News from the Lone Star State
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- TexasStooge
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Weatherford man killed in wreck
By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning News
FORT WORTH, Texas - Fort Worth police are investigating a Saturday night car accident that killed a 20-year-old Weatherford man.
Austin Grobe was driving a BMW in the southbound lanes of West Loop 820 at about 10 p.m. Saturday night when a small, black sports car cut him off, police said.
Mr. Grobe lost control of his car, crossed the median and struck a pickup driving in the northbound lanes. Mr. Grobe died at the scene.
The driver of the pickup was taken to Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital for injuries not believed to be life-threatening, police said.
The driver that cut off Mr. Grobe exited the highway and did not return to the scene, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call Fort Worth Det. Ray Wilson at 817-871-7110.
Live Traffic Reports form Traffic Pulse
By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning News
FORT WORTH, Texas - Fort Worth police are investigating a Saturday night car accident that killed a 20-year-old Weatherford man.
Austin Grobe was driving a BMW in the southbound lanes of West Loop 820 at about 10 p.m. Saturday night when a small, black sports car cut him off, police said.
Mr. Grobe lost control of his car, crossed the median and struck a pickup driving in the northbound lanes. Mr. Grobe died at the scene.
The driver of the pickup was taken to Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital for injuries not believed to be life-threatening, police said.
The driver that cut off Mr. Grobe exited the highway and did not return to the scene, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call Fort Worth Det. Ray Wilson at 817-871-7110.
Live Traffic Reports form Traffic Pulse
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Pedestrian killed on LBJ
By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A 22-year-old man was killed Saturday night as he walked along LBJ Freeway.
According to police, Joshua Shaw was walking eastbound in the westbound lanes in the 9200 block of the highway when a passing car struck him. He died at the scene.
Police said the driver of the car likely would not be charged in connection with the accident.
Live Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A 22-year-old man was killed Saturday night as he walked along LBJ Freeway.
According to police, Joshua Shaw was walking eastbound in the westbound lanes in the 9200 block of the highway when a passing car struck him. He died at the scene.
Police said the driver of the car likely would not be charged in connection with the accident.
Live Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
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Blast to the future
Dallas: Park Lane Place to arise from rubble of NorthPark Three
By MICHAEL E. YOUNG / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - The end arrived with a few small pops that rippled walls like a wind-ruffled pond and an elegant collapse reminiscent of Swan Lake.
Within seconds, accompanied by spectators' oohs and aahs, the 10-story, 28-year-old NorthPark Three office cube settled cleanly on its footprint beside Central Expressway near Park Lane.
Sunday morning's implosion, triggered by 100 pounds of explosives and the demolition team's artistry, opened the construction phase for Harvest Partners' $400 million Park Lane Place development, across the highway from the newly expanded NorthPark Center mall.
The development signals what many in the area hope will be a new beginning for Vickery Meadow, a densely packed, hard-working neighborhood desperate for better times.
"We consider ourselves a partner in the Vickery Meadow area," said Tod Ruble, a co-founder of Harvest Partners. "It's believed our property will be the catalyst in the rehabilitation of this area."
"We've all lived at one time or another in the Vickery Meadow area," said Blaine Lee, another of Harvest's co-founders, "and we thought, 'What can we do to make this a special event for the neighborhood?'
"So we decided to start this project with a bang."
Two young hands made certain that happened, at least ceremonially.
Nick Williamson and Truett Eckeberger, both 10, manned what Mr. Lee called "the Wile E. Coyote plunger" that sat center stage at Harvest Partners' "Breakfast at the Blast" gathering on the top floor of a nearby office tower. The $20 breakfast ticket included a drawing to determine who would hit the detonator.
As the countdown ticked off – "10, 9, 8 ..." – each boy placed a hand on the vintage wooden contraption and awaited the cue, pushing down sharply at "0," then turning to see what they had wrought.
Was it fun?
"Yeah," they said in unison.
"I mean, how can that not be fun – blowing up a building?" Nick said.
A crowd estimated at 300 came to enjoy the show and breakfast, with proceeds going to the Vickery Meadow Improvement District. Hundreds more took vantage points around NorthPark Center, nearby offices and parking garages and along Greenville Avenue.
And more than a few people got the chance to watch – whether they wanted it or not – when police closed both sides of Central Expressway for a few minutes as the office building came down just after 8 a.m.
For some of the central figures in efforts to improve the quality of life in Vickery Meadow, the implosion brings their dreams a step closer.
"This is definitely a highlight in our 13 years," said Frank Nuchereno, chairman of Vickery Meadow Improvement District. "This will invigorate an area troubled for a lot of years."
"It's very exciting," added Judy Jacks, executive director of Vickery Meadow Learning Center. "Looking down at Greenville Avenue, you can almost visualize the changes coming."
For Park Lane Place, at least, that change will come soon.
As soon as the dust settled Sunday, crews started work on utilities and other below-ground installations, Mr. Ruble said. "Vertical construction" should begin this summer, with the first stores in the multiuse project open by fall 2007 and the rest by spring 2008.
In all, Park Lane Place will include 700,000 square feet of retail space, including a nearly 90,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market, Mr. Ruble said.
The first phase of construction also includes 315 apartments, 50 high-rise condominium units, a 65,000-square-foot health club and a 201-room hotel.
When Park Lane Place is complete, it and the neighboring NorthPark Center – "One of the most dominant malls in the country," Mr. Ruble said – will place Park Lane among the great streets of American retail, like Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Palm Beach's Worth Avenue and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
"Park Lane, like the others, will be synonymous with shopping," he said.
Click here to see the implosion
Dallas: Park Lane Place to arise from rubble of NorthPark Three
By MICHAEL E. YOUNG / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - The end arrived with a few small pops that rippled walls like a wind-ruffled pond and an elegant collapse reminiscent of Swan Lake.
Within seconds, accompanied by spectators' oohs and aahs, the 10-story, 28-year-old NorthPark Three office cube settled cleanly on its footprint beside Central Expressway near Park Lane.
Sunday morning's implosion, triggered by 100 pounds of explosives and the demolition team's artistry, opened the construction phase for Harvest Partners' $400 million Park Lane Place development, across the highway from the newly expanded NorthPark Center mall.
The development signals what many in the area hope will be a new beginning for Vickery Meadow, a densely packed, hard-working neighborhood desperate for better times.
"We consider ourselves a partner in the Vickery Meadow area," said Tod Ruble, a co-founder of Harvest Partners. "It's believed our property will be the catalyst in the rehabilitation of this area."
"We've all lived at one time or another in the Vickery Meadow area," said Blaine Lee, another of Harvest's co-founders, "and we thought, 'What can we do to make this a special event for the neighborhood?'
"So we decided to start this project with a bang."
Two young hands made certain that happened, at least ceremonially.
Nick Williamson and Truett Eckeberger, both 10, manned what Mr. Lee called "the Wile E. Coyote plunger" that sat center stage at Harvest Partners' "Breakfast at the Blast" gathering on the top floor of a nearby office tower. The $20 breakfast ticket included a drawing to determine who would hit the detonator.
As the countdown ticked off – "10, 9, 8 ..." – each boy placed a hand on the vintage wooden contraption and awaited the cue, pushing down sharply at "0," then turning to see what they had wrought.
Was it fun?
"Yeah," they said in unison.
"I mean, how can that not be fun – blowing up a building?" Nick said.
A crowd estimated at 300 came to enjoy the show and breakfast, with proceeds going to the Vickery Meadow Improvement District. Hundreds more took vantage points around NorthPark Center, nearby offices and parking garages and along Greenville Avenue.
And more than a few people got the chance to watch – whether they wanted it or not – when police closed both sides of Central Expressway for a few minutes as the office building came down just after 8 a.m.
For some of the central figures in efforts to improve the quality of life in Vickery Meadow, the implosion brings their dreams a step closer.
"This is definitely a highlight in our 13 years," said Frank Nuchereno, chairman of Vickery Meadow Improvement District. "This will invigorate an area troubled for a lot of years."
"It's very exciting," added Judy Jacks, executive director of Vickery Meadow Learning Center. "Looking down at Greenville Avenue, you can almost visualize the changes coming."
