Ports-to-Plains meeting

The impact of increased oilfield activity on roadways, West Texas’ rail system and higher education will be among the topics discussed by members of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance at a Southern Work Group Task Force meeting next month in San Angelo. The public and the local business community will have an opportunity to learn about the Ports-to-Plains initiative and to participate in discussions at an open session from on Friday, February 15th, at Angelo State University’s LeGrand Alumni Center on University Avenue. You can find out how to register on the city's Facebook page.

Free IRS help

The Internal Revenue Service began accepting 2012 tax returns as of Wednesday. If you need help, you can get free tax preparation assistance from the Concho Valley Community Action Council. You can find the Council in the basement of the Cactus Hotel in downtown San Angelo. Also this year, the Council will also be traveling to other Concho Valley counties to offer its services.

Interim ASU administrators

Angelo State University President Brian May has named two interim administrators. Angie Wright, associate vice president for finance and administration, will become interim vice president for finance and administration. She succeeds Michael Reid, who resigned to go to the University of Montana. Dr. June Smith, professor of communication and member of the graduate faculty, will serve as interim dean of the College of Graduate Studies. She succeeds Dr. May, who held that position until he was appointed ASU president.

Alexander files for mayor

San Angelo City Councilman Paul Alexander filed his candidacy for mayor on Wednesday, the first day candidates could file for a place on the May 11th ballot to fill four seats on City Council. Along with the mayor's seat, Single-Member Districts 2, 4 and 6 are up for election. Alexander's candidacy for mayor will result in a special election, to be held concurrently with the May 11th election, to fill the Single-Member District 1 seat he has held since 2010. The final day to file at the City Clerk's office for a place on the ballot is March 1st

Helping Hands needs volunteers

Helping Hands is still seeking volunteer teams to help with its Spring Blitz work day on Saturday, April 13th. The teams will assist in restoring the homes of low-income elderly homeowners to help make them safe, secure and weatherproof. Currently, the organization has 14 volunteer teams, but with more help, would be able to assist at least 30 homeowners in April. Individuals or teams interested in volunteering can contact the Helping Hands Office at 227-6753 to sign up.

Rio Grande documentary

Angelo State University's Department of Physics and Geosciences will offer a free screening of a documentary film on the Rio Grande River. "Confluence: The Big Bend Reach of the Rio Grande" highlights the river's environmental management challenges and potential paths to restoration. The film will be shown next Thursday at 6 PM in the Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building on Vanderventer Street.

Burn postponed

Tuesday's prescribed burn at San Angelo State Park has been postponed because of high winds and park officials will try again today to perform the burn. According to City of Sangelo and Tom Green County emergency management, conditions do not warrant instating a burn ban at this time, but it is important to stress fire safety to everyone within the community. You are urged stay aware of conditions around you, being cautious of chains dragging behind vehicles that will spark and start a fire.

Election filing starts today

Today is the day that citizens interested in filing for a place on the May 11th ballot to fill four seats on the San Angelo City Council can begin doing so in the Office of the City Clerk in City Hall. The two-year terms for mayor and for Single-Member Districts 2, 4 and 6 are up for election.

National Pancake Day

Next Tuesday is National Pancake Day and, for the eighth consecutive year, IHOP® restaurants nationwide and in the San Angelo area will offer each guest a free short stack of its famous buttermilk pancakes. That will take place between 7 and 10 AM and is an effort to raise awareness and funds for Shriners Hospitals and other local charities.

Health care reform lecture

Employers can learn how they'll be affected by health care reform at Angelo State University's 2013 Wells Fargo Distinguished Lectureship in Business. Liliana Salazar, a senior vice president and employee benefits compliance practice co-leader for Wells Fargo Insurance, will speak on February 27th in the Houston Harte University Center on Rosemont Drive. The lecture will be open free to the public.

Bicyclist apprehended

A San Angelo man is facing a variety of charges after he was spotted by police riding a bicycle without a headlamp Monday night near the area of North Chadbourne and 22nd Street. Officers say 41-year-old Reynaldo Rivera ignored their commands and rode to the parking lot at a 7-11, fled to the restroom inside and tried to flush a small package down the toilet. A struggle ensued during which Rivera allegedly resisted, retrieved the package and attempted to swallow the contents. Additional officers helped subdue and arrest Rivera.

Mayoral candidate to file

A member of the San Angelo City Council is running for mayor. Paul Alexander of single member district one will be filing the paperwork today, the first day to file for the May city elections. Alexander says he has three reasons for running for mayor: one, his business background; two, his understanding of water issues; and, three, his desire to preserve San Angelo families and improve opportunities for generations to come.

Theft suspect sought

San Angelo Police are seeking help from the public in identifying and locating a theft suspect. Sometime weekend before last, someone stole equipment from a construction site near the 4200 block of Autumnwood Trail on the west side of the city. Surveillance video captured the suspect vehicle driving away from the area, towing a stolen stone mixer. The vehicle is a late 90's to early 2000 model red Ford, long-bed pickup truck with a chrome headache rack, chrome rails, and a bug guard. There is body damage to the tailgate and right side of the truck. If you know anything about this case, you're encouraged to contact San Angelo police or call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

Nolan County burn ban

Nolan County joined most other Concho Valley counties Monday morning when county commissioners reinstated a burn ban. This means no outdoor burning is allowed; violators can be fined up to 500 dollars.

