Drought Depletes West Texas Cattle Herds

The extended drought has had a severe effect on the size of cattle herds in West Texas. New numbers show over 600-thousand fewer cattle on ranches in the area, a direct result of the worst drought since 1895. Some cattle industry veterans now estimate many ranches are only thirty or forty percent stocked. Many cattle were shipped out of state to graze at the height of last summer's drought, some as far away as Georgia. It's now estimated at least 150-thousand head were sent to other states where they could find grazing land.

Vandalism reward

San Angelo police are offering a one-thousand dollar reward for information concerning last weekend's vandalism. Police now say close to 100 car windows were shot out with a BB gun in incidents that happened all over the city. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 658-HELP.

Two new police officers

Two new members of the San Angelo police force were sworn in Monday morning. Officer Noel Anderson is a familiar face, rejoining the department after leaving to work with Goodfellow Air Force Base. Officer Jed Polnick comes to San Angelo from the Brown County Sheriff's Department.

FLDS bigamy trial moved

The bigamy trial of former FLDS leader Wendell Loy Nielsen will not take place in San Angelo. On Monday, 51st District Judge Barbara Walther ordered a change of venue to Midland. That's because of previous publicity concerning the FLDS in San Angelo and the number of cases already tried here. Nielsen, who is 71, is expected to go on trial sometime in March.

Ballet event

San Angelo Civic Ballet is hosting a new event on Friday, February 10th, from 6 to 8 PM at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. “Love What You Do: A Celebration of Creativity” will feature live music by singer Lex Land from Austin, unique creative activities, and drinks and hors d’oeuvres. There will be no admission charge but donations to the Ballet will be appreciated. For more information, go to the ballet's website (sanangelocivicballet.org).

Meet the candidate

A candidate for sheriff of Tom Green County is inviting you to meet him. David Jones will be at the Coney Island-Longhorn Ballroom at 214 South Chadbourne on Thursday from 5 to 7 PM. Jones is currently chief deputy in the sheriff's office and has been endorsed by former sheriff Joe Hunt and current sheriff Truman Richey.

Financing options seminar

If you're looking to fund a business start-up or expansion, the ASU Small Business Development Center has a free seminar for you. "Financing Options: How to Find Funding for Your Business" is scheduled for this evening from 6 to 8:30 at the ASU Campus in the Rassman Building. You can sign up at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-e-d-u.

Feast of Santa Angela

The 4th annual Feast of Santa Angela took place Saturday at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. There was food, of course, plus Renaissance-era music and costumes. Entertainment included a comedic play presented by the San Angelo Broadway Academy.

Celebration of Champions

Some 500 horses and their riders are in San Angelo for the annual Celebration of Champions. The competition got underway Saturday and runs for nine days at the First Community Federal Credit Union Spur Arena. It's sponsored by the National Reined Cow Horse Association.

Car vandalism

Somebody was apparently riding around San Angelo on Saturday night shooting out windows of various vehicles with a BB gun. Police say they got reports of more than 60 such incidents. Anyone who knows who might be responsible can call CrimeStoppers and remain anonymous at 658-HELP.

Redistricting deadline

State and minority groups have until one week from today to reach agreement on redrawn political districts. That deadline was set by a three-judge federal court in San Antonio, which said if the matter is not resolved by then, the April 3rd primary will have to be pushed back.

City manager resigning

It's official, San Angelo is about to have a vacancy in the city manager's office. Harold Dominguez signed a letter of intent Friday to become the new city manager in Longmont, Colorado. Saying it was a difficult decision to leave San Angelo, Dominguez announced that he will resign on March 9th and begin his new job on April 2nd. He has served as San Angelo city manager for seven years.

Interstate speed limits increasing

The speed limit is going up to 75 miles an hour on some 15-hundred miles of interstate within the state of Texas. The increase was approved Thursday by the Texas Transportation Commission and covers 60 Texas counties. That includes I-20 in Van Zandt County, I-35 in Hill County, and I-45 in Navarro County. The new speed limits are not official until new signs are up; in the meantime, continue traveling at posted speeds.

60 Counties To See Higher Speed LImits

Okay, lead-foot, get ready to roll. For those Texans who feel the need for speed, there's about to be a lot more roadway on which to satisfy it. The Texas Department of Transportation is raising the speed limit on nearly fifteen hundred miles of Texas Interstate highways to 75 miles per hour. The speed limit changes span 60 Texas counties making it the largest conversion since a new law was passed last year. The Texas Legislature passed a bill that allows 75 mph speed limits on Texas highways providing speed studies show it can be done safely. Tom Green County is NOT among the sixty counties where faster speeds are being allowed. The roll-out of new speed limits will be indicated by new 75-mile-per-hour signs and there's the catch: The higher speeds aren't legal until the signs go up. Motorists must continue to travel at the posted speed until new signs are installed.

Funeral for Jonathan Burgess

Some 15-hundred people gathered Thursday at the Cowboy Church of Menard to remember 17-year-old Jonathan Burgess. Burgess died Sunday after being accidentally shot while hunting near Fort McKavett.

Ex-CAC director pleads

The former executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Tom Green County has pleaded guilty to one count of stealing funds from the organization. Debra Brown went before a federal judge in Lubbock Thursday. A grand jury indicted Brown last August on six count of embezzlement and theft from federally-funded programs. She could face up to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of 250-thousand dollars.

Heart Association benefit

The American Heart Association holds an annual benefit event next week. The Go Red Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday at the McNease Convention Center. Motivational humorist Emery Austin will serve as keynote speaker. Other events will include special talks for women, exhibits and a heart healthy lunch. For ticket information, call the Heart Association: 325-481-6300.

