Pilots say airport security still lacking
By JIM FRY / WFAA ABC 8
DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas - Airline pilots on Thursday warned the public and the government there is a "soft underbelly" at most U.S. airports that compromises security for staff and passengers alike.
The pilots - who see much of the behind-the-scenes activity at the nation's airports - give failing grades for many aspects of security, blaming the federal government, airports and the airlines.
Many passengers see beefed-up screening and better-equipped security personnel through the Transportation Security Agency.
"Yes, I think air travel is safer than it was," said Southwest Airlines pilot Capt. Paul Ontorato.
But while the pilots agree that the terminals are safer than before, they say perimeter security is nearly non-existent at smaller airports. Assigning letter grades, they gave security on the ramp an "F", federal air marshal presence a "C" and threat information for air crews a "D".
"Our government has yet to fill the gaps that we as pilots see as we continue to fly the American public," said Capt. John Safley of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association.
A federal transportation offiicial called the report card a cheap publicity stunt, and said newly-expanded federal efforts cover everything from the curb to the cockpit.
"In terms of putting layer after layer after layer, (we) make the most robust security system available," said Mark Hatfield of the TSA.
American Airlines captain Jay Norelius said he wants to see more security in staff and pilot areas, even at the busiest airports like Dallas/Fort Worth International.
"At D/FW (Airport), that badge will get me into the ramp areas," Norelius said. "What I drag with me - my pull-along - never gets looked at right now."
D/FW officials said the airport checks every employee's background, and every delivery truck. D/FW spokesman Ken Capps said a breach could still happen, but it's not likely.
"Literally, they count the screwdrivers," Capps said.
Pilots said ramp employees almost everywhere never face an X-ray screening.
"It really is the soft underbelly that concerns us very, very much," Safley said.
Federal transportation officials maintain that pilots don't see the whole picture. The pilots, meanwhile, said some needs are so glaring that Congress might have to act to force Homeland Security officials to take action.
News from the Lone Star State
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Police nab escaped inmate
By GRETEL C. KOVACH / The Dallas Morning News
MESQUITE, Texas — The search is over for a wanted felon who escaped from a Mesquite hospital Wednesday night.
Roy Gardner, who has spent almost 18 years of his life in prison, was arrested without incident at 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the Paradise Bay Motel in Tool, Texas, about 40 miles southeast of Mesquite.
Police recovered a stolen weapon along with Gardner.
Mr. Gardner, 51, overpowered a security officer at Mesquite Community Hospital, stole his .45-caliber handgun and carjacked a van from a construction worker in the parking lot about 7 p.m., police said.
The federal inmate called his older sister after fleeing to warn her he "wasn't going back."
Late Wednesday night Dallas police recovered the stolen van Gardner used for his getaway in Pleasant Grove, but the convicted felon remained at large.
Mesquite police warned he was "very, very dangerous" and has a history of violence, but his sister said "he's not as bad as he sounds."
Mr. Gardner, a Dallas native, has prior convictions for possession of narcotics, burglary and being a felon in possession of a gun, records show.
His 62-year-old sister, who did not want to be identified because of concerns about her health, said he was being treated for tuberculosis. She said he had been released from prison recently but was reincarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Seagoville after he failed a drug test.
During his release he had stayed with his sister in Dallas.
He called her Wednesday night after his escape to warn her that authorities would be on their way, she said.
"I love my brother, but right now I think he's nothing but a damn idiot for walking off," she said. "He'll run and they'll shoot him. I'm worried because he's hellbent on running.
"If you had spent 17 ½ years in lock-up, I'm sure you wouldn't want to go back either."
Late Wednesday, Mr. Gardner's getaway vehicle – a white Chevrolet van with "Ivy Mechanical" printed on the side and a Mississippi license plate beginning with "ATH" – was discovered in the 11600 block of Kleberg Road in Dallas, near Interstate 20 and U.S. 175.
A supervisor at FCI Seagoville declined to comment Wednesday night, and Bureau of Prisons authorities could not be reached for comment.
Police said he had been at the hospital since February.
Mr. Gardner's sister said he had been in trouble most of his life.
"We had a childhood that no child ever should have had," she said. "He came out of that prison after being locked up so long like a lost little child. He doesn't even know how to balance a checkbook," she said.
WFAA-TV reporter Cynthia Vega in Mesquite contributed to this report.
By GRETEL C. KOVACH / The Dallas Morning News
MESQUITE, Texas — The search is over for a wanted felon who escaped from a Mesquite hospital Wednesday night.
Roy Gardner, who has spent almost 18 years of his life in prison, was arrested without incident at 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the Paradise Bay Motel in Tool, Texas, about 40 miles southeast of Mesquite.
Police recovered a stolen weapon along with Gardner.
Mr. Gardner, 51, overpowered a security officer at Mesquite Community Hospital, stole his .45-caliber handgun and carjacked a van from a construction worker in the parking lot about 7 p.m., police said.
The federal inmate called his older sister after fleeing to warn her he "wasn't going back."
Late Wednesday night Dallas police recovered the stolen van Gardner used for his getaway in Pleasant Grove, but the convicted felon remained at large.
Mesquite police warned he was "very, very dangerous" and has a history of violence, but his sister said "he's not as bad as he sounds."
Mr. Gardner, a Dallas native, has prior convictions for possession of narcotics, burglary and being a felon in possession of a gun, records show.
His 62-year-old sister, who did not want to be identified because of concerns about her health, said he was being treated for tuberculosis. She said he had been released from prison recently but was reincarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Seagoville after he failed a drug test.
During his release he had stayed with his sister in Dallas.
He called her Wednesday night after his escape to warn her that authorities would be on their way, she said.
"I love my brother, but right now I think he's nothing but a damn idiot for walking off," she said. "He'll run and they'll shoot him. I'm worried because he's hellbent on running.
"If you had spent 17 ½ years in lock-up, I'm sure you wouldn't want to go back either."
Late Wednesday, Mr. Gardner's getaway vehicle – a white Chevrolet van with "Ivy Mechanical" printed on the side and a Mississippi license plate beginning with "ATH" – was discovered in the 11600 block of Kleberg Road in Dallas, near Interstate 20 and U.S. 175.
A supervisor at FCI Seagoville declined to comment Wednesday night, and Bureau of Prisons authorities could not be reached for comment.
Police said he had been at the hospital since February.
Mr. Gardner's sister said he had been in trouble most of his life.
"We had a childhood that no child ever should have had," she said. "He came out of that prison after being locked up so long like a lost little child. He doesn't even know how to balance a checkbook," she said.
WFAA-TV reporter Cynthia Vega in Mesquite contributed to this report.
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Events to honor 4 slain in McKinney
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
McKINNEY, Texas – Church bells will toll Saturday in memory of four lives.
They will ring to remember the first anniversary of their deaths, which rocked this community as the worst crime in its history.
Two events to remember the victims of last year's quadruple murder are planned for Saturday. Both are open to the public.
One of the vigils will be at 105 Truett St., the house where Rosa Barbosa, 46, her nephew Mark Barbosa, 25, and his friends Matt Self, 17, and Austin York, 18, were fatally shot in what police describe as a robbery gone bad.
Another memorial service is planned at Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park at 300 W. Louisiana St., about a half-mile from the Barbosa home.
"I think all of us getting together, comforting each other ... we all need that," said Basilia Barbosa, Mark's mother and Rosa's sister-in-law. "Just that love, that hug, that touch. There's something about it."
Laurie Wilson and Nancy Self, Austin and Matt's mothers, said they don't plan to attend either vigil, choosing to spend the day with their families.
Both services will officially begin when the bells at First United Methodist Church and St. Peter's Episcopal Church toll at 7 p.m. Saturday, exactly one year after Mrs. Barbosa last saw Mark and his friends when they stopped by her home on the way to the Truett Street house.
Family members ask that people all over town take a moment of silence and remember Matt, Austin, Mark and Ms. Barbosa when they hear the bells.
Mrs. Barbosa said she will lead a candlelight vigil and a moment of silence at the Truett Street house. That will be followed by a speaker and an opportunity for family and friends to mingle and talk.
"Last year was really hard when it first happened," Mrs. Barbosa said. "I think we all know that they are in a better place. But still we need to not forget them."
Carole Mendez-Kindle, Mark Barbosa's birth mother, is having the second memorial at the park. She said the park was named for the doctor who cared for her throughout her pregnancy with Mark. She said she regrets being absent much of his childhood after she and Mark's father, Alex, divorced in 1989.
