Thursday, September 20, 2012

DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC DIFFICULTIES

Construction on Third and Fourth Street here in Big Spring is affecting traffic in the downtown area. From Gregg Street to Highway 350 construction crews have begun repaving work and work on sidewalks. Along with the work, has come lane closures and narrower lanes to travel in. Also heavy equipment is making its way through the downtown streets along with the construction workers. Drivers in that area need to be alert especially in the early morning hours.

REDUCTION IN ENROLLMENT OF COLLEGES

Howard College recently announced a downturn in enrollment for their Big Spring and San Angelo Campuses: A trend that is becoming common throughout community colleges in the Basin. Odessa and Midland College have had drop offs in enrollment as well as many students are taking to the oilfields to chase the big dollars the industry is paying right now. Some though are making the sacrifice to get their degree and, for another reason, housing. Some have been lucky enough to get into dorm rooms on campus which solves a problem many are having with the shortage of housing. Rent prices are skyrocketing throughout the Basin due to the high demand with the influx of people moving into the area looking for work.

SCHOOL TOURS SATURDAY

The Big Spring ISD will be offering tours of Washington Elementary School this Saturday, September 22, from 10:00 to 11:00 am. The school is located at 1207 South Birdwell Lane. From 11:00 am until noon the School District will be offering tours of the new science labs at the High School located at 707   11th Place.

Area News From Our Partners at CBS7

RENTAL COSTS NEARLY DOUBLE – PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTION

A mother and daughter are living in their van in Odessa after their rent nearly doubled for the one bedroom apartment they were living in. Nena and Aline Flanagin suffer from health problems and between the two of them bring home approximately $1,500 a month. Their rent was $1,295 dollars a month but last month is went up to $2,400 and the women had no choice but to walk away. They have been in the van for a week now. The mother sleeps in the van and the daughter sleeps outside, as they look for a place to call home. They do have calls in to local nursing homes in search of vacancy but have not had any luck so far.

An Odessa woman has started a petition asking City Leaders in Odessa to do something to control the rising rent prices but City Leaders say they have no control. Now the woman is calling them out. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, has gone to the Governor’s Office and the Office of State Senator Kel Seliger with her plight and has found out City Leaders do have the capability to regulate rent. City Government can declare a local Manmade Disaster, under which this situation falls, and, upon approval by the Governor, the City would be able to implement rent control.

MISSING RADIOACTIVE CYLINDER DANGEROUS

The FBI is now involved in the search for the missing radioactive cylinder. Initially the FBI became involved to see if the rod had been stolen but, after questioning Halliburton employees, they have determined that this not the case. Now their concern is public safety. The rod is marked clearly in red lettering “Danger Radioactive” but that does not guarantee someone will not pick up the item and keep it on their person. Prolonged exposure will cause radiation sickness. Another concern is that someone will find the cylinder and sell it to a scrap yard. Midland Police have contacted all scrap yards in the area about the item and they have been assured they will be alerted. The question now is: How long will the rod be a danger? According to experts, the rod has a half-life of 483 years.

PRESIDIO-OJINAGA RAILROAD CROSSING

Texas Pacifico Transportation is just waiting on approval of TXDOT and the Governors Office so they can begin work on the Presidio-Ojinaga Railroad Crossing. The Crossing once carried cargo back and forth across the border generating income for both cities’ economies. According to Brad Newton, of the Presidio Economic Development Center, the crossing would bring 50 jobs to the City if the crossing is rebuilt. The crossing was destroyed in an arson related fire a few years back. Since then it has been a railroad track to nowhere. Of concern though, is the crime rate which was much higher when the crossing was open, according to Presidio Chief of Police, Marco Baeza. When the crossing was open, Baeza said, there were more burglaries and drug trafficking than there is now. Baeza did add that Border Security is much tighter now, so the problem could be a different story this time around. The Mexican side of the railroad is already complete. The American side will cost about $10 million to finish and, if approved, is projected to be completed by 2014.

STRANDED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS HAVE HELP GETTING HOME

The construction workers who were recently stranded in Midland by Above and Beyond Construction are now able to return home. The general contractor, EBCO, has given them money to make it back home to Alabama. The group was also helped out by a local pastor and an Odessa woman who made breakfast for the group and donated some money to the men to assist them in getting home. The men thanked everyone for the help and hope to return to the area in the future for more work.

WATER RECLAMATION PLANT

Midland College is looking at a water reclamation plant of their own. The College and the City of Midland are constructing a plant that will take sewage water and treat it, then use it for irrigation on campus. The project, the first of its kind in the State, will serve as a pilot for similar projects in the future.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

WATER SUPPLY UPDATE

The pipeline running in from the well fields in Ward County is coming along at a rapid pace. The project is approximately 75% to 85% complete at this time and will soon be delivering water to Colorado River Municipal Water District customers in Big Spring, Odessa, Snyder, Stanton, Pyote, San Angelo, Midland, Abilene and Robert Lee. The three water sources are nearly dry with two of the source -- Lake J.B. Thomas and the E.V. Spence Reservoir -- no longer having water drawn from them and the O.H. IVIE RESERVOIR will be dry by May or June of next year unless significant rains come before then. The CRMWD has drilled 42 wells in the Ward County fields and the pipeline will deliver winter usage levels of approximately 30 million gallons of water a day.