New interstate speed limits

Miles and miles of Texas highway will soon see speed limit increases following Thursday's Texas Transportation Commission action approving 75 mile per hour designations for close to 15-hundred miles of interstate. The speed limit changes span 60 Texas counties making it the largest conversion since the legislature okayed it last year. However, you must continue to travel at posted speeds until the new speed limit signs go up.

Feast of Santa Angela

The history, art, education, and spirit of San Angelo will be celebrated in the fourth annual tribute to the city’s namesake; Santa Angela Merici. The Feast of Santa Angela takes place tomorrow at 6:30pm. The event will be held at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts located at 1 Love Street. Tickets are 30 dollars per person, 15 dollars for children under 10; you can find out more online at s-a-broadway-academy-dot-org.

Debra Brown hearing

The former director of the Children's Advocacy Center, accused of stealing more than 230-thousand dollars from the agency, is scheduled for a plea hearing today in federal court at Lubbock. Neither attorneys for Debra Brown nor officials with the U.S. Attorney's office have commented as to whether this means the case has been resolved.

January rainfall

Tuesday night's storms have lifted San Angelo's rainfall total ahead of the average for the month of January. The city got one-point-three-nine inches of rain Tuesday evening which brought the monthly total to two-point-eight-one inches, which is about three times what we would normally get in January.

Counterfeit money arrest

San Angelo police say they've caught a man with some funny money. 55-year-old Thomas Ray Moulton allegedly tried to make a purchase at the Stripes store on Howard Tuesday night using two 10 dollar bills, which the store clerk would not accept because he said they were counterfeit. Moulton left the store but returned later in the evening to get change for a legitimate 20 dollar bill. Using store video, police were able to get a vehicle and suspect description and tracked down Moulton to the 32-hundred block of Houston. They say he had two more counterfeit tens and he was arrested for forgery by passing.

ASU Planetarium shows

Angelo State University's Global Immersion Center, formerly the Planetarium, will present three full-dome public astronomy shows during its spring 2012 schedule beginning one week from today. That's in the Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building on Vanderventer Street. The schedule includes two shows never before seen at ASU, "Passport to the Universe," narrated by Tom Hanks, and "Expanded View," featuring images captured by the Hubble and other space telescopes. You can hear a recording of show days and times by calling 942-2188.

Major Storms Hammer Central, East Texas

A major weather system hammering central and east Texas today. Nearly three inches of water reported in one hour alone at the Austin airport this morning. Water rescues in Bastrop County and in San Antonio. Flash flooding being experienced in a number of areas as this major squall line roared through Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Some highways are under water late this afternoon in both central and east Texas. No word yet on whether there's been any loss of life. Radar images show that while we are in for more rain, that major storm is NOT heading our way. In fact, the Concho Valley is actually well behind it as it hammers its way northeasterly through Texas and into parts of Louisiana and Arkansas. Again, that storm front is not headed for us. We'll actually have sunshine starting tomorrow. I'll tell you about that in less than a minute.

City manager gets job offer

San Angelo could soon have an opening for city manager. The man who currently holds that post, Harold Dominguez, has been offered the job of city manager in Longmont, Colorado. The Longmont city council selected Dominguez from six finalists. He could go to work there by March, pending salary negotiations.

Earthquake

Another minor earthquake in West Texas. The U.S. Geological Survey says this one hit at 12:21 Tuesday afternoon in a remote area about 17 miles southeast of Alpine, not far from Big Bend National Park. The three-point-six magnitude quake produced no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Shannon clinic open house

The Shannon Urgent Care South Clinic has a new location--in what used to be the Baker Street Coffee House at 3502 Knickerbocker. You can check it out today--an open house is scheduled from four to six PM. The clinic will provide minor emergency care and improved radiology services. And it will be open extended hours, from 7 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week.

Parks forum

The City of San Angelo wants to hear from you as to how its parks and recreation system can be improved. The final in a series of public forums is scheduled for tomorrow evening, starting at 5:30 in the City Council chambers of the McNease Convention Center. Topics will include parks; recreational facilities; recreational programming for youth, adults and seniors; fees; and reservations. You can also respond to an online survey through February 8th.

Marketing seminar

If you're a small business looking to get noticed, attract new customers and increase profits, you might want to check out another seminar from the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. "Marketing 101--Know Your Market" is scheduled for tomorrow evening from 6 to 8:30 at the Rassman Building on the ASU campus. you can find out more and register at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Small business seminar

If you're looking to hire new employees in 2012 or just wondering how to keep the employees you've got now, the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center has a seminar for you. “Hiring and Retaining Good Employees” will be held this evening from 6 to 8:30 in the ASU Rassman Building. To find out more about this seminar or to register, go online to s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Nolan burn ban

A Concho Valley county has reinstated a burn ban. Officials in Nolan County took that action because of windy and dry conditions. The ban means outdoor burning is not allowed; violators can be charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to 500 dollars and be held liable for any damage caused by a fire.

Boy in backyard fire

The fire marshall is investigating the death of an eight year old boy found in the backyard of a home on Shadyhill on Sunday evening. Police said they found him lying on the ground near a storage shed that had been on fire. It's believed the boy had been inside the shed when the fire broke out and was overcome by smoke an fumes. He was transported to Shannon Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Civic Ballet award

The San Angelo Civic Ballet has awarded its 2012 Susan Templeton Kinney Spring Gift to a sophomore at Central High School. Ms. Riley Monk, who's been dancing since the age of four, was honored at a ceremony held at the Civic Ballet studio last week. The one-thousand dollars scholarship is given to one of the ballet's level 4 students each year to be used toward their professional dance aspirations.

