Power restored in Rockwall
ROCKWALL, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Power was knocked out to hundreds of homes and businesses in Rockwall and parts of Rowlett Thursday morning after a major high voltage line failed.
TXU Electric Delivery spokeswoman Carol Peters said the lights were out in an area south of Interstate 30, north of Hwy. 66 and east of Dalrock Road to Lake Ray Hubbard.
Power was restored to the affected area shortly after 7 a.m.
Peters said the 139 kilovolt power line is the second-largest currently used for electric delivery and that the cause of the outage was under investigation.
WFAA-TV contributed to this report.
News from the Lone Star State
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Nurse's murder trial to move
ARCHER CITY, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - The capital murder trial of a former nurse accused in a string of hospital deaths will be moved because there aren't enough unbiased potential jurors in Archer County, attorneys said Thursday.
Jury selection was to begin Thursday in the trial of Vickie Dawn Jackson, 38. She is charged with injecting elderly patients with lethal drug doses at Nocona General Hospital in late 2000 and early 2001, killing 10 and injuring another.
But after reviewing questionnaires filled out by 111 potential jurors, prosecutors and defense attorneys realized that about 70 people either thought Jackson was guilty or had other reasons they couldn't serve. That would not leave a big enough jury pool.
Instead of questioning potential jurors Thursday, both sides agreed to a change of venue and hope the trial can be held in a couple of weeks.
"She's going to have her day in court, come hell or high water," said defense attorney Bruce Martin.
State District Judge Roger Towery said the trial could move to Abilene, San Angelo or another West Texas town where residents may not have heard about the case.
The trial had been moved to Archer City, about 50 miles west of Nocona, because of pretrial publicity and the potential for many in the jury pool to know Jackson or any victims.
In early 2001, officials at the 38-bed hospital in rural Montague County said they discovered a twofold increase in deaths in recent months, many occurring during Jackson's shifts.
Officials said they discovered that at least 10 vials of mivacurium chloride, which is administered by syringe or IV, were missing from crash carts.
A few months later patients' 10 bodies were exhumed, and the manner of death was changed to homicide after autopsy reports showed that all died of toxic effects of mivacurium chloride, which is used to temporarily halt breathing in order to insert a breathing tube.
Jackson has been jailed since her 2002 indictment on capital murder charges in four deaths, including her husband's grandfather, in 2001. Last year Jackson was charged with six more deaths in 2000 and 2001 and one count of attempted murder in connection with an 11th patient who has since died.
Prosecutors say three other patients, who survived after being injected with the paralyzing drug but are not part of the indictments, will testify against Jackson.
She was fired from the hospital in 2001, and her license as a registered vocational nurse was suspended indefinitely. Eight civil lawsuits filed against Jackson by patients' families are pending.
ARCHER CITY, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - The capital murder trial of a former nurse accused in a string of hospital deaths will be moved because there aren't enough unbiased potential jurors in Archer County, attorneys said Thursday.
Jury selection was to begin Thursday in the trial of Vickie Dawn Jackson, 38. She is charged with injecting elderly patients with lethal drug doses at Nocona General Hospital in late 2000 and early 2001, killing 10 and injuring another.
But after reviewing questionnaires filled out by 111 potential jurors, prosecutors and defense attorneys realized that about 70 people either thought Jackson was guilty or had other reasons they couldn't serve. That would not leave a big enough jury pool.
Instead of questioning potential jurors Thursday, both sides agreed to a change of venue and hope the trial can be held in a couple of weeks.
"She's going to have her day in court, come hell or high water," said defense attorney Bruce Martin.
State District Judge Roger Towery said the trial could move to Abilene, San Angelo or another West Texas town where residents may not have heard about the case.
The trial had been moved to Archer City, about 50 miles west of Nocona, because of pretrial publicity and the potential for many in the jury pool to know Jackson or any victims.
In early 2001, officials at the 38-bed hospital in rural Montague County said they discovered a twofold increase in deaths in recent months, many occurring during Jackson's shifts.
Officials said they discovered that at least 10 vials of mivacurium chloride, which is administered by syringe or IV, were missing from crash carts.
A few months later patients' 10 bodies were exhumed, and the manner of death was changed to homicide after autopsy reports showed that all died of toxic effects of mivacurium chloride, which is used to temporarily halt breathing in order to insert a breathing tube.
Jackson has been jailed since her 2002 indictment on capital murder charges in four deaths, including her husband's grandfather, in 2001. Last year Jackson was charged with six more deaths in 2000 and 2001 and one count of attempted murder in connection with an 11th patient who has since died.