Mueller trial

The defense is expected to begin presenting its case today at the murder trial of a San Angelo man in Gunnison, Colorado. Frederick Mueller is accused of killing his wife in Colorado in 2008. Two witnesses testified Monday as the trial began its fourth week and, in the afternoon, prosecutors rested their case.

Arrest for church damage

A San Angelo man was arrested early Sunday morning for allegedly damaging a local church. Witnesses told police they were walking near the Sacred Heart Cathedral on South Oakes Street when noticed broken glass in front of the south entrance and saw a man run to the First United Methodist Church. Officers tracked down the man who appeared to be intoxicated and was bleeding after having allegedly broken several of the Cathedral's stained glass windows. 21-year-old Dominic Manuel is charged with felony criminal mischief. Damage to the church is estimated at 15-hundred dollars.

ASU Physics award

Angelo State University's chapter of the Society of Physics Students has been honored with a 2012-13 Future Faces of Physics Project Award and corresponding grant by the SPS National Office. The ASU group earned the award for its project designed to create and maintain a partnership with students at San Angelo's Alta Loma Elementary School to help advance science education in grades three through five. The award also includes a 300-dollar grant to help implement the program this spring.

ASU funding seminar

If you're looking for funding to help with a business start-up or expansion, the ASU Small Business Development Center has a FREE seminar for you. "Shaking the Money Tree: Finding Funding for Your Business" will be presented this evening from 6 to 8:30. It will be held at the ASU Campus, Rassman Building, Conference Room 100 on Dena Drive. You can find out more and register for the event at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Red Flag Warning

Much of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley, willl be under a Red Flag Warning from 2 PM to 7 PM today. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says that unseasonably warm temperatures, dry conditions and strong west winds gusting over 40 miles an hour, will support critical fire weather conditions. Outdoor burning is not recommended. The main area of concern is north and west of a line from Junction to Brownwood.

Red Flag Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for tomorrow from noon to six in an area of West Central Texas including the Concho Valley. Unseasonably warm temperatures, dry conditions and strong west winds will result in critical fire weather conditions.

Gas price update

Oil prices increased last week on optimism that both European and U.S. economies are improving and will result in higher fuel demand. Triple-A says that so far, gas prices have not surpassed year-ago levels; however, the cost for a gallon of gas inched back up again this week. The national average price of regular gas is three-34, three cents more than last week. The Texas statewide average of three-17 is up two cents from a week ago. According to Gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from two-99 to three-29 a gallon.

Prescribed park burn

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff plans to conduct a prescribed burn at San Angelo State Park this week. Tentatively, the burn will be conducted from tomorrow to Friday. TPWD is monitoring weather conditions and will schedule the burn when the weather and fuel conditions meet prescription. Prescribed burns are used as a management tool in state parks to improve habitat for wildlife and reduce the chance for a potentially destructive wildfire to occur.

Nature Center Groundhog Day

The San Angelo Nature Center will celebrate Groundhog Day with the burrower's West Texas cousin, the prairie dog, this Saturday, February 2nd, with free admission, door prizes, games for kids, and a chance to buy a family membership at a special, reduced price. The Nature Center is located on Knickerbocker Road in Mary E Lee Park. City Councilman Paul Alexander, whose district includes the center, will team with Nature Center Director Michael Price in pulling Emmy, the center's precocious prairie dog, from a makeshift burrow to determine the weather forecast.

Bully documentary

Earlier this month, The San Angelo Police Department hosted a showing of the Bully Documentary at Cinemark Tinseltown. The event sold out prior to the showing with a total of 275 tickets sold. Due to the positive response from the community, Cinemark Tinseltown made the event available to school districts for private showings for the following week Paint Rock ISD transported 140 middle and high school students to San Angelo to see the movie. Tinseltown has agreed to keep the movie for an additional week for private viewings for schools or groups, who can make a reservation on Cinemark's website.

Shots fired, two arrested

Just before 12:30 on Friday afternoon, San Angelo Police were dispatched to 2121 Martin Luther King Drive for a report of shots fired. During the investigation at the scene, two San Angelo men were arrested on unrelated charges. 17-year-old Edward Wilson was arrested charged with multiple outstanding City and County Warrants and Possession of Marijuana. 25-year-old Adrian Branch was charged with outstanding City Warrants. Wilson and Branch were transported to Tom Green County Jail. There were no other details on the shots fired incident.

theCITY

You can get details on an upcoming Saturday set aside for San Angelo water customers to ask questions about their account on the latest episode of "theCITY." Interim Water Utilities Director Ricky Dickson will be the guest on the interview show when it debuts tomorrow evening at 6 on Suddenlink cable Channel 17, the city of San Angelo's government access channel. Dickson explains how customers who have made an appointment in advance will on Saturday, February 9th, be able to address unresolved billing questions, concerns and issues.

Mueller trial

A third week of testimony in the Frederick Mueller trial has wrapped up in Gunnison, Colorado. Thursday's only witness testified concerning water hydrology and the location where Mueller's wife -- Leslie Mueller died in May of 2008 near Lake City, Colorado. Mueller is charged in the death of his wife -- and has pleaded not guilty. Testimony continues Monday.

Citizen of the Year

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet last night and named its Citizen of the Year. That award when to State Representative Drew Darby, who was lauded for his work in promoting the city of San Angelo in the state legislature. The redevelopment award went to developers of the North Angelo housing project, the Angelo Football Clinic was awarded for its economic impact and the founders of Art in Uncommon Places were given an award for quality of life.