"My relationship with my son wasn't what I wanted it to be when he died," Ms. Mendez-Kindle said. "I want to give this [service] as a comfort to the mothers that are all involved. I want them to know that there are people thinking of them."
The slayings remain unsolved.
McKinney police have two officers working full time on the case. They continue to follow leads, cull evidence and interview people they believe have information about the quadruple murder March 12.
"That day is important to remember. There was a terrible crime committed that day," Ms. Mendez-Kindle said. "This service is to arouse the consciousness of the person who might know something about what happened that night."
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
McKINNEY, Texas – Church bells will toll Saturday in memory of four lives.
They will ring to remember the first anniversary of their deaths, which rocked this community as the worst crime in its history.
Two events to remember the victims of last year's quadruple murder are planned for Saturday. Both are open to the public.
One of the vigils will be at 105 Truett St., the house where Rosa Barbosa, 46, her nephew Mark Barbosa, 25, and his friends Matt Self, 17, and Austin York, 18, were fatally shot in what police describe as a robbery gone bad.
Another memorial service is planned at Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park at 300 W. Louisiana St., about a half-mile from the Barbosa home.
"I think all of us getting together, comforting each other ... we all need that," said Basilia Barbosa, Mark's mother and Rosa's sister-in-law. "Just that love, that hug, that touch. There's something about it."
Laurie Wilson and Nancy Self, Austin and Matt's mothers, said they don't plan to attend either vigil, choosing to spend the day with their families.
Both services will officially begin when the bells at First United Methodist Church and St. Peter's Episcopal Church toll at 7 p.m. Saturday, exactly one year after Mrs. Barbosa last saw Mark and his friends when they stopped by her home on the way to the Truett Street house.
Family members ask that people all over town take a moment of silence and remember Matt, Austin, Mark and Ms. Barbosa when they hear the bells.
Mrs. Barbosa said she will lead a candlelight vigil and a moment of silence at the Truett Street house. That will be followed by a speaker and an opportunity for family and friends to mingle and talk.
"Last year was really hard when it first happened," Mrs. Barbosa said. "I think we all know that they are in a better place. But still we need to not forget them."
Carole Mendez-Kindle, Mark Barbosa's birth mother, is having the second memorial at the park. She said the park was named for the doctor who cared for her throughout her pregnancy with Mark. She said she regrets being absent much of his childhood after she and Mark's father, Alex, divorced in 1989.
"My relationship with my son wasn't what I wanted it to be when he died," Ms. Mendez-Kindle said. "I want to give this [service] as a comfort to the mothers that are all involved. I want them to know that there are people thinking of them."
The slayings remain unsolved.
McKinney police have two officers working full time on the case. They continue to follow leads, cull evidence and interview people they believe have information about the quadruple murder March 12.
"That day is important to remember. There was a terrible crime committed that day," Ms. Mendez-Kindle said. "This service is to arouse the consciousness of the person who might know something about what happened that night."
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Dallas Morning News, DallasNews.com projects honored
From Staff Reports
The Dallas Morning News and its Web site, DallasNews.com, have won Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Awards honoring the best in print, Web and electronic journalism for 2004.
DallasNews.com was honored for an intricate multimedia presentation about Olympic gold medal gymnast Carly Patterson.
The newspaper’s entry, an aggressive editorial campaign calling for recorded votes in the Texas Legislature, was selected the winner of the award for distinguished service to the First Amendment.
Each award carries a $10,000 prize from the Scripps Howard Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the E.W. Scripps Co.
"We are very proud to have been recognized for both important projects, one that celebrates breakthrough journalism fostering more open government and another that recognizes world class athletic achievement,” said Bob Mong, editor of The News.
“Carly Patterson: The Double Arabian, A Very Dangerous Skill” combined photography, audio and text into a cohesive Web presentation that broke down each step in Patterson’s signature dismount from the balance beam. The online package also included a youth-friendly question and answer session with the Plano athlete, desktop wallpaper and other features.
Senior Editor for Sports John Banks and Director of Multimedia Karen Davis, both of DallasNews.com, and News photographer Smiley Pool shared the honors for the Web award.
“It's a well-earned honor,” said George Rodrigue, managing editor of The News, “because our photographers, graphic artists and Web folks collaborated to produce an absolutely stunning study of Carly Patterson's bravery and skill."
The staff of The Dallas Morning News’ editorial department was recognized for “Let the Sun Shine,” a series of editorials, supplemented by cartoons, letters to the editor and candidate endorsements. The newspaper has made mandating public votes a top legislative priority, arguing that the current system allows legislators to dodge public scrutiny and accountability by voting on issues without recording those votes.
Earlier this week, the House State Affairs Committee discussed proposed constitutional amendments to require that lawmakers' votes be recorded, although several members indicated that they feel the current rules give sufficient public accountability. Both bills were left pending in committee.
The Dallas Morning News also was a finalist for public service reporting for “Tipping Point,” in which the newspaper commissioned a private consulting firm to undertake a far-reaching statistical comparison of Dallas and 14 other large U.S. cities. The conclusion was that by almost any measure – crime, school quality, economic growth – Dallas lags behind its counterparts.
From Staff Reports
The Dallas Morning News and its Web site, DallasNews.com, have won Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Awards honoring the best in print, Web and electronic journalism for 2004.
DallasNews.com was honored for an intricate multimedia presentation about Olympic gold medal gymnast Carly Patterson.
The newspaper’s entry, an aggressive editorial campaign calling for recorded votes in the Texas Legislature, was selected the winner of the award for distinguished service to the First Amendment.
Each award carries a $10,000 prize from the Scripps Howard Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the E.W. Scripps Co.
"We are very proud to have been recognized for both important projects, one that celebrates breakthrough journalism fostering more open government and another that recognizes world class athletic achievement,” said Bob Mong, editor of The News.
“Carly Patterson: The Double Arabian, A Very Dangerous Skill” combined photography, audio and text into a cohesive Web presentation that broke down each step in Patterson’s signature dismount from the balance beam. The online package also included a youth-friendly question and answer session with the Plano athlete, desktop wallpaper and other features.
Senior Editor for Sports John Banks and Director of Multimedia Karen Davis, both of DallasNews.com, and News photographer Smiley Pool shared the honors for the Web award.
“It's a well-earned honor,” said George Rodrigue, managing editor of The News, “because our photographers, graphic artists and Web folks collaborated to produce an absolutely stunning study of Carly Patterson's bravery and skill."
The staff of The Dallas Morning News’ editorial department was recognized for “Let the Sun Shine,” a series of editorials, supplemented by cartoons, letters to the editor and candidate endorsements. The newspaper has made mandating public votes a top legislative priority, arguing that the current system allows legislators to dodge public scrutiny and accountability by voting on issues without recording those votes.
Earlier this week, the House State Affairs Committee discussed proposed constitutional amendments to require that lawmakers' votes be recorded, although several members indicated that they feel the current rules give sufficient public accountability. Both bills were left pending in committee.
The Dallas Morning News also was a finalist for public service reporting for “Tipping Point,” in which the newspaper commissioned a private consulting firm to undertake a far-reaching statistical comparison of Dallas and 14 other large U.S. cities. The conclusion was that by almost any measure – crime, school quality, economic growth – Dallas lags behind its counterparts.
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Funds for Trinity bridges approved
Transportation bill includes $76 million for I-30, I-35E spans
By EMILY RAMSHAW / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - The U.S. House passed a $284 billion transportation bill Thursday that includes every dollar Dallas officials requested for two new bridges spanning the Trinity River.
The U.S. Senate and House must still arrive at a final version, and President Bush must sign that six-year spending plan, which has been stalled for 18 months. But congressional leaders said Thursday that they are confident that will happen well before the current bill expires May 31.
The $76 million allocated for Trinity bridges isn't guaranteed, if only because "a chicken doesn't crow until the egg hatches," said U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas. "But I'm very, very hopeful we get this done, and quickly. It looks good."
The future of Dallas' Trinity River project depends on three bridges – sweeping structures designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The first, a Woodall Rodgers freeway extension bridge that will be named for philanthropist Margaret Hunt Hill, is already fully financed.
If the House version of the transportation bill is adopted, it will help fund construction of the Interstate 30 bridge and Interstate 35E bridge, as well as two highway interchanges on Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway.
