Grindstaff Announces Bid

A second candidate has filed to run for a two-year term in the Single-Member District Five seat on the San Angelo City Council. Elizabeth Grindstaff joins Philip Skinner on the ballot in the May 10th election. Other candidates who have filed include Rodney Fleming, Trinidad Aguirre Junior and Bill Richardson in District One and Richard Bastardo Senior and Johnny Silvas in District Three. Today is the final day to file for a place on the ballot; the deadline to file with the City Clerk's Office on the second floor of City Hall is 5 PM.

Large Files Possible

Citizens of San Angelo who want to view and download large documents, presentations and other files are now able to so on the City's all-new website at cosatx-dot-us. Limitations of the city's prior website prevented users from accessing large files such as City Council agenda packets.Developed by Vision Internet and a team of City employees, the new site is able to accommodate files of all sizes.

Wanted Man Arrested

A San Angelo man who was recently featured on a SAPD Wanted Poster has been arrested.  At around 10 on Wednesday evening, an officer saw a vehicle which he believed was occupied by the fugitive, 31-year-old Eric Estrada, exiting the Walmart parking lot on West 29th Street.  The officer tried to conduct a traffic stop on West 27th Street.  The vehicle pulled into a private driveway and police say Estrada got out and attempted to flee on foot, unsuccessfully.  A search turned up a glass pipe and a small baggy containing marijuana.  Estrada had been sought on a charge of aggravated battery in connection with an incident earlier this month at a Motel Six on North Bryant Boulevard.

Evening Council Meeting

The San Angelo City Council will conduct another special evening meeting next week.  It's scheduled for 5:30 PM on Thursday at at the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive.  A prior evening meeting in October drew a larger audience than most daytime meetings, prompting Councilman Don Vardeman, who advocated for the first meeting, to seek another evening gathering. Among the items that will be discussed during the meeting are the stormwater program, the City's Capital Improvement Plan, and half-cent sales tax funds and projects. All City Council meetings are open to the public.

Traffic Stop and Drug Bust

A traffic stop turned into a drug bust in San Angelo.  Late Monday evening, an officer initiated a traffic stop on a Chevy Silverado pickup on North Main Street.  However the driver did not pull over until he got to East 20th.  The driver, identified as 37-year-old Jose Esquivel, was unable to produce a driver's license. When asked if he was in possession of anything illegal, Esquivel removed a small plastic bag that contained a white crystal substance that later field-tested positive for methamphetamine.  A search of the suspect also turned up a glass pipe commonly used to smoke meth.  Esquivel was arrested Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Crash Follow-Up

San Angelo police responding to a car crash that injured two people in a Hyundai Sonata at 5th and Chadbourne Street on Monday found shell casings on the ground near the vehicle but investigators have found no evidence that any gunfire took place.  In fact, the casings could have been on the ground for some time.  The Hyundai had apparently been involved in an earlier accident with a Dodge Durango.  At this time, police believe that the drivers of the Hyundai and Durango were involved in an unknown dispute before the collision. The driver of the Durango has not been positively identified or located.

Sales Training Event

The ASU-Small Business Development Center will be host a free training event called “The Secret to Successful Sales” next week.  Inspirational speaker and executive coach Becky Benes will reveal the three things you must know to make a massive increase in your sales.  It will be held next Monday at 9:30 a.m.  Seating is limited so advance registration is required. You can find out more at the ASU-SBDC website.

Looking for Stolen Equipment

The San Angelo Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding some stolen equipment and/or the person or persons who took it.  Someone stole two vehicles from a property in the 18-hundred block of North Bell Street.  Police are looking for a yellow Skid Steer all-wheel tractor with a bucket attached to the front and a black and silver four-wheel-drive Polaris Ranger with a roll cage and flatbed/cargo bed, and several stickers on the front right fender. If you have any information on the case, you're encouraged to contact the SAPD.  You can remain anonymous by calling 855-TIPS-24-7.

