Friday, August 30, 2013

SATV nominated

The City of San Angelo’s Public Information Office is a finalist for six statewide awards for its programming on SATV. The winners will be announced at the annual conference of the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors in October.

Planned Parenthood closing

San Angelo's Planned Parenthood is closing its doors today. This is Planned Parenthood's second closing in West Texas this month. It follows by a few weeks the legislative passage of a bill restricting abortions which was signed by Governor Rick Perry. Patients were informed of the closing by a note taped to the door Wednesday, which explained how they can transfer their records to another provider.

Blood drive continues

United Blood Services of San Angelo continues its Labor of Love Blood Drive through Sunday. Each donor receives several food coupons from area merchants and is entered into daily and grand prize drawings. You can donate at the United Blood Services Donation Center, open daily at 2020 West Beauregard. You can give blood at Big Lots tomorrow from 11 AM to 2 PM and on Sunday at Saint Mary's Catholic Church on West AvenueNorth from 11 AM to 2.30 PM.




Water usage

San Angelo residents and businesses seem to be heeding the city's advice to "do their part and be water smart." On Wednesday, San Angelo used 15-point-two million gallons of water compared to 16-point-seven million on the same date last year.

Card fraud suspects arrested

San Angelo police have arrested two men suspected of using a stolen credit and debit card to make purchases at the Walmart on West 29th Street in early July. The suspects were featured in a "Need to Identify" poster that was sent out on August 8th. As a result, police received a number of tips which led to the indentification and arrests of the two men. They are identified as 30-year-old Joe Anthony Salas and 30-year-old Aleck G. Karadimas.

Holiday gas prices

You might find gasoline a bit more expensive this holiday weekend as uncertainty in the Middle East is causing an increase in the price of oil which is being felt at the pumps. Triple-A reports that the nationwide average for a gallon of gas today is three-56, up three cents from a week ago. In Texas, the statewide average price is three-42, up one cent. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-22 to three-44 a gallon.

City auction a success

The City of San Angelo's online auction of surplus vehicles and pieces of heavy equipment is being called "an unqualified success." The city says the auction generated preliminary net proceeds of more than 168-thousand dollars. That's eight percent more than last year's sale and a 47 percent increase over the 2011 sale, which included equipment only. The sale drew bidders from across the state and nation. Only one item, a generator, did not sell.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Wster usage

Tuesday was a big water-saving day in San Angelo. Residents and businesses used 12-point-nine million gallons of wate; that compares to 15-point-six million on the same date last year.

Burglary suspect sought

The San Angelo Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a burglary suspect. A woman is wanted for stealing items from the Stripes Store located at 1733 Pulliam Street in July. You can find surveillance images of the suspect on the SAPD Facebook page. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective James Hernandez at the police department. You can remain anonymous by calling 855-TIPS-24-7 anytime.

City holiday closings

Most City of San Angelo offices will be closed on Monday, in observance of Labor Day. Southside and Carl Ray Johnson recreation centers, and Station 618 and Santa Fe Crossing senior centers will also be closed Monday. Fort Concho, including the Barracks 1 Visitor Center, will be open from nine to five Monday for self-guided tours. And Labor Day will be the final day of summer that Love Municipal Pool will be open to the public.

Shannon cardiac care seminar

Cardiac care is the focus of the next Shannon Healthbeat Live seminar. Cardiologists Chris and Rudy Haddad will discuss "Back to the Basics: Understanding Your Risk of Heart Disease" on Thursday, September 12th at 6 p.m. in the Shannon Women's and Children's Conference Room on East Harris Avenue. The doctors will address risk factors for heart disease, important steps to take for prevention, and the latest strategies for testing and treatment to help avoid a life-changing cardiac event. The seminar is free but seating is limited so call ahead to RSVP.

Holiday trash schedule

A holiday heads-up for San Angelo residents. On Saturday, Republic Services will not run their scheduled residential routes in observance of Labor Day weekend. Those stops will be made up next Wednesday. The San Angelo Landfill will also be closed on Saturday. Regular routes and landfill hours resume Monday.


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Water usage

Monday was another day of water conservation in San Angelo. City residents and businesses used 14-point-three million gallons of water compared to 14-point-six million on the same date last year.

Breastfeeding month

All pregnant women and new mothers are invited to learn more about breastfeeding tomorrow. That's when the San Angelo Women, Infants and Children Division celebrates World Breastfeeding Month from 11 a.m. to noon at the Community Development Building at 52 West. College Avenue, next door to City Hall. You can sign up by calling the WIC at 657-4396.

Development Corp. meeting

The City of San Angelo Development Corporation, which administers the half-cent sales tax, will consider selling approximately 26 acres in the industrial park to two new tenants when it meets this morning. The meeting gets underway at 8:30 a.m. at the Convention Center and is open to the public.

Job fair today

If you're in the market for a job, you might want to stop by the Convention Center today. Some three dozen employers, including the city of San Angelo, will be taking part in a job fair from 10 AM to 2 PM. You're encouraged to show up and bring your resume.

Online auction ends today

The City of San Angelo's online auction will end today using staggered closing times. For example, item No. 1 will close at 10 a.m. Item No. 2 will close one minute after that. That will continue until all 51 lots are closed. Also, dynamic bidding will be in place. That means no item will close until five minutes of inactivity in the bidding. This prevents eBay-style bidding in which bidders wait until the last seconds to place a bid, thus preventing other bidders from placing a higher bid. You can find a link to view the items on the city's Facebook page.

ASU planetarium shows

Angelo State University's Global Immersion Center, formerly the Planetarium, will present two full-dome public astronomy shows each Thursday in September. They will take place in the Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building on Vanderventer Street. "Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity" will run at 7 p.m. and "Oasis in Space" will run at 8 p.m. All the shows are open to the public with admission prices of $3 for adults and $2 for children, active military and senior citizens. ASU students, faculty and staff are admitted free.

Traffic stop, pot bust

A traffic stop turned into a drug bust in San Angelo on Monday. Officers had pulled over a Ford Ranger pickup in the 22-hundred block of Pecan Street for several traffic violations when they noticed the male driver and female passenger making suspicious movements. The driver, identified as 58-year-old Amando Leal of San Angelo was found to be in possession of about four-point-seven grams of methamphetamine. Leal was arrested. The 26-year-old female passenger was not charged but was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of an unknown medical issue.




Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Coleman man accused of kidnapping

A man remains in the Coleman County Jail following his arraignment for kidnapping and burglary.

Coleman Police say fifty-three-year-old Lonard Kildow broke into a home Sunday on South Concho Street and tied up two people. He took one of them back to his home.

KTXS describes the person Kildow apparently took with him to his Andis Lane residence as his alleged ex-girlfriend.

