Autopsy In Oil Rig Death of SA Man

An autopsy coming this week on a San Angelo man who was killed late last week in an oil field accident. Authorities in Reagan County say 21-year-old Chase Dillon of San Angelo died in the accident while working on a Robinson Drilling oil rig. He died at a local hospital. Dillon's death has now prompted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to open an investigation into safety procedures involving Robinson rigs. Three deaths reportedly occurred at a single Robinson rig in 2011, prompting the family of one of the victims to demand it be shut down. So far, no further details of the accident that killed Dillon.

Nolan County body

Sweetwater police say that, according to the preliminary autopsy report for a body found in the median of I-20 in Nolan County last week, the victim is an adult male. But his name, exact age and origin remain unknown. The body, already decomposed, was discovered by a highway clearnup crew. Police are looking at DNA profiles from missing persons to see if there might be match.

Book drive

The Boys and Girls Club of San Angelo is hoping to promote literacy among young people by holding a book drive. Kids books of all types will be collected this Saturday from 9 to 11 AM at the Boys and Girls Club at 1802 North Lillie Street. You can find out more by calling 655-8244.

Election day

It's primary runoff election day in Texas. In Tom Green County, voters have four locations where they can cast ballots. Those are the Plaza Del Sol Apartments at 4359 Oak Grove Boulevard, the River Place Apartments at 501 South Irene, The First Assembly of God Church at 1442 Edmund Boulevbard and the Victory Christian Center Church at 1620 Sunset Drive. The ballot includes the Republican U.S. Senate runoff between David Dewhurst and Ted Cruz and the GOP runoff for sheriff of Tom Green County between Steve Mild and David Jones. The polls are open until 7 o'clock this evening.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Very hot afternoon temperatures are forecast to be in the range of 105 to 107 degrees. Even though the air will be fairly dry, these temperatures with full sun could cause heat stress to those who will be working or spending time outdoors. The very high temperatures are forecast to continue through Monday.

Vancourt Semi Crash, Oil Leak

A truck driver injured, a highway closed and a mess on the road near an unincorporated community in eastern Tom Green County this morning.
D-P-S troopers say a semi carrying 40-thousand gallons of gear lubrication veered off the road and overturned on Highway 87 near Vancourt early today. Troopers say the truck driver, 60-year-old Larry Satterlee of McQueeny, was taken to a hospital with a possible broken arm. They say the semi apparently veered off the highway on a curve, corrected, then left the road and overturned , sliding around a hundred yards before coming to a stop. Some oil was reported leaking from the truck. Highway 87 closed for hours while the accident was cleaned up and efforts were made to pump the remaining oil out of the truck's tank.

Gas price update

After a sharp spike earlier this month, Triple-A is predicting that gas prices will stabilize as we head into August. As of today, the statewide average price of regular gas in Texas is three dollars 34 cents a gallon, up just one cent a gallon from a week ago, and well below the nationwide average of three-48. A check of gas-buddy-dot-com shows the price of regular gas in San Angelo ranges from three-21 to three-37 a gallon.

Houston Harte grassfire

As conditions continue to be extremely dry, San Angelo firefighters warn drivers to be cautious. A grassfire flared up along Houston Harte at Bell Street Friday afternoon but was extinguished quickly. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Election tomorrow

Four polling locations will be open in Tom Green County tomorrow for the Democratic and Republican primary runoff elections. Last week, elections officials say early voting was heavier than expected. The races that have been getting the most attention are the Republican runoff for Tom Green County sheriff between David Jones and Steve Mild and the U.S. Senate GOP runoff between Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst and former Solicitor General Ted Cruz.

Traffic signals knocked out

San Angelo police have announced on Facebook that the traffic lights are out at the intersection of West Beauregard and South Abe near Eskimo Hut. That's because, early Sunday morning, a vehicle ran into the traffic signal pole, knocking the pole and controller out of the ground. Police and signal department workers were busy on Sunday, placing the remaining lights on red flashing for southbound traffic and playing temporary four-way stop signs in the middle of the intersection. Police say it will take four weeks to repair the traffic signals.

ASU faculty member chosen

A member of the Angelo State University nursing faculty has been chosen by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to participate in the association's new Executive Leadership Program with the Wharton School. Dr. Susan WIlkinson, head of ASU's Department of Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences, is one of only 37 nurse educators nationwide chosen for the program's inaugural class, which will take place Aug. 14 through the 17th at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Woman In Police HQ Crash Charged

An update on that story we reported in late June about the woman who allegedly stole a pickup, led police on a chase and then slammed into the San Angelo Police headquarters building. Police had to wait until 20-year-old Amanda Jeffreys of Manor got out of the hospital after recovering from the injuries she received when she plowed into police headquarters after a chase that reached eighty miles-per-hour. Now, Jeffreys has been charged with stealing the truck,m evading arrest and criminal mischief. That mischief now reportedly adding up to 100-thousand dollars in damages to police headquarters. Police Chief Tim Vasquez now estimating it may be months before all the damage is repaired.

Cowboy Day

Fort Concho WIll celebrate National Cowboy Day tomorrow. The observance will include a cowboy breakfast and entertainment starting at 8 AM in the Barracks 5 and 6 Courtyard on Henry O. Flipper Street.

Early voting ends today

You have one more day--today--to vote early for the Primary Runoff election. The ballot in Tom Green County includes the sheriff's race for the Republican nomination between Chief Deputy David Jones and Captain Steve Mild, plus several statewide contests. You can vote until 7 PM on the first floor of the Edd B Keyes building in downtown San Angelo.

