(Killeen Police Release)
A vacant business building burned in the 1100 block of W. Stan Schlueter this morning, Monday, May 31, 2011.
Killeen Police and Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at 5:26am after receiving a 911 call telling them a building was on fire in the 1100 W. Stan Schlueter Blvd. The building was fully engulfed inside as firefighters began the process of extinguishing the flames. During this process the Killeen Fire Department deployed Engine 5 and Engine 8 along with a ladder truck, the rescue truck as well as the Killeen Fire Department Tower truck. More than 50 firefighters were involved in getting this fire under control. During this time a large portion of Stan Schlueter was blocked off as well as the intersection of 195 and Stan Schlueter Blvd.
The cause of this fire continues to be investigated by the Killeen Fire Marshals and information will be released as it becomes available.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
NTSB LAUNCHING TEAM TO INVESTIGATE MOTORCOACH ACCIDENT IN VIRGINIA
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a Go- Team to investigate the crash of a motorcoach near Doswell, Virginia.
The motorcoach, operated by Sky Express, was traveling northbound on I-95 en route from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New York City when it crashed at about 4:55 am ET this morning. Numerous fatalities and injuries have been reported.
Peter Kotowski will serve as Investigator-in-Charge for the team. Member Earl Weener is accompanying the team and will serve as principal spokesman during the on-scene phase of the investigation.
The motorcoach, operated by Sky Express, was traveling northbound on I-95 en route from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New York City when it crashed at about 4:55 am ET this morning. Numerous fatalities and injuries have been reported.
Peter Kotowski will serve as Investigator-in-Charge for the team. Member Earl Weener is accompanying the team and will serve as principal spokesman during the on-scene phase of the investigation.
Temple Fatal Fire Cause Determined, Victim Still Unidentified
Temple Fatal House Fire Update
Temple Fire and Police investigators are waiting on a positive identification from the Medical Examiners Office in Dallas on the woman who died in house fire Saturday, May 28, 2011.
Temple firefighters responded to 4302 Antelope and reported fire and smoke from the single story brick residence. Temple Police officers were first to arrive and attempted to enter the house, but intense smoke and heat prevented their entry.
Firefighters made an interior search and located the lifeless adult female. The woman did not respond to resuscitation efforts. Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield pronounced the woman dead and ordered an autopsy. The body was sent to the Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas.
Fire investigators working jointly with Temple Police determined the fire originated in the kitchen. While heavy fire damage makes the exact cause of the fire undetermined, authorities believe the fire at this time was unintentional. Firefighters located the woman in another area of the house.
The house received heavy fire damage.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Temple Fire and Police investigators are waiting on a positive identification from the Medical Examiners Office in Dallas on the woman who died in house fire Saturday, May 28, 2011.
Temple firefighters responded to 4302 Antelope and reported fire and smoke from the single story brick residence. Temple Police officers were first to arrive and attempted to enter the house, but intense smoke and heat prevented their entry.
Firefighters made an interior search and located the lifeless adult female. The woman did not respond to resuscitation efforts. Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield pronounced the woman dead and ordered an autopsy. The body was sent to the Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas.
Fire investigators working jointly with Temple Police determined the fire originated in the kitchen. While heavy fire damage makes the exact cause of the fire undetermined, authorities believe the fire at this time was unintentional. Firefighters located the woman in another area of the house.
The house received heavy fire damage.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Missing Kayaker Found Dead in Hill County
UPDATE:
A spotter in a Department of Public Safety helicopter led searchers to the body of a kayaker and fisherman from Heanre who had been missing since SUnday afternoon.The body of Raymon Niklaus of Hearne was found downstream of the dam at Lake Whitney. Niklaus had been fly fishing with friends when generator use at the lake resulted in water being released. As the water began to rise, some of the men went back to shore, but the 52-year-old Niklaus decied to stay awhile. His kayak was later found near Coon Creek. The search began Sunday and late into Sunday night when it was called off and resumed at daybreak today. Three game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Service along with deputies of the Hill County Sheriff's Office led the search operation with assistance from DPS.
ORIGINAL STORY
A search began on the Brazos River in Hill County last night for a missing kayaker and has resumed as of daylight this morning. The Hill County Sheriff's Office got the call yesterday and searched until late last night. The kayak was found near Coon Creek below the Lake Whitney dam, but no sign of the occupants. A command center has been set up near the dam and the search has resumed from that point downstream. Parks and WIldlife Dept has three game wardens involved in the search.
A spotter in a Department of Public Safety helicopter led searchers to the body of a kayaker and fisherman from Heanre who had been missing since SUnday afternoon.The body of Raymon Niklaus of Hearne was found downstream of the dam at Lake Whitney. Niklaus had been fly fishing with friends when generator use at the lake resulted in water being released. As the water began to rise, some of the men went back to shore, but the 52-year-old Niklaus decied to stay awhile. His kayak was later found near Coon Creek. The search began Sunday and late into Sunday night when it was called off and resumed at daybreak today. Three game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Service along with deputies of the Hill County Sheriff's Office led the search operation with assistance from DPS.
ORIGINAL STORY
A search began on the Brazos River in Hill County last night for a missing kayaker and has resumed as of daylight this morning. The Hill County Sheriff's Office got the call yesterday and searched until late last night. The kayak was found near Coon Creek below the Lake Whitney dam, but no sign of the occupants. A command center has been set up near the dam and the search has resumed from that point downstream. Parks and WIldlife Dept has three game wardens involved in the search.
Trooper Argues Against Bigger Trucks
(Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association Release)
Texas State Trooper Sergeant Gary Chandler, President of the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association, is heading to Washington, D.C. on June 1st armed with a simple message for Congress: Texas motorists should not be forced to share the road with bigger, more dangerous trucks.
Millions of Americans took to the roads over the past several days for Memorial Day weekend – the traditional start of the busiest and most dangerous season on our highways. As many millions more prepare for their summer vacations, Chandler will join other troopers and safety professionals from around the nation to speak out against proposals in Congress that would increase maximum truck weights and remove current restrictions on massive triple-trailer trucks and other “longer combination vehicles” (LCVs).
“Bigger trucks and safety are like oil and water – they just don’t mix,” said Chandler. “These 97,000-pound trucks are going to have higher centers of gravity, which increases the risk of dangerous rollovers. The third trailer on a triple can sway from side-to-side as much as 3 feet. Can you imagine these trucks running on Texas major highways, including I-37 and US 77? One of my jobs is to keep our highways safe for Texas drivers. These kinds of trucks are just going to make it more difficult to keep our drivers safe.”
Legislation introduced in the House and Senate would increase maximum weights for single-trailer trucks by 8 ½ tons, from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds. With Congress preparing a multi-year transportation funding bill and a vote expected soon, some of the nation’s largest and most powerful trucking companies are also lobbying to lift a 20-year-old “freeze” that strictly limits operations of triple trailers and other LCVs.
Chandler said his 30 years of experience as a state trooper makes him convinced bigger trucks will lead to more dangerous highways.
“Longer and heavier trucks create a multitude of safety issues just simply by their design. An increased risk of fatal accidents and a larger crash footprint cannot be ignored just so big trucking companies can make more money,” Chandler said. “Too many people are already killed and injured in truck crashes. Bigger, heavier trucks will only make those numbers go up. These heavier trucks will be prone to braking and equipment issues, not to mention being top-heavy and difficult to maneuver.”
Chandler joined like-minded law enforcement officials from 18 states in making the trek to Washington, at the invitation of the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) a non-profit grassroots organization opposed to legislation that would make trucks longer or heavier.
In Texas in 2009, there were 315 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks and 6,263 injuries. There were also 11,884 large trucks involved in non-fatal crashes.
Chandler noted that higher truck weights accelerate the damage done to bridges and pavement. More than 9,000 of the state’s highway bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete – meaning they require substantial repairs or replacement.
In Washington, Trooper Chandler plans to meet with members of the Texas Congressional delegation, including Representatives Blake Farenthold and Eddie Bernice Johnson, who sit on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, where the first votes on bigger truck bills will take place.
Texas State Trooper Sergeant Gary Chandler, President of the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association, is heading to Washington, D.C. on June 1st armed with a simple message for Congress: Texas motorists should not be forced to share the road with bigger, more dangerous trucks.
Millions of Americans took to the roads over the past several days for Memorial Day weekend – the traditional start of the busiest and most dangerous season on our highways. As many millions more prepare for their summer vacations, Chandler will join other troopers and safety professionals from around the nation to speak out against proposals in Congress that would increase maximum truck weights and remove current restrictions on massive triple-trailer trucks and other “longer combination vehicles” (LCVs).
“Bigger trucks and safety are like oil and water – they just don’t mix,” said Chandler. “These 97,000-pound trucks are going to have higher centers of gravity, which increases the risk of dangerous rollovers. The third trailer on a triple can sway from side-to-side as much as 3 feet. Can you imagine these trucks running on Texas major highways, including I-37 and US 77? One of my jobs is to keep our highways safe for Texas drivers. These kinds of trucks are just going to make it more difficult to keep our drivers safe.”
Legislation introduced in the House and Senate would increase maximum weights for single-trailer trucks by 8 ½ tons, from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds. With Congress preparing a multi-year transportation funding bill and a vote expected soon, some of the nation’s largest and most powerful trucking companies are also lobbying to lift a 20-year-old “freeze” that strictly limits operations of triple trailers and other LCVs.
Chandler said his 30 years of experience as a state trooper makes him convinced bigger trucks will lead to more dangerous highways.
“Longer and heavier trucks create a multitude of safety issues just simply by their design. An increased risk of fatal accidents and a larger crash footprint cannot be ignored just so big trucking companies can make more money,” Chandler said. “Too many people are already killed and injured in truck crashes. Bigger, heavier trucks will only make those numbers go up. These heavier trucks will be prone to braking and equipment issues, not to mention being top-heavy and difficult to maneuver.”
Chandler joined like-minded law enforcement officials from 18 states in making the trek to Washington, at the invitation of the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) a non-profit grassroots organization opposed to legislation that would make trucks longer or heavier.
In Texas in 2009, there were 315 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks and 6,263 injuries. There were also 11,884 large trucks involved in non-fatal crashes.
Chandler noted that higher truck weights accelerate the damage done to bridges and pavement. More than 9,000 of the state’s highway bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete – meaning they require substantial repairs or replacement.
In Washington, Trooper Chandler plans to meet with members of the Texas Congressional delegation, including Representatives Blake Farenthold and Eddie Bernice Johnson, who sit on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, where the first votes on bigger truck bills will take place.
Man Struck by Train in Temple Identified
(TEMPLE PD RELEASE-BRAD HUNT)
On 5/29/2011 at about 5:00 pm, Officers were dispatched to the train tracks near South 49th Street and West Avenue G, to a reported train vs. pedestrian accident. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the pedestrian was deceased. The initial investigation revealed the man was walking across the tracks when he stopped in front of a slow-moving train, and was subsequently struck by the train. Justice of the Peace Duffield pronounced the man deceased. The deceased man is identified as: Mark Matthew Byers, a 48-year-old man from Tyler, Texas. He recently lived in the Temple / Waco area, and the investigation continues into the circumstances that led him to be present on the train tracks.
On 5/29/2011 at about 5:00 pm, Officers were dispatched to the train tracks near South 49th Street and West Avenue G, to a reported train vs. pedestrian accident. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the pedestrian was deceased. The initial investigation revealed the man was walking across the tracks when he stopped in front of a slow-moving train, and was subsequently struck by the train. Justice of the Peace Duffield pronounced the man deceased. The deceased man is identified as: Mark Matthew Byers, a 48-year-old man from Tyler, Texas. He recently lived in the Temple / Waco area, and the investigation continues into the circumstances that led him to be present on the train tracks.
Shots Fired at North Waco House, Woman Injured by Flying Glass
(WACO PD RELEASE-PATRICK SWANTON)
Unknown suspect/s shoot house injuring occupant with flying glass.
Waco Officers responded to a call at 1:00 a.m. 5-31-2011 in the 800 block of n. 16th in reference to a discharge of a firearm. Officers found that unknown person/s shot at a house striking the house several times.
There were several individuals in the home at the time of the shooting. A 53 year old female victim was injured by flying glass but refused medical treatment. She was the only one reporting injury.
Unknown suspect/s shoot house injuring occupant with flying glass.
Waco Officers responded to a call at 1:00 a.m. 5-31-2011 in the 800 block of n. 16th in reference to a discharge of a firearm. Officers found that unknown person/s shot at a house striking the house several times.
There were several individuals in the home at the time of the shooting. A 53 year old female victim was injured by flying glass but refused medical treatment. She was the only one reporting injury.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Train Hits Garbage Truck in Killeen
A Burlington Northern Santa Fe Train struck a refuse truck in Killeen this morning. BNSF Spokesman Joe Faust says it happened shortly after eleven on the College Street crossing of the tracks near Avenue E in Killeen. Faust says no one on the train was injured and there was no hazmat spill from the train. He said initially there did not appear to be any damage to the train. He also said the truck was not occupied at the time of the crash.
Obama Nominates Dempsey as Chairman, Winnefeld as Vice Chairman Joint Chiefs
Odierno to Sec'y of the Army
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2011 – President Barack Obama announced his choices as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a Rose Garden ceremony today.
Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey as chairman and Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld as vice chairman. Dempsey is currently the Army chief of staff and Winnefeld is the commander of U.S. Northern Command.
Dempsey will replace Navy Adm. Mike Mullen when his term ends September 30, and Winnefeld will replace Marine Gen. James “Hoss” Cartwright when his term ends in July.
The president intends to nominate Gen. Ray Odierno to succeed Dempsey at the Army post.
The Senate must approve the nominations and the president called on the body to act expeditiously so the military transition will be “seamless.”
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2011 – President Barack Obama announced his choices as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a Rose Garden ceremony today.
Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey as chairman and Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld as vice chairman. Dempsey is currently the Army chief of staff and Winnefeld is the commander of U.S. Northern Command.
Dempsey will replace Navy Adm. Mike Mullen when his term ends September 30, and Winnefeld will replace Marine Gen. James “Hoss” Cartwright when his term ends in July.
The president intends to nominate Gen. Ray Odierno to succeed Dempsey at the Army post.
The Senate must approve the nominations and the president called on the body to act expeditiously so the military transition will be “seamless.”
Gov Perry Signs lawsuit reform legislation into law
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed House Bill 274, which brings important lawsuit reforms to Texas courts, including implementing a loser pays system for frivolous lawsuits in the state. The governor designated this issue as an emergency item for this legislative session. Gov. Perry was joined by Rep. Brandon Creighton and Sen. Joan Huffman for the signing ceremony.
“HB 274 provides defendants and judges with a variety of tools that will cut down on frivolous claims in Texas,” Gov. Perry said. “This important legislation will help make Texas that much more attractive to employers seeking to expand or relocate from countries all over the world by allowing them to spend less time in court and more time creating jobs.”
HB 274 implements several measures to streamline and lower the cost of litigation in Texas courts, allowing parties to resolve disputes more quickly, more fairly and less expensively. This includes:
· Allowing a trial court to dismiss a frivolous lawsuit immediately if there is no basis in law or fact for the lawsuit;
· Allowing a trial judge to send a question of law directly to the appellate court without requiring all parties to agree if a ruling by a court of appeals could decide the case;
· Allowing plaintiffs seeking less than $100,000 to request an expedited civil action; and
· Encouraging the timely settlement of disputes and helping prevent a party from extending litigation by seeking a “home run” if they have already been offered a fair settlement.
“House Bill 274 signifies a major landmark for tort reform in Texas,” Rep. Creighton said. “I am pleased with the outcome and am positive that this bill, now signed into law by Governor Perry, will make litigation in Texas fair, expedient, and affordable – helping to create jobs, make plaintiffs whole and protect defendants from meritless cases.”
“Texas remains a national leader of tort reform with the signing of HB 274. The legislation curtails the frivolous lawsuits that can harm individuals and small businesses and fosters a more efficient and accessible court system for all parties,” Sen. Huffman said. “I was pleased to sponsor the bill in the Senate and thank my colleagues for supporting these important improvements to our legal climate.”
“HB 274 provides defendants and judges with a variety of tools that will cut down on frivolous claims in Texas,” Gov. Perry said. “This important legislation will help make Texas that much more attractive to employers seeking to expand or relocate from countries all over the world by allowing them to spend less time in court and more time creating jobs.”
HB 274 implements several measures to streamline and lower the cost of litigation in Texas courts, allowing parties to resolve disputes more quickly, more fairly and less expensively. This includes:
· Allowing a trial court to dismiss a frivolous lawsuit immediately if there is no basis in law or fact for the lawsuit;
· Allowing a trial judge to send a question of law directly to the appellate court without requiring all parties to agree if a ruling by a court of appeals could decide the case;
· Allowing plaintiffs seeking less than $100,000 to request an expedited civil action; and
· Encouraging the timely settlement of disputes and helping prevent a party from extending litigation by seeking a “home run” if they have already been offered a fair settlement.