Police say when they arrived at Kildow's home, he released the woman and surrendered.

Monday, August 26, 2013

San Angelo school board adopts budget

San Angelo's school board has adopted this year's budget for general funds and food and debt services.

Fifty-eight-point-five percent of the total revenue for the general fund comes from the state. Forty-point-six percent comes from local sources. Payroll accounts for eighty-one-million dollars in the hundred-million-dollar general fund.

The Standard-Times reports state funding has increased by three-million dollars. That has made a five-point-five-million-dollar cut from two years ago easier to swallow. It has also allowed the district to add seventeen teachers.

Meanwhile, the district reports an increase from last year's enrollment figures of four-hundred-forty-five students.

The bulk of that uptick has come at the middle and high schools. Central High School has gained one-hundred-fifty-two students.

Board president Lanny Layman says student numbers even out next week to show a clearer enrollment picture.

SAPD vs. SAFD in softball on Saturday for charity

San Angelo's police and fire departments play each other in a softball game on Saturday.

The game benefits the United Way of the Concho Valley.

The event takes place at the Texas Bank Sports Complex on Rio Concho Drive. It starts at 5:30.

San Angelo Man Jailed after Stabbing in North San Angelo

Sunday, August 25, 2013, at approximately 12:33 a.m., San Angelo Police were dispatched to the Candlelight Apartments located at 15 E. 31st ST. to investigate a reported stabbing. One San Angelo man has been arrested in connection to the incident that left one man injured.


Once on scene, police located a 41-year-old male victim who was bleeding from a laceration to his left arm. The victim said a man who ran away just before they arrived had assaulted him. Shortly after, medical personnel arrived and transported the man to a nearby hospital for treatment of his nonlife-threatening injuries. His condition is unknown at this time.


Police immediately searched the area and located Clifton D. Hall (DOB 04-07-56) of San Angelo hiding behind a nearby fence. Hall was taken into custody without incident.


Subsequent to the field investigation, police learned Hall and the victim were engaged in a verbal argument inside the apartment. The argument escalated and at some point, Hall produced a knife and cut the victim.


After a brief search of the area, police found a bag near to where Hall was found hiding behind the fence. A knife was located inside the bag along with less than 2 ounces of marijuana and several hydrocodone tablets.


Hall was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 3 >400g) and Class B Possession of Marijuana. He was transported to the Tom Green County Jail without incident.

Detective Moore is assigned to this case.

Back to school

If you're on the road this morning, be aware that today is the first day of classes in the San Angelo Independent School District. All elementary and secondary campuses will be open and you are urged to watch out for students riding bikes or walking to school as well as children getting on and off of school buses.

Gas prices

Triple-A says Labor Day weekend retail gas prices are expected to remain below last year's holiday. This year, more than 34 million people are forecast to travel with the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline about 30 cents less than last year. As of today, it's at three-54, the same as last week. In Texas, the average is three-41, also unchanged. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-19 to three-39 a gallon.

Water usage

San Angelo got back to conserving water over the weekend. On Friday, the city's residents and businesses used 13-point-three million gallons of water compared to 16-point-two million on the same date last year. On Saturday, San Angelo used 14-point-two million gallons of water, down from 15-point-eight million the year before. San Angelo's water supply is currently down to 15 months.

JPW Cookbook Gala

JPW Learning Center will host its Annual "Cookbook Gala" next month. It's scheduled for September 19th at the Bentwood Country Club. JPW on West Washington Drive in San Angelo provides opportunities for alternative educational instruction for children or adults who are experiencing difficulties learning and also helps teachers recognize and instruct those with learning differences. The cost for the gala is 150 dollars per seat and 12-hundred for a table of eight. You can find out more by contacting the JPW Learning Center.

Labor Day blood drive

United Blood Services of San Angelo is fortifying its supplies for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. The Labor of Love Blood Drive began Saturday and continues through Sunday. Each donor receives several food coupons from area merchants and is entered into daily and grand prize drawings. You can donate blood today at Robert Lee Baptist Church from 4 to 6 PM and daily at the United Blood Services Donation Center at 2020 West Beauregard. Find out more at united-blood-services-dot-org.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Water supply drops

The city reports that San Angelo's available water supply has dropped to 15 monhts. On Wednesday, San Angelo residents and businesses used 15-point-seven million gallons of water compared to 15 million on the same date last year.

Music in the Park

There will be Music in the Park this weekend. The event, featuring the Santa Rita Boys, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Santa Rita Park, in the 600 block of South Madison Street. Music in the Park benefits the Adult Literacy Council.

Fun Run

There are two ways to enjoy the Saturday Night Lights Fun Run at Texas Bank Sports Complex: You can run one or two miles, then watch some talented prep runners do the same. The fun run is held in conjunction with a high school cross country meet. Registration begins at 6 tomorrow evening, followed by the Fun Run begins at 7. There are one-mile and two-mile runs. Entry fee is 10 dollars, which benefits Central High School's cross country team.

Part-time job fair

Angelo State University's Career Development Office will host a part-time job fair featuring local businesses next month. It's scheduled for Wednesday, September 11th, in the Houston Harte University Center on Rosemont Drive. The goal is to help ASU students find local part-time jobs. The deadline for businesses to register for the fair is Tuesday, September 3rd. You can sign up online at angelo-dot-edu-slash-services-slash-career.

Women's Business Roundtable

Angelo State University's Small Business Development Center is preparing to hold its 15th annual Women's Business Roundtable. The event is scheduled for October 15th at the Cactus Hotel in downtown San Angelo. It's designed to promote the professional development of area businesswomen. The Small Business Development Center is now accepging registrations for sponsors, vendors and exhibitors. You can find out how to sign up at angelo-dot-edu-slash-roundtable.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Water usage update

So far this week, water usage by San Angelo residents and businesses continues to run above last year's totals. On Tuesday, San Angelo used 15-point-five million gallons of water compared to 15-point-one million on the same date last year.

Upcoming city council meetings

Here are some dates to note for the San Angelo City Council: the council has decided to have an evening meeting at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15th at the McNease Convention Center. Initially, the Council considered an October 1st date, but prior commitments made that date unworkable. The Council will also conduct a budget workshop at 2 p.m. next Tuesday at the Convention Center.

MLK march Saturday

A march commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior's March on Washington will end on the steps of San Angelo City Hall Saturday morning. The march will begin at 9 AM at MLK Park. Reverend Craig Meyers of San Angelo's MLK Celebration Committee says it will be followed by a 40-minute program to--quote--"highlight what happened and to challenge people to engage in the unfinished issue that have folks behind in opportunities and quality of life."