Prosecutors say three other patients, who survived after being injected with the paralyzing drug but are not part of the indictments, will testify against Jackson.
She was fired from the hospital in 2001, and her license as a registered vocational nurse was suspended indefinitely. Eight civil lawsuits filed against Jackson by patients' families are pending.
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New day coming for T.G.I. Friday's
Eatery 'is in the process of getting young'
By KAREN ROBINSON-JACOBS / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - For an aging icon approaching 40 and showing a few crows feet, what's better than Botox?
For the T.G.I. Friday's restaurant chain, which hits that milestone in March, the prescription from company management has been an ambitious makeover, with $160 million in store renovations, major menu revisions and a manager-retention program that earns the best of the bunch a Rolex.
"This is about the revitalization of the Friday's brand," said Richard Snead, chief executive of parent company Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc.
"We feel like we're just warming up, but our strategies are working. We're going to just keep hammering away at it."
Although still a work in progress, the efforts appear to be boosting sales. Company sales in 2004 were up nearly 8 percent to $2.4 billion.
Friday's, a pioneer in the casual-dining genre, was packing in customers in the early 1970s while many of its current competitors, including Chili's Grill & Bar and Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar, were still gleams in their founders' eyes.
Born in New York City in 1965, Friday's was purchased in 1975 by Carlson Cos., a privately held Minneapolis company that also owns cruise lines and hotel brands.
Carrollton-based Carlson Restaurants, one of five operating units within Carlson Cos., operates 759 Friday's in the United States and abroad as well as two other smaller concepts.
A prime hangout for singles, Friday's originally was known for its elaborate menu of nearly 100 items and its eclectic décor, including weathered tricycles, washboards and other bits of Americana strung from the ceiling and walls.
But rapid development of competing concepts in the 1970s and '80s changed the landscape. By the 1990s, the upstarts, most of which are now publicly traded, were outpacing Friday's in growth and siphoning off market share.
"Friday's goes back to when casual dining was invented," said Matthew Mabel, president of Surrender Inc., a Dallas management and hospitality consulting firm.
"Now casual dining is so crowded that every company is fighting for its share of the market and trying to distinguish themselves.
"Moving the needle gets harder and harder as the industry gets more competitive," he said.
About three years ago, not long after Mr. Snead, 53, took over as chief executive, management could see that the venerable brand was aging less gracefully than hoped.
Sales were sagging, the architecture looked dated and disgruntled franchisees were dragging their feet on expansion.
Phoenix-based Main Street Restaurant Group, the largest Friday's franchisee and the only publicly traded one, has not opened a Friday's since 2003, though it is on tap to restart construction this year.
"We probably limited growth over the past several years," said Michael Garnreiter, chief financial officer of Main Street, which has 52 stores, down from about 60 about several years ago.
"Three to four years ago, we were not necessarily happy with the marketing direction and positioning of the brand."
In both 2002 and 2003, systemwide sales for the restaurant company rose by about 3 percent – about half the pace seen in previous years.
Between 2001 and 2003, the company lost two market share points to competitors, Mr. Snead said.
Beginning in 2000, it posted 13 consecutive quarterly declines in diners.
That depressing string of stats launched a reassessment of the brand, and a game plan, code named: 1-40-05.
The translation: return the brand to an industry leadership position – aiming to be No. 1 – by its 40th birthday in March 2005.
Less kitsch
Perhaps the largest undertaking in the brand's transformation has been its facelift – an overhaul inside and out that's designed to show more coif, less kitsch.
A travertine-covered tower in earth tones rises above the entryway, replacing the landing-pad shape of the older design.
Gone are the exterior "Barnum and Bailey blue" paint and interior brass fixtures, replaced by more subtle shades, brushed aluminum and pewter.
Though tweaked, the signature red-and-white awnings remain.
About 80 company-owned stores have been remodeled, including 10 free-standing locations in Dallas. One outlet at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport also sports the new look.
Mr. Snead, formerly president of Friday's international division, called it "the first wholesale departure" from the chain's traditional look.
The company implemented several other initiatives.Since 2002, the chain more than doubled its TV presence with ads that appeal to its core audience of 26- to 42-year-olds. Its new tag line: "Everyone could use more Friday's."
During the lean times, manager turnover had climbed to an annual rate of 29 percent, which is above the industry average.