Aristocats tonight

The San Angelo Broadway Academy brings the classic Disney tale of Aristocats to life starting tonight. It's a production of the Academy's summer musical theater camps featuring over 80 students ages six to 15 from San Angelo and surrounding areas. Performances are today through Sunday at the Coliseum. Tickets can be purchased by phone, at the box office or online at s-a-broadway-academy-org.

Lake Nasworthy dangers

The public is cautioned to use care when launching watercraft and boating at Lake Nasworthy, where low water levels are exposing rocks, logs and other debris, increasing risks to boats and boaters. Dought has reduced Nasworthy's capacity to 69 percent. As a result, boaters risk damaging their crafts when attempting to launch them at ramps that are barely in the water at Spring Creek, Middle Concho, South Concho and Knickerbocker parks. Along with damaging boats, boaters risk serious injury if they strike normally submerged logs or rocks while on th elake.

Water and sewer work

The city of San Angelo will begin water and sewer work in several locations starting next week. Officials advise you to be cautious of heavy equipment and personnel near or on the street in these areas: the 5700 block Of Melrose and Stratford, Madison Street and Algerita. and Santa Rita Park and surrounding streets. These projects will be ongoing for six to nine weeks.

Roller derby benefit

San Angelo Soul Sisters Roller Derby hosts "Raw Derby, Baby!," a four-team mash-up that will also feature performances by five local rock bands Saturday, August 11th at the Coliseum. Advance tickets are on sale now for 10 dollars; tickets at the door will cost 13 dollars. Children younger than 10 will be admitted for free. Proceeds from the August 11th bouts will benefit the NewBridge Family Shelter for victims of domestic violence. And the Soul Sisters are asking attendees to bring school supplies to be donated to the shelter.

Toddler Nearly Drowns At Nasworthy

A two-year-old boy is lucky to be alive today after nearly drowning yesterday at Lake Nasworthy. And San Angelo police say it may have been his family that saved his life. The two-year-old was at Mary E Lee Park when he got in trouble in the water. Family members pulled him out and officers say the toddler's aunt and uncle administered C-P-R, with advice from a nearby swimmer, until emergency responders arrived. The little boy was hustled to San Angelo Community Medical Center where, happily, he was checked out and later released in good condition.

Pawn shop robbery

San Angelo Police say a man walked into Lynda's Pawn Shop Tuesday afternoon and asked to look at a handgun. After an employee unlocked the case and handed him the weapon, the man ran out the door with it. A witness described the man and another person waiting outside in a vehicle. Tuesday evening, officers located the vehicle and two men matching the descriptions. 32-year-old David Lynn Roach and 27-year-old Blayne Andrew Purdue were arrested on charges of theft of a firearm. Police say they are connected to the robbery of a 19-hundred dollar watch earlier in the day from Kay Jewelers at Sunset Mall. Both the watch and handgun were recovered.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening, mainly west of a line from Coleman to Sonora. The main hazards with any thunderstorms that develop will be locally damaging wind gusts and deadly cloud-to-ground lightning

Drug Robber Sought

An armed robbery of a San Angelo pharmacy in which the gunman got away with what he came for: prescription drugs. Police say a gun-wielding robber hit the pharmacy of a Walgreens on Sherwood Way late yesterday afternoon. Witnesses say the man demanded one thing: prescription drugs. He was given some and left the store. Nobody injured and no shots were fired. Investigators today looking for a six-foot, 180 male who at the time was wearing a dark blue baseball cap with the letter "D" on it. Call San Angelo police if you know anything about this individual.

Council Wants More Budget Cuts

After three hours of budget wrangling yesterday the message from the San Angelo City Council to city staffers was clear: be more creative and keep on cutting expenses. No action was taken at the special budget workshop. Right now there's a projected one-point-seventy-eight-million-dollar budget deficit and Council members say they need to see more options for trimming expenses throughout city government. The Council yesterday discussing everything from paying less for electricity for Christmas lights to cutting some senior meal programs to cutting some funding for the Tom Green County Crisis Intervention Unit. At the end of the day, no decisions were made and city staff is now back to putting a microscope to expenses.

ASU funding seminar

If you are looking for funding to help with a business start-up or business expansion, there are many options available to you. You can find out what they are as the ASU Small Business Development Center presents a free seminar,“Shaking the Money Tree: Finding Funding for Your Business.” That will be tomorrow from 6 to 8:30 PM on campus in the Rassman Building on Dena Drive. You can register at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Grasshopper problems

If you’ve got grasshopper problems now, you’re probably going to continue to have them until this fall. That's according to an entomologist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service entomologist. Dr. Allen Knutson says “As we get into the hot, dry summer, more and more of the grasshoppers' wild host plants –- weeds and wild grasses — dry up, and that forces them into our crops, especially irrigated fields.” He adds that some producers have already had to re-treat two or three times to protect crops.

ADA anniversary celebration

You're invited to join the celebration as the Disability Connections Resource Center observes the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act tomorrow. The festivities will include free health and wellness checks, community resources, entertainment, food, door prizes and the chance to bid at the silent auction on authentic Ed Hardy Tote. The event is free and open to the public from 9 to 3 tomorrow at The Venue on South Jackson in San Angelo.

