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| Parole Board Rejects Clemency for Non-Triggerman Wood 08-19-2008 HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has rejected a clemency request for condemned inmate Jeffery Wood -- who turned 35 today. Wood is set to die Thursday for the 1996 shooting death of Kriss Keeran, who was a clerk at a convenience store in Kerrville. Wood's lawyers say the inmate doesn't deserve to die for a slaying that occurred while he was waiting in a car outside the store. The gunman -- Daniel Reneau (ruh-NO') -- has already been executed. Evidence showed the two men robbed the store of more than $11,000 in cash and checks. Wood was convicted under the Texas law of parties, which makes accomplices as liable as the actual killer in capital murder cases. Defense attorney Scott Sullivan says they're very disappointed. Wood would be the ninth condemned prisoner put to death this year in Texas. |
| Heavy rain in Austin Leaves Burned Gov`s Mansion Soggy 08-19-2008 AUSTIN (AP) -- Heavy overnight rain in the Austin area is blamed for leaving parts of the burned Texas governor's mansion -- a bit soggy. Work continues to restore the historic building that was torched on June 8th. So far no arrests in the case investigators say is arson. A temporary roof is expected on the mansion by October. Edward Johnson with the Texas Facilities Commission says there's plastic on the damaged roof, but some leaks are still happening. Johnson told the Austin American-Statesman on Tuesday that the shoring of the fire-damaged second floor is nearly complete. He says plans call for a crane to be moved into place in the next couple of weeks to begin removing the fire-collapsed roof. |
| Singer Asks for Cold One, Gets Knocked Out Cold 08-19-2008 BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) -- Pat Green may think twice the next time before asking for a cold one. The last time he did it, the Texas-born country singer-songwriter was knocked out cold. Green performed Saturday night at the Michigan International Speedway after NASCAR's Carfax 250 race. He's best known for the 2003 hit "Wave on Wave." The Jackson Citizen Patriot reports that late in his show, he shouted, "Anyone got a beer?" A can of suds suddenly soared from the audience onto the stage. Then a second can from the crowd hit Green between the eyes, knocking him out. Medical personnel treated him at the track. A phone message seeking an update on Green's condition was left Tuesday at his publicist's office in Nashville, Tenn. |
| Water Receding in Starr County, Rescues in Wichita Falls 08-19-2008 ROMA, Texas (AP) -- The floodwaters are receding today in Starr County. More than 750 homes in Starr County have been water-logged since yesterday. Starr County Emergency Management Coordinator Gene Falcon told The Associated Press that there's still a lot of standing water and debris on roads. Falcon says officials are putting together damage assessment teams. Also, the Wichita Falls Fire Department reported making rescues in chest-deep water today. Officials have warned residents in low-lying areas to be prepared to evacuate. |
| Teen Girl Must Be in Texas Foster Care 08-19-2008 SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) -- A judge in Texas today ordered a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly married to jailed polygamist leader Warren Jeffs -- be put in foster care. Judge Barbara Walther in San Angelo says there was evidence of the underage marriage. The girl was 12 at the time of the alleged marriage ceremony. But Walther says the girl's 11-year-old brother would be allowed to stay with his mother. Meanwhile: -- Lawyers reached settlements for three other girls. The children can stay with their mothers, if the women restrict contact with men accused of being involved in underage marriages. -- Two pending cases involve the daughters of Doctor Lloyd Hammon Barlow. Barlow was indicted on three misdemeanor counts of failing to report child abuse. Authorities say he didn't report babies he delivered to underage girls and that he married a 16-year-old. |
| Arson Suspected in Bar Roof Fire 08-19-2008 Firefighters believe an arsonist is behind an overnight fire at a west side bar. Fire crews responded to the corner of W. Commerce and San Joaquin around 3 o'clock this morning. They say a witness told them a person was seen on the roof of Los Rumors bar pouring something down a vent just moments before the roof went up in flames. The witness told firefighters the person was seen running from the scene. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the roof. No one was hurt, and the main building was not seriously damaged. |
| Bexar Co. To Talk Taxes 08-19-2008 Historically, Bexar County commissioners try to lower taxes for residents, that is not happening this year.The county is blaming the slow economy which may make it challenging for commissioners adopt a $1.17 billion budget for the next fiscal year. The amount is a little more than a 7-percent increase from last year. The good news for county residents is that their tax rate will likely not increase. However, Bexar County employees may be looking at health insurance changes, but there is a proposed cost of living adjustment in the budget. Sheriff's office budget includes $3.1 million to fund the compensation step-plan in the third year of the collective bargaining agreement with the Deputy Sheriffs Association of Bexar County. The step-plan is the automatic pay increases agreed upon in that contract. Commissioners will also be discussing the possibility of adding some civilian positions to the sheriff's office so uniformed detention officers can move to supervising inmates at the jail. A "patrol power shift" of four deputy sheriff-law enforcement positions and one sergeant is also being proposed. The purpose of the shift is to lower the response time during peak periods. Today is just the start of budget talks with the county. Commissioners must adopt a budget by September 9th. |
| City prepares to cut down two trees at Main Plaza 08-18-2008 Visitors looking for some shade downtown at main plaza are about to have fewer options. City leaders announced Monday that two trees will have to be removed. The trees, which are 70 to 80 years old are dying. A study found the trees are being attacked by algae in the soil and they're at risk of falling. The total price tag for both trees to be removed is close to $30,000. Mayor Hardberger says two other trees at main plaza are also sick, but not bad enough to be cut down. |
| New Judson ISD stadium will not be ready for debut 08-18-2008 One local school district says it will definitely not be ready for the grand debut of its multi-million dollar stadium. Judson Independent School District confirmed Monday night there's too much work to be done on D.W. Rutledge Stadium. That means Judson and Wagner High School's will have to play their first home games somewhere else. We're told the seats are in place, but the press box, concession stands and the scoreboard have not been completed. This delay will impact Judson's game on Thursday August 28th against Warren. It will now be played at Gustafson Stadium. Wagner High School's Friday, August 29th game against Smithson Valley will now be played at Smithson Valley. We're told the delays will not add additional cost to the project. Judson ISD says it will evaluate the progress on a weekly basis, then determine which future games will have to be relocated. GAMES MOVED Warren vs. Judson Aug. 28th, Gustafson Stadium Smithson Valley vs. Wagner Aug. 29th, Smithson Valley |
| `Stumpy` reunited with owner 08-18-2008 Good news for that two-leggged chihuaha FOX News should you Sunday night at nine. He's back at home. The pup, known as "Roo" - short for kangaroo - was found this weekend roaming around a northwest side neighborhood. After we put his mug on TV Sunday night, the humane society received a lot of calls. Including one from the owner of the dog, who got a tip she should call. Erika Vaca says actually my friend was watching tv and he called me and was like, dude your dog is on tv, on fox, and i was like what? i was at work." The dog's real name is Stumpy. And, thanks to the Humane Society, Stumpy won't get lost again. He was implanted with an ID chip before going home. |
| 13 plus inches of rain falls in Rio Grande Valley 08-18-2008 Emergency officials Monday night reopened U.S. Highway 83 between Rio Grande City and Roma, after closing it due to heavy rain. It's the main artery through the Rio Grande Valley. The Department of Public Safety had recommended that U.S. Highway 83 be closed near Rosita, about midway between Roma and Rio Grande City, because El Quiote creek was more than a foot above the guardrails. Forecasters say more than 13 inches of rain fell in some parts of the county, forcing emergency officials to use boats to rescue dozens of people from flooded homes. The impact of so much rain was compounded because the ground was still saturated from Hurricane Dolly, which hit the region on July 23rd. Officials also had to open shelters. A flash flood watch is in effect for parts of Brooks, Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, Cameron, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr and Zapata counties through tomorrow. |
| Texas officials seek custody of polygamist`s kids 08-18-2008 Marriage documents, photos and church records are introduced Monday as Texas seeks foster care for children of some polygamists. The court hearing in San Angelo involves a girl allegedly given in marriage at age 12 to now jailed polygamist leader Warren Jeffs. Texas wants to remove the now 14-year-old girl and a younger brother from their mother. Child Protective Services says the woman has refused to guarantee the girl won't have contact with men accused of being involved in underage marriages. Texas Ranger Nick Hannah helped CPS offer documents outlining some polygamist group family relationships. The items were seized in an April raid of the Yearning For Zion Ranch near Eldorado. The girl's mother, Barbara Jessop, invoked her 5th Amendment right not to incriminate herself on about 50 questions. |