“House Bill 274 signifies a major landmark for tort reform in Texas,” Rep. Creighton said. “I am pleased with the outcome and am positive that this bill, now signed into law by Governor Perry, will make litigation in Texas fair, expedient, and affordable – helping to create jobs, make plaintiffs whole and protect defendants from meritless cases.”
“Texas remains a national leader of tort reform with the signing of HB 274. The legislation curtails the frivolous lawsuits that can harm individuals and small businesses and fosters a more efficient and accessible court system for all parties,” Sen. Huffman said. “I was pleased to sponsor the bill in the Senate and thank my colleagues for supporting these important improvements to our legal climate.”
Weekend Arrest in College Station Kidnapping Case
(COLLEGE STATION PD RELEASE-Rhonda Seaton)
On May 26th at approximately 6:30 AM, a female victim came to the College Station Police Department to report that she had been kidnapped by her estranged husband, Westley Harper, the previous evening. She said that Harper had come to her place of employment at approximately 10:00 PM on May 25th and asked her to take him to the hospital. She said that he looked ill so she agreed. On the way to the hospital he convinced her to stop at a restaurant so he could sit in the air conditioning and drink some water. During the stop, Harper became agitated and he told the victim to take him back to his truck that had been left parked at her workplace. Once they arrived at Harper’s truck, he refused to exit the victim’s vehicle and began screaming at her and took her key out of the ignition. The victim tried to exit the vehicle and run away but Harper caught her and knocked her to the ground causing the victim to injure her knee. Harper then grabbed the victim, hit her several times causing additional injuries. The victim said that Harper forced her into his truck and drove her to his residence in Grimes County.
The victim stated that she was afraid of being seriously injured or killed by Harper so she stayed at his residence while he slept and she stated that she also fell asleep for a short period of time. She said that she woke up at approximately 5:30 AM on the 26th and escaped in Harper’s vehicle, while he was still asleep. The victim fled to her mother’s residence in Brazos County and her mother transported her to the police department.
After continuing the investigation, detectives with the College Station Police Department Criminal Investigation Division were able to obtain a two count warrant for Harper for Kidnapping and Assault (Class A) Family Violence with prior convictions. Both charges are 3rd degree felonies and carry a bond of $50,000 per charge.
On May 28th, the College Station Police Department was notified that Harper had been taken into custody on our charges. Grimes County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Harper, without incident, at his residence at approximately 1:32 PM. He is currently being held in the Grimes County jail pending transfer to Brazos County.
On May 26th at approximately 6:30 AM, a female victim came to the College Station Police Department to report that she had been kidnapped by her estranged husband, Westley Harper, the previous evening. She said that Harper had come to her place of employment at approximately 10:00 PM on May 25th and asked her to take him to the hospital. She said that he looked ill so she agreed. On the way to the hospital he convinced her to stop at a restaurant so he could sit in the air conditioning and drink some water. During the stop, Harper became agitated and he told the victim to take him back to his truck that had been left parked at her workplace. Once they arrived at Harper’s truck, he refused to exit the victim’s vehicle and began screaming at her and took her key out of the ignition. The victim tried to exit the vehicle and run away but Harper caught her and knocked her to the ground causing the victim to injure her knee. Harper then grabbed the victim, hit her several times causing additional injuries. The victim said that Harper forced her into his truck and drove her to his residence in Grimes County.
The victim stated that she was afraid of being seriously injured or killed by Harper so she stayed at his residence while he slept and she stated that she also fell asleep for a short period of time. She said that she woke up at approximately 5:30 AM on the 26th and escaped in Harper’s vehicle, while he was still asleep. The victim fled to her mother’s residence in Brazos County and her mother transported her to the police department.
After continuing the investigation, detectives with the College Station Police Department Criminal Investigation Division were able to obtain a two count warrant for Harper for Kidnapping and Assault (Class A) Family Violence with prior convictions. Both charges are 3rd degree felonies and carry a bond of $50,000 per charge.
On May 28th, the College Station Police Department was notified that Harper had been taken into custody on our charges. Grimes County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Harper, without incident, at his residence at approximately 1:32 PM. He is currently being held in the Grimes County jail pending transfer to Brazos County.
Madisonville Man Killed When Car Hits Tree
A 31 year old oilfield mcehanic from Madisonville was killed in a one vehicle accident Sunday night in Madison County. The Department of Public Safety reports it happened just before 8 pm on State Highway 90 about 4 miles South of Madisonville. DPS reports a 2008 Honda driven by Marion Antonio Saldana of Madisonville was Northbound on SH 90 at what was described as an unsafe speed when it left the east side of the roadway and struck a tree. Saldana was pronounced dead at the scene.
One Dead and One Injured in Crash at 12th and Morrow, Waco
(WACO PD RELEASE-PATRICK SWANTON)
On 5-30-2011 at 1:30 am, officers were dispatched to 12th and Morrow on a fatality wreck. A 1998 GMC Yukon was headed east on Morrow and ran the stop sign and struck a 2000 Dodge Intrepid that had been headed north on 12th street.
The driver of the Yukon was thrown from the vehicle and died from his injuries.The victim’s family has been notified in the fatality crash. He has been identified as 51 year old hispanic male Marciano Barrera, a Waco resident.
The other vehicles driver was taken to the hospital by ETMC with serious injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle.
Judge Lassiter pronounced the deceased. Crime scene and Accident Reconstruction Detective were called to the scene to assist.
# # #
On 5-30-2011 at 1:30 am, officers were dispatched to 12th and Morrow on a fatality wreck. A 1998 GMC Yukon was headed east on Morrow and ran the stop sign and struck a 2000 Dodge Intrepid that had been headed north on 12th street.
The driver of the Yukon was thrown from the vehicle and died from his injuries.The victim’s family has been notified in the fatality crash. He has been identified as 51 year old hispanic male Marciano Barrera, a Waco resident.
The other vehicles driver was taken to the hospital by ETMC with serious injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle.
Judge Lassiter pronounced the deceased. Crime scene and Accident Reconstruction Detective were called to the scene to assist.
# # #
Bryan: Shots Fired Call Leads to Arrest
(BRYAN PD-JON AGNEW)
On May 28, 2011 at 1:50 am, the Bryan Police Department responded to a shots fired call in the 900 block of Suncrest St. Officers and Detectives responded to the scene to investigate. A female victim was located with gunshot injuries. She was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital and is in critical condition. The suspect involved in the shooting had fled the scene in his vehicle. Police were able to obtain suspect information and a vehicle description. An area wide message was sent out to surrounding law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the suspect vehicle.
Shortly after that at approximately 2:20 am Waller County Sheriff’s Department located the possible suspect vehicle on Highway 290 headed towards Houston. The vehicle fled from the Sheriff’s Department and later wrecked out. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody by Waller County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect arrested was identified as Quincy Butler, a 31 year old male from Houston. He is currently in custody for Evading in a Vehicle (Felony 3), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony 2), and Possession of Firearm by Felon (Felony 3) by the Waller County Sheriff’s Department. His bond is pending at this time. The Bryan Police Department has also charged the suspect with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (a Felony 1 and a Felony 2) in reference to the shooting on Suncrest St. His bond is set at $600,000 for those two charges.
The Bryan Police Department’s investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information about the shooting please contact the Bryan Police Department at 979-209-5300.
On May 28, 2011 at 1:50 am, the Bryan Police Department responded to a shots fired call in the 900 block of Suncrest St. Officers and Detectives responded to the scene to investigate. A female victim was located with gunshot injuries. She was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital and is in critical condition. The suspect involved in the shooting had fled the scene in his vehicle. Police were able to obtain suspect information and a vehicle description. An area wide message was sent out to surrounding law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the suspect vehicle.
Shortly after that at approximately 2:20 am Waller County Sheriff’s Department located the possible suspect vehicle on Highway 290 headed towards Houston. The vehicle fled from the Sheriff’s Department and later wrecked out. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody by Waller County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect arrested was identified as Quincy Butler, a 31 year old male from Houston. He is currently in custody for Evading in a Vehicle (Felony 3), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony 2), and Possession of Firearm by Felon (Felony 3) by the Waller County Sheriff’s Department. His bond is pending at this time. The Bryan Police Department has also charged the suspect with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (a Felony 1 and a Felony 2) in reference to the shooting on Suncrest St. His bond is set at $600,000 for those two charges.
The Bryan Police Department’s investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information about the shooting please contact the Bryan Police Department at 979-209-5300.
Granger Man Victim in Milam County Drowning
(MILAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE RELEASE)
According to Sheriff David Greene, the Milam County Sheriff’s Office received a call late Friday evening reporting a possible drowning on the Little River at Bryant Station Bridge located in western Milam County. Friends at the location stated that they had been swimming when Brandon Everage, 30 YOA, of Granger went under water and didn’t resurface.
Investigator J. Beathard and members of the Sheriff’s Office, Cameron and Buckholts Fire Departments and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden, Charlie Myers, searched late into the night before the search was stopped for safety concerns. The search was started again early Saturday morning, assisted by additional Wardens and the Morgan’s Point rescue and dive team. At approximately 10:50 A.M. Everage’s body was located by members of the dive team. Everage was pronounced dead by J.P. 1 Rick Gommert and is being sent to the Travis County Medical Examiner for Autopsy.
According to Sheriff David Greene, the Milam County Sheriff’s Office received a call late Friday evening reporting a possible drowning on the Little River at Bryant Station Bridge located in western Milam County. Friends at the location stated that they had been swimming when Brandon Everage, 30 YOA, of Granger went under water and didn’t resurface.
Investigator J. Beathard and members of the Sheriff’s Office, Cameron and Buckholts Fire Departments and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden, Charlie Myers, searched late into the night before the search was stopped for safety concerns. The search was started again early Saturday morning, assisted by additional Wardens and the Morgan’s Point rescue and dive team. At approximately 10:50 A.M. Everage’s body was located by members of the dive team. Everage was pronounced dead by J.P. 1 Rick Gommert and is being sent to the Travis County Medical Examiner for Autopsy.
Navy Names Next Aircraft Carrier USS John F. Kennedy
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has announced the next Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier will be named the USS John F. Kennedy.
The selection John F. Kennedy, designated CVN 79, honors the 35th President of the United States and pays tribute to his service in the Navy, in the government, and to the nation.
“President John F. Kennedy exemplified the meaning of service, not just to country, but service to all humanity,” said Mabus. “I am honored to have the opportunity to name the next aircraft carrier after this great sailor and inspirational leader, and to keep the rich tradition and history of USS John F. Kennedy sailing in the U.S. Fleet.”
Born in Brookline, Mass., May 29, 1917, Kennedy graduated from Harvard in 1940 and entered the Navy in October 1941.
During World War II, Kennedy took command of PT 109 at Tulagi Island in the Solomons with a mission to intercept Japanese ships attempting to resupply their barges in New Georgia. In the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 1943, Kennedy’s ship was inadvertently struck by an enemy ship and split in half. Over the course of the next six days, Kennedy led his crew members to safety and an eventual rescue. Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for the rescue of his crew and a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained when his ship was struck.
After his military service, Kennedy became a congressman representing the Boston area, he was elected to the Senate in 1953, and in 1961 became the youngest person to be elected president.
One previous ship, the USS John F. Kennedy, CV 67, was named in his honor and was decommissioned in 2007 after nearly 40 years of distinguished service, including Operation Desert Storm.
The USS John F. Kennedy and other Ford-class carriers will be the premier forward asset for crisis response and humanitarian relief and early decisive striking power in a major combat operation. The aircraft carrier and the carrier strike group will provide forward presence, rapid response, endurance on station, and multi-mission capability throughout its 50-year service life.
The USS John F. Kennedy will provide improved warfighting capability, quality of life improvements for sailors and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs. The ship will be constructed at Newport News Shipbuilding, Va., a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.
The selection John F. Kennedy, designated CVN 79, honors the 35th President of the United States and pays tribute to his service in the Navy, in the government, and to the nation.
“President John F. Kennedy exemplified the meaning of service, not just to country, but service to all humanity,” said Mabus. “I am honored to have the opportunity to name the next aircraft carrier after this great sailor and inspirational leader, and to keep the rich tradition and history of USS John F. Kennedy sailing in the U.S. Fleet.”
Born in Brookline, Mass., May 29, 1917, Kennedy graduated from Harvard in 1940 and entered the Navy in October 1941.
During World War II, Kennedy took command of PT 109 at Tulagi Island in the Solomons with a mission to intercept Japanese ships attempting to resupply their barges in New Georgia. In the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 1943, Kennedy’s ship was inadvertently struck by an enemy ship and split in half. Over the course of the next six days, Kennedy led his crew members to safety and an eventual rescue. Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for the rescue of his crew and a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained when his ship was struck.
After his military service, Kennedy became a congressman representing the Boston area, he was elected to the Senate in 1953, and in 1961 became the youngest person to be elected president.
One previous ship, the USS John F. Kennedy, CV 67, was named in his honor and was decommissioned in 2007 after nearly 40 years of distinguished service, including Operation Desert Storm.
The USS John F. Kennedy and other Ford-class carriers will be the premier forward asset for crisis response and humanitarian relief and early decisive striking power in a major combat operation. The aircraft carrier and the carrier strike group will provide forward presence, rapid response, endurance on station, and multi-mission capability throughout its 50-year service life.
The USS John F. Kennedy will provide improved warfighting capability, quality of life improvements for sailors and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs. The ship will be constructed at Newport News Shipbuilding, Va., a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.
Waco Public Hearings on Redistricting to Be Held
(CITY OF WACO RELEASE)
Waco, Texas – The Waco City Council and Mayor Jim Bush are inviting the public to attend four hearings on the redistricting of Waco on June 3, 8, 9 and 10. The redistricting plan was proposed and discussed at the May 17 City Council meeting, which can be viewed in its entirety on the City’s website at http://www.waco-texas.com/ . The Action Agenda resulting from the meeting is also available on the website.
Waco, a home rule city governed by Article XI section 5 of the Texas Constitution, elects five of its council members from single member districts. The 14th Amendment requires that all the districts have essentially the same number of people under the principle of “one-person one-vote.” Under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (reenacted in 2006), the U.S. Attorney General must pre-clear all voting changes before they may be implemented to insure that voting changes made by the city do not have a discriminatory purpose or effect upon the rights of minorities to vote.
The Attorney General’s regulations strongly encourage community input in the process; therefore, public hearings will be held for the purpose of securing community comment upon the proposed redistricting plan. The date, time, and location of the public hearings are as follows:
Hearing 1:
Friday, June 3, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Sul Ross Community Center
1414 Jefferson Ave. Waco, TX 76701
Hearing 2:
Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
West Waco Library
5301 Bosque Blvd. Suite 257 Waco, TX 76710
Hearing 3:
Thursday, June 9, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Waco Multi-Purpose Community Center
1020 Elm Street Waco, TX 76704
Hearing 4:
Friday, June 10, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
South Waco Community Center
2815 Speight Ave. Waco, TX 76711
Waco, Texas – The Waco City Council and Mayor Jim Bush are inviting the public to attend four hearings on the redistricting of Waco on June 3, 8, 9 and 10. The redistricting plan was proposed and discussed at the May 17 City Council meeting, which can be viewed in its entirety on the City’s website at http://www.waco-texas.com/ . The Action Agenda resulting from the meeting is also available on the website.
Waco, a home rule city governed by Article XI section 5 of the Texas Constitution, elects five of its council members from single member districts. The 14th Amendment requires that all the districts have essentially the same number of people under the principle of “one-person one-vote.” Under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (reenacted in 2006), the U.S. Attorney General must pre-clear all voting changes before they may be implemented to insure that voting changes made by the city do not have a discriminatory purpose or effect upon the rights of minorities to vote.
The Attorney General’s regulations strongly encourage community input in the process; therefore, public hearings will be held for the purpose of securing community comment upon the proposed redistricting plan. The date, time, and location of the public hearings are as follows:
Hearing 1:
Friday, June 3, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Sul Ross Community Center
1414 Jefferson Ave. Waco, TX 76701
Hearing 2:
Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
West Waco Library
5301 Bosque Blvd. Suite 257 Waco, TX 76710
Hearing 3:
Thursday, June 9, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Waco Multi-Purpose Community Center
1020 Elm Street Waco, TX 76704
Hearing 4:
Friday, June 10, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
South Waco Community Center
2815 Speight Ave. Waco, TX 76711
June I-35 Lane Closures – Bell County
(TXDOT RELEASE)
James Construction Group will be closing the inside mainlane of southbound I-35 from Shanklin Rd. to ½ mile south of Tahuaya Road three nights this week.
The lane closures are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 31 – June 2, 2011, from 7 pm to 7 am. Workers will begin preparing the area inside the median to allow for traffic to be shifted over later to allow for the construction of new mainlanes.