Wild Fires Far Fewer This Summer

At this time last summer it seemed every story we reported concerned wild fires. This year, at least so far, it's a much different story. While drought conditions continue to create significant fire dangers all across the state, the number of acres actually burned is minimal. The Texas Forest Service says around 58-thousand acres have been charred by wild fires so far this summer. That seems like a lot but compare it to last year. Then, nearly four million acres of Texas were claimed by fires, an all-time record. In terms of homes destroyed by wild fires: fifteen this year, nearly three thousand last summer. Still plenty of fire season ahead, though so as always, be careful and be watchful.

Budget Workshop Looks At Senior Meal Program

Chipping away at the city budget. The San Angelo City Council budget workshop today taking a look at saving a little here and there from a lot of projects. One that's sure to be controversial is an idea to stop serving senior meals to satellite locations and cutting the number of meals served at the program's Santa Fe Crossing location. The suggested donation per meal may also be increased. Part of the program's costs are supported by federal grants, which would not be affected by any cuts. Backers of the proposal say it could save over 44-thousand dollars a year.

West San Angelo housefire

A San Angelo family is homeless after fire detroyed their house late Sunday night. Chris and Meghann Rutledge and their two-year-old daughter were not home when the structure on the 1800 block of Bailey Street went up in flames. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Tea Party meeting

The local Tea Party will be meeting this evening to discuss the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Health Care Act as constitutional. The meeting is free and open to the public. It will get underway at 6:30 at the West Texas Training Center at 3501 North U.S. Highway 67.

Tom Green drug busts

Tom Green County sheriff's deputies busted four people on drug charges over the weekend. On Friday, they executed a search warrant for methamphetamine in the 14-hundred block of Spaulding. Meth and other substances were seized and 26-year-old Robert Medoza Junior and 28-year-old Mireya Terrazas were arrested. Sunday, deputies showed up in the one-thousand block of Glenna with another search warrant for meth. More dfugs were seized and 31-year-old Javar Lee Smith and 19-year-old Justin Victor Chevalier were arrested.

Early voting

A reminder that early voting is underway with several runoff elections on the ballot. In Tom Green County, Steve Mild and David Jones are facing off for the Republican nomination for sheriff. Statewide, the GOP race to replace U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison pits lieutenant governor David Dewhurst against former solicitor general Ted Cruz. The Democratic contest is between retired teacher Grady Yarbrough and former state representative Paul Sadler. Polls are open at the Edd B Keyes Building from 7 AM to 7 PM through Friday.

AARP event

If you want to find out more about proposed changes in Medicare and Social Security, "You've Earned a Say." That's the title of a meeting that AARP is hosting this afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30 at the McNease Convention Center. AARP promises the information will be presented objectively without bi-partisan politics. It's free and open to the public, but a reservation is suggested. To do that or to get more information, call 1-877-926-8300.

ASU business seminar

"So you're starting a business, now what?" That's the title of the latest seminar offered by the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. Get guidance on how to choose the best legal structure for your business, how to submit your applications and other helpful tips. It takes place tonight from 6 to 8:30 on campus at the Rassman Building on Dena Drive. FInd out more at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

June unemployment

There was a slight uptick in the unemployment rate in Texas last month. It went from six-point-nine percent in May to seven percent in June. However, the state economy did add 12-thousand-900 seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs last month. Unemployment in San Angelo is still well below the statewide rate, although it did go up from five-point-four percent in May to six percent in June.

Early voting starts today

Early Voting for the Primary Runoff election begins today. The ballot in Tom Green County includes the sheriff's race for the Republican nomination between Chief Deputy David Jones and Captain Steve Mild, plus several statewide contests. You can vote from 7 AM to 7 PM through Friday on the first floor of the Edd B Keyes building in downtown San Angelo.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of West Central Texas including the Concho Valley. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening. The primary hazards will be dangerous cloud to ground lightning and strong, gusty winds.

Gas price update

Gasoline prices continue to rise. According to Triple-A, rising tensions in the Middle East coupled with a decrease in both gasoline inventories and oil supplies have kept prices elevated. The statewide average price for regular gas in Texas is three-33, up nine cents from a week ago. However, that's still well below the national average of three-47 and well below the price in Texas a year ago of three-61. Gas-buddy-dot-com reports the price of regular in San Angelo today ranges from three-19 to three-39 a gallon.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo's Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for probation violation-sexual assault of a child and failure to register as a sex offender. 35-year-old Samuel Jessie Riffle is a white male, 5-10, 180 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has tattoos on both hands and on his right shoulder. His last known address was in the 1700 block of Pulliam Street. There's a reward of 250 dollars fo information leading to the arrest of Samuel Jessie Riffle. You can call San Angelo Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.

Arrests In Shooting Of Teen Girl

San Angelo police have arrested two men in an unusual shooting incident that left a woman wounded. Officers say 69-year-old Sidney Clemmer and 25-year-old Bobby Bydalek fired shots in the direction of a car near a storage container on Riverside Golf Club Road. A 16-year-old girl who was in the car was wounded in her arms and upper torso. Police say she was treated at Shannon and her injuries are not life-threatening. A 17-year-old boy who was with her told officers the shots were fired in their direction and the car crashed into one of the storage units. One of the suspects was injured when he was struck by the car as it tried to get away. It's not clear today why the teens were near the facility or why the shots were fired. San Angelo police are investigating the incident.

Gas price update

As we head into the weekend, here's an update on gas prices: they're still going back up. As of today, Triple-A reports the statewide average price of regular gas in Texas is three dollars, 30 cents a gallon. That's a seven cents a gallon increase from a week ago. According to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular gas in San Angelo ranges from three-19 to three-35 a gallon.

