Investigation: Power workers in danger
By BYRON HARRIS / WFAA ABC 8
Most Texans take electricity for granted. Like just about everybody else in our society. But people who work to keep electricity flowing suffer some of the most painful injuries in the workplace. Many even lose their lives. The accidents are always horrible and surviving workers and families often can't find out the details.
It was a normal day's work for Ricky Rasberry eleven years ago, perched in a bucket, repairing a powerline, just inches from lethal electricity.
An apparent mechanical malfunction caused the crane to dip, thousands of volts went into the back of his neck and came out his arm.
"It basically blowed off the whole of my hand and my bicep," he said. "I kept getting infections and gangrene and I ended up losing all of it."
Today, Ricky Rasberry uses his remaining arm to walk with a cane. But his pain never leaves him.
"You know you never get used to it. It's there every day. Sometimes it's even worse."
Although the accident happened in 1994 when Rasberry worked for TXU, the ordeal isn't over. A lawsuit against the bucket manufacturer was settled, but TXU's insurance company will not agree he is permanently injured. So three times a year he must visit an insurance company doctor to prove he is still hurt. That leads him to feel TXU abandoned him.
"They don't know I exist. I gave them good hard work. I worked a lot of 60 hour weeks for them.
Matthew Johnson worked hard, too. Two years ago, while working for the Denton utility CoServ, he went up this pole in Frisco. Jeff Nelson was just a foot below him when he heard a buzz. Then he saw Johnson burst into flame.
"His legs. There was fire coming out of his legs. Out of his feet. His legs, there was nothing left of 'em. They were just charred."
Cheryl Johnson, Matthew's mother, signed a release to remove his left leg. But he died the next day.
As many as 50 people are killed in powerline accidents nationwide each year. As many as 200 more may be seriously injured. But nobody knows for sure. Because in Texas, for example, 190 muncipally-owned power companies don't have to report deaths and injuries to the federal government.
The occupational safety and health administration, OSHA, investigates deaths and injuries in the workplace. They investigated Matthew Johnson's death, but that's been little comfort to his mother.
"Out of a 400 page report they've allowed me to see a hundred and something pages," she says.
OSHA regional director John Miles, says the agency promises to keep investigation witnesses anonymous to prevent their employers from retaliating against them. But he says even with that safeguard, workers don't always tell the whole story of an accident.
"Employees are a little reluctant to talk to us. And they do fear for their job."
Jeff Nelson remembers exactly what happened. He was so close to Matt Johnson on the pole he almost caught fire himself.
"I do have nightmares. The flashbacks are the worst I guess," he says. Nelson says Matt Johnson wasn't even qualified to be on the pole.
CoServ fired the supervisor. CoServ declined to talk to News 8, but in answer to written questions, the company says Matt Johnson should have treated the line as if it were live, should have been wearing protective equipment, and was not qualified to work on a line with electriticy flowing through it.
CoServ was sited for two serious violations by OSHA , subject to maximum fines of $140,000. Instead, OSHA fined CoServ $14,000. The company contested that, and they were reduced to $4,250.
OSHA in the southwest says it reduces more than half the fines that are contested.
Powerline safety expert Rusty White says companies fight hard for every nickel, and OSHA inspectors often get fooled by company representatives. In fact, OSHA doesn't know if any of the 163 inspectors working in this region have working experience on powerlines. And in the field, White says linemen are always under pressure to get the job done fast.
Even critics of the power industry say there are many good conscientious companies. But the way the system is now, once a death or injury occurs, companies and workers enter a power struggle. With financial clout in company hands, government investigations kept secret and fines often reduced, critics say it's a system rigged to protect utilities and harm those who work for them.
News from the Lone Star State
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TexasStooge
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ID theft danger for North Texans
By MICHAEL REY / WFAA ABC 8
A recent rash of mail theft has put the identities of dozens of North Texans in jeopardy.
Two crimes have led Police to mail stolen from at least five communities.
Some of the victims from the crime don't yet know they have had their mail, and possibly their identities stolen.
Last week in Van Alstyne, police uncovered hundreds of valuable stolen documents. And arrests were made Thursday in Weatherford.
"It's a lot easier than robbing a bank," said Amanda McMurray, U.S. Postal inspector. "You do a lot less time and get just as much money."
Checks and credit cards were found in the trunk of a car stopped by police. That led them to a Gunter couple who is accused of stealing mail from Plano, Prosper, Garland and Dallas and using what they found inside to create new checks and hijack credit cards.
The two were arrested, but the information they took may still be out there.
"It's not necessarily the case that people are safe once one perpetrator has been caught," McMurray said.
Drug paraphernalia was also found in the car and in a hotel room in Weatherford Wednesday where piles of stolen mail were also found.
The drug find matches a trend officials are increasingly seeing. Methamphetamine users are turning to mail theft and trading stolen identities for drugs by sending information into a shady underworld.
And the high that keeps users up for days is useful for the tedious work sometimes needed to reassemble documents victims thought they had protected.
"We found them pieced back together with cellophane tape," McMurray said of shredded documents.
Forged checks are often missed by verification systems because all it does is check to see if there's enough funds in the checking account.
Postal Authorities said to avoid being a victim don't mail any documents from your mailbox that raises a literal red flag to thieves. Instead, they suggest mailing it at a post office pickup point instead.
By MICHAEL REY / WFAA ABC 8
A recent rash of mail theft has put the identities of dozens of North Texans in jeopardy.
Two crimes have led Police to mail stolen from at least five communities.
Some of the victims from the crime don't yet know they have had their mail, and possibly their identities stolen.
Last week in Van Alstyne, police uncovered hundreds of valuable stolen documents. And arrests were made Thursday in Weatherford.
"It's a lot easier than robbing a bank," said Amanda McMurray, U.S. Postal inspector. "You do a lot less time and get just as much money."
Checks and credit cards were found in the trunk of a car stopped by police. That led them to a Gunter couple who is accused of stealing mail from Plano, Prosper, Garland and Dallas and using what they found inside to create new checks and hijack credit cards.
The two were arrested, but the information they took may still be out there.
"It's not necessarily the case that people are safe once one perpetrator has been caught," McMurray said.
Drug paraphernalia was also found in the car and in a hotel room in Weatherford Wednesday where piles of stolen mail were also found.
The drug find matches a trend officials are increasingly seeing. Methamphetamine users are turning to mail theft and trading stolen identities for drugs by sending information into a shady underworld.
And the high that keeps users up for days is useful for the tedious work sometimes needed to reassemble documents victims thought they had protected.
"We found them pieced back together with cellophane tape," McMurray said of shredded documents.
Forged checks are often missed by verification systems because all it does is check to see if there's enough funds in the checking account.
Postal Authorities said to avoid being a victim don't mail any documents from your mailbox that raises a literal red flag to thieves. Instead, they suggest mailing it at a post office pickup point instead.
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High Five, Dallas: Project ends early
Lanes open Sunday, marking 'last step' in 4 years of roadwork
By TONY HARTZEL / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - It's time for the ultimate moment on the newest crown jewel in Dallas' transportation network.
Sometime early Sunday morning, crews are expected to remove the final barriers that restrict main lane traffic at the Dallas High Five. With it will come the unofficial end of decades of battles, hassles and traffic jams.
"This is the last step," said Walt Humann, who as chairman of the North Central Task Force helped transform one of Dallas' most dangerous and congested highways into the architectural and engineering model it is today. "We're celebrating the fact it's over."
It's over, and it's about a year ahead of schedule.
The contractor, Zachry Construction Corp., stands to earn an $11 million early completion bonus, the maximum allowed in the contract. The project will probably cost slightly more than its $261 million budget, but a final figure won't be determined for several months. The state has spent $255 million on High Five construction and $97 million on land and moving utilities.
Motorists impressed
The project impressed motorists not just because of its scale, but because of the speed with which it was built. Some drivers attributed the progress to the $11 million in incentives for getting done early.
"Any time the government can finish a project ahead of schedule, that's a good thing," said David Agronin, who lives and works in the area near the High Five. "An extra year is probably worth the extra money they spent. It certainly beats traffic jams."
Others were impressed with the way the state managed traffic flow through the massive construction zone.
"For me, it's been a non-event because they did such a good job of managing traffic during construction," said Carol Baugh of North Dallas, adding that the economic incentives played a part in getting the job done quickly and in getting crews to schedule many large lane closures overnight. "I'd rather the closures be at night than during rush hour."
When the big moment arrives this weekend, not many people are expected to be on hand to celebrate. Crews are scheduled to close various lanes on northbound Central Expressway from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., starting today and Saturday. The moment won't have any fanfare or ceremony when all lanes are open on Central – just a completely open interchange for the first time in almost four years.
Officially, the Dallas High Five won't be complete until Zachry Construction finishes work around February on landscaping, painting and the high-occupancy vehicle lane ramps.
Work on the High Five unofficially started in summer 2001. Crews began closing lanes in early 2002. But getting to this weekend's crowning event can be traced well back into the 1980s, when Central was being rebuilt through Plano and Richardson and when officials debated the future of Central Expressway between LBJ Freeway and downtown Dallas.
That project took 10 years to build and ended in late 1999, giving motorists a spiffy new highway with four lanes in each direction. But it shrunk to two lanes in the heart of the old three-level interchange at LBJ Freeway and Central.
"Had this not gotten off dead center and gotten built, you would have had a tremendous bottleneck there," Mr. Humann said.
Expensive, innovative
When work began, the High Five was the most expensive contract ever awarded in Texas.
At its busiest point, about 500 workers converged on the High Five at one time – 350 from Zachry, 100 from subcontractors and about 50 from the state, said Brian Salerno, the Zachry project manager.
"For a highway project, this was about as big as you could get," Mr. Salerno said.
It also was one of the most innovative.
