(INTERPOL RELEASE)
LYON, France – The escape of hundreds of dangerous prisoners, including members of the Taliban, from an Afghan prison has again exposed a major global security gap - Afghan authorities have not been trained or equipped to take, store and access photographs, fingerprints DNA of dangerous terrorists for sharing internationally, the head of INTERPOL has warned.
During the night of 24 April, nearly 480 prisoners were broken out of the Sarposa prison in Kandahar by the Taliban, the same jail which saw the mass escape of nearly 900 inmates in June 2008 and for whom INTERPOL has still not received identifying information for circulation to the global law enforcement community.
INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said with countries spending hundreds of billions of dollars every year in Afghanistan, the ongoing failure to train and equip Afghan authorities to collect, store and share basic law enforcement information such as photographs, fingerprints and DNA was ‘an unacceptable gap in global security.’
“It is simply shocking that three years after the largest prison break in Afghanistan history, including of convicted terrorists, there is no data to be shared with law enforcement regionally and globally in the event of an escape,” said Mr Noble.
“Until this glaring and serious void in the world’s anti-terror efforts is filled, no country can consider itself secure from criminals and terrorists who are essentially being given the opportunity to travel internationally, elude detection and to engage in future terrorist activity,” warned the INTERPOL Chief.
“Once our National Central Bureau in Kabul confirmed the breakout, the INTERPOL General Secretariat headquarters immediately alerted the neighbouring countries, but with no strong identifying information, such as photographs, fingerprints or DNA available to law enforcement on the ground, their efforts are significantly hampered,” said Secretary General Noble.
“At the G8 Meeting of Justice and Interior Ministers in 2007, I said that any country which fails to take appropriate measures at the national level when dangerous prisoners escape would be harshly criticized and accused of malpractice, and there is no reason why this should be any different at the international level,” concluded the head of the world police body.
In 2006, INTERPOL’s General Assembly adopted a resolution underlining the need for member countries to alert the global law enforcement community to prison escapes of suspected terrorists and other dangerous criminals.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Presidential Proclamation--National Day of Prayer
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
Throughout our history, Americans have turned to prayer for strength, inspiration, and solidarity.
Prayer has played an important role in the American story and in shaping our Nation's leaders. President Abraham Lincoln once said, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day." The late Coretta Scott King recounted a particularly difficult night, during the Montgomery bus boycott, when her husband, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., received a threatening phone call and prayed at the kitchen table, saying, "Lord, I have nothing left. I have nothing left. I have come to the point where I can't face it alone." Dr. King said, in that moment of prayer, he was filled with a sense of comfort and resolve, which his wife credited as a turning point in the civil rights movement.
It is thus fitting that, from the earliest years of our country's history, Congress and Presidents have set aside days to recognize the role prayer has played in so many definitive moments in our history. On this National Day of Prayer, let us follow the example of President Lincoln and Dr. King. Let us be thankful for the liberty that allows people of all faiths to worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience, and let us be thankful for the many other freedoms and blessings that we often take for granted.
Let us pray for the men and women of our Armed Forces and the many selfless sacrifices they and their families make on behalf of our Nation. Let us pray for the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who put themselves in harm's way every day to protect their fellow citizens. And let us ask God for the sustenance and guidance for all of us to meet the great challenges we face as a Nation.
Let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those who have been affected by natural disasters at home and abroad in recent months, as well as those working tirelessly to render assistance. And, at a time when many around the world face uncertainty and unrest, but also hold resurgent hope for freedom and justice, let our prayers be with men and women everywhere who seek peace, human dignity, and the same rights we treasure here in America.
The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 5, 2011, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite all citizens of our Nation, as their own faith or conscience directs them, to join me in giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and I ask all people of faith to join me in asking God for guidance, mercy, and protection for our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
For Immediate Release
Throughout our history, Americans have turned to prayer for strength, inspiration, and solidarity.
Prayer has played an important role in the American story and in shaping our Nation's leaders. President Abraham Lincoln once said, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day." The late Coretta Scott King recounted a particularly difficult night, during the Montgomery bus boycott, when her husband, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., received a threatening phone call and prayed at the kitchen table, saying, "Lord, I have nothing left. I have nothing left. I have come to the point where I can't face it alone." Dr. King said, in that moment of prayer, he was filled with a sense of comfort and resolve, which his wife credited as a turning point in the civil rights movement.
It is thus fitting that, from the earliest years of our country's history, Congress and Presidents have set aside days to recognize the role prayer has played in so many definitive moments in our history. On this National Day of Prayer, let us follow the example of President Lincoln and Dr. King. Let us be thankful for the liberty that allows people of all faiths to worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience, and let us be thankful for the many other freedoms and blessings that we often take for granted.
Let us pray for the men and women of our Armed Forces and the many selfless sacrifices they and their families make on behalf of our Nation. Let us pray for the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who put themselves in harm's way every day to protect their fellow citizens. And let us ask God for the sustenance and guidance for all of us to meet the great challenges we face as a Nation.
Let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those who have been affected by natural disasters at home and abroad in recent months, as well as those working tirelessly to render assistance. And, at a time when many around the world face uncertainty and unrest, but also hold resurgent hope for freedom and justice, let our prayers be with men and women everywhere who seek peace, human dignity, and the same rights we treasure here in America.
The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 5, 2011, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite all citizens of our Nation, as their own faith or conscience directs them, to join me in giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and I ask all people of faith to join me in asking God for guidance, mercy, and protection for our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Former Texas Representative “Jim” Solis Admits to Role in Extortion Scheme
(DEPT OF JUSTICE RELEASE)
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS—Former Texas representative Jose Santiago “Jim” Solis, has been convicted of aiding and abetting the extortion by former state district judge Abel Corral Limas, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.
Solis, 47, of Harlingen, Texas, pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information today before U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen. The criminal information which charges Solis with aiding and abetting extortion by former state judge Abel Corral Limas, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951 and 2 (The “Hobbs Act”) was filed early this morning, April 29, 2011, in Brownsville, Texas.
Solis, a life-long resident of Harlingen, has practiced law in south Texas for many years, focusing primarily in personal injury cases. Solis served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 38, for seven terms—retiring from the Legislature in 2007.
At today’s hearing, Solis admitted his part in former Judge Limas’ use of the office of judge of the 404th District Court as a criminal enterprise to enrich himself and others, including Solis, through extortion. Limas accepted money and other consideration from attorneys in civil cases pending in his court, including Solis, in return for favorable pre-trial rulings in certain cases, including a case involving a helicopter crash at South Padre Island in February 2008. Solis specifically admitted to paying Limas $8,000 in May 2008, a payment they described as eight “golf balls,” for favorable rulings.
Solis faces a maximum prison term of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of pecuniary gain—whichever is greater, and a term of supervised release of up to five years. As part of his plea agreement, Solis agreed to and did forfeit $250,000 to the government this morning. Sentencing is set before Judge Hanen on Aug. 1, 2011. Solis is expected to be released on bond today pending the sentencing hearing.
The ongoing investigation leading to the charges against Solis case is being conducted by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brownsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Wynne and Oscar Ponce are prosecuting this case.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS—Former Texas representative Jose Santiago “Jim” Solis, has been convicted of aiding and abetting the extortion by former state district judge Abel Corral Limas, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.
Solis, 47, of Harlingen, Texas, pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information today before U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen. The criminal information which charges Solis with aiding and abetting extortion by former state judge Abel Corral Limas, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951 and 2 (The “Hobbs Act”) was filed early this morning, April 29, 2011, in Brownsville, Texas.
Solis, a life-long resident of Harlingen, has practiced law in south Texas for many years, focusing primarily in personal injury cases. Solis served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 38, for seven terms—retiring from the Legislature in 2007.
At today’s hearing, Solis admitted his part in former Judge Limas’ use of the office of judge of the 404th District Court as a criminal enterprise to enrich himself and others, including Solis, through extortion. Limas accepted money and other consideration from attorneys in civil cases pending in his court, including Solis, in return for favorable pre-trial rulings in certain cases, including a case involving a helicopter crash at South Padre Island in February 2008. Solis specifically admitted to paying Limas $8,000 in May 2008, a payment they described as eight “golf balls,” for favorable rulings.
Solis faces a maximum prison term of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of pecuniary gain—whichever is greater, and a term of supervised release of up to five years. As part of his plea agreement, Solis agreed to and did forfeit $250,000 to the government this morning. Sentencing is set before Judge Hanen on Aug. 1, 2011. Solis is expected to be released on bond today pending the sentencing hearing.
The ongoing investigation leading to the charges against Solis case is being conducted by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brownsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Wynne and Oscar Ponce are prosecuting this case.
Texan Among the Dead in Kabul Airport Shooting
(DOD RELEASE)
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of eight airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died April 27, at the Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from gunfire. The incident is under investigation.
Killed were:
Maj. Philip D. Ambard, 44, of Edmonds, Wash. He was assigned to the 460th Space Communications Squadron, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. For more information media may contact the Air Force Academy public affairs office at 719-333-7731.
Maj. Jeffrey O. Ausborn, 41, of Gadsden, Ala. He was assigned to the 99th Flying Training Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. For more information media may contact the 502nd Air Base Wing public affairs office at 210-652-4410.
Maj. David L. Brodeur, 34, of Auburn, Mass. He was assigned to the 11th Air Force, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. For more information media may contact the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson public affairs office at 907-552-2341.
Master Sgt. Tara R. Brown, 33, of Deltona, Fla. She was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Joint Base Andrews, Md. For more information media may contact the Air Force Office of Special Investigations public affairs office at 571-305-8010.
Lt. Col. Frank D. Bryant Jr., 37, of Knoxville, Tenn. He was assigned to the 56th Operations Group, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. For more information media may contact the Luke Air Force Base public affairs office at 623-856-6011.
Maj. Raymond G. Estelle II, 40, of New Haven, Conn. He was assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. For more information media may contact the Headquarters Air Combat Command public affairs office at 757-764-5007.
Capt. Nathan J. Nylander, 35, of Hockley, Texas. He was assigned to the 25th Operational Weather Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. For more information media may contact the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base public affairs office at 520-228-3406.
Capt. Charles A. Ransom, 31, of Midlothian, Va. He was assigned to the 83rd Network Operations Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. For more information media may contact the 24th Air Force public affairs office at 210-977-5796.
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of eight airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died April 27, at the Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from gunfire. The incident is under investigation.
Killed were:
Maj. Philip D. Ambard, 44, of Edmonds, Wash. He was assigned to the 460th Space Communications Squadron, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. For more information media may contact the Air Force Academy public affairs office at 719-333-7731.
Maj. Jeffrey O. Ausborn, 41, of Gadsden, Ala. He was assigned to the 99th Flying Training Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. For more information media may contact the 502nd Air Base Wing public affairs office at 210-652-4410.
Maj. David L. Brodeur, 34, of Auburn, Mass. He was assigned to the 11th Air Force, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. For more information media may contact the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson public affairs office at 907-552-2341.
Master Sgt. Tara R. Brown, 33, of Deltona, Fla. She was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Joint Base Andrews, Md. For more information media may contact the Air Force Office of Special Investigations public affairs office at 571-305-8010.
Lt. Col. Frank D. Bryant Jr., 37, of Knoxville, Tenn. He was assigned to the 56th Operations Group, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. For more information media may contact the Luke Air Force Base public affairs office at 623-856-6011.
Maj. Raymond G. Estelle II, 40, of New Haven, Conn. He was assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. For more information media may contact the Headquarters Air Combat Command public affairs office at 757-764-5007.
Capt. Nathan J. Nylander, 35, of Hockley, Texas. He was assigned to the 25th Operational Weather Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. For more information media may contact the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base public affairs office at 520-228-3406.
Capt. Charles A. Ransom, 31, of Midlothian, Va. He was assigned to the 83rd Network Operations Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. For more information media may contact the 24th Air Force public affairs office at 210-977-5796.
Texas A&M's Memorial Student Center to Reopen April 21, 2012
COLLEGE STATION, April 29, 2011 - The historic, renovated and expanded Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M will reopen next April - several months ahead of schedule - University President R. Bowen Loftin announced today.
"I am extremely delighted to announce that the Memorial Student Center - a powerful and symbolic living memorial to all fallen Aggies - will officially reopen on April 21, 2012, several months earlier than previously announced. It is particularly fitting to reopen the building on the day Aggies will hold Muster ceremonies worldwide, a time-honored tradition to pay tribute to those who have passed away the previous year," Loftin said while speaking at a private construction milestone luncheon attended by hundreds of students, campus project planners and contract construction personnel.
The bigger and better MSC - as the facility is affectionately known to thousands of present and former students, as well as faculty, staff and visitors - was scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2012.
Loftin emphasized that opening the facility sooner than anticipated clearly reaffirms the promise made to students when the facility closed a year ago for construction that all currently enrolled students would have an opportunity to utilize, enjoy and embrace the tradition of the MSC for at least one year during their academic career at Texas A&M. The facility has been out of operation since construction began in 2009.
Senior Collin Laden, an international studies and Spanish major from The Woodlands, who is president of the MSC, said that while the project is still a year away from completion, it is gratifying to witness a student-led campaign that began two years ago come one step closer to fruition.
"Since the very beginning of this exciting project, students have played an active and integral role in all aspects of this endeavor, including participating in the decision-making process regarding architectural, design and other related matters," Laden said.
Hundreds of students, faculty and staff were also given a "sneak preview" inside the still-under-construction 12th Man Hall, one of the main focal points of the facility during the construction milestone celebration.
"As we walked through the building today and got a glimpse of what it will eventually offer, I can already envision that the countless Aggies and others who visit the MSC will quickly realize that it is much more than just a building - it echoes our rich history and traditions and is the heartbeat of Aggie life," Laden added.
When completed next year, the $120 million project will help meet the growing needs for education, leadership development and social activities for generations of Aggies to come. Student fees covered most of the $105 million cost, with the additional money coming from private fund-raising efforts. Through the Texas A&M Foundation, these eight donors made significant gifts to the project: Mary W. and James B. Crawley of Norman,Okla.; the Jean Deere Estate; Patti and Weldon D. Kruger of College Station; Dorothy and Artie McFerrin Jr. of Kingwood; the late Lt. Col. Jack H. Murray Jr.; Trisha and L.C. "Chaz" Neely of San Antonio; Alice A. and Erle A. Nye of Dallas; and Kay and Britt Rice of College Station.
The MSC was originally dedicated April 21, 1951, renovated in the early 70s, and again in the early 90s when student enrollment was approximately 32,000.
Loftin also expressed gratitude to Vaughn Construction and Tom Vaughn, the firm's CEO and a 1989 Texas A&M graduate, for their tireless efforts to advance the completion of the project that "has special meaning to Aggies around the world."
For more information about the project, to go to http://ourmsc.tamu.edu/
"I am extremely delighted to announce that the Memorial Student Center - a powerful and symbolic living memorial to all fallen Aggies - will officially reopen on April 21, 2012, several months earlier than previously announced. It is particularly fitting to reopen the building on the day Aggies will hold Muster ceremonies worldwide, a time-honored tradition to pay tribute to those who have passed away the previous year," Loftin said while speaking at a private construction milestone luncheon attended by hundreds of students, campus project planners and contract construction personnel.
The bigger and better MSC - as the facility is affectionately known to thousands of present and former students, as well as faculty, staff and visitors - was scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2012.
Loftin emphasized that opening the facility sooner than anticipated clearly reaffirms the promise made to students when the facility closed a year ago for construction that all currently enrolled students would have an opportunity to utilize, enjoy and embrace the tradition of the MSC for at least one year during their academic career at Texas A&M. The facility has been out of operation since construction began in 2009.
Senior Collin Laden, an international studies and Spanish major from The Woodlands, who is president of the MSC, said that while the project is still a year away from completion, it is gratifying to witness a student-led campaign that began two years ago come one step closer to fruition.
"Since the very beginning of this exciting project, students have played an active and integral role in all aspects of this endeavor, including participating in the decision-making process regarding architectural, design and other related matters," Laden said.
Hundreds of students, faculty and staff were also given a "sneak preview" inside the still-under-construction 12th Man Hall, one of the main focal points of the facility during the construction milestone celebration.
"As we walked through the building today and got a glimpse of what it will eventually offer, I can already envision that the countless Aggies and others who visit the MSC will quickly realize that it is much more than just a building - it echoes our rich history and traditions and is the heartbeat of Aggie life," Laden added.
When completed next year, the $120 million project will help meet the growing needs for education, leadership development and social activities for generations of Aggies to come. Student fees covered most of the $105 million cost, with the additional money coming from private fund-raising efforts. Through the Texas A&M Foundation, these eight donors made significant gifts to the project: Mary W. and James B. Crawley of Norman,Okla.; the Jean Deere Estate; Patti and Weldon D. Kruger of College Station; Dorothy and Artie McFerrin Jr. of Kingwood; the late Lt. Col. Jack H. Murray Jr.; Trisha and L.C. "Chaz" Neely of San Antonio; Alice A. and Erle A. Nye of Dallas; and Kay and Britt Rice of College Station.
The MSC was originally dedicated April 21, 1951, renovated in the early 70s, and again in the early 90s when student enrollment was approximately 32,000.
Loftin also expressed gratitude to Vaughn Construction and Tom Vaughn, the firm's CEO and a 1989 Texas A&M graduate, for their tireless efforts to advance the completion of the project that "has special meaning to Aggies around the world."
For more information about the project, to go to http://ourmsc.tamu.edu/
I-35 Bluetooth Readers Installed
(TXDOT RELEASE)Monday, April 26, 2011, TxDOT’s expansion-project partners from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University in College Station installed the first of a planned series of signal readers that will measure and report actual travel times between points along I-35 from Georgetown to Hillsboro. This is the first step toward the creation of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) as part of the expansion of I-35 through the Waco District. As construction progresses along the I-35 corridor, additional technologies will be added to enhance the ability to accurately estimate travel times during construction. Travel times and conditions will then be disseminated through a variety of means: dynamic message signs (DMS) that will be installed along I-35, traffic flow maps on the internet, e-mail alerts, etc.. The overall system will enable TxDOT to provide timely information to travelers to help them plan their trips and minimize the impact of construction delays.
The solar-powered readers deployed this week listen for signals emitted specifically by Bluetooth-enabled devices such as cell phones and GPS units. The computer processing the information notes when the same signal passes the readers and calculates the travel time for the distance involved. The signals read cannot be identified with a specific person or vehicle, and the system takes further steps to make the information anonymous before using it to estimate travel times.
Currently readers are deployed in six locations: Georgetown, Prairie Dell, Temple, Lorena, Ross and Hillsboro. Data will be collected and analyzed for calibrating and planning purposes during this first phase. Additional readers will be installed later this year, and the construction travel time system will begin providing information to the public at the end of this year or early next year.