| Man killed in Officer Involved Shooting 08-18-2008 On August 18, 2008, at approximately 3:15 p.m., San Antonio Police responded to NB IH 35 S @ Fischer Rd for an officer in trouble call. Upon officer’s arrival, it was determined that a Frio County Deputy Sheriff was transporting a prisoner to a San Antonio hospital for a psychological evaluation in relation to an Emergency Detention. According to Frio County Deputy Roger Salinas, while enroute to a San Antonio hospital, the prisoner began to assault him to the point he began to lose consciousness. Deputy Salinas then said he was in fear of for his life and fired his service weapon striking the suspect. Deputy Salinas was able to call for assistance and EMS made the location. 19-year-old Andres Gutierrez was pronounced at the scene. Deputy Salinas was transported to University Hospital with numerous facial injuries. The San Antonio Police Department’s Shooting Team is handling the investigation and will submit their findings to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and the Frio County Sheriff’s Office. |
| Crash Victims Identified 08-18-2008 Two people who died in a Sunday morning accident in Converse have been identified. The Bexar County Medical Examiner says that Martin Carrillo, 42, and Isac Suarez, 19, died when their trucks collided at the intersection of Loop 1604 and Lower Seguin Road. Two other people injured in the crash went to area hospitals in serious condition. Police are still investigating. |
| Arson Inspecting Auto Dealer Fire 08-18-2008 Firefighters are investigating how two cars caught on fire at a local dealership early Monday morning. Crews rushed out to the Ancira dealership on the 11000 block of Expo near I-10 and Huebner around 3am after initial reports came in that the dealership was on fire. When they got there, they found two cars burning in the parking lot. Crews quickly put the flames out before they could damage any other vehicles. Arson investigators then inspected the scene, but no cause has been determined. |
| Crash Kills Two in Converse 08-17-2008 Two people are dead and three more are in area hospitals after a major accident in Converse Sunday morning. It happened at Loop 1604 and Lower Seguin Road. Officers told Fox News at Nine the victims died when the Chevrolet truck they were riding in rolled. Investigators said the truck's driver pulled out in front of a Ford F-150 causing the trucks to collide. It's believed the driver of the Chevrolet may have run a red light. As of Sunday night, the victims names had not been released. |
| Two-Legged Chihuahua Found 08-17-2008 A San Antonio man made a very interesting discovery on Saturday. A Chihuahua born with just two legs was found in a Northwest side subdivision and dropped off at the Bexar County Humane Society. Officials there have given the little guy the nickname "Roo" because he hops around like a kangaroo. His owners have until Tuesday to claim him. Vets say he is healthy and functional. "If he does not find his home, we're going to make sure he finds a brand new home and he's gonna stay safe for the rest of his life," says Cathy McCoy of the Bexar County Humane Society. If you're interested in adopting Roo, give the Humane Society a call at (210) 226-7461. |
| Texas Family Killed in Plane Crash 08-17-2008 Authorities in Colorado said wreckage spotted by a hiker in the Rocky Mountains was that of a plane carrying a Houston area family that never returned home. Summit County sheriff's officials said Thomas Paul Jacomini Jr. was piloting the four-seater Cessna 182 when it left Steamboat Springs on Friday. Sheriff's officials say there were no survivors. FAA spokeswoman Karen Byrd said the plane was headed to Sugar Land, Texas, which is a suburb of Houston. |
| Driver Flips Truck on Wet Highway 08-17-2008 Wet roads may be to blame for a crash north of San Antonio. One man was taken to the hospital Sunday night after he flipped his truck on Highway 16 in Helotes. It appeared the driver, who was hauling a trailer, lost control on a curve. His truck turned over after crashing into a large pile of dirt. As of Sunday night, the man's condition was unknown. |
| Teen Shot Several Times in Car 08-17-2008 A teenager was shot several times early Sunday in Northwest San Antonio. The 19 year old victim flagged down police claiming he'd been shot outside a house on Sacramento. He tells police he was sitting in his car waiting on someone when bullets came through his car. Officers found two possible suspects inside the home hiding under a bed. As of Sunday night, no one had been arrested. The victim was taken to University Hospital in stable condition. |
| Driver Crashes, Then Leaves Passenger 08-17-2008 A teen driver rolled his car, then ditched his trapped passenger. That's what police say happened on Interstate 35 near Stonewall Street. Witnesses said the driver of a Mitsubishi Eclipse was speeding, then hit a guardrail which caused the car to flip. The driver was spotted running down Stonewall. The passenger is being treated at Wilford Hall Medical Center. |
| Slick Road Causes Multi-Car Crash 08-16-2008 Rain and lots of oil caused a big traffic mess Saturday night in Northwest San Antonio. A dozen cars collided just after 6 p.m. on La Cantera, in front of Fiesta Texas. Police tell Fox News at Nine a driver hit a curb, causing the oil pan in his car to break. The hit sent oil spewing out onto the road. The oil and some sprinkles from the rain made La Cantera slick, causing several vehicles to lose control and crash. The good news is no one was seriously injured. |
| More Problems for Bexar Met G.M. 08-16-2008 The head of Bexar Met faces more problems after a grand jury hands down several indictments. Saturday, board members from the water district placed Gil Olivares on a 15 day suspension with pay. Olivares was indicted Friday on charges of wiretapping, mis-application of funds and sexual harrassment. The board will meet next week determine further punishment. |
| Motorcylist Killed 08-16-2008 A motorcyclist died after losing control of his bike. Witnesses say the man was riding in the 4300 block of Schertz Road overnight Saturday. The motorcyle hit a curb, went out of control, then ended up in a ditch. The rider died at the scene. As of Saturday night, the man's name had not been released. |
| Former Sheriff Makes Deal for Probation 08-16-2008 The former Victoria County Sheriff will spend the next decade on probation. Media reports out of Victoria say Mike Ratcliff, 50, has agreed to a plea bargain. Under the agreement, Ratcliff admitted guilt to perjury charges after prosecutors say he lied to a grand jury when asked if he had sex with a teenage boy. The judge threw out aggravated sexual assault charges in exchange for the admission. In addition to probation, Ratcliff will spend the next six months under house arrest. |
| Southside ISD Opens New School 08-16-2008 Southside ISD unveiled its new state of the art middle school Saturday. Julius L. Matthey Middle School opened its doors for the first time for neighbors wanting to take a look. The old middle school was torn down and is being replaced by this new facility. The 7th and 8th grade campus will hold approximately 800 students. |
| Car Vandals Strike 08-15-2008 Car vandals on the city's northwest side have struck again. At least ten residents woke up to find their cars windows shattered and broken. Police got a call from the 73-hundred block of Fernview and the 74-hundred block of Weybridge saying just before four in the morning that cars had been vandalized. One frustrated car owner says he thinks the culprits are bored teens. This is not the first time this has happened earlier in the summer, there were several incidents in the same area where multiple vehicles had been randomly vandalized with bbs and paint balls. Police are looking for any information that would help them catch these suspects. |
| Whitinger Funeral 08-15-2008 A family will finally get closure this morning when the remains of one of their loved ones are buried. Rolia Whitinger's body was donated to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston over 8 years ago. The body was supposed to be returned to the family after its use, but it never was. Now -- after an 8-year legal battle -- the remains have been shipped back. Whitinger's funeral will take place later this morning at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. |
| Man Hurt In Accident Dies At Hospital 08-15-2008 A man is dead after a high-speed accident on the northwest side. According to police, witnesses driving westbound along I-10 near West Avenue around 2:30 this morning saw a man in an SUV swerve into a concrete barrier on the side of the highway. They say he then over-corrected, turned through all lanes of traffic and slammed into a wall on the other side. Emergency crews had to cut the man out of the vehicle. The unidentified man was rushed to the hospital, but died about an hour later. Police say there were no apparent signs of intoxication, and it's unclear why the man lost control. |
| `Texas 7` Fugitive Executed Over Death of Irving Officer 08-14-2008 HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- Condemned killer Michael Rodriguez looked at the wife of a slain policeman and apologized -- before being put to death tonight in Huntsville. Rodriguez was the first of the six surviving Connally Unit escapees to be executed over the 2000 shooting death of Irving Officer Aubrey Hawkins. Seven inmates fled the South Texas prison. Six were caught in Colorado, where the other fugitive killed himself. Rodriguez had dropped all appeals and volunteered for lethal injection. The inmate looked at the officer's widow and his former sister-in-law and said, quote: -- "My punishment is nothing compared to the pain and suffering I've brought you. I'm not strong enough to ask for forgiveness. I ask the Lord to forgive. I've done horrible things that brought sorrow and pain to these wonderful people. Rodriguez also said, quote: "I'm sorry, so sorry." As the drugs took effect, Rodriguez was praying in a whisper. "I'm ready to go, Lord." Outside the prison, several dozen police officers stood at attention while the execution was carried out. |