Designers merged two contracts into a single project, which helped reduce the work schedule from eight years to five years. The state also included lane rental fees that ranged from $50 to $110,000 per hour, depending on the time of day. That helped reduce the number of daytime lane closures and kept traffic moving at rates similar to what existed before construction began.
"There were a lot of innovative items on the project that are going to benefit us and the public for years to come," said Praxedis Garza, the Texas Department of Transportation's area engineer for northwest Dallas County. "And I learned you can build a project that carries 500,000 vehicles a day, and you can minimize the disruption to traffic."
Other timesaving measures used on the High Five include the building of bridges segment by segment, rather than laying long beams across large stretches of the highway. Segmental construction saved time and money by reducing the number of major traffic shifts the project required.
Motorists may not have noticed other little things, but they made a difference to the project schedule. Engineers agreed to use reinforced 30-foot-tall retaining wall segments, rather than the standard 10-foot-tall segments. The larger segments made wall construction much easier and much quicker, Mr. Garza said.
Many of the state's largest, most complex projects in the future will probably feature agreements with private bidders that could result in other time- or money-saving ideas, said Bill Hale, the Dallas district engineer for the state transportation department.
"When they start paying for something, businesses can figure out a way to make it better," he said.
Those and other lessons will likely transfer to similar major projects, including the pending reconstruction of LBJ Freeway, which will also include two three-lane tunnels that end near the High Five. That project could begin in 2007.
The High Five will also have some rivals in the future. The state has plans to build another major interchange at Interstate 30 and the future Bush Turnpike in Garland, and it will rebuild the downtown Dallas canyon and Mixmaster.
For now, however, everyone will revel in the completion of another major project.
"There is a sense of great satisfaction in accomplishing a lot in a short time and in such a dense urban setting," Mr. Humann said.
Lanes open Sunday, marking 'last step' in 4 years of roadwork
By TONY HARTZEL / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - It's time for the ultimate moment on the newest crown jewel in Dallas' transportation network.
Sometime early Sunday morning, crews are expected to remove the final barriers that restrict main lane traffic at the Dallas High Five. With it will come the unofficial end of decades of battles, hassles and traffic jams.
"This is the last step," said Walt Humann, who as chairman of the North Central Task Force helped transform one of Dallas' most dangerous and congested highways into the architectural and engineering model it is today. "We're celebrating the fact it's over."
It's over, and it's about a year ahead of schedule.
The contractor, Zachry Construction Corp., stands to earn an $11 million early completion bonus, the maximum allowed in the contract. The project will probably cost slightly more than its $261 million budget, but a final figure won't be determined for several months. The state has spent $255 million on High Five construction and $97 million on land and moving utilities.
Motorists impressed
The project impressed motorists not just because of its scale, but because of the speed with which it was built. Some drivers attributed the progress to the $11 million in incentives for getting done early.
"Any time the government can finish a project ahead of schedule, that's a good thing," said David Agronin, who lives and works in the area near the High Five. "An extra year is probably worth the extra money they spent. It certainly beats traffic jams."
Others were impressed with the way the state managed traffic flow through the massive construction zone.
"For me, it's been a non-event because they did such a good job of managing traffic during construction," said Carol Baugh of North Dallas, adding that the economic incentives played a part in getting the job done quickly and in getting crews to schedule many large lane closures overnight. "I'd rather the closures be at night than during rush hour."
When the big moment arrives this weekend, not many people are expected to be on hand to celebrate. Crews are scheduled to close various lanes on northbound Central Expressway from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., starting today and Saturday. The moment won't have any fanfare or ceremony when all lanes are open on Central – just a completely open interchange for the first time in almost four years.
Officially, the Dallas High Five won't be complete until Zachry Construction finishes work around February on landscaping, painting and the high-occupancy vehicle lane ramps.
Work on the High Five unofficially started in summer 2001. Crews began closing lanes in early 2002. But getting to this weekend's crowning event can be traced well back into the 1980s, when Central was being rebuilt through Plano and Richardson and when officials debated the future of Central Expressway between LBJ Freeway and downtown Dallas.
That project took 10 years to build and ended in late 1999, giving motorists a spiffy new highway with four lanes in each direction. But it shrunk to two lanes in the heart of the old three-level interchange at LBJ Freeway and Central.
"Had this not gotten off dead center and gotten built, you would have had a tremendous bottleneck there," Mr. Humann said.
Expensive, innovative
When work began, the High Five was the most expensive contract ever awarded in Texas.
At its busiest point, about 500 workers converged on the High Five at one time – 350 from Zachry, 100 from subcontractors and about 50 from the state, said Brian Salerno, the Zachry project manager.
"For a highway project, this was about as big as you could get," Mr. Salerno said.
It also was one of the most innovative.
Designers merged two contracts into a single project, which helped reduce the work schedule from eight years to five years. The state also included lane rental fees that ranged from $50 to $110,000 per hour, depending on the time of day. That helped reduce the number of daytime lane closures and kept traffic moving at rates similar to what existed before construction began.
"There were a lot of innovative items on the project that are going to benefit us and the public for years to come," said Praxedis Garza, the Texas Department of Transportation's area engineer for northwest Dallas County. "And I learned you can build a project that carries 500,000 vehicles a day, and you can minimize the disruption to traffic."
Other timesaving measures used on the High Five include the building of bridges segment by segment, rather than laying long beams across large stretches of the highway. Segmental construction saved time and money by reducing the number of major traffic shifts the project required.
Motorists may not have noticed other little things, but they made a difference to the project schedule. Engineers agreed to use reinforced 30-foot-tall retaining wall segments, rather than the standard 10-foot-tall segments. The larger segments made wall construction much easier and much quicker, Mr. Garza said.
Many of the state's largest, most complex projects in the future will probably feature agreements with private bidders that could result in other time- or money-saving ideas, said Bill Hale, the Dallas district engineer for the state transportation department.
"When they start paying for something, businesses can figure out a way to make it better," he said.
Those and other lessons will likely transfer to similar major projects, including the pending reconstruction of LBJ Freeway, which will also include two three-lane tunnels that end near the High Five. That project could begin in 2007.
The High Five will also have some rivals in the future. The state has plans to build another major interchange at Interstate 30 and the future Bush Turnpike in Garland, and it will rebuild the downtown Dallas canyon and Mixmaster.
For now, however, everyone will revel in the completion of another major project.
"There is a sense of great satisfaction in accomplishing a lot in a short time and in such a dense urban setting," Mr. Humann said.
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TexasStooge
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Calls to serve met with anger
Some parents say rejecting military's efforts isn't simple
By COLLEEN McCAIN NELSON / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - When military recruiters first contacted her teenage son, Rosemary Galdiano was confused.
Michael Galdiano is college-bound and has never expressed an interest in enlisting. Yet military brochures filled the Galdianos' mailbox. Recruiters called the house. They even contacted the North Crowley High School senior on his cellphone.
Ms. Galdiano said she was shocked to learn that the military received her family's address and phone number as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act.
The 2002 education legislation included a clause requiring schools to provide student contact information to military recruiters unless parents "opt out" through their school district. But many parents, including Ms. Galdiano, said they didn't know about the provision until it was too late to stop the phone calls and mailings.
Thursday, grass-roots groups across the country protested the federal law with the "Not Your Soldier Day of Action."
At a time when the military is struggling to meet recruiting goals, officials have said that the law helps maintain strong volunteer armed forces. Amid the lingering conflict in Iraq, the military has failed to meet some of its recruiting objectives. The Army missed its recruiting goal for the 2005 budget year by 8 percent – the largest shortfall in more than two decades.
"Everybody in this [recruiting] process has the right to say, 'Look, I'm not interested,' " said Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, media and community relations manager for the Texas Army and Air National Guard.
But many opponents said rejecting recruiters isn't that simple.
"A lot of parents out there have had terrible experiences with being relentlessly telephoned," said Felicity Crush, spokeswoman for the national group Leave My Child Alone. "Military recruiting is getting much more aggressive in its approach."
Some said they've been overwhelmed with calls from multiple branches of the military. So, even if they tell the Army "No thanks," the Marines, the Air Force, the Navy and the National Guard continue calling.
"I just tell them all, 'No, I'm not interested. I'm going to college,' " said Mr. Galdiano, who hopes to attend Texas Christian University or the University of North Texas next year. "But somebody new from a different branch still gets a hold of me. ... If they don't take 'No' for an answer, I just hang up."
Sgt. Moncada said the law has made recruiting easier and families can choose not to be contacted.
"It is not like we are some big bully coming in and saying, 'You will release the information,' " she said. "Maybe there needs to be some information given to the parents from the school board to make that clear."
Ms. Galdiano said she had no idea until a few months ago that No Child Left Behind had anything to do with the military. Had parents known about the provision when Congress considered it, she said, many would have protested its inclusion in the law, which is better known for its goal of improving student achievement.
"I knew about the No Child Left Behind Act, but I didn't know that our government had allowed the military to have carte blanche access to our youth," Ms. Galdiano said. "This has flown under the radar screen of most parents."
But a number of grass-roots groups across the country are trying to get the word out, explaining the law to parents and even providing ready-made "opt out" letters to send to their school districts. On Thursday, an assortment of organizations participated in events to raise public awareness.
In downtown Dallas, members of Grandmothers for Peace and Dallas Women in Black staged a small protest. Holding signs saying, "Stop lying to our children," they distributed information about the law to passers-by.
Protester Patty Sherman said that if teenagers want to join the military, they could go to a recruitment center and enlist. Students should not be pressured to sign up, she said.
"Really young kids are signing away possibly their lives," Mrs. Sherman said. "A lot of parents are totally unaware that this is happening."
Sgt. Moncada said that teenagers might not take the initiative to contact a recruiter. But the new law allows them to learn about life in the military and make an informed decision, she said.
