Thursday, February 7, 2013
MAY ELECTION ENTRANTS
Not many have signed up yet for the upcoming May
elections. Larry McClellan has thrown his hat into the ring for Mayor in Big
Spring. In Coahoma incumbents Ronnie Dodson and Jay Holt have filed to run
and in Forsan incumbent Mary Gresset has filed to run for at large City
Council Seats. No one has filed for the District Five City Council Seat in
Big Spring. There are two at large seats still available in Forsan and the
Mayoral Seat in Coahoma. In school board elections: Big Spring has three
seats on the ballot in Districts 5, 6 and 7. No one has filed yet.
Applications are available at the Big Spring ISD Business Office. Coahoma
has two at large seats on the ballot currently held by Michael Brooks and
Craig Ferguson. Applications are available at the Coahoma ISD Administration
Office. Forsan has two at large seats on the ballot in May currently held by
Tom Kuykendall and Chris Evans. Evans has filed to run again. Applications
are available at the Superintendent’s Office. Stanton ISD has two seats
available: incumbents Daniel Ramos and Darren Patrick will run for
re-election there. Sands has three at large seats on the ballot: two were
scheduled. The third is a special election due to the resignation of Bill
Barnes which will be a two year term seat. Potential candidates have until
March 1 to file their applications to be placed on the ballot.
In Sports
The
Lady Hawks swept a doubleheader from Ranger College yesterday winning game
one 10-6 and game two 15-3 in just five innings. The Lady Hawks are now 9-1
overall and ranked 7th in the country in the latest NJCAA poll. Their next
action will be at the Midland Spring Classic February 15 and 16 when they
take on Seminole State, Coastal Bend, Vernon College, Trinidad State JC and
Garden City Community College.
The
Howard College Hawks will be in action in Houston today taking on Grayson in
the San Jacinto Tournament at 6:00 pm. The Hawks will play two tomorrow
facing Navarro College at noon and San Jacinto at 6:00 pm before wrapping up
the tournament against Navarro at 11:00 am on Saturday.
The Howard College Lady Hawks and Hawks
Basketball Teams will be in action tonight on the Mighty 1490 KBST AM. Both
teams will be traveling to Clarendon College to take on the Lady Bulldogs
and Bulldogs tipping off at
5:45 pm with the Women’s game followed by
the men’s game.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
FORMER POLICE OFFICER INDICTED
A
former Odessa police officer and five others have been indicted for
their alleged roles in a drug trafficking ring. Jackie Lynn Thompson is
accused of distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine last
year. The former Odessa law enforcement member could be facing up to ten
years in jail.
FORMER JAIL WORKERS PLEADED NOT GUILTY
The
female former jail workers who were arrested last week on charges of
smuggling contraband into inmates at the Ector County Correctional
Center entered not guilty pleas in federal court. The male jail workers
arrested in the case will be arraigned today. The group is accused of
smuggling cigarettes, marijuana and cell phones and chargers into the
inmates, charging $100 for a pack of cigarettes and $700 for cell
phones.
COURT DATE SET IN CASE OF THREATS TO LAW OFFICERS
Jacob Esparza, the man accused of threatening law enforcement officers
and their families in several counties in West Texas now has a court
date. Esparza will appear in Pecos on April 16 for the threats he posted
on a website under the screen name El Diablo. He threatened officers in
Midland, Pecos, Big Spring and Fort Stockton.
STUDENTS PACKING HEAT
Students at public universities in Texas could
soon pack heat. Senator Brian Birdwell says the measure is about
preserving the second amendment. “It does respect the private property
rights of the private institutions and they have the opportunity to opt
out of the requirements.” The bill would allow students with concealed
handgun licenses to carry guns on campus.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
HOWARD COUNTY GRAND JURY
The
Howard County Grand Jury handed down indictments yesterday against 16
individuals totaling 23 charges. Among those true billed were Holston Banks
III for evading arrest and injury to a child, both third degree felonies.
Banks is currently being held in the Howard County Jail. Banks was also
involved in a drive-by shooting in July that injured four people attending a
party. He was charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly
weapon in that incident. Also indicted was Tony Mojica Castellano for
failing to register as a sex offender which is a third degree felony.
HOWARD COUNTY DAY IN AUSTIN
It was
Howard County Day in Austin yesterday and a group of Howard County citizens
traveled to the capitol to show their support for the county. While there,
the group heard a proclamation read on the House and Senate Floor honoring
Howard County. There was also a performance by the singing group Rhapsody
from Big Spring High School, a group picture and a legislative update. One
of those in attendance was Big Spring Mayor Tommy Duncan “Well I think it is
a good opportunity for our young folk like our Rhapsody choir to be able to
go and perform on the rotunda of the capitol. I think it is a wonderful
opportunity. Certainly it is a good opportunity for anyone from Howard
County to go down and get the opportunity to tour our capitol and see our
local representative and local senator say good things about Howard County,
Big Spring, Forsan and Coahoma.” Many of those in attendance left at
approximately 4:30 am yesterday morning to be in Austin in time to hear the
proclamations read on the house and senate floor. The next Howard County day
will be during the 2015 legislature.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
The
Enviromental Quality Incentive Program, EQIP for short, deadline is fast
approaching and the USDA Natural Resources Service wants to alert local
farmers: “We are having a sign up right now. The deadline is February 15th.
I would encourage any landowner that is interested in conserving their soil
and water resources, if they have a brush control problem, or if they have a
water erosion problem on their farm; I would encourage them to come by our
office. We are located on the North Service Road of Interstate 20 just east
of the Travel America Truckstop. Just come in there.” Spurgin is the Natural
Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist for a four county
area managing offices located in Big Spring, Colorado City, Abilene and
Sweetwater. The number to call to make an appointment is (432) 267-1871,
extension 3. More information on the program is available on the Texas NRCS
website at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.
SALES TAX ALLOCATIONS
The
Texas State Comptroller, Susan Combs, distributed $741 million in sales tax
allocations for February, 2013, up 4.6% over February, 2012. Total tax
revenue for the month of January was $2.12 billion, up 6.1% compared to
January, 2012. The City of Big Spring received nearly $800,000 in revenue
which was up over 13 ½ % over last year. Coahoma received just over $30,000
in revenue which was up over 30% from last year. Forsan received nearly
$9,000 dollars in revenue but that was a 25% drop from last year. For the
year: Big Spring has received over $1.2 million in revenue which is a 22 ½%
increase over last year. Coahoma had received slightly more than $47,000
which is a 40% increase over last year. Forsan has received nearly $26,000
which is a drop of nearly 15% from last year. For the year, the three cities
have received slightly more than $1.3 million in revenue which is a
22.4% increase over last year.
In Sports
CHRIS NUNEZ
Chris
Nunez signed with West Texas A&M University in Canyon today in front of
classmates, his parents and several coaches and members of the
administration from Big Spring ISD. The two year starter will take his
talents to Canyon now and is looking forward to what is waiting ahead for
him. “It was really exciting. When I went to visit, it was a great
environment and the people were nice over there. Coming off good seasons and
bad seasons here at Big Spring will only strengthened me to better myself
and continue to better myself and to make sure I am bettering myself for
college.”
Chris
also said he felt it was a family atmosphere in Canyon that really drew him
to the school and he is looking to major in Finance while at West Texas A&M.
Chris’s mother and father were also in attendance at the signing. His
father, Rick, told us how proud he is of his son: “My wife and I are just
thrilled to death. It’s just one of those things you look forward to in the
future and, you know, expect your kids to do the right thing and, you know,
with Chris we are extremely proud of him.” Mr. Nunez said Chris will report
to Canyon in the summer to begin preparing for the upcoming season at West
Texas A&M.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Greenwood 44 - Big Spring 39 The
Lady Steers will play Sweetwater this Friday February 8 at San Angelo Lake
View for the third seed in district.
Denver
City 52 - Coahoma 46
Forsan
40 - Tahoka 31
Stanton
Grady
74 - Dawson 23
Sands
Garden
City 69 - Paint Rock 23
BOYS BASKETBALL
Big
Spring 61 - Greenwood 59 8 three
ptrs. Came back from ten down late to get win. Tigger Walker 21, Ty Sealy
14, Ty’ral Menefield 13
Denver
City 73 - Coahoma 45
Tanner Ruiz 27 pts
Forsan
55 - Tahoka 40 Kade Fannin 15
pts 26 reb, Aric Hernandez 10 pts, Matthew Mims 11 pts
Lamesa
71 - Stanton 50 Clay Smith 26
pts
Grady
93 - Dawson 28 Brandon Lucas led
way with 22 pts, Taylor Paulson added 17, Beau Lucas 15, Ivan Sanjaun 12
Sands
67 Borden Co. 40
Garden
City 70 - Paint Rock 38 Sam
Miller 15, Corbin Davis 10 led the Bearkats
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Weatherford 8 - Howard 6
Howard
9 - Weatherford 1 (6)
Howard will play Ranger in a doubleheader today
at Ranger College. Lady Hawks are 7-1 on the season.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
TEACHER ARRESTED
A
Midland junior high teacher has been arrested after a student accused
her of inappropriately touching him. Jennifer O’Neill is a teacher at
Goddard Junior High in Midland and was taken into custody Tuesday.
Midland Police had been investigating the situation since January
according to affidavits. The student is 13 years old and has admitted to
the relationship and to spending the night at O’Neill’s house. She has
bonded out of jail.
In State News
EXPECTATIONS THAT EXTREME DROUGHT CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE
Long range forecasts show things will be drier
than normal through the summer and with most of the State still in
extreme drought conditions, the State Legislature is facing some long
term planning. John Nielsen-Gammon told the Senate Natural Resources
Committee on Tuesday that news. Fellow lawmakers also heard testimony
the State will need to spend $53 billion over the next 50 years to meet
the States long term water needs. Governor Rick Perry and top lawmakers
have recommended taking $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund for the
upcoming budget to finance water projects.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
BIG SPRING ARREST FOR INDECENCY WITH A CHILD
Big
Spring Police arrested Aaron Lustfeldt, 27 years of age, of Big Spring for
indecency with a child exposure. Lustfeldt is accused of exposing his
genitals to a nine-year-old while she was at a playground in the Comanche
Trail Park. Witnesses at the park described a maroon van as the suspect
vehicle. During the weekend, police deputies with the Howard County
Sheriff’s Office received more information on the vehicle and the suspect
being in the park, in the State park on Scenic Mountain and in the Wal-Mart
parking lot taking photographs of women as they went about their business.
It was determined Lustfeldt is a registered sex offender. He was located by
Deputy Blake Jones who was doing a monthly compliance check on the suspect
and found the maroon van at his residence. An arrest warrant was obtained
and deputies arrested Lustfeldt in the 1600 block of MLK Boulevard around
4:45 pm Monday night. He has been booked into the Hogue Law Enforcement
Center and is awaiting arraignment. Lustfeldt was arrested in Mount Carmel,
Illinois, for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a 13 year old and a 16
year old. He impregnated the 13 year old.
HOWARD COUNTY DAY IN AUSTIN TODAY
It is
Howard County Day in Austin today. A group of citizens have headed to the
capitol for the day’s festivities. While there they will hear a proclamation
read on the House Floor and on the Senate Floor proclaiming today as Howard
County Day in Austin. There will also be a performance by the singing group
Rhapsody in the Capitol Rotunda and a group picture along with a legislative
update.
FINANCING OF TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A
district court judge has ruled that the tax system Texas uses to finance
public schools is unconstitutional. Judge John Dietz ruled in favor of more
than 600 school districts responsible for educating 3/4 of the State's 5
million-plus public school students. After
a trial that took more than three months, Dietz determined the legislature
has not adequately funded schools as required under the Texas constitution.
In 2011, the legislature cut $5.4 billion in funding by rewriting the
formula used to distribute State money. Dietz ruled from the bench and is
expected to provide a detailed opinion later. The Attorney General's Office
is expected to appeal the case to the Texas Supreme Court. With no State
income tax, the schools depend heavily on local property tax revenue and
allocations from the State legislature to fill any funding gaps. The
legislature made cuts in the last legislature that took away educational
grants and rewrote the funding formula. Since 1993 the Robin Hood Rule has
been in effect which has required property rich school districts to share
funds with other districts. Presently 36% of school districts are considered
property rich. Those districts now give back more than $1 billion in tax
revenue annually.
DOCTOR OPERATED ON THE WRONG KNEE
A
Permian Basin physician is being sued for performing surgery on the wrong
knee. Dr. Jerry L. Cochran’s office is located at West Texas Orthopedics and
performs surgeries at the Texas Surgical Center. A year ago Dr. Cochran
diagnosed a patient with a torn medial meniscus in the left knee after
reviewing a bilateral MRI of the patient’s knees. Dr. Cochran determined the
man did not need surgery on the right knee. On the day of the surgery, court
documents state the surgical staff prepared the patient by shaving his left
leg from mid-shin to mid-thigh and had the patient write yes on his left
knee with a marker. The documents went on to say the man told the physician
he was to operate on the left knee and pointed to it. The doctor proceeded
to operate on the right knee. When he realized his mistake, he went to the
waiting room and obtained permission to operate on the left knee from the
patient’s mother. According to the lawsuit, the man was charged for both
surgeries. The lawsuit is claiming negligence and sub-standard care on the
part of Dr. Cochran and the Texas Surgical Center.
26TH ANNUAL MIDLAND REPORTER TELEGRAM REGIONAL SPELLING BEE
The 26th Annual Midland Reporter Telegram
Regional Spelling Bee is scheduled for February 23 at Allison Fine Arts
Building at Midland College. Midland and Big Spring students will be
competing for an all expenses paid trip to Washington DC, a Merriam-Webster
Third New International Dictionary, a 2013 US Mint proof set, a one year
subscription Britannica online, a $125 Amazon gift card, a trophy and the
opportunity to compete in the National Spelling Bee May 29 and 30.
Representing
Big Spring Junior High: Rachel McCalister
Goliad
Elementary: Marli Norman
Marcy Elementary: Daniel Roberts
Moss
Elementary: Anthony Sarmiento and
Washington Elementary: Mikayla
Paredez.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
CHRIS KYLE
A
friend of former Navy Seal Sniper Chris Kyle says he still can't believe
Kyle's life was cut short this past weekend. “Chris, even before the
book, even before he was famous, devoted a considerable amount of time
to helping Veterans,” "American Sniper" co-author Jim Defelice appeared
on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight."