Efforts to improve the I-35 corridor throughout the state would not be possible without the support of many dedicated TxDOT employees, the Texas Transportation Commission, local governments, the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress. In addition to the ongoing $1.9 billion dollar expansion of I-35 through TxDOT’s Waco District, a number of critical projects are underway in the Dallas/Fort Worth region to improve I-35 connections to I-820 and I-635, thanks to a partnership with the private sector. Meanwhile, TxDOT continues to plan for the long-term future of the I-35 corridor through the MY 35 citizen-driven planning process. For more information about I-35 expansion projects or the MY 35 planning effort, visit http://www.my35.org/ .
The solar-powered readers deployed this week listen for signals emitted specifically by Bluetooth-enabled devices such as cell phones and GPS units. The computer processing the information notes when the same signal passes the readers and calculates the travel time for the distance involved. The signals read cannot be identified with a specific person or vehicle, and the system takes further steps to make the information anonymous before using it to estimate travel times.
Currently readers are deployed in six locations: Georgetown, Prairie Dell, Temple, Lorena, Ross and Hillsboro. Data will be collected and analyzed for calibrating and planning purposes during this first phase. Additional readers will be installed later this year, and the construction travel time system will begin providing information to the public at the end of this year or early next year.
Efforts to improve the I-35 corridor throughout the state would not be possible without the support of many dedicated TxDOT employees, the Texas Transportation Commission, local governments, the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress. In addition to the ongoing $1.9 billion dollar expansion of I-35 through TxDOT’s Waco District, a number of critical projects are underway in the Dallas/Fort Worth region to improve I-35 connections to I-820 and I-635, thanks to a partnership with the private sector. Meanwhile, TxDOT continues to plan for the long-term future of the I-35 corridor through the MY 35 citizen-driven planning process. For more information about I-35 expansion projects or the MY 35 planning effort, visit http://www.my35.org/ .
Lake Brazos Fishery Restored
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Partners Restore Lake Brazos Fishery
ATHENS — A recent cooperative effort between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD Inland Fisheries management staff, the City of Waco, Cameron Park Zoo, and some local scouts from China Spring deployed new fish habitat into Lake Brazos on Wednesday.
Twenty fish attractors primarily composed of bamboo from nearby Cameron Park Zoo were sunk near newly renovated or newly constructed piers and shelters along both sides of the lake between Doris D. Miller Park and Cameron Park. The new fish habitat simulates flooded brush habitat and will draw in fish species of every kind and size. Forage species like sunfishes feed on aquatic insects that are naturally drawn to the habitat. Additionally, this somewhat complex system of stems, branches and leaves provides cover for small fishes from larger predators such as largemouth bass and catfish.
Crappies are also known for selecting these types of underwater haunts to hang-out in, hence their name, “crappie condos.”
TPWD Inland Fisheries management biologists in Waco have been cooperating with the City of Waco and other partners for years to create a viable fishery on Lake Brazos. The City of Waco initiated the first step by replacing the faulty dam with a new labyrinth weir dam, which was completed in 2007. The new dam maintains a near constant-level lake year round.
Biologists have since stocked 58,000 bluegill, over 12,000 largemouth bass, 132,525 Florida largemouth bass, 126,855 channel catfish, and nearly 100,000 blue catfish for anglers to take advantage of. Recreational features including walkways, picnic shelters, boat ramps, and fishing and boating piers continue to be constructed and updated along the lower two-thirds of the reservoir adjacent to the city of Waco. The new fish attractors are all within easy casting distance of many of these facilities.
Anglers who have not fished Lake Brazos recently are in for a pleasant surprise. Lake Brazos boasts some of the highest catch rates for channel and blue catfish in Central Texas, and the majority of these are of legal size. Flathead catfish are also found in the lake. Temperate bass anglers can target low density populations of white bass and striped bass. Hybrid striped bass, emigrating from Lake Waco, may also be encountered. Black bass anglers can encounter quality largemouth and spotted bass, and smallmouth bass are not out of the question, since over 20,000 fingerlings have been stocked just 42 river miles upstream in the Lake Whitney tailrace since 2008. Good numbers of white crappie and sunfishes, including bluegill, longear and redear sunfish, have also been sampled recently.
Doris D. Miller Park off MLK Boulevard houses a tackle loaner program where anglers can borrow fishing tackle at no cost.
ATHENS — A recent cooperative effort between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD Inland Fisheries management staff, the City of Waco, Cameron Park Zoo, and some local scouts from China Spring deployed new fish habitat into Lake Brazos on Wednesday.
Twenty fish attractors primarily composed of bamboo from nearby Cameron Park Zoo were sunk near newly renovated or newly constructed piers and shelters along both sides of the lake between Doris D. Miller Park and Cameron Park. The new fish habitat simulates flooded brush habitat and will draw in fish species of every kind and size. Forage species like sunfishes feed on aquatic insects that are naturally drawn to the habitat. Additionally, this somewhat complex system of stems, branches and leaves provides cover for small fishes from larger predators such as largemouth bass and catfish.
Crappies are also known for selecting these types of underwater haunts to hang-out in, hence their name, “crappie condos.”
TPWD Inland Fisheries management biologists in Waco have been cooperating with the City of Waco and other partners for years to create a viable fishery on Lake Brazos. The City of Waco initiated the first step by replacing the faulty dam with a new labyrinth weir dam, which was completed in 2007. The new dam maintains a near constant-level lake year round.
Biologists have since stocked 58,000 bluegill, over 12,000 largemouth bass, 132,525 Florida largemouth bass, 126,855 channel catfish, and nearly 100,000 blue catfish for anglers to take advantage of. Recreational features including walkways, picnic shelters, boat ramps, and fishing and boating piers continue to be constructed and updated along the lower two-thirds of the reservoir adjacent to the city of Waco. The new fish attractors are all within easy casting distance of many of these facilities.
Anglers who have not fished Lake Brazos recently are in for a pleasant surprise. Lake Brazos boasts some of the highest catch rates for channel and blue catfish in Central Texas, and the majority of these are of legal size. Flathead catfish are also found in the lake. Temperate bass anglers can target low density populations of white bass and striped bass. Hybrid striped bass, emigrating from Lake Waco, may also be encountered. Black bass anglers can encounter quality largemouth and spotted bass, and smallmouth bass are not out of the question, since over 20,000 fingerlings have been stocked just 42 river miles upstream in the Lake Whitney tailrace since 2008. Good numbers of white crappie and sunfishes, including bluegill, longear and redear sunfish, have also been sampled recently.
Doris D. Miller Park off MLK Boulevard houses a tackle loaner program where anglers can borrow fishing tackle at no cost.
Downloadable Books Now at Temple Public Library
(CITY OF TEMPLE RELEASE-SHANNON GOWAN)TEMPLE, TX – In response to patron requests, Temple Public Library now has downloadable e-books and audio books available for patrons with library cards to download to their own devices. Funding from the Friends of the Temple Public Library has allowed the library to join a consortium of central Texas libraries in providing this service. “The nice thing about joining the consortium is that our patrons have available to them not only the books we select, but those purchased by other member libraries,” says Library Director Judy Duer.
Library patrons can access the catalog of available materials by simply clicking on the button at the bottom of the library’s catalog http://www.templelibrary.us/ that says “download audio books and e-books.” They will need to input their barcode number from the back of their library card and pin (the last four digits of their barcode number) to be able to access the collection. Library patrons who are currently using their driver’s license number to check out library materials will need to obtain a library card to be able to use this particular service since the system uses the library card number to make sure the person is a patron of a member library.
Once the patron has logged in, there are instructions to aid them in downloading materials, first to their computer, and from there to their listening (for audio books) or reading (for e-books) device. After the end of the circulation period, the item will no longer be available to them. If the item is currently checked out to another user the patron can put a hold on the item to be notified when it is available to them for downloading/checkout.
“We are so pleased to be able to provide this service thanks to the Friends, who are very interested in helping us keep up with the latest technology,” said Duer.
Library patrons can access the catalog of available materials by simply clicking on the button at the bottom of the library’s catalog http://www.templelibrary.us/ that says “download audio books and e-books.” They will need to input their barcode number from the back of their library card and pin (the last four digits of their barcode number) to be able to access the collection. Library patrons who are currently using their driver’s license number to check out library materials will need to obtain a library card to be able to use this particular service since the system uses the library card number to make sure the person is a patron of a member library.
Once the patron has logged in, there are instructions to aid them in downloading materials, first to their computer, and from there to their listening (for audio books) or reading (for e-books) device. After the end of the circulation period, the item will no longer be available to them. If the item is currently checked out to another user the patron can put a hold on the item to be notified when it is available to them for downloading/checkout.
“We are so pleased to be able to provide this service thanks to the Friends, who are very interested in helping us keep up with the latest technology,” said Duer.
BIRTHDAYS CELEBRATED AT CAMERON PARK ZOO
(CAMERON PARK ZOO RELEASE)
Waco, Texas – Birthdays are always special and the month of May at Cameron Park Zoo is extraordinary, because four of our primate residents celebrate their birthdays in May:
Mei, a female Bornean orangutan celebrates her 13th birthday on May 1st.
Spike, a male White-handed gibbon celebrates his 26th birthday on May 2nd.
Ancha, a red-ruffed lemur celebrates her 26th birthday on May 3rd.
Jill, a ring-tailed lemur celebrates her 34rd birthday on May 4th.
Summer, a ring-tailed lemur celebrates her 18th birthday on May 19th.
To honor these terrific animals the Cameron Park Zoo staff will have a “Party for the Primates” Sunday, May 1, 2011 beginning at 11:30 am. Each of the birthday primates and their friends will receive special gifts and treats in their exhibit yard and the public is invited to watch them celebrate their birthdays.
Schedule of events:
11:30 – Spike will receive a birthday cake and presents at the Gibbon exhibit
Noon – Jill, Summer, and Ancha will receive birthday treats and presents at the Lemur exhibit.
1:30 – Mei will receive a birthday cake and presents at the Asian Forest Orangutan exhibit.
Keepers will be available to answer questions at each location. Come out and join the fun!
Waco, Texas – Birthdays are always special and the month of May at Cameron Park Zoo is extraordinary, because four of our primate residents celebrate their birthdays in May:
Mei, a female Bornean orangutan celebrates her 13th birthday on May 1st.
Spike, a male White-handed gibbon celebrates his 26th birthday on May 2nd.
Ancha, a red-ruffed lemur celebrates her 26th birthday on May 3rd.
Jill, a ring-tailed lemur celebrates her 34rd birthday on May 4th.
Summer, a ring-tailed lemur celebrates her 18th birthday on May 19th.
To honor these terrific animals the Cameron Park Zoo staff will have a “Party for the Primates” Sunday, May 1, 2011 beginning at 11:30 am. Each of the birthday primates and their friends will receive special gifts and treats in their exhibit yard and the public is invited to watch them celebrate their birthdays.
Schedule of events:
11:30 – Spike will receive a birthday cake and presents at the Gibbon exhibit
Noon – Jill, Summer, and Ancha will receive birthday treats and presents at the Lemur exhibit.
1:30 – Mei will receive a birthday cake and presents at the Asian Forest Orangutan exhibit.
Keepers will be available to answer questions at each location. Come out and join the fun!
Race for the Cure to Affect Downtown Waco Traffic
Waco, Texas (April 29, 2011) – Traffic throughout downtown Waco will be affected Saturday morning due to the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
The event will take place at Indian Spring Park. Various street closures will take place from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday. Affected streets include:
· University Parks Drive from Webster to Jefferson
· Franklin Avenue from 3rd Street to MLK
· MLK from Taylor to Herring
· Cameron Park Drive from Herring to Baker
The streets will re-open at approximately 11 a.m. Waco police officers and traffic crews will be at the closed intersections throughout the event.
Parking for the event is available in the following locations:
· City Hall (Franklin Ave. and 3rd)
· River Square Center (3rd and Franklin)
· Heritage Square (4th and Washington Ave.)
· Public Parking along Elm Street
· County Records Building (4th and Washington)
· Courthouse Parking (5th and Washington)
· Grass lots (University Parks and Webster)
· Public parking lots and along downtown streets
The event will take place at Indian Spring Park. Various street closures will take place from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday. Affected streets include:
· University Parks Drive from Webster to Jefferson
· Franklin Avenue from 3rd Street to MLK
· MLK from Taylor to Herring
· Cameron Park Drive from Herring to Baker
The streets will re-open at approximately 11 a.m. Waco police officers and traffic crews will be at the closed intersections throughout the event.
Parking for the event is available in the following locations:
· City Hall (Franklin Ave. and 3rd)
· River Square Center (3rd and Franklin)
· Heritage Square (4th and Washington Ave.)
· Public Parking along Elm Street
· County Records Building (4th and Washington)
· Courthouse Parking (5th and Washington)
· Grass lots (University Parks and Webster)
· Public parking lots and along downtown streets
Armed Bandit Robs Waco Drive Skinney's Store
(From Waco PD Release)
An armed man robbed the Skinney's Convenience Store in the 4200 block of West Waco Drive late Thursday night. It was about 10:50 pm when a single, black male entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded the money. He was last seen leaving Eastbound on Austin Avenue in a small, dark four-door vehicle. The suspect was described as a black male in his twenties, wearing a white t-shirt, black pants and wearing a bandana to cover his face. There was one customer in the store at the time of the robbery. No one was injured.
An armed man robbed the Skinney's Convenience Store in the 4200 block of West Waco Drive late Thursday night. It was about 10:50 pm when a single, black male entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded the money. He was last seen leaving Eastbound on Austin Avenue in a small, dark four-door vehicle. The suspect was described as a black male in his twenties, wearing a white t-shirt, black pants and wearing a bandana to cover his face. There was one customer in the store at the time of the robbery. No one was injured.
Baylor Law School to Hold Commencement April 30
(BAYLOR UNIVERSITY RELEASE)
WACO, Texas – Baylor Law School will hold its spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at First Baptist Church, Waco. The Honorable Ken Starr, president of Baylor University and The Louise L. Morrison Professor of Constitutional Law, will deliver the commencement address. In addition, Andrew Wade Guthrie, the highest-ranking student in the graduating class, will deliver student remarks.
Starr and Baylor Law School Dean Brad Toben also will participate in the program and award juris doctor degrees to the 58 graduates.
Assisting Starr and Toben in awarding degrees during the commencement program will be Leah W. Jackson, professor of law and associate dean.
Hooding the graduates will be David Guinn, The Lyndon L. Olson and William A. Olson Professor of Local Government and Constitutional Law and Master Teacher, and Gerald Powell, The Abner V. McCall Professor of Evidence and Master Teacher. Bryan Thomas Bufkin, who will receive his law degree during commencement, will deliver the invocation.
A reception for graduates and their guests will take place immediately after commencement at the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center.
Becoming Baylor’s 14th president on June 1, 2010, Starr has had a distinguished career in academia, the law and public service. Prior to coming to Baylor, he served for six years as the Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean and Professor of Law at Pepperdine, where he taught current constitutional issues and civil procedure. He also is of counsel to the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he was a partner from 1993 to 2004, specializing in appellate work, antitrust, federal courts, federal jurisdiction and constitutional law.
Starr has argued 36 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including 25 cases during his service as Solicitor General of the United States from 1989 to 1993. He also served as United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1983 to 1989, as law clerk to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger from 1975 to 1977 and as law clerk to Fifth Circuit Judge David W. Dyer from 1973 to 1974. Starr was appointed to serve as Independent Counsel for five investigations, including Whitewater, from 1994 to 1999.
Starr previously taught constitutional law as an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law and was a distinguished visiting professor at George Mason University School of Law and Chapman Law School. After graduating from San Antonio's Sam Houston High School, he earned his B.A. from George Washington University in 1968, his M.A. from Brown University in 1969 and his J.D. degree from Duke University Law School in 1973. He is admitted to practice in California, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the U.S. Supreme Court.
He is the author of more than 25 publications, and his book, First Among Equals: The Supreme Court in American Life, published in 2002, was praised by U.S. Circuit Judge David B. Sentelle as "eminently readable and informative...not just the best treatment to-date of the Court after (Chief Justice Earl) Warren, it is likely to have that distinction for a long, long time."
He has received a multitude of honors and awards, including the J. Reuben Clark Law Society 2005 Distinguished Service Award, the 2004 Capital Book Award, the Jefferson Cup award from the FBI, the Edmund Randolph Award for Outstanding Service in the Department of Justice and the Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service.
Starr was born on July 21, 1946, in Vernon, Texas, and was raised in San Antonio. He and his wife Alice have three children and four grandchildren. The Starrs made their home in Malibu, Calif., from 2004 to 2010, and lived in McLean, Va., from 1978 to 2004. He has volunteered many hours teaching in the inner city and assisting disadvantaged students with summer internships, after-school programs and guidance for financing a college education.
WACO, Texas – Baylor Law School will hold its spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at First Baptist Church, Waco. The Honorable Ken Starr, president of Baylor University and The Louise L. Morrison Professor of Constitutional Law, will deliver the commencement address. In addition, Andrew Wade Guthrie, the highest-ranking student in the graduating class, will deliver student remarks.
Starr and Baylor Law School Dean Brad Toben also will participate in the program and award juris doctor degrees to the 58 graduates.
Assisting Starr and Toben in awarding degrees during the commencement program will be Leah W. Jackson, professor of law and associate dean.
Hooding the graduates will be David Guinn, The Lyndon L. Olson and William A. Olson Professor of Local Government and Constitutional Law and Master Teacher, and Gerald Powell, The Abner V. McCall Professor of Evidence and Master Teacher. Bryan Thomas Bufkin, who will receive his law degree during commencement, will deliver the invocation.
A reception for graduates and their guests will take place immediately after commencement at the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center.
Becoming Baylor’s 14th president on June 1, 2010, Starr has had a distinguished career in academia, the law and public service. Prior to coming to Baylor, he served for six years as the Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean and Professor of Law at Pepperdine, where he taught current constitutional issues and civil procedure. He also is of counsel to the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he was a partner from 1993 to 2004, specializing in appellate work, antitrust, federal courts, federal jurisdiction and constitutional law.
Starr has argued 36 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including 25 cases during his service as Solicitor General of the United States from 1989 to 1993. He also served as United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1983 to 1989, as law clerk to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger from 1975 to 1977 and as law clerk to Fifth Circuit Judge David W. Dyer from 1973 to 1974. Starr was appointed to serve as Independent Counsel for five investigations, including Whitewater, from 1994 to 1999.