"I am beyond ecstatic, and I attribute every penny to Pete Sessions and Eddie Bernice Johnson," Mayor Laura Miller said of the representatives. "This was the big hurdle. The heavy lifting has been done, and it was done by two people."
The most recent transportation bill, which expired at the end of 2003, has been kept alive with three short-term extensions. The White House has threatened to veto the reauthorization bill if it exceeds $284 billion.
In the House bill that passed Thursday, Ms. Johnson, D-Dallas, earmarked $25 million for the I-30 bridge and $15 million for the I-35E bridge. Mr. Sessions allocated $34 million for the I-30 bridge, and U.S. Reps. Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas, and Kenny Marchant, R-Coppell, each allocated $1 million. This represents the full funding the city requested for the bridges.
"We have a huge debt of gratitude to our congressional delegation, Eddie Bernice Johnson and Pete Sessions, and all of their leadership," said City Council member Ed Oakley, who will be in Washington with the mayor Wednesday to discuss appropriations for the Trinity River Project. "Now, all our eyes will be focused on the Senate and the White House."Mr. Sessions said: "Make no mistake about it. The money we are awarded is thanks to a lot of bipartisan work."
If the House version is approved, the $76 million for the Trinity bridges will be coupled with dollars from the Texas Department of Transportation to finance construction, said Rebecca Dugger, director of the Trinity River Project.
"We're happy; we're excited," she said. "We've still got some work to do. But we're one step closer to getting [design] done and breaking ground."
Staff writer Dave Levinthal contributed to this report.
Transportation bill includes $76 million for I-30, I-35E spans
By EMILY RAMSHAW / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - The U.S. House passed a $284 billion transportation bill Thursday that includes every dollar Dallas officials requested for two new bridges spanning the Trinity River.
The U.S. Senate and House must still arrive at a final version, and President Bush must sign that six-year spending plan, which has been stalled for 18 months. But congressional leaders said Thursday that they are confident that will happen well before the current bill expires May 31.
The $76 million allocated for Trinity bridges isn't guaranteed, if only because "a chicken doesn't crow until the egg hatches," said U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas. "But I'm very, very hopeful we get this done, and quickly. It looks good."
The future of Dallas' Trinity River project depends on three bridges – sweeping structures designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The first, a Woodall Rodgers freeway extension bridge that will be named for philanthropist Margaret Hunt Hill, is already fully financed.
If the House version of the transportation bill is adopted, it will help fund construction of the Interstate 30 bridge and Interstate 35E bridge, as well as two highway interchanges on Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway.
"I am beyond ecstatic, and I attribute every penny to Pete Sessions and Eddie Bernice Johnson," Mayor Laura Miller said of the representatives. "This was the big hurdle. The heavy lifting has been done, and it was done by two people."
The most recent transportation bill, which expired at the end of 2003, has been kept alive with three short-term extensions. The White House has threatened to veto the reauthorization bill if it exceeds $284 billion.
In the House bill that passed Thursday, Ms. Johnson, D-Dallas, earmarked $25 million for the I-30 bridge and $15 million for the I-35E bridge. Mr. Sessions allocated $34 million for the I-30 bridge, and U.S. Reps. Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas, and Kenny Marchant, R-Coppell, each allocated $1 million. This represents the full funding the city requested for the bridges.
"We have a huge debt of gratitude to our congressional delegation, Eddie Bernice Johnson and Pete Sessions, and all of their leadership," said City Council member Ed Oakley, who will be in Washington with the mayor Wednesday to discuss appropriations for the Trinity River Project. "Now, all our eyes will be focused on the Senate and the White House."Mr. Sessions said: "Make no mistake about it. The money we are awarded is thanks to a lot of bipartisan work."
If the House version is approved, the $76 million for the Trinity bridges will be coupled with dollars from the Texas Department of Transportation to finance construction, said Rebecca Dugger, director of the Trinity River Project.
"We're happy; we're excited," she said. "We've still got some work to do. But we're one step closer to getting [design] done and breaking ground."
Staff writer Dave Levinthal contributed to this report.
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3 die in E. Texas helicopter crash
SHELBYVILLE, Texas (The Dallas Morning News/AP) - Three people were killed Thursday when a helicopter under contract to the U.S. Forest Service crashed during prescribed burning operations in the Sabine National Forest, officials said.
The victims were identified as pilot Jose Victor Gonzales, John Greeno and Charles Edgar, said Heather Crustner, a dispatcher with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Lufkin.
The three were the only occupants of the craft, and they died at the scene. Ages and hometowns were not immediately available.
Lee Andrew, owner of Brainerd Helicopter Service Inc., in Brainerd, Minn., said Gonzales had worked for him about three weeks and was hired out of Texas. He said the other two passengers were not his employees.
"It's just terrible," Andrew said in Friday's Brainerd Dispatch.
The helicopter, a Bell 206B-3, went down around 2 p.m. about 60 miles northeast of Lufkin in East Texas, said Gay Ippolito, a public affairs officer with the Forest Service.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, Ippolito said. As a precaution, the forest service grounded aviation operations in the national forests and grasslands in Texas.
The helicopter had flown all morning, then refueled and returned to fly in the afternoon over the rural, pine-studded region, said Shelby County Sheriff Newton Johnson.
"The helicopter came over the radio, they were saying, 'Mayday, Mayday, we're going down,' and they crashed in the national forest," Johnson said.
Justice of the Peace O.B. Furlow said the area surrounding the crash site has such dense vegetation that officials had to use a bulldozer to get to the scene.
"It's nothing but pine wood back there," Furlow said.
The 206B-3 is described on the Bell Helicopter Web site as the most popular turbine helicopter of all time. It seats five and has a maximum cruising speed of 133 mph.
Andrew said his company has done contract work for the past seven or eight years, working in Minnesota, Wyoming, Montana and the southern United States. In addition to work for the U.S. Forest Service, his helicopters are used to check power lines and do aerial work for the Department of the Interior.
Andrew said this is the first fatal crash for the company.
The Sabine National Forest drew attention in early 2003 as an area where shuttle "Columbia" recovery efforts were concentrated.
All seven astronauts died when Columbia broke apart and burned during re-entry.
SHELBYVILLE, Texas (The Dallas Morning News/AP) - Three people were killed Thursday when a helicopter under contract to the U.S. Forest Service crashed during prescribed burning operations in the Sabine National Forest, officials said.
The victims were identified as pilot Jose Victor Gonzales, John Greeno and Charles Edgar, said Heather Crustner, a dispatcher with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Lufkin.
The three were the only occupants of the craft, and they died at the scene. Ages and hometowns were not immediately available.
Lee Andrew, owner of Brainerd Helicopter Service Inc., in Brainerd, Minn., said Gonzales had worked for him about three weeks and was hired out of Texas. He said the other two passengers were not his employees.
"It's just terrible," Andrew said in Friday's Brainerd Dispatch.
The helicopter, a Bell 206B-3, went down around 2 p.m. about 60 miles northeast of Lufkin in East Texas, said Gay Ippolito, a public affairs officer with the Forest Service.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, Ippolito said. As a precaution, the forest service grounded aviation operations in the national forests and grasslands in Texas.
The helicopter had flown all morning, then refueled and returned to fly in the afternoon over the rural, pine-studded region, said Shelby County Sheriff Newton Johnson.
"The helicopter came over the radio, they were saying, 'Mayday, Mayday, we're going down,' and they crashed in the national forest," Johnson said.
Justice of the Peace O.B. Furlow said the area surrounding the crash site has such dense vegetation that officials had to use a bulldozer to get to the scene.
"It's nothing but pine wood back there," Furlow said.
The 206B-3 is described on the Bell Helicopter Web site as the most popular turbine helicopter of all time. It seats five and has a maximum cruising speed of 133 mph.
Andrew said his company has done contract work for the past seven or eight years, working in Minnesota, Wyoming, Montana and the southern United States. In addition to work for the U.S. Forest Service, his helicopters are used to check power lines and do aerial work for the Department of the Interior.
Andrew said this is the first fatal crash for the company.
The Sabine National Forest drew attention in early 2003 as an area where shuttle "Columbia" recovery efforts were concentrated.
All seven astronauts died when Columbia broke apart and burned during re-entry.
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Mexico to pay water debt to Texas, Rice says
Immigration policy change, drug trade also discussed on her visit
By LENNOX SAMUELS / The Dallas Morning News
MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Texas will receive billions of gallons of water it is owed by Mexico in an agreement Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced Thursday between U.S. and Mexican officials.