The suspect Eddie Ray Routh is jailed on a $3-million bond.
Authorities say Kyle was helping Routh, who's a former marine, at
a gun range south of Fort Worth when the shooting happened.
Routh is charged with killing the Odessa native and his friend
Chad Littlefield.
BOY SCOUTS
Scouts and their families have delivered a
petition to the Boy Scouts of America Headquarters urging an end to a
policy banning gay scouts and leaders from the organization. They say
the petition delivered Monday in Irving, Texas, includes 1.4 million
signatures. Scouting leaders are expected to consider ending the ban
during a three-day meeting this week. Jennifer Tyrrell was among the
dozen people who delivered the petition. Tyrrell says she was forced out
as leader of her son's cub scout pack because she's gay, and she doesn't
want to see any other parents treated in the same way. She says the
policy is "archaic" and needs to change. The families were waiting for a
representative of Boy Scouts of America to come and accept their
petition.
Monday, February 4, 2013
FIRE AT THE ALON REFINERY
This from the Alon Refinery: At 7:25 pm
yesterday, a fire was reported at the vacuum tower at Alon’s Big Spring
Refinery. The fire was quickly extinguished by emergency response personnel
with assistance from the Big Spring Fire Department.
“We responded with three fire trucks, an ambulance and one command
vehicle. We were in a supportive role to the refinery personnel. We staged
outside the gates. We had one truck and two personnel go inside the gates to
help with the fire,” that from Big Spring Fire Chief Craig Ferguson.
The cause of the fire was a leak from the
bottom of the vacuum tower. The unit was in the process of being shut down
for planned maintenance work when the fire occurred. They are currently in
the process of cleaning up, assessing the damage and planning for repairs,
however, preliminary indications are that the damage is relatively minor and
should have little, if any, impact on the duration of the previously
announced maintenance work. One employee was injured in the blaze according
to Ferguson, “There was one injury reported. We transported one person to
the hospital. My understanding is he is doing much better today and has gone
home.” All other company and
contractor personnel are safe and accounted for.
MURDER INDICTMENT
Christopher Daniel Marquez has been
indicted on one count of murder, one count of aggravated assault with a
deadly weapon and three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a
felon for his part in the shooting death of Luis Pena in the parking lot of
the VFW Club located at 500 Driver Road here in Big Spring. Raul Mendez was
also shot by Marquez. He survived the shooting.
Marquez is facing 5 years to life on the
murder charge and 5 to 99 years on the aggravated assault with a deadly
weapon charge. He faces two to ten years on the unlawful possession of a
firearm charges. Each charge also carries a $10,000 fine. He is presently
being held in the Howard County Jail.
A total of 23 people were indicted on 34
charges by the Howard County Grand Jury.
INFORMATION MEETING ABOUT
POSSIBLE USED FUEL NUCLEAR STORAGE FACILITY
Bill Jones of AFCI LLC and Dr. Sean
McDeavitt came to Big Spring to present information about the potential for
constructing a used fuel nuclear storage facility. The fuel is from nuclear
plants throughout the country that has been used beyond efficient means. The
used fuel is in pellet form and is placed inside cylinders which are then
placed inside casks. The casks are then stored above ground on cement pads
or in vaults. Such a facility can have an economic impact on the county both
in the short term, 6-8 years, and in the long term, 20-25 years, if it is
the only one in the country according to Jones, “Assuming the interim
storage facility is the national interim storage facility, taking on all the
nuclear fuel from across the country. You are looking at roughly 180
construction jobs to build the facility and then you are looking 100
permanent jobs to run the facility for the county. If there is a
reprocessing facility place in the county some years later that is 18,000
construction jobs and 5,000 permanent high paying jobs to run that chemical
plant; which is essentially what a reprocessing facility is, a chemical
plant. That will encompass 5,000 permanent jobs for that facility plus an
additional 30,000 indirect jobs as a result of those 5,000 jobs coming into
the community.”
Friday was just an informational meeting
though, two other informational meetings were held to inform Big Spring and
Howard County citizens. At this point the County Commissioners would need to
pass a resolution asking for more information before anything else could
happen. The two men have spoken to several other counties in the State and
the response has been positive to varying degrees in all but one. New Mexico
has already purchased a 1,000 acre site and other states have shown interest
in the facility.
NEW BUSINESS IN BIG SPRING
A new business in Big Spring had its
ribbon cutting on Saturday with the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce.
The downtown business is called "Totally You Boutique" and is located
at 308 Scurry, across the street from the Courthouse.
The owner, Wendy Striegler is originally from McCamey, Texas, then
came to Big Spring 8 years ago.
Mrs. Striggler told KBST News her reason for opening a new business in Big
Spring: "It's something I've always wanted to do and I prayed about it and
this is something I love and I'm enjoying it now.
I carry women's clothing, children's clothing........you name it,
shoes."
Debbye Valverde, Executive Director of
the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce was also present at the ribbon
cutting: "We just wanna welcome Wendy and hope that her endeavors will be
great, and everyone come down to 308 Scurry.....or I will buy it all!"
Totally You Boutique is open
for business Monday through Friday 10:00 to 5:00, and Saturday 10:00 to 3:00
at 308 Scurry in Big Spring.
Sports News
HIGH SCHOOL SCORES
Boys
Monahans 62 - Big Spring 44
Garden City 41 - Robert Lee 38
Grady 75 - Loop 40
Brownfield 64 - Stanton 40
Colorado City 57 - Coahoma 46
Sands 87 - Dawson 47
Girls
Big Spring 63 - Monahans 32
Forsan 53 - Seagraves 47
Grady 69 - Loop 20
Colorado City 53 - Coahoma 20
Garden City 58 - Robert Lee 15
Sands 54 - Dawson 40
JUNIOR HIGH SCORES
Girls
8th Grade
Lubbock Trinity 48 - big Spring 25
Danielle Conner 8pts, Faith Roberson 6pts
Katie Wash 6 Reb., Kiana Ramsey 5 Reb.
Consolation Game
Big Spring 32 - Andrews 31
Faith Roberson 8 pts, Katie Wash 7pts
including game winning shot
Janisha Smith 9 Reb., Danielle Conner 6
Reb., Kiana Ramsey 6 Reb.
7th Grade
Lubbock Trinity 35 - Big Spring 30
Ashley Gonzalez 12 pts, Jaryn Vanover
6pts
Veronica Chavarria 5 Reb, Alexis Gaitan 5
Reb
Consolation Game
Big Spring 40 - Andrews 28
Ashley Gaitan 17pts, Anissa Ramsey,
Christen Crosby, Cierra Martinez and Jaryn Vanover 4pts each
Veronica Chavarria 7 Reb, Alexis Gaitan
and Ashley Gonzalez 6 Reb each.
Teams will wrap up their season at
Greenwood tonight.
COLLEGE
Howard College will travel
to Midland College tonight for a doubleheader beginning at 5:45 pm with the
women’s game and the men’s game to follow twenty minutes after the end of
the women’s game. The Lady Hawks are in need of a conference win as they
trail third place Odessa by two games in the race for the Region 5
Tournament. The Hawks come into the game with a 6-2 conference record and
are in second place one game ahead of Midland.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
BOY SCOUTS
Governor Rick Perry doesn't think the Boy
Scouts of America should change its policy on refusing to allow openly
gay youth or scout leaders.
Perry said Saturday that Scouting teaches life lessons but sexuality
should not be one of them.
The Eagle Scout says he thinks most people see no reason to change the
policy, and he's one of them.
Scouts from across Texas gathered at the State Capitol over the
weekend for the 64th Annual Boy Scouts Report to State.
CHRIS KYLE
The former U. S. Navy Seal
Sniper murdered at a gun range south of Fort Worth is believed to have
been trying to mentor the suspect.
Chris Kyle helped found the FITCO Cares Foundation to help
returning veterans battle post traumatic stress disorder.
Erath County Sheriff's Officials say suspect Eddie Ray Routh
served as a Marine for four years and may have suffered a mental illness
associated with his military service.
Routh allegedly shot and killed the "American Sniper" author and
his friend, Chad Littlefield, on Saturday.
Authorities still haven't determined a motive, but Routh remains
behind bars on two counts of capital murder.
FITCO officials are asking for prayers for Kyle's family members
and friends. You can share
condolences or make a donation to help veterans fight PTSD at
fitcocares.org.
Friday, January 18, 2013
PLAINVIEW TO LOSE MAJOR EMPLOYER
A
west-Texas Cargill plant will be laying off 2,000 workers February 1. The
Wichita, Kansas, based company made the announcement yesterday to shut down
its plant in Plainview, Texas, because of a tight cattle supply stemming
from years of drought. Other Cargill plants in the region and in other parts
of the country will not be affected. The company has said they will work to
relocate their Plainview employees to its other plants. The nation’s cattle
herd is at its lowest level since 1952 due to higher feed costs from the
drought in Texas and elsewhere has forced ranchers to sell off their cattle
which has reduced the number of animals headed to meatpacking plants. The
plant could reopen in coming years if cattle numbers increase.
RASH OF THEFTS
Martin
County has been dealing with a rash of thefts in the oilfield to start the
new year. According to Sheriff John Woodward reports of at least one a day
are occurring in the area and the Sheriff’s Department is having a hard time
keeping up. With a thousand square miles to cover and the huge number of
workers coming and going each day, it is easy for the thieves to blend in. A
majority of the items being taken are things the workers have to purchase
themselves. According to Woodward there is an underground market for the
items. Recently a salt water disposal station had over a thousand gallons of
diesel fuel stolen and a car vandalized. Another business reported someone
had fired several shots into their business during the overnight hours. The
Martin County Sheriff’s Office is asking for anyone who sees any suspicious
activity in the Martin County area to please call their office at (432)
756-3336.
GAS PRICES
Gas
prices are down slightly in Texas.
AAA Texas spokesperson Sarah Schimmer says the statewide average
dropped one-penny to $3.17 a gallon this week. She says Texas drivers are
paying about five-cents less per gallon than they were this time last year.
Drivers in Texas are paying about $44 to fill up a typical 14-gallon
size fuel tank.
THE SCARY GUY
The Big
Spring Independent School District will present The Scary Guy this
Tuesday night at 6:30 pm in the high school auditorium. The Scary Guy
is a unique blend of comedian, philosopher and educator who has worked with
schools, police forces, military and a host of communities and corporate
organizations helping over seven million people around the world achieve
personal peace and triumph in their lifetime. The presentation is free and
open to the public and will last about an hour.
SHOES OF HOPE DRIVE
The
Sands Mustangs and Lady Mustangs basketball teams are joining forces with
Samaritan’s Feet for a Shoes of Hope Drive. The teams will be collecting new
tennis shoes at home games January 18 and 25 and February 1 and 8 to be
donated to children across the world who do not have shoes. We will also be
accepting donations here at the KBST studios to deliver to the school if you
would like to donate to this great cause. The goal is to collect 200 pairs
of shoes. Children’s sizes 10-4 are the most critically needed. Coaches from
both the home and visiting teams will be barefoot this Friday night to show
their support for the effort. Monetary donations will also be accepted. For
more information you can contact Mrs. Grumbles or Mrs. Wall at (432)
353-4888.
BIG SPRING CREDIT UNION NIGHT
The
Howard College Hawks game next Thursday night is Big Spring Credit Union
Night. Everyone will get in free, courtesy of the credit unions here in Big
Spring. The Lady Hawks and Hawks will be playing Western Texas College
beginning at 5:45 pm with the ladies game and the mens game to follow. As an
extra added bonus the Sweetwater Intermediate Jump Rope Team will be
performing at halftime of both games thanks to Trinity Baptist Church.
4TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT OF THE CROSSROADS
The 4th
Annual Tournament of the Crossroads will be held in Big Spring beginning on
February 28. The Lady Steers Softball Booster Club is still in need of
sponsors to help with the costs involved with this tournament. They are
currently offering several levels of support:
Platinum Level costs $500 and up and you will receive a 4x8 banner on
display at the tournament and it will also be on display at the softball
field throughout the upcoming season.
Gold
Level costs $300-$499 and you will receive a 4x4 banner to be displayed at
the Tournament of the Crossroads
Silver
Level costs up to $299 and your name will be on the contribution banner
displayed at the tournament.
For
more information please contact Cindy Roberts at (432) 213-1087 or
ladysteersoftball@gmail.com.
Sports News
It was
not a good night at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum. The Lady Hawks fell to the
Lady T-Birds 55-49. The Lady Hawks were red hot from outside the three point
line all night, knocking down twelve three-pointers on the night.
Unfortunately inside the arc the Lady Hawks made only 4 of 32 shots and the
Lady T-Birds took advantage of some defensive lapses to get the win. The
Lady Hawks are now 12-7, 1-3 in conference.
It did
not get any better for the Hawks. They battled back and forth with the
T-Birds in a tight battle. Neither team could pull away with New Mexico
holding the biggest lead at 57-50. The Hawks had opportunities down the
stretch but could not get their shots to drop as they fell 76-70. The Hawks
are now 14-3, 2-2 in conference.
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Greenwood @ Big Spring VG 6:15 pm, VB 7:30 pm
Coahoma
@ Denver City VG 6:30 pm, VB 8:00 pm
Tahoka
@ Forsan VG 6:30 pm, VB 8:00 pm
Lamesa
@ Stanton VG 6:30 pm, VB 8:00 pm
Klondike @ Sands VG 6:30 pm, VB 8:00 pm
Grady @
Borden Co. VG 6:30 pm, VB 8:00 pm
Garden city @ Blackwell VG 6:30 pm, VB 8:00 pm
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
DRUG DISTRIBUTION CHARGES
An
Odessa doctor has pled guilty to drug distribution charges. Dr. Barrett
Whitefield appeared in court yesterday on charges of running a meth and
painkiller distribution ring. He was indicted along with seven others
last month. Whitefield worked with one of his employees to give out the
drugs through fake prescriptions. Doctor Whitefield has had his license
suspended by the State Medical Board.
SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION ACT
State Representative Drew Darby, Republican out of San Angelo, has
co-authored House Bill 553 in the Texas State Legislature otherwise
known as the Second Amendment Preservation Act. The act nullifies all
federal acts in violation of the second amendment and prohibits the
enforcement of any federal law or regulation that attempts to confiscate
or ban any firearm, limits the size of a magazine or the amount of
ammunition that may be purchased for any firearm, or imposes a tax or
registration requirement on any firearm or ammunition.
UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS
The
Texas Workforce Commission has announced the latest unemployment numbers
and for the fourth month in a row the rate has dropped. The unemployment
rate is now at 6.1% in Texas compared to 7.4% a year ago. Employers
added a total of 4,100 non-farm jobs in December for a total of nearly
261,000 for the past twelve months. Once again Midland had the lowest
unemployment rate at 3.1%, Odessa was second at 3.7% and Amarillo third
with 4.1%.
DOLLARS NEEDED FOR FIREFIGHTING
The Texas agency responsible for fighting
wildfires has asked the State legislature for an additional $27.2
million to add some 90 firefighters and buy equipment as it faces the
threat of more devastating fires in the future. Texas A& M Forest
Service Official Robby Dewitt says the additional funds are necessary
because the agency had to bring in more expensive out-of-state crews
nationwide in 2011 to help battle the worst wildfire season in State
history. The house has recommended providing the agency with the same
level of funding it received for 2012-13. The Senate has proposed
providing at least the additional funds the agency needs to expand. The
final bill will likely look different from both of those.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
COAHOMA ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
The
Coahoma ISD Board of Trustees will meet tonight at 7:00 pm for their monthly
board meeting. On the agenda will be the decision whether to suspend the
Fifteen Percent Rule for STARR testing. The rule is in regards to the end of
course exams and for the first time the scores from those exams are to be
counted as part of a student’s final grade in the course. Unfortunately the
way to work the score into the final grade is not clear. First the exam
score is not on a 100 point scale as most class room tests are and there are
some other problems the school districts have had to deal with, according to
Coahoma ISD Superintendent Amy Jacobs. “The second issue came with the State
not providing a translation scale, that it is up to the school districts.
The third part of the problem is nobody knew what the EOC exam looked like,
how tough it was going to be, what the scores were going to look like. We
were going into it blind and trying to make decisions that would affect a
child’s grade when you don’t know what the exam looks like, what the score
range is going to be, really nothing to go on.” Jacobs went on to say
districts were being student friendly with their scoring translations and
when the suspension option came up most school districts took advantage
until some real data would be available for them to go by. Coahoma ISD had
developed their scoring system and were ready to move ahead when the option
came available.
The
school district has now seen the 9th grades scores on the first round of
testing and those who did not score high enough on the test to be considered
passing have retested and those scores are being waited on. However the
school district still has not seen the results from the 3rd through 8th
grade tests so there is still no data to go by for those grades. Jacobs does
see some benefit to the new testing program though,
“I
think there is going to be a little bit of both. The good side of it is the
standards are going to be teachers are required to teach their students the
TEKS or Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for the first time and with
this system those line up exactly. So if those are the 3rd grade TEKS the
assessment will cover the 3rd grade TEKS.”
Jacobs
went on to say that could be a drawback also as students will need to know
their subjects in great detail to be ready for the tests.
Other
items on the agenda will be discussion on campus safety procedures,
consideration and approval for application for expedited and general State
waivers and change in adult meal prices, enrollment report, tax report,
investment report, expenditure report, superintendent report and setting of
a future meeting date. The board will also sit in executive session to
discuss personnel and also have superintendent evaluation.
FUEL THIEF
Martin
County Deputies are on the hunt for a fuel thief. Apparently the thief was
able to steal 400 gallons of diesel fuel meant for oil field trucks from a
water station a few miles west of Stanton. The fuel is valued at a little
more than $1,100. It is believed the same person broke out the windows of a
vehicle parked near the station. We spoke with the Sheriff’s Department
earlier this morning and no new leads have developed in the case.
THE FLU
The flu
is making its way through the southeast at an alarming rate compared to the
rest of the country. Recent reports from Midland Memorial Hospital show over
200 people a week are coming in to their emergency room with flu like
symptoms. While only 14 people on average test positive for the flu, the
hospital did say those numbers do not include all of those going to walk in
clinics or doctors’ offices. They do recommend, if you have some of the
symptoms including a fever you should stay home for at least 48 hours after
the fever breaks. For the first week of January, the Texas Department of
State Health Services has listed the flu activity level as widespread in the
State which means more than 50% of the State, by geographical area, reported
more flu activity than the previous week. 24 states reported high ILI
activity and 47 states reported widespread geographical influenza activity
according to the centers for disease control.
BIG SPRING AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Big
Spring Area Chamber of Commerce held their monthly board meeting yesterday
in the Chamber Board Room. During the meeting the board discussed their
budget for the upcoming year and approved cost of living raises for the
staff of the chamber. The board also introduced new board members Lisa
Brooks, Mike Thomas, Johah Morgan, Raul Benavides, Malinda Flenniken and
Eric Chambers. The chamber also welcomed two new members: West Texas Injury
Prevention located at 1111 Scurry and Totally You Boutique located at 308
Scurry Street. The chamber will hold a customer service seminar on February
27th in the east room of the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum. The cost for chamber
members is $50, non members $60. The annual chamber banquet is also coming
up on January 31st. Tickets are available for $25 each and can be purchased
by calling the chamber at 263-7641.
SHOES OF HOPE DRIVE
The
Sands Mustangs and Lady Mustangs basketball teams are joining forces with
Samaritan’s Feet for a Shoes of Hope Drive. The teams will be collecting new
tennis shoes at home games January 18 and 25 and February 1 and 8 to be
donated to children across the world who do not have shoes. We will also be
accepting donations here at the KBST Studios to deliver to the school if you
would like to donate to this great cause. The goal is to collect 200 pairs
of shoes; childrens sizes 10-4 are the most critical need. Coaches from both
the home and visiting teams will be barefoot this Friday night to show their
support for the effort. Monetary donations will also be accepted. For more
information you can contact Mrs. Grumbles or Mrs. Wall at (432) 353-4888.
FREE ENTRANCE TO HOWARD COLLEGE HAWKS BASKETBALL NEXT THURSDAY
The
Howard College Hawks game next Thursday night is Big Spring Credit Union
night. Everyone will get in free, courtesy of the credit unions here in Big
Spring. The Lady Hawks and Hawks will be playing Western Texas College
beginning at 5:45 pm with the ladies game and the men’s game to follow. As
an extra added bonus, the Sweetwater Intermediate Jump Rope Team will be
performing at halftime of both games thanks to Trinity Baptist Church.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
KEEP TEXAS PARKS OPEN
Supporter of Texas state parks says the legislature is short-changing
the system by $12 million in its latest budget proposal. The "Keep Texas
Parks Open" campaign asked lawmakers on Wednesday to reconsider the
amount of money they allotted for State parks, or see seven of them
close down. The group complains that lawmakers are diverting funds away
from parks and using them for other purposes. The legislature created
the sporting good tax in 1993 to provide a secure source of funds for
the Texas Parks System. The Parks and Wildlife Department said it needed
an $18.9 million increase in State funding, but the draft budget
proposal released in the Senate only increased parks spending by $6.9
million. Parks advocates note the sporting good tax will grow by $18
million.
EPA COURSE CHANGES
When a north Texas man reported that his family’s
drinking water had begun “bubbling” like champagne, the federal
government sounded an alarm. An oil company may have tainted their wells
while drilling for natural gas. At first, the Environmental Protection
Agency believed the situation was so serious that it issued a rare
emergency order in late 2010 that said at least two homeowners were in
immediate danger from a well saturated with flammable methane. More than
a year later, the agency rescinded its mandate and refused to explain
why. Now a confidential report obtained by the Associated Press and
interviews with company representatives show that the EPA had scientific
evidence against the driller, Range Resources, but changed course after
the company threatened not to cooperate with a national study into a
common form of drilling called hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Regulators set aside an analysis that concluded the drilling could have
been to blame for the contamination. For Steve Lipsky, the EPA decision
seemed to ignore the dangers of his well, which he says contains so much
methane that gas coming from the water in a garden hose attached to the
well head can be ignited. Lipsky fears he will have to abandon his dream
home in an upscale neighborhood of Weatherford. The case isn’t the first
in which the EPA initially linked a hydraulic fracturing operation to
water contamination and then softened its position after the industry
protested. A similar dispute unfolded in West-Central Wyoming in late
2011, when the EPA released an initial report that showed hydraulic
fracturing could have contaminated groundwater. After industry and GOP
leaders went on the attack, the agency said it had decided to do more
testing. It has yet to announce a final conclusion. Hydraulic
fracturing, often called "fracking", allows drillers to tap into oil and
gas reserves that were once considered out of reach because they were
locked in deep layers of rock.
Monday, January 14, 2013
TWO-CAR
ACCIDENT WITH FATALITY
A
two-car accident this morning on highway 87 has left a Forsan woman dead and
put another man in the hospital. Sandy Allen died at the scene when the SUV
she was driving was hit broad-side by a white pickup truck traveling
northbound on Highway 87. Mrs. Allen’s husband Rex arrived on the scene a
short time later on his way to work. DPS Trooper Jimmy Matthis was called to
the scene at approximately 7:00 am this morning and gave his account of what
happened:
“The
black GMC Yukon stopped at the stop sign and for some reason did not see the
vehicle heading north on 87 and pulled out in front of it.”
The
driver of the pickup was Air Evac’d to Midland Memorial Hospital with what
appeared to be leg fractures but his injuries were not life threatening. He
was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. His status is not
known at this time.
FORSAN
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING TONIGHT
The
Forsan Independent School District Board of Trustees will meet tonight for
their monthly meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm in the
board room. Main items on the agenda are approval of a resolution suspending
the fifteen-percent rule. This rule requires a student’s grade on
end-of-course exams to count as 15% of the students final grade. A majority
of school districts have taken advantage of the option to suspend the 15%
rule due to the lack of information regarding the scoring process for the
STARR Program. In addition the board will continue working towards a
proposed bond election to construct a new elementary school in the district.
Also on the agenda will be school safety discussions, principal and
superintendents reports and a budget amendment.
FIREARMS TRAINING FOR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Lt.
Governor David Dewhurst has called for a State funded program for firearms
training for teachers and administrators in public schools. The program
would call for certain members of each campus to go through an extensive
training program more rigorous than the currently required Texas concealed
handgun license course that would include training on how to react to an
active shooter situation. The cost for the program is not known because it
would not be mandatory for school districts to participate. The Harrold
Independent School District near the Oklahoma border allows their teachers
and personnel to carry firearms on campus as long as they are approved by
the school district, take additional training on shooting accuracy, hostage
situations and how to clear a classroom in a program designed for the school
district. The program was created by Superintendent Harold Thweatt in 2007.
Thweatt says he has heard from several school districts in Texas since the
tragedy at Newtown, Connecticut. The Harrold School District says the
Guardian Program, as it has been named, is cheaper than an armed security
guard.
NEW
FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT
The
Howard County Volunteer Fire Department received a new piece of firefighting
equipment this week. The foam pump system will aid the fire department in
fighting oilfield fires. It can pump up to 4,000 gallons of foam per minute
and will be very helpful in fighting tank battery fires. The department was
able to obtain the piece of equipment through donations and a portion of
funds came out of their annual budget.
COATS
AND HEATERS NEEDED
The
Salvation Army is looking for coats and heaters. During the colder winter
months, the organization tries to make sure everyone has a way to keep warm
every night but is short this year. They are asking if you have a heater you
are not using to please bring it by their offices located at 811 West Fifth
Street, or bring any coats you are not using to donate to the Salvation
Army. Their offices are open each day from 9:00 am until noon and 1:00 pm
until 3:00 pm, or you can donate money which the organization will use to
purchase the items.
Sports News
BASKETBALL SCORES FROM THIS WEEKEND
Howard
College Hawks won a thriller on the road coming from 13 points behind at the
half to beat South Plains on the road 68-65. The Hawks struggled shooting in
the first half and South Plains Kendahl Amerson kept knocking down jumpers
as he scored 14 first half points to lead the Texans to a 40-27 lead. But
the Hawks turned up the defensive intensity in the second half and Cameron
Forte got hot scoring 18 second half points to lead the comeback. Rico
Richardson had two big three-pointers to help the Hawks move to 14-2 on the
season and 2-1 in conference.
The
Lady Hawks battled throughout but came up just short as a three pointer to
tie it at the buzzer fell off the rim in a 53-50 loss. The Lady Hawks and
Lady Texans traded leads throughout the contest before a late run by the
Lady Texans gave them a 53-45 lead late in the game. The Lady Hawks scored
the next five and had a chance to tie it at the end by Brittany Aikens three
at the buzzer was off. The Lady Hawks are now 12-4 overall 1-2 in
conference. The teams will be back in action Thursday night against New
Mexico Junior College at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum beginning at 5:45 pm.
Big
Spring Lady Steers fell to the Lady Bulldogs from Wylie 56-26. Logan Yarbar
led the Lady Steers with 11 points as they fell to 1-2 in district, 12-12
overall. Next up for the Lady Steers is Monahans Tuesday night at 6:15 pm.
The Big
Spring Steers fell to Wylie 77-35 Friday night. The Steers are now 6-16 on
the season 0-1 in district play. Next up for the Steers is Monahans at home
Tuesday night at 7:30 pm.
The
fourth ranked Plains girls took out the Forsan Lady Buffs 64-41 Friday night
at Forsan. The Lady Buffs stayed with Plains in the first half trailing
28-22 but Plains poured it on in the second half outscoring the Lady Buffs
by 17 to get the win.
The
Forsan Buffaloes rolled in the second half to take out Plains at home 57-46.
Dillon Bagnall led the way with 16 points and 6 rebounds, Aric Hernandez had
9 points, 4 assists and 5 boards and Kade Fannin and Tyler Evans added 8
points each.
Stanton
Lady Buffs kept the Bulldogettes winless in district with a 60 to 50 win.
The Bulldogettes were led by Savannah Neff with 15, Kyla Clanton added 12,
Kaeli Yaegar 11 and Julia Castilaw 10.
Stanton
just got by Coahoma 50-44 in the first district matchup of the season for
both teams. Tanner Ruiz led Coahoma with 16, Braxton Iden and Alex Hill
added 6 each. The Bulldogs are now 10-10 on the season 0-1 in district play.