Starr previously taught constitutional law as an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law and was a distinguished visiting professor at George Mason University School of Law and Chapman Law School. After graduating from San Antonio's Sam Houston High School, he earned his B.A. from George Washington University in 1968, his M.A. from Brown University in 1969 and his J.D. degree from Duke University Law School in 1973. He is admitted to practice in California, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the U.S. Supreme Court.
He is the author of more than 25 publications, and his book, First Among Equals: The Supreme Court in American Life, published in 2002, was praised by U.S. Circuit Judge David B. Sentelle as "eminently readable and informative...not just the best treatment to-date of the Court after (Chief Justice Earl) Warren, it is likely to have that distinction for a long, long time."
He has received a multitude of honors and awards, including the J. Reuben Clark Law Society 2005 Distinguished Service Award, the 2004 Capital Book Award, the Jefferson Cup award from the FBI, the Edmund Randolph Award for Outstanding Service in the Department of Justice and the Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service.
Starr was born on July 21, 1946, in Vernon, Texas, and was raised in San Antonio. He and his wife Alice have three children and four grandchildren. The Starrs made their home in Malibu, Calif., from 2004 to 2010, and lived in McLean, Va., from 1978 to 2004. He has volunteered many hours teaching in the inner city and assisting disadvantaged students with summer internships, after-school programs and guidance for financing a college education.
Ft Hood Soldier Dies: Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Shannon Howard
(FT HOOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
FORT HOOD, Texas - Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died April 26 at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas.
Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Shannon Howard, 40, collapsed while playing Softball in Gatesville, Texas, and was transported to the hospital.
Howard, whose home of record is South Lake, Texas, entered active-duty service in April 1991 as a multiple-launch rocket-system crewmember and later changed to an animal care specialist. He was assigned to the South Plains District Veterinary Command, Fort Hood, since August 2010.
Howard deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2004 to March 2005.
Howard's awards and decorations include six Army Commendation Medals, Navy Commendation Medal, seven Army Achievement Medals, Navy Achievement Medal, six Army Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, Army Service Ribbon, three Army Overseas Service Ribbons, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge and Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Expert.
FORT HOOD, Texas - Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died April 26 at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas.
Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Shannon Howard, 40, collapsed while playing Softball in Gatesville, Texas, and was transported to the hospital.
Howard, whose home of record is South Lake, Texas, entered active-duty service in April 1991 as a multiple-launch rocket-system crewmember and later changed to an animal care specialist. He was assigned to the South Plains District Veterinary Command, Fort Hood, since August 2010.
Howard deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2004 to March 2005.
Howard's awards and decorations include six Army Commendation Medals, Navy Commendation Medal, seven Army Achievement Medals, Navy Achievement Medal, six Army Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, Army Service Ribbon, three Army Overseas Service Ribbons, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge and Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Expert.
18 Wheelers Collide;Clog I-35 in Belton
(TXDOT RELEASE)
2 18-wheelers have been involved in a collision on I-35 in Belton (today April 29).
Both trucks were northbound at about 12:30 pm when one rear-ended the other, sending it over the concrete barrier wall onto the southbound side. A load of gravel was spilled onto he road as a result. No word on injuries, but as of now the two right-hand lanes of I-35 are closed and the two left-hand lanes are open as the gravel is cleaned up.
A wrecker arrived to clear the stranded truck but estimates were 30-45 minutes to get it clear. Traffic was being routed off I-35 onto the access road at Central Ave. (exit 294A)
No hazardous material was involved, just a lot of gravel on the road surface, creating a hazardous driving condition.
Traffic was backed up on both sides of the highway and on US 190 eastbound at the I-35 interchange. Belton PD handled the scene.
(ED: One truck jackknifed, the other rolled over, going over the median barrier. One driver was taken to Scott & White Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the other driver was not injured. The main lanes were reopened about 3 pm)
2 18-wheelers have been involved in a collision on I-35 in Belton (today April 29).
Both trucks were northbound at about 12:30 pm when one rear-ended the other, sending it over the concrete barrier wall onto the southbound side. A load of gravel was spilled onto he road as a result. No word on injuries, but as of now the two right-hand lanes of I-35 are closed and the two left-hand lanes are open as the gravel is cleaned up.
A wrecker arrived to clear the stranded truck but estimates were 30-45 minutes to get it clear. Traffic was being routed off I-35 onto the access road at Central Ave. (exit 294A)
No hazardous material was involved, just a lot of gravel on the road surface, creating a hazardous driving condition.
Traffic was backed up on both sides of the highway and on US 190 eastbound at the I-35 interchange. Belton PD handled the scene.
(ED: One truck jackknifed, the other rolled over, going over the median barrier. One driver was taken to Scott & White Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the other driver was not injured. The main lanes were reopened about 3 pm)
Australian Forces, Others, Conduct Regional Security Exercise
(AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE RELEASE)
Air Force multi-role F/A-18F Super Hornets, Navy guided-missile frigates and a Collins class submarine will join the armed forces of Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in a major military exercise designed to enhance regional security.
The exercise called BERSAMA SHIELD 2011 (BS11) will bring together the member countries of the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) as they exercise in various locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and in the South China Sea between 2 and 13 May.
BS11 will involve a total of nine advanced guided-missile frigates, one submarine and 46 modern combat aircraft, as well as various support elements and aims to enhance the interoperability of the combined air, ground and naval forces of the FPDA countries.
The Australian contribution to the FPDA exercise includes six F/A-18 Super Hornets from No. 1 Squadron, the ANZAC class frigates HMA Ships Ballarat and Parramatta, and the Collins class submarine, HMAS Dechaineux.
Chief of Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, said the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will participate in the exercise as one of the founding members of the FPDA, which was established as an important regional security initiative exactly 40 years ago in 1971.
“BERSAMA SHIELD provides the ADF with the opportunity to develop relationships with important security partners while reinforcing Australia’s long-term commitment to regional stability,” Lieutenant General Evans said.
Lieutenant General Evans said the FPDA continues to be an integral part of the regional security architecture because of its ability to remain relevant to the needs of its members by adapting to the changing security environment.
“Since the FPDA's formation the scope of its activities has expanded from air defence to the development of joint capabilities, which has helped to develop greater interoperability among the armed forces of member nations,” he said.
The Commander of the Australian Contingent, Wing Commander Kenneth Robinson, said BS11 would continue to develop and validate doctrines and procedures for interoperability among FPDA nations' navies, armies and air forces in a combined, joint scenario.
“BS11 is a fantastic training opportunity for all the ADF assets and personnel involved to enhance key skills in an international environment, while also promoting engagement and regional stability in a region of vital importance to Australia” Wing Commander Robinson said.
Air Force multi-role F/A-18F Super Hornets, Navy guided-missile frigates and a Collins class submarine will join the armed forces of Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in a major military exercise designed to enhance regional security.
The exercise called BERSAMA SHIELD 2011 (BS11) will bring together the member countries of the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) as they exercise in various locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and in the South China Sea between 2 and 13 May.
BS11 will involve a total of nine advanced guided-missile frigates, one submarine and 46 modern combat aircraft, as well as various support elements and aims to enhance the interoperability of the combined air, ground and naval forces of the FPDA countries.
The Australian contribution to the FPDA exercise includes six F/A-18 Super Hornets from No. 1 Squadron, the ANZAC class frigates HMA Ships Ballarat and Parramatta, and the Collins class submarine, HMAS Dechaineux.
Chief of Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, said the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will participate in the exercise as one of the founding members of the FPDA, which was established as an important regional security initiative exactly 40 years ago in 1971.
“BERSAMA SHIELD provides the ADF with the opportunity to develop relationships with important security partners while reinforcing Australia’s long-term commitment to regional stability,” Lieutenant General Evans said.
Lieutenant General Evans said the FPDA continues to be an integral part of the regional security architecture because of its ability to remain relevant to the needs of its members by adapting to the changing security environment.
“Since the FPDA's formation the scope of its activities has expanded from air defence to the development of joint capabilities, which has helped to develop greater interoperability among the armed forces of member nations,” he said.
The Commander of the Australian Contingent, Wing Commander Kenneth Robinson, said BS11 would continue to develop and validate doctrines and procedures for interoperability among FPDA nations' navies, armies and air forces in a combined, joint scenario.
“BS11 is a fantastic training opportunity for all the ADF assets and personnel involved to enhance key skills in an international environment, while also promoting engagement and regional stability in a region of vital importance to Australia” Wing Commander Robinson said.
UPDATE:PEDESTRIAN KILLED WHEN SUV SMASHES WACO TRANSIT BUS
(McLennan County Sheriff Release)
Two men are being treated at a local hospital for injuries ( non life threatening) sustained in a motor vehicle collision at 12th & Clay Avenue in Waco.
Sheriff's Office dispatch received a call at around 10:41 am (April 27) that a dark colored SUV with damage and its occupants were at a home in the 100 Blk of Kimbell Rd. in the Axtell area. It is now known that a Burglary of a Habitation did occur at the residence. WHile deputies were enroute to this location, the vehicle and its occupants left the residence. A deputy in an unmarked unit spotted a dark SUV with damage and its occupants around Selby Lane/Hwy 84 and began trailing the suspects. At around I-35 ( between 7th and 8th Streets) the suspect vehicle jumped the curb and entered the city of Waco around 8th Street. At this time Deputies believe the suspects knew that law enforcement had been alerted to their criminal acts. By this time another unmarked unit had begun trailing the suspect vehicle. Deputies attemted to keep a visual on the suspect vehicle to alret other law enforcement psrsonnel in the area. There were tmes that both deputies lost immediate sight of the suspect vehicle. At around South 12th St and Clay the suspct vehicle struck a Waco Transit Bus. A third vehicle was also damaged and a edestrian was struck and killed during the same crash.
Waco Police Department is conducting the accident investigation.
McLennan County Sheriff's Office is conducting the criminal investigation.
Offense: Burglary of a Habitation
Manslaughter
(WACO PD RELEASE)
At approximately 11:05 a.m., April 27, the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of the Waco Police Department with a vehicle stop. As Officers were still responding, the suspect vehicle struck a Waco Transit Bus at the intersection of South 12th Street and Clay Avenue. A third vehicle was also damaged in the crash and a 24 year old Hispanic male pedestrian was struck and killed during the same crash. His name will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
Waco Fire along with E.T.M.C. Ambulance responded to assist with numerous injuries. Seven victims from the bus and other vehicle were taken to Hillcrest Hospital by ambulance.
The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges may be filed against the driver of the vehicle that was being followed by McLennan County Sheriff Department.
Two men are being treated at a local hospital for injuries ( non life threatening) sustained in a motor vehicle collision at 12th & Clay Avenue in Waco.
Sheriff's Office dispatch received a call at around 10:41 am (April 27) that a dark colored SUV with damage and its occupants were at a home in the 100 Blk of Kimbell Rd. in the Axtell area. It is now known that a Burglary of a Habitation did occur at the residence. WHile deputies were enroute to this location, the vehicle and its occupants left the residence. A deputy in an unmarked unit spotted a dark SUV with damage and its occupants around Selby Lane/Hwy 84 and began trailing the suspects. At around I-35 ( between 7th and 8th Streets) the suspect vehicle jumped the curb and entered the city of Waco around 8th Street. At this time Deputies believe the suspects knew that law enforcement had been alerted to their criminal acts. By this time another unmarked unit had begun trailing the suspect vehicle. Deputies attemted to keep a visual on the suspect vehicle to alret other law enforcement psrsonnel in the area. There were tmes that both deputies lost immediate sight of the suspect vehicle. At around South 12th St and Clay the suspct vehicle struck a Waco Transit Bus. A third vehicle was also damaged and a edestrian was struck and killed during the same crash.
Waco Police Department is conducting the accident investigation.
McLennan County Sheriff's Office is conducting the criminal investigation.
Offense: Burglary of a Habitation
Manslaughter
(WACO PD RELEASE)
At approximately 11:05 a.m., April 27, the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of the Waco Police Department with a vehicle stop. As Officers were still responding, the suspect vehicle struck a Waco Transit Bus at the intersection of South 12th Street and Clay Avenue. A third vehicle was also damaged in the crash and a 24 year old Hispanic male pedestrian was struck and killed during the same crash. His name will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
Waco Fire along with E.T.M.C. Ambulance responded to assist with numerous injuries. Seven victims from the bus and other vehicle were taken to Hillcrest Hospital by ambulance.
The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges may be filed against the driver of the vehicle that was being followed by McLennan County Sheriff Department.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
FRANCE CONDEMNS SYRIAN CRACKDOWN
(FRENCH DIPLOMATIC RELEASE)
Situation in Syria/ France’s action within the United Nations and the European Union
France firmly condemns the continued crackdown in Syria which is, as President Sarkozy and the Ministre d’Etat underlined, unacceptable.
As Alain Juppé stated yesterday, we are taking action in four directions:
- At the national level, we are unequivocally expressing our condemnation to the Syrian authorities: Syria’s ambassador in Paris was summoned yesterday to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to that end.
- While this increasingly violent crackdown is exacting a heavy human toll, we regret that the open UN Security Council sessionyesterday afternoon did not lead to a public statement condemning the violence. France hopes that the Security Council will soon be able to issue a statement.
- The ambassadors to the European Union Political and Security Committee will meet from April 29 onwards in order to examine the sanctions that could be adopted by the European Union.
- We are also arguing in favor of strong action by the Human Rights Council, which will meet on Friday for a special session devoted to Syria. France, together with its European Union partners, supported the holding on Friday April 29 of an extraordinary session of the Human Rights Council devoted to the human rights situation in Syria. Given the extreme seriousness of the situation on the ground and in view of the escalating crackdown on all forms of protest, the Security Council must deliver a very strong message vigorously denouncing the massive human rights violations perpetrated by the Syrian regime.
France also intends to make the international community aware of the incongruous nature, in the current context, of Syria’s candidacy for a seat on the Human Rights Council in May.
Lastly, we remain especially concerned by the continuing deterioration of the working conditions of Syrian and foreign journalists in Syria. In this respect, France is closely monitoring the situation of the Algerian journalist, Khaled Sid Mohand; France demands his immediate release.
Situation in Syria/ France’s action within the United Nations and the European Union
France firmly condemns the continued crackdown in Syria which is, as President Sarkozy and the Ministre d’Etat underlined, unacceptable.
As Alain Juppé stated yesterday, we are taking action in four directions:
- At the national level, we are unequivocally expressing our condemnation to the Syrian authorities: Syria’s ambassador in Paris was summoned yesterday to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to that end.
- While this increasingly violent crackdown is exacting a heavy human toll, we regret that the open UN Security Council sessionyesterday afternoon did not lead to a public statement condemning the violence. France hopes that the Security Council will soon be able to issue a statement.
- The ambassadors to the European Union Political and Security Committee will meet from April 29 onwards in order to examine the sanctions that could be adopted by the European Union.
- We are also arguing in favor of strong action by the Human Rights Council, which will meet on Friday for a special session devoted to Syria. France, together with its European Union partners, supported the holding on Friday April 29 of an extraordinary session of the Human Rights Council devoted to the human rights situation in Syria. Given the extreme seriousness of the situation on the ground and in view of the escalating crackdown on all forms of protest, the Security Council must deliver a very strong message vigorously denouncing the massive human rights violations perpetrated by the Syrian regime.
France also intends to make the international community aware of the incongruous nature, in the current context, of Syria’s candidacy for a seat on the Human Rights Council in May.
Lastly, we remain especially concerned by the continuing deterioration of the working conditions of Syrian and foreign journalists in Syria. In this respect, France is closely monitoring the situation of the Algerian journalist, Khaled Sid Mohand; France demands his immediate release.
Hometown movie star to attend movie release in Bryan
On Friday, April 29 Bryan native Raini Rodriguez will celebrate her latest feature film release at Premiere Cinemas in Bryan.
Friends, family and fans will gather at 7:30 p.m. at Premiere Cinemas (950 N. Earl Rudder Freeway) for photos and autographs, before watching Raini play the role of “Tess” in Disney’s movie Prom at 9:45 p.m.
During the celebration, Bryan Mayor Jason Bienski will present Raini with a key to the City of Bryan in acknowledgement of her success in the movie/television industry. Since leaving Bryan to pursue an acting career in 2005, Raini has appeared in episodes of Disney’s The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, and played “Maya Blart” in Columbia Pictures’ Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
Raini’s younger brother Rico has also enjoyed success as an actor; currently he stars as “Manny Delgado” in ABC’s hit sitcom Modern Family.
Tickets for Friday night showings of Prom can be purchased now at the Premiere Cinemas box office or through various retailers online. Premiere Cinemas can also be reached at (979) 774-7900.
Friends, family and fans will gather at 7:30 p.m. at Premiere Cinemas (950 N. Earl Rudder Freeway) for photos and autographs, before watching Raini play the role of “Tess” in Disney’s movie Prom at 9:45 p.m.
During the celebration, Bryan Mayor Jason Bienski will present Raini with a key to the City of Bryan in acknowledgement of her success in the movie/television industry. Since leaving Bryan to pursue an acting career in 2005, Raini has appeared in episodes of Disney’s The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, and played “Maya Blart” in Columbia Pictures’ Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
Raini’s younger brother Rico has also enjoyed success as an actor; currently he stars as “Manny Delgado” in ABC’s hit sitcom Modern Family.
Tickets for Friday night showings of Prom can be purchased now at the Premiere Cinemas box office or through various retailers online. Premiere Cinemas can also be reached at (979) 774-7900.
Petraeus to Leave Battlefield for CIA
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 – Army Gen. David H. Petraeus plans hang up his uniform in September to lead the CIA.
President Barack Obama announced his intention today to nominate Petraeus to succeed Leon E. Panetta as CIA director. Panetta is the president’s choice to succeed retiring Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
Petraeus said he would be grateful to continue his public service by heading the CIA. His nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. The general, who assumed command in Afghanistan on July 4 after serving 20 months as commander of U.S. Central Command, announced his plans to retire to take the CIA position.
Petraeus’ retirement will end a four-decade career highlighted by his development of the Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Manual and his leadership of U.S. and coalition forces through the “surge” credited with turning around the war in Iraq.
He is a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, and he holds a doctorate from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 – Army Gen. David H. Petraeus plans hang up his uniform in September to lead the CIA.
President Barack Obama announced his intention today to nominate Petraeus to succeed Leon E. Panetta as CIA director. Panetta is the president’s choice to succeed retiring Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
Petraeus said he would be grateful to continue his public service by heading the CIA. His nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. The general, who assumed command in Afghanistan on July 4 after serving 20 months as commander of U.S. Central Command, announced his plans to retire to take the CIA position.
Petraeus’ retirement will end a four-decade career highlighted by his development of the Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Manual and his leadership of U.S. and coalition forces through the “surge” credited with turning around the war in Iraq.
