to serve an unexpired one-year term, replacing Paul Alexander. H.R. "Winkie" Wardlaw the Third is also serving an unexpired one-year term in the Single Member District 5 seat held the past three years by Kendall Hirschfeld. .
Water usage update
As the weather gets warmer and we continue under Drought Level Two, the city of San Angelo reminds you: do your part, be water smart. And it seems that the city has been. Monday, San Angelo used 13-point-three million gallons of water compared to 18-point-six million on the same date last year.
ASU legal seminar
ASU's Small Business Development Center will present a seminar, "Legal Landmines and Your Business," tomorrow from 6 to 8:30 PM at the City's Business Resource Center, 69 North Chadbourne Street. This seminar will be taught by local attorney Jeff Lisson. The cost is 10 dollars per person, and is payable online. Registration is required. For more information, go to sbdc-dot-angelo-dot-edu.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
STAAR retest
San Angelo ISD has annoucned the STAAR retest schedule for the month of June. 5th and 8th grade reading and mathematics retests will be held today and tomorrow at Austin Elementary and San Jacinto Elementary for 5th graders and at Lee Middle School for 8th graders. Testing begins at 8 AM and will be completed by about 12:30 PM. Students may be picked up at 1 PM.
Canvassing and swearing-in
The votes will be canvassed and the three winners of last week's City Council runoff election will be sworn into office during a special meeting at 9 o'clock this morning at the McNease Convention Center. Mayor-elect Dwain Morrison will be sworn into office to serve a two-year term, replacing Alvin New. Rodney Fleming will be sworn into the Single Member District 1 seat, in which he will serve an unexpired one-year term, replacing Paul Alexander. H.R. "Winkie" Wardlaw III will also serve an unexpired one-year term in the Single Member District 5 seat held the past three years by Kendall Hirschfeld. No other business will be conducted during the special meeting, which is open to the public and can be watched live on the city's website.
Water consumption down
San Angelo continues to use less water this year compared to last. On Sunday, the used 14 million gallons of water versus 17-point-seven million on the same date in 2012.
Free ASU SBDC seminar
Angelo State University's Small Business Development Center will present a free seminar this evening. Shaking the Money Tree: Finding Funding for Your Business, is scheduled from 6 to 8:30 PM at the City of San Angelo's Business Resource Center, 69 North Chadbourne Street. You can find more information at sbdc-dot-angelo-dot-edu.
Pipeline testing successful
The first testing of a six-mile stretch of the Hickory pipeline last week proved successful. Testing will continue for about a month on other segments of the 62-mile pipeline, which is nearing completion. The final two portions of the 30-inch transmission main that connects San Angelo to the Hickory Aquifer in McCulloch County involve crossing the South Concho River and connecting with the water treatment plant at Metcalf Street and Avenue K.
Treatment facility bids delayed
The city of San Angelo has announced that bids on the groundwater treatment facility, to be built adjacent to the current water treatment plant at Avenue K and Metcalf Street, will be delayed by four days. The bids are now scheduled for July 2nd at the request of potential bidders. Bids will still be taken to the City Council for consideration on July 16th as initially planned. The groundwater treatment facility is expected to come online in the fall of 2014.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Showdown concludes
The Showdown in San Angelo concluded Sunday. The three-day event saw thousands of spectators gather at Lake Nasworthy to watch over 100 drag boats race at speeds of over 200 miles an hour. The Showdown is part of the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series. Last year, it generated more than two-million dollars for the San Angelo area economy.
Firework safety
With July 4th just around the corner, the San Angelo Fire Marshall's Office reminds you that firework safety, or lack of it, is a big problem. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there are some nine-thousand to 10-thousand people treated each year for firework-related injuries. A majority of these injuries could have been prevented by using safety measures when handling fireworks. Possessing or using fireworks within five-thousand feet of and inside the San Angelo city limits is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of two-thousand dollars. For families who purchase and ignite fireworks outside the restricted zone, Fire Marshal Ross Coleman offers firework safety tips on the San Angelo police Facebook page.
Swearing-in tomorrow
The three winners of last week's City Council runoff election will be sworn into office during a special meeting at 9 a.m. tomorrow at the McNease Convention Center. Mayor-elect Dwain Morrison will be sworn into office to serve a two-year term, replacing Alvin New. Rodney Fleming will be sworn into the Single Member District 1 seat, in which he will serve an unexpired one-year term, replacing Paul Alexander. H.R. "Winkie" Wardlaw III will also serve an unexpired one-year term in the Single Member District 5 seat held the past three years by Kendall Hirschfeld. No other business will be conducted during the special meeting, which is open to the public and can be watched live on the city's website.
Gas price update
Gasoline prices remained relatively stable from last week after oil prices fell following an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar. Triple-A says the national average price of regular is three-57, four cents less than last week. The average in Texas is three-40, virtually unchanged. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-23 to three-39 a gallon.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
STAAR retest schedule
San Angelo ISD has announced the STAAR retest schedule for the month of June. 5th and 8th grade reading and mathematics retests will be held tomorrow and Wednesday at Austin Elementary and San Jacinto Elementary for 5th graders and at Lee Middle School for 8th graders. Testing begins at 8 AM and will be completed by about 12:30 PM. Students may be picked up at 1 PM.
Haz-mat ordinance
In the wake of the June 13th spill of hydrochloric acid from a tanker truck parked at a local hotel, San Angelo public safety officials have issued a reminder for trucking companies, retailers with large parking lots and hoteliers. By ordinance, trucks carrying hazardous materials can park inside the city limits for no more than one hour, and then only with the fire chief's express permission so they can load or unload their cargos. Violations of the ordinance are a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of 500 dollars.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Colts split DH with McAllen
The San Angelo Colts split a doubleheader yesterday against the McAllen Thunder at Foster Field. The Colts won the first game 8-3, but the Thunder won the second game 5-4. The twin bill resulted from Monday night’s thunderstorm making Foster Field unplayable on Tuesday night. The teams play a single game there tonight at 7:05.
The Texas Rangers yesterday defeated the Oakland Athletics in Arlington 4-3. Ian Kinsler’s two-run single in the seventh inning plated the final runs of the game. The game itself ended with a play at the plate. The Rangers tonight visit the St. Louis Cardinals at 7:15.
Carlos Pena hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the tenth inning to give the Houston Astros a 7-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Astros today visit the Chicago Cubs at 1:20.
The epic movie titled “The 2013 NBA Finals” did not end well for the San Antonio Spurs. The Heat won Game 7 in Miami last night 95-88 to repeat as champions.
The Texas Rangers yesterday defeated the Oakland Athletics in Arlington 4-3. Ian Kinsler’s two-run single in the seventh inning plated the final runs of the game. The game itself ended with a play at the plate. The Rangers tonight visit the St. Louis Cardinals at 7:15.
Carlos Pena hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the tenth inning to give the Houston Astros a 7-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Astros today visit the Chicago Cubs at 1:20.
The epic movie titled “The 2013 NBA Finals” did not end well for the San Antonio Spurs. The Heat won Game 7 in Miami last night 95-88 to repeat as champions.
San Angelo man arrested in aggravated assault
After allegedly threatening the mother of his child with a gun, a 31-year-old San Angelo man was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Ricardo “Rabbit” Ramos was arrested Sunday after an altercation at his house on La Salle Drive, according to an affidavit filed with Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Eddie Howard.
The victim told officers Ramos wanted her to bring their baby to his mother’s home with him, the affidavit states. When she refused to go with him, Ramos became enraged and assaulted her and threatened her with a firearm, according to the affidavit. She suffered injuries when he kicked her, and her mother was a witness to the incident, it states.
According to the affidavit, Ramos has a history of assault against the victim, including a felony assault.
Ramos was booked into the Tom Green County Jail on Wednesday in lieu of $100,000 bail and no contact with the victim, according to the affidavit. He had not been released as of 4 p.m. Thursday.
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines.
Ricardo “Rabbit” Ramos was arrested Sunday after an altercation at his house on La Salle Drive, according to an affidavit filed with Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Eddie Howard.
The victim told officers Ramos wanted her to bring their baby to his mother’s home with him, the affidavit states. When she refused to go with him, Ramos became enraged and assaulted her and threatened her with a firearm, according to the affidavit. She suffered injuries when he kicked her, and her mother was a witness to the incident, it states.
According to the affidavit, Ramos has a history of assault against the victim, including a felony assault.
Ramos was booked into the Tom Green County Jail on Wednesday in lieu of $100,000 bail and no contact with the victim, according to the affidavit. He had not been released as of 4 p.m. Thursday.
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines.
Showdown in San Angelo begins today
Today begins the Showdown in San Angelo.
The seventh annual drag boat racing event runs all weekend at Lake Nasworthy. It marks the newest venue of the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series.
Boats line up side by side and run a quarter mile at 250 miles per hour in four seconds. Spectators can walk the pits and see the boats up close. They can also talk to the drivers and crews and watch them work on the boats.
The seventh annual drag boat racing event runs all weekend at Lake Nasworthy. It marks the newest venue of the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series.
Boats line up side by side and run a quarter mile at 250 miles per hour in four seconds. Spectators can walk the pits and see the boats up close. They can also talk to the drivers and crews and watch them work on the boats.
Donations at IHOP in San Angelo today for House of Faith
House of Faith holds a fundraiser all day today at the International House of Pancakes in San Angelo. IHOP on College Hills Boulevard serves free short stacks of pancakes for donations to House of Faith. The donations help fund House of Faith's summer camps and programs.
San Angelo runoff winners taking oaths Tuesday
The three winners of last week’s City Council runoff election will be sworn into office during a special meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, at the McNease Convention Center.
Mayor-elect Dwain Morrison will be sworn into office to serve a two-year term, replacing Alvin New. Rodney Fleming will be sworn into the Single Member District 1 seat, in which he will serve an unexpired one-year term, replacing Paul Alexander, who served three years in office. H.R. “Winkie” Wardlaw III will also serve an unexpired one-year term in the Single Member District 5 seat held the past three years by Kendall Hirschfeld.
All three Council members were elected in a runoff election June 15. Prior to the oaths of office, the election results will be canvassed.
No other business will be conducted during the special meeting, which is open to the public. The meeting can also be watched live online at the City’s website, www.cosatx.us, by clicking on Public Information then Media Center.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Council will be July 2.
Mayor-elect Dwain Morrison will be sworn into office to serve a two-year term, replacing Alvin New. Rodney Fleming will be sworn into the Single Member District 1 seat, in which he will serve an unexpired one-year term, replacing Paul Alexander, who served three years in office. H.R. “Winkie” Wardlaw III will also serve an unexpired one-year term in the Single Member District 5 seat held the past three years by Kendall Hirschfeld.
All three Council members were elected in a runoff election June 15. Prior to the oaths of office, the election results will be canvassed.
No other business will be conducted during the special meeting, which is open to the public. The meeting can also be watched live online at the City’s website, www.cosatx.us, by clicking on Public Information then Media Center.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Council will be July 2.
San Angelo's finance department recognized for transparency
The City of San Angelo has earned the Silver Leadership Circle Award from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for its efforts to give local taxpayers a transparent view of how their tax dollars are being spent.
The comptroller’s office tracks the financial transparency of cities, counties and school districts statewide, recommending that local governments post key financial documents online, including the annual budget and financial report. Calling financial transparency “an ongoing goal for any government entity,” Comptroller Susan Combs launched the Leadership Circle program in 2009 to recognize governments that meet a high standard for financial transparency online.
Specifically, the comptroller spotlights local governments that:
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Open their books to the public.
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Provide clear, consistent pictures of spending.
•
Share information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more information.
The Leadership Circle Award is the second such recognition the City’s Finance Department has garnered this year. Previously, the Budget Division received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the City’s 2012-13 fiscal year budget from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
The City Council will recognize the latest award at its July 2 meeting by congratulating Budget Manager Morgan Chegwidden, Senior Budget Analyst Laura Brooks and Chief Accountant Bill Smith on their efforts.
“We’re honored to be recognized in this way, while realizing we can always do more to help citizens better understand how their tax dollars are spent,” Chegwidden said. “This award definitely serves to fortify that commitment.”
The comptroller’s office tracks the financial transparency of cities, counties and school districts statewide, recommending that local governments post key financial documents online, including the annual budget and financial report. Calling financial transparency “an ongoing goal for any government entity,” Comptroller Susan Combs launched the Leadership Circle program in 2009 to recognize governments that meet a high standard for financial transparency online.
Specifically, the comptroller spotlights local governments that:
•
Open their books to the public.
•
Provide clear, consistent pictures of spending.
•
Share information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more information.
The Leadership Circle Award is the second such recognition the City’s Finance Department has garnered this year. Previously, the Budget Division received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the City’s 2012-13 fiscal year budget from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
The City Council will recognize the latest award at its July 2 meeting by congratulating Budget Manager Morgan Chegwidden, Senior Budget Analyst Laura Brooks and Chief Accountant Bill Smith on their efforts.
“We’re honored to be recognized in this way, while realizing we can always do more to help citizens better understand how their tax dollars are spent,” Chegwidden said. “This award definitely serves to fortify that commitment.”
Fire safety videos
The City of San Angelo has a new Educational Video Series available this week, "Building Community: Fire Safety and Codes" a four-topic video on fire safety. Featuring segments on Occupancy Loads, Suppression Systems, Evacuation and Burn Bans, the entire program will premiere on SATV tonight at 6.. The segments will be available online on Facebook and the City's YouTube Channel.
Free concert tonight
San Angelo native Monte Maxwell, a renowned musician who serves as organist for the U.S. Naval Academy, was recognized at this week's City Council meeting Maxwell will perform a free concert this evening at First Christian Church on North Oakes Street beginning at 7 PM.
Showdown in San Angelo
Three days of drag boat excitement gets underway tomorrow with the Showdown at San Angelo. Six top fuel boats will be racing, the largest number ever to race on Lake Nasworthy. Activities actually begin later today with the Small Show and Shine downtown at Concho and Oakes from 5 to 7:30. Tomorrow, it's the Test and Tune from 10 AM to 4 PM and the Show and Shine, a chance to meet the drivers and see the boats up close, from 6 to 7:30 PM at Mary Lee Park. Saturday, it's the qualifying races starting at 9 AM and Sunday, final eliminations begin at 9:30 AM. You can find out ticket prices and more online at sanangelo-dot-org-slash-showdown.
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Pipeline almost done
The 62-mile pipeline from the Hickory Aquifer is 99.8 percent complete and will be finished by the end of July. That's what San Angelo Water Utilities Director Ricky Dickson told the city council. The remaining work on the 30-inch water main, which cost 39 million dollars to build, is occurring at the Concho River and at the water treatment plant. Dickson says that the line is gradually being filled so testing can begin next week.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
AM1 Jaime Padron park
The San Angelo City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to re-name Rio Vista Park as "Jaime Padron Memorial Park". Austin police chief Art Acevedo was on hand for the meeting. It was April 6th of last year that Padron, a Senior Officer with the Austin police department, was shot and killed after responding to a Walmart store and struggling with an intoxicated shoplifter armed with a small handgun. Padron was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had also served 14 years with the San Angelo Police Department. He is survived by his two young daughters.
