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January 2008
Bundle up again tonight
We’re at 57 degrees right now at Waco Regional Airport with winds of 29 mph and gusts of 39 mph, and it’s not going to get much warmer
The forecast calls for the temperatre to drop this afternoon to around 49 by 5 p.m. Winds will be out of the northwest between 25 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.
So for tonight, we’re supposed to have clear skies with a low around 30. The wind will still be blowing hard, so figure on wind chills at least in the low 20s.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Sick and can’t see a doctor?
We’re hearing tales about lots of sickness going around in Waco, and two of our reporters, Wendy Gragg and Erin Quinn, are working on a story about people who need to see a doctor but can’t because physicians offices are booked and overbooked with patients.
Are you one of those folks who can’t find a doctor to treat you? If so, please call or e-mail Gragg at 757-6901 or wgragg@wacotrib.com or Quinn at 757-5748 or equinn@wacotrib.com.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Health
Don’t forget: Library renovation comment sessions today
The first session is under way, but there are two more opportunities for public comment today for residents to offer their ideas for the $5.4 million in renovations to be made on the Central Library.
All sessions are at the Central Library, 1717 Austin Ave. A session for input from teenagers starts at 4 p.m. and the last one, from the community, is at 7 p.m.
Architects from the Dallas offices of Leo A. Daly will share examples of their work completed at other libraries.
For more information, call 750-5946.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Headlines, Downtown development
Rapoports to host U.S. Senate candidate
Bernard and Audre Rapoport will be hosting a reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Royal Room at Ridgewood Country Club, 7301 Fish Pond Road, so people can meet Rick Noriega, who is running for U.S. Senate.
Here’s his Web site if you’re interested in learning more about him.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Politics
Honoring Ann Roznovsky again
The public reception honoring marketing and community relations director Ann Roznovsky for her 50 years of service at the Tribune-Herald was a couple of weeks ago, but our in-house reception for her retirement is going on right now.
Ann has always a wonderful spark of energy and positivity here at the Trib, and while she’ll still be here occasionally handling Storybook Christmas, we’re going to miss seeing her daily.
Today is her final day as a full-time Trib employee.
I think I’m missing the cake and punch in the break room, so I’m going to slide away for a few minutes and be back blogging shortly.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Headlines, This, that
Waco businesses named in ‘best’ list
Two local businesses were recognized last week at the “2008 Best Companies to Work for in Texas” awards luncheon.
Higginbotham & Associates, an insurance and financial services company based in Fort Worth ranked eighth of the 25 medium-sized company finalists. Higginbotham has a branch office headed by Cindy Brown in the American Plaza building off State Highway 6. It was been there about a year, Brown said.
Higginbotham & Associates came in at 10th in the 2006 list.
The Dwyer Group, which is based in Waco, came in 14th in the medium-sized category.
A complete list of the top 75 companies (25 in large, medium and small categories) will be published in the February issue of Texas Monthly magazine.
But if you’re curious already, here’s the Web site.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Headlines, Business
Former China Spring woman rearrested in murder-for-hire plot
The Dallas Morning News today has a story that Frisco police have arrested three people in the December murder-for-hire killing of Craig Nail, including Nail’s estranged wife, China Spring native Vera Elizabeth Guthrie-Nail.
It marks the second time Vera Elizabeth Guthrie-Nail, 42, has been arrested in the case. She was taken into custody earlier this month and posted bail after being accused of trying to hire a boyfriend to kill Nail.
Here’s the Morning News story.
You might recall that earlier this month investigators found evidence at a China Spring home they say is connected to the scheme.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Politics
Watermelon yell did happen at A&M
I don’t know how often it happened but the “watermelon yell” I blogged about yesterday prior to the Texas A&M-Texas men’s basketball game did happen at the game.
Here’s the youtube proof.
The Dallas Morning News included it in the game story:
Texas, which has lost four straight in College Station, fell to 16-4, 3-2 in the league. As the final seconds ticked off, A&M students let out a cheer directed at UT coach Rick Barnes: “Watermelon, watermelon, watermelon rind. Look at the scoreboard and see who’s behind. T.u! t.u!. t.u.!”
“I’m proud of their student body,” Barnes said, “because last year, I taught them the cheer, and they carried it out great. … From that point on, good night for the Aggies.”
Permalink | | Categories: Pro & college sports
Bank robber stopped by Trib first
That the guy who tried to rob the Bank of America Wednesday morning? He stopped by the Trib’s offices right before he held up the bank.
Here’s today’s story about Marvin Goodlow Washington, who interacted with at least four people here at the Tribune-Herald office and was “acting crazy.”
But he didn’t seem any crazier than a lot of other folks who have arrived at the Trib. Washington came to our front desk on the second floor around 9 a.m. asking to talk to a journalist because he had a story to tell.
That story, he said, was that he had just been released from prison in Huntsville, but his wife didn’t come to pick him up, and he was looking for her. He thought she was kidnapped. Washington then went into various tangents on the FBI, conspiracies, and that he came inside because it was cold.
Co-workers suggested he go to the Salvation Army or somewhere else for help, but he refused.
Right before leaving here, he told our second-floor clerk, “If y’all can’t help me, I’m fixing to create a disturbance.” He told another co-worker on the first floor before exiting, “I’m not gonna be homeless after today.”
Little did we know.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Damp start to Thursday morning
Welcome to the Thursday Waco NOW newsblog. It’s a little slick out there this morning, the result of a little bit of rain fired off in front of the latest front to push through.
Waco Regional Airport recorded 0.18 inches of rain, most of that coming between 3 and 4 a.m. Gatesville had 0.06 inches, but none of the other local recording sites listed any precipitation.
To our north, Corsicana Municipal Airport listed 0.47 inches for the overnight hours.
We are supposed to have mostly sunny skies, with a high near 61. Yeah, that wind is coming back, too. West-northwest winds could gust as high as 40 mph.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Get ready to go Completely ‘Lost’
Even with only eight episodes completed, thanks to the writers’ strike, Lost returns tonight on ABC (KXXV-TV, Channel 25) with an “enhanced” version of the two-hour finale from last year that had fans of the show, going “What the …?”
The “enhanced” version will offer pop-ups on the screen to explain background and other tidbits of information, though how much of that will be relevatory to Lost fanatics is questionable.
The New York Times has a great piece on it today.
Speaking of Lost fans, Tribbers Chris Oliver and myself are about to embark on a new blog at wacotrib.com, called Completely ‘Lost.’ The blog should be up later today and all of you Central Texas Lost fans — or beyond — are welcome to immerse yourself with us in a show that we find amazing every week.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Entertainment, This, that
Midway Little League late registration tonight
Just a reminder, since I was asked nicely to put this in the blog, that Midway Little League will take late signups at 6 p.m. today at Sorrels & Gunn Builders, 7901 Woodway Drive.
Players can still sign up for the upcoming spring season until Feb. 4. If you can’t make it tonight you have by then to mail in a registration form off the Web site www.midwaylittleleague.net and mail to P.O. Box 21253, Waco, TX 76702.
Registration fees cost $100 for kids 8 and up, $65 for kids age 6-7; the fee covers uniform costs. For more information, log on to www.midwaylittleleague.net or call Eddie Burns at 254-715-9260.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Update: Bank robbery attempt at Bank of America
A suspect in a bank robbery in downtown Waco this morning was apprehended quickly by police officers.
Dispatchers alerted officers to a possible robbery at the Bank of America, 514 Austin Ave., at 10:09 a.m., according to a records supervisor at the police department.
The supervisor said a suspect was taken into custody not far away at 10:13.
Waco police officer Steve Anderson said the suspect threatened to stab a bank employee if she did not give him money. Anderson said he didn’t know if the suspect displayed a knife during the threat.
—Monica Ortiz Uribe
I apologize for the gap in posts. We had this information before 11 a.m., but a systemwide problem knocked out blog-posting capability for a half-hour or so.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Bank robbery suspect caught
We’re hearing scanner chatter here about Waco police capturing a bank robbery suspect this morning in downtown Waco. Don’t know where the robbery was, or even if it happened today.
We’ll let you know more as we find out.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
More slide shows from weekend event online
If you enjoy our slide shows, and based on the page-view numbers we’re seeing it’s obvious that you do, new slide shows from the Hill County Fair and Columbus Avenue Baptist Church’s Fresh Grounded Faith Conference are now up.
Check them out.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, This, that
Report: FutureGen could look at Texas again
The Dallas Morning News today has a story that the U.S. Department of Energy told members of Congress from Illinois on Tuesday that it would pull its support for building the $1.8 billion FutureGen plant in Mattoon, Ill., because the project has stalled over questions about its rising cost and technological scope.
You might recall that Jewett and Odessa were the Texas cities vying to have the project.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas, Technology
Watermelon yell may debut at A&M-Texas game tonight
Trib co-worker Christy Scott, a fellow Aggie grad who probably bleeds maroon more than I do, sent me this funny story from The Battalion, Texas A&M’s student newspaper about tonight’s Big 12 game in College Station between No. 10 Texas and No. 23 Texas A&M.
When I was at A&M (1982-1986) basketball games were in G. Rollie White Coliseum, which was pretty much shaped like a box. We could get really loud in that environment.
All I can say, is “Gig ‘em!”
And while I’m at it, “Go Lady Bears!” The sixth-ranked BU women host No. 25 Texas at 7 tonight in the Ferrell Center. Here’s Jerry Hill’s story.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Around Central Texas, Pro & college sports
Attorney to represent Mart residents facing eviction
Attorney Rick Bostwick has told Trib reporter Tommy Witherspoon that his firm will be representing for free the Mart residents who live on Mart city property near Battle Lake Golf Course and are threatened to be displaced.
At 1:30 today in Judge Vicki Menard’s 414th State District Court, the group of residentswill seek a temporary restraining order to keep the city from acting on this plan.
Here’s our previous stories on it:
Residents vow to fight eviction plans
Mart wants residents on city-owned property to move
We’ll update this story as we learn more.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas
Giants’ Ross has a sort-of tie to Waco
You’ve probably heard that the Super Bowl is this weekend. OK, there’s no LT and the Chargers to root for, but there are a couple of Baylor/Waco ties to the game.
Patriots kick returner Willie Andrews played for Baylor. You may have heard on local radio how both Baylor radio guy John Morris and our own Baylor football beat writer Jerry Hill were stiffed by Patriots media relations in trying to get an interview with Andrews … last week, not even this week when it’s understandably crazy.
C’mon. They were asking for Willie Andrews. Not Tom Brady, Randy Moss or even Wes Welker.
If you want to root for the Giants, there’s a bit of tie to cornerback Aaron Ross, who played for the Texas Longhorns in college, but is engaged to one of the fastest women in the world, Sanya Richards, who trains in Waco with the legendary Clyde Hart. Here’s a fun story on that.
Hart, meanwhile, is in the news because he and star pupil Jeremy Wariner are ending their partnership over a contract dispute. Read Brice Cherry’s story on that. The Associated Press had this story.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Headlines, Pro & college sports
Sorry, but I like my newscasters to be local
In yesterday’s blog, I commented about watching the first installment of Fox 44’s entry into doing newscast. Little did I know while watching it Monday night was that the news, sports and weather anchors are all in Tyler!
What kind of flim-flam stuff is that?
Trib entertainment writer Carl Hoover was alerted to it, and we worked the phones Tuesday to get the answers. Yes, the segments are filmed locally, but the anchors tape their segments ahead of time. Seems a tad disingenuous, if you ask me.
So guys, if you want to watch news anchor Crystal Kobza because she’s really darn attractive, go ahead. But I’ll get my TV news from the truly local folks, who are also involved in our community. The Tyler folks can’t be.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: Headlines, Entertainment
Cold start to this Wednesday
Good morning, folks! It’s exactly 32 degrees at the Waco Regional Airport and the wind chill has it feeling like 25. But with the clear skies and a wind — yes, it’ll be breezy again — switching from the south we’re supposed to get a high in the neighborhood of 60 degrees.
Because of the wind we do have another fire danger watch. There were scattered grass fires in Central Texas yesterday and we don’t need a repeat of any of that.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Don’t forget to bundle up tonight
Sure, it’s downright balmy right now (69 degrees in Waco, 70 in McGregor and Gatesville) but that’s going to change this afternoon as a cold front and high winds pushes down through Central Texas.
Check out the forecast and tonight get those pets inside, the plants covered and the pipes wrapped (if you’re like me, they’re stayed wrapped).
See you on the blog tomorrow.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Waco man in Idaho semi-truck accident
An Idaho TV station is reporting an overnight accident on Interstate 84 in Caldwell, Idaho, that involves a Waco man.
Dumitru Boicu, 27, and listed as being from Waco was driving a semi on Interstate 84 when his truck smashed through a guardrail at an exit ramp late Monday night.
Apparently he wasn’t hurt as he told the TV reporter that he didn’t slow down in time for the ramp and was confused by the signs.
Caldwell, Idaho, has about 26,000 people and is considered part of the Boise metropolitan area.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, National news, Police & crime, Traffic
Classified ad prankster tags Aspen paper
Like the Waco Tribune-Herald in 2005, the Aspen Times in Colorado is the latest newspaper to receive a “gotcha” from classified-ad prankster Rory Emerald. It happened this weekend for the Times and suckered 60-70 readers.
Like the Trib, the Times wrote a story about “getting had.”
Here’s our story when Emerald “got” the Trib. It was in the Aug. 26, 2005, paper and written by Tim Woods:
Prankster Rory Emerald has struck Waco. Emerald is not a criminal, at least not with his latest endeavor. Instead, the 38-year-old stay-at-home dad refers to himself as a “professional hoaxster extraordinaire.”
Emerald ‘s gags involve placing fake classified ads in newspapers across the country, beginning during the Michael Jackson trial in June when he ran an ad in the Santa Barbara News-Press that read “Found: Near Neverland Ranch, prosthetic nose.”
The prankster hoped the ad would lighten the mood in the California town and thought the ads would end there. They didn’t.
“I thought, how can I stop now, when it’s making so many people laugh?”Emerald said.
On Monday, Emerald brought his unique brand of humor to Waco, specifically the Tribune-Herald.
Emerald ‘s latest ad - he says it’s about the 25th he’s run - read: “Found: ‘Spongebob Squarepants’ ice sculpture in Waco, in lrg. comm. walk-in freezer.”
The Anaheim, Calif., resident said he chose Waco because he “found the people there were wound kind of tight and needed to laugh,” citing the tension surrounding the Crawford protests outside President Bush’s ranch and other negative publicity Waco has received over recent years. Emerald said the response from Wacoans - he had received about 50 calls by Monday evening and was still getting calls Wednesday - has been both overwhelming and receptive.
“The response I’ve gotten from Waco has been really incredible, it’s been fabulous,” Emerald said, noting that he has not received any negative feedback from Waco residents.
Emerald ‘s ads have claimed to have found things such as Andy Warhol paintings in Buffalo, N.Y., an Elvis Presley tour bus on a Fargo, N.D., ranch, and Paris Hilton’s PDA in Charleston, S.C.
He says that negative reactions are rare and that “usually when that happens, the person is kind of whackadoo.”
Sgt. Ryan Holt, a spokesman for the Waco Police Department, was not aware of any law or ordinance forbidding Emerald ‘s classified ad jokes, but that does not mean Emerald has always steered clear of law enforcement.
In 1993, he served jail time for impersonating Mia Farrow’s personal shopper on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, attempting to take more than $10,000 worth of clothing for the actress. Emerald said that Farrow “would have loved the clothes I picked out.”
