Water usage

The city of San Angelo says efforts to conserve water are paying off. On Sunday, residents and businesses' water consumption was the lowest its been in some time: seven-point-nine million gallons, compared to 10-point-four million on the same date last year.

Truck N Tractor Pull tickets

The city of San Angelo wants you to know that tickets are on sale now for the Hot Rod Truck N Tractor Pull. That's coming up Saturday, January 25th at the Coliseum. The show will include monster trucks, such as the Carolina Crusher, competing in a car- and van-crushing showdown. You can find more information and a link to buy tickets on the city's Facebook page.

Economic Development Director hired

The City of San Angelo has hired a new Economic Development Director. He's Roland Peña, a public affairs specialist with the Lower Colorado River Authority whose economic development experience spans 20 years. Peña will serve as the lead staff member for the City of San Angelo Development Corporation, which administers the half-cent sales tax for economic development. Peña succeeds Bob Schneeman, who has served as the interim Economic Development director. Peña's first day with the City will be January 21st.

Flu shots

The San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department is urging citizens to get influenza vaccinations and take precautions in the wake of an increase in local flu cases. Flu vaccines are administered during the Health Department's weekly immunization clinic on Tuesdays from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in its offices in Suite 9 at 2030 Pulliam Street. The clinics are open only to walk-ins. Children seeking the flu vaccine must present updated shot records at the time of the visit; adults must do so only if they are receiving other vaccinations.

Suspect jumps out of vehicle

A San Angelo man arrested on several felony charges after jumping out of a moving vehicle and fleeing police this weekend. On Saturday, an officer pulled over a vehicle for committing a traffic violation at the BelVue Apartments on North Bell Street. While the vehicle was still in motion, the driver jumped out and fled the scene. The passenger, 24-year-old Ubil Samaniego of San Angelo, was arrested for an outstanding County Warrant. Police say they saw suspected narcotics in plain view in the interior of the car. With help from Police Service Dog Snoop, the SAPD tracked down and arrested the driver, 29-year-old Christian Montanez of San Angelo.

Stolen vehicle and property

A San Angelo man was arrested this weekend after police recovered a stolen vehicle and stolen property. Just before midnight Friday, an officer observed a 2001 Nissan Xterra pass him and enter the parking lot of the San Angelo Lodge located on West Beauregard Avenue. The officer said the driver overreacted to seeing his patrol car and followed the driver to determine if criminal activity was taking place. The Xterra was found in the parking lot, unoccupied, and a computer check indicated it had been stolen out of Lubbock. Police caught up with 34-year-old Shawn Clark at the pool area. Further investigation turned up property stolen in a burglary on Oxford Drive. Clark was charged with burglary of a habitation and criminal trespass.

Pit bull attack

Authorities say a man was attacked by five pit bulls while riding a bicycle in Tom Green County. It happened Thursday afternoon in Carlsbad. The sheriff's office says the 28-year-old man was hospitalized with puncture wounds to his arms and legs after being attacked by five pit bulls while riding his bicycle. Deputies initially found only the owner of one of the dogs, who was advised to quarantine the animal.

Gas price update

Supplies decreased and demand increased, helping to push the price for a barrel of oil to more than 100 dollars last week. As a result, Triple-A reports retail gas prices will likely move higher this week and into the New Year. The national average for a gallon of regular is three-31, seven cents more than last week. The Texas statewide average of three-12 was also up seven cents. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three dollars to three-11 a gallon.

Concho River lights

You've got just two more nights to take in the downtown holiday decorations. The City of San Angelo says the Concho Christmas Celebration lights display along the refurbished Concho River downtown is open to traffic from 6 p.m.to midnight tonight and tomorrow night. The suggested donation is five dollars per vehicle.

Water usage

The city says water conservation is alive and well in San Angelo. On Saturday, San Angelo residents and businesses used eight-point-six million gallons of water compared to nine-point-five million on the same date last year. On Friday, the numbers were eight-point-four million this year; 10-point-nine million last year.

Gas price update

Going into the weekend between Christmas and New Year's, a check of gasoline prices finds they are going up. According to Triple-A, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas in Texas today is three dollars, nine cents--that's up six cents from a week ago. But it's still well below the national average of three-28, also up six cents. In San Angelo, gas-buddy-dot-com reports that the price of regular ranges from two-92 to three-11 a gallon.