The accord ends a 12-year-old dispute that sometimes became acrimonious. The issue once prompted Mexican President Vicente Fox to cancel a planned U.S. visit, and some Rio Grande farmers sued Mexico for crop loss stemming from nonpayment of the water.
"In the spirit of bilateral cooperation, I am pleased that we have reached a mutual understanding on the transfer of a sum of water that will cover Mexico's debt to the United States under our 1944 Water Treaty," Dr. Rice said at a news conference with Mexico Foreign Minister Luis Ernesto Derbez.
Under the agreement, the Mexicans will transfer 716,670 acre-feet of water by the end of September. They also will transfer at least 350,000 acre-feet a year for the remaining three years of the current cycle, as required by the treaty.
An acre-foot of water is the equivalent of 326,000 gallons, the amount of water it takes to flood an acre of land a foot deep.
In her first visit to Mexico as secretary of state, Dr. Rice also said that the United States remains interested in immigration policy change, noting that President Bush "is committed to immigration that is humane and that respects United States law and that also recognizes the economic realities of Mexico and the United States."
She said both countries must continue to work on immigration and border issues but stressed that any policy change must be worked out through proper channels.
"The United States government would not condone any extra-legal means to deal with immigration issues," she said. "These have to be dealt with by immigration officials, and we work very closely with our Mexican counterparts in trying to ensure that our borders are as safe and secure as possible."
Border terrorism fears
Regarding possible use of the Mexico-U.S. border by terrorists, Dr. Rice said the administration is "always concerned about terrorists and how they might use our very long border."
"We are quite aware that terrorists will try very hard to use those borders to enter our country for purposes to hurt us," she said. "I think we're making progress, but the terrorists are going to keep trying."
Asked about Mr. Derbez's announcement this week that the Mexican government would be willing to extradite jailed drug kingpin Osiel Cárdenas to the United States, Dr. Rice said she would not discuss any specific cases.
The administrations of Mr. Bush and Mr. Fox have been "absolutely committed to dealing with what is a very a difficult and indeed tragic situation for both our countries," she said.
She added that given the damage narcotics do to young people, it is important to apprehend those responsible.
"We understand and appreciate that within the context of Mexico's own laws, Mexico has been a very good partner on matters concerning narcotics trade," she said.
Mr. Derbez said Mr. Cárdenas, who is on trial on drug and money-laundering charges, would have to complete any prison sentence in Mexico before being extradited.
Good news for Valley
Texas Gov. Rick Perry hailed the water agreement as "tremendous news for farmers, ranchers and residents of the Rio Grande Valley."
"It is a historic day for all of Texas, the United States and Mexico, because it marks the end of a contentious issue that has clouded our friendship for too long and marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation," the governor said in Mission, Texas.
But U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison expressed reservations about the pact, saying it was belated and did not go far enough.
"This agreement is long overdue, and it may well be the best deal available," said the Texas Republican. "But the debt should have been paid in full. ... If anything, the Mexicans should have paid more water as interest on their long-overdue arrearages.
"That being said," she added, "the Rio Grande Valley, state of Texas and United States will benefit from the agreement reached today."
A Mexican government official said that Mexico long has been willing to pay its water debt but that the country experienced serious droughts during the administrations of Presidents Carlos Salinas and Ernesto Zedillo.
Heavy rains last year and in 2003 helped the country reduce its water debt to the United States from more than 1.3 million acre-feet to less than 800,000, the State Department said..
"This will be an important step forward for jobs, economic growth and the quality of life in South Texas," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Immigration policy change, drug trade also discussed on her visit
By LENNOX SAMUELS / The Dallas Morning News
MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Texas will receive billions of gallons of water it is owed by Mexico in an agreement Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced Thursday between U.S. and Mexican officials.
The accord ends a 12-year-old dispute that sometimes became acrimonious. The issue once prompted Mexican President Vicente Fox to cancel a planned U.S. visit, and some Rio Grande farmers sued Mexico for crop loss stemming from nonpayment of the water.
"In the spirit of bilateral cooperation, I am pleased that we have reached a mutual understanding on the transfer of a sum of water that will cover Mexico's debt to the United States under our 1944 Water Treaty," Dr. Rice said at a news conference with Mexico Foreign Minister Luis Ernesto Derbez.
Under the agreement, the Mexicans will transfer 716,670 acre-feet of water by the end of September. They also will transfer at least 350,000 acre-feet a year for the remaining three years of the current cycle, as required by the treaty.
An acre-foot of water is the equivalent of 326,000 gallons, the amount of water it takes to flood an acre of land a foot deep.
In her first visit to Mexico as secretary of state, Dr. Rice also said that the United States remains interested in immigration policy change, noting that President Bush "is committed to immigration that is humane and that respects United States law and that also recognizes the economic realities of Mexico and the United States."
She said both countries must continue to work on immigration and border issues but stressed that any policy change must be worked out through proper channels.
"The United States government would not condone any extra-legal means to deal with immigration issues," she said. "These have to be dealt with by immigration officials, and we work very closely with our Mexican counterparts in trying to ensure that our borders are as safe and secure as possible."
Border terrorism fears
Regarding possible use of the Mexico-U.S. border by terrorists, Dr. Rice said the administration is "always concerned about terrorists and how they might use our very long border."
"We are quite aware that terrorists will try very hard to use those borders to enter our country for purposes to hurt us," she said. "I think we're making progress, but the terrorists are going to keep trying."
Asked about Mr. Derbez's announcement this week that the Mexican government would be willing to extradite jailed drug kingpin Osiel Cárdenas to the United States, Dr. Rice said she would not discuss any specific cases.
The administrations of Mr. Bush and Mr. Fox have been "absolutely committed to dealing with what is a very a difficult and indeed tragic situation for both our countries," she said.
She added that given the damage narcotics do to young people, it is important to apprehend those responsible.
"We understand and appreciate that within the context of Mexico's own laws, Mexico has been a very good partner on matters concerning narcotics trade," she said.
Mr. Derbez said Mr. Cárdenas, who is on trial on drug and money-laundering charges, would have to complete any prison sentence in Mexico before being extradited.
Good news for Valley
Texas Gov. Rick Perry hailed the water agreement as "tremendous news for farmers, ranchers and residents of the Rio Grande Valley."
"It is a historic day for all of Texas, the United States and Mexico, because it marks the end of a contentious issue that has clouded our friendship for too long and marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation," the governor said in Mission, Texas.
But U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison expressed reservations about the pact, saying it was belated and did not go far enough.
"This agreement is long overdue, and it may well be the best deal available," said the Texas Republican. "But the debt should have been paid in full. ... If anything, the Mexicans should have paid more water as interest on their long-overdue arrearages.
"That being said," she added, "the Rio Grande Valley, state of Texas and United States will benefit from the agreement reached today."
A Mexican government official said that Mexico long has been willing to pay its water debt but that the country experienced serious droughts during the administrations of Presidents Carlos Salinas and Ernesto Zedillo.
Heavy rains last year and in 2003 helped the country reduce its water debt to the United States from more than 1.3 million acre-feet to less than 800,000, the State Department said..
"This will be an important step forward for jobs, economic growth and the quality of life in South Texas," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
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Suspect surrenders in FW corpse case
FORT WORTH, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A mortuary van operator surrendered to Tarrant County authorities Friday morning in connection with the still-mysterious case of three corpses that were found in a repossessed van in Hurst on March 2.
Donald Short, owner of North Star Transportation services, turned himself in at the Tarrant County Jail. He was accompanied by a lawyer.
Officials said Short did not make a statement during his arrest.
Fort Worth police had issued three arrest warrants for Short, who was wanted for Abuse of Corpse.
The decomposed remains of the three men—Otis Hughes, 56; Thomas Shadowens, 89; and Lonnie Leffall, 93—were discovered inside a van that had been used by Short to transport corpses for local funeral homes.
The three men had been dead for five years. They were supposed to have been cremated.
Abuse of Corpse is a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty can include a one-year prison term and a $4,000 fine.
The cases will be presented to the Tarrant County District Attorney's office next week.
WFAA-TV contributed to this report.
FORT WORTH, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A mortuary van operator surrendered to Tarrant County authorities Friday morning in connection with the still-mysterious case of three corpses that were found in a repossessed van in Hurst on March 2.