Basics of Bookkeeping

If you need to brush up on your bookkeeping skills, the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center has a seminar for you. It's called "Basics of Bookkeeping: Mastering Your Business's Finances" and it's coming up this evening from 6 to 830 PM in the Rassman Building on the ASU campus. You can register online at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Symphony Rodeo Night

The San Angelo Symphony continues its current season on February 4th with "Rodeo Night" at the McNease Convention Center. The Symphony and Maestro Hector Guzman pay tribute to the music of the great western movies and television shows, including The Cowboys, True Grit, Lonesome Dove, The Big Country and Billy the Kid. Tickets are available now at the Symphony office in the Cactus Hotel and several other locations. For more information, visit san-angelo-symphony-dot-org.

Genealogical workshop

The 11th Annual Genealogical Workshop is coming up and is sponsored by the Friends of the Porter Henderson Library/West Texas Collection at Angelo State University. Billie Stone Fogarty, author of the Guidebook to Researching My Family Tree, will present sessions on researching military service, courthouse records and the National Achives. The workshop will take place Saturday, March 3rd, at the Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall on YMCA Drive in San Angelo.

Downtown Development Commission Seeks Input Tonight

San Angelo's Downtown Development Commission holding a public meeting tonight as it moves forward with designing a master plan for the downtown area. Citizen input is what they want -- ideas, comments, criticisms -- as Commission members work on drafting a plan that will eventually go to the City Council and be included in San Angelo's next Comprehensive Plan. That meeting of the DOwn town Development Commission is set for six o'clock tonight at Stevens Central Library

School Year To Start Later, End Earlier

Some Texas school districts are reversing a trend that saw the school year start in mid-August and earlier -- and that includes San Angelo. The calendar for the 2012-13 school year is on the agenda for this evening's San Angelo Independent School District trustees' meeting. The San Angelo district is among those that are trying to start the school year later in August and not let it run very far into June. That;s accomplished by providing shorter vacation breaks at Thanksgiving and other holidays but many board members say it's a good idea. The San Angelo school calendar being discussed this evening would start the next school year on August 27th, five days later than this year, with high school graduation set for June first, 2013.

Woman Trapped In Wrecked Car This Morning

A senior citizen rushed to a hospital after a two-car crash in San Angelo this morning with injuries that may be serious. Police say the woman had to be freed after being trapped in a smoking car following the collision at Sixth Street and Bryant Boulevard. The accident happened around nine-thirty this morning. The woman was reportedly trapped inside the car for at least ten minutes while first-responders worked to free her. Police have not yet identified the injured woman, who was driving a white Ford Taurus that police say turned into the path of another vehicle. The other driver not hurt.

Gas prices

A visit to the gas pump in Texas continues to get more expensive. According to Triple-A, the statewide average price of a gallon of regular is three-25 a gallon today. That's an increase of four cents a gallon from a week ago and 22 cents a gallon from a month ago. In San Angelo, a check of Gas-Buddy-dot-com finds prices ranging from three-15 to three-39 a gallon for regular gas.

Unemployment down

The unemployment rate in Texas has fallen to its lowest point in two and a half years. The Texas Workforce Commission announced today that the jobless figure dropped from eight-point-one percent in November to seven-point-eight percent in December. That's below the national rate of eight-point-five. The state added 20-thousand non-farm jobs and private employers added another 10-thousand. Unemployment in San Angelo was just five-point-five percent in December, down from five-point-seven percent in November and down from six-point-two a year ago.

School Choice Week

Texas, with a proclamation signed by Governor Rick Perry, is celebrating National School Choice Week. School choice supporters believe that state officials should do more to improve student achievement and attainment by expanding access to improved public schools, public charter schools, private schools, virtual education, and homeschooling. 10 School Choice events are being held in Texas, including one at noon today on the Elementary Campus at Angelo Catholic School on East Beauregard.

Perry drops out

Governor Rick Perry says he has concluded there is no viable path forward for his presidential campaign. Therefore, Perry announced Thursday that, two days before the South Carolina primary, he was formally suspending his bid for the White House. Perry gave his endorsement to Newt Gingrich.

Debra Brown plea hearing

The former director of the Children's Advocacy Center, accused of stealing more than 230-thousand dollars from the agency, is scheduled for a plea hearing next Thursday in Lubbock. Neither attorneys for Debra Brown nor officials with the U.S. Attorney's office would comment as to whether this means the case has been resolved.

ASU capital campaign

Angelo State University held a celebration dinner for its first-ever capital campaign and there were 25-million reasons to celebrate. That's how much the school has raised in just one year. With two years to go in the campaign, ASU president Joseph Rallo and Chancellor Kent Hance announced that a new goal has been set: 35 million dollars.

Perry Ends Presidential Campaign

Governor Rick Perry has withdrawn from the G-O-P Presidential campaign. In an announcement in South Carolina this morning, Perry said he sees no viable way to continue his campaign and is suspending it and returning to Texas. At the same time, Perry said he is supporting Newt Gingrich for the Republican nomination.

Downtown master plan meeting

The public is invited to give its input on the draft master plan for San Angelo's Downtown Development District. The Downtown Development Commission has scheduled a public meeting for next Monday at 6 PM at the Stephens Central Library on West Beauregard Avenue. The downtown master plan must be approved by the commission and the city council and then it becomes part of the city's comprehensive plan.

Great Flood exhibit

This is your last week to see the Great San Angelo Flood of 1936 exhibit at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark on Oakes Street. The display includes photos, maps, artifacts and a large model depicting the largest natural disaster in San Angelo history. The Visitor Center will be open all week and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. The exhibit is free of charge.

Missing girl found

Late last night, San Angelo Police said they have located a missing teen for whom they had earlier issued an alert. 14-year-old Emily Miller was located in the 1100 block of East 20th Street in San Angelo after being gone since Sunday night. According to police, Emily is safe and has been returned to a family member.