For Park Lane Place, at least, that change will come soon.
As soon as the dust settled Sunday, crews started work on utilities and other below-ground installations, Mr. Ruble said. "Vertical construction" should begin this summer, with the first stores in the multiuse project open by fall 2007 and the rest by spring 2008.
In all, Park Lane Place will include 700,000 square feet of retail space, including a nearly 90,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market, Mr. Ruble said.
The first phase of construction also includes 315 apartments, 50 high-rise condominium units, a 65,000-square-foot health club and a 201-room hotel.
When Park Lane Place is complete, it and the neighboring NorthPark Center – "One of the most dominant malls in the country," Mr. Ruble said – will place Park Lane among the great streets of American retail, like Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Palm Beach's Worth Avenue and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
"Park Lane, like the others, will be synonymous with shopping," he said.
Click here to see the implosion
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- TexasStooge
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Red-light cameras go on in two cities today
Plano, Richardson launch warning period for traffic violators
By JAKE BATSELL / The Dallas Morning News
Red-light runners may be feeling blue today.
Plano and Richardson are set to activate newly installed red-light cameras today, beginning a one-month warning period before $75 civil fines kick in March 1.
Cameras at four intersections in Plano and two in Richardson will start snapping the license plates of offending vehicles, and violations will be sent to the registered owners.
Plano's cameras are at the following locations: Custer Road and Spring Creek Parkway; 15th Street and Independence Parkway; Park Boulevard and Ventura Drive; and Dallas Parkway and Legacy Drive.
Traffic Lt. Jeff Wise has said the department hopes the new system will contribute to a "halo effect" in which drivers, unsure of the cameras' locations, become more cautious at all intersections.
Richardson is launching its program at two intersections: Plano and Arapaho roads, and Centennial Boulevard and Greenville Avenue. In a few months, another pair of cameras will be installed at Coit and Campbell roads.
"As the program progresses, we'll evaluate other intersections," said Sgt. Kevin Perlich, a spokesman for the Richardson Police Department
Frisco also is installing red-light cameras and plans to unveil them in late February. Dallas, whose City Council approved the cameras earlier this month, aims to have them in place by August.
In Garland, which has had the cameras for more than two years, police say red-light violations have plunged by 21 percent.
Plano council member Sally Magnuson, who witnessed a red-light collision last week while driving in McKinney, said most residents she's heard from support the cameras.
And to those concerned about the cameras infringing on their privacy, Ms. Magnuson has some advice: "If you don't run the red light, nobody will take any pictures."
Staff writers Wendy Hundley and Bill Lodge contributed to this story.
Plano, Richardson launch warning period for traffic violators
By JAKE BATSELL / The Dallas Morning News
Red-light runners may be feeling blue today.
Plano and Richardson are set to activate newly installed red-light cameras today, beginning a one-month warning period before $75 civil fines kick in March 1.
Cameras at four intersections in Plano and two in Richardson will start snapping the license plates of offending vehicles, and violations will be sent to the registered owners.
Plano's cameras are at the following locations: Custer Road and Spring Creek Parkway; 15th Street and Independence Parkway; Park Boulevard and Ventura Drive; and Dallas Parkway and Legacy Drive.
Traffic Lt. Jeff Wise has said the department hopes the new system will contribute to a "halo effect" in which drivers, unsure of the cameras' locations, become more cautious at all intersections.
Richardson is launching its program at two intersections: Plano and Arapaho roads, and Centennial Boulevard and Greenville Avenue. In a few months, another pair of cameras will be installed at Coit and Campbell roads.
"As the program progresses, we'll evaluate other intersections," said Sgt. Kevin Perlich, a spokesman for the Richardson Police Department
Frisco also is installing red-light cameras and plans to unveil them in late February. Dallas, whose City Council approved the cameras earlier this month, aims to have them in place by August.
In Garland, which has had the cameras for more than two years, police say red-light violations have plunged by 21 percent.
Plano council member Sally Magnuson, who witnessed a red-light collision last week while driving in McKinney, said most residents she's heard from support the cameras.
And to those concerned about the cameras infringing on their privacy, Ms. Magnuson has some advice: "If you don't run the red light, nobody will take any pictures."
Staff writers Wendy Hundley and Bill Lodge contributed to this story.
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- TexasStooge
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Car crashes into child care center injuring four
GREENVILLE, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) -- At least four people have been hurt today after a vehicle crashed into a child care center in Greenville, about 50 miles northeast of Dallas.
Authorities say two children and two adult workers suffered minor injuries when a suspected drunk driver crashed his car into the facility.
The accident happened at the Wee Wisdom Play School along busy Highway 69.
Greenville City Manager Karen Daly says the driver fled, but was later taken into custody.
Daly says the man could face charges of failure to stop and render aid, plus intoxication assault.
The one-story brick building ended up with a gaping hole in the side of it.
GREENVILLE, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) -- At least four people have been hurt today after a vehicle crashed into a child care center in Greenville, about 50 miles northeast of Dallas.
Authorities say two children and two adult workers suffered minor injuries when a suspected drunk driver crashed his car into the facility.
The accident happened at the Wee Wisdom Play School along busy Highway 69.
Greenville City Manager Karen Daly says the driver fled, but was later taken into custody.
Daly says the man could face charges of failure to stop and render aid, plus intoxication assault.
The one-story brick building ended up with a gaping hole in the side of it.
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- TexasStooge
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Immigrant brings brain power to Duncanville
By JIM DOUGLAS / WFAA ABC 8
DUNCANVILLE, Texas — Prepare to be humbled now. We want you to meet an immigrant student named Zubair Ahmed who is beating big odds to lead his school to a possible state title in academic competition.
Nothing stops Zubair from studying. Not even physical education class at Duncanville High, where you'll find him reading while walking around the track.
He's already earned 10 medals in the Texas Academic Decathlon, even though he's only been in America for 10 months.
Zubair landed in Duncanville with the impact of a meteor. He wants to learn everything about everything—from motorcycles to music.
Texas is nothing like his home in Bangladesh, a tiny impoverished country bordering India.
He's beating the odds in many ways.
Zubair made it to America only because his family won U.S. visas in a State Department lottery. "Millions and millions of people enter it—millions," he said. "We were lucky enough to win that out of all those millions."
Lucky for his family.
Lucky for Duncanville's academic team, which just finished second in the region.
Zubair took top individual honors. "I got a silver for language and literature, which is my most shocking medal because I don't know English," he said.
What's his secret? "That would be studying a lot, really," he said.
Teachers like Rob Gawedzinski say Zubair inspires other students. "I had this speech coordinator from our region come over and say, 'We've never seen a kid like this."
Fellow students return the favor with the "Zubair shuttle." They make sure he always has a ride.
Zubair said he was a good student back in Bangladesh. He credits American teachers and American opportunities for making him a great one in Duncanville, Texas, U.S.A.
"I was not inspired enough over there," he said. "Over here I see the more I study, the better I do, and the better I do in everything, the more chances I have to get scholarshiops and get into good colleges."
The Texas Academic Decathlon finals will be held Feb. 24-25 in Aldine, north of Houston.
By JIM DOUGLAS / WFAA ABC 8
DUNCANVILLE, Texas — Prepare to be humbled now. We want you to meet an immigrant student named Zubair Ahmed who is beating big odds to lead his school to a possible state title in academic competition.
Nothing stops Zubair from studying. Not even physical education class at Duncanville High, where you'll find him reading while walking around the track.
He's already earned 10 medals in the Texas Academic Decathlon, even though he's only been in America for 10 months.
Zubair landed in Duncanville with the impact of a meteor. He wants to learn everything about everything—from motorcycles to music.
Texas is nothing like his home in Bangladesh, a tiny impoverished country bordering India.
He's beating the odds in many ways.
Zubair made it to America only because his family won U.S. visas in a State Department lottery. "Millions and millions of people enter it—millions," he said. "We were lucky enough to win that out of all those millions."
Lucky for his family.
Lucky for Duncanville's academic team, which just finished second in the region.
Zubair took top individual honors. "I got a silver for language and literature, which is my most shocking medal because I don't know English," he said.