Shooting arrests

San Angelo police say they arrested two men last night in connection with a shooting on Wednesday night. The incident occurred at a storage facility on Riverside Golf Club Road in North San Angelo. Shots were fired in the direction of a 2008 Kia Spectra, which then crashed into one of the storage units. A 16-year-old girl, who was in the car with her boyfriend, was injured and treated at Shannon Medical Center.

Workers' Compensation seminar

The ASU Small Business Development Center will sponsor an educational seminar for medical office staff, including office managers and billing staff. The Basic Workers’ Compensation seminar is presented by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation. It will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM, Thursday, August 2nd at the West Texas Training Center on North US Highway 67 in San Angelo. You can find out more and register online at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Accused infant killer indicted

A man arrested by San Angelo police in April for killing a one-year-old child has been indicted. 24-year-old Atreyo Arzak Carter the Third is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Andrea Hernandez. Carter is accused of beating and abusing Andrea, who had been left in his care along with two other children. He claimed the infant had sustained her injuries, including skull fractures, by falling out of bed. Carter is being held in the Tom Green County Jail in lieu of one million dollars bail.

Intersection upgrade

Things should be safer and smoother for motorists traveling through an intersection in north San Angelo. Because of a high crash rate, Texas Department of Transportation officials updated the light signal and re-painted the pavement markings at 19th and Bryant. TxDOt says the intersection was the location of eleven accidents from 2006 to 2008 and thus qualified for grant money under TXDOT's safety funding, which is made available each year to improve areas with high crash rates

Graffiti vandalism

Graffiti vandals were at work in San Angelo earlier this week. On Tuesday morning, police got multiple calls reporting vehicles, buildings and a trash dumpster that had been spray-painted, mostly in the area of West Beauregard and South Taylor. Damage eas estimated at four-thousand dollars. Officers located two suspects at the Village Apartments, where they found marijuana and a can of spray paint. 18-year-old Brandon Sanchez was arrested for the graffiti and a 16-year-old girl was charged with possession of marijuana and taken to the Juvenile Justice Center.

Brown Bag luncheon

The Business Brown Bag luncheon series, presented by the ASU Small Business Development Center, the Chamber of Commerce and the Concho Valley Center for Entrepreneurial Development, continues today. The topic will be "Immigration Law: How Department of Homeland Security can fine you even if all your employees are U.S. Citizens." It takes place from noon to 1 in the Chamber Riverview Room and is free and open to the public with an RSVP. You can find out more at san-angelo-dot-org.

MDA Lock-Up

More than 100 business and civic leaders throughout the Concho Valley will be arrested and put behind bars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's lock-up fundraiser today at Zentner's Daughter. These jailbirds actually volunteered to be part of MDA's Lock-Up in order to raise bail by encouraging friends, family, co-workers and business contacts to make contributions to MDA that will directly benefit families in the Concho Valley living with progressive muscle diseases.

Downtown burglar

Three downtown businesses--all on Concho Avenue--were burglarized Monday morning: Concho Pearl, Concho Quiltery and Planet 51. Later in the day, an officer noticed a suspicious vehicle near the Abe Street Ramp and Sante Fe Park Drive. Inside was a sleeping man along with some jewelry display boxes. Police say 19-year-old Justin Michael Chappell admitted to the burglaries and was arrested.

Yard parking ban

In other action, the city council approved an ordinance banning homeowners from parking vehicles on unimproved yards. Exceptions could include those who live on narrow streets or those who park behind screened fences.

Credit card thieves sought

San Angelo Police Department’s are asking for your help in finding a man and a woman who used stolen credit cards. The male is described as Hispanic, in his early to mid twenties, thin build with black hair and a goatee. He was wearing a baseball cap, black T-Shirt, and denim jeans. The female is white with long blond hair and a thin build. If you have any information, you can call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP or you can contact San Angelo police.

Pool naming rights

The San Angelo City Council has officially approved the sale of the naming rights to the newly-renovated municipal pool. It will be called the "Love Municipal Pool." Kevin and Kara Love are paying 56-thousand dollars to buy the naming rights for eight years. The Loves also get a season pass and two pool parties each summer.

Most Wanted arrested

Another one of San Angelo's Most Wanted has been arrested. 40-year-old Mario Deleon was featured in June. He was wanted on a Parole Violation for Assault Family Member. He had also cut off his electronic monitor. On Monday, Crime Stoppers received information that Deleon was living in Midland and what vehicle he was driving. The information was sent to Midland Crime Stoppers who passed it on to their U.S. Marshal Service. The Marshals followed up on the information and were able to make the arrest of Deleon that afternoon.

Burn ban off

The burn ban in Tom Green County is off. Commissioners were told Tuesday that recent state-wide moisture indicators are moving closer to the normal range. As a result, they did NOT enact a burn ban. However, residents are still reminded that if they plan a controlled burn of brush, grass, etc., to--one--contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch Office to inform them of the planned burn. And--two--be Cautious, check the forecast and NEVER burn during windy conditions.

Helping Hands

San Angelo now has an additional resource to help provide services for low-income elderly homeowners in need of assistance. Helping Hands, a newly created organization, will work in partnership with community volunteers to help restore homes of qualifying homeowners. Helping Hands will hold its first blitz day on October 13th, with the focus on weatherizing 25 homes. Those interested in seeking assistance or those volunteering to help can call program manager Mary Herbert at 227-6753.