No lane closures will be in place over the weekend, but additional nighttime lane closures will be required in the week following to complete the work.
Motorists are advised to observe all warning signs, traffic control devices, and public safety officers in the project area. I-35 frontage roads will be open.
James Construction Group began work on this project in July 2010, as part of TxDOT’s commitment to widen I-35 to a minimum of three lanes in each direction, with uninterrupted access roads, from San Antonio to the I-35 split above Hillsboro. Completion of the project is expected by the fall of 2014.
Efforts to improve the I-35 corridor throughout the state would not be possible without the support of 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 www.my35.org.
James Construction Group will be closing the inside mainlane of southbound I-35 from Shanklin Rd. to ½ mile south of Tahuaya Road three nights this week.
The lane closures are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 31 – June 2, 2011, from 7 pm to 7 am. Workers will begin preparing the area inside the median to allow for traffic to be shifted over later to allow for the construction of new mainlanes.
No lane closures will be in place over the weekend, but additional nighttime lane closures will be required in the week following to complete the work.
Motorists are advised to observe all warning signs, traffic control devices, and public safety officers in the project area. I-35 frontage roads will be open.
James Construction Group began work on this project in July 2010, as part of TxDOT’s commitment to widen I-35 to a minimum of three lanes in each direction, with uninterrupted access roads, from San Antonio to the I-35 split above Hillsboro. Completion of the project is expected by the fall of 2014.
Efforts to improve the I-35 corridor throughout the state would not be possible without the support of 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 www.my35.org.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Medal of Honor Recipients Have Ties to Waco/ Central Texas
Waco, Texas -- In remembrance of those who have given so much to our country, make plans on stopping by the Genealogy Center at the West Waco Library & Genealogy Center to check out the display on “Medal of Honor Recipients with Ties to Waco and Central Texas.” What better way to pay homage to all war dead than by remembering those who have been bestowed with the highest military decoration awarded by the United States – the ‘Medal of Honor?’ It is not an award earned but a recognition given to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the U.S.”
Research by Robert Gamboa and Marge Kultgen identified nine recipients of the Metal of Honor that have ties directly to Waco or to neighboring counties. In most recent history, Col. Robert L. Howard of Waco died on December 23, 2009. Col. Howard was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor before President Nixon awarded him the award in 1971. His obituary states, “Col Howard was wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam and awarded eight purple hearts.” At the time of his death, it was believed that he was the most decorated living American.
The display includes the General Order for each recipient, photo of the medal particular to the branch of service, biographical and genealogical information, and photos. All major conflicts are represented. History of the Medal of Honor, as well as a full listing of recipients from the State of Texas, is included in the display.
Others on display include:
Daniel R. Edwards (WWI) Born in Mooreville, Texas (Falls County)
Archibald C. Freeman (Civil War, Union Troops) Died in Limestone County
James Lindel Harris (WWII) Born in Hillsboro, Texas
William Kelly Harrison (Mexican War) Born in Waco, Texas
John R. Kane (WWII) Born in McGregor, Texas, attended Baylor University
Jack Lummus (WWII) Born in Ennis, Texas, attended Baylor University
Whitt L. Moreland (Korean War) Born in Waco, Texas
James E. Robinson (WWII) Grew up in South Waco
The display will be available for viewing until after the 4th of July. For more information call the Center at
750-5945.
Research by Robert Gamboa and Marge Kultgen identified nine recipients of the Metal of Honor that have ties directly to Waco or to neighboring counties. In most recent history, Col. Robert L. Howard of Waco died on December 23, 2009. Col. Howard was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor before President Nixon awarded him the award in 1971. His obituary states, “Col Howard was wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam and awarded eight purple hearts.” At the time of his death, it was believed that he was the most decorated living American.
The display includes the General Order for each recipient, photo of the medal particular to the branch of service, biographical and genealogical information, and photos. All major conflicts are represented. History of the Medal of Honor, as well as a full listing of recipients from the State of Texas, is included in the display.
Others on display include:
Daniel R. Edwards (WWI) Born in Mooreville, Texas (Falls County)
Archibald C. Freeman (Civil War, Union Troops) Died in Limestone County
James Lindel Harris (WWII) Born in Hillsboro, Texas
William Kelly Harrison (Mexican War) Born in Waco, Texas
John R. Kane (WWII) Born in McGregor, Texas, attended Baylor University
Jack Lummus (WWII) Born in Ennis, Texas, attended Baylor University
Whitt L. Moreland (Korean War) Born in Waco, Texas
James E. Robinson (WWII) Grew up in South Waco
The display will be available for viewing until after the 4th of July. For more information call the Center at
750-5945.
Baylor Law School Mourns Loss of Dean Emeritus McSwain
(BAYLOR UNIVERSITY RELEASE-LORI FOGLEMAN)
WACO, Texas (May 29, 2011) – Baylor Law School tonight is mourning the death of Dean Emeritus Angus McSwain, who died suddenly Sunday, May 29, in Waco. Services are pending.
"In the loss of Dean McSwain, the Baylor Law community and our university have lost an iconic figure and a beloved friend," said Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben. "Dean McSwain was a paradigm of the teacher-scholar. His leadership on the law faculty across the decades and his 19 years as dean of the Law School set the standards and established a culture that have allowed our Law School to thrive, and through our alumni, to have a profound impact upon our profession, our state and beyond. He was in all he did an understated gentleman, who always sought to do his best, to serve others and to live a quiet life of faith. Our prayers are with Andy, Chris and Stewart in this loss to their family and in this loss to the legion of people who loved and held the Dean in the highest esteem."
Dean McSwain was born in 1923 and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan, Texas. He entered Texas A&M University, but in 1943 his education was interrupted by World War II. He spent the next three years in the Army Corps of Engineers and was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1946. He received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M in 1947. He earned his L.L.B. cum laude in 1949 from Baylor Law, where he was first in his class, and later an LL.M. from the University of Michigan Law School.
He served as a professor of law at Baylor from 1949-1965, when he became dean. McSwain would lead the law school for the next 19 years, at that time, the longest tenure of any dean in the law school's history.
Throughout his tenure as dean, Baylor Law achieved and maintained a high standard of academic excellence. McSwain emphasized classroom teaching as the law school's primary objective. During the early years of McSwain's tenure, a number of new faculty members arrived, including David Guinn (1966), who was honored as Master Teacher and is currently the senior faculty member; R. Matt "Mad Dog" Dawson (1971); and W. Frank Newton (1972), who later became the dean at Texas Tech University School of Law. Other still-active faculty hired during McSwain's tenure were Tom Featherston, Mike Rogers, Ron Beal, Mike Morrison and current Dean Brad Toben.
McSwain returned to full-time teaching in 1984 and was named The Gov. Bill and Vara Faye Daniel Chair of Property Law in 1985. In 1990, he was designated a Master Teacher, the highest honor granted to Baylor faculty members. Since his affiliation with Baylor Law, he taught a wide variety of courses, including trusts and estates, torts, local government, civil procedure, constitutional law, jurisprudence and personal and real property. Although he "officially" retired in 1994, he continued to teach until 2008, a total of 59 years.
In addition to Law School activities, McSwain was a member of the Texas Bar Association and served as both secretary and chair of the Family Law Section. He also authored numerous articles for the Texas Bar Journal as well as textbooks and casebooks.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ann. He is survived by one son, Andy McSwain, also a Baylor Lawyer, Andy's wife, Chris, and grandson, Stewart.
"In the loss of Dean McSwain, the Baylor Law community and our university have lost an iconic figure and a beloved friend," said Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben. "Dean McSwain was a paradigm of the teacher-scholar. His leadership on the law faculty across the decades and his 19 years as dean of the Law School set the standards and established a culture that have allowed our Law School to thrive, and through our alumni, to have a profound impact upon our profession, our state and beyond. He was in all he did an understated gentleman, who always sought to do his best, to serve others and to live a quiet life of faith. Our prayers are with Andy, Chris and Stewart in this loss to their family and in this loss to the legion of people who loved and held the Dean in the highest esteem."
Dean McSwain was born in 1923 and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan, Texas. He entered Texas A&M University, but in 1943 his education was interrupted by World War II. He spent the next three years in the Army Corps of Engineers and was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1946. He received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M in 1947. He earned his L.L.B. cum laude in 1949 from Baylor Law, where he was first in his class, and later an LL.M. from the University of Michigan Law School.
He served as a professor of law at Baylor from 1949-1965, when he became dean. McSwain would lead the law school for the next 19 years, at that time, the longest tenure of any dean in the law school's history.
Throughout his tenure as dean, Baylor Law achieved and maintained a high standard of academic excellence. McSwain emphasized classroom teaching as the law school's primary objective. During the early years of McSwain's tenure, a number of new faculty members arrived, including David Guinn (1966), who was honored as Master Teacher and is currently the senior faculty member; R. Matt "Mad Dog" Dawson (1971); and W. Frank Newton (1972), who later became the dean at Texas Tech University School of Law. Other still-active faculty hired during McSwain's tenure were Tom Featherston, Mike Rogers, Ron Beal, Mike Morrison and current Dean Brad Toben.
McSwain returned to full-time teaching in 1984 and was named The Gov. Bill and Vara Faye Daniel Chair of Property Law in 1985. In 1990, he was designated a Master Teacher, the highest honor granted to Baylor faculty members. Since his affiliation with Baylor Law, he taught a wide variety of courses, including trusts and estates, torts, local government, civil procedure, constitutional law, jurisprudence and personal and real property. Although he "officially" retired in 1994, he continued to teach until 2008, a total of 59 years.
In addition to Law School activities, McSwain was a member of the Texas Bar Association and served as both secretary and chair of the Family Law Section. He also authored numerous articles for the Texas Bar Journal as well as textbooks and casebooks.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ann. He is survived by one son, Andy McSwain, also a Baylor Lawyer, Andy's wife, Chris, and grandson, Stewart.
Arrested Robbery Suspect Faces More Charges
(WACO PD RELEASE)
Walker is the individual Waco P.D. arrested for robbery on 5-28-2011 at Jefferson Arms Apartments. He was responsible for committing a robbery that night at 26th and Gorman around 12:10 am. Victim was leaving a nightclub at 25th and Grim when approached by Walker and two other suspects. Walker and the others demanded money from the victim and the victim attempted to flee. When chased down, Walker and the other black male suspect beat the victim and threatened another person who tried to intervene. Officers are investigating to determine the other involved suspects identities. Walker was charged with this robbery as well as Unlawful possession of firearm and Tampering with ID Numbers.
While investigating, officers discovered Walker had two outstanding warrants for Aggravated Robbery. These warrants stem from the robbery that occurred on 5-22-2011 at 5:35 pm in the 1900 block of Colcord.
Walker is the individual Waco P.D. arrested for robbery on 5-28-2011 at Jefferson Arms Apartments. He was responsible for committing a robbery that night at 26th and Gorman around 12:10 am. Victim was leaving a nightclub at 25th and Grim when approached by Walker and two other suspects. Walker and the others demanded money from the victim and the victim attempted to flee. When chased down, Walker and the other black male suspect beat the victim and threatened another person who tried to intervene. Officers are investigating to determine the other involved suspects identities. Walker was charged with this robbery as well as Unlawful possession of firearm and Tampering with ID Numbers.
While investigating, officers discovered Walker had two outstanding warrants for Aggravated Robbery. These warrants stem from the robbery that occurred on 5-22-2011 at 5:35 pm in the 1900 block of Colcord.
SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT IN WACO KILLS ONE
(WACO PD RELEASE)
On 5/29/11 at 7:49 am, Officers Responded to New Road and Sanger on an injury wreck. A vehicle was traveling south on New Road when it left the roadway and struck a fence and the northwest corner of a home in the 4500 block of Sanger. Officers found an 88 year old white male that had been driving the vehicle was deceased. It appears that the male suffered some type of medical episode that caused the wreck. He was the lone occupant of the vehicle and no one in the home was injured.
Victim Services as well as the Accident Reconstruction Detective were called to assist.
Justice of the Peace K. DeCluitt pronounced the subject deceased at 0805 hrs and did not order an autopsy.
The victim from Sunday morning’s fatality wreck at Sanger and New Road is Angus McSwain, 88 years of age. Mr. McSwain was the Baylor Law School Dean from 1965 to 1984.
On 5/29/11 at 7:49 am, Officers Responded to New Road and Sanger on an injury wreck. A vehicle was traveling south on New Road when it left the roadway and struck a fence and the northwest corner of a home in the 4500 block of Sanger. Officers found an 88 year old white male that had been driving the vehicle was deceased. It appears that the male suffered some type of medical episode that caused the wreck. He was the lone occupant of the vehicle and no one in the home was injured.
Victim Services as well as the Accident Reconstruction Detective were called to assist.
Justice of the Peace K. DeCluitt pronounced the subject deceased at 0805 hrs and did not order an autopsy.
The victim from Sunday morning’s fatality wreck at Sanger and New Road is Angus McSwain, 88 years of age. Mr. McSwain was the Baylor Law School Dean from 1965 to 1984.
Fire on Antelope Trail in Temple Claims One Life
(TEMPLE FIRE AND RESCUE RELEASE-THOMAS PECHAL)
Temple firefighters responded to a house fire in the 4300 Block of Antelope Trail late Saturday night. Temple Police officers were first to arrive and attempted to enter the house but were driven back by smoke and heat. The first Engine reported fire and smoke showing from the single story brick residence.
During the primary search, firefighters located a lifeless adult female inside the house. She was quickly removed outside and Paramedics from Temple Fire and Scott & White EMS began working to save her life. Sadly, the patient did not respond to resuscitation efforts. Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield pronounced the woman dead and ordered an autopsy.
Firefighters located and rescued five cats inside the house. The cats were entrusted to the care of neighbors who were making arrangements to have the cats evaluated by a local veterinarian.
The cause and origin of the fire and death is being actively investigated by Temple Fire Marshal and Police Department Investigators.
The call was dispatched at 10:34 p.m.; the first unit arrived at 10:38 p.m. Fire under control was given at 11:30 p.m. Four Engine Companies, 1 Ladder Truck Company, 1 Fire Incident Commander, 2 support units; a total of 18 personnel responded to the call. Scott & White EMS and Oncor Electric also responded.
Temple firefighters responded to a house fire in the 4300 Block of Antelope Trail late Saturday night. Temple Police officers were first to arrive and attempted to enter the house but were driven back by smoke and heat. The first Engine reported fire and smoke showing from the single story brick residence.
During the primary search, firefighters located a lifeless adult female inside the house. She was quickly removed outside and Paramedics from Temple Fire and Scott & White EMS began working to save her life. Sadly, the patient did not respond to resuscitation efforts. Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield pronounced the woman dead and ordered an autopsy.
Firefighters located and rescued five cats inside the house. The cats were entrusted to the care of neighbors who were making arrangements to have the cats evaluated by a local veterinarian.
The cause and origin of the fire and death is being actively investigated by Temple Fire Marshal and Police Department Investigators.
The call was dispatched at 10:34 p.m.; the first unit arrived at 10:38 p.m. Fire under control was given at 11:30 p.m. Four Engine Companies, 1 Ladder Truck Company, 1 Fire Incident Commander, 2 support units; a total of 18 personnel responded to the call. Scott & White EMS and Oncor Electric also responded.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
FT HOOD HELO PILOT DIES IN CRASH IN AFGHANISTAN
FT HOOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FORT HOOD, Texas -- The Department of Defense announced May 27 the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau, 28, whose home of record is listed as Chesterland, Ohio, died May 26 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his helicopter crashed during combat operations.
Thibodeau joined the military in August 2006. Thibodeau, an AH-64D attack pilot, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Hood, since August 2009.
Thibodeau deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during the summer of 2010.
Thibodeau's awards and decorations include an Air Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon and Army Service Ribbon.
FORT HOOD, Texas -- The Department of Defense announced May 27 the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau, 28, whose home of record is listed as Chesterland, Ohio, died May 26 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his helicopter crashed during combat operations.
Thibodeau joined the military in August 2006. Thibodeau, an AH-64D attack pilot, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Hood, since August 2009.
Thibodeau deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during the summer of 2010.
Thibodeau's awards and decorations include an Air Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon and Army Service Ribbon.
Waco Police Make Arrest in Robberies
(WACO PD RELEASE-PATRICK SWANTON)
On 05/28/11 at 00:25 dispatch received a call about an Aggravated Robbery that occurred at N 26th/Gorman. The officers received a tip from a citizen during the immediate investigation of the incident that led the officers to Jefferson Arms Apartments in the 900 block of n. 26th. . There they located Delaronte Walker. Officers ID’d him and determined he was wanted for Agg Robbery 2X’s. They then found a gun and other evidence in the apartment that was used during the Aggravated Robbery that had just occurred. Delaronte Walker was transported to the McLennan County Jail and charged with Aggravated Robbery, Felon in possession of a firearm, and Tampering w/ID’s as well as Aggravated Robbery charges in recent cases.