He is a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, and he holds a doctorate from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
ANOTHER PAKISTAN NAVY BOMB ATTACK
(PAKISTAN STATE TV)
Five people have been killed and 10 injured when a bomb targeted a Pakistan Navy bus near PAF Museum on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karsaz area of the metropolis.
Pakistan Navy spokesman confirmed the deaths in the third attack on the navy in less than a week. According to the hospital sources, a lieutenant, lady doctor and a passerby were killed. The bomb was placed in a gutter near the petrol pump and blasted when the bus crossed Karsaz Bridge on Shahrah-e-Faisal. The rescue teams have reached the spot. On Tuesday morning, two buses of the Pakistan Navy were targeted when two bombs exploded near them. Four personnel of the Pakistan Navy, including a lady doctor and a junior officer, were killed while around 56 others sustained injuries.
Five people have been killed and 10 injured when a bomb targeted a Pakistan Navy bus near PAF Museum on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karsaz area of the metropolis.
Pakistan Navy spokesman confirmed the deaths in the third attack on the navy in less than a week. According to the hospital sources, a lieutenant, lady doctor and a passerby were killed. The bomb was placed in a gutter near the petrol pump and blasted when the bus crossed Karsaz Bridge on Shahrah-e-Faisal. The rescue teams have reached the spot. On Tuesday morning, two buses of the Pakistan Navy were targeted when two bombs exploded near them. Four personnel of the Pakistan Navy, including a lady doctor and a junior officer, were killed while around 56 others sustained injuries.
Seven dead after bus rollover in Zabul
Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul
Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson
QALAT, Afghanistan - A bus heading south toward Kandahar on Highway 1 rolled over, April 28, killing seven and injuring more than 40 of its 78 civilian passengers.
According to reports from hospital staff, the accident occurred when one of the tires blew out just south of Qalat city in Zabul province, Afghanistan. The injured were transported to Zabul Provincial Hospital in Qalat for medical care.
Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul were notified of the accident when doctors from the hospital, just one block away from Forward Operating Base Smart, came to the gate. Doctors and security personnel from the PRT responded to the hospital.
“The medical staff here arrived at the hospital at 9:45 A.M. and began to coordinate with our afghan counterparts to triage and determine which patients needed a higher level of medical care,” said Maj. (Dr.) Shane McCauley, PRT Zabul, senior medical officer.
Eleven patients were medically evacuated to Forward Operating Base Lagman by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from FOB Smart.
“Our entire PRT had a huge role in assisting with the care and transportation of the patients,” said Dr. McCauley.
Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson
QALAT, Afghanistan - A bus heading south toward Kandahar on Highway 1 rolled over, April 28, killing seven and injuring more than 40 of its 78 civilian passengers.
According to reports from hospital staff, the accident occurred when one of the tires blew out just south of Qalat city in Zabul province, Afghanistan. The injured were transported to Zabul Provincial Hospital in Qalat for medical care.
Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul were notified of the accident when doctors from the hospital, just one block away from Forward Operating Base Smart, came to the gate. Doctors and security personnel from the PRT responded to the hospital.
“The medical staff here arrived at the hospital at 9:45 A.M. and began to coordinate with our afghan counterparts to triage and determine which patients needed a higher level of medical care,” said Maj. (Dr.) Shane McCauley, PRT Zabul, senior medical officer.
Eleven patients were medically evacuated to Forward Operating Base Lagman by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from FOB Smart.
“Our entire PRT had a huge role in assisting with the care and transportation of the patients,” said Dr. McCauley.
Jimmie Don Aycock Legislative Update
Greetings Friends, Constituents and Supporters:
In a marathon session lasting until nearly 3 a.m., the Texas House of Representatives has passed a Redistricting bill which includes 95 seats which will probably be Republican and 48 seats which will probably be Democrats. It includes "pairings" in 7 situations and includes 7 open seats. The plan was carefully drawn to comply with the Texas Constitution, Texas Law and the Federal Voting Rights Act. It is almost certain that there will be legal challenges to this map in the future, but I believe there is high probability that the map will be acceptable to the courts.
Regarding House District 54, my district will have a substantial change. I am sad to lose Burnet County, but pleased to gain portions of Bell County where I have lived and done business for many years. The portions of Bell County that will now be added to District 54 include Harker Heights, Nolanville and Salado.
I regret that at the end of the process no one was able to draw an acceptable map that put Burnet County with its Hill Country neighbors. I am, however, confident that Rep. Schwertner will quickly familiarize himself with the issues important to Burnet County. I will certainly continue to fulfill my responsibilities to represent Burnet County through the end of my present term. I will also facilitate the transition as Burnet County gains new representation.
Thank you for your time and interest. If I may be of any assistance, please contact me or my staff at either our Capitol or District offices. Our District Phone is (254)690-1752. Our Capitol office is located in the extension: E2.506 Mailing address: P. O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768. Phone (512) 463-0684. You can also email me at District54.Aycock@house.state.tx.us
In a marathon session lasting until nearly 3 a.m., the Texas House of Representatives has passed a Redistricting bill which includes 95 seats which will probably be Republican and 48 seats which will probably be Democrats. It includes "pairings" in 7 situations and includes 7 open seats. The plan was carefully drawn to comply with the Texas Constitution, Texas Law and the Federal Voting Rights Act. It is almost certain that there will be legal challenges to this map in the future, but I believe there is high probability that the map will be acceptable to the courts.
Regarding House District 54, my district will have a substantial change. I am sad to lose Burnet County, but pleased to gain portions of Bell County where I have lived and done business for many years. The portions of Bell County that will now be added to District 54 include Harker Heights, Nolanville and Salado.
I regret that at the end of the process no one was able to draw an acceptable map that put Burnet County with its Hill Country neighbors. I am, however, confident that Rep. Schwertner will quickly familiarize himself with the issues important to Burnet County. I will certainly continue to fulfill my responsibilities to represent Burnet County through the end of my present term. I will also facilitate the transition as Burnet County gains new representation.
Thank you for your time and interest. If I may be of any assistance, please contact me or my staff at either our Capitol or District offices. Our District Phone is (254)690-1752. Our Capitol office is located in the extension: E2.506 Mailing address: P. O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768. Phone (512) 463-0684. You can also email me at District54.Aycock@house.state.tx.us
Medical Board suspends Victoria physician, two Houston pain clinics
(TEXAS MEDICAL BOARD RELEASE)
A disciplinary panel of the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended, without notice, the medical license of Uma Rani Gullapalli, M.D., of Victoria, after determining that Dr. Gullapalli's continuation in the practice of medicine constitutes a continuing threat to the public welfare.
In addition, the panel suspended the two pain management clinic certificates held by Dr. Gullapalli, Lic. No. J1256, after determining that the Houston clinics are not owned by Dr. Gullapalli or any other physician, as required by law.
On March 8, 2011, Board investigators conducted an on-site visit at Winrock Medical Clinic, 2643 Winrock Blvd., in Houston to discuss reports of non-therapeutic prescribing and "pill mill"-type activities with Dr. Gullapalli.
Dr. Gullapalli admitted that the clinic is owned by someone else who pays her $20,000 a month with a bonus of $5,000 "if business has been good."
Dr. Gullapalli admitted that she sees patients only for their initial visit. The clinic employs two unlicensed foreign medical graduates who examine patients and write prescriptions which Dr. Gullapalli signs. In addition, Dr. Gullapalli charges patients $200 to $300 for monthly "follow-up visits," though the patients are not actually seen but instead receive their prescriptions for controlled substances through the mail.
Dr. Gullapalli told investigators that she goes to the other pain clinic, Houston Pain & Rehabilitation Clinic at 9730 Southwest Freeway Suite 208, once a month to review charts.
The Temporary Suspension Hearing Without Notice took place under the Board's authority granted by the Medical Practice Act. The physician has the opportunity to have a Temporary Suspension Hearing With Notice at least 10 days after notice of the suspension just taken.
A disciplinary panel of the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended, without notice, the medical license of Uma Rani Gullapalli, M.D., of Victoria, after determining that Dr. Gullapalli's continuation in the practice of medicine constitutes a continuing threat to the public welfare.
In addition, the panel suspended the two pain management clinic certificates held by Dr. Gullapalli, Lic. No. J1256, after determining that the Houston clinics are not owned by Dr. Gullapalli or any other physician, as required by law.
On March 8, 2011, Board investigators conducted an on-site visit at Winrock Medical Clinic, 2643 Winrock Blvd., in Houston to discuss reports of non-therapeutic prescribing and "pill mill"-type activities with Dr. Gullapalli.
Dr. Gullapalli admitted that the clinic is owned by someone else who pays her $20,000 a month with a bonus of $5,000 "if business has been good."
Dr. Gullapalli admitted that she sees patients only for their initial visit. The clinic employs two unlicensed foreign medical graduates who examine patients and write prescriptions which Dr. Gullapalli signs. In addition, Dr. Gullapalli charges patients $200 to $300 for monthly "follow-up visits," though the patients are not actually seen but instead receive their prescriptions for controlled substances through the mail.
Dr. Gullapalli told investigators that she goes to the other pain clinic, Houston Pain & Rehabilitation Clinic at 9730 Southwest Freeway Suite 208, once a month to review charts.
The Temporary Suspension Hearing Without Notice took place under the Board's authority granted by the Medical Practice Act. The physician has the opportunity to have a Temporary Suspension Hearing With Notice at least 10 days after notice of the suspension just taken.
Temple Community Cleanup This Weekend
(CITY OF TEMPLE RELEASE)TEMPLE, TX – The City of Temple and Keep Temple Beautiful are sponsoring a community cleanup on Saturday, April 30. This event is part of Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest community involvement program that takes place annually from March 1 through May 31. “As we partner together, we hope all neighborhoods and businesses alike will join us in this community effort,” says Superintendent of Solid Waste Services, Lisa Sebek. “This is a great event to bring our community together to make our city a cleaner and happier place.”
Here’s what you can do to help: clean up around your own home and property; join your neighbors in picking up litter in your neighborhood park; help your neighbors in need of assistance; clean out that dreaded closet or storage area.
Large roll off containers will be placed in various locations throughout the City to dispose of your general clean up materials. Container locations at this time include:
Corner of John Paul Jones & Nugent
Westwood Park across from Pirtle Elementary
Lakewood Ranch Club House
Waters Dairy Road Park
Mayborn Center at the deadend
Corner of Avenue C & MLK
Irvin between 9th & 11th
Lamar between 7th & 9th
Corner of Avenue C and 22nd
This community cleanup does NOT include any type of hazardous materials, building, remodeling, roofing materials or tires.
Please call the City’s Department of Public Works Solid Waste office at 254-298-5725 for questions or other information or visit us on the web at http://www.ci.temple.tx.us/ .
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Here’s what you can do to help: clean up around your own home and property; join your neighbors in picking up litter in your neighborhood park; help your neighbors in need of assistance; clean out that dreaded closet or storage area.
Large roll off containers will be placed in various locations throughout the City to dispose of your general clean up materials. Container locations at this time include:
Corner of John Paul Jones & Nugent
Westwood Park across from Pirtle Elementary
Lakewood Ranch Club House
Waters Dairy Road Park
Mayborn Center at the deadend
Corner of Avenue C & MLK
Irvin between 9th & 11th
Lamar between 7th & 9th
Corner of Avenue C and 22nd
This community cleanup does NOT include any type of hazardous materials, building, remodeling, roofing materials or tires.
Please call the City’s Department of Public Works Solid Waste office at 254-298-5725 for questions or other information or visit us on the web at http://www.ci.temple.tx.us/ .
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KILLEEN MURDER SUICIDE-5 YEAR OLD AND FATHER DEAD
(KILLEEN PD RELEASE-CARROLL SMITH)
Killeen Police are investigating the deaths of a father and daughter that occurred in the 2100 block of Coach Dr. today, Thursday, April 28, 2011.
Officers responded to 2114 Coach Dr. when a family member made a 911 call at 4:17am, telling them that they arrived home to find that there had been two people shot inside the residence. Officers arrived to find the 37 year old male resident and his 5 year old daughter with gunshot wounds. The female victim was immediately transported to Metroplex Hospital where she was pronounced deceased at 5:15am by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke. Judge Cooke then arrived at 2114 Coach Dr. and pronounced the male victim deceased at 5:45am; he ordered autopsies to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas on both victims.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the 37 year old Anthony Means shot his daughter, 5 year old Nina Sheree Means, and then shot himself.
Detectives continue to investigate the cause of this probable Murder/Suicide at this time. Information will be released as it becomes available.
Killeen Police are investigating the deaths of a father and daughter that occurred in the 2100 block of Coach Dr. today, Thursday, April 28, 2011.
Officers responded to 2114 Coach Dr. when a family member made a 911 call at 4:17am, telling them that they arrived home to find that there had been two people shot inside the residence. Officers arrived to find the 37 year old male resident and his 5 year old daughter with gunshot wounds. The female victim was immediately transported to Metroplex Hospital where she was pronounced deceased at 5:15am by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke. Judge Cooke then arrived at 2114 Coach Dr. and pronounced the male victim deceased at 5:45am; he ordered autopsies to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas on both victims.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the 37 year old Anthony Means shot his daughter, 5 year old Nina Sheree Means, and then shot himself.
Detectives continue to investigate the cause of this probable Murder/Suicide at this time. Information will be released as it becomes available.
$150000 GRANT FOR BELLMEAD DOWNTOWN
(TX DEPT OF AGRICULTURE RELEASE)
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today announced the Texas Department of Agriculture has awarded $150,000 in federal funds to the city of Bellmead for infrastructure improvements through the Texas Capital Fund. The downtown revitalization project will fund the construction of sidewalks with handrails, lighting and ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The Texas Capital Fund is a smart investment that rejuvenates the economies of Texas communities,” Commissioner Staples said. “This award will help enhance economic development in Bellmead, proving that great things are possible when Texans partner with Texans.”
The Texas Capital Fund, funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant program, provides more than $10 million in competitive awards each year to boost economic development in small Texas communities. Administered in cooperation with the Texas Department of Rural Affairs, the program is housed under TDA’s Rural Economic Development division.
“We are very appreciative of the award that was given as a part of the downtown revitalization project,” Bellmead Mayor Kevin Wilson said. “The new sidewalks and streetlights will be of huge benefit as we move forward to revitalize our downtown. We are thankful for the consideration.”
State legislators agree the Texas Capital Fund offers immediate and long-term benefits.
“I'm pleased that a grant from the Texas Capital Fund has been awarded to the city of Bellmead,” Sen. Brian Birdwell said. “This funding will help a small town rich in history to improve its downtown area, making access easier for residents and visitors alike.”
The Texas Capital Fund provides funding for projects under four different programs: Infrastructure Development, Real Estate Development, Main Street Improvements and Downtown Revitalization.
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today announced the Texas Department of Agriculture has awarded $150,000 in federal funds to the city of Bellmead for infrastructure improvements through the Texas Capital Fund. The downtown revitalization project will fund the construction of sidewalks with handrails, lighting and ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The Texas Capital Fund is a smart investment that rejuvenates the economies of Texas communities,” Commissioner Staples said. “This award will help enhance economic development in Bellmead, proving that great things are possible when Texans partner with Texans.”
The Texas Capital Fund, funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant program, provides more than $10 million in competitive awards each year to boost economic development in small Texas communities. Administered in cooperation with the Texas Department of Rural Affairs, the program is housed under TDA’s Rural Economic Development division.
“We are very appreciative of the award that was given as a part of the downtown revitalization project,” Bellmead Mayor Kevin Wilson said. “The new sidewalks and streetlights will be of huge benefit as we move forward to revitalize our downtown. We are thankful for the consideration.”
State legislators agree the Texas Capital Fund offers immediate and long-term benefits.
“I'm pleased that a grant from the Texas Capital Fund has been awarded to the city of Bellmead,” Sen. Brian Birdwell said. “This funding will help a small town rich in history to improve its downtown area, making access easier for residents and visitors alike.”
The Texas Capital Fund provides funding for projects under four different programs: Infrastructure Development, Real Estate Development, Main Street Improvements and Downtown Revitalization.
TEMPLE PD SEEKS PUBLIC HELP IN HIT AND RUN
Hit and Run Investigation Continues
(TEMPLE PD RELEASE-BRAD HUNT)
On Monday, 4-25-11, at about 3:20 pm, Temple Police began investigating a Hit and Run crash that occurred in the 1000 block of East Adams Avenue. Officers learned that a 3-year-old child had been taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The child had been struck by a vehicle, which had fled the scene. A family friend then drove upon the scene, and took the child to Scott and White Hospital. The injuries have since been determined to be significant, but non-life-threatening.
The investigation into the crash found that the child was with his mother and another sibling, and they were waiting to cross East Adams from the north to the south, at the intersection with North 20th Street. As a vehicle approached, the 3-year-old broke free from his mother’s hand, and entered traffic in front of the vehicle. The vehicle’s right tires and front bumper struck the child. The driver of the vehicle stopped, spoke for a few moments, then left towards the west (toward downtown) without assisting or calling for any assistance.
The suspect vehicle is described as a maroon or dark red, large, newer model SUV, possibly a Ford Expedition.
The driver is described as an adult Hispanic woman, about 40 years of age, about 5’4”, medium build, with shoulder length brown hair.
The investigation into the crash, and subsequent offense of Fail to Stop and Render Aid, is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Temple Police Department, Traffic Unit, at 254-298-5500.
(TEMPLE PD RELEASE-BRAD HUNT)
On Monday, 4-25-11, at about 3:20 pm, Temple Police began investigating a Hit and Run crash that occurred in the 1000 block of East Adams Avenue. Officers learned that a 3-year-old child had been taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The child had been struck by a vehicle, which had fled the scene. A family friend then drove upon the scene, and took the child to Scott and White Hospital. The injuries have since been determined to be significant, but non-life-threatening.
The investigation into the crash found that the child was with his mother and another sibling, and they were waiting to cross East Adams from the north to the south, at the intersection with North 20th Street. As a vehicle approached, the 3-year-old broke free from his mother’s hand, and entered traffic in front of the vehicle. The vehicle’s right tires and front bumper struck the child. The driver of the vehicle stopped, spoke for a few moments, then left towards the west (toward downtown) without assisting or calling for any assistance.
The suspect vehicle is described as a maroon or dark red, large, newer model SUV, possibly a Ford Expedition.
The driver is described as an adult Hispanic woman, about 40 years of age, about 5’4”, medium build, with shoulder length brown hair.
The investigation into the crash, and subsequent offense of Fail to Stop and Render Aid, is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Temple Police Department, Traffic Unit, at 254-298-5500.