Broadway Academy show

The San Angelo Broadway Academy brings the classic Disney tale of Aristocats to life next week. It's a production of the Academy's summer musical theater camps featuring over 80 students ages six to 15 from San Angelo and surrounding areas. Performances are Friday through Sunday, the 27th through the 29th at the Coliseum. Tickets can be purchased in advance by phone, at the box office or online at s-a-broadway-academy-org.

Council Approves Yard Parking Ban

A divided San Angelo City Council has made it official: you can't park in your yard. Although the ordinance won't go into effect for a year, some Councilman say it should never have happened because it deprives many people of anywhere safe to park their cars. Others argued that the ordinance will protect property values and prevent what they called "trashing" of some neighborhoods. The vote was five to two in favor. The no-yard-parking law does not apply in certain circumstances. Those include vehicles with handicap stickers and yards that are hidden from the street by fences that are at least six feet high, among other exemptions.

High court candidate visits

A candidate for the Texas Supreme Court, known for his conservative views, makes a campaign stop in San Angelo today. John Devine will attend a luncheon sponsored by conservative groups at Zentner's Daughter Steak House. Devine is known for keeping the Ten Commandments hanging in the Houston courtroom where he served as a judge. He also claims he's been arrested more than three dozen times for protesting abortion.

City redevelopment seminar

The city of San Angelo is continuing a four-part seminar designed to educate residents about the redevelopment process. Tonight's installment is entitled "Understanding Building Codes and the Permit Process." You can find out how to plan for the re-use of currently vacant properties and how to re-develop some of the un-used land in the city. The seminar is open and free to the public, beginning at six PM in the McNease Convention Center

Brown Bag luncheon

The Business Brown Bag luncheon series, presented by the ASU Small Business Development Center, the Chamber of Commerce and the Concho Valley Center for Entrepreneurial Development, continues this week. The topic will be “Immigration Law: How Department of Homeland Security can fine you even if all your employees are U.S. Citizens.” It takes place Thursday from noon to 1 in the Chamber Riverview Room and is free and open to the public with an RSVP. You can find out more at san-angelo-dot-org.

Narco-terrorism conference addition

Angelo State University's Center for Security Studies has added an "air interdiction" component to the program for the three-day international narco-terrorism conference it will co-host next month. It will include presentations from the Texas DPS Air Interdiction Team known as the "Ghost Riders," and Dallas police on ways to disrupt drug trafficking from the skies. The conference is scheduled for August 21st through the 23rd in the ASU Houston Harte University Center on Rosemont Drive.

Melon Fest

The Concho Valley Farmers Market celebrates its annual Melon Fest - featuring a bumper crop of cantaloupes and red- and yellow-meat watermelons--this Saturday. Hours are from 7 AM until noon under the Farmers Market Pavilion on South Oakes Street, across from Fort Concho. Many of the San Angelo-area vendors will be offering locally grown melons for sale during the event, along with other seasonal fruits, vegetables and plants. There will also be live music and door prizes consisting of free melons and other produce.

The Texas Classic

It's called “The Texas Classic.” It's the new general-issue license plate released by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The Texas Classic is white with black lettering, and features the Texas star, state silhouette, and “The Lone Star State” slogan and it includes new security features. But don’t rush out to get it. To save taxpayer money and avoid waste, counties must first exhaust their inventory of the current general-issue plate before issuing the new one.

Copper theft

San Angelo police say they've arrested a man for stealing copper tubing from a local air conditioning company. 57-year-old Joseph Gray Fineron of San Angelo allegedly admitted to the theft. The tubing was worth several hundred dollars and police say Fineron had tried to sell it to a local recycler. He's facing several charges, including burglary.

Housefire leaves three homeless

Three people escaped a San Angelo housefire uninjured on Saturday night. It happened in the 700 block of West Avenue Z. According to firefighters, the people in the house had been cooking, left the kitchen and returned to find it on fire. The fire was extinguished within 15 minutes but the residence suffered 100 percent fire damage. The three people left homeless were being assisted by the Red Cross and crisis intervention units.

Texas #1 infrastructure

Texas performed very well in CNBC's 2012 Top States for Business, ranking number-one overall in the country. In addition, Texas maintained the top spot in the infrastructure and transportation category for the second year in a row. CNBC measured the vitality of each state’s transportation system by the value of goods shipped by air, land and water. They also looked at the availability of air travel in each state, and the quality of the roads.

San Angelo fire

Quick work by San Angelo firefighters kept a home from burning Thursday afternoon. A fire in the 700 block of East 18th Street could have ignited a nearby woodframe house where workers were replacing the roof. The fire rekindled when crews attempted to use an extinguisher but they were able to put it out before any property was damaged.

Awareness Camp

Texas Southwest Council, a San Angelo-based organization that provides official Boy Scouts programs will host the 1st Annual FREE Awareness Camp during the last week in July. It's open to elementary-age boys and activities will include fishing, archery, athletic games and crafts. It will be held at Baden Powell Park near Lake Nasworthy. You can find out more at texas-southwest-BSA-dot-org.

Social media marketing

You can learn how to use Facebook and Twitter in your business at a seminar called “Get Social! How to Market Your Business on Social Media Sites,”presented by the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. It's happening next Tuesday evening from 6 to 8:30 on the ASU campus at the Rassman Building. Cost is 20 dollars per person. You can register online at s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Irion County fatal accident

The Texas Department of Public Safety says one person was killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Irion County. It happened early Thursday morning on US 67, about four miles west of Barnhart. The fatality was identified as 25-year-old Marcelo Villareal of Roma. The DPS says Villareal was driving a Chevy Silverado pickup eastbound on 67 and, apparently as a result of fatigue, drove across the westbound lanes into a ditch, down an embankment and the vehicle rolled over two times. He was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the pickup and pronounced dead at the scene.