Resolution Run

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to do some running, here is the perfect opportunity for you: it's the 10th annual Resolution Run, a fundraiser for the East Concho Volunteer Fire Department. The event includes a half-marathon plus five- and one-mile runs. It begins on Abernathy Road, just east of North Loop 306. The Resolution Run will be held on Saturday, January 4th, with registration opening up at 8 AM.

Blood for tickets

You can give blood and possibly get concert tickets. Everyone who donates at United blood Services or at a local blood drive from now through January 7th will have a chance to win the George Strait Cowboy Rides Away Concert Package. That includes two tickets to Strait's concert in Austin on January 10th and a 50-dollar gift card. You can find United Blood Services at 2020 West Beauregard. You can make an appointment by phone at 325-223-7500.

Water usage

On Wednesday, San Angelo's water consumption was the lowest it's been in a long time. City residents and businesses used eight-point-one million gallons of water compared to seven-point-seven million on the same date last year. That's also the fifth day in a row of sub-nine-million gallon water usage.

Rodeo tickets

The city of San Angelo says tickets to the San Angelo Rodeo's 12 performances will soon go on sale to the public. They can be purchased beginning Monday, January 6th, at 10 AM at all city ticket outlets, including the convention center and the coliseum. They're also available through a link on the city's home page and by phone. San Angelo's is one of the world's largest rodeos in terms of the number of competitors and the size of the purse. You can find out more at san-angelo-rodeo-dot-com.

Water usage down

San Angelo has had four straight days of sub-nine-million-gallon water usage. On Tuesday, city residents and businesses used eight-point-three million gallons of water compared to nine-point-eight million on the same date last year. Remember, current watering restrictions limit you to watering your lawn once every 14 days and one inch per application.

Water usage

Sunday, San Angelo used eight and a half million gallons of water compared to nine-point-seven million on the same date last year. That makes two days in a row that city residents and businesses have used less than nine million gallons.

History Harvest

San Angelo History Harvest will hold a workshop on preserving family heirlooms next month. It will be held on January 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stephens Central Library on West Beauregard Avenue. Fort Concho is participating in the event, which is free and open to the public. Attendees may bring old family photos, letters, journals, home movies and videos and other documents. Sponsoring organizations will scan the paper items and immediately return the owner’s original materials, along with a free digital copy. The organizations also will create and retain a digital copy in accordance with the owner’s approval.

San Angelo unemployment

Most of San Angelo is working: the city's unemployment rate in November was four-point-six percent - down from four-point-eight percent in October and the same as it was a year ago. However, there were 664 more employed people in San Angelo than in November 2012. The state unemployment rate was five-point-eight percent, down point-two percent from the month prior and from a year ago.

Padron path progress

The city of San Angelo reports that a second pouring of the walking path at Jaime Padron Memorial Park was completed earlier this week. The half-mile loop is two-fifths finished and should be complete by the end of January.

Reservoir gates reopened

The City of San Angelo reports that the gates to the roads at Twin Buttes Reservoir were reopened Monday. They were closed Friday to prevent damage to the roads during and after last week's showers.

Gas price update

Gasoline prices have stabilized in time for Christmas and New Year's. That's according to Triple-A, which says that trend should continue through the holidays. The national average for a gallon of regular is three-26, up four cents from last week. In Texas, the average price is three-07, up three cents. A check of gas-buddy-dot-com finds that the price of regular in Corsicana ranges from two-92 to three-11 a gallon.

Fatal motorcycle accident

A motorcycle accident Saturday afternoon southwest of San Angelo killed a Robert Lee man. 43-year-old Robert Edward Clark was riding a Honda motorcycle that collided with a Ford pickup on US 67 at Twin Buttes Marina Park Road. According to the DPS, the driver of the pickup, 73-year-old Nolan James Fontenot, was trying to turn left and failed to yield to the motorcycle. Clark was pronounced dead at Shannon Medical Center; Fontenot and an 11-year-old passenger on the bike, 11-year-old Zoie Posas of Robert Lee, were both injured.

Holiday safety tip

Here's another holiday safety reminder from San Angelo's fire marshall. Kitchens get crowded quickly during the holiday season, which can lead to a dangerous house fire. Ross Coleman advises that you create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.