The Bulldogs will face Colorado City at home Tuesday night at 8:00
pm.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
$5,000 MISSING FROM ODESSA CHARITY
An
Odessa charity has been taken for $5,000. Vicky’s Kids, which is a
primary care facility for terminally ill children, gives carriage and
train rides throughout Midland and Odessa during the holiday season as a
fundraiser. This year was a great year for the organization as they
really had a great turnout for the rides and raised a tremendous amount
of money. Unfortunately when they counted their money bag at the end of
the night, they realized they were missing $5,000, a majority of the
profit. The group had plans to put the money towards a new roof
and basic needs for the children in their care. If you would like
to donate or want more information please call (432) 580-9070 or stop by
their location at 11049 West Hoffman in Odessa.
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
Officials say the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department might be forced to close up to 20 of its 95 State parks if
the legislature doesn't approve the $18.9 million funding boost they've
requested for the system. Parks Director Brent Leisure says the
department still hasn't identified which parks would be affected as the
picture of their future financial situation clarifies. The legislature
budget board releases its budget recommendations Monday. The department
has asked for $507.1 million for the next two years plus $103 million to
restore cuts by previous legislative sessions. After years of
underfunding and public outcry over the poor state of the parks, the
department saw a boost in funding during 2006 but faced more cuts during
the economic downturn of 2011.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
THE CASE OF TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS AGAINST THE STATE LEGISLATURE
School
Districts are finding out it is worse than they thought. Testimony continued
in the case of Texas public schools against the State legislature and it is
already looking like the schools are going to be short of funding for
upcoming financial obligations for July and will have to ask for
supplemental appropriations from the State legislature to the tune of $1
billion. The problem: the legislature has deferred $2.3 billion in August
school payments to help pass the 2012-13 Budget. Three-quarters of the State
school districts are part of a case claiming $5.4 billion in cuts the
legislature made in the last budget cycle caused schools to become incapable
of providing students with adequate and equitable education according to the
Texas Constitution. The schools cited larger classes due to the laying off
of teachers and the elimination of many pre-school programs as proof. The
school districts have already rested their case after two months of
presentation. The State, who claims the current funding is adequate, is
expected to call witnesses for another two weeks.
Staring at both sides, 156 thousand new students are expected to
enroll in the next budget cycle costing $2.2 billion. Money for those
students has not been allocated yet. Testimony continues today.
BRIDGE STRUCK – NOW CLOSED
A piece
of oversized equipment loaded onto a 2012 Peterbilt truck registered to
Price Construction struck the superstructure of the U.S. 180/ U.S. 84
overpass north of Snyder late yesterday afternoon causing major damage. The
truck was hauling a rock crusher from Colorado City when it struck the
underside of the bridge. Apparently the crusher exceeded the height allowed
for the truck by several inches. No injuries were reported in the crash. We
spoke with Darah Waldrip of Texas Department of Transportation who told us
the bridge will remain closed. Travelers will be detoured around the bridge.
Crews are expected to arrive on the scene today and assess the damage and
decide if the bridge must be replaced or if it can be repaired. This is the
second bridge to be struck on U.S. 84. A bridge that crossed over Interstate
20 west of Sweetwater was struck during heavy rains in October and has since
been taken down.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL BANQUET
Tickets
are now on sale for the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. The banquet will
be held at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum on the Sonic Floor January 31 at
7:00 pm. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased by January 25. They are
available at the Chamber office or you can call the Chamber at (432)
263-7641. Jay Hendricks and Tatum Hubbard will be the masters of ceremony.
Entertainment will be provided by Eddie Vandewalker and the Howard College
Music Department. During the banquet, outgoing Chamber President Jan
Foresyth will pass the gavel to incoming President Jim Clements and the
event will be concluded with the announcement of Man and Woman of the Year.
Nominations for Man or Woman of the Year will be accepted from Chamber
members until January 14 at 5:00 pm. Nomination forms are available at the
Chamber office.
VOICE OF AGGIELAND PERFORMING IN BIG SPRING
The
Texas A&M Singing Cadets, known as the Voice of Aggieland will be performing
at the First United Methodist Church here in Big Spring tomorrow night. The
group is scheduled to perform from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm as part of their
winter tour for 2013. The group appeared at the Globe Theater in Odessa on
Monday and at First United Methodist Church in Carlsbad, New Mexico, last
night. The group, which is in its 108th year, consists of the finest singing
voices at Texas A&M and performs 60 to 70 concerts a year throughout Texas
and the United States. Later this year the group will tour China.
STATE TAX REVENUE
The Texas State Comptroller has issued just under
$531 million in State tax revenue for the month of January. That amount is
over 7% higher than January, 2012. The total tax revenue for the State was
over $2.1 billion, a 9.4% increase over last year. Big Spring received
slightly more than $707, 000; a 34% increase over last year. Coahoma
received a little more than $36, 000 which was a 49% increase over last
year. Forsan dropped by 5% receiving a little more than $13,000. Overall the
three cities have received 34% more tax revenue for the year compared to
last year.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
TWO-VEHICLE ACCIDENT
A
two-vehicle accident on Tom Craddick Highway in Martin County left a San
Antonio man dead yesterday afternoon. Lance Schneider, 50-years old, was
driving his Chevy pickup on the highway when he drifted into a Mac
truck. Dennie Schlag, 22-years old, of Atascosa, a passenger in the
Chevy, was seriously injured in the accident and remains in a Midland
Hospital. The driver of the Mac truck was not injured. TXDOT blocked off
the highway for several hours while cleaning up the scene.
AMBER ALERT
An Amber Alert has been issued for a two-year-old
Crosbyton girl. Leah Marie Aguirre has been missing since January 3. She
is described as Hispanic with brown hair, brown eyes. The suspect who is
believed to have the little girl is described as a Hispanic male with
brown hair and brown eyes and is driving a red Ford Focus. Officials
believe the little girls is in immediate danger. Anyone who may have any
information is urged to call the Crosbyton Police Department at (806)
369-1926.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
BIG SPRING CITY COUNCIL
The Big
Spring City Council will hold its first meeting of the new year tonight in
Council Chambers beginning at 5:30 pm. On the agenda is the first reading of
a new ordinance regarding automobiles revving their engines or spinning
their tires. The council will consider a change to Chapter Eighteen of the
city code making the “racing and exhibition of acceleration” unlawful.
Basically the Big Spring Police Department will now issue citations to those
who rev their engines or spin their tires when at a red light or stop sign.
The change will give officers leeway when it comes to issuing those
citations. State law dictates an officer must take a person into custody if
they are cited for this type of violation. Now officers will have the
discretion in this type of situation. Also on the agenda is a final reading
of a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant application with the
Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission for the Regional Solid Waste
Grant Program. The city will also put out for bids for lease purchase
financing for various equipment and the awarding of a bid for 46 three-yard
refuse containers. Other items on the agenda are the approval of a joint
election agreement with the Big Spring Independent School District and
acceptance of the minutes from the recent Big Spring Economic Development
Corporation meeting. The council will also sit in executive session to
consult with City Attorney Linda Sjorgren regarding pending or contemplated
litigation.
83RD STATE LEGISLATURE
The
83rd State Legislature will get to work at noon today. Topping their agenda
will be trying to restore funds to public education. During the last
legislative session over $5 billion was cut from the education budget, after
State Comptroller Susan Combs announced a significantly higher amount of
revenue available to the legislature. Slightly more than $101 billion is
estimated to come into the State during the 2014-15 biennium. The
legislature will have $89 billion of that available to them. They will get
to work trying to come up with an acceptable budget for the next two years.
Unfortunately they will have to face the fact there are still bills owed
such as a Medicaid bill of nearly $5 billion and $600 million still owed for
fighting wildfires in 2011. The good news is the money taken from the rainy
day fund will most likely be put back into the fund by the end of the year
and the amount in the fund by the end of the next biennium will be nearly
$12 billion.
HOWARD COLLEGE
Howard
College is presently accepting applications for the spring semester.
Registration will continue throughout this week with classes beginning on
Monday, January 14. Late registration will continue through January 18. If
you would like to schedule a meeting with an advisor please call (432)
264-5000 to schedule an appointment. The college offers numerous programs
for students of all ages and walks of life. We will have Rachel Villanueva
and Jeff Ward on Community Calendar Wednesday morning to tell us more about
the programs offered by Howard College.
COUNTY DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Time is
running out for those who want to purchase their shirts to wear in Austin on
February 5 for Howard County Day at the Capitol. The long sleeve black
shirts are available at the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce for $28 each
and must be ordered by this Friday, January 11. If you want to ride the bus
to Austin on February 5 the cost is $40 and you need to register by January
28. While at the capitol, there will be a resolution honoring Howard County
read on the House Floor at 10:00 am, the Senate Floor at 11:00 am followed
by a performance by the singing group Rhapsody at noon in the Rotunda. A
group photo will be taken at 12:20 pm followed by a legislative briefing at
12:30 pm which will wrap up the day in Austin. You can call the Chamber at
(432) 263-7641 or the Economic Development Corporation at (432) 264-6032 for
more information.
HEALTHY WOMAN 4TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Tickets
for the Healthy Woman 4th Anniversary event are sold out according to Amanda
Duforat, Marketing Coordinator at Scenic Mountain Medical Center. The
January 24 event will feature a health and fitness expo and a catered dinner
to be held at the Hotel Settles. Jane Jenkins Herlong will be the guest
speaker at the event. The former Miss South Carolina will bring her humorous
speaking style and beautiful singing voice to town to help Healthy Woman
celebrate four wonderful years.
Sports News
The
Howard College Lady Hawks and Hawks went down to Midland College last night.
The Lady Hawks fell in a frustrating fashion as Midland scored the final 13
points of the game to win when Catherine Kruschke scored with two seconds
left in the 56-54 thriller. The Lady Hawks were led by Teiona Tarrant with
12 points.
The
second ranked Hawks jumped out to an early 31-16 lead but things went
downhill from there as Midland took control of the game to go in at the half
with 35-34 lead. In the second half, the Chaps slowly pulled away and made
their free throws down the stretch to pull off the upset 81-69. Phillip
Miller led the Hawks with 18, Cameron Forte added 17. Justin Coleman led the
Chaps with 24.
The Big
Spring Lady Steers will be in action tonight at Snyder at 6:15 pm. You can
hear the game on the mighty 1490 KBST AM.
The Big
Spring Steers will be at Andrews tonight for their final non-district
matchup beginning at 7:30 pm.
The
Coahoma Bulldogettes will be at home taking on Lamesa tonight beginning at
6:30 pm.
The
Forsan Lady Buffaloes and Buffaloes will travel to Sundown tonight for
district matchups. The Varsity girls will start at 6:30 pm, the varsity boys
at 8:00 pm.
The
Stanton Lady Buffaloes will be at Colorado City tonight for a 6:30 pm tip
off.
The
Stanton Buffaloes will be at home taking on Pecos at 6:30 pm.
The
Grady Lady Wildcats and Wildcats will be at Loop with the girls starting at
6:30 pm and the boys at 8:00 pm.
The
Borden County Lady Coyotes and Coyotes will be at home against O’Donnell
with the girls starting at 6:30 pm and the boys at 8:00 pm.
Garden
City Lady Bearkats and Bearkats will be at Robert Lee tonight. The girls
will tip off at 6:30 pm the boys at 8:00 pm
Sands
Lady Mustangs and Mustangs will play at Dawson tonight. The Varsity girls
will tip off at 6:30 pm and the boys at 8:00 pm.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES CHANGES
The
Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner says his agency can meet
the demand of providing family planning services to poor women without
Planned Parenthood Clinics. On January 1, the State cut off funding to
Planned Parenthood Clinics that were providing check-ups and birth
control to 48,000 women a year. Republican leaders cut off all funding
to groups that support abortion rights.
The
Federal Government cut off funding to the State, saying it was illegal
to deny a woman the right to choose her doctor. Commissioner Kyle Janek
said Monday that women who went to Planned Parenthood should have no
problem finding a new doctor.
Critics of the policy have contended a doctor shortage would make it
difficult for poor women to find treatment from non-Planned Parenthood
Facilities.
FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH
A
spokesman for former President George H. W. Bush says Bush's recovery
from a bronchitis-related cough and subsequent complications is
"continuing" and there's still no timetable for his release from a
Houston hospital. The 88-year-old Bush has been in Methodist Hospital in
Houston since November 23. The brief statement released Monday by
spokesman Jim McGrath is the first word about the former President's
condition since December 30, when a statement was issued saying Bush had
been moved out of intensive care. Monday's statement also says Bush has
taken great pride in watching football victories last weekend by Texas
A&M in the Cotton Bowl and the Houston Texans in the NFL playoffs.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
WINDS AND BLOWING DUST CAUSE ACCIDENT AND FLAME FIRES
High winds and blowing dust had the Basin in a state of disarray last
night. Area firefighters were at the ready in case any fires broke out
in the area. A mobile-home fire in Midland completely destroyed that
structure. Fortunately crews were able to keep it under control. It was
one of several fires that kept the Midland and Odessa Fire Departments
moving last night. Portions of Interstate-27 north of Lubbock were shut
down due to a series of accidents that occurred in a violent dust storm.
There were 23 vehicles were involved in that chain reaction accident.
Dropping humidity levels have moved in with the colder weather too so
crews will remain on alert but the winds will taper off today. The winds
and cooler weather are part of a storm system moving across the states
that will dump heavy amounts of snow across the upper central portion of
the country. We should see
sunny skies for the next several days.
ARREST FOR BOMB THREAT TO BIG SPRING HIGH SCHOOL
According to Tony Everett of the Big Spring Police Department, the crime
unit has made an arrest in the bomb threat called in to the high school
this past Monday. Jordan Weston Hamilton, a white male 24-years of age
of Big Spring, has been charged with a terroristic threat. He has
confessed to the offense but has not offered a motive for committing the
crime. He remains in custody at this time pending arraignment. He was
taken into custody yesterday afternoon.
BSISD PREPARED
The recent bomb threat hoax at Big Spring High School had the school
district putting their procedures to protect the students into action
this week. The administration had met that morning to discuss emergency
protocols to better protect their students. “We had already had a
district-wide administrative staff meeting with some of our principals
and directors. We had had that meeting at 9:00 am that morning to
discuss our procedures, to reiterate our procedures, to modify different
portions of our procedures, to make sure our buildings were secure, the
best we could secure them and from that meeting we made some minor
adjustments.” That was from Big Spring ISD Assistant Superintendent
Danny Ferrell. The administration and staff unexpectedly put those plans
to work a short time later when the threat was called in and quickly
evacuated the building using a school wide fire drill to safely and
quickly empty the building. There were still some things they learned
from the incident though. “The biggest feedback, and you can look at it
negative, is that some of them [parents] were a little upset they heard
about it on Facebook and not through our automated system. So that is
one thing that made a lot of sense to us. So in the future we will put
it out on our automated system just for that specific campus.” Ferrell
went on to say campuses had not received an abundance of phone calls
from parents checking to see if the number they have on file is up to
date so they are assuming they will be able to notify parents via a
phone call, text, or email, whichever way the parent has specified they
would like to be notified.