FIRE INVESTIGATORS: TEMPLE FORTA CORP FIRE ARSON
(TEMPLE FIRE AND RESCUE RELEASE-THOMAS PECHAL)
An investigation into the Thursday, April 14, 2011 fire which destroyed the Forta Corporation building has determined the fire was intentionally set. The case is now being worked as an ongoing criminal investigation.
Investigators with the Temple Fire Marshal’s office worked to reconstruct the scene and determine the origin and cause of the fire at 608 East French. The company was using the building for storing bulk laminate. Laminate is often used in the manufacture of countertops.
Firefighters responded to the fire shortly after 10:00 p.m., Thursday, April 14, 2011. The first arriving unit reported fire and smoke showing from a sheet metal commercial type building. The call was quickly upgraded to a three-alarm fire and recalled off-duty Temple firefighters.
The blaze was brought under control Friday, April 15th at 2:37 a.m. An excavator or trackhoe was brought in Tuesday, April 19th to break apart bundles of laminate sheeting and allow firefighters to extinguish smoldering remnants. The fire was extinguished Friday, April 22nd.
The fire also damaged a nearby paper recycling facility operated by Temple Iron and Metal. The preliminary damage estimate to both businesses is calculated at over three million dollars.
The Fire Marshal’s office is asking for any information the public may have regarding this fire to contact the Tip Line at (254) 298-5955. Information may be left anonymously in English or Spanish, and all investigations are treated confidentially.
An investigation into the Thursday, April 14, 2011 fire which destroyed the Forta Corporation building has determined the fire was intentionally set. The case is now being worked as an ongoing criminal investigation.
Investigators with the Temple Fire Marshal’s office worked to reconstruct the scene and determine the origin and cause of the fire at 608 East French. The company was using the building for storing bulk laminate. Laminate is often used in the manufacture of countertops.
Firefighters responded to the fire shortly after 10:00 p.m., Thursday, April 14, 2011. The first arriving unit reported fire and smoke showing from a sheet metal commercial type building. The call was quickly upgraded to a three-alarm fire and recalled off-duty Temple firefighters.
The blaze was brought under control Friday, April 15th at 2:37 a.m. An excavator or trackhoe was brought in Tuesday, April 19th to break apart bundles of laminate sheeting and allow firefighters to extinguish smoldering remnants. The fire was extinguished Friday, April 22nd.
The fire also damaged a nearby paper recycling facility operated by Temple Iron and Metal. The preliminary damage estimate to both businesses is calculated at over three million dollars.
The Fire Marshal’s office is asking for any information the public may have regarding this fire to contact the Tip Line at (254) 298-5955. Information may be left anonymously in English or Spanish, and all investigations are treated confidentially.
La Vega ISD Teachers of the Year 2011
La Vega ISD is proud to announce the Teachers of the Year 2011!
(LVISD RELEASE)
Mr. Robert Palacios, La Vega High School – Mr. Palacios has taught for LVISD for the last 27 years and this has been the only teaching job he has had. Talk about dedication! Mr. Palacios has always had the respect of his peers, administrators, parents, and the community. He TRULY, SINCERELY cares about the students of our district and has always been willing to go “above and beyond” to assist our students. Mr. Palacios attends most of his students’ school events and has played a big part in the start of the LVHS AVID program. “Teachers like Mr. Palacios are a rare breed and I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with him. I feel like he has made me a better principal by showing me what an impact teachers can have on as student’s success now as well as in the future,” said Mr. Sam Sexton, Principal at LVHS.
Ms. Stefanie Deleon, La Vega Junior High School George Dixon Campus – Ms. Deleon has been employed with LVISD for ten years, currently serving as the 7th grade English language arts teacher, in addition to serving as the newspaper and yearbook sponsor for the junior high. Ms. Deleon is a wonderful example for both students and staff. She is respected by her peers, and is beloved by students and parents. She builds lasting relationships with students, and the child’s best interest is always at the heart of her teaching and discipline strategies. Students love Ms. Deleon because Ms. Deleon loves students! “She is wonderful to work with and she brightens the day of those around her. She perseveres through difficult circumstances, and she creates a quality learning environment for her students,” said Ms. Krumnow, LVJHSGDC Principal. Ms. Deleon is positive and uplifting to her colleagues and students, and she is an advocate for her campus and students.
Ms. Libby Kahn, La Vega Intermediate School H. P. Miles Campus – Ms. Kahn has been in education for 38 years and has spent 18 of those years at LVISD teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math. She is currently the math interventionist and the gifted and talented teacher at the intermediate school. Ms. Kahn is a very competent and effective teacher, and has the desire to positively impact her students through her innovative teaching, as well as working extremely well with her colleagues. She works with struggling math students in the campus homework center each week and holds morning detention. “Ms. Kahn is a positive role model for our students and community by supporting the mission of the school,” said Ms. Kristi Rizo, LVISHPMC Principal.
Ms. Gayle Pullin, La Vega Elementary School – Ms. Pullin has been employed with LVISD for 37 years and is currently a first grade teacher at the primary school, where she also serves as the first grade team leader. Ms. Pullin has a passion for teaching and has obtained a plethora of knowledge from her years of experience. Her rapport with children is natural and instinctive, facilitating a love of learning. “I truly have a high regard for Ms. Pullin because she is a great role model, excellent mentor, and dependable “go-to” teacher. She is always there to lend an ear and give advice. I have always found her to be a kind, creative, and sincere educator,” said Ms. Shaunte Stewart, Principal at LVES. Ms. Pullin is a very hard worker who puts forth the necessary effort to encourage students to succeed, and she has touched many students and staff members at LVISD.
Ms. Celeste Brown, La Vega Primary School – Ms. Brown has been employed at the primary school for three years as a pre-kindergarten teacher. “Ms. Brown is a great asset to our campus! She exhibits a positive attitude at all times and is always willing to try new things to improve student success. She has a genuine concern for all of her students and works cooperatively with all staff members. Ms. Brown is always jolly and excited during instruction and her students are always very attentive. She is a joy to have at the primary school,” said Ms. Carla Swann, LVPS Principal.
The LVISD Teachers of the Year will be honored with a Limo Lunch on May 12th, sponsored by the Bellmead Lions Club, the Bellmead Chamber of Commerce, and the Bellmead American Bank.
(LVISD RELEASE)
Mr. Robert Palacios, La Vega High School – Mr. Palacios has taught for LVISD for the last 27 years and this has been the only teaching job he has had. Talk about dedication! Mr. Palacios has always had the respect of his peers, administrators, parents, and the community. He TRULY, SINCERELY cares about the students of our district and has always been willing to go “above and beyond” to assist our students. Mr. Palacios attends most of his students’ school events and has played a big part in the start of the LVHS AVID program. “Teachers like Mr. Palacios are a rare breed and I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with him. I feel like he has made me a better principal by showing me what an impact teachers can have on as student’s success now as well as in the future,” said Mr. Sam Sexton, Principal at LVHS.
Ms. Stefanie Deleon, La Vega Junior High School George Dixon Campus – Ms. Deleon has been employed with LVISD for ten years, currently serving as the 7th grade English language arts teacher, in addition to serving as the newspaper and yearbook sponsor for the junior high. Ms. Deleon is a wonderful example for both students and staff. She is respected by her peers, and is beloved by students and parents. She builds lasting relationships with students, and the child’s best interest is always at the heart of her teaching and discipline strategies. Students love Ms. Deleon because Ms. Deleon loves students! “She is wonderful to work with and she brightens the day of those around her. She perseveres through difficult circumstances, and she creates a quality learning environment for her students,” said Ms. Krumnow, LVJHSGDC Principal. Ms. Deleon is positive and uplifting to her colleagues and students, and she is an advocate for her campus and students.
Ms. Libby Kahn, La Vega Intermediate School H. P. Miles Campus – Ms. Kahn has been in education for 38 years and has spent 18 of those years at LVISD teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math. She is currently the math interventionist and the gifted and talented teacher at the intermediate school. Ms. Kahn is a very competent and effective teacher, and has the desire to positively impact her students through her innovative teaching, as well as working extremely well with her colleagues. She works with struggling math students in the campus homework center each week and holds morning detention. “Ms. Kahn is a positive role model for our students and community by supporting the mission of the school,” said Ms. Kristi Rizo, LVISHPMC Principal.
Ms. Gayle Pullin, La Vega Elementary School – Ms. Pullin has been employed with LVISD for 37 years and is currently a first grade teacher at the primary school, where she also serves as the first grade team leader. Ms. Pullin has a passion for teaching and has obtained a plethora of knowledge from her years of experience. Her rapport with children is natural and instinctive, facilitating a love of learning. “I truly have a high regard for Ms. Pullin because she is a great role model, excellent mentor, and dependable “go-to” teacher. She is always there to lend an ear and give advice. I have always found her to be a kind, creative, and sincere educator,” said Ms. Shaunte Stewart, Principal at LVES. Ms. Pullin is a very hard worker who puts forth the necessary effort to encourage students to succeed, and she has touched many students and staff members at LVISD.
Ms. Celeste Brown, La Vega Primary School – Ms. Brown has been employed at the primary school for three years as a pre-kindergarten teacher. “Ms. Brown is a great asset to our campus! She exhibits a positive attitude at all times and is always willing to try new things to improve student success. She has a genuine concern for all of her students and works cooperatively with all staff members. Ms. Brown is always jolly and excited during instruction and her students are always very attentive. She is a joy to have at the primary school,” said Ms. Carla Swann, LVPS Principal.
The LVISD Teachers of the Year will be honored with a Limo Lunch on May 12th, sponsored by the Bellmead Lions Club, the Bellmead Chamber of Commerce, and the Bellmead American Bank.
Record number of Students Graduating from UMHB
(UMHB RELEASE)
Belton, Texas –The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced today that a record number of students will be graduating during Commencement at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, at the Bell County Expo Center.
The 155th graduating class of 2011 will have a record 346 students crossing the stage that day. Of these, 304 students will receive baccalaureate degrees, 29 students will receive master’s degrees and 13 students will have earned their doctoral degrees.
The university has nearly 3,000 students in attendance, and May Commencement is normally the largest number of graduates. Previously, UMHB’s largest graduating class was the Class of 2003, with 319 graduates in that ceremony, according to Provost Dr. Steve Oldham.
“As our student population continues to grow, we expect to see increasingly larger graduations. The university continues to be committed to personal attention as we prepare our students for success in life after UMHB,” said Oldham.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, chartered in 1845, is one of the oldest, most reputable universities in Texas. UMHB is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best universities, according to U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor prepares students for leadership, service and faith-informed discernment in a global society. Academic excellence, personal attention, broad-based scholarship and a commitment to a Baptist vision for education distinguish the Christ-centered learning community.
Belton, Texas –The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced today that a record number of students will be graduating during Commencement at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, at the Bell County Expo Center.
The 155th graduating class of 2011 will have a record 346 students crossing the stage that day. Of these, 304 students will receive baccalaureate degrees, 29 students will receive master’s degrees and 13 students will have earned their doctoral degrees.
The university has nearly 3,000 students in attendance, and May Commencement is normally the largest number of graduates. Previously, UMHB’s largest graduating class was the Class of 2003, with 319 graduates in that ceremony, according to Provost Dr. Steve Oldham.
“As our student population continues to grow, we expect to see increasingly larger graduations. The university continues to be committed to personal attention as we prepare our students for success in life after UMHB,” said Oldham.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, chartered in 1845, is one of the oldest, most reputable universities in Texas. UMHB is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best universities, according to U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor prepares students for leadership, service and faith-informed discernment in a global society. Academic excellence, personal attention, broad-based scholarship and a commitment to a Baptist vision for education distinguish the Christ-centered learning community.
ISRAELI RESPONS: PALESTINIAN-HAMAS AGREEMENT
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening (Wednesday), 27 April 2011, referred to the anticipated agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas:
"The Palestinian Authority needs to choose between peace with Israel and peace with Hamas. Peace with both is impossible because Hamas aspires to destroy the State of Israel and says so openly. It fires missiles at our cities; it fires anti-tank rockets at our children.
I think that the very idea of this reconciliation shows the weakness of the Palestinian Authority and causes one to wonder if Hamas will seize control of Judea and Samaria like it seized control of the Gaza Strip.
I hope that the Palestinian Authority chooses correctly, i.e. that it chooses peace with Israel. The choice is in its hands."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening (Wednesday), 27 April 2011, referred to the anticipated agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas:
"The Palestinian Authority needs to choose between peace with Israel and peace with Hamas. Peace with both is impossible because Hamas aspires to destroy the State of Israel and says so openly. It fires missiles at our cities; it fires anti-tank rockets at our children.
I think that the very idea of this reconciliation shows the weakness of the Palestinian Authority and causes one to wonder if Hamas will seize control of Judea and Samaria like it seized control of the Gaza Strip.
I hope that the Palestinian Authority chooses correctly, i.e. that it chooses peace with Israel. The choice is in its hands."
UPDATE: CRASH WITH WACO BUS KILLS ONE
(WACO PD RELEASE-PATRICK SWANTON)
At approximately 11:05 a.m.,Wednesday, APril 27 , the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of the Waco Police Department with a vehicle stop. As Officers were still responding, the suspect vehicle struck a Waco Transit Bus at the intersection of South 12th Street and Clay Avenue. A third vehicle was also damaged in the crash and a 24 year old Hispanic male pedestrian was struck and killed during the same crash. He has been identified as 24 year old Michael Benavidez of South Waco.
Waco Fire along with E.T.M.C. Ambulance responded to assist with numerous injuries. Seven victims from the bus and other vehicle were taken to Hillcrest Hospital by ambulance.
The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges may be filed against the driver of the vehicle that was being followed by McLennan County Sheriff Department.
At approximately 11:05 a.m.,Wednesday, APril 27 , the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of the Waco Police Department with a vehicle stop. As Officers were still responding, the suspect vehicle struck a Waco Transit Bus at the intersection of South 12th Street and Clay Avenue. A third vehicle was also damaged in the crash and a 24 year old Hispanic male pedestrian was struck and killed during the same crash. He has been identified as 24 year old Michael Benavidez of South Waco.
Waco Fire along with E.T.M.C. Ambulance responded to assist with numerous injuries. Seven victims from the bus and other vehicle were taken to Hillcrest Hospital by ambulance.
The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges may be filed against the driver of the vehicle that was being followed by McLennan County Sheriff Department.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Syrian army carrying out 'major military operation' against key city – UN official
(UN RELEASE)
27 April 2011 – Reliable sources indicate the Syrian army is carrying out a major operation in the city at the centre of popular protests against the country's Government, firing at unarmed civilians, preventing medical personnel from helping the wounded, raiding mosques and arresting many others, a top United Nations official told the Security Council today.
B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told Council members that the UN is requesting urgent access to the southern city of Deraa so that it can assess the humanitarian needs on the ground.
“There are reported shortages of medicine, water and food, and this could become a major humanitarian issue in the coming days,” Mr. Pascoe said in his briefing, a day after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also discussed the issue with the Council.
“Reputable reports” from both the media and human rights groups indicate that between 350 and 400 anti-Government demonstrators, many of them peaceful and unarmed, have been killed across Syria by security forces and their supporters since mid-March, according to Mr. Pascoe.
While the Government had made promises to reform in the wake of the demonstrations, and has lifted the state of emergency in place since 1963, it has also dramatically intensified its crackdown against opponents, particularly after last Friday's protests, he said.
Mr. Pascoe said the army started a “major military operation” in Deraa and surrounding villages, with tanks and large numbers of soldiers entering the area.
“Given the siege-like conditions, it is difficult to confirm our information, but reliable sources are consistently reporting the use of artillery fire against unarmed civilians; door-to-door arrest campaigns; the shooting of medical personnel who attempt to aid the wounded; raids against hospitals, clinics and mosques; and the purposeful destruction of medical supplies and arrest of medical personnel.”
The UN has confirmed that electricity, communication systems and water in Deraa have been cut since Monday, forcing the closure of schools and health-care facilities operated by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the city.
Elsewhere, the towns of Douma, Al-Moadamiyah and Banias were also surrounded by tanks and armed forces, while there have been reports that security forces have opened fire on protesters in Jableh, killing at least 13 people in that city.
Mr. Pascoe noted that “there have been credible reports of a very few instances where protesters have used force, resulting in the deaths of members of the security forces? [but] there are no confirmed reports that this is a recurring phenomenon.”
The Under-Secretary-General said the denial of access to international and independent media was compounding the lack of transparency about the situation in many of the affected towns and cities.
“The Committee to Protect Journalists and numerous other sources note that the Syrian authorities continue to detain journalists on a regular basis, disrupt Internet and phone service, prohibit entry to the country of international journalists, and block all access to areas of unrest.
“One cumulative effect of this policy is to prevent the collection and dissemination of accurate and impartial information, leaving observers unable to confirm or deny many allegations.”
Mr. Pascoe stressed that “repression is not the solution. An inclusive dialogue and genuine reforms should address the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, restore confidence and ensure social peace and order.”
After Mr. Pascoe's briefing, ambassadors representing Council members and Syria addressed the meeting on the latest developments.
Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari said the country's security forces had exercised the utmost restraint to avoid the killings of civilians, and he said armed criminal elements – supported by some foreign countries and extremist groups – were responsible for the violence.
Mr. Jaafari said the Government would continue to undertake reform measures and try to satisfy the “legitimate demands” of its people.
Since the unrest erupted Mr. Ban has repeatedly condemned the violence against the protesters and called for an “independent, transparent and effective” investigation into the killings.
He told journalists yesterday that “it goes without saying that Syrian authorities have an obligation to protect civilians and respect international human rights. That includes the right to free expression and peaceful assembly.”
The UN Human Rights Council, for its part, will hold a special session on Friday on the situation in Syria after a request from the United States on behalf of 16 Member States.
The protests in Syria in recent weeks are part of a broader uprising this year across the Middle East and North Africa that has already brought down long-standing regimes in Tunisia and Egypt and led to open conflict in Libya.
27 April 2011 – Reliable sources indicate the Syrian army is carrying out a major operation in the city at the centre of popular protests against the country's Government, firing at unarmed civilians, preventing medical personnel from helping the wounded, raiding mosques and arresting many others, a top United Nations official told the Security Council today.
B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told Council members that the UN is requesting urgent access to the southern city of Deraa so that it can assess the humanitarian needs on the ground.
“There are reported shortages of medicine, water and food, and this could become a major humanitarian issue in the coming days,” Mr. Pascoe said in his briefing, a day after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also discussed the issue with the Council.
“Reputable reports” from both the media and human rights groups indicate that between 350 and 400 anti-Government demonstrators, many of them peaceful and unarmed, have been killed across Syria by security forces and their supporters since mid-March, according to Mr. Pascoe.
While the Government had made promises to reform in the wake of the demonstrations, and has lifted the state of emergency in place since 1963, it has also dramatically intensified its crackdown against opponents, particularly after last Friday's protests, he said.