Donald Short, owner of North Star Transportation services, turned himself in at the Tarrant County Jail. He was accompanied by a lawyer.
Officials said Short did not make a statement during his arrest.
Fort Worth police had issued three arrest warrants for Short, who was wanted for Abuse of Corpse.
The decomposed remains of the three men—Otis Hughes, 56; Thomas Shadowens, 89; and Lonnie Leffall, 93—were discovered inside a van that had been used by Short to transport corpses for local funeral homes.
The three men had been dead for five years. They were supposed to have been cremated.
Abuse of Corpse is a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty can include a one-year prison term and a $4,000 fine.
The cases will be presented to the Tarrant County District Attorney's office next week.
WFAA-TV contributed to this report.
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City workers find skeletal remains
By Deanna Boyd, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - City employees searching for a water valve Friday afternoon in north Fort Worth found skeletal remains at the bottom of a deep vault, police said.
"We have recovered what appears to be human remains in an extremely unusual situation and place," said Lt. Mark Krey, a police spokesman.
The bones were discovered about 1 p.m. west of the 2600 block of North Interstate 35W near Warfield Street and Cold Springs Road.
Krey said workers with the Fort Worth Water Department had gone to the area to shut off a valve on a buried water main. Krey said workers had to dig through 8 to 10 feet of dirt before reaching the top of the 20-foot vault, which contained the water main.
Krey said a worker was then lowered into the vault.
"When he got down to where the water main was and was moving some of the muck that had accumulated, he discovered some bones that appear to be human," Krey said.
Dana Austin, forensic anthropologist with the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office, was called to the scene to search for additional bones.
Krey said the approximate age, gender and cause of death were unknown Friday. He said investigators have learned the vault was previously opened in 1989 and 1995.
By Deanna Boyd, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - City employees searching for a water valve Friday afternoon in north Fort Worth found skeletal remains at the bottom of a deep vault, police said.
"We have recovered what appears to be human remains in an extremely unusual situation and place," said Lt. Mark Krey, a police spokesman.
The bones were discovered about 1 p.m. west of the 2600 block of North Interstate 35W near Warfield Street and Cold Springs Road.
Krey said workers with the Fort Worth Water Department had gone to the area to shut off a valve on a buried water main. Krey said workers had to dig through 8 to 10 feet of dirt before reaching the top of the 20-foot vault, which contained the water main.
Krey said a worker was then lowered into the vault.
"When he got down to where the water main was and was moving some of the muck that had accumulated, he discovered some bones that appear to be human," Krey said.
Dana Austin, forensic anthropologist with the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office, was called to the scene to search for additional bones.
Krey said the approximate age, gender and cause of death were unknown Friday. He said investigators have learned the vault was previously opened in 1989 and 1995.
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Stabbing suspect in hospital
By Deanna Boyd, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - A 35-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing the mother of his children was hospitalized Friday after officers found him repeatedly stabbing himself at a relative's home in Forest Hill.
Renard Burton was at a local hospital Friday afternoon. Police say his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police issued a murder warrant for Burton on Thursday. Witnesses told police that Burton repeatedly stabbed Serena Martinez, 26, at a house in the 900 block of Harvey Avenue. The couple had been staying there with their two young children.
One of the home's owners had kicked Burton out Wednesday because he had not paid rent and had been abusive toward Martinez, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.
About 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Burton returned and tried to get Martinez to leave with him, the affidavit states.
Burton attacked Martinez with a knife after she told him she did not want to leave and after Raul Hernandez, one of the home's owners, threatened to call police, the affidavit states.
Homicide Detective Matt Hardy said the couple's two children, a 5-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, saw their mother stabbed. They were taken into custody by Child Protective Services, he said.
Burton also stabbed Hernandez in the neck and left thumb with a knife as Hernandez tried to call 911, police said. Hernandez then ran into a bathroom but Burton forced open the door and tried to stab him again with a large screwdriver, the affidavit states.
Martinez was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, where she was pronounced dead of multiple stab wounds shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday. Hernandez was treated at an area hospital.
Mark Thornhill, a Fort Worth office assigned to the U.S. Marshal's task force, said he and fellow task force member Randy Moon went to Burton's mother's home in Forest Hill early Friday.
Thornhill said the officers heard a commotion inside the house in the 3500 block of Woodbridge Drive. They knocked and identified themselves, and Burton's mother shouted, "Thank God. He's in here trying to kill himself," Thornhill said.
Officers found Burton in the living room, stabbing himself repeatedly in the chest with a butcher knife as family members tried to get him to stop.
"They were wrestling with him and he kept stabbing himself," Thornhill said.
Thornhill said he and Moon helped get the knife away from Burton, then administered first-aid until paramedics arrived.
By Deanna Boyd, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - A 35-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing the mother of his children was hospitalized Friday after officers found him repeatedly stabbing himself at a relative's home in Forest Hill.
Renard Burton was at a local hospital Friday afternoon. Police say his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police issued a murder warrant for Burton on Thursday. Witnesses told police that Burton repeatedly stabbed Serena Martinez, 26, at a house in the 900 block of Harvey Avenue. The couple had been staying there with their two young children.
One of the home's owners had kicked Burton out Wednesday because he had not paid rent and had been abusive toward Martinez, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.
About 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Burton returned and tried to get Martinez to leave with him, the affidavit states.
Burton attacked Martinez with a knife after she told him she did not want to leave and after Raul Hernandez, one of the home's owners, threatened to call police, the affidavit states.
Homicide Detective Matt Hardy said the couple's two children, a 5-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, saw their mother stabbed. They were taken into custody by Child Protective Services, he said.
Burton also stabbed Hernandez in the neck and left thumb with a knife as Hernandez tried to call 911, police said. Hernandez then ran into a bathroom but Burton forced open the door and tried to stab him again with a large screwdriver, the affidavit states.
Martinez was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, where she was pronounced dead of multiple stab wounds shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday. Hernandez was treated at an area hospital.
Mark Thornhill, a Fort Worth office assigned to the U.S. Marshal's task force, said he and fellow task force member Randy Moon went to Burton's mother's home in Forest Hill early Friday.
Thornhill said the officers heard a commotion inside the house in the 3500 block of Woodbridge Drive. They knocked and identified themselves, and Burton's mother shouted, "Thank God. He's in here trying to kill himself," Thornhill said.
Officers found Burton in the living room, stabbing himself repeatedly in the chest with a butcher knife as family members tried to get him to stop.
"They were wrestling with him and he kept stabbing himself," Thornhill said.
Thornhill said he and Moon helped get the knife away from Burton, then administered first-aid until paramedics arrived.
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Wise readies for development
By Don Chance, Special to the Star-Telegram
DECATUR, Texas -- Facing population and business encroachment from Tarrant and Denton counties, Wise County is poised for unprecedented development, according to officials right up to the U.S. House of Representatives.
But those officials have adopted a catchphrase for their plans to deal with it: "managed growth."
Republican U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, whose 12th Congressional District includes Wise, toured a Decatur manufacturing facility Monday. At a reception afterwards hosted by the Decatur City Council, she said growth is inevitable.
"It's not unexpected at all," Granger said later. "It's obvious because they've got good schools, got plenty of room to grow. What's important is taking care of the needs as the growth occurs.
"It's not always good if they can't keep up the infrastructure or the schools, or whatever," she said. "So it has to be managed growth. One of the reasons I make these trips is to make sure, if there's anything that I can do about that, that I'm aware of the differences and what's necessary."
Decatur Mayor Joe Lambert agreed. "We are doing our best to prepare for the growth that surely will come."
The Decatur City Council recently announced that an industrial park will be built in the southeast part of town. One manufacturing/fabricating facility there, which is expected to open late this year, should employ about 50, Lambert said.
"It's looking very promising," he said. "Retail establishments, banking facilities -- there's just an attitude of pro-growth. We're moving along."
Even so, Lambert said there is almost always some opposition to growth in small towns. "There are probably a few people here who don't like the way Decatur is being run," Lambert said. "But I think they're in pretty much the minority."
Lambert said he believes the city is doing a good job of anticipating the town's future needs, given the high school being built, a new hospital under way and $10 million in improvements on the county jail expected to be completed this year.
Another major function dealing with growth, Thursday's Wise County Long-Term Planning Symposium, will address the county's management needs and unveil a study from the Harvard University Design Group, said Dorothy Gentry Bodwin, publicist for the event.
"Tarrant County is growing into Wise County, and they're trying to manage that growth," Bodwin said.