Lunch 'n' Learn gardening class
Meanwhile, watering techniques and plant selection for water conservation will be the topics of a Lunch ’n’ Learn Gardening Class this Friday. Guest speaker will be AgriLife Extension Horticulturist Allison Watkins. That's from noon to 1 p.m. in the Commissioners Court on the second floor of the Edd B. Keyes building on West Beauregard. Cost is five dollars; proceeds go to The People/Plant Connection. You can find a phone number for more information on the city's Facebook page.
Water conservation continues
Another day of water conservation in San Angelo: The city reports that, on Monday, San Angelo used 13-point-three million gallons of water. On the same date last year, usage totaled 18-point-three million gallons.
July3rd Pops Concert
A San Angelo Symphony tradition continues: the 26th annual July 3rd Pops Concert will take place Wednesday, July 3rd at the Bill Aylor Senior Memorial RiverStage. The gates open at noon; the Community Band will begin at 7 PM, followed by the Symphony and Fireworks Extravaganza at 8:30p. The July 3rd Pops Concert features military pageantry from Goodfellow Air Force Base, and symphonic songs of celebration. Find out more at san-angelo-symphony-dot-
Look Before You Lock
As outside temperatures rise, the dangers for children being seriously injured or even dying from being left alone inside a hot car also rise. That's why the San Angelo Police Department has joining in a national campaign called "Look Before You Lock." Parents and caregivers are urged to do three things: one, NEVER leave a child in a vehicle unattended; two, make it a habit to look in the backseat EVERY time you exit the car; and three, ALWAYS lock the car and put the keys out of reach. If you EVER see a child left alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 right away.
SAPD investigates cold case
The San Angelo Police Department's Cold Case Section is seeking information regarding a 2009 murder. 55-year-old Randy Lee Cave, the owner of Tennis Auction Company, was found dead of a single gunshot wound inside his home in the 2200 block of Waco Street. Police found no signs of forced entry or a struggle. Investigators believe Cave may have been murdered by someone who knew him. He was last seen on January 14th, 2009, at about 6:30 PM at the Stadium Lanes Bowling Center in San Angelo. If you know anything, contact San Angelo police or call 855-TIPS-247.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Hazardous weather outlook
Portions of west central Texas, including the Concho Valley, are under a hazardous weather outlook. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible over all of the region through tonight. While a few storms could become severe and include large hail and damaging winds, the main hazards will be locally heavy rainfall and dangerous cloud to ground lightining.
Water consumption down
San Angelo continues to consume less water this year as compared to last year. On Sunday, San Angelo used 13-point-two million gallons of water compared to 17-point-four million on the same date last year. City officials say the effort is greatly appreciated.
City council meeting today
The San Angelo City Council meets at nine o'clock this morning at the Convention Center. The meeting is open to the public. On the agenda: updates on the Hickory pipeline and local housing issues. You can find a link to the complete agenda by going to the city's Facebook page.
Employee handbook workshop
Angelo State University's Small Business Development Center will host an employee handbook workshop this week. It is a hands-on event for the creation of an employee handbook. Using an electronic template, each participant will be able to create or revise their personnel policies with the direction and assistance of Human Capital staff. It takes place Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM at the City's Business Resource Center on North Chadbourne. Find out more at sbdc-dot-angelo-dot-edu.
ASU teacher grads honored
Two Angelo State University teacher education graduates have been named "Exceptional Teacher Candidates" by the statewide Quest for Quality program. Lauren Couch and Michelle Hamilton will receive congratulatory letters and certificates, and will be featured on the Quest for Quality website. The Exceptional Teacher Candidate honor is based on narratives sent in by the nominees and their universities to a panel of six state and national reviewers.
Monday, June 17, 2013
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. Showers and thunderstorms will be possible today and tonight, generally along and north of a line from Ozona to Menard to San Saba. A few storms could become strong to severe and include large hail, damaging winds and dangerous cloudy to ground lightning, plus locally heavy rainfall.
DREAM t-shirt contest
The San Angelo Police Department's D.R.E.A.M. Officers are looking for creative minded people to create a T-shirt logo for their 1st Annual Anti-Bully Run/Walk event. That is scheduled for October 26th. The logo contest is open to ages 12 and older. The deadline is July 15th at 9 pm. You can find out more on the SAPD Facebook page.
Gas price update
Triple-A says both oil and gas prices went up slightly last week after President Obama authorized support and arms for Syrian rebels, creating concerns of disruptions in oil supplies from the Middle East. Other factors included reports indicating an increase in retail sales and fewer-than expected unemployment claims. The average price of regular gas in Texas is three-40 a gallon, up three cents from last week. According to gas-buddy-cot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-29 to three-49 a gallon.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Child porn sentence
A San Angelo man has been sentenced by a U.S. District Judge in Lubbock to 210 months in federal prison. 47-year-old Victor Lopez pleaded guilty in March to one count of receipt of child pornography. In addition, the judge ordered that Lopez serve an additional 20-year term of supervised release. According to plea documents filed in the case, Lopez admitted that he used file-sharing software to collect numerous videos of child pornography, including depictions of sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Runoff election
The votes from Saturday's runoff election in San Angelo will be canvassed and the winners will be sworn into office on June 25th. Dwain Morrison was elected to a two-year term as mayor, and Rodney Fleming and H.R. "Winkie" Wardlaw III won one-year terms in the Single-Member District seats one and five.
Farmers Market grand opening
Homegrown tomatoes will be available for sale when the Concho Valley Farmers Market celebrates its 2013 grand opening from 7 a.m. until noon this Saturday. The vendors, who come from a 75-mile radius around San Angelo, will be offering locally grown and seasonal fruits, vegetables and plants under the Farmers Market Pavilion at 609 South Oakes, across from Fort Concho. The grand opening will include live music, door prizes of free produce offered every few minutes, free homemade baked goodies, and free coffee and lemonade.
San Angelo shooting
A San Angelo man has been charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon after a shooting incident in North San Angelo Friday afternoon. 54-year-old Ramon R. Garcia is the landlord at the location on Armstrong Street where police responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a shooting victim. Detectives say Garcia had checked on a male and female tenant who were engaged in a verbal altercation. Detectives say he was confronted by the man and subsequently retrieved a firearm and shot the man one time. The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries. Garcia was transported to the Tom Green County Jail.
Friday, June 14, 2013
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. Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and tonight, mainly south of a line from Sterling City to Mason. These storms might containe dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and brief heavy ranfall.
Love pool movie night
Tomorrow night is movie night at Love Municipal Pool. The San Angelo Recreation Department presents "Surf's Up: A Major Ocean Picture." Gates open at 7 PM. Admission is five dollars per person.
City splash party
A "Splash Party" is scheduled for July 3rd from 5 pm to 11 PM at Love Municipal Pool. The San Angelo Recreation Department has tickets on sale now, 15 dollars each for those three years old and older.
Acid spill contained, cleaned
The San Angelo Fire Department, the City’s Fire Marshal and a hazardous materials team from Goodfellow Air Force Base contained a hydrochloric acid spill in southwest San Angelo on Thursday. The spill, in the parking lot of the La Quinta Inn and Conference Center on West Loop 306, resulted in no injuries or illnesses. A tanker truck owned by Refinery Specialties of Bryan was leaking the acid from a cracked inlet/outlet pipe when it parked in the hotel’s lot. As much as 350 gallons of acid oozed from the truck before two Goodfellow firefighters cloaked in hazmat suits were able to plug the leak. The city used sand to build a series of dikes to contain the acid, which was then cleaned up by Refinery Specialists.
Grandparent scam
Elderly residents of San Angelo are the target of something known as the "Grandparent Scam." Police say victims are called by someone claiming to represent a grandchild who is in trouble, has been in an accident or is in jail and, in any case, needs money. Since March of last year, there have been nine such cases reported with a total of more than 32-thousand dollars scammed from elderly persons. San Angelo police have tips to avoid such scams which you can find on their Facebook page.
ASU program top-ranked
Angelo State University's master's degree in criminal justice program is one of the top programs in the country. That's according to rankings for the 2013-2014 academic year by MastersDegreeOnline-dot-org. Only 38 U.S. colleges and universities are featured on the website for having outstanding graduate criminal justice programs, and Angelo State is one of only five Texas schools on the list.
School supply drive
Three local organizations are joining forces in a school supplies drive to benefit the children of Moore, Oklahoma, and the Caribbean nation of Dominica. Angelo State University's Educator Preparation Information Center, the nonprofit group Give More HUGS and San Angelo's Teacher Supply Store will begin the drive next Tuesday; it runs through July 12th. All types of school supplies will be accepted at drop-off stations at the EPI Center on Dena Drive and the Teacher Supply Store on North Chadbourne.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Overpass replacement
Good news for motorists who use the US 180 overpass in Nolan County. The structure at US 84 and I-20 near Sweetwater was severely damaged when it was hit by a truck in January. The Texas Department of Transportation says a two-point-seven million dollar project to replace the overpass will begin Monday.
Saving water
Tuesday was a good day for San Angelo when it comes to water conservation. The city consumed 12 million gallons of water compared to 18-point-four million gallons on the same date a year ago.
Public Information Office awards
The City of San Angelo’s Public Information Office won two statewide awards at the annual conference of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers last Friday. San Angelo garnered a second-place trophy for Best Use of Social Media, finishing behind the City of Austin’s Twitter feed, and a third-place award for Best Media Relations, topped by only Austin and Temple.
Just One Day results
The city of San Angelo reports that Tuesday's Just One Day event at the Animal Shelter yielded more than four adoptions, several animals being reclaimed by owners, and more than 50 dogs receiving free dips and toenail trimmings. If you're interested in any of the prospective pets you might have seen at the event, call the shelter. You can find that phone number and photos of adoptable animals on the City of San Angelo's Facebook page.
Top K9 honors
A San Angelo Police K9 Team officer and his partner finished in second place overall at a recent training conference in Laredo. Officer Brian Gesch and Snoop were also awarded Top Finish for Malinois and Top Finish in the Age Category of Five Years Old or Older. A total of 103 teams competed at the conference, held by the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association.
Election Day this Saturday
More than four-thousand people cast ballots in early voting for San Angelo's runoff election. And another 161 ballots have been mailed in. Voters are choosing a mayor and city council members from Single Member Districts One and Five. Election day is this Saturday. Polls will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM. You can wind out where those polling locations are plus a map of City Council districts by going to the city's website.
Public helps find suspect
Earlier this week, San Angelo Police issued a request to the public to help identify and locate an assault suspect. Shortly after the release of the surveillance video and photos, police received several anonymous tips as to the identity of the man seen in the recordings. The suspect has since been arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Jail, charged with attempted aggravated sexual assault. He's identified as 34-year-old Brian M. Crawford of San Angelo. No other information was immediately available.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Perry adds transportation to special session
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry has given lawmakers a new task in the ongoing special session: fund transportation. And the legislators are ready with ideas.
Earlier this year transportation officials clamored that Texas will soon need an additional $4 billion per year to keep up with the cost of preventing highway congestion and the needs for road maintenance.
Lawmakers have advanced ideas about how to get that money to the state, which is growing by more than 1,000 people per day.
“Texas’ growing economy and population demand that we take action to address the growing pressure on the transportation network across the state,” Perry said in a news release Monday night. “As we enjoy the benefits of a booming economy, we have to build and maintain the roads to ensure we sustain both our economic success and our quality of life.”
State senators and representatives have a number of ideas on the table.
The House has proposed a swap. House Bill 41 from Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, would take oil and gas taxes going to general revenue, the pot of money that lawmakers have the most control over, and give that to education. Meanwhile, lawmakers would take the 25 percent of the motor fuel tax already going to education and give that to transportation.
Because the motor fuel tax is a more stable income source than the oil and gas severance taxes, the plan would give transportation officials a source of income they can count on, possibly as much as $800 million per year.
“By all means, this is not a fix for transportation, but this is an opportunity to at least help in that regard during the next two years and beyond,” said Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, a joint author of the bill.
As to whether public education would be getting a more volatile source of funding, Darby said the state is obligated to fund schools at certain level.
Lawmakers would need to make room in the budget to meet that obligation in the event that oil and gas severance taxes fall below benchmarks.
Darby said he liked the proposal because it would mean that the 20 cents in gas tax paid at the pump would go to roads and wouldn’t be diverted to education, even though that diversion is specified in the state constitution.
“It carries on the spirit of truth and budgeting and truth in taxation,” Darby said.
The plan requires passage of House Joint Resolution 16, which resolves that Texans vote in a general election to approve a constitutional amendment and allow for the change.
Meanwhile, in a high-profile move from Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, a constitutional amendment from Senate Joint Resolution 2 would divert future money headed to the Rainy Day Fund and give it to transportation funding. If approved, Texans would also vote on that amendment in a general election.
The Rainy Day Fund, properly called the Economic Stabilization Fund, is fueled with oil and gas taxes and was set to have about $11.8 billion by the end of the next two years.
Lawmakers have approved taking $2 billion for water and about another $2 billion for other needs such as ending deferrals to public education and paying for wildfire damages.
“This accomplishes (funding transportation) without taking money out of general revenue, without touching the schools or the school funding mechanisms, accomplishes without raising taxes or fees. It does not take any money out of the Rainy Day Fund,” Nichols has said. “The Rainy Day Fund continues to increase but not at as fast of a rate.”
Williams said the funding plan could bring in about $850 million per year in 2014 and 2015.
Previously, Perry had called the special session only to work on redistricting. Lawmakers have been busy with hearings around the state to hear about possible improvements to temporary maps already in place. The maps have been caught up in federal court on grounds that they disenfranchise minorities.
Perry added transportation infrastructure to the call about 6 p.m. Monday.
Williams said transportation funding was one of the disappointments of the regular session, which ended on Memorial Day.
Overall, transportation received an additional $850 million, and $450 million of that money is for roads damaged in areas that produce oil and gas from shale.
The Texas Department of Transportation budget for 2012-13 was $19.8 billion.
Darby had proposed a bill in the regular session to raise registration fees by about $30 per year to bring in around $700 million per year for transportation, but too many members and Perry stood against it. Darby said he may not bring that bill back.
“I don’t think there is enough time to build consensus for that proposal,” Darby said.
Lawmakers have two weeks left before the special session ends.
The Senate meets back at 1 p.m. today, and the Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing for SJR 2 upon adjournment of the Senate. The House is scheduled to return Monday.
“We’ve got very little time remaining,” Darby said.
Earlier this year transportation officials clamored that Texas will soon need an additional $4 billion per year to keep up with the cost of preventing highway congestion and the needs for road maintenance.
Lawmakers have advanced ideas about how to get that money to the state, which is growing by more than 1,000 people per day.
“Texas’ growing economy and population demand that we take action to address the growing pressure on the transportation network across the state,” Perry said in a news release Monday night. “As we enjoy the benefits of a booming economy, we have to build and maintain the roads to ensure we sustain both our economic success and our quality of life.”