"I'm a little surprised about the uproar about this new law," she said. "We need to give our young people the chance to talk to a recruiter and at least discuss the possibility of serving his or her country."School districts generally offer parents the chance to opt out from military contact at the beginning of each school year. In some cities, the issue has sparked outrage, with a majority of parents opting out in some districts. But in Texas, the federal law has received relatively little notice.
The Allen Independent School District sends parents a form that details code-of-conduct and privacy issues. Parents can mark on the form if they object to releasing their children's information to the military. The explanation of the federal law is a single sentence that appears at the end of a two-page consent form.
Tim Carroll, district public information director, said that the parents of 122 Allen High School students have opted out of disclosing that information to recruiters. About 3,400 students attend the school.
Some busy parents have complained that the form gets lost in a crush of paperwork that arrives each August.
Dianne Mayo said she doesn't remember seeing the information about military recruiters when her son was a senior at Allen High School last year.
The flood of forms and permission slips "sort of blinds you," she said. "I can't swear to what's in there."
After the military started calling her house, Mrs. Mayo said she began reading the fine print. But it was too late to stop the recruiters, she said. At least 10 contacted her family.
"After about the eighth one called, I said, 'We're not buying what you're selling,' " said Mrs. Mayo, who emphasized that she supports the military. "I stopped being polite. I wouldn't let them talk to my son."
Mrs. Mayo and other parents said they support proposed federal legislation that would require parents to "opt in" to allow recruiter contact. Sgt. Moncada said that the law has been helpful to recruiters. "And if a student is not interested, he or she can just say so," she said.
But the law's opponents argue that teenagers aren't equipped to fend off repeated overtures from well-spoken recruiters who befriend them. And they complain that the military's sales pitches, which sometimes include giveaways and promises of college scholarships, play down the dangers that new recruits could face.
"It's like a salesman pressuring you and not giving you the downside of a possible purchase," said Tammy Gomez, a member of Fort Worth's Peaceful Vocations,an organization working to educate parents and students about the law. "When impressionable kids are presented with pens and tickets to sporting events, it does seem like a bribe."
Ms. Crush, spokeswoman for Leave My Child Alone, said recruiters use "hard sell" techniques, developing friendly relationships with students and offering appealing incentives while leaving some parents and students feeling harassed. Families need to make an informed decision about the military without feeling pressured, she said.
"This is not an anti-military thing," Ms. Crush said. "This is pro-privacy."
Some parents say rejecting military's efforts isn't simple
By COLLEEN McCAIN NELSON / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - When military recruiters first contacted her teenage son, Rosemary Galdiano was confused.
Michael Galdiano is college-bound and has never expressed an interest in enlisting. Yet military brochures filled the Galdianos' mailbox. Recruiters called the house. They even contacted the North Crowley High School senior on his cellphone.
Ms. Galdiano said she was shocked to learn that the military received her family's address and phone number as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act.
The 2002 education legislation included a clause requiring schools to provide student contact information to military recruiters unless parents "opt out" through their school district. But many parents, including Ms. Galdiano, said they didn't know about the provision until it was too late to stop the phone calls and mailings.
Thursday, grass-roots groups across the country protested the federal law with the "Not Your Soldier Day of Action."
At a time when the military is struggling to meet recruiting goals, officials have said that the law helps maintain strong volunteer armed forces. Amid the lingering conflict in Iraq, the military has failed to meet some of its recruiting objectives. The Army missed its recruiting goal for the 2005 budget year by 8 percent – the largest shortfall in more than two decades.
"Everybody in this [recruiting] process has the right to say, 'Look, I'm not interested,' " said Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, media and community relations manager for the Texas Army and Air National Guard.
But many opponents said rejecting recruiters isn't that simple.
"A lot of parents out there have had terrible experiences with being relentlessly telephoned," said Felicity Crush, spokeswoman for the national group Leave My Child Alone. "Military recruiting is getting much more aggressive in its approach."
Some said they've been overwhelmed with calls from multiple branches of the military. So, even if they tell the Army "No thanks," the Marines, the Air Force, the Navy and the National Guard continue calling.
"I just tell them all, 'No, I'm not interested. I'm going to college,' " said Mr. Galdiano, who hopes to attend Texas Christian University or the University of North Texas next year. "But somebody new from a different branch still gets a hold of me. ... If they don't take 'No' for an answer, I just hang up."
Sgt. Moncada said the law has made recruiting easier and families can choose not to be contacted.
"It is not like we are some big bully coming in and saying, 'You will release the information,' " she said. "Maybe there needs to be some information given to the parents from the school board to make that clear."
Ms. Galdiano said she had no idea until a few months ago that No Child Left Behind had anything to do with the military. Had parents known about the provision when Congress considered it, she said, many would have protested its inclusion in the law, which is better known for its goal of improving student achievement.
"I knew about the No Child Left Behind Act, but I didn't know that our government had allowed the military to have carte blanche access to our youth," Ms. Galdiano said. "This has flown under the radar screen of most parents."
But a number of grass-roots groups across the country are trying to get the word out, explaining the law to parents and even providing ready-made "opt out" letters to send to their school districts. On Thursday, an assortment of organizations participated in events to raise public awareness.
In downtown Dallas, members of Grandmothers for Peace and Dallas Women in Black staged a small protest. Holding signs saying, "Stop lying to our children," they distributed information about the law to passers-by.
Protester Patty Sherman said that if teenagers want to join the military, they could go to a recruitment center and enlist. Students should not be pressured to sign up, she said.
"Really young kids are signing away possibly their lives," Mrs. Sherman said. "A lot of parents are totally unaware that this is happening."
Sgt. Moncada said that teenagers might not take the initiative to contact a recruiter. But the new law allows them to learn about life in the military and make an informed decision, she said.
"I'm a little surprised about the uproar about this new law," she said. "We need to give our young people the chance to talk to a recruiter and at least discuss the possibility of serving his or her country."School districts generally offer parents the chance to opt out from military contact at the beginning of each school year. In some cities, the issue has sparked outrage, with a majority of parents opting out in some districts. But in Texas, the federal law has received relatively little notice.
The Allen Independent School District sends parents a form that details code-of-conduct and privacy issues. Parents can mark on the form if they object to releasing their children's information to the military. The explanation of the federal law is a single sentence that appears at the end of a two-page consent form.
Tim Carroll, district public information director, said that the parents of 122 Allen High School students have opted out of disclosing that information to recruiters. About 3,400 students attend the school.
Some busy parents have complained that the form gets lost in a crush of paperwork that arrives each August.
Dianne Mayo said she doesn't remember seeing the information about military recruiters when her son was a senior at Allen High School last year.
The flood of forms and permission slips "sort of blinds you," she said. "I can't swear to what's in there."
After the military started calling her house, Mrs. Mayo said she began reading the fine print. But it was too late to stop the recruiters, she said. At least 10 contacted her family.
"After about the eighth one called, I said, 'We're not buying what you're selling,' " said Mrs. Mayo, who emphasized that she supports the military. "I stopped being polite. I wouldn't let them talk to my son."
Mrs. Mayo and other parents said they support proposed federal legislation that would require parents to "opt in" to allow recruiter contact. Sgt. Moncada said that the law has been helpful to recruiters. "And if a student is not interested, he or she can just say so," she said.
But the law's opponents argue that teenagers aren't equipped to fend off repeated overtures from well-spoken recruiters who befriend them. And they complain that the military's sales pitches, which sometimes include giveaways and promises of college scholarships, play down the dangers that new recruits could face.
"It's like a salesman pressuring you and not giving you the downside of a possible purchase," said Tammy Gomez, a member of Fort Worth's Peaceful Vocations,an organization working to educate parents and students about the law. "When impressionable kids are presented with pens and tickets to sporting events, it does seem like a bribe."
Ms. Crush, spokeswoman for Leave My Child Alone, said recruiters use "hard sell" techniques, developing friendly relationships with students and offering appealing incentives while leaving some parents and students feeling harassed. Families need to make an informed decision about the military without feeling pressured, she said.
"This is not an anti-military thing," Ms. Crush said. "This is pro-privacy."
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TexasStooge
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Irving quiets train noise; other cities hop aboard
City leads way in upgrading crossings so horns aren't needed
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas – Living near a railroad is like living next to an airport, Cindy Green said. Loud horns blare day and night.
Many residents just get used to the noise. But in Irving, Ms. Green and others along the rail line are hearing something new: silence.
Fewer trains are sounding their horns at intersections now that the city is making it more difficult for motorists to drive around railroad crossing barriers. The so-called "quiet zones" require enhanced safety measures, from extra gates to taller medians and curbs.
Irving is among area cities leading the charge to transform railroad intersections after residents complained. Others, like Grand Prairie, Plano and Richardson, plan to implement similar zones after a federal rule issued over the summer set new train noise standards.
City officials say the quieter trains boost quality of life for residents, while the beefed-up intersections improve motorist safety. Driving around traditional train crossing arms can turn deadly: A Grand Prairie couple were killed in October after driving their pickup around the gates and being struck by a passenger train.
Ms. Green is a fan of quieter trains. She no longer has to repeat herself in conversation when trains pass by.
"It's a lot less nerve-racking," she said.
In south Irving, where about 60 trains a day run through, horns have been banished at four intersections. Plans are to silence six other crossings.
Irving officials have been looking into quieting trains for a few years, said Jim Cline, the city's public works and transportation director. Reworking the intersections costs about $400,000 for each, and federal, DART and city bond funds are helping cover the expense, Mr. Cline said.
In addition, city officials plan to elevate the rail line onto bridges at a few intersections so train horns won't be needed.
Richardson plans to quiet trains at 10 intersections. The transformations, which will cost about $300,000, might start next summer, said Steve Spanos, Richardson's director of engineering. The city plans to build taller curbs or walls in medians to prevent motorists from driving around train gates, Mr. Spanos said.