| School Uniforms Handed Out to Needy Students 08-14-2008 Talk about a fresh start to the new school year, some students are getting new uniforms for free. It's all thanks to the Khakis for Kids clothing drive. Volunteers have been working all summer to collect uniforms to hand out to students who applied for them earlier this summer. The drive was fueled by Tesoro and other partners including Eyemasters and Cowboy Cleaners. |
| After School Programs Becoming More Affordable 08-14-2008 After school programs for San Antonio kids just got more affordable for parents. City council today approved a new set of fees that will especially benefit low-income families. The programs are the, After School Challenge and Kid Quest. The minimum is $20 for one child with a family maximum of $40 for the entire school year. Registration opens at the beginning of the school year. |
| Civil Jury in Houston Sides with Joel Osteen`s Wife 08-14-2008 HOUSTON (AP) -- A civil jury in Houston today sided with the wife of TV pastor Joel Osteen and against a Continental Airlines flight attendant. Victoria Osteen had denied allegations that she assaulted flight attendant Sharon Brown before a 2005 flight to Vail, Colorado. The dispute involved cleaning a spill on Victoria Osteen's first-class seat. After the verdict, Victoria Osteen began to cry and hugged her attorneys and several supporters in the courtroom as she said "thank you God" and "praise God." Joel Osteen says he and his family hold no ill will toward Brown and they've prayed for her. Brown, in a statement, said she gave the truth to the jury and were happy to have had an opportunity to try the case. Brown had requested damages including ten percent of Victoria Osteen's net worth. |
| Former Deputy Cleared on Charges Associated with Shooting 08-14-2008 A former Bexar County detention officer is found not guilty of deadly conduct this afternoon. Mark Vargas was visibly relieved as he shook the hands of his former colleagues after the verdict today in court. Vargas was off-duty in August of 2005 when he began pursuing a vehicle near Loop 410 and Exchange Parkway on the northwest side. Vargas fired his gun several times at the vehicle after he thought the driver pointed a gun at him. It turned out to be a cell phone. No one was hurt. Vargas, a former Bexar County detention officer, was cleared on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct charges. He does still face a civil suit. |
| Battle Over Man`s Remains Settled 08-14-2008 It has been years since the death of Rolia Whitenger, but last week his remains were finally returned to the family. Whitenger's family donated his remains to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. After using the body for research, the cremated remains should have been returned. Instead, the family received notice that body parts from the branch may have been sold off to labs for profit. After an 8-year long battle, the remains were finally returned. The family will have a funeral for Whitenger tomorrow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. |
| Kerrville Man Headed to Jail for Kidnapping & Assault 08-14-2008 A Kerrville man has received the maximum sentence for kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. According to the Guadalupe County District Attorney, 19-year old Roy Matthew Crider, Jr., has was sentenced to eight years in jail. This, after he pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping back in April. Crider was reportedly upset at his ex-girlfriend, because he found out she had a new boyfriend. |
| Second Man Arrested For Fatal Stabbing 08-14-2008 Police have arrested a second suspect for allegedly stabbing to death a postal worker. Police believe, Kenneth Pena, is the second suspect responsible for the murder of 33-year-old Evaristo Mena. They arrested Pena after 5 p.m. today at his home. Mena was killed back in June near the Ric Ron Taco House on East Mitchell. The murder was caught on surveillance video. It was a Crime Stoppers tip that lead police to arrest both suspects. Police still have no motive for the crime. |
| CARJACKING SHOOTING 08-14-2008 A man is recovering at University Hospital after getting shot during an alleged car-jacking. Police say this all happened around four this morning on the city's east side near Walters and Kayton. The victim, who is in his twenties, told police he was leaving a fast food restaurant when a man walked up to him while he was in his car and asked for directions. He says the suspect just started shooting at him. The victim was shot at least once and was transported in critical condition. He is expected to be O-K. But, police say there seems to be some information missing from the victim's statement. Detectives did canvass the area looking for a bald male suspect who matched the description the victim gave but found no one. The victim suggested the incident may have been an attempted car-jacking or robbery. Police say nothing was taken and nothing was missing from the car or the victim. Police are still investigating. |
| City Unveils `09 Budget 08-14-2008 It's budget season for the San Antonio city council. City Manager Sheryl Sculley will present a 2.3 billion dollar 2009 proposed city budget to the mayor and city council this morning. The budget presentation will include the proposed tax rate for next year. It's also expected that the budget could include an increase in the number of police on the streets -- maybe even more than what was originally planned. |
| Water Restored to San Marcos 08-14-2008 It took a while, but water has been restored to the city of San Marcos. Water flow slowed to a trickle in areas of San Marcos yesterday afternoon when a water main ruptured in an unknown location. It took water crews over 7 hours, but crews finally found and fixed the leak a short time before midnight in a main near the I-35 access road. According to San Marcos Police, residents should continue to boil their water for at least 24 hours as a precautionary measure. |
| Man Arrested For Fatal June Stabbing 08-13-2008 After nearly three months on the run, San Antonio police arrest a man they say stabbed a San Antonio postal worker to death. They are crediting his arrest to a Crime Stoppers tip. Police arrested 39-year-old Lawrence Pena Wednesday afternoon around 5:30 p.m. They say Pena stabbed 33-year-old Evaristo Mena back on June 4rth near the Ric Ron Taco House on East Mitchell. It happened during a confrontation with two men early that morning, and it was all caught on surveillance video. Crime Stoppers say they got a tip that Pena could be found at his girlfriend's house. Police say Mena was attacked after he stepped outside to buy flowers from a vendor. Police are still looking for the second suspect on that video tape. |
| San Marcos Urges Water Conservation Because of Main Break 08-13-2008 San Marcos residents are asked to minimize water use tonight and avoid any outdoor watering as the City Water Utility continues to track down the source of a widespread water outage that has left various areas in the city with no water or very low pressure. No water main break has been discovered since the outages began being called in around 4:30 p.m. today, said Assistant City Manager Laurie Anderson. Areas most affected include Sunset Acres, Highway 123, the Wallace Addition, and the medical center area on Wonder World Drive, including Central Texas Medical Center. The hospital has implemented emergency steps to provide air conditioning and water supply. Calls have also come areas ranging from Aquarena Springs Drive to Clovis Barker Drive. Residents who are experiencing low pressure or no water should boil their water when service is restored as a precaution, City officials said. To report a water outage, residents may call 393-8010. |
| Passengers Didn`t See Any Attack by Osteen`s Wife 08-13-2008 HOUSTON (AP) -- Closing arguments are expected tomorrow in the Houston trial of a flight attendant's assault lawsuit against the wife of famed TV pastor Joel Osteen. Some passengers and a pilot today testified they never saw or heard anything that indicated that Victoria Osteen attacked the flight attendant before the start of a 2005 flight. Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown claims the co-pastor of Houston's Lakewood Church became verbally and physically abusive in a dispute over a stained seat. Osteen attorney Rusty Hardin, just before he rested in the civil case, showed jurors a videotaped deposition of Claudia Hall. Hall is a former Continental flight attendant and gate agent who says she was falsely accused by Brown of hitting and pushing her into the bathroom wall of a plane in 1995. Hardin has said he believes Victoria Osteen is only being sued for her money. |
| NCAA Reveals 8 Finalists for Women`s Final Fours 08-13-2008 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The NCAA today announced eight cities are finalists to host the Division I women's basketball Final Four from 2012 through 2016. Two cities in Texas made the cut -- Dallas and San Antonio. The sites are: -- Indianapolis -- Columbus, Ohio -- Denver -- Nashville, Tennessee -- New Orleans -- and Tampa, Florida. The Division I basketball committee will visit each city in September and October, and the finalists will present bids to the committee in November. The five sites will be announced in mid-November. Indianapolis, New Orleans, San Antonio and Tampa have hosted previous women's Final Fours. |