FIRE DEPARTMENT CALL OUTS

The Big Spring Fire Department went out on a few calls yesterday: The first of which was a call of a gas leak in the 1000 block of Goliad; the situation was brought under control. Later in the evening, they received a call of a vehicle fire in the 1400 block of Nolan. The fire department was able to extinguish that fire.

TAILGATE PARTY FUNDRAISER

The Junior Class of Big Spring High School will be having a tailgate party at Memorial Stadium this Friday night, Sept. 21, to raise money for the Junior/Senior Prom. There will be a hamburger plate,  roasted corns and soft drinks for everyone. The party begins at 5:30 pm on the north side of Memorial Stadium.

COWBOY’S SUPPORTS UNITED WAY

Dine Out Days are continuing in Big Spring this week. Cowboy’s Restaurant is the place to go. Cowboy’s will be donating a portion of their proceeds for the week to the United Way of Big Spring and Howard County. The program is a big part of the fundraising efforts for the United Way as they try to attain their goal of $300,000. The funds go to help support 15 agencies in the Big Spring and Howard County Area.

AMERICA’S CUTEST KID IS FROM COAHOMA

Kobi Olivas was voted America’s Cutest Kid on the Live with Kelly and Michael Show last week. The youngster is the son of Misti Muller of Coahoma.  Misti submitted a photo of Kobi several months ago and had almost forgotten about the contest when the call came that Kobi was a finalist. For winning the contest the family will get to go on a cruise and receive a new car which will arrive sometime this week.

Area News From Our Partners at CBS7

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ABANDONED UNPAID

Once again, Above and Beyond Construction is being accused of not paying their workers. The subcontractor was in the news several weeks back when it was learned that workers from the El Paso area had been living in a storage container while putting in 12-hour days working on a hotel in the Midland area: Work they never received payment for doing. They eventually went home and several of the workers have sued the company for back pay. Now a group from Alabama is making the same claims for work they were doing on the Hilton Garden Inn; even saying they paid for some of the building materials out of their own pocket. Now they have been told their services have been terminated and they had to leave the hotel where they had been staying. The owner of Above and Beyond, Terry Davis, is claiming another subcontractor, Heavenly Body, is responsible for paying the crews. Davis is currently in jail on a warrant out of Lubbock unrelated to these incidents.

VOLUNTEERS AND HOUSING NEEDED

The Midland Red Cross is looking for some help from the community. Right now they are looking for housing for victims. A majority of the hotels in the area are full due to the oil boom and there are few alternatives for the organization to use. In addition, there is an immediate need for 20 to 30 volunteers for the Disaster Relief Program. With winter approaching, there is a need to provide care for more victims. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact:
             Midland Red Cross at 432-563-2267

HEALTH CARE CLINIC

Oil companies are stepping up in their care for employees and their families. Endeavor Energy and Pioneer Natural Resources have opened a health care clinic. The clinic is exclusively for workers and their families, and is seen as a proactive step towards Obamacare which requires companies to provide health care for their employees and health insurance for their companies’ employees. The clinic guarantees access to care: oil industry experts say it is a great way for companies to retain employees. Many of these types of clinics are non-profit and are funded completely by the companies themselves.

Wednesday, September 6, 2012

BIG SPRING REMEMBERS 9/11

The Disabled Veterans Group here in Big Spring will be holding a memorial service for those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attack. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm Tuesday evening in front of the memorial at the Big Spring Mall. The event was started back in 2007 and has grown each year with attendance at 250 people last year. In addition to the ceremony the event will feature guest speaker Army National Guard Major General Eddy Spurgin, and a POW/MIA table. Local veteran Mike Tarpley heads up the ceremony and has been involved since its inception in 2007. Tarpley recently received the Patriot of the Year Award for the State of Texas.

5TH REGIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Air Evac Lifeteam Base has received the 5th Region Community Service Award. The local base was chosen from amongst 21 bases in the region for their tremendous work within the community, both in showing off what they do and for their efforts to keep the community informed of their services. The base has been out in the community visiting with children in the area to show off their equipment and how they go about doing their work. The award has also put the base into the running for the National Community Service Award that will be presented on November 17th in O’Fallon, Missouri.

NEW HELIPAD AT MIDLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

In a related story Midland Memorial Hospital will be opening a new helipad within the next week. This will allow the transfer of patients directly to the hospital during an emergency rather than landing at midland international airport and then being taken by ambulance to the hospital. It will also make the transfer of patients from the hospital to hospitals in Lubbock and Dallas much quicker and easier. Staff is being trained presently on how to use the helipad and landscaping is being installed. Hospital leaders also stress it will get patients into care much quicker since they will be taken directly into the hospital. The helipad will also bring more patients to Midland Memorial. The hospital was being passed up often due to the lack of a landing pad onsite.

ERIC HERM BOOK SIGNING

The Heritage Museum will be holding a book signing from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Saturday, September 8. Eric Herm will be signing his newest book “Surviving Ourselves: The Evolution of Community, Education and Agriculture in the 21st Century”. Herm is a local farmer who grew up on the family farm in Ackerly. As he traveled, Herm met numerous interesting people who had made the effort to rebuild small communities and learned of the sacrifices they made. The book also includes poetry at the end of each chapter. This is the second book for Herm; his first is titled “Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth.”