Plano's quiet zone program was prompted when city officials fielded "several vocal calls" from residents complaining about train noise, said Alan Upchurch, the city engineer.
Starting as early as January, Plano wants to begin creating 12 quiet zone intersections. Mr. Upchurch estimates the city will spend about $350,000 to complete the transformation.
Grand Prairie officials want to establish quiet zone intersections by summer 2007.
The idea is spreading across the country, said Warren Flatau, spokesman for the Federal Railroad Administration. The goal is to ensure that public safety isn't diminished as communities seek to enhance quality of life, he said.
As of last week, his administration had received quiet zone applications from Irving, Richardson, Fort Worth and Murphy, Mr. Flatau said. Austin and Houston also have submitted the paperwork, he said.
"There are many cities that have literally grown up around the tracks," he said. "Railroad traffic has increased ... and as a consequence there's been greater interest in establishing these quiet zones."
Cities can choose a variety of methods to adhere to quiet zone standards, Mr. Flatau said. In Irving, four gates drop at an intersection, making it practically impossible for motorists to drive around them.
The gates, set up earlier this year, are the "gold standard," Mr. Cline said.
"This is how it's supposed to be done," he said.
Mr. Flatau said engineers still may sound their horns during emergencies, such as when a person or vehicle is on the tracks as a train approaches.
Irving City Council member James Dickens applauds the quiet trains, saying they're less disruptive to neighborhoods. The gates are effective and worth the money, he said.
"It's a good thing," he said. "Neighbors say it's made a big difference."
When Ms. Green is in her car waiting for a train to pass, she no longer jumps in her seat at the blaring horn. And back at her house, she no longer has to listen to her twin 6-year-old boys imitating the train horns.
"They're loud enough on their own," she said.
City leads way in upgrading crossings so horns aren't needed
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas – Living near a railroad is like living next to an airport, Cindy Green said. Loud horns blare day and night.
Many residents just get used to the noise. But in Irving, Ms. Green and others along the rail line are hearing something new: silence.
Fewer trains are sounding their horns at intersections now that the city is making it more difficult for motorists to drive around railroad crossing barriers. The so-called "quiet zones" require enhanced safety measures, from extra gates to taller medians and curbs.
Irving is among area cities leading the charge to transform railroad intersections after residents complained. Others, like Grand Prairie, Plano and Richardson, plan to implement similar zones after a federal rule issued over the summer set new train noise standards.
City officials say the quieter trains boost quality of life for residents, while the beefed-up intersections improve motorist safety. Driving around traditional train crossing arms can turn deadly: A Grand Prairie couple were killed in October after driving their pickup around the gates and being struck by a passenger train.
Ms. Green is a fan of quieter trains. She no longer has to repeat herself in conversation when trains pass by.
"It's a lot less nerve-racking," she said.
In south Irving, where about 60 trains a day run through, horns have been banished at four intersections. Plans are to silence six other crossings.
Irving officials have been looking into quieting trains for a few years, said Jim Cline, the city's public works and transportation director. Reworking the intersections costs about $400,000 for each, and federal, DART and city bond funds are helping cover the expense, Mr. Cline said.
In addition, city officials plan to elevate the rail line onto bridges at a few intersections so train horns won't be needed.
Richardson plans to quiet trains at 10 intersections. The transformations, which will cost about $300,000, might start next summer, said Steve Spanos, Richardson's director of engineering. The city plans to build taller curbs or walls in medians to prevent motorists from driving around train gates, Mr. Spanos said.
Plano's quiet zone program was prompted when city officials fielded "several vocal calls" from residents complaining about train noise, said Alan Upchurch, the city engineer.
Starting as early as January, Plano wants to begin creating 12 quiet zone intersections. Mr. Upchurch estimates the city will spend about $350,000 to complete the transformation.
Grand Prairie officials want to establish quiet zone intersections by summer 2007.
The idea is spreading across the country, said Warren Flatau, spokesman for the Federal Railroad Administration. The goal is to ensure that public safety isn't diminished as communities seek to enhance quality of life, he said.
As of last week, his administration had received quiet zone applications from Irving, Richardson, Fort Worth and Murphy, Mr. Flatau said. Austin and Houston also have submitted the paperwork, he said.
"There are many cities that have literally grown up around the tracks," he said. "Railroad traffic has increased ... and as a consequence there's been greater interest in establishing these quiet zones."
Cities can choose a variety of methods to adhere to quiet zone standards, Mr. Flatau said. In Irving, four gates drop at an intersection, making it practically impossible for motorists to drive around them.
The gates, set up earlier this year, are the "gold standard," Mr. Cline said.
"This is how it's supposed to be done," he said.
Mr. Flatau said engineers still may sound their horns during emergencies, such as when a person or vehicle is on the tracks as a train approaches.
Irving City Council member James Dickens applauds the quiet trains, saying they're less disruptive to neighborhoods. The gates are effective and worth the money, he said.
"It's a good thing," he said. "Neighbors say it's made a big difference."
When Ms. Green is in her car waiting for a train to pass, she no longer jumps in her seat at the blaring horn. And back at her house, she no longer has to listen to her twin 6-year-old boys imitating the train horns.
"They're loud enough on their own," she said.
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Denton police investigating hit-and-run death
DENTON, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - Denton police are looking for a 1999 to 2002 model Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck they believe was involved Thursday evening in a hit-and-run fatality accident on the service road of the 4100 block of Interstate 35E, south of Denton Regional Medical Center.
Someone called 911 just after 8 p.m. to report that someone had hit a bicyclist and did not stop, said police spokesman Jim Bryan.
The bicyclist later died as a result of the accident. He had been traveling northbound in the right lane when he was struck, Bryan said.
“Evidence at the scene leads investigators to believe that the suspect vehicle is a 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado pickup that is dark metallic red with front grille and right headlight damage,” Bryan said.
The victim has been identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner as Jack Pruette, 42, of Aubrey.
Police are asking anyone with information about this accident to call Accident Investigator Lisa Martin at 940-349-7941, or send an e-mail to police@cityofdenton.com.
DENTON, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - Denton police are looking for a 1999 to 2002 model Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck they believe was involved Thursday evening in a hit-and-run fatality accident on the service road of the 4100 block of Interstate 35E, south of Denton Regional Medical Center.
Someone called 911 just after 8 p.m. to report that someone had hit a bicyclist and did not stop, said police spokesman Jim Bryan.
The bicyclist later died as a result of the accident. He had been traveling northbound in the right lane when he was struck, Bryan said.
“Evidence at the scene leads investigators to believe that the suspect vehicle is a 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado pickup that is dark metallic red with front grille and right headlight damage,” Bryan said.
The victim has been identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner as Jack Pruette, 42, of Aubrey.
Police are asking anyone with information about this accident to call Accident Investigator Lisa Martin at 940-349-7941, or send an e-mail to police@cityofdenton.com.
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Service honors fallen officer
By TANYA EISERER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Hundreds of somber Dallas police officers gathered Friday morning with family and friends of Brian Jackson to honor the Dallas policeman who was killed early Sunday while responding to a domestic violence call in Old East Dallas.
Memorial services for the nearly five-year veteran, held at the Highland Oaks Church of Christ in Northeast Dallas, began at 11 a.m. following a police procession from the central division headquarters east of downtown. Dozens of police cruisers, flanked by officers on motorcycles, made their way along Central Expressway and LBJ Freeway to the church.
A lone bagpiper entered from the rear of the church to open the service. He was followed by the Dallas Police Choir, which performed several selections, including "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Officer Eric Knight, Jackson's partner, recalled him as an outstanding colleague, a close friend and a family man.
"He's been with me at my worst, and with me at my best," Knight said. "But his first love was to his family and to his wife, and that's how he will be remembered."
Officer Kyle Land, who also worked with Jackson, said it was incredibly difficult to write a eulogy because he had to face the fact that Jackson was no longer alive.
"Trying to talk about Brian in past tense, I couldn't write anything down," Land said.
"I know you've lost a son and a brother, and a friend,” Land told Jackson’s family, “but whenever you feel alone, I want you to look around this room and see the brothers and sisters that have been added to your life."
Officer Jackson, 28, was the 76th Dallas police officer to die in the line of duty, and the first slain since November 2001.
Jackson and others had responded to a domestic disturbance in the 2400 block of North Henderson and began pursuing the suspect on foot as he jumped over fences and ran through yards. Officer Jackson was shot once in his right underarm, near his protective vest.
Juan Lizcano, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, remained in custody at Lew Sterrett Justice Center on charges of capital murder and aggravated assault in connection with Jackson’s death.
Jackson, who had been married for just two months, told his wife earlier this year, "This is how I want to go. I want to go out helping people."
Jackson joined the Dallas department in January 2001 after graduating from college. He was assigned to central patrol after graduating from the academy, and eventually became a liaison to the gang unit. He also served as a student resource officer at Lake Highlands Junior High School.
His widow, JoAnn DeMello Jackson, met him six years ago at the University of Rhode Island. She described him as "what any woman waits a long time for.”
On Monday morning, some 180 Dallas officers will fly to Rhode Island for a funeral. A memorial fund in his memory has been established at City Credit Union. Donations can be made to the "Brian H. Jackson Memorial Fund."
Alan Melson of DallasNews.com contributed to this report.
By TANYA EISERER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Hundreds of somber Dallas police officers gathered Friday morning with family and friends of Brian Jackson to honor the Dallas policeman who was killed early Sunday while responding to a domestic violence call in Old East Dallas.
Memorial services for the nearly five-year veteran, held at the Highland Oaks Church of Christ in Northeast Dallas, began at 11 a.m. following a police procession from the central division headquarters east of downtown. Dozens of police cruisers, flanked by officers on motorcycles, made their way along Central Expressway and LBJ Freeway to the church.