On 05/28/11 at 00:25 dispatch received a call about an Aggravated Robbery that occurred at N 26th/Gorman. The officers received a tip from a citizen during the immediate investigation of the incident that led the officers to Jefferson Arms Apartments in the 900 block of n. 26th. . There they located Delaronte Walker. Officers ID’d him and determined he was wanted for Agg Robbery 2X’s. They then found a gun and other evidence in the apartment that was used during the Aggravated Robbery that had just occurred. Delaronte Walker was transported to the McLennan County Jail and charged with Aggravated Robbery, Felon in possession of a firearm, and Tampering w/ID’s as well as Aggravated Robbery charges in recent cases.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Medal of Honor Recipients Have Ties to Waco/ Central Texas
West Waco
Waco, Texas (May 27, 2011) -- In remembrance of those who have given so much to our country, make plans on stopping by the Genealogy Center at the West Waco Library & Genealogy Center to check out the display on “Medal of Honor Recipients with Ties to Waco and Central Texas.” What better way to pay homage to all war dead than by remembering those who have been bestowed with the highest military decoration awarded by the United States – the ‘Medal of Honor?’ It is not an award earned but a recognition given to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the U.S.”
Research by Robert Gamboa and Marge Kultgen identified nine recipients of the Metal of Honor that have ties directly to Waco or to neighboring counties. In most recent history, Col. Robert L. Howard of Waco died on December 23, 2009. Col. Howard was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor before President Nixon awarded him the award in 1971. His obituary states, “Col Howard was wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam and awarded eight purple hearts.” At the time of his death, it was believed that he was the most decorated living American.
The display includes the General Order for each recipient, photo of the medal particular to the branch of service, biographical and genealogical information, and photos. All major conflicts are represented. History of the Medal of Honor, as well as a full listing of recipients from the State of Texas, is included in the display.
Others on display include:
Daniel R. Edwards (WWI) Born in Mooreville, Texas (Falls County)
Archibald C. Freeman (Civil War, Union Troops) Died in Limestone County
James Lindel Harris (WWII) Born in Hillsboro, Texas
William Kelly Harrison (Mexican War) Born in Waco, Texas
John R. Kane (WWII) Born in McGregor, Texas, attended Baylor University
Jack Lummus (WWII) Born in Ennis, Texas, attended Baylor University
Whitt L. Moreland (Korean War) Born in Waco, Texas
James E. Robinson (WWII) Grew up in South Waco
The display will be available for viewing until after the 4th of July.
Waco, Texas (May 27, 2011) -- In remembrance of those who have given so much to our country, make plans on stopping by the Genealogy Center at the West Waco Library & Genealogy Center to check out the display on “Medal of Honor Recipients with Ties to Waco and Central Texas.” What better way to pay homage to all war dead than by remembering those who have been bestowed with the highest military decoration awarded by the United States – the ‘Medal of Honor?’ It is not an award earned but a recognition given to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the U.S.”
Research by Robert Gamboa and Marge Kultgen identified nine recipients of the Metal of Honor that have ties directly to Waco or to neighboring counties. In most recent history, Col. Robert L. Howard of Waco died on December 23, 2009. Col. Howard was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor before President Nixon awarded him the award in 1971. His obituary states, “Col Howard was wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam and awarded eight purple hearts.” At the time of his death, it was believed that he was the most decorated living American.
The display includes the General Order for each recipient, photo of the medal particular to the branch of service, biographical and genealogical information, and photos. All major conflicts are represented. History of the Medal of Honor, as well as a full listing of recipients from the State of Texas, is included in the display.
Others on display include:
Daniel R. Edwards (WWI) Born in Mooreville, Texas (Falls County)
Archibald C. Freeman (Civil War, Union Troops) Died in Limestone County
James Lindel Harris (WWII) Born in Hillsboro, Texas
William Kelly Harrison (Mexican War) Born in Waco, Texas
John R. Kane (WWII) Born in McGregor, Texas, attended Baylor University
Jack Lummus (WWII) Born in Ennis, Texas, attended Baylor University
Whitt L. Moreland (Korean War) Born in Waco, Texas
James E. Robinson (WWII) Grew up in South Waco
The display will be available for viewing until after the 4th of July.
Ancient Egypt exhibit opens at Baylor this weekend
Secrets of Ancient Egypt Revealed through Modern Science
New exhibit at Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex unveils everyday life in ancient Egypt
(BAYLOR UNIVERSITY RELEASE)
WACO, TX – (May 27, 2011) – A 16-year-old Egyptian girl who lived 2,300 years ago could not have imagined today’s CT Scans. But because of the impact such technology has had on archeology, much has been learned about the mummified mystery teen — all without ever unwrapping her.
That mummy — dubbed “Annie” by those who study her — and her sarcophagus will be part of a new interactive exhibition that opens at Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex this weekend. The traveling exhibition — LOST EGYPT: ANCIENT SECRETS, MODERN SCIENCE — explores how the lives and culture of ancient Egyptians are being uncovered in new ways, thanks to modern science and technology.
The exhibition is produced by the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio. It opens Saturday, May 28, and runs through Sept. 5.
“This artifact-rich exhibit with its participatory learning component is exactly the type of experience we are pleased to offer our visitors of all ages,” said Dr. Ellie Caston, director of Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex.
These days, ground-penetrating radar is used to find lost Egyptian cities, such as one near Cairo, said Terry White, exhibit installation supervisor at the Center of Science and Industry. Mummies can be studied through soft-tissue and skeletal scanned images, rather than by unwrapping or disturbing the remains.
CT scans and forensic reconstructions of the faces of Annie — who was found on the banks of the Nile —and three other female mummies will be on display, as will animal mummies and funeral artifacts and amulets — often gemstones and precious metals — placed with the dead to give them luck and protect them in the afterlife, White said.
“While Annie was anonymous, she was treated with utmost respect and prestige because she was found floating in the Nile, which was considered a sacred thing,” Caston said. “Someone went to great expense to have her mummified and to build an ornate coffin.”
While Egyptian rulers have been given much attention in exhibits worldwide, the Mayborn exhibit is special because it gives visitors insight into “99.9 percent of the people’s lives in Egypt — not just famous pharaohs such as King Tut,” Caston said. “We have a tendency to focus on the exception to the rule, but that skews history.”
Today’s exploration is very different from treasure hunting of the late 1800s, before the birth of the science of archeology. In those times, thieves dug into sites to search for jewels and precious stones, making no attempt to safeguard the sites for their historical and scientific value, White said.
Archeologists have turned up surprises, he said. One is that many people who built the pyramids appear to have been well-treated, despite the stereotype that they were forced laborers.
“Maybe there were some that were slaves, but there were a lot that volunteered,” he said. “Tomb workers were somewhat like platoons, living in barracks of about 40 people.” They received medical treatment when necessary, and “they ate meat every day, gardened, made pots,” he said. “In that time in history, it was probably not a bad life.”
Those visitors who are curious about the engineering feat of building pyramids can get a sense of it by tugging ropes to haul smaller replicas of the huge wood sleds used to haul massive blocks of stone to the construction sites. On a smaller scale, they can gaze at a glass-encased miniature pyramid and adjusting a dial to simulate blowing desert sand. Or they can test their own skills by building a miniature pyramid or assembling pottery shards.
A video about the spiritual life of Egyptians will be shown in a “temple” flanked by flaming torches. And anyone with a hankering to do so may climb onto a fiber-and-steel replica of a kneeling camel named Sarah and have their photos taken with her.
Museum articles are on loan from the Brooklyn Museum in New York and The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.
WHAT: LOST EGYPT: ANCIENT SECRETS, MODERN SCIENCE, a traveling exhibit revealing how archeologists use modern science and technology to uncover and understand the ancient civilization of Egypt.
WHEN: May 28 through Sept. 5. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
WHERE: Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex, 1300 S. University Parks Drive.
COST: A special price of $5 per person will be offered Saturday, May 28, through Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day). Cost after those dates (which includes admission to all Mayborn exhibits and activities) is $10; $9 for senior citizens; and $5 for children. The exhibition is free to Mayborn Museum members and Baylor students; and to other college and university students with a valid ID.
New exhibit at Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex unveils everyday life in ancient Egypt
(BAYLOR UNIVERSITY RELEASE)
WACO, TX – (May 27, 2011) – A 16-year-old Egyptian girl who lived 2,300 years ago could not have imagined today’s CT Scans. But because of the impact such technology has had on archeology, much has been learned about the mummified mystery teen — all without ever unwrapping her.
That mummy — dubbed “Annie” by those who study her — and her sarcophagus will be part of a new interactive exhibition that opens at Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex this weekend. The traveling exhibition — LOST EGYPT: ANCIENT SECRETS, MODERN SCIENCE — explores how the lives and culture of ancient Egyptians are being uncovered in new ways, thanks to modern science and technology.
The exhibition is produced by the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio. It opens Saturday, May 28, and runs through Sept. 5.
“This artifact-rich exhibit with its participatory learning component is exactly the type of experience we are pleased to offer our visitors of all ages,” said Dr. Ellie Caston, director of Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex.
These days, ground-penetrating radar is used to find lost Egyptian cities, such as one near Cairo, said Terry White, exhibit installation supervisor at the Center of Science and Industry. Mummies can be studied through soft-tissue and skeletal scanned images, rather than by unwrapping or disturbing the remains.
CT scans and forensic reconstructions of the faces of Annie — who was found on the banks of the Nile —and three other female mummies will be on display, as will animal mummies and funeral artifacts and amulets — often gemstones and precious metals — placed with the dead to give them luck and protect them in the afterlife, White said.
“While Annie was anonymous, she was treated with utmost respect and prestige because she was found floating in the Nile, which was considered a sacred thing,” Caston said. “Someone went to great expense to have her mummified and to build an ornate coffin.”
While Egyptian rulers have been given much attention in exhibits worldwide, the Mayborn exhibit is special because it gives visitors insight into “99.9 percent of the people’s lives in Egypt — not just famous pharaohs such as King Tut,” Caston said. “We have a tendency to focus on the exception to the rule, but that skews history.”
Today’s exploration is very different from treasure hunting of the late 1800s, before the birth of the science of archeology. In those times, thieves dug into sites to search for jewels and precious stones, making no attempt to safeguard the sites for their historical and scientific value, White said.
Archeologists have turned up surprises, he said. One is that many people who built the pyramids appear to have been well-treated, despite the stereotype that they were forced laborers.
“Maybe there were some that were slaves, but there were a lot that volunteered,” he said. “Tomb workers were somewhat like platoons, living in barracks of about 40 people.” They received medical treatment when necessary, and “they ate meat every day, gardened, made pots,” he said. “In that time in history, it was probably not a bad life.”
Those visitors who are curious about the engineering feat of building pyramids can get a sense of it by tugging ropes to haul smaller replicas of the huge wood sleds used to haul massive blocks of stone to the construction sites. On a smaller scale, they can gaze at a glass-encased miniature pyramid and adjusting a dial to simulate blowing desert sand. Or they can test their own skills by building a miniature pyramid or assembling pottery shards.
A video about the spiritual life of Egyptians will be shown in a “temple” flanked by flaming torches. And anyone with a hankering to do so may climb onto a fiber-and-steel replica of a kneeling camel named Sarah and have their photos taken with her.
Museum articles are on loan from the Brooklyn Museum in New York and The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.
WHAT: LOST EGYPT: ANCIENT SECRETS, MODERN SCIENCE, a traveling exhibit revealing how archeologists use modern science and technology to uncover and understand the ancient civilization of Egypt.
WHEN: May 28 through Sept. 5. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
WHERE: Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex, 1300 S. University Parks Drive.
COST: A special price of $5 per person will be offered Saturday, May 28, through Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day). Cost after those dates (which includes admission to all Mayborn exhibits and activities) is $10; $9 for senior citizens; and $5 for children. The exhibition is free to Mayborn Museum members and Baylor students; and to other college and university students with a valid ID.
Apaches get ready to help protect Libyan civilians
(BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE RELEASE)
Ministers have agreed in principle to make UK Apache Attack Helicopters available to NATO as part of Operation Unified Protector which aims to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack.
Four helicopters operating from HMS Ocean will allow operational commanders to target Gaddafi's forces in line with United Security Council Resolution 1973 where they continue to pose a threat to the civilian population.
Apache will provide additional flexibility to NATO commanders who will decide when and how the aircraft are to be used.
An MOD spokesman said:
"Apache has shown how effective it is in Afghanistan, and its use in Libya would only increase the pressure on the regime to end its persecution of the Libyan people."
RAF aircraft have maintained intensive air missions all week as part of Operation Unified Protector. See Related News for more on this.
Apache, the British Army's attack helicopter, is flown on operations by 3 and 4 Regiments Army Air Corps, based at Wattisham in Suffolk.The helicopter just this week clocked up a landmark 100,000 flying hours, a third of which have been flown on operations in Afghanistan.
Ministers have agreed in principle to make UK Apache Attack Helicopters available to NATO as part of Operation Unified Protector which aims to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack.
Four helicopters operating from HMS Ocean will allow operational commanders to target Gaddafi's forces in line with United Security Council Resolution 1973 where they continue to pose a threat to the civilian population.
Apache will provide additional flexibility to NATO commanders who will decide when and how the aircraft are to be used.
An MOD spokesman said:
"Apache has shown how effective it is in Afghanistan, and its use in Libya would only increase the pressure on the regime to end its persecution of the Libyan people."
RAF aircraft have maintained intensive air missions all week as part of Operation Unified Protector. See Related News for more on this.
Apache, the British Army's attack helicopter, is flown on operations by 3 and 4 Regiments Army Air Corps, based at Wattisham in Suffolk.The helicopter just this week clocked up a landmark 100,000 flying hours, a third of which have been flown on operations in Afghanistan.
MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTING TO SMUGGLE GRENADES AND MACHINE GUNS TO MEXICO
(DEPT OF JUSTICE RELEASE)(LAREDO, Texas) – Guadalupe Salazar-Tovar, a 38-year-old Mexican citizen from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for attempting to smuggle 20 hand grenades and several machine guns into Mexico in violation of the Arms Export Control Act, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today. The sentence was handed down yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph M. Hood in Laredo.
On Nov. 30, 2010, Salazar-Tovar and Eliu Rivera-Mendez, 29, also of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, placed an order with undercover ATF agents, who were posing as weapon dealers, for the purchase of 20 M-67 military grenades and eight fully-automatic AR-15 and AK-47 type assault rifles for $10,400. Salazar-Tovar told the agents the weapons were to be delivered into Mexico after purchase. On Dec. 7, 2010, Salazar-Tovar and Rivera-Mendez met with ATF undercover agents at which time the agents demonstrated the use of the grenades which the defendants believed were fully-functioning fragmentation grenades when, in reality, were props and non-functioning. During the meeting, Salazar-Tovar once again confirmed to the undercover agents that the weapons were not for him but for someone in Nuevo Laredo. Salazar-Tovar said the weapons were as ordered, instructed Rivera-Mendez to bring the money from their car to him and personally handed the agents $10,400 in cash. Both men were arrested at the scene.
Rivera-Mendez has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation leading to the charges in this case was conducted by ATF, with the assistance of ICE and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
On Nov. 30, 2010, Salazar-Tovar and Eliu Rivera-Mendez, 29, also of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, placed an order with undercover ATF agents, who were posing as weapon dealers, for the purchase of 20 M-67 military grenades and eight fully-automatic AR-15 and AK-47 type assault rifles for $10,400. Salazar-Tovar told the agents the weapons were to be delivered into Mexico after purchase. On Dec. 7, 2010, Salazar-Tovar and Rivera-Mendez met with ATF undercover agents at which time the agents demonstrated the use of the grenades which the defendants believed were fully-functioning fragmentation grenades when, in reality, were props and non-functioning. During the meeting, Salazar-Tovar once again confirmed to the undercover agents that the weapons were not for him but for someone in Nuevo Laredo. Salazar-Tovar said the weapons were as ordered, instructed Rivera-Mendez to bring the money from their car to him and personally handed the agents $10,400 in cash. Both men were arrested at the scene.
Rivera-Mendez has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation leading to the charges in this case was conducted by ATF, with the assistance of ICE and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
U-N Peacekeepers Attacked in Lebanon
(UN RELEASE)
27 May 2011 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned today’s attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, adding that it is all the more deplorable as it occurred on the day the Organization has set aside for honouring the men and women who work to advance peace in war-torn countries.
According to media reports, a roadside bomb ripped through a convoy of UN vehicles carrying Italian peacekeepers serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is headquartered at Naqoura in southern Lebanon.
The UN said it is still receiving details about the attack, but it is clear that a number of peacekeepers have been wounded.
Speaking in Deauville, France, where he is attending the annual summit of the Group of Eight (G8) leading industrialized nations, Mr. Ban extended his sincere sympathies to the peacekeepers and their families as well as the people and Government of Italy.