What's his secret? "That would be studying a lot, really," he said.
Teachers like Rob Gawedzinski say Zubair inspires other students. "I had this speech coordinator from our region come over and say, 'We've never seen a kid like this."
Fellow students return the favor with the "Zubair shuttle." They make sure he always has a ride.
Zubair said he was a good student back in Bangladesh. He credits American teachers and American opportunities for making him a great one in Duncanville, Texas, U.S.A.
"I was not inspired enough over there," he said. "Over here I see the more I study, the better I do, and the better I do in everything, the more chances I have to get scholarshiops and get into good colleges."
The Texas Academic Decathlon finals will be held Feb. 24-25 in Aldine, north of Houston.
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- TexasStooge
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Three otters born at Dallas Zoo
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The otters at the Dallas Zoo are celebrating - three babies were born last Thursday.
It's great news for the new Otter Outpost, that's just starting to get lots of attention.
They're called the three sisters - Malais, Tien and Leakena - but good luck telling them apart.
Zookeeper Nicole Garza can tell.
She cares for the Asian small-clawed otters.
"They're very social, very playful, as you can see, they're cute," she says.
They live in the new Betty Moroney Norsworthy Otter Outpost - a habitat for otters, that's a quite a hit, especially with kids.
But some brand new additions may pull in the crowds.
Inside are two adult otters - Carol Lee and Batt and their three new pups. The parents are protective. Batt tried to hide the birth with a wall of hay.
But you can see one of the pups snuggling in. They'll get more visible as the days go by.
This breed is not yet endangered but faces threats from pollution, development and hunting.
The zoo hopes, as humans learn how their world affects the otter's, the better chance otters will survive.
WFAA ABC 8
The zoo hopes the baby otters will pull in the crowds.
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The otters at the Dallas Zoo are celebrating - three babies were born last Thursday.
It's great news for the new Otter Outpost, that's just starting to get lots of attention.
They're called the three sisters - Malais, Tien and Leakena - but good luck telling them apart.
Zookeeper Nicole Garza can tell.
She cares for the Asian small-clawed otters.
"They're very social, very playful, as you can see, they're cute," she says.
They live in the new Betty Moroney Norsworthy Otter Outpost - a habitat for otters, that's a quite a hit, especially with kids.
But some brand new additions may pull in the crowds.
Inside are two adult otters - Carol Lee and Batt and their three new pups. The parents are protective. Batt tried to hide the birth with a wall of hay.
But you can see one of the pups snuggling in. They'll get more visible as the days go by.
This breed is not yet endangered but faces threats from pollution, development and hunting.
The zoo hopes, as humans learn how their world affects the otter's, the better chance otters will survive.

WFAA ABC 8
The zoo hopes the baby otters will pull in the crowds.
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TexasStooge wrote:Red-light cameras go on in two cities today
Plano, Richardson launch warning period for traffic violators
By JAKE BATSELL / The Dallas Morning News
Red-light runners may be feeling blue today.
Plano and Richardson are set to activate newly installed red-light cameras today, beginning a one-month warning period before $75 civil fines kick in March 1.
Cameras at four intersections in Plano and two in Richardson will start snapping the license plates of offending vehicles, and violations will be sent to the registered owners.
Plano's cameras are at the following locations: Custer Road and Spring Creek Parkway; 15th Street and Independence Parkway; Park Boulevard and Ventura Drive; and Dallas Parkway and Legacy Drive.
Traffic Lt. Jeff Wise has said the department hopes the new system will contribute to a "halo effect" in which drivers, unsure of the cameras' locations, become more cautious at all intersections.
Richardson is launching its program at two intersections: Plano and Arapaho roads, and Centennial Boulevard and Greenville Avenue. In a few months, another pair of cameras will be installed at Coit and Campbell roads.
"As the program progresses, we'll evaluate other intersections," said Sgt. Kevin Perlich, a spokesman for the Richardson Police Department
Frisco also is installing red-light cameras and plans to unveil them in late February. Dallas, whose City Council approved the cameras earlier this month, aims to have them in place by August.
In Garland, which has had the cameras for more than two years, police say red-light violations have plunged by 21 percent.
Plano council member Sally Magnuson, who witnessed a red-light collision last week while driving in McKinney, said most residents she's heard from support the cameras.
And to those concerned about the cameras infringing on their privacy, Ms. Magnuson has some advice: "If you don't run the red light, nobody will take any pictures."
Staff writers Wendy Hundley and Bill Lodge contributed to this story.
i feel this is a bad idea
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- vbhoutex
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We also have these in Houston now. Many feel it is a bad idea. Many feel it is a good idea. considering the number of bad collisions we have in Houston from red light runners, and I have been involved in one of those myself(I was hit by the runner), I think at some intersections this is needed, not at all. It seems like it would be a good deterent to would be offenders once they realize tickets are being given.
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Little Elm mom accused of poisoning daughter
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
EXCLUSIVE - A 26-year-old woman is accused of poisoning her 5-year-old daughter with a mixture of chemicals commonly used at veterinary clinics.
The young girl was playing with some neighbors on July 24 when witnesses said she fell unconscious.
A neighbor who said she saw something suspicious told police Shonda Wheeler gave her daughter a drink minutes before she passed out.
"What we call a sippy cup was what the little girl had [and she] may have had a drink that may have caused the child to react the way she did," said Chief of Police Waylan Rhodes.
Detectives found the cup inside the woman's mobile home and had it tested at a Texas Department of Public Safety laboratory.
They found two chemicals within the sippy cup.
"These are veterinarian chemicals that combine together and sterilize water or are used as an anesthesia before performing surgery on a cat or a dog," Rhodes said.
Police said when the incident happened, Wheeler worked as a receptionist at a Frisco veterinary clinic. But the veterinarian said there were no vials missing.
"What we believe is that the syringes that were disposed of after their use, she collected those," Rhodes said.
Officers arrested Wheeler and charged her with injury to a child.
Police said she admitted bringing chemicals home from work, but told investigators when she asked her daughter to get a stool softener the little girl grabbed the wrong syringe.
"It's a sick crime, period," Rhodes said.
Police said the young girl recovered from the incident and is living with her grandparents.
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
EXCLUSIVE - A 26-year-old woman is accused of poisoning her 5-year-old daughter with a mixture of chemicals commonly used at veterinary clinics.
The young girl was playing with some neighbors on July 24 when witnesses said she fell unconscious.
A neighbor who said she saw something suspicious told police Shonda Wheeler gave her daughter a drink minutes before she passed out.
"What we call a sippy cup was what the little girl had [and she] may have had a drink that may have caused the child to react the way she did," said Chief of Police Waylan Rhodes.
Detectives found the cup inside the woman's mobile home and had it tested at a Texas Department of Public Safety laboratory.
They found two chemicals within the sippy cup.
"These are veterinarian chemicals that combine together and sterilize water or are used as an anesthesia before performing surgery on a cat or a dog," Rhodes said.
Police said when the incident happened, Wheeler worked as a receptionist at a Frisco veterinary clinic. But the veterinarian said there were no vials missing.
"What we believe is that the syringes that were disposed of after their use, she collected those," Rhodes said.
Officers arrested Wheeler and charged her with injury to a child.
Police said she admitted bringing chemicals home from work, but told investigators when she asked her daughter to get a stool softener the little girl grabbed the wrong syringe.
"It's a sick crime, period," Rhodes said.
Police said the young girl recovered from the incident and is living with her grandparents.
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Driver charged over day center crash
GREENVILLE, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) -- The driver of a car which crashed into a child care center in Greenville injuring at least two babies and two teachers has been charged with eight felonies, including for intoxicated assault and for leaving the scene.
Some 12 babies and two teachers were at the Wee Wisdom Play School along busy Highway 69 at the time of the crash on Monday afternoon.
"We had concrete reinforcements, steel reinforcements and he made a drive-in out of it," said Gayle Howell, director of the day center.
She said those in the center at the time were "doing O.K."
"They had some head injuries," said Chief Kenny Ward of Greenville Fire-Rescue.
Greenville City Manager Karen Daly says the driver fled, but was later taken into custody.