Concho Xmas lights

If you want to go look at some holiday decorations, the City of San Angelo reminds you that the Concho Christmas Celebration lights display along the refurbished Concho River downtown is open to traffic from 6 p.m.to midnight daily throughout the month of December. The suggested donation is five dollars per vehicle.

Water usage

As San Angelo continues under drought restrictions, the city's residents and businesses continue to use less water and that trend continued into the weekend. On Friday, San Angelo used nine-point-three million gallons of water compared to 10-point-nine million on the same date last year. On Saturday, the figure was nine-point-four million this year; eight-point-five million last year.

Nature Center events

A reminder that the first of two holiday-themed events at the San Angelo Nature Center is coming up this weekend. Holidaze at the Nature Center will take place this tomorrow afternoon. Free candy and cocoa will be available. Admission is free for members, non-members will pay three dollars each. And the Nature Center will host an overnight New Year's Eve slumber party for children. The cost is 25 dollars for members and 35 for non-members.

Water usage

Wednesday was another day of water-saving by San Angelo residents and businesses. They used 10-point-one million gallons of water compared to 10-point-two million on the same date last year.

Tree recycling

The City of San Angelo will offer residents two sites to recycle their non-artificial Christmas trees. From Thursday, the day after Christmas, through Friday, January 10th, residents can drop off their trees at the SAFE Recycling Center. That's at 702 Warehouse Road. Or you can drop them off at the Coliseum parking lot at 50 East 43rd Street. Trees can be dropped off any time and the City will run them through a chipper as needed. Trees must have all ornaments and decorations removed to prevent damage to the chippers.

Holiday safety tip

Here's another holiday safety tip from San Angelo's Fire Marshal. Ross Coleman urges that while you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food for the holidays, check it often and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States.

San Angelo's most wanted

San Angelo's Most Wanted is a fugitive sought on an active warrant for possession of a controlled substance. He's 54 year old Darnell Samuel, who is described as 6-1, 250 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. You can find his picture on the SAPD Facebook page. If you've seen Darnell Samuel, you can anonymously call the 24-hour tipline: 855-TIPS-24-7.

Winter's Eve

An annual holiday event is coming up this Saturday night, hosted by the San Angelo Culteral Affairs Council and Museum of Fine Arts. "Winter's Eve" will feature a seated dinner prepared by Chef Mike Hennessy of Side Oats Restaurant in Menard and music and dancing. Tickets are 75 dollars each. The museum is taking reservations at 653-3333.

Water usage

On Tuesday, it was another day of saving water by San Angelo residents and businesses. They used 10 million gallons of water compared to 10 and a half million on the same date last year.

Holiday safety tip

Here's another holiday safety tip from San Angelo's Fire Marshal. Ross Coleman warns you to never leave your holiday cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn it off when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time.

Most wanted caught

San Angelo police say an anonymous tip has helped them apprehend one of San Angelo's most wanted. 50-year-old James Eldon Schell had been a fugitive sought on an active blue warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Water theft reminder

A reminder from San Angelo police: taking water from city-owned fire hydrants is theft. If you see anyone tampering with city-owned hydrants and they are not city personnel, you are asked to call the San Angelo Police Department’s non-emergency line at 657-4315.

Paypal scam

San Angelo police are warning of an online scam involving PayPal. If you receive an email from Paypal informing you that your account is temporarily blocked or limited it could be a scam. The scam email will contain a link that will look like a PayPal web address. When you click on the link it will actually send you to a website that looks identical to PayPal but the web address will not be paypal.com. To check on your PayPal account open a new window in your web browser. Go to paypal-dot-com and log in as you normally would. If there are any problems with your account you will be notified when you log in.

Cemetery cleanup

The city of San Angelo has announced that the annual Fairmount Cemetery Cleanup will take place on Wednesday, January 15th. During the cleanup, city workers will remove flowers and other items from gravesites so they can clean and trim the cemetery grounds. Residents who want to preserve items should remove them from gravesites before January 15th. They can begin returning items to the cemetery on the 21st. Items left at the gravesites will be picked up and held for one week so that residents can get them back.

Water usage

Here are the latest numbers on water usage in San Angelo. On Monday, city residents and businesses used nine-point-eight million gallons of water--down from the 10-point-six million used on the same date a year ago. Keep in mind that watering restrictions continue--you're allowed one time every 14 days and no more than one inch at a time.