“The United Nations will work closely together with the Lebanese authorities to have a full and swift investigation on the attack to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said the Secretary-General.
The attack comes on the same day that the world body commemorates the International Day of UN Peacekeepers to honour colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty and pay tribute to the 120,000 military, police and civilians who are working under the blue flag around the world for the cause of peace.
Originally created by the Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, UNIFIL was reinforced after the July-August 2006 fighting, with the added mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.
27 May 2011 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned today’s attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, adding that it is all the more deplorable as it occurred on the day the Organization has set aside for honouring the men and women who work to advance peace in war-torn countries.
According to media reports, a roadside bomb ripped through a convoy of UN vehicles carrying Italian peacekeepers serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is headquartered at Naqoura in southern Lebanon.
The UN said it is still receiving details about the attack, but it is clear that a number of peacekeepers have been wounded.
Speaking in Deauville, France, where he is attending the annual summit of the Group of Eight (G8) leading industrialized nations, Mr. Ban extended his sincere sympathies to the peacekeepers and their families as well as the people and Government of Italy.
“The United Nations will work closely together with the Lebanese authorities to have a full and swift investigation on the attack to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said the Secretary-General.
The attack comes on the same day that the world body commemorates the International Day of UN Peacekeepers to honour colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty and pay tribute to the 120,000 military, police and civilians who are working under the blue flag around the world for the cause of peace.
Originally created by the Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, UNIFIL was reinforced after the July-August 2006 fighting, with the added mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.
City of Killeen Calrifies Recall Election Process
From Hillary Shine, Executive Director of Public Information City of Killeen, Texas
In light of the Killeen Daily Herald article published today regarding the recall process, I feel the need to provide you with accurate and complete information that might be useful to you in future reports:
First, while the recall petition process and recall election process are related, they are governed separately. State law does not govern recall petitions, therefore the city charter is the ultimate law. State law does govern elections through the Texas Election Code and thus is the ultimate law.
The Secretary of State is the authority on election code, and our attorney has advised all those with questions to seek the expertise and opinion of the Secretary of State (800-252-8683).
The City of Killeen contacted the Secretary of State back on April 6 for guidance and was provided the following:
Section 41.004(a) of the Election Code contains very broad language with respect to the scheduling of special elections. The relevant portion of the law states that:
If a law outside this code other than the constitution requires a special election subject to Section 41.001(a) to be held within a particular period after the occurrence of a certain event, the election shall be held on an authorized uniform election date occurring within the period unless no uniform election date within the period affords enough time to hold the election in the manner required by law. In that case, the election shall be held on the first authorized uniform election date occurring after the expiration of the period.
A recall election is a type of election that is subject to the requirements of Section 41.001(a) (in other words, a recall election is one type of special election that has to take place on a uniform election date). Because the deadline has passed for ordering a May 14, 2011 election, the recall measure would have to be scheduled for the November 8, 2011 election at the earliest, regardless of the language in the city charter.
Thank you for your question.
Elections Division
Texas Secretary of State
The opinion provided by the Secretary of State substantiates what our city attorney has been stating throughout this process: regardless of what our charter states or what petitioners think, we must follow state election code. We again encourage anyone with concerns to contact the Secretary of State.
I also need to point out that our charter states in the very first paragraph of Article IX: "The Council shall set the date of all other elections in accordance with applicable provisions of the Election Code, Local Government Code, Constitution and other general laws of the State of Texas." Our charter specifically tells us to follow state law.
In light of the Killeen Daily Herald article published today regarding the recall process, I feel the need to provide you with accurate and complete information that might be useful to you in future reports:
First, while the recall petition process and recall election process are related, they are governed separately. State law does not govern recall petitions, therefore the city charter is the ultimate law. State law does govern elections through the Texas Election Code and thus is the ultimate law.
The Secretary of State is the authority on election code, and our attorney has advised all those with questions to seek the expertise and opinion of the Secretary of State (800-252-8683).
The City of Killeen contacted the Secretary of State back on April 6 for guidance and was provided the following:
Section 41.004(a) of the Election Code contains very broad language with respect to the scheduling of special elections. The relevant portion of the law states that:
If a law outside this code other than the constitution requires a special election subject to Section 41.001(a) to be held within a particular period after the occurrence of a certain event, the election shall be held on an authorized uniform election date occurring within the period unless no uniform election date within the period affords enough time to hold the election in the manner required by law. In that case, the election shall be held on the first authorized uniform election date occurring after the expiration of the period.
A recall election is a type of election that is subject to the requirements of Section 41.001(a) (in other words, a recall election is one type of special election that has to take place on a uniform election date). Because the deadline has passed for ordering a May 14, 2011 election, the recall measure would have to be scheduled for the November 8, 2011 election at the earliest, regardless of the language in the city charter.
Thank you for your question.
Elections Division
Texas Secretary of State
The opinion provided by the Secretary of State substantiates what our city attorney has been stating throughout this process: regardless of what our charter states or what petitioners think, we must follow state election code. We again encourage anyone with concerns to contact the Secretary of State.
I also need to point out that our charter states in the very first paragraph of Article IX: "The Council shall set the date of all other elections in accordance with applicable provisions of the Election Code, Local Government Code, Constitution and other general laws of the State of Texas." Our charter specifically tells us to follow state law.
Public Hearings on Waco Redistricting to Be Held Next Week
(CITY OF WACO RELEASE)
Waco, Texas (May 27, 2011) – The Waco City Council and Mayor Jim Bush are inviting the public to attend four hearings on the redistricting of Waco on June 3, 8, 9 and 10. The redistricting plan was proposed and discussed at the May 17 City Council meeting, which can be viewed in its entirety on the City’s website at http://www.waco-texas.com/ . The Action Agenda resulting from the meeting is also available on the website.
Waco, a home rule city governed by Article XI section 5 of the Texas Constitution, elects five of its council members from single member districts. The 14th Amendment requires that all the districts have essentially the same number of people under the principle of “one-person one-vote.” Under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (reenacted in 2006), the U.S. Attorney General must pre-clear all voting changes before they may be implemented to insure that voting changes made by the city do not have a discriminatory purpose or effect upon the rights of minorities to vote.
The Attorney General’s regulations strongly encourage community input in the process; therefore, public hearings will be held for the purpose of securing community comment upon the proposed redistricting plan. The date, time, and location of the public hearings are as follows:
Hearing 1:
Friday, June 3, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Sul Ross Community Center
1414 Jefferson Ave. Waco, TX 76701
Hearing 2:
Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
West Waco Library
5301 Bosque Blvd. Suite 257 Waco, TX 76710
Hearing 3:
Thursday, June 9, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Waco Multi-Purpose Community Center
1020 Elm Street Waco, TX 76704
Hearing 4:
Friday, June 10, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
South Waco Community Center
2815 Speight Ave. Waco, TX 76711
All citizens of the city of Waco are encouraged to attend and participate in these important public hearings.
Waco, Texas (May 27, 2011) – The Waco City Council and Mayor Jim Bush are inviting the public to attend four hearings on the redistricting of Waco on June 3, 8, 9 and 10. The redistricting plan was proposed and discussed at the May 17 City Council meeting, which can be viewed in its entirety on the City’s website at http://www.waco-texas.com/ . The Action Agenda resulting from the meeting is also available on the website.
Waco, a home rule city governed by Article XI section 5 of the Texas Constitution, elects five of its council members from single member districts. The 14th Amendment requires that all the districts have essentially the same number of people under the principle of “one-person one-vote.” Under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (reenacted in 2006), the U.S. Attorney General must pre-clear all voting changes before they may be implemented to insure that voting changes made by the city do not have a discriminatory purpose or effect upon the rights of minorities to vote.
The Attorney General’s regulations strongly encourage community input in the process; therefore, public hearings will be held for the purpose of securing community comment upon the proposed redistricting plan. The date, time, and location of the public hearings are as follows:
Hearing 1:
Friday, June 3, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Sul Ross Community Center
1414 Jefferson Ave. Waco, TX 76701
Hearing 2:
Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
West Waco Library
5301 Bosque Blvd. Suite 257 Waco, TX 76710
Hearing 3:
Thursday, June 9, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Waco Multi-Purpose Community Center
1020 Elm Street Waco, TX 76704
Hearing 4:
Friday, June 10, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
South Waco Community Center
2815 Speight Ave. Waco, TX 76711
All citizens of the city of Waco are encouraged to attend and participate in these important public hearings.
Suspect arrested for robbing Waco woman sitting on her porch.
(WACO PD RELEASE-PATRICK SWANTON)
Brandon Tiawon Walker, black male, 8-14-1987, has been charged with Robbery in reference to an incident that occurred on May 18th, in the 2000 block of Parrott. Victim on this case was sitting on her porch when she was approached by Walker and robbed. Walker was demanding the woman to give him all her valuables in the house. The woman fearing for her children had them lock the door keeping Walker out of the home. He then fled running through the alley.
Detectives issued a bulletin to all officers requesting a potential identification on the suspect. Due to specific descriptors received from the victim, officers were able to respond to the detectives request and gave them Walkers name. Officers recognized the information from having dealt with Walker before.
On 5-25-11, Detectives were able to positively identify Walker as the suspect. He was arrested later that night on unrelated charges by patrol.
On 5-26-11, Brandon Walker was charged with Robbery from the incident on 5-18-2011.
The distribution of information from detectives and the knowledge of potential suspects based on that information by patrol officers have proven to be crucial in solving this robbery.
Brandon Tiawon Walker, black male, 8-14-1987, has been charged with Robbery in reference to an incident that occurred on May 18th, in the 2000 block of Parrott. Victim on this case was sitting on her porch when she was approached by Walker and robbed. Walker was demanding the woman to give him all her valuables in the house. The woman fearing for her children had them lock the door keeping Walker out of the home. He then fled running through the alley.
Detectives issued a bulletin to all officers requesting a potential identification on the suspect. Due to specific descriptors received from the victim, officers were able to respond to the detectives request and gave them Walkers name. Officers recognized the information from having dealt with Walker before.
On 5-25-11, Detectives were able to positively identify Walker as the suspect. He was arrested later that night on unrelated charges by patrol.
On 5-26-11, Brandon Walker was charged with Robbery from the incident on 5-18-2011.
The distribution of information from detectives and the knowledge of potential suspects based on that information by patrol officers have proven to be crucial in solving this robbery.
A&M-Central Texas Reveals Mascot
Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members placed their votes last week and a clear winner emerged from the pack. Mascot image number three won with a total of 264 votes followed by image number one with 109 and lastly image number two with 92 votes.
The overall design style was influenced by and is a combination of Spartan, Trojan, and Gladiator warrior images and their traditional armor. In accurately representing the university’s diverse student body, it was necessary that none of the designs were overwhelmingly gender oriented, gruesomely violent, or came across too cartoon-like.
The unveiling was held in the upstairs atrium of the new CTC Nursing Building. Dr. Marc Nigliazzo, the university president, and Mr. Clarence Enochs, the student body president, provided brief remarks and assisted in revealing the Warrior to the crowd this morning.
The university plans to hold a larger, more spirited mascot event during 'Warrior Week' this fall at their North Campus.
ROAD CLOSURE – NORTHWEST LOOP 363 - TEMPLE
(TXDOT RELEASE)
The Texas Department of Transportation (Waco District) will temporarily close Range Road on Northwest Loop 363, Tuesday, May 31 and Wednesday, June 1.
The temporary closure will allow the construction contractor to excavate and reconstruct the northern end of Range Road at its intersection with NW Loop 363. In order to minimize the impact on the traveling public the roadway will only be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each of the two days. A temporary ramp will be created allowing access, from the Loop, overnight on May 31. Daytime traffic will have to access the roadway from Industrial Blvd.
The work is part of a project that began in September 2010 to construct a bridge on Northwest Loop 363@ the BNSF Railroad crossing. That $7.9 million project is scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2012, weather permitting.
The Texas Department of Transportation (Waco District) will temporarily close Range Road on Northwest Loop 363, Tuesday, May 31 and Wednesday, June 1.
The temporary closure will allow the construction contractor to excavate and reconstruct the northern end of Range Road at its intersection with NW Loop 363. In order to minimize the impact on the traveling public the roadway will only be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each of the two days. A temporary ramp will be created allowing access, from the Loop, overnight on May 31. Daytime traffic will have to access the roadway from Industrial Blvd.
The work is part of a project that began in September 2010 to construct a bridge on Northwest Loop 363@ the BNSF Railroad crossing. That $7.9 million project is scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2012, weather permitting.
Jury Sentences Former Limestone County Resident to Prison:Investment Scam
(ROY DEFRIEND RELEASE)
On May 25th, 2011, Reginald Lee Clark was found guilty after a 3 day jury trial of first degree felony theft. Before trial, Clark had elected for the jury to assess his punishment and was sentenced by the same jury on May 26, 2011 to serve 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and pay a $10,000 fine. First degree felony theft carries a punishment range of not less than 5 or more than 99 years or life in prison, and in addition a fine of up to $10,000 may be assessed. Clark was eligible for probation, but the jury rejected his request to be placed on probation, instead sentencing him to prison.
Limestone County Attorney Roy DeFriend’s office prosecuted the case, assisted by attorneys from the Texas State Securities Board.
Clark was indicted May 19th of last year by a Limestone County grand jury. According to the indictment and evidence presented during the trial, from 2003 to 2008, defendant Clark, who sold insurance and annuities, used his insurance business “Clark Investment Advisors” to divert investor’s money into his personal accounts and used the money for his personal benefit. The aggregate amount of the thefts totaled over $200,000.00. No defense witnesses were presented by the defendant at the guilt/innocence phase of the trial.
This investigation and prosecution was the culmination of many months of investigation and joint cooperation of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, the Limestone County Attorney’s Office, and the Texas State Securities Board.
According to the State’s evidence, in addition to the victims listed in the indictment, Clark also misappropriated money from a local band booster organization while serving as its President. He eventually paid the money back but with money he misappropriated elsewhere. During punishment, the jury also heard from former Texas Ranger for Limestone County Matt Cawthon, who is now employed by the Office of Inspector General Fugitive Task Force. He related to the jury how Clark was apprehended on these charges at his home in Woodway (McLennan County). Clark was found by Cawthon in the home hiding under a desk. Defense witnesses at punishment were Clark’s mother along with two former ministers of Clark’s.
District Attorney Roy DeFriend stated, “Unfortunately, this case is a classic example of the type of financial criminal activity that exploded in an era of selfishness. The defendant used his position as insurance advisor to gain the trust of several elderly individuals, and then stole their money”. Two of the victims, who were both elderly, testified via video deposition due to being out of county in order to preserve their testimony.
DeFriend commended the investigative and prosecution efforts of the Dale Barron, Alexis Goldate, Eliza Cardiel, and Tina Lawrence of the Texas State Securities Board, whose task is to protect Texas investors by regulating the securities industry in Texas, and Deputy Mike Bell of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department. Barron and Goldate were appointed by DeFriend as Assistant District Attorneys for the purpose of prosecuting Clark. Judge Deborah Oakes Evans, Judge of the 87th District Court presided. David Deaconson of Waco defended Clark.
DeFriend concluded by stating: “Mr. Clark devastated the lives of several of his victims by taking their life savings. Instead of enjoying their golden years, many have been forced to keep working to pay their bills, while he spent their money enriching himself. This jury’s verdict and the stiff sentence sends a strong and clear message that this type of criminal behavior, preying on innocent citizens, will not be tolerated in Limestone County.”
On May 25th, 2011, Reginald Lee Clark was found guilty after a 3 day jury trial of first degree felony theft. Before trial, Clark had elected for the jury to assess his punishment and was sentenced by the same jury on May 26, 2011 to serve 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and pay a $10,000 fine. First degree felony theft carries a punishment range of not less than 5 or more than 99 years or life in prison, and in addition a fine of up to $10,000 may be assessed. Clark was eligible for probation, but the jury rejected his request to be placed on probation, instead sentencing him to prison.
Limestone County Attorney Roy DeFriend’s office prosecuted the case, assisted by attorneys from the Texas State Securities Board.
Clark was indicted May 19th of last year by a Limestone County grand jury. According to the indictment and evidence presented during the trial, from 2003 to 2008, defendant Clark, who sold insurance and annuities, used his insurance business “Clark Investment Advisors” to divert investor’s money into his personal accounts and used the money for his personal benefit. The aggregate amount of the thefts totaled over $200,000.00. No defense witnesses were presented by the defendant at the guilt/innocence phase of the trial.
This investigation and prosecution was the culmination of many months of investigation and joint cooperation of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, the Limestone County Attorney’s Office, and the Texas State Securities Board.