Fire Marshal's Office Moves

The Fire Marshal's Office has been moved from the Development Services Department to the San Angelo Fire Department,  Fire Marshall Ross Coleman says the aim is to better reflect the alignment of missions and to ensure a closer working relationship, particularly on the scene of fires. Adds Coleman--quote--"It's getting us back to where we belong."  The recommendation to put the Fire Marshal's Office back under the fire department came from both Coleman and Fire Chief Brian Dunn.

Dangerous Driver

Monday afternoon around two-thirty, a reckless driver headed south on Chadbourne near the public transit facility prompted multiple calls to 9-1-1.  San Angelo police received a report of a crash near North Chadbourne and 5th Street, where they found a Hyundai Sonata disabled and two people inside, a 30-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, injured.  They were treated and released at the scene.  Officers also found shell casings from an unknown weapon near the car.  And they later learned that the Hyundai had been involved earlier in a crash with a Dodge Durango on North Oakes Street.  The Durango was abandoned, no victims have come forward and it's not clear which driver was at fault.

Shannon Doctor Retiring

A longtime cardiologist at Shannon Clinic David Harvey, M.D., is retiring. Dr. David Harvey has been a part of the medical staff at Shannon since 1996. A retirement reception is scheduled for this Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Shannon Women’s & Children’ Conference Room, at 201 East Harris. Current and former patients of Dr. Harvey, the staff and the public are invited to attend.

Ribbon Cutting at ASU

Angelo State University will host a ribbon cutting ceremony one week from today.  It's to celebrate the oprning of the new Mayer-Rousselot Agriculture Education Center.  The one-million dollar, 43-hundred square foot facility is designed to help meet the state's growing need for high school agriculture teachers.  It's happening  at 1:30 p.m. next Monday at the ASU Management, Instruction and Research Center on Grape Creek Road just north of San Angelo.

Lunch Menu Changes

Local elementary schools will begin rolling out changes to their breakfast and lunch menus this week to more nutritious fare. Goliad- Santa Rita- and Austin Elementary Schools will be adding  a half cup of fruits to their menus. More nutritional foods could be added to the menus, but administrators want to roll out the changes slowly to see what the kids will eat. By the end of April all 17 elementary schools should see the menu changes.

Trout in the Concho River

Local anglers will find a new stock of trout in the Concho River.The Texas Parks and Wildlife Fisheries stocked the river with 675 trout in their final stocking of the season. The stocking is part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife's neighborhood fishing program that encourages families to fish for trout during the winter months. Adult anglers are required to have a fishing license... There is no minimum length for the trout and can be harvested at a limit of five per day.

Chamber of Commerce Nominations

The Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2014 Economic Development Expansion Awards. The Chamber will honor businesses that have had outstanding achievements in sales, employment and/or physical growth in the previous year. Nominations will be presented on April 8th at an awards luncheon. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce office, 418 W Avenue B,  to pick up a nomination form, or call them for more information.

SAFE Recycling Center Fire

A pile of older TV sets that were going to be sent to a recycler in Dallas caught fire Saturday afternoon on the lot of the SAFE Recycling Center. Fire fighters were able to put out the fire in about 15 minutes. The TV's were the only items damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Stock Show and Rodeo

Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo. Police sent out traffic delay alerts on Saturday for the parade and rodeo, and again on Sunday. there were traffic delays of over an hour on N. Chadbourne from 29th Street north to the Foster Communications Coliseum. Police suggested taking an alternate route or using a gate other than the one located on E. 43rd and Coliseum Dr.That could come in handy the next time you head that way. Events are scheduled through March 2. For a complete list of Rodeo calendar events, visit http://www.sanangelorodeo.com

Fugitive Sought

San Angelo police are seeking the public's help in locating a fugitive from justice. Alton H. Bowman is a black male, 48 years old, 5-7, 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He is wanted on several active warrants, including assault. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Alton H. Bowman, call the SAPD's 24-hour hotline at 855-TIPS-24-7. You are reminded never to try to apprehend suspects yourself.

Chamber Nominations Sought

Each year, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce honors businesses that have had outstanding achievements in sales, employment and/or physical growth in the previous year. The Chamber's economic development division is currently accepting nominations for the awards that will be presented on April 8th at an awards luncheon. Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce, on West Avenue B. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, March 7th.