Capital improvement plan forums

San Angelo residents are invited to share their thoughts as to what should be the City's capital improvement priorities during a pair of public forums next month. City staff is preparing the 2013 to 2018 Capital Improvement Plan, which prioritizes the addressing of large capital needs. Each forum will begin at 6 p.m. The forum on Thursday, February 7th, will be at the McNease Convention Center, 500 Rio Concho Drive. The forum on Tuesday, Feb. 12th, will be at Lincoln Middle School, 255 Lake View Heroes Drive.

Funding seminar

If you're looking for funding to help with a business start-up or expansion, the ASU Small Business Development Center has a FREE seminar for you. “Shaking the Money Tree: Finding Funding for Your Business” will be presented next Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will be held at the ASU Campus, Rassman Building, Conference Room 100 on Dena Drive. You can find out more and register for the event at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

SNAPS photo contest

SNAPS, a citywide photography contest coordinated by the City's Public Art Commission that's meant to celebrate San Angelo, is now accepting entries through March 1st. Themed "Through the Lens: San Angelo," the new contest is open to all photographers and will be judged by Ben Sum, an associate professor of art at Angelo State University. The winning entries will be exhibited in May at the Coop Gallery on South Oakes Street, adjacent to the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. You can find contest details on the City of San Angelo's Facebook page.

Library sale

A reminder that hundreds of books, magazines and other printed materials, most for a dollar or less, will be available to the public during the annual book sale of the Friends of Angelo State University's Porter Henderson Library and West Texas Collection tomorrow and Saturday. The sale will open tomorrow evening with a preview at College Hills Baptist Church on Johnson Street. Cost of the preview is five dollars per person. On Saturday, the sale will be open free to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chamber banquet tonight

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce 97th Annual Banquet will be held this this evening at the ASU CJ Davidson Center beginning at 6:45 PM. Outstanding volunteers will be recognized and the Citizen of the Year will be named as Chamber members gather to celebrate the successes of the past year and hear about the goals for the coming year. Jazz Concho will provide the entertainment during dinner service. Tickets are available for purchase on the Chamber's website, san-angelo-dot-org or at the Chamber office at 418 West Avenue B.

Mueller murder trial

The murder trial of San Angelo businessman Frederick Mueller continues in Colorado, where he's accused of killing his wife on a hiking trail while on vacation. Muller claims his wife got tangled up in a dog leash, fell into a creek and drowned. Wednesday a Colorado investigator said she asked Muller about scratches on his face; she said he claimed that he got them while wrestling with a bush.

Lunchtime wreck

If you got caught in downtown traffic around lunchtime Wednesday, here's why. According to San Angelo police, the driver of a pickup facing north was turning left off Bryant and collided with a driver in a car going south on Bryant. The impact sent the car into the street light pole. Police blocked off several lanes at Bryant and Seventh while the vehicles were towed and workers cleared debris. The driver of the pick-up was cited for failure to yield right of way.

ASU student app

Students at Angelo State University should soon feel safer walking across the campus. A new smart phone app is coming to ASU starting next week giving students direct contact to 911 at any point 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They'll be able to press a button and once they remove their finger from the screen, a timed alarm will sound and the police will be notified instantly. You can find out more about the Lifeline app on the website: LL-response-dot-com.

Subway robber arrested

On Tuesday morning, just after 11, a San Angelo Police officer was flagged down near the 500 block of West Avenue N by employees of KFC. They pointed to subjects who were engaged in an unknown altercation in a nearby parking lot. It turns out that, moments earlier, a man entered the Subway Restaurant on South Bryant and stole a bank deposit bag containing an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing. Subway employees followed him across the street in an attempt to detain him while others called police. One Subway employee sustained minor injuries from the man who resisted apprehension. 31-year-old Jerry Rundle of San Angelo was arrested for Robbery and transported to the Tom Green County Jail without incident.

Water billing open Saturday

The City of San Angelo's water billing office will be open on a Saturday. That's on February 9th, for customers who need to address unresolved billing questions, concerns and issues with a customer service representative. Appointments can be made by calling the Water Customer Service Division before 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 6th. The water billing office is located at 122 West 1st Street.

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. Patchy dense fog is reducing visibilities to less than a half-mile at times. This is occurring mainly west of a line from Sweetwater to Ballinger to Junction. Besides the fog, surface condensation has resulted in wet roads in some areas which might reduce the ability to stop quickly. Motorists are advised to drive with caution, use low-beam headlights and all extra time to reach your destination.

AM1 Roe v Wade protest

Tuesday marked the 40th anniversary of the landmark Roe v Wade decision, in which the U.S. Supreme Court established the legal right of a woman to have an abortion. In San Angelo, members of the Catholic church observed the occasion by praying and demonstrating. Bishop Michael Pfeiffer led a service at Sacred Heart Cathedral and a March for Life outside Planned Parenthood.

Adams pleads guilty

A former member of the San Angelo City Council appeared in district court Tuesday to plead guilty to a third degree felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Fredd Adams was sentenced to a seven years probation. Adams resigned as representative of Single-Member District Four last week. He'd served on the city council since 2009. The city council will decide at its next meeting whether to appoint a replacement for Adams or leave the position vacant until the May elections.