Deer Population Threatened

A story of real concern to Texas deer hunters. A number of mule deer near the border have now been diagnosed with Chronic Wasting Disease. The disease is always fatal and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says it's now expanding its testing for the disease throughout West Texas. While mule deer account for only around three percent of deer taken by hunters every year, there's a concern that Chronic Wasting Disease could spread to the large West Texas white tail deer population. It's the backbone of the state's two-billion -dollar-a-year deer hunting industry.

Multimodal Center grand oprning

San Angelo city officials were on hand Wednesday for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for a project a decade in the making. The Concho Valley Transit District's Multimodal Center on North Chadbourne has actually been up and running for a month. The three-point-four million dollar facility services downtown and the Sherwood Way entertainment area and hopes to add patrons in the area of Goodfellow Air Force Base.

Officer in accident

A San Angelo police officer was involved in a single-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon. Police say the officer was driving south on Houston Harte near the Sherwood Way exit when he suffered some sort of medical issue. His police cruiser veered off the overpass and came to a stop about halfway down the hill. The cruiser was damaged but the officer was not injured. He was taken to the hospital for observation.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening, mainly along and southeast of a line from San Angelo to Brownwood. The main threats will be strong winds and dangerous cloud to ground lightning.

Voter ID trial

More testimony is on tap today in the Washington, DC trial to determine whether Texas' controversial voter ID law violates the federal Voting Rights Act. Witnesses are expected to include experts backing the Justice Department view, which is that the Texas law could disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters. The Justice Department blocked Texas' new law in March. Texas, in turn, sued the Justice Department.

Food First program

WTU Retail Energy is launching the Food First Summer Bag Program with the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank. The first-of-its-kind summer program provides biodegradable plastic bags for each organization to fill with nutritious, easy-to-open food to send home with children on weekends. The initiative joins forces with food banks across the state to help fight childhood hunger. It will be happening tomorrow from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Immanuel Baptist Church on East 14th Street in San Angelo.

Utility scam warning

The Texas attorney general's office is warning of a new identity theft scam that is sweeping the country. It claims that Americans can get federal financial assistance to help cover the cost of their utility bills. In order to take advantage of the purported program, utility customers are told they must provide their Social Security and bank routing numbers. The attorney general's office advises you to never give out that kind of personal information to anyone who requests it during an unsolicited phone call or in-home visit.

Revenue-Generating Ideas Considered

Closing the budget gap in San Angelo. City leaders are discussing a number of staff suggestions to bring in revenue and help close the city's one-and-three-quarter-million-dollar budget gap. Among the suggestions: red light cameras at busy intersections that would not only make them safer but bring in revenue from stiff fines; parking meters downtown; and upping the city's franchise fees. None of those options has been decided on yet but they're all under consideration. Mayor Alvin New also saying the City Commission ought to look at more ways of cutting expenses rather than just considering ideas to raise revenue.

Sports headlines for Wednesday

The Edinburg Roadrunners scored three runs in the last two innings to come from behind and beat the San Angelo Colts, 6-5, last night at Edinburg Stadium. The Colts have lost five of their last six games, all on the road. The Colts have three games left in this series at Edinburg Stadium.

The West Texas All-Star tournament happens this week in San Angelo, featuring players ages 7 to 18. It's one of the biggest youth softball tournaments in the state, with about 100 teams competing at the Texas Bank Sports Complex Thursday thru Sunday. .

The Angelo State women's basketball team's high school camp has changed locations. The camp starts at 6pm Friday, and has moved from Lincoln Middle School to Lake View High School. There are still spots available, and you can enroll at www.heartoftexasbballcamp.com

San Angelo accident

A woman was injured and will be cited for an accident in San Angelo Tuesday afternoon. Police say the woman was driving a car eastbound on FM 2105, ran a stop sign at the intersection with Highway 208, and ran into a pickup truck towing a trailer. She was taken to Shannon Medical Center but her injuries were said to be non-life threatening.

Microburst at Mathis Field

The National Weather Service says Mathis Field was hit Monday by a phenomenon called a microburst. That's when rain from a thunderstorm collides with a dry air mass and is then quickly pushed down toward the ground. Those downward wind gusts blew the doors off a city-owned hangar and broke off tree limbs. However, there were no reports of damage to any airplanes.

Heavy rainfall

Parts of San Angelo got hit hard by rain on Tuesday afternoon. With the rain falling as fast as an inch an hour, there was flash flooding. High water drained into intersections on Southwest Boulevard, forcing drivers to slow down. There's more rain in the forecast for today.

Voter ID law trial

A Texas teenager who says she'll be disenfranchised by the state's new voter ID law returns to the witness stand today in Washington, DC. Victoria Rose Rodriguez testified Tuesday that she has limited documentation and would struggle to get a new voter ID card with a photo. . A three-judge panel is hearing evidence on whether the 2011 law requiring voters to show photo ID violates the federal Voting Rights Act.