The Harvard study, she said, will offer ideas on dealing with growth-related issues specific to Wise, such as oil and gas well drilling concerns, grassland management and agricultural versus industrial land-use needs.
"It's sort of like urban sprawl meets rural land development," Bodwin said. "How they're going to complement each other is what we're trying to figure out."
The symposium is free and open to the public. However, reservations are required, and seating is limited to 150. Contact Jan Wyatt at (214) 522-8122.
By Don Chance, Special to the Star-Telegram
DECATUR, Texas -- Facing population and business encroachment from Tarrant and Denton counties, Wise County is poised for unprecedented development, according to officials right up to the U.S. House of Representatives.
But those officials have adopted a catchphrase for their plans to deal with it: "managed growth."
Republican U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, whose 12th Congressional District includes Wise, toured a Decatur manufacturing facility Monday. At a reception afterwards hosted by the Decatur City Council, she said growth is inevitable.
"It's not unexpected at all," Granger said later. "It's obvious because they've got good schools, got plenty of room to grow. What's important is taking care of the needs as the growth occurs.
"It's not always good if they can't keep up the infrastructure or the schools, or whatever," she said. "So it has to be managed growth. One of the reasons I make these trips is to make sure, if there's anything that I can do about that, that I'm aware of the differences and what's necessary."
Decatur Mayor Joe Lambert agreed. "We are doing our best to prepare for the growth that surely will come."
The Decatur City Council recently announced that an industrial park will be built in the southeast part of town. One manufacturing/fabricating facility there, which is expected to open late this year, should employ about 50, Lambert said.
"It's looking very promising," he said. "Retail establishments, banking facilities -- there's just an attitude of pro-growth. We're moving along."
Even so, Lambert said there is almost always some opposition to growth in small towns. "There are probably a few people here who don't like the way Decatur is being run," Lambert said. "But I think they're in pretty much the minority."
Lambert said he believes the city is doing a good job of anticipating the town's future needs, given the high school being built, a new hospital under way and $10 million in improvements on the county jail expected to be completed this year.
Another major function dealing with growth, Thursday's Wise County Long-Term Planning Symposium, will address the county's management needs and unveil a study from the Harvard University Design Group, said Dorothy Gentry Bodwin, publicist for the event.
"Tarrant County is growing into Wise County, and they're trying to manage that growth," Bodwin said.
The Harvard study, she said, will offer ideas on dealing with growth-related issues specific to Wise, such as oil and gas well drilling concerns, grassland management and agricultural versus industrial land-use needs.
"It's sort of like urban sprawl meets rural land development," Bodwin said. "How they're going to complement each other is what we're trying to figure out."
The symposium is free and open to the public. However, reservations are required, and seating is limited to 150. Contact Jan Wyatt at (214) 522-8122.
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AREA BRIEFS
By Leila Fadel, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Railroad panel may be on track for new name
WEATHERFORD, Texas -- Elizabeth Ames Jones, newly appointed to the Texas Railroad Commission by Gov. Rick Perry, told the Parker County Republican Women on Thursday that a name change could be in the works for the commission. Jones said that the state Constitution established the agency and that the change might require a constitutional amendment. She said the name Texas Energy Commission would better describe the agency's role. "It might happen," she told 60 women who attended the lunch meeting, one of Jones' first appearances since her appointment.
Wreck tangles traffic during morning rush
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Traffic on Interstates 35W and 30 was snarled for miles at rush hour Thursday morning after a wreck involving a tractor-trailer and three other vehicles, police said. The accident occurred around 7 a.m. at I-35W and Meacham Boulevard, police Capt. Harry Jones said. No injuries were reported. "It happened during rush hour in the Mixmaster and it bottled everything up," said Lt. Mark Krey, a police spokesman.
Ukrainian Easter egg sales to benefit church
FORT WORTH, Texas -- The 22th annual Ukrainian Easter Egg Sale, benefiting St. Barbara's Orthodox Church, is set for today and Saturday at the church, 6525 Dan Danciger Road in southwest Fort Worth. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Prices range from $10 to $750, depending on the size and design. Called pysanky, the eggs from chickens, geese, ducks and ostriches are hand-painted by church members in intricate traditional Ukrainian designs. (817) 294-0325.
Mother-daughter event is scheduled Saturday
FORT WORTH, Texas -- In honor of National Women's History Month, the National Cowboys of Color Museum and the Renaissance Cultural Center will host a free mother-daughter brunch at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the museum, 3400 Mount Vernon Ave. The theme is "Frontier Women of the Old West and Cowgirls of Today." For information, call (817) 922-9999 or go online at http://www.cowboysofcolor.org.
Trinity Park Pavilion is site for peace rally
FORT WORTH, Texas -- A peace rally is set for noon-4 p.m. March 19 at Trinity Park Pavilion, 2400 W. Seventh St. Organizers include CodePINK Fort Worth, Peace Action Tarrant County, Tarrant Greens and North Texas for Justice and Peace. Scheduled speakers include state Rep. Lon Burnam and Judge Mary Ellen Hicks. Online: http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/dfw2years2long
Registration opens for Race for the Cure
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Registration is under way for the Tarrant County Race for the Cure, set for April 2 at Sundance Square. It is the largest 5-kilometer race in Tarrant County and in 12 years has raised $5 million for the fight against breast cancer. Advance registration is $25 for adults; $10 for children younger than 11. It will be $30 on race day. Sponsor: Tarrant Race for the Cure, 6100 Camp Bowie, Suite 23. (817) 735-8580 or http://www.komentarrant.org.
Conference helps seniors avoid fraud
HURST, Texas -- Seniors and Law Enforcement Together will host its annual anti-fraud conference at 9 a.m. today. Representatives from the Tarrant County district attorney's office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Better Business Bureau and the Fort Worth Police Department will be among speakers to advise seniors on how to avoid being a victim of fraud. Topics include homeland security, mail fraud, cons and identity theft. The conference meets at the First United Methodist Church of Hurst, 521 West Pipeline Road. A continental breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and the program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
By Leila Fadel, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Railroad panel may be on track for new name
WEATHERFORD, Texas -- Elizabeth Ames Jones, newly appointed to the Texas Railroad Commission by Gov. Rick Perry, told the Parker County Republican Women on Thursday that a name change could be in the works for the commission. Jones said that the state Constitution established the agency and that the change might require a constitutional amendment. She said the name Texas Energy Commission would better describe the agency's role. "It might happen," she told 60 women who attended the lunch meeting, one of Jones' first appearances since her appointment.
Wreck tangles traffic during morning rush
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Traffic on Interstates 35W and 30 was snarled for miles at rush hour Thursday morning after a wreck involving a tractor-trailer and three other vehicles, police said. The accident occurred around 7 a.m. at I-35W and Meacham Boulevard, police Capt. Harry Jones said. No injuries were reported. "It happened during rush hour in the Mixmaster and it bottled everything up," said Lt. Mark Krey, a police spokesman.
Ukrainian Easter egg sales to benefit church
FORT WORTH, Texas -- The 22th annual Ukrainian Easter Egg Sale, benefiting St. Barbara's Orthodox Church, is set for today and Saturday at the church, 6525 Dan Danciger Road in southwest Fort Worth. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Prices range from $10 to $750, depending on the size and design. Called pysanky, the eggs from chickens, geese, ducks and ostriches are hand-painted by church members in intricate traditional Ukrainian designs. (817) 294-0325.
Mother-daughter event is scheduled Saturday
FORT WORTH, Texas -- In honor of National Women's History Month, the National Cowboys of Color Museum and the Renaissance Cultural Center will host a free mother-daughter brunch at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the museum, 3400 Mount Vernon Ave. The theme is "Frontier Women of the Old West and Cowgirls of Today." For information, call (817) 922-9999 or go online at http://www.cowboysofcolor.org.
Trinity Park Pavilion is site for peace rally
FORT WORTH, Texas -- A peace rally is set for noon-4 p.m. March 19 at Trinity Park Pavilion, 2400 W. Seventh St. Organizers include CodePINK Fort Worth, Peace Action Tarrant County, Tarrant Greens and North Texas for Justice and Peace. Scheduled speakers include state Rep. Lon Burnam and Judge Mary Ellen Hicks. Online: http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/dfw2years2long
Registration opens for Race for the Cure
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Registration is under way for the Tarrant County Race for the Cure, set for April 2 at Sundance Square. It is the largest 5-kilometer race in Tarrant County and in 12 years has raised $5 million for the fight against breast cancer. Advance registration is $25 for adults; $10 for children younger than 11. It will be $30 on race day. Sponsor: Tarrant Race for the Cure, 6100 Camp Bowie, Suite 23. (817) 735-8580 or http://www.komentarrant.org.