In 1990, the Associated Press reported that Julian Lee Hobbs, Emerald ‘s birth name, was dating Elizabeth Taylor. Emerald said that some news sources even reported that the two were going to be married, though he was reluctant to say how the story came about.
The Taylor incident led to Emerald obtaining a restraining order against Taylor’s former husband Larry Fortensky in Los Angeles Superior Court in September 2000.
Emerald said he plans to avoid future legal trouble, but has no intention of stopping his unusual ads. He would not disclose where or when he would strike next, but said that he does “have something regarding Laura Bush and something regarding Yoko Ono.”
He wants people to rest assured, though, that the ads will remain clean and fun.
“All I want to do with the found ads is make people laugh and make people happy,” Emerald said.
The Tribune-Herald employee who took the call about the ad, Christina Pesina, said that Emerald was not the person who called. Pesina said that a woman called and said she was placing the ad for out-of-town people. Pesina said that the woman claimed that the out-of-towners were trying to sell a vacant commercial building and found the ice sculpture in a walk-in freezer.
The woman sounded very upset, mentioning that the sculpture must have been very expensive and thought it might have been stolen, Pesina said.
Besides the found item, Pesina said there was nothing unusual about the call.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Headlines, Weird & wacky
Carter BloodCare seeking donors
Donna Karl with Carter BloodCare, which supplies blood to Providence Health Center and Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, e-mailed today to let me know that more blood is needed these days, especially O-negative and O-positive.
The way the weather’s been lately and with people being sick, donations are really down, she said, and the blood center wants to make sure the patients in Central Texas have their needs met.
She stressed that Carter BloodCare is not at a crisis level, it just doesn’t want to get to that point.
Hours at the Waco Neighborhood Donor Center, 4332 W. Waco Drive, are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
More information is available at (800) DONATE-4 or carterbloodcare.org. For more information, call Karl at 399-8546.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, This, that
MPO meeting to be shown on city cable channel
The city of Waco has announced that because of public interest, the Waco City Cable Channel, WCCC-TV, will carry today’s policy board meeting live for the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Bosque Theatre at the Waco Convention Center.
The agenda does include discussion on the possibility of adding tolls lanes on Interstate 35, which is part of Agenda Item III - Amendments to the Transportation Plan.
Background information about the agenda items can be found online. The full agenda is:
I. Call to Order, Proof of Posting
II. Approval of the November 27, 2007 meeting minutes.
III. Consideration and Action on proposed amendments to the Waco Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
IV. Consideration and Action proposed amendments to the 2008-2011 Transportation Improvement Program.
V. Consideration and Action on approval of list of federally funded projects let for construction during FY 2007.
VI. Consideration and Action on approval of the FY 2007 Annual Performance & Expenditure Report.
VII. Consideration and Action on choosing an MPO Representative for the Interstate 35 corridor advisory committee.
VIII. Public Hearing of any visitor concerning MPO business not on the agenda.
IX. Staff Reports
X. Adjournment.
For more background on the toll lanes proposal, here’s Trib reporter David Doerr’s story from Monday.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, City hall, Traffic
Serbian business expert to speak to Waco chamber
The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce’s International Business Development Council (I didn’t even know we had one) is hosting a commercial specialist from Belgrade, Serbia, today for a noontime luncheon at the chamber’s boardroom.
Boris Popovski assists U.S. companies looking to do business in Serbia through counseling, providing commercial and economic information and providing guidance in developing a market penetration strategy.
Because the boardroom is small, the chamber took reservations from its members who were interested in hearing Popovski speak. The 20 or so spots are already filled up.
Wonder if anyone will ask Popovski what he thinks about a 70-foot statue of a Texas ranger?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Downtown development
Waco High: check out yourselves
The Waco High School channel at wacotrib.com has a wealth of new features and images to view.
Much of it is student-produced work. Check it out.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Education
Did you check out Fox 44’s news?
The big three TV stations in Central Texas don’t have anything to worry about yet, but KWKT-TV, Channel 44, entered the news broadcast business last night with its first telecast.
Here’s the story by Trib writer Carl Hoover from Monday’s paper.
As initial efforts go, I thought it was pretty clean. It certainly doesn’t have the production values of the more established local stations and I imagine it’s running with a small staff.
Normally it will be on at 9 p.m. weeknights. Last night was a 9:30 start because of the State of the Union address.
If Fox 44 is looking to draw that younger male demographic, it may have that in news anchor Crystal Kobza. She’s attractive and did well in her first night. She comes from KETK-TV, Channel 56 in Tyler. Here’s her bio from that station’s Web site, since Fox 44 has no mention of the news broadcast on its site yet.
She grew up — at least until high school — in La Grange, about two hours south of here. That’s 15 minutes from my little hometown of Fayetteville, Texas. Midway ISD folks will recall that former superintendent Randy Albers went to La Grange ISD to lead that district with plans to retire there
I’m not sure I’m a fan of the theme music — too techno-pop for my tastes — but the broadcast did deliver two local news stories and a sports story in addition to weather.
An interesting installment is the 4-1-1 segment in which Kobza stands next to a headlined story taken — but rightfully given credit — from area newspapers. Business editor Mike Copeland’s Caterpillar story (though they misspelled it “Caterpiller”) and David Doerr’s piece on tonight’s Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting were featured, as well as something from the Killeen Daily Herald that I can’t remember.
It’ll be interesting to see how this does in the weeks ahead.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas
Meridian without city police force
The city of Meridian is without a police force today, as its chief unexpectedly quit late Monday afternoon.
Chief Scott Martin was the city’s lone lawman after the first of the department’s two-person team quit in December, said the city’s administrator, Marie Garland.
The Bosque County Sheriff’s Office has already agreed to taking over law enforcement duties within the city’s limits, she said.
Garland said Martin had been chief of the department for less than a year, and, at 4 p.m. Monday, he handed in his badge and city-issued cell phone.
Garland said the city had been in brief discussions about disbanding the department, but said council members were just “looking at all their options.”
No decision has yet been made regarding where the city will go from here.
A message was left on Martin’s home phone number in Meridian, but the call was not immediately returned.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas, Police & crime
Skinny’s store robbed
Waco police are investigating a robbery overnight at the Skinny’s convenience store at 9311 China Spring Highway.
A police spokesman says a man walked into Skinny’s just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday and demanded money. He took money from the store and ran off, the spokesman said.
It is police policy not to disclose the amount of cash taken in robberies.
No weapon or vehicle was used in the robbery, the spokesman said.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding the robbery to call Waco Crime Stoppers at 752-HELP or the department at 750-7500.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Good Tuesday morning … here comes the sun
Well, at least I think we’ll see the sun today. Checking the forecast from the National Weather Service we have the following: Fire Weather Watch
That’s all because of the winds that are supposed to pick up today and really whip us around. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, then gradually becoming sunny, with a temperature falling to around 63 by 5 p.m. We’re at 64 right now.
Here’s another look from our blogger, Joe Weather.
A southwest wind from 20 to 30 mph will become north northwest. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph as a cold front comes in that will drop temperatures to around 31 degrees. With the wind chill, it will be wickedly cold.
I sure hope my kids’ short sleeves will be fine throughout the school day.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
You can cover sports, school news for the Trib!
WacoTrib.com offers a great way for parents and students at Waco High, Midway and University to get the word out about accomplishments in sports, academics — you name it.
Just post an entry on the news board of your school’s WacoTrib.com page (here are links for Waco, Midway and University), and we’ll give it a mention in Waco Now, our daily breaking news blog.
Here’s a good example about Midway’s swim team that was posted today.
If you’d like to go directly to the message boards, click on these links (Waco, Midway, University).
You also can get to the school pages by putting your cursor over “Schools” in the blue navigation bar at the top of the WacoTrib.com homepage, then clicking on your school in the pulldown menu.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Headlines
Caterpillar closing centers in Dallas, Kansas City
The new Caterpillar parts distribution center in Waco also brings news of plant closings in Kansas City and Dallas. Here’s the story from The Kansas City Star.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
Caterpillar to build distribution center in Waco, employ 140-180
By MIKE COPELAND Tribune-Herald Business editor
Caterpillar Logistics announced Monday it will build a 500,000-square-foot parts distribution center in Waco’s Texas Central Industrial Park.
The facility will employ between 140 and 180 people, increase network capacity and provide aftermarket parts support to six Caterpillar dealers in North America.
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce officials say the site will occupy about 70 acres, though they are not yet revealing the exact site.
Groundbreaking will take place during the second quarter of this year, and the center should be operational by early 2009.
Here’s the press release from Caterpillar:
Building on the strength of a best-in-class global service parts distribution network, Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. (Cat Logistics), a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT), is announcing plans to open a new parts distribution center in Waco, Texas. The new facility marks the beginning of a multiyear expansion and enhancement of the Caterpillar service parts distribution network throughout North America.
The more than 500,000-square-foot facility will employ between 140 and 180 people, increase network capacity and provide primary aftermarket parts support to six Caterpillar dealers in North America. Once operational, the new facility will replace the smaller regional distribution centers in Dallas, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri, while increasing total warehouse capacity. It will process dealer stock and emergency orders as well as inbound parts.
“We certainly recognize the significant value parts availability provides our end users,” said Bill Springer, Caterpillar vice president responsible for the Marketing and Product Support Division. “Therefore, this new parts distribution center will help Caterpillar and Cat dealers maintain our industry leadership by enabling quicker order-to-delivery time.”
Currently most parts are routed through a single global entry point in Morton, Illinois. Through this network modernization plan, the new Texas distribution center will also handle inbound processing of parts directly from suppliers.
Services at existing Cat facilities in York, Pennsylvania, and Denver, Colorado, will be expanded to do the same. When complete, these process improvements will get parts on the shelf faster and improve Caterpillar’s ability to fill dealer orders.
“We are enhancing the Caterpillar parts distribution network to ensure we continue meeting the expectations of our dealers and customers in the years ahead. This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to product support excellence,” said Steve Larson, vice president of Caterpillar Inc. and chairman and president of Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc.
Groundbreaking for the new Waco parts distribution center is planned for the second quarter 2008, with operations expected to be underway in early 2009. About Caterpillar For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent.
With 2007 sales and revenues of $44.958 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at: http://www.cat.com.
Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. provides world-class supply chain solutions and services to its parent company, Caterpillar Inc., and more than 65 other leading corporations throughout the world. Headquartered in Morton, Illinois, Cat Logistics operates more than 105 offices and facilities in 25 countries on six continents. Cat Logistics provides its full service capabilities to companies in market sectors, which include automotive, industrial and aerospace service parts, consumer durables, technology, electronics and manufacturing logistics. More information is available at http://www.CatLogistics.com.
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Former Waco man invents ‘Suite Digs’ for dogs
The Pocono (Pa.) Record has an interesting story about former Waco resident Thomas Jackson, who hopes to stem the flow of unwanted pets that wind up in animal shelters. His invention is called “Suite Digs,” and you can read about it here.
Thomas earned an associate degree in applied science from Texas State Technical Institute, as it was known before it became Texas State Technical College. “I was in Waco before it was famous,” Thomas says in the story.
I’m sure he’s referring to the Lady Bears’ national championship.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
Rockin’ the Ferrell Center
Has the Ferrell Center ever had a more ginormous weekend? Maybe, but I certainly can’t remember when.
On Saturday, the Baylor Bears packed the house and staged a gritty comeback against the Oklahoma Sooners. Later that evening, the Lady Bears blasted the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
As always, we have great photos from the games.
But don’t forget the Harlem Globetrotters on Friday night. Nobody brings smiles to kids’ faces like the magicians of basketball, as our photos attest.
I still can remember the thrill of seeing the ‘Trotters, led by Meadowlark Lemon, when I was a kid. I whistled “Sweet Georgia Brown” for weeks.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
Sports Illustrated on hand at Baylor men’s game
Looks like Sports Illustrated plans to do a story on the Baylor men’s basketball team’s resurgence as well. Our chief photographer Rod Aydelotte said the photographer from SI had set up eight remote cameras at various locations in the Ferrell Center (primarily up around the backboards for those “from above” shots and directly overhead in the rafters) during Saturday’s game against Oklahoma.
And you think our photographers shoot a lot of pics that never see print (which makes the Web site such a great friend to photogs) …
It’s a shame the Bears couldn’t build on their success. But Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin, who took over the game down low, wasn’t even supposed to be in uniform.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Baylor sports
Midway Little League late signups Wednesday
Midway Little League will take late signups for the upcoming spring season until Feb. 4.
Players wanting to sign up have two options: Show up at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Sorrels & Gunn Builders, 7901 Woodway Drive, or print the registration forms off the Web site www.midwaylittleleague.net and mail the forms to P.O. Box 21253, Waco, TX 76702.
Registration fees cost $100 for kids 8 and up, $65 for kids age 6-7 and the fee covers uniform costs. For more information, log on to www.midwaylittleleague.net or call Eddie Burns at 254-715-9260.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Extensive story on BU’s Briles in Statesman
Our sister newspaper, the Austin American-Statesman, ran a lengthy story on new Baylor head football coach Art Briles in its Sunday edition.
The story focuses on the loss of Briles’ parents when he was just 20 and how their deaths helped shape him into the man and coach he is today. It’s good reading.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Baylor sports
Can’t see Monday for all the fog
Seems like the past two mornings have been some of the foggiest mornings I’ve seen in Waco in some time.
It’s 51 degrees in a fog bank and feels like 46. We have a 20 percent chance of showers before noon and it’ll stay cloudy with a high near 70. Expect a windy day, too.
Tonight, we’re looking at a 20 percent chance of showers with a low around 59. More brisk south winds are forecast.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Strother wearing a badge today
Trib courts reporter Tommy Witherspoon tells us that Judge Ralph Strother, who helped stop a man from driving recklessly in Waco, was “deputized” by Sheriff Larry Lynch and given a badge.
Strother was wearing the badge outside his robes while hearing a divorce case this morning.
Sometimes this stuff almost writes itself.
That’s all from the newsblog this week. See you on Monday.
And, Go Bears!
(Also, may my Aggies please get back on the winning track?)
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Courthouse, This, that
La Vega grad Jennings hired at TCU
Texas Christian University has announced the hiring of Clay Jennings as cornerbacks coach for the Horned Frogs football team.
Jennings, who has coached five current NFL defensive backs, comes to the Horned Frogs after serving as the cornerbacks coach at Baylor last season.
He is a 1992 La Vega High School graduate and a 1996 alum of the University of North Texas.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Pro & college sports
Online commenting on Waco ISD facility needs offered
Want to throw in your two cents about Waco ISD’s facility needs? You’ll have your chance by this evening, Trib education reporter Wendy Gragg tells us.
The district and architectural services company PBK will be posting online the facilities report and what they see as priorities at each campus. It should be up by 5 p.m. today and there will be an online form for you to make comments and suggestions.
Here’s where to go:
Go to www.wacoisd.org
You will see the beginning of a facilities story, click to read the full story.
At the end of the story there will be a link to go to the priorities list, click that. Each campus should be accessible as an individual link to a pdf.
The commenting period will last through Tuesday at least.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Headlines, Education
Credit union robber on the run
Police are searching for a man this morning who robbed the GenCo Federal Credit Union on Hewitt Drive at gunpoint.
Waco police officer Steve Anderson said that a 5-foot-6 Hispanic man, weighing about 160 pounds and wearing a gray, hooded jacket, brandished a gun at 9:20 a.m today at the credit union and left with an undetermined amount of cash.
