Man pleads guilty in McKinney drug case
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
McKINNEY, Texas - Eight of nine people facing federal charges for running an illegal drug ring in Collin County accepted a plea bargain with federal prosecutors.
Among them is a former suspect in the March quadruple murders in McKinney.
Federal prosecutors said all nine people are drug dealers who have been selling crack cocaine, marijuana, and powder cocaine since 1997 - and probably before that. By proving they operated as an organization, they'll each spend more time in prison than if brought up on individual charges.
In July, suspect Jacory May said there was "nothing" to link him to the quadruple murders he and three other men were then charged with. But May now admits he was the leader of a drug ring that operated mainly out of the Manor House apartments on McKinney's east side.
"The message we want to send out is don't apply your trade here," said McKinney police chief Doug Kowalski. "We don't want you, the citizens don't want you, the community doesn't want you ... go elsewhere."
Police call the organization a drug and gun group that did its business in the McKinney area. May and seven others accepted a plea agreement, pleading guilty to federal conspiracy charges. Police are still searching for a ninth person, Tyrone Shaun Tarrant, who is considered a fugitive.
"We have convicted eight of nine very dangerous drug dealers here in the McKinney area, who carry guns and are threats to the safety of the community," said assistant U.S. attorney Maureen Smith.
Police hope the plea bargain will help them develop leads in the Truett Street murders of Rosa Barbosa, Mark Barbosa, Matthew Self and Austin York.
"We're hoping that with Jacory May possibly getting 15-20 years in the federal penitentiary, which is day for day, he'll be gone for a long time," Kowalski said. "So those that were afraid to talk about the quadruple murder investigation in the past may come forward now and talk to us."
McKinney police said May is still a prime suspect in their ongoing investigation. They're hoping someone involved in the drug ring may know something about May or others that will lead them to the killers.
News from the Lone Star State
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Jailed 76-year-old gets medical reprieve
He's to be released after arrest on 1959 warrant; clemency petition pending
By DAVID TARRANT / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Suffering from diabetes, blindness and a heart condition, Robert Coney, who had spent most of the last 40 years in prison, just wanted to live what time he had left at home with his wife and family.
His freedom was short-lived. In December a warrant from 1959 sent the 76-year-old Dallas man back to jail.
But on Tuesday, Mr. Coney was granted a medical reprieve that will allow him to go home soon, said his attorney, David O'Neil.
Mr. Coney was arrested in December at his home near the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on a warrant for his 1959 escape from a Georgia prison, where he was serving an eight- to 10-year sentence for forging checks.
Georgia granted the reprieve while officials consider his petition for clemency on the old case, Mr. O'Neil said.
"I'm elated," Mr. Coney said during a brief interview at the Dallas County jail. "It strengthens my confidence in God and the goodness of people."
But, he said, "I just hope they don't drag their feet."
Paperwork may delay his release a few weeks. Mr. Coney will remain under supervised restrictions, similar to those on parole.
Mr. Coney's case attracted attention after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, acting on an East Texas judge's recommendation, set aside his life sentence for a 1962 robbery conviction.
A similar court order had been issued 30 years earlier vacating Mr. Coney's life sentence, but the order was never enforced and Mr. Coney wasn't aware of it at the time.
He's to be released after arrest on 1959 warrant; clemency petition pending
By DAVID TARRANT / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Suffering from diabetes, blindness and a heart condition, Robert Coney, who had spent most of the last 40 years in prison, just wanted to live what time he had left at home with his wife and family.
His freedom was short-lived. In December a warrant from 1959 sent the 76-year-old Dallas man back to jail.
But on Tuesday, Mr. Coney was granted a medical reprieve that will allow him to go home soon, said his attorney, David O'Neil.
Mr. Coney was arrested in December at his home near the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on a warrant for his 1959 escape from a Georgia prison, where he was serving an eight- to 10-year sentence for forging checks.
Georgia granted the reprieve while officials consider his petition for clemency on the old case, Mr. O'Neil said.
"I'm elated," Mr. Coney said during a brief interview at the Dallas County jail. "It strengthens my confidence in God and the goodness of people."
But, he said, "I just hope they don't drag their feet."
Paperwork may delay his release a few weeks. Mr. Coney will remain under supervised restrictions, similar to those on parole.
Mr. Coney's case attracted attention after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, acting on an East Texas judge's recommendation, set aside his life sentence for a 1962 robbery conviction.
A similar court order had been issued 30 years earlier vacating Mr. Coney's life sentence, but the order was never enforced and Mr. Coney wasn't aware of it at the time.
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Sixth-grader shoots self in class
ALVIN, Texas (The Dallas Morning News/AP) – A sixth-grade student suffered minor injuries Tuesday after he accidentally shot himself in the leg while playing with his father's gun in class.
The unidentified student was treated at the school and released to his parents.
"He was very lucky," said school superintendent Greg Smith.
No one else in the classroom at Passmore Elementary School was hurt.
The 11-year-old boy apparently had the .22-caliber automatic pistol in his pocket and was playing with it around noon when the gun went off, Smith said.
The student will probably be assigned to an alternative school. There will be a hearing to see if he will be allowed back in school, Smith said.
Campus police were investigating whether the boy will face criminal charges of bringing a firearm to a campus. The boy's father may also face charges of allowing a minor to have access to a firearm, Smith said.
Alvin is about 30 miles southeast of Houston.