DOWNTOWN CONSTRUCTION
Construction continues in the downtown area here in Big Spring. Right
now construction crews have one lane of Fourth Street dug up from Gregg
Street through the Highway-350 intersection and one lane of Third Street
is closed from Highway-350 to Johnson Street. Crews also have Benton
Street completely shut down as they have taken it down completely and
look to be restarting from the ground up along with that portion of
Third and Fourth Streets. New traffic lights have been placed at Runnels
Street. They are expected to become operational just after the start of
the New Year. The entire project is anticipated to be finished in
February, 2013.
UNITED WAY UPDATE
According to the latest figures from the United Way of Big Spring and
Howard County over $285,000 has been raised so far by the community to
help support the 16 agencies the United Way supports each year. The
organization is confident it will achieve its goal of $300,000 before
the end of its campaign. They still have the Golf Tournament Fundraiser
this spring. If you would like to donate to the United Way you can do so
by coming by their office at 215 West Third Street or by calling (432)
267-5201.
EXTRA DUMPSTERS
In an effort to assist with the additional trash generated during the
holiday season, the City of Big Spring is placing four dumpsters at
locations throughout the city to assist all areas. The dumpsters will be
put out on December 22 and will be picked up on January 7. The dumpsters
are to be used for large boxes and such items during this time frame.
The containers will be located at the following locations:
All live Christmas trees need to be disposed of at the compost facility
located at 4100 East FM 700.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE
Governor Rick Perry is calling on all Texans to observe a moment of
silence tomorrow to remember the victims of last week's deadly
elementary school shooting in Connecticut.
The moment of silence begins at 9:30 tomorrow morning to coincide
with the day of mourning in Connecticut.
Places of worship and buildings that are able to ring bells are
encouraged to do so 26 times, to honor each life that was lost.
A gunman is accused of murdering 20 young students and six adults
at Sandy Hook Elementary last Friday.
Perry says this is an opportunity to join together in the spirit
of healing and honor those who were lost.
GOOD NEWS AT THE PUMPS
As more than 7 million Texans prepare to hit the road for their holiday
destinations, they're getting a little good news at the gas pump. AAA
Texas spokesperson Sarah Schimmer says Texans are paying the fifth
lowest price in the country for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline.
We are looking at an average of $3.03. That state-wide average
has dropped six cents compared to last week and we are paying twenty
cents less than our national average.” Several factors are helping keep
prices lower at the pump including a switchover to a less expensive
winter-blend fuel, an increase in gas inventories and cheaper crude oil
prices. Amarillo drivers are
paying the most in the state at three-ten, and drivers in fort worth are
paying the least at two-98.
UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
December 21
Big Spring vs Seminole (Boys)
9th
4:30 pm/JV 4:30 pm/VB 6:00 pm (9th@Jr.Hi Gym)
Forsan vs Colorado City
JVG 4:00
pm/JVB 5:00 pm/VG 6:30 pm/ VB 8:00 pm
Stanton vs Crane
JVB 5:00 pm/VB
6:30 pm
Garden City vs Veribest
VG 6:30
pm/VB 8:00 pm
Borden Co. vs Klondike
JVG 4:00 pm/
JVB 5:00 pm/ VG 6:30 pm/ VB 8:00 pm
Grady @ O'Donnell
JVG 4:00 pm/ JVB
5:00 pm/ VG 6:30 pm/ VB 8:00 pm
Sands @ Wellman-Union
JVB 5:00
pm/ VG 6:30 pm/ VB 8:00 pm
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
EXPLOSION AT OMEGA TREATING CHEMICALS PLANT
An explosion at the Omega Treating Chemicals
Plant in southeast Midland destroyed at least one truck and two boats
last night. The explosion occurred at approximately 10:30 pm and sent
black smoke high into the night sky in the 1900 block of King Street at
Garden City Highway. Eleven fire-units and two-dozen firefighters worked
the scene. The cause of the blaze and the extent of the damage is not
currently known at this time. A second chemical truck is known to have
sustained some fire damage however no injuries were reported. An
investigation is ongoing.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
ARREST IN BOMB THREAT CASE
According to Tony Everett of the Big Spring Police Department, the crime
unit has made an arrest in the bomb threat to the high school this past
Monday. Jordan Weston Hamilton, a white male 24-years of age, of Big Spring
has been charged with a terroristic threat. He has confessed to the offense
but has not offered a motive for committing the crime. He remains in custody
at this time, pending arraignment. He was taken into custody yesterday
afternoon.
ON THE RELIEVER ROUTE
TXDOT
made their presentation last night concerning the reliever route to go
around Big Spring. It is looking like construction on the project could
start as early as August, 2013. According to Tommy Jones who is in charge of
the right of way acquisition, appraisal teams are ready to meet with
landowners. “We hope to have the appraisers on the ground mid-February to
mid-March area. On the ground, out there working, getting ready out there by
mid-March to late-March some of the appraisals would be completed. We would
like to start making offers to property owners by late-March.” The property
owner at that point can then accept the offer or they can ask for a higher
price but they need to be able to substantiate the reason for the higher
asking price. If a price cannot be agreed upon then TXDOT would start
eminent domain proceedings and the district judge would appoint three
commissioners to hear arguments from both sides to decide on a figure and
the money is then placed in the hands of the court. Once the property is
purchased from the property owner, any relocation costs will be handled at
that time and will be paid for by the State also. Unfortunately the process
will take longer than anticipated according to Darah Waldrip, Public
Information Officer for the Abilene and Brownwood Districts of TXDOT:
“Currently we only have funding to do the interchange at I-20 and the
southern portion of the route.” While the funding to complete the northern
portion of the route is being searched for, the clock is ticking; according
to Bobby Burke, Enviromental Coordinator for the Project. According to
Burke, the studies that have been done so far would be usable for three
years before the process would need to start again. Even then additional
studies will need to be done to see the effect the southern portion of the
reliever route had on the area environmentally. The total cost for the
southern portion of the project will be approximately $65 million.
HOWARD COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
The
Howard College Board of Trustees met today for their final meeting of the
calendar year. The board was updated on construction at the Broughton Ag
Complex and was told, by Executive Vice-President Terry Hansen, the heating
and air conditioning systems were being installed in the show barn, office
and classroom areas and the remainder of the building was going up quickly.
He anticipates the structure being completed in early March. President
Doctor Cheryl Sparks updated the board on the status of Jack Barber Field
which is having the playing area completely replaced. The facility had the
top four inches removed and a new irrigation system is being installed and
the ground will be leveled using laser guided apparatus. The sod will be a
Bermuda Grass which will be over seeded with Rye Grass. The warning track
area will be upgraded also to meet safety compliance issues. Thanks to an
interlocal agreement with the city, the college will receive six vehicles to
go to the Automotive Technology Department for instructional purposes and
eventually a few of the vehicles could be used by the Security Department.
In the future, the college will send technology equipment to the city. The
college will be on a break from December 19 until January 2.
BIG SPRING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING
The Big
Spring Economic Development Corporation met last night at in the Chamber of
Commerce Board Room. The board approved last month’s financials and
investment reports. The EDC showed a 23% increase in the amount of sales tax
revenue they received compared to last year and showed total assets over $7
million. During directors report Terry Wegman spoke of several companies the
EDC is in negotiations with to come to Big Spring. One is a heavy trucking
operation who is presently negotiating to locate at the airpark, a second is
a crude oil transport company wanting to locate at the industrial park near
the rail spur and the third company is a rail transloading company they have
been negotiating with for several months who is requesting some rail
infrastructure work to be done at the rail park.
CARDS BEING SENT TO NEWTOWN
Dale
Pittman is collecting cards of any kind to send to the Mayor of Newtown,
Connecticut, from the fine people of Big Spring. You can drop the cards at
the office at Big Spring Storage located at 23rd and Goliad or put them in
the payment slot. The cards will be sent this Friday to the people of
Newtown. The cards do not have to be in an envelope and can include a note
if you would like.
Sports News
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SCORES
Girls
Big
Spring 50 - Lake View 31
Logan
Yarbar, Julianna Rodriguez and Dyrshae Vanderbilt 12 points each to lead
Lady Steers in the win. Lady Steers now 10-7 on the season. Next game is in
the Lubbock Caprock Classic against Tulia on December 27.
Grady
59 - Klondike 19
Elyn
Avery had another big night pouring in 20 points for the Lady Wildcats as
they improved to 11-4 on the season and 3-0 in district with the win over
Klondike. The Lady Wildcats will travel to O’Donnell this Friday for their
next matchup.
Forsan
45 - Coahoma 20
The
Lady Buffs were too much for the Bulldogettes, outscoring Coahoma 23-3 in
the middle two quarters to take control of the game. Mary-Ashley McDaniel
led the Lady Buffs with 13, Brittney Hergert added 10. Coahoma’s next action
is in the Reagan County Tournament against Sonora at 9:00 am on December 27.
Forsan will also be playing in the Reagan County Tournament.
Boys
Lamesa
68 - Big Spring 57 (OT)
The
Golden Tornadoes outscored the Steers 17-6 in overtime to take the win. Ryan
Garza led Lamesa with 21, Ty Sealy and Ty Wiggington led the Steers with 11
each. The Steers’ next action is Friday against Seminole at 6:00 pm.
Forsan
52 - Coahoma 41
Aric
Hernandez led the way with 21 and Kade Fannin added 13 as the Buffs took out
the Bulldogs last night. Tanner Ruiz led the Bulldogs with 16. Both teams
will be at the Reagan County Tournament beginning December 27. Coahoma will
play TLCA.
Grady
78 - Klondike 58
The
Wildcats won their first district matchup of the season blowing out
Klondike. Brandon Lucas led four players in double figures with 20 points,
Taylor Polson added 18 points, Brett glaze 15 and E.J. Rodriguez 11. The
Wildcats face O’Donnell Friday night before hosting the Black and Gold
Cotton Classic December 28 and 29.
Water
Valley 70 - Garden City 40
Trae
Hannon dropped in 25 points to lead four Eagles in double figures as they
beat up on the Bearkats. Brock Demere added 18 and Kellen Kirkland and
Connor Copley had 10 each for the Eagles.
Sands 67 – O’Donnell 36
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
EXPLOSION AT OMEGA TREATING CHEMICALS PLANT
An explosion at the Omega Treating Chemicals
Plant in southeast Midland destroyed at least one truck and two boats
last night. The explosion occurred at approximately 10:30 pm and sent
black smoke high into the night sky in the 1900 block of King Street at
Garden City Highway. Eleven fire-units and two-dozen firefighters worked
the scene. The cause of the blaze and the extent of the damage is not
currently known at this time. A second chemical truck is known to have
sustained some fire damage however no injuries were reported. An
investigation is ongoing.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
BOMB THREAT AT BIG SPRING HIGH SCHOOL
The Big
Spring Police Department had a bomb threat called in yesterday. The call
came in at approximately 9:50 am. According to dispatch, a male subject
claimed there was a bomb in the high school.
“Dispatch immediately notified the high school and the high school was
immediately evacuated the building. Officers responded and searched for any
type of device. None was found and the kids were sent back to class.” That
was Sergeant Tony Everett of the Big Spring Police Department.
According to Big Spring Assistant Superintendent Danny Ferrell, the school
was evacuated as if it was a fire drill for safety reasons and to not alarm
the students. He also alerted us that the school district will be putting a
policy in place to notify parents their children are safe, when situations
such as this come up, by calling the phone number the school district has on
file for each parent. As for the threatening phone call, it was determined
it came from a dead cell phone. Everett said the police department will
continue to investigate and hopes for help from the school too. “Well, what
we are hoping what the school will do, is put this out on their
Crimestoppers and see if we get a tip that way and we will go from there.”
SCHOOLS ON HEIGHTENED ALERT
Schools
across the State have been on heightened alert since the mass shooting in
Newtown, Connecticut, last Friday and several have been placed on lockdown
due to threatening phone calls or other suspicious situations reported by
school officials.
TXDOT HOLDS MEETING
TXDOT
will be holding an informational meeting regarding the reliever route in
Howard County. Displays of proposed changes to the route will be available
for the public to view beginning at 5:00 pm. Registration for the meeting
will begin at 5:30 pm and the meeting will start at 6:30 pm. The proposed
changes would make the route uncontrolled access rather than controlled
access but the route would remain the same, branching off north of town at
the US-87 and FM-700 intersection and coming back into US-87 south of town
near the intersection of RM-33. Farmers along the route and local businesses
who are considering relocating along the proposed route had complained
controlled access would restrict development. Construction on the south end
of the reliever route from RM-33to I-20 is scheduled to begin sometime in
the new year. When complete the route will be a four lane divided roadway
anywhere from 250 to 360 feet wide at points. It will be 14 miles long. The
public will be able to ask questions and make comments during the meeting
and will be able to make written comments for ten days following the
meeting.
Sports News
GIRLS
Midland
Christian 42 - Stanton 19
BOYS
Midland
Christian 65 - Stanton 34
UPCOMING GAMES
Big Spring @ Lamesa
JV 6:30 pm/VB pm
Big Spring vs Lake View
9th 5:00 pm/JV
5:00 pm/VG 6:30 pm (9th @ Jr.
High)
Forsan @ Coahoma
JVG 4:00 pm/JVB 5:15
pm/VG 6:30 pm/VB 8:00 pm
Borden Co. @ Loop
JVG 4:00 pm/JVB 5:15
pm/VG 6:30 pm/VB 8:00 pm
Sands vs ODonnell
JVB 5:00 pm/VG
6:15pm/ VB 7:30 pm
Grady vs Klondike
JVG 4:00 pm/JVB 5:15
pm/VG 6:30pm/VB 8:00 pm
Garden City @ Water Valley
JVG 5:00
pm/JVB 5:00 pm/VG 6:30 pm/VB 8:00 pm
ALL STATE HONORS
Trevor
Burchett from Forsan has been named Honorable Mention All-State 1A Division
I and II at Defensive Back by the Associated Press.