Mr. Pascoe said the army started a “major military operation” in Deraa and surrounding villages, with tanks and large numbers of soldiers entering the area.
“Given the siege-like conditions, it is difficult to confirm our information, but reliable sources are consistently reporting the use of artillery fire against unarmed civilians; door-to-door arrest campaigns; the shooting of medical personnel who attempt to aid the wounded; raids against hospitals, clinics and mosques; and the purposeful destruction of medical supplies and arrest of medical personnel.”
The UN has confirmed that electricity, communication systems and water in Deraa have been cut since Monday, forcing the closure of schools and health-care facilities operated by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the city.
Elsewhere, the towns of Douma, Al-Moadamiyah and Banias were also surrounded by tanks and armed forces, while there have been reports that security forces have opened fire on protesters in Jableh, killing at least 13 people in that city.
Mr. Pascoe noted that “there have been credible reports of a very few instances where protesters have used force, resulting in the deaths of members of the security forces? [but] there are no confirmed reports that this is a recurring phenomenon.”
The Under-Secretary-General said the denial of access to international and independent media was compounding the lack of transparency about the situation in many of the affected towns and cities.
“The Committee to Protect Journalists and numerous other sources note that the Syrian authorities continue to detain journalists on a regular basis, disrupt Internet and phone service, prohibit entry to the country of international journalists, and block all access to areas of unrest.
“One cumulative effect of this policy is to prevent the collection and dissemination of accurate and impartial information, leaving observers unable to confirm or deny many allegations.”
Mr. Pascoe stressed that “repression is not the solution. An inclusive dialogue and genuine reforms should address the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, restore confidence and ensure social peace and order.”
After Mr. Pascoe's briefing, ambassadors representing Council members and Syria addressed the meeting on the latest developments.
Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari said the country's security forces had exercised the utmost restraint to avoid the killings of civilians, and he said armed criminal elements – supported by some foreign countries and extremist groups – were responsible for the violence.
Mr. Jaafari said the Government would continue to undertake reform measures and try to satisfy the “legitimate demands” of its people.
Since the unrest erupted Mr. Ban has repeatedly condemned the violence against the protesters and called for an “independent, transparent and effective” investigation into the killings.
He told journalists yesterday that “it goes without saying that Syrian authorities have an obligation to protect civilians and respect international human rights. That includes the right to free expression and peaceful assembly.”
The UN Human Rights Council, for its part, will hold a special session on Friday on the situation in Syria after a request from the United States on behalf of 16 Member States.
The protests in Syria in recent weeks are part of a broader uprising this year across the Middle East and North Africa that has already brought down long-standing regimes in Tunisia and Egypt and led to open conflict in Libya.
Panetta to Succeed Gates;Petraeus to CIA
Obama to Nominate Panetta to Succeed Gates
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2011 – President Barack Obama intends to nominate CIA Director Leon Panetta as the next defense secretary, a senior administration official said today speaking on background.
If confirmed by the Senate he will replace Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates who will leave office June 30, according to the official. Gates was sworn in on December 18, 2006, as the 22nd Secretary of Defense. Gates is the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly elected president.
International Security Assistance Force Commander Army Gen. David H. Petraeus will retire from the service and the president will nominate him to replace Panetta, the official said.
The president also intends to nominate U.S. diplomat Ryan Crocker as the next U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan.
He will also nominate Marine Lt. Gen. John Allen, the current deputy at U.S. Central Command, to the ISAF command, the official said.
The president will officially make the announcements at the White tomorrow.
“This is the culmination of a multi-month process to find nominees for these important positions,” the senior administration official said.
The president believes these choices put in place the “strongest possible team” to execute U.S.strategies and policies, the official said. This was important to Obama, the official said, as the president looked at the way the individuals will interact and work together as a team.
The transition is being done in a way to provide a seamless transition, the official said. “There will be no gaps, no disruption in execution of policy,” he said.
Obama has selected a very experienced team, the official said.
“That’s consistent with the position the president has taken with respect to his national security team: strong figures, who work together and respect each other,” he said.
Panetta “brings all the necessary qualities to be a superb secretary of defense,” the official said. Panetta has had four decades of public service starting as an Army second lieutenant in 1964. He served as White House chief of staff in the Clinton administration, member of Congress from California, and the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Crocker is one of the nation’s most respected diplomats, the official said. He served as ambassador to Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon. He is currently the dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Petraeus is one of the pre-eminent military leaders in the world, the official said. He graduated from West Point in 1974 and served as the commander of the 101stAirborne Division during the initial phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as commander of the Multinational Forces Iraq, then as commander of U.S. Central Command until he took his current job.
Allen is expected to take command in Afghanistanin September, the official said. He is a 1976 graduate of the Naval Academy and served as the Marine commander in Iraq in 2006 and 2007.
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2011 – President Barack Obama intends to nominate CIA Director Leon Panetta as the next defense secretary, a senior administration official said today speaking on background.
If confirmed by the Senate he will replace Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates who will leave office June 30, according to the official. Gates was sworn in on December 18, 2006, as the 22nd Secretary of Defense. Gates is the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly elected president.
International Security Assistance Force Commander Army Gen. David H. Petraeus will retire from the service and the president will nominate him to replace Panetta, the official said.
The president also intends to nominate U.S. diplomat Ryan Crocker as the next U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan.
He will also nominate Marine Lt. Gen. John Allen, the current deputy at U.S. Central Command, to the ISAF command, the official said.
The president will officially make the announcements at the White tomorrow.
“This is the culmination of a multi-month process to find nominees for these important positions,” the senior administration official said.
The president believes these choices put in place the “strongest possible team” to execute U.S.strategies and policies, the official said. This was important to Obama, the official said, as the president looked at the way the individuals will interact and work together as a team.
The transition is being done in a way to provide a seamless transition, the official said. “There will be no gaps, no disruption in execution of policy,” he said.
Obama has selected a very experienced team, the official said.
“That’s consistent with the position the president has taken with respect to his national security team: strong figures, who work together and respect each other,” he said.
Panetta “brings all the necessary qualities to be a superb secretary of defense,” the official said. Panetta has had four decades of public service starting as an Army second lieutenant in 1964. He served as White House chief of staff in the Clinton administration, member of Congress from California, and the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Crocker is one of the nation’s most respected diplomats, the official said. He served as ambassador to Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon. He is currently the dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Petraeus is one of the pre-eminent military leaders in the world, the official said. He graduated from West Point in 1974 and served as the commander of the 101stAirborne Division during the initial phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as commander of the Multinational Forces Iraq, then as commander of U.S. Central Command until he took his current job.
Allen is expected to take command in Afghanistanin September, the official said. He is a 1976 graduate of the Naval Academy and served as the Marine commander in Iraq in 2006 and 2007.
JAPAN NUCLEAR PLANT UPDATE APRIL 27
IAEA Briefing on Fukushima Nuclear Accident (27 April 2011, 18:00 UTC)
Summary of Reactor Status
1. Current situation
Overall, the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant remains very serious, but there are signs of recovery in some functions, such as electrical power and instrumentation.
Changes to Fukushima Daiichi plant status
The IAEA receives information from various official sources in Japan through the Japanese national competent authority, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA). Additional detail is provided in the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) status summary with information received by 17:00 UTC on 27 April 2011.
Management of on-site contaminated water
According to the 25 April evaluation by NISA of the report submitted by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), there is a little less than 70,000 tonnes of stagnant water with high level radioactivity in the basement of the turbine buildings of Units 1, 2 and 3.
Plant status
On 25 April the power supply for the temporary electrical pumps that supply water to the reactor pressure vessel of Units 1, 2 and 3 was switched from the off-site power supply to temporary diesel generators to allow work to enhance the off-site power supply. The power supply has now been returned to the off-site supply.
White smoke continues to be emitted from Units 2 and 3. No more white smoke was seen coming from Unit 4 as of 21:30 UTC on 25 April.
In Unit 1 fresh water is being continuously injected into the reactor pressure vessel through the feedwater line at an indicated flow rate of 6 m3/h using a temporary electric pump with off-site power.
In Unit 2 and Unit 3 fresh water is being continuously injected into the reactor pressure vessel through the fire extinguisher line at an indicated rate of 7 m3/h using temporary electric pumps with off-site power.
In Unit 4 140 tonnes of fresh water was sprayed over the spent fuel pool on 23 April and 165 tonnes of fresh water was sprayed over the spent fuel pool on 24 April using a concrete pump truck. The nuclear emergency response headquarters reported that temperature measurements showed the spent fuel pool temperature to be 83 °C before spraying and 66 °C after spraying on 23 April, and the spent fuel pool temperature to be 86 °C before spraying and 81 °C after spraying on 24 April.
Nitrogen gas continues to be injected into the containment vessel in Unit 1 to reduce the possibility of hydrogen combustion in the containment vessel. The pressure in the reactor pressure vessel is increasing.
The reactor pressure vessel temperatures in Unit 1 remain above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feedwater nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 134.7 °C and at the bottom of reactor pressure vessel is 110.9 °C.
The reactor pressure vessel temperatures in Unit 2 remain above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feed water nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 121.2 °C. The reactor pressure vessel and the dry well remain at atmospheric pressure. Fresh water injection (a total of 135 tonnes) to the spent fuel pool via the spent fuel pool cooling line was carried out from 19 to 25 April.
The temperature at the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel in Unit 3 remains above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feed water nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 67.9 °C and at the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel is 110.4 °C. The reactor pressure vessel and the dry well remain at atmospheric pressure.
There has been no change in the status in Unit 5 or Unit 6 or in the common spent fuel storage facility.
2. Radiation monitoring
On 25 April deposition of Cs-137 was detected in five prefectures, the values reported ranging from 3.2 to 20 Bq/m2.
Gamma dose rates are measured daily in all 47 prefectures. A general decreasing trend has been observed in all locations since around 20 March. For Fukushima prefecture, gamma dose rates in recent days were in the range 1.7-1.8 μSv/h. In Ibaraki prefecture, gamma dose rates were slightly below 0.12 μSv/h. In all other prefectures, reported gamma dose rates were below 0.1 μSv/h with similar decreasing trends.
Gamma dose rates reported specifically for the eastern part of Fukushima prefecture, for distances beyond 30 km from Fukushima Daiichi, showed a similar general decreasing trend, ranging from 0.1 to 19.4 μSv/h, as reported on 25 April. The other 45 prefectures had gamma dose rates of below 0.1 μSv/h, falling within the local natural background range.
In drinking water, I-131 or Cs-137 is detectable, but in only a few prefectures. As of 1 April, the one remaining restriction on the consumption of drinking water relating to I-131 (at a level of 100 Bq/L) applies to only one village in the Fukushima prefecture, and the restriction applies only to infants.
Food monitoring
Food monitoring data were reported by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on 26 April for a total of 39 samples taken on 22 and 24-26 April from eight prefectures (Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Hokkaido, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Niigata and Yamagata). Analytical results for all of the samples of various vegetables, mushrooms, beef, seafood and raw unprocessed milk indicated that I-131, Cs-134 and Cs-137 were either not detected or were below the regulation values set by the Japanese authorities.
3. Marine monitoring
Marine monitoring programmes
The marine monitoring programme is carried out both near the discharge areas of the Fukushima nuclear power plant by TEPCO and at off-shore stations by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Contamination of the marine environment occurred by aerial deposition and by discharges and outflow of contaminated water.
Summary of Reactor Status
1. Current situation
Overall, the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant remains very serious, but there are signs of recovery in some functions, such as electrical power and instrumentation.
Changes to Fukushima Daiichi plant status
The IAEA receives information from various official sources in Japan through the Japanese national competent authority, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA). Additional detail is provided in the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) status summary with information received by 17:00 UTC on 27 April 2011.
Management of on-site contaminated water
According to the 25 April evaluation by NISA of the report submitted by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), there is a little less than 70,000 tonnes of stagnant water with high level radioactivity in the basement of the turbine buildings of Units 1, 2 and 3.
Plant status
On 25 April the power supply for the temporary electrical pumps that supply water to the reactor pressure vessel of Units 1, 2 and 3 was switched from the off-site power supply to temporary diesel generators to allow work to enhance the off-site power supply. The power supply has now been returned to the off-site supply.
White smoke continues to be emitted from Units 2 and 3. No more white smoke was seen coming from Unit 4 as of 21:30 UTC on 25 April.
In Unit 1 fresh water is being continuously injected into the reactor pressure vessel through the feedwater line at an indicated flow rate of 6 m3/h using a temporary electric pump with off-site power.
In Unit 2 and Unit 3 fresh water is being continuously injected into the reactor pressure vessel through the fire extinguisher line at an indicated rate of 7 m3/h using temporary electric pumps with off-site power.
In Unit 4 140 tonnes of fresh water was sprayed over the spent fuel pool on 23 April and 165 tonnes of fresh water was sprayed over the spent fuel pool on 24 April using a concrete pump truck. The nuclear emergency response headquarters reported that temperature measurements showed the spent fuel pool temperature to be 83 °C before spraying and 66 °C after spraying on 23 April, and the spent fuel pool temperature to be 86 °C before spraying and 81 °C after spraying on 24 April.
Nitrogen gas continues to be injected into the containment vessel in Unit 1 to reduce the possibility of hydrogen combustion in the containment vessel. The pressure in the reactor pressure vessel is increasing.
The reactor pressure vessel temperatures in Unit 1 remain above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feedwater nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 134.7 °C and at the bottom of reactor pressure vessel is 110.9 °C.
The reactor pressure vessel temperatures in Unit 2 remain above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feed water nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 121.2 °C. The reactor pressure vessel and the dry well remain at atmospheric pressure. Fresh water injection (a total of 135 tonnes) to the spent fuel pool via the spent fuel pool cooling line was carried out from 19 to 25 April.
The temperature at the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel in Unit 3 remains above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feed water nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 67.9 °C and at the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel is 110.4 °C. The reactor pressure vessel and the dry well remain at atmospheric pressure.
There has been no change in the status in Unit 5 or Unit 6 or in the common spent fuel storage facility.
2. Radiation monitoring
On 25 April deposition of Cs-137 was detected in five prefectures, the values reported ranging from 3.2 to 20 Bq/m2.
Gamma dose rates are measured daily in all 47 prefectures. A general decreasing trend has been observed in all locations since around 20 March. For Fukushima prefecture, gamma dose rates in recent days were in the range 1.7-1.8 μSv/h. In Ibaraki prefecture, gamma dose rates were slightly below 0.12 μSv/h. In all other prefectures, reported gamma dose rates were below 0.1 μSv/h with similar decreasing trends.
Gamma dose rates reported specifically for the eastern part of Fukushima prefecture, for distances beyond 30 km from Fukushima Daiichi, showed a similar general decreasing trend, ranging from 0.1 to 19.4 μSv/h, as reported on 25 April. The other 45 prefectures had gamma dose rates of below 0.1 μSv/h, falling within the local natural background range.
In drinking water, I-131 or Cs-137 is detectable, but in only a few prefectures. As of 1 April, the one remaining restriction on the consumption of drinking water relating to I-131 (at a level of 100 Bq/L) applies to only one village in the Fukushima prefecture, and the restriction applies only to infants.
Food monitoring
Food monitoring data were reported by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on 26 April for a total of 39 samples taken on 22 and 24-26 April from eight prefectures (Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Hokkaido, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Niigata and Yamagata). Analytical results for all of the samples of various vegetables, mushrooms, beef, seafood and raw unprocessed milk indicated that I-131, Cs-134 and Cs-137 were either not detected or were below the regulation values set by the Japanese authorities.
3. Marine monitoring
Marine monitoring programmes
The marine monitoring programme is carried out both near the discharge areas of the Fukushima nuclear power plant by TEPCO and at off-shore stations by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Contamination of the marine environment occurred by aerial deposition and by discharges and outflow of contaminated water.
Texas Tech Plant Ecologist: La Niña One Major Cause for Texas Wildfires
(TEXAS TECH RELEASE)
About 1.5 million acres of Texas has burned this year, and a Texas Tech University plant ecologist said a natural weather event called La Niña has much of the blame for the recent rash of wildfires.
Dylan Schwilk, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, researches plants and fire. He’s studied the effects of wildfires in places such as the California, South Africa, Australia and Texas.
The current fire problem in West Texas is being fed by dormant, warm-season perennial grasses throughout the high and rolling plains area he said. Last year’s El Niño event helped these grasses grow thick. After going dormant for the winter, and because of this year’s La Niña drought, it’s left plentiful fuel lying on the ground.
“Here in West Texas, we get these powerful, low-humidity winds,” he said. “It’s amazing what fire will carry through out here. Even in heavily grazed areas, the winds lay fires flat. It’s very likely the relatively good rain we received last year contributed to higher fuel loads.”
Though recent fires make the landscape look devastated, almost all parts of the plants will survive the fires because grasses are still dormant and have very little living tissue above ground at this time of year, Schwilk said.
Most native woody plants, such as oaks, mesquite and other shrubs, will build new shoots from below-ground tissues even if partially or wholly burned. Also, some oaks have protective bark that shield the plant from fire.
Since the late-Miocene Period about 8 million years ago, fires have actually helped the spread of warm-season grasslands in Texas, such as those in the Southern High Plains. The grassfires burn hot, move very quickly, but they mainly burn upward. Grasses resprout because temperatures at the soil level don’t get hot enough to kill the root system.
“The buds for these grasses are at the surface,” he said. “But, with no rain, they haven’t yet used their energy stores by investing in new leaf growth. If you have a hot fire with smoldering, say in a woody area, you can have plant death. But you don’t have that with grassfires. Fire is part of the reason for the spread of grasslands because the fires favored grasses at the expense of woody plants.”
Structures can be at risk as much from wind-borne embers as from the flaming front, Schwilk said. This can be especially problematic in other parts of the state with woodier growth, such as Possum Kingdom or the Junction areas, which have more wooded areas and juniper shrubs.
Unlike grassfires, wood-fueled fires can push burning embers into the atmosphere, only to land and start spot fires elsewhere, much like the problems faced in California.
“In California, houses burn down not necessarily because the flames move through a subdivision,” he said. “It’s because of embers that land on a wood shingle, in an eave or overhang, or in an attic vent or land on material propped up against a fence or an exterior wall. Vents covered with a fine screen can make a huge difference.”
Schwilk also suggested keeping areas near housing mowed and replacing attic screens with fine mesh screens in heavily wooded areas. Providing fewer places for embers to land and ignite is important. Keep leaf litter out of gutters and off of roofs and consider pruning up trees and shrubs near structures.
About 1.5 million acres of Texas has burned this year, and a Texas Tech University plant ecologist said a natural weather event called La Niña has much of the blame for the recent rash of wildfires.