Downtown master plan

Meeting on Tuesday morning, the San Angelo City Council approved a downtown master development plan.The plan will serve as a roadmap for the continued revitalization of the central business and entertainment district. The Council will consider implementing the next phase of the plan at a later date. You can find a link to the plan so you can read it for yourself on the city's Facebook page.

Mega Millions results

If you bought a Mega Millions ticket in Texas, you did not win the jackpot. There were two winning tickets in last night's Mega Millions drawing and they were sold in San Jose, California and Atlanta. The total jackpot, the second-largest in US history, was expected to wind up close to 648-million dollars. Each winner could take a lump sum of at least 170-million in cash. The winning numbers were 8, 14, 17, 20, 39; Mega Ball: 7. The jackpot now resets to 15 million dollars for the next drawing, which is on Friday night.

City holiday schedule

Here's a holiday heads-up from the city of San Angelo: City offices will be closed December 24th and 25th and January 1st for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Garbage will not be collected and the landfill will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Trash for affected residential customers will be picked up the following Saturday and trash for affected commercial customers will be picked up either a day early or the day after each holiday. City offices will reopen at 8 AM the day after each holiday.

Oil and gas impact

Oil and natural gas development had an economic impact last year of more than 14-billion dollars on West Texas, including the Concho Valley. That's according to a research center at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The study also found that the industry provided more than 21-thousand jobs in the region. That includes workers in oil and gas, drilling, support operations, pipeline construction, refineries and petrochemicals.

Fort Concho stocking stuffers

If you're looking for stocking stuffers, the city of San Angelo suggests a Christmas at Old Fort Concho T-shirt and/or ornament. T-shirts, available in all sizes, cost10 dollars for the 2013 edition and five dollars for the 2012 version. 2013 ornaments are five dollars. You can find it all in the visitors center gift shop at the fort.

Mega Millions

Business should be brisk at San Angelo-area lottery retailers today. The Mega Millions jackpot, which had rolled over Friday night to 550-million dollars, went up again on Monday. It's now at 586-million dollars. The cash value is 316-and-a-half million. Lottery officials say they expect the jackpot to increase one more time before tonight's drawing at 10 PM.

Holiday safety

Here's another holiday safety tip from San Angelo's fire marshal. While candles are a popular holiday decoration. But Ross Coleman warns to never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. The holiday season is the biggest season for home fires.

Water usage

Speaking of water--on Sunday, San Angelo used 10-point-two million gallons of water compared to 11 million on the same date last year. As a reminder, outside watering is allowed only once every 14 days at no more than one inch per application.

City council meeting

The San Angelo City Council meets this morning. Agenda items include the downtown master development plan, zoning compliance for RV, manufactured housing and mobile home parks and voting for board of director nominees for the Tom Green County Appraisal District. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Convention Center and is open to the public. You can find a link to the full agenda on the city of San Angelo's Facebook page.

Court sides with city

A Texas appeals court has sided with the City of San Angelo in a water rights dispute. The justices of the 7th District Court of Appeals in Amarillo ruled that a slight change in the City's water rights permit at Twin Buttes Reservoir in 2005 does not adversely impact other users downstream. Mayor Dwain Morrison said the ruling confirms the City took appropriate care during the application process to ensure the request would not impact water rights throughout the Concho River basin.

Nature Center events

The San Angelo Nature Center will host two upcoming holiday-themed evening events. Holidaze at the Nature Center will take place this Saturday afternoon. Free candy and cocoa will be available. Admission is free for members, non-members will pay three dollars each. And the Nature Center will host an overnight New Year's Eve slumber party for children. The cost is 25 dollars for members and 35 for non-members.

Gas prices drop

Gasoline prices dropped slightly over the last week. Triple-A says that was due to a combination of higher inventories and lower demand. The auto club says gas prices could spike again over next week's Christmas holiday, but not as much as they did over Thanksgiving. The statewide average price for regular in Texas is three-05 a gallon, down five cents from last week. Gas-buddy-dot-com reports the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from two-92 to three-13 a gallon.

City Council meeting

The San Angelo City Council will consider a downtown master development plan when it meets at 9 AM tomorrow at the Convention Center. Council meetings are open to the public. You can find a link to the full agenda on the city's Facebook page.