Child porn sentence

A man who pleaded guilty to downloading child pornography to his home computer while stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base was sentenced Friday. According to the U.S. Attorney's office in Lubbock, 22-year-old Derrick M. Mendez was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison.

College Goal Sunday

In an effort to assist students in beginning the process of seeking financial aid for college, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and its P-16-plus Education Partnership will host College Goal Sunday on February 10th. It will take place from two to four p.m. in the Sunset Mall Community Room. Volunteers and financial aid professionals to help families of college-bound students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the federally required form for students seeking financial aid. All San Angelo area high school students and their parents are invited to attend.

Gas price update

As forecast, Triple-A says gas prices started to retreat last week and the downward trend is expected to continue throughout the rest of January. The national average price of regular gasoline is three-30 a gallon, one cent less than last week. The Texas statewide average of three-15 fell two cents from last week. According to Gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-02 to three-19 a gallon.

Fredd Adams resigns

Councilman Fredd Adams, who represents Single-Member District 4, submitted a letter of resignation Friday, effective immediately. In the letter, Adams said, "It was an immeasurable blessing for me to have dedicated so much hard work and time to the support, improvement and advancement of the City of San Angelo." Adams said he will dedicate his future endeavors to his family and his ministry. Adams had served on the Council since 2009. Single-Member District 4 is one of four Council seats slated to be filled in the May 11th election.

Mueller trial resumes

Testimony resumes today in the Colorado murder trial for San Angelo businessman Frederick Mueller. Mueller is accused to killing his wife Leslie, who fell from a mountain trail to her death during a vacation in Colorado during 2008. Mueller claims her death was an accident and has pleaded not guilty. This is the third week of the trial, which is expected for continue for another two weeks.

Chamber banquet

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce 97th Annual Banquet will be held this Thursday at the ASU CJ Davidson Center beginning at 6:45 PM. Outstanding volunteers will be recognized and the Citizen of the Year will be named as Chamber members gather to celebrate the successes of the past year and hear about the goals for the coming year. Jazz Concho will provide the entertainment during dinner service. Tickets are 40 dollars per person or 450 dollars for a reserved table of ten and may be purchased on the Chamber's website, san-angelo-dot-org or at the Chamber office at 418 West Avenue B.

San Angelo meth bust

Two San Angelo residents were arrested Thursday on drug charges. Federal and local agents spent several hours serching a home in the one-thousand block of South Bell Street and say they found methamphetamine and other evidence. Arrested were 35-year-old Jackie Ray Trammell and 37-year-old Jennifer Sherry

City meetings

Another meeting regarding San Angelo's half-cent sales tax is coming up next week. The City Council will meet jointly with the board of the City of San Angelo Development Corporation, which is the administrator of the tax. That will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Convention Center. The meeting is open to the public. . Following the joint meeting, the Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. You can find agendas for both on San Angelo's Facebook page.

City HR manager honored

The City of San Angelo's human resources manager was recently named HR Professional of the Year by the Concho Valley Society for Human Resource Management. Veronica Sanchez has worked in the City's Human Resources Department since 2007, serving as its manager since 2008. Sanchez's HR career began in 2005 as a recruiter for Sitel, for whom she worked 10 years, including stints in employee relations, payroll and as an HR generalist.

ASU nursing program ranks high

Angelo State University's nursing program has been ranked in the top 100 nationally for its online graduate degree offerings by U.S. News and World Report for its 2013 edition of Best Online Programs. Ranked No. 64 overall, ASU was one of eight Texas institutions to make the top 100 list. The rankings were compiled from the 471 colleges and universities that U.S. News and World Report identified as offering master's degree nursing programs.

Mueller trial update

Testimony continued at Gunnison, Colorado Wednesday in the trial of San Angelo resident Fred Mueller. Court officials say another five witnesses testified. The judge will decide today whether the slow-moving trial will be in session on Monday, on a federal holiday. Mueller has pleaded not guilty to killing his wife, Doctor Leslie Mueller, in Lake City, Colorado in 2008.

Mencia and Monsters

The City of San Angelo reminds you about a couple of events coming up this weekend. Comedy Central's Carlos Mencia, on his C 4 UrSelf Tour, will be performing at the Convention Center tomorrow night, and the granddaddy of all monster trucks, Bigfoot, invades the Coliseum with the Monster X Tour on Saturday night. You can get your tickets from the city online at purchase-dot-tickets-dot-com.

MLK Day closings

City of San Angelo offices will be closed Monday, January 21st, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no interruption of garbage collection or normal landfill operating hours on MLK Day. Fort Concho’s Visitor Center in Barracks 1 will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday. Self-guided tours will also be available. The fort is at 630 South Oakes Street. Southside and Carl Ray Johnson recreation centers will be closed. City offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Book sale

Hundreds of books, magazines and other printed materials, most for a dollar or less, will be available to the public during the annual book sale of the Friends of Angelo State University's Porter Henderson Library and West Texas Collection on Friday and Saturday, January 25th and 26th. The sale will open with a Friday evening preview at College Hills Baptist Church on Johnson Street. Cost of the preview is five dollars per person. On Saturday, the sale will be open free to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rebranding Channel 17

Channel 17, the City of San Angelo's government access channel on the Suddenlink cable system, is seeking a new brand. The City's Public Information Office, which administers Channel 17, is accepting nominations and votes for a new name for the channel via the City's Facebook page. The Public Information Office is also soliciting suggestions for City government-related programming that San Angelo residents would like to see on the channel.