A lone bagpiper entered from the rear of the church to open the service. He was followed by the Dallas Police Choir, which performed several selections, including "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Officer Eric Knight, Jackson's partner, recalled him as an outstanding colleague, a close friend and a family man.
"He's been with me at my worst, and with me at my best," Knight said. "But his first love was to his family and to his wife, and that's how he will be remembered."
Officer Kyle Land, who also worked with Jackson, said it was incredibly difficult to write a eulogy because he had to face the fact that Jackson was no longer alive.
"Trying to talk about Brian in past tense, I couldn't write anything down," Land said.
"I know you've lost a son and a brother, and a friend,” Land told Jackson’s family, “but whenever you feel alone, I want you to look around this room and see the brothers and sisters that have been added to your life."
Officer Jackson, 28, was the 76th Dallas police officer to die in the line of duty, and the first slain since November 2001.
Jackson and others had responded to a domestic disturbance in the 2400 block of North Henderson and began pursuing the suspect on foot as he jumped over fences and ran through yards. Officer Jackson was shot once in his right underarm, near his protective vest.
Juan Lizcano, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, remained in custody at Lew Sterrett Justice Center on charges of capital murder and aggravated assault in connection with Jackson’s death.
Jackson, who had been married for just two months, told his wife earlier this year, "This is how I want to go. I want to go out helping people."
Jackson joined the Dallas department in January 2001 after graduating from college. He was assigned to central patrol after graduating from the academy, and eventually became a liaison to the gang unit. He also served as a student resource officer at Lake Highlands Junior High School.
His widow, JoAnn DeMello Jackson, met him six years ago at the University of Rhode Island. She described him as "what any woman waits a long time for.”
On Monday morning, some 180 Dallas officers will fly to Rhode Island for a funeral. A memorial fund in his memory has been established at City Credit Union. Donations can be made to the "Brian H. Jackson Memorial Fund."
Alan Melson of DallasNews.com contributed to this report.
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Police issue pickpocket alert
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
RICHARDSON, Texas - Richardson police are warning residents to watch out for pickpockets.
Investigators said a band of the thieves are targeting places most people consider "safe," including churches, daycare centers, grocery stores and offices buildings.
In one surveillance video from a supermarket, a woman is seen strolling up to the meat department—unaware of a man and a woman lurking behind her.
"These two just wait for their next victim to come along," said Richardson police spokesman Sgt. Kevin Perlich. "As her back is turned to her purse, you see him slowly moving over toward her purse."
The man is seen grabbing a wallet, then quickly leaving the area with his accomplice.
About 6 minutes later, Richardson police said the two suspects showed up at a department store across the street with the victim's wallet and credit cards.
"They've picked out a DVD player and a few other items, and they're going to attempt to use her credit card to make a purchase," Sgt. Perlich said.
The store clerk refused to sell them the merchandise, however, because they didn't have identification that matched the credit card. The pair left empty-handed.
Police said these two are among many other teams allegedly targeting victims often in places where people feel safe.
"We've also had reports of this happening at churches, daycare centers, schools," said Richardson police Officer John Corbitt. "It doesn't take but a second or two to walk in, look around and find a pocketbook."
Police said another surveillance tape captured a man who walked into an office building and allegedly stole the receptionist's wallet after she stepped away.
Nearly a dozen attempts were made to use the woman's credit cards.
Sue Stevens, another Richardson office worker, plans to heed warnings to secure her belongings. "I'm going to make sure it's with me at all times or locked up—that's for sure," she said.
Police asked for the public's help in identifying the suspected thieves caught on tape, and offered these safety tips:
•Carry only the credit cards you need
•Carry your wallet in a pocket instead of a purse
•If you take a purse, make sure it's closed
•Avoid putting your purse in a shopping cart; if you do, never turn your back on the cart
Surveillance video
This image from a surveillance camera shows a man, center, reaching into a shopping cart to steal a wallet.
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
RICHARDSON, Texas - Richardson police are warning residents to watch out for pickpockets.
Investigators said a band of the thieves are targeting places most people consider "safe," including churches, daycare centers, grocery stores and offices buildings.
In one surveillance video from a supermarket, a woman is seen strolling up to the meat department—unaware of a man and a woman lurking behind her.
"These two just wait for their next victim to come along," said Richardson police spokesman Sgt. Kevin Perlich. "As her back is turned to her purse, you see him slowly moving over toward her purse."
The man is seen grabbing a wallet, then quickly leaving the area with his accomplice.
About 6 minutes later, Richardson police said the two suspects showed up at a department store across the street with the victim's wallet and credit cards.
"They've picked out a DVD player and a few other items, and they're going to attempt to use her credit card to make a purchase," Sgt. Perlich said.
The store clerk refused to sell them the merchandise, however, because they didn't have identification that matched the credit card. The pair left empty-handed.
Police said these two are among many other teams allegedly targeting victims often in places where people feel safe.
"We've also had reports of this happening at churches, daycare centers, schools," said Richardson police Officer John Corbitt. "It doesn't take but a second or two to walk in, look around and find a pocketbook."
Police said another surveillance tape captured a man who walked into an office building and allegedly stole the receptionist's wallet after she stepped away.
Nearly a dozen attempts were made to use the woman's credit cards.
Sue Stevens, another Richardson office worker, plans to heed warnings to secure her belongings. "I'm going to make sure it's with me at all times or locked up—that's for sure," she said.
Police asked for the public's help in identifying the suspected thieves caught on tape, and offered these safety tips:
•Carry only the credit cards you need
•Carry your wallet in a pocket instead of a purse
•If you take a purse, make sure it's closed
•Avoid putting your purse in a shopping cart; if you do, never turn your back on the cart
Surveillance video
This image from a surveillance camera shows a man, center, reaching into a shopping cart to steal a wallet.
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Firefighters hurt in house blaze
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Two Dallas firefighters were hurt Friday morning while attempting to put out a fire at a large home in the Lake Highlands area.
The blaze began around 11:30 a.m., and flames were coming through the roof when firefighters arrived at the 3,300 square foot home in the 9900 block of Winding Ridge Drive.
The owner was in the back yard with his dog when he noticed smoke and called 911.
Two firefighters were taken to Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas for treatment. One suffered a neck injury; the other was treated for exhaustion and possible dehydration.
The cause of the three-alarm fire was under investigation; the house was declared a total loss.
WFAA-TV's Steve Stoler contributed to this report.
WFAA ABC 8
Flames were shooting through the roof.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Two Dallas firefighters were hurt Friday morning while attempting to put out a fire at a large home in the Lake Highlands area.
The blaze began around 11:30 a.m., and flames were coming through the roof when firefighters arrived at the 3,300 square foot home in the 9900 block of Winding Ridge Drive.
The owner was in the back yard with his dog when he noticed smoke and called 911.
Two firefighters were taken to Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas for treatment. One suffered a neck injury; the other was treated for exhaustion and possible dehydration.
The cause of the three-alarm fire was under investigation; the house was declared a total loss.
WFAA-TV's Steve Stoler contributed to this report.
WFAA ABC 8
Flames were shooting through the roof.
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Police ID man fatally shot by former chief's son
By JASON TRAHAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A man who authorities said threatened people with a gun and was subsequently shot to death by the son of former Dallas Police Chief Bill Rathburn was identified Friday as Carlos Garrido, 23, of Mesquite.
A Dallas County grand jury will determine if the former chief’s son, also named Bill Rathburn, was justified in shooting Mr. Garrido on Thursday morning at The Christmas Light Company on Military Parkway at Buckner Boulevard.
Mr. Rathburn runs the business, which decorates homes and businesses with holiday lights.
Police said that Mr. Garrido, who was fired Wednesday from the firm, returned there Thursday morning to collect his pay. Investigators said that after asking Mr. Rathburn for his money, he threatened two employees with a gun. Mr. Rathburn then drew his own gun and killed the man.
By JASON TRAHAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A man who authorities said threatened people with a gun and was subsequently shot to death by the son of former Dallas Police Chief Bill Rathburn was identified Friday as Carlos Garrido, 23, of Mesquite.
A Dallas County grand jury will determine if the former chief’s son, also named Bill Rathburn, was justified in shooting Mr. Garrido on Thursday morning at The Christmas Light Company on Military Parkway at Buckner Boulevard.
Mr. Rathburn runs the business, which decorates homes and businesses with holiday lights.
Police said that Mr. Garrido, who was fired Wednesday from the firm, returned there Thursday morning to collect his pay. Investigators said that after asking Mr. Rathburn for his money, he threatened two employees with a gun. Mr. Rathburn then drew his own gun and killed the man.
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Injured firefighters out of hospital
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Two firefighters hurt Friday morning while attempting to put out a fire at a Northeast Dallas residence are now out of hospital.
The firefighters were taken to Presbyterian Hospital Dallas for treatment. One suffered a neck injury; the other was treated for exhaustion and possible dehydration.
Flames were coming through the roof when firefighters arrived just after 11:30 a.m. at the 3,300 square foot home in the 9900 block of Winding Ridge Drive.
The owner was in the backyard with his dog when he noticed smoke and called 911.
The cause of the three-alarm fire is under investigation.
The house was declared a total loss.
WFAA-TV's Steve Stoler contributed to this report.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Two firefighters hurt Friday morning while attempting to put out a fire at a Northeast Dallas residence are now out of hospital.
The firefighters were taken to Presbyterian Hospital Dallas for treatment. One suffered a neck injury; the other was treated for exhaustion and possible dehydration.
Flames were coming through the roof when firefighters arrived just after 11:30 a.m. at the 3,300 square foot home in the 9900 block of Winding Ridge Drive.
The owner was in the backyard with his dog when he noticed smoke and called 911.
The cause of the three-alarm fire is under investigation.
The house was declared a total loss.
WFAA-TV's Steve Stoler contributed to this report.