SA City Council

The San Angelo City Council on Tuesday approved upgrades for Rio Vista Park and gave the OK to the building of a new large boat ramp at Lake Nasworthy. But the council turned down a proposal to spend 230-thousand dollars for a new pedestrian walking trail on the top of Gun Club Hill.

Robert Lee groundbreaking

The city of Robert Lee has announced that construction of the new emergency water transmission line to the city of Bronte has begun. The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony this Friday at 1:30 PM at the intersection of Highway 158 and Water Plant Road. Volunteers are installing approximately five miles of the water transmission line along Highway 158. The emergency pipeline is expected to be finished by the end of March.

The Katalyst returns

Angelo State University alumnus Kevin Carroll - aka the "Katalyst" - returns to San Angelo this week for a series of speaking engagements. Carroll is a speaker, author and agent for social change who graduated from ASU, served in the Air Force, earned a master's degree and worked for Nike as its "Katalyst." Carroll will speak and sign his book, "Rules of the Rubber Ball," today at 5:30 PM in the Community Room at the Stephens Central Library on West Beauregard Avenue.

Gettysburg lecture

Gettysburg, the most iconic battle of the American Civil War, will be the focus of the fourth installment of the Angelo State University lecture series commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The lecture is free and open to the public in ASU's C.J. Davidson Conference Center on Rosemont at 7 PM next Tuesday.

Hairspray auditions

The San Angelo Broadway Academy will be holding auditions for the program's upcoming Spring tuition-based production workshop this Saturday at Sunset Mall in the Community Room next to the Mens Dillards. For the first time ever on stage in San Angelo, the Spring musical will be the Tony Award-winning Hairspray. Auditions are opened to students between the ages of 12-18, no experience necessary. You can get more information online at s-a-broadway-academy-dot-org.

Junior Leadership Forum

The Leadership San Angelo Alumni Association will host its 13th Annual Junior Leadership Forum one week from today. The forum is for local high school sophomores and is scheduled for 8:30 AM. to 3:30 PM at ASU's C.J. Davidson Ballroom. The Forum partners with the John Ben Sheppard Public Leadership Institute to offer young people from Tom Green County the opportunity to learn leadership skills and to heighten their awareness of responsible citizenship.

San Angelo Woman Turning 107

When she was born, Teddy Roosevelt was President and only three million people were spread out around Texas, about 22-million fewer than today. San Angelo resident Cornelia Shultz is turning 107 years old. Shultz, a former rural Texas school teacher, moved to San Angelo in the 1950s. One reason for her longevity may make you feel hopeful about your own: she hunted deer until she was 90. Cornelia Shultz will turn 107 in San Angelo tomorrow.

Dominguez applies for job

The city manager of San Angelo is among six finalists for the same job in Longmont, Colorado. Harold Dominguez was one of 86 who originally applied. Dominguez has been San Angelo city manager since 2004. He and the other finalists will meet Thursday with staff and community members in Longmont, capped off by a forum in which they'll be questioned by members of the public.

Homeowners insurance

For the second year in a row, Texas homeowners are paying more for home insurance than anyone else in the country. The Dallas Morning News reports that the average bill in the Lone Star State is 15-hundred-11 dollars a year. That beats out the second-place state, Florida, by 50 bucks.

Winchester returns

The man wanted for a 2008 murder in San Angelo is finally back in San Angelo. 43-year-old James Winchester, wanted for killing Kim Burton at her home on Cornell Street, was arrested last month in Joplin, Missouri. Several extradition hearings took place before the judge on Monday agreed to send Winchester back to Texas. He's now in the Tom Green County jail with bail set at a half-million dollars.

San Angelo explosion

An explosion in southeast San Angelo Monday morning injured two workers. Shortly before nine o'clock, a tank apparently blew up at S and S Steel Industries Company on Chrostoval Road. San Angelo police and firefighters responded. At least one of the injured was taken to Shannon Medical Center.

Council To Discuss Nasworthy Improvements

Improvements in facilities at Lake Nasworthy top the agenda for tomorrow morning's meeting of the San Angelo City Council. The Council will debate spending money from teh Lake Nasworthy Trust Fund to improve access to the lake area and to construct a new boat ramp for the San Angelo Drag Boat Races. The Council could spend up to thirty-five thousand dollars from the Fund to provide those improvements.

Winchester Jailed In San Angelo Killing

The suspect who's been fighting extradition to San Angelo in a 2008 murder case is finally behind bars in the Tom Green County Jail today. We told you last week the a judge in Missouri had finally approved a Texas extradition warrant for 43-year-old James Winchester. Now, Winchester is in custody here in lieu of half a million dollars bail. Winchester was charged in the March, 2008, murder of 53-year-old Kim Burton at her home in the 3300 block of Cornell Street. Winchester arrested in Joplin, Missouri, after detectives said they connected him with the crime. Another man had originally been charged with the killing but he's now been cleared. That man, Dwayne Chadwick, is still in prison on other charges.

MLK Day closures

A number of government offices and other businesses are closed today in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Federal, state, Tom Green County and City of San Angelo will be closed. Also closed today: local banks, the U.S. Postal Service, Angelo State University, and the San Angelo ISD.