The company launched an incentive program that includes – for the top performers – a Rolex. This year's watches will be handed out at the company's convention in the Bahamas.
Also, the phone-book-sized menu was pared to 74 from 94 items with an eye toward improving kitchen efficiencies. The tally of meal-sized salads was boosted to nine, and the number of low-fat items was increased to appeal to health-conscious customers.
In the first quarter of 2004, after it began offering Atkins-sanctioned meals, the chain posted an 8 percent gain in guest counts and a 7 percent boost in sales.
For the year, sales at Friday's grew 8 percent on strong international business, with stores in more than 50 countries. International sales grew a record 4.7 percent last year, and another record is expected this year, Mr. Snead said.
International growth
Last year, Friday's opened 27 stores abroad and 16 in the United States.
For 2005, the plan is to launch up to 39 company and franchised restaurants in the United States and up to 27 internationally – including 23 franchised stores.
"We've doubled our development staff," Mr. Snead said. "We're back to growing again, compared with just marginal growth."
Mr. Mabel, the consultant, also noted that the brand – once known for its singles crowd – has increased its appeal to families with children.
"I like the food because it's good," said 10-year-old Corbin Bryson of Richardson, who was dining this week at the East Plano Friday's with his family, including 7-year-old sister Ashton Bryson and parents Amanda and Mark Seaborn.
"I really love the shakes," Corbin added with a toothy grin.
Ms. Seaborn said she likes Friday's because it can accommodate her two young children, even when they're "a little wound up and hyper."
"Kids can be a little noisier in here," Mr. Snead said. "They can be a little more boisterous and get away with it."
These days, Mr. Snead is focused on youth – or at least on returning the brand to its earlier form.
"Friday's is in the process of getting young," said Mr. Snead. "We're getting our teeth whitened, liposuction. We're injecting a little Botox into the imagery."
Eatery 'is in the process of getting young'
By KAREN ROBINSON-JACOBS / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - For an aging icon approaching 40 and showing a few crows feet, what's better than Botox?
For the T.G.I. Friday's restaurant chain, which hits that milestone in March, the prescription from company management has been an ambitious makeover, with $160 million in store renovations, major menu revisions and a manager-retention program that earns the best of the bunch a Rolex.
"This is about the revitalization of the Friday's brand," said Richard Snead, chief executive of parent company Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc.
"We feel like we're just warming up, but our strategies are working. We're going to just keep hammering away at it."
Although still a work in progress, the efforts appear to be boosting sales. Company sales in 2004 were up nearly 8 percent to $2.4 billion.
Friday's, a pioneer in the casual-dining genre, was packing in customers in the early 1970s while many of its current competitors, including Chili's Grill & Bar and Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar, were still gleams in their founders' eyes.
Born in New York City in 1965, Friday's was purchased in 1975 by Carlson Cos., a privately held Minneapolis company that also owns cruise lines and hotel brands.
Carrollton-based Carlson Restaurants, one of five operating units within Carlson Cos., operates 759 Friday's in the United States and abroad as well as two other smaller concepts.
A prime hangout for singles, Friday's originally was known for its elaborate menu of nearly 100 items and its eclectic décor, including weathered tricycles, washboards and other bits of Americana strung from the ceiling and walls.
But rapid development of competing concepts in the 1970s and '80s changed the landscape. By the 1990s, the upstarts, most of which are now publicly traded, were outpacing Friday's in growth and siphoning off market share.
"Friday's goes back to when casual dining was invented," said Matthew Mabel, president of Surrender Inc., a Dallas management and hospitality consulting firm.
"Now casual dining is so crowded that every company is fighting for its share of the market and trying to distinguish themselves.
"Moving the needle gets harder and harder as the industry gets more competitive," he said.
About three years ago, not long after Mr. Snead, 53, took over as chief executive, management could see that the venerable brand was aging less gracefully than hoped.
Sales were sagging, the architecture looked dated and disgruntled franchisees were dragging their feet on expansion.
Phoenix-based Main Street Restaurant Group, the largest Friday's franchisee and the only publicly traded one, has not opened a Friday's since 2003, though it is on tap to restart construction this year.
"We probably limited growth over the past several years," said Michael Garnreiter, chief financial officer of Main Street, which has 52 stores, down from about 60 about several years ago.
"Three to four years ago, we were not necessarily happy with the marketing direction and positioning of the brand."
In both 2002 and 2003, systemwide sales for the restaurant company rose by about 3 percent – about half the pace seen in previous years.
Between 2001 and 2003, the company lost two market share points to competitors, Mr. Snead said.