Crashing into Denny's

A San Angelo man crashed into the Denny's restaurant at 427 West Avenue I Tuesday night after fleeing from police. The crash caused an estimated 45-thousand dollars in property damage to the building, which had already been closed to the public for remodeling but was occupied by construction crews at the time of the crash. No one was injured. Police arrested 25-year-old Tyler Castle, who had reportedly been considered homicidal and suicidal.

Wanted suspect sought

The San Angelo Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a wanted suspect. 58-year-old James P. Keating has an active Arrest Warrant for:Failure to Comply with Registration Requirements for a Sex Offender. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of James P. Keating is asked to contact the San Angelo Police Department. Anonymous tips can be sent through SAPD’s 24 hour Tip Hotline 855-TIPS-247. You can also text your tips or submit them online. You can find out how on the police department's Facebook page.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Online auction continues

A 2001 Mitsubishi Gallant with 127-thousand miles on it is one of six seized vehicles being auctioned in the City of San Angelo's online sale of surplus vehicles and heavy pieces of equipment. The bidding was up to 950 dollars on Tuesday. The online continues until 10 a.m. August 28th. You can view all 51 items up for bids at rene-bates-dot-com

Water usage up

As the hot and mostly dry summer continues, San Angelo city officials remind you to do your part, be water smart. On Monday, San Angelo residents and businesses used 16-point-six million gallons of water; that was two-point-two millions more than was used on the same date last year.

Track stars recognized

Two members of the City of San Angelo Track Club were recognized by Mayor Dwain Morrison at Tuesday's city council meeting. Zac Cabrera and Jessica Simon medaled in the recent State Games of Texas and qualified for the 2014 State Games of America. Simon qualified in two events – winning silver in the girls 12 and under 800-meter run and in the 1600-meter run. Cabrera won silver in the boys 16 and under 1600-meter run.

Utility pole hit-and-run

Late Monday night, San Angelo police responded to a reported hit and run crash in which a driver hit a light police and fled the scene on foot. It happened near North Bryant Boulevard and 29th Street. Officers found a utility police sheared in half and an unoccupied 1998 Mercury sedan with massive damage, which had also apparently crashed into a a parked pickup truck. The driver was eventually located nearby; she is identified as 51-year-old Ronda Gunn Stewart of San Angelo. Stewart was not injured but she was arrested and transported to the Tom Green County Jail.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Fort Concho speakers series

The annual Fort Concho Speakers Series will tackle diverse topics throughout the month of September. It kicks off on September 4th with Angelo State biology professor and former Standard-Times wildlife columnist Terry Maxwell speaking on "Local Wildlife in Fort Concho Days." The seminars are free and run from noon to one each Wednesday in the Fort Concho Commissary on Burgess Street. You can bring your own lunch or order one from Mr. T's Deli the Monday before the seminar.

Marketing training seminar

Angelo State University's Small Business Development Center will host a five-week marketing training seminar called "Successful Marketing: Secrets and Strategies." They will be held on Thursday evenings--6 to 8:30 PM--from August 29th through September 26th at the Business Resource Center on North Chadbourne Street. Cost of the series is 50 dollars per person. Seating is limited and advance registration is required, which you can do at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Safer school bus ride

Speaking of which, as the start of school approaches, you can go to the San Angelo police Facebook page and find 16 Safety Tips for a safer school-bus ride.

Water usage update

More often that not this summer, San Angelo residents and business have been conserving water. On Sunday, San Angelo used 15-point-four million gallons of water compared to 12-point-five million on the same date last year.

ASU SBDC seminar

ASU's Small Business Development Center will host a free seminar this evening. It's called "Shaking the Money Tree: Finding Funding for Your Business," and it runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.at the City's Business Resource Center at 69 North Chadbourne Street. Participants will learn about the many funding options available for starting or expanding a business and how to go about obtaining them. For more information, go to s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

City council meeting today

The coming year's budget and property tax rate will be discussed at today's meeting of the San Angelo City Council. It begins at 9 a.m. in 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.

City Facebook consolidation

If you follow the city of San Angelo on Facebook, take note that most city Facebook pages will be consolidated into one page on September 1st. Facebook pages for Civic Events, Parks and Recreation, the Nature Center, Emergency Management, WIC and the Development Corporation will be deactivated on that date. The updates for those departments will be found on the city's Public Information page, which has a following of almost 84-hundred fans, more than four times any of the pages being discontinued. The San Angelo Police Department and Fort Concho will continue to operate their own Facebook pages.

San Angelo street maintenance

The City of San Angelo will begin its annual program of street maintenance next Monday. Sealcoating of designated streets throughout the city is anticipated to be completed in two to three weeks. For a complete list of the streets, visit the City’s website at c-o-s-a-tx-dot-us. Sealcoating is a preventative measure that involves applying a thin layer of asphalt and rock to a street’s surface to prevent moisture from seeping into the asphalt and damaging the roadway’s base. The process extends the life of a street’s surface.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Wall auction raises $50K for shooting victims


Family, friends, and the community of Wall came together today for an auction. It's to help the Block and Smith families after 36-year-old Kerri Block and 31-year-old Brandon Block were shot and killed in July at Kerri's home.

The event was held from 12 to 3 Saturday at the St. Ambrose Church. Volunteers set up for the fundraiser that included a fajita dinner, musical entertainment, a blood drive, as well as live and silent auctions.

Dozens of people and businesses are donating supplies and hundreds showed their support for the families affected by the shooting..

Organizers raised just over 50,000 dollars during today's auction.

Texas official travel magazine seeks top sites

The state's official travel magazine celebrates its 40th anniversary next year and readers have a chance to vote for their top spots.

Texas Highways is published by the Texas Department of Transportation, which recently announced a new design for the publication. The September issue, which went on sale earlier this month, features the new layout.

Agency travel division director Margo Richards says it's a fresh, new look for Texas Highways.

Readers are invited to register through Oct. 15 and vote for their top 40 Texas destinations. Results will be unveiled throughout the year and highlighted by the December 2014 issue listing the top chosen spot.

Gas price update

Triple-A says retail gas prices nationwide continue to fall and remain below last year's levels, however, increased violence in Egypt has pushed oil prices higher and motorists should not expect big drops in prices at the pump. In Texas, the statewide average for regular is three-41 a gallon, unchanged from a week ago. Gas-buddy-dot-com shows the price in San Angelo ranges from three-21 to three-39.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Juveniles charged in robbery

Two 14-year-olds are suspected in connection with a gas station holdup in north San Angelo. Police say that, on Friday, witnesses had reported seeing two subjects in a small red pickup truck near Murphy's Gas Station on West 29th Street. One, wearing a hoodie and mask, approached the service attendant's window with a handgun and demanding money. However, that person fled after apparently becoming aware of witnesses. The truck was eventually located at a residence in Grape Creek and the two suspects were located inside the residence along with several air guns and a mask and clothing. A male juvenile was charged with aggravated robbery while the second juvenile, a female has not been charged.