| Army Major Pleads Guilty in $5.8M Bribery Deal 08-13-2008 WASHINGTON (AP) -- An Army major today pleaded guilty in Washington to bribery charges. Major James Momon Junior of Virginia admits he had a 5.8 million dollar deal to steer military contracts for bottled water and other supplies to favored companies. The guilty plea is the latest development in one of the Justice Department's largest military contracting fraud investigations. Momon served as a contracting officer at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait in 2005 and 2006. He succeeded Major John Cockerham, who pleaded guilty in January to money laundering as part of a nine million dollar bribery scheme involving bottled water contracts. Cockerham has been cooperating with investigators since pleading guilty in a San Antonio federal court. Momon, as part of his plea deal, agreed to do the same. |
| Nearly $10 Million in Federal Grants for Texas Workers After Dolly 08-13-2008 DALLAS (AP) -- Federal labor officials today approved emergency grants for Texas workers displaced by last month's Hurricane Dolly. U.S. Senator John Cornyn says the Labor Department will send an initial 2.45 million dollars to be distributed by the Texas Workforce Commission. That will be followed by a grant of up to 7.35 million dollars. The grants will go to 15 Texas counties to create temporary work in assisting with Dolly cleanup and recovery efforts stemming from Hurricane Dolly. The funds also will provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. The money is meant to help in Aransas, Bexar, Brooks, Cameron, Calhoun, Jim Wells, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria and Willacy counties. |
| Pump Problem Sold San Antonio Gas at 38 Cents 08-13-2008 SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Gas prices have been falling -- but not that much. A problem with a pump cost a San Antonio convenience store when premium gasoline accidentally sold for 38 cents a gallon. Manager Jim Duke at a Dill Food Market says that grade of gas was supposed to be selling for $3.89 a gallon. Duke says the "pump malfunction" involving a misplaced decimal point was fixed by Wednesday afternoon. Nobody reported the mistake, which WOAI-AM reports apparently started Tuesday afternoon. Duke says he noticed a lot of vehicles were being filled with premium and people were paying at the pump. He went out to check Wednesday and noticed the price error. Duke says the independent gas station lost a lot of money. Just how much is still being tallied. |
| Ron Paul`s Wife Hospitalized 08-13-2008 Carol Paul, the 72-year-old wife of Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, remains in intensive care at a Houston hospital and is expected to undergo her third surgery since being admitted Thursday. Spokesman Jesse Benton said in a message on a Ron Paul Web site Tuesday that she "is fighting hard and remains in serious but stable condition." Benton would not say what what Carol Paul is being treated for. The Houston Chronicle reported that she had surgery in Iowa last year after being hospitalized for shortness of breath and low blood pressure while campaigning with her husband. Doctors installed a heart pacemaker at the time. Officials said they want to protect her privacy and would not disclose which hospital she is in. A Texas congressman from Lake Jackson, Paul ran for the 2008 GOP presidential nomination. |
| El Paso Children Found Locked In A Trailer 08-13-2008 An anonymous tip led to the rescue of four young children who were found alone in a padlocked trailer. Deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office on yesterday arrested and charged Ivonne Adriana Vasquez, the 28-year-old mother of three of the children, with four counts of abandoning and endangering a child. The fourth child was her 9-year-old niece, the oldest of the children. The youngest was 2-months-old. The El Paso Times reports El Paso County Sheriff's Office spokesman Deputy Jesse Tovar said a deputy got in the trailer, which was padlocked from the outside, by breaking a window and crawling through it. Tovar said the stench of a clogged toilet and dirty diapers inside the trailer, which was strewn with clothes and dishes, caused deputies to gag. An ambulance crew checked the children at the scene. The sisters were turned over to family members while their cousin returned to her family. Deputies said an investigation by Family and Protective Services is under way. |
| Inmate Fights to be Executed 08-13-2008 A member of the notorious "Texas Seven" is more than ready for his execution. Michael Rodriguez is scheduled for execution tomorrow in Huntsville. In 2000, Rodriguez and six other men overpowered workers at a Kenedy prison -- then robbed a sporting goods store in suburban Dallas, killing a police officer in the process. Rodriguez, who grew up in San Antonio, was originally serving a life sentence for a 1992 murder-for-hire plot where he hired someone to kill his wife. Rodriguez actually fought to be executed, working for over a year to drop his appeals and volunteer for the death penalty. |
| Police Search For Missing Person 08-13-2008 The San Antonio Police Department is looking for a missing person. 20-year-old Paul Mongkolpumirat was last seen July 23rd. He was reported missing five days later from a home in the 6700 block of Fellowood. When he was last seen, the 20-year-old was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and flip flops. Anyone with information on his disappearance is urged to call police. |
| Retired Cop Charged with Indecent Exposure 08-12-2008 A retired SAPD officer is facing some serious charges after allegedly exposing himself to undercover agents at a local park. George Wilson, 68, was arrested just after noon on Monday at Rusty Lyons Park in the 6400 block of McCullough. According to Park Police, Wilson exposed himself to an undercover officer inside one of the parks restrooms. Wilson was arrested and charged with indecent exposure. |
| DeWitt County Sheriff Answering Questions Regarding Chupacabra Sighting 08-12-2008 DeWitt County deputies caught a mysterious creature on tape a few days ago, and now the sheriff is wishing he'd kept it a little quiet about it. Sheriff Jode Zavesky released the dash cam video yesterday. The video shows an unidentified creature running along a road in broad daylight. Some are calling it a real life chupacabra sighting. Sheriff Zavesky has been busy today doing national radio talk shows including Fox News Channel. So far, he says there have been no more sightings of the mysterious creature. |
| Former Deputy on Trial for Shooting at Driver 08-12-2008 The trial of a former Bexar County Sheriffs deputy accused of using deadly conduct, is set to begin. Jury selection in the trial for Mark Vargas got underway this morning. Vargas is accused of attempting to stop a vehicle because it was swerving. It happened back in August of 2006. They say Vargas was in his personal vehicle. Prosecutors say Vargas shot at the suspect because he thought he was reaching out for a gun. It was actually a cell phone. Vargas faces one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of deadly conduct. |
| Toyota Tundra Production Moving from Indiana to Texas 08-12-2008 There's encouraging news from Toyota today. Toyota will step up its timetable to shift Tundra production from Indiana to Texas a lot sooner than expected. A Toyota spokesperson says production of the 2009 Tundra begins in November at the southside plant. The shift was not scheduled to happen until the Spring. While San Antonio will get all of Toyota's Tundra work, the production shift comes with 90 days of down time until November. |
| Man Headed to Jail for Killing Mother`s Boyfriend 08-12-2008 A Comal County man is sentenced to sixteen years in prison for killing his mother's boyfriend. Twenty-one year old Hilario Alvarado was convicted of manslaughter. Back in August of 2006, Alvarado shot and killed Jessie Villarreal after an altercation in their trailer park home in Comal County. Alvarado was initially indicted on a first degree murder charge, but the sentence was reduced to manslaughter. Alvarado has to serve at least half of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. |
| Tension at Gonzales School Board Meeting Over Dress Code 08-12-2008 GONZALES, Texas (AP) -- Police were called to a Gonzales school board meeting after tempers flared over a new student dress code. Some violators must wear prison-like jumpsuits. Nobody was arrested after last night's meeting. Gonzales superintendent Vic Salazar says there was a public comment period, then some members of the audience started yelling at trustees about the dress code. Two Gonzales police officers arrived to keep order. The district's new dress code bans cargo pants and requires students to wear collared shirts. Those in grades 5-12 who don't obey may also be put in blue coveralls the district ordered from the industrial arm of Texas prison system. The coveralls are an option so students can comply with the dress code and remain in class. Parents can still take students a change of clothes, or children can serve in-school suspension. |
| Violent Inmate to Die Tonight for 1994 Dallas Double Slaying 08-12-2008 HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- A twice-convicted killer faces execution tonight in Huntsville. Leon David Dorsey IV is to die for gunning down two Dallas video store workers during a 1994 robbery at a video store. The victims were Blockbuster employees James Armstrong and Brad Lindsey. Dorsey's image, before the shootings, was captured on store security video. No late appeals are pending to try to block Dorsey's lethal injection. He was serving 60 years in prison, after pleading guilty to killing a woman during an Ennis convenience store robbery, when a police cold case squad linked him to the double slaying. Authorities say Dorsey killed Kyon Suk Chon about five months after the video store killings. |
| Fema Aid Totals $14.4 Million for Dolly 08-12-2008 The Federal Emergency Management Agency has sent a little more than $14.4 million in aid to residents of three South Texas counties hit by Hurricane Dolly. Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties were declared eligible on July 31 to receive the aid for individual assistance for temporary housing assistance for those forced from their homes, as well as money for limited home repairs. The deadline to apply is Sept 30. Residents in those counties will be able to register for the assistance immediately through the FEMA hot line at 800-621-FEMA and the agency's Web site www.fema.gov. Dolly hit the lower South Texas coast July 23 as a Category 2 hurricane, with 100 mph winds. It dumped more than a foot of rain in places. |