No one was injured, he said, but the suspect ran south of the credit union and police were focusing their search behind the H-E-B store. A helicopter also is airborne and part of the hunt.
That GenCo credit union was last robbed Aug. 19, 2007, Anderson said.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Marlin native Modkins named running backs coach for Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards announced this week that he named Marlin native Curtis Modkins as the club’s running backs coach.
Modkins previously worked under Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey at Georgia Tech as both the running backs coach (2003-07) and the defensive backs coach (2002). Modkins has also spent time as an assistant at New Mexico (1998-01) and at TCU (1995-97). He gained his initial NFL coaching experience in ‘99 under Gailey, serving an NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Dallas Cowboys.
Here’s a link to the Kansas Chiefs Web site on the announcement.
Apparently, he had to resign a new job at Colorado State University, which on Jan. 14 announced him as its offensive coordinator. Greg Peterson was elevated to replace Modkins at CSU.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Pro & college sports
Police cars at GenCo credit union on Hewitt Drive
Reporter Erin Quinn tells us that a number of police cars are in front of the GenCo Federal Credit Union in the Crossroads West Center on Hewitt Drive across from the H-E-B.
Reporter Cindy Culp has confirmed with Woodway Public Safety that the credit union was robbed this morning.
We’ll update this as we find out more.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Baylor men’s game to be on TV
The 25th-ranked (like the sound of that?) Baylor Bears’ Saturday game in the Ferrell Center against Oklahoma will be televised on ESPN Plus via The CW. That means if you have channel 15 on Grande or digital channel 165 on Time Warner you’ll be able to watch it.
There may be a lot of fans who have to settle for TV. Baylor officials are hoping for sellouts of both the men’s game at 3 p.m. and the sixth-ranked women’s contest against Nebraska at 7:30 p.m. (which won’t be televised) and the Dallas Morning News reported that callers were besieging the ticket office Thursday.
I tried to find out if that was the case a few minutes ago, but I kept getting a busy signal at the ticket office and several Baylor media relations numbers I dialed.
The ticket office will open at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Baylor sports
Good news about Baylor hoops continues
Plenty of laudatory copy going around about Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears basketball team right now. Of course, there’s John Werner’s excellent story in today’s Trib.
But the Bears’ feel-good story isn’t limited to Waco. Here’s a story in today’s Fort Worth Star-Telegram. And the Austin American-Statesman. And the Dallas Morning News, which includes the women’s team in the story.
There’s even this story in the Chicago Tribune.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Baylor sports
Overnight house fires in Marlin, Gatesville
On a just-above-freezing and rainy night, Central Texas firefighters responded to house fires in Marlin and Gatesville.
While details of the fires are under investigation this morning, a fire broke out just before 10 p.m. Thursday in an abandoned house in the 200 block of Third Street in Gatesville.
Just before 3 a.m., firefighters also fought a blaze at a home in the 200 block of George Street in Marlin.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Good Friday morning; nice to avoid the ice
I preferred driving into work on wet roads as opposed to icy ones this morning. Driving in my car in the rain last night and seeing temperatures of 36 degrees, I really thought I’d wake up to frozen roadways this morning. It’s only the wind chill that’s at 32 degrees.
That problem is to our northwest.
For McLennan County, expect more rain today and a high only around 41 or so. There’s a 30 percent chance of rain into the evening before the clouds start to move out and we begin warming a bit.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Beware of sleet, ice possibilities for Friday
If you haven’t already heard, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch that includes McLennan County and areas north and west for after midnight tonight.
There is a 40 percent chance of rain after midnight and the temperatures will start moving toward freezing, according to the forecast.
On Friday there’s a good chance of rain or freezing rain before noontime. Rain will likely continue into the afternoon with a 60 percent chance. It will only get up to 37 degrees, but at least that will take us out of freezing. Little or no accumulation of ice is expected.
Be like the Scouts and prepare accordingly.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Waco native to testify before Senate subcommittee today
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, sent us this release to let us know that Perry Jefferies, a retired Army sergeant and Waco native, will testify before a U.S. Senate subcommittee this afternoon in Washington, D.C., about the problems associated with the widespread reliance on private contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Here’s more of the release:
While serving as a First Sergeant with the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Camp Caldwell, Iraq in 2003, Jefferies experienced the consequences of the United States’ reliance on private contractors firsthand. “The failure of some contractors to fulfill their responsibilities threatened my troops’ health and ability to perform their critical duties in the combat zone. Temperatures were often more than 124 degrees and we were forced to ration food, water, and supplies. That’s dangerous and unacceptable.” says Jefferies. “The pressure of supply should not fall on those engaging in combat. The best course of action would be to reduce our dependency on contractors and build logistic capability back into individual units.”
Jefferies currently works for a large contractor with the Armed Services Blood Program at Fort Hood. It is his responsibility to ensure donation quotas are met. His knowledge of both military and contractor operations contributes to his insight on this critical issue.
The hearing, chaired by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del), will take place before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security at 1:30 p.m. today.
Jefferies served as a first sergeant with the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Iraq in 2003. He retired from active duty in 2004 after 25 years of military service, and has been awarded the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. The Waco native now lives in Copperas Cove with his wife and daughter.
For more information on the group, visit www.iava.org.
Thanks to Trib reporter David Doerr, Here’s the agenda for today’s panel and if you want to watch it live, click here.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, National news
Wreck cleared on Highway 6
A few of you might have been late to work this morning because of a wreck on west State Highway 6 about a mile south of Speegleville Road that backed up traffic this morning.
Traffic along Highway 6 was moving again before 9 a.m.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Traffic
Search continues for Gatesville car dealership vandals
The investigation continues today into who is responsible for damaging 45 vehicles on the lot of Country Ford in Gatesville by throwing bricks and rocks into windshields, said Gatesville Police Chief Nathan Gohlke.
He said the vandalism took place sometime between Sunday and early Monday morning at the dealership in the 200 block of the North Highway 36 bypass.
In early November, vehicles at the dealership were damaged by arsonists, he said.
It is too early in the investigation to say whether the two incidents of criminal mischief are linked, Gohlke said.
He said the amount of damage has not yet been determined.
Gohlke is asking anyone with information regarding the vandalism to call Cen-Tex Crime Stoppers at (254) 865-2254 or the Gatesville Police Department at (254) 865-2226. Cen-Tex Crime Stoppers has offered a $1,000 reward for anyone with information regarding the case that leads to an arrest.
—Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Baylor getting recognized across nation
I had meant to link to this column from the Kansas City Star yesterday, just to show how the Baylor men’s basketball team’s resurgence was getting national attention.
That attention is even greater today after the Bears’ win over A&M last night.
Here’s a story by Andy Katz from ESPN.com.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Baylor sports
Five sent to hospital after crash in Waco
A sedan carrying nine people, including five unrestrained children under the age of 5, was involved in a vehicle collision at the intersection of Dallas and Herring streets last night.
Five in the sedan, as well as the 79-year-old driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident, were sent to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, where they have since been treated and released for their injuries.
A Waco police spokeswoman said that just before 9 p.m., Anthony Marshall, a 29-year-old Waco cook, was traveling west on Herring Avenue with a 26-year-old woman and seven children under the age of 11. At the intersection of Dallas Street and Herring Avenue, the 2003 Chevrolet Impala he was driving was struck by a 2000 Ford Taurus driven by Jesse Williams of Waco, the spokeswoman said.
In Marshall’s vehicle, police did not know the exact relationships, but each occupant was listed at the same address as the driver, except for an 11-year-old child who lives nearby.
Marshall and a 26-year-old woman, presumed to be his wife, were restrained by safety belts, and a 7-year-old and the 11-year-old neighbor were restrained by shoulder belts, the spokeswoman said.
Children ages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were not restrained, the spokeswoman said.
Along with the driver of the Taurus, Marshall, the woman, the 11-year-old neighbor and the 7- and 1-year-olds were taken to the hospital.
Police cited Marshall with five counts of having unsecured children in a vehicle. Williams was cited with failing to yield the right of way.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
BU men’s game kept women grounded for a while
You may have heard some of this on the radio or TV, but I just got off the phone with Lori Fogleman, Baylor’s public relations spokesman who also serves as the color commentator for Baylor’s women’s basketball games.
After coach Kim Mulkey picked up her 200th victory last night in Missouri, the charter plane sat on the airport tarmac in Columbia, Mo., with the entire team on pins and needles “watching” the men’s game at A&M via the online Gametracker feature on their cell phones.
“Everybody was following it,” she said. “Every time they’d hit ‘refresh’ you’d hear a cheer or a groan. Who would think you could ‘watch’ a game on your cell phone?”
The plane stayed on the tarmac as the team followed the game through the end of regulation and the first two overtimes. By the third overtime, the plane had to get airborne as a light snow started to fall.
That meant cell phones were off until the team landed in Waco around 11:30 p.m., Fogleman said. But as soon as the plane landed, the cell phones were fired back up and the good news was learned. And a cheer went throughout the plane, she said.
It’s indeed a good time to be a Baylor fan. Fogleman hopes the good news continues.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Headlines, Baylor sports
It was a classic: Baylor-A&M in 5OT
What adjectives shouldn’t be used to describe the Baylor Bears’ incredible, amazing, spectacular, stunning, colossal triumph over the 18th-ranked Aggies … in College Station yet, where A&M hadn’t lost yet this season.
If you thought Scott Drew wasn’t already being mentioned in national coach of the year talk, this puts him right at the forefront.
I’m thrilled for Baylor, but as an A&M graduate, my team is in a freefall right now. Baylor should move up from its No. 25 ranking and the Aggies will likely drop out of the poll, as well they should.
Because the game went so late with five overtimes (and far too late to make over the Trib front page), I’m amazed that Trib sports writer John Werner had time to get quotes from anyone for his story.
No comments were available in the Bryan College-Station Eagle’s story on the game.
Here’s ESPN.com’s coverage online. I couldn’t get the video highlights link to work, however. Maybe you’ll have better luck.
Here’s what’s available at Baylor.edu
Check out our slideshow from the game.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Baylor sports
Good morning and how about that game?
It’ll take me a little while to pull together, but I’ll grab a bunch of links for you Baylor fans to check out the coverage of the Bears’ unbelievable 116-110 win last night in five overtimes. Surely, that will be the talk of Waco today, coach Kim Mulkey’s 200th win not withstanding.
We’re at 35 degrees with a wind chill of 27, according to the gauge at Waco Regional Airport. We’ll hit only 42 for a high.
Things could get nasty after midnight with a winter storm watch forecast.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, This, that, Weather
Lil’ JJ wows Rapoport students
Lil’ JJ, the star of Nickelodeon’s Just Jordan, entertained students at Rapoport Middle School this morning as a member of a group traveling to schools and talking about the importance of education.
Olympic gymnast Carly Patterson was not part of the group that came to Rapoport as was reported in an earlier blog.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Education
Girl Scouts take new tack
Hopefully you had a chance to read our story from Tim Woods and Van Darden on the new way the Girl Scouts are selling their cookies.
I’ll be curious to see if this results in increased sales.
You can look online at www.gsctx.org, and then search by ZIP code to see where the Girl Scouts will be selling their goods.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Headlines, This, that
Bruceville-Eddy police chief tenders resignation
Bruceville-Eddy Police Chief Brian Davis has resigned from his post to take a position at Texas State Technical College, city officials said.
His last day with the department is Feb. 1.
Davis had served as chief of the department on two separate occasions and was with the department for more than 10 years.
Mayor James Tomme said losing Davis is a big loss for the city, but added that Davis is moving to a better job and his family will remain in the community.
“He’ll be missed,” Tomme said.
KCEN-TV, Channel 6, said that in a letter delivered to the TV station, Davis said he no longer feels circumstances at the city will allow him to provide the high level of service of which he’s capable.
Davis has had to deal with escalating tensions at city council meetings in recent weeks, including an incident in which the mayor was injured from a brick tossed through his window.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Burned Waco woman in fair condition in Dallas
The 45-year-old Waco woman severely burned Sunday night when fire engulfed her Chestnut Street home is in fair condition at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, officials said today.
Huau Audu-Lewis was found lying on her neighbor’s doorstep just before 10 p.m. Sunday, and was flown by medical helicopter to Parkland’s burn unit.
Her 3-year-old son was treated at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center for smoke inhalation, and was later released. Previous reports had his age incorrectly at 4.
Her husband, a truck driver, was not home at the time of the fire.
Waco fire investigator Lt. Gary Lee said he’s hoping Audu-Lewis will be well enough in the coming days to talk to fire officials about how the fire may have started.
—Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Woman shot during thwarted sexual assault
Waco police say the three individuals who opened fire Tuesday night on a 35-year-old woman in the alley between Bosque Boulevard and Morrow Avenue first attempted to sexually assault her.
The woman, who police are not naming, was taken to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center with what appeared to be nonlife-threatening injuries, said Waco police officer Steve Anderson.
The woman was approached by the three males, ages 15-20, just before 9 p.m. Tuesday when she was walking from the convenience store at 15th Street and Bosque Boulevard where she bought cigarettes, Anderson said.
She was walking back to her room at the Townhouse Motel, when she told police she was being followed by the three.
She walked into the alley in an attempt to escape them, but Anderson said they found her, and tried to sexually assault her. The woman broke away from them, and ran down the alley.
As she ran, one of the assailants fired four or five shots at her, striking her once in the torso, Anderson said. She ran to a nearby house for help, he said.
No one has been arrested in this case.
Police ask that anyone with information regarding this shooting call the department at 750-7500.
—Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Fired Hillsboro bus driver had passed background checks
Hillsboro schools Superintendent Jerry Maze said a 64-year-old school bus driver who is accused of propositioning a 14-year-old student for sex had passed the school’s “very comprehensive” background checks.
Maze said Alan D. Davis had worked as a bus driver for the district for about a year before authorities say he somehow lured a 14-year-old girl to an abandoned Hillsboro house on a staff-development day when children were not in school.
“The guy’s as clean as a bell,” Davis said. “He’s lived in the district forever. Retired from the postal service. No indication whatsoever that something like this would happen.”
Only authorities say it did.
Davis was immediately fired from the school district, Maze said. He faces charges of indecency with a child and a charge of violating educator/student trust.
Details are sketchy, but at one point, authorities say the teen grabbed the man’s pants, wallet and cell phone and ran to her house. Because she had all of Davis’ identifying information, he was, in turn, lured to her house, where police were waiting for him.
“I don’t know what compelled (the 14-year-old) to get herself in that situation at all, but once she did she did the right thing,” Maze said.
He said the teen has since been back in school, and counseling has been made available to students.
“This whole thing just goes to show school districts have to be hyper-vigilant in hiring people to work with students.”
—Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Big 12 hoops heating up
Driving into work this morning I was stopped behind a pickup truck. As I glanced at its back window I was amazed at the stickers it had. In the middle at the top was a Texas Tech logo. Below it, the interlocked BU. On the left side was a Colorado Buffaloes logo. And to the right, the red “N” of Nebraska.
Now I don’t know if this guy has a bunch of children at these Big 12 schools, or is just a fan. But he had one-third of the Big 12 covered on the back of his pickup.
That made me think about tonight’s conference action with the Baylor women at Missouri and the BU men in College Station to take on the Aggies.
Here’s the Bryan-College Station Eagle’s take on tonight’s matchup between No. 18 Texas A&M and No. 25 Baylor.
Permalink | | Categories: Baylor sports
Work on Panther Way moved to next week
The city of Waco just sent out this release on some road work:
A portion of Panther Way at the intersection of Comanche will be reduced to one lane next week. The work was originally planned for today but has been delayed until Monday due to weather conditions.