Candle safety tip

Another holiday safety tip from San Angelo's Fire Marshal. The holidays are a popular time to light candles, which raises the chances of a house fire. Ross Coleman advises that you use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.

Need to ID

The San Angelo Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in indentifying a subject suspected of selling stolen utility trailers. The suspect's picture is posted on the SAPD's Facebook page. If you can identify the subject, you're asked to contact San Angelo police by phone, text or online--or remain anonymous by calling the 24-hour Tip Hotline at 855-TIPS-24-7.

Mega Millions rollover

There was no winner of the 425 million dollar jackpot in Friday night's Mega Millions lottery game. So the grand prize has rolled over and now totals 550 million dollars, with a cash value of 295 million dollars. The next drawing is tomorrow night at 10 PM central. Mega Millions is played in Texas and 42 other states, plus the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.

ASU accreditation reaffirmed

Angelo State University just got some good news. The school's accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges with no recommendation for improvement. ASU President Brian J. May called it "the best possible outcome, saying "only two percent of schools receive reaffirmation with one or fewer recommendations for improvement. May said the result ranks Angelo State with some of the best universities in the nation.

Powell appointment

Governor Rick Perry has reappointed retired Air Force Colonel Chuck Powell of San Angelo to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. Powell's term expires February 1st, 2019. The commission advises the governor and Legislature on defense-related issues, prepares an annual report for state leaders, and helps base commanders prepare for the next round of base realignment evaluations. Powell served as a colonel in the Air Force, including as commander at Goodfellow Air Force Base. He's also been a member of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.

Wounded officer fund

The San Antonio Police Department has established a fund for Officer Bobby Deckard, who police said was shot in the head Sunday by armed robbery suspects he was pursuing. Deckard, a seven-year veteran of the force, remains in critical but stable condition at the San Antonio Military Medical Center. The police department on Thursday reported no change in his condition. Generations Federal Credit Union is administering the fund, named the Robert Deckard Fund.

Most Wanted

San Angelo's Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for active warrants involving several charges of sexually assaulting a child. 44-year-old Francisco P. Blanco is described as 5-4, 150 pounds and bald with brown eyes. If you have any information regarding Francisco P. Blanco, you're asked to call the San Angelo police 24-hour tip line at 855-TIPS-24-7.

Holiday crime tips

Criminals view the Holiday season as a chance to burglarize homes for cash, credit cards and gifts. To avoid becoming a victim , the San Angelo Police Department has some tips, such as: Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment— even if it is only for a few minutes. If you display a Christmas tree, don’t display it and gifts in the front window so they are easily visible from the street. And, if you go out for the evening, turn on lights and a radio or television so your house or apartment appears to be occupied.

Low-speed chase

A man led San Angelo police on a low-speed chase on Thursday. Just after noon, the suspect, driving a Dodge pickup, was stopped on East Chadbourne for an expired vehicle registration. As an officer approached, the driver fled on foot. He eventually got back in the pickup and police chased him at speeds of 35 to 40 miles an hour. The driver got out in the 400 block of East 29th and tried again to flee on foot but was caught. 26-year-old Jose Luis Valdez of San Angelo was arrested for an outstanding warrant and evading with a vehicle.

Cold case investigation

It was five years ago this week that a man named Juan Ibarra was shot to death in San Angelo. The Police Department's Cold Case Section is seeking information regarding the murder, which took place in the 700 block of East Avenue D Street. A red or maroon passenger car was seen driving in the alley. Investigators believe Ibarra might have been killed by someone who knew him and there could be more than one suspect. The motive for the murder is still unknown. Ibarra was described as having few enemies, was very well liked, and left behind two young daughters. Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact San Angelo police by phone, text or online--or call 855-TIPS-24-7

Holiday safety

More holiday safety advice from San Angelo's fire marshall: Ross Coleman advises that you always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed. And, we wouldn't think you would have to be told this--never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Apparently, some folks have tried that ... with disastrous results.

Water usage

After a couple of days of using more water, San Angelo residents and businesses were using less on Tuesday: 10 and a half million gallons of water compared to 11-point-six million on the same date last year. A reminder that San Angelo is under drought restrictions, which limit watering to once every 14 days and no more than one inch per application.