Police Chase

A driver led San Angelo Police on a chase today. Officers stopped the driver of a silver 2012 Dodge Charger along North Bryant downtown, but he sped away as they approached. The driver hit a mustang during the chase. He was able to lose police, for a short while. His abandoned vehicle was found in the 2 hundred block of West 12th. Police are still searching of the driver who is wanted for outstanding felony warrants.

Skinner Runs

Philip Skinner put his hat into the ring for the May 10th election. He's filed to be a candidate to fill a two-year term in the Single-Member District 5 seat on the San Angelo City Council. The final day to file for a candidacy on the ballot is Feb. 28th. Candidates can file the necessary paperwork in the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall. In addition to SMD 5, full two-year terms in Single-Member Districts 1 and 3 are up for election.

New Library Director

Tom Green County's interim library director gets to keep that job. Jill Donegan takes over for Larry Justiss, who stepped down after 38 years as director.

San Angelo Public Forums

Thursday and the following Thursday, the public is invited to San Angelo's annual public forums on the city's highest-priority capital needs. According to Mayor Dwain Morrison, your input is a key ingredient in the crafting of the city’s five-year capital improvement plan, which is updated annually. The mayor says the priorities established in that plan guide the City Council during the budget process later in the year as it determines how best to spend the public’s tax dollars. The forum gets underway at 5:30 in the council chambers at the Convention Center.

Fire Weather Watch

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a fire weather watch for an area including Tom Green, Sterling, Nolan, Coke, Runnels, Irion, Concho, Crockett, Schleicher and Menard counties. The watch will be in effect Thursday from 10 AM to six PM. Critical fire weather conditions are possible in the wake of a cold front that will move through the area Thursday morning. Gusty northwest winds will combine with relative humidities of 15 to 20 percent and create dangerous wildfire conditions.

Padron Trial Update

Prosecutors continue presenting testimony in the trial of a man accused of killing a man who called San Angelo home.

Jaime Padron died two years ago in the line of duty as an Austin police officer.

Walmart retail manager Lincoln LeMere has testified that Brandon Daniel giggled and told him he killed a cop. Daniel allegedly said that as Padron bled to death on the floor.

Prosecutors say they intend to pursue the death penalty against Daniel, a 26-year-old former software engineer.

Officer Albert Arevalo has also testified that Daniel stared blankly and told him the same thing in a slurred lethargic tone.

Daniel's attorney says his client had taken Xanax earlier that night.

ASU Award

Angelo State University's chapter of the American Chemical Society has received an honor.

The national ACS Committee on Education has given the ASU chapter a Commendable Award, marking the eighth straight year the chapter has received a year-end national award.

The committee has honored the chapter for its ASU Science Days, Mole day, Earth Day, and National Chemistry Week activities.  The chapter has also hosted several green chemistry events on campus.

The ASU group and others attend a national meeting next month in Dallas to receive recognition.

Early Voting

Texans can start casting ballots today for next month's Democratic and Republican primaries.

Primary day actually takes place March 4.

Secretary of State Nandita Berry says voters can cast early ballots through Feb. 28.

The deadline to request a ballot by mail comes Friday.

Voting in person requires photo identification.

The general election follows Nov. 4.

Motel Attack

San Angelo Police continue looking for a suspect from Friday's incident at Motel 6.

Police consider 31-year-old Eric Estrada armed and dangerous.  They want Estrada following an assault at the motel on North Bryant Blvd.

Police have arrested the other suspect in the case, 48-year-old Frank Mayo.

Officers on Friday found bullet holes in a door frame and some blood in a vacant room at Motel 6.  When they found the person renting the room, that person said an assault had taken place and someone had fired shots.

Police claim the occupant told investigators the incident may have had to do with reporting a burglary that the suspects allegedly committed.

TurfField

The Standard Times reports San Angelo's school board has approved turf projects at three fields.

