SASSRA Scholarship

A man whose been working at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association for more than 40 years is being honored.  The association has announced a new scholarship bearing the name of Kermit Wendland.  It's worth 16-thousand dollars.  SASSRA currently has 35 local students on scholarship at universities across the state.  Recipients are required to take part in 4-H, FFA or Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Health Foundation Grant

The San Angelo Health Foundation has handed out more than one-point-two million dollars in grants that will fund projects by six local nonprofit organizations.  The Foundation gave the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for the Concho Valley one million dollars to use in constructing a new residential treatment facility and detox center.  Almost 50-thousand dollars went to the Concho Valley Home for Girls and Children’s Emergency Shelter for improvements and furnishings. 30-grand went to New Horizons to fund foster placement services for children from the San Angelo area.  Other awards when to the Odeon Preservation Association, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and Young Life San Angelo.

Two Guys Crime Spree

Two guys spotted breaking into cars at Wingstop Knickerbocker Road last week. They noticed somebody watching -- threatened the person with a knife and said they had a bomb. Cops showed up quickly -- arresting 38 year old Robert Gomez and 17 year old Jonathan Correa. Turns out Correa -- had 13 outstanding warrants. And, neither of the guys actually had a bomb

Civil War and Baseball

The Civil War 150th Anniversary Lecture Series continues tomorrow night at Fort Concho with "Baseball During and After the Civil War." The Fort Concho baseball team will play a vintage baseball game on the fort's parade grounds from 6 to 7 PM. The game will feature the rules and equipment that would have been used during the Civil War. Afterward, in the Fort Concho Stables on Henry O. Flipper Street, ASU History Professor Dr. David Dewar will explore myths of the early game and note how the Civil War helped turn the sport into the national pastime. The evening is open and free to the public.

Walmart Shooting and Robbery Update

The San Angelo Police Department has released additional details regarding the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred Monday at the Walmart Supercenter on West 29th Street. The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Charles D. Welborn. Police say no gunshots occurred inside of the store. It is believed that the sound of gunshots reported by witnesses was the result of glass breakage when Welborn used an object to smash the store’s gun case. The officer fired three shots, all of which struck Welborn. The suspect remains hospitalized. The extent of his injuries and current medical condition is unknown.

Robbery Suspect Sought

San Angelo Police are looking for a man who robbed a 7-11 convenience store located on South Pierce on Saturday night.  Witnesses told officers that an unidentified male wearing a black ski mask and carrying a handgun walked into the store, approached the counter and fired a single shot into a display case. After he fired the round, the suspect left with an undisclosed amount of money and property. No one was injured during the incident.   The suspect is described as a light-complected Hispanic or White male, small build, about 5-9, 160 pounds, wearing a white shirt, black pants, and white shoes. If you know anything, contact San Angelo police; to remain anonymous, call 1-855-TIPS-24-7.

Dog Park Meeting

A public meeting to discuss fundraising for the development of a dog park in San Angelo will be conducted next week.  It's scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the McNease Convention Center.  It's being organized by Girl Scout Megan Allgeier, who has adopted the park as her Girl Scout Gold Project, with assistance from the City of San Angelo’s Parks & Recreation Department. The meeting will inform attendees about the proposed dog park and raising the funds for its development. Last week, the city council approved the concept of developing a dog park on public property, utilizing funds raised through donations, sponsorships and fundraisers.

Cable/Internet Merger

ZipNet of San Angelo is merging with SpeedConnect, a broadband Internet provider whose technology supports higher usage demands.  The two companies made the announcement Monday.  They will provide high-speed Internet, DISH TV service and telephone packages. There will be an open house tomorrow from 11 AM to 1 PM with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 PM at 4301 College Hills Boulevard.

ASU Tri-Beta Award

For a record eighth time and for the fourth time in the last nine years, Angelo State University's Epsilon Sigma chapter of the Tri-Beta biology national honor society has been named the recipient of the Lloyd M. Bertholf Award as the top chapter in the nation for the 2012-2013 academic year. The ASU chapter is the first eight-time winner of the award out of the more than 560 Tri-Beta chapters in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Four Rescued from Fire

Seven people were saved by police during an apartment fire in San Angelo Saturday morning.  Officers were dispatched to the Creekside Apartment complex on Knickerbocker after a female caller, who lives in an upstairs unit with her 10-year-old daughter, told dispatch she was afraid to cross over the flames and escape. An officer carried the girl down the stairs as the mother followed.   Police proceeded to a downstairs unit where they were able to awaken a female resident from her smoke-filled apartment and escort her to safety. Four additional residents were located and escorted to safety. No injuries reported; cause of the fire is under investigation.