Lake wind advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a lake wind advisory for Tom Green, Runnels, Coke and Concho counties. Southwest winds, 20 to 30 miles an hour, gusting to 40 miles and hour will make waters choppy and hazardous for boaters. Small boats will be especially prone to capsizing. The lake wind advisory is in effect from this morning until 6 PM.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo`s Most Wanted this week is sought for parole violation on a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and a Tom Green County warrant for felony forgery. 30-year-old Lupe Martinez Chappa Junior--also known as "Guadalupe," is a male, 5-5, 180 pounds with black hair and brown eyes with tattoos over much of his body. His last known address was in the 1300 block of Richards Street. If you know anything about Lupe Martinez Chappa Junior--call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

Most wanted captured

One of San Angelo's Most Wanted is no longer at large. Jeremy Jason Hogeda, who got the "most wanted" designation in late December, was sought on a probation violation for aggravated assault with a dealy wepon and two city warrants. San Angelo authorities got word that Hogeda was in Midland, tipped off police there and they made the arrest.

MLK Day event

The slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Junior will be remembered on his day with several events in San Angelo. One takes place at noon at the Sacred Heart Cathedral downtown. That's where Catholic Bishop Michael Pfiefer, joined by other area ministers, will conduct a special ecumenical service honoring Doctor King. The LeCoterie Society of San Angelo will hold a luncheon at the ministerial Alliance Campus at 11-hundred MLK Drive. It starts at one; the cost to eat is six dollars.

Public meetings

You're invited to give the city of San Angelo your opinion on several topics at upcoming public meetings. Three meetings will be held at the McNease Convention Center--next Tuesday on "Acquiring and Developing Property, " next Thursday on improvements and regulations at Lake Nasworthy parks and on the 26th on Parks and Recreation facilities and programming. A fourth meeting on Downtown Development plans is scheduled for next Thursday at the Stephens Central Library.

Counterfeit money

San Angelo police are asking for your help in figuring out where counterfeit money has been coming from. They say local convenience stores and fast-food restaurants have been reporting that they received several fake 20 dollar bills. If you kknow anything about this, please contact San Angelo police are you can call Crime Stoppers and remain anonymous at 658-HELP.

Murder suspect extradited

It's taken awhile, but a man arrested in a three-year-old San Angelo murder case will soon be returning to the city. Last month, 43-year-old James Owen Winchester was arrested by police in Joplin, Missouri. Winchester is accused of murdering Kim Burton at a residence in the 33-hundred block of Cornell Street in March of 2008. After several hearings in Joplin, a judge on Thursday signed papers extraditing him back to Texas.

Tattoo convention next month

Some of the nation's top tattoo artists will be at work during the third annual West Texas Tattoo Convention, coming to San Angelo next month. The event is organized by brothers Alex and Aubrey Trufant and is scheduled for February 24th through the 26th at the McNease Convention Center on Rio Concho Drive. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the city's ticket outlets or online at san-angelo-texas-dot-u-s.

Redistricting Hassles Postpone Voter Registration Mailings

If you're wondering why you haven't received your new Tom Green County voter registration certificate, you're not alone. They normally expire at the end of December and new ones are mailed out. The Voter Registration Office, though, says that won't happen for awhile yet. It's yet more fallout from the disputed Texas redistricting maps, a squabble that's gone all the way to the Supreme Court and has yet to be resolved. ANd since the voter registration certificates include information that's still being decided in court, they can't be mailed out. They're tentatively set to go in late February but officials caution that could change if the courts haven't decided the issue by then.

Wrongly-Convicted Murder Suspect Freed

A man who was apparently wrongly accused and convicted of murdering his brother is now free. Randall Philen, who just six weeks ago was sentenced to life behind bars, is now out of jail and a third suspect has been arrested in the killing. Texas Rangers say the three were arrested after a confidential witness came forward and implicated them and not the brother of Ronnie Philen, who was killed in 2009. The new witness appeared after Randall Philen had been convicted of his brother's murder. He's a free man today, although the Brown County D-A says there will be a new trial.

Meth dealer sentenced

A Chandler man accused of dealing in methamphetamine has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. 24-year-old Michael Andrews McFarlin pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. McFarlin was indicted by a Henderson County Grand jury after being arrested last June. Investigators searching his home had found a large quantity of meth and a firearm.

Purse-snatching

San Angelo police are looking for a purse-snatcher. 48-year-old Carol Stinson says she was approached in the 2200 block of Pecos on Tuesday afternoon by a man who asked her for money. Stionson said she had none--he then asked for a cigarette and as she opened her purse to get him one, he hit her in the head with some sort of object, grabbed the purse and ran away. The suspect is a while male, about 6 feet tall with a scruffy beard and wearing dark colored pants with a dark hooded sweatshirt. If you know anything, contact Crime Stoppers.

Cyclist hit

A woman has been cited for failure to control speed and driving without prescription glasses after running her mini-van into a bicycle. An Airman was riding the bike to Goodfellow Air Force Base Wednesday morning when he was hit on South Cadbourne as the woman passed another vehicle and changed lanes. 31-year-old Robert Antoine Abrom was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Landing scare

A scare for the pilot and passengers of a private Citation jet coming in for a landing at Mathis Field Wednesday afternoon. The pilot was on final approach when he reported that his landing gear indicator did not show that his wheels were deployed. The airport's Aircraft Response Fire Truck was prepared to respond, however, it turned out that the landing gear had deployed--the problem was a faulty indicator.

Girl Scout cookies

Girl Scouts of Central Texas will kick off its 100th anniversary year and cookie program in the month of January. The Shortbread commemorative cookie box will be introduced to honor the Centennial year. Girl Scouts of Central Texas will launch its annual Cookie Program next Wednesday and it will last through February 24th. Cookie booths will be available at select neighborhood stores beginning January 24th. For more information, visit g-s-c-t-x-dot-org.

CAC fundraiser

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County is celebrating 20 years of helping abused and neglected children in the Concho Valley. The 11th Annual “Champagne and Diamonds” Valentine’s Fundraising Dinner, on Valentine's Day night in the Cactus Hotel. Tickets are 75 dollars per person and sponsorship opportunities are still available. You can find out more by calling 653-HOPE.