ALL DISTRICT 3-2A DIVISION II
Offense 1st Team
Running
Back: Tanner Ruiz, Coahoma; Tim Anderson, Stanton
Offensive Lineman: Logan Fryar, Stanton; Morgan Luce, Coahoma
Defense 1st Team
Defensive Tackles: Luke Swiger, Stanton
Defensive Ends: Peyton Rodriguez, Coahoma
Inside
Linebackers: Ruben Cazares, Stanton
Defensive Backs: Bryce Breeding,
Stanton; Braxton Iden, Coahoma
Specialists: Andres Chavez, Place Kicker
Offense 2nd Team
Receivers: Drew Snellgrove, Stanton; Armani Guillama, Coahoma
Tight
Ends: Eddie Hagins, Coahoma
Lineman: Daniel Solis, Coahoma; Andrew Saldana, Stanton
Defense 2nd Team
Tackles: Mason Myrick, Stanton
Inside
Linebackers: Alex Hill, Coahoma
Outside
Linebacker: T.J. White, Coahoma
Kick
Returner: Tanner Ruiz, Coahoma
All District Utility Team
Jonathan Ramos, Stanton
Honorable Mention
QB:
K.J. Glaspie, Stanton
OL: Robert Teveni, Stanton
HOWARD COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
The
Howard College Board of Trustees will meet today in the Tumbleweed Room
in the Student Union Building. On the agenda will be updates on
construction projects in San Angelo and the upgrades to Jack Barber
Baseball Complex and the G.C. Broughton Ag Complex. The college will
also announce an academinc agreement with Lubbock Christian University.
BIG SPRING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING
The
Big Spring Economic Development Corporation will meet tomorrow night at
5:15 pm in the Chamber of Commerce Board Room. The board will have the
regular items on the agenda to approve last month’s financials,
investment reports and directors reports then will sit in executive
session to discuss potential new businesses, discuss a presentation from
Frontier Logistics and a memorandum of understanding with Express
Midstream Services and then announce the action taken as a result of
that executive session.
COLLAPSED SEWER LINE
The
City of Big Spring will be replacing a collapsed sewer line in the 600
block of Warehouse Road. With the collapse, raw sewage backed up to a
prior manhole and the sewer followed a naturally occurring drainage area
to a stormwater drain. So an opening was installed to drain the overflow
back into the proper wastewater system for appropriate disposal. The
area was repeatedly flushed with water to dilute and force flow into the
appropriate disposal areas and was diverted away from any waterway areas
to avoid contamination. Upon completion of repairs, the area will be
appropriately flushed to remove any residual overflow.
BIG SPRING SUPPORTS NEWTOWN
Dale Pittman is collecting cards of any kind to
send to the Mayor of Newtown, Connecticut, from the fine people of Big
Spring. You can drop the cards at the office at Big Spring Storage
located at 23rd and Goliad or put them in the payment slot. The cards
will be sent this Friday to the people of Newtown. The cards do not have
to be in an envelope and can include a note if you would like.
Monday, December 17, 2012
BOMB THREAT AT BIG SPRING HIGH SCHOOL
A bomb
threat was called in this morning to Big Spring High School. According to
ISD Assistant Superintendent the Big Spring Police Department received a
phone call stating there was a bomb at the high school. The school district
cleared the building in the manner of a fire drill, police and school
district personnel then entered the school and searched the area where the
caller said the bomb would be and found nothing. It has been determined the
threat was a hoax and the high school has been given the all clear. Students
have been cleared to return to their classes. This is the second bomb threat
called in to a public facility this year. The Howard County Library had a
bomb threat called in to that building June 1. That one also turned out to
be a hoax. No one has been arrested in connection with that case.
MARTIN COUNTY GRAND JURY
The
Martin County Grand Jury has handed down indictments for their July term. A
total of fifteen people were indicted on seventeen counts including Jose
Americo Garcia who was indicted on a murder charge for the shooting death of
Anau Villagrana in August, 2011. The two men apparently got into an argument
that escalated dramatically. Garcia fled to Mexico where he has family and
is still at large. His wife was arrested a month after the murder in Lamesa.
Also
indicted was Crystal Calderon for intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle
who was involved in an accident on Interstate-20 in July, 2009, that killed
rosie Hernandez who was a passenger in Calderon’s car. The charge is a
second degree felony which carries a sentence of two to ten years.
Jacob
Jay Aguirre was charged with intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle. He is
being charged with a first degree felony enhanced. He is facing a 5 to
99-year sentence.
Michael
Dickson was indicted on two counts of failure to stop and render aid
manslaughter. Dickson and another driver struck 37 year old Gabriel Sanchez
as he rode his motorcycle on Interstate-20 near mile marker 158. The other
driver stopped and tried to help Sanchez but Dickson continued on. He was
taken into custody a few days later.
DECEMBER 17 – 118TH DISTRICT COURT JURY CANCELLED
If you
were assigned to jury duty at 9:00 am on Monday, December 17, in 118th
District Court, Judge Tim Yeats court; that has been cancelled.
FIRE TRAINING AT THE REFINERY
Monday
morning December 17 from 7:00 am until 9:00 am there will be fire training
going on at the refinery so there is the possibility of smoke coming from
that area. Please be aware.
STUFF THE CHAMBER TOY DRIVE
The
Stuff the Chamber Toy Drive was a success again this year. According to
Debbie Valverde, head of the Chamber, over 150 toys were given to each
organization to deliver to children who may not receive a gift this year.
The toys collected were distributed to CASA, Cossacks Motorcycle Club
Permian Basin Chapter, Hometown Christmas, Salvation Army, and Spring
Tabernacle Ministries. The Chamber hopes to stuff the chamber again with
even more toys for children and wants to thank all of those who donated toys
to the drive.
FINAL DAY FOR COLLECTION OF ANGEL TREE GIFT ITEMS
Today
is the final day for collection of Angel Tree gift items for the Salvation
Army. Find an ornament on an Angel Tree and purchase the toys today! Most of
the places with the trees will hold the items purchased and the Salvation
Army will pick them up.
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES TREES ACCEPT GIFTS UNTIL DECEMBER 20
Also
Adult Protective Services trees will remain up at Western Bank locations on
Scurry Street in Big Spring and Broadway in Coahoma until December 20. The
ornaments need to be returned along with the items purchased so they are
distributed to the correct person.
BIG SPRING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING
The Big
Spring Economic Development Corporation will meet tomorrow night at 5:15 pm
in the Chamber of Commerce Board Room. The board will have the regular items
on the agenda to approve; last month’s financials, investment reports and
directors reports; then will sit in executive session to discuss potential
new businesses, discuss a presentation from Frontier Logistics and a
memorandum of understanding with Express Midstream Services and then
announce the action taken as a result of that executive session.
Sports News
WEEKEND BASKETBALL SCORES
Boys
Big
Spring 48 - Stanton 43 (OT)
Tavaris
Walker 12 points, Chazell Robinson 9 points 8 rebounds, Ty Sealy 7 points 8
rebounds, Ty Wiggington 8 points 4 rebounds. The Steers are now 5-8 on the
season and will travel to Lamesa tomorrow night.
Coahoma
62 - Hermleigh 29
Alex
Hill dropped in 22 points and Braxton Iden added 12 in the win for the
Bulldogs. Coahoma is now 8-5 on the season and will host Forsan Tuesday
night at 8:00 pm.
Forsan
58 - Roscoe 37
Kade
Fannin had a huge night with 25 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Buffaloes
over Roscoe. Aric Hernandez backed him up with 14 points and 8 boards while
Dillon Bagnall had 4 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. The Buffs
will be at Coahoma Tuesday night.
Garden
City 81 - Irion County 50
Corbin
Davis had 26 and Bradden Jones 21 in Garden City’s blowout of irion County.
The Bearkats will be at Water Valley Tuesday night at 8:00 pm.
Sands
63 - Jayton 35
Girls
Big
Spring 49 - Stanton 30
Yaniera
Tuitt led the Lady Steers with 16 points in the win. Logan Yarbar had 13 as
the Lady Steers improved to 9-7 on the season. The Lady Steers trailed at
the half 19-18 but took control in the third quarter outscoring the Lady
Buffs 14-7 and coasted from there to the win. The Lady Steers will take on
Lake Vie at home tomorrow night. Game time is 5:00 pm for the Freshman team
at the junior high, JV at 5:00 pm in Steer Gym and the varsity game at 6:30
pm in Steer Gym.
Coahoma
66 - Hermleigh 26
The
Bulldogettes led by 12 after the first quarter and stretched it out to 19 by
halftime to get their fifth win of the season. Julia Castilaw led Coahoma
with 12. Devine Martin and Kaeli Yaeger had 11 each. Coahoma will host rival
Forsan at 6:30 pm Tuesday night.
Forsan
36 - Roscoe 23
Brittney Hergert led the Lady Buffs with 12 points in the win. Jahnia
Willard added 9 and Reagan Haggard 8 as Forsan led by nine at the half on
the way to the win. Forsan is 11-4 on the season and will travel to Coahoma
on Tuesday night.
Garden
City 70 - Blackwell 9
The
Lady Bearkats jumped out to a 37-6 halftime lead against Blackwell to get
their twelfth win on the year. Holly Halfmann led the way with 17, Carlie
Hollingsworth 12 and Hannah Halfmann 11 to lead Garden City. The Lady
Bearkats will travel to Water Valley tomorrow night for a 6:30 pm tipoff.
Grady
66 - Borden County 60
The Lady Wildcats improved to 10-4 on the season
with the 26 point win. Grady jumped out to a 31-15 lead at halftime thanks
to a 19-6 second quarter. Ariel Arnold and Ellyn Avery had 14 points each.
Sarah Clay added 11 and Lupita Jimenez 10 to lead Grady. The Lady Wildcats
will host Klondike at 6:30 pm Tuesday.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
BUFFALO FIELD HOUSE
Stanton is looking at starting a new field house in January. The school
district has a surplus of funds and school board trustees went ahead
with the plans for the field house that will be named Buffalo Field
House. The SID will not have to raise taxes in order to construct the
new facility and believes they will be able to complete the project in
time for the 2013 football season.
HUNT FOR HEROES
The railroad crossing at South Garfield in
Midland will be closed today while attorneys for those injured in the
Hunt for Heroes parade inspect the site. Bob Potroff and Kevin Glasheen
have filed a lawsuit on behalf of those victims against Union Pacific
and the company that owned the truck hit by the train. The crossing will
remain closed until
1:00 pm today.
Thursday, December 13, 2012 - 10:00 am
3-FATALITY ACCIDENT
There has been a 3-fatality accident at the intersection of N. Hwy 87 and FM
846, approximately 10 miles north of Big Spring.
Two vehicles involved were involved:
a commercial 18-
wheeler belonging to WSI - Cased Hole Specialists, and a white Chevy Tahoe.
The Tahoe was northbound on Hwy 87; the 18-wheeler was eastbound on
846 when the accident occurred. Both
vehicles were engulfed in flames.
The 3 people in the Tahoe were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the 18-wheeler is in fair condition.
The deceased, all adults, have not yet been identified.
Bill Norris will have more on this as details develop, on KBST.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
YOUNG HERO HONORED
The Big
Spring City Council and the Big Spring Fire Department honored a brave young
man last night. Traver Jordan, a fifth grader, used training he learned from
a fire training safety course the Big Spring Fire Department put on at his
school last year. Traver woke one morning last year to find his house on
fire and his family disoriented by the smoke. He remembered the training he
received that day at school to lead his family safely out of the burning
home. For his bravery, Traver was honored by Mayor Tommy Duncan. The mayor
has declared December 11th 2012 as Traver Jordan Day in Big Spring. Mayor
Pro Tem Craig Olson presented Traver with a plaque from the City Council and
Big Spring Fire Chief Craig Ferguson and Big Spring Fire Marshal Carl
Condray presented Traver with a Big Spring Fire Department Cap, T-Shirt and
honorary badge and named Traver an honorary member of the Big Spring Fire
Department.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
During
the Big Spring City Council meeting last night, the council discussed moving
the city from Drought Stage Three to Drought Stage Two. This would mean
water restrictions would be adjusted to a voluntary level for the city. The
usage levels would be set at a level that could be handled by the water
treatment plant and as long as the city stays within those limits, the city
would remain in drought stage two. During the city’s last stint in drought
stage two, citizens stayed well within the limits and the council believes
the city will do so again after going through such a difficult time with the
recent drought.
Also
during the meeting, the council approved:
-
putting out for bids the first phase of renovations to the water
treatment plant
-
bids for several new city vehicles which will be purchased under budget
-
final readings rezoning the lot at the corner of Westover and FM 700
from single family to light commercial
-
exempting daycare centers from the permitting process for food
establishments
-
and
updated retirement eligibility and vestment to five years for the Texas
Municipal Retirement System
This
was the final city council meeting of the year. The next meeting will be
held in early January.
MONTHLY SALES TAX REVENUE
State
Comptroller Susan Combs has released the monthly sales tax revenue number
for the month of November and the numbers were up by more than 13% compared
to last year. Total sales tax revenue for November was just over $2.3
billion and over $552 million was distributed to local governments. The City
of Big Spring received over
$677,000 in tax revenue which was a 30% increase over last year. For the
year, the city has received nearly $7.9 million in sales tax revenue a
nearly 23% increase. Coahoma received a little over $46,000 in revenue which
was a 90% increase over November of last year. For the year, Coahoma has
received nearly $382,000 in sales tax revenue which is a 7% increase over
last year. Forsan received a little more than $17,000 in sales tax revenue
for November which was a 47% increase over last November. For the year,
Forsan has received nearly $185,000 in revenue which is nearly a 36%
increase over last year.
Sports News
Girls
Frenship 56 - Big Spring 22
Frenship was too much for the Lady Steers jumping out to a 31-15 halftime
lead on their way to the win. Dyrshae Vanderbilt led the Lady Steers with 7
points. Yaniera Tuitt added 5. The Lady Steers, 8-7 on the season, will take
on Stanton at home on Friday night.
Post 43
- Coahoma 29
Julia
Castilaw was the only Bulldogette in double figures last night as Cohoma
fell to Post on the road. The Bulldogettes are now 4-12 on the season.