Showdown Postponed

Because of low water levels on Lake Nasworthy, Lucas Oil has just announced that the Showdown In San Angelo, originally slated for June 27th through the 29th, has been moved to the weekend of September 12th through the 14th. San Angelo Chamber of Commerce spokesperson, Jenni Campbell, said, "We decided it was the best option to call the race this early so racers, spectators, sponsors and volunteers could plan appropriately for September's race."

Frontier Day

Frontier Day is coming to Fort Concho.  It's a celebration San Angelo’s diverse agricultural heritage featuring a wide assortment of exhibits, demonstrations and children’s activities and it's scheduled for Saturday, April 26th. n Billed as a “fabulous family day” at “America’s best preserved frontier fort,” the 2014 edition of Frontier Day will be from 7 a.m. until noon at Fort Concho, 630 South Oakes Street. Admission is free to the fort’s second-largest annual event.

Health Department Moving

The City of San Angelo/Tom Green County Health Department will be closed this Wednesday through Friday as it moves its offices at 2030 Pulliam Street. from Suite 9 to Suite 8.The Health Department will be open for appointments on Monday and will conduct its weekly immunization clinic from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. tomorrow. The Health Department offices will reopen for its normal business hours in its new location in Suite 8 next Monday.

Roadwork and Delays

There's some roadwork to be aware of for your drive around San Angelo: detours for U.S. 67 are set up during the bridge replacement project at U.S. 277. All traffic will be routed to the southbound U.S. 67 existing bridge while the northbound bridge gets replaced. Southbound U.S. 277 ramp to northbound bridge U.S. 67 will be closed. The U.S. 67 frontage road extension project will cause delays from PaulAnn Boulevard to Howard College.

The FM 388 widening project is causing delays on Bell Street to Loop 306. The right hand lane will be closed during daylight hours from eastbound on Bell Street to the north entrance gate of Goodfellow Air Force Base. Construction is in place for a pedestrian rail for the bridge sidewalk westbound between Stoneham Street and La Mesa Lane; so expect delays.

Burn Ban

The Tom Green County Commissioners Court convened yesterday morning for their weekly meeting, and they decided that the countywide burn ban will remain in effect. Burning within San Angelo city limits is also prohibited.

Council Prevents Man Camps

During the San Angelo City Council Meeting, AJ Fawver, planning manager, said staff will meeting with County Commissioners next week on RV & mobile home park regulations. The Proposed ordinance for an annual operator permit calls for a $425 fee for new parks, a $250 annual renewal fee, and a $100 transferownership fee. The purpose of the fee's is to stop the burgeoning growth of "mancamps." The plan calls for grandfathering in all current RV and mobile home parks so they aren't subject to the new ordiance because it could cause hardship to them - but it was proposed that any expansions would be required to meet the new regulations. Other suggestions were to increase the new operator permit fee to $600, then removing renewal fee, or making the new park fee $1,000 and doing away with the supplemental fee, and possibly bumping owner transfer fee to $500.  The council motioned and approved by a vote of 4-3, for a $1,000 feea new parks, $600 transfer permits, and $425 expansion. A motion to exempt existing parks from the ordinance was approved 6-1.

Council Considers House Boat on Lake

Police boats stored by Mathis Field Airport could be moving to the water if a new proposal goes through. The city council is considering building a Police Department Boat House at Lake Nasworthy. During the meeting, Tad Logan, pres of Lake Nasworthy Homeowners Assoc., said current response times are 20 minutes, and that having boats on the lake could get it down to only 5 minutes. Lt. Wes Bodden, with Lake Police said that from a public safety standpoint what we're doing right now doesn't make any sense. In cases of a drowning or crash, Bodden said, 20 minutes is not an acceptable response time. Police Chief Tim Vasquez said it’s really about public safety & being able to get those boats out there as quick as possible. The city council will now look into costs and funding for the project which could cost around $60-$70,000.

Dog Park Moving Forward

A new dog park could be coming to San Angelo. The city council voted to move forward with the idea. Proposed locations for dog park are near Lone Wolf Bridge or near College Hills. The second location would be cheaper with development costs ranging from $50-$150,000 Ideally, the dog park would be 2 acres with separate parks for smaller and larger dogs. The city is working on a collaborative plan with the Girl Scouts to raise the money for the park. Fundraisers, grants and walkathons were some ideas proposed by local girl scout,  Megan Allgeier - who presented her research and ideas to make the dog park a reality. Kandi Pool said the San Angelo Association of Realtors said they would be willing to help with the project where they can. The council approved item and gave the dog park the green light to move forward. No city money was requested. Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of a dog park. Some residents feel money should be directed to infrastructure, street maintenance, and water supply.