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American in talks on Love Field return
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - American Airlines is edging closer to reopening its three gates at Dallas Love Field and competing head-on with Southwest Airlines.
But American spokesman Tim Wagner said no decisions were made during Friday's meeting between representatives of his company and Love Field officials.
Fort Worth-based American would consider flying direct from Love Field to St. Louis and Kansas City if Congress changes the 1979 Wright Amendment.
The law was established to bolster Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport during its early years.
Southwest is based at Love Field and wants the long haul flight-restricting law thrown out.
The U.S. House approved a transportation-spending bill Friday that would add Missouri to the list of states that airlines could serve directly from Love Field.
The measure is pending in the Senate.
Southwest didn't immediately comment.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - American Airlines is edging closer to reopening its three gates at Dallas Love Field and competing head-on with Southwest Airlines.
But American spokesman Tim Wagner said no decisions were made during Friday's meeting between representatives of his company and Love Field officials.
Fort Worth-based American would consider flying direct from Love Field to St. Louis and Kansas City if Congress changes the 1979 Wright Amendment.
The law was established to bolster Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport during its early years.
Southwest is based at Love Field and wants the long haul flight-restricting law thrown out.
The U.S. House approved a transportation-spending bill Friday that would add Missouri to the list of states that airlines could serve directly from Love Field.
The measure is pending in the Senate.
Southwest didn't immediately comment.
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Witnesses to I-30 shooting sought
By HOLLY YAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Police are looking for the person responsible for an apparent road-rage shooting Friday night.
About 5:30 p.m., the driver of a small, red pickup shot a man on eastbound Interstate 30 near Jim Miller Road, police said. The victim was taken to Baylor University Medical Center in stable condition. Police were not certain what sparked the incident.
Anyone with information can call 214-671-3584.
By HOLLY YAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Police are looking for the person responsible for an apparent road-rage shooting Friday night.
About 5:30 p.m., the driver of a small, red pickup shot a man on eastbound Interstate 30 near Jim Miller Road, police said. The victim was taken to Baylor University Medical Center in stable condition. Police were not certain what sparked the incident.
Anyone with information can call 214-671-3584.
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Infant dies after baby sitter falls
Allen: Bereaved parents criticize CPS for taking caregiver's children
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
ALLEN, Texas – George and Kimberly Galdiano's baby sitter runs a Web camera that allows parents to check in on their children throughout the day. Mr. Galdiano did not use it often. But Wednesday morning he did.
He watched his 10-month-old daughter, Ezri, playing near the toy box – the last time he saw her alive.
Less than an hour later, while carrying Ezri down the stairs at her Allen house, baby sitter Ann M. Perry lost her balance and fell. The child was flown to Children's Medical Center Dallas, where she was pronounced dead, said Capt. Robert Flores, an Allen police spokesman.
"She was sitting in front of the toy box smiling and playing with toys and just having a good time," Mr. Galdiano said in the living room of his Allen home Thursday. "I'm very happy that I have memories of me kissing her, her blowing me a kiss and her playing with toys and enjoying life."
After Ms. Perry dropped the child, Ezri tumbled downward, striking her head on a wall at the bottom of the staircase. She lost consciousness, and paramedics administered aid when they arrived at the house in the 1300 block of Normandy Lane about 9:15 a.m., police said.
The Perrys' two children, who were staying with friends of the family, were placed in the custody of Child Protective Services on Thursday, Mr. Galdiano said. He and his wife said that was an injustice.
CPS officials declined to comment on the location of the Perry children.
Spokeswoman Marissa Gonzales said CPS has no history with Ms. Perry or the Galdianos.
Capt. Flores said Allen police are investigating the incident, as is routine every time there is a death. The Dallas County medical examiner had not determined the official cause of death Thursday.
CPS statement
Ms. Gonzales said it's not uncommon for CPS to remove children while trying to find out how an incident occurred.
"Anytime there is a death, you want to work that as if it could be a murder, because you don't want to lose anything. You have to do that to protect the rights of the deceased and ... to clear the person if they did nothing wrong," Capt. Flores said.
But the Galdianos said they know that Ezri's death was a tragic accident.
"Believe me, if I thought this was anything but an accident, I'd be the first one hollering for justice," Mr. Galdiano said.
Ms. Perry, 30, has been the Galdianos' baby sitter since Ezri's older sister, Amilia, 3, was an infant. She watches the sisters, along with her own two young children, said Mr. Galdiano, 41. An unidentified man, who answered the door at the Perry home, said that Ms. Perry did not want to talk.
"My wife called Ann and said, 'I love you. We know this was an accident. And you need to forgive yourself,' " Mr. Galdiano said.
Thursday the Galdiano home was filled with family and friends offering support and comfort. They shared memories of the little girl, who had not yet celebrated her first Thanksgiving or Christmas.
They said Ezri had an infectious smile and loved to laugh. She had two bottom teeth and one top tooth. A fourth tooth was just starting to break the surface. Her first word was "Da Da" and she was just working up to "Ma Ma," her father said.
Her parents named her with care. Dad chose Ezri, a slight change on Ezra of the Bible, which is Hebrew for faithful. And mom picked her middle name, Jadzia, which is Polish for princess.
Services for Ezri will be at noon Saturday at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home.
After the service Saturday, the family will host a reception in memory of Ezri at Greenville Oaks Church of Christ in Allen.
Second death
This is the second death of a child this month that Allen police are investigating. Seven-month-old Gloria-Xaria Bernard Gervas drowned after being left unattended in a bathtub of running water. Allen police decided that the death was accidental. But they still plan to refer the case to a Collin County grand jury, which would determine if charges should be filed against the caretaker, Capt. Flores has said.
Last month, a McKinney nanny was arrested after a 14-month-old boy in her care died from blunt force trauma to the head. Ada Cuadros Fernandez, a Peruvian immigrant, had provided notice to Kyle Lazarchik's family that she was quitting and planned to return to her home country. She faces a capital murder charge and remains in the Collin County Jail.
As the Galdianos prepare for the funeral, they are thankful for the support they've gotten from everyone, including strangers. It all reminds them of the beautiful girl, they loved so much, Mr. Galdiano said.
"Every father or parent thinks this, but I'm convinced she was the most beautiful, smartest and most talented baby in the whole world," Mr. Galdiano said. "And I know she was going to be something very special."
Allen: Bereaved parents criticize CPS for taking caregiver's children
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
ALLEN, Texas – George and Kimberly Galdiano's baby sitter runs a Web camera that allows parents to check in on their children throughout the day. Mr. Galdiano did not use it often. But Wednesday morning he did.
He watched his 10-month-old daughter, Ezri, playing near the toy box – the last time he saw her alive.
Less than an hour later, while carrying Ezri down the stairs at her Allen house, baby sitter Ann M. Perry lost her balance and fell. The child was flown to Children's Medical Center Dallas, where she was pronounced dead, said Capt. Robert Flores, an Allen police spokesman.
"She was sitting in front of the toy box smiling and playing with toys and just having a good time," Mr. Galdiano said in the living room of his Allen home Thursday. "I'm very happy that I have memories of me kissing her, her blowing me a kiss and her playing with toys and enjoying life."
After Ms. Perry dropped the child, Ezri tumbled downward, striking her head on a wall at the bottom of the staircase. She lost consciousness, and paramedics administered aid when they arrived at the house in the 1300 block of Normandy Lane about 9:15 a.m., police said.
The Perrys' two children, who were staying with friends of the family, were placed in the custody of Child Protective Services on Thursday, Mr. Galdiano said. He and his wife said that was an injustice.
CPS officials declined to comment on the location of the Perry children.
Spokeswoman Marissa Gonzales said CPS has no history with Ms. Perry or the Galdianos.
Capt. Flores said Allen police are investigating the incident, as is routine every time there is a death. The Dallas County medical examiner had not determined the official cause of death Thursday.
CPS statement
Ms. Gonzales said it's not uncommon for CPS to remove children while trying to find out how an incident occurred.
"Anytime there is a death, you want to work that as if it could be a murder, because you don't want to lose anything. You have to do that to protect the rights of the deceased and ... to clear the person if they did nothing wrong," Capt. Flores said.
But the Galdianos said they know that Ezri's death was a tragic accident.
"Believe me, if I thought this was anything but an accident, I'd be the first one hollering for justice," Mr. Galdiano said.
Ms. Perry, 30, has been the Galdianos' baby sitter since Ezri's older sister, Amilia, 3, was an infant. She watches the sisters, along with her own two young children, said Mr. Galdiano, 41. An unidentified man, who answered the door at the Perry home, said that Ms. Perry did not want to talk.
"My wife called Ann and said, 'I love you. We know this was an accident. And you need to forgive yourself,' " Mr. Galdiano said.
Thursday the Galdiano home was filled with family and friends offering support and comfort. They shared memories of the little girl, who had not yet celebrated her first Thanksgiving or Christmas.
They said Ezri had an infectious smile and loved to laugh. She had two bottom teeth and one top tooth. A fourth tooth was just starting to break the surface. Her first word was "Da Da" and she was just working up to "Ma Ma," her father said.
Her parents named her with care. Dad chose Ezri, a slight change on Ezra of the Bible, which is Hebrew for faithful. And mom picked her middle name, Jadzia, which is Polish for princess.
Services for Ezri will be at noon Saturday at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home.
After the service Saturday, the family will host a reception in memory of Ezri at Greenville Oaks Church of Christ in Allen.
Second death
This is the second death of a child this month that Allen police are investigating. Seven-month-old Gloria-Xaria Bernard Gervas drowned after being left unattended in a bathtub of running water. Allen police decided that the death was accidental. But they still plan to refer the case to a Collin County grand jury, which would determine if charges should be filed against the caretaker, Capt. Flores has said.