ALVIN, Texas (The Dallas Morning News/AP) – A sixth-grade student suffered minor injuries Tuesday after he accidentally shot himself in the leg while playing with his father's gun in class.
The unidentified student was treated at the school and released to his parents.
"He was very lucky," said school superintendent Greg Smith.
No one else in the classroom at Passmore Elementary School was hurt.
The 11-year-old boy apparently had the .22-caliber automatic pistol in his pocket and was playing with it around noon when the gun went off, Smith said.
The student will probably be assigned to an alternative school. There will be a hearing to see if he will be allowed back in school, Smith said.
Campus police were investigating whether the boy will face criminal charges of bringing a firearm to a campus. The boy's father may also face charges of allowing a minor to have access to a firearm, Smith said.
Alvin is about 30 miles southeast of Houston.
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Police: Signs of struggle at kidnap hideout
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
DUNCANVILLE, Texas — A team of more than two dozen Dallas police investigators swooped down on a Duncanville residence early Wednesday looking for clues into the abduction of a Dallas man.
No one was home, but police said they found evidence that the victim and his kidnappers had recently been there. They also found signs of a struggle.
The family of the man said the abductors have contacted them seeking a ransom.
Police said the house in the 300 block of Royal Avenue was empty when they served a search warrant around 3 a.m. Wednesday. "There is evidence that needs to be processed," said Dallas police spokeswoman Lt. Jan Easterling. "There is more to learn as this scene gets processed here, and that's what we're waiting for is all the evidence techs to do their job."
Easterling said the search warrant was issued after intelligence was developed on the kidnapping case.
Police removed large and small bundles of evidence from the Duncanville house and also towed away two vehicles that may be linked to the crime.
The kidnap victim was identified only as a 30-year-old Latin male. Police asked that the man's name not be released because they fear for his safety.
News 8 has learned from non-police sources that the victim belongs to a family that owns several restaurants in the Dallas area.
Police said the victim was on his cell phone—apparently talking to his mother—when his vehicle was hit from behind by another car. When the man got out of his car, two men who were in the other car grabbed him and took him away.
The kidnap victim's car then idled for about 15 minutes before witnesses called police.
Police said the suspects were driving a white Dodge Neon. The FBI and Duncanville police are also assisting with the case.
Authorities asked anyone with any information to call Dallas Police at 214-670-5146.
WFAA-TV's Rebecca Lopez and Brad Hawkins contributed to this report.
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
DUNCANVILLE, Texas — A team of more than two dozen Dallas police investigators swooped down on a Duncanville residence early Wednesday looking for clues into the abduction of a Dallas man.
No one was home, but police said they found evidence that the victim and his kidnappers had recently been there. They also found signs of a struggle.
The family of the man said the abductors have contacted them seeking a ransom.
Police said the house in the 300 block of Royal Avenue was empty when they served a search warrant around 3 a.m. Wednesday. "There is evidence that needs to be processed," said Dallas police spokeswoman Lt. Jan Easterling. "There is more to learn as this scene gets processed here, and that's what we're waiting for is all the evidence techs to do their job."
Easterling said the search warrant was issued after intelligence was developed on the kidnapping case.
Police removed large and small bundles of evidence from the Duncanville house and also towed away two vehicles that may be linked to the crime.
The kidnap victim was identified only as a 30-year-old Latin male. Police asked that the man's name not be released because they fear for his safety.
News 8 has learned from non-police sources that the victim belongs to a family that owns several restaurants in the Dallas area.
Police said the victim was on his cell phone—apparently talking to his mother—when his vehicle was hit from behind by another car. When the man got out of his car, two men who were in the other car grabbed him and took him away.
The kidnap victim's car then idled for about 15 minutes before witnesses called police.
Police said the suspects were driving a white Dodge Neon. The FBI and Duncanville police are also assisting with the case.
Authorities asked anyone with any information to call Dallas Police at 214-670-5146.
WFAA-TV's Rebecca Lopez and Brad Hawkins contributed to this report.
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Woman delivers baby along Tollway
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A woman delivered a baby in morning traffic Tuesday after she and her husband couldn't reach a hospital in time.
Dallas Fire-Rescue received an emergency call around 9:20 a.m. that a woman was going into labor on the Dallas North Tollway, just south of Northwest Highway, in a black pickup, Capt. Jesse Garcia said.
Emergency workers were on scene within minutes of the call. “By the time we got there, though, she had already delivered the baby,” he said.
After the umbilical cord was cut, the woman and her daughter were taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital. Both were reported healthy at the scene, Garcia said.
Garcia said this was his first baby-delivery call.
“I was freaking out at first, but then your adrenaline kicks in and you know what to do,” he said. “It’s good that they are both healthy and happy.”
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A woman delivered a baby in morning traffic Tuesday after she and her husband couldn't reach a hospital in time.
Dallas Fire-Rescue received an emergency call around 9:20 a.m. that a woman was going into labor on the Dallas North Tollway, just south of Northwest Highway, in a black pickup, Capt. Jesse Garcia said.
Emergency workers were on scene within minutes of the call. “By the time we got there, though, she had already delivered the baby,” he said.
After the umbilical cord was cut, the woman and her daughter were taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital. Both were reported healthy at the scene, Garcia said.
Garcia said this was his first baby-delivery call.
“I was freaking out at first, but then your adrenaline kicks in and you know what to do,” he said. “It’s good that they are both healthy and happy.”
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Man Faces 33 Felony Charges For Possible Hate Crime
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- An Oklahoma man is facing 33 felony charges for a possible hate crime that resulted in the death of a college student from Arlington.