State senators and representatives have a number of ideas on the table.
The House has proposed a swap. House Bill 41 from Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, would take oil and gas taxes going to general revenue, the pot of money that lawmakers have the most control over, and give that to education. Meanwhile, lawmakers would take the 25 percent of the motor fuel tax already going to education and give that to transportation.
Because the motor fuel tax is a more stable income source than the oil and gas severance taxes, the plan would give transportation officials a source of income they can count on, possibly as much as $800 million per year.
“By all means, this is not a fix for transportation, but this is an opportunity to at least help in that regard during the next two years and beyond,” said Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, a joint author of the bill.
As to whether public education would be getting a more volatile source of funding, Darby said the state is obligated to fund schools at certain level.
Lawmakers would need to make room in the budget to meet that obligation in the event that oil and gas severance taxes fall below benchmarks.
Darby said he liked the proposal because it would mean that the 20 cents in gas tax paid at the pump would go to roads and wouldn’t be diverted to education, even though that diversion is specified in the state constitution.
“It carries on the spirit of truth and budgeting and truth in taxation,” Darby said.
The plan requires passage of House Joint Resolution 16, which resolves that Texans vote in a general election to approve a constitutional amendment and allow for the change.
Meanwhile, in a high-profile move from Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, a constitutional amendment from Senate Joint Resolution 2 would divert future money headed to the Rainy Day Fund and give it to transportation funding. If approved, Texans would also vote on that amendment in a general election.
The Rainy Day Fund, properly called the Economic Stabilization Fund, is fueled with oil and gas taxes and was set to have about $11.8 billion by the end of the next two years.
Lawmakers have approved taking $2 billion for water and about another $2 billion for other needs such as ending deferrals to public education and paying for wildfire damages.
“This accomplishes (funding transportation) without taking money out of general revenue, without touching the schools or the school funding mechanisms, accomplishes without raising taxes or fees. It does not take any money out of the Rainy Day Fund,” Nichols has said. “The Rainy Day Fund continues to increase but not at as fast of a rate.”
Williams said the funding plan could bring in about $850 million per year in 2014 and 2015.
Previously, Perry had called the special session only to work on redistricting. Lawmakers have been busy with hearings around the state to hear about possible improvements to temporary maps already in place. The maps have been caught up in federal court on grounds that they disenfranchise minorities.
Perry added transportation infrastructure to the call about 6 p.m. Monday.
Williams said transportation funding was one of the disappointments of the regular session, which ended on Memorial Day.
Overall, transportation received an additional $850 million, and $450 million of that money is for roads damaged in areas that produce oil and gas from shale.
The Texas Department of Transportation budget for 2012-13 was $19.8 billion.
Darby had proposed a bill in the regular session to raise registration fees by about $30 per year to bring in around $700 million per year for transportation, but too many members and Perry stood against it. Darby said he may not bring that bill back.
“I don’t think there is enough time to build consensus for that proposal,” Darby said.
Lawmakers have two weeks left before the special session ends.
The Senate meets back at 1 p.m. today, and the Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing for SJR 2 upon adjournment of the Senate. The House is scheduled to return Monday.
“We’ve got very little time remaining,” Darby said.
Former Shannon head speaks to San Angelo Chamber
The former leader of Shannon Health System has addressed the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. Dan Stultz now serves as CEO of the Texas Hospital Association. He has spoken to chamber members about recent advances in medicine, the new health care law, and Medicaid changes. Stultz led Shannon from 1999 to 2006.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
San Angelo man allegedly assaulted Wal-Mart worker
San Angelo Police have arrested a man who they believe assaulted a Wal-Mart employee last Friday. They say they have received several anonymous tips. Police have identified the man they have taken into custody as 24-year-old Brian M. Crawford of San Angelo. He was arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Jail. Crawford stands accused of attempted aggravated sexual assault.
UT president speaking at Bentwood tomorrow
University of Texas president Bill Powers will speak at a meeting of the San Angelo chapter of the Texas Exes, the university's alumni association this week. Powers will address a variety of topics, including the importance of research universities. The speech takes place tomorrow night at Bentwood Country Club. Also, the Exes chapter will recognize area high school students who have won scholarships to attend The University of Texas at Austin and to raise money for future scholarships.
Donation to arts museum for solar panel
To help promote green energy education and help the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts cut electric bills, the Green Mountain Energy Company has donated $50,000 to the museum. The money helps buy and install a large solar array above the museum's parking lot. The check was presented to museum officials by a Green Mountain Sun Club representative from Austin. The new array will be installed this fall.
Spurs rout Heat 113-77 in Game 3 of NBA Finals
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Danny Green and Gary Neal aren't NBA royalty like LeBron James.
Either undrafted or unwanted, they were once more likely to be found playing in summer league or some other country than against the mighty Miami Heat.
On Tuesday, they led the San Antonio Spurs to one of the best-shooting, biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history.
Green made seven of the Spurs' finals-record 16 3-pointers, Tim Duncan had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and the Spurs clobbered the Heat 113-77 on Tuesday night to take 2-1 lead in the series.
Green scored 27 points and Gary Neal made six 3-pointers while scoring 24 as San Antonio went 16 of 32 from behind the arc, rolling to the third-biggest victory in finals history.
''Those guys shot incredibly,'' Duncan said. ''Gave us the breathing room when we needed it.''
Neal could be even more important going forward, after starting point guard Tony Parker revealed fresh concerns about his sore hamstring. He plans to get an MRI on Wednesday.
Duncan bounced back from his worst game ever in the finals, and the Spurs' combination of fresh faces and old reliables dominated the NBA's winningest team before an eager crowd that hadn't seen the finals here since 2007.
''It shouldn't be a surprise,'' said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. ''These are the last two teams standing. I don't think either one of them is going to get down if they have a bad night.''
The Spurs were as good as fans remembered in the old days, shutting down James until they had built a huge lead late in the third quarter.
James finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but missed 11 of his first 13 shots against the excellent defense of Kawhi Leonard, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
''Honestly, I just have to play better,'' James said. ''I can't have a performance like tonight and expect to win.''
Game 4 is Thursday here, where the Heat are 3-22 in the regular season and so far zero wins and one really bad beating in the postseason.
''We got what we deserved,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''I didn't even recognize the team that was out there tonight.''
Duncan shot 3 of 13 for nine points, his worst performance ever in his 25 NBA Finals games, in the Heat's 103-84 victory Sunday. Parker wasn't much better, shooting 5 of 14 and committing five turnovers, and Manu Ginobili admitted afterward the veteran trio had to play well for the Spurs to win.
They were fine, but the lesser-knowns were better.
Parker and Ginobili combined for 14 assists, but the bigger story was the guys who had never played on this stage before.
- Neal, who went undrafted after playing for LaSalle and Towson, then playing overseas for three seasons in Italy, Spain and Turkey.
-Green, who had been cut multiple times - including by James' Cavaliers - and now has the shot to stick.
-Leonard, the draft-night trade acquisition from San Diego State who played the NBA's four-time MVP to a stalemate.
''It's a dream come true,'' Neal said. ''Me and Danny both went through a lot of stuff together. We were guys that showed up two hours before practice started to get shots up and to prove to the coaching staff that we belong, and we're going to do whatever we need to do to get minutes.
''So me and Danny, we were able to play great tonight.''
Mike Miller made all five 3-pointers and scored 15 points for the Heat, who broke open Sunday's game and seized momentum in the series with a 33-5 run in the second half.
The Spurs seized it right back, improving to 18-7 in the finals, the best winning percentage of any team with 20 or more games.
A brief flurry by James had Miami within 15 after three quarters, but Neal, Green and Leonard combined on a 13-0 run to open the fourth, Green's 3-pointer making it 91-63.
''All of my teammates and Pop. They do a great job of encouraging me. They continue to tell me to shoot the ball. They continue to tell me whenever I'm open, to let it fly,'' Green said.
The NBA hadn't made its way along San Antonio's River Walk this late in the season since 2007, and fans couldn't wait to have the Spurs back. They sang and danced and clapped around the concourse and in their seats, as if their favorite rock band had returned for a concert.
And they were thrilled to see the Duncan they recognized from his first 24 finals appearances.
He got right on the board in this one, with a short jumper 20 seconds into the game. The Spurs, who had played from behind most of the series, had a 24-20 lead after making 11 of 18 shots in the first quarter.
Duncan hit a pair of three throws and another basket, and after a jumper by Neal, he threw a long outlet to Leonard for a dunk that made it 40-30.
Neal's 3 made it 43-32, but Miller hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 12-1 run that tied it at 44 with 37 seconds in the half, the Heat appearing set to go into the half with momentum. But Parker drilled a 3 from the corner, and after Green blocked James' shot, the Spurs rushed it up for a 3-pointer by Neal that fell at the buzzer, the reserve guard pointing back toward his defenders before the Spurs headed to the locker room with a 50-44 advantage.
The party played on all right, with a huge roar when Tracy McGrady, a former perennial All-Star now in his first finals appearance as a member of the Spurs' bench, checked in midway through the fourth quarter. He was scoreless with three assists.
James started 2 for 13, then made his final four shots of the third as the Heat got within 13 before Ginobili fired a nifty pass to Tiago Splitter under the basket for a score with 0.1 seconds remaining, making it 78-63 and setting the stage for the big fourth-quarter finish.
''They came out in the third quarter and they kicked our butt pretty good and frustration started to set in,'' the Heat's Dwyane Wade said.
It was a potentially pivotal victory for the Spurs in their quest to go 5 for 5 in the finals. Since the NBA Finals went to a 2-3-2 format in 1985, the Game 3 winner when the series was tied 1-1 has gone on to win 12 of the 13 titles - though the Heat were the lone one that didn't, in 2011.
Either undrafted or unwanted, they were once more likely to be found playing in summer league or some other country than against the mighty Miami Heat.
On Tuesday, they led the San Antonio Spurs to one of the best-shooting, biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history.
Green made seven of the Spurs' finals-record 16 3-pointers, Tim Duncan had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and the Spurs clobbered the Heat 113-77 on Tuesday night to take 2-1 lead in the series.
Green scored 27 points and Gary Neal made six 3-pointers while scoring 24 as San Antonio went 16 of 32 from behind the arc, rolling to the third-biggest victory in finals history.
''Those guys shot incredibly,'' Duncan said. ''Gave us the breathing room when we needed it.''
Neal could be even more important going forward, after starting point guard Tony Parker revealed fresh concerns about his sore hamstring. He plans to get an MRI on Wednesday.
Duncan bounced back from his worst game ever in the finals, and the Spurs' combination of fresh faces and old reliables dominated the NBA's winningest team before an eager crowd that hadn't seen the finals here since 2007.
''It shouldn't be a surprise,'' said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. ''These are the last two teams standing. I don't think either one of them is going to get down if they have a bad night.''
The Spurs were as good as fans remembered in the old days, shutting down James until they had built a huge lead late in the third quarter.
James finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but missed 11 of his first 13 shots against the excellent defense of Kawhi Leonard, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
''Honestly, I just have to play better,'' James said. ''I can't have a performance like tonight and expect to win.''
Game 4 is Thursday here, where the Heat are 3-22 in the regular season and so far zero wins and one really bad beating in the postseason.
''We got what we deserved,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''I didn't even recognize the team that was out there tonight.''
Duncan shot 3 of 13 for nine points, his worst performance ever in his 25 NBA Finals games, in the Heat's 103-84 victory Sunday. Parker wasn't much better, shooting 5 of 14 and committing five turnovers, and Manu Ginobili admitted afterward the veteran trio had to play well for the Spurs to win.
They were fine, but the lesser-knowns were better.
Parker and Ginobili combined for 14 assists, but the bigger story was the guys who had never played on this stage before.
- Neal, who went undrafted after playing for LaSalle and Towson, then playing overseas for three seasons in Italy, Spain and Turkey.
-Green, who had been cut multiple times - including by James' Cavaliers - and now has the shot to stick.
-Leonard, the draft-night trade acquisition from San Diego State who played the NBA's four-time MVP to a stalemate.
''It's a dream come true,'' Neal said. ''Me and Danny both went through a lot of stuff together. We were guys that showed up two hours before practice started to get shots up and to prove to the coaching staff that we belong, and we're going to do whatever we need to do to get minutes.
''So me and Danny, we were able to play great tonight.''
Mike Miller made all five 3-pointers and scored 15 points for the Heat, who broke open Sunday's game and seized momentum in the series with a 33-5 run in the second half.
The Spurs seized it right back, improving to 18-7 in the finals, the best winning percentage of any team with 20 or more games.
A brief flurry by James had Miami within 15 after three quarters, but Neal, Green and Leonard combined on a 13-0 run to open the fourth, Green's 3-pointer making it 91-63.
''All of my teammates and Pop. They do a great job of encouraging me. They continue to tell me to shoot the ball. They continue to tell me whenever I'm open, to let it fly,'' Green said.
The NBA hadn't made its way along San Antonio's River Walk this late in the season since 2007, and fans couldn't wait to have the Spurs back. They sang and danced and clapped around the concourse and in their seats, as if their favorite rock band had returned for a concert.
And they were thrilled to see the Duncan they recognized from his first 24 finals appearances.
He got right on the board in this one, with a short jumper 20 seconds into the game. The Spurs, who had played from behind most of the series, had a 24-20 lead after making 11 of 18 shots in the first quarter.
Duncan hit a pair of three throws and another basket, and after a jumper by Neal, he threw a long outlet to Leonard for a dunk that made it 40-30.
Neal's 3 made it 43-32, but Miller hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 12-1 run that tied it at 44 with 37 seconds in the half, the Heat appearing set to go into the half with momentum. But Parker drilled a 3 from the corner, and after Green blocked James' shot, the Spurs rushed it up for a 3-pointer by Neal that fell at the buzzer, the reserve guard pointing back toward his defenders before the Spurs headed to the locker room with a 50-44 advantage.
The party played on all right, with a huge roar when Tracy McGrady, a former perennial All-Star now in his first finals appearance as a member of the Spurs' bench, checked in midway through the fourth quarter. He was scoreless with three assists.
James started 2 for 13, then made his final four shots of the third as the Heat got within 13 before Ginobili fired a nifty pass to Tiago Splitter under the basket for a score with 0.1 seconds remaining, making it 78-63 and setting the stage for the big fourth-quarter finish.
''They came out in the third quarter and they kicked our butt pretty good and frustration started to set in,'' the Heat's Dwyane Wade said.
It was a potentially pivotal victory for the Spurs in their quest to go 5 for 5 in the finals. Since the NBA Finals went to a 2-3-2 format in 1985, the Game 3 winner when the series was tied 1-1 has gone on to win 12 of the 13 titles - though the Heat were the lone one that didn't, in 2011.
Mariners' Harang allows 2 hits in win over Astros
SEATTLE (AP) -- Aaron Harang pitched a two-hitter for his second shoutout of the season, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.
Harang (3-6) struck out a season-high 10, the 12th time in his career he had 10 Ks with no walks. It was his 15th career complete game and eighth shutout. He also beat San Diego 9-0 on May 27.