Dylan Schwilk, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, researches plants and fire. He’s studied the effects of wildfires in places such as the California, South Africa, Australia and Texas.
The current fire problem in West Texas is being fed by dormant, warm-season perennial grasses throughout the high and rolling plains area he said. Last year’s El Niño event helped these grasses grow thick. After going dormant for the winter, and because of this year’s La Niña drought, it’s left plentiful fuel lying on the ground.
“Here in West Texas, we get these powerful, low-humidity winds,” he said. “It’s amazing what fire will carry through out here. Even in heavily grazed areas, the winds lay fires flat. It’s very likely the relatively good rain we received last year contributed to higher fuel loads.”
Though recent fires make the landscape look devastated, almost all parts of the plants will survive the fires because grasses are still dormant and have very little living tissue above ground at this time of year, Schwilk said.
Most native woody plants, such as oaks, mesquite and other shrubs, will build new shoots from below-ground tissues even if partially or wholly burned. Also, some oaks have protective bark that shield the plant from fire.
Since the late-Miocene Period about 8 million years ago, fires have actually helped the spread of warm-season grasslands in Texas, such as those in the Southern High Plains. The grassfires burn hot, move very quickly, but they mainly burn upward. Grasses resprout because temperatures at the soil level don’t get hot enough to kill the root system.
“The buds for these grasses are at the surface,” he said. “But, with no rain, they haven’t yet used their energy stores by investing in new leaf growth. If you have a hot fire with smoldering, say in a woody area, you can have plant death. But you don’t have that with grassfires. Fire is part of the reason for the spread of grasslands because the fires favored grasses at the expense of woody plants.”
Structures can be at risk as much from wind-borne embers as from the flaming front, Schwilk said. This can be especially problematic in other parts of the state with woodier growth, such as Possum Kingdom or the Junction areas, which have more wooded areas and juniper shrubs.
Unlike grassfires, wood-fueled fires can push burning embers into the atmosphere, only to land and start spot fires elsewhere, much like the problems faced in California.
“In California, houses burn down not necessarily because the flames move through a subdivision,” he said. “It’s because of embers that land on a wood shingle, in an eave or overhang, or in an attic vent or land on material propped up against a fence or an exterior wall. Vents covered with a fine screen can make a huge difference.”
Schwilk also suggested keeping areas near housing mowed and replacing attic screens with fine mesh screens in heavily wooded areas. Providing fewer places for embers to land and ignite is important. Keep leaf litter out of gutters and off of roofs and consider pruning up trees and shrubs near structures.
Diocese to Celebrate John Paul II’s Beatification
(DIOCESE OF AUSTIN RELEASE)
AUSTIN – On Sunday, May 1, Pope Benedict XVI will declare his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, as blessed. The beatification of John Paul II brings him one step closer to sainthood or canonization.
In commemoration of this occasion, artist Jean Barbuto is presenting Bishop Joe Vásquez with a bust of Pope John Paul II. The art will be received during a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, at St. Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin. The bust will be on display at the Cathedral through the rest of the weekend. Afterward, it will become part of the diocese’s permanent art collection on display at the Pastoral Center in northeast Austin.
“This prayer service is the official diocesan observance of the beatification of John Paul II for the Diocese of Austin,” Bishop Vásquez said. “All are welcome to join us. We are grateful for this donation of art.”
Barbuto finished the bust in 2007 after about six months of work. The bust, made from cold cast resin with powder bronze, shows John Paul II from the waist up, with hands extended in invitation to “be not afraid,” as he said in his Mass of Installation on Oct. 16, 1978. The piece of art weighs more than 75 pounds, Barbuto said.
“The work I do, I feel I need to do, like it is a commission from the Lord and so I do it. I just love [John Paul] so much. He did so much for us,” Barbuto said. “This is a gift of love of John Paul to the Diocese of Austin in appreciation for the Diocesan Fine Arts Council.”
Barbuto lives and works in Dripping Springs.
AUSTIN – On Sunday, May 1, Pope Benedict XVI will declare his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, as blessed. The beatification of John Paul II brings him one step closer to sainthood or canonization.
In commemoration of this occasion, artist Jean Barbuto is presenting Bishop Joe Vásquez with a bust of Pope John Paul II. The art will be received during a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, at St. Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin. The bust will be on display at the Cathedral through the rest of the weekend. Afterward, it will become part of the diocese’s permanent art collection on display at the Pastoral Center in northeast Austin.
“This prayer service is the official diocesan observance of the beatification of John Paul II for the Diocese of Austin,” Bishop Vásquez said. “All are welcome to join us. We are grateful for this donation of art.”
Barbuto finished the bust in 2007 after about six months of work. The bust, made from cold cast resin with powder bronze, shows John Paul II from the waist up, with hands extended in invitation to “be not afraid,” as he said in his Mass of Installation on Oct. 16, 1978. The piece of art weighs more than 75 pounds, Barbuto said.
“The work I do, I feel I need to do, like it is a commission from the Lord and so I do it. I just love [John Paul] so much. He did so much for us,” Barbuto said. “This is a gift of love of John Paul to the Diocese of Austin in appreciation for the Diocesan Fine Arts Council.”
Barbuto lives and works in Dripping Springs.
Pavement Fails-I-35 Access Road Closed at Lacy Lakeview
(TXDOT RELEASE)
Due to a pavement failure, the I-35 northbound frontage road in Lacy-Lakeview (north of Waco) has been closed to through traffic from Meyers Lane to Craven Ave. Local traffic is permitted on the access road. Northbound through traffic may either take Meyers Lane east to Airbase Road and turn left, then left again onto Craven to the access road, or stay on the I-35 mainlanes to the Craven exit (exit #341).
This section of roadway has been under construction as both northbound and southbound access roads are rebuilt and widened along I-35 in this area. The two-lane roads are being rebuilt in halves: one lane remains open for traffic and the second is closed while the existing pavement is removed and the road rebuilt. The failure occurred on the side of the road being used to carry traffic up until now.
TxDOT is working with businesses along the frontage road, including several manufactured-home dealers and the Waco Freightliner dealer, to insure access for the companies and their customers as the problem is addressed. It is expected that the access road will be closed for three to four weeks.
Motorists are advised to observe all warning signs and traffic control devices in the project area. It is also advised to seek alternate routes when possible. I-35 mainlanes will be open.
Due to a pavement failure, the I-35 northbound frontage road in Lacy-Lakeview (north of Waco) has been closed to through traffic from Meyers Lane to Craven Ave. Local traffic is permitted on the access road. Northbound through traffic may either take Meyers Lane east to Airbase Road and turn left, then left again onto Craven to the access road, or stay on the I-35 mainlanes to the Craven exit (exit #341).
This section of roadway has been under construction as both northbound and southbound access roads are rebuilt and widened along I-35 in this area. The two-lane roads are being rebuilt in halves: one lane remains open for traffic and the second is closed while the existing pavement is removed and the road rebuilt. The failure occurred on the side of the road being used to carry traffic up until now.
TxDOT is working with businesses along the frontage road, including several manufactured-home dealers and the Waco Freightliner dealer, to insure access for the companies and their customers as the problem is addressed. It is expected that the access road will be closed for three to four weeks.
Motorists are advised to observe all warning signs and traffic control devices in the project area. It is also advised to seek alternate routes when possible. I-35 mainlanes will be open.
Murder Suspect Pleads Guilty to Death of Robert Loewe
One of two people being held for the May 2010 shooting death of 24-year-old Robert Dewayne Loewe has entered a guilty plea to capital murder charges in a Hill County Courtroom. Thirty-four-year old James Christianson, Jr of Plano entered the plea today (April 27) before 66th District Court Judge F.B.(Bob) McGregor,Jr and received a sentence of life without parole. As part of the plea deal to avoid the possibility of the death penalty, Christianson agreed not to appeal the sentence.
Christianson and 33 year old Jennifer Alvarez of Amarillo met Loewe May 18, 2010 at a Waco Taco Bell restaurant where he worked and offered to pay him to drive them to the Dallas area. Security camera pictures showed the trio together as they prepared to leave, just hours before Loewe was killed.
Instead of going on to Dallas, Loewe was forced to get off I-35 at Chatt Road in Hill County. His bullet riddled body was found by a newspaper delivery man early in the morning of May 19, 2010. His 1998 Ford Mustang and personal effects were taken.
The Mustang was later found burned out in Plano. Police brought in tracking dogs in hopes of getting a line on who had burned the car. It turns out the pair had walked to a nearby motel where they were staying and the dogs led officers right to their door. In the meantime, the car was identified as belonging to Loewe. The weapon later determined to have been the one to shoot the victim was found outside the motel. Christianson has remained in the Hill County Law Enforcement Center since being brought back from Collin County.
The case was being prepared for trial by Hill County Assistant District Attorney Nicole Crain and County Attorney Mark Pratt when the plea deal was struck. When the plea was read in court and before sentencing, three members of Loewe's family presented victim impact statements.
Christianson's co-defendant in the case has not entered a plea and plans continue for the capital murder trial of Jennifer Alvarez.
Christianson and 33 year old Jennifer Alvarez of Amarillo met Loewe May 18, 2010 at a Waco Taco Bell restaurant where he worked and offered to pay him to drive them to the Dallas area. Security camera pictures showed the trio together as they prepared to leave, just hours before Loewe was killed.
Instead of going on to Dallas, Loewe was forced to get off I-35 at Chatt Road in Hill County. His bullet riddled body was found by a newspaper delivery man early in the morning of May 19, 2010. His 1998 Ford Mustang and personal effects were taken.
The Mustang was later found burned out in Plano. Police brought in tracking dogs in hopes of getting a line on who had burned the car. It turns out the pair had walked to a nearby motel where they were staying and the dogs led officers right to their door. In the meantime, the car was identified as belonging to Loewe. The weapon later determined to have been the one to shoot the victim was found outside the motel. Christianson has remained in the Hill County Law Enforcement Center since being brought back from Collin County.
The case was being prepared for trial by Hill County Assistant District Attorney Nicole Crain and County Attorney Mark Pratt when the plea deal was struck. When the plea was read in court and before sentencing, three members of Loewe's family presented victim impact statements.
Christianson's co-defendant in the case has not entered a plea and plans continue for the capital murder trial of Jennifer Alvarez.
Shooting Incident in Kabul Leaves 9 Dead
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2011 – Eight International Security Assistance Force service members and an ISAF civilian died today following a shooting incident in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul, military officials reported.
Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman, said ISAF has confirmed that the service members and civilian were Americans. Because next of kin had not yet been notified, he would not provide the service affiliations of the service members who were killed.
The shooter reportedly was an Afghan air force officer who was killed during the incident, Lapan said.
A written statement released by ISAF headquarters in Kabul said the command joins Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning the attack.
In the statement, Army Lt. Gen. William V. Caldwell IV, commander of NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, said the deaths of nine coalition trainers are “a tragic loss.”
“On behalf of those here at NTM-A, and all of ISAF, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the trainers killed today,” Caldwell said.
"President Karzai has directed an investigation into this morning’s events," Navy Rear Adm. Hal Pittman, senior ISAF spokesman, said in the statement. "ISAF is already working closely with our Afghan partners to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
In other news from Afghanistan:
Coalition forces killed at least 10 armed insurgents during operations yesterday along Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan.
Troops used artillery fire after receiving reports that a group of armed insurgents planned to attack their patrol. Several insurgents were killed in the engagement, officials said.
The same patrol later came under attack by another group of armed insurgents. Troops returned fire, killing several more enemy fighters. An air weapons team providing overwatch security for the patrol launched a third engagement after seeing three more armed insurgents maneuvering into Afghanistan from Pakistan. Two were injured and one was wounded, officials said.
In other operations yesterday:
-- Afghan and coalition forces in Khost province’s Sabari district captured several suspected insurgents, including the senior Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin leader responsible for all operations in the province.
-- Security forces detained a Taliban leader and several of his suspected associates allegedly responsible for launching attacks on troops in Kandahar province’s Dand district.
-- In Helmand province’s Sangin district, troops captured three suspected insurgents, including a Taliban weapons trafficker responsible for supplying enemy fighters with money, explosives and munitions.
-- Forces detained two suspected insurgents, including a Taliban leader responsible for coordinating and carrying out attacks on security forces in Nangarhar province’s Sherzad district.
-- Security forces found several weapons and drug stockpiles throughout Afghanistan. The operations resulted in seizure of 1 million Afghan afghanis, which is the equivalent of $23,264, more than 4,000 pounds of marijuana, 2,250 assault-rifle rounds, 90 hand grenades, 60 rocket-propelled grenade boosters, 13 82 mm mortar shells, two automatic machine guns, an assault rifle and antiaircraft ammunitions.
(Lisa Daniel of American Forces Press Service contributed to this report.)
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2011 – Eight International Security Assistance Force service members and an ISAF civilian died today following a shooting incident in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul, military officials reported.
Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman, said ISAF has confirmed that the service members and civilian were Americans. Because next of kin had not yet been notified, he would not provide the service affiliations of the service members who were killed.
The shooter reportedly was an Afghan air force officer who was killed during the incident, Lapan said.
A written statement released by ISAF headquarters in Kabul said the command joins Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning the attack.
In the statement, Army Lt. Gen. William V. Caldwell IV, commander of NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, said the deaths of nine coalition trainers are “a tragic loss.”
“On behalf of those here at NTM-A, and all of ISAF, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the trainers killed today,” Caldwell said.
"President Karzai has directed an investigation into this morning’s events," Navy Rear Adm. Hal Pittman, senior ISAF spokesman, said in the statement. "ISAF is already working closely with our Afghan partners to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
In other news from Afghanistan:
Coalition forces killed at least 10 armed insurgents during operations yesterday along Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan.
Troops used artillery fire after receiving reports that a group of armed insurgents planned to attack their patrol. Several insurgents were killed in the engagement, officials said.
The same patrol later came under attack by another group of armed insurgents. Troops returned fire, killing several more enemy fighters. An air weapons team providing overwatch security for the patrol launched a third engagement after seeing three more armed insurgents maneuvering into Afghanistan from Pakistan. Two were injured and one was wounded, officials said.
In other operations yesterday:
-- Afghan and coalition forces in Khost province’s Sabari district captured several suspected insurgents, including the senior Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin leader responsible for all operations in the province.
-- Security forces detained a Taliban leader and several of his suspected associates allegedly responsible for launching attacks on troops in Kandahar province’s Dand district.
-- In Helmand province’s Sangin district, troops captured three suspected insurgents, including a Taliban weapons trafficker responsible for supplying enemy fighters with money, explosives and munitions.
-- Forces detained two suspected insurgents, including a Taliban leader responsible for coordinating and carrying out attacks on security forces in Nangarhar province’s Sherzad district.
-- Security forces found several weapons and drug stockpiles throughout Afghanistan. The operations resulted in seizure of 1 million Afghan afghanis, which is the equivalent of $23,264, more than 4,000 pounds of marijuana, 2,250 assault-rifle rounds, 90 hand grenades, 60 rocket-propelled grenade boosters, 13 82 mm mortar shells, two automatic machine guns, an assault rifle and antiaircraft ammunitions.
(Lisa Daniel of American Forces Press Service contributed to this report.)
BELL COUNTY INDICTMENTS APRIL 27
The following cases were indicted by the Bell County Grand Jury on: Wednesday - 04/27/2011.