According to the State’s evidence, in addition to the victims listed in the indictment, Clark also misappropriated money from a local band booster organization while serving as its President. He eventually paid the money back but with money he misappropriated elsewhere. During punishment, the jury also heard from former Texas Ranger for Limestone County Matt Cawthon, who is now employed by the Office of Inspector General Fugitive Task Force. He related to the jury how Clark was apprehended on these charges at his home in Woodway (McLennan County). Clark was found by Cawthon in the home hiding under a desk. Defense witnesses at punishment were Clark’s mother along with two former ministers of Clark’s.
District Attorney Roy DeFriend stated, “Unfortunately, this case is a classic example of the type of financial criminal activity that exploded in an era of selfishness. The defendant used his position as insurance advisor to gain the trust of several elderly individuals, and then stole their money”. Two of the victims, who were both elderly, testified via video deposition due to being out of county in order to preserve their testimony.
DeFriend commended the investigative and prosecution efforts of the Dale Barron, Alexis Goldate, Eliza Cardiel, and Tina Lawrence of the Texas State Securities Board, whose task is to protect Texas investors by regulating the securities industry in Texas, and Deputy Mike Bell of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department. Barron and Goldate were appointed by DeFriend as Assistant District Attorneys for the purpose of prosecuting Clark. Judge Deborah Oakes Evans, Judge of the 87th District Court presided. David Deaconson of Waco defended Clark.
DeFriend concluded by stating: “Mr. Clark devastated the lives of several of his victims by taking their life savings. Instead of enjoying their golden years, many have been forced to keep working to pay their bills, while he spent their money enriching himself. This jury’s verdict and the stiff sentence sends a strong and clear message that this type of criminal behavior, preying on innocent citizens, will not be tolerated in Limestone County.”
Gov. Perry Signs Photo ID Voting Bill
(GOV OFFICE RELEASE)
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 14, which requires voters to present photo identification at a polling place. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, House Speaker Joe Straus, Sen. Troy Fraser, Rep. Patricia Harless and other state lawmakers for the signing ceremony.
“The right to vote is simply too important for us to take the act of voting lightly,” Gov. Perry said. “Today with the signing of this bill, we take a major step forward in securing the integrity of the ballot box and protecting the most cherished right we enjoy as citizens.”
SB 14 requires a voter to show as a valid form of photo ID, either a driver’s license, Department of Public Safety issued photo personal identification card, U.S. military ID card, U.S. citizenship certificate that contains a photograph, U.S. passport or Texas concealed handgun license. The bill creates a free election identification certificate with a photograph issued by DPS for registered voters who need a photo ID. The bill also increases the penalty for voting illegally to a second degree felony, and increases the penalty for attempted illegal voting to a state jail felony.
“Texas has taken a stand for free and fair elections by making Voter ID the law of the land,” Lt. Gov. Dewhurst said. “We have a responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution, as well as the laws of our state and nation, and I'm proud to stand with Gov. Perry, members of the Texas Legislature and my fellow Texans to uphold the sanctity of our most fundamental democratic principle: one person, one vote.”
“This session, we have taken major steps to ensure elections are fair, legal and without fraud, and Texans can know that we are working to make sure their vote is secure and counts,” Speaker Straus said. “I thank Rep. Patricia Harless for her diligent work in passing Voter ID.”
Voters who fail to show a photo ID at the polling place may cast a provisional ballot, which is only counted if they appear at the county voter registrar’s office within six days after Election Day with the appropriate photo identification.
“Photo ID is simply putting into practice the intent of the current law – that the person who shows up at the polls is who he or she claims to be,” Sen. Fraser said. “Voter impersonation is a serious crime, but without a photo ID requirement we can never have confidence in our system of voting.”
“We must do all we can to guarantee our elections are conducted fairly and without fraud,” Rep. Harless said. “This bill takes a significant step to ensure the integrity of the ballot box by providing a means to deter and detect in-person voter fraud.”
Exemptions to the photo ID requirement are available to people who have a religious objection to being photographed, and disabled individuals who provide written documentation from the Social Security Administration or Department of Veterans Affairs confirming their disability and a statement that they do not have any form of photo identification. A disabled voter would then be issued a registration certificate to show in order to vote.
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 14, which requires voters to present photo identification at a polling place. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, House Speaker Joe Straus, Sen. Troy Fraser, Rep. Patricia Harless and other state lawmakers for the signing ceremony.
“The right to vote is simply too important for us to take the act of voting lightly,” Gov. Perry said. “Today with the signing of this bill, we take a major step forward in securing the integrity of the ballot box and protecting the most cherished right we enjoy as citizens.”
SB 14 requires a voter to show as a valid form of photo ID, either a driver’s license, Department of Public Safety issued photo personal identification card, U.S. military ID card, U.S. citizenship certificate that contains a photograph, U.S. passport or Texas concealed handgun license. The bill creates a free election identification certificate with a photograph issued by DPS for registered voters who need a photo ID. The bill also increases the penalty for voting illegally to a second degree felony, and increases the penalty for attempted illegal voting to a state jail felony.
“Texas has taken a stand for free and fair elections by making Voter ID the law of the land,” Lt. Gov. Dewhurst said. “We have a responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution, as well as the laws of our state and nation, and I'm proud to stand with Gov. Perry, members of the Texas Legislature and my fellow Texans to uphold the sanctity of our most fundamental democratic principle: one person, one vote.”
“This session, we have taken major steps to ensure elections are fair, legal and without fraud, and Texans can know that we are working to make sure their vote is secure and counts,” Speaker Straus said. “I thank Rep. Patricia Harless for her diligent work in passing Voter ID.”
Voters who fail to show a photo ID at the polling place may cast a provisional ballot, which is only counted if they appear at the county voter registrar’s office within six days after Election Day with the appropriate photo identification.
“Photo ID is simply putting into practice the intent of the current law – that the person who shows up at the polls is who he or she claims to be,” Sen. Fraser said. “Voter impersonation is a serious crime, but without a photo ID requirement we can never have confidence in our system of voting.”
“We must do all we can to guarantee our elections are conducted fairly and without fraud,” Rep. Harless said. “This bill takes a significant step to ensure the integrity of the ballot box by providing a means to deter and detect in-person voter fraud.”
Exemptions to the photo ID requirement are available to people who have a religious objection to being photographed, and disabled individuals who provide written documentation from the Social Security Administration or Department of Veterans Affairs confirming their disability and a statement that they do not have any form of photo identification. A disabled voter would then be issued a registration certificate to show in order to vote.
Interstate 35 Tops List for Most Teen Car Crashes in Central Texas
(ALLSTATE RELEASE)
WACO, TX, May 27, 2011— Allstate is urging teen drivers in Central Texas to focus on the freeways this summer. While car crashes can happen any time, any place, new data shows the number of accidents involving teen drivers is higher on certain roads and highways in Central Texas.
I-35 in McLennan County had more car crashes involving teen drivers than any other roadway in Central Texas during the five year period between 2006 and 2010, according to the data provided to Allstate by the Texas Department of Transportation. US-190 in Bell County and FM 1179 in Brazos County were second and third.
Motor Vehicle Crashes by Roadway and County Involving Drivers Age 15-19 from 2006-2010
Roadway/County Total Crashes
I-35, McLennan County 771
US-190, Bell County 626
FM1179, Brazos County 464
FM 60, Brazos County 440
US-190, Coryell County 325
Statewide, Interstate 45 in Harris County had more car crashes involving teen drivers than any other roadway, according to the data.
Motor Vehicle Crashes by Roadway and County Involving Drivers Age 15-19 from 2006-2010 in Texas
Roadway/County Total Crashes
I-45, Harris County 3,091
I-10, Harris County 1,910
I-10, Bexar County 1,727
I-35, Bexar County 1,668
SL1604, Bexar County 1,648
I-410, Bexar County 1,600
I-35, Travis County 1,579
I-635, Dallas County 1,489
US 59, Harris County 1,440
FM 1960, Harris County 1,365
I-45, Montgomery County 1,276
I-10, El Paso County 1,231
US 281, Bexar County 1,201
I-35 E, Dallas County 1,162
I-610, Harris County 1,112
100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers
The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days.” More teens die in car crashes during this period than during any other.
“Car crashes are the number one killer of Texas teens,” said Michael Walker, an Allstate agent in Texas. “Summer is almost here and when school is out, more teens will be hitting the highways across the state. This data should spur parents and community leaders to take action and teach our teen drivers that speeding, distractions and carelessness can be costly.”
Another important reason for parents to talk to teens about safe driving is they will listen. In a study from The Allstate Foundation, almost 90% of teens surveyed said their parents are the biggest influencers on their driving habits.
Learn the Laws
A comprehensive GDL program is the best way to reduce teen-related auto accidents by giving states guidance and resources to make their roads safer.
· Allstate supports the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act (S. 528 and H.R. 1515) in an effort to save lives on America’s roads and highways.
Allstate supports the establishment of comprehensive, uniform GDL legislation at the federal level as state and national evaluations of GDL have found crash reductions for 16 and 17-year-old drivers in the 20 percent to 40 percent range.
The Texas GDL law stipulates that drivers under age 18 cannot use a wireless communication device, except in case of an emergency, regardless of when their license was issued. The law also states during the first 12 month period following a teen under the age of 18 getting a driver license, they cannot drive:
· After midnight and before 5 a.m. unless for employment, a school related activity or because of a medical emergency.
· With more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle who is not a family member.
Make sure your family understands the current GDL law in Texas. You can also find about federal legislation that could help make our teens safer on the road nationwide by visiting facebook.com/save11.
X the TXT
Pledge not to text and drive, and help reduce teen deaths and other distracted driving injuries. Join the X the TXT Facebook page at facebook.com/XtheTEXT .
WACO, TX, May 27, 2011— Allstate is urging teen drivers in Central Texas to focus on the freeways this summer. While car crashes can happen any time, any place, new data shows the number of accidents involving teen drivers is higher on certain roads and highways in Central Texas.
I-35 in McLennan County had more car crashes involving teen drivers than any other roadway in Central Texas during the five year period between 2006 and 2010, according to the data provided to Allstate by the Texas Department of Transportation. US-190 in Bell County and FM 1179 in Brazos County were second and third.
Motor Vehicle Crashes by Roadway and County Involving Drivers Age 15-19 from 2006-2010
Roadway/County Total Crashes
I-35, McLennan County 771
US-190, Bell County 626
FM1179, Brazos County 464
FM 60, Brazos County 440
US-190, Coryell County 325
Statewide, Interstate 45 in Harris County had more car crashes involving teen drivers than any other roadway, according to the data.
Motor Vehicle Crashes by Roadway and County Involving Drivers Age 15-19 from 2006-2010 in Texas
Roadway/County Total Crashes
I-45, Harris County 3,091
I-10, Harris County 1,910
I-10, Bexar County 1,727
I-35, Bexar County 1,668
SL1604, Bexar County 1,648
I-410, Bexar County 1,600
I-35, Travis County 1,579
I-635, Dallas County 1,489
US 59, Harris County 1,440
FM 1960, Harris County 1,365
I-45, Montgomery County 1,276
I-10, El Paso County 1,231
US 281, Bexar County 1,201
I-35 E, Dallas County 1,162
I-610, Harris County 1,112
100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers
The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days.” More teens die in car crashes during this period than during any other.
“Car crashes are the number one killer of Texas teens,” said Michael Walker, an Allstate agent in Texas. “Summer is almost here and when school is out, more teens will be hitting the highways across the state. This data should spur parents and community leaders to take action and teach our teen drivers that speeding, distractions and carelessness can be costly.”
Another important reason for parents to talk to teens about safe driving is they will listen. In a study from The Allstate Foundation, almost 90% of teens surveyed said their parents are the biggest influencers on their driving habits.
Learn the Laws
A comprehensive GDL program is the best way to reduce teen-related auto accidents by giving states guidance and resources to make their roads safer.
· Allstate supports the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act (S. 528 and H.R. 1515) in an effort to save lives on America’s roads and highways.
Allstate supports the establishment of comprehensive, uniform GDL legislation at the federal level as state and national evaluations of GDL have found crash reductions for 16 and 17-year-old drivers in the 20 percent to 40 percent range.
The Texas GDL law stipulates that drivers under age 18 cannot use a wireless communication device, except in case of an emergency, regardless of when their license was issued. The law also states during the first 12 month period following a teen under the age of 18 getting a driver license, they cannot drive:
· After midnight and before 5 a.m. unless for employment, a school related activity or because of a medical emergency.
· With more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle who is not a family member.
Make sure your family understands the current GDL law in Texas. You can also find about federal legislation that could help make our teens safer on the road nationwide by visiting facebook.com/save11.
X the TXT
Pledge not to text and drive, and help reduce teen deaths and other distracted driving injuries. Join the X the TXT Facebook page at facebook.com/XtheTEXT .
TRexas Wildfire Update-May 27
(TEXAS FOREST SERVICE RELEASE)
Current situation:
· Critical fire weather conditions are forecast today for parts of West Texas and the Panhandle.
· Texas Forest Service responded to no new large fires yesterday.
· We are currently working on two major fires that have burned a total of 21,373 acres.
· 188 of the 254 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.
Uncontained fires:
CANYON, Randall County. 16,373 acres, 60 percent containment. Fire activity was moderate yesterday and little growth occurred. Sixty homes were threatened, one has been lost. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Ceta Canyon Church Camp and Hidden Falls Church Camp had evacuations, but residents have been allowed to return. This fire is 3 miles southeast of Canyon. The Los Diablos hand crew from Big Bend and an Arkansas/Oklahoma hand crew are assisting. The NIMO team is assisting with management of the fire.
CEED, Midland County. 5,000 acres, 90 percent containment. Acreage increase was due to GPS mapping. Multiple homes and a sports complex were threatened. Located on the outskirts of Midland. The fire crossed Loop 250 and evacuations occurred; residents have returned. One outbuilding lost.
Weather Outlook:
Fire weather conditions will begin to worsen today as the temperatures soar and the relative humidity begins to drop.
The dry line is going to set up from Wichita Falls to Del Rio and areas behind this line, except for the northern portion of the Panhandle, will experience elevated or worse fire weather conditions. The Lower Rolling Plains, the South Plains, the Concho Valley, Edwards Plateau and points west will experience critical fire weather conditions on Friday. Those critical areas will experience southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph gusting from 25 to 30 mph and relative humidity less than 15 percent. The northern portion of the Panhandle will initially have some strong southwest winds, but they will shift to the northwest and lighten up in the afternoon and then eventually to the northeast in the evening. East of the dry line will see southeast to southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph.
Current situation:
· Critical fire weather conditions are forecast today for parts of West Texas and the Panhandle.
· Texas Forest Service responded to no new large fires yesterday.
· We are currently working on two major fires that have burned a total of 21,373 acres.
· 188 of the 254 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.
Uncontained fires:
CANYON, Randall County. 16,373 acres, 60 percent containment. Fire activity was moderate yesterday and little growth occurred. Sixty homes were threatened, one has been lost. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Ceta Canyon Church Camp and Hidden Falls Church Camp had evacuations, but residents have been allowed to return. This fire is 3 miles southeast of Canyon. The Los Diablos hand crew from Big Bend and an Arkansas/Oklahoma hand crew are assisting. The NIMO team is assisting with management of the fire.
CEED, Midland County. 5,000 acres, 90 percent containment. Acreage increase was due to GPS mapping. Multiple homes and a sports complex were threatened. Located on the outskirts of Midland. The fire crossed Loop 250 and evacuations occurred; residents have returned. One outbuilding lost.
Weather Outlook:
Fire weather conditions will begin to worsen today as the temperatures soar and the relative humidity begins to drop.
The dry line is going to set up from Wichita Falls to Del Rio and areas behind this line, except for the northern portion of the Panhandle, will experience elevated or worse fire weather conditions. The Lower Rolling Plains, the South Plains, the Concho Valley, Edwards Plateau and points west will experience critical fire weather conditions on Friday. Those critical areas will experience southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph gusting from 25 to 30 mph and relative humidity less than 15 percent. The northern portion of the Panhandle will initially have some strong southwest winds, but they will shift to the northwest and lighten up in the afternoon and then eventually to the northeast in the evening. East of the dry line will see southeast to southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph.
Waco 25th St. Smoke Shop Robbed
(WACO PD RELEASE-PATRICK SWANTON)
Agg.Robbery, 1201 N.25th (25th St Smoke Shop) at 10:20 pm. BM entered store and demanded money from the cash register. Suspect BM, dressed in all black, black sunglasses, blk hat, blk muscle shirt, tribal tatoo on left arm, gold grill in teeth, wore blk gloves and displayed a blk gun. Had a blk mesh over his face. Victim services assisted. Unknown if a vehicle was used. No injuries.
Agg.Robbery, 1201 N.25th (25th St Smoke Shop) at 10:20 pm. BM entered store and demanded money from the cash register. Suspect BM, dressed in all black, black sunglasses, blk hat, blk muscle shirt, tribal tatoo on left arm, gold grill in teeth, wore blk gloves and displayed a blk gun. Had a blk mesh over his face. Victim services assisted. Unknown if a vehicle was used. No injuries.