Hit and run

The San Angelo Police Department is searching for a hit and run suspect. On Tuesday evening, around 7:40, witnesses say an older model, retired ambulance-style vehicle strike a parked vehicle in the 500 block of South Chadbourne. The vehicle being was blue with white stripes. If you have any information regarding the suspect vehicle or driver, contact San Angelo police via phone, text or online--or call their 24-hour tip line at 855-TIPS-24-7.

Water usage

San Angelo has been using more water lately. On Monday, San Angelo residents and businesses used 11-point-one million gallons of water compared to nine-point-nine million on the same date last year.Sunday, San Angelo used 10-point-nine million gallons of water compared the total a year ago of nine and a half million. The city remains under drougt restrictions--watering is allowed once every 30 days and no more than one inch at a time.

Xmas safety tips

San Angelo's Fire Marshal is out with more holiday safety tips: Ross Coleman recommends that you use only Christmas tree lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

New SAPD officer

There's a new member of the San Angelo Police Department. On Tuesday, Chief Tim Vasquez swore in Officer Charles Flores in front of his family and friends at a ceremony in the Chief’s Conference Room.

ASU Nursing Honor Society

Angelo State University's Nursing Honor Society will add 22 new members during an induction ceremony this Friday. It will take place in the Houston Harte University Center, 1910 Rosemont Drive. The ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the University Center's C.J. Davidson Conference Center and is open free to the public. Inductees will include both ASU students and local community nursing leaders.

Stolen vehicle

On Monday morning, a resident on Crockett Street started his Dodge Stratus and went inside while it warmed up. Before he came back, it was gone. However, a short while later, the man was in another vehicle when he saw his car on North Main Street, occupied by an unknown male. When he tried to make contact with the driver, the car took off and headed north on Main Street reaching speeds of 70 miles per hour. The driver eventually lost control of the car and crashed it into a chain link fence at 24th Street. The victim detained the driver until San Angelo Police arrived. The driver was identified as a 16-year-old juvenile, who was transported to the Tom Green County Juvenile Justice Center and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Hoteliers help Salvation Army

Members of the San Angelo Lodging Association are joining together to help those in need this holiday season. The hoteliers will be donating shampoor, conditioner and linens to the Salvation Army to assist that organization in its mission to bring comfort to the needy. The Association will make the presentation to the Salvation Army at the Visitors Center later today.

ASU fall commencement

More than 500 students are scheduled to graduate during Angelo State University's fall commencement this Saturday. The ceremonies take place in the Junell Center/Stephens Arena on South Jackson Street. Graduates of the College of Education and College of Health and Human Services will walk the stage during a 10 a.m. ceremony. Graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business will walk the stage in a 2 p.m. ceremony. All of ASU's commencement activities are open free to the public.

San Angelo number 8

San Angelo is an up and coming city. San Angelo has jumped 10 spots to number-eight in the 2013 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index. The index is based upon creating and sustaining jobs, and economic growth. Components include job, wage and salary, and tech growth.

Hit and runs

The San Angelo Police Department's hit and run investigator advises there have been 21-reported hit and runs within a six-day period. If you are responsible for any of them, or you know who is, contact investigator Steven Quade at the police department. Or you can remain anonymous and call 855-TIPS-24-7.

Stolen vehicle

San Angelo police responded Saturday night to East 22nd Street where a vehicle was reported stolen. The victim said he had left his red Ford F-150 running and after going inside, saw the truck being driven away along with assorted Christmas gifts, cell phone, cash and other possessions. On Sunday night, police were called to an alley on West 26th Street for the report of an illegally parked vehicle, which turned out to be the stolen Ford F150, up on cinder blocks with its tires and wheels removed. The victim's possesions were also gone. If you know anything about the case, you can call 855-TIPS-24-7.

Amber alert

The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued an Amber Alert for a five-year-old girl. Aaliyah Garcia is white/hispanic, four-foot-two, 60 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen in Beverly Hills-McLennan Monday afternoon and was wearing blue pants, a purple shirt, blue and white shoes, and a pink jacket. Aaliyah has a scar on the bottom of her chin. She is believed to be with a non-custodial parent, 24-year-old Alicia Ortiz, white/hispanic, 5-4, 127 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, driving a four-door white Pontiac Grand Am. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Beverly Hills police department.