Beginning in 2000, it posted 13 consecutive quarterly declines in diners.
That depressing string of stats launched a reassessment of the brand, and a game plan, code named: 1-40-05.
The translation: return the brand to an industry leadership position – aiming to be No. 1 – by its 40th birthday in March 2005.
Less kitsch
Perhaps the largest undertaking in the brand's transformation has been its facelift – an overhaul inside and out that's designed to show more coif, less kitsch.
A travertine-covered tower in earth tones rises above the entryway, replacing the landing-pad shape of the older design.
Gone are the exterior "Barnum and Bailey blue" paint and interior brass fixtures, replaced by more subtle shades, brushed aluminum and pewter.
Though tweaked, the signature red-and-white awnings remain.
About 80 company-owned stores have been remodeled, including 10 free-standing locations in Dallas. One outlet at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport also sports the new look.
Mr. Snead, formerly president of Friday's international division, called it "the first wholesale departure" from the chain's traditional look.
The company implemented several other initiatives.Since 2002, the chain more than doubled its TV presence with ads that appeal to its core audience of 26- to 42-year-olds. Its new tag line: "Everyone could use more Friday's."
During the lean times, manager turnover had climbed to an annual rate of 29 percent, which is above the industry average.
The company launched an incentive program that includes – for the top performers – a Rolex. This year's watches will be handed out at the company's convention in the Bahamas.
Also, the phone-book-sized menu was pared to 74 from 94 items with an eye toward improving kitchen efficiencies. The tally of meal-sized salads was boosted to nine, and the number of low-fat items was increased to appeal to health-conscious customers.
In the first quarter of 2004, after it began offering Atkins-sanctioned meals, the chain posted an 8 percent gain in guest counts and a 7 percent boost in sales.
For the year, sales at Friday's grew 8 percent on strong international business, with stores in more than 50 countries. International sales grew a record 4.7 percent last year, and another record is expected this year, Mr. Snead said.
International growth
Last year, Friday's opened 27 stores abroad and 16 in the United States.
For 2005, the plan is to launch up to 39 company and franchised restaurants in the United States and up to 27 internationally – including 23 franchised stores.
"We've doubled our development staff," Mr. Snead said. "We're back to growing again, compared with just marginal growth."
Mr. Mabel, the consultant, also noted that the brand – once known for its singles crowd – has increased its appeal to families with children.
"I like the food because it's good," said 10-year-old Corbin Bryson of Richardson, who was dining this week at the East Plano Friday's with his family, including 7-year-old sister Ashton Bryson and parents Amanda and Mark Seaborn.
"I really love the shakes," Corbin added with a toothy grin.
Ms. Seaborn said she likes Friday's because it can accommodate her two young children, even when they're "a little wound up and hyper."
"Kids can be a little noisier in here," Mr. Snead said. "They can be a little more boisterous and get away with it."
These days, Mr. Snead is focused on youth – or at least on returning the brand to its earlier form.
"Friday's is in the process of getting young," said Mr. Snead. "We're getting our teeth whitened, liposuction. We're injecting a little Botox into the imagery."
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Principal is placed on leave in probe
By Amie Streater, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Westpark Elementary School Principal Lynn Allen is on administrative leave while Fort Worth school officials investigate a teacher's report that Allen asked the teacher to have a parent withdraw a child from school just before the TAKS is to be administered.
Westpark administrators expect the student, a fifth-grader with severe test anxiety, to fail the reading portion of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills this month, according to statements given to Fort Worth school district investigators.
On Jan. 26, Allen and Assistant Principal Karen Brown were discussing how to help the student when they called in the child's teacher, Jennifer McMillan, according to statements.
By Amie Streater, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Westpark Elementary School Principal Lynn Allen is on administrative leave while Fort Worth school officials investigate a teacher's report that Allen asked the teacher to have a parent withdraw a child from school just before the TAKS is to be administered.
Westpark administrators expect the student, a fifth-grader with severe test anxiety, to fail the reading portion of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills this month, according to statements given to Fort Worth school district investigators.
On Jan. 26, Allen and Assistant Principal Karen Brown were discussing how to help the student when they called in the child's teacher, Jennifer McMillan, according to statements.
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HUSH MONEY
By Paul Bourgeois, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Ash Wednesday is a solemn day for Christians worldwide, but the day was greeted with an eerie silence at Catholic schools in the Fort Worth area.