The one-story brick building ended up with a gaping hole in the side of it.
Emergency crews have patched up the wall.
GREENVILLE, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) -- The driver of a car which crashed into a child care center in Greenville injuring at least two babies and two teachers has been charged with eight felonies, including for intoxicated assault and for leaving the scene.
Some 12 babies and two teachers were at the Wee Wisdom Play School along busy Highway 69 at the time of the crash on Monday afternoon.
"We had concrete reinforcements, steel reinforcements and he made a drive-in out of it," said Gayle Howell, director of the day center.
She said those in the center at the time were "doing O.K."
"They had some head injuries," said Chief Kenny Ward of Greenville Fire-Rescue.
Greenville City Manager Karen Daly says the driver fled, but was later taken into custody.
The one-story brick building ended up with a gaping hole in the side of it.
Emergency crews have patched up the wall.
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Dallas human trial of ricin vaccine successful
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
A scientific discovery in North Texas could be one of the biggest breakthroughs in bioterrorism in years.
Researchers in Dallas have tested the first vaccine for the deadly agent ricin that currently has no antidote and is almost always fatal.
Jeff Waugh was a living experiment for the research against bioterrorism. Last year, he was one of 15 people who received a test vaccine for ricin.
He said he never felt in danger.
"Little bit of pain in the arm just like any shot, but that was it," Waugh said.
Scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center developed the vaccine because of the potential hazards ricin poses to people. Ricin is a deadly toxin made from the bean of the castor plant, which makes castor oil.
The toxin can be put in food and water or sprayed as an aerosol.
Researchers felt the urgency after two years ago ricin powder was discovered in the mail room of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
"That's the whole point of a vaccine, it acts partially as a deterrent for people who want to do bad things and it can also protect people who are in the line of fire like soldiers," said Dr. Ellen Vitetta, ricin researcher.
The UT Southwestern vaccine safely and effectively protected against ricin poisoning.
And while Waugh doesn't consider himself a target for bioterrorism, he said he does consider himself a soldier in the fight against it.
"Just the knowledge that this is out there and I had a part in it is a great thing," he said.
However, the tests were just a small phase one human trial, which means larger trials will be needed.
But the Federal Drug Administration and the federal government are already excited and interested in the ricin vaccine for much broader development and potential use for soldiers.
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
A scientific discovery in North Texas could be one of the biggest breakthroughs in bioterrorism in years.
Researchers in Dallas have tested the first vaccine for the deadly agent ricin that currently has no antidote and is almost always fatal.
Jeff Waugh was a living experiment for the research against bioterrorism. Last year, he was one of 15 people who received a test vaccine for ricin.
He said he never felt in danger.
"Little bit of pain in the arm just like any shot, but that was it," Waugh said.
Scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center developed the vaccine because of the potential hazards ricin poses to people. Ricin is a deadly toxin made from the bean of the castor plant, which makes castor oil.
The toxin can be put in food and water or sprayed as an aerosol.
Researchers felt the urgency after two years ago ricin powder was discovered in the mail room of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
"That's the whole point of a vaccine, it acts partially as a deterrent for people who want to do bad things and it can also protect people who are in the line of fire like soldiers," said Dr. Ellen Vitetta, ricin researcher.
The UT Southwestern vaccine safely and effectively protected against ricin poisoning.
And while Waugh doesn't consider himself a target for bioterrorism, he said he does consider himself a soldier in the fight against it.
"Just the knowledge that this is out there and I had a part in it is a great thing," he said.
However, the tests were just a small phase one human trial, which means larger trials will be needed.
But the Federal Drug Administration and the federal government are already excited and interested in the ricin vaccine for much broader development and potential use for soldiers.
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Southwest union document reveals landing concerns
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
Six weeks since the deadly Southwest Airlines accident at Chicago Midway Airport, an internal memo obtained by News 8 and issued by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) outlines concerns union pilots have about the airlines' landing procedures.
The official report on the crash hasn't been released yet.
But the union document reveals what the Southwest pilots union hopes to avoid, especially during bad weather landing incidents.
The union has told members they should resist landing in conditions they consider unsafe, and the captain is the final authority on safe operation decisions of the aircraft.
While the tip may seem obvious, retired airline captain and accident investigator Denny Kelly said it isn't always so simple.
"You get a tremendous amount of pressure on the captain to land the airplane," said Kelly said. "The company wants the airplane to land in Chicago."
In potentially dangerous weather, Kelly said that land or don't land decisions are critical.
Since the Chicago accident is still under investigation, Southwest had no comment to the union's memo, but it did say the union's expertise needs to be considered.
In response to the accident, the National Transportation Safety Board last week announced a major recommendation for deciding when it's safe to land.
There are three ways to stop a jet, which include brakes, flaps and spoilers and thrust reversers redirect the engine exhaust.
However, the NTSB said pilots should not factor in the reversers when deciding whether to land or not.
In Chicago, they failed for 18 critical seconds.
The union email regarding the accident read, "...the use of thrust reversers does not give you, the operator, a realistic margin for safety."
"But if the reverse thruster does not work, can I get this airplane stopped?" Kelly asked. "And the answer to that question is no."
Southwest flight 1248 also landed on a short icy runway with a strong tailwind.
The union said from now on pilots should consider using Midway's longer runway in bad weather.
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
Six weeks since the deadly Southwest Airlines accident at Chicago Midway Airport, an internal memo obtained by News 8 and issued by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) outlines concerns union pilots have about the airlines' landing procedures.
The official report on the crash hasn't been released yet.
But the union document reveals what the Southwest pilots union hopes to avoid, especially during bad weather landing incidents.
The union has told members they should resist landing in conditions they consider unsafe, and the captain is the final authority on safe operation decisions of the aircraft.
While the tip may seem obvious, retired airline captain and accident investigator Denny Kelly said it isn't always so simple.
"You get a tremendous amount of pressure on the captain to land the airplane," said Kelly said. "The company wants the airplane to land in Chicago."
In potentially dangerous weather, Kelly said that land or don't land decisions are critical.
Since the Chicago accident is still under investigation, Southwest had no comment to the union's memo, but it did say the union's expertise needs to be considered.
In response to the accident, the National Transportation Safety Board last week announced a major recommendation for deciding when it's safe to land.
There are three ways to stop a jet, which include brakes, flaps and spoilers and thrust reversers redirect the engine exhaust.
However, the NTSB said pilots should not factor in the reversers when deciding whether to land or not.
In Chicago, they failed for 18 critical seconds.
The union email regarding the accident read, "...the use of thrust reversers does not give you, the operator, a realistic margin for safety."
"But if the reverse thruster does not work, can I get this airplane stopped?" Kelly asked. "And the answer to that question is no."
Southwest flight 1248 also landed on a short icy runway with a strong tailwind.
The union said from now on pilots should consider using Midway's longer runway in bad weather.
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Overnight stays ending at homeless center
Dallas: Homeless urged to use private shelters; street sleeping is feared
By KIM HORNER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Tonight is the last night that homeless people can sleep at the city's Day Resource Center, and manager Rubben Henderson is encouraging them to go to private shelters in Dallas.
But he knows that will be a tough sell because many would rather sleep on the streets than comply with those shelters' rules, required check-in times and religious activities.
Many homeless have been banned from those facilities in the past for not following the rules, but some shelters are giving them a second chance.
"What I'm trying to relate to them is this is the best option right now," he said, adding that police will not allow homeless people to sleep outside the center.
The new no-sleeping policy is part of an agreement with Rader Properties to extend the city's lease on the building after neighboring businesses complained that homeless people littered, loitered and left human waste on their properties.
The center will still provide services, including caseworkers and mental health care, during the day until the city opens a new 24-hour, voter-approved facility in January 2008.
Mike Rawlings, the city's homeless czar, said the Day Resource Center was never built as a shelter. He said homeless people will not be forced on the streets without anywhere to go.
"If somebody needs a bed, there are beds for them," he said.
But the new policy is raising fears among some that the 200 to 300 people who have slept at the center for the last year will go back to sleeping on downtown streets or set up new encampments.