Candidate packets

If you're interested in filing for a place on the May 11th ballot to fill four seats on the San Angelo City Council, candidate packets are now available. The two-year terms for mayor and for Single-Member Districts 2, 4 and 6 are up for election. The first day to file for a place on the ballot is January 30th; the final day to file is March 1st. Candidate packets may be picked up at the City Clerk's office in Room 210 on the second floor of City Hall at 72 West College Avenue.

Feast of Santa Angela

You're invited to celebrate the history, art, education, and spirit of San Angelo at the Feast of Santa Angela on January 26th. The event, featuring dining, music and theater, will take place at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Art. at 1 Love Street. Seating begins at 6 PM and dinner begins at 6:30. Advance tickets are on sale at the San Angelo Broadway Academy at 10 North Taylor and the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. Ticket prices are 30 dollars per person and 15 dollars for children 10 and under. Proceeds benefit the scholarships and educational programs for youth at San Angelo Broadway Academy Youth Theatre.

New blood appeal

United Blood Services of San Angelo has issued another emergency appeal for type o-negative blood. UBS says the appeal is critical. UBS normally has 67 pints of o-negative blood on hand. As of Tuesday, there were only four units on the shelf. If you'd like to make an appointment call 223-7500 or go to the United Blood Services website. The donation center is at 2020 West Beauregard.

Mueller trial moves slowly

Things are moving slowly in the Colorado murder trial of San Angelo resident Fred Mueller. He's accused of killing his wife, Doctor Leslie Mueller, in Lake City, Colorado in 2008. So far, only three prosecution witnesses have testified. In order to move things along, the trial might be in session on Monday, a federal holiday.

SAPD traning at schools

A heads-up from the San Angelo Police Department. The SAPD will conduct training at all San Angelo ISD campuses beginning at six o'clock tonight through 4 o'clock tomorrow morning. This is not in response to the recent Connecticut elementary school shooting; this is training that the department has been doing for several years.

Bowie Elementary water problems

Bowie Elementary was expected to be open today after a broken water line was discovered at the school Tuesday. Repairs necessitated that the electricity at the school had to be turned off. Parents were requested to pick up their children early. Those children who could not be picked up were in safekeeping for the rest of the day with restroom facilities provided by two SAISD charter buses.

AM2 Junior Leadership Forum

The Leadership San Angelo Alumni Association will host its 14th Annual Junior Leadership Forum at the end of the month. The forum gives area high school sophomores the opportunity to learn leadership skills and to heighten their awareness of responsible citizenship and is scheduled for January 31st at Angelo State University's C.J. Davidson Center. High schools invited to take part include Ambleside, Bronte, Central, Cornerstone Christian, Grape Creek, Lake View, Miles and TLC Academy.

City offices closed Monday

A reminder from the City of San Angelo: city offices will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Showdown camping spaces

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce has announced that reserved camping spaces for the annual Showdown in San Angelo Drag Boat Races are now on sale. This year's races will be held on the weekend of June 22nd at Lake Nasworthy. Each year during the event, the Chamber leases approximately fifty 30-foot by 40-foot camping spaces on the Grassy Meadows side of the lake. Spots range from 300 to 400 dollars and include two admission bands, passes to a special Test and Tune event, one cooler pass, and a designated 10-foot by 10-foot viewing area along the bank of the lake. To reserve a camping space, contact Sandra Pomroy at the Chamber of Commerce.

Drugs and assault indictment

A San Angelo man has been indicted by a Tom Green county jury on drug and aggravated assault charges. 31-year-old Ronald Raymond Montana was allegeldy involved in a shooting at an apartment complex near Angelo State University in October. After the shooting at the Tuscany Apartments, a 20-year-old woman was treated for a gunshot wound.

Food 2 Kids donation

Junior League of San Angelo is thanking the San Angelo West Rotary Club for a donation of one-thousand dollars towards their Food 2 Kids program. Food 2 Kids, which started in 2007, is the signature program of the Junior League of San Angelo to provide nourishment to children who are in jeopardy of not having enough to eat on the weekends. Each week, the children that qualify for Food 2 Kids will take home a sack of non-perishable food items for the weekend.

YouTube seminar

YouTube can be more than just cats playing the piano. The ASU Small Business Development Center presents “How to Use Videos and YouTube to Boost Your Business.” The seminar will be held this Thursday, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Business Resource Center Training Room on North Chadbourne. This event is 10 dollars and open to the public. To find out more, go online at sbdc-dot-angelo-edu.

Texas Outdoor Leadership Conference

Angelo State University's Outdoor Adventures program will host the annual Texas Outdoor Leadership Conference later this month. Designed for local and regional outdoor program administrators, educators and students, the focus of this year's conference is rapidly growing technology and economic restrictions, and their impact on the outdoor education and recreation industries. Sessions will be held January 25th through the 27th at the ASU Lake House, the Center for Human Performance and the Houston Harte University Center. You can find out more at angelo-dot-edu-slash-t-o-l-c.