The project costs $1.75 million.  It covers the Central High School band and soccer practice field, the Lake View High School football and soccer practice field, and Old Bobcat Stadium.

The project would start in April and finish in late July.

Highway Project

The last of three, consecutive construction projects to widen State Highway 158 from a two-lane to four-lane undivided highway will begin this week week. The final section will start at SH 158 and US 87 north of Sterling City and end at the Sterling County line, a distance of 14-point-four miles. Travelers taking the SH 158 bridge just north of Sterling City from US 87 to SH 158 will have lane restrictions and notice a concrete barrier blocking one travel lane. The 12-foot lane on the south side of the bridge will be demolished and a new lane will be built. The demolition process is expected to last four days.

Outstanding Warrants

If your name was in the paper Sunday, it might not be good news.  The San Angelo Standard-Times published a list of more than eight-thousand defendants with outstanding Municipal Court warrants. If you're one of them, you should contact the Municipal Court as soon as possible to avoid being targeted during a subsequent warrant roundup. The Municipal Court has a backlog of more than 28-thousand outstanding warrants.

Buffalo Soldiers

Fort Concho celebrates Buffalo Soldier Heritage Day this Sunday, marking the contributions of the famed black troops of the western frontier. The Plains Indians gave soldiers the nickname of “buffalo soldiers” as the troops’ matted hair reminded the warriors of their sacred buffalo. The troops eventually adopted this as a formal part of their regimental crest. The celebration takes place from 2 to 4 PM in the fort's Commissary Building. There is no charge to attend.

City Council Meeting

It's a packed agenda for this morning's San Angelo City Council meeting.  Items including reroofing the Coliseum, more Concho River improvements, a proposal for a paddle wheel steamboat on Lake Nasworthy, Capital Improvement Plan preparations, how the drought has impacted the Water Utilities budget, and a presentation of the new City website.  The meeting begins at 9 AM at the Convention Center and is open to the public.

New Development Services Director

A man who has served the past six years as an assistant director for the City of San Antonio’s Department of Planning and Community Development, has been hired as the City of San Angelo’s Development Services director. In that position, Patrick Howard will lead the City operations responsible for ensuring compliance with a variety of codes meant to yield productive, safe, orderly and attractive development that enhances the community’s quality of life. Howard was selected from a field of 26 applicants.  His first day with the city will be next Monday.

City Council Candidate

A second candidate has filed to fill a two-year term in the Single-Member District One seat on the San Angelo City Council.  Trinidad Aguirre Junior is facing at least one other candidate in the May 10th election, Rodney Fleming. The final day to file for a place on the ballot is February 28th. The paperwork can be filed in the Office of the City Clerk on the second floor of City Hall on West College Avenue.

NATO Ambassador at ASU

A former U.S. ambassador to NATO will be the featured speaker for Angelo State University's Foreign Affairs Speakers Program next week. Robert Hunter will speak on "The Middle East: Reinforcing Earthquakes" on Monday and on "Europe's Mediterranean Challenge" on Tuesday. Both presentations will be in the University Center's C.J. Davidson Conference Center and are open free to the public.

Vehicle Burglar Caught

San Angelo police responded at about 1 AM on Thursday to a report of a vehicle burglary at Angelo Place Apartments on Western Court. It began when a witness noticed the dome light on in the victim's vehicle. The witness went and told the victim, who then went to check on his vehicle and, on his way, confronted the suspect.  Officers were quickly guided to the suspect, 21-year-old Tony Moses, who was arrested for burglary of a motor vehicle and transported to the Tom Green County Jail.

Rape Defense Class

The Angelo State University Police Department will host a free Rape Aggression Defense class later this month.  It's scheduled for Saturday, the 22nd, at Heroes Fitness Center on Sunset Drive.  ASU police officer Mary Wilson, one of the instructors, says the class is important for self-empowerment as women realize they already have weapons at their disposal.  To register, visit Heroes Fitness Center or call the ASU police Department.