Prosecutors said Aamon Reich rammed a pickup truck three times on Sept. 9.
The truck flipped, killing Joseph Tusan of Arlington and paralyzing another student, Dennis Scales, from Mansfield.
The FBI is investigating the crash as a hate crime because Reich is white and Tusan was black.
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- An Oklahoma man is facing 33 felony charges for a possible hate crime that resulted in the death of a college student from Arlington.
Prosecutors said Aamon Reich rammed a pickup truck three times on Sept. 9.
The truck flipped, killing Joseph Tusan of Arlington and paralyzing another student, Dennis Scales, from Mansfield.
The FBI is investigating the crash as a hate crime because Reich is white and Tusan was black.
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Kunkle Garners Praise From Dallas City Leaders
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Dallas city leaders are praising Police Chief David Kunkle even though he's dropping one-fifth of the ideas from an expensive efficiency study.
The study recommended cuts in motorcycles and patrol changes that the chief will not adopt.
"I think we're moving the department in a good direction. I hear that frequently from people within and without," said Kunkle.
But, even council members who strongly supported ousting former Police Chief Terrel Bolton say that Kunkle is on the right track.
"Things are getting better. They should feel good about the new chief ... and I say that primarily because i think he's come in with a real game plan, a focus on the beat," said Councilman Don Hill.
The city also has plans to add another 50 officers to the department before the end of the year.
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Dallas city leaders are praising Police Chief David Kunkle even though he's dropping one-fifth of the ideas from an expensive efficiency study.
The study recommended cuts in motorcycles and patrol changes that the chief will not adopt.
"I think we're moving the department in a good direction. I hear that frequently from people within and without," said Kunkle.
But, even council members who strongly supported ousting former Police Chief Terrel Bolton say that Kunkle is on the right track.
"Things are getting better. They should feel good about the new chief ... and I say that primarily because i think he's come in with a real game plan, a focus on the beat," said Councilman Don Hill.
The city also has plans to add another 50 officers to the department before the end of the year.
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Councilman Not Fazed By Shot Fired At His Home
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- A Fort Worth City Councilman said he will not be intimidated by bullets.
Early Sunday morning someone fired a shot at Jim Lane's house.
Police said so far they have few clues, only a general make and model of the vehicle involved.
Lane said this incident only strengthens his commitment to fighting crime and gang violence.
Police said they hope someone will hear the gunman brag about the driveby shooting and report it.
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- A Fort Worth City Councilman said he will not be intimidated by bullets.
Early Sunday morning someone fired a shot at Jim Lane's house.
Police said so far they have few clues, only a general make and model of the vehicle involved.
Lane said this incident only strengthens his commitment to fighting crime and gang violence.
Police said they hope someone will hear the gunman brag about the driveby shooting and report it.
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Police Stop Driver Speeding To Hospital, Summon Helicopter
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- A north Texas man is recovering after accidentally shooting himself with a nail gun.
A co-worker started driving him to the emergency room, but a police officer pulled him over for speeding. When the officer saw the man in need, he called for a helicopter to finish the trip to the emergency room.
Careflight then rushed the man to a Fort Worth hospital.
The man accidentally shot himself in the stomach with the nail gun at a new home construction site.
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- A north Texas man is recovering after accidentally shooting himself with a nail gun.
A co-worker started driving him to the emergency room, but a police officer pulled him over for speeding. When the officer saw the man in need, he called for a helicopter to finish the trip to the emergency room.
Careflight then rushed the man to a Fort Worth hospital.
The man accidentally shot himself in the stomach with the nail gun at a new home construction site.
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2 Arrested For Driveway Robberies
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Dallas Police arrested two men suspected of attacking people in their driveways.
Police told NBC 5 that Augustin Arellano and Ladale Hill started their crime spree about one week ago. During the first robbery, Arellano and Hill stole a red Ford Mustang and $400, police said.
The car was found, but the suspects remained at large until Sunday. Police found the pair holed up in a motel room after Arellano and Hill took a minivan from its owner.
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Dallas Police arrested two men suspected of attacking people in their driveways.
Police told NBC 5 that Augustin Arellano and Ladale Hill started their crime spree about one week ago. During the first robbery, Arellano and Hill stole a red Ford Mustang and $400, police said.
The car was found, but the suspects remained at large until Sunday. Police found the pair holed up in a motel room after Arellano and Hill took a minivan from its owner.
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Fort Worth Police Investigate Shooting
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Fort Worth police are investigating a suspicious overnight shooting after an injured man drove up to a downtown Fort Worth hotel.
Police said two men drove up to the Radisson Hotel at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. One of the men was shot in the stomach.
When police arrived, officers questioned the driver and came to the conclusion that the victim was shot while trying to break into a house in Forest Hill.
The gunshot victim was rushed to the hospital. There was no word on his condition.
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Fort Worth police are investigating a suspicious overnight shooting after an injured man drove up to a downtown Fort Worth hotel.
Police said two men drove up to the Radisson Hotel at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. One of the men was shot in the stomach.
When police arrived, officers questioned the driver and came to the conclusion that the victim was shot while trying to break into a house in Forest Hill.
The gunshot victim was rushed to the hospital. There was no word on his condition.
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McKinney Police Smash Drug Ring
MCKINNEY, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- One of the largest drug dealing rings in North Texas was brought to justice recently with the arrest and conviction of eight people in North Texas. McKinney police shut down the drug ring, which dated to 1997.