Strong-Arm Bandit Sought

San Angelo police on the trail of a robber who struck a woman and stole her purse. Officers say a man with a scruffy beard approached a woman in teh 2200 block of Pecos Street and asked her for change. When the woman told him she had no spare change, he asked for a cigarette. As she opened her purse, he reportedly struck her in the head with an unknown object. The victim told officers he then grabbed her purse and ran off. The robber described as about six feet tall, wearing dark colored pants and a hoodie. The woman was treated for minor injuries at a hospital. If you know anything about this robbery, call San Angelo police.

Desk and Derrick meeting

Randall Ross, owner of Randall Ross Consulting, will speak to the local Desk and Derrick Club tomorrow on the topic, "An Evolving Energy Industry and Challenges to Energy Independence." The meeting will be held at the Bentwood Country Club on Club House Lane in San Angelo starting at 11:30 a.m. Guests may attend for 14 dollars. To learn more about the Association of Desk and Derrick Clubs, visit A-D-D-C-dot-org.

Rain, snow totals

This week's rain and snow left behind significant rain and snowfall totals across the Concho Valley. According to the National Weather Service, San Angelo recorded one-point-44 inches of rainfall at the airport since Sunday night. Northeast Coke County hit one-point-69 inches.Snowfall totals included two-point-six inches in San Angelo and three inches in Robert Lee.

Post-snow clean-up

Homeowners and tree-trimming companies were busy in San Angelo Tuesday, cutting up and getting rid of branches broken by heavy snowfall. Those branches, falling on power lines, knocked out power to nearly four-thousand AEP Texas customers on Monday but service was restored by Tuesday morning.

Apartment fire

No injuries are reported from an apartment fire in San Angelo on Monday night. The blaze occurred in the 300 block of North Main Street, starting in the kitchen, which was destroyed, and moving on to damage two other rooms before firefighters could put it out.

City election applications

If you're interested in running for office in the city of San Angelo, you can pick up candidate packets starting today. Positions on the May 12th general election ballot include Chief of Police and Single Member Districts one, three and five. Applications can be submitted between February 4th and March 5th. The packets are available at the City Clerk's Office in the Municipal Centerbuilding on South Chadbourne.

SCOTUS In No Hurry To Approve Redistricting Maps

The U-S Supreme Court apparently struggling with issues involving legislative redistricting in Texas -- and that may mean our primary elections may be pushed back as far as June. Justices considering maps of 36 Texas congressional districts including four new ones plus input from a number of lower court rulings. Now, the Supreme Court is indicating it's in no hurry to resolve the matter. The state's GOP primary has already been moved back from March sixth to April third. Now, it may not happen until well into the summer.

Power outages

AEP crews were out in San Angelo last night, working to get the power back on for some three-thousand electric customers in San Angelo. Officials say the outages hit several areas of the city. It's possible that snow could have tripped some breakers.

Light snow this morning

The National Weather Service says light snow with little or no additional accumulation is possible this morning. That's for areas generally west of a line from Haskell to Merkel.

Honor for ASU alumnus

An honor for an alumnus of Angelo State University. Air Force Major General Ronnie Hawkins Jr. has been promoted to lieutenant general and selected to command the Defense Information Systems Agency headquartered at Fort Meade, Maryland. Hawkins will receive his third star when he assumes his new position tomorrow. Hawkins is a 1977 ASU grad and was a member of the Rams track and field teams that won three Lone Star Conference titles in the 70's.

Winter Storm Warning

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SAN ANGELO HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM TOMORROW. SNOW ON ROADWAYS WILL MAKE TRAVEL SLIPPERY AND DANGEROUS. BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES WHICH FREEZE FIRST. VISIBILITIES MAY BE REDUCED IN HEAVIER SNOW. PRECIPITATION WILL START OFF THIS MORNING AS RAIN,THEN TRANSITION TO A RAIN/SNOW MIX BY LATE MORNING OR EARLY AFTERNOON. A GRADUAL TRANSITION TO ALL SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED IN THE WARNING AREA BY LATE AFTERNOON. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS 4 TO 7 INCHES POSSIBLE WITH ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS.

ASU search

A 15-member search committee has been announced by Angelo State University President Joseph Rallo to make recommendations for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs by the end of May. The search timeline will include development of a job description for the position, which serves as the chief academic officer for ASU and is second in command to the president. Dr. Brian J. May, ASU's graduate dean, has been serving as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs since June.

San Angelo's most wanted

San Angelo`s Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for felony theft and four city warrants, issuance of bad checks and failure to appear. 30-year-old Mario Alberto Lopez is 5-7, 155 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in the 2800 block of San Antonio and was last employed as a Rough Neck with a drilling company. If you have any information about Mario Alberto Lopez, contact Crimestoppers at 658-HELP.

AM1 Most wanted arrested

One of San Angelo's Most Wanted is no longer at large. Landis McCormick had been sought for a Parole Violation for Possession of a Controlled Substance out of Scurry County; a Tom Green County warrant for Theft, and two City Warrants. A deputy in Coke County recognized McCormick as someone who was working on a local ranch and arrested him without incident on December 31st.

Business plan seminar

If you have a new or growing business, a strong business plan is essential. The ASU Small Business Development Center is conducting two free seminars on that topic this week. "How to Write Your Business Plan" is scheduled for Wednesday evening and "Business Plan Financials" Thursday evening. Both are held from 6 to 8:30 PM in the Rassman Building on the Angelo State Campus. You can register at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Menard fatal collision

Two people were killed and another injured in a two-vehicle head-on crash occurring on U.S. 83, about three miles north of Menard in Menard County. It happened shortly before noon on Saturday. The DPS indentified the fatalities as 69-year-old David Lloyd Fondersmith and 62-year-old Connie Ayers Fondersmith, both of Menard. The collission occurred as David Fondersmith, headed northbound, attempted to avoid a southbound car that had drifted into his lane. Fatigue is suspected as the cause.