H-E-B EMPLOYEES SERVE AND SUPPORT RESCUE TEAMS

H-E-B employees from across the State will be visiting  and lending a helping hand to firefighters across Texas today. H-E-B will adopt 532 stations across the State and partners from the grocery store chain will be on hand to serve meals to firefighters and to help out around the station during the day. The community service projects honors September 11th as a national day of service and remembrance that pays tribute to the men and women rescue teams who risked and lost their lives at the World Trade Center.

Area News From Our Partners at CBS7

HOUSING CRUNCH LEADS TO UNUSUAL TRADE OFFERS

A booming economy and a housing crunch in the Permian Basin has some people trying anything to get to West Texas and try to cash in. Jerry Werth, who owns a drilling and well services company in Costa Rica, is offering a trade: his estate in Costa Rica for your house here in the Basin. Werth’s business is booming here in West Texas but he has been unable to find housing, leading to him post the trade offer on Craigslist. So far he has not had any takers on the offer. Tyler Patton of the Better Business in the Permian Basin believes people will begin to see more and more of this type of thing as the boom continues. He recommends you do research if you are considering any such offer and be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true. Gather as much contact information as possible about the person and their relationship with the owner and the real estate company involved in the transaction.

BRINGING SOLAR POWER TO WEST TEXAS

Fort Stockton is looking at bringing solar power to West Texas. The Economic Development Corporation is in talks with a solar energy company about leasing 640 acres of land in the City. City Manager Raul Rodriguez says the City and the company are in talks right now on how the solar energy company will plug into the power grid to deliver the power it generates. Right now the land is sitting empty.

NEW FIRE STATION FOR ANDREWS

The City of Andrews is moving forward with plans to build a new fire station. The City will be sending out for bids for the $750,000 building next week, according to Andrews City Manager Glen Heckler. The new station will be in the Business Park South and is expected to be completed sometime in June of 2013.

IN STATE NEWS

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR AFFORDABLE RENTAL FARM WORKER HOUSING

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for Technical Assistance Grants to develop domestic and migrant farm labor housing. Grants are available to organizations that will help Housing Authorities, State and local governments, Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations, and community- and faith-based groups apply for loans and grants to build farmworker housing.  Vilsack announced on July 18 the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for loans and grants to build or preserve affordable rental farm worker housing.  This technical assistance funding is available to organizations that assist potential borrowers under that NOFA. Technical Assistance Grantees must have the knowledge, ability, expertise or practical experience necessary to develop and package farm labor housing loan and grant applications. They also will be required to submit a minimum number of applications to the USDA, based on their location. Go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rdsuccessstories.html

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

BIG SPRING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SPECIAL MEETING

The Big Spring Economic Development Corporation will hold a special meeting today, September 5, at noon in the Chamber Board Room. During the meeting the Board will discuss a Memorandum of Understanding with Express Midstream Services, LLC. The company will be given until mid-December to develop and present a Business Development Plan for 300 acres of land owned by the E-D-C east of town. The E-D-C recently released information regarding the development of the rail spur located at the McMahon Wrinkle Airport. Transport Handling Specialist has just received a new locomotive that will be used to move rail cars with materials for existing businesses within the Airpark. The E-D-C is hoping to bring more industry to the industrial section of the Airpark with the development of the rail spur and the larger capacity it will bring to the area.

INVESTIGATION OF THE VANDALISM AT THE ALL WARS MEMORIAL

The Big Spring Police Department is following some leads they have received in relation to the vandalism that occurred at the All Wars Memorial in August. Residents are still being questioned as to whether they saw anything the weekend the vandalism occurred. There is a substantial reward being offered to anyone who may have information leading to an arrest in the case. There is also a fund that has been set up at State National Bank on Main Street if you would like to donate to help restore the memorial. If you have information for the Police please contact them at 264-2550.

DISCOUNT ON GASOLINE THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR

H-E-B is trying to save their customers some money by lowering the cost at the pump. Now through the end of the year the grocery store will be offering a 12 cents per gallon discount on fuel if you purchase an H-E-B Gift Card and use it for gas. Stores in Midland, Odessa and Big Spring along with stores across the State are participating in the promotion. The cards are re-loadable and, again, the promotion runs through the end of the year.

CAUSE OF DEATHS OF DOVES STILL UNKNOWN

The latest finding of dead doves has led to some caution in the hunting community. The mysterious deaths have not been explained as of yet. According to a report in the Midland Reporter Telegram the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin, has performed a necropsy on samples of the birds found and have not been able to determine a conclusive cause of death. With dove season having just started, it is recommended that hunters not consume any birds that appear to be diseased or behaving oddly or that they have not shot themselves. One pet owner reported their dog died after eating some of the dead doves while others say their pets have not suffered any ill effects. Caution is urged and hunters are reminded that all birds killed count towards their limit. Officials do expect to have more results in the next few days and the information will be posted online the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.