City crews will be installing a sewer line. One lane of Panther Way will be closed and then once that section is completed, the other lane will be closed and the first section will be reopened to traffic.
For more information, call engineering services at 750-5440.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Traffic
Not a good time for outdoor burning
Sure, we got a little rain the other day, but McLennan County remains under drought conditions and the commissioners court continues to prohibit outdoor burning. Commissioners have to extend the ban on a weekly basis and will continue to do so until we get enough rain.
Courthouse reporter Tommy Witherspoon said that commissioners heard Tuesday from some farmers who wanted to have the restriction lifted so that they could burn off the dead grass for spring planting. That is a common practice, but as the commissioners told the farmers: that’s not a good idea right now.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Courthouse
Famous young folks at Rapoport Academy
A pair of famous young people — Lil’ JJ from Nickelodeon’s Just Jordan and Olympic gold medalist gymnast Carly Patterson — are at the Rapoport Academy right now promoting the Hazel Harvey Peace Scholarship Fund.
The purpose of the Hazel Harvey Peace Scholarship Fund is to award scholarships to worthy high school seniors to assist them in obtaining degrees, vocational training or special training.
A part of the promotion there “The Ultimate T-Shirt Challenge,” which can end in prizes for teachers and students.
Lil’ JJ and Patterson also will be at the Richland Mall later today.
For more information about the scholarship, go to http://hhpscholarshipfund.org/
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Education
It’s a cold start today
Good morning. It’s 33 degrees this morning with a wind chill of 26 degrees. At least it’s not least wet today. That could change tomorrow, though.
Today it’ll be mostly cloudy, with a high near 47 and a slight northnortheast wind.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
We’re going backward … in temps
The latest update from the National Weather Service’s recording station at Waco Regional Airport has us at 41 degrees.
With a north wind blowing, the wind chill is 33. Both will go down during the rest of the day.
Stay warm and we’ll see you Wednesday.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Commentators take shots at LT’s toughness
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will have offseason surgery on his right knee, and former University High standout LaDainian Tomlinson finds himself having to answer critics for not being on the field more during the AFC Championship Game.
I have to believe LT. If the man thinks he can’t help his team, then he is absolutely making the right call not to go out there.
Former star cornerback Deion Sanders of the NFL Network, who has never been shy about making a comment, questioned LT’s toughness. That got under Tomlinson’s skin, as well it should.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Pro & college sports
Baylor grad known for seascapes dies
The Palos Verdes Peninsula News in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., had a story Monday on the death of resident Violet Kinney Parkhurst, 86, an artist world-renowned for her paintings of seascapes.
She died Jan. 13 in San Pedro after a heart attack and two strokes during the course of two weeks after being admitted for a minor heart attack.
The story says the Vermont native attended the School of Practical Arts in Boston and Baylor University. Parkhurst finished her formal arts training at Los Angeles State College.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Entertainment
New Pct. 2 constable chosen
McLennan County commissioners this morning picked James Cooper, 39, of Hallsburg as the new constable for Precinct 2. He replaces Shawn Zweifel, who resigned Wednesday amid complaints he failed to serve civil court documents and notices to residents in the precinct.
Cooper is a former Bellmead police officer who continues to serve the city in a reserve capacity.
— Tommy Witherspoon
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Courthouse
Adoption information meeting Thursday
Homes4Good, a nonprofit adoption and foster care agency, will be having an informational meeting for families interested in adoption at 6 p.m. Thursday at Dayspring Baptist Church, 7900 Renewal Way (off State Highway 6 near Bosque Boulevard).
Call (254) 498-6645 for more information.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas
Would you like to roll up your digital newspaper?
PC World is reporting today that Polymer Vision plans to launch Readius, an e-reader with a flexible screen weighing little more than a cell phone, in the middle of this year.
The story says that the long-awaited gadget will be a boon to those who now get their daily news fix by scanning the headlines on an e-reader — but who miss the way they could roll up their old newspaper and tuck it in a pocket when they had finished reading.
I admit that sounds intriguing.
Permalink | | Categories: Consumer information
Remember, Lover’s Leap, area trails closed
Not that you’ll probably feel inclined to go to Lover’s Leap in Cameron Park with the weather the way it is, both Lover’s Leap and surrounding trails are closed today and Wednesday as crews conduct geologic mapping.
It will be obvious where you can’t go, as prohibited areas are roped off. It’s possible that the mapping — in part because of the weather — could extend into Thursday.
Other trails and areas of the park will remain open.
For more information, check the trail head kiosks or call the park rangers at 750-8057.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas
Tax preparation help to be announced
The Asset Building Coalition of Waco will have a 10 a.m. press conference today to promote free tax preparation services, help people claim Earned Income Tax credit, and push financial literacy awareness in Waco.
It will be at the NeighborWorks Waco building, 922 Franklin Ave.
The coalition is made of several partner organizations, such as Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board, AARP, A.J. Moore Academy, Waco Housing Coalition and the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.
Last year, the partners prepared more than 2,700 free tax returns and helped refund abot $3.2 million to Waco-area taxpayers.
For more information on NeighborWorks Waco, visit www.nw-waco.org.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Consumer information
Ex-WISD administrator resigns as Manor superintendent
Our sister newspaper, the Austin American-Statesman, is reporting today that Manor schools Superintendent Mark Diaz resigned Monday evening after meeting with the school board for more than a half-hour in closed session.
The board reconvened and, on a 4-2-1 vote, accepted Diaz’s resignation.
The board had called the special meeting to take action on Diaz, who joined the district nearly three years ago. It was not clear what led to the resignation and board vote or what sort of financial arrangement the board and Diaz reached for him to leave the 5,878-student district.
Diaz served three years as associate superintendent in the Waco school district before taking the Manor job.
Diaz got in hot water with the district in November 2005, when trustees asked him to take a four-day, voluntary paid leave of absence after Diaz referred to male African-American students as “black boys” in an e-mail. Diaz said at the time that his comment had been misconstrued and that there was a larger conflict between him and some board members over districtwide reforms.
The board later required Diaz and central office administrators to attend diversity and sensitivity training.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Education
A good, foggy Tuesday morning to ya
We certainly need the wet stuff as dry as we’ve been, but it’s not often I’m a fan of the dreary, damp days like we had yesterday and will have again today as well as maybe longer into the week.
It’s mighty foggy, too, so drive slower and be careful out there today.
A cold front will come in this afternoon and drop temperatures to around freezing during the overnight hours and early morn tomorrow.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Waco High star to OU or OSU?
Allen Wallace of Superprep.com reports that Waco High football star Victor Johnson has narrowed his choice of schools to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.
“I loved everything about it,” Johnson said of his visit to OU on Friday. “Really everything stood out and I can’t say just one thing. I love the campus and they have great facilities too. The weight room is great and everything is the best quality. They have it all…”
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Headlines
Two injured in Waco blaze
From Trib reporter Erin Quinn:
A 45-year-old Waco woman is being treated this morning at Parkland Hospital in Dallas for severe burns after a late-night fire engulfed her home in the 1100 block of Chestnut Street.
The woman was found lying on her neighbor’s doorstep just before 10 p.m. Sunday, and was flown by medical helicopter to Dallas, said Waco Fire Marshal Jerry Hawk.
Her 4-year-old son, the only other occupant of the home at the time, was treated for smoke inhalation at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, and has since been released, Hawk said.
Fire officials have not released the woman’s name because her husband has not yet been notified.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
Family Fun Night at MCC
Tonight is Family Fun Night at McLennan Community College’s Highlands Gym.
The event includes free admission to MCC’s men’s and women’s basketball games against Temple College, free T-shirts for the first 500 adults and free posters for the first 150 kids.
Chopped barbecue beef sandwiches will be sold for $1 and hot dogs for 50 cents.
The fun begins at 5:30 p.m.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
Lover’s Leap to be closed
Cameron Park’s Lover’s Leap and surrounding trails will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday as crews conduct geologic mapping. Other trails and areas of the park will remain open.
For more information, check the trail head kiosks or call the park rangers at 750-8057.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
New photos on WacoTrib.com
We have lots of new photos posted from weekend events. Check them out:
Teen Leadership Waco graduation ceremony
Waco Symphony Orchestra’s Sax-O-Fun
Diocese of Austin Youth Conference
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
Something fishy is going on
Will Leschper reports on amarillo.com that there’s good bass fishing in Central Texas. He quotes biologist John Tibbs as saying Lake Waco is a fishery on the rise:
“Lake Waco has been turning on since the pool rise of about four years ago,” Tibbs said. “Surveys show a large abundance of fish and some good ones, too. We think we’re going to get some ShareLunkers out of Waco this season. Whitney is still trucking along and there’s good fish to be had, including some smallmouths.
“We don’t have the fish densities like we had in some lakes, but that’s not to say you can’t still catch good numbers of fish, and even some good ones at places like Aquilla or others.”
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A tragic Waco connection
From the Associated Press:
A 37-year-old Milwaukee, Wis. woman whose 18-year-old son was accidentally shot and killed by a friend in Waco in November has been arrested on accusations of trying to drown her twin infant sons.
One of the twins died Friday, but police say the other is expected to survive.
A friend of the woman, Germonica Overton, said she believes the grieving mother was suffering from postpartum depression. Overton says the 37-year-old woman, whom she has known for 14 years, was a loving mother and religious woman who always had something positive to say.
But Overton says the woman had stopped eating in recent weeks, and had taken to sitting for long periods in the dark.
Overton says she thinks the trauma in the 37-year-old’s life was too much after her older son was accidentally shot and killed by his best friend in Waco.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
Praise rolling in for BU
The resurgent Baylor Bears are starting to draw some attention outside of Waco in the college basketball world.
Dave Dye of The Detroit News says if the Bears don’t collapse, coach Scott Drew “will be a top candidate for national coach of the year.”
And there’s also this from Chip Brown of the Dallas Morning News.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
How ‘bout them Bears ‘n Lady Bears?
Quite a weekend for Baylor basketball.
First, the men drop the Cornhuskers by two Saturday in Lincoln, ending a 25-game Big 12 road losing streak. Baylor 72, Nebraska 70.
Then Angela Tisdale catches fire for 35 points Sunday to lift the Lady Bears over Courtney Paris and the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman. Lady Bears 84, Sooners 73.
Check out Trib photographer Rod Aydelotte’s photos from the Lady Bears game here.
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‘I Have a Dream’
It’s a fitting time to listen again to Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
YouTube has some fine videos built around the speech, including this one featuring the voices of young people.
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Peace march at 9:30 a.m.
There are several activities scheduled today to honor the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Be sure to dress warmly.
- Peace march from Heritage Square to Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Lineup is at 9:30 a.m. Free lunch will be served immediately after the wreath-laying ceremony at Bledsoe-Miller Recreation Center. Bring a wreath for the ceremony (optional).
For additional information, call and leave message for Maereatha Smith at (254) 700-2882.
- Day of service, community garden project in honor of King to beautify and build up your Waco community: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For questions, contact Communities in Schools of the Heart of Texas 753-6002, ext. 211. You may register on line at http://my.mlkday.gov/s/cishot/index.aspx. You must create a new account as a volunteer and then sign up for the day of service.
- Candlelight vigil at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., at 6 p.m. Seating will be provided. Please bring a candle. Contact: Coque Gibson, 799-7342 or 722-1274.
Permalink | |
A brisk start to MLK Day
Good morning, Waco.
Bruce Kabat here, sitting in for Ken Sury, who is off today. A bit on the brisk side this morning, with some drizzle on the windshield while driving down Highway 84 and Franklin Avenue.
The weather forecast calls for possible light rain and a high of about 50 degrees. It feels like the mid-30s at 8 a.m., so bundle up and take an umbrella if you’re headed outdoors.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines
We’ll be blogging on MLK Day
I won’t be in the office Monday because my kids are out of school for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, although my wife has a teacher work day.
However, the newsblog will be active, so please check it out.
It’s noontime and we’re still only at 37 degrees with a wind chill of 32. Try to stay warm.
The weekend looks better.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: This, that
Rocha trial jurors start deliberating
The jurors in the murder trial of Natalie Rocha, convicted of killing her aunt, went into deliberations at 11:50 a.m., Trib courts reporter Tommy Witherspoon said.
Prosecutors Crawford Long and Hilary LaBorde are seeking a life sentence for Rocha, 29.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Courthouse, Police & crime
Star-Telegram does story on Ranger statue
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which we no longer have delivered in Waco, has a story today on the controversy over the proposed Texas Ranger statue.
It doesn’t tread over anything new, but it may be the first time D-FW residents are reading about it.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, City hall
Valley Mills VFD gets big grant from Homeland Security
U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards’ office today announced that the Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department has been selected to receive a $101,080 firefighter grant from the Department of Homeland Security. Here’s what the release says:
The grant, funded under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, enables local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.
“I am thrilled that the dedicated folks at the Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department will receive this important funding,” said Edwards. “These funds will help enhance the ability of the Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department to serve and protect the community, prevent fires, and reduce the number of fire related injuries.”
Permalink | | Categories: Around Central Texas
Hill County man burns self, pasture land
Hill County officials say a man using a cutting torch in a pasture was taken to a hospital Thursday afternoon with burns, after they say he started a grass fire that destroyed more than 100 acres.
It took three hours for six volunteer fire departments from Hill and Navarro counties to battle the fire that started along Private Road 337 south of State Highway 31, said Hill County officials.
The man’s name or condition was not available.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas, Police & crime
Master sergeant charged in training death of Fort Hood soldier
Fort Hood officials say criminal charges have been filed against a master sergeant in connection with the June training death of 25-year-old Sgt. Lawrence G. Sprader.
Master Sgt. Terry Peggins has been charged by base officials with four counts of giving false statements as part of the investigation into Sprader’s death, said Fort Hood Col. Diane Battaglia.
Sprader went missing in early June during a training exercise testing basic map-reading and navigation skills, prompting a massive search of the rugged exercise area at the sprawling Central Texas post.
Battaglia said the master sergeant was working in the noncommissioned officer academy at the time of Sprader’s death. He has been moved to a position in headquarters, Battaglia said.
About a dozen soldiers received administrative punishment in connection with Sprader’s death, Battaglia said.
From here, the case will be heard by a special court marshal, who could administer a bad conduct discharge, the colonel said.
“We just want to state that these are charges against him,” Battaglia said. “Just like in any other jurisdiction, he should be considered innocent until proven guilty.”
Officials at the time had said 3,000 soldiers and searchers from 14 outside agencies covered about 20,000 acres, an effot that involved people on foot, horseback, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and a heat-detecting plane.
Sprader’s body was found days later near plenty of drinking water from creeks and other sources, officials said.
An autopsy revealed Sprader died of dehydration and hypothermia.
Battaglia did not have information regarding Peggins’ age, and time served at Fort Hood.
— Erin Quinn
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas
It’s still 36 out there
The thermometer hasn’t moved since my first blog post this morning that it’s 36 degrees at Waco Regional Airport. The wind chill index makes it feel like 31.
The automatic recording device at the airport officially recorded 0.01 inches of rainfall.
Hillsboro listed its temperature as 32 at the 10 a.m. recording time. That’s the only freezing temperature I’ve seen for Central Texas currently.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Punishment phase testimony ends in Rocha trial
Trib courts reporter Tommy Witherspoon tells us that the prosecution and defense teams rested this morning in the punishment phase part of the trial of Natalie Rocha, 29, who was convicted Thursday of the murder of her aunt, Joann Allen Chambers.