Forsan
55 - Cornerstone 31
The
Lady Buffs pitched a shutout in the first quarter outscoring Cornerstone
24-0 and coasted from there to get the win last night. Reagan Haggard had 16
to lead the Lady Buffs. Brittney Hergert added 15 in the win.
Grady
82 - Sands 11
The
Lady Wildcats overwhelmed the Lady Mustangs in district action. Ellyn Avery
led Grady with 18. Cayley Oppegard had 16 for Grady who improved to 9-4
overall, 1-0 in district.
Boys
Monterey 61 - Big Spring 53
The
Steers had three players in double figures last night but it was not enough
as Monterey came away with the win. Chazell Robinson had 12. Ty Sealy and
Tavaris Walker added 11 each but Monterey outscored the Steers 21-13 in the
fourth quarter for the win. Monterey won the JV game too in a close one:
52-50.
Garden
City 65 - Forsan 55
Corbin
Davis dropped in 25 points to lead the Bearkats on the road against Forsan.
Garden City moved to 6-4 on the season with the win. Forsan dropped to 6-4.
Dillon Bagnall and Kade Fannin led the Buffs with 14 each. Tyler Evans added
12.
Coahoma
61 - Post 52
The
Bulldogs had four players in double figures last night on the way to the
victory over the Antelopes. Amira McCullough and Alex Hill led the way with
14 each. Braxton Iden had 12 and Tanner Ruiz 10 in the win. Post won the JV
game 43-30.
Stanton
55 - Midland Classical 44
Cole
Schroyer led the Buffaloes past Midland Classical with 15 points. Scott
Smith added 12 for Stanton as they improved to 11-1 on the season. The Buffs
took control of the game with a 14-0 run to start the second quarter.
Sands
60 - Sterling City 19
The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead on the
Eagles and never looked back leading 27-2 after the first quarter. Caleb
Thomasson and Plata led the mustangs with 11 points each. Preston Zant added
10.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
ALLEGED WRONGDOING IN THE ECTOR COUNTY ATTORNEYS OFFICE
The
Attorney General has issued a report alleging wrongdoing in the Ector
County Attorneys Office and Ector County Attorney Cindy Weir-Nutter is
not going to take the allegations lying down. She has said she will show
documentation of wrongdoing in other Ector County Departments.
Weir-Nutter stated “from the onset of this investigation, it has been
clear that the purpose was not to seek justice but to continue in the
effort to eliminate me as a potential political opponent.” The
investigation started when radio commentator Jason Moore accused
Weir-Nutter of criminal conduct by allowing her employees to use so
called “cindy days” as a reward for working overtime. District Attorney
Bobby Bland excused himself from the case and turned it over to the
Attorney General’s Office. Weir-Nutter has said she will cooperate with
the investigation if arrested but wants to present all her documentation
in public, not behind closed doors.
BEGINNING OF TRIAL FOR 5 COUNTS ATTEMPTED CAPITAL MURDER AND
MORE
The
jury was chosen and several witnesses gave their testimony in the case
of Victor White, the man who shot five people in September of 2010 and
held authorities at bay for 22 hours. All the witnesses gave the same
story. The fight was between White and an oil company who he was
accusing of contaminating his water. Witnesses say an Ector County
Sheriff’s Deputy and two employees approached White’s house. After a
brief conversation, White pulled out a gun and began shooting. The
deputy and the employees were shot. Then the standoff began with more
than 150 law enforcement officers on site. White finally surrendered
when his trailer caught on fire and a swat team was approaching in an
armored vehicle. White is facing five counts of attempted capital murder
and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
TOYAH MAYOR BARTOLO SANCHEZ BEING REMOVED FROM OFFICE
The
necessary paper work is being prepared to remove Toyah Mayor Bartolo
Sanchez from office. That is according to Reeves County Attorney Alva
Alvarez. A detention hearing is set for Sanchez this Thursday who is
accused of stealing federal and city funds. According to reports,
Sanchez has written fraudulent checks for $600,000 to himself over the
last three years. He is also accused of taking $75,000 from a grant
meant for a Texas Parks and Wildlife Rest Stop. A court appointed
attorney will represent Sanchez at the hearing.
MONTFORD POINT VETERAN RECEIVES THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
A Black
former Texas Marine who served in World War II during a time of
segregation has received the nation's highest civilian honor. A ceremony
was held Tuesday at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio to honor 87-year-old
retired Cpl. Calvin Curtis with the Congressional Gold Medal. Curtis was
part of the Marines of Montford Point, Black service members who trained
at Camp Lejeune NC in the 1940s. Curtis, following his military duty,
became a mail carrier in South Texas for more than 30 years. He now
lives in San Antonio. Todd Curtis helped secure the honor for his father
after learning about a June ceremony in Washington honoring hundreds of
other Marines of Montford Point veterans.
Monday, December 10, 2012
COMMISSIONERS
COURT
The Howard County
Commissioners Court have agreed to move forward for the purchase of new
software for the County. The present software will cease to be produced in
the future and will also no longer be serviced. The County has been
receiving demonstrations from Tyler Technologies on a new system and County
employees have returned favorable reviews with one more office scheduled for
a demonstration in February. Judge Mark Barr stated he has checked with
other counties who use the software and said they are pleased with it also
however they did alert him to some issues. The changeover will be made
somewhat easier by the fact Taylor Technologies already services the present
system. The County will get on a waiting list to have the software
installed. It is anticipated it will be a year to a year-and-a-half until
that happens. The Commissioners Court will also have to decide if they want
to have a server installed at a cost of $1 million or use an off-site one at
a cost of $400,000. Also during the meeting the court approved the leasing
of the property the radio tower sits on. The price has risen from $1,800 per
year to $3,000 per year. The County also renewed its contract with the State
Trapper and with Head Start and Greater Opportunities of Permian Basin.
RECEPTION HELD TO
HONOR EMMA BROWN
Prior to the
Commissioners Court meeting, a reception was held to honor Emma Brown. Brown
has served as Commissioner from Precinct One for the past 18 years. Bill
Norris spoke with Brown briefly during the reception and she said she was
looking forward to her retirement and was planning a trip to Las Vegas with
her sister to see some shows and to try her luck at the games. She talked
about the work ethic instilled in her by her father who she worked in the
fields with from the time she was eleven years old. Brown would work until
early November before going off to school where the teachers would help her
catch up with the other students. The Court presented Mrs. Brown with a
plaque in appreciation for her many years of service. Brown will be replaced
on the Commissioners Court by Oscar Garcia.
FIRES YESTERDAY
The Howard County
Volunteer Fire Department was called out to a small grass fire last night
near mile marker 185 off Interstate 20. The fire department was able to
bring the fire under control without any injuries. The Big Spring Fire
Department was called to the scene of a garage fire yesterday afternoon in
the 1600 block of Avion. The fire department was able to keep the fire from
spreading to other structures, however the garage was a total loss.
FORSAN ISD BOARD
OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Forsan ISD Board of
Trustees will meet tonight at 7:00 pm for their monthly meeting. The board
is expected to approve a construction manager for their field house project.
The present field house has water leakage problems and the school is hoping
to add an officials’ locker room and locker rooms for the sub-varsity teams.
The school district is looking at a bond issue to fund the project. More
construction is on the way in Forsan as they continue towards a new
elementary school to replace elbow elementary. The board will meet with an
investment advisor about a bond election in regards to the project.
It is anticipated the board will approve a School Health Advisory
Committee. An ISD Board Operating Procedures Manual. And there will be
principals reports from each campus.
STATE NATIONAL
BANK RENOVATION
The State National Bank
has announced plans for a renovation and remodel of the first floor of its
main office located at 901 Main Street in Big Spring. The project, which
will include construction of a new front entrance, is scheduled to begin in
January 2013 and be completed by mid-summer. The bank has been located on
Main Street since 1909 but at several different locations. It was at 204
Main from 1909 to 1934 and at 124 Main until 1979, before moving to its
present location at 901 Main. Bank employees will be relocated to other
areas during the construction but, rest assured, they will be back at their
original posts when construction is done.
RUSS MCEWEN
HONORED
Keep Big Spring Beautiful
has honored late Big Spring Mayor Russ McEwen. McEwen was an advocate of
Keep Big Spring Beautiful and the group wanted to do something that will
give the City a lasting memory of McEwen. They planted an Oak tree near the
entrance of the newly renamed Russ McEwen Family Aquatic Center. McEwen’s
wife Laura, son Drew and mother-in-law Doraine Parks were in attendance at
the tree planting ceremony held at the Comanche Trail Park this weekend.
Sports News
HIGH SCHOOL
BASKETBALL SCORES - BOYS
O.W. Follis Tournament
Consolation Semifinal
Greenwood 60 Big Spring 52
SATURDAY HIGH
SCHOOL BASKETBALL SCORES - GIRLS
Monahans Sandhills Tournament
Big Spring 35 Monahans 27
Lady Steers finish third in tournament. Logan Yarbar named to
all-tournament team.
Stanton Hooptown Classic
Girls
Midland Christian 38
Sweetwater 35 (OT) Championship Game
3rd Place Game
Midland Classical
42 Stanton 32
Consolation Final
LaMesa 53 Coahoma 24
7th Place
Game
Tahoka 42 Greenwood JV 9
Morgan Ashton Midland
Classical MVP
All Tournament Team
Kaeli Younger – Coahoma
McKenzie
Allred – Stanton
Tori Watson – MCS
Kendra Crosson and Suede Shirley –
Sweetwater
Nicole Cortez and Tay Maxwell – LaMesa
Kayla and Alissa
Beattie MCA
Boys
7th Place Game
Sweetwater 53 Midland Classical 49
3rd Place Game
Takoka 71 Permian JV
58
Consolation Final
Midland JV 71 Coahoma 46
Championship
Sands
54 Stanton 51 (OT)
Preston Zant Sands MVP
All Tournament Team
Caleb Thomasson and Jared Staggs – Sands
Cole
Schroyer and Scott Smith – Stanton
Miguel Villanueva and A.D. Johnson -
Midland JV
Tanner Ruiz – Coahoma
Keyshawn Hood and Preston Hammond –
Tahoka
Zachary Stance - Permian JV
Tall City Oilman's Tournament
Girls
Lovington, NM 55 Grady 38
Borden Co. Tournament
Girls
Borden Co 47 Seminole JV
27
Post 54 Borden Co JV 27
Forsan 46 Seminole JV 26
Boys
Borden Co 46 Seminole JV
44
Post 76 Borden Co JV 19
Forsan 59 Seminole JV 43
Water Valley Wildcat Classic
Water Valley 84 Grady 74
Brandon Lucas and Brett Glaze of Grady named to All-Tournament Team
Highland Invitational
Garden City 45 Robert Lee
42
Garden City Wins Tournament Championship
JOHNNY MANZIEL
FIRST FRESHMAN TO WIN THE HEISMAN
Texas A&M’s Johnny
Manziel became the first Freshman to win the Heisman this weekend when he
was presented with the award. Manziel, Mantei Te’o from Notre Dame and
Collin Klein from Kansas State were the three finalist. Manziel led the
Aggies to a 9-2 record and a Cotton Bowl berth while setting Southeastern
Conference records for total yards for a first year player.
TRAGIC ONE
VEHICLE ACCIDENT
In a tragic event, Dallas
Cowboy Defensive Josh Brent has been charged with vehicular manslaughter for
his part in a one vehicle accident that left teammate Jerry Brown dead. The
accident occurred around 2:20am Saturday morning in a Dallas suburb.
Apparently Brent hit a curb and the car rolled several times. Brent failed a
field sobriety test and was arrested. He is out on $500,000 bond.
TOMMY TUBERVILLE
HEAD COACH AT CINCINNATI
Tommy Tuberville stunned
Texas Tech University this weekend when he bolted for the head-coaching job
at Cincinnati. Representatives of Tech said they were blindsided by the
move. Tuberville had worked with Athletics Director Whit Babcock for three
years at Auburn and, when he got the call on Saturday morning, he made the
decision to leave. Tuberville will not coach Texas Tech or Cincinnati in
their upcoming bowl games.
BIG 12 SCORES –
MEN
Saturday
#9 kansas 90 - Colorado
54
#23 Okla St 62 - Missouri State 42
UCLA 65 - Texas 63
Tulsa 50 -
TCU 49
Kansas St 65 - George Washington 62
West Virginia 68 - Virginia
Tech 67
Sunday
Iowa St 93 - Nebraska Omaha
65
BIG 12 SCORES –
WOMEN
Saturday
#17 UCLA 62 - #12 Texas
42
Texas A&M 68 - TCU 47
West Virginia 67 - St. Bonaventure 47
Sunday
#17 Kansas
97 - Newman 64
#22 Iowa State 60 - Fairfield 43
Kansas St 68 - South
Dakota 54
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
ROLLOVER ACCIDENT
A
one-vehicle rollover accident on Highway 385 in Ector County left one
person dead last night. A green SUV was pulling a trailer in the
northbound lane of 385 when a Grey Saturn merged onto the highway,
cutting off the SUV and causing the driver to lose control. DPS troopers
are searching for the light-grey four-door Saturn. One other person in
the SUV was injured and is still in the hospital.
PHISHING SCAM
Be on the lookout for a phishing scam using the
Better Business Bureau as the hook. Crooks are sending out the emails,
presenting themselves as representatives of the BBB. It is a scam. If
the email is opened, it will search your computer for personal
information such as Social Security numbers, Drivers License number,
bank account numbers and other personal information. The email tells the
recipient the BBB is investigating a complaint against them or their
business. It is a similar scam to one that ran last year and the BBB is
doing everything it can to shut the scam down. If you receive this type
of email, contact the BBB at (432) 563-0213 or forward the email to
phishing@council.bbb.org
Friday, December 7, 2012
KEY COMMUNICATORS MEETING
The
Big Spring ISD held its second Key Communicators meeting December 6 at the
high school. The meeting consisted of numerous topics with a 15 minute
presentation on each one by an ISD faculty member. Bill Norris attended the
meeting and had the opportunity to sit in on three of the ten meetings. The
topics he chose to hear about were The Importance
of Your Child Being in School on a Daily Basis presented by
Washington Elementary Principal George Bancroft,
Bullying Prevention Strategies presented by Junior High Principal
Dalia Benavides, (there were presentation on this topic for elementary and
high school also) and How Does STAAR Testing
Affect my Child by Becky Saldivar ISD Assessment Coordinator. Bill
stated that “Each presentation was an eye opener for me. I do not have
children so my experience in the topic is limited, however the information
presented was a tremendous opportunity to understand the efforts of the
school district and the many situations they deal with on a daily basis. It
also brought to light many of the questions I have about STAAR testing.”