SAPD robbery arrests

San Angelo police arrested two people Friday afternoon in connection with a robbery in the 3200 block of Guadalupe Street. Officers responding to a 9-1-1 call found 24 year-old man who told them he had just been assaulted and robbed by two suspects who were still inside the residence where he had gone to look at items supposedly upf for sale. The suspects did not answer the door or phone calls until SWAT team members arrived. At that point, 30-year-old Stacy M. Garcia emerged and 34-year-old Jacquie Barnes was found hiding inside. Both were charged with robbery and transported to the Tom Green County Jail.

Arrests clear up cases

San Angelo police made three arrests Thursday afternoon as part of an ongoing investigation into several Misdemeanor and Felony cases. A search warrant was served at a residence in the 800 block of East 42nd Street and a search turned up several items of evidence connected to previously reported crimes. Arrested were 28-year-old Ashley Geiger, 37-year-old Erica Martinez and 24-year-old Bryan Ponder, all of San Angelo. Geiger and Martinez had been wanted in connection to a theft that occurred in late July where the they allgedly pretended to assist an injured woman before stealing her purse.

Shannon Pink Ribbon Run

Shannon Medical Center is inviting the public to join in the Sixth Annual Shannon Pink Ribbon Run. It's coming up on Saturday, October 5th with registration beginning at 7 AM at Shannon Women's and Children's Hospital on East Harris. The event features a 1 mile walk/run, and a chip-timed 5K and 10K race. All proceeds of the run will benefit programs at the Shannon Women's Imaging Center. For more information, or to sign-up for the run, visit shannon-health-dot-com.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Water usage

For the second day in a row, San Angelo residents and businesses exceeded last year's water usage totals. On Wednesday, the city used 15-point-two million gallons of water, about 400-thousand gallons more than it did on the same date last year. Keep in mind that under current drought restrictions, watering is allowed only once every seven days at no more than one inch per application.

San Angelo PAC deadline

The project to build San Angelo's new performing arts center stands to lose a chunk of change if a deadline is not met. In the last two years, 10-million dollars has been raised, but another one-point-four million is needed by next Wednesday or a matching 750-thousand dollar grant will be forfeited. Plans call for the old Coca-Cola warehouse to be transformed into a performing arts center. You can find out more online at sa-dash-pac-dot-com.

Vehicle burglary prevention

San Angelo police say there are common themes among recent vehicle burglaries. A review of police reports finds that, in many cases, personal property was visible--on the seats, the center console, floorboard, et cetera--and there was no sign of forced entry. Items stolen include purses, electronics, jewelry and--of most concern to police--guns. You can find a list of basic but important crime prevention steps on the San Angelo police Facebook page.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Roller derby for blood

Roller Derby and blood donations--they go together this weekend. The San Angelo Soul Sisters are hosting a four-team Roller Derby bout this Saturday at the Coliseum. In conjunction with the derby, the United Blood Services will also be on site conducting a blood drive. Doors and the blood drive start at 3 p.m. and the first bout starts at 4. Tickets are 10 dollars presale and 12 at the door. There's more information on the City of San Angelo Civic Events Facebook page.

Water usage update

A rare occurrence on Tuesday when San Angelo used more water on that day than on the same day last year--but it was close: 15-point-seven million gallons of water compared to 15-point-six million on the same date last year.

Online auction continues

The bidding was up to 700 dollars Wednesday for a 2001 Chevy van with less than 60-thousand miles on it. It's one of 51 surplus vehicles and pieces of equipment currently being auctioned online by the City of San Angelo in conjunction with the San Angelo Independent School District. The auction continues through 10 a.m. August 28th. You can see all the items and bid at rene-bates-dot-com.

Stolen trailer found

We told you earlier this week that the city of San Angelo was looking for the public's help in solving a theft from Fort Concho. The fort's new 16-foot Bruton Easy Pull trailer was stolen from the site sometime last weekend. The city got the public help it was asking for--police received a tip on the possible whereabouts of the trailer Tuesday night and confirmed it as the stolen trailer. There was no word where it was found or of any arrests.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Water lily collection

The City of San Angelo invites you to enjoy the International Waterlily Collection.The Collection is open to the public at no charge and has active flowering displays from April to October every year. In 2011, the Texas legislature formally designated "Texas Dawn" as the state's Official Water Lily. San Angelo is home to the "Texas Dawn" which was created by Kenneth Kenneth Landon. The International Waterlily Collection can be found at Civic League Park, between Beauregard and Harris avenues on North Park Street.

City council news

At its next meeting, the San Angelo City Council will consider prioritizing additional improvements to the Concho River with the remaining funds dedicated to the project. The meeting will get underway at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Convention Center. It is open to the public. You can find a link to the agenda on the city's Facebook page. Starting on October 1st, the city council will conduct an evening meeting at 6 PM once per quarter.

2 still hospitalized following Dumas collision

Two people remain hospitalized following Monday's traffic accident near Dumas. The two-vehicle wreck killed five members of the summer musical production "Texas." A spokesman for Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo says Timothy Johnson of Houston remains in critical condition. He rode in the car carrying six members of the musical. The deceased include former Abilene Christian University student Clint Diaz. Authorities say alcohol may have played a role. The driver of the eighteen-wheeler that hit hte car remains hospitalized in stable condition. D-P-S believes the car pulled in front of the truck. Organizers canceled shows for yesterday and today, but performances remain scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday to end the season.

Water usage update

Another day, another several million gallons of water being conserved. On Monday, San Angelo residents and businesses used 15-point-one million gallons of water compared to 18 million on the same date last year.

Online auction continues

The bidding was up to 17-hundred dollars Tuesday for a 2004 Dodge pickup with less than 100-thousand miles on it. It's one of 51 surplus vehicles and pieces of equipment being auctioned online by the City of San Angelo in conjunction with the San Angelo Independent School District. The auction continues through 10 a.m. August 28th. You can see all the items and bid at rene-bates-dot-com.

State of the City

San Angelo City Manager Daniel Valenzuela gave his first State of the City address at Tuesday's montly Chamber of Commerce luncheon at West Texas Training Center. Valenzuela spoke primarily about San Angelo's water supply and the impact of the oil boom. The speech will be posted on the City's YouTube channel and aired on SATV.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Library computer classes

The Stephens Central Library will offer free computer classes in September with registration beginning Monday, August 26th at 9 a.m. All computer classes are located in the computer lab on the second floor of the Stephens Central Library at 33 West Beauregard. You can pick up a calendar of scheduled classes at the library or find it online at the Tom Green County Library website, t-g-c-library-dot-com. Registration is required; classes fill up quickly.