Escapee Recaptured In Del Rio

A prisoner who ran away from the Sutton County jail early this week has been recaptured in Del Rio. Texas Rangers and Del Rio police say they captured Jose Trevino hiding beneath a pile of clothing in a Del Rio trailer park. Trevino had escaped on Monday when he ran from the Sutton County Jail while being transferred from a cell to a workout area. He had originally been charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Now, escape charges will be added. Trevino reportedly suffered minor head injuries during the arrest.

Biden to TX

As President Barack Obama gears up for his re-election campaign, Vice President Joe Biden will be in Fort Worth January 31st to attend a private fundraiser. It is believed to be the vice president's first trip to Fort Worth while in office. The private luncheon will cost attendees between 250-dollars and 25-hundred dollars a person.

FLDS trial delays

Bigarmy trials involving leaders of the FLDS will not go on as scheduled. A pretrial hearing on bigamy charges for Warren Jeffs has been delayed. Late last month the prosecution asked for a postponement of Jeffs' trial be delayed because he is already in prison on his child sexual assault conviction and does not have an attorney. Also, the bigamy trial for FLDS President Wendell Loy Nielson scheduled to be tried later this month has also been postponed, with no new date set.

Spear attack indictment

You might remember the story last fall about a man who allegedly tried to use a homemade spear to attack a San Angelo police officer last October. 32-year-old Lance Martinez of San Angelo has now been indicted on a charge of aggravated assault on a public servant. Martinez was arrested after he lunged at the officer who went to a home on Forest Trail for a domestic disturbance call.

Missing person

San Angelo police issued a missing person's alert last night. 18-year-old Jesenia Alejandro Estrada arrived Monday from Stockton, California, to do missionary work for the San Angelo Catholic Diocese. Jesenia was last seen Tuesday evening at a residence in the 100 block of East Washington wearing purple pajamas. A black skirt and hoodie were missing from her belongings. She is 5-5, 125 pounds and has short black hair and brown eyes. There is concern about her welfare because of medical reasons. If you have any information regarding Jesenia Estrada, contact San Angelo police.

ASU student employment

Angelo State University says student employment is a big reason that the school's graduates have one of the lowest debt burdens among regional universities in the U.S. During the most recent academic year, ASU says nearly 12-hundred students worked and received more than four million dollars in wages. According to U.S. News and World Report, ASU grads had the fourth lowest debt among regional universities in the western U.S.

West Texas Reps Still Backing Perry

Despite a dismal showing in the Iowa G-O-P presidential caucuses, Governor Rick Perry still has the support of part of the West Texas Congressional delegation. Both Representatives Mike Conaway and Randy Neugebauer say they're still backing Perry, who finished a distant fifth in Iowa, which was won in a neck-and-neck finish by Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum. Perry's campagn, after an overnight re-assessment of his chances, created a sensation yesterday with a mass Tweet to supporters saying the governor planned to stay in the race and carry on into the South Carolina primary on January 21st. So far, only Minnesota's Michelle Bachman has dropped out of the G-O-P race.

Jeffs' Prison Phone Privileges Suspended

Last week, we reported that Texas prison officials were looking into possible phone policy violations by convicted polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs. Concerns had been raised that instead of just speaking with family members during some Christmas phone calls, Jeffs had his calls transmitted by speaker phone to a larger audience and used the occasion to preach sermons to his followers. Now prison officials say Jeffs' phone privileges have been removed until an investigation is complete, which should happen next week. Jeffs is serving twenty years for sexually assaulting two underage girls he claimed were his brides.

Rodeo tickets on sale

Folks lined up Wednesday morning at the Coliseum box office as tickets went on sale for the 80th annual Stock Show and Rodeo. The rodeo takes place February 16th through the 26th. In addition to the Coliseum box office, you can also purchase tickets at the convention center, Blair's Western Wear and Elite Physique on Knickerbocker.

San Angelo accident

Two cars collided at a busy San Angelo intersection Wednesday afternoon. The driver of a maroon Pontiac and the driver of a blue Mustang ran into each other at Avenue L and South Oakes Street at around 2:30. Both drivers were cited for not having insurance. A passenger in the Pontiac was taken to Shannon Medical Center.

Lunch and learn

The health effects of alcohol on today's youth will be the topic of the next Lunch and Learn hosted by the Concho Valley C.A.R.E.S. Coalition. Guest speaker will be pediatrician Christina Robinson of Shannon Clinic. The event takes place next Wednesday at River Crest Hospital and, as always, the public is invited. You can find out more online at c-v-cares-dot-org.

Shooter charged

We told you last week about a man who was allegedly shooting into a home on North Monroe Street. A SWAT team had to be called in to get the man out of the home. San Angelo police have now filed charges in the case. 39-year-old Ronald Keith Knight Junior is accused of deadly conduct--discharging a firearm within city limits. That's a 3rd degree felony, which means Knight is facing two to 10 years in prison and a fine of 10-thousand dollars.

Med Device Firm May Relocate Here, Bringing Jobs

A high-tech medical device company is considering relocating to San Angelo and with it, nearly 230 jobs. That's enough to spur the City Council to approve $3.6 million in taxpayer-funded economic incentives for Fort Worth-based MedHab. MedHab was founded by San Angelo native Johnny Ross. It's possible relocation has spawned something of a bidding war between San Angelo and Abilene, which is reportedly also offering a number of financial incentives to move.