Harang allowed a two-out infield single to deep short by J.D. Martinez in the second inning. He then retired 16 of the next 17 batters. The only Astros batter to reach during that span was Brandon Barnes on a sixth-inning error.
Martinez also had the other hit, an inning-opening single to left in the seventh. He never advanced past first.
Raul Ibanez hit his team-leading 13th home run - his second in an many nights - in the sixth inning.
It was his 74th career home run at Safeco Field, the most by any player.
Bud Norris (5-6) went seven innings for the Astros. He allowed three runs on five hits, walking one and striking out six. The Mariners have eight shutouts this season, tied with Cleveland for the most in the American League.
The Astros have been shut out a league-high seven times.
Spotty defense by the Astros played a role in both the Mariners' first two runs.
In the first, Endy Chavez opened with a double into the right-field corner and advanced to third when shortstop Ronny Cedeno missed the relay. After two outs, Chavez finally scored on Norris' wild pitch, on a 1-2 pitch to Ibanez.
Then in the second inning it happened again. Nick Franklin opened with a double to right and right-fielder Trevor Crowe's throw to second was wide of Cedeno for another error. The Astros have committed a major-league-high 49 errors.
Franklin advanced to third and scored on Michael Saunders' sac-fly to deep left.
Ibanez's home run gave the Mariners 73 this season. They account for 109 of the team's 235 runs, 46.2 percent.
The Mariners added a run in the eighth. Chavez opened with a double and scored on Kyle Seager's one-out single to right.
Harang (3-6) struck out a season-high 10, the 12th time in his career he had 10 Ks with no walks. It was his 15th career complete game and eighth shutout. He also beat San Diego 9-0 on May 27.
Harang allowed a two-out infield single to deep short by J.D. Martinez in the second inning. He then retired 16 of the next 17 batters. The only Astros batter to reach during that span was Brandon Barnes on a sixth-inning error.
Martinez also had the other hit, an inning-opening single to left in the seventh. He never advanced past first.
Raul Ibanez hit his team-leading 13th home run - his second in an many nights - in the sixth inning.
It was his 74th career home run at Safeco Field, the most by any player.
Bud Norris (5-6) went seven innings for the Astros. He allowed three runs on five hits, walking one and striking out six. The Mariners have eight shutouts this season, tied with Cleveland for the most in the American League.
The Astros have been shut out a league-high seven times.
Spotty defense by the Astros played a role in both the Mariners' first two runs.
In the first, Endy Chavez opened with a double into the right-field corner and advanced to third when shortstop Ronny Cedeno missed the relay. After two outs, Chavez finally scored on Norris' wild pitch, on a 1-2 pitch to Ibanez.
Then in the second inning it happened again. Nick Franklin opened with a double to right and right-fielder Trevor Crowe's throw to second was wide of Cedeno for another error. The Astros have committed a major-league-high 49 errors.
Franklin advanced to third and scored on Michael Saunders' sac-fly to deep left.
Ibanez's home run gave the Mariners 73 this season. They account for 109 of the team's 235 runs, 46.2 percent.
The Mariners added a run in the eighth. Chavez opened with a double and scored on Kyle Seager's one-out single to right.
Indians end 8-game losing streak, 5-2 at Texas
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Terry Francona liked the sound coming from clubhouse around the corner from his office - the blaring music after a victory.
It had been awhile for the Cleveland Indians, especially on the road.
Corey Kluber, pitching less than 25 miles from where he went to high school, allowed one run over eight innings and the Indians snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory at Texas on Tuesday night.
''It's good to get back in the 'W' column,'' Mark Reynolds said. ''We can stop worrying about it now and just relax and play ball.''
With the efficient effort by Kluber (4-4), some solid defense and timely hits, the Indians also snapped a 12-game road slide.
''We played a nice ballgame, and we kept the line moving at the plate,'' Francona said. ''Because of that you get to hear some music, which is a welcome sign.''
Reynolds had an RBI single in the fourth off Derek Holland (5-3) that put Cleveland ahead to stay. Drew Stubbs added a two-run single in the fifth and scored on a single by Nick Swisher, who had only two hits his previous 28 at-bats.
Lefty Holland, who pitched a season-low 4 1-3 innings, was 4-0 with a 2.40 ERA in his previous seven starts.
Holland struck out the game's first three batters on 11 pitches. But the left-hander was gone after the Indians had scored three runs and his only walk loaded the bases with one out in the fifth. The Ohio native had been 3-0 in six previous career starts against Cleveland.
''You've got to give the Indians hitters credit. They fought for their at-bats and made him work. They got some hits when it mattered,'' Rangers manager Ron Washington said. ''You're going to have some days when it just doesn't work out.''
Neither team took pregame batting practice on the field after a busted water pipe under the infield caused a sinkhole right behind the mound. Workers had to dig more than 3 feet deep to fix the pipe, but completed the repair and had the grass back in place behind the mound about an hour before the game.
With his team mired in the losing streak, Francona joked before the game that there were no Bull Durham-like shenanigans by his team trying to get a day off.
The Indians were just fine, and happy when the game was over. Every starter in the lineup got a hit.
Kluber, who went to Coppell High School, struck out three with three walks and benefited from three double plays. He didn't throw more than 10 pitches in an inning until the sixth.
''It really wasn't any different than another game,'' Kluber said. ''I've seen, I couldn't tell you how many games here. I've thrown here in college summer league. ... It really didn't feel any different.''
Francona was impressed.
''He's getting better right in front of our eyes,'' the manager said. ''For him to go out there and kind of shoulder that responsibility, was, (we're) really proud of him.''
Ryan Raburn had a leadoff double in the fourth and scored on Reynolds' second hit of the game. Reynolds was 2 for 25 the first seven games of the trip that ends with Wednesday's series finale.
Yan Gomes and Mike Aviles, the Nos. 8 and 9 hitters in the Cleveland lineup, had consecutive singles to start the fifth. Both moved up a base on Holland's errant throw into center when trying to pick Gomes off second base. Stubbs followed with his runs-producing hit before Jason Kipnis was hit by a pitch to bring up Swisher.
''Thought I had a good game that first inning, when I was in control,'' Holland said. ''It was just an overall terrible performance. I didn't have my fastball. I made some pitches that they just found holes.''
After Kluber walked Leury Garcia and Andrus to start the sixth, Garcia was thrown out trying to advance to third on David Murphy's flyout to left.
Elvis Andrus led off the Texas first with a single but was quickly erased on a double play when Murphy lined out to third baseman Reynolds. Nelson Cruz grounded into a double play after A.J. Pierzynski's leadoff walk in the second.
Murphy had an RBI double in the eighth. Pierzynski homered in the ninth off reliever Joe Smith.
It had been awhile for the Cleveland Indians, especially on the road.
Corey Kluber, pitching less than 25 miles from where he went to high school, allowed one run over eight innings and the Indians snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory at Texas on Tuesday night.
''It's good to get back in the 'W' column,'' Mark Reynolds said. ''We can stop worrying about it now and just relax and play ball.''
With the efficient effort by Kluber (4-4), some solid defense and timely hits, the Indians also snapped a 12-game road slide.
''We played a nice ballgame, and we kept the line moving at the plate,'' Francona said. ''Because of that you get to hear some music, which is a welcome sign.''
Reynolds had an RBI single in the fourth off Derek Holland (5-3) that put Cleveland ahead to stay. Drew Stubbs added a two-run single in the fifth and scored on a single by Nick Swisher, who had only two hits his previous 28 at-bats.
Lefty Holland, who pitched a season-low 4 1-3 innings, was 4-0 with a 2.40 ERA in his previous seven starts.
Holland struck out the game's first three batters on 11 pitches. But the left-hander was gone after the Indians had scored three runs and his only walk loaded the bases with one out in the fifth. The Ohio native had been 3-0 in six previous career starts against Cleveland.
''You've got to give the Indians hitters credit. They fought for their at-bats and made him work. They got some hits when it mattered,'' Rangers manager Ron Washington said. ''You're going to have some days when it just doesn't work out.''
Neither team took pregame batting practice on the field after a busted water pipe under the infield caused a sinkhole right behind the mound. Workers had to dig more than 3 feet deep to fix the pipe, but completed the repair and had the grass back in place behind the mound about an hour before the game.
With his team mired in the losing streak, Francona joked before the game that there were no Bull Durham-like shenanigans by his team trying to get a day off.
The Indians were just fine, and happy when the game was over. Every starter in the lineup got a hit.
Kluber, who went to Coppell High School, struck out three with three walks and benefited from three double plays. He didn't throw more than 10 pitches in an inning until the sixth.
''It really wasn't any different than another game,'' Kluber said. ''I've seen, I couldn't tell you how many games here. I've thrown here in college summer league. ... It really didn't feel any different.''
Francona was impressed.
''He's getting better right in front of our eyes,'' the manager said. ''For him to go out there and kind of shoulder that responsibility, was, (we're) really proud of him.''
Ryan Raburn had a leadoff double in the fourth and scored on Reynolds' second hit of the game. Reynolds was 2 for 25 the first seven games of the trip that ends with Wednesday's series finale.
Yan Gomes and Mike Aviles, the Nos. 8 and 9 hitters in the Cleveland lineup, had consecutive singles to start the fifth. Both moved up a base on Holland's errant throw into center when trying to pick Gomes off second base. Stubbs followed with his runs-producing hit before Jason Kipnis was hit by a pitch to bring up Swisher.
''Thought I had a good game that first inning, when I was in control,'' Holland said. ''It was just an overall terrible performance. I didn't have my fastball. I made some pitches that they just found holes.''
After Kluber walked Leury Garcia and Andrus to start the sixth, Garcia was thrown out trying to advance to third on David Murphy's flyout to left.
Elvis Andrus led off the Texas first with a single but was quickly erased on a double play when Murphy lined out to third baseman Reynolds. Nelson Cruz grounded into a double play after A.J. Pierzynski's leadoff walk in the second.
Murphy had an RBI double in the eighth. Pierzynski homered in the ninth off reliever Joe Smith.
Colts comeback falls short vs. McAllen
San Angelo, Texas --- Despite scoring eight runs in the final four innings, the Colts fell to the McAllen Thunder, 15-12, Tuesday night at Foster Field. McAllen was led by left fielder Joseph Hicks, who went 6-for-6 and hit for the cycle.
Hicks singled in the first, tripled in the third, doubled in the seventh, and then homered in the ninth. He also drove in six runs and scored four times.
Centerfielder Cody Bishop also hit for the cycle, going 4-for-6 with an RBI and four runs scored. Bishop homered in the first, singled in the fourth, hit a ground-rule double in the seventh, and then tripled in the ninth.
The Thunder never trailed, and they led by as many as eight runs.
San Angelo homered three times in the game. Third baseman Jordan Marks, first baseman Steve Rinaudo, and designated hitter Kyle Nichols all went deep. Right fielder Mike Mobbs went 3-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to 13 games.
Colts’ starter Alex Bates (1-2) took the loss, allowing 10 runs, seven earned, on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings. Thunder starter Trent Evins (2-1) earned the win despite allowing 11 runs on 17 hits through seven innings. Reliever Chris Treibt earned a two-inning save.
Hicks singled in the first, tripled in the third, doubled in the seventh, and then homered in the ninth. He also drove in six runs and scored four times.
Centerfielder Cody Bishop also hit for the cycle, going 4-for-6 with an RBI and four runs scored. Bishop homered in the first, singled in the fourth, hit a ground-rule double in the seventh, and then tripled in the ninth.
The Thunder never trailed, and they led by as many as eight runs.
San Angelo homered three times in the game. Third baseman Jordan Marks, first baseman Steve Rinaudo, and designated hitter Kyle Nichols all went deep. Right fielder Mike Mobbs went 3-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to 13 games.
Colts’ starter Alex Bates (1-2) took the loss, allowing 10 runs, seven earned, on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings. Thunder starter Trent Evins (2-1) earned the win despite allowing 11 runs on 17 hits through seven innings. Reliever Chris Treibt earned a two-inning save.
Today is the final day to vote early
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Today is the last day for early in-person voting in the civic runoff election for San Angelo.
Voters are choosing a new mayor and City Council members to fill unexpired terms for Single Member Districts 1 and 5. In the regular election May 11, no candidate in those three races received a majority of votes. Election Day is Saturday.
Polls for early voting today will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can cast ballots at any of the polls, regardless of where they live. The polling places are:
Edd B. Keyes Building, 113 W. Beauregard Ave., second floor.
River Place Apartments, 501 S. Irene St.
Victory Christian Center, 1620 Sunset Drive.
Assembly of God Church, 1442 Edmund Blvd.
Plaza del Sol Apartments, 4359 Oak Grove Blvd.
The ballot choices are:
Citywide, candidates for mayor: Kendall Hirschfeld, Dwain Morrison.
Single Member District 1, unexpired term: Trinidad Aguirre, Rodney Fleming.
Single Member District 5, unexpired term: H.R. “Winkie” Wardlaw III, David McBride.
For information on voting, call 325-659-6541.
Voters are choosing a new mayor and City Council members to fill unexpired terms for Single Member Districts 1 and 5. In the regular election May 11, no candidate in those three races received a majority of votes. Election Day is Saturday.
Polls for early voting today will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can cast ballots at any of the polls, regardless of where they live. The polling places are:
Edd B. Keyes Building, 113 W. Beauregard Ave., second floor.
River Place Apartments, 501 S. Irene St.
Victory Christian Center, 1620 Sunset Drive.
Assembly of God Church, 1442 Edmund Blvd.
Plaza del Sol Apartments, 4359 Oak Grove Blvd.
The ballot choices are:
Citywide, candidates for mayor: Kendall Hirschfeld, Dwain Morrison.
Single Member District 1, unexpired term: Trinidad Aguirre, Rodney Fleming.
Single Member District 5, unexpired term: H.R. “Winkie” Wardlaw III, David McBride.
For information on voting, call 325-659-6541.
Monday, June 10, 2013
TASER INCIDENT: Grieving mom wants answers
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Pamela Roberson dropped off her son Micah Anthony Key at his apartment shortly before he died Saturday morning.
“He came (to my house) and got something to eat. At about 3:20 a.m. I took him to his apartment, turned around and came home,” she said. “I haven’t seen my son to this day.”
Key, 24, died Saturday morning after police used a Taser while trying to take him into custody. San Angelo police were dispatched to the domestic disturbance assault call about 3:30 a.m. at Casa Rio Apartments, 4941 Ben Ficklin Road in south San Angelo.
The cause of death was unknown, according to an SAPD news release sent out Saturday.
“Supposedly, they took the body somewhere we can’t even view it,” said Micah Key’s brother David Key, 26. “We don’t know what hospital they took him to or anything.”
Roberson, 47, said she did not find out her son had died until about 10 a.m. Saturday, when Micah Key’s wife of six days, Carla Key, 26, called to inform her.
“She (Carla Key) didn’t know anything, either,” Roberson said. “They (law enforcement) told her someone would come
by here. Nobody ever came by here.”