"They'll go out on the streets, under the nearest bridge," said Arthur Webster, who was at the Day Resource Center trying to help a friend find alternative housing Monday. "I worry about all of them down here."
James Waghorne, president of the Dallas Homeless Neighborhood Association, predicted the new policy would force the homeless to scatter.
"They're going to go so deep in the woods we'll never get any decent treatment to them or anything else," he said.
The resource center has attracted what experts call the chronic homeless, people with mental illnesses and/or addictions who have been on the streets for years and resist services.
The city opened the center overnight one year ago after two men camped on the sidewalk outside were killed when a pickup truck ran into them. Before that, up to 200 people a night slept on the sidewalks – something that will not be allowed under the new rules.
Several homeless people interviewed at the center Monday still had not made plans for where they'll sleep after the center stops allowing overnight stays. "I don't know where I'm going to go," said one man sitting on a bench who did not want his name used. The man said he has no income to pay the fee that some shelters charge.
Earnest Kyle said he also was looking at his options.
"I'm undecided," he said.
The Dallas Life Foundation already has banned Sharon Lightsey, but she said she hoped to be allowed back in. "I just want a roof over my head," she said. "I'm tired of being out here."
Also on Wednesday, the city will begin enforcing changes to the food ordinance that require groups feeding homeless people to register and take food-handling classes. The most controversial change restricts groups to feeding homeless people in designated spots. The Day Resource Center will be one of those sites.
Dallas: Homeless urged to use private shelters; street sleeping is feared
By KIM HORNER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Tonight is the last night that homeless people can sleep at the city's Day Resource Center, and manager Rubben Henderson is encouraging them to go to private shelters in Dallas.
But he knows that will be a tough sell because many would rather sleep on the streets than comply with those shelters' rules, required check-in times and religious activities.
Many homeless have been banned from those facilities in the past for not following the rules, but some shelters are giving them a second chance.
"What I'm trying to relate to them is this is the best option right now," he said, adding that police will not allow homeless people to sleep outside the center.
The new no-sleeping policy is part of an agreement with Rader Properties to extend the city's lease on the building after neighboring businesses complained that homeless people littered, loitered and left human waste on their properties.
The center will still provide services, including caseworkers and mental health care, during the day until the city opens a new 24-hour, voter-approved facility in January 2008.
Mike Rawlings, the city's homeless czar, said the Day Resource Center was never built as a shelter. He said homeless people will not be forced on the streets without anywhere to go.
"If somebody needs a bed, there are beds for them," he said.
But the new policy is raising fears among some that the 200 to 300 people who have slept at the center for the last year will go back to sleeping on downtown streets or set up new encampments.
"They'll go out on the streets, under the nearest bridge," said Arthur Webster, who was at the Day Resource Center trying to help a friend find alternative housing Monday. "I worry about all of them down here."
James Waghorne, president of the Dallas Homeless Neighborhood Association, predicted the new policy would force the homeless to scatter.
"They're going to go so deep in the woods we'll never get any decent treatment to them or anything else," he said.
The resource center has attracted what experts call the chronic homeless, people with mental illnesses and/or addictions who have been on the streets for years and resist services.
The city opened the center overnight one year ago after two men camped on the sidewalk outside were killed when a pickup truck ran into them. Before that, up to 200 people a night slept on the sidewalks – something that will not be allowed under the new rules.
Several homeless people interviewed at the center Monday still had not made plans for where they'll sleep after the center stops allowing overnight stays. "I don't know where I'm going to go," said one man sitting on a bench who did not want his name used. The man said he has no income to pay the fee that some shelters charge.
Earnest Kyle said he also was looking at his options.
"I'm undecided," he said.
The Dallas Life Foundation already has banned Sharon Lightsey, but she said she hoped to be allowed back in. "I just want a roof over my head," she said. "I'm tired of being out here."
Also on Wednesday, the city will begin enforcing changes to the food ordinance that require groups feeding homeless people to register and take food-handling classes. The most controversial change restricts groups to feeding homeless people in designated spots. The Day Resource Center will be one of those sites.
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Tollway authority wants in on 121
Board's proposal would make tolls comparable to others in region
By LEE POWELL / The Dallas Morning News
PLANO, Texas – The North Texas Tollway Authority wants a shot at remaking a Collin County stretch of State Highway 121 by charging tolls comparable to other area toll roads.
The tollway authority's board hastily endorsed a proposal Monday to do just that, providing a first glimpse at its detailed financing plan.
But it has competition. The state highway department is weighing proposals from private partnerships, some with foreign investment. They see the road as rich in revenue potential, fueled by growth and favorable demographics. This could mean higher tolls.
"The value of the road itself is very unique," said North Texas Tollway Authority Executive Director Allan Rutter.
The reason for the project, according to state officials, is simple: Mobility needs outstrip available revenue, leading to toll roads.
The tollway authority's proposal calls for tolls to start at 12 cents a mile, a rate in line with those charged around the region. The project would cost $369 million. The tollway authority would also guarantee payments to the state over time – a minimum of $500 million over 50 years. If revenue falls short, tolls on that road would rise to help cover the payments.
Under the proposal, the state would receive all revenue except that covering project costs. Dollars funneled to state coffers ultimately return to the area, however, and back other transportation projects, officials said. This financing model is a change for the tollway authority: It now plows additional revenue back into its own system.
There was little objection to the proposal from the board.
"To me, it's an unequivocal statement by the tollway authority that we're willing to look at very innovative ways to do roads," said Collin County board member Paul Wageman.
Some of the private entities are thought to be dangling large up-front sums to the state for taking on Highway 121. A more detailed version of the tollway authority's proposal was not immediately made public. At the board meeting, agency officials refused to release a copy of the draft document to The Dallas Morning News, saying it first needed to go to the state and Collin County governing bodies.
Monday's vote set off a round of crucial decisions in coming weeks, culminating with the authority presenting its proposal to the governor-appointed Texas Transportation Commission in February.
A showdown may loom: the state sees Highway 121 as a revenue source but has promised to consider local wishes on its future.
Collin County officials would prefer the project be handled locally by the tollway authority, given its history of operating other stretches like the Dallas North Tollway. But there could be a tussle among tollway authority members on where and how excess revenue from State Highway 121 gets spread.
The haste of Monday's vote upset some authority board members, who only received the draft over the weekend. They begged for more time to understand the details and take them to constituents.
"I'll vote for this, but I'll tell you that from my perspective, I never want to see, and I don't want to vote again, for something where I get the details on a Saturday over the weekend and then am expected Monday morning to vote on it," said board member Alan Sims of Dallas County.
The tollway authority staff said it needed to move with speed to remain in the running for State Highway 121.
Board members then unanimously adopted a resolution allowing the tollway authority to move forward in dealings with the state.
Almost immediately, the tollway authority will seek endorsements of its plan from Collin County as well as Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano.
Board's proposal would make tolls comparable to others in region
By LEE POWELL / The Dallas Morning News
PLANO, Texas – The North Texas Tollway Authority wants a shot at remaking a Collin County stretch of State Highway 121 by charging tolls comparable to other area toll roads.
The tollway authority's board hastily endorsed a proposal Monday to do just that, providing a first glimpse at its detailed financing plan.
But it has competition. The state highway department is weighing proposals from private partnerships, some with foreign investment. They see the road as rich in revenue potential, fueled by growth and favorable demographics. This could mean higher tolls.
"The value of the road itself is very unique," said North Texas Tollway Authority Executive Director Allan Rutter.
The reason for the project, according to state officials, is simple: Mobility needs outstrip available revenue, leading to toll roads.
The tollway authority's proposal calls for tolls to start at 12 cents a mile, a rate in line with those charged around the region. The project would cost $369 million. The tollway authority would also guarantee payments to the state over time – a minimum of $500 million over 50 years. If revenue falls short, tolls on that road would rise to help cover the payments.
Under the proposal, the state would receive all revenue except that covering project costs. Dollars funneled to state coffers ultimately return to the area, however, and back other transportation projects, officials said. This financing model is a change for the tollway authority: It now plows additional revenue back into its own system.
There was little objection to the proposal from the board.
"To me, it's an unequivocal statement by the tollway authority that we're willing to look at very innovative ways to do roads," said Collin County board member Paul Wageman.