Jurors in the 19th State District Court are expected to begin deliberations before noon, though they likely will break for lunch. Rocha, who has three children, could receive life in prison.
During punishment-phase testimony today, four women told jurors that Rocha had stabbed them. Two of the women are the daughters of Chambers, Rocha’s aunt. They said those stabbings happened in 1994 in Mexia.
A Waco drug enforcement officer also testified that he once arrested Rocha for selling drugs while she was pregnant and had an infant with her. He added that she had a reputation for violence.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Courthouse, Police & crime
Stuff happening at Cameron Park
The Lover’s Leap area of Cameron Park and the surrounding trails will be closed next Tuesday and Wednesday as crews conduct geologic mapping in the areas, the city has announced.
Due to safety concerns, the public will not be allowed in these areas, the release says. The remaining trails and other areas of the park will remain open.
The trailhead kiosks will have more information, or call the park rangers at 750-8057.
In a separate ite, the city of Waco parks and recreation department will host a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss the upcoming Cameron Park renovations. The meeting will be at the Waco Regional Tennis Center, 900 Lake Shore Drive, and will include a presentation, public discussion and comments.
For information about the meeting, visit www.waco-texas.com or call the parks and recreation office at 750-5980.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, City hall
Waco mentioned in Jerry Lee Lewis story
Waco got a mention in a story today in the Sun-Herald newspaper in Biloxi, Miss. The legendary Jerry Lee Lewis will perform at 8 tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi
He will perform with his longtime band Ken Lovelace and the Memphis Beats. Columnist Justin Hooks interviewed Lovelace, who said his first show with Lewis was in Waco in May 1967.
Anyone here that went to that performance?
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Entertainment
Interview with Willie Nelson’s sister Bobbie
Scrippsnews.com has this interview on its Web site with Bobbie Nelson, Willie’s older sister.
I would argue the writer’s assertion that Abbott is midway between Waco and Dallas. Abbott is certainly closer to Waco. But most readers wouldn’t know that.
Carl Hoover has this post on the Sound and Sight blog that Willie and his sister will be coming to perform in Waco.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Entertainment
No freeze, but a little sleet this Friday
It didn’t get down to freezing in Waco, but at my Woodway home it began to sleet just after 7:20 a.m. But by the time I was driving my 8-year-old to his elementary school, the only thing falling from the sky was raindrops.
It’s 36 now at Waco Regional Airport.
There is a chance of rain and sleet throughout today, according to the National Weather Service. It’ll stay cloudy with a high near 40 and a 50 percent chance of rain or sleet, but there won’t be any accumulations with it above freezing.
Tonight, the forecast is calling for a low of 28.
Our own Joe Weather tells us more on his blog.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
Stay bundled and watch for sleet
At least that’s the word from the National Weather Service, which has posted this hazardous weather advisory for our area.
There’s the possibility of sleet this evening into Friday morning, although no accumulations of ice are expected. Forecasters are saying that’s more likely to the north and west of McLennan County, but it’s something to watch out for.
Also, the NWS has dropped its forecast high for today down to 39 degrees. It’s 36 right now officially at Waco Regional Airport with a wind chill of 26. McGregor Executive Airport’s last reading was 34 with a wind chill of 24.
Stay warm in the meantime. Hopefully I won’t be blogging about slipping on the roads Friday morning.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
People: May wedding at the Bush ranch
People magazine is reporting that Jenna Bush will have her wedding to fiance Henry Hager at her dad’s ranch outside Crawford on May 10.
I wonder when I’ll get my invitation?:)
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas
Gaming event coming to TSTC
A big gaming contest, ReZ’d, at Texas State Technical College has opened for registration on the Web.
The contest is open to anyone ages 14 and up, and features three different gaming contests — Mod, LAN and Console — with winners receiving cash prizes, awards, scholarships, etc.
There is no charge except to donate three nonperishable food items for the TSTC Waco Food Pantry. The event will be held during TSTC’s annual College Preview on April 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the John B. Connally Center.
To register or find out more, go to http://cmt.tstc.edu/wacorezd/.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Education
Rapoport Academy involved at CRRC meeting tonight
Rapoport Academy is being spotlighted at tonight’s Community Race Relations Coalition meeting from 5:45 to 7 p.m. at the Texas Life Annex Building on Washington Avenue.
The topic is the “The Future of Diversity” and Superintendent Nancy Grayson will speak on that subject. Rapoport Academy students will be there to welcome guests in four languages, do a “diversity cheer,” and have performances by the high school and elementary choirs.
Table discussions will be held as students will discuss school projects (displayed on the tables) with the community members seated at their table. The 12 table subjects will include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, History Fair project, physics, multi-cultures, science, Chinese, Greek mythology, medieval times and penguins.
Sounds like an engaging time.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Nonprofit news
Prosecution rests in murder trial
The state has finished presenting its case this morning in the trial of Natalie Cole Rocha, 29, who is on trial for murder in Waco’s 19th State District Court in the March stabbing death of her 50-year-old aunt.
The defense is scheduled to begin presenting its side of the testimony at 10:15 a.m., courts reporter Tommy Witherspoon tells us.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
TSTC offers Disney-esque training
Texas State Technical College is offering a Disney Institute professional development program called “Team Creativity, Disney-Style.” It will be at TSTC’s Murray Watson Jr. Student Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 7.
Sponsored locally by Texas State Technical College and Providence Health Care System, this one-day program is designed to help Central Texas area business professionals learn how to foster creativity and everyday innovation in their organizations.
Registration and tuition fees for the program are $400 and include course materials, lunch, parking and refreshments. Register online at www.waco.tstc.edu/disney. For more information, contact Beverly Clark at 254-867-3128.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Education
Dad ponies up cash for Sibley scion’s run
Don’t know if you read Trib reporter David Doerr’s story on the Charles “Doc” Anderson vs. Jonathan Sibley race yet, but here’s his Listening Post blog entry on the $152,000 contribution Sibley received from his father, former state Sen. David Sibley.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, Politics
Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo makes a haul
The Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo sent out a news release this morning, rightly proud of its 19 awards that it received at the Texas Association of Fairs & Events Award of Excellent Competition at the annual convention in Austin Jan. 10-13.
Here’s the release:
Waco, TX (January 16, 2008) - The 2007 Heart 0’ Texas Fair & Rodeo was a success breaking a record of 200,000 attendees, but the success continues with 19 awards from the Texas Association of Fairs & Events Award of Excellence Competition (TAF&E). January 10-13, the Texas Association of Fairs & Events held their annual convention in Austin. Texas with 775 attendees.
The Convention consisted of educational workshops, showcase acts, exhibitors, speakers, award ceremonies and much more.
TAF&E recognize the Ray Cammack Shows Awards of Excellence for Marketing and Communication every year. This allows the Fairs and Expositions to showcase their promotional materials from their event. There were eight divisions with 27 categories offered. The HOT Fair and Rodeo entered in 22 categories and placed in 19. The Fair & Rodeo won the highest honor award in the category of 100,001-500,000. Listed below are the results of the Fair in the Overall Attendance Category of 100,001- 500,000:
Zenith Award Best Overall Award reflects TAF&E’s number one award
1st Best Radio Promotion
1st Best Promotional Poster
1st Best Other Merchandise
1st Best Program/Brochure/Flyer 3 or fewer colors
1st Best Pin, Badge or Button
1st Best Volunteer Program
1st Best T-shirt Design
1st Best Agricultural Education Program
1st Best Single New Sponsorship Program
2nd Best Newspaper Ad black/white
2nd Best Sponsorship Program
2nd Best Website
2nd Best Misc. Printed Materials
2nd Best New Promotion
2nd Best Promotional Advertising outdoor
2nd Best Sponsorship Follow-up Report
3rd Best Newsletter
3rd Best Sponsorship Solicitation Package
“I am proud of the continued success and recognition the Heart 0’ Texas Fair & Rodeo lias received by winning these awards on a state level.” said Wes Allison, President/CEO of the Heart 0’ Texas Fair Complex. “The awards give validation to the many hours of hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers. It is a great honor to be recognized by your peers for a job well done. “
The Heart 0’ Texas Fair & Rodeo’s goal is to educate through entertainment and agricultural experiences, as well as to become the center of entertainment in Central Texas. Held in Waco, Texas at the Heart 0’ Texas Fair & Complex, almost 200,000 people attend the Fair & Rodeo each year. Events held at the Fair & Rodeo include livestock shows, Planet Agriculture, Wild West Market Place, Bud True Music Stage, a Midway and much more.
The 2008 Fair and Rodeo will be Oct. 2-11. For further information visit the Web site at hotfair.com or call 254-776-1660.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, This, that
Waco photo on Time magazine’s Web site
Waco and its grackles are online at Time magazine’s Web site in its Pictures of the Week section.
The photographer, Larry Downing with Reuters News Service, is one of the photogs in the White House traveling press pool.
People see a photo that like and it makes them wonder why in the world we’d want to put up a white concrete 70-foot-tall Ranger statue, don’t ya think?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Headlines, This, that
Waco man injured in fatal wreck in Robertson County
A 23-year-old Waco man was injured in a head-on collision Wednesday evening in Robertson County that killed a 20-year-old student, according to a Department of Public Safety spokesman.
Michael Patrick Cooper, whom authorities say is a Luby’s Cafeteria manager, was in stable condition at Providence Health Center in Waco, the spokesman said. The accident happened about 7:40 p.m. Wednesday on State Highway 6 just north of Calvert when Nghi Ngo of Lewisville lost control of his 1999 Hyundai and hit the 2007 Ford sedan driven by Cooper in the northbound lane, according to the DPS spokesman.
Ngo, listed as a student, was pronounced dead at the scene, the spokesman said. Cooper’s injuries were not considered life-threatening, he added.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Homeless man breaks hip in fall off Waco bridge
Waco police say a homeless man fell about 10 feet off a ledge on the Franklin Avenue bridge Wednesday night, breaking his hip.
A witness told police that before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday the man was urinating off the bridge when he stumbled and fell to the walking trail below.
The man was taken to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center where police say he was treated for a broken hip.
The man’s age was not available.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Headlines, Police & crime
Say what, Eddie?
Strange news out of Hollywood that the wedding ceremony between Eddie Murphy and film producer Tracey Edmonds two weeks ago was only symbolic. And that’s the way they want it.
Murphy, 46, and Edmonds, 40, traded vows on New Year’s Day on a private island off Bora Bora in French Polynesia in a ceremony that was not legally binding.
They’re just going to remain “friends.” OK. Cue the Rembrandts.
Permalink | | Categories: Weird & wacky
Winter bites back this Thursday morning
It is a cold one today. The official temperature at Waco Regional Airport is 28 degrees and with the wind chill it feels like 16. That’s chilly.
And it’s not going to get much warmer today. It’s supposed to be partly sunny, with a high only near 41. North-northwest winds between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph, will keep that wind chill biting.
Tonight, it’ll be mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. The concern, according to forecasters, is Friday morning when there’s a chance of rain and it’s still freezing. Keep your eyes on that.
Permalink | | Categories: Headlines, Weather
China Spring home searched in murder-for-hire plot
Investigators have returned the search warrant used at a China Spring home Tuesday in connection with a murder-for-hire scheme that left a man dead and his girlfriend wounded in Frisco, Trib reporter Erin Quinn tells us.
Vera Elizabeth Guthrie-Nail, 42, of Carrollton was arrested late last week by Frisco police on charges of criminal solicitation murder in connection with the shooting death of her husband, Craig William Nail, 36, and shooting and injuring his girlfriend, Therisa Hofman, 38.
According to McLennan County court records, investigators found a .22-caliber pistol, a handgun magazine with live rounds, seven boxes of ammunition, marijuana, and a “methamphetamine kit” at the China Spring home of Nail’s mother.
Guthrie-Nail’s bond was set at $100,000.
According to court records, Guthrie-Nail told a friend days after the shooting that she knew the shooting was going to happen, but did not hire anyone to kill her husband.
She told her friend that a friend of hers contacted someone in California who had watched Nail’s Frisco home for four months and planned to kill them, records state.
Guthrie-Nail told her friend that it was supposed to look like a murder-suicide, records state.
When Guthrie-Nail’s friend left her home, she gave the friend “a bag of documents and two .22-caliber rounds” that Guthrie-Nail said “were from the same box of ammunition used to kill” her husband, records state.
Records also say that Nail told her friend that she gave her mother instructions to destroy her mother’s old cell phone if the police ever showed up at the house. All the communications between Nail, the alleged gunman and a “middle man” were made on the pay-as-you-go cell phone, according to the records.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Police & crime
Waco chamber board not keen on statue, either
Trib business editor Mike Copeland has learned that board of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce this morning passed a resolution expressing concern about the proposed 70-foot-tall Texas Ranger statue.
It agreed that a statue might be a good way to honor the Texas Rangers, but expressed concern that such a monument would brand the city.
The wording of the resolution is as follows: “The board has significant concerns with the statue as proposed to date and believes it needs further study to ensure that it honors the Texas Rangers but does not brand the city.”
The chamber board of nearly 40 members overwhelmingly passed the resolution after hearing a presentation by Bill Warren, who heads the statue committee trying to get the monument built.
Branding Waco is one of the chamber’s so-called breakthrough initiatives.
“We want to be known for something, but we don’t want (the proposed statue) to be our brand,” said Jim Vaughan, president of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.
The resolution does not allude to the statue’s proposed 70-foot height, including base, “but you could conclude that size is a factor” in the board’s opposition, said Vaughan.
Vaughan said the chamber is willing to do whatever it can to promote an ongoing discussion of the proposed statue and its suitability for Waco.
He said copies of the resolution will be forwarded to Warren and to Mayor Virginia DuPuy, who said last week that the statue lacks the public support to win city approval in its current form.
The city must approve placing the statue next to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum because it would be located on city land.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: City hall
World Hunger Relief celebrates lead gift
World Hunger Relief Inc. this morning celebrated and received a $45,000 grant from the Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation as the lead gift to begin purchasing materials and labor for the construction of a new multifamily duplex.
The duplex will support recently expanded educational programming.
Here’s Cindy Culp’s story from earlier this week.
Permalink | | Categories: Nonprofit news
Sons of Confederate Vets set annual meeting
The Waco Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, will be holding its annual Lee-Jackson dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Brazos Family Steakhouse, 1620 Martin Luther King Drive.
The guest speaker will be Dr. Scott Walker, pastor of First Baptist Church of Waco, who will talk about a book he has written on his ancestors who fought in a Georgia unit during the Civil War. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call Charles Oliver at 772-1676.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Waco Regional Airport sets another record
The city of Waco sent out this release about record-breaking airport passenger traffic:
Fourth Record Year in a Row for Waco Regional Airport Passenger Traffic
WACO — Jan. 16, 2008: Waco Regional Airport officials announced today that for the fourth year in a row the airport’s commercial passenger traffic levels have set an all-time record. In 2007, a total of 153,128 passengers traveled through the facility exceeding the 2006 year-end record of 150,221. Passengers boarding aircraft topped out at 77,763 that was 1.6 percent ahead of 2006.
2007 was a challenging year at Waco Regional Airport due to ice storms early in the year and summer storms that impacted commercial airline operations throughout Texas and most of the U.S. Airport officials point out the value of using the regional airport in terms of time, cost and convenience is clearly reflected in that the year comes in as a record, despite the challenges to air service through the year.