Area News From Our Partners at CBS7

AT&T REQUIRED TO PROVIDE REDUNDANCY TO PREVENT RECURRANCE OF COMMUNICATION FAILURE ISOLATING BREWSTER COUNTY

AT&T has to answer some questions from leaders in a west Texas county after services for Cabel, internet and 9-1-1 services were cut off recently. Brewster County officials are wanting to hear about a back-up plan the company has in the case of a cut cable that literally cuts off the area from the outside world. According to Brewster County Public Information Officer, Beste Esparza, the County has been disconnected four times since December when construction crews in Midland and Odessa accidentally cut the lines leaving the County without any means of communications including cell service. Leaders are asking for some redundancy in the lines to avoid the situation happening in the future.  If AT&T cannot come up with an acceptable plan, the County is ready to find another service who can.

COACH TO RECEIVE REPRIMAND FOR HARSH PUNISHMENT

Monahans Volleyball Coach, Candace Swarb, is in hot water after punishing her players for a recent loss in the Seminole Invitational Tournament. Several parents are complaining because Swarb had her team run 20 laps on a hot tennis court barefoot. Several of the players received blisters during the run and still had to particpate in games later in the day. The parents said they understood the need for discipline but disagreed with the form of punishment that was doled out that day due to the injuries suffered by some of the players on the team. Superintendent Keith Richardson of Monahans-Wyckett-Pyote School District released the following statement about the incident, “She (Swarb) is an excellent Coach, has had no other incidents on her record, and would never do anything to intentionally hurt one of her players. She has apologized to the volleyball players and parents. Our Coach will receive a Discipline Reprimand.”

MIDLAND COUNTY FRESH WATER DISTRICT NUMBER ONE BONDS

According to an article in the Midland Reporter Telegram the bonds for the T-Bar Ranch Pipeline Project will be going on sale soon for Midland residents wanting to invest in the project. So far a consortium of local banks has already promised the Midland County Fresh Water District Number One $70 million in interim financing. However $69 million of that money has already been spent and the project will need a fresh infusion of funding if it wants to stay on time and meet its projected completion date of May 31, 2013. The Fresh Water District voted in August to authorize the issuance of the bonds. The District now is waiting for the completion of the mandatory 23 day waiting period before acting. That will end on September 11, but financial experts have advised the District to release the bonds on September 17 or 18. The total cost of the project will be around $200 million.

UTPB MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT NOW ACCREDITED

The University of Texas Permian Basin Mechanical Engineering Department has received accreditation. The announcement was made yesterday morning, September 4, at a press conference at the College. UTPB received the accreditation after proving their quality of education and that it is constantly improving. The School feels the latest news will help them bring in more students and will also help recent graduates of the school to find engineering jobs. Next up for UTPB is to receive accreditation for the Petroleum Engineering Program.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

OCTOBER OPENING FOR THE SETTLES HOTEL

The Settles Hotel is inching closer to opening to the public. The downtown structure has taken longer than anticipated to complete and, at last estimate, had run up to $30 million in renovations so far. But when the Hotel Settles sign went up on top of the building this summer, it brought tremendous excitement to the area as a symbol of finality. The plan now is for an October opening when the Grand Unveiling will occur and ownership will be able to show off the work and effort they have put in. When completed, the lower three levels of the hotel will look historically similar to the original structure and will have amenities travelers have come to expect in an old time feel. The remainder of the building will show off a modern world feel. The hotel will feature a spa, parlor and bar (where the pharmacy used to be), a full service restaurant, a fitness center and a ballroom for parties.

HOWARD COUNTY FAIR

The Howard County Fair is coming up September 27th through 29th and booths are available for profit and nonprofit groups at the fair both inside and outside for the fun filled weekend. The cost is $175 for an indoor booth and $250 for an outdoor booth. The fair had over fifty booths last year and is hoping to increase that number this year. Memberships are also available for the fair. The proceeds from booth sales and membership sales goes towards improvements to the fair grounds to make the fair bigger and better each year. For more information go to their website at http://www.howardcountyfairoftexas.com/

Area News From Our Partners at CBS7

WOMEN’S HEALTH PROGRAM TO CONTINUE AFTER LOSING FUNDING IN NOVEMBER

Texas is holding a public hearing on what its Women's Health Program may look like after the Federal Government pulls funding amid a battle over planned parenthood. A 2011 State law barred funding to clinics affiliated with abortion providers. The Women's Health Program provides services to about 130,000 low-income women. It had been 90% sponsored by the Federal Government but Washington says Texas' Law violates Federal rules and plans to stop funding the program in November. Planned Parenthood provided care to about half of the program's participants. It sued, but an Appeals Court ruled that Texas can continue with plans to freeze funding to all its clinics. Texas has vowed to pay for the program on its own. Tuesday's hearing may provide clues of how it will do that.

RECORD NUMBER OF DEATHS IN TEXAS PRISONS

Texas prisons have had a record year of deaths within their walls and there are still four months remaining. Ten homicides have been reported this year: up from only 3 a year ago and the highest since 1997. The 111 prison system has not seen a year like this in quite some time. The system being used in choosing cellmates was originated in the 1980’s and has been successful up until now. The systems takes a look at the reason for confinement, their background, their age and various other factors. Most of the deaths have occurred between cell mates inside their cells where guards do not have as much control over the prisoners. None of the deaths though have occurred in facilities where there was a shortage of guards.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro will be the keynote speaker at tonight's (September 4) Democratic National Convention.  He will be joined at the convention by Representative Charlie Gonzalez and Actress Eva Longoria.  The three San Antonio residents were named Texas Co-Chairs of Obama's Re-Election Campaign this year.  Mayor Castro says he's trying to avoid getting caught up in all the talk about how he's so much of a rising star that he could one day land in the white house.