Carla Key, who was present at the time of the incident, did not know the status or where Micah Key was transported after the domestic disturbance call, Roberson said.
Micah Key worked with calves at Lonestar Beef Processing, David Key said.
According to the SAPD news release, officers asked the man to come downstairs to talk to them, but he refused.
“When the officers went up the stairs to speak with the subject he made aggressive movements toward them and a struggle ensued,” the news release states.
When officers announced they would use a Taser, it states, the man continued to resist. Police placed him in handcuffs after using the stun gun on him twice, but later noticed he was unresponsive and began to perform first aid, it states.
The San Angelo Fire Department took the man to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. One police officer was treated and later released from a hospital for injuries he received during the struggle. The hospitals to which both men were taken to and the nature of the officer’s injuries have not been released.
“Violent? That he was not,” Roberson said, “His size intimidates people sometimes, but he’s a big teddy bear.”
Tom Green County arrest records list Micah Key as 6-foot-1 and weighing 260 pounds. Roberson estimated he was about 220 pounds.
Texas Ranger Philip Kemp is investigating the custodial death, one that occurs while a suspect is in custody. The Texas Department of Public Safety is only investigating the incident from the time the man was found unresponsive. All events preceding that are being investigated by the Police Department.
DPS has not released the names of the officers involved. Sgt. Santos Carrasco Jr. said no additional information was available Monday.
The Police Department has a policy on using a Taser, Police Chief Tim Vasquez said, but every situation is different, and officers can use it when force is justified in response to resistance.
He added that domestic violence is one of the department’s most frequent call for service.
San Angelo police said no new information was available Monday.
Management at Casa Rio Apartments and witnesses declined to comment about the incident.
Micah Key was sentenced to seven days in jail in 2011, after he pleaded guilty to resisting arrest, search or transport, according to Tom Green County Court records.
“Regardless of the past, we don’t know anything. We don’t know the hospital or anything,” Roberson said. “I don’t think that’s right. We’re hurting here. I want to see my son.”
No one in the family had been asked to identify the body, Roberson said. Because it is an active investigation, she has not been able to get any more information about her son.
As a bouquet of flowers was delivered, Roberson turned to rejoin the family gathering at her house.
“As I lay my son to rest, I will proceed further,” Roberson said. “I want some answers; I want to know why no one came here to tell me anything.”
“He came (to my house) and got something to eat. At about 3:20 a.m. I took him to his apartment, turned around and came home,” she said. “I haven’t seen my son to this day.”
Key, 24, died Saturday morning after police used a Taser while trying to take him into custody. San Angelo police were dispatched to the domestic disturbance assault call about 3:30 a.m. at Casa Rio Apartments, 4941 Ben Ficklin Road in south San Angelo.
The cause of death was unknown, according to an SAPD news release sent out Saturday.
“Supposedly, they took the body somewhere we can’t even view it,” said Micah Key’s brother David Key, 26. “We don’t know what hospital they took him to or anything.”
Roberson, 47, said she did not find out her son had died until about 10 a.m. Saturday, when Micah Key’s wife of six days, Carla Key, 26, called to inform her.
“She (Carla Key) didn’t know anything, either,” Roberson said. “They (law enforcement) told her someone would come
by here. Nobody ever came by here.”
Carla Key, who was present at the time of the incident, did not know the status or where Micah Key was transported after the domestic disturbance call, Roberson said.
Micah Key worked with calves at Lonestar Beef Processing, David Key said.
According to the SAPD news release, officers asked the man to come downstairs to talk to them, but he refused.
“When the officers went up the stairs to speak with the subject he made aggressive movements toward them and a struggle ensued,” the news release states.
When officers announced they would use a Taser, it states, the man continued to resist. Police placed him in handcuffs after using the stun gun on him twice, but later noticed he was unresponsive and began to perform first aid, it states.
The San Angelo Fire Department took the man to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. One police officer was treated and later released from a hospital for injuries he received during the struggle. The hospitals to which both men were taken to and the nature of the officer’s injuries have not been released.
“Violent? That he was not,” Roberson said, “His size intimidates people sometimes, but he’s a big teddy bear.”
Tom Green County arrest records list Micah Key as 6-foot-1 and weighing 260 pounds. Roberson estimated he was about 220 pounds.
Texas Ranger Philip Kemp is investigating the custodial death, one that occurs while a suspect is in custody. The Texas Department of Public Safety is only investigating the incident from the time the man was found unresponsive. All events preceding that are being investigated by the Police Department.
DPS has not released the names of the officers involved. Sgt. Santos Carrasco Jr. said no additional information was available Monday.
The Police Department has a policy on using a Taser, Police Chief Tim Vasquez said, but every situation is different, and officers can use it when force is justified in response to resistance.
He added that domestic violence is one of the department’s most frequent call for service.
San Angelo police said no new information was available Monday.
Management at Casa Rio Apartments and witnesses declined to comment about the incident.
Micah Key was sentenced to seven days in jail in 2011, after he pleaded guilty to resisting arrest, search or transport, according to Tom Green County Court records.
“Regardless of the past, we don’t know anything. We don’t know the hospital or anything,” Roberson said. “I don’t think that’s right. We’re hurting here. I want to see my son.”
No one in the family had been asked to identify the body, Roberson said. Because it is an active investigation, she has not been able to get any more information about her son.
As a bouquet of flowers was delivered, Roberson turned to rejoin the family gathering at her house.
“As I lay my son to rest, I will proceed further,” Roberson said. “I want some answers; I want to know why no one came here to tell me anything.”
Triple-digit heat forecast for much of Texas
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -
Texans are about to get their first dose of scorching triple-digit heat this year.
A National Weather Service meteorologist says a large ridge of high pressure will build over Texas this week, bringing summer-like temperatures close to 100 degrees. Heat indexes in some areas could climb to 105.
Meteorologist Victor Murphy says the only part of the state that might avoid the sweltering heat is South Texas.
He says the heat should abate over most of the state by Friday.
It isn't that unusual to have 100-degree heat in June. June 30 is the average date in the Dallas-Fort Worth area when the mercury climbs to triple digits.
Unofficial numbers show that rainfall statewide so far for 2013 will be about an inch below normal, while temperatures ran about normal.
Texans are about to get their first dose of scorching triple-digit heat this year.
A National Weather Service meteorologist says a large ridge of high pressure will build over Texas this week, bringing summer-like temperatures close to 100 degrees. Heat indexes in some areas could climb to 105.
Meteorologist Victor Murphy says the only part of the state that might avoid the sweltering heat is South Texas.
He says the heat should abate over most of the state by Friday.
It isn't that unusual to have 100-degree heat in June. June 30 is the average date in the Dallas-Fort Worth area when the mercury climbs to triple digits.
Unofficial numbers show that rainfall statewide so far for 2013 will be about an inch below normal, while temperatures ran about normal.
Perry signs law cutting number of standardized tests students must pass to graduate
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Gov. Rick Perry has signed into law a much-watched high school curriculum overhaul that cuts the number of standardized tests students must pass to graduate from 15 to five.
The measure is designed to give more flexibility to youngsters who want to focus on career training, not just college-prep courses.
But, amid a major backlash from students, parents and teachers about too much testing, it also slashes the number of state-mandated exams.
Perry said Monday he was originally skeptical about weakening curriculum standards - but that the measure strikes a good balance.
It became law as Texas announced that only 54.3 percent of nine graders passed the English I STAAR exam, down slightly from 2012.
Even under the new law, high school students still must pass an English I exam.
The measure is designed to give more flexibility to youngsters who want to focus on career training, not just college-prep courses.
But, amid a major backlash from students, parents and teachers about too much testing, it also slashes the number of state-mandated exams.
Perry said Monday he was originally skeptical about weakening curriculum standards - but that the measure strikes a good balance.
It became law as Texas announced that only 54.3 percent of nine graders passed the English I STAAR exam, down slightly from 2012.
Even under the new law, high school students still must pass an English I exam.
Texas couple completes bucket list with Maine trip
AUGUSTA, Maine — A Texas couple has fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Maine to watch the state Legislature at work. Seriously.
The Portland Press Herald reports that 86-year-old Marcine Webb and his wife, 81-year-old Nita Lou Webb, were in Augusta last week to complete their quest to visit every state capitol. Maine's was the last one.
When House Speaker Mark Eves announced the reason for their visit, the state representatives stood and cheered.
The trip for the San Angelo, Texas, couple was a 65th wedding anniversary present from their children. They will reach the milestone in August.
They visited No. 49, Juneau, Alaska, five year ago, but then stopped traveling because of Marcine Webb's poor health. He's been feeling better lately.
Nita Lou Webb says the people of Maine are "honest and caring."
The Portland Press Herald reports that 86-year-old Marcine Webb and his wife, 81-year-old Nita Lou Webb, were in Augusta last week to complete their quest to visit every state capitol. Maine's was the last one.
When House Speaker Mark Eves announced the reason for their visit, the state representatives stood and cheered.
The trip for the San Angelo, Texas, couple was a 65th wedding anniversary present from their children. They will reach the milestone in August.
They visited No. 49, Juneau, Alaska, five year ago, but then stopped traveling because of Marcine Webb's poor health. He's been feeling better lately.
Nita Lou Webb says the people of Maine are "honest and caring."
Colts beat Thunder in extras, 12-11
First baseman Steve Rinaudo scored on a wild pitch in the 12th inning to give the Colts a remarkable, 12-11, comeback victory against the McAllen Thunder Monday night at Foster Field.
Rinaudo drew a leadoff walk, and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by left fielder Braden Embry. Rinaudo then moved to third on a ground out to the right side by centerfielder Oscar Garcia. Shortstop Danny Hernandez was at the plate when Thunder reliever Jacob Douglas threw the wild pitch that allowed Rinaudo to score the winning run.
Reliever Chris Treibt (0-1) suffered the loss, as he allowed Rinaudo to reach base to begin the inning. Cephas Howard (2-1) earned the win, pitching two scoreless innings of relief in extras.
The Colts trailed 9-3 entering the seventh, but they went on to score seven runs in the last three innings to tie the game and force extras. Designated hitter Kyle Nichols hit a pair of two-run homers, giving him five on the year. The home runs also upped his RBI total to a team-best 20.
Rinaudo and Hernandez both had game-tying hits in the late innings. Right fielder Mike Mobbs had another strong performance as well, recording two hits to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
Rinaudo drew a leadoff walk, and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by left fielder Braden Embry. Rinaudo then moved to third on a ground out to the right side by centerfielder Oscar Garcia. Shortstop Danny Hernandez was at the plate when Thunder reliever Jacob Douglas threw the wild pitch that allowed Rinaudo to score the winning run.
Reliever Chris Treibt (0-1) suffered the loss, as he allowed Rinaudo to reach base to begin the inning. Cephas Howard (2-1) earned the win, pitching two scoreless innings of relief in extras.
The Colts trailed 9-3 entering the seventh, but they went on to score seven runs in the last three innings to tie the game and force extras. Designated hitter Kyle Nichols hit a pair of two-run homers, giving him five on the year. The home runs also upped his RBI total to a team-best 20.
Rinaudo and Hernandez both had game-tying hits in the late innings. Right fielder Mike Mobbs had another strong performance as well, recording two hits to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
Kost named Colts' VP and General Manager
San Angelo, Texas - The San Angelo Colts, of the United League, announced Monday the hiring of Dave Kost to serve as the club's next Vice President and General Manager. Kost will be the successor to outgoing general manager Mike Babcock, who served in the same capacity with the Colts since 2006. Babcock announced back in November 2012 that he was pursuing other opportunities in hopes to spend more quality time with his family.
No stranger to the United League, Kost previously held the position of Assistant General Manager with the Amarillo Dillas in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010, and served as Vice President and General Manager of the Harlingen WhiteWings during the 2008 season. He spent a portion of the 2012 season working with the Amarillo Sox, of the American Association, as the club's Vice President of Business Operations.
Prior to joining the Amarillo Dillas in 2006, he spent the previous five years residing in St. Louis, Mo., where he coached American Legion Baseball for the Brentwood AAA Program from 2003- 05; compiling a record of 73 wins and 45 losses, including a District 10 Championship Trophy in 2004. While coaching with Brentwood, many of his players moved onto productive baseball careers. Most notable is Scott Van Slyke, who played three years for Brentwood before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 14th Round of the June 2005 Amateur Draft.
From 1992-1995, Kost served as the Head Baseball Coach at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh. During this time, CCAC achieved its first ever trip to the NJCAA Division III World Series, finishing the 1993 Season ranked 6th in the nation among NJCAA Division III Baseball Programs. Kost set a school baseball record for number of coaching victories during his three year tenure with 88 career wins. The success enjoyed at CCAC earned him numerous coaching awards including NJCAA Division III Coach of the Year Honors (1993), Diamond Sports/ABCA Region Coach of the Year (1993), Louisville Slugger Achievement Award (1993), and Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) Coach of the Year Award (1992).
From 1993-96, Kost scouted for the Philadelphia Phillies, covering amateur and professional baseball. While with the Phillies, Kost served under Area Scout Lloyd Merritt, who prior to joining the Phillies organization, coached alongside Kost as the pitching coach for the Community College of Allegheny County (1993).
Kost attended Butler County Community College in Butler, Pennsylvania from 1988-1990 as a Business Administration major, and played collegiate baseball under former major league pitcher and current Yale University head baseball coach, John Stuper. After two years under the tutelage of Stuper, Kost decided to pursue a career in professional baseball, working for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1989-90) and the Savannah Cardinals (1991), before moving onto the collegiate coaching ranks in 1992. Kost credits his baseball career success to having spent countless hours listening and learning the game from George Kissell, Chet Montgomery, Jerry Lafferty, Lloyd Merritt, and longtime friend Andy Van Slyke.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Kost played and managed semi-pro baseball in the Greater Pittsburgh area. His baseball resume includes working as an instructor at Princeton University, SUNY Stony Brook, St. Louis Branch Rickey Fellowship of Christian Athletes (St. Louis), and Balls-N-Strikes (St. Louis).
"These are exciting times in San Angelo", Kost said. "I inherit a team storied with tradition and an extremely loyal fan base which makes this a bit the "dream job" to have in Independent baseball. Mike (Babcock) and his staff took tremendous care of the club over the last seven years and it is our hope to continue the legacy and affordable family entertainment of Colts' baseball not only this year, but for years to come."
No stranger to the United League, Kost previously held the position of Assistant General Manager with the Amarillo Dillas in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010, and served as Vice President and General Manager of the Harlingen WhiteWings during the 2008 season. He spent a portion of the 2012 season working with the Amarillo Sox, of the American Association, as the club's Vice President of Business Operations.
Prior to joining the Amarillo Dillas in 2006, he spent the previous five years residing in St. Louis, Mo., where he coached American Legion Baseball for the Brentwood AAA Program from 2003- 05; compiling a record of 73 wins and 45 losses, including a District 10 Championship Trophy in 2004. While coaching with Brentwood, many of his players moved onto productive baseball careers. Most notable is Scott Van Slyke, who played three years for Brentwood before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 14th Round of the June 2005 Amateur Draft.