Some of the private entities are thought to be dangling large up-front sums to the state for taking on Highway 121. A more detailed version of the tollway authority's proposal was not immediately made public. At the board meeting, agency officials refused to release a copy of the draft document to The Dallas Morning News, saying it first needed to go to the state and Collin County governing bodies.
Monday's vote set off a round of crucial decisions in coming weeks, culminating with the authority presenting its proposal to the governor-appointed Texas Transportation Commission in February.
A showdown may loom: the state sees Highway 121 as a revenue source but has promised to consider local wishes on its future.
Collin County officials would prefer the project be handled locally by the tollway authority, given its history of operating other stretches like the Dallas North Tollway. But there could be a tussle among tollway authority members on where and how excess revenue from State Highway 121 gets spread.
The haste of Monday's vote upset some authority board members, who only received the draft over the weekend. They begged for more time to understand the details and take them to constituents.
"I'll vote for this, but I'll tell you that from my perspective, I never want to see, and I don't want to vote again, for something where I get the details on a Saturday over the weekend and then am expected Monday morning to vote on it," said board member Alan Sims of Dallas County.
The tollway authority staff said it needed to move with speed to remain in the running for State Highway 121.
Board members then unanimously adopted a resolution allowing the tollway authority to move forward in dealings with the state.
Almost immediately, the tollway authority will seek endorsements of its plan from Collin County as well as Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano.
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Dean leaving Criswell College amid rift over doctrine
Dallas: Administrator's support for speaking in tongues a factor
By SAM HODGES / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Criswell College, the conservative Baptist Bible college near downtown Dallas, has chosen not to renew the contract of its dean of students, in part because he supports the charismatic practice of speaking in tongues.
The decision comes as the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board is embroiled in controversy over whether foreign missionaries should be required to repudiate speaking in tongues.
Scott Camp's contract as Criswell dean ends today. Both he and Criswell President Jerry Johnson described the parting as amicable, but both acknowledged that doctrinal differences played a role.
"He was a great friend, and is a great friend," Dr. Johnson said. The two men were Criswell classmates in the 1980s and were in each other's weddings.
Mr. Camp was hired a year ago on a six-month contract, which was renewed once. Dr. Johnson said Mr. Camp made a strong contribution to the school, recruiting students and boosting chapel attendance.
But Mr. Camp also is pastor of a new, rapidly growing Southern Baptist congregation in Arlington, Fellowship of Joy Church. He said he understood that he would have to focus on his college job if he wanted to be dean for the long term.
"A decision needed to be made, and the president and I had been in dialogue about my willingness to leave the church," he said.
But doctrinal differences also shaped the decision not to further renew Mr. Camp's contract.
One involved Mr. Camp's professed sympathy for speaking in tongues, a charismatic practice in which believers, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, call out in a language others can't understand.
"Southern Baptists churches are not charismatic churches," Dr. Johnson said. He added that while Criswell enrolls students from charismatic backgrounds, faculty and top staff are expected to toe the line on Baptist beliefs.
Of late, the International Mission Board has moved to oust a member, Wade Burleson, who has publicly questioned the board's insistence that missionaries not use "a private prayer language" – a form of speaking in tongues.
Dr. Johnson said he hadn't discussed Mr. Camp's contract with Southern Baptist Convention leaders, but he added that it's important for Criswell, because it sends students into the mission field, not to contradict the mission board's position on speaking in tongues.
Mr. Camp also has enlisted Carl Raschke, author of The Next Reformation, as "theologian in residence" at Fellowship of Joy. Dr. Raschke, who holds a doctorate in religious studies from Harvard and teaches at the University of Denver, visits the church monthly to preach and work with youth groups. He has written critically about biblical inerrancy, the notion embraced by Southern Baptists that every word in the Bible is divinely inspired and factually accurate.
Criswell College, with just over 400 students, is a mission of First Baptist Dallas. It's named for the late W.A. Criswell, legendary pastor of the church and a leading proponent of biblical inerrancy.
But Dr. Raschke has called the idea of inerrancy "pseudoscientific" and a "weak" view of Scripture.
Dr. Johnson said Dr. Raschke's close affiliation with Fellowship of Joy was another reason why Mr. Camp's contract was not renewed.
"Inerrancy is a big issue for this college and always has been," Dr. Johnson said.
Dr. Raschke said he came to Criswell in November to meet with faculty and speak to students to clarify his position on the Bible, which he said had been misrepresented. He said students seemed to understand, but not top administrators.
"I'm arguing for a stronger view of Scripture, not a weaker view," he said. "I'm certainly not a liberal, and I'm certainly not a relativist. But they don't bother to read what I'm saying."
Barry Hankins, a history professor at Baylor University who has written extensively about conservatives' gaining control of the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1980s, said that biblical inerrancy is a bedrock position for that wing of the denomination and that the "personal experience of speaking in tongues" makes many conservatives uncomfortable.
He said the Criswell episode reinforces that conservatives have begun to quarrel.
"With almost every revolution," he said, "it's easy to hold the movement together while you're still fighting. Once you've won, the fault lines begin to appear."
It is not the first time that a doctrinal dispute has resulted in a high-profile departure from Criswell College.
In 1996, the school's president, the Rev. Richard R. Melick Jr., stepped down after disagreeing with Dr. Criswell on a point of theology involving details about the Second Coming.
Dallas: Administrator's support for speaking in tongues a factor
By SAM HODGES / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Criswell College, the conservative Baptist Bible college near downtown Dallas, has chosen not to renew the contract of its dean of students, in part because he supports the charismatic practice of speaking in tongues.
The decision comes as the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board is embroiled in controversy over whether foreign missionaries should be required to repudiate speaking in tongues.
Scott Camp's contract as Criswell dean ends today. Both he and Criswell President Jerry Johnson described the parting as amicable, but both acknowledged that doctrinal differences played a role.
"He was a great friend, and is a great friend," Dr. Johnson said. The two men were Criswell classmates in the 1980s and were in each other's weddings.
Mr. Camp was hired a year ago on a six-month contract, which was renewed once. Dr. Johnson said Mr. Camp made a strong contribution to the school, recruiting students and boosting chapel attendance.
But Mr. Camp also is pastor of a new, rapidly growing Southern Baptist congregation in Arlington, Fellowship of Joy Church. He said he understood that he would have to focus on his college job if he wanted to be dean for the long term.
"A decision needed to be made, and the president and I had been in dialogue about my willingness to leave the church," he said.
But doctrinal differences also shaped the decision not to further renew Mr. Camp's contract.
One involved Mr. Camp's professed sympathy for speaking in tongues, a charismatic practice in which believers, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, call out in a language others can't understand.
"Southern Baptists churches are not charismatic churches," Dr. Johnson said. He added that while Criswell enrolls students from charismatic backgrounds, faculty and top staff are expected to toe the line on Baptist beliefs.
Of late, the International Mission Board has moved to oust a member, Wade Burleson, who has publicly questioned the board's insistence that missionaries not use "a private prayer language" – a form of speaking in tongues.
Dr. Johnson said he hadn't discussed Mr. Camp's contract with Southern Baptist Convention leaders, but he added that it's important for Criswell, because it sends students into the mission field, not to contradict the mission board's position on speaking in tongues.
Mr. Camp also has enlisted Carl Raschke, author of The Next Reformation, as "theologian in residence" at Fellowship of Joy. Dr. Raschke, who holds a doctorate in religious studies from Harvard and teaches at the University of Denver, visits the church monthly to preach and work with youth groups. He has written critically about biblical inerrancy, the notion embraced by Southern Baptists that every word in the Bible is divinely inspired and factually accurate.
Criswell College, with just over 400 students, is a mission of First Baptist Dallas. It's named for the late W.A. Criswell, legendary pastor of the church and a leading proponent of biblical inerrancy.
But Dr. Raschke has called the idea of inerrancy "pseudoscientific" and a "weak" view of Scripture.
Dr. Johnson said Dr. Raschke's close affiliation with Fellowship of Joy was another reason why Mr. Camp's contract was not renewed.
"Inerrancy is a big issue for this college and always has been," Dr. Johnson said.