Arraignment has been scheduled as follows:
Ct Cause Setting Time Misc L Offense Attorney DA BD BD Amt
027 FR67964 05/12/11 AR 845 S FRAUD USE/POSS IDENTIFYING IN MAJOR, BUCKLEY MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 87 30,000
Defendant's Name: MATHIS, DAWNIESHA
027 FR67965 05/12/11 AR 845 2 BURGLARY OF HABITATION * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: BROOKS, JASON WAYNE
027 FR67966 05/12/11 AR 845 2 BURGLARY OF HABITATION * MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 0
Defendant's Name: MARRERO, MELINDA MARIE
027 FR67967 05/12/11 AR 845 2 BURGLARY OF HABITATION HALL, BILLY RAY MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 0
Defendant's Name: HAMILTON, JERALD KEITH JR
027 FR67968 05/12/11 AR 845 1 AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: OVERTON, MICHAEL JAMES
027 FR67969 05/12/11 AR 845 3 ASSAULT FAM/HOUSE MEM IMPEDE * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: BYNUM, CARMEY CARNELL JR
027 FR67970 05/12/11 AR 845 2 ASSAULT INT/RECK BREATH/CIRC HARRIS III, ROBERT O. VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: TERRELL, ISSAC DUANE
027 FR67972 05/12/11 AR 845 3 POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G WILKERSON, SCOTT VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: HUDSON, GARRY ALLEN
027 FR67973 05/12/11 AR 845 3 POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G WIENER JR., JOSEPH C. VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: HICKS, LAIONIE AMBER
027 FR67974 05/12/11 AR 845 1 AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD GALLIGAN, JOHN P. VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: SKIBA, JOSEPH JAY
027 FR67978 05/12/11 AR 845 S EVADING ARREST DETENTION W/VE * MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 79 10,000
Defendant's Name: MORRIS, MICHAEL RAY
027 FR67979 05/12/11 AR 845 3 OBSTRUCTION OR RETALIATION COX, ROBERT D. VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: SCOTT, WALTER
027 FR67980 05/12/11 AR 845 3 ASSAULT FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD MEMB * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: ROYSTER, AARON DEVON
027 FR67981 05/12/11 AR 845 S POSS CS PG 1 <1G PARKER, JEFF MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE PR 25,000
Defendant's Name: HORNSBY, HORACIO CORDELLE
027 FR67982 05/12/11 AR 845 S POSS CS PG 1 <1G MAJOR, BUCKLEY MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 0
Defendant's Name: RODRIGUEZ, SAUL
027 FR67983 05/12/11 AR 845 S POSS CS PG 1 <1G MAJOR, BUCKLEY MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 0
Defendant's Name: RODRIGUEZ, SAUL
027 FR67985 05/12/11 AR 845 3 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD * BARNES, WILLIAM NELSON 0
Defendant's Name: STUBBLEFIELD, TOMMY LEE
027 FR67986 05/12/11 AR 845 S TAMPER W/GOVERN RECORD DEFRAU * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: DANIELS, BEVERLY ANN
264 FR67976 05/13/11 AR 915 3 ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL GILBERT, GINESE WALDMAN, MICHAEL 0
Defendant's Name: MONTEZ, VINCENTE JR
264 FR67975 05/13/11 AR 915 3 ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL STRIEGLER, STEVEN WALDMAN, MICHAEL 0
Defendant's Name: BACHMAYER, NIKKI LYNN
264 FR67977 05/13/11 AR 915 3 ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL CORTESE, PERRY WALDMAN, MICHAEL 0
Defendant's Name: SANCHEZ, ERMINIA
264 FR67984 05/13/11 AR 915 S POSS MARIJ >4OZ<=5LBS MAHLER, TIM WALDMAN, MICHAEL 0
Defendant's Name: PARKER, DOMINIQUE LAPRELL
426 FR67962 05/13/11 AR 845 2 ARSON STAPLER, JAMES B MCWILLIAMS, PAUL PR 5,000
Defendant's Name: GARNER, DERRICK MONROE
426 FR67963 05/13/11 AR 845 1 MURDER TORREY, W.W. MCWILLIAMS, PAUL 0
Defendant's Name: ROGERS, ALEX WESTON
426 FR67971 05/13/11 AR 845 S POSS CS PG 1 <1G WIENER JR., JOSEPH C. MCWILLIAMS, PAUL 0
Defendant's Name: CALDWELL, MICHAEL ANTHONY
Arraignment has been scheduled as follows:
Ct Cause Setting Time Misc L Offense Attorney DA BD BD Amt
027 FR67964 05/12/11 AR 845 S FRAUD USE/POSS IDENTIFYING IN MAJOR, BUCKLEY MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 87 30,000
Defendant's Name: MATHIS, DAWNIESHA
027 FR67965 05/12/11 AR 845 2 BURGLARY OF HABITATION * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: BROOKS, JASON WAYNE
027 FR67966 05/12/11 AR 845 2 BURGLARY OF HABITATION * MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 0
Defendant's Name: MARRERO, MELINDA MARIE
027 FR67967 05/12/11 AR 845 2 BURGLARY OF HABITATION HALL, BILLY RAY MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 0
Defendant's Name: HAMILTON, JERALD KEITH JR
027 FR67968 05/12/11 AR 845 1 AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: OVERTON, MICHAEL JAMES
027 FR67969 05/12/11 AR 845 3 ASSAULT FAM/HOUSE MEM IMPEDE * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: BYNUM, CARMEY CARNELL JR
027 FR67970 05/12/11 AR 845 2 ASSAULT INT/RECK BREATH/CIRC HARRIS III, ROBERT O. VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: TERRELL, ISSAC DUANE
027 FR67972 05/12/11 AR 845 3 POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G WILKERSON, SCOTT VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: HUDSON, GARRY ALLEN
027 FR67973 05/12/11 AR 845 3 POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G WIENER JR., JOSEPH C. VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: HICKS, LAIONIE AMBER
027 FR67974 05/12/11 AR 845 1 AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD GALLIGAN, JOHN P. VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: SKIBA, JOSEPH JAY
027 FR67978 05/12/11 AR 845 S EVADING ARREST DETENTION W/VE * MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 79 10,000
Defendant's Name: MORRIS, MICHAEL RAY
027 FR67979 05/12/11 AR 845 3 OBSTRUCTION OR RETALIATION COX, ROBERT D. VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: SCOTT, WALTER
027 FR67980 05/12/11 AR 845 3 ASSAULT FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD MEMB * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: ROYSTER, AARON DEVON
027 FR67981 05/12/11 AR 845 S POSS CS PG 1 <1G PARKER, JEFF MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE PR 25,000
Defendant's Name: HORNSBY, HORACIO CORDELLE
027 FR67982 05/12/11 AR 845 S POSS CS PG 1 <1G MAJOR, BUCKLEY MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 0
Defendant's Name: RODRIGUEZ, SAUL
027 FR67983 05/12/11 AR 845 S POSS CS PG 1 <1G MAJOR, BUCKLEY MCWILLIAMS, LESLIE 0
Defendant's Name: RODRIGUEZ, SAUL
027 FR67985 05/12/11 AR 845 3 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD * BARNES, WILLIAM NELSON 0
Defendant's Name: STUBBLEFIELD, TOMMY LEE
027 FR67986 05/12/11 AR 845 S TAMPER W/GOVERN RECORD DEFRAU * VALLEJO, EDWARD 0
Defendant's Name: DANIELS, BEVERLY ANN
264 FR67976 05/13/11 AR 915 3 ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL GILBERT, GINESE WALDMAN, MICHAEL 0
Defendant's Name: MONTEZ, VINCENTE JR
264 FR67975 05/13/11 AR 915 3 ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL STRIEGLER, STEVEN WALDMAN, MICHAEL 0
Defendant's Name: BACHMAYER, NIKKI LYNN
264 FR67977 05/13/11 AR 915 3 ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL CORTESE, PERRY WALDMAN, MICHAEL 0
Defendant's Name: SANCHEZ, ERMINIA
264 FR67984 05/13/11 AR 915 S POSS MARIJ >4OZ<=5LBS MAHLER, TIM WALDMAN, MICHAEL 0
Defendant's Name: PARKER, DOMINIQUE LAPRELL
426 FR67962 05/13/11 AR 845 2 ARSON STAPLER, JAMES B MCWILLIAMS, PAUL PR 5,000
Defendant's Name: GARNER, DERRICK MONROE
426 FR67963 05/13/11 AR 845 1 MURDER TORREY, W.W. MCWILLIAMS, PAUL 0
Defendant's Name: ROGERS, ALEX WESTON
426 FR67971 05/13/11 AR 845 S POSS CS PG 1 <1G WIENER JR., JOSEPH C. MCWILLIAMS, PAUL 0
Defendant's Name: CALDWELL, MICHAEL ANTHONY
Three vehicle crash involving Waco Transit bus kills
(WACO PD RELEASE-PATRICK SWANTON)
At approximately 11:05 a.m., today, the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of the Waco Police Department with a vehicle stop. As Officers were still responding, the suspect vehicle struck a Waco Transit Bus at the intersection of South 12th Street and Clay Avenue. A third vehicle was also damaged in the crash and a 24 year old Hispanic male pedestrian was struck and killed during the same crash. His name will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
Waco Fire along with E.T.M.C. Ambulance responded to assist with numerous injuries. Seven victims from the bus and other vehicle were taken to Hillcrest Hospital by ambulance.
The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges may be filed against the driver of the vehicle that was being followed by McLennan County Sheriff Department.
At approximately 11:05 a.m., today, the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of the Waco Police Department with a vehicle stop. As Officers were still responding, the suspect vehicle struck a Waco Transit Bus at the intersection of South 12th Street and Clay Avenue. A third vehicle was also damaged in the crash and a 24 year old Hispanic male pedestrian was struck and killed during the same crash. His name will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
Waco Fire along with E.T.M.C. Ambulance responded to assist with numerous injuries. Seven victims from the bus and other vehicle were taken to Hillcrest Hospital by ambulance.
The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges may be filed against the driver of the vehicle that was being followed by McLennan County Sheriff Department.
McLennan County Indictments April 27
IN THE 54TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF McLENNAN COUNTY, TEXAS
On this the 27TH day of APRIL, 2011 the Grand Jurors for the MARCH, 2011 Term of the above named Court, having heretofore been retired to enter upon the discharge of their duties, came back into open Court in a body, at least nine of their members being present, and through their Foreman, delivered the following styled indictments to the Judge of said Court, which were subsequently numbered by the Clerk of said Court as follows, to-wit:
CAUSE NO. THE STATE OF TEXAS VS.: OFFENSE
2011-1089-C2 RICARDO SALAZAR SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1090-C1 IAN DELVENTEY GUY INSURANCE FRAUD WITH INJURY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1091-C1 IAN DELVENTEY GUY ARSON OF A HABITATION WITH INJURY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1092-C1 JASON WILLIAM EICKENHORST THEFT OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000 (ENHANCED)
2011-1093-C1 JESSE JAMES POTEET THEFT OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000
2011-1094-C2 VICKY LEA ARELLANO AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1095-C1 CLARENCE LEE VANSICKLE, JR. ASSAULT DATING VIOLENCE (ENHANCED)
2011-1096-C2 MATTHEW GREGORY LOPEZ THEFT OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000
2011-1097-C1 TORIE TAJUAN ROBINSON THEFT OF SERVICE OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000
2011-1098-C1 REGINALD CLEVELAND CRAWFORD CRIMINAL MISCHIEF OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000
2011-1099-C1 CARLAS DRAKE WILLIAMS, JR. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1100-C1 LATASHA NICOLE POWELL AGGRAVATED ASSAULT THREATEN WITH DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1101-C1 EDER MEZA-JAIMES POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: COCAINE
2011-1102-C1 BILLY EDWARD SEDBERRY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
2011-1103-C1 AUGUSTINE ZAPATA BURGLARY OF HABITATION
2011-1104-C1 CLARENCE LEE VANSICKLE, JR. UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE FROM CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
2011-1105-C2 ALVARO HERNANDEZ SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1106-C1 REGINALD CLEVELAND CRAWFORD ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1107-C1 RUSSELL WAYNE UHRIG ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1108-C2 TRENTON ERIC SMITH POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: METHAMPHETAMINE
2011-1109-C1 LISA TAYLOR SERVANTES DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED FELONY
2011-1110-C2 CHRISTOPHER L. MAGERS POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: HYDROCODONE IN A DRUG FREE ZONE
2011-1111-C2 MICHAEL WARREN SHULTZ FORGERY-COUNT I; FORGERY-COUNT II
2011-1112-C2 MICHAEL WARREN SHULTZ FRAUDULENT USE OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
2011-1113-C1 LARRY LEE JOHNSON KIDNAPPING
2011-1114-C2 AARON LAZARUS DAVILA AGGRAVATED ASSAULT THREATEN WITH DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1115-C2 JOSHUA KIRKNEY BASS CREDIT CARD ABUSE-COUNT I;
CREDIT CARD ABUSE-COUNT II
2011-1116-C1 MICHAEL ANGELO GARCIA SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1117-C1 ARTHUR REID ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE BY OCCLUSION
2011-1118-C2 RICKY ROBERT JAMES, JR. BURGLARY OF A BUILDING
2011-1119-C2 JUSTIN RUSSELL MURDOCH BURGLARY OF A HABITATION WITH INTENT TO COMMIT ASSAULT
2011-1120-C2 MARVIN SHANE ROSKEY CRIMINAL MISCHIEF OF PUBLIC SERVICE, TO-WIT: GAS METER
2011-1121-C2 MICHAEL ANTHONY COLLINS THEFT OF LESS THAN $1,500 WITH PRIORS
2011-1122-C1 DOMINQUE JAMAL GRIFFEN BURGLARY OF A HABITATION
2011-1123-C1 JAMES DOUGLAS VESELKA BURGLARY OF A HABITATION
2011-1124-C1 ART VALDIVIA RENOBATO BURGLARY OF A HABITATION WITH INTENT TO COMMIT FELONY
2011-1125-C1 JUAN CARLOS GARZA UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
2011-1126-C2 ANTHONY SHAWN ROBINSON EVADING ARREST WITH A PRIOR
2011-1127-C2 DOLORES CRAWFORD AGGRAVATED ASSAULT THREATEN WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1128-C1 JUSTIN MATHEWS AGGRAVATED ROBBERY
2011-1129-C2 LISA MARIE ESTRADA FORGERY
2011-1130-C2 SONNY MELENDEZ POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: COCAINE (HABITUAL)
2011-1131-C2 ROBERT WINSTON NOWLIN THEFT LESS THAN $1,500 WITH TWO PRIOR CONVICTIONS
2011-1132-C1 RASHAD BRANDON YOUNG THEFT LESS THAN $1,500 WITH PRIOR CONVICTIONS AGGREGATED
2011-1133-C1 RAUL IBANEZ HERNANDEZ
AKA DAVID HERNANDEZ BAIL JUMPING AND FAIL TO APPEAR
2011-1134-C1 ROBERT JESSE SMITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON-COUNT I;
ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE ENHANCED-COUNT II
2011-1135-C2 BELINDA FAYE ZWEIFEL THEFT OVER $1500 AGGREGATED
2011-1136-C2 DAVID ARTURO AGUIRRE FAILURE TO STOP AND RENDER AID
2011-1137-C2 BOBBIE RAELYN SOUKUP
AKA BOBBIE REALYN ZIMMERMAN DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED-FELONY
2011-1138-C2 PHILLIP BLANE COCKRELL, JR. POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: METHAMPHETAMINE
2011-1139-C2 JESSICA MARY FOLWARCZNY FAILURE TO STOP AND RENDER AID
2011-1140-C2 WILLIAM DARREN PRATER INTOXICATION ASSAULT-COUNT I;
FAILURE TO STOP AND RENDER AID-COUNT II
and the Clerk is here and now ordered to enter the fact of the presentment of the above listed indictments upon the minutes of said Court, noting briefly the style of the criminal action and the file number of the indictment, but omitting the name of the defendant, unless he is in custody or under bond.
On this the 27TH day of APRIL, 2011 the Grand Jurors for the MARCH, 2011 Term of the above named Court, having heretofore been retired to enter upon the discharge of their duties, came back into open Court in a body, at least nine of their members being present, and through their Foreman, delivered the following styled indictments to the Judge of said Court, which were subsequently numbered by the Clerk of said Court as follows, to-wit:
CAUSE NO. THE STATE OF TEXAS VS.: OFFENSE
2011-1089-C2 RICARDO SALAZAR SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1090-C1 IAN DELVENTEY GUY INSURANCE FRAUD WITH INJURY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1091-C1 IAN DELVENTEY GUY ARSON OF A HABITATION WITH INJURY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1092-C1 JASON WILLIAM EICKENHORST THEFT OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000 (ENHANCED)
2011-1093-C1 JESSE JAMES POTEET THEFT OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000
2011-1094-C2 VICKY LEA ARELLANO AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1095-C1 CLARENCE LEE VANSICKLE, JR. ASSAULT DATING VIOLENCE (ENHANCED)
2011-1096-C2 MATTHEW GREGORY LOPEZ THEFT OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000
2011-1097-C1 TORIE TAJUAN ROBINSON THEFT OF SERVICE OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000
2011-1098-C1 REGINALD CLEVELAND CRAWFORD CRIMINAL MISCHIEF OF $1,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $20,000
2011-1099-C1 CARLAS DRAKE WILLIAMS, JR. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1100-C1 LATASHA NICOLE POWELL AGGRAVATED ASSAULT THREATEN WITH DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1101-C1 EDER MEZA-JAIMES POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: COCAINE
2011-1102-C1 BILLY EDWARD SEDBERRY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
2011-1103-C1 AUGUSTINE ZAPATA BURGLARY OF HABITATION
2011-1104-C1 CLARENCE LEE VANSICKLE, JR. UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE FROM CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
2011-1105-C2 ALVARO HERNANDEZ SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1106-C1 REGINALD CLEVELAND CRAWFORD ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1107-C1 RUSSELL WAYNE UHRIG ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1108-C2 TRENTON ERIC SMITH POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: METHAMPHETAMINE
2011-1109-C1 LISA TAYLOR SERVANTES DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED FELONY
2011-1110-C2 CHRISTOPHER L. MAGERS POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: HYDROCODONE IN A DRUG FREE ZONE
2011-1111-C2 MICHAEL WARREN SHULTZ FORGERY-COUNT I; FORGERY-COUNT II
2011-1112-C2 MICHAEL WARREN SHULTZ FRAUDULENT USE OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
2011-1113-C1 LARRY LEE JOHNSON KIDNAPPING
2011-1114-C2 AARON LAZARUS DAVILA AGGRAVATED ASSAULT THREATEN WITH DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1115-C2 JOSHUA KIRKNEY BASS CREDIT CARD ABUSE-COUNT I;
CREDIT CARD ABUSE-COUNT II
2011-1116-C1 MICHAEL ANGELO GARCIA SEXUAL ASSAULT
2011-1117-C1 ARTHUR REID ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE BY OCCLUSION
2011-1118-C2 RICKY ROBERT JAMES, JR. BURGLARY OF A BUILDING
2011-1119-C2 JUSTIN RUSSELL MURDOCH BURGLARY OF A HABITATION WITH INTENT TO COMMIT ASSAULT
2011-1120-C2 MARVIN SHANE ROSKEY CRIMINAL MISCHIEF OF PUBLIC SERVICE, TO-WIT: GAS METER
2011-1121-C2 MICHAEL ANTHONY COLLINS THEFT OF LESS THAN $1,500 WITH PRIORS
2011-1122-C1 DOMINQUE JAMAL GRIFFEN BURGLARY OF A HABITATION
2011-1123-C1 JAMES DOUGLAS VESELKA BURGLARY OF A HABITATION
2011-1124-C1 ART VALDIVIA RENOBATO BURGLARY OF A HABITATION WITH INTENT TO COMMIT FELONY
2011-1125-C1 JUAN CARLOS GARZA UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
2011-1126-C2 ANTHONY SHAWN ROBINSON EVADING ARREST WITH A PRIOR
2011-1127-C2 DOLORES CRAWFORD AGGRAVATED ASSAULT THREATEN WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
2011-1128-C1 JUSTIN MATHEWS AGGRAVATED ROBBERY
2011-1129-C2 LISA MARIE ESTRADA FORGERY
2011-1130-C2 SONNY MELENDEZ POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: COCAINE (HABITUAL)
2011-1131-C2 ROBERT WINSTON NOWLIN THEFT LESS THAN $1,500 WITH TWO PRIOR CONVICTIONS
2011-1132-C1 RASHAD BRANDON YOUNG THEFT LESS THAN $1,500 WITH PRIOR CONVICTIONS AGGREGATED
2011-1133-C1 RAUL IBANEZ HERNANDEZ
AKA DAVID HERNANDEZ BAIL JUMPING AND FAIL TO APPEAR
2011-1134-C1 ROBERT JESSE SMITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON-COUNT I;
ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE ENHANCED-COUNT II
2011-1135-C2 BELINDA FAYE ZWEIFEL THEFT OVER $1500 AGGREGATED
2011-1136-C2 DAVID ARTURO AGUIRRE FAILURE TO STOP AND RENDER AID
2011-1137-C2 BOBBIE RAELYN SOUKUP
AKA BOBBIE REALYN ZIMMERMAN DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED-FELONY
2011-1138-C2 PHILLIP BLANE COCKRELL, JR. POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, TO-WIT: METHAMPHETAMINE
2011-1139-C2 JESSICA MARY FOLWARCZNY FAILURE TO STOP AND RENDER AID
2011-1140-C2 WILLIAM DARREN PRATER INTOXICATION ASSAULT-COUNT I;
FAILURE TO STOP AND RENDER AID-COUNT II
and the Clerk is here and now ordered to enter the fact of the presentment of the above listed indictments upon the minutes of said Court, noting briefly the style of the criminal action and the file number of the indictment, but omitting the name of the defendant, unless he is in custody or under bond.
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