“I would be lying to say that is not flattering. Of course it’s flattering to anybody, but the biggest mistake I could make, or anybody could make, would be to believe the Press, believe the hype,” Castro said.

Mayor Castro fills the same keynote spot that then Senator Barack Obama had back in 2004.  While Texas has not voted to put a Democrat in the oval office since 1976, the growing Latino population is expected to change that trend in the coming years.

OPTION TO PREPAY KIDS COLLEGE TUITIONS

The State of Texas is offering parents a way to pre-pay for their kids' college tuition.  The cost for a public four-year school in Texas is about $83 per unit, and a unit is about $21  for a two-year school.  The unit includes tuition and fees at current prices, and 100 of them make up one academic year.  Enrollment runs through next February.  You can get more information at www.texastuitionpromisefund.com or at 1-800-445-grad.

DEEP FRIED JAMBALAYA

Deep Fried Jambalaya is the best tasting new food at the State Fair of Texas.  Judges chose the fried concoction as one of the Big Tex Choice Awards Winners yesterday.  The creator coats shrimp, cajun sausage and seasonings in flour and then fries it to serve with a spicy ranch sauce.  The most creative award goes to the Fried Bacon Cinnamon Roll.  The State Fair kicks off September 28th in Dallas.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

RAIL SPUR PROGRESS AT THE AIR PARK

The Big Spring Economic Development Corporation is beginning to see their vision at the Airpark begin to come into focus. The group has entered into an agreement with Transport Handling Specialist to develop the rail spur at the Park to enable it to handle more loading and offloading of equipment and supplies for existing businesses and to draw in new business. The development of the spur will hopefully bring more industrial type business to Big Spring. With the location on the Ports to Plains Corridor and along Interstate 20 combined with the Union Pacific Line that runs through the City, the location is ideal for companies as a transportation and distribution hub. The latest addition to the project has arrived in the form of a locomotive that will assist in moving the railcars full of product about the Park. The tracks are anticipated to be ready in the next four to six weeks.

SPRING ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING TONIGHT

The Big Spring ISD Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting tonight, Thursday, August 30, at 5:15 pm in the High School Board Room. During the meeting the Board will consider approval of the Final Amended Budget for the 2011-2012 School Year and the budget for the upcoming 2012-2013 fiscal year along with setting the tax rate for 2012. It is looking like the tax rate will be 1.36 cents per $100 valuation for the upcoming year which is eight cents lower than last year. That thanks to a conservative approach that brought in more revenue than anticipated last year. The School District is expecting to have expenditures in the $31 - $31.5 million range for the upcoming fiscal year which will include a 3% raise for employees of the district. The meeting will be held in the High School Board Room beginning at 5:15pm tonight.

NONINSURABLE CROP DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DEADLINE

The County USDA Farm Service Agency wants to remind all producers they have until Tuesday to purchase coverage through the Noninsurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program. NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to normal disasters. The following crops all have a NAP closing date of September 4: all small grains, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, canola, cauliflower, garlic, sod grass, greens, herbs, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, onions, radishes, strawberries, turnips and value loss crops. If Risk Management Agency offers coverage for a crop in the county, then coverage is not available for that crop. NAP covers the amount of loss greater than 50% of the expected production based on the approved yield and reported acreage. For more information call the Howard County FSA Office at 432-267-2557.

HOWARD COUNTY FAIR

The Howard County Fair is back and will be looking for its next Queen. Sign ups for the contest are going on right now and Howard College is offering a scholarship for the Queen and the First and Second Runners Up. Potential contestants can go to http://www.howardcountyfairoftexas.com/. The fair is scheduled for the weekend of September 27th thru 29th at the Howard County Fair Barns with Crabtree Carnival bringing the rides to town. Musically there will be a Gospel Night Thursday beginning at 7:00 pm and Noel Olivas performing on Friday night from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Ann Gann and friends are performing Saturday night from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Also scheduled for the weekend is a Ranch Rodeo as well as  Cooking and Square Dance Demonstrations, a Domino Tournament and a Lawn Tractor Pull. For a full schedule and more information on the fair go to Howard County Fair of Texas .com.