Dr. Raschke said he came to Criswell in November to meet with faculty and speak to students to clarify his position on the Bible, which he said had been misrepresented. He said students seemed to understand, but not top administrators.
"I'm arguing for a stronger view of Scripture, not a weaker view," he said. "I'm certainly not a liberal, and I'm certainly not a relativist. But they don't bother to read what I'm saying."
Barry Hankins, a history professor at Baylor University who has written extensively about conservatives' gaining control of the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1980s, said that biblical inerrancy is a bedrock position for that wing of the denomination and that the "personal experience of speaking in tongues" makes many conservatives uncomfortable.
He said the Criswell episode reinforces that conservatives have begun to quarrel.
"With almost every revolution," he said, "it's easy to hold the movement together while you're still fighting. Once you've won, the fault lines begin to appear."
It is not the first time that a doctrinal dispute has resulted in a high-profile departure from Criswell College.
In 1996, the school's president, the Rev. Richard R. Melick Jr., stepped down after disagreeing with Dr. Criswell on a point of theology involving details about the Second Coming.
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New test predicts female fertility
From WFAA ABC 8
A new blood test promises to let women know how much time is left on their biological clock.
The Plan Ahead Kit made by British scientists checks levels of three fertility hormones.
Combining these three results gives a forecast of the number of eggs in reserve, meaning that women who may face an early menopause are given a warning that they may not want to delay conceiving for too long.
Developers say $450 is a fair price for the kit because it is more accurate than existing tests.
The test has been developed by Bill Ledger, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sheffield.
More information is available at Lifestyle Choices.
From WFAA ABC 8
A new blood test promises to let women know how much time is left on their biological clock.
The Plan Ahead Kit made by British scientists checks levels of three fertility hormones.
Combining these three results gives a forecast of the number of eggs in reserve, meaning that women who may face an early menopause are given a warning that they may not want to delay conceiving for too long.
Developers say $450 is a fair price for the kit because it is more accurate than existing tests.
The test has been developed by Bill Ledger, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sheffield.
More information is available at Lifestyle Choices.
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Baylor med school to get $100 million
HOUSTON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Baylor College of Medicine will seek to become a comprehensive cancer center with a $100 million donation to be announced Tuesday from Houston energy magnate Dan Duncan.
"My passion has always been education and medicine," Duncan, 73, told the Houston Chronicle for its Tuesday editions. "It's the way we can touch more people's lives."
Currently, Houston's only federally designated cancer center is the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Hospitals seek the designation from the National Cancer Institute because it can mean millions of dollars for research and pilot studies for new treatments.
There are 60 cancer center in the United States, but only two in Texas, including M.D. Anderson and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Duncan, a Baylor trustee, said he is a prostate cancer survivor who lost his father to leukemia and his first wife to ovarian cancer. He is the founder and majority owner of Enterprise Products Partners, a Houston-based Fortune 500 natural gas transport company.
Duncan said his donation was not meant to start a rivalry between Baylor and M.D. Anderson. Rather, he said he spoke with top officials at M.D. Anderson about the donation and hopes the two institutions will work collaboratively.
Baylor said it will name its cancer center the Dan Duncan Cancer Center. The center will be housed at the college and a new outpatient clinic. It will coordinate cancer care at the college's four main hospitals: Ben Taub General Hospital, Michael E. DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital.
The gift is Duncan's second major donation to Baylor. He donated $35 million to the school in September 2004 to help fund a one-stop outpatient clinic. The clinic is scheduled to be completed by late 2007.
HOUSTON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Baylor College of Medicine will seek to become a comprehensive cancer center with a $100 million donation to be announced Tuesday from Houston energy magnate Dan Duncan.
"My passion has always been education and medicine," Duncan, 73, told the Houston Chronicle for its Tuesday editions. "It's the way we can touch more people's lives."
Currently, Houston's only federally designated cancer center is the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Hospitals seek the designation from the National Cancer Institute because it can mean millions of dollars for research and pilot studies for new treatments.
There are 60 cancer center in the United States, but only two in Texas, including M.D. Anderson and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Duncan, a Baylor trustee, said he is a prostate cancer survivor who lost his father to leukemia and his first wife to ovarian cancer. He is the founder and majority owner of Enterprise Products Partners, a Houston-based Fortune 500 natural gas transport company.
Duncan said his donation was not meant to start a rivalry between Baylor and M.D. Anderson. Rather, he said he spoke with top officials at M.D. Anderson about the donation and hopes the two institutions will work collaboratively.
Baylor said it will name its cancer center the Dan Duncan Cancer Center. The center will be housed at the college and a new outpatient clinic. It will coordinate cancer care at the college's four main hospitals: Ben Taub General Hospital, Michael E. DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital.
The gift is Duncan's second major donation to Baylor. He donated $35 million to the school in September 2004 to help fund a one-stop outpatient clinic. The clinic is scheduled to be completed by late 2007.
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Dallas ISD weighs FedEx/Kinko's exit
Dallas: Trustees weigh options to end contract amid exploding costs
By TAWNELL D. HOBBS and KENT FISCHER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas school trustees said Monday they will discuss ending a contract with FedEx/Kinko's that has cost the district millions.
"We are going to re-look at the whole thing," board President Lois Parrott said of the contract. "We are not happy."
Trustees approved the deal in 2003 with the goal of saving money. But printing and copying costs have more than doubled under the contract. The district spent $5.87 million in 2003 for such services; by 2005 it was spending $12.82 million, according to a Dallas Morning News review of district records.
Dr. Parrott said the discussion, planned for the next board briefing on Feb. 7, would include phasing out of the contract and assessing other options.
The Dallas Independent School District is 2 ½ years into a three-year contract with the company. The district must provide a 30-day notice to end the deal.
Other trustees also favor revisiting the agreement.
Trustee Edwin Flores said it is encouraging that district administrators are moving on the issue.
"As with any large entity, deals may be cut that, in hindsight, appear to be a bad deal," he said in an e-mail. "The board members at the time may have thought it was a good deal, however, the data ... indicates that it is not."
A FedEx/Kinko's spokeswoman was not available to comment Monday, but she has not disputed The News' findings. She has said that, based on a school-by-school assessment, the company is saving DISD money. She has referred requests for cost figures to the district and said the company wants to work with DISD.
A review of 15 months of billing records from FedEx/Kinko's indicated that the company billed 64 participating schools and some departments $7.1 million for 2005. Copying expenses for the remaining 153 schools were about $5.7 million, according to district records.
Numerous school principals voiced concern in e-mails and memos about higher costs under the contract, records show. Some wanted to know how to get their schools out of the deal.
Schools that agreed to participate were told by then-Superintendent Mike Moses that they could redirect any savings into their schools. Participating schools had their old equipment removed under the agreement. Leased machines were sent back to the appropriate company; school-owned equipment was moved to warehouses.
"We've been looking at ways to exit the contract," said DISD spokesman Donald Claxton on Monday. "We have to do that in a way that our campuses aren't left without copying and printing equipment for the rest of the school year."
Trustee Jerome Garza said he'd support releasing schools from the contract. However, he doesn't want DISD to rush into a decision without all the facts and fears the district may lack the expertise to make a qualified decision on the deal.
"Unfortunately we're in this position," Mr. Garza said. "I'm not going to blame anybody for it, but we've got to move forward and fix it without any additional cost to the district."
Trustee Jack Lowe said he doesn't want a rush to fix the deal to create more problems.
"I'm sure this will get a lot of conversation," Mr. Lowe said. "It's going to be a hot topic."
The contract contains two unusual provisions, both of which relate to golf. The first requires FedEx/Kinko's to donate $10,000 to the superintendent's annual charity golf tournament. The other grants DISD administrators free entry into the company's celebrity PGA golf tournament.
When trustees got their first look at the proposed contract in August 2003, however, there was no mention of golf. But when the finalized contract went to a vote several weeks later, the two provisions appeared under the heading "Value Added provided by FedEx/Kinko's."
District documents define "value added" as extended warranties, staff training, additional support services and enhanced technology. Neither the district nor FedEx/Kinko's could explain how the golf clauses got into the deal or how they met the district's definition of "value added."