Pakistan Hotel Bomber Kills 27
(PAKISTAN STATE TV)
27 people were killed and over 60 others injured in a suicide bomb attack on a hotel near the district courts in Hangu.
According to details the suicide bomber rammed his explosive laden car into the building of a hotel where people were present in large numbers. Several nearby buildings were destroyed and vehicles damaged in the blast. According to bomb disposal squad over 400 kilogram explosive material was used in the blast. The injured were shifted to district headquarters hospital. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the blast. The Prime Minister directed the authorities to provide best medical care to the injured.
27 people were killed and over 60 others injured in a suicide bomb attack on a hotel near the district courts in Hangu.
According to details the suicide bomber rammed his explosive laden car into the building of a hotel where people were present in large numbers. Several nearby buildings were destroyed and vehicles damaged in the blast. According to bomb disposal squad over 400 kilogram explosive material was used in the blast. The injured were shifted to district headquarters hospital. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the blast. The Prime Minister directed the authorities to provide best medical care to the injured.
Hillary Clinton Meets with Pakistan President
(PAKISTAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS RELEASE)
Remarks by President's Spokesperson on the meeting with Secretary of State Clinton
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today held a one on one and delegation level talks with President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency.
Hillary Clinton was accompanied with US Ambassador Cameron Munter, Michael Mullen Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior officials of the State Department and the US embassy in Islamabad.
The Pakistan side included Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Interior Minister Rahman Malik, COAS General Pervez Ashfaq Kayani, Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and senior officials.
Briefing newsmen Spokesperson to the President said that a candid, constructive and positive exchange of views took place on a host of issues in the meetings that lasted for over two hours and covered the full spectrum of Pakistan-US relations and issues of regional stability and security including countering terrorism and peace in Afghanistan.
The President made clear the will of the people and prevailing public sentiment on issues of national sovereignty, security and Pakistan’s national interests in line with the unanimous Resolution recently adopted in the joint sitting of the Parliament, he said.
Both sides reaffirmed the imperatives of the Pakistan-US relations and the need for forging durable partnership on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual benefit.
Secretary Clinton stated that a secure, stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan was in the US national interest and a critical factor in regional stability and peace.
The two sides agreed that in pursuing counter terrorism the two countries will work together in any future actions against high value targets in Pakistan.
The two sides acknowledged that militancy threatened both countries and it was in both countries interest to fight it.
They also agreed on putting relations back on track and to cooperate and work together in not only countering terrorism but also in promoting cooperative ties as well as for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.
The two sides agreed that it was in interest of both countries that relations based on respect for sovereignty and mutual trust and mutual interest should move on and carried forward in a mutually beneficial manner.
Spokesperson said that the there also was an agreement to recommence the preparatory work for the strategic partnership dialogue process.
The issue of drone attacks also came under discussion with President Zardari emphatically underlying the need for revisiting the issue, he said.
Hillary Clinton said that the United States recognized the difficult political and military challenges faced by Pakistan and that she had come to reiterate the value of mutual relations. She said that President Obama had repeatedly demonstrated commitment to long term partnership and that there was no room for misunderstanding and misperception.
Islamabad
Remarks by President's Spokesperson on the meeting with Secretary of State Clinton
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today held a one on one and delegation level talks with President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency.
Hillary Clinton was accompanied with US Ambassador Cameron Munter, Michael Mullen Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior officials of the State Department and the US embassy in Islamabad.
The Pakistan side included Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Interior Minister Rahman Malik, COAS General Pervez Ashfaq Kayani, Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and senior officials.
Briefing newsmen Spokesperson to the President said that a candid, constructive and positive exchange of views took place on a host of issues in the meetings that lasted for over two hours and covered the full spectrum of Pakistan-US relations and issues of regional stability and security including countering terrorism and peace in Afghanistan.
The President made clear the will of the people and prevailing public sentiment on issues of national sovereignty, security and Pakistan’s national interests in line with the unanimous Resolution recently adopted in the joint sitting of the Parliament, he said.
Both sides reaffirmed the imperatives of the Pakistan-US relations and the need for forging durable partnership on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual benefit.
Secretary Clinton stated that a secure, stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan was in the US national interest and a critical factor in regional stability and peace.
The two sides agreed that in pursuing counter terrorism the two countries will work together in any future actions against high value targets in Pakistan.
The two sides acknowledged that militancy threatened both countries and it was in both countries interest to fight it.
They also agreed on putting relations back on track and to cooperate and work together in not only countering terrorism but also in promoting cooperative ties as well as for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.
The two sides agreed that it was in interest of both countries that relations based on respect for sovereignty and mutual trust and mutual interest should move on and carried forward in a mutually beneficial manner.
Spokesperson said that the there also was an agreement to recommence the preparatory work for the strategic partnership dialogue process.
The issue of drone attacks also came under discussion with President Zardari emphatically underlying the need for revisiting the issue, he said.
Hillary Clinton said that the United States recognized the difficult political and military challenges faced by Pakistan and that she had come to reiterate the value of mutual relations. She said that President Obama had repeatedly demonstrated commitment to long term partnership and that there was no room for misunderstanding and misperception.
Islamabad
CONVICTED: Patient Recruiter of Medicare Fraud Involving Claims of Hurricane Damage to Power Wheelchairs
(dept of justice release)
WASHINGTON – Marion Beverly Metoyer, a patient recruiter for a Houston durable medical equipment (DME) company, was convicted today by a Houston federal jury of health care fraud related to a power wheelchair fraud scheme, the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FBI announced.
After a four-day trial, Metoyer, 57, of Dayton, Texas, was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiring to receive illegal kickbacks for referring Medicare beneficiaries, and two counts of receiving illegal kickbacks for referring Medicare beneficiaries.
According to evidence presented at trial, Helen Etinfoh was the owner and operator of Luant & Odera Inc., a Houston-area DME company doing business as Tonni Medical Equipment & Supplies. Metoyer was a recruiter for Luant who was paid kickbacks in exchange for providing the company with beneficiaries in whose names bills could be submitted to Medicare. Etinfoh and other co-conspirators submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary DME, including power wheelchairs, wheelchair accessories and motorized scooters.
Evidence at trial showed that, based on representations from Metoyer and other recruiters, Luant would bill Medicare under a special code that designated the power wheelchairs as replacements for wheelchairs lost during hurricanes that hit the Houston area in fall 2008. In fact, the hurricanes did not damage the wheelchairs. Certain beneficiaries testified that they did not even have a power wheelchair before receiving the ones provided to them by Luant. Luant used the hurricane code because it allowed the company to submit claims to Medicare without a doctor’s order.
At trial, beneficiaries in whose names claims were submitted to Medicare testified that recruiters whom they had never met, including Metoyer, came to their homes and offered them free power wheelchairs in exchange for their Medicare information. The power wheelchairs were often billed to Medicare at more than $6,000 per chair.
Etinfoh was previously convicted by a federal jury of health care fraud in April 2010, and was sentenced to 41 months in prison. Paula Whitfield, a patient recruiter for Luant, was also convicted by a federal jury in April 2010, and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Melvin Barnes, Johnnie Lee Andrews and Monica Rene Perry, each a patient recruiter for Luant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and await sentencing.
At sentencing, Metoyer faces maximum penalties of 10 years in prison for the health care fraud conspiracy; 10 years in prison for committing health care fraud; five years in prison for conspiring to receive illegal kickbacks for referring Medicare beneficiaries; and five years in prison for receiving an illegal kickback for referring a Medicare beneficiary. A sentencing date has not been set.
Today’s guilty jury verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno of the Southern District of Texas; Acting Special Agent-In-Charge Russell D. Robinson of the FBI’s Houston Field Office; Special Agent-in-Charge Mike Fields of the Dallas Regional Office of HHS’s Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations; and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).
The case was tried by Trial Attorney Laura Cordova and Assistant Chief Sam S. Sheldon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The case was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Since their inception in March 2007, Strike Force operations in nine locations have obtained indictments of 1,000 individuals who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for more than $2.3 billion. In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
WASHINGTON – Marion Beverly Metoyer, a patient recruiter for a Houston durable medical equipment (DME) company, was convicted today by a Houston federal jury of health care fraud related to a power wheelchair fraud scheme, the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FBI announced.
After a four-day trial, Metoyer, 57, of Dayton, Texas, was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiring to receive illegal kickbacks for referring Medicare beneficiaries, and two counts of receiving illegal kickbacks for referring Medicare beneficiaries.
According to evidence presented at trial, Helen Etinfoh was the owner and operator of Luant & Odera Inc., a Houston-area DME company doing business as Tonni Medical Equipment & Supplies. Metoyer was a recruiter for Luant who was paid kickbacks in exchange for providing the company with beneficiaries in whose names bills could be submitted to Medicare. Etinfoh and other co-conspirators submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary DME, including power wheelchairs, wheelchair accessories and motorized scooters.
Evidence at trial showed that, based on representations from Metoyer and other recruiters, Luant would bill Medicare under a special code that designated the power wheelchairs as replacements for wheelchairs lost during hurricanes that hit the Houston area in fall 2008. In fact, the hurricanes did not damage the wheelchairs. Certain beneficiaries testified that they did not even have a power wheelchair before receiving the ones provided to them by Luant. Luant used the hurricane code because it allowed the company to submit claims to Medicare without a doctor’s order.
At trial, beneficiaries in whose names claims were submitted to Medicare testified that recruiters whom they had never met, including Metoyer, came to their homes and offered them free power wheelchairs in exchange for their Medicare information. The power wheelchairs were often billed to Medicare at more than $6,000 per chair.
Etinfoh was previously convicted by a federal jury of health care fraud in April 2010, and was sentenced to 41 months in prison. Paula Whitfield, a patient recruiter for Luant, was also convicted by a federal jury in April 2010, and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Melvin Barnes, Johnnie Lee Andrews and Monica Rene Perry, each a patient recruiter for Luant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and await sentencing.
At sentencing, Metoyer faces maximum penalties of 10 years in prison for the health care fraud conspiracy; 10 years in prison for committing health care fraud; five years in prison for conspiring to receive illegal kickbacks for referring Medicare beneficiaries; and five years in prison for receiving an illegal kickback for referring a Medicare beneficiary. A sentencing date has not been set.
Today’s guilty jury verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno of the Southern District of Texas; Acting Special Agent-In-Charge Russell D. Robinson of the FBI’s Houston Field Office; Special Agent-in-Charge Mike Fields of the Dallas Regional Office of HHS’s Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations; and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).
The case was tried by Trial Attorney Laura Cordova and Assistant Chief Sam S. Sheldon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The case was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Since their inception in March 2007, Strike Force operations in nine locations have obtained indictments of 1,000 individuals who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for more than $2.3 billion. In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SETTLES WITH BANK OF AMERICA AND SAXON MORTGAGE FOR ILLEGALLY FORECLOSING ON SERVICEMEMBERS
Settlement Includes a Minimum of $22 Million in Relief for Victims
(DEPT OF JUSTICE RELEASE)
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has announced settlements with two lenders under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to resolve allegations that the lenders wrongfully foreclosed upon active duty servicemembers without first obtaining court orders, in violation of the SCRA. Combined, the settlements provide more than $22 million in monetary relief for the victims.
Under the first settlement, BAC Home Loans Servicing LP, formerly known as Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP, a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, will pay $20 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging that Countrywide foreclosed on approximately 160 servicemembers between January 2006 and May 2009 without court orders. In addition to the $20 million, Countrywide agreed to pay any servicemember wrongfully foreclosed in the period from June 2009 through 2010. The complaint alleges that Countrywide did not consistently check the military status of borrowers on whom it foreclosed through at least May 31, 2009. The complaint was filed in the Central District of California, where Countrywide is headquartered.
Under the second settlement, Saxon Mortgage Services Inc., a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, will pay $2.35 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging that Saxon foreclosed on approximately 17 servicemembers between January 2006 and June 2009 without court orders. In addition to the $2.35 million, Saxon agreed to pay any servicemember wrongfully foreclosed in the period from July 2009 through 2010. The complaint alleges that Saxon failed to consistently or accurately check the military status of borrowers on whom it foreclosed through at least June 30, 2009. The complaint was filed in the Northern District of Texas, where Saxon is headquartered.
“The men and women who serve our nation in the armed forces deserve, at the very least, to know that they will not have their homes taken from them wrongfully while they are bravely putting their lives on the line on behalf of their country,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to aggressively enforcing those laws that protect the rights of servicemembers. All lenders have an obligation to do their part to work with servicemembers while these brave men and women focus on keeping us safe. The Justice Department also thanks the Department of Defense for its critical assistance in identifying servicemembers whose rights were violated”
“Countrywide Home Loans failed to protect and respect the rights of our servicemembers, failed to comply with clearly mandated procedures and foreclosed against homeowners who are valiantly serving our nation,” said André Birotte Jr, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. “Military families lost their homes when Countrywide violated the law, causing undue stress to wartime personnel who have been protected from such actions since the Civil War.”
“With the numerous sacrifices our servicemembers make while they are serving our country, the last thing they need to worry about is whether or not their families will be forced from their homes,” said James T. Jacks, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. “These lenders’ callous disregard for the SCRA, a law which was designed to insulate these patriots from unlawful foreclosures and other civil and financial obligations while they are on active duty, is deplorable and I applaud the Department’s Civil Rights Division’s efforts in identifying and seeking remedies for these wronged service members.”
Of the approximately 160 servicemembers upon whom Countrywide foreclosed without obtaining court orders, Countrywide allegedly foreclosed in many instances where it knew, or should have known, about their military status. The victims include individuals who have served honorably in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Department of Justice initiated its SCRA investigation of Countrywide in response to a referral by the U.S. Marine Corps regarding an active duty servicemember who was facing foreclosure by Countrywide.
Under the consent decree, Countrywide will establish a settlement fund of $20 million to compensate the servicemembers upon whom Countrywide foreclosed between January 1, 2006, and May 31, 2009. In addition to this settlement fund, Countrywide has agreed to compensate any additional SCRA-eligible individuals on whom Countrywide foreclosed without court orders between June 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010. The consent decree also requires numerous corrective measures, including SCRA training for Countrywide employees and agents, developing modified SCRA policies and procedures and referring future SCRA complaints to the Justice Department. Countrywide will also repair any negative credit report entries related to the allegedly wrongful foreclosures and will not pursue any remaining amounts owed under the mortgages. Countrywide now will check the Defense Manpower Data Center’s website and its own files prior to conducting any foreclosure, and will not foreclose in violation of the SCRA if the borrower is in military service or is otherwise protected by the SCRA.
Of the approximately 18 servicemembers upon whom Saxon foreclosed without obtaining court orders, Saxon allegedly foreclosed on at least 10 servicemembers when Saxon knew or should have known about their military status. The servicemembers Saxon foreclosed on include men and women who have served honorably in Iraq, some of whom were severely injured in the line of duty or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The Department of Justice initiated its SCRA investigation in response to an inquiry from Sergeant James Hurley, who resolved his claims against Saxon earlier this year in a confidential settlement.
Under the consent decree, Saxon will establish a settlement fund of $2.35 million to compensate the servicemembers upon whom Saxon allegedly wrongfully foreclosed between 2006 and 2009. In addition to this settlement fund, Saxon also has agreed to compensate any additional SCRA-eligible servicemembers on whom Saxon foreclosed without court orders between July 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010. The consent decree also requires numerous corrective measures, including SCRA training for Saxon employees and agents, developing modified SCRA policies and procedures, and referring future SCRA complaints to the Justice Department. Saxon will also repair any negative credit report entries related to the wrongful foreclosures and will not pursue any remaining amounts owing under the mortgages. Saxon now will check the Defense Manpower Data Center’s website and its own files prior to conducting any foreclosure, and will not foreclose in violation of the SCRA if the borrower is in military service or is otherwise protected by the SCRA.
The division’s SCRA investigations have resulted in litigation or settlements enforcing SCRA’s provisions for termination of residential lease agreements, protection against enforcement of storage liens on towed vehicles without court orders, reduction of interest rates to six percent on credit obligations, and a prohibition against paying pre-payment penalties on mortgage loans when a servicemember must move for military service.
President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes. For more information on the task force, visit www.StopFraud.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program office. Please consult the military legal assistance office locator at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil and click on the Legal Services Locator. Additional information about the Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and the other laws protecting servicemembers is available at http://www.servicemembers.gov/ . Servicemembers who believe they may have been victims, can contact the banks directly at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 6 for Countrywide or 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 995 for Saxon.
(DEPT OF JUSTICE RELEASE)
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has announced settlements with two lenders under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to resolve allegations that the lenders wrongfully foreclosed upon active duty servicemembers without first obtaining court orders, in violation of the SCRA. Combined, the settlements provide more than $22 million in monetary relief for the victims.