| Fort Hood Soldier Dies 08-12-2008 The Army says a 23-year-old Fort Hood soldier has died in Afghanistan of injuries from a non-combat-related incident. Pvt. John A. Mattox of Daingerfield, Texas, died Aug. 10 at Forward Operating Base Bostick, Afghanistan. The Army statement provides no details on the fatal incident, but states that it's under investigation. Mattox was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, of Fort Hood. |
| Madden Fans Line Up For New Game 08-12-2008 Video game fans here in town were ready for some football overnight. The 20th anniversary edition of Madden 2009 came out at midnight, and over 40 die hard gamers waited in line at the Game Stop at loop 410 and San Pedro to be the first to get their hands on a copy. This year's release got swept up in the Brett Favre trade saga -- the QB graces the cover...as a Green Bay Packer. Electronic Arts is providing a roster update and new cover art making Favre a New York Jet for anyone that wants it. |
| Mortgage Workshop For Potential Homeowners 08-12-2008 If you're thinking about buying your first house, there's a meeting tonight that will make you feel right at home. Maverick library is hosting a mortgage seminar tonight at 7. Potential first time home-buyers can learn about loan fees, closing costs, and how to take advantage of federal grant programs that could help make owning a home a reality. Again -- that meeting is at 7 tonight at Maverick library -- that's in the 8700 block of Mystic Park in northwest San Antonio. |
| Newspaper Big Rig Overturns After Colliding with Car 08-11-2008 A San Antonio man is critically hurt overnight after driving into the path of an Express-News 18-wheeler. The accident was near the intersection of Huebner and Floyd Curl on the northwest side. Bexar County investigators say the driver lost control of his BMW while driving east on Huebner, skidding into the path of the rig. The truck driver swerved to avoid hitting the car, but it was too late. The rig overturned. That driver got out unharmed. The newspaper had to reprint about 30,000 copies damaged in the accident. |
| San Antonio Pharmacist Arrested for Fraud 08-11-2008 A San Antonio pharmacist is in jail after being arrested for Medicaid fraud. The District Attorney's office announced the arrest of 44-year-old Marcelleus Anunobi. He's the owner of, Advanced Doctor's Prescribed Pharmacy, on Medical Drive. The arrest warrant alleges Anunobi may have stolen up to $100,000 from the state by setting up a Medicaid billing scheme. He's being held without bond. |
| Man Found Stabbed to Death Identified 08-11-2008 We now have a name for the stabbing victim found dead inside his northside apartment last night. The medical examiner has identified him as 32-year old Donald Aldridge. Aldridge's girlfriend found his body inside his apartment off Isom and Sahara. Police say Aldridge had multiple stab wounds to his upper body. Police don't yet have a motive, and no arrests have been made. |
| Temporary Gang Injunction in Place 08-11-2008 An eastside neighborhood plagued by gangs is getting more help from the District Attorney's office. Susan Reed says additional members of an eastside gang, known as the East Terrace Gangsters, have been put on a temporary injunction. The move applies to a recently created safety zone in an area plagued by gang violence and gang activity. Members are prohibited from meeting in the area south of Commerce Street down to Roland Avenue and between Aurelia Street over to Brooksdale. If they violate the order they face up to a year in jail. A hearing for a permanent injunction is scheduled for November 17th. |
| Accused Kidnapper Wants Custody of Kids 08-11-2008 HOUSTON (AP) -- The 44-year-old Houston woman arrested last week for taking five young Hurricane Katrina survivors away from their mother after claiming the children were abused -- is seeking custody of them. Today Rhonda Tavey, who is free on bonds totaling $50,000, went to a Houston court and filed paperwork saying she should get custody of the three girls and two boys. She says she should have custody because of alleged physical abuse, family violence, drug abuse and child neglect by their mother, Erica Alponse. Tavey also asked for permission to violate the terms of her bonds, which say she can't have contact with the children, ages 3 to 8. Tavey was charged with five counts of kidnapping. Alphonse denied claims she is an unfit mother and said she has passed a drug test. She said she was confused by Tavey's actions. |
| Six Remain Critical After North Texas Bus Crash 08-11-2008 DALLAS (AP) -- Six people remain hospitalized in critical condition after a bus crash near Sherman killed 17 Vietnamese Catholics going to a festival in Missouri. Officials say the driver in Friday's accident, during a trip from the Houston area, is among those critically hurt. The National Transportation Safety Board says investigators spoke with the driver shortly after the crash -- but he's now on a respirator and can't talk. The Associated Press reports as of today, 19 of the 55 passengers had been released from hospitals throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Four remained in serious condition, seven people were stable and three were fair. An NTSB investigator was in Houston to review documents collected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from the bus company. NTSB investigators also met with the Texas Department of Transportation to gather information about the road and traffic. |
| Inmate to Die For Dallas Video Store Double Slaying 08-11-2008 HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- A man videotaped in a Blockbuster store in Dallas before two employees were killed faces execution tomorrow. Leon David Dorsey IV was no stranger to violence before the 1994 shootings. Dorsey was serving 60 years for killing a woman in an Ennis convenience store robbery when a cold case squad tied him to the double slaying. The victims were James Armstrong and Brad Lindsey. No appeals are pending to stop tomorrow's lethal injection, which would be the seventh this year in Texas. An image of Dorsey on the Blockbuster security tape shows him at the video store Easter Sunday evening of 1994 -- then leaving. Prosecutors say he returned, took $300 from the register, then forced Armstrong and Lindsey into an office. Dorsey was serving time for the killing of a woman -- Hyon Suk Chon -- at a store she managed. |
| Texas Teen Drowns In Kandiyohi County Lake 08-11-2008 NEW LONDON, Minn. (AP) -- A 17-year-old Texan has drowned in Games Lake in central Minnesota. The Kandiyohi (kan-dee-YOH'-hye) County Sheriff's Department says Oscar Alenjandro Ramirez of Eagle Pass, Texas, drowned Saturday. Officials says Ramirez and his friends and family were swimming at the beach when he went under about 3 p.m. Two lifeguards immediately responded, as did a deputy on the sheriff's water patrol. The rescuers found Ramirez in 6 feet of water. The rescuers found Ramirez in 6 feet of water. Ramirez was not breathing and rescuers were unable to revive him. |
| Kendalia Murder 08-10-2008 Police are on the search for a group of men responsible for killing another man early Sunday morning. Investigators say the group shot and killed the victim firing more than 15 rounds in the process. The shooting happened in the 800 block of Kendalia on the south side of the city. Officers believe the shooting may have been over an argument between the men. Authorities have not identified the victim. |
| Sahara Stabbing 08-10-2008 Police are investigating a murder at an apartment complex on Isom and Sahara. Police say a girlfriend hadn't heard from her boyfriend, so she went by his apartment to check on him. That's when she found him dead inside, with multiple stab wounds all over his body. The victim was 34 years old. |
| Restaurant Robber on the Run 08-10-2008 Police are on the lookout for a man they say robbed two fast food restaurants in North San Antonio Sunday morning. The first happened at a Jack in the Box near Loop 410 and Nacogdoches. Police say the robber got away empty handed because he couldn't open the register. Half an hour later, he hit a McDonald's on Jones Maltsberger. This time he got away with cash. If you have any information on the restaurant robber, call 224-STOP. There is a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. |
| Child Nearly Drowns 08-10-2008 A day of fun at the lake turns tragic when a little boy nearly drowns. It happened Sunday afternoon at Jacobs Creek in the Canyon Lake area. Authorities say bystanders pulled the 7 year old from the water. They performed c.p.r. and they were able to revive him. No word on his condition. |
| Escaped Convict Caught 08-09-2008 A man wanted for busting out of a federal holding cell in three rivers is back behind bars, thanks to The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. Authorities spotted Adam Villarreal here in San Antonio at a downtown bar early Saturday morning. He tried to get away from authorities by jumping into a truck and giving chase. Villarreal ended up crashing. He was originally locked up on cocaine trafficking charges. U.S. Marshals say he had 7 years left on his sentence when he escaped. |
| School Supplies Donation 08-09-2008 With the first day of school right around the corner two organizations are coming together to help out families in need with school supplies. The Blue Knights of Texas and Family Services Association collected about $600 dollars worth of school supplies. The Blue Knights rode in on their trademark motorcycles to "The Neighborhood Place" to deliver the supplies. |