Trustee Joe May said the golf additions are a concern.
"If you change something or add something, you ought to let us know," he said. "It's grossly unfair."
Dallas: Trustees weigh options to end contract amid exploding costs
By TAWNELL D. HOBBS and KENT FISCHER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas school trustees said Monday they will discuss ending a contract with FedEx/Kinko's that has cost the district millions.
"We are going to re-look at the whole thing," board President Lois Parrott said of the contract. "We are not happy."
Trustees approved the deal in 2003 with the goal of saving money. But printing and copying costs have more than doubled under the contract. The district spent $5.87 million in 2003 for such services; by 2005 it was spending $12.82 million, according to a Dallas Morning News review of district records.
Dr. Parrott said the discussion, planned for the next board briefing on Feb. 7, would include phasing out of the contract and assessing other options.
The Dallas Independent School District is 2 ½ years into a three-year contract with the company. The district must provide a 30-day notice to end the deal.
Other trustees also favor revisiting the agreement.
Trustee Edwin Flores said it is encouraging that district administrators are moving on the issue.
"As with any large entity, deals may be cut that, in hindsight, appear to be a bad deal," he said in an e-mail. "The board members at the time may have thought it was a good deal, however, the data ... indicates that it is not."
A FedEx/Kinko's spokeswoman was not available to comment Monday, but she has not disputed The News' findings. She has said that, based on a school-by-school assessment, the company is saving DISD money. She has referred requests for cost figures to the district and said the company wants to work with DISD.
A review of 15 months of billing records from FedEx/Kinko's indicated that the company billed 64 participating schools and some departments $7.1 million for 2005. Copying expenses for the remaining 153 schools were about $5.7 million, according to district records.
Numerous school principals voiced concern in e-mails and memos about higher costs under the contract, records show. Some wanted to know how to get their schools out of the deal.
Schools that agreed to participate were told by then-Superintendent Mike Moses that they could redirect any savings into their schools. Participating schools had their old equipment removed under the agreement. Leased machines were sent back to the appropriate company; school-owned equipment was moved to warehouses.
"We've been looking at ways to exit the contract," said DISD spokesman Donald Claxton on Monday. "We have to do that in a way that our campuses aren't left without copying and printing equipment for the rest of the school year."
Trustee Jerome Garza said he'd support releasing schools from the contract. However, he doesn't want DISD to rush into a decision without all the facts and fears the district may lack the expertise to make a qualified decision on the deal.
"Unfortunately we're in this position," Mr. Garza said. "I'm not going to blame anybody for it, but we've got to move forward and fix it without any additional cost to the district."
Trustee Jack Lowe said he doesn't want a rush to fix the deal to create more problems.
"I'm sure this will get a lot of conversation," Mr. Lowe said. "It's going to be a hot topic."
The contract contains two unusual provisions, both of which relate to golf. The first requires FedEx/Kinko's to donate $10,000 to the superintendent's annual charity golf tournament. The other grants DISD administrators free entry into the company's celebrity PGA golf tournament.
When trustees got their first look at the proposed contract in August 2003, however, there was no mention of golf. But when the finalized contract went to a vote several weeks later, the two provisions appeared under the heading "Value Added provided by FedEx/Kinko's."
District documents define "value added" as extended warranties, staff training, additional support services and enhanced technology. Neither the district nor FedEx/Kinko's could explain how the golf clauses got into the deal or how they met the district's definition of "value added."
Trustee Joe May said the golf additions are a concern.
"If you change something or add something, you ought to let us know," he said. "It's grossly unfair."
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- TexasStooge
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When to tell a date you want children?
By MACIE JEPSON / WFAA ABC 8
Ever wondered when is the best time to tell your date that you want children and fast?
We learned from an episode of The Bachelor that the first date is not the answer.
A successful 30-something was quickly shown the limo when she bared her soul, leaving a lot of women in her shoes wondering how best to save their aging eggs.
A 14th Century French chateau and a dreamy 33-year-old doctor looking for love on a television show is not your typical first date. But these bachelorettes aren't all that unique.
"I'm thinking about the reproductive phase in my life," Allie G. tells the bachelor.
Is she talking about babies?
Allie G. will forever be remembered for her honesty, even her fortitude, to say what's on the mind of most single 30-something women.
"I think even women who are 25 are thinking that. I'm 24 and I'm like "I want to get married," said one woman.
"She repeatedly told me she is getting old and her eggs are rotting," said NBA dancer from Seattle Ali D.
Mr. Dreamy booted Allie G off the show. It seems procreating in Paris isn't his plan.
Bachelorette Heather Cranford from the second season remembers the hot seat being a place for no mistakes.
"You're under a lot of pressure. Things you would normally tell a guy in six-months to a year is condense down to six minutes," she says.
"When you're a single man and you're presented with 25 beautiful educated women, just one excuse to get rid of them and not feel guilty about it."
Clearly Dr. Stork, whose name just doesn't seem right, wasn't that in to her.
Greg Behrendt, author and comedian, who coined the phrase that no woman wants to hear, thinks he knows why.
"People always say "I don't want to play games.' Well, there's a big game to be played and it's called 'don't freak people out with need,'" he says.
Hey, but isn't this bacachelor looking for a relationship? What's wrong with babies?
"She goes on there and turns into psycho lady," says Daniel Bouchard.
"It's a full fledged commitment. When you have a baby with someone, you're with them for the rest of your life," said Dallas man, Derrick Young.
And the problem?
"Men are very sensitive about being trapped. You have two opposites coming together - one wants to get together, the other wants to run from you," said Dr. Sheron Patterson, minister/therapist.
Dr. Stork isn't running. But how's a woman to catch a man while dragging along her biological clock? While honesty is smart, it seems timing is everything.
"I think everybody knows when the door's open for them to talk about it. and other times you're just pushing an agenda that's gonna scare them," said Behrendt.
By MACIE JEPSON / WFAA ABC 8
Ever wondered when is the best time to tell your date that you want children and fast?
We learned from an episode of The Bachelor that the first date is not the answer.
A successful 30-something was quickly shown the limo when she bared her soul, leaving a lot of women in her shoes wondering how best to save their aging eggs.
A 14th Century French chateau and a dreamy 33-year-old doctor looking for love on a television show is not your typical first date. But these bachelorettes aren't all that unique.
"I'm thinking about the reproductive phase in my life," Allie G. tells the bachelor.
Is she talking about babies?
Allie G. will forever be remembered for her honesty, even her fortitude, to say what's on the mind of most single 30-something women.
"I think even women who are 25 are thinking that. I'm 24 and I'm like "I want to get married," said one woman.
"She repeatedly told me she is getting old and her eggs are rotting," said NBA dancer from Seattle Ali D.
Mr. Dreamy booted Allie G off the show. It seems procreating in Paris isn't his plan.
Bachelorette Heather Cranford from the second season remembers the hot seat being a place for no mistakes.
"You're under a lot of pressure. Things you would normally tell a guy in six-months to a year is condense down to six minutes," she says.
"When you're a single man and you're presented with 25 beautiful educated women, just one excuse to get rid of them and not feel guilty about it."
Clearly Dr. Stork, whose name just doesn't seem right, wasn't that in to her.
Greg Behrendt, author and comedian, who coined the phrase that no woman wants to hear, thinks he knows why.
"People always say "I don't want to play games.' Well, there's a big game to be played and it's called 'don't freak people out with need,'" he says.
Hey, but isn't this bacachelor looking for a relationship? What's wrong with babies?
"She goes on there and turns into psycho lady," says Daniel Bouchard.
"It's a full fledged commitment. When you have a baby with someone, you're with them for the rest of your life," said Dallas man, Derrick Young.
And the problem?
"Men are very sensitive about being trapped. You have two opposites coming together - one wants to get together, the other wants to run from you," said Dr. Sheron Patterson, minister/therapist.
Dr. Stork isn't running. But how's a woman to catch a man while dragging along her biological clock? While honesty is smart, it seems timing is everything.
"I think everybody knows when the door's open for them to talk about it. and other times you're just pushing an agenda that's gonna scare them," said Behrendt.
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