Waco Regional Airport has been riding a growth trend that began in 2003 when Continental Airlines returned to the airport. Since that time, the airport has experienced 45 growth months with 23 months reflecting double-digit increases. As a matter of scale, in comparing the passenger numbers in 2007 to 2002 (last year the airport had one airline) an extra 53,000 annual passengers passed through the airport, a number that exceeds the capacity of Floyd Casey Stadium.
The Airport has seven daily departures to Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport operated by American Eagle Airlines and four daily flights to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport operated by Colgan Air as the Continental Connection.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Business
Baylor honors Pepperdine biology prof
Though only for a semester, Baylor University will have an accomplished addition to its biology faculty next fall, thanks to a unique award bestowed by the university.
Stephen Davis, distinguished professor of biology at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., was named today as the 2008 winner of the Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching. The award, which is the only national teaching award presented by a university or college, carries a monetary prize of $200,000 for Davis, as well as $25,000 for his department at Pepperdine.
In addition to the monetary award, Davis will come to Baylor in the fall to teach and work within the school’s biology department.
Here’s the full story by Trib reporter Tim Woods.
For more background on the award, go here.
Pepperdine University has this audio interview.
Permalink | | Categories: Education
Wednesday rain chances lessen
The forecast still calls for a chance of drizzle before 9 a.m., but it’s probably just going to be cloudy with a south wind between 10 and 15 mph.
There’s a 20 percent chance of rain this evening. It should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 35 as south winds will turn to the north-northwest with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Guess we’re not going to see the rain that we need to get.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Waco, other cities examined in report
LJWorld.com, the Lawrence Journal-World Web site, has a story today about the Kansas city’s study on attracting new jobs and businesses. The study looked at what other cities, including those above 50,000 in Big 12 communities, do.
City Commissioner Mike Amyx said, “It seems to me that we’re kind of behind the times.”
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Downtown development
More info on hostage standoff in Hill County
Trib reporter Erin Quinn has much more detail on Monday’s 46-minute kidnapping and standoff in which a 71-year-old Hill County woman was abducted by a man before he released her and then killed himself.
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
Midway ISD seeks Venture program nominations
Midway ISD sent out this release today:
Midway ISD is requesting any parent or guardian who wishes to nominate his/her kindergarten child for the Midway Venture (gifted and talented) program for spring 2008 to contact the child’s teacher or Venture facilitator on the child’s campus
Nomination forms are available at all schools or download them from the Midway ISD Web site, www.midwayisd.org. Nomination period begins Jan. 24 through Feb. 8. All children in grades first through 11th may be nominated by a parent or guardian.
For more information, contact your child’s school.
Permalink | | Categories: Education
Young Chefs Academy to open in Fort Worth
Received this information today from PR Newswire, a wire service about businesses, that a new Young Chefs Academy franchise will open in Fort Worth on Saturday. Young Chefs Academy has its national headquarters in Waco.
Here’s the release:
FORT WORTH, Tx., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The hottest craze for kids these days will soon be cooking up success at the new Young Chefs Academy located at 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Suite 260, Fort Worth. The school will hold its grand opening on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at 1-4 PM, with President and Chief Chef Melissa Weiner bringing fun back into the kitchen.
Young Chefs Academy is a cooking school designed especially for kids 3-18 years old. The grand opening, with hands-on cooking by youth, will be open to the public and the media at the new facility, which just completed major renovations to be suitable for the YCA.
Weiner is a native of Fort Worth and a (Fort Worth) Paschal and Texas A&M graduate. She is also a graduate of The Culinary School of Fort Worth. She is a certified teacher and has been working for FWISD for seven years in Special Education and previously for four years in a Florida private school.
“Whether a child becomes a scientist, educator, worker in a factory or business, a mother and wife or husband and father, or any other position, skilled and safe cooking will be critical for quality of life and family happiness.”
Weiner added, “Budding chefs will learn basics in kitchen safety, proper food handling, food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation while having fun!”
Weiner said that Young Chefs Academy has grown from a weekend-only operation, with founders Suzy Nettles (a Fort Worth native, who will attend Weiner’s opening) and Julie Burleson conducting classes and parties, to a quickly growing franchise throughout the country with over 180 cooking schools across 27 states.
Permalink | | Categories: Business
Study says toll roads not enough for highway needs
And you think gas prices are high now …
The Dallas Morning News has a story today that a bipartisan study panel chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation says in a report that higher tolls and more of them won’t be enough to pay for the nation’s highway needs, a bipartisan study panel chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Congress will need to raise the federal gas tax by 25 to 40 cents a gallon over five years, according to the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission.
One word: Yikes!
Permalink | | Categories: Around the state
Man who drove into Waco VA in ‘98 saw UFO
Thanks to eagle-eyed reporter J.B. Smith, that story about the UFOs in Stephenville now has a Waco connection. An Associated Press video about the sighting has an interview with Jason Leigh, the same Cleburne resident who ran his car into the Waco Veterans Affairs Regional Center in March 1998 and had a 14-hour standoff before surrendering peacefully.
We didn’t even know he was out on the streets again.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Weird & wacky
Take an umbrella this evening
The National Weather Service is calling for rain this evening and tomorrow in front of a cold front making its way here.
We’re supposed to hit a high of 67 today with winds up to 20 mph out of the southwest. Rain chances are 40 percent tonight, particularly after midnight.
Wednesday is the better chance for rain, at 60 percent. It will be cooler with cloudy skies and a high in the mid 50s. But it doesn’t appear we’ll have the sleet that was predicted earlier in the week.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Former Waco city manager shmoozes S.C. residents
Ex-Waco city manager Kathy Rice was among three candidates for the Georgetown County administrator’s position for the South Carolina county wooing residents last night at a “meet and greet” at the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office.
Rice, 60, has been the assistant city administrator in Surprise, Ariz., since March 2004. She was in Waco from May 1998 to January 2003. Before going to Arizona she served as interim planning director for the city of Temple.
Georgetown is the county seat. The county had 55,797 people in the 2000 Census.
Permalink | | Categories: City hall
Reports: Morriss turns down Boyle County job
Reports out of Lexington, Ky., today say that former Baylor head football coach Guy Morriss has turned down the high school coaching job at Boyle County High School, which is near a farm he owns in Perryville, Ky.
Reports last week were that the school was planning to name its new coach Friday, but apparently that’s not going to happen.
Permalink | | Categories: Baylor sports
Hostage situation ends in one fatality
A Hill County man who took two hostages late Monday in rural Hill County ended a standoff with law enforcement by taking his own life, according to a spokesman with the Hill County Sheriff’s Department.
The official said the hostage-taker shot himself in the head Monday night.
Few details were available this morning, but the spokesman said the two hostages were not injured.
Check back with WacoTrib.com for updates.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
Stephenville sees UFOs
I’ve long had a fascination with UFOs and the idea of life on other planets coming to visit us, but the stories have died down a lot the last decade or so. But now comes this story out of Stephenville about unidentified flying objects.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Weird & wacky
Tuesday morning, and a balloon in the sky
Driving in from Woodway this morning the yellow Curves International balloon was floating above. My 8-year-old son enjoyed seeing that.
I was surprised to see it up, however, under overcast skies. I thought they usually need clear skies to go up. However, it really looked neat every time the burner fired up to heat the air. It really showed up well against the gray sky.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Remember the Trans-Texas Corridor?
Of course you do. It’s been a topic of consternation by landowners for a while. The Associated Press just released the schedule of town-hall meetings scheduled by the Texas Department of Transporation to discuss the Trans-Texas Corridor. All meetings are to begin at 6:30 p.m.:
- Jan. 15: Texarkana, Pleasant Grove High School
- Jan. 16: Carthage, Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
- Jan. 17: Lufkin, Lufkin Civic Center
- Jan. 22: Hempstead, Knights of Columbus Hall
- Jan. 23: Huntsville, Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center
- Jan. 24: Rosenberg, Rosenberg Civic Center
- Jan. 28: Bellville, Austin County Fairgrounds Building
- Jan. 29: Victoria, Victoria Community Center Annex
- Jan. 31: Weslaco, Lecture Hall, South Texas College
- Feb. 5: Laredo, Student Center, Texas A&M International University
- Feb. 6: Robstown, Nueces County Regional Fairgrounds Conference Center
Here’s an accompanying story about these meetings and the TTC plan.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Around the state
Texas agriculture hit $100 billion in 2007
According to the Southwest Farm Press Web site, the economic impact of Texas agriculture contributed $100 billion to the state’s economy in 2007. That’s a record figure.
Here’s the story, which came out of a speech Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples gave at the Texas A&M AgriLife Conference at Texas A&M University last week.
In related news, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, received the Texas A&M AgriLife Outstanding Public Servant Award.
Permalink | | Categories: Business
Local Obama group to meet
This being the political season, the Heart O’ Texas Obama Supporters Group is meeting at 7 tonight at Beatnix Coffeehouse, located the corner of 19th Street and Lake Shore Drive.
Speaking of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, apparently the issue of race is coming up between them.
Permalink | | Categories: Politics
Peace House makes plea for cash
The Peace House in Crawford, which has had its share of publicity the last few years as well as its documented struggles with money to stay open, appears again to need an infusion of cash. This e-mail was sent to the Trib:
“I’d Love to change the world, but I don’t know what to do, So I leave it up to you .” Alvin Lee with the band Ten Years After
We need your help Five years ago in January 2003 I put a down payment on a house in Crawford, Texas with the hope of giving a home to peace and justice. * Many were inspired to join in this endeavor. Donations were raised at rallies in Dallas. The house was cleaned, painted and fixed, a kitchen was furnished, a labyrinth was built and a garden was planted. On Easter Sunday, April 2003, the Crawford Peace House was born. During the first year of its existence I mostly paid the expenses out of my own pocket. *In the summer of 2004 We hosted an outdoor showing of Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 911. That event raised almost $15,000 and enough to fund the Peace House for the next year. In the summer of 2005, we were down to less than a hundred dollars in the bank. Then, in August, Cindy Sheehan made her courageous stand in the ditch outside the Presidents ranch. The Peace House was there for Cindy, and Cindy was there for us. At her request, thousands of dollars flowed to the Peace House within weeks. * From that funding Camp Casey II was born, and a city with its infrastructure was erected. Thousands of people were fed a sheltered for weeks. With what was left of that funding, Camp Casey was again erected for Thanksgiving 2005, Easter 2006 and at its new home in August of 2006. *We built the Casey Sheehan memorial garden at the Peace House and for the next two and a half years the Peace House’s mortgage payments were made and expenses have been met until now. *Today, we are down to under $100 in the bank, with another year to go to honor our commitment to keep the Peace House open until the Bush administration ends. We need your help. Please join us at our annual meeting noon Saturday, January 26, 2008, at the Peace House. Also please click on the link below and support our work. Thank you for making our house your home in Crawford.
Peace and in Loving Service, Johnny Wolf
The Crawford Texas Peace House 9142 E. Fifth St. Crawford, TX 76638 http://www.crawfordpeacehouse.org/node/22
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: This, that
Good morning, Waco
Another chilly start to the morning, but we should get up to the mid 60s for a high.
We’re at 29 degrees right now and it was a low as 28 degrees at Waco Regional Airport during the overnight hours.
McGregor Executive Airport was at 27 during the early morning hours.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Weather
Sorry about the site
We experienced some shutdowns in the wacotrib.com site this morning as the tech guys at the mother ship, CoxNet in Atlanta, was installing a new server.
It disrupted things here at the office as well. But now it’s time to call it a week and frankly, ‘m looking forward to some rest this weekend because I still haven’t shaken this virus (day 18 and counting).
People at the office are tired of hearing me cough up my lungs on a daily basis.
See you back on the blogosphere Monday.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: This, that
ESPN.com features Baylor men’s turnaround
Coach Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears’ 12-2 start hasn’t escaped the notice of ESPN.com. The Web site has a feature today on the Bears, viewed through the eyes of Brian Brabazon, stepfather of Patrick Dennehy, whose murder in 2003 by teammate Carlton Dotson sent shockwaves through our community and resulted in the resignations of head coach Dave Bliss and athletic director Tom Stanton.
It’s a long read by writer Dana O’Neil, but it had me hooked.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Baylor sports
Lt. governor applauds UIL’s steroids stance
Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst says he’s glad the University Interscholastic League is doing something about Download file">steroids in schools.
Here’s more information about it from the UIL Web site.
Permalink | | Categories: High school sports
Kentucky story on Morriss seeking prep job
Apparently Guy Morriss’ wife, Jackie, confirmed to a Courier-Journal writer in Louisville, Ky., that her husband interviewed Thursday for the vacant Boyle County high school coaching job.
The school has not named a coach yet, but the former Baylor head football coach owns a farm about 10 miles from Boyle County High.
Permalink | | Categories: Baylor sports
Update on late night’s fatal accident
We now have the name of the driver killed in last night’s accident on northbound Interstate 35 that also sent the other three occupants to the hospital.
Luke Hausmann, 23, of Atchison, Kan., was killed when the Honda Accord he was driving was hit by two wheels that came off a tractor-trailer. The wheels tore off the roof of the Accord at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday when Loop 340 in Bellmead.
The accident led police to close northbound I-35. Backed-up traffic caused at least one minor accident. Northbound I-35
Hausmann was pronounced dead at the scene by McLennan County Justice of the Peace David Pareya at 10:37 p.m.
The three passengers, between the ages of 16 and 20, were all taken to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, a Department of Public Safety spokesman said. All three had the same last name, but it was unclear how they were related.
Anna Hausmann, 20, is the most seriously injured. She is in critical condition at Hillcrest with head trauma, the spokesman said.
Ethan Hausmann, 19, is in stable condition with head trauma. The 16-year-old girl, who first name was not available, is listed in stable condition with minor cuts.
The driver of the Mack truck that lost its wheels, David McCann of New Orleans, age unavailable, was not injured.
We’ll update this story as more information is known.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Categories: Police & crime
Good Friday morning … those weather guys …
OK, it was below freezing this morning and the two TV weather guys I watched were off in their forecast. I know it was a forecast (which means “this is my best guess”), but lately it’s been colder than they’ve predicted. One said we’d hit 36 for a low.
It’s 29 now, and was 28 during the 5:51 a.m. observation at Waco Regional Airport. Someone else at least said it would be right around freezing.
I know it’s an ongoing joke about not trusting the TV weather guys, but I am hoping for a little more accurate forecasts.
I have chosen not to name names for now, but we’ll see.
Should hit 66 for a high.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Weather
Sanger Avenue apartment flames up again
Waco firefighters responded overnight to the fourth fire in less than a month at a vacant Sanger Avenue apartment.
Just before 3 a.m., fire investigator, Lt. Gary Lee, said a small fire broke out inside a unit at the Commons on Sanger Avenue, 5000 Sanger Ave.
This came just two days after firefighters, at the same time and address, battled a small, outdoor fire.
As with the other three fires, Lee said, no one was injured or evacuated. Lee said the fires are under investigation, and declined further comment.
— Erin Quinn
Curious doings, I say.
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
Food for Families ceremony to laud donors
A Food for Families awards ceremony will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday t the Salvation Army Community Center, 1225 S. Interstate 35 to honor the winners in the Chairperson’s Cup competition during the 2007 food drive.
The 2007 drive was held in memory of Charles Cagle and in honor of Nancy Cagle.
According to a release sent by Kenneth Moerbe with Caritas of Waco, the food drive, again sponsored by H-E-B, KWTX-TV, the Army National Guard, and the Boy Scouts, was a great success with more than 326,000 pounds of food being donated for the benefit of 10 local pantries.