| High Tech Theft Ring Busted 08-09-2008 San Antonio police break up a ring of thieves targeting pricey flat screen tv's and in the process find drugs, guns and cash. Police believe a south side home is the center of the operation. They say in the last 6 weeks, 30 tv's have been ripped off from local retail stores and restaurants. Cocaine...22,000 in cash and 3 guns were also seized from house. Two people were arrested. |
| Wall Collapses at St. Mary`s Construction Site 08-08-2008 Construction on a building at Saint Mary's University comes to a halt after a wall falls, injuring a worker. The wooden frame of the wall fell over this afternoon. The damage to the structure doesn't seem severe, but EMS rushed one worker to the hospital. No word on his condition tonight. |
| Two Men Hospitalized After Knife Fight 08-08-2008 A fight with a knife leaves two men in the hospital. Police found the first man in the 11,000 block of Spring Life. Officers say he had suffered several cuts and stab wounds to the head. Police believe he was in some sort of a fight with another person. Officers found that other person nearby on Spring Front. They too had serious injuries. Both were taken to area hospitals in unknown condition. |
| Authorities Searching for Westside Bank Robber 08-08-2008 Police are searching for the person who robbed a westside bank this afternoon. It happened at the Laredo National Bank in the 1000 block of Culebra. Investigators say around 4 p.m., a man walked into the bank -- disguised with a bandana and glasses. He then showed a gun and handed the teller a note. Witnesses describe him as a White or Hispanic male about 5 feet, 7 inches tall. He got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. |
| Police Indentify Man Shot by Police Officer 08-08-2008 Authorities identify the man shot by a San Antonio police officer. He is 28-year old Michael Aragon. Aragon was shot once yesterday. Police say he pointed a gun at Officer Humberto Gallegos after a brief chase in the 2800 block of Morales and Chupaderas. Aragon was taken to Wilford Hall in critical condition. Officer Gallegos is on administrative duty. |
| Police Say Man Died Waiting for Paramedics 08-08-2008 SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The death of a man at a San Antonio apartment complex is being reviewed after police complained it took several calls and about 20 minutes before an ambulance arrived. Forty-five-year-old Osvald "Javier" Barrera was pronounced dead late Wednesday, more than an hour after police responded to a disturbance allegedly involving Barrera at the local complex. Two officers performed CPR on Barrera while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Fire Chief Charles Hood says department leaders are trying to determine how long it took paramedics to arrive, but -- quote -- "there was probably a miscommunication, obviously, between police and our unit." Hood says one ambulance was dispatched for the man Barrera allegedly assaulted with a hammer, but dispatchers may not have understood a second was needed. The other man's condition was not immediately known. Barrera was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital. Barrera's attorney said his family believes he died of a heart attack. |
| Man Gets Life Sentence For 10th DWI 08-08-2008 WICHITA FALLS, Texas (AP) -- A man with nine previous drunken driving convictions has been sentenced to life in prison. Kenneth Chris Oneal, 58, received the maximum sentence Thursday after jurors convicted him of driving while intoxicated-repetition, his 10th drunken-driving related offense. The offense was a felony because he had at least two such convictions in the past, prosecutors said. He faced from 25 years to life in prison. Department of Public Safety troopers pulled him over in October and his blood-alcohol level tested at .215 percent, which means it was nearly three times the Texas legal limit of .08 percent, authorities said. |
| Bus Crash That Killed 15 Had Improper Tire 08-08-2008 SHERMAN, Texas (AP) -- Federal investigators say the blown tire on a charter bus that crashed and killed 15 people had been refitted with a new tread in violation of safety standards. The National Transportation and Safety Board also said late Friday that the driver of the bus was a 52-year-old who had a commercial license but whose medical certification had expired. Authorities say the bus was operating illegally early Friday when the right front tire blew. The bus smashed into a guardrail and tipped over. Authorities say 12 people died at the scene, and three others at Dallas-area hospitals. The bus was carrying a Vietnamese Catholic group from Houston to an annual pilgrimage in Missouri. |
| Senator To Run For Texas Governor 08-08-2008 If there's any doubt U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is running for governor, there shouldn't be. "I'm very excited about the opportunity of coming home and running for governor in 2010," said Hutchison Friday morning before speaking at a Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The senator tells Fox News at Nine right now though, she's concentrating on her job in the U.S. Senate and won't make any "firm decisions" until after the legislative session next year. Without naming names, Hutchison did take a dig at who most assume is current Governor Rick Perry, who is running for re-election in 2010. Hutchison said, "Other people seem to be raising money for 2010 which I think is probably not a wise thing to do." Hutchison says it's important for Republican supporters to focus their attention and money on other candidates who have elections this year. |
| Toyota Shuts Down 08-08-2008 The production line for Tundras officially froze today. Toyota San Antonio will not be rolling out pick-up trucks for about 90 days. It was no small decision for one of the auto maker's largest plants. The two thousand permanent employees will not be laid off during the production freeze. Instead on Monday they will start "busy" work like researching efficiency and better quality control. Community projects around the city are also part of the plan. As for the on -site suppliers who employee about two thousand people, each are handling the situation individually. Some have talked about lay-offs or finding other business. Some employees plan on working second jobs. Toyota blames the slow economy for the shut down. |
| Five Killed In Highway Crash 08-08-2008 A family of five is killed when their car slams into an 18-wheeler. Shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday, an 18-wheeler full of fuel crashed into a 2007 Mazda heading northbound on I-37. They were about 12 miles southeast of the town of George West in Live Oak County. The family members are identified as Cynthia Perez, 32, Roberto Perez Sr., 60, Roberto Perez Jr., 38, David Perez, 23, Brittany Perez, 12. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured. |
| Help Kids Get Ready For School 08-08-2008 School kids around San Antonio want you to get on the bus. The 15th annual Project Stuff the Bus runs today at all local Wal-Mart stores. The program helps kids get the school supplies they need, but sometimes can't afford. The organizer, Communities in Schools, will accept school supplies and cash donations. Last year, the group collected more than 1,300 rulers, 7,000 bottles of glue and 16,3000 crayons. |
| ATV Crash Injures One 08-08-2008 A man is severely injured when he loses control of his four-wheeler. According to initial reports, the 27-year-old was not wearing a helmet when he lost control of the ATV near the intersection of Thousand Oaks and Wurzbach Parkway. Airlife arrived on the scene and took the man to a nearby hospital with a serious head injury. |
| Schertz Police Investigating Train Pedestrian Accident 08-07-2008 A man is killed today after being hit by a train. It happened around 5 p.m. this afternoon in Schertz near the intersection of FM 78 and FM 1518. Schertz officials still don't know if this was a suicide or an accident. Witnesses say the conductor did signal that the train was coming, but the man did not get out of the way. Police have not released the victim's identity. |
| Former Marion Clerk Sentenced 08-07-2008 A former Marion police clerk is sentenced to 10-years probation for stealing the city's money. A Guadalupe County judge sentenced Esmeralda Gonzalez after she admitted to stealing thousands of dollars. Back in 2006, Gonzalez was charged with stealing money from the city and fired from her job. In addition to probation, she'll also pay $70,000 in restitution and serve 120 hours of community service. |
| Former Coach/Teacher Found Not Guilty of Hitting Student 08-07-2008 A former Warren High School football coach and teacher is found not guilty of intentionally hitting a student. A teenage girl accused Kevin McCullar of slapping her after she squirted him with a squirt gun in May 2007. He says his actions were a reaction to seeing the toy gun near his head. The coach was immediately placed on administrative duty. He's no longer with Northside ISD. His lawyer tells us that after a two day trial, a jury took just 17 minutes to find McCullar not guilty of assault. |
| Paris Hilton Energy Plan Hot to Congressman 08-07-2008 WASHINGTON (AP) -- John McCain may have linked Barack Obama to celebrity Paris Hilton. But a Texas congressman sees correlations between energy plans proposed by his GOP colleagues and one pitched by the blonde socialite. In her mock online video ad, Hilton suggests an energy plan that combines elements of McCain's offshore oil drilling plan and Obama's incentives for new energy technology. Now Rep. Michael Burgess of Flower Mound wants to bring up the "Paris Hilton Plan." Burgess says it was called "the American Energy Act when leader (John) Boehner introduced it. I think we called it the No More Excuses Energy Act when Mac Thornberry introduced it 18 months ago." Burgess' spokeswoman Alison Lynn said the congressman was half joking. McCain first injected Hilton into the presidential campaign with an ad dismissing Obama as a mere celebrity. |