Valentine's Day Event

The San Angelo Nature Center will host a Valentine's Day event for children whose parents are looking to enjoy an evening alone. The four-hour party - tomorrow from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. - will be limited to 20 children. The children must be at least five years old.  They will dine on pizza and a snack, interact with and learn about the Nature Center's animals, make crafts and take a souvenir photo.The cost is 20 dollars per child for Nature Center members and 25 for non-members. Reservations and payments must be received at the Center on Knickerbocker Road.

Hit and Run

Tom Green County officials are looking for a car that reportedly injured an man in a hit and run last night. Sheriff's deputies say the car was a small black passenger car. He was found by a passerby who contacted police for help. Officials say his injuries are not life threatening, but he was airlifted to Shannon Medical Center for treatment.

Carnival Kicks Off Friday

The San Angelo Stock Show And Rodeo, along with  Carnival All Kick is tomorrow at the Fairgrounds. Ride the ferris wheel, and all of your favorite rides on the midway. Plus check out the new fun house, rollercoaster, and wacky worm. And if you're really feeling brave, go for a ride on the new 80 foot Vertigo swing. The event kicks off at 5pm tomorrow and runs for 17 days.

San Angelo ISD Make Up Days

Because of the recent bad weather this winter, San Angelo ISD had to cancel two days of classes. Administrators have decided that some upcoming holidays  will be make-up days. They've announced that The first make-up day will be on Good Friday on April 18th, then the second will be on Monday, May 19th.

TxDot Media Blitz

The Texas Department of Transportation will launch a new safety campaign aimed at drivers traveling through the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale area. Because those areas are energy zones, drivers share the road with trucks and heavy equipment so extra precaution is needed. TxDOT will launch a media blitz with safe driving messages to reduce accidents in those locations.

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Sports Update

It's a big night for the Angelo State basketball teams.  The Rams are 10-1 at home this season, and will try to beat nationally ranked Tarleton State at the Junell Center tonight.  The Belles are a game off of second place in the conference and a win over Tarleton State tonight could move them to that second spot.  It's a white-out game, and fans are encouraged to wear white.

In the NBA at Charlotte, Al Jefferson poured in a game-high 30 points as the Bobcats blasted the Mavericks 114-89. Dallas had its five-game winning streak snapped.

The "Ryan Express" is pulling back into Houston. The "Houston Chronicle" reports the Astros have brought back legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan as a special assistant to owner Jim Crane. Ryan resigned as CEO of the Texas Rangers six months ago.

Former Astros ace pitcher Roy Oswalt is calling it a career. ESPN reports the 35-year-old Oswalt is retiring after 13 big league seasons that included three All-Star appearances.

Non-Profit Workshop

The Tom Green County Public Library has announced that it will host a free workshop on grantseeking for nonprofit organizations.  The session will be led by Kief Schladweiler, Coordinator of the Funding Information Network with the Foundation Center. The training will cover items such as taking stock of your organization's strengths and assets, setting fundraising goals and using free resources at the Tom Green County Public Library.   The workshop is scheduled for Friday, February 28th at 8 AM at the Stephens Central Library on West Beauregard.

Police Pay Offer

The city has presented San Angelo police with a new pay proposal.  According to the Standard-Times, starting salaries would go up 901 dollars for recruits, 953 dollars for probationary police officers, 23-99 for sergeants and 22-07 for lieutenants.   SAPD is not ready to accept that offer.  The two sides will meet again on February 26th.

Water Usage Update

Water usage in San Angelo has been up for several days.  On Sunday, city residents and businesses used 12-point-three million gallons of water compared to nine-point-seven million on the same date last year.

Weed and Bomb

A Rowena man was arrested Monday for selling drugs on Craiglist. But in a strange twist, an undercover officer who went to the man's house to buy marijuana, found something more explosive. As 26-year-old David Richardson was being taken into custody, he casually mentioned to the cop, 'by the way, there's a bomb, right there." At that point, the officer put Richardson in cuffs and called the bomb squad. They diffused it. Richardson was taken to jail.