From 1992-1995, Kost served as the Head Baseball Coach at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh. During this time, CCAC achieved its first ever trip to the NJCAA Division III World Series, finishing the 1993 Season ranked 6th in the nation among NJCAA Division III Baseball Programs. Kost set a school baseball record for number of coaching victories during his three year tenure with 88 career wins. The success enjoyed at CCAC earned him numerous coaching awards including NJCAA Division III Coach of the Year Honors (1993), Diamond Sports/ABCA Region Coach of the Year (1993), Louisville Slugger Achievement Award (1993), and Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) Coach of the Year Award (1992).
From 1993-96, Kost scouted for the Philadelphia Phillies, covering amateur and professional baseball. While with the Phillies, Kost served under Area Scout Lloyd Merritt, who prior to joining the Phillies organization, coached alongside Kost as the pitching coach for the Community College of Allegheny County (1993).
Kost attended Butler County Community College in Butler, Pennsylvania from 1988-1990 as a Business Administration major, and played collegiate baseball under former major league pitcher and current Yale University head baseball coach, John Stuper. After two years under the tutelage of Stuper, Kost decided to pursue a career in professional baseball, working for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1989-90) and the Savannah Cardinals (1991), before moving onto the collegiate coaching ranks in 1992. Kost credits his baseball career success to having spent countless hours listening and learning the game from George Kissell, Chet Montgomery, Jerry Lafferty, Lloyd Merritt, and longtime friend Andy Van Slyke.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Kost played and managed semi-pro baseball in the Greater Pittsburgh area. His baseball resume includes working as an instructor at Princeton University, SUNY Stony Brook, St. Louis Branch Rickey Fellowship of Christian Athletes (St. Louis), and Balls-N-Strikes (St. Louis).
"These are exciting times in San Angelo", Kost said. "I inherit a team storied with tradition and an extremely loyal fan base which makes this a bit the "dream job" to have in Independent baseball. Mike (Babcock) and his staff took tremendous care of the club over the last seven years and it is our hope to continue the legacy and affordable family entertainment of Colts' baseball not only this year, but for years to come."
Berkman, Rangers extend Tribe losing streak to 8
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Lance Berkman was actually more relaxed with the Texas Rangers on the verge of squandering a great scoring chance in a tie game.
Berkman hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning after an odd double play erased the potential go-ahead run at third base, and the Rangers beat Cleveland 6-3 Monday night to hand the Indians their eighth straight loss.
The Rangers had runners at first and third with no outs when David Murphy hit a grounder that the Indians turned into two outs by throwing behind Jurickson Profar at third.
Berkman suddenly needed a hit instead of a simple sacrifice fly to put Texas ahead. He responded with a shot down the left-field line for his first homer since May 24 and a 5-3 lead over the Indians, who have a 12-game road losing streak that's their longest since a 16-game skid carried over from 2009 into the second away game of 2010.
''A lot of times you feel much more relaxed and you have a better at-bat when you need a base hit as opposed to when you just need a fly ball,'' said Berkman, who was 2 for 25 with eight strikeouts coming in. ''I wasn't thinking, we've just blown this. I was thinking, just try to get a good pitch to hit and try to hit it hard.''
Robbie Ross (3-1) got the win after striking out the side following a leadoff walk in the seventh. Joe Nathan pitched a perfect ninth for his 20th save.
Scott Kazmir (3-4) ended up with the loss even though he was in the dugout when the switch-hitting Berkman homered off left-hander Nick Hagadone.
Carlos Santana had a three-run double in the third inning, but the Indians didn't get another hit and remained a season-high 5 1/2 games behind Detroit just 18 days after they were in first place in the AL Central.
''Work hard and grind because there isn't a magic potion,'' Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. ''There might be, but you can go to jail. We're going to find out a lot about ourselves right now.''
Jeff Baker had a tying homer for Texas in the fourth, his ninth of the season and fourth in the past six games. After Berkman's home run, Nelson Cruz added an RBI double in the seventh.
''He's too good not to find his swing,'' Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Berkman. ''It would be nice if he got going and we could start doing things we know we're capable of doing. For now we've just got to keep fighting, and he's one of them who's been fighting and tonight he got us a big blow.''
Kazmir fell behind 1-0 in the second on an RBI single by Craig Gentry but avoided further trouble by striking out Elvis Andrus with the bases loaded after third baseman Mark Reynolds misplayed a grounder with two outs.
Josh Lindblom, making his second career start with Texas this season after 101 relief appearances in the big leagues, retired the final 10 batters he faced after Santana's three-run double put Cleveland up 3-1 in the third.
Lindblom, filling in for injured starter Alexi Ogando, allowed five hits while striking out six and walking one. Four of his six innings were perfect.
The Indians had just two baserunners over the last six innings - Jason Giambi on a walk and Jason Kipnis on an error by Andrus at shortstop.
''There's nothing I can do to change the double that he hit, so I've got to worry about the next pitch,'' said Lindblom, who was knocked out in the fifth inning of his other start after a flurry of Oakland doubles. ''You make the next pitch and the next pitch and the next thing you know you're in the fifth or sixth inning.''
The Rangers tied the score quickly in the fourth. A.J. Pierzynski led off with his second single and scored four pitches later on Baker's homer down the left-field line.
Kazmir allowed eight hits and four runs with two walks and five strikeouts in six innings.
''It's just little things that cost us the game,'' Kazmir said. ''It could be a pitch, it could be defensively, offensively. It seems like it's something so small that's costing us, especially the last couple of games.''
Mike Aviles started Cleveland's three-run third by beating Andrus' throw on a grounder up the middle. Kipnis singled and Nick Swisher walked with one out, and after Michael Brantley popped out, Santana sent a ball to the gap in right-center, just out of Cruz's reach.
The defensive play of the game ended up as a single for Berkman after Reynolds dove into foul territory to stop a one-hop grounder and threw to first. Berkman would have been out, but Santana came off the bag early to throw back to Reynolds, who tagged out Murphy trying to go from first to third on the play. Berkman was awarded a hit.
Berkman hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning after an odd double play erased the potential go-ahead run at third base, and the Rangers beat Cleveland 6-3 Monday night to hand the Indians their eighth straight loss.
The Rangers had runners at first and third with no outs when David Murphy hit a grounder that the Indians turned into two outs by throwing behind Jurickson Profar at third.
Berkman suddenly needed a hit instead of a simple sacrifice fly to put Texas ahead. He responded with a shot down the left-field line for his first homer since May 24 and a 5-3 lead over the Indians, who have a 12-game road losing streak that's their longest since a 16-game skid carried over from 2009 into the second away game of 2010.
''A lot of times you feel much more relaxed and you have a better at-bat when you need a base hit as opposed to when you just need a fly ball,'' said Berkman, who was 2 for 25 with eight strikeouts coming in. ''I wasn't thinking, we've just blown this. I was thinking, just try to get a good pitch to hit and try to hit it hard.''
Robbie Ross (3-1) got the win after striking out the side following a leadoff walk in the seventh. Joe Nathan pitched a perfect ninth for his 20th save.
Scott Kazmir (3-4) ended up with the loss even though he was in the dugout when the switch-hitting Berkman homered off left-hander Nick Hagadone.
Carlos Santana had a three-run double in the third inning, but the Indians didn't get another hit and remained a season-high 5 1/2 games behind Detroit just 18 days after they were in first place in the AL Central.
''Work hard and grind because there isn't a magic potion,'' Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. ''There might be, but you can go to jail. We're going to find out a lot about ourselves right now.''
Jeff Baker had a tying homer for Texas in the fourth, his ninth of the season and fourth in the past six games. After Berkman's home run, Nelson Cruz added an RBI double in the seventh.
''He's too good not to find his swing,'' Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Berkman. ''It would be nice if he got going and we could start doing things we know we're capable of doing. For now we've just got to keep fighting, and he's one of them who's been fighting and tonight he got us a big blow.''
Kazmir fell behind 1-0 in the second on an RBI single by Craig Gentry but avoided further trouble by striking out Elvis Andrus with the bases loaded after third baseman Mark Reynolds misplayed a grounder with two outs.
Josh Lindblom, making his second career start with Texas this season after 101 relief appearances in the big leagues, retired the final 10 batters he faced after Santana's three-run double put Cleveland up 3-1 in the third.
Lindblom, filling in for injured starter Alexi Ogando, allowed five hits while striking out six and walking one. Four of his six innings were perfect.
The Indians had just two baserunners over the last six innings - Jason Giambi on a walk and Jason Kipnis on an error by Andrus at shortstop.
''There's nothing I can do to change the double that he hit, so I've got to worry about the next pitch,'' said Lindblom, who was knocked out in the fifth inning of his other start after a flurry of Oakland doubles. ''You make the next pitch and the next pitch and the next thing you know you're in the fifth or sixth inning.''
The Rangers tied the score quickly in the fourth. A.J. Pierzynski led off with his second single and scored four pitches later on Baker's homer down the left-field line.
Kazmir allowed eight hits and four runs with two walks and five strikeouts in six innings.
''It's just little things that cost us the game,'' Kazmir said. ''It could be a pitch, it could be defensively, offensively. It seems like it's something so small that's costing us, especially the last couple of games.''
Mike Aviles started Cleveland's three-run third by beating Andrus' throw on a grounder up the middle. Kipnis singled and Nick Swisher walked with one out, and after Michael Brantley popped out, Santana sent a ball to the gap in right-center, just out of Cruz's reach.
The defensive play of the game ended up as a single for Berkman after Reynolds dove into foul territory to stop a one-hop grounder and threw to first. Berkman would have been out, but Santana came off the bag early to throw back to Reynolds, who tagged out Murphy trying to go from first to third on the play. Berkman was awarded a hit.
Angelo State police chief faces intoxication count
SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) — The police chief of Angelo State University in San Angelo has been charged with misdemeanor boating while intoxicated over Memorial Day weekend.
The San Angelo Standard-Times reported Friday that Chief James Adams was booked into the Tom Green County Jail on May 25. Records show Adams was released the following day on $1,000 bail.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says Adams was on a personal watercraft at Lake Nasworthy. Lt. Jason Huebner says the operator allegedly created a wake in a no-wake zone and showed signs of possible intoxication.
ASU spokesman Preston Lewis on Friday said school officials were informed at the time of the incident and human resources policies have been followed. Lewis didn't immediately specify the policies and says Adams was not available for comment.
The San Angelo Standard-Times reported Friday that Chief James Adams was booked into the Tom Green County Jail on May 25. Records show Adams was released the following day on $1,000 bail.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says Adams was on a personal watercraft at Lake Nasworthy. Lt. Jason Huebner says the operator allegedly created a wake in a no-wake zone and showed signs of possible intoxication.
ASU spokesman Preston Lewis on Friday said school officials were informed at the time of the incident and human resources policies have been followed. Lewis didn't immediately specify the policies and says Adams was not available for comment.
ASU Student Art on Display
Angelo State University is presenting a public display of artwork produced by ASU students during the recently completed spring semester in the Carr Education-Fine Arts (EFA) Building, 2602 Dena Drive.
The exhibit is open free to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 9 in the EFA Building’s Gallery 193. It features various works completed by students taking design and drawing classes in the ASU art program.
For more information, call the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at 325-943-2152
The exhibit is open free to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 9 in the EFA Building’s Gallery 193. It features various works completed by students taking design and drawing classes in the ASU art program.
For more information, call the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at 325-943-2152
Downtown San Angelo hosting first "Discover" event June 27
In a festive turn of events, San Angelo’s party clients are hosting a celebration honoring San Angelo’s premier party planners, Rita and José Carranco, and master floral designer, Vickie Enriquez. The Carrancos, owners of the party planning company Celebraciones Bellas, have opened Rita’s Floral Design Center, which will showcase the creativity of Vickie Enriquez and her team, Debbie Garcia and Veronica Fay.
The Sip and See Block Party, hosted by 53 couples and individuals, is slated for Thursday, June 27. The party, which will begin at 6:00 p.m., will be held at Rita’s Floral Design Center at 208 South Irving. The public is invited to come and explore Rita’s Floral Design Center, while enjoying refreshments and live music.
“The Carrancos and Vickie have dedicated their careers to making special days even more special,” said Alicia Gibson, one of event’s hostesses. “While their business is creating events and designing floral arrangements, their passion is creating memories for their clients, who have become friends along the way. We’re coming together to celebrate the opening of Rita’s Floral Design Center to give them a taste of the joy that they’ve given this community through the years.”
The Sip and See Block Party will also launch Downtown San Angelo’s DISCOVER DOWNTOWN, a new quarterly event showcasing the people and businesses that make downtown San Angelo thrive.
“When the Carrancos opened Celebraciones Bellas 12 years ago, they selected downtown as the site for their fledgling business,” said Del V. Velasquez, Executive Director of Downtown San Angelo, Inc. (DTSA). “From the beginning, they’ve been members and supporters of DTSA and our efforts to revitalize our historic downtown. It’s an honor to use the grand opening of their second venture, Rita’s Floral Design Center, as the launch event for DISCOVER DOWNTOWN because they represent the creativity, drive and passion that enlivens our community.”
The Sip and See Block Party, hosted by 53 couples and individuals, is slated for Thursday, June 27. The party, which will begin at 6:00 p.m., will be held at Rita’s Floral Design Center at 208 South Irving. The public is invited to come and explore Rita’s Floral Design Center, while enjoying refreshments and live music.
“The Carrancos and Vickie have dedicated their careers to making special days even more special,” said Alicia Gibson, one of event’s hostesses. “While their business is creating events and designing floral arrangements, their passion is creating memories for their clients, who have become friends along the way. We’re coming together to celebrate the opening of Rita’s Floral Design Center to give them a taste of the joy that they’ve given this community through the years.”
The Sip and See Block Party will also launch Downtown San Angelo’s DISCOVER DOWNTOWN, a new quarterly event showcasing the people and businesses that make downtown San Angelo thrive.
“When the Carrancos opened Celebraciones Bellas 12 years ago, they selected downtown as the site for their fledgling business,” said Del V. Velasquez, Executive Director of Downtown San Angelo, Inc. (DTSA). “From the beginning, they’ve been members and supporters of DTSA and our efforts to revitalize our historic downtown. It’s an honor to use the grand opening of their second venture, Rita’s Floral Design Center, as the launch event for DISCOVER DOWNTOWN because they represent the creativity, drive and passion that enlivens our community.”
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Assault suspect dies in SAPD custody
The San Angelo Police Department is conducting an investigation of a reported Family Violence Assault incident which resulted in the death of the suspect while in police custody. The Texas Rangers are investigating the custodial death.
On June 8, 2013, at approximately 3:30 a.m., San Angelo Police were dispatched to investigate the report of a domestic disturbance assault at the Casa Rio Apartments located at 4941 Ban Ficklin Road in San Angelo, Texas.
Upon arrival, the responding officers located a male subject standing in the doorway of an upstairs apartment. When the officers asked the subject to come down and talk with them, he refused. When the officers went up the stairs to speak with the subject he made aggressive movements towards them and a struggle ensued. Officers then attempted to take the subject into custody; however, he actively resisted them.