Jecory May, 23, was among the eight convicted people. One person, Tyrone Tarrant, of Plano, Texas, remained a fugitive Tuesday, and is wanted in connection with the drug ring.
May pleaded guilty to drug charges and now faces a minimum 15-year sentence to federal prison without parole.
Investigators said May is a prime suspect in the McKinney quadruple murder that occurred in March. Investigators assigned to the unsolved murder case hope May and others arrested in the drug bust will cooperate because they face extended time in federal prison.
"Some of these folks hadn't passed our radar before," said Capt. Randy Roland of the McKinney Police Department. "They may or may not have any information to give us. But we're certainly going to mine whatever information they have about Jecory May's drug dealing. He's still a prime suspect in our ongoing investigation."
Rosa Barbosa, 46; her nephew, Mark Barbosa, 25; and a family friend, Austin York, 18, died March 12 at Rosa Barbosa's home, where the shooting occurred. Another family friend, Matthew Self, 17, died at a hospital the next day. All four were shot in the head.
The drug investigation started in February when May's alias, "Korn," surfaced during interviews connected to narcotics investigations. Investigators said they broke the drug ring through information collected from informants.
Police said the drug dealers possessed firearms while dealing marijuana, crack and powder cocaine. Investigators also targeted the Manor House Apartments in McKinney, known to police as "Sugar Hill."
A $50,000 reward remains in place for information leading to arrests and convictions in the quadruple murder. No date has been set for to assess sentences for the eight convicted drug dealers.
MCKINNEY, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- One of the largest drug dealing rings in North Texas was brought to justice recently with the arrest and conviction of eight people in North Texas. McKinney police shut down the drug ring, which dated to 1997.
Jecory May, 23, was among the eight convicted people. One person, Tyrone Tarrant, of Plano, Texas, remained a fugitive Tuesday, and is wanted in connection with the drug ring.
May pleaded guilty to drug charges and now faces a minimum 15-year sentence to federal prison without parole.
Investigators said May is a prime suspect in the McKinney quadruple murder that occurred in March. Investigators assigned to the unsolved murder case hope May and others arrested in the drug bust will cooperate because they face extended time in federal prison.
"Some of these folks hadn't passed our radar before," said Capt. Randy Roland of the McKinney Police Department. "They may or may not have any information to give us. But we're certainly going to mine whatever information they have about Jecory May's drug dealing. He's still a prime suspect in our ongoing investigation."
Rosa Barbosa, 46; her nephew, Mark Barbosa, 25; and a family friend, Austin York, 18, died March 12 at Rosa Barbosa's home, where the shooting occurred. Another family friend, Matthew Self, 17, died at a hospital the next day. All four were shot in the head.
The drug investigation started in February when May's alias, "Korn," surfaced during interviews connected to narcotics investigations. Investigators said they broke the drug ring through information collected from informants.
Police said the drug dealers possessed firearms while dealing marijuana, crack and powder cocaine. Investigators also targeted the Manor House Apartments in McKinney, known to police as "Sugar Hill."
A $50,000 reward remains in place for information leading to arrests and convictions in the quadruple murder. No date has been set for to assess sentences for the eight convicted drug dealers.
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Funds OK'd for inn demolition
By Anna M. Tinsley - Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Asbestos removal could begin next month at the abandoned Cowtown Inn after city leaders unanimously approved nearly $600,000 Tuesday for demolition of the Handley eyesore.
City Council members agreed to hire Eagle Construction and Environmental Services to use traditional methods to remove the cancer-causing material from 180,000 square feet in the boarded-up building at 6855 E. Lancaster Ave.
"Motion carries, thank the Lord," Mayor Mike Moncrief said after the vote.
That sentiment echoed throughout the historic Handley neighborhood Tuesday, where the motel -- abandoned for more than 15 years -- has become a haven for crime and vagrants.
The motel has also become a focal point in a nationwide debate over an experimental but less-expensive method for demolishing buildings that have asbestos.
Handley residents have been divided over how to bring the building down, but they are united in their desire to have it gone.
"We need to get that eyesore out of there," said Lloyd Jones, president of the Handley Neighborhood Association. "I'm tired of looking at it every day."
Jones, who supported using the experimental method, said he didn't want to get excited about the impending demolition, in case plans fall through as they have before.
Resident Rena Huguenin said she is hopeful.
"We're glad the city is taking steps to demolish it in both a safe and satisfying way," said Huguenin, a member of the grassroots Handley Community for Environmental Justice, which fought against the experimental method.
"We're glad they haven't blown us off because they didn't get to use their test method."
The building is contaminated with asbestos, a fibrous mineral once used in insulation and fireproofing materials that is known to cause cancer and respiratory illness if its fibers are inhaled.
The high cost of asbestos removal had been a deterrent to demolition of the Cowtown Inn and led to the city's proposal to use the experimental "wet-demolition" method -- dubbed the "Fort Worth Method" -- to bring down the building.
In the traditional method, the building is sealed off with plastic and specially trained crews remove the asbestos by hand. The wet method calls for spraying water on the building during demolition to keep the asbestos fibers from spreading through the air.
The city had sought approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use the method, a move closely watched by cities nationwide. But in July, the EPA instead said it would do its own tests before approving the demolition.
A few months later, city officials announced that they would proceed with the more costly traditional demolition.
"We're still hopeful we'll be able to use the Fort Worth Method at some point in time," said Brian Boerner, the city's environmental manager.