Abbott v. Davis

Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott is calling expected Democratic opponent Wendy Davis "clueless" about the Texas-Mexico border. Abbott tweeted he's going to publish an editorial in McAllen's "The Monitor" where he'll explain why. Davis criticized Abbott last week for calling parts of the Rio Grande Valley like a "third-world country" for its "creeping corruption." She wants him to apologize.

Fort Sam Houston Death

More information is expected to be released later today on the death of a Fort Sam Houston soldier. The unidentified man was discovered early Sunday near the Wilson Gate area. The U.S. Army is declining to release information as to how he died and if foul play was involved.

Gas Prices

Gas prices have been relatively stable recently, but that could change soon.  Triple-A is predicting that prices will rise in the spring by as much as 50 cents a gallon. Factors will include refinery maintenance, increased demand and a more expensive fuel blend. Here are the current numbers: nationwide, the average price of regular is three-29 a gallon, down two cents. In Texas, the average for regular is three-07 a gallon, down by one cent. Gas-buddy-dot-com reports the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three dollars to three-15 a gallon.

SH 158 Work

In the coming months, a series of three construction projects will be underway along a 46-mile stretch of State Highway 158.  That's between US 87, north of Sterling City, and the Midland County line, about 20 miles east of the intersection with Interstate 20 in Midland. The Texas Department of Transportation says these improvements will widen the existing section of two-lane highway to a four-lane undivided highway.  Work on the first segment on SH 158 between Garden City and the Sterling County line will begin on Monday. 

ASU Program

About 500 first-generation students from 19 high schools throughout Texas will gather at Angelo State University today. The ASU First program is designed to give high school juniors and seniors who are considering becoming the first in their families to attend college their initial glimpse into the realities of campus life.

Fugitive Sought

San Angelo police are asking for your help in locating a fugitive wanted on an active warrant for theft of a firearm.  He is 34-year-old Valentin Martinez Munoz, Junior.  Munoz is described as five-five, 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.  Never attempt to apprehend suspects yourself, doing so may be dangerous.  Simply contact San Angelo police or call their 24-hour tip line: 855-TIPS-24-7.

School Nutrition

The San Angelo Independent School District is expanding its free breakfast program to include Lincoln Middle School.  Beginning March 17th, all students at Lincoln will have the chance to receive a healthy free breakfast each morning in the school cafeteria.  You can find out more about the district's free breakfast programs online at s-a-i-s-d-school-nutrition-dot-com.

New City Website

The City of San Angelo has launched a new website that it says is more attractive, more user-friendly and more interactive.   The site was developed by Vision Internet under a contract approved by the city council.  New features include more options for completing applications and forms online, pages devoted to each city department and division with easily accessible contact information and comprehensive calendars and news.  You can find the site at c-o-s-a-t-x-dot-us.

Execution

The state of Texas carried out the death penalty last night for a woman convicted of a murder in 1998. Suzanne Basso was executed for brutally beating a mentally challenged man to death for his life insurance money. Basso declined to make a final statement.

Hazxardous Weather Outlook

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for west central Texas, including the Concho Valley. The National Weather Service at San Angelo says a winter weather advisory is in effect with possible snowfall of one to two inches, creating hazardous driving conditions. Wind chill values can drop to near zero degrees. When venturing outside, dress in layers with a hat and gloves. And remember to bring pets indoors and protect outdoor pipes.

Conservative state

Texas is the 20th most conservative state in the country.  That's according to the Gallup Poll's State of the States survey, which found that just over 40 percent of Texans consider themselves to be conservative, while 35 percent say they're moderate and almost 19 percent say they are liberal.

Water Usage

That news underscores the need to conserve water and, on Tuesday, San Angelo residents and businesses did just that.  The city used 10-point-one  million gallons of water compared to 10-point-three million on the same date last year.

ASU Prof Honored

A member of Angelo State University's teacher education faculty has been recognized for "Exemplary Faculty Practices" by the program Quest for Quality: Teacher Preparation in Texas. An assistant professor of special education, Dr. Deborah Banker is one of only seven faculty honored from colleges and universities throughout Texas. She was recognized for her use of technology and the creation of experiential learning.