Those pantries are Acts Christian Fellowship, Caritas of Waco, Church of the Open Door, Fill My Cup (Riesel), Lake Shore Baptist Church, Loaves and Fishes, Mission Waco, Operation C.R.I.S.I.S., St. Francis Social Ministry and the Salvation Army.
Here’s the rest of the release:
The majority of the food donated was generated through competition between schools, congregations, businesses, civic organizations, financial institutions, colleges and universities, manufacturing and industrial concerns, law firms, municipal and public service employees, and health services providers. The 2007 food drive winners include Waco Founders Lions Club, Waco Vacuum, Brazos River Authority, Dwyer Group, First Central Credit Union, Wells Fargo Bank, Neurosurgical Associates, Providence Healthcare Network, Vanguard Preparatory School, Lorena Middle School, Robinson High School, Midway high School, Temple Rodef Sholom, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, City of Waco Municipal Court, VA Regional Office, Baylor University Chamber of Commerce, McLennan County District Attorney’s Office, National Lloyds Insurance, Clayton Homes, Cub Pack #403, and Boy Scout Troop #308.
The winner of the Chairperson’s Cup, who donated the most food out of the entities from all classes of the competition, was The Dwyer Group. Also, the Food For Families Food Drive Steering Committee wants to extend special thanks to Mayor Virginia Dupuy who served as Honorary Chairperson for the 2007 Food For Families Food Drive, and to John Mayne and Justin Bahnsen, who provided equipment to help expedite the weighing in of the donated food.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: This, that
Waco fire kills 2 dogs, injures a 3rd
Waco firefighters this morning battled a house fire before 10 a.m. in the 3400 block of Maple Avenue. Don’t have a lot of details right now, but two dogs at the house died and a third one was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
There’s no information that any people were at the home.
We’ll update this if more information is available.
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
Protest in front of Waco federal courthouse
In case you’ve driven by the federal courthouse in Waco since 10 a.m. this morning, you might have noticed four people dressed in orange jumpsuits and wearing black cloths tied around their heads.
They are with Friends for Peace, and are protesting the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Tomorrow will mark the sixth year since it was opened to house those accused of terrorism against the United States.
Dr. Alan Northcutt, one of the group’s leaders, told Trib reporter Monica Ortiz Uribe that numerous peace-based organizations are holding protests today and Friday across the country.
In addition to their dress, which they say is representative of what the detainees are wearing, they have signs that read: “Close Guantanamo” and “Stop Torture.”
It’s unknown how long they plan to be out there.
Here’s a release that Northcutt e-mailed to one of our reporters:
WACO, TX.—The Waco Friends of Peace will sponsor a peaceful protest calling for the closure of Guantanamo Bay Prison on the tragic sixth anniversary of the facility. The protest will occur at the Waco Federal Courthouse, 10:30a.m., Thursday, January 10, 2008. The courthouse represents the American values of justice, fairness and due process. The Guantanamo Prison represents antithetical values of indefinite detention without charge, detention of children, torture, detention of people known to have not committed a hostile act against the U.S., and elimination of habeas corpus. The closure of the prison has been called for by the U.N. and human rights groups around the world. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell declared that “we have shaken the belief the world had in America’s justice system by keeping a place like Guantanamo open and creating things like the Military Commission.” We call for the closure of Guantanamo Bay, and the end of all extraordinary rendition and torture.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: This, that
‘Coal Wars’ film to be screened tonight
If you’d like to check out the Salt Lake Tribune’s take on Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars, the documentary narrated by Robert Redford that will be screened tonight at the Waco Hippodrome, here it is.
If you haven’t yet read our story on it, here you go.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Environmental
Umpire training clinic on Sunday
A city of Waco news release:
The city of Waco parks and recreation department will offer a free umpire training clinic to interested participants on Sunday. The training will take place at 3 p.m. at River Bend Park.
Once the training is complete, umpires can apply to work softball leagues and tournaments starting in February.
For information and for an upcoming class schedule, call 254-750-5875.
Permalink | | Categories: City hall
Former Trib staffer named AP correspondent in Wyoming
I post this because he used to work here. Matt Joyce, a reporter here at the Trib in 2005 has been named the Associated Press’ administrative correspondent in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Matt had been a desk supervisor for The AP in Dallas.
Joyce, 30, previously worked as a newsman in the Austin, Texas statehouse bureau. In Cheyenne he succeeds Dan Lewerenz, who left the company to return to school.
Before joining the AP in October 2002, Joyce worked at The Durango Herald in Colorado. He left the AP in 2004 to work at the Waco Tribune-Herald in Texas, before returning in 2005.
Joyce is a native of Austin and a 1999 graduate of Colorado College.
He earned a journalism master’s degree from the University of Texas in 2003.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Good Thursday morning, Waco
Welcome again to the weekday newsblog here at wacotrib.com. I’ll be here for the next four hours keeping you updated about news locally and around the world.
Nice to have a little bit warmer temperatures to start the morning and we’re supposed to reach just below 70 degrees today.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Wife of former A&M president dies
Renee Aubry Vandiver, the widow of former Texas A&M University President Frank Vandiver, died Monday in The Woodlands, the Bryan College-Station Eagle reported. She was 79.
Vandiver, a Louisiana native, wed the late A&M president in 1980 just before he started his seven-year tenure with the university.
I was at A&M during Vandiver’s time, and while I don’t recall anything particular about his wife, this news still makes me a bit nostalgic.
Permalink | | Categories: Around Central Texas
Mark Jan. 19: Girl Scout cookie sales start
Just received an e-mail reminder that local Girl Scouts will start selling those yummy cookies on Jan. 19.
The group is now named that the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, which was formed last year by combining the Bluebonnet, El Camino, Heart of Texas and Lone Star councils. It serves nearly 20,000 girls between the ages of 5 and 17 years, and more than 12,000 adult volunteers in 46 Central Texas counties.
Girl Scouts of Central Texas is headquartered in Austin but has program centers in Brownwood, Killeen, San Angelo and Waco.
For more information about the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, visit www.gsctx.org.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: This, that
Baylor prof receives prestigious honor
Baylor today sent us this release, which it considers a big feather in its cap toward showing the school’s commitment to building a top-tier institution.:
For the second consecutive year, a Baylor University professor has been prominently recognized with the New Scholars Achievement Award from the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, which includes all major graduate schools in 17 states and the District of Columbia.
The CSGS selected Dr. Ian Gravagne, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Baylor, as the recipient of the 2008Achievement Award for New Scholars in Math, Physical Sciences and Engineering.
“Having back-to-back award winners is remarkable and it demonstrates our commitment to build a top-tier teaching and research infrastructure here at Baylor,” said Dr. Randall O’Brien, executive vice president and provost at Baylor. “Dr. Gravagne is exactly the kind of professor Baylor seeks to hire. Not only is he a well-published, externally-funded researcher, he’s a dynamic, enthusiastic teacher.”
The New Scholars award recognizes scholarly achievement by a faculty member of a CSGS institution who has completed the terminal degree within the past six years. A cash award will be presented to Gravagne at the 2008 CSGS meeting in Austin on Feb. 24.
A prolific researcher, 11 of Gravagne’s 23 papers have been published since arriving at Baylor in 2002. He has been awarded three grants from the National Science Foundation and has received funding for an industrial research project and several educationally-related activities. He also has one patent pending.
“I am humbled because my meager successes trace their origins to many other people and organizations that the award does not publicly recognize,” Gravagne said. “These include faithful senior colleagues in several departments across campus, a creative research team, hard-working graduate students, my ever-patient family and, of course, Baylor for having the faith to give me my first academic job.”
Last year, the CSGS awarded Dr. Richard Russell, assistant professor of English at Baylor, the New Scholars award in the humanities. Russell, an expert in Anglo-Irish literature, 20th century British literature and intellectual history, has authored more than three dozen articles and was recognized as an Outstanding Professor at Baylor in 2003.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Garfunkel performance a sellout
Don’t know if you saw Carl Hoover’s blog post yesterday announcing that the Art Garfunkel performance Friday with the Waco Symphony Orchestra is sold out.
Susan Taylor with the WSO tells Carl that this is the third sellout of 2,200-seat Waco Hall in the symphony orchestra’s history. It also sold out for performances by violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and composer Henry Mancini.
Permalink | | Categories: Entertainment
New date set for Coble punishment trial
Trib courts reporter Tommy Witherspoon learned this morning that Aug. 4 will be the date to start jury selection in the new trial of the punishment phase for convicted killer Billy Wayne Coble.
The pool will begin with 350 potential jurors and be whittled down from there.
McLennan County District Attorney John Segrest and Assistant DA Crawford Long said the state will be seeking the death penalty for Coble, who was found guilty of killing his estranged wife’s parents, Robert and Zelda Vicha, and her brother, Waco police Sgt. Bobby Vicha, on Aug. 29, 1989.
Here’s the last story we had concerning a new order dictating that Coble must be released from his death sentence unless he is provided a new punishment trial within a reasonable time.
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
I thought Waco wasn’t supposed to freeze last night
When I went to bed last night, the weather guy was telling me the low would be 39 degrees, maybe 37 in the outlying areas. Well, I had ice on my car this morning and it’s 32 right now.
Better recheck that computer model, guys.
Waco Regional Airport recorded a temperature of 30 at 5:51 a.m. We’re supposed to reach the mid 60s today.
This changing weather isn’t helping my “crud,” which has moved into Day 16.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Fire at apartment … again
For the third time in a month, Waco firefighters responded to a fire at a vacant Sanger Avenue apartment early this morning.
Fire investigator Lt. Gary Lee is looking into the cause of a contained, outdoor blaze that started about 2:45 a.m. at The Commons on Sanger Avenue, 5000 Sanger Ave.
Lee said flames burned the boarding outside one of the windows of the apartment, in the same location as the past three times fire crews responded.
No apartments were evacuated, and no one was injured in the blaze, he said.
— Erin Quinn
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
Safe Ride Home was a success
On New Year’s Eve, Waco Transit had a service called “Safe Ride Home,” sponsored by Allen Samuels Chevrolet, which offered — for free — transportation to and/or from events that evening.
According to figures provided Allen Samuels Chevrolet from Waco Transit, a total of 185 people received rides (80 passengers transported to an event and then back home, and 105 passengers taken home only).
It was a big increase from the usual 50 passengers in past years, a transit official said. And someone spoke with a police department representative, who told the individual that there were no DWI or DUI arrests and no fatality accidents in the city of Waco that New Year’s Eve.
Plans are to offer it again next year and more sponsors are being sought.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Around Central Texas
Kathy Rice finalist for S.C. position
Former Waco city manager Kathy Rice is one of three finalists for the Georgetown County administrator position in South Carolina.
Rice, 60, is the assistant city administrator in Surprise, Ariz.. She started there in March 2004. She was in Waco from May 1998 to January 2003. Before going to Arizona she served as interim planning director for the city of Temple.
She arrived in Surprise during big growth for the city. Its population went from about 31,000 in 2000 to about 86,000 in 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Georgetown is the county seat. The county had 55,797 people in the 2000 Census, which is about half of the population of Waco.
Here’s the story at myrtlebeachonline.com.
And here’s a county Web site.
Permalink | | Categories: City hall
BU’s Wilson in Newsday article
Somehow I missed this when it went online yesterday, but New York Newsday has a feature on Baylor sophomore Danielle Wilson.
But apparently the writer didn’t know that the sophomore post missed the nonconference finale Friday with a sprained right ankle because it wasn’t mentioned in the story.
Baylor moved up to No. 8 in this week’s college poll and opens Big 12 Conference play Wednesday night in Lubbock against Texas Tech. It’s hoped that Wilson can return for the conference opener.
Permalink | | Categories: Baylor sports
Texas, A&M want to resume Thanksgiving night game
The San Antonio Express-News is reporting that Texas A&M and Texas have agreed to move their annual rivalry football game back to Thanksgiving night.
Aggies athletic director Bill Byrne confirmed that Monday, according to writer Brent Zwernemann.
The move, however, is awaiting league approval, according to sources on both sides. Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe couldn’t be reached on Monday night.
Permalink | | Categories: Pro & college sports
A bit damp in spots
The roads were a touch wet this morning on the drive into work from overnight precipitation. I hesitate to call it rain, considering Waco Regional Airport recorded a mere 0.02 inches in the early morning hours.
The only other National Weather Service automated recording station in our area that registered any rainfall was Gatesville, and that was only 0.01 inches.
We’re at 67 degrees right now with 87 percent humidity. It’s supposed to be partly sunny, though we still have a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms for the morning. Highs will be in the lower 70s, with southwest winds 15 to 20 mph shifting to the northwest 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Potential ALICO jumper talked down
Trib reporter Tim Woods reports:
Tragedy was averted this morning when a concerned father and Waco police were able to convince a potential suicide jumper to come down from the fire escape atop the ALICO building in downtown Waco.
Around 10 a.m., a Waco police detective driving near the ALICO building spotted a man running a red light and followed the man into the building’s parking lot, a Waco police officer at the scene said.
The driver turned out to be a Robinson resident who was on the phone with his 19-year-old son, who was standing on the fire escape, three stories from the top of the ALICO building, threatening to jump, the officer said.
Once on scene, the father and police convinced the man to come down and he entered into an open window off the fire escape, according to witness Charles Hitt of West.
The 19-year-old was not charged with any crime, the officer said, but he was driven away in the back of a Waco patrol car. The officer said he was being taken someplace safe.
The ALICO building is 282 feet tall.
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
Waco PD’s crisis team seeks volunteers
The city of Waco has sent out a release that the deadline for volunteers to the Waco Police Department’s Victim Services Unit has been extended:
The City of Waco Police Department’s Victims Services Unit is seeking volunteers to become members of their Crisis Team.
Crisis teams respond to the needs of victims and witnesses in the situation of a homicide, suicide, accidental death, robbery, or sexual assault. The members offer emotional support, assist the victims with filling out paperwork, and explain the criminal justice process.
The Crisis teams work various shifts seven days a week. Each person is required to work two shifts per month.
The Waco Police Department will be offering a volunteer training program beginning Jan. 30. The Victim Services Crisis Training Academy lasts four weeks. Volunteers are required to complete 32 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of patrol ride observation and two supervised Crisis Team shifts.
Applications are due by Jan. 25 and a background check is required for all applicants. For more information, call Sheniqua Harris, volunteer coordinator, at 750-7534.
Permalink | | Categories: City hall
AG’s office warns of counterfeit checks at apartments
Attorney General Greg Abbott’s office has sent out this news release, which is particularly worthwhile considering students returning to college soon:
Consumer Alert: Landlords, Roommates Can Fall Prey to Counterfeit Checks
Texans who plan to get a roommate or rent out their house or apartment in the new year should beware of a new version of an old counterfeit check scam.
The U.S. Postal Inspector recently warned that some property owners are being duped by con artists using counterfeit checks. Managers of large apartment complexes and owners of a single rental property are targeted by the scam.
A landlord should not trust a prospective tenant who responds from overseas to an online advertisement, pays a deposit with a cashier’s check (possibly even offering to pay several months’ rent in advance), and then asks the landlord to wire back part of the money. The checks often turn out to be clever counterfeits.
People who advertise seeking roommates should be careful of this scam as well. Roommates abroad who send large deposit checks and then ask to have some funds returned to them because of a “family emergency” or similar reason are simply trying to profit from the prospective roommate’s trust.
To provide further reassurances, the scammer might even telephone the person who places the advertisement. But the result is invariably the same: They want to separate consumers from their money.