Special weather statement

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a special weather statement for west central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Slick and hazardous road conditions are possible throughout much of the area. Residual moisture from the very light precipitation that fell Monday afternoon and evening froze on exposed surfaces, including some roadways, resulting in a layer of black ice. Be especially wary when traveling on bridges and overpasses. Motorists are advised to slow down and use caution, especially on less-traveled roads. Your complete forecast is just ahead.

Grape Creek ISD hearing

Grape Creek ISD will be holding a public hearing to discuss the district's Texas Academic Performance Report for 2012-2013 this evening at 6:30. It will be held in the Grape Creek Community Room on US Highway 87 North. The report will include student performance and profile data, district financial information and campus performance objectives.

Water main break

Crews were working on Sunday to repair a water main break in San Angelo. It happened in the 44-hundred block of Southwest, causing a five-foot sinkhole to develop in the grassy area. along southwest boulevard yesterday had crews working to repair the leak. It's believed the leak caused low water pressure at nearby apartment complexes

Filing deadline

This is the final day for candidates to file to run in the Republican and Democratic primary elections in March. They have until six PM to sign up. Both major parties will urge potential candidates to do so during filing events at 5 pm. The GOP will be meeting at the party's offices at 215 South Koenigheim and Democrats will be in the Coney Island room at 212 South Chadbourne. The primary ballot includes federal, state, and county positions.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for west central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Patchy freezing fog is expected this morning. Areas from the Big Country south to San Angelo, Menard and Junction have the greatest potential for development. Freezing fog could produce light ice accumulations on exposed surfaces, resulting in slick roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses. Your complete forecast is on the way.

Gas price update

Motorists should start to see gas prices inch lower this week after the Thanksgiving spike. That's according to Triple-A, which also cautions that the decrease might not last long because the cost of crude oil jumped on positive economic news and an increase for heating oil. The national average for a gallon of regular is three-26, one-cent less than last week. The statewide average in Texas of three-09 decreased three cents from a week ago. Gas-buddy-dot-com reports the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from two-96 to three-13 a gallon.

Winter storm warning

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a winter storm warning for west central Texas, including the Concho Valley. With temperatures already well below freezing, ice has accumulated up to one-quarter inch on area roadways. That has resulted in very dangerous driving conditions and travel is strongly discouraged. Ice on trees and power lines may cause damage perhaps resulting in power outages. Periods of freezing rain and sleet, moderate to heavy at times, will continue through this morning. Dangerous wind chill readings are also possible. Your complete forecast is on the way.

Habitat ReStore opens

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

Xmas tree safety tips

San Angelo's Fire Marshal is offering safety advice regarding Christmas trees. Ross Coleman says if you have an artificial Christmas tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. Coleman says If you choose a fresh Christmas tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut a half-inch from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.

Winter weather advisory

A winter weather advisory is in effect for west central Texas, including the Concho Valley, beginning at 6 o'clock tonight and continuring through noon tomorrow. The National Weather Service says freezing rain and sleet will spread south into the Concho Valley, including San Angelo, late this afternoon and evening and farther south into the Interstate 20 corridor tonight. The wintry mix will result in ice accumulations of one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch. Ice will develop on area roadways, especially bridges and over passes, making for dangerous driving conditions. Dangerous wind chill readings will also be possible, dropping into the teens by Friday morning. Your complete forecast is on the way.

Xmas at Ft Concho still on

Despite some challenging weather predictions for the weekend, Christmas at Old Fort Concho will take place on all three days, this Friday through Sunday, with a full schedule of programs and events. Fort Concho Manager Bob Bluthardt noted more than two-thirds of the event is held indoors, including virtually all of the entertainment, all children's workshops except one, all main merchants and special displays. Any changes to the programs or schedule will be posted at fort-concho-dot-com.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo's Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. James Eldon Schell is 49 years old, 5-10, 200 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. If you know anything concerning the whereabouts of James Eldon Schell, contact San Angelo Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

Grape Creek ISD public hearing

Grape Creek ISD will be holding a public hearing to discuss the district's Texas Academic Performance Report for 2012-2013 next Monday at 6:30 PM. It will be held in the Grape Creek Community Room on US Highway 87 North. The report will include student performance and profile data, district financial information, campus performance objectives, a report on violent and criminal incidents and a report on student enrollment and academic performance. For more information, contact the Grape Creek ISD administrative offices.