The
school district is planning on another of these meetings in the Spring. If
you have the opportunity to attend please do.
The Importance of Your Child Being in School on a
Daily Basis
George Bancroft laid out many reasons for why it is extremely beneficial for
a child to be in school on a daily basis. Some reasons many would consider
basic such as social development and two meals a day. Another is the
increased difficulty in topics today. For example neither George nor Bill
ever saw a periodic table until their Junior Year in high school. Now
students see a periodic table in middle school and begin learning a second
language in elementary school. Being at school on a daily basis will help a
child develop socially too. Not only with the education they receive in the
classroom but by being involved in extracurricular activities. Bancroft
noticed when he was in the classroom, kids involved in those activities
enjoyed the opportunity to show off their talents and develop the skills in
areas where students had a passion.
Bullying Prevention
Strategies
Bullying has been an issue in all facets of life but it has come to the
forefront in schools with many tragic situations being the result. Dahlia
Benavides presented a survey she had sent out to approximately 100 parents
regarding bullying and she received over 60 of the surveys back in time for
the presentation. The answers to two questions stood out to her. The first
one was “my child has reported to me that he or she has been the victim of
bullying at school”: 51% of parents disagreed with that statement and 41%
agreed. The second question was “my child has reported to teachers or other
school staff that he or she has been the victim of bullying at school”: 58%
of the parents disagreed with that question. Benavides wants to improve on
those numbers and make sure students and parents know what is available to
them to help combat bullying. The junior high has a hotline available to
students where they can report bullying to the staff and confidential forms
are also available to the students. The forms are submitted to staff or to
the office. Once submitted, a private meeting is scheduled with a counselor
and a solution is developed. Also teachers have available to them
teachingchannel.com which has numerous videos for the students to view on
bullying and how to deal with it. The videos will be shown during library
time.
How Does STAAR Testing Affect my Child
The
STAAR Testing Program being implemented in school districts in Texas has
been in the news since its introduction last year and has been confusing
people ever since. Becky Saldivar has the task of implementing the new
testing system at Big Spring ISD and presented the program last night in a
brief 15 minute program. We could have spent hours asking questions about
the test but Mrs. Saldivar did an excellent job in going over the basics of
the program for those of us in attendance. The exams cover four areas
English/Language Arts, this section is broken down into two tests: one for
reading and one for writing; math; science and social studies. Students must
pass 15 of these tests. If a student fails any test they will have the
opportunity to re-take the tests. They must pass each test for each
end-of-course exam in order to receive a diploma. Also there are three
diplomas offered to students who will finish their high school career under
the STAAR system: Minimum, recommended and distinguished. Each one based on
results from the end of course exams and each one will be accepted by
colleges. Adding to the confusion is the possibility the end-of-course exam
will count as 15% of a student’s final grade in a course. The State has
provided a waiver for school districts for the second year in a row. Already
the district has adjusted the curriculum in an effort to help students with
the end-of-course exams by offering World Geography to Freshmen and World
History to Sophomores. The move was made to better assist the students in
passing the end-of-course exams each year.
ANNUAL DRIVE-THRU NATIVITY
The
annual Drive-Thru Nativity will be happening at the First Church of the
Nazarene this Friday through Sunday evening. This is the 26th year the
church at
1400 Lancaster has put on the free event. As you drive through
the 13 scenes, the life of Christ is dramatized by church members who play
the parts in the live scenes. More than 100 individuals donate their time
and efforts to the annual event started by former Pastor Gary Smith. Present
Pastor Calvary Callendar leads the way now and is impressed by the members
who have taken it into their hearts to keep the Drive-Thru Nativity going
each year. The event averages about 700 people each night. It will run from
6:30 until 9:30 each night and CD’s are provided to describe each scene. The
CD’s are available in English and Spanish. For more information you can
contact the church at (432) 267-7015.
In Sports News
Big
Spring’s Carson Riebe has been named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association
All State Team. In her career, Riebe has been named Libero of the Year in
2010 in District 5-3A and Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012 in
District 4-3A. She was also named Academic All District in 2011-2012 and was
Team Captain.
Basketball
Girls
MONAHANS SANDHILLS TOURNAMENT
Big
Spring 39 - Kermit 24
Yaniera Tuitt 15 pts 10 rebs 5 blks, Chelsie Clay 11pts
This
brings them to
Big
Spring vs Seminole @ 10:30 am Championship Bracket Semifinal
BORDEN CO. TOURNAMENT @ BORDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Forsan 44 - New Home 21
Maria Ortiz 11 pts 7 rebs, Brittney Hergert, Ali Knight, Mary-Ashley
Mcdaniel 7pts each
Which brings them to Forsan vs Post/lchs/O’Donnell 3:00 pm Friday
RESULTS OF DECEMBER 6 GAMES:
Borden Co. 43 - Ralls 36
Borden Co. 75 - Wilson 27
Borden Co. vs Spur 6:00 pm tonight
Hooptown Classic @ Stanton
Sweetwater 42 - Coahoma 29
Savannah Neff 8, kylie Clanton 6
Coahoma will play Greenwood JV at 9:00 am today
Stanton 55 - Greenwood JV 21
Stanton will play Sweetwater at 6:00 pm tonight
Highland Invitational
Garden City 50 - Jayton 24
Robert Lee 31 - Sands 30
Tall
City Oilman’s Tournament
Girls
Grady vs. Midland/Caprock winner 4:30 pm @ Chaparral Center
Boys
Big
Spring vs Odessa Permian 1:30 pm today @ LaMesa
Borden Co. Tournament @ Borden County High School
Forsan 48 - New Home 18
J.T.
Breyman 13 pts 5 rebs, Aric Hernandez 9 pts, Kade Fannin 8 pts 10 rebs,
Jerol Womack 6 pts 8 rebs, Clayton Galloway 4 pts 6 rebs
Forsan vs Post/lchs/O’Donnell 3:00 pm today
Boys
Games Last Night
Borden Co. 71 - Lorenzo 28
Borden Co. 52 - Wilson 34
Borden Co. vs Seminole JV 7:30 pm Friday
Hooptown Classic @ Stanton
Stanton 40 - Midland Classical 25
Stanton will face Permian JV at 7:30 pm today
Sands 50 - Sweetwater 33
Sands will play Tahoka at 4:30 pm today
Tahoka 52 - Coahoma 33
Coahoma will play Sweetwater at 1:30 pm today
Water Valley Classic
Grady 78 - San Angelo Knights 47
Brett Glaze 17, Taylor Polson 14, Brandon Lucas 12, Beau Lucas 11
Grady 83 - Sterling City 26
Brandon Lucas 28, Ivan San Juan 15
Grady will play Iraan at 4:00 pm today @ Water Valley High School
Highland Invitational
Garden City 62 - Jayton 60 (OT)
Corbin Davis 17, Dillon Koenning 14, Juan Vuspos 14, Braden Jones 13
The Bearkats will play Roscoe at 8:00 pm today @
Roscoe Highlands
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
EXPLOSION IN GOLDSMITH
An
investigation has been started into the pipeline explosion Wednesday
night in Goldsmith. The Texas Railroad Commission is leading the
investigation. According to a representative of West Texas Gas, the
company was conducting a mandatory pressure test when the explosion
happened near the DCP Midstream Plant. DCP Midstream responded to the
explosion by shutting down its nearby facility and evacuating the four
employees who were on site at the time. No one was harmed in the
explosion.
OIL FIELD ACCIDENT
According to the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office, four people received
burns yesterday afternoon in an oil field accident. The accident
occurred on the Eagle Oil and Gas Rig Number One east of Pecos. One man
was airlifted from the scene to Odessa and three others were sent to
Reeves County Memorial Hospital and then sent out by plane. All four
received second and third degree burns. No names have been released yet.
FALSE RUMOR CAUSES MULTIPLE PROBLEMS
A
midland health organization is in hot water for apparently spreading
false rumors. According to a report on CBS 7, the director of the
Midland Odessa Area AIDS Support Incorporated made statements that 20%
of blood collected at a blood drive at a school in the Permian Basin
tested positive for HIV/AIDS and that the number of teens infected is
rising at an alarming rate. MAAS Executive Director Judy Warren made the
statement which has been disputed by the Local Director of United Blood
Services Lee Hartmann, Ector County Health Department Director Gino
Solla and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Warren is not
backing off her comments, stating she heard the comments straight from
members of a local high school administration. She would not say who.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is planning on speaking
with Warren and has spoken with the organization for a similar
circumstance last year. The rumors have been detrimental to blood drive
efforts amongst teens which accounts for 17% to 20% of donations each
year at United Blood Services.
DOCTOR CHARGED WITH DRUG POSSESSION AND DISTRIBUTION
Doctor Barrett Whitefield has been charged in a federal courtroom, along
with seven others, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute
controlled substances and actual distribution of controlled substances.
Whitefield has been a general practitioner and family practitioner in
Odessa for eleven years. Whitefield turned himself in to federal agents
Thursday morning prior to the charges being read. He was indicted on
November 28. The charges go back to January 2011. His arraignment is
scheduled for next Tuesday in the Midland Federal Courthouse.
FORT HOOD IMPACT
Fort Hood had a $25.3 billion impact in Texas during fiscal 2011
according to a new analysis released by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs.
The Army base had nearly 69,000 jobs directly attributed to its
operations: up from 67,000 in 2007. Over 79,000 family members are
supported by these jobs making the base indirectly responsible for over
214,000 jobs throughout the state. Fort Hood paid over $3 billion to its
active duty military personnel and civilian workers in 2011 and paid
contractors another $514 million and over $3.8 billion to veteran
retirees.
NEW JUDGE IN FORT HOOD SHOOTING CASE
The
new judge taking over the Fort Hood shooting case will likely confront
many of the questions that faced her predecessor. One of those that
helped lead to his removal is whether the suspect be allowed to keep his
beard in court? Delays have plagued the prosecution of Maj. Nidal Hasan,
charged in the shooting rampage that left 13 dead more than three years
ago. The previous judge, Col. Gregory Gross, was ousted Monday by the
Military Appeals Court which raised questions about whether Gross
appeared impartial. Gross' replacement on the case, Col. Tara Osborn,
may be asked to re-examine any number of Gross' rulings including the
beard issue. Hasan has previously indicated he would like to plead
guilty, but he can't because he faces a possible death sentence.
CPRIT ADMITS MISTAKES
The
chief of the State's troubled $3 billion cancer-fighting agency says a
"procedural nightmare" partly explains how $11 million in taxpayer funds
were improperly awarded to a private company. The Cancer Prevention and
Research Institute of Texas has been under fire since disclosing last
week that Dallas-based Peloton Therapeutics received a lucrative State
grant in 2010 without ever having its 27-page proposal reviewed. Bill
Gimson, Executive Director of CPRIT, said Wednesday the grant that was
approved in 2010 at a time when the new agency was still implementing
policies. He said the agency's former chief commercialization officer
made mistakes but that there was no intent at deception or personal
financial gain. One member of the agency's oversight board has called
for a review of Gimson's job performance.
500 JOBS MOVE INTO FORT WORTH
Lockheed Martin is moving over 500 jobs to Fort
Worth from their Marietta, Georgia, plant. The company stated they are
making the move to stay competitive while dealing with “challenging
defense budgets.” A majority of the jobs are related to the
F-22
fighter jet. Present employees have until January 7th to let the company
know if they will relocate to Fort Worth. The company expects the move
to save them $255 million over the next five years. The White House has
let the Pentagon know they need to start planning for the possibility of
half a trillion dollars in budget cuts over the next ten years.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
TRIAL BEGINS
The
trial of Hector Gonzales Jr. was set to get underway yesterday. The case was
delayed twice due to illness, once for Gonzales’ attorney Dan Richard and
Monday when the court reporter was ill. Jury selection was scheduled for
Tuesday morning with pretrial motions to be presented in the afternoon.
Gonzales is being tried on four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a
child. He was indicted on the charges in April of this year. The alleged
incidents happened between March and November, 2010.
The charges are a first degree felony and Gonzales is facing 5 to 99
years on each one plus a $10,000 fine. Assistant District Attorney Robin Orr
will present the case. District Judge Tim Yeats will be presiding.
In Sports
GIRLS
Big
Spring 69 - Pecos 29
Logan Yarbar led The Lady Steers in a romp over Pecos with 21 points.
Dyrshae Vanderbilt and Yaneira Tuitt had 9 points each and Julianna
Rodriguez added 8 as the Lady Steers improved to 6-5 on the season.
Grady 52 - Coahoma 37
Kaeli Yeager led the Bulldogettes with 12 points on the night but Ellyn
Avery and Cayley Oppegard had 13 each and Charmynee Arnold added 11 for the
Lady Wildcats as they got the win. Grady is 8-2 on the season. Coahoma is
3-8.
Iraan 37 - Stanton 34
Jennifer Henley led the Lady Buffaloes with 10 points last night but Iraan
got the win. Lacy Hazelwood dropped in twelve.
BOYS
Big
Spring 65 - Lake View 63 (2OT)
Grady 51 - Coahoma 42
Braxton Iden led the Bulldogs with 14. Alex Hill had 13. Brandon Lucas had
17 to lead the Wildcats, Brett Glaze added 14.
Stanton 48 - Iraan 36
Scott Smith had a big night pouring in 20 points as the Buffaloes took out
Iraan.
Reagan County 51 - Garden City 38
The Owls were too much for the Bearkats last
night taking control in the first half and never letting up as they
outscored the Bearkats in every quarter on their way to the win.
Area News From Our Partners at CBS7
NURSING HOME CLOSED AFTER STATE INVESTIGATION
A Midland nursing home has been shut down after a
State investigation. Some say the home is closing due to lack of staff.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, DADS, has
confirmed they are investigating the facility but would not comment as
to why, due to it being an open investigation. The owner of the facility
also declined to comment. The Red Rose Christian Home was a ten-room
facility. According to employees at the facility, the same person also
owns the Yellow Rose Christian Home in Midland but there is no word if
that facility is under investigation. It is at capacity and fully
staffed. DADS is assisting the
residents in finding other facilities to move too.