High-tech arrest

Technology helped San Angelo police make an arrest over the weekend. Just before midnight last Saturday, officers using an Automatic License Plate Reader received an alert on a vehicle near Edmund and Van Buren. The alert showed active warrants attached to the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was stopped near the 3300 block of North Bryant Boulevard for a traffic violation. 29-year-old Dustin Schaaf of San Angelo was confirmed to have four outstanding City Warrants and arrested. During a search of the vehicle, police located two loaded handguns, one rifle, a substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Computer classes

The Stephens Central Library will offer free computer classes in February with registration beginning Monday, January 28th. Topics will include computer basics, internet basics, Word One and Two, Excel One and Two, Publisher and PowerPoint..All classes are held in the computer lab on the second floor of the Stephens Central Library on West Beauregard.

Date nights

"A Royal Affair" is the theme of the City of San Angelo Recreation Division's Date Night 2013. This year's festivities will be at the historic Cactus Hotel on East Twohig Avenue from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. February 4th through the 6th. The 4th and 6th are Daddy/Daughter Date Nights and the 5th is Mother/Son Date Night. Tickets are on sale now for 12 dollars each at the Recreation office in Santa Fe Crossing on South Chadbourne, from eight to five weekdays. The event is designed for children in kindergarten through the sixth grade and will offer dancing, refreshments, and photo opportunities and souvenirs for sale.

Animal shelter collecting cans

The San Angelo Animal Shelter is collecting aluminum cans to raise funds for a program that helps pay for the spaying and neutering of pets owned by low income city residents. SNAP – the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program – underwrites most of the cost of the spaying or neutering of a dog or cat owned by individuals or families who live inside the San Angelo city limits and receive some type of government assistance. Aluminum cans may be brought to the shelter on U.S. Highway 67 North in a plastic bag from 10 to 5 Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 to 6 Wednesdays, or from 10 to 1 Saturdays.

Business Brown Bag

The Business Brown Bag luncheon series, presented by the ASU Small Business Development Center, the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Factory, continues next Tuesday. The topic will be “NOW OPEN! The New Business Resource Center and What it Means for San Angelo.” It takes place from noon to 1 in the Chamber Riverview Room and is free and open to the public with an RSVP. You can find out more at angelo-dot-edu-slash-bbb.

ASU meat judging team

Angelo State University's Meat Judging Team finished 2012 ranked in the top five nationally following a fifth-place finish at the International Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest in November at Tyson Foods in Nebraska. The ASU team finish in the top 10 at all seven of the contests it entered last year, including a first-place victory at the Southeastern Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest in April at Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky.

Critical blood appeal continues

United Blood Services of San Angelo is continuing an emergency critical appeal for O Negative blood type. They have less than one day's supply of O Negative blood type on their shelves and the eight hospitals for which UBS is the sole provider of blood and its products have a very limited amount on their shelves. There is a baby in Midland who needs a very specific type of O Negative at this time and UBS is trying to help. You can donate at United Blood Services at 2020 West Beauregard. Walk-ins are welcome or you can make an appointment. Find out more at united blood services-dot-org.

Hickory Aquifer update

The City of San Angelo reports that the 30-inch water transmission pipeline from the Hickory Aquifer is more than 60 percent complete and on schedule for substantial completion in July. Interim Water Utilities Director Ricky Dickson reported that 38 and a half miles of the 62-point-four-mile pipeline from the McCulloch County well field has been laid. The Hickory Aquifer is being developed to supplement San Angelo's water supply by as much as 9 million gallons per day.

Little League registration

Citywide Little League baseball registration will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the SAISD Administration Building on University Avenue. The cost is 85 dollars per player. Bring birth certificates and three forms of proof of residency.

Amber alert continues

A child abduction alert issued by the Texas Amber Alert Network continues. Crosbyton police are searching for Leah Marie Aguirre, an Hispanic female, two years old. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Police are looking for an Hispanic male with brown hair and brown eyes in her abduction. The suspect is driving a red Ford Focus. Law Enforcement officials believe that the child is in grave or immediate danger. Photos of the child are posted on the San Angelo police Facebook page. If you have any information regarding this abduction, call Crosbytown police.

Critical blood appeal

United Blood Services of San Angelo has issued an emergency critical appeal for O Negative blood type. They have less than one day's supply of O Negative blood type on their shelves and the eight hospitals for which UBS is the sole provider of blood and its products have a very limited amount on their shelves. There will be a mobile blood drive today at First Community Federal Credit Union from 1 to 3 PM. Otherwise, you can donate at United Blood Services at 2020 West Beauregard. For more info, go to united blood services-dot-org.

Habitat ReStore

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

City council meeting

At Tuesday's San Angelo City Council meeting, the council voted to approve a lease of the Colisem to the San Angelo Bandits Indoor Football League team. Members also okayed the police department's purchase of 13 Chevy Tahoes. And they agreed to investigate complaints regarding billing and customer service at the city's water department. However, they denied Councilman Dwain Morrison's motion to hire an outside auditor.

ASU official leaving

Angelo State University is losing one of its top officials. Michael Reid, ASU's vice president for finance and administration, has accepted a similar position at the University of Montana. Reid traveled to Montana last month to interview for the job. Reid has been at ASU since 2011 and he is expected to remain on the job through the middle of March.

Hazardous weather outlook

Portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley, are again under a hazardous weather outlook. According to the Natonal Weather Service at San Angelo, isolated thunderstorms will be possible across the area today. The main threat will be deadly lightning.