Wanted suspect arrested

On Tuesday afternoon, San Angelo Police observed a man they believed to be a wanted suspect operating a motor vehicle in the 2300 block of Sherwood Way. Officers attempted a traffic stop in the 200 block of South Pierce Street but, after briefly stopping, the driver took off and a brief chase ensued. After reaching speeds near 60 miles an hour, the suspect abandoned the vehicle on West Avenue K and fled on food to West Avenue J, where he was taken into custody. 29-year-old George H. Walker of San Angelo is facing multiple charges.

Traffic stop arrests

An early morning traffic stop on Tuesday landed two San Angelo residents in jail after police seized gun, drugs and cash. An officer conducting a traffic stop on a Chevy Tahoe in the 700 block of West Harris Avenue for failing to properly signal a turn smelled the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search turned up a loaded handgun, two plastic bags containing marijuana and several thousand dollars in cash. Arrested were the driver, 22-year-old Chancey Leyva and his passenger, 20-year-old Candice Perez, both of San Angelo.

SAPD Blue Watch applications

The San Angelo Police Department is currently taking applications for membership to the SAPD Blue Watch Program. SAPD Blue Watch is a program created to transform traditional Neighborhood Watch groups into online crime prevention forums using Facebook closed groups. All interaction with police and other group members is conducted online giving citizens the opportunity to participate in neighborhood crime prevention from their own homes - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Potential members are screened to determine suitability for membership.You can apply online at the San Angelo police Facebook page.

Water usage

The latest numbers on city water usage come from Sunday. San Angelo continues to conserve, using 14-point-seven million gallons of water compared to 17-point-four million on the same date last year.

Budget workshop today

A reminder that the San Angelo City Council will conduct a budget workshop at 2 p.m. today at the Convention Center. The meeting is open to the public

State of the City

San Angelo City Manager Daniel Valenzuela will deliver his first State of the City address at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the West Texas Training Center today. The event is sold out.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Fort Concho trailer stolen

The city of San Angelo is looking for the public's help in solving a theft from Fort Concho. The fort’s new 16-foot trailer was stolen from the site sometime between 5 PM last Friday and Monday at 8 AM. The Bruton Easy Pull Trailer, constructed of black pipe bars, was relatively new, purchased with private funds and a grant last October. You can find a picture of the trailer on the city's Facebook page. If you have any information as to the trailer's website, contact San Angelo police.

Productive SAPD traffic stop

San Angelo police located bath salts and methamphetamine and made two arrests during a traffic stop Sunday evening. The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu was pulled over in the 400 block of West Avenue T for Failing to Signal Lane Change. The male driver did not present a Driver’s License and gave a fake name. He was eventually identified as 30-year-old Mark Flores of San Angelo and arrested for an outstanding Parole Warrant and for possession of bath salts. A female passenger, 18-year-old Brooke Martinez of San Angelo, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.

Water pumps moved

The City of San Angelo is relocating water pumps from Twin Buttes Reservoir's south pool to its north pool in an effort to maintain the level of Lake Nasworthy. The pumps had been used to move approximately one-point-four billion gallons - from the south pool to the north pool, where the water could subsequently be released into Nasworthy. The elevation of the reservoir, whose recreational opportunities draw visitors from across the region, has declined in recent weeks to 76 percent capacity because of persistent drought and extreme temperatures.

SAPD catches burglary suspect

San Angelo police caught up with the suspect in a burglary last Friday night at the West-T-Go convenience store on North Chadbourne Street. The suspect was seen getting into the passenger seat of a white Chevy Camaro fleeing the area eastbound on 8th street. An officer spotted a car matching that description at an apartment complex on North Main Street. The officer made contact with the passenger who got out of the car and ran northbound through the parking lot, but was caught trying to jump over a fence. 17-year-old Justin Slatton of San Angelo faces multiple charges.

City budget meeting tomorrow

The San Angelo City Council has scheduled a special called meeting for tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Convention Center to work on the 2013-2014 budget. The meeting is open to the public.

Online auction begins today

Bidding begins today in an online auction of surplus vehicles and other equipment by The City of San Angelo in conjunction with the San Angelo Independent School District. Among the 52 items available for purchase are cars, pickup trucks, dump trucks, large mowers, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, a forklift and a manlift. The equipment was previously owned by the City, the SAISD and the San Angelo Police Department Narcotics Task Force. Bidding takes place at rene-bates-dot-com.

Gas prices down

Retail gasoline prices appear to be on a downward trend that could last into Labor Day weekend. That's according to Triple-A, which says prices are now below levels of a year ago. The nationwide average for a gallon of regular today is three-56, down six cents from a week ago. In Texas, the statewide average price is three-41 a gallon, also down six cents. In San Angelo, gas-buddy-dot-com reports that the price of regular ranges from three-22 to three-37 a gallon.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Water conservation

City officials are thaking San Angelo residents and businesses for continuing to conserve water. On Saturday, San Angelo used 13-and-a-half million gallons of water compared to 15-point-nine million on the same date last year.

Snoop strikes again

For the second time in the last few weeks, a San Angelo police K9 Service Dog has successfully tracked down a suspect. Early Friday morning, two officers attempted to contract two suspicious subjects walking illegally in the roadway near the intersection of South Park and West Beauregard. One of them ran away, but Service Dog Snoop and his handler were able to lead police to an abandoned house on Colorado Street, where the subject, identified as 26-year-old Jerry N. Eden of San Angelo, was hiding on the roof. Eden fled and was tracked down again by Snoop at another residence where he was taken into custody on an outstanding county warrant and other charges. The second suspect, 24-year-old Nicholas S. Phillipus of San Angelo, was also arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Cable theft arrest

The San Angelo Police Department has made an arrest in connection to an ongoing investigation into last week's felony theft of copper cable from a city's Utilities Securities Division on St. Ann Street. Surveillance video footage resulted in the identification of 46-year-old Paul D. Kelso of San Angelo as the suspect in the theft of the cable, valued at more than 10-thousand dollars. Kelso was arrested Thursday night at a residence in the 200 block of North N Street and transported to the Tom Green County Jail.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Building permits update

And, in another update on the local economy, through June, the city of San Angelo's Building Permits office had issued only six more permits than for the same period last year. However, the value of the permits issued this year is 68 million dollars versus 59 million last year. That's a 16-percent increase.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Water conservation

Despite the heat wave, water conservation continues. On Tuesday, as temperatures topped out at 108 degrees, San Angelo used 16-point-eight million gallons of water. That compares to 18-point-seven million on the same date last year.