| San Antonio Site Pushed for Biodefense Lab 08-07-2008 SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Researchers, veterinarians and state and local officials are overwhelmingly in favor of putting a new national biodefense lab in San Antonio. But a few residents expressed concerns today about an accidental release of animal disease into the community. The Department of Homeland Security collected public comments on the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at a federal hearing. Texas Research Park, just outside San Antonio, is among six possible sites for the facility. The new facility would replace the existing 24-acre research complex on Plum Island, northeast of New York City in the Long Island Sound. Researchers at the new facility could study foot-and-mouth disease, classical and African swine fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. The other locations the U.S. is considering are Athens, Ga.; Manhattan, Kan.; Butner, N.C.; and Flora, Miss. Another alternative would be construction of a new research lab on Plum Island, home to the aging Animal Disease Center. |
| Illegal Immigrant From Honduras Executed for Texas Murder 08-07-2008 HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- A Honduran man who claimed authorities violated his treaty rights has been executed for a robbery-murder in Texas. Heliberto Chi appeared to be whispering a prayer in Spanish with a tear at the corner of his right eye as the lethal drugs began to take effect. He told a friend watching through a window that he loved him and appreciated his hard work. In English, he said: "God forgive them, receive my spirit." One of Chi's cousins, who was among the witnesses, sobbed uncontrollably. Two sons of his victims watched through another window. Chi glanced at them briefly but didn't appear to acknowledge them. Chi died at 6:25 p.m. The 29-year-old was convicted of killing his former boss, Armand Paliotta, at a men's clothing store during a robbery 7 1/2 years ago in Arlington. Lawyers claimed Chi should have been told he could get legal assistance from the Honduran consulate when he was arrested. His case is the second this week in Texas with the same claim. The arguments in his case focused on the rights of foreigners under an international treaty to contact their consulate for help. They were similar to those used unsuccessfully Tuesday by lawyers for another condemned Texas prisoner. |
| Houston Woman Charged in Abduction Case 08-07-2008 HOUSTON (AP) -- Five young Hurricane Katrina survivors taken from their mother by a woman they had been living with are being interviewed about allegations that their mom abused them. Child Protective Services says the children will be held by their workers until they can determine if it's safe for them to return to their mother. A woman who met the children's mother while volunteering during the Katrina aftermath gave up the children unharmed today. Rhonda Tavey has been charged with five counts of kidnapping. Investigators will also look into Tavey's claims that the kid's mother, Erica Alphonse, mistreated them. Dick DeGeurin, the attorney for the 44-year-old Tavey says she was being taken to Harris County Jail. Tavey had been caring for the children the past two years while their mother resettled in New Orleans. The children range in age from 3 to 8. |
| Geovany Rivera Arrested 08-07-2008 A San Antonio man on the U.S. Marshal's 15-most wanted list has been arrested. 23-year-old Geovany Rivera had been on the run for the last 18 months. Fox News has confirmed the search for the capital murder suspect ended across the border late last night, after he was spotted in Nuevo Laredo. According to a spokesperson with the Laredo Police Department, Rivera has been extradited to Laredo and will remain there in federal custody until he is transfered to Bexar County. He is expected to arrive in San Antonio later today. Rivera is wanted for the murder of 25-year-old Amber Belkin, who was found strangled with a plastic bag at a northside video game store in January of 2007. It was months before Rivera was named as a suspect in her death, and he had eluded authorities ever since. The international manhunt to track down Rivera started in Laredo, where he's wanted for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at the end of June. Rivera has not yet been charged with captial murder. |
| Poker Players Robbed 08-07-2008 POLICE ARE HUNTING FOR TWO OF A KIND IN A POKER ROBBERY. THEY SAY THE TWO MEN KNEW THEY WERE HITTING A POKER GAME WHEN THEY ROBBED A GROUP OF CARD SHARKS ON THE 76-HUNDRED BLOCK OF CALLAGHAN. WITNESSES SAY THE MEN JUMPED OUT OF A SECOND STORY WINDOW TO ESCAPE WITH THE CASH. POLICE SEARCHED THREE NEIGHBORING APARTMENT COMPLEXES FOR THE MEN. NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE. |
| Man Dies In Police Custody 08-07-2008 POLICE ARE LOOKING INTO THE DEATH OF A MAN WHO DIED MYSTERIOUSLY -- WHILE IN CUSTODY. POLICE SAY A PATROL OFFICER STUMBLED UPON TWO MEN FIGHTING OUTSIDE THE MARY OAKS APARTMENTS ON RUSTLEAF LAST NIGHT. WHEN THE OFFICER BROKE UP THE FIGHT, HE HANDCUFFED ONE OF THE MEN AND PUT HIM IN THE BACK OF HIS CAR. WHILE THE OFFICER WAS INVESTIGATING, THE MAN IN CUSTODY COMPLAINED THAT HE COULDN'T BREATHE. THE PATROLMAN GOT HIM OUT OF THE CAR AND STARTING DOING C-P-R WHEN HE STOPPED BREATHING. THE MAN DIED AT THE HOSPITAL. POLICE ARE NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE MAN'S DEATH, AND ARE WAITING FOR AUTOPSY RESULTS. |
| Murder Suspects Arrested 08-07-2008 ONE MURDER YIELDS TWO ARRESTS FOR SAN ANTONIO POLICE OVERNIGHT. GEORGE DAVENPORT AND ALFREDO FALAS WERE PICKED UP FOR SATURDAY'S SHOOTING ON LOMBRANO. BOTH ARE CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF 34 YEAR-OLD MEHDUTY ZENENET-EL. WITNESSES SAY THEY SPOTTED THE SHOOTER RUNNING AWAY FROM THE HOUSE AFTER ZENENET-EL WAS SHOT SEVERAL TIMES. THE SUSPECT THEN JUMPED IN A CAR AND TOOK OFF. |
| Suspected Drunk Driver Tries to Hide After Accident 08-06-2008 A suspected drunk driver allegedly tries to hide after crashing his SUV into a garage. A witness told police Michael Cavazos was hiding in a bush off Uhr Road on the northeast side. The 27-year-old was reportedly near a house he had just crashed into last night. Police say Cavazos was speeding on Uhr Road when he tried passing a truck. Cavazos clipped the truck causing it to roll and causing his SUV to veer into a garage. Police say Cavazos was clearly intoxicated and booked him on DWI charges. The driver of the truck is okay. |
| House Fire on Wellesley Manor Contained to One Room 08-06-2008 A house fire on the northwest side this afternoon is being blamed on a short circuit. Firefighters say flames were shooting out of the home on Wellesley Manor when they answered the call. Officials say the blaze was contained to one room, but it still caused $45,000 in damage to the home. They think it started in the attic. No one was home when the fire started. |
| Fire Apparatus Lawsuit Settled 08-06-2008 The San Antonio Fire Department has settled a lawsuit with two companies that make their breathing equipment. This has been an on-going problem for nearly three years now. It started when the firefighters noticed their breathing equipment and valves were not working properly out on scenes. The city attorney says the equipment was provided by two separate companies which have bought the equipment back from the department. That's about $1.8 million worth of gear. The San Antonio Fire Department now uses a different company. |
| Area Paramedics Fighting Suspension 08-06-2008 Three paramedics suspended after a girl was left for dead are fighting that suspension. According to the San Antonio Fire Department, paramedics Jeremy Huntsman, William Bullock, and Mike Gardner are appealing at a hearing in Austin. In December 2007, Erica Smith was a passenger in a drunk driving accident. Paramedics believed she was dead at the scene, but later the medical examiner realized she was still alive. Smith died days later in a hospital. |
| Coach Gets Deferred Adjudication For Indecency Charges 08-06-2008 A former track coach in Bulverde won't go to jail on charges of indecent exposure. Lawrence Michael Vincent, 74, known as "Poppy" to students was given Deferred adjudication -- which is a form of probation. Undercover Park Police arrested Vincent back in May on charges he exposed himself to an officer. Vincent was also reportedly wearing women's underwear and had nude pictures of women on him. Vincent was a cross country and track coach at Bracken Christian School. |
| Crime Stoppers Looking for San Antonio Man`s Killer 08-06-2008 It has been over a year since the murder of Fred Ybarra, and now police and Crime Stoppers are asking for your help. Ybarra, 36, was found July 2007 at the intersection of Michigan and W. Mulberry. He had been assaulted and shot. Now Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of Ybarra's killers. If you have any information please call Crime Stoppers at 224-STOP. |
| Admitted Smuggler Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years 08-06-2008 EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- An admitted drug smuggler shot by a pair of now-former Border Patrol agents must serve 9 1/2 years in federal prison. A judge in El Paso today sentenced Osvaldo Aldrete Davila, who was shot in the buttocks while fleeing from an abandoned marijuana load in 2005. The prison is for his role in other smuggling efforts months after he was wounded. An appeals court last week upheld prison time for ex-agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean over their roles in the shooting. Aldrete in April pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count each of conspiracy to import a controlled substance and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance. The judge told Aldrete he squandered a chance to stay clean after being given immunity for the original smuggling effort -- for his testimony against Ramos and Compean. |