Area News From Our Partners at CBS7

ANOTHER DEATH IN THE PERMIAN BASIN ATTRIBUTED TO WEST NILE VIRUS

A second death in the Permian Basin has been attributed to the West Nile Virus. This one occurred in Midland County. A total of 14 cases have been reported in the Basin with 5 in Midland and Ector County and 9  in Andrews County. The first death in West Texas happened in Andrews County. Andrews has been spraying and fogging the County in an effort to keep mosquitoes out.  They are also placing tablets in streams and wetland areas to kill mosquito larvae but to no avail as the cases still are popping up. Over 20 victims in the State of Texas have succumbed to the virus. A majority were in the Dallas Fort Worth and Houston areas where hundreds have also been sickened. Protect yourself when outside by wearing long sleeve light colored clothing, applying insect repellant with DEET, and avoid going out from dusk until dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

EXTREME OVERCROWDING IN ECTOR COUNTY SCHOOLS

Extreme overcrowding is quickly becoming an issue in Ector County Schools. To date there are close to 2,000 more students enrolled this year compared to last year which is enough to fill three elementary schools. Parents are becoming concerned with the number of students that are placed in each classroom and whether the teachers can provide the education to their children they are wanting. Adding to the problem is how to make everything work in a school that may have been built for 650 students but is having to house over nine hundred now. Pick up and drop off and lunches are becoming extremely difficult to keep on schedule. The physical plant is also struggling to keep up with the demand of so many more students. On the horizon approximately 450 houses are planned in the west part of Odessa where the overcrowding is at the worst right now. Fortunately the recent bond issue by the ISD is focusing on building three new elementaries in that area. The ECISD is currently pushing 30,000 students and counting.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IN CUSTODY AFTER THREATENING THE HIGH SCHOOL

An Odessa High student is in the custody of ECISD Police after making a terroristic threat against the High School. Police surrounded the building after the threat was found on Facebook and began searching for the 16 year old; the student was taken into custody shortly before 9:00 am. Police determined that no immediate threat was apparent to the High School and the school day went on without disruption. The student could be charged with a third degree felony. The School has indicated no further charges are forthcoming.

ARSON

An Odessa man has been charged with Arson for his part in several fires he set last year. Jimmie Doyle Farris, 64 years old, was sentenced to 6 years in a Federal prison for a series of unexplained fires started in the Permian Basin. Farris was also ordered to repay nearly $4,000 in restitution and placed under supervised release for a period of three years after his prison term. Farris was present at more than a dozen roadside fires in Midland, Ector, Winkler, Crane and Andrews Counties. County Fire Marshals became suspicious of Farris when he was the one common fact at the fires. Either Farris phoned in the 911 call to report the fire or was spotted at the scene (without any reason to be there) by farmers and ranchers at remote areas when they arrived. He was placed under surveillance and on June 15th he was observed going directly from his house to a rural oilfield south of Midland County where there had been multiple fire starts. Officers noticed smoke coming from that area a short time later and took Farris into custody. He pled guilty to one count of Maliciously Damaging Real Property by Means of Fire.

August 24, 2012

HOWARD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT

The Howard County Commissioners Court will meet this Monday morning, August 27th, in their regular meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am in the Third Floor Courtroom of the Howard County Courthouse. On the agenda is a proposal to rescind the Howard County burn ban which was enacted just last month by the Commissioners Court. Also on the agenda will be a report from Mouton and Mouton on delinquent taxes in the County and consideration of a secretary for County Agent. Other items on the agenda will be the appointment of Election Judges by Saundra Bloom; approval of contracts with Scenic Mountain Medical Center and Howard County Community Healthcare with Irene Dominguez and personnel considerations with Teresa Thomas along with purchase requests, invoices, budget amendments and a budget work session with Jackie Olson.

MEET THE TEACHER EVENTS

Meet the Teacher Events scheduled for today, August 24, are at Goliad and Washington Elementaries beginning at 5:00 pm. Washington Elementary will be having a Hot Dog Supper in their cafeteria for $3 a plate and kids can bring their school supplies to the classroom tonight if they wish. Kentwood will have their Meet the Teacher from 4:00 pm until 6:30 pm tonight. Coahoma Elementary will have their Meet the Teacher from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm tonight. New Student Registration will be from 8:00 am until 2:30 pm today at all school campuses.

SALVATION ARMY BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Today is the final day to apply for school supplies from the Salvation Army through their Back-To-School Supply Drive. So far 136 children have received supplies for this year which is down from last year. To apply you need to bring a birth certificate or Medicaid card for each child, know what school and grade the child will be in; bring proof of income and expenses and a picture ID for the person applying for the program. Applications are being accepted today from 9:00 am until noon at the Salvation Army Offices located at 811 West 5th Street. For more information, call the Salvation Army Offices at 432-267-8239.

Area News From Our Partners at CBS7

ILLEGAL DUMP IN ECTOR COUNTY

More on the story of the illegal dump in Ector County where high levels of dangerous chemicals were found. Ector County has been using the illegal landfill to dispose of items there. The County has, for over a year, been dumping items from right of ways they have cleaned up on the site. According to County Officials the items they have been dumping are allowable in unregulated pits. The items include rocks, dirt, sand and other items from the side of the road. Ted Yelley with the Ector County Enviromental Enforcement has inspected the site and has not seen anything illegal in the area where the County has been dumping. The County has a lawsuit against the owners of the illegal dump. The family is in the process of hiring a lawyer out of Austin to defend them. They have stated they do plan on cleaning up the site.