Xmas Pops Concert

The San Angelo Symphony's Christmas Pops Concert continues this season with "A Christmas Fiesta". You're invited to join in the celebrations and enjoy Christmas classics and festive holiday favorites in a show perfect for the entire family this Saturday at the McNease Convention Center under the direction of Maestro Hector Guzman. Doors open at 6pm and the concert begins at 7pm. You're encouraged to come early for seating--a full house is expected.

Water usage

City residents and business continue to conserve water. On Monday, San Angelo used 10 million gallons of water compared to 12-point-nine million on the same date last year. A reminder that under current drought restrictions, watering of lawns is allowed only once every 14 days and no more than one inch at a time.

West TX energy consortium

Several San Angeloans, including City Manager Daniel Valenzuela, are attending the first West Texas Energy Consortium conference and economic impact presentation at Howard College in Big Spring. Attendees will learn about and discuss the economic, education, workforce, community and economic development, infrastructure and public safety issues related to the region's growing oilfield development.

Stolen vehicle found, suspects arrested

On Monday night, San Angelo police were informed by Midland police about a stolen silver Camaro that was possibly in San Angelo along with a female suspect identified as 30-year-old Chancee Neatherlin. An officer found the vehicle and pulled it over in the 2300 block of Sherwood Way. The occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody without incident. Police say Neatherlin was the passenger and 41-year-old Armando Ruiz was the driver. A search of the vehicle turned up some 600 dollars in cash along with a digital scale, a glass pipe, and several bags commonly used for illegal narcotics. Neatherlin allegedly had a syringe in her coat and Ruiz had 17 outstanding city arrest warrants.

Winter weather on way

Winter weather is still on the way. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says an Arctic cold front will move into west central Texas, including the Concho Valley, early tomorrow morning, bringing much colder temperatures and the potential for freezing rain and sleet. The wintry mix is expected to taper off Friday morning. Light ice and sleet accumulations are expected across the area, with possible dangerous travel conditions. Your complete forecast is just ahead.

Holiday fire warning

A holiday warning from San Angelo Fire Marshal Ross Coleman: U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.

Winter weather returning

Brace yourself for another round of winter weather this week. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says that late Wednesday night another strong cold front will move into west central Texas, including the Concho Valley. A wintry mix could begin as early as Thursday morning and continue through Friday evening. High temperatures on Friday and Saturday will be in the low to mid 30s and lows in the upper teens to low 20s. Freezing rain and sleet will make travel difficult and the cold temperatures can harm unprotected pipes, pets and livestock.

Police chase, drug bust

A San Angelo man was arrested on Thanksgiving after leading police on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash in northwest San Angelo. Just after midnight, police pursued a pickup that had run a red light. The driver wound up crashing into a pole but was not injured. A search turned up marijuana, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia used in drug trafficking and a weapon. 23 year old Raymond C. Smith was taken into custody and charged with Driving with an Invalid License and No Insurance, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Evading Arrest Detention with a Vehicle, and Manufacture Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Gas prices

Triple-A reports close to 40-million motorists traveled for Thanksgiving and, even though gas prices have been on the rise, many paid less for gas than last year. The national cost for a gallon of regular averaged three-28, 13 cents less than 2012’s Thanksgiving average of three-41. As of today, the statewide average in Texas is three-12 a gallon, one cent less than a week ago. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-02 to three-13 a gallon.

Mistletoe Magic

You're invited to Mistletoe Magic 2013 at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. There will be two come and go sessions starting at 9:30 AM and one PM. Santa is making a special trip to visit with the girls and boys attending the event. General admission to Mistletoe Magic is 12 per person and children 1 year of age and younger are free. The money raised through Mistletoe Magic is returned to the community through the projects, programs and services of the Junior League of San Angelo.

Nature Center holiday events

The San Angelo Nature Center will host two holiday-themed evening events in the coming weeks. Holidaze at the Nature Center will be from 4 to 6 PM on Saturday, December 21st. Free candy and cocoa will be available for all who attend. Admission is free for Nature Center members, while non-members will cost three dollars each. And the Nature Center, will host a New Year's Eve slumber party for children from 8 PM Tuesday, December 31st, to 8 AM Wednesday, January 1st. The The cost is 25 dollars for Nature Center members and 35 for non-members.