| Five Children Reported Kidnapped in Houston 08-06-2008 HOUSTON (AP) -- Five children have been abducted from the Houston area and authorities are seeking a woman who took the family in after Hurricane Katrina. The Harris County District Attorney's office late Wednesday announced Rhonda Tavey is sought on five counts of kidnapping. An Amber Alert has been issued for the children, including 3-year-old twin boys, plus sibling girls who are 4, 6 and 8. Prosecutors say Tavey was a volunteer after Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf coast in August 2005. She opened her home to the children and their mother, Erica Alphonse. A statement from prosecutors says Tavey has taken Alphonse's children out of the Houston area and "has refused to return them to their mother." A warrant for Tavey was issued Monday. |
| Job Fair Today 08-06-2008 The Employment Guide of San Antonio will hold a job fair from 10 am to 3 pm today at Rolling Oaks Mall. At least 20 employers -- including Brinks Home Security, New York Life Insurance, and Judson ISD -- are attending the job fair. Potential employees can get job interviews on site, and -- in addition to a new job -- registered applicants get the chance to win a $50 dollar gas card, given away each hour. |
| City Council Back From Vacation 08-06-2008 The San Antonio City Council is back in business -- and talking about business. After a July vacation, the group returns to work today to discuss how to better attract and retain big corporations. The group will discuss the impact of Toyota's summer shutdown and AT&T's relocation, and how best to work with the AT&T employees who didn't leave for Dallas. Also on the agenda, council members will get an update on the city's Business Retention and Expansion program, and will brainstorm a new approach to corporate recruitment. |
| Opening Arguments Set to Begin Tommorow for Accused Teen Murderer 08-05-2008 The capital murder trial for a teen accused of killing two others is ready to begin. Tomorrow morning, jurors are expected to hear opening arguments in the case against Chris Meadoux. The 17-year old is accused of shooting and stabbing Luis Martinez and Johnny You before setting a northeast side home on fire to cover up the crime. Meadoux is standing trial as an adult, but is not facing the death penalty. He's facing life in prison without parole. |
| Converse Police Search for Hit-and-Run Driver 08-05-2008 An SUV strikes two teen girls and now Converse police are looking for the hit-and-run driver. The incident happened yesterday in the 8500 block of FM 1976. Investigators say three teenage girls were walking on the side of the road when the white SUV struck two of the girls. The driver took off. The most seriously injured was airlifted to University Hosptial. She is in stable condition. Converse police are looking for a 1999 to 2004 white Chevrolet Blazer or GMC Jimmy with extensive damage to the passenger side mirror. If you can help you are urged to call Converse police. |
| Another Dog Recovering from Burns; ADL Offering Reward 08-05-2008 She has burns across her back that appear to be caused by acid similar to burns the Animal Defense League has seen on two other dogs in the past 60 days. The latest victim is a one-year old female poodle mix who was brought in to ADL by Animal Care Services. "Star," was found on the city's northeast side. She was suffering from burns to her back caused by some type of acid. Two dachshunds were also brought into ADL with similar injuries. ADL is offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest of those responsible. "Star," is recovering and will be up for foster care soon. If interested just call the Animal Defense League. |
| Edouard Now Depression After Drenching Texas Coast 08-05-2008 GALVESTON, Texas (AP) -- The National Hurricane Center says Edouard has been downgraded to a tropical depression as it moves inland across eastern Texas and western Louisiana. Coastal tropical storm warnings were canceled after Edouard made landfall Tuesday morning east of Galveston. The storm kicked up heavy surf and drenched tourists visiting during the height of the summer season, but there were no reports of major damage or flooding. On Tuesday afternoon the storm's center was about 35 miles north-northeast of Houston, moving about 9 mph with 35-mph sustained winds. Forecasters say the storm's remnants could produce 3 to 5 inches of rain across eastern Texas and Louisiana, with up to 10 inches possible in isolated spots. They also warned that it could produce spinoff tornadoes. |
| Texas Soldier Dies in Bombing in Afghanistan 08-05-2008 WASHINGTON (AP) -- A bombing in Afghanistan has claimed the life of a Texas National Guard soldier. The Defense Department late Tuesday announced the death of 40-year-old Sgt. Jaime Gonzalez Jr. of Austin. Military officials say Gonzalez died Sunday in Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his vehicle came in contact with a mine. Gonzalez was assigned to the 436th Chemical Company, Texas Army National Guard, out of Laredo. Texas National Guard spokesman Capt. James Campbell told The Associated Press that Gonzalez earlier this year deployed to Afghanistan. |
| Texas AG Alleges Olympic Ticket Scam 08-05-2008 AUSTIN (AP) -- Texas has charged a broker with deceiving customers in the sale of tickets to Friday's opening ceremonies at the Olympics in Beijing. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today announced the action against Austin-based TicketCity. Abbott's office says TicketCity sold tickets for $1,250 with a promise to double the refund if it failed to deliver the pre-purchased tickets. But the state says the company didn't possess the tickets for the event in China, later told customers it could not honor the purchase -- and would not honor its 200 percent refund offer. Court documents indicate undercover investigators found TicketCity continued to offer tickets for sale -- but at $7,000 each. TicketCity vice president Zach Anderson declined comment. The state is seeking civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, plus damages for consumers. |
| Details On Petition as Texas Wants 8 Kids Back In State Care 08-05-2008 SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) -- Here are details on a petition filed today in court as Texas seeks to return -- to foster care -- eight children from a polygamist sect's ranch. A judge in San Angelo will hold a hearing September 25th. Child Protective Services says the mothers have refused to limit the children's contact with men accused of being involved in underage marriages. -- The six girls and two boys range in age from 5 to 17. None currently is living at the Yearning For Zion Ranch near Eldorado. -- CPS filed petitions detailing alleged involvement in underage marriages by the children's fathers or stepfathers. The agency submitted sect marriage documents, notes from suspected underage brides, photos and journal entries from jailed sect leader Warren Jeffs. -- The Associated Press reports two of the girls are daughters of Doctor Lloyd Hammon Barlow. The physician has been indicted on three misdemeanor counts of failing to report child abuse. -- The other children are related to men, by blood or marriage, accused by child welfare authorities of participating in or blessing underage marriages, though the men are not under indictment. |
| Mayor Launches New Campaign 08-05-2008 Even though he's in his final term, Mayor Phil Hardberger is getting into campaign mode today. This morning, the mayor will enlist various city leaders to urge San Antonians to vote to extend city council term limits. The council voted in June to put the term limit extension on the November ballot. If the charter amendment passes, city council members would be allowed to serve up to four two year terms -- rather than two two-year terms under current rules. Hardberger argues that the new system would allow council members to tackle long-term projects while remaining accountable to the voters. If passed -- the new rules would not apply to the mayor or any other current council member. |
| Elderly Man Arrested for Selling Prescription Drugs 08-04-2008 An elderly man is arrested after trying to sell prescription drugs to an undercover officer. Billy Stanley Smith, 72, was arrested Thursday in McQueeney. Guadalupe County deputies say Smith tried to sell a handful of muscle relaxants and seizure pills to an undercover officer from his home in the 2600 block of Terminal Loop Road. Authorities began their investigation after they received a number of calls that Smith was allegedly selling pills to kids in the neighborhood. |
| Missing Carrizo Springs Soldier Buried Arlington National Cemetery 08-04-2008 A Carrizo Springs man who went missing during the Korean War is finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery today. Master Sergeant Cirildo Valencio went missing in action during the Korean War in 1950. He was among at least 350 servicemen unaccounted for until workers excavated a burial site six years ago in Korea. Valencio was identified through DNA testing. His burial today in Virginia was preceded by a 21-gun salute, the sounding of taps and a military fly-over. |
| CPS Energy Helping with Power in Gulf Coast Regions 08-04-2008 CPS Energy crews dispatched to help in the recovery effort after Hurricane Dolly are back. However, they may have to head out to the Gulf Coast again depending on what happens with Edouard. The 34-member team returned today after a week's stay in Brownsville. They helped restore power to 4,000 customers who've been without electricity since Dolly hit the South Texas coast two weeks ago. CPS Energy crews worked 24-hours a day, 7-days out of the week, to get everything back on-line. They say they're used to it after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. |
| Charter Buses Ready for Possible Evacuations 08-04-2008 Forecasters are not expecting a big hit from Tropical Storm Edouard, but the state is prepared. Once again, dozens of buses are being positioned at Port San Antonio. Many were inspected here in the Alamo City and then sent on to Katy. They are there just in case evacuations are needed in the Galveston and Houston areas. Those evacuations would focus on hospitals and nursing homes. |