Last month, a McKinney nanny was arrested after a 14-month-old boy in her care died from blunt force trauma to the head. Ada Cuadros Fernandez, a Peruvian immigrant, had provided notice to Kyle Lazarchik's family that she was quitting and planned to return to her home country. She faces a capital murder charge and remains in the Collin County Jail.
As the Galdianos prepare for the funeral, they are thankful for the support they've gotten from everyone, including strangers. It all reminds them of the beautiful girl, they loved so much, Mr. Galdiano said.
"Every father or parent thinks this, but I'm convinced she was the most beautiful, smartest and most talented baby in the whole world," Mr. Galdiano said. "And I know she was going to be something very special."
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TexasStooge
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Bomb threat shuts down Love Field
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Passengers scrambled after a bomb threat paralyzed Dallas Love Field for three hours on a busy Friday night.
Witnesses said chaos ensued after a man at a departure gate began screaming, "Bomb in the bag! Bomb in the bag!"
The man took off all his clothes and started running, as hundreds of horrified travelers followed suit.
The terminal was evacuated around 6:30 p.m. as security teams began searching for the man.
Departing passengers and all incoming traffic were turned away while the airport grounds were secured. Stranded travelers frantically phoned friends and relatives to offer assurances of safety.
The unnamed suspect was apprehended and taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital for observation. Police said the man told them that God had told him to put a bomb in a bag and take it to the airport.
Bomb-sniffing dogs examined the suspect's luggage and gave no indication of explosives inside. The Dallas bomb squad, taking no chances, removed the bag to an isolated area and detonated it.
Southwest Airlines, the primary tenant at Love Field, was trying to get its schedule back to normal after the airport resumed operations about 9:40 p.m. The airline said anyone with questions about flights or loved ones can call 800-I-FLY-SWA.
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Passengers scrambled after a bomb threat paralyzed Dallas Love Field for three hours on a busy Friday night.
Witnesses said chaos ensued after a man at a departure gate began screaming, "Bomb in the bag! Bomb in the bag!"
The man took off all his clothes and started running, as hundreds of horrified travelers followed suit.
The terminal was evacuated around 6:30 p.m. as security teams began searching for the man.
Departing passengers and all incoming traffic were turned away while the airport grounds were secured. Stranded travelers frantically phoned friends and relatives to offer assurances of safety.
The unnamed suspect was apprehended and taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital for observation. Police said the man told them that God had told him to put a bomb in a bag and take it to the airport.
Bomb-sniffing dogs examined the suspect's luggage and gave no indication of explosives inside. The Dallas bomb squad, taking no chances, removed the bag to an isolated area and detonated it.
Southwest Airlines, the primary tenant at Love Field, was trying to get its schedule back to normal after the airport resumed operations about 9:40 p.m. The airline said anyone with questions about flights or loved ones can call 800-I-FLY-SWA.
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TexasStooge
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Absentee Councilman to surrender salary
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Since 2001, Dallas taxpayers have paid City Council members a $37,500 annual salary, but the city is forcing at least one former Council member to give some of that back.
Attendance records showed John Loza missed 16 percent of scheduled meetings the last fiscal year, well over the 10 percent limit.
Loza said most of the absences were from Monday committee meetings. "Mondays are the day—being a practicing attorney—I'm usually in court on Mondays," he said. "That would explain those absences."
Council members are expected to attend voting agenda meetings and council briefings on Wednesdays and committee meetings on Mondays.
The city charter says if more than 10 percent of required meetings are missed, the Council member takes a corresponding cut in pay.
Loza will repay almost $3,100.
"No, I don't mind it, and I will pay it," Loza said.
But he's not the only council member who may have to open his wallet.
News 8's preliminary review of city records indicates Don Hill and James Fantroy may also have to repay the city.
Attendance records showed Hill missed at least 15 meetings. While he disputed those records, Hill conceded his law practice has affected attendance.
The records also showed Fantroy missing at least 23 meetings. "Everybody know I'm a kidney patient, and I takes care of myself," Fantroy said, adding that he believes most of the absences were from 9 a.m. committee meetings, when required treatments caused him to be late.
"I do dialysis here in this house, my house," Fantroy explained. "I have to do it every night. It takes nine hours a night."
Some critics say persistent absences weaken confidence in City Hall. Members miss discussions that shape policy, laws, and taxes.
Constinuents expect Council members to show up for work, and serve. "I do it every day," Fantroy said. "That has nothing to do with anything."
It will be a few weeks before the official tallies on Hill and Fantroy are complete, but some City Hall observers feel the tracking could be better.
A few Council members are known to show up for roll call—then disappear the rest of the meeting.
Others spend a lot of time out in the hall on the phone.
Critics want a better way to hold council members accountable for their time on the city's payroll.
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Since 2001, Dallas taxpayers have paid City Council members a $37,500 annual salary, but the city is forcing at least one former Council member to give some of that back.
Attendance records showed John Loza missed 16 percent of scheduled meetings the last fiscal year, well over the 10 percent limit.
Loza said most of the absences were from Monday committee meetings. "Mondays are the day—being a practicing attorney—I'm usually in court on Mondays," he said. "That would explain those absences."
Council members are expected to attend voting agenda meetings and council briefings on Wednesdays and committee meetings on Mondays.
The city charter says if more than 10 percent of required meetings are missed, the Council member takes a corresponding cut in pay.
Loza will repay almost $3,100.
"No, I don't mind it, and I will pay it," Loza said.
But he's not the only council member who may have to open his wallet.
News 8's preliminary review of city records indicates Don Hill and James Fantroy may also have to repay the city.
Attendance records showed Hill missed at least 15 meetings. While he disputed those records, Hill conceded his law practice has affected attendance.
The records also showed Fantroy missing at least 23 meetings. "Everybody know I'm a kidney patient, and I takes care of myself," Fantroy said, adding that he believes most of the absences were from 9 a.m. committee meetings, when required treatments caused him to be late.
"I do dialysis here in this house, my house," Fantroy explained. "I have to do it every night. It takes nine hours a night."
Some critics say persistent absences weaken confidence in City Hall. Members miss discussions that shape policy, laws, and taxes.
Constinuents expect Council members to show up for work, and serve. "I do it every day," Fantroy said. "That has nothing to do with anything."
It will be a few weeks before the official tallies on Hill and Fantroy are complete, but some City Hall observers feel the tracking could be better.
A few Council members are known to show up for roll call—then disappear the rest of the meeting.
Others spend a lot of time out in the hall on the phone.
Critics want a better way to hold council members accountable for their time on the city's payroll.
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TexasStooge
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Dallas faces sex offender cluster
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
In almost every neighborhood or zip code in Texas, you're likely to find a registered sex offender.
Registration is required by law. But as News 8 uncovered, some communities have many more than others.
And one Dallas neighborhood leads the list. The highest number of registered sex offenders live south of the Trinity River, in Oak Cliff.
Officials who have studied the trends say there are several reasons for it.
And people who call Oak Cliff home are not pleased.
These are some of more than 2,500 registered sex offenders in Dallas County.
"I got probably about half the sex offenders in my precinct, as compared to the rest of Dallas County," said Constable Mike Dupree.
Constable Mike Dupree's Precinct Five has 1,076 living there, to be exact.
Narrowing it down further to the 75216 zip code in Oak Cliff reveals the highest number of registered sex offenders in a single zip code - nearly 250 - no other North Texas zip has even half that many.
The number of offenders living there changes day-to-day, week-to-week.
This particular geographic area has been targeted to be a dumping ground for violators.
"We had no idea there were that many sex offenders in this zip code, 75216," said Antionette Witcher, a resident.
In the last five years, the number of registered sex offenders in Oak Cliff has more than doubled.
Police cite three reasons: affordable housing for people who may have limited incomes after getting out of prison; a large number of licensed half way houses (many ex offenders are required to live in those facilities as they transition back into society); and excellent public transportation.
The increasing number of sex offenders in zip 75216 happened without many residents noticing.
"It brought fear into my heart and to the children also, just knowin' there are so many," said Ms. Witcher.
In fact, one registered sex offender lists his address, less than 1000 feet from DISD's Boude Storey Middle School on Maryland Avenue. This is legal, because it's outside the 500 foot distance.
Reverend Jon Cordeiro is a former sex offender who now ministers to other sex offenders committed to getting help.
Cordeiro says residents of 75216 should be asking questions of law enforcement.
"Are the people who are near you treated? Have they gone through treatment, because treatment makes a significant difference in the end result," he says.
In a majority of cases, studies show, only a handful of offenders re-offend after completing treatment.
Still Antionette Witcher says she'll share the information she's learning with neighbors.
"I can go up to the school and talk to the principal and let them know there are so many sex offenders. And what action we can take to support the children," she says.
A city spokesman told News 8 the halfway houses in Oak Cliff are operating legally.
Despite the high concentration of sex offenders here, police say there's not been a significant increase in crime or arrests.
Police say the best way to find out if sex offenders live in your neighborhood, is to go online to the Dallas police or DPS web sites.
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
In almost every neighborhood or zip code in Texas, you're likely to find a registered sex offender.
Registration is required by law. But as News 8 uncovered, some communities have many more than others.
And one Dallas neighborhood leads the list. The highest number of registered sex offenders live south of the Trinity River, in Oak Cliff.
Officials who have studied the trends say there are several reasons for it.
And people who call Oak Cliff home are not pleased.
These are some of more than 2,500 registered sex offenders in Dallas County.
"I got probably about half the sex offenders in my precinct, as compared to the rest of Dallas County," said Constable Mike Dupree.
Constable Mike Dupree's Precinct Five has 1,076 living there, to be exact.
Narrowing it down further to the 75216 zip code in Oak Cliff reveals the highest number of registered sex offenders in a single zip code - nearly 250 - no other North Texas zip has even half that many.
The number of offenders living there changes day-to-day, week-to-week.
This particular geographic area has been targeted to be a dumping ground for violators.