ROMNEY IS PLEDGING TO INCREASE OFFSHORE DRILLING AND PLACE MORE CONTROL OF ENERGY PRODUCTION IN THE HANDS OF THE STATES

Reaction to Mitt Romney’s plans for the oil and gas industry has been favorable among local oil experts. Romney is pledging to increase offshore drilling and place more control in the hands of the States when it comes to energy production on federal land in an effort to make the United States energy independent by 2020. He is also hoping to create over three million jobs and $1 trillion in revenue. The experts also feel the plan will help keep other countries, like Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, from driving up the price of oil and allow the U.S. To produce 23 to 28 million barrels of oil per day, meaning no buying of oil from those countries. The topic is expected to be hotly debated as President Obama has already labeled the plan as “irresponsible” and that it will only line the pockets of big oil.

FOUL PLAY NOT SUSPECTED

Foul play is not suspected in the discovery of a dead body inside a garage in Odessa Thursday morning. 41 year old William Wade Green was found by family members inside a home located in the 1700 block of Rosebud Drive. There was an unknown substance found inside the home but it has not yet been determined what that substance is. Green’s body has been sent for an autopsy to determine a cause of death.

WATER PIPELINE

Ground was broken on the water pipeline from the T-Bar Ranch that will bring water from wells in Winkler and Loving Counties to Midland. The wells will help to solve the water woes Midland could be suffering from in the future when water sources run dry in the next six to eight months as predicted by the Colorado River Municipal Water District. Right now the three main water sources the CRMWD draws from are down to six percent levels. The pipeline from the T-Bar Ranch consists of 48” diameter pipes that will bring the water 76 miles to a two-million gallon holding tank near Highway 191 and FM 1788. That tank will hook into the City’s distribution system. The cost of the project will be around $200 million and is expected to be completed by the end of May of 2013.

IN STATE NEWS

GAS PRICES

Texans are once again paying higher prices at the gas pump.  Triple-A Texas spokesman Doug Shupe says gas prices will likely continue to climb through at least Labor Day weekend.  Prices should begin to drop once the summer driving season comes to an end.  The statewide average is up two cents this week to $3.55 per gallon.

Dallas and Fort Worth drivers are paying the highest gas price average in Texas this week at $3.58, up four cents in Dallas and a nickel in Fort Worth.  El Paso motorists are paying the least at $3.32, up four-cents a gallon.  Houston's average stayed the same this week at $3.54, while Austin's average increased two cents to $3.56 a gallon.  San Antonio drivers are paying four cents more at $3.53.  Texans are paying 17 cents less than the national average, which is at $3.72 per gallon.

POLICE SEARCH FOR THOSE SUSPECTED OF TOSSING HOMEMADE BOMBS FROM A MOVING VEHICLE

Police are on the search for suspects in an incident at Fort Hood today. The suspects tossed what are being called homemade bombs out of a moving vehicle near the entrance to the Army Base. Police had been called to a highway overpass at Highway 190 and Fort Hood Street around 8:30 pm Thursday night, August 23, to reports of a suspicious package which was determined to be not dangerous. But a short time later the call came in about three plastic bottles tossed at the entrance to Fort Hood. The bottles were filled with aluminum and chlorine and were shaken up before being tossed from the vehicle. Each one made a loud noise like a gun shot. Killeen police are still investigating.

SHOOTINGS AT THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

Reports are coming in from New York that several people have been shot at the Empire State Building. The gunman is dead along with one other and nine more have been shot. A Fire Department spokesman says they received the call around 9:00 am and emergency crews were on the scene within minutes. It is rumored now that the shooter had been fired from his job a year ago and returned to the building and killed a fellow employee, then began firing into the crowd injuring several others. The shooter was 53 year-old Jeffrey Johnson who worked in a shop in the building. He was shot by police.

August 23, 2012

NEW BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB FACILITY UNVEILED

The Salvation Army unveiled the new Boys and Girls Club Facility today, August 23, in Big Spring. They have been operating the facility since 2005 and received its Official Charter from the Boys and Girls Club of America in December of last year. The Salvation Army has built up the program in the seven years it has operated the Boys and Girls Club and will now be able to offer a new range of activities to the youth of Big Spring in sports, arts, information technology and health and fitness programs. During the Dedication Ceremony, Alon Refinery, made a very generous donation of $200,000 to the Major Orville Chambless of the Salvation Army,

“Oh it is always wonderful to get that kind of donation from the Community to the Community. That not only shows that the company of Alon believes in the ministries of the Salvation Army but believes in the youth of our Community.”

The gymnasium at the Boys and Girls Club will be named after the Refinery for their donation according to Executive Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Refining, Jessica Rivera.

“Ok, well today we are involved with the naming and dedication of the ribbon cutting of the new Boys and Girls Club. The gymnasium is going to be named after us. It is going to be the Alon USA Big Spring Refinery Gymnasium.”

The employees at the Refinery became involved with the youth at the Boys and Girls Club some time back when they purchased gifts for them off of two angel trees; but the employees wanted to do more and this was one of the ways they were able to give more to the youth at the Club who are very appreciative.

“Thank you Alon”

Club membership is now over 150 and 75 to 80 kids a day used the Club during the summer. Sonnet Hildebrand, Club Director, and her staff will begin an exciting new after school program in the new Boys and Girls Club building. You can see more photos of the dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting on our KBEST Facebook Page.