Many consumers mistakenly believe it is possible to get back their money, but the con artists behind these ploys are almost always in other countries. Even with the assistance of international law enforcement authorities, these thieves are nearly impossible to catch because they are constantly on the move.
Landlords and roommate seekers who are contacted with one of these offers should simply say “no.”
Permalink | | Categories: Consumer information
Eugene, Ore., theater owner learned craft in Waco
There’s a story today in the Oregon Daily Emerald that features the Bijou Art Cinemas, which is the only venue in Eugene, Ore., to watch independent films.
The theater, which is housed in an 83-year-old chapel continues to show independent films, but there’s a concern that could end because of the death of owner Michael Lamont, who died Dec. 22 at age 62 of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
According to the story:
Lamont learned how to be a projectionist at the now-demolished Waco Twin Cinemas on Franklin Boulevard, and he started showing movies on campus as a computer science student in the 1970s.
The Twin Cinemas on Franklin Boulevard? No one here at the office recalls any theater on Franklin AVENUE. Any ideas what the writer was referring to? Looks like some faulty memory here.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Entertainment
Baylor prof pens Investment News piece
William Reichenstein, a chartered financial analyst who holds the Pat and Thomas R. Powers Chair in Investment Management at Baylor, has an article that posted today at www.investmentnews.com about long-term investing and whether value or growth stocks are best.
If you’re an investor, this is worth reading. Our business editor, Mike Copeland, has often sought the wisdom of Reichenstein on investment stories he’s written.
Permalink | | Categories: Business
Meerkats from Waco finally named
You might recall a while back, Dec. 19 to be exact, I posted an item about three adult female meerkats from the Cameron Park Zoo were waiting to be named at their home in Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, N.Y.
They now have names, according to this story from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
The names, by the way, are Susie B, Millie and N’yah.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Starting another week
Welcome to Monday, Jan. 7, and a warm week ahead.
We’re at 66 right now with a high expected in the upper 70s and a 20 percent chance of rain.
The local weather guys last night were saying we’re about 20 to 25 degrees above normal for this time of year.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Recycle that live Christmas tree
Don’t forget that Saturday you can recycle your live Christmas tree at Keep Waco Beautiful’s annual “Chipping of the Green” between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the parking lot at Paul Tyson Field, which is on Lake Air Drive near the horse barn at the Heart O’ Texas Fairgrounds.
Residents who take a tree for recycling will receive a bag of tree mulch and a native Texas sapling.
This has been a wonderful event for several years. Waco residents should take advantage of it.
It also reminds me I need to take down my outdoor lights.
Have a great weekend. See you back on Monday as we get in our first full week of the new year.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Nigeria, Internet: A lousy combination
Disturbing story out of Houston about a woman who left for Nigeria to get married to a man she met on the Internet, while leaving eight young children home alone.
A deputy making a welfare check on Wednesday evening at the home in Cypress, which is just outside Houston, found the children between the ages of 1 and 9 alone. The woman, whose name was being withheld, reportedly flew to Africa on Monday.
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
Baylor prof quoted in Education Week story
Baylor University professor Susan K. Johnsen, president of the Association for the Gifted, a division of the Council for Exceptional Children, is quoted in a story to come out next week in Education Weekabout a letter from the Department of Education’s office for civil rights to school districts, reminding them that students with disabilities are eligible to take part in advanced academic programs and do not forfeit their right to special education services by enrolling in such classes.
The Dec. 26 “Dear Colleague” letter refers to students with disabilities who want to enroll in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or other accelerated classes.
The special education community is much more sensitive to students with disabilities who may be able to handle accelerated work, said Johnsen, who is also a professor in the department of educational psychology at Baylor.
The story went online today, but is to see print next week.
Permalink | | Categories: Education
Wendy’s 2 cents on that Ranger statue
Don’t know if you’ve read Wendy Gragg’s latest blog post today, but it’s a hoot, at least if you’re in the camp that’s not enthralled with a giant cement Ranger looking over Waco.
The survey time for comments ended at 10 a.m. today. I liked the idea today in the Trib to provide a sense of perspective on the size of the Ranger statue relative to buildings around Waco.
I didn’t realize the statue would actually be taller than Waco City Hall.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Woman pleads not guilty in aunt’s murder
Trib staff reporter Cindy Culp reports this today from Waco’s 19th State District Court:
A woman who police say brutally murdered her aunt this spring pleaded not guilty this morning, paving the way for her to go to trial later this month.
Natalie Cole Rocha, 29, was arrested in March for the stabbing death of 50-year-old Joann Allen Chambers at a home in the 1300 block of Tabor Avenue. Chambers was found covered in blood and had been “brutally mutilated,” according to an affidavit filed to obtain Rocha’s arrest. The body had been stabbed, cut and chopped.
Rocha made the not-guilty plea during a pretrial hearing in Waco’s 19th State District Court. After making the plea, she said, “I’m innocent, judge.”
Rocha’s attorney Phil Martinez told Strother that she had been offered a 40-year plea deal by prosecutors but rejected it. The trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 15.
Prosecutors said they plan to call several expert witnesses, including a DNA expert and a pathologist.
Police have said Rocha threatened Chambers the day before she died. Rocha reportedly wanted her aunt to give her money. The evening before Chambers was killed, Rocha went to the house on Tabor Avenue to talk to her aunt and the homeowner, police have said.
Rocha reportedly threatened Chambers and the homeowner about getting her money. The homeowner then left to “try to find the money needed to satisfy Natalie Rocha,” according to records filed in the case.
When the homeowner returned, he found Chambers’ body. Rocha was gone.
At the time of the incident, Rocha was on felony probation for cocaine possession. Her probation was revoked in May after she pleaded “true” to a number of probation violations. She was sentenced to six years in prison.
Rocha also has two prior misdemeanor assault convictions that involve stabbing. Both cases were reduced from felonies and she was placed on probation for them, according to court records.
Permalink | | Categories: Courthouse
Waco man elected prez of insurance group
Greg Vanek of Waco was elected president of the Association of Fire and Casualty Companies in Texas (AFACT) for the 2008-09 term, according to a post today at insurancejournal.com.
Vanek is president and chief executive officer of National Lloyds and American Summit Insurance Companies, known as NLASCO.
Permalink | | Categories: Business
Hippodrome to host Sundance film on coal wars
On Jan. 10 The Redford Center at Sundance Preserve will host a free film premiere at 7 p.m. at the Waco Hippodrome of its new documentary, Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars, to boost awareness and engagement in the state’s battle against conventional coal-fired power plants.
The film also will be shown Jan. 11 t the Angelika Theatre in Dallas. Both premieres are free to the public, though seating is limited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Here’s more from the news release:
Narrated by Robert Redford and produced by Alpheus Media, the film follows the story of Texans fighting a high-stakes battle for clean air and centers around the unlikely partners — mayors, ranchers, lawyers, cities, citizens, green groups, and CEOs—that came together to oppose the construction of 18 coal-fired power plants that were slated to be built in Eastern and Central Texas and being fast-tracked by the Texas Governor.
With the goal of sparking a national dialogue about the impacts and consequences of coal, the film uses the example of Texas to take an intimate look at today’s global energy challenge of powering communities in a way that supports the local economy and protects public health.
In America coal is the largest source of global warming pollution and coal-fired power plants are responsible for more than 30 percent of all carbon dioxide pollution, according to leading non-profit NRDC. Coal causes more damage to people and the planet than any other energy source.
And currently the U.S. Department of Energy reports 121 conventional coal-fired power plants are slated for construction in 40 U.S. states, with 45 of the 121 plants either under construction, near construction, or already permitted, and 76 of the plants in the early stages of development, having the status of being “announced.”
The program for both film premiers includes a screening of the film (30 minutes) followed by a moderated panel discussion. Panels will be comprised of local policymakers, business leaders, ranchers, and lawyers, many of whom appear in the film. The panels will be moderated by Texas journalists.
The premieres are sponsored by the Energy Foundation, Trammell Crow Jr., John and Margie Haley, and Public Citizen’s ‘Coal Block’ Campaign.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Around Central Texas
Looks like we avoided freezing
As most forecasters predicted, we didn’t hit the freezing mark this morning, but it was cold nonetheless.
Waco Regional Airport reports a temperature of 38 degrees currently, with a low of 36.
With the cloud cover, we should reach the mid 50s today and a south wind will be blowing. It may get warmest at midnight.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Prayer breakfast beautiful start to morning
I got to attend the President’s Community Prayer Breakfast at the Ferrell Center this morning. It was an early start, with the buffet available at 6:30 a.m. and the program at 7, but it was worth the effort to get my hacking self up a bit earlier than usual to join the 400 or so folks in attendance.
Chris Machen, a Baylor graduate, sang three songs and he has a fabulous voice. The songs were written by he and his wife, Diane, who was supposed to perform with him but was at home sick.
Baylor President John Lilley remarked that late President Herb Reynolds began the breakfast in 1988, which would make this the 20th year of the event, which brings community leaders together to reflect on the past year and look forward to 2008.
Dr. Roland Hernandez, Waco ISD superintendent, gave the invocation. Sarah Roberts, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce vice president for economic development, offered a Scripture reading and prayer.
Joel Boesche, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Waco, prayed for renewal and guidance. Burt Burleson, university chaplain and dean for university ministries at Baylor, presented the meditation for the morning in which he reflected upon how once we’re adults we can’t just go to sleep in the back seat of the car anyhow. He referenced an old “Peanuts” strip in which Lucy and Charlie Brown discussed that concept.
It was an invigorating start to the morning. And hopefully for the year ahead.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Tune in tomorrow
and we’ll see what Friday has to offer in followups from tonight’s Iowa caucuses, the Orange Bowl game and more.
See ya then.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
Mexia cop arrested for marijuana possession
A Mexia police officer was jailed on a possession of marijuana charge Wednesday after detectives in his own department were alerted to the crime.
At about 3:30 p.m., detectives from the Mexia Police Department, along with Chief Richard Hawthorne, confronted officer Walter Simmons at a home on Shiloh Road in Mexia, according to the Mexia Police Department.
Simmons allowed the detectives to search his car, where they found “a small amount of marijuana,” Mexia police said.
Simmons was arrested for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces and taken to the Limestone County Jail.
A jail spokeswoman said today that Simmons had posted bond and was released from the jail, but said she could not give the amount of the bond posted.
Hawthorne did not immediately return a message today about Simmons’ status with the department.
— Tim Woods
Permalink | | Categories: Police & crime
By the way, it was 24 overnight
Another frigid night, at least for Central Texas. We hit a low of 24 degrees in the early morning hours, around 2 a.m. With the clouds coming in, we didn’t hit our low right around sunrise like we usually do.
We’re supposed to hit 37 for a low tomorrow.
Our own Joe Weather has put on his blog that the fire weather watch has been canceled.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Starting another day … chilly
Well, my doctor says I have the crud, which I pretty much expected. But now I’m taking other medications that do seem to be loosening the congestion more. I wonder how many people in Iowa feel like they have election crud in the air? Now, there’s congestion for you.
We’re below freezing once again in Waco, currently at 29 degrees. We should reach the low 50s today for a high.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
I’m headed to the doctor …
to see if I can get rid of this nagging cough and related maladies. In the meantime, stay warm, especially tonight with a low around 23 expected.
The automated weather observer at Waco Regional Airport says a light rain is falling right now. Look outside. Don’t think so. Maybe some birds flying overhead did their business, so to speak.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Weather
Burn ban in effect for McLennan County
McLennan County commissioners this morning issued a burn ban for the county, citing the danger of wildfires in the current dry conditions.
The disaster declaration is limited to seven days unless the commissioners court chooses to continue the ban.
Permalink | | Categories: Courthouse
Commissioners close to enacting burn ban
Trib staff reporter Erin Quinn tells us that McLennan County Commissioner Wendall Crunk says commissioners are in the process of getting the county judge to sign an emergency order to place a burn ban in effect.
He says they should have one within the hour.
This comes after a weekend where grass fires burned throughout the county and Central Texas.
This map from the Texas Forest Service shows the current number of countywide burn bans in the state.
Permalink | | Categories: Courthouse
Baylor men’s indoor track squad ranked 10th
The Baylor men’s indoor track and field team will enter the 2008 indoor track and field season as the 10th-ranked team in the nation, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced at its convention in Phoenix, Ariz., it was posted online today at BPSports.net.
Permalink | | Categories: Baylor sports
Wow, we hit 17 this morning
We got to lower than 21 this morning. Officially, it was 17 at Waco Regional Airport, our Joe Weather notes on his blog.
That 21 I blogged about this morning was the observation at the airport at 6:51 a.m. The hourly observation records the temperature at that time only, not any lower dips in degrees.
Permalink | | Categories: Weather
Check out January schedule for Waco
The Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau dutifully sends us a monthly list of events that Waco will be hosting. Here’s its most recent release:
WACO, Texas - The Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau announces that it will be the home to many conferences, including the Texas Public Pool Council, taking place Jan. 4-12, the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Annual Convention, Jan. 9-12, and the Antioch Community Church World Mandate Conference, Jan. 18-20.
Other events taking place in January include the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, Jan. 3-5; US Team Roping Championships, Jan. 10-13; Mid-Tex Farm & Ranch Show, Jan. 15-16; Blue Ribbon Hunter Jumper Horse Show, Jan. 17-20; Diocese of Austin Youth Conference, Jan. 18-20; McLennan County Junior Livestock Show, Jan. 22-25; Texas Aquarium & Zoo Educators, Jan. 23-25; and the Texas Appaloosa Horse Show, Jan. 25-27.
“This is a fun and exciting way to begin the New Year,” said Elizabeth Taylor, director of the Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau. “These events will bring in almost 24,730 people and will have a significant economic impact of almost $3 million.”
Permalink | | Categories: Entertainment
Midway grad’s part in Austin’s New Year’s fete
Midway High School graduate Rebecca Ward was featured in this Austin American-Statesman story on her part in the First Night Austin 2008, the free, arts-centered New Year’s Eve festival that spread over downtown Austin Monday. Sounded like a great event.
Ward, a Rapoport Service Scholar, and winner of several local community service awards during her senior year for outstanding volunteer service. She was also featured in the Trib a few years ago for an art show benefit that she put together for a local non-profit. She is employed by the Austin Children’s Museum.
You can check out more of her work at rebeccasward.com.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
President sends his regards
President Bush and his wife left Crawford yesterday to return to work in case you were busy watching all the college bowl games or enjoying time with family.
Bush wished Americans a happy and healthy 2008 after a weeklong vacation at his ranch.
Permalink | | Categories: This, that
In case you couldn’t stay up …
Still slowed by a cold or whatever it was I got while videotaping the China Spring-Celina state championship game Dec. 22, I was in no shape to watch the remainder of Georgia’s 41-10 rout of Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl.
I really didn’t think the Rainbow Warriors would win, but I was hoping to see their offense do something. Kind of like how I hoped Illinois would do anything in its loss to USC in the Rose Bowl.
Besides, it’s hard to hear the TV over all the hacking I’m doing with this cough lately. Good thing I’m blogging; if I was on the radio you’d have to change the channel.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Pro & college sports
Welcome to 2008, Waco
Sure, it’s Jan. 2, 2008, but today is the first day many of us are back to work in the new year. It’s a cold welcome this Wednesday morning with current temperatures at 23 degrees at Waco Regional Airport.
We hit a low of 21 around sunrise today. McGregor Executive Airport reported a low of 19 during the overnight hours. Today’s high is expected to reach the upper 40s, so stay bundled up.