School safety summit

A reminder that a School Safety Summit is coming up next week in San Angelo. Experts from the Texas School Safety Center will be on hand for the event next Tuesday and Wednesday. A new state law requires schools to have new policies on bullying in place, and the Safety Center is expected to provide information and help schools implement plans. Organizations like Boy Scouts, Big Brother/Big Sister, church youth groups, and the Boys and Girls Clubs may also benefit. The event will be held at the Education Service Center on Irene Street, and advanced registration is recommended.

Most Wanted Fugitive caught

A man who was July’s Featured Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive is now in custody after his capture in Mexico and his extradition to the U.S. The 15-thousand dollars reward will be paid on three tips that helped lead to his capture. 32-year-old Javier Cortez Junior, a Tango Blast gang member, is jailed in Willacy County. He faces a 2010 Harris County murder charge that stems from a robbery in which an accomplice shot the 29-year-old victim twice, and Cortez allegedly stood over the victim and shot him nine more times.

City budget workshop

The San Angelo City Council will be talking this morning about how much money it will need in the coming year and how to raise that money. The budget workshop gets underway at nine o'clock. There will be no public comment and no action taken by the council. Deputy City Clerk Bryan Kendrick told the San Angelo Standard Times "It's more staff giving an in-depth look at the budget."

Border patrol offices move

Border Patrol agents in San Angelo are set to relocate as nine offices nationwide will be deactivated in the upcoming months. Six of the offices to be closed are located in Texas. The move comes after the federal agency decided it would be more efficient to move their resources closer to the border. Other stations in Texas affected include Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, Abilene and San Antonio.

Alleged vehicle burglar caught

San Angelo police have arrested a young man for allgedly burglarizing a vehicle and assaulting the owner. 77-year-old Adrian Ramirez called 9-1-1 on Sunday morning to report that he had seen a man looking into cars--and items from his own vehicle scattered on the ground--in the 4400 block of Meadow Creek Drive in southwest San Angelo. Ramirez said he then told the suspect that he had notified police and to stay put. He says the suspect then hit him in the head with a black canvas bag and ran off. Police captured 19-year-old James Garza, who they say was jumping fences and running through yards, and found property taken from Ramirez' vehicle in the black bag.

Business plan seminar

The ASU Small Business Development Center is conducting a FREE seminar entitled "Loan Proposals Begin with a Strong Business Plan, Part One" this evening from 6 to 8:30 at the ASU Campus, Rassman Building on Dena Drive. It's recommended that this seminar be taken in conjunction with Part Two of the seminar tomorrow from 6 to 8:30 PM, which is also free. For more info, go to s-b-d-c-dot-angelo-dot-e-d-u.

Think Like a Thief

Based on recent research revealing that most Texans don't know the truth
about auto crime, a new statewide campaign was launched this month to educate and equip drivers during July, when auto crime is at its highest. The
campaign is called "Think Like a Thief" and features messages and insights from a reformed auto thief in radio ads, on billboards, online, on mobile phones and in movie theaters across Texas.

Fugitives captured in West Texas

Two Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives were recently captured in West Texas. On June 28, 29-year old Antwoin Leroy Parson was arrested in Lubbock during a prostitution sting at a local motel. DPS says he's a Crips gang member with 17 other arrests. On June 29, 27-year old Marcos Alberto Caldera, Jr. was taken into custody by US Marshals and DPS troopers on a parole violation. DPS says he's a Tango Blast gang member. In 2012, DPS and other agencies have arrested 20 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders, including 14 gang members. These two arrests were not the result of tips, but Texas Crime Stoppers has paid $45,000 so far this year to people who have offered anonymous tips.

Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).

Tom Green County among those honored for historical work

Several area counties were recently recognized by the Texas Historical Commission with the 2011 Distinguished Service Award. Runnels, Mason, Menard and Tom Green were part of a group of 78 counties to be honored with the award that highlights County Historical Commissions that work toward significant preservation efforts and bring new understanding about state and local history. The historical commissions are made up of unpaid county appointees who volunteer countless hours every year preserving documents, artifacts, and buildings.

2012 is not as bad, but drought still a concern

Farmers and ranchers across the state are saying the 2011 drought was the costliest in history, with agriculture losses even exceeding the dust bowl years in the 1950's. That drought cracked the ground in West Texas and forced ranchers to sell off cattle herds, and the pretty much rainless spell lasted for seven years. The drought of 2011 wasn't so bad by comparison, but still farmers are looking for more water and water planners are keeping an eye on reservoirs.

County Commissioners to address new water line

Tom Green County Commissioners will have a regular meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Edd B. Keyes Building in San Angelo starting at 8:30am. Commissioners will consider granting permission for Kase Construction to bore a 50 foot length under Mullins Crossing Rd to make the necessary preparations to install a new waterline. The new line would be located one tenth of a mile south of the intersection of McMillian Rd and Mullins Crossing Rd. Also on the agenda for Tuesday, considering a county-wide burn ban.

Congressman visits San Angelo to talk healthcare

San Angelo's Congressional representative, Mike Conaway was in town Thursday and spoke to about 35 civic and business leaders about the Affordable Care Act. The Supreme Court upheld much of the law June 28, and now it's a matter of getting down to the business of implementing it. Texas has to decide whether to expand Medicaid by 2014, and whether to establish a health care exchange or let the federal government do it. Conaway said yesterday states need to live with the law now, but a repeal is still possible.

One neighborhood shines above rest on new ASU report

The ASU Center for Community Wellness, Engagement, and Development used census numbers to prepare a report on the quality of life for seniors across the city, and found nearly 14 percent of the population was above the age of 65 in 2010. That's up four percent from a decade ago. The Santa Rita neighborhood earned the best quality of life score on the survey.