Government Grant scam

San Angelo residents are reporting a new phone scam.  You get a call, usually from a Washington DC area code, and the callers identify themselves as a calling from the U.S. Government Grant Office. They offer you a grant for several thousand dollars, because your community was selected as one of 15 most desirable places to live. The caller gives you an approval code number to verify the grant before asking you for a transfer fee of 180 dollars.  It sounds too good to be true and it is: the government does not contact people to offer them money or charge a fee.

Wastewater Study

The city of San Angelo's wastewater and alternative uses for it will be the subject of an upcoming study.  On Tuesday, the City Council gave its staff approval to negotiate a contract with Alan Plummer Associates to conduct that study.  In other action, the council voted against a request from the City of San Angelo Development Corporation for an economic incentive agreement with Texas Pacifico Railroad.

Suspect Recognized

A San Angelo man is behind bars for burglarizing a building thanks to officers who recognized him from video surveillance footage seen earlier in the day. They had viewed the footage as part of an investigation of a burglary Monday morning at the Medical Arts Pharmacy building on Pecos Street. The officers located a car similar to one seen in the video in the parking lot of the San Angelo Lodge and were approached by a man they recognized from the recording. 21-year-old Nickolas Jones was arrested for stealing some 15-thousand dollars' worth of assorted controlled substances.

MPO Workshops

The San Angelo Metropolitan Planning Organization invites you to attend one of several upcoming Citizen Transportation Planning Workshops to discuss your transportation concerns. They are also currently conducting a Transportation Needs Assessment Survey to get feedback regarding all transportation issues in San Angelo. The next workshop is tomorrow from 5-6 PM at Holiman Elementary in the library. Visit sanangelo-mpo-dot-org for other workshop dates.

High Speed Chase

The driver of a Ford passenger car fled from a San Angelo police traffic stop on Saturday. The pursuit began at 19th and Pecan and continued north through the Lake View area and onto Armstrong Street with speeds reaching 80 miles an hour. The pursuit continued north past the city limits and into Tom Green County on Texas Highway 208, reaching a wooded area when the driver of the Ford passenger car left the roadway, crashed through a fence, and abandoned the vehicle to continue fleeing on foot. Sheriff's deputies, DPS troopers and police combined to capture 22-year-old Randy Sutton of San Angelo, who faces multiple charges. A 16-year-old juvenile passenger was also arrested.

Forgery Suspect Caught

A suspect in an ongoing forgery and counterfeiting investigation was arrested in San Angelo last week. On Wednesday, members of the SAPD's Criminal Investigations and Patrol Divisions, with assistance from the United States Secret Service, served an Arrest Warrant at a residence in the 4200 block of South Jackson Street. 48-year-old Jeffrey S. McGowen was located at the residence and taken into custody without incident. Subsequent to serving the warrant, officers located equipment commonly used to produce counterfeit currency along with several counterfeit bills. All of that was seized by the Secret Service.  

Main Street Recognition

San Angelo has been commended for successful annual progress as a designated Main Street community. The Texas Historical Commission's Texas Main Street Program made the announcement last week at the winter gathering of Texas Main Street managers in Seguin. San Angelo's is among 63 designated Main Street programs in Texas that were recognized. They will be recommended for 2014 National Accreditation to the National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Gas Prices Lower

Gas prices moved slightly lower last week and are now more than 20 cents less than they were this time last year. That's according to Triple-A, which says the downward trend should continue this week. The nationwide average price of regular is three-28, down one cent from a week ago. The statewide average price of regular in Texas is three-08 a gallon, also down one cent. In San Angelo, gas-buddy-dot-com reports the price of regular ranges from three-dollars-even to three-11.

Capital Plan Forums

San Angelo residents are invited to share their thoughts of what should be the City's capital improvement priorities during a pair of public forums later this month. City staff is preparing the 2014-19 Capital Improvement Plan, which prioritizes the addressing of large capital needs. The forum on Thursday, February 20th, will be at the Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive. The forum on Tuesday, February 25th, will be at Lincoln Middle School on Lake View Heroes Drive. Each forum will begin at 5:30.