Conference helps seniors avoid fraud
HURST, Texas -- Seniors and Law Enforcement Together will host its annual anti-fraud conference at 9 a.m. today. Representatives from the Tarrant County district attorney's office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Better Business Bureau and the Fort Worth Police Department will be among speakers to advise seniors on how to avoid being a victim of fraud. Topics include homeland security, mail fraud, cons and identity theft. The conference meets at the First United Methodist Church of Hurst, 521 West Pipeline Road. A continental breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and the program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Man Who Killed Wife Gets Life Sentence
CEDAR PARK, Texas (KEYE CBS 42) - A Williamson County jury gave a Cedar Park man convicted of murdering his wife a life sentence Friday.
Gregory "Mike" Klapesky strangled his wife, Kali Sansone in September 2003 then tried to bury her in a friends backyard in Hays County.
CEDAR PARK, Texas (KEYE CBS 42) - A Williamson County jury gave a Cedar Park man convicted of murdering his wife a life sentence Friday.
Gregory "Mike" Klapesky strangled his wife, Kali Sansone in September 2003 then tried to bury her in a friends backyard in Hays County.
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TAKS Reading Scores Improve
AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE CBS 42) - The Texas Education Agency today reports third and fifth graders showed overall improved passing rates on state
reading tests this year.
The better performance came even with tougher passing requirements.
But TEA says passing rates were lower for minority student groups, compared with whites, on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills reading exam.
Also, children doing the TAKS test in Spanish had lower passing rates than English test-takers.
Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley says overall the scores, especially the third-grade scores, are good news.
But Neeley says officials can't be satisfied until all students pass the exam.
Fifth-graders for the first time must pass the TAKS reading and math tests to advance to the sixth-grade.
Students who failed the test will have two more chances to take it in their attempt to get promoted.
- In the Austin School District, 8! 9 percent of third graders passed. 73 percent of fifth graders passed.
- In the Round Rock School District, 95 percent of third graders passed. 89 percent of fifth graders passed.
AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE CBS 42) - The Texas Education Agency today reports third and fifth graders showed overall improved passing rates on state
reading tests this year.
The better performance came even with tougher passing requirements.
But TEA says passing rates were lower for minority student groups, compared with whites, on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills reading exam.
Also, children doing the TAKS test in Spanish had lower passing rates than English test-takers.
Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley says overall the scores, especially the third-grade scores, are good news.
But Neeley says officials can't be satisfied until all students pass the exam.
Fifth-graders for the first time must pass the TAKS reading and math tests to advance to the sixth-grade.
Students who failed the test will have two more chances to take it in their attempt to get promoted.
- In the Austin School District, 8! 9 percent of third graders passed. 73 percent of fifth graders passed.
- In the Round Rock School District, 95 percent of third graders passed. 89 percent of fifth graders passed.
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These Frogs Can Gallop
TCU equestrian club planned
By Matt Frazier, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Christian University may be located in the town sometimes billed as "Where the West Begins," but its students have not embraced a certain aspect of the cowboy life -- until now.
Freshman Jennifer Currie is pushing to start the university's first horse-riding club. The club is only in the initial stages of gaining university approval, but nearly two dozen beginning and advanced student riders are signed up to improve their skills.
"I've been riding all my life," Currie said. "I came to TCU, and they didn't have a club, so I decided to try to start one."
Benbrook Stables is donating about $20,000 in lessons and horse rentals to the effort this semester.
"We just want to help them get up and going," said Molly Thomson, who owns the stables with her husband, Steve Thomson. "Riding gives them the same benefits as participating in other sports. I think this would be incredible for TCU."
TCU approved its first competition polo club two weeks ago.
TCU equestrian club planned
By Matt Frazier, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Christian University may be located in the town sometimes billed as "Where the West Begins," but its students have not embraced a certain aspect of the cowboy life -- until now.
Freshman Jennifer Currie is pushing to start the university's first horse-riding club. The club is only in the initial stages of gaining university approval, but nearly two dozen beginning and advanced student riders are signed up to improve their skills.
"I've been riding all my life," Currie said. "I came to TCU, and they didn't have a club, so I decided to try to start one."
Benbrook Stables is donating about $20,000 in lessons and horse rentals to the effort this semester.
"We just want to help them get up and going," said Molly Thomson, who owns the stables with her husband, Steve Thomson. "Riding gives them the same benefits as participating in other sports. I think this would be incredible for TCU."
TCU approved its first competition polo club two weeks ago.
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TexasStooge
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Arlington pastor faces sex charges
By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8
ARLINGTON, Texas - A prominent North Texas pastor was arrested Friday, accused of sexually assaulting members of his own congregation.
Bishop Terry Hornbuckle of the Agape Christian Fellowship in Arlington is being held at the Tarrant County Jail on a bond of $400,000.
According to the indictments, most of the alleged incidents happened near the end of last July, involving three women - one of whom is a teenager.
On Sundays, Hornbuckle regularly preached words of encouragement to his congregation of 2,000 members. He may now need to lean on them for support.
"The grand jury did return four indictments today against Terry Hornbuckle," said Betty Arvin, assistant district attorney for Tarrant County.
The indictments say the 43-year old pastor, married with three children, sexually assaulted three of his members - one of them twice. According to two of the alleged victims, Hornbuckle led them to a Euless apartment complex under false pretenses. There, they said he fixed them a drink laced with GHB, the date-rape drug, and then took advantage of them.
Sheriff's deputies arrested Hornbuckle near his church at State Highway 360 and Mayfield on Friday afternoon.
"They feel like they've been vindicated to some degree, because the girls were really afraid at the beginning that they might not be believed," said defense attorney Lee Finley. "Bishop Hornbuckle is a prominent member of the community."
Hornbuckle issued a statement at the beginning of the investigation, saying "I am completely innocent of the charges I have been wrongfully accused of, and this is extortion plain and simple, which I won't surrender to. These individuals wanted me to pay them millions of dollars in hush money, and as I refused, they are making outrageous, wrongful and malicious accusations."
Prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to build a strong case, despite challenges.
"A lot of people like to have videotapes or all kinds of special scientific evidence, and that's not always the case in sexual assault cases," Arvin said.
Hornbuckle can post bond at any time, but he has to remain in jail until Monday because he has to go through the probation department first.
By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8
ARLINGTON, Texas - A prominent North Texas pastor was arrested Friday, accused of sexually assaulting members of his own congregation.
Bishop Terry Hornbuckle of the Agape Christian Fellowship in Arlington is being held at the Tarrant County Jail on a bond of $400,000.
According to the indictments, most of the alleged incidents happened near the end of last July, involving three women - one of whom is a teenager.
On Sundays, Hornbuckle regularly preached words of encouragement to his congregation of 2,000 members. He may now need to lean on them for support.
"The grand jury did return four indictments today against Terry Hornbuckle," said Betty Arvin, assistant district attorney for Tarrant County.
The indictments say the 43-year old pastor, married with three children, sexually assaulted three of his members - one of them twice. According to two of the alleged victims, Hornbuckle led them to a Euless apartment complex under false pretenses. There, they said he fixed them a drink laced with GHB, the date-rape drug, and then took advantage of them.
Sheriff's deputies arrested Hornbuckle near his church at State Highway 360 and Mayfield on Friday afternoon.
"They feel like they've been vindicated to some degree, because the girls were really afraid at the beginning that they might not be believed," said defense attorney Lee Finley. "Bishop Hornbuckle is a prominent member of the community."
Hornbuckle issued a statement at the beginning of the investigation, saying "I am completely innocent of the charges I have been wrongfully accused of, and this is extortion plain and simple, which I won't surrender to. These individuals wanted me to pay them millions of dollars in hush money, and as I refused, they are making outrageous, wrongful and malicious accusations."
Prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to build a strong case, despite challenges.
"A lot of people like to have videotapes or all kinds of special scientific evidence, and that's not always the case in sexual assault cases," Arvin said.
Hornbuckle can post bond at any time, but he has to remain in jail until Monday because he has to go through the probation department first.