Bully Documentary

A last-minute push for ticket sales means a film called the Bully Documentary will be shown in San Angelo. The police department needed to sell at least 98 tickets for a showing at the Cinemark Tinseltown Theatre on Thursday, January 17th. Not only was the minimum met, the movie sold out. It has now been moved to a larger theater to accomodate demand and, as of Tuesday, only 90 tickets remained available. The SAPD says bullying is happening in our community and this film is part of an effort to start a conversation about the problem.

Sales tax meeting

The board of the City of San Angelo Development Corporation, which administers the half-cent sales tax, will hold its first meeting of the year this morning at 8:30 at the McNease Convention Center. The public is invited. You can find a link to the meeting agenda on the City of San Angelo's Facebook page.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for West central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Thunderstorms are possible later today and tonight ahead of a potent upper-level storm system approaching the area. The main threat will be deadly lightning. Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding. More of the same is possible tomorrow.

Blood drive

You have just a few more days to give the gift of life and possibly receive the gift of music. United Blood Services of San Angelo is giving donors a chance to win two tickets to see George Strait in concert on January 18th in Lubbock. Those who donate now through Saturday will be entered to win concert tickets, hotel accomodations and gas money. You can find United Blood Services at 2020 West Beauregard.

ASU faculty member honored

An honor for a member of the faculty at Angelo State University. Dr. John Klingemann, an assistant professor of history , has been selected for the Executive Leadership Academy, sponsored this spring by the Center for Studies in Higher Education and the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education. Klingemann will attend the academy in March at the University of California at Berkeley. The theme is "Ten Years from Now: Leading in a Multicultural Environment."

Hazardous weather outlook

You can expect stormy weather in west central Texas including the Concho Valley tomorrow and Wednesday. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says a potent upper level storm system will move into the area along with a chance of thunderstorms both days. The main threat will be deadly lightning. In addition, widespread heavy rainfall of one to two inches, with isolated amounts of around three inches, could cause localized flooding.

Gas price update

According to Triple-A, the national average price for regular gasoline on January 1st set the record for the highest New Year's Day average in history: three-29 a gallon, beating last year's mark by a penny. As of today, the average price in Texas is three-17 a gallon, an increase of six cents from last week. Gas-buddy-dot-com reports that the average price in San Angelo ranges from three-01 to three-25 a gallon.

City council meeting

The San Angelo City Council will discuss residential water customers' consumption information and will consider a lease agreement with the San Angelo Bandits indoor football team for the use of the Coliseum when it meets at 9 AM tomorrow at the Convention Center. The meeting is open to the public. You can find a link to the full agenda on the City of San Angelo's Facebook page.

Xmas tree recycling

A reminder from the City of San Angelo for those who have yet to take down their Christmas trees. When you do, instead of dragging it out to your garbage cans, consider hauling it to the SAFE Recycling Center or the Coliseum parking lot, where they will be recyclced. The city if offering this service through Friday.

Robbery suspect sought

The San Angelo Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in a robbery It happened on Saturday, December 29th, at the Walmart Supercenter located on West 29th Street. The suspect displayed a knife and threatened security personnel before fleeing. He left the scene in a white SUV which was being driven by an unidentified person. The suspect is believed to be an Hispanic male in his late teens or early twenties. You can find surveillance photos and video on the police department's Facebook page. If you know anything, contact San Angelo police or call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

DA office promotion

The 51st District Attorney's Office in San Angelo has announced the new First Assistant District Attorney. That position became vacant when Allison Palmer was sworn in on January 1st as District Attorney. Taking over for Palmer will be John Best, who has served as an assistant DA for both the 51st and 119th DA's offices for the past 11 years. Palmer calls Best--quote--"an experienced, veteran prosecutor who has successfully handled numerous complicated cases and trials."

Grand jury gets Midland case

Four veterans were killed at Midland on November 15th when the flatbed they were riding on in a "Hunt For Heroes" parade was struck by a Union Pacific train. Next week - a grand jury is expected to consider the case and decide whether formal charges need to be filed. Eric Kalenak, a Midland County assistant district attorney, would not say whether his office would be recommending an indictment. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board continues; two civil lawsuits have been filed against Union Pacific, claiming negligence led the accident.

Winter weather advisory

The National Weather Service says a winter weather advisory remains in effect for parts of west Central Texas, including the Concho Valley, until nine o'clock this morning. Widespread snow totals of one to three inches have occurred across most of the Concho Valley, northern Edwards Plateau Heartland and Northwest Hill Country. That's mainly south of a line from Robert Lee to Ballinger to Brownwood. Lighter totals up to one inch have occurred as far north as Interstate 20. These totals will produce significant travel difficulties until the snow can melt off area roadways, especially bridges and overpasses.

City council agenda

The San Angelo City Council meets next Tuesday and the agenda includes a discussion of the desirability for an independent audit and investigation of the Water Utilities Department, as well as the the objectives, scope and parameters of any such audit and investigation. The city council meeting gets underway at 9 AM Tuesday in the South Meeting room of the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive. You can find a link to the full agenda on the City of San Angelo's Facebook page.

Apartment disturbance

On Tuesday night, a San Angelo Police officer working off-duty security at the Stadium Oakes Apartment Complex on Industrial Avenue was notified of a noise disturbance in one of the units. The occupants of the residence appeared to be intoxicated and one of the occupants, 25-year-old Jordan Bryan, had several outstanding warrants and was visiting the apartment with his 4-year-old son. Another occupant, 26-year-old Tanner Henderson, allegedly interfered with the officer, tried to hide drug paraphernalia and resisted being taken into custody. While that was going on, Bryan fled with the child but was located less than two hours later at a convenience store on Knickerbocker Road. Bryan was arrested and the child was released to a family member.