During the struggle, officers announced they were going to utilize a Taser; however, the subject continued resisting them. After warnings, the subject was tased, but the Taser appeared to have no effect on him and he continued to struggle with them. After a second deployment of the Taser, officers were able to gain control of the subject and place him in handcuffs.
A short time after the officers placed the subject into custody they noticed he became unresponsive and immediately began administering first aid. The San Angelo Fire Department responded and transported the subject to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. At this time, the cause of death is unknown. The subject was identified as Micah A. Key (DOB 07-10-88) of San Angelo.
One police officer was treated and later released from a local hospital for injuries he sustained in the struggle.
Subject to San Angelo Police Department Policy, Texas Rangers were called to investigate the custodial death. Inquiries about this investigation should be directed to Texas Highway Patrol Sgt. Santos Carrasco, Jr., at (915) 255-9015.
On June 8, 2013, at approximately 3:30 a.m., San Angelo Police were dispatched to investigate the report of a domestic disturbance assault at the Casa Rio Apartments located at 4941 Ban Ficklin Road in San Angelo, Texas.
Upon arrival, the responding officers located a male subject standing in the doorway of an upstairs apartment. When the officers asked the subject to come down and talk with them, he refused. When the officers went up the stairs to speak with the subject he made aggressive movements towards them and a struggle ensued. Officers then attempted to take the subject into custody; however, he actively resisted them.
During the struggle, officers announced they were going to utilize a Taser; however, the subject continued resisting them. After warnings, the subject was tased, but the Taser appeared to have no effect on him and he continued to struggle with them. After a second deployment of the Taser, officers were able to gain control of the subject and place him in handcuffs.
A short time after the officers placed the subject into custody they noticed he became unresponsive and immediately began administering first aid. The San Angelo Fire Department responded and transported the subject to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. At this time, the cause of death is unknown. The subject was identified as Micah A. Key (DOB 07-10-88) of San Angelo.
One police officer was treated and later released from a local hospital for injuries he sustained in the struggle.
Subject to San Angelo Police Department Policy, Texas Rangers were called to investigate the custodial death. Inquiries about this investigation should be directed to Texas Highway Patrol Sgt. Santos Carrasco, Jr., at (915) 255-9015.
Heat beat Spurs in Game 2 to tie NBA Finals
MIAMI (AP) -- Mario Chalmers marched toward midcourt with a message.
''I felt like we had them on the ropes at the time. I told him, 'Let's go for the kill,''' Chalmers said. ''He said, 'I'm with you.'''
And once LeBron James joined in, the Miami Heat were back with a blowout in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Chalmers led the charge, James broke out to finish it with a flurry and the Heat used a 33-5 run to rout the San Antonio Spurs 103-84 on Sunday night and even the series at one game apiece.
James missed 10 of 13 shots through three quarters and the Heat trailed by a point late in the period before unleashing the lethal brand of basketball that led them to a franchise-record 66 wins this season.
Chalmers finished with 19 points, and James had 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks - the best on Tiago Splitter's dunk attempt - while shooting only 7 of 17 from the field.
For two days following Game 1, the thought was that James needed to do more for his teammates. Turns out, it was Chalmers and the supporting cast who did something for James.
''Honestly, for me, when I was struggling offensively, my teammates continued to keep it in range,'' James said. '' And we even had a lead at one point, especially late in the second quarter when we made that run and I was struggling a little bit.
''So I think Rio more than anybody kept us aggressive, him getting into the paint, him getting those and-ones and making a couple of 3s. It allowed me to sit back and wait for my time.''
The Heat made 10 of 19 3-pointers and got 13 points from Ray Allen, and 12 points and 10 rebounds from the previously slumping Chris Bosh.
Danny Green made all six shots, including five 3-pointers, and scored 17 points for the Spurs. They host Game 3 on Tuesday night.
Tony Parker had 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting for the Spurs, who were so precise in their 92-88 victory in Game 1 but threw the ball all over the white-surrounded court Sunday, committing 17 turnovers that led to 19 Miami points.
''In the second half they just run us over,'' the Spurs' Manu Ginobili said. ''We didn't move the ball at all. Their pressure really got us on our heels.''
Tim Duncan shot 3 of 13 and finished with nine points and 11 rebounds.
''We didn't play well. We didn't shoot well. I know I played awfully,'' Duncan said. ''Whatever it may be, they responded better than us. So hopefully we can look forward to this Game 3 and regain some of our composure.''
James insisted he wouldn't force himself to do more after he had a triple-double in Game 1 but never seized the opportunity to take control of the scoring as the game was slipping away from the Heat.
He didn't need to. Not with Chalmers making big shots, the Heat's defense forcing the Spurs to look shaky all over the floor, and a barrage of second-half 3-pointers.
James finally got some openings late, hanging from the rim an extra second not long after a sensational blocked shot freed him up for a fast break.
The often-maligned Chalmers is frequently found in Heat highlights being yelled at by James or another Miami veteran. But he's as cocky as any of the superstars in Miami, and he has the big-moment plays to back up his bravado, from a tying shot for Kansas in the 2008 NCAA championship game to his 25 points in Game 4 of last year's finals.
''You have to have guts to play with our guys. If you don't, you get swallowed up,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''The good thing about it is the other guys were fine with him making plays.''
The point guard sparked the Heat late in the third, after San Antonio had taken a 62-61 lead. He converted two three-point plays, Allen and Mike Miller nailed 3-pointers, and James made only his third field goal of the game during a 14-3 finishing spurt that sent Miami to the fourth with a 75-65 advantage.
They opened the fourth with nine straight points to make it 84-65, and capped the run at 94-67 when James made a 3-pointer, erasing any chance of their first two-game losing streak in five months.
''We were just a little bit more active today,'' Bosh said. ''We really just made an emphasis to continue to try to corral them.''
The Spurs had only four turnovers in Game 1, tying an NBA Finals record low. But they surpassed that total in the first quarter, Parker committing two of their five after not coughing it up once in the opener, and the Spurs looked more like the sloppy Indiana Pacers from Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals than the Spurs of Game 1.
The unrecognizable play continued, Parker firing passes on the pick-and-roll right into a Heat player's leg on multiple occasions and even getting yanked barely three minutes into the third quarter after his struggles continued.
The Spurs responded with seven straight points without him to get back within one. But by the end of the period, it was Chalmers who was the best point guard on the floor.
The Heat dropped Game 1 in last year's finals, and the first two to Dallas in 2006 before going on to win both titles. But those early deficits came on the road, so Dwyane Wade said Sunday's game was a ''must-win game'' for the Heat.
They arrived to white shirts hanging on the seats that read ''Larry loves Miami'' with a picture of the Larry O'Brien trophy that goes to the NBA champion.
Larry's not leaving, not if the Heat keep playing like this.
They looked as good as ever in the final 15 minutes of their 100th game of the season, pouring it on and leaving Spurs coach Gregg Popovich often standing with his arms folded on the sideline, with no answers and no way of slowing down the Heat speedsters.
San Antonio had its seven-game postseason winning streak snapped, as well as a six-game NBA Finals win streak that dated to the 2005 finals.
Duncan, who started 0 of 5 in the opener before finishing with 20 points and 14 rebounds, began 1 for 5 in this one. But he never got untracked, though part of the problem was the Spurs' inability to get him the ball enough because of their turnovers.
Wade finished with 10 points and six assists. Miami committed just six turnovers.
''I felt like we had them on the ropes at the time. I told him, 'Let's go for the kill,''' Chalmers said. ''He said, 'I'm with you.'''
And once LeBron James joined in, the Miami Heat were back with a blowout in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Chalmers led the charge, James broke out to finish it with a flurry and the Heat used a 33-5 run to rout the San Antonio Spurs 103-84 on Sunday night and even the series at one game apiece.
James missed 10 of 13 shots through three quarters and the Heat trailed by a point late in the period before unleashing the lethal brand of basketball that led them to a franchise-record 66 wins this season.
Chalmers finished with 19 points, and James had 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks - the best on Tiago Splitter's dunk attempt - while shooting only 7 of 17 from the field.
For two days following Game 1, the thought was that James needed to do more for his teammates. Turns out, it was Chalmers and the supporting cast who did something for James.
''Honestly, for me, when I was struggling offensively, my teammates continued to keep it in range,'' James said. '' And we even had a lead at one point, especially late in the second quarter when we made that run and I was struggling a little bit.
''So I think Rio more than anybody kept us aggressive, him getting into the paint, him getting those and-ones and making a couple of 3s. It allowed me to sit back and wait for my time.''
The Heat made 10 of 19 3-pointers and got 13 points from Ray Allen, and 12 points and 10 rebounds from the previously slumping Chris Bosh.
Danny Green made all six shots, including five 3-pointers, and scored 17 points for the Spurs. They host Game 3 on Tuesday night.
Tony Parker had 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting for the Spurs, who were so precise in their 92-88 victory in Game 1 but threw the ball all over the white-surrounded court Sunday, committing 17 turnovers that led to 19 Miami points.
''In the second half they just run us over,'' the Spurs' Manu Ginobili said. ''We didn't move the ball at all. Their pressure really got us on our heels.''
Tim Duncan shot 3 of 13 and finished with nine points and 11 rebounds.
''We didn't play well. We didn't shoot well. I know I played awfully,'' Duncan said. ''Whatever it may be, they responded better than us. So hopefully we can look forward to this Game 3 and regain some of our composure.''
James insisted he wouldn't force himself to do more after he had a triple-double in Game 1 but never seized the opportunity to take control of the scoring as the game was slipping away from the Heat.
He didn't need to. Not with Chalmers making big shots, the Heat's defense forcing the Spurs to look shaky all over the floor, and a barrage of second-half 3-pointers.
James finally got some openings late, hanging from the rim an extra second not long after a sensational blocked shot freed him up for a fast break.
The often-maligned Chalmers is frequently found in Heat highlights being yelled at by James or another Miami veteran. But he's as cocky as any of the superstars in Miami, and he has the big-moment plays to back up his bravado, from a tying shot for Kansas in the 2008 NCAA championship game to his 25 points in Game 4 of last year's finals.
''You have to have guts to play with our guys. If you don't, you get swallowed up,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''The good thing about it is the other guys were fine with him making plays.''
The point guard sparked the Heat late in the third, after San Antonio had taken a 62-61 lead. He converted two three-point plays, Allen and Mike Miller nailed 3-pointers, and James made only his third field goal of the game during a 14-3 finishing spurt that sent Miami to the fourth with a 75-65 advantage.
They opened the fourth with nine straight points to make it 84-65, and capped the run at 94-67 when James made a 3-pointer, erasing any chance of their first two-game losing streak in five months.
''We were just a little bit more active today,'' Bosh said. ''We really just made an emphasis to continue to try to corral them.''
The Spurs had only four turnovers in Game 1, tying an NBA Finals record low. But they surpassed that total in the first quarter, Parker committing two of their five after not coughing it up once in the opener, and the Spurs looked more like the sloppy Indiana Pacers from Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals than the Spurs of Game 1.
The unrecognizable play continued, Parker firing passes on the pick-and-roll right into a Heat player's leg on multiple occasions and even getting yanked barely three minutes into the third quarter after his struggles continued.
The Spurs responded with seven straight points without him to get back within one. But by the end of the period, it was Chalmers who was the best point guard on the floor.
The Heat dropped Game 1 in last year's finals, and the first two to Dallas in 2006 before going on to win both titles. But those early deficits came on the road, so Dwyane Wade said Sunday's game was a ''must-win game'' for the Heat.
They arrived to white shirts hanging on the seats that read ''Larry loves Miami'' with a picture of the Larry O'Brien trophy that goes to the NBA champion.
Larry's not leaving, not if the Heat keep playing like this.
They looked as good as ever in the final 15 minutes of their 100th game of the season, pouring it on and leaving Spurs coach Gregg Popovich often standing with his arms folded on the sideline, with no answers and no way of slowing down the Heat speedsters.
San Antonio had its seven-game postseason winning streak snapped, as well as a six-game NBA Finals win streak that dated to the 2005 finals.
Duncan, who started 0 of 5 in the opener before finishing with 20 points and 14 rebounds, began 1 for 5 in this one. But he never got untracked, though part of the problem was the Spurs' inability to get him the ball enough because of their turnovers.
Wade finished with 10 points and six assists. Miami committed just six turnovers.
Gordon, Hosmer help Royals win 5th straight
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Luis Mendoza finally figured out what he needs to do to succeed at home.
Mendoza pitched four-hit ball in matching zeros with Lucas Harrell for seven innings Sunday before Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer each had run-scoring singles off reliever Hector Ambriz in the eighth to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 2-0 win over the Houston Astros for their fifth straight win.
Mendoza was winless with an 8.05 ERA in his first four home starts this season but was at ease on the mound Sunday.
''Mendy threw a tremendous game,'' Hosmer said. ''He really had his sinker working and was pounding strikes and playing great defense behind him. Moose (Mike Moustakas) made a lot of great plays behind him.''
The Royals' bullpen has not allowed a run in 17 2-3 innings in the past six games. Royals manager Ned Yost had no doubt Kansas City had the upper hand if the outcome would be determined by the relievers.
''Mendy was throwing great and still was at 90 pitches, but was fixing to come around for the fourth time to the top of that order,'' Yost said. ''And I'm sitting there thinking I've got (Aaron) Crow, (Greg) Holland, (Kelvin) Herrera, (Tim) Collins, Hoch (Luke Hochevar) and (J.C.) Gutierrez, who threw two easy innings last night, plus Bruce Chen. I'm fully stocked. It doesn't matter how long this game goes, I've got enough pitching to wait it out.''
Crow (2-1) worked a scoreless eighth to earn a victory that gave the Royals their longest winning streak since taking seven in a row form Sept. 10-17, 2011.
With one out in the eighth, Chris Getz singled and stole second off reliever Amrbiz (1-3). Gordon, who was 1 for 18 on this homestand, singled to center for the first run. Gordon moved to third on center fielder Trevor Crowe's errant throw home and scored on Hosmer's single.
Greg Holland pitched a spotless ninth for his 12th save in 14 opportunities.
Harrell, who has won only once since April 29, was held the Royals to two singles in seven scoreless innings.
''He was outstanding,'' Astros manager Bo Porter said. ''Even early on when he walked a couple of guys he made good pitches to get out of innings. He did a tremendous job going seven innings against a pretty good-hitting lineup.''
The Astros got only one runner past first base in the first six innings. Ronny Cedeno doubled to start the third and advanced to third base on a groundout, but was stranded there.
Mendoza, who entered 0-2 with an 8.05 ERA in four home starts, retired 12 in a row after Cedeno's double.
Harrell, who had won only one of his previous seven starts, retired 13 in a row from the second inning until Perez's single in the sixth. But he was quickly erased when Billy Butler grounded into a double play.
Perez also singled in the first, when the Royals loaded the bases with two outs on walks to Butler and Mike Moustakas walked in the first to load the bases with two outs. Harrell got out of the jam by retiring David Lough with a fielder's choice grounder.