Sales tax collections up

City of San Angelo officials say the local economy is gaining strength. San Angelo has enjoyed 34 straight months of year-over-year growth in sales tax receipts. From November through May, sales tax collections were up eight-point-one percent over last year's record highs.

SAPD promotion

On Wednesday, the San Angelo Police Department hosted a promotion ceremony in the Chief’s Conference Room. Officer Christopher Cimino was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Cimino has been with the department since 2005 and has served in the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions and Narcotics Section.

SAPD seeks public's help

The San Angelo Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying and locating two men who used a stolen debit and credit card at the Walmart Supercenter on West 29th Street. The incident took place in early July. You can find photos of the suspects on the San Angelo police Facebook page. If you have any information, you can anonymously call the SAPD's 24-hour Tip Hotline at 855-TIPS-247.

Guns 'N' Hoses

The 2nd annual Guns ‘N’ Hoses benefit softball game between the San Angelo Police Department and the San Angelo Fire Department is coming up at the end of the month. The event, which supports the United Way of the Concho Valley, is scheduled for August 31st at Texas Bank Sports Complex. Gates will open at 5:30 PM and the game starts at 6:15. Admission will be three dollars for adults; two dollars for children.

Colts hope to beat Cats again

The San Angelo Colts look to rinse and repeat tonight. They host the Fort Worth Cats at seven-oh-five. The Colts beat the Cats four to three last night.

Neither the Texas Rangers nor the Houston Astros play tonight. They begin their weekend series tomorrow in Houston. The Rangers remain tied with the Oakland Athletics for first place in the American League West after last night's ten to three win over the Los Angeles Angels. The Astros have the worst record in Major League Baseball. They lost last night to the Boston Red Sox seven to five.

The Dallas Cowboys' injury problems at guard have continued throughout camp. Now they definitely need a body in there. The Cowboys had signed former New York Jets guard Brandon Moore to a contract. Now, Moore has decided to retire.

Meanwhile, a new N-F-L policy limits the types and sizes of bags fans can bring into stadiums. The Cowboys' home preseason games have this policy. The league encourages fans not to bring bags to games. Those allowed include clear plastic, vinyl, and P-V-C bags. Maximum dimensions twelve inches by six by twelve.

TCG burn ban

As the heat wave continues, Tom Green County commissioners have approved a burn ban, effective this Sunday at 6 AM. But you can still barbecue, the ban does not prohibit cooking with propane or natural gas.

Tax-free weekend

Just in time for back-to-school shopping, a tax-free weekend is coming up in Texas. You can save the eight percent sales tax on clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks. However, items must be priced under 100 dollars to be exempt from the sales tax.

Medhab Medical

A medical device company is about to locate some of its operations in San Angelo, a move expected to bring more than 200 new jobs to the area. It was last year that the city council approved a three and a half million dollar tax incentive to attract Medhab Medical. Medhab is going to be coming out with a shoe insert that measures walking habits and pressure points, a product that will be tested in and distributed from San Angelo.

Powerball winners

If you bought a Powerball ticket in Texas, you did not win last night's jackpot, which wound up being worth 448-million dollars. There were three tickets that matched all six numbers, two sold in New Jersey and one in Minnesota. However, tickets sold in Texas did win the Match Five Power Play prize of two million dollars and the Match Five prize of one-million dollars. The winning numbers drawn last night were 5-25-30-58-59 and the Powerball, 32.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Water usage

San Angelo city officials say the current heat wave is making water conservation efforts even more critical. On Tuesday, San Angelo was still saving: the city used 14-point-nine million gallons of water compared to 18 million on the same date last year.

Prowler arrested, officers injured

Two San Angelo police officers and the suspect were injured during the investigation of a prowler reportedly trying to gain entry into a residence in the 5400 block of Woodbine. It happened Tuesday night. A man later identified as 41-year-old Tony Arroyo of San Angelo was allegedly found attempting to break through the back door. Officers said Arroyo appeared agitated and intoxicated and there was a brief struggle before he was taken into custody. The injuries sustained by the suspect and two officers were minor. Arroyo is facing several charges, including resisting arrest and assault on a public servant.

Legislative summit today

Immigration issues make up the agenda of the 10th annual West Texas Legislative Summit, which will be held today in the CJ Davidson Conference Center at Angelo State University. Some 200 people are expected to hear discussions on topics including immigration reform, border security and law enforcement concerns. Among those scheduled to speak are Congressman Mike Conaway, State Senator Robert Duncan, State Representative Drew Darby, San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez and San Angelo Chamber of Commerce President Phil Neighbors.

New San Angelo hotel

A positive sign for the San Angelo economy; a new hotel is being built on the city's north side. Ground was broken Tuesday for the three-story, 76-room Baymont Inn on 14th Street between North Bryant and MLK.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has again issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of west central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Heat index values near 105 degrees will continue through the afternoon hours today. Prolonged exposure to these hot conditions will increase the risk of heat-related illness. You're advised to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, avoid outdoor work in the afternoon and wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

City council budget meeting

The San Angelo City Council will conduct a special called meeting next Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Convention Center to work on the 2013-2014 budget. The meeting is open to the public.

Water usage

On Monday, San Angelo used 15-point-one million gallons of water compared to 19-point million on the same date last year. A big savings, especially on a day when the high temperature was in triple-digits.

Drought restriction change

The City Council also approved a change in Drought Level One restrictions, reducing how much residents can water from twice every seven days to once. These restrictions will be in effect from April 1st to October 31st anytime San Angelo has 12 to 24 months of available water supply.

SAPD House Watch program

If you are going out of town for summer vacation, the San Angelo Police Department can check on your home while you are away. You can find a link to more information about the House Watch program on the San Angelo Police Facebook page.


ASU honored again

For the fifth consecutive year, Angelo State University has been listed by The Princeton Review as one of the country's best institutions for undergraduate education, an honor that goes to only about 15 percent of the nation's more than 25-hundred four-year colleges. Kent Hance, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, ASU's governing body, said, "This outstanding honor is once again a direct tribute to Angelo State's commitment to academic excellence and providing a quality university experience."

Six new wells

The San Angelo City Council has approved expanding by six the number of wells at the Hickory Aquifer, which would give the City the capability of pumping nine million gallons per day from the aquifer. The low bid for the project was for six-point-four million dollars - about one-point-one million less than was initially projected to add five wells to the existing nine. As a result, the Water Advisory Board recommended a sixth well be added at a cost of one-point-one million. Water Utilities Department officials expect the drilling could begin in September. The contract with Alsay Incorporated of Houston calls for the wells to be completed within 14 months.

Hazardous weather outlook

Portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley, are under a hazardous weather outlook. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says heat index values will approach 105 degrees today. You're advised to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, avoid outdoor work during afternoon hours, and wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. It's expected to be even hotter tomorrow.