Crash victim identified

The name of the person killed in a New Year's Eve crash on the south side of San Angelo has been released. He was Airman First Class Brandon Jackson. He was 21 and stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base. Jackson was a passenger in a vehicle that knocked over a light pole and crashed into a ravine. The driver remains hospitalized in serious condition. Possible factors in the crash are speeding and alcohol.

Winter weather advisory

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a winter weather advisory for the Concho Valley. It will be in effect from 3 PM today until 6 AM tomorrow. 2 to 4 inches of snow is possible, mainly west of a line from Sterling City to San Angelo to Sonora, with one to three inches of snow elsewhere. The snow can cause hazardous travel conditions. Roads and bridges will become slick and icy.

Cemetery cleanup

The Annual Fairmount Cemetery Cleanup will be Tuesday, 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 the 15th. Items can be returned to the cemetery beginning Monday, January 21st.

Small business seminar

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

Social media seminar

Small business owners--you can learn the basics of commonly used social media networks including Facebook and Twitter and how you can use them to market your company.The ASU Small Business Development Center will be providing the seminar: “Get Social! How to Market Your Business on Social Media Sites” on Thursday, January 10th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the ASU Campus, Rassman Building Conference Room 100. Cost is $10 per person. You can find out more and register at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-edu.

Police retirement

The San Angelo Police Department is celebrating the retirement of a veteran officer this morning. Kathy Walker has put in 22 years of service with the City of San Angelo16 and a half as a police officer. Police Chief Tim Vasquez says--quote--Kathy will be missed by everyone. Both Kathy and I started our careers, and worked together, in dispatch. She is family and will be missed." The ceremony will take place at 10 AM at the Municipal Court Building, 110 South Emerick.

Wanted woman arrested

Back in November, an Arrest Warrant for Interference with Child Custody was obtained for a Tom Green County woman. . At the time, it was believed that 44-year-old Elaine Zapata may have fled to south Texas. Last Saturday night, a Customs agent recognized a woman believed to be Zapata, accompanied by a small female child, crossing the border from Mexico into Eagle Pass, Texas. The woman's identity was confirmed to be Elaine Zapata and the girl accompanying her was identified as her five-year-old daughter. Zapata was arrested for her outstanding warrant. The child was released to a family member.

Snow in forecast

There could be snow in the Concho Valley tomorrow night and Friday morning. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says snow accumulations of about one inch and perhaps up to two inches in a few locations are possible across the Concho Valley. Motorists will need to exercise caution; the snow would likely cause icy spots on local roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses. Again, that is tomorrow night and Friday morning.

Fiscal cliff approved

San Angelo's representative in the U.S. House, Mike Conaway, voted against the Senate bill averting the fiscal cliff, but it still passed last night by a vote of 257 to 167. President Obama says the legislation restores balance to the U.S. tax system by raising tax rates on incomes over 400-thousand dollars for individuals and 450-thousand for couples.

New Year baby

It took awhile, but San Angelo's first baby born in the new year finally arrived at about 2:20 Tuesday afternoon at Shannon Medical Center. The Castro family of Alpine welcomed daughter Averly, who weighed in at seven pounds, 10 ounces. Mother and child are doing well.

Bishop on new year

Michael Pfeiffer, Bishop of the diocese of San Angelo, called the New Year a New Beginning on Tuesday. Some 200 people turned out at Sacred Heart Cathedral for a special New Year's Day mass.

New ASU development officer

A graduate of Angelo State University and a former Ram athlete begins work today as a development officer in ASU's Office of Development and Alumni relations. Kevin Pepper, a Wall resident and member of the class of 1998, was named to the post just a couple of weeks ago. Pepper will report to the development office and also work closely with athletics to raise support for the Rams and Rambelles.

Swearing-in ceremonies

Judge Barbara Walther and Tom Green County Judge Mike Brown presided as the victors in the November elections were sworn into office Tuesday in ceremonies at the county courthouse. Among those taking office were Sheriff David Jones, 51st District Attorney Allison Palmer, and County Commissioners Steve Floyd and Ralph Hoelscher, along with the sheriff's chief deputy, county constables and the tax assessor.

New Year's Eve crashes

A San Angelo police officer on patrol late New Year's Eve near the 2200 block of South Chadbourne observed debris in the roadway, then a broken lightpole and, finally, a Nissan 350 Z in the ravine, east of Chadbourne. Two men inside were unresponsive and taken to Shannon Medical Center. The passenger, a 21-year-old Airman assigned to Goodfellow Air Force, later died. His name was not immediately released. The driver, 25-year-old Daniel Munoz of San Angelo, remained hospitalized with serious injuries. Investigators say the car was speeding northbound on South Chadboune before losing control, hitting the lightpole and flipping and rolling into the ravine.

As that crash was being investigated, a Dodge Ram pickup speeding northbound on South Chadbourne ran into an unoccupied patrol car that was being used to block traffic. 26-year-old William Carter of San Angelo was transported to Shannon Medical Center for treatment of non-incapacitating injuries. Alcohol was listed as a possible factor in both crashes.

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 fog and light drizzle will continue to develop this morning mainly east of a line from Sweetwater to San Angelo to Brady. Be prepared for reduced visibility and slick areas on roadways.