Registration period open for School Safety seminar

Several leaders will get together to talk school safety later this month. Experts from the Texas School Safety Center will be here July 17-18 for the School Safety Summit in San Angelo. A new state law requires schools to have new policies on bullying in place, and the Safety Center is expected to provide information and help schools implement plans. Organizations like Boy Scouts, Big Brother/Big Sister, church youth groups, and the Boys and Girls Clubs may benefit too. The event will be at the Education Service Center on Irene Street, and advanced registration is recommended.

Register online at mis.netxv.net/sess0.asp for workshop session No. 019138.

No Refusal Weekend continues

A new law forces suspected drunk drivers give blood samples, and the crackdown continues through the weekend. The operation, dubbed "No Refusal Weekend," runs through Sunday and has DPS Troopers along with county sheriff’s offices across Texas watching for suspected drunk drivers. Under the new law, search warrants can be obtained quickly to take blood samples from suspected impaired motorists if they refuse to submit to breath or blood tests.

Homeowners encouraged to removed dead trees

If a drought-killed tree in your yard falls on someone else's property and causes damage, you're liable. The Texas Forest Service is encouraging homeowners and landowners to remove fire- and drought-killed trees that are within falling distance of neighboring homes to reduce the risk. Foresters have estimated that as many as 500 million trees in rural forested areas and another 5.6 million trees in populated urban areas were killed as a result of the 2011 drought. The Texas Forest Service says that poses a serious hazard.

Texas performs poorly on health care test

The federal Agency for Health Care Research and Quality says the news is not good for Texas when it comes to the say health care is administered here. Texas gets an average ranking when it comes to having babies and taking care of them, but aside from the maternal and child health care systems, Texas is ranked poorly. In nine of twelve categories Texas ranks weak or very weak. The information will be shared with lawmakers and insurance companies to idenitify problem areas and try to fix them.

Gas price update

Some folks are finding themselves still on the road as they make the 4th of July holiday into a very long weekend. For their benefit, here's an update on gasoline prices. Bottom line--they're still going down. A check of Triple-A's Daily Fuel Gauge finds the nationwide average price of regular gas today is three dollars, 33 cents--down three cents from a week ago. Here in Texas, the statewide average for regular is three-16, also down three cents. And, according to gas-buddy-dot-com, the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-10 to three-19 a gallon.

National Cowboy Day

Fort Concho WIll celebrate National Cowboy Day coming up on Saturday, July 28th. The observance will include a cowboy breakfast and entertainment starting at 8 AM in the Barracks 5 and 6 Courtyard on Henry O. Flipper Street. Reservations are recommended and a 10 dollar donation is suggested. Proceeds will help fund the Fort Concho Artillery's trip to Gettysburg in July 2013 for that famed battle's 150th anniversary.

Chase leads to arrest

San Angelo police say they arrested a man early Sunday morning after a high speed chase on the north side of the city. An officer saw the man pull out of an Allsups at a very high rate of speed. He tried to pull the man over and that led to a short chase before the man came to an abrupt stop, narrowly missing a house on north Pope Street. The man fled, but was sniffed out by K-9 units hiding in a shed and gave himself up. 19-year-old Carlos Cabrera Junior was arrested for evading arrest, driving with an invalid license and four county warrants.

Christoval VFD benefit BBQ

The Christoval Volunteer Fire Department is holding a benefit Fourth of July barbecue. It will take place tomorrow from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Christoval Community Center in downtown Christoval. The barbecue plates are eight dollars for adults, four dollars for children. All proceeds benefit the Christoval Volunteer Fire Department.

Gas price update

Good news if you're planning to hit the road over the 4th of July weekend--gasoline prices are still going down. According to Triple-A, the statewide average price for regular gas in Texas today is three dollars-16 cents a gallon, six cents lower than it was a week ago. And, a check of gas-buddy-dot-com shows that the price of regular in San Angelo ranges from three-11 to three-19 a gallon.

Shoplifting arrest

San Angelo police say one of their officers was hit in the head by man suspected of shoplifting at the northside Wal-Mart. Early Thursday morning, 28-yer-old Visente Mendez the Third of San Angelo had allegedly been seen by Wal-Mart staff cutting open boxed merchandise and hiding the items in his clothing. Some of those items fell out of his clothes during the scuffle with the officer, who did not require medical attention. Mendez was arrested and charged with robbery and assault on a public servant.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service at San Angelo has issued a hazardous weather outlook for parts of West Central Texas, including the Concho Valley. Isolated showers or thunderstorms are possible today. If a thunderstorm forms, it could produce cloud-to-ground lightning strikes that could spark a grass fire in areas of dry vegetation.

ASU Band Camp

Angelo State University's Department of Art and Music will host a Summer Weekend Workshop, as part of its Band Camp Program July 20-22 on the ASU campus. The two-day residential music camp for high school students ages 14 to18 will include specialized instruction from established educators for drum lines, color guards and drum majors. Cost for the camp, including housing and meals, is 150 dollars. You can get more information on the ASU website.

San Angelo's Most Wanted

San Angelo's Most Wanted this week is a fugitive sought for probation violation-aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, three Tom Green County warrants for charges including aggravated assault and three city warrants. Crystal Flores is a 28-year-old Hispanic female, 5-3, 185 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Her last known address was on Grape Creek Road. If you know anything concerning the whereabouts of Crystal Flores, you can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 658-HELP.