Iowa results

The Iowa Republican Party presidential caucuses are history and nobody from Texas on. Mitt Romney has been declared the winner in Iowa, but not by much. He finished just eight votes in front of Rick Santorum. Texas Congressman Ron Paul came in third, followed by Newt Gingrich. Texas Governor Rick Perry finished in fifth place and said he'll return to the Lone Star State to reassess his campaign.

Tuesday accident

Three people wound up going to the hospital and traffic was tied up following an afternoon rush hour collision at the intersection of 17th and Bryant Boulevard. Police say a woman driving a Buick on Bryant ran into a Montero Sport being driven by a man east on 17th. The man will be cited for failure to yield right of way.

Plane crash

A pilot and a student pilot were only slightly injured when the small plane they were flying near Mathis Field Regional Airport went down. It crash-landed near a cabin at the KOA campground but there was no fire. The pilot told investigators that he was changing fuel supply tanks when the plane lost power.

Federal fire cost help

The Encino Ranch wildfire burned 12-thousand acres last spring and now the federal government is helping out with the expenses. The Tom Green County Commissioners' Court on Tuesday approved a 45-thousand dollar grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Commissioners are hoping for more money from Uncle Sam to help pay for fighting the massive Wilcat fire.

Boil-Water Notice Lifted For San Angelo

The boil-water notice that's been in effect for many San Angeloans since a water main break on New Year's day has been lifted. City officials canceled the notice as of ten o'clock this morning after lab results showed city was is once again fit to drink. Pressure in the water system is also back up to its normal 90 psi level citywide. The boil-water notice was issued after a 36-inch water main ruptured on Sunday, depriving an estimated thirty thousand San Angelo households of drinkable water. City crews have worked around the clock since then to repair the system and purify the water. Again, the boil-water notice for San Angelo has been lifted as of this morning. City water again safe to drink.

Christmas Tree Recycling Available

If you're just now taking your Christmas tree town, you still have a few days left to recycle it at no charge. You have until January 13th to drop off your tree at the SAFE Recycling Center in the 700 block of Warehouse Road or at the parking lot at Foster Communications Coliseum on east 43rd Street. You can drop off your tree anytime through the thirteenth but city crews remind you to be sure all ornaments and lights are removed first. That's because they run the trees through wood chippers which could be damaged if anything is still on your tree.

Fire weather conditions

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the Concho Valley, including Tom Green, Nolan, Sterling, Coke, Runnels, Irion, Concho, Crockett, Schleicher and Menard counties. Gusty south winds and relative humidity values falling to 20 to 25 percent will result in elevated fire weather conditions today and tonight.

Water update

Crews have been working to re-route water around the New Year's Day water main break that left some 30-thousand San Angelo households without water. Full pressure has not been restored to all areas yet. In the meantime, the boil-water advisory remains in effect. The advisory reads, "To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and for making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source." That promped many San Angeloans to stock up on bottled water, leaving the shelves at H-E-B and other stores almost empty.

State Parks Need Help

Over the summer the Texas heat and wildfire outbreaks all across the state hurt the amount of visitors state parks saw. That put a dent in The Texas Parks and Wildlife budget to the tune of about $4.6 million. But, with a new year state parks officials are hoping to turn things around. State parks rely heavily on visitors, with over half their revenues coming from user fees. You can help Texas state parks by simply visiting them and paying the five dollar entrance fee. You can also donate to the park system at the D-M-V office or online by doing a search for the Texas State Parks website. there's a button on it that's clearly marked DONATE.

Water Main Break Forces San Angelo Boil Water Notice

Water back on in many areas this afternoon after a water main break forced a boil water order for much of San Angelo. Crews worked through the night after a water main broke along Avenue K near the water treatment plant. About seventy-five percent of the city was affected, many areas with low or no water pressure. Concerns about safety of the water caused San Angelo officials to issue the boil-water order. That meant any water used for eating, drinking, cooking or ice-making should be boiled before use. It also meant a run on bottled water at San Angelo grocery and convenience stores, beginning last night when the order was issued. Many resident no doubt recalling a similar water main break in 2006 -- and yes, it was at Christmas-- that left parts of the city without water for a week. Typically, city officials say a boil-water notice last twenty-four hours but it can be extended if necessary.

Shooter arrested

A man reportedly fired several rifle shots at a home in north central San Angelo before he was apprehended by police Firday afternoon. It happened inthe 400 block of North Monroe. Arrested was 39-year-old Ronald Keith Knight Junior. No injuries were reported and SWAT team members were able to capture Knight without incident.

Boil-water notice

City of San Angelo water customers are under a boil-water notice. According to a statement from the city on Facebook, here's why: A 42-inch water main broke last night on Avenue K near the water treatment plant. Most of the City was effected at this time, with exceptions in the Bluffs to around the Bentwood area. Crews were working all night with water now reported back on in many areas. However, the city says "To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and for making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source."

New Year's holiday

It's January 2nd, but between parades and bowl games it still seems like New Year's Day and it's a holiday for many. City of San Angelo, Tom Green County and federal government offices are closed today as are banks and the postal service. Angelo State University offices are closed today and the San Angelo ISD is closed through tomorrow.

Blood drive continues

A reminder that United Blood Services of San Angelo is reaching out to Concho Valley residents with a new blood drive. Administrators say they have a very short supply of O-negative blood. If you donate from now through January 14th, you have a chance to win a flat screen TV. You can find United Blood Services at 2020 West Beauregard Avenue or online at united-blood-services-dot-org.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo`s Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for a parole violation for possession of a controlled substance plus a Tom Green County warrant for theft and two city warrants. 54-year-old Landis Blair McCormick is a white male, 5-8, 215 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. His last known address was in the 2100 block of North Street. If you know anything about Landis Blair McCormick, you can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.