"This building is just the tip of the iceberg -- there are hundreds of Cowtown Inns across the city."
Boerner said asbestos removal, which includes covering windows and doors with plastic and using negative pressure machines to keep any fibers inside, should start in early February and last about 45 days.
Demolition would then take about 30 days, with the entire structure removed by mid-May, he said.
Councilmen Clyde Picht and Chuck Silcox were not present for the vote. Councilman Donavan Wheatfall, whose district includes the inn, praised the decision.
"This is truly something this community has looked for -- getting a health hazard, a very dangerous place, out of their community," he said.
Tarrant County commissioners also gave their approval Tuesday to the city's demolition of the building. The county holds a tax lien against the property -- as do the city, the Fort Worth school district and the Tarrant County Hospital District -- for about $1.5 million in unpaid taxes.
Staff Writer Bill Teeter Contributed to This Report.
By Anna M. Tinsley - Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Asbestos removal could begin next month at the abandoned Cowtown Inn after city leaders unanimously approved nearly $600,000 Tuesday for demolition of the Handley eyesore.
City Council members agreed to hire Eagle Construction and Environmental Services to use traditional methods to remove the cancer-causing material from 180,000 square feet in the boarded-up building at 6855 E. Lancaster Ave.
"Motion carries, thank the Lord," Mayor Mike Moncrief said after the vote.
That sentiment echoed throughout the historic Handley neighborhood Tuesday, where the motel -- abandoned for more than 15 years -- has become a haven for crime and vagrants.
The motel has also become a focal point in a nationwide debate over an experimental but less-expensive method for demolishing buildings that have asbestos.
Handley residents have been divided over how to bring the building down, but they are united in their desire to have it gone.
"We need to get that eyesore out of there," said Lloyd Jones, president of the Handley Neighborhood Association. "I'm tired of looking at it every day."
Jones, who supported using the experimental method, said he didn't want to get excited about the impending demolition, in case plans fall through as they have before.
Resident Rena Huguenin said she is hopeful.
"We're glad the city is taking steps to demolish it in both a safe and satisfying way," said Huguenin, a member of the grassroots Handley Community for Environmental Justice, which fought against the experimental method.
"We're glad they haven't blown us off because they didn't get to use their test method."
The building is contaminated with asbestos, a fibrous mineral once used in insulation and fireproofing materials that is known to cause cancer and respiratory illness if its fibers are inhaled.
The high cost of asbestos removal had been a deterrent to demolition of the Cowtown Inn and led to the city's proposal to use the experimental "wet-demolition" method -- dubbed the "Fort Worth Method" -- to bring down the building.
In the traditional method, the building is sealed off with plastic and specially trained crews remove the asbestos by hand. The wet method calls for spraying water on the building during demolition to keep the asbestos fibers from spreading through the air.
The city had sought approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use the method, a move closely watched by cities nationwide. But in July, the EPA instead said it would do its own tests before approving the demolition.
A few months later, city officials announced that they would proceed with the more costly traditional demolition.
"We're still hopeful we'll be able to use the Fort Worth Method at some point in time," said Brian Boerner, the city's environmental manager.
"This building is just the tip of the iceberg -- there are hundreds of Cowtown Inns across the city."
Boerner said asbestos removal, which includes covering windows and doors with plastic and using negative pressure machines to keep any fibers inside, should start in early February and last about 45 days.
Demolition would then take about 30 days, with the entire structure removed by mid-May, he said.
Councilmen Clyde Picht and Chuck Silcox were not present for the vote. Councilman Donavan Wheatfall, whose district includes the inn, praised the decision.
"This is truly something this community has looked for -- getting a health hazard, a very dangerous place, out of their community," he said.
Tarrant County commissioners also gave their approval Tuesday to the city's demolition of the building. The county holds a tax lien against the property -- as do the city, the Fort Worth school district and the Tarrant County Hospital District -- for about $1.5 million in unpaid taxes.
Staff Writer Bill Teeter Contributed to This Report.
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Students help relief effort in sister city
By Mike Lee, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - They dumped coins into bins, pitted one change jar against another and donated their allowances.
Altogether, students from three local school districts have raised more than $21,000 to help Fort Worth's Indonesian sister city deal with the fallout from the deadly tsunami.
School officials hope the donations -- presented Tuesday during a ceremony at City Hall -- will be a "down payment" on a continuing series of gifts to help Bandung, Indonesia.
"It is wonderful to see children putting this kind of effort into this,"said Ee S. Song, a Fort Worth businessman who is leading the effort to help Bandung.
The schoolchildren's donations will go directly to Indonesian officials, Song said.
By Mike Lee, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - They dumped coins into bins, pitted one change jar against another and donated their allowances.
Altogether, students from three local school districts have raised more than $21,000 to help Fort Worth's Indonesian sister city deal with the fallout from the deadly tsunami.
School officials hope the donations -- presented Tuesday during a ceremony at City Hall -- will be a "down payment" on a continuing series of gifts to help Bandung, Indonesia.
"It is wonderful to see children putting this kind of effort into this,"said Ee S. Song, a Fort Worth businessman who is leading the effort to help Bandung.
The schoolchildren's donations will go directly to Indonesian officials, Song said.
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TexasStooge
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Kidnap victim's family pleads for help
Police find evidence, signs of struggle at Duncanville home
OAK CLIFF, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - The family of a man kidnapped in Oak Cliff on Tuesday is begging the public for help.