ASSAULT TRIAL OF BRIAN LEWIS ENDS IN HUNG JURY

It is back to square one in the Assault Trial of Brian Lewis, it ended yesterday, August 22, with a hung jury. Lewis was facing Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon among other charges. If he had been convicted he was facing a prison term of anywhere from 5 to 99 years and up to a $10,000 fine. He was indicted in February and has been in custody since December 14th when he was apprehended in a drug raid.  The charges stem from an incident in August of 2011 when Lewis and another person chased 32 year-old Lonnie Gray through a home on State Street firing several shots at Gray while he ran through the house. Attorneys will discuss setting a new trial date.

COAHOMA ISD BUDGET

Coahoma Independent School District has approved their budget for the upcoming school year. The total comes to $7.79 million and the tax rate remained the same at $1.27 per $100 valuation. The School District will see about $80 million more in tax revenue with the tax levy but a decrease in money from the State will still leave the School District a little short in the budget. Teachers will receive a pay raise this year in the form of step raises along with an additional amount above the State base. The District will be working with fewer staff this year as one teaching position was phased out and two support staff positions were done away with as well. The responsibilities of those positions were reassigned. The shortage in budget funds will be made up from reserve funds this year.

MEET THE TEACHER SESSIONS

Marcy and Moss Elementary Schools will have their Meet the Teacher Sessions today, August 23. Marcy’s will run from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The children will be able to bring their school supplies if they want to and there will be refreshments served.

Moss Elementary will begin theirs at 5:00 pm with a Hot Dog Supper. Orientation for the Junior High will begin with 6th Grade at 5:00 pm in the main gymnasium followed by the 7th Grade at 6:00 pm and the 8th Grade at 7:00 pm.  At the High School, Sophomores pick up their schedules from 9:00 am until noon, Freshman orientation is at 6:30 pm in the High School Auditorium.

Coahoma will have New Student Registration from 8:30 am until 2:00 pm today, August 23, and tomorrow at all school campuses. Elementary school Meet the Teacher is from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm tomorrow night.

6th Grade Orientation for Forsan students is today, August 23, from 2:30pm until 5:00 pm.

The Elbow New Year Party is tonight, August 23. Pre-K thru 2nd Grade is from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm, 3rd thru 5th is from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Area News From Our Partners at CBS7

ILLEGAL LANDFILL

Illegal dumping has long been a problem. Now an illegal landfill has been found in Ector County and it has tested positive for high levels of arsenic, lead, chromium and butanone. The dump is over an area where three aquifers meet, the Ogallala, Edwards Trinity and Dockum. Ector County and the Texas Commission on Enviromental Quality has filed a lawsuit against the company operating the illegal dump, Basin Disposal Inc. and its owner and employee. The employee was recently caught dumping items illegally and admitted to it but said he did not know it was illegal to do so. The dump was immediately shut down. Multiple violations are shown in the lawsuit including the mishandling of asbestos and trash debris and records from former clients were found in the trash. Midland Christian School and Live Oak Village Apartments were among the clients who were still using Basin Disposal. The company is facing fines between $25,000 and $12.5 million. Unfortunately, this is not the largest illegal operation in the county. There are more and the biggest danger is there is nothing between the trash and the soil so anything leaking from a barrel goes directly into the soil. The Ector County Health Department will be testing the soil beneath the Basin Disposal illegal landfill to see if it is contaminated and if there is the possibility it will reach the water sources below.

UTPB PLANNING NAME CHANGE

University Texas Permian Basin is planning a name change. The Center for Energy and Economic Development Campus will now be known as the UTPB Midland Campus. The name change was approved at the Wednesday meeting of the Board of Trustees. Plans call for additions to be made to the campus between 2013 and 2022 and, by that time, the University expects student enrollment to grow from its present numbers of 3,562 students to 8,400 students and to be a national leader in the energy industry. The University will add to its number of available housing units, increase its enrollment of minority students by 10%, increase graduation rates and increase the number of students who earn degrees in the science, technology, engineering and math fields during that time as well. Funding will come from the State Legislators and from the Univeristy of Texas Permanent University Funds.

MORE CASES OF SEX OFFENDERS IN YOUTH DETENTION CENTER THAN BEFORE

A Midland youth detention center has been seeing more sex offenders in recent months than in the past. Most of the offenses they usually see are shoplifters, drug possession or burglary. In the past two years though, more serious offenses have been seen. The Center has seen eight sex offenders over the last three months and according to facilities Administrator, Thomas Morris, the center is seeing more youth caught with drugs like methamphetamines and marijuana from Mexico in amounts up to 500 pounds. The center is working with County Commissioners to bring in more guidance counselors to work with the youth to address the problems.

IN STATE NEWS

ASU RATED IN THE TOP 15%

Angelo State University has been rated among the top 377 colleges in the Princeton Review for the fourth year on a row. The honor goes to only 15% of the more than 2,500 four-year institutions in the United States and is based on eight categories for each school. ASU was also one of 121 institutions in 15 western states to make the reviews Best in the West Section of the guide’s 2013 Best Colleges Region by Region. The listings are based on surveys by 122,000 students or about 325 per campus attending colleges. It is based on an 80 question survey asking students to rate their own school on several topics and report on their campus experiences ranging from assessments of their professors to opinions about their financial aid and campus food to their political leanings.