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TexasStooge
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Growing sex cases alarm police, experts
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A string of recent high-profile cases concerning people in leadership roles being accused of abusing their trust have alarmed experts in law enforcement, medicine and the clergy.
"Whether it's Internet crimes or child exploitation units, they are proliferating across the country and officers are taking a very aggressive stance," said Dallas Police Lt. C.L. Williams.
"If we have no God, no fear and no judgment, then no problem," said Rev. Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church. "(But) you have older adults manipulating and abusing children."
Just last month, a DISD teacher committed suicide after he was charged with trying to rendezvous with a 14-year-old girl.
Nationwide, hundreds of clergy members have been disgraced. Richardson's fire chief resigned, and has been accused of having sex 15 years ago with a then-teenage boy.
Many believe the explosive growth of explicit sexually related material on the Internet is a major factor.
"Now it is readily available to people who don't even want it," said Dr. Nishendu Vasavada of Lakeside Life Center. "It's right there, and out of curiosity people may start and it may turn into a compulsion that is difficult to control."
But the web is also empowering police and law-abiding citizens. Hundreds of sites publicize the exploits of sex offenders.
"There is better awareness, and so some of the offenses that might not have gone reported are now being reported," Williams said.
"I'm very hopeful that people of moral conscience and moral clarity will rise up and raise the standards in schools, our communities, (and) that there will be zero tolerance for this kind of behavior," Graham said.
High-profile incidents that many feel years ago were pushed aside and under-reported are now coming to the forefront. It may be unpleasant - but experts say it's necessary.
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A string of recent high-profile cases concerning people in leadership roles being accused of abusing their trust have alarmed experts in law enforcement, medicine and the clergy.
"Whether it's Internet crimes or child exploitation units, they are proliferating across the country and officers are taking a very aggressive stance," said Dallas Police Lt. C.L. Williams.
"If we have no God, no fear and no judgment, then no problem," said Rev. Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church. "(But) you have older adults manipulating and abusing children."
Just last month, a DISD teacher committed suicide after he was charged with trying to rendezvous with a 14-year-old girl.
Nationwide, hundreds of clergy members have been disgraced. Richardson's fire chief resigned, and has been accused of having sex 15 years ago with a then-teenage boy.
Many believe the explosive growth of explicit sexually related material on the Internet is a major factor.
"Now it is readily available to people who don't even want it," said Dr. Nishendu Vasavada of Lakeside Life Center. "It's right there, and out of curiosity people may start and it may turn into a compulsion that is difficult to control."
But the web is also empowering police and law-abiding citizens. Hundreds of sites publicize the exploits of sex offenders.
"There is better awareness, and so some of the offenses that might not have gone reported are now being reported," Williams said.
"I'm very hopeful that people of moral conscience and moral clarity will rise up and raise the standards in schools, our communities, (and) that there will be zero tolerance for this kind of behavior," Graham said.
High-profile incidents that many feel years ago were pushed aside and under-reported are now coming to the forefront. It may be unpleasant - but experts say it's necessary.
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TexasStooge
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Man claims assault by DPS trooper
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A Dallas man claims he was assaulted by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper this past weekend at a truck stop.
Johnny Cruz of Dallas was filling up with gas at the busy Flying J truck stop on Saturday. He said he checked his oil and was about to clean his windows when a stranger decided he was taking too long.
"When I turned around there was this lady right between me and the car," Cruz said.
Cruz said he tried to walk around her when she butted him with her chest.
"Again, she shoved me and said, 'move this car now,'" Cruz said. "And I said, 'excuse me, but I'll move my car when I'm finished washing the windshield,' ... and again she said, 'I said, move this car now!'"
It was at that point Cruz noticed the DPS trooper uniform under the woman's jacket and became fearful.
"If I would have fought back, I would have been in jail right now," he said. "I would have been booked in jail for assaulting an officer."
Even more afraid was Cruz's wife Donna after the trooper demanded to see her husband's drivers license.
"I was scared to death at the time, because I was afraid that anything I might say would make her be even more angry at Johnny ... that she might handcuff him, take him off, something might happen," Donna Cruz said.
Even a witness at another pump said she was shocked to see a peace officer behaving in such fashion.
"If she's that aggressive and that agitated over someone taking too long to check their oil and wash their windows, what might set her off another time?"
Cruz has filed assault charges against the trooper; DPS officials said they are investigating.
Cruz said he would have accepted an apology at the time, but now he wants that trooper to understand the concept of justice.
"That's all I'm asking is for justice," he said. "That's all there is - justice."
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A Dallas man claims he was assaulted by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper this past weekend at a truck stop.
Johnny Cruz of Dallas was filling up with gas at the busy Flying J truck stop on Saturday. He said he checked his oil and was about to clean his windows when a stranger decided he was taking too long.
"When I turned around there was this lady right between me and the car," Cruz said.
Cruz said he tried to walk around her when she butted him with her chest.
"Again, she shoved me and said, 'move this car now,'" Cruz said. "And I said, 'excuse me, but I'll move my car when I'm finished washing the windshield,' ... and again she said, 'I said, move this car now!'"
It was at that point Cruz noticed the DPS trooper uniform under the woman's jacket and became fearful.
"If I would have fought back, I would have been in jail right now," he said. "I would have been booked in jail for assaulting an officer."
Even more afraid was Cruz's wife Donna after the trooper demanded to see her husband's drivers license.
"I was scared to death at the time, because I was afraid that anything I might say would make her be even more angry at Johnny ... that she might handcuff him, take him off, something might happen," Donna Cruz said.
Even a witness at another pump said she was shocked to see a peace officer behaving in such fashion.
"If she's that aggressive and that agitated over someone taking too long to check their oil and wash their windows, what might set her off another time?"
Cruz has filed assault charges against the trooper; DPS officials said they are investigating.
Cruz said he would have accepted an apology at the time, but now he wants that trooper to understand the concept of justice.
"That's all I'm asking is for justice," he said. "That's all there is - justice."
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TexasStooge
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Dallas billboard asks: 'Why Islam?'
By BYRON HARRIS / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The way to religious tolerance is through a billboard - or at least that's the idea behind a display for tens of thousands of commuters in North Dallas each day.
It's not a question a lot of people ask themselves on the way to work. But there it is, hanging above westbound LBJ Freeway near Webb Chapel: "Why Islam?"
The sign also offers a Web site address and a toll-free phone number in New Jersey.
"When the call comes in, it transfers to the team of volunteers," said Adnan Fyed of the Islamic Circle of North America. "And those volunteers they will call you back and they can pick up the phone at the same time.
"Why Islam?" is a program run by the Islamic Circle of North America to educate anyone who wants to know about the religion. The website offers information on Allah, pilgrimages and even audio lectures.
Visitors can also watch a slide show on Ramadan, and are invited to visit a mosque. There's even a chat room.
"If you go and become a member of the forum, you can go and ask whatever questions you have," Fyed said.
The chat room addresses such topics as suicide bombings, and hating Christians.
With so many hostile ideas out there, the effort aims to help provide the truth about the religion.
The packed parking lot for Friday services at the Islamic Center of Irving shows how much the faith is growing in North Texas. Now with the hotlilne and the Web site, members of the community hope to get out the word concerning what Islam is all about.
By BYRON HARRIS / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The way to religious tolerance is through a billboard - or at least that's the idea behind a display for tens of thousands of commuters in North Dallas each day.
It's not a question a lot of people ask themselves on the way to work. But there it is, hanging above westbound LBJ Freeway near Webb Chapel: "Why Islam?"
The sign also offers a Web site address and a toll-free phone number in New Jersey.
"When the call comes in, it transfers to the team of volunteers," said Adnan Fyed of the Islamic Circle of North America. "And those volunteers they will call you back and they can pick up the phone at the same time.
"Why Islam?" is a program run by the Islamic Circle of North America to educate anyone who wants to know about the religion. The website offers information on Allah, pilgrimages and even audio lectures.
Visitors can also watch a slide show on Ramadan, and are invited to visit a mosque. There's even a chat room.
"If you go and become a member of the forum, you can go and ask whatever questions you have," Fyed said.
The chat room addresses such topics as suicide bombings, and hating Christians.
With so many hostile ideas out there, the effort aims to help provide the truth about the religion.
The packed parking lot for Friday services at the Islamic Center of Irving shows how much the faith is growing in North Texas. Now with the hotlilne and the Web site, members of the community hope to get out the word concerning what Islam is all about.
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