The victim, 30-year-old Oscar Sanchez, is part of the family which owns the popular North Texas restaurants La Calle Doce and El Ranchito.
A team of more than two dozen Dallas police investigators swooped down on a Duncanville residence early Wednesday morning looking for clues into the abduction of Sanchez. No one was home, but police said they found evidence that the victim and his kidnappers had recently been there.
"There's certainly an indication of a struggle," said Dallas police Sgt. Gil Cerda.
Sanchez family members said the abductors have contacted them seeking a large ransom.
Police said the house in the 300 block of Royal Avenue was empty when they served a search warrant around 3 a.m. Wednesday. "There is evidence that needs to be processed," said Dallas police spokeswoman Lt. Jan Easterling. "There is more to learn as this scene gets processed here, and that's what we're waiting for is all the evidence techs to do their job."
Easterling said the search warrant was issued after intelligence was developed on the kidnapping case. News 8 has learned the home belongs to a man named Jose Felix, someone police call "a person of interest."
Neighbors said they've seen several men coming and going from the house and noticed them moving things out last week.
"They were moving a lot of boxes out of there ... in a big old truck," neighbor Darius Burdine said. "Like they were shipping out, really."
Police removed large and small bundles of evidence from the Duncanville house and also towed away two vehicles that may be linked to the crime.
Authorities said the kidnappers have demanded a ransom, but won't disclose the amount. Sanchez's wife Theresa said she is worried about the safety of her husband, a new father who has been active in the local Hispanic community.
"I want my husband's picture on the air," she told News 8. "I want his face everywhere in case somebody sees him."
Police said Sanchez was on his cell phone talking to his mother when his vehicle was hit from behind by another car. When the man got out of his car, two men who were in the other car grabbed him and took him away.
The kidnap victim's car then idled for about 15 minutes before witnesses called police.
Police said the suspects were driving a white Dodge Neon. The FBI and Duncanville police are also assisting with the case.
Cerda said abduction cases are rare in Dallas. "Anytime someone is kidnapped, you don't know how far the kidnapper is going to go," he said. "It's a very serious matter."
Authorities asked anyone with any information to call Dallas Police at 214-670-5146.
WFAA-TV's Rebecca Lopez, Cynthia Vega and Brad Hawkins contributed to this report.
Police find evidence, signs of struggle at Duncanville home
OAK CLIFF, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - The family of a man kidnapped in Oak Cliff on Tuesday is begging the public for help.
The victim, 30-year-old Oscar Sanchez, is part of the family which owns the popular North Texas restaurants La Calle Doce and El Ranchito.
A team of more than two dozen Dallas police investigators swooped down on a Duncanville residence early Wednesday morning looking for clues into the abduction of Sanchez. No one was home, but police said they found evidence that the victim and his kidnappers had recently been there.
"There's certainly an indication of a struggle," said Dallas police Sgt. Gil Cerda.
Sanchez family members said the abductors have contacted them seeking a large ransom.
Police said the house in the 300 block of Royal Avenue was empty when they served a search warrant around 3 a.m. Wednesday. "There is evidence that needs to be processed," said Dallas police spokeswoman Lt. Jan Easterling. "There is more to learn as this scene gets processed here, and that's what we're waiting for is all the evidence techs to do their job."
Easterling said the search warrant was issued after intelligence was developed on the kidnapping case. News 8 has learned the home belongs to a man named Jose Felix, someone police call "a person of interest."
Neighbors said they've seen several men coming and going from the house and noticed them moving things out last week.
"They were moving a lot of boxes out of there ... in a big old truck," neighbor Darius Burdine said. "Like they were shipping out, really."
Police removed large and small bundles of evidence from the Duncanville house and also towed away two vehicles that may be linked to the crime.
Authorities said the kidnappers have demanded a ransom, but won't disclose the amount. Sanchez's wife Theresa said she is worried about the safety of her husband, a new father who has been active in the local Hispanic community.
"I want my husband's picture on the air," she told News 8. "I want his face everywhere in case somebody sees him."
Police said Sanchez was on his cell phone talking to his mother when his vehicle was hit from behind by another car. When the man got out of his car, two men who were in the other car grabbed him and took him away.
The kidnap victim's car then idled for about 15 minutes before witnesses called police.
Police said the suspects were driving a white Dodge Neon. The FBI and Duncanville police are also assisting with the case.
Cerda said abduction cases are rare in Dallas. "Anytime someone is kidnapped, you don't know how far the kidnapper is going to go," he said. "It's a very serious matter."
Authorities asked anyone with any information to call Dallas Police at 214-670-5146.
WFAA-TV's Rebecca Lopez, Cynthia Vega and Brad Hawkins contributed to this report.
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TexasStooge
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Strong mayor opposition takes shape
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA-TV
DALLAS, Texas - One of the oddest political partnerships in Dallas history was formed Wednesday evening in a local sports bar.
The "Coalition for Open Government" was created to organize and unify opposition to the strong-mayor initiative.
Most Dallas City Council members sent representatives to the meeting; Mayor Laura Miller and City Council member John Loza did not. The Mayor supports the initiative, while Loza has not taken a position.
Last month, the city secretary validated at least 20,000 signatures on petitions turned in by City Council candidate Beth Ann Blackwood. That means the initiative will be placed on the ballot May 7.
The coalition hoping to defeat the initiative is comprised of unlikely allies. Republicans like former council member Donna Blumer are joining forces with Democrats like former mayoral candidate Domingo Garcia.