Under the first settlement, BAC Home Loans Servicing LP, formerly known as Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP, a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, will pay $20 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging that Countrywide foreclosed on approximately 160 servicemembers between January 2006 and May 2009 without court orders. In addition to the $20 million, Countrywide agreed to pay any servicemember wrongfully foreclosed in the period from June 2009 through 2010. The complaint alleges that Countrywide did not consistently check the military status of borrowers on whom it foreclosed through at least May 31, 2009. The complaint was filed in the Central District of California, where Countrywide is headquartered.
Under the second settlement, Saxon Mortgage Services Inc., a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, will pay $2.35 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging that Saxon foreclosed on approximately 17 servicemembers between January 2006 and June 2009 without court orders. In addition to the $2.35 million, Saxon agreed to pay any servicemember wrongfully foreclosed in the period from July 2009 through 2010. The complaint alleges that Saxon failed to consistently or accurately check the military status of borrowers on whom it foreclosed through at least June 30, 2009. The complaint was filed in the Northern District of Texas, where Saxon is headquartered.
“The men and women who serve our nation in the armed forces deserve, at the very least, to know that they will not have their homes taken from them wrongfully while they are bravely putting their lives on the line on behalf of their country,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to aggressively enforcing those laws that protect the rights of servicemembers. All lenders have an obligation to do their part to work with servicemembers while these brave men and women focus on keeping us safe. The Justice Department also thanks the Department of Defense for its critical assistance in identifying servicemembers whose rights were violated”
“Countrywide Home Loans failed to protect and respect the rights of our servicemembers, failed to comply with clearly mandated procedures and foreclosed against homeowners who are valiantly serving our nation,” said André Birotte Jr, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. “Military families lost their homes when Countrywide violated the law, causing undue stress to wartime personnel who have been protected from such actions since the Civil War.”
“With the numerous sacrifices our servicemembers make while they are serving our country, the last thing they need to worry about is whether or not their families will be forced from their homes,” said James T. Jacks, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. “These lenders’ callous disregard for the SCRA, a law which was designed to insulate these patriots from unlawful foreclosures and other civil and financial obligations while they are on active duty, is deplorable and I applaud the Department’s Civil Rights Division’s efforts in identifying and seeking remedies for these wronged service members.”
Of the approximately 160 servicemembers upon whom Countrywide foreclosed without obtaining court orders, Countrywide allegedly foreclosed in many instances where it knew, or should have known, about their military status. The victims include individuals who have served honorably in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Department of Justice initiated its SCRA investigation of Countrywide in response to a referral by the U.S. Marine Corps regarding an active duty servicemember who was facing foreclosure by Countrywide.
Under the consent decree, Countrywide will establish a settlement fund of $20 million to compensate the servicemembers upon whom Countrywide foreclosed between January 1, 2006, and May 31, 2009. In addition to this settlement fund, Countrywide has agreed to compensate any additional SCRA-eligible individuals on whom Countrywide foreclosed without court orders between June 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010. The consent decree also requires numerous corrective measures, including SCRA training for Countrywide employees and agents, developing modified SCRA policies and procedures and referring future SCRA complaints to the Justice Department. Countrywide will also repair any negative credit report entries related to the allegedly wrongful foreclosures and will not pursue any remaining amounts owed under the mortgages. Countrywide now will check the Defense Manpower Data Center’s website and its own files prior to conducting any foreclosure, and will not foreclose in violation of the SCRA if the borrower is in military service or is otherwise protected by the SCRA.
Of the approximately 18 servicemembers upon whom Saxon foreclosed without obtaining court orders, Saxon allegedly foreclosed on at least 10 servicemembers when Saxon knew or should have known about their military status. The servicemembers Saxon foreclosed on include men and women who have served honorably in Iraq, some of whom were severely injured in the line of duty or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The Department of Justice initiated its SCRA investigation in response to an inquiry from Sergeant James Hurley, who resolved his claims against Saxon earlier this year in a confidential settlement.
Under the consent decree, Saxon will establish a settlement fund of $2.35 million to compensate the servicemembers upon whom Saxon allegedly wrongfully foreclosed between 2006 and 2009. In addition to this settlement fund, Saxon also has agreed to compensate any additional SCRA-eligible servicemembers on whom Saxon foreclosed without court orders between July 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010. The consent decree also requires numerous corrective measures, including SCRA training for Saxon employees and agents, developing modified SCRA policies and procedures, and referring future SCRA complaints to the Justice Department. Saxon will also repair any negative credit report entries related to the wrongful foreclosures and will not pursue any remaining amounts owing under the mortgages. Saxon now will check the Defense Manpower Data Center’s website and its own files prior to conducting any foreclosure, and will not foreclose in violation of the SCRA if the borrower is in military service or is otherwise protected by the SCRA.
The division’s SCRA investigations have resulted in litigation or settlements enforcing SCRA’s provisions for termination of residential lease agreements, protection against enforcement of storage liens on towed vehicles without court orders, reduction of interest rates to six percent on credit obligations, and a prohibition against paying pre-payment penalties on mortgage loans when a servicemember must move for military service.
President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes. For more information on the task force, visit www.StopFraud.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program office. Please consult the military legal assistance office locator at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil and click on the Legal Services Locator. Additional information about the Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and the other laws protecting servicemembers is available at http://www.servicemembers.gov/ . Servicemembers who believe they may have been victims, can contact the banks directly at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 6 for Countrywide or 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 995 for Saxon.
New Contract for L-3 for P-3, EP-3 and NP-3
Employment at Waco's largest commercial employer is expected to be stabilized with the awarding of a 104-million dollar contract. Naval Air Systems Command has awarded the contract for maintenance and upgrading three verions of its anti submarine and surveillance aircraft..the P-3, EP-3 and NP-3. This is a major extension for work on more aircraft for project that had been underway at the Waco facility at TSTC Airport, but which was up for bid. Work that had been split between two contractors will now all go to L-3. In addition to maintenance, structural work, including replacements of parts of wing assemblies will keep the aircraft flying for years to come. The variants of the E-3 are based on the airframe of a four engined commercial airliner called the Lockheed Electra which was taken out of service in the late sixties. It is noted for its extremely long range and ability to loiter over targeted areas for long periods of time.
Arrest of Serbian war crimes fugitive important step in fight against impunity – UN
(UN RELEASE)
– United Nations officials today welcomed the arrest of Serbian war crimes fugitive Ratko Mladic, long sought for his role in the atrocities committed during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, hailing it as an important step in the fight against impunity.
Mr. Mladic, the war-time leader of the Bosnian Serb forces, was arrested today in Serbia after evading capture for almost 16 years. He is awaiting transfer to The Hague, where he will stand trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
He faces numerous charges, including genocide, extermination, murder, persecutions, deportation, taking of hostages and inflicting terror on civilians, particularly in connection with massacre of up to 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the supposedly “safe haven” of Srebrenica in July 1995 in one of the most notorious events of the Balkan wars.
“This is a historic day for international justice,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said during an event in Paris. “This arrest marks an important step in our collective fight against impunity as well as for the work of the ICTY.”
He commended President Boris Tadic and the Serbian authorities for their efforts in apprehending Mr. Mladic.
A separate statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson added that the arrest “sends a powerful message that those who are alleged to have committed crimes against humanity may try to evade justice but they will, in the end, be held accountable.”
The Prosecutor of the ICTY, Serge Brammertz, also highlighted the significant impact of today’s arrest for international justice.
“Ratko Mladic’s arrest clearly signals that the commitment to international criminal justice is entrenched. Today’s events show that people responsible for grave violations of international humanitarian law can no longer count on impunity,” he said in a statement.
“With the news of the arrest, we think first and foremost of the victims of the crimes committed during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. These victims have endured unimaginable horrors – including the genocide in Srebrenica – and redress for their suffering is long overdue.
“Ratko Mladic’s arrest is also significant for all people in the former Yugoslavia. We believe that it can have a positive impact on reconciliation in the region,” Mr. Brammertz added.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay hailed the arrest, saying it will be “welcomed by many of the people raped, made homeless, and tortured during the war, as well as by the relatives of the many thousands who were killed by forces under his command, most notably in Srebrenica.”
“I hope that Mladiæ’s trial, along with that of Radovan Karadzic, and the recent ICTY convictions of Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac, as well as the dozens of earlier convictions, will help victims and their families see justice done and receive acknowledgement of their suffering,” Ms. Pillay stated in a news release.
The ICTY was tasked by the Security Council with trying those responsible for the worst war crimes and other breaches of international humanitarian law committed during the various conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
“The arrest of Mladic is a milestone in the Tribunal’s history and brings the institution closer to the successful completion of its mandate, with 160 out of 161 indicted persons having now been arrested,” the Tribunal stated in a news release.
With the arrest of Mr. Mladic, only one indictee – Goran Hadžic – now remains at large.
– United Nations officials today welcomed the arrest of Serbian war crimes fugitive Ratko Mladic, long sought for his role in the atrocities committed during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, hailing it as an important step in the fight against impunity.
Mr. Mladic, the war-time leader of the Bosnian Serb forces, was arrested today in Serbia after evading capture for almost 16 years. He is awaiting transfer to The Hague, where he will stand trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
He faces numerous charges, including genocide, extermination, murder, persecutions, deportation, taking of hostages and inflicting terror on civilians, particularly in connection with massacre of up to 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the supposedly “safe haven” of Srebrenica in July 1995 in one of the most notorious events of the Balkan wars.
“This is a historic day for international justice,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said during an event in Paris. “This arrest marks an important step in our collective fight against impunity as well as for the work of the ICTY.”
He commended President Boris Tadic and the Serbian authorities for their efforts in apprehending Mr. Mladic.
A separate statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson added that the arrest “sends a powerful message that those who are alleged to have committed crimes against humanity may try to evade justice but they will, in the end, be held accountable.”
The Prosecutor of the ICTY, Serge Brammertz, also highlighted the significant impact of today’s arrest for international justice.
“Ratko Mladic’s arrest clearly signals that the commitment to international criminal justice is entrenched. Today’s events show that people responsible for grave violations of international humanitarian law can no longer count on impunity,” he said in a statement.
“With the news of the arrest, we think first and foremost of the victims of the crimes committed during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. These victims have endured unimaginable horrors – including the genocide in Srebrenica – and redress for their suffering is long overdue.
“Ratko Mladic’s arrest is also significant for all people in the former Yugoslavia. We believe that it can have a positive impact on reconciliation in the region,” Mr. Brammertz added.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay hailed the arrest, saying it will be “welcomed by many of the people raped, made homeless, and tortured during the war, as well as by the relatives of the many thousands who were killed by forces under his command, most notably in Srebrenica.”
“I hope that Mladiæ’s trial, along with that of Radovan Karadzic, and the recent ICTY convictions of Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac, as well as the dozens of earlier convictions, will help victims and their families see justice done and receive acknowledgement of their suffering,” Ms. Pillay stated in a news release.
The ICTY was tasked by the Security Council with trying those responsible for the worst war crimes and other breaches of international humanitarian law committed during the various conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
“The arrest of Mladic is a milestone in the Tribunal’s history and brings the institution closer to the successful completion of its mandate, with 160 out of 161 indicted persons having now been arrested,” the Tribunal stated in a news release.
With the arrest of Mr. Mladic, only one indictee – Goran Hadžic – now remains at large.
CA Legislators to Consider “Refining” Definition of GenderCity: Sacramento, CA
(PACIFIC JUSTICE INSTITUTE RELEASE)
Lawmakers in the golden state are considering changes to thirty-four statutes “by redefining the definition of gender to also include a person’s… gender expression.” The Legislative Counsel’s Digest explains that under the proposed amendments “gender expression would be defined as meaning a person’s gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth.” The bill, AB 988, amends the Civil, Education, Government, Labor, and Penal Codes.
According to the Digest, one example of the impact of the bill would be to “require an employer to allow an employee to appear or dress consistently with the employee’s gender expression.” In contrast, under current law an employer can require an employee to dress consistently with the employee’s gender identity. Pacific Justice Institute is preparing an analysis and opposition to the bill for lawmakers.
“Instead of ‘refining’ the meaning of gender, AB 887 is attempting to blur the distinction between the sexes,” said Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute. “This would allow a male transvestite to cross dress at a sale’s call and the employer would be unable to require the salesman to dress appropriately while representing the company. Not only does this touch on the absurd, the proposed changes will be done at taxpayer expense,” Dacus continued.
Lawmakers in the golden state are considering changes to thirty-four statutes “by redefining the definition of gender to also include a person’s… gender expression.” The Legislative Counsel’s Digest explains that under the proposed amendments “gender expression would be defined as meaning a person’s gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth.” The bill, AB 988, amends the Civil, Education, Government, Labor, and Penal Codes.
According to the Digest, one example of the impact of the bill would be to “require an employer to allow an employee to appear or dress consistently with the employee’s gender expression.” In contrast, under current law an employer can require an employee to dress consistently with the employee’s gender identity. Pacific Justice Institute is preparing an analysis and opposition to the bill for lawmakers.
“Instead of ‘refining’ the meaning of gender, AB 887 is attempting to blur the distinction between the sexes,” said Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute. “This would allow a male transvestite to cross dress at a sale’s call and the employer would be unable to require the salesman to dress appropriately while representing the company. Not only does this touch on the absurd, the proposed changes will be done at taxpayer expense,” Dacus continued.
Cong. Flores Statement on the Extension of the PATRIOT Act
Washington, D.C. – Today( ED: May 26), the House passed S. 990, extending three expiring national security provisions in the PATRIOT Act. U.S. Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) released the following statement regarding the House vote on the PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act of 2011:
“Days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress enacted the PATRIOT Act. The original PATRIOT Act was very expansive in its scope and over time, and many provisions of the original law have been allowed to expire. The three national security provisions extended in the PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act only apply to foreign terror suspects and have been tested in the courts and found to be Constitutional. This bill extends roving wiretaps, the business records provision and the lone wolf provision. These three pieces are necessary to address the modern threat of terrorism. Court orders are required for all enforcement activities under the PATRIOT Act, including these three provisions. As we’ve seen in recent years, the terrorist threat facing America has not diminished, but it has changed. We now face radical foreign terrorists within our borders and rogue foreign terrorists that have no known affiliation to a terrorist organization.
“These provisions continue to play a vital role in America’s counter-terrorism efforts, not only to prevent another large-scale attack like September 11th, but also to combat an increasing number of smaller terrorist plots. Earlier this year, in our own state of Texas, a 20-year-old student from Saudi Arabia was arrested for attempting to use weapons of mass destruction. Without a Section 215 business records order used to obtain information essential in this investigation, he may have been successful in purchasing chemicals to construct a bomb to attack targets including the Dallas residence of former President George W. Bush, several dams in Colorado and California, and the homes of three former military guards who served in Iraq.
“The PATRIOT Act has helped keep America safe for nearly a decade. We cannot afford to leave our intelligence and law enforcement personnel without the resources they need to dismantle terrorist organizations, identify threats from foreign groups and individuals and interrupt terrorist plots. And even though the death of Osama Bin Laden signifies that we have reached a great milestone in our battle for peace and freedom for all, the Global War on Terror is still very much alive.”
For more information on the PATRIOT Act, visit my website at http://www.flores.house.gov/
“Days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress enacted the PATRIOT Act. The original PATRIOT Act was very expansive in its scope and over time, and many provisions of the original law have been allowed to expire. The three national security provisions extended in the PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act only apply to foreign terror suspects and have been tested in the courts and found to be Constitutional. This bill extends roving wiretaps, the business records provision and the lone wolf provision. These three pieces are necessary to address the modern threat of terrorism. Court orders are required for all enforcement activities under the PATRIOT Act, including these three provisions. As we’ve seen in recent years, the terrorist threat facing America has not diminished, but it has changed. We now face radical foreign terrorists within our borders and rogue foreign terrorists that have no known affiliation to a terrorist organization.
“These provisions continue to play a vital role in America’s counter-terrorism efforts, not only to prevent another large-scale attack like September 11th, but also to combat an increasing number of smaller terrorist plots. Earlier this year, in our own state of Texas, a 20-year-old student from Saudi Arabia was arrested for attempting to use weapons of mass destruction. Without a Section 215 business records order used to obtain information essential in this investigation, he may have been successful in purchasing chemicals to construct a bomb to attack targets including the Dallas residence of former President George W. Bush, several dams in Colorado and California, and the homes of three former military guards who served in Iraq.
“The PATRIOT Act has helped keep America safe for nearly a decade. We cannot afford to leave our intelligence and law enforcement personnel without the resources they need to dismantle terrorist organizations, identify threats from foreign groups and individuals and interrupt terrorist plots. And even though the death of Osama Bin Laden signifies that we have reached a great milestone in our battle for peace and freedom for all, the Global War on Terror is still very much alive.”
For more information on the PATRIOT Act, visit my website at http://www.flores.house.gov/
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