City Facebook merger

A couple of city agencies are joining forces on Facebook. On September 1st, the City of San Angelo/Tom Green County Emergency Management page will be deactivated and merged with the City of San Angelo-Public Information page. Officials assure that you'll still be able to get all the information you need on Emergency Management issues -- plus other vital information about the City -- on the Public Information page. They ask you to go to that Facebook page, like it and share it.

Monday, August 5, 2013

City water usage

Here's the latest on city water usage: On Sunday, San Angelo used 15-point-six million gallons of water compared to 16-point-six million on the same date last year. Remember: watering is allowed only once every seven days at no more than one inch per application.

Small business development seminars

Two Small Business Development Center seminars are coming up this week at the City's Business Resource Center on North Chadbourne Street. One is Basics of Business Entities: How to Choose the Right Legal Structure for your Business, from 6 to 8:30 this evening. And a free seminar, "Starting Your Own Business? What You Need to Know," is scheduled from 6 to 8:30 PM Thursday. Find out more at sbdc-dot-angelo-dot-edu.

United Way grants

United Way of the Concho Valley recently awarded Venture Grants totalling 30-thousand dollars to four agencies to provide one-time funding support for programs in the Concho Valley. Boys and Girls Club of San Angelo was awarded eight-thousand dollars to provide backpacks with personal hygiene items to children in need. Meals for the Elderly of San Angelo got more than four-thousand dollars to buy software that will provide a volunteer management system. MHMR of the Concho Valley was awarded 11-thousand dollars for a Behavior Treatment Day program for children with autism and Mosiac was awarded 66-hundred dollars to help buy a motorized lift for their therapeutic riding program.

K9 tracks down suspect

A San Angelo man was arrested over the weekend after leading police on a vehicle and foot pursuit. An officer attempted to pull over a 2010 Chrysler 300 for failing to properly signal intent to turn at the intersection of Ward Avenue and West Beauregard. But the driver continued onto North Madison at a high rate of speed and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The driver, identified as 31-year-old Courtney Fobb of San Angelo, eventually lost congrol of the vehicle and crashed into a tree in the 400 block of North Madison. Fobb allegedly fled on foot but was tracked down by K9 Service Dog "Snoop" at a residence on Adams Street. Fobb was charged with Evading Arrest and Detention with a Vehicle.

Water usage update

The city of San Angelo says residential and business customers continue to do a good job of conservating water. On Saturday, San Angelo used 15-point-nine million gallons of water compared to 18-point-two million on the same date last year. Keep in mind that, with the city under Drought Level Two, watering is allowed only once every seven days.

City council meeting tomorrow

Tomorrow's meeting of the San Angelo City Council begins at 9 a.m. at the McNease Convention Center and is open to the public. You can find a link to the agenda on the City of San Angelo Facebook page.

Gas prices down

Gasoline prices dropped a bit over the past week. Triple-A reports that the nationwide average for a gallon of regular today is three dollars, 61 cents--a decrease of two cents. In Texas, the statewide average price for regular is three-48 a gallon; that's down three cents. And, in San Angelo, a check of gas-buddy-dot-com finds that the price of regular gas ranges from three-30 to three-49 a gallon.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

400M Powerball jackpot

The Powerball jackpot has rolled over once again. There was no winner in the weekend drawing, so the prize is now up to 400-million dollars. A single winner choosing the cash option would win 230-million before taxes. That's the third-largest jackpot in Powerball's history. Saturday's winning numbers were 21, 24, 36, 42 and 45; the Powerball was 15. Powerball is played in 43 states, including Texas, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

30-year police officer retires

A member of the San Angelo Police Department is retiring after 30 years of service. Sergeant Steve Wilson began his career with the SAPD on August 1st, 1983. Wilson was previously a member of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Seguin Police Department. Wilson began his career on Patrol and was later transferred to the Narcotics Division. In March of 1991 Wilson was promoted to Sergeant.

STD clinic reestablished

The San Angelo/Tom Green County Health Department has re-established its sexually transmitted disease clinic, offering testing three days a week. The STD clinic was eliminated in 2012 when a state policy change resulted in a funding loss. The City recently received a federal grant, administered through the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, to re-establish the clinic.Testing occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment only at the Health Department on Pulliam Street.


Shannon recognition

Shannon Medical Center has received a Blue Distinction Center Plus designation for delivering quality and cost-efficient cardiac care, as part of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas' Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care program. According to a news release from Shannon, Blue Distinction Centers are hospitals shown to deliver quality specialty care based on objective, transparent measures for patient safety and health outcomes that were developed with input from the medical community. The new designation of Blue Distinction Center Plus recognizes hospitals that deliver both quality and cost-efficient specialty care.

City, SAISD online auction

The City of San Angelo in conjunction with the San Angelo Independent School District is launching an online auction of surplus vehicles and other equipment. Among the 52 items available for purchase are cars, pickup trucks, dump trucks, large mowers, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, a forklift and a manlift. The equipment was previously owned by the City, the SAISD and the San Angelo Police Department Narcotics Task Force. The items are available for viewing starting today. Bidding begins one week from today, Monday, August 12th, at rene-bates-dot-com.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Forum tackles housing, oil boom

San Angelo’s economic leaders shared their expertise Thursday at a public forum addressing how the incipient oil boom is affecting the housing market. But all were ready to admit they did not have the answers.

“If I knew what was going to happen, I would be somewhere else right now,” said Phil Neighbors, president of the Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting moderated by Ken Stewart, director of Community Development Initiatives at Angelo State University, first addressed economic indicators of San Angelo’s growth this year and wrapped up with housing representatives talking about their programs for moderate- and low-income residents.

“I look every day and see more and more jobs being posted and fewer people to fill them,” said Cathy Ballard, director of planning at the Concho Valley Workforce Development Board. “We just can’t keep up with the demand.”

In San Angelo, the top two industries for workforce demand are health care and trucking, Ballard said.

The shortage of labor partially is the result of a lack of funding and lack of training providers, she said. Although Howard College and ASU have many professional and vocational programs, many of their classes are full.

“Sales tax is a key barometer,” he said. “This has been the longest continual period of sales tax increase, which preceded the oil boom. ... That’s a very good sign.”

San Angelo has had 34 consecutive months of sales tax increases. Increases in sales tax are by comparison with the same month of the previous year because sales tax can vary seasonally.

The average price for a San Angelo hotel room in May or June was about $104.62, whereas the average price was $78.97 the same time last year.

“We’ve been seeing about two and a half times the growth rate of what we’ve experienced historically,” Neighbors said. “These are the positives. But where do they hurt us?”

Many have voiced concerns that occupancy is high and housing is tough to find, but Scott Tankersley, president of the San Angelo Apartment Association, said San Angelo always has been in the 90 percent occupancy range.