World Water Event

March 22 is World Water Day. To remind the community of its precious resource and raise awareness of practical solutions, the Upper Colorado River Authority will be hosting events all week in San Angelo. The first event is this evening at, 7pm as Dr. Christy Youker, the UCRA Education Director will speak as part of ASU Speakers Series on “Our Community. Our Water,” at ASU's Vincent Building. The address is part of the Geosciences Department speaker series. Then tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m, students will display their work on watching local waterways as part of the ArtWalk. Their work will be shown at the UCRA Education Center, 417 S. Oakes St.

Feral Hog App

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service developed a new app, Feral Hog Management, to help landowners learn the legal strategies available to impede the growing population of feral hogs. The app is available for 99 cents in Apple’s iTunes store.

Dead Beaver Pulled out of Concho

A dead beaver was hauled off to the city landfill after Animal Control pulled it out of the Concho River at Glenmore Park. Public safety officials were called to the area Saturday when a passerby reported something floating in the river. An Animal Control official said it appeared to have been dead for some time and was bloated several times its normal size and covered in flies. Because the city no longer has an incinerator, Animal Control staff took it to the landfill.

Garcia Indicted for Fire

A Tom Green County grand jury has indicted Humberto Garcia on an arson charge. In August of last year, police responded to an apartment fire in connection with a standoff in north San Angelo. Garcia was taken to a hospital for treatment. The standoff started after officers tried to serve a parole violation warrant at the Resort at Riverside apartments on North Bryant, but they could not enter because of the fire.

SAISD Workshop

The San Angelo Independent School District Board of Trustees will meet at 5:30 p.m. today for a workshop in the administration building. Discussion topics will include a heating and cooling unit at Austin Elementary, a food service fire sprinkler project and various paving projects.

Spring Break Traveling Tips

Spring Break is coming to a close, and DPS Trooper Shawn Baxter wants to keep tired drivers off the road. Following the week-long festivities, fatigue is common for spring breakers, making for a long drive home. Baxter says it's important to get plenty of rest before hitting the road for that trip back home.He also suggests to share the driving with another passenger, stopping every two hours to take a break.

Student Talent Focus at ASU

Angelo State University’s Friends of Art and Music Education will host the 17th annual Collage Reception from 7-9 p.m. tomorrow in the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building. The reception will feature students from the theater, art and music programs performing, creating and displaying various pieces from their repertoires throughout the EFA Building. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for the general public, and refreshments will be served. Donations to FAME will be accepted, with all proceeds going into the organization’s scholarship fund to benefit ASU fine arts students.

SAISD Transfers

San Angelo ISD will begin accepting in-district and out-of-district student transfer applications for the 2014-2015 school year next Monday.  Applications may be obtained at campus offices or at the administration building at 1621 University.  In-district applications can be downloaded from the SAISD website.  Those interested in out-of district transfers should call or visit the SAISD Pupil Services Office. 

SBDC Oilfield Conference

The Angelo State University Small Business Development Center will co-host a conference on oilfield-related issues for small businesses next month.  The conference is titled "Doing Business in the Oilfield: Where Does Your Small Business Fit?" and will feature a number of guest speakers.  It's scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th, at the LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center, on University Avenue.  Cost of the conference is 15 dollars per person.  You can find out more and register online at sbdc-dot-angelo-dot-edu.

ASU Best for Vets

Angelo State University's College of Business has been named one of the nation's 64 Best Business Schools for Veterans.  That comes from the Military Times organization's Best for Vets: Business Schools 2014 rankings. The ASU College of Business is ranked No. 17 out of 64 business schools on the list and is one of seven business schools in Texas to earn the "Best for Vets" designation. The rankings focus on culture and curriculum and factor in academic quality, outcomes and policies; school culture; student support; and cost.

Disaster Class

San Angelo's Community Emergency Response Team will be conducting training for those who wish to take a  20-hour course in Disaster Preparedness. The classes are scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, through Sunday, the 31st and will be held at the Grape Creek Fire Department.  Class will be limited to 20 people.  For  more information, contact Assistant Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Bea Ramsey.  The office number is 944-9666.

Spring Break

You won't see school buses or kids walking to school as part of the morning commute in San Angelo today.  All campuses and facilities of SAISD are closed for spring break through Friday.  Classes resume next Monday.

Landscape School

The harsh drought and heat of recent years has taken its toll on residential landscapes in the Concho Valley.  You can find out how to get your lawn and garden back in order at a Landscape School being provided this spring by the Texas Agrilife Extension Service.  Classes will be held April 2nd and 3rd and 9th and 10th with special emphasis on drought survival and recovery.  They will be held at the Tom Green 4-H Center on North US Highway 67.  To enroll or get more information, contact the Tom Green County Extension office.