"We had no idea there were that many sex offenders in this zip code, 75216," said Antionette Witcher, a resident.
In the last five years, the number of registered sex offenders in Oak Cliff has more than doubled.
Police cite three reasons: affordable housing for people who may have limited incomes after getting out of prison; a large number of licensed half way houses (many ex offenders are required to live in those facilities as they transition back into society); and excellent public transportation.
The increasing number of sex offenders in zip 75216 happened without many residents noticing.
"It brought fear into my heart and to the children also, just knowin' there are so many," said Ms. Witcher.
In fact, one registered sex offender lists his address, less than 1000 feet from DISD's Boude Storey Middle School on Maryland Avenue. This is legal, because it's outside the 500 foot distance.
Reverend Jon Cordeiro is a former sex offender who now ministers to other sex offenders committed to getting help.
Cordeiro says residents of 75216 should be asking questions of law enforcement.
"Are the people who are near you treated? Have they gone through treatment, because treatment makes a significant difference in the end result," he says.
In a majority of cases, studies show, only a handful of offenders re-offend after completing treatment.
Still Antionette Witcher says she'll share the information she's learning with neighbors.
"I can go up to the school and talk to the principal and let them know there are so many sex offenders. And what action we can take to support the children," she says.
A city spokesman told News 8 the halfway houses in Oak Cliff are operating legally.
Despite the high concentration of sex offenders here, police say there's not been a significant increase in crime or arrests.
Police say the best way to find out if sex offenders live in your neighborhood, is to go online to the Dallas police or DPS web sites.
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TexasStooge
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Violent death in Deep Ellum
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police searched Saturday for a gunman who shattered the lives of a Balch Springs family.
Detectives said the trouble began inside Club Hush on Main Street in the city's Deep Ellum entertainment district.
J.T. Nelson and two friends left the bar shortly after 2 a.m. when another group tried to pick a fight.
Police said Nelson and his friends stopped at the corner of Commerce and Pryor streets to help another friend get her car started. That's when a man wearing a bandana over his face ran by with a gun, firing multiple shots.
One person was wounded. Nelson, 20, was killed.
"Nobody deserves it, but he really didn't deserve it," said Tanya Nelson, the victim's sister. "He just stopped to help someone, and he lost his life."
J.T. Nelson's mother, Tracy Nelson, was filled with shock and disbelief. "He wouldn't hurt anybody; he wasn't a violent person," she said, choking back tears. "This is a mother's worst nightmare coming to reality."
Police were investigating whether the shooting was related to the dispute inside Club Hush. Family members said they hope someone will come forward with information.
"Don't let this guy go," urged Jeffrey Nelson, the victim's father. "Don't let him get somebody else."
Dallas police said they do not believe the shooting was gang-related. They were still searching for a suspect on Saturday night.
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police searched Saturday for a gunman who shattered the lives of a Balch Springs family.
Detectives said the trouble began inside Club Hush on Main Street in the city's Deep Ellum entertainment district.
J.T. Nelson and two friends left the bar shortly after 2 a.m. when another group tried to pick a fight.
Police said Nelson and his friends stopped at the corner of Commerce and Pryor streets to help another friend get her car started. That's when a man wearing a bandana over his face ran by with a gun, firing multiple shots.
One person was wounded. Nelson, 20, was killed.
"Nobody deserves it, but he really didn't deserve it," said Tanya Nelson, the victim's sister. "He just stopped to help someone, and he lost his life."
J.T. Nelson's mother, Tracy Nelson, was filled with shock and disbelief. "He wouldn't hurt anybody; he wasn't a violent person," she said, choking back tears. "This is a mother's worst nightmare coming to reality."
Police were investigating whether the shooting was related to the dispute inside Club Hush. Family members said they hope someone will come forward with information.
"Don't let this guy go," urged Jeffrey Nelson, the victim's father. "Don't let him get somebody else."
Dallas police said they do not believe the shooting was gang-related. They were still searching for a suspect on Saturday night.
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TexasStooge
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UNT student killed by police
By MICHAEL REY / WFAA ABC 8
DENTON, Texas - Denton police shot and killed a University of North Texas student early Saturday morning.
The incident happened shortly after midnight at the student's apartment, a block away from the campus in the 700 block of Central Ave. Neighbors and friends said Daniel Powell, 25, had been drinking heavily and fired a gun at police officers.
"He was pretty intoxicated," said Robert Calvillo, a friend and next-door neighbor of the dead student. "He started yelling when he came in ... at a police car that drove by."
Calvillo says he and Powell had spent Friday night drinking liquor. That may have fueled a rage that turned increasingly violent.
"He got out a .38 that he had and fired it off in the parking lot; just random shots," Calvillo said.
Neighbors heard the shots and called police.
"He actually turned to me and asked, he's like, 'My ears are ringing, you know? Did I fire the gun?'" Calvillo recalled.
Witnesses said Powell refused to speak when Denton police arrived to investigate.
"He wouldn't say anything," said Michael Brower, who witnessed the shooting. "Then they saw the gun and said, 'Drop the gun!' He moved, took a couple shots, they returned fire."
Daniel McClelland, who said he also saw the incident, said the police gunfire knocked him against the wall, then he fell down.
"The suspect was transported to Presbyterian Hospital here in Denton, where he later died," said Denton police spokesman Officer Jim Bryan.
Three Denton police officers were placed on leave with pay while the Texas Rangers investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
By MICHAEL REY / WFAA ABC 8
DENTON, Texas - Denton police shot and killed a University of North Texas student early Saturday morning.
The incident happened shortly after midnight at the student's apartment, a block away from the campus in the 700 block of Central Ave. Neighbors and friends said Daniel Powell, 25, had been drinking heavily and fired a gun at police officers.
"He was pretty intoxicated," said Robert Calvillo, a friend and next-door neighbor of the dead student. "He started yelling when he came in ... at a police car that drove by."
Calvillo says he and Powell had spent Friday night drinking liquor. That may have fueled a rage that turned increasingly violent.
"He got out a .38 that he had and fired it off in the parking lot; just random shots," Calvillo said.
Neighbors heard the shots and called police.
"He actually turned to me and asked, he's like, 'My ears are ringing, you know? Did I fire the gun?'" Calvillo recalled.
Witnesses said Powell refused to speak when Denton police arrived to investigate.
"He wouldn't say anything," said Michael Brower, who witnessed the shooting. "Then they saw the gun and said, 'Drop the gun!' He moved, took a couple shots, they returned fire."
Daniel McClelland, who said he also saw the incident, said the police gunfire knocked him against the wall, then he fell down.
"The suspect was transported to Presbyterian Hospital here in Denton, where he later died," said Denton police spokesman Officer Jim Bryan.
Three Denton police officers were placed on leave with pay while the Texas Rangers investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
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TexasStooge
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Plano student chosen as Rhodes Scholar
PLANO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Two Texans were among the 32 college students selected Sunday as Rhodes Scholars for 2006.
The scholars, chosen from 903 applicants who were endorsed by 333 colleges and universities across the country, will enter Oxford University in England next October. The scholarships, the oldest of the international study awards available to American students, provide two or three years of study at Oxford.
Jeffrey A. Miller of Plano attends Princeton University, where he is majoring in English and pursuing a certificate in creative writing. Miller also is working on a novel and plans to pursue a career as a writer and a professor.
Lakshmi Krishnan, of Sugar Land, is currently writing her honors thesis on vampires and blood contagion in the 19th century novel at Wake Forest University, the scholarship trust said.
The senior, who enjoys karaoke and swimming, was president of her campus Amnesty International chapter and recently interned in the Health Action AIDS Campaign at Physicians for Human Rights.
A student at Rice University was also selected. Noorain F. Kahn, a senior from Grand Rapids, Mich., is writing her thesis on issues relating to the veiling of Muslim women and is an active campus leader, the trust said.
Rhodes Scholarships were created in 1902 by the will of British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes. Winners are selected on the basis of high academic achievement, personal integrity, leadership potential and physical vigor, among other attributes.
The American students will join an international group of scholars selected from 13 other nations around the world. Approximately 85 scholars are selected each year.
With the elections announced Sunday, 3,078 Americans have won Rhodes Scholarships, representing 307 colleges and universities.
The value of the Rhodes Scholarship varies depending on the field of study. The total value averages about $40,000 per year.
PLANO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Two Texans were among the 32 college students selected Sunday as Rhodes Scholars for 2006.
The scholars, chosen from 903 applicants who were endorsed by 333 colleges and universities across the country, will enter Oxford University in England next October. The scholarships, the oldest of the international study awards available to American students, provide two or three years of study at Oxford.
Jeffrey A. Miller of Plano attends Princeton University, where he is majoring in English and pursuing a certificate in creative writing. Miller also is working on a novel and plans to pursue a career as a writer and a professor.
Lakshmi Krishnan, of Sugar Land, is currently writing her honors thesis on vampires and blood contagion in the 19th century novel at Wake Forest University, the scholarship trust said.
The senior, who enjoys karaoke and swimming, was president of her campus Amnesty International chapter and recently interned in the Health Action AIDS Campaign at Physicians for Human Rights.
A student at Rice University was also selected. Noorain F. Kahn, a senior from Grand Rapids, Mich., is writing her thesis on issues relating to the veiling of Muslim women and is an active campus leader, the trust said.
Rhodes Scholarships were created in 1902 by the will of British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes. Winners are selected on the basis of high academic achievement, personal integrity, leadership potential and physical vigor, among other attributes.
The American students will join an international group of scholars selected from 13 other nations around the world. Approximately 85 scholars are selected each year.
With the elections announced Sunday, 3,078 Americans have won Rhodes Scholarships, representing 307 colleges and universities.
The value of the Rhodes Scholarship varies depending on the field of study. The total value averages about $40,000 per year.
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