“There are vacancies out there,” he said. “You just have to look a little harder.”

He emphasized the importance of leases or written agreements to protect both renters and landlords.

Representatives from the city’s Neighborhood and Family Services department and from the San Angelo Public Housing Authority detailed some programs in place for low-income families.

A Housing Authority program issues vouchers to qualified families based on the local fair market rent.

Odessa’s Public Housing Authority was able to negotiate a higher payment standard for its voucher program, said Amanda Geffers, manager of the Housing Choice Voucher program, but that meant the program could not help as many families.

“That’s a dilemma we have,” Geffers said, “Do we help less families more or help more families less?”

Industry experts project the Cline Shale could be good for 10 to 15 years of drilling followed by a few decades of production, Neighbors said, but the community needs to keep market diversity in mind so it can soften the downward slope of the bust.

“A lot of it depends on how well we as a community manage this process,” Stewart said, “I wouldn’t speculate we would see that kind of up and down if we have enough economic diversification.”

ASU cheerleaders win multiple trophies

Angelo State University’s cheerleading squad brought home several top honors from the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Cheer Camp held July 12-15 at Texas State University in San Marcos.


Competing against squads from 32 other colleges and universities, the ASU cheerleaders took first place in the Cheer, Sideline and Game Day categories and plaques for the Most Collegiate and Leadership categories. Cheer Coach Brandy Quigley said the 16 members of ASU’s squad had only two days of practice before competing at the camp, where they were also one of only four squads to earn a plaque for being “Game Day Ready.”


“It’s an ongoing tradition that the cheerleaders go to this camp,” Quigley said. “It’s an outdoor camp and it’s ridiculously hot. It helps us prepare for games.”


“Game Day Ready includes techniques for crowd-leading skills, tumbling, stunting, sign work and cheering,” said co-captain Averi Ruiz, a senior from Castroville. “That was our biggest award because it wasn’t split into divisions.”


While the ASU squad is open to men, this year’s squad is made up entirely of women, 11 rookies and five returning veterans. Senior Chaney Collins of San Angelo is the other co-captain.


Founded in 1974, UCA is a national organization that provides educational training for college and high school cheerleaders through summer camps and clinics on college campuses. More information is available online at http://uca.varsity.com/.

For more information on the ASU cheerleading squad, call the Student Life Office at 325-942-2062.

Farmers Market celebrates Melon Fest Aug. 10

The Concho Valley Farmers Market celebrates its annual Melon Fest – featuring a bumper crop of cantaloupes and red- and yellow-meat watermelons – from 7 a.m. until noon Saturday Aug. 10 under the Farmers Market Pavilion at 609 S. Oakes St., across from Fort Concho.


Many of the vendors, who come from a 75-mile radius around San Angelo, will be offering locally grown melons for sale during the event, along with other seasonal fruits, vegetables and plants. Additionally, there will be live music and door prizes consisting of free melons and other produce.


The Farmers Market conducts sales each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from the spring through the fall. The selection includes homegrown tomatoes (which are plentiful this year), Fredericksburg peaches, okra, peppers, squash, zucchini, black-eyed peas, green beans, eggplants, corn, cucumbers, greens (including lettuce, spinach and collards), carrots, turnips, garlic, leeks, beets, shelled pecans, honey, farm-fresh eggs, indoor and outdoor plants, onions, herbs such as basil, thyme, cilantro, parsley and rosemary, baked goods and cheeses.


The farmers market typically charges customers $1 for a bundle or a bowl of produce. Cantaloupes cost $1 each, and watermelons are $4-$6.


Interested farmers can join the market for $15 or $20, which allows them to set up a stand for $5 or $10 at each sale.

For more information about the Concho Valley Farmers Market, call Margie Jackson at (325) 651-5460.

Colts win another doubleheader, move streak to six

For the second time in three days, the San Angelo Colts swept the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings in a doubleheader. The Colts took two from the WhiteWings las tnight at Foster Field to win the first five games of their final homestand of the season, as well as extend their overall winning streak to six. In Game One, the Colts scored four runs in the third inning and hung on for a four to two victory. In Game Two, they scored six runs in the fifth inning and defeated the WhiteWings seven to two. The teams play a single game tonight at seven-oh-five.

Yu Darvish struck out fourteen hitters last night in Arlington as the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks seven to one. The Rangers tonight begin a three-game series in Oakland with the Athletics at nine-oh-five. The A's lead the Rangers by three and a half games for first place in the American League West.

Former Houston Astros pitcher Bud Norris beat his old team last night. He pitched six crisp innings to lead the Orioles over the Astros in Baltimore six to three. The Astros tonight visit the Minnesota Twins at seven-ten.

Clerk tells of interaction with Wall shooting suspect

The man accused of Sunday's fatal shooting in Wall remains in custody.

Tom Green County Sheriff David Jones said Tuesday that 40-year-old Brian Berry could face more charges. However, no additional charges surfaced yesterday.

An Eldorado convenience store clerk tells the Standard-Times that Berry "just seemed like a regular customer" when he sold him a cellphone charger.

The unidentified teenager says Berry appeared "anxious to get out" of the Shell Star Stop Food Mart. He did not learn about the shooting until a half-hour after officers came to the store.

Man busted in San Angelo for pot

Sheriff's deputies report a drug arrest from Tuesday.

KLST reports deputies took 22-year-old Phillip Cruz into custody for felony marijuana possession.

The arrest followed a traffic stop at North Chadbourne and West 29th streets in San Angelo.

After the two men in the vehicle allowed a search, deputies found nine ounces of pot.

Deputies booked Cruz and the other man.

Howard provost Byrd retiring

Howard College needs a new provost.

LeAnne Byrd has announced her retirement, which begins at the end of this month.

A reception for Byrd takes place next Wednesday at the West Texas Training Center from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

She has worked for Howard for 15 years, the last 10 as provost.

Expansion project for Howard College begins next week

A Howard College project breaks ground next Wednesday.

Construction begins on two campus buildings to begin a master plan for the school.

The ceremony at 4 p.m. takes place at the West Texas Training Center on Highway 67.

One building would hold classrooms, and the other would house student services.

Construction estimates total $14 million. Work may finish before next year's fall semester.

Crash seriously injures San Angelo motorcyclist

A San Angelo motorcyclist has serious injuries following yesterday's collision with a car.

Police say the crash happened at Sherwood Way and Pecos Street.

An ambulance took 63-year-old Calley Hurley to Community Medical Center with a severe leg injury.

Police ticketed 83-year-old Billie Mahler for failing to yield the right of way. They say Mahler told her another vehicle blocked her vision as she turned left onto Pecos Street.