San Angelo Unemployment

San Angelo's unemployment rate remains relatively low.  In January, it was four-point-five percent.  That compares to five-point-eight percent statewide and seven percent nationwide. There were about one-thousand more employed people in San Angelo compared to January 2013, when the unemployment rate was five-point-five percent.

TRAILS Volunteers Needed

Mosaic in San Angelo is currently seeking volunteers to help out with their TRAILS Therapeutic Riding Program.  TRAILS offers therapeutic riding to people of all ages, disabilities, medical conditions and special needs.  A volunteer training and orientation is scheduled on March 22nd from 10 AM to noon.  Classes begin March 25th and will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  For more information, call Janet Ridgway at 325-651-3333.

City Council Drawing

Candidates for three San Angelo City Council seats drew for placement on the May 10th ballot Friday morning at City Hall. The candidates' names will appear on the ballot in the following order:  In Single-Member District One--Rodney Fleming, Bill Richardson and Trinidad Aguirre Junior, in Single-Member District Three--Eugenio Ismael Garcia, Johnny Silvas and Richard C. Bastardo, Senior and, in Single-Member District Five--Philip Skinner and Elizabeth Grindstaff.  The deadline to register to vote in the May 10th election is April 10th.

More Primary Results

Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat Wendy Davis are set to faceoff in the November general election for governor. Both won their respective primaries on Tuesday with a wide margin.


The Texas GOP nomination for lieutenant governor is headed towards a runoff. Incumbent Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst is set to face Houston State Senator Dan Patrick in May.


The race for the GOP nomination for Texas Attorney General is also headed for a runoff between State Senator Ken Paxton received and state Representative Dan Branch.



U.S. Senator John Cornyn is coming out on top in the Republican primary in Texas.

Election Results

Tuesday was primary election day and, according to unofficial results in Tom Green County, interim County Judge Steve Floyd defeated Richard Easingwood Junior. Liz McGill won the County Clerk race, Diana Spieker won for County Treasurer; for the county commission, Rick Bacon won in Precinct Number Three and Bill Ford won in Precinct Number Four.


For U.S. Representative in District One, incumbent Mike Conaway defeated Wade Brown and for State Representative in District 72, it was Drew Darby over Shannon Thomason.

Texas Workforce Commission

The Texas Workforce Commission will host San Angelo-area business owners and managers at the Texas Business Conference in San Angelo later this month. It's scheduled for Friday, March 21st at the Howard College-West Texas Training Center. The conference will provide information for employers and business owners concerning the legal issues associated with operating a business in Texas. You can find out more and download conference registration forms at texas-workforce-dot-org-slash-texas-business-conference.

Chamber Luncheon

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce March Membership Luncheon will feature the Commander of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base as the guest speaker. Colonel Kimberlee Joos will present the annual update on Goodfellow Air Force Base. The luncheon will be held at the Cactus Hotel, on East Twohig, next Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The cost is 15 dollars per person; to make a reservation or get more information, call the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce.

ERCOT Request

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, grid operator for most of Texas, is asking electric consumers to limit their electric use as much as possible on this morning.  ERCOT's director of System Operations, Dan Woodfin, says "The cold weather and accompanying wind that has spread across the region is expected to result in high electric demand for today's peak.” Consumers can help reduce demand by keeping your thermostat as low as is comfortable, preferably no higher than 68 degrees, turning off and unplugging non-essential lights and appliances and avoid running large appliances, such as washers, dryers and electric ovens.

Gas Prices Update

Gas prices finished February with the largest increase since July. Triple-A reports that the national average rose 21 days in a row increasing 17 cents per gallon, or five percent, over the course of the month. It was the longest consecutive streak since last February.  As of today, the nationwide average for a gallon of unleaded is three-46, up five cents from a week ago.  In Texas, the statewide average is three-22 a gallon, up two cents.  In San Angelo, gas-buddy-dot-com reports the price of regular ranges from three-13 to three-21 a gallon.

City Council Candidates

Eight candidates filed for the three San Angelo City Council seats that will be filled in the May 10th election. The three winners will fill full two-year terms in the Single-Member Districts 1, 3 and 5 seats. The candidates who filed prior to Friday’s 5 p.m. deadline are, in District One, Rodney Fleming, Trinidad Aguirre Jr. and Bill Richardson; in District Three,  Richard C. Bastardo Sr., Johnny Silvas and Eugenio Ismael Garcia and, in District Five, Philip Skinner and Elizabeth Grindstaff.