Harrell allowed just one runner - Jeff Francoeur, who walked to leadoff the second - after the first inning. Harrell threw 51 pitches - only 26 strikes - in the first two innings, but needed just 48 pitches for the next five innings.
''I was more aggressive,'' Harrell said after the first two innings. ''I started pounding the zone and using my sinker more to get ahead. And then I threw some really good curveballs.''
The Astros opened the seventh with singles from Carlos Pena and J.D. Martinez, but failed to score.
Mendoza pitched four-hit ball in matching zeros with Lucas Harrell for seven innings Sunday before Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer each had run-scoring singles off reliever Hector Ambriz in the eighth to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 2-0 win over the Houston Astros for their fifth straight win.
Mendoza was winless with an 8.05 ERA in his first four home starts this season but was at ease on the mound Sunday.
''Mendy threw a tremendous game,'' Hosmer said. ''He really had his sinker working and was pounding strikes and playing great defense behind him. Moose (Mike Moustakas) made a lot of great plays behind him.''
The Royals' bullpen has not allowed a run in 17 2-3 innings in the past six games. Royals manager Ned Yost had no doubt Kansas City had the upper hand if the outcome would be determined by the relievers.
''Mendy was throwing great and still was at 90 pitches, but was fixing to come around for the fourth time to the top of that order,'' Yost said. ''And I'm sitting there thinking I've got (Aaron) Crow, (Greg) Holland, (Kelvin) Herrera, (Tim) Collins, Hoch (Luke Hochevar) and (J.C.) Gutierrez, who threw two easy innings last night, plus Bruce Chen. I'm fully stocked. It doesn't matter how long this game goes, I've got enough pitching to wait it out.''
Crow (2-1) worked a scoreless eighth to earn a victory that gave the Royals their longest winning streak since taking seven in a row form Sept. 10-17, 2011.
With one out in the eighth, Chris Getz singled and stole second off reliever Amrbiz (1-3). Gordon, who was 1 for 18 on this homestand, singled to center for the first run. Gordon moved to third on center fielder Trevor Crowe's errant throw home and scored on Hosmer's single.
Greg Holland pitched a spotless ninth for his 12th save in 14 opportunities.
Harrell, who has won only once since April 29, was held the Royals to two singles in seven scoreless innings.
''He was outstanding,'' Astros manager Bo Porter said. ''Even early on when he walked a couple of guys he made good pitches to get out of innings. He did a tremendous job going seven innings against a pretty good-hitting lineup.''
The Astros got only one runner past first base in the first six innings. Ronny Cedeno doubled to start the third and advanced to third base on a groundout, but was stranded there.
Mendoza, who entered 0-2 with an 8.05 ERA in four home starts, retired 12 in a row after Cedeno's double.
Harrell, who had won only one of his previous seven starts, retired 13 in a row from the second inning until Perez's single in the sixth. But he was quickly erased when Billy Butler grounded into a double play.
Perez also singled in the first, when the Royals loaded the bases with two outs on walks to Butler and Mike Moustakas walked in the first to load the bases with two outs. Harrell got out of the jam by retiring David Lough with a fielder's choice grounder.
Harrell allowed just one runner - Jeff Francoeur, who walked to leadoff the second - after the first inning. Harrell threw 51 pitches - only 26 strikes - in the first two innings, but needed just 48 pitches for the next five innings.
''I was more aggressive,'' Harrell said after the first two innings. ''I started pounding the zone and using my sinker more to get ahead. And then I threw some really good curveballs.''
The Astros opened the seventh with singles from Carlos Pena and J.D. Martinez, but failed to score.
Beltre homers in 7th, Rangers beat Blue Jays 6-4
TORONTO (AP) -- For a guy who never even got in the game during Saturday's 18-inning marathon, Rangers closer Joe Nathan sure put in plenty of work, warming up nine times as the bullpen emptied around him.
Fortunately for Texas, Nathan still had enough energy left to escape a ninth-inning jam Sunday and wrap up a much-needed victory.
Adrian Beltre hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning, Nelson Cruz and David Murphy also connected and the Rangers rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4.
''To come back after a tough game yesterday and get a win here is huge,'' said Nathan, who picked up his 19th save in 20 chances, helping the Rangers avoid a three-game sweep and their first four-game losing streak of the season.
Nathan said he might have been busier Saturday than teammate Ross Wolf, who worked 6 2-3 innings of relief.
''I think I may have thrown more pitches than he did,'' the veteran closer joked.
Despite feeling worn down by that heavy workload of warmup tosses, Nathan insisted he still wanted to pitch Sunday.
''I told them I didn't feel my best at the beginning of the day, but I was definitely good to go,'' he said. ''It actually surprised me how good I did feel when I got out there. This is the best I've felt all year. Like I've always said, adrenaline is a great drug.''
Beltre said he was impressed with Nathan's resilience.
''He came back today and looked better than the first week of the season,'' Beltre said. ''He was throwing in the mid-90s (mph). He was terrific today. We needed him big-time.''
Neal Cotts (2-0) worked one inning for the win, and Beltre hit an opposite-field shot to right off Neil Wagner for his 14th homer of the season as the Rangers recorded their biggest comeback of the year, avenging Saturday's grueling 4-3 loss.
Wagner (1-1) had pitched 7 2-3 scoreless innings since being promoted from Triple-A Buffalo on May 29.
Cruz hit a solo homer in the fourth, his team-leading 15th. He finished 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Beltre went 2 for 4 with a walk, extending his hitting streak to 14 games.
''It was huge,'' Beltre said of the victory, just the second for Texas on a six-game road trip. ''We haven't been playing well lately in every phase of the game.''
Adam Lind hit a three-run homer for the Blue Jays, who had won three straight.
Pinch-hitter Maicer Izturis walked to begin the bottom of the ninth and advanced to second when Elvis Andrus bobbled Munenori Kawasaki's grounder to shortstop for an error.
Both runners advanced on Melky Cabrera's sacrifice bunt before Jose Bautista struck out on three pitches, then was ejected for arguing with plate umpire Gary Darling. Bautista jawed with Darling, then tossed his bat, helmet and elbow pad on the field in protest before leaving. The ejection was his first of the season.
Nathan closed it out by getting Edwin Encarnacion to pop out to second.
''It was definitely nice to actually come in today and feel pretty good,'' Nathan said. ''I was a little worried about it.''
The Blue Jays took a 4-0 lead with a two-out rally in the third. Cabrera walked, Bautista reached on an infield single when second baseman Jurickson Profar slipped, and Encarnacion hit an RBI single. Lind followed with a three-run drive to center, his sixth.
Making his second start since missing 31 games with a right triceps injury, Josh Johnson allowed three runs and five hits in five innings for Toronto. He walked four and struck out four.
''Ideally we were looking for more innings, but that didn't happen,'' Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said.
Johnson didn't allow a hit until Cruz's two-out homer in the fourth. Murphy followed with a walk and scored on a double by Chris McGuiness, the first hit and RBI of his career.
Johnson left the dugout after the fourth to have trainers examine a blister on his middle finger. He said the blister didn't affect his performance, adding that he doesn't expect it to keep him from making his next start.
''I'm not going to make excuses and make that the reason why I was throwing balls and walking people,'' Johnson said. ''I've still got to make pitches and get outs.''
The Rangers cut it to 4-3 on Cruz's RBI single in the fifth, then tied it against reliever Juan Perez in the sixth. Leury Garcia scored from third when catcher Josh Thole made an errant throw to second on Craig Gentry's stolen base.
Gentry went to third on the play but was called out for leaving the bag too soon on shallow pop fly by Andrus, mistakenly thinking the ball had dropped in for a hit.
Beltre's two-out homer gave the Rangers the lead in the seventh, and Murphy added some insurance by going deep on Dustin McGowan's first pitch of the eighth, his eighth homer of the season.
''That was big right there. He gave us some more cushion,'' Rangers manager Ron Washington said.
Rangers rookie right-hander Justin Grimm allowed four runs and five hits in 5 2-3 innings. He walked three and struck out six.
''I had a really good fastball today,'' Grimm said. ''Both sides of the plate, my command was great with it. They weren't doing anything with it at all.''
Fortunately for Texas, Nathan still had enough energy left to escape a ninth-inning jam Sunday and wrap up a much-needed victory.
Adrian Beltre hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning, Nelson Cruz and David Murphy also connected and the Rangers rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4.
''To come back after a tough game yesterday and get a win here is huge,'' said Nathan, who picked up his 19th save in 20 chances, helping the Rangers avoid a three-game sweep and their first four-game losing streak of the season.
Nathan said he might have been busier Saturday than teammate Ross Wolf, who worked 6 2-3 innings of relief.
''I think I may have thrown more pitches than he did,'' the veteran closer joked.
Despite feeling worn down by that heavy workload of warmup tosses, Nathan insisted he still wanted to pitch Sunday.
''I told them I didn't feel my best at the beginning of the day, but I was definitely good to go,'' he said. ''It actually surprised me how good I did feel when I got out there. This is the best I've felt all year. Like I've always said, adrenaline is a great drug.''
Beltre said he was impressed with Nathan's resilience.
''He came back today and looked better than the first week of the season,'' Beltre said. ''He was throwing in the mid-90s (mph). He was terrific today. We needed him big-time.''
Neal Cotts (2-0) worked one inning for the win, and Beltre hit an opposite-field shot to right off Neil Wagner for his 14th homer of the season as the Rangers recorded their biggest comeback of the year, avenging Saturday's grueling 4-3 loss.
Wagner (1-1) had pitched 7 2-3 scoreless innings since being promoted from Triple-A Buffalo on May 29.
Cruz hit a solo homer in the fourth, his team-leading 15th. He finished 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Beltre went 2 for 4 with a walk, extending his hitting streak to 14 games.
''It was huge,'' Beltre said of the victory, just the second for Texas on a six-game road trip. ''We haven't been playing well lately in every phase of the game.''
Adam Lind hit a three-run homer for the Blue Jays, who had won three straight.
Pinch-hitter Maicer Izturis walked to begin the bottom of the ninth and advanced to second when Elvis Andrus bobbled Munenori Kawasaki's grounder to shortstop for an error.
Both runners advanced on Melky Cabrera's sacrifice bunt before Jose Bautista struck out on three pitches, then was ejected for arguing with plate umpire Gary Darling. Bautista jawed with Darling, then tossed his bat, helmet and elbow pad on the field in protest before leaving. The ejection was his first of the season.
Nathan closed it out by getting Edwin Encarnacion to pop out to second.
''It was definitely nice to actually come in today and feel pretty good,'' Nathan said. ''I was a little worried about it.''
The Blue Jays took a 4-0 lead with a two-out rally in the third. Cabrera walked, Bautista reached on an infield single when second baseman Jurickson Profar slipped, and Encarnacion hit an RBI single. Lind followed with a three-run drive to center, his sixth.
Making his second start since missing 31 games with a right triceps injury, Josh Johnson allowed three runs and five hits in five innings for Toronto. He walked four and struck out four.
''Ideally we were looking for more innings, but that didn't happen,'' Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said.
Johnson didn't allow a hit until Cruz's two-out homer in the fourth. Murphy followed with a walk and scored on a double by Chris McGuiness, the first hit and RBI of his career.
Johnson left the dugout after the fourth to have trainers examine a blister on his middle finger. He said the blister didn't affect his performance, adding that he doesn't expect it to keep him from making his next start.
''I'm not going to make excuses and make that the reason why I was throwing balls and walking people,'' Johnson said. ''I've still got to make pitches and get outs.''
The Rangers cut it to 4-3 on Cruz's RBI single in the fifth, then tied it against reliever Juan Perez in the sixth. Leury Garcia scored from third when catcher Josh Thole made an errant throw to second on Craig Gentry's stolen base.
Gentry went to third on the play but was called out for leaving the bag too soon on shallow pop fly by Andrus, mistakenly thinking the ball had dropped in for a hit.
Beltre's two-out homer gave the Rangers the lead in the seventh, and Murphy added some insurance by going deep on Dustin McGowan's first pitch of the eighth, his eighth homer of the season.
''That was big right there. He gave us some more cushion,'' Rangers manager Ron Washington said.
Rangers rookie right-hander Justin Grimm allowed four runs and five hits in 5 2-3 innings. He walked three and struck out six.
''I had a really good fastball today,'' Grimm said. ''Both sides of the plate, my command was great with it. They weren't doing anything with it at all.''
Colts edge Cats 7-5 in finale
Fort Worth, Texas --- The Colts scored three runs in the late innings to come from behind and defeat the Fort Worth Cats, 7-5, in the series finale Sunday night at LaGrave Field.
Third baseman Jordan Marks sparked the late rally, hitting a game-tying leadoff homer in the seventh, and then scoring the go-ahead run in the ninth. Marks went 3-for-5 with his first home run of the season, and a pair of doubles.
Marks led off the ninth with a double, and scored on second baseman Jon Dziomba’s RBI double. Dziomba advanced to third on a wild pitch by Cats’ reliever Stephen Nikonchik, and then came home on an RBI single by right fielder Mike Mobbs.
The Colts led 4-0 after the top of the third, but then fell behind 5-4 an inning-and-a-half later. Cats’ right fielder Chris Ellison drove in four of his team’s first five runs with a pair of two-RBI hits.
Fort Worth’s bullpen failed to hold on to the lead, though. Nikonchik (1-1) surrendered the tying and go-ahead runs, and therefore took the loss. In all, the righty allowed three runs on six hits in three-plus innings of work.
San Angelo’s bullpen was stellar; holding Fort Worth scoreless from the fifth inning on. Reliever Steve Merslich (1-0) pitched two shutout innings to earn his first win of the year. Closer Alfredo Caballero shut the door on the Cats in the ninth for his fourth save.
The win improves the Colts to 8-8, while the loss drops Fort Worth to 10-6.
Third baseman Jordan Marks sparked the late rally, hitting a game-tying leadoff homer in the seventh, and then scoring the go-ahead run in the ninth. Marks went 3-for-5 with his first home run of the season, and a pair of doubles.
Marks led off the ninth with a double, and scored on second baseman Jon Dziomba’s RBI double. Dziomba advanced to third on a wild pitch by Cats’ reliever Stephen Nikonchik, and then came home on an RBI single by right fielder Mike Mobbs.
The Colts led 4-0 after the top of the third, but then fell behind 5-4 an inning-and-a-half later. Cats’ right fielder Chris Ellison drove in four of his team’s first five runs with a pair of two-RBI hits.
Fort Worth’s bullpen failed to hold on to the lead, though. Nikonchik (1-1) surrendered the tying and go-ahead runs, and therefore took the loss. In all, the righty allowed three runs on six hits in three-plus innings of work.
San Angelo’s bullpen was stellar; holding Fort Worth scoreless from the fifth inning on. Reliever Steve Merslich (1-0) pitched two shutout innings to earn his first win of the year. Closer Alfredo Caballero shut the door on the Cats in the ninth for his fourth save.
The win improves the Colts to 8-8, while the loss drops Fort Worth to 10-6.
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