“We thought there’d be fireworks, with people who usually oppose each other,” said Garcia. “But the meeting went smoothly.“
In the past, coalition member Sharon Boyd had sharply skewered some of her new colleagues on her Web site, DallasArena.com. But now she doesn’t see a problem with working together.
“We’re all in it for the same reason.” said Boyd. “It’s going to be very effective, because we all have our own strengths.”
The new PAC has named former City Council member Bob Stimson as their spokesman. The group expects to begin fundraising right away.
In recent campaign finance reports, Blackwood’s group, the Citizens for a Strong Mayor, reported raising $180,000 in loans from a group of Dallas and Park Cities donors. The initiative would eliminate the city manager position and create a strong mayor instead.
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA-TV
DALLAS, Texas - One of the oddest political partnerships in Dallas history was formed Wednesday evening in a local sports bar.
The "Coalition for Open Government" was created to organize and unify opposition to the strong-mayor initiative.
Most Dallas City Council members sent representatives to the meeting; Mayor Laura Miller and City Council member John Loza did not. The Mayor supports the initiative, while Loza has not taken a position.
Last month, the city secretary validated at least 20,000 signatures on petitions turned in by City Council candidate Beth Ann Blackwood. That means the initiative will be placed on the ballot May 7.
The coalition hoping to defeat the initiative is comprised of unlikely allies. Republicans like former council member Donna Blumer are joining forces with Democrats like former mayoral candidate Domingo Garcia.
“We thought there’d be fireworks, with people who usually oppose each other,” said Garcia. “But the meeting went smoothly.“
In the past, coalition member Sharon Boyd had sharply skewered some of her new colleagues on her Web site, DallasArena.com. But now she doesn’t see a problem with working together.
“We’re all in it for the same reason.” said Boyd. “It’s going to be very effective, because we all have our own strengths.”
The new PAC has named former City Council member Bob Stimson as their spokesman. The group expects to begin fundraising right away.
In recent campaign finance reports, Blackwood’s group, the Citizens for a Strong Mayor, reported raising $180,000 in loans from a group of Dallas and Park Cities donors. The initiative would eliminate the city manager position and create a strong mayor instead.
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TexasStooge
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DART delay caused by stalled train
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) train stalled downtown Thursday morning for about three-quarters of an hour, causing a ripple effect of delays across both rail lines, a spokesman said.
Morgan Lyons said an electrical problem in one of the rail cars apparently caused the 42-minute shutdown at the Akard station. Lyons noted that a downtown service interruption affects both the red and blue lines because they converge.
“During rush hour, it can be a real problem,” he said of a 42-minute delay. “Fortunately, it’s rare and we’ll try to find out what happened in this particular case and see if we can prevent that from happening again.”
While the train was undergoing repairs, those coming from the south were run to the West End station and then reversed, while the cars from the north were turned around at the St. Paul station, Lyons said.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) train stalled downtown Thursday morning for about three-quarters of an hour, causing a ripple effect of delays across both rail lines, a spokesman said.
Morgan Lyons said an electrical problem in one of the rail cars apparently caused the 42-minute shutdown at the Akard station. Lyons noted that a downtown service interruption affects both the red and blue lines because they converge.
“During rush hour, it can be a real problem,” he said of a 42-minute delay. “Fortunately, it’s rare and we’ll try to find out what happened in this particular case and see if we can prevent that from happening again.”
While the train was undergoing repairs, those coming from the south were run to the West End station and then reversed, while the cars from the north were turned around at the St. Paul station, Lyons said.
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TexasStooge
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New Wal-Mart ringing up a welcome in Dallas
Supermarket near Central and Hall seen as a sign of revival
By FRANK TREJO / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - For some who live near North Central Expressway and Hall Street, Wednesday's opening of a new Wal-Mart store signals the continued revitalization of Uptown, East Dallas and downtown neighborhoods.
The 40,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, a 24-hour supermarket, is next to one of the city's highest-density housing districts and just outside the central business district.
Some new Wal-Marts have been met with irate neighbors, but not here.
"The new Wal-Mart is most definitely going to help out our neighborhood and be a great addition," said Wayne Smith, past president of the Bryan Place Neighborhood Association. "I know a lot of people are very excited about this store opening."
Mayor Laura Miller joined in praising the new location.
"Wal-Mart has also worked with the city to make sure these stores fit into the character of the neighborhoods," Ms. Miller said.
Store manager Craig Andrews said he jumped at the opportunity to work at the new Wal-Mart.
"The revitalization of this whole area is very exciting, and I love being a part of it," he said.
Lalla Shackelford, director of Central Dallas Ministries' employment program, said the Wal-Mart has meant good news for her organization.
About 40 of the new store's employees went through the ministries' training program.
"It was so exciting yesterday when I walked through the store to see the faces of people who had gone through our program," Ms. Shackelford said.
Supermarket near Central and Hall seen as a sign of revival
By FRANK TREJO / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - For some who live near North Central Expressway and Hall Street, Wednesday's opening of a new Wal-Mart store signals the continued revitalization of Uptown, East Dallas and downtown neighborhoods.
The 40,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, a 24-hour supermarket, is next to one of the city's highest-density housing districts and just outside the central business district.
Some new Wal-Marts have been met with irate neighbors, but not here.
"The new Wal-Mart is most definitely going to help out our neighborhood and be a great addition," said Wayne Smith, past president of the Bryan Place Neighborhood Association. "I know a lot of people are very excited about this store opening."
Mayor Laura Miller joined in praising the new location.
"Wal-Mart has also worked with the city to make sure these stores fit into the character of the neighborhoods," Ms. Miller said.
Store manager Craig Andrews said he jumped at the opportunity to work at the new Wal-Mart.
"The revitalization of this whole area is very exciting, and I love being a part of it," he said.
Lalla Shackelford, director of Central Dallas Ministries' employment program, said the Wal-Mart has meant good news for her organization.
About 40 of the new store's employees went through the ministries' training program.
"It was so exciting yesterday when I walked through the store to see the faces of people who had gone through our program," Ms. Shackelford said.
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TexasStooge
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Bill would require beer keg registration
AUSTIN, Texas (The Dallas Morning News/AP) - Texans purchasing beer kegs would be required to register with the state, swearing they are 21 years old and promising not to serve minors, under a new bill filed this week in the Texas House.
Retailers on Wednesday criticized the bill, contending the burden of the proposed registration program and its bookkeeping would fall on them.
However, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which would administer the registration, supports the measure, said Roy Hale, program specialist for the commission's enforcement division.
Rep. Rob Eissler filed the bill, one of three designed to reduce underage drinking.
Eissler, R-The Woodlands, supported the legislation at the urging of a constituent. Susan Wagener's son died of acute alcohol poisoning in 1999 on the campus of Texas A&M University.
A proposed law by Eissler, aimed at curbing birthday binge drinking that has led to deaths like those of Michael Wagener, would punish vendors who sell alcohol to people during the early morning hours of their 21st birthdays.
A third measure would limit the amount of alcohol served in any one drink by licensed retailers to a half-ounce of pure alcohol or the equivalent. According to results of a police investigation into Wagener's death, he had been served eight or nine 4-ounce shots of liquor in 30 to 45 minutes, roughly the amount of a one-liter bottle of liquor.
"The point of the legislation is directed at underage drinking," said Eissler.
Retailers contend the proposed registration requirements are largely redundant because some businesses already register kegs voluntarily.
Hale, however, said 23 other states and the District of Columbia require buyers of kegs to register.
An estimated 60,000 or more kegs of beer sold annually in the state might come under the registration proposal, according to Texans Standing Tall, an Austin nonprofit dedicated to preventing underage alcohol use.
Underage drinking costs Texas an estimated $5 billion a year in loss of life, accidents and treatment of various alcohol related problems, said Steve Ross, a spokesman for the group.
AUSTIN, Texas (The Dallas Morning News/AP) - Texans purchasing beer kegs would be required to register with the state, swearing they are 21 years old and promising not to serve minors, under a new bill filed this week in the Texas House.
Retailers on Wednesday criticized the bill, contending the burden of the proposed registration program and its bookkeeping would fall on them.
However, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which would administer the registration, supports the measure, said Roy Hale, program specialist for the commission's enforcement division.
Rep. Rob Eissler filed the bill, one of three designed to reduce underage drinking.
Eissler, R-The Woodlands, supported the legislation at the urging of a constituent. Susan Wagener's son died of acute alcohol poisoning in 1999 on the campus of Texas A&M University.
A proposed law by Eissler, aimed at curbing birthday binge drinking that has led to deaths like those of Michael Wagener, would punish vendors who sell alcohol to people during the early morning hours of their 21st birthdays.
A third measure would limit the amount of alcohol served in any one drink by licensed retailers to a half-ounce of pure alcohol or the equivalent. According to results of a police investigation into Wagener's death, he had been served eight or nine 4-ounce shots of liquor in 30 to 45 minutes, roughly the amount of a one-liter bottle of liquor.
"The point of the legislation is directed at underage drinking," said Eissler.
Retailers contend the proposed registration requirements are largely redundant because some businesses already register kegs voluntarily.
Hale, however, said 23 other states and the District of Columbia require buyers of kegs to register.
An estimated 60,000 or more kegs of beer sold annually in the state might come under the registration proposal, according to Texans Standing Tall, an Austin nonprofit dedicated to preventing underage alcohol use.
Underage drinking costs Texas an estimated $5 billion a year in loss of life, accidents and treatment of various alcohol related problems, said Steve Ross, a spokesman for the group.
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TexasStooge
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UT band member dies during D.C. trip
AUSTIN, Texas (The Dallas Mornig News/AP) - A University of Texas at Austin band member who was in Washington to perform during President Bush's inaugural parade died Wednesday.
Judson Daniel Davis, 23, of Tyler, was on a bus with other students when the driver noticed Davis was still in his seat while other band members had left to have lunch.
Paramedics transported Davis to George Washington Hospital were he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been determined.
Davis, a trombone player, was a first-year graduate student in kinesiology. He performed with UT's basketball band, in addition to playing with the Big Bertha crew on the Texas Longhorn Band.
Grief counselors were being provided for fellow band members, and at the UT campus in Austin.
AUSTIN, Texas (The Dallas Mornig News/AP) - A University of Texas at Austin band member who was in Washington to perform during President Bush's inaugural parade died Wednesday.
Judson Daniel Davis, 23, of Tyler, was on a bus with other students when the driver noticed Davis was still in his seat while other band members had left to have lunch.
Paramedics transported Davis to George Washington Hospital were he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been determined.
Davis, a trombone player, was a first-year graduate student in kinesiology. He performed with UT's basketball band, in addition to playing with the Big Bertha crew on the Texas Longhorn Band.
Grief counselors were being provided for fellow band members, and at the UT campus in Austin.
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