More than 1,000 students at a dozen schools participated in Silence Speaks, a day to hold their tongues, reflect and raise money for the less fortunate.
Erin Vader, a teacher at St. Andrew's Catholic School, said her students came up with the idea last year. They raised $3,000 in pledges from relatives and friends in return for staying mum through the day. The money went to charity.
This year, the idea spread to 11 other Roman Catholic schools. Fund raising isn't the only purpose.
By Paul Bourgeois, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Ash Wednesday is a solemn day for Christians worldwide, but the day was greeted with an eerie silence at Catholic schools in the Fort Worth area.
More than 1,000 students at a dozen schools participated in Silence Speaks, a day to hold their tongues, reflect and raise money for the less fortunate.
Erin Vader, a teacher at St. Andrew's Catholic School, said her students came up with the idea last year. They raised $3,000 in pledges from relatives and friends in return for staying mum through the day. The money went to charity.
This year, the idea spread to 11 other Roman Catholic schools. Fund raising isn't the only purpose.
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Landfill OK'd as transfer station
By Anna M. Tinsley, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Despite ardent opposition from residents, city zoning commissioners Wednesday unanimously approved Waste Management's request to convert a west side landfill into a garbage transfer station.
Commissioners said the controversial request, which has dragged on for years, did not violate city land-use regulations.
"We made the only decision we could make," said Monnie Gilliam, chairman of the commission. "We stuck to the facts.
"I think we made a good decision, a fair decision."
Some residents who live downwind disagree, saying Waste Management has not gone far enough to address their concerns about noise and odors from the 28-year-old landfill at Interstate 30 and Linkcrest Drive.
By Anna M. Tinsley, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Despite ardent opposition from residents, city zoning commissioners Wednesday unanimously approved Waste Management's request to convert a west side landfill into a garbage transfer station.
Commissioners said the controversial request, which has dragged on for years, did not violate city land-use regulations.
"We made the only decision we could make," said Monnie Gilliam, chairman of the commission. "We stuck to the facts.
"I think we made a good decision, a fair decision."
Some residents who live downwind disagree, saying Waste Management has not gone far enough to address their concerns about noise and odors from the 28-year-old landfill at Interstate 30 and Linkcrest Drive.
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Work will ease traffic on I-35 at Loop 820
By Gordon Dickson, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - In highway dollars, a $2.7 million project isn't exactly big.
But state officials say it's enough to ease a little of the gridlock on Interstate 35W north of North Loop 820.
Beginning Friday, a work crew will reconfigure the freeway's main lanes and add lanes to give drivers coming from Loop 820 more room to merge onto I-35W.
The work is expected to be complete by fall.
The contractor, APAC-Texas of Fort Worth, will do most of its work in the median, separated from traffic by concrete barriers. Lane closings should be minimal, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
The work zone includes:
• Both directions of I-35W from Loop 820 to Western Center Boulevard.
• Southbound I-35W from U.S. 81/287 to Basswood Boulevard.
Merge lanes will help mitigate the daily grind on I-35W until the state has the money to add more main lanes, said Michael Peters, spokesman for the Texas Department of Transportation.
"It will provide some traffic relief in the area, and it won't take long," he said.
By Gordon Dickson, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - In highway dollars, a $2.7 million project isn't exactly big.
But state officials say it's enough to ease a little of the gridlock on Interstate 35W north of North Loop 820.
Beginning Friday, a work crew will reconfigure the freeway's main lanes and add lanes to give drivers coming from Loop 820 more room to merge onto I-35W.
The work is expected to be complete by fall.
The contractor, APAC-Texas of Fort Worth, will do most of its work in the median, separated from traffic by concrete barriers. Lane closings should be minimal, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
The work zone includes:
• Both directions of I-35W from Loop 820 to Western Center Boulevard.
• Southbound I-35W from U.S. 81/287 to Basswood Boulevard.
Merge lanes will help mitigate the daily grind on I-35W until the state has the money to add more main lanes, said Michael Peters, spokesman for the Texas Department of Transportation.
"It will provide some traffic relief in the area, and it won't take long," he said.
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Two lawyers in boot-camp case face two judges being sued
By Max B. Baker, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Several Tarrant County judges sued over a death at the defunct boot camp are being accused of unethical behavior for considering cases involving the attorneys who are suing them.
Defense attorneys Charlie Smith and Bill Lane say that state district judges Sharen Wilson and George Gallagher have decided that they will not automatically transfer those cases to other courts.
Since January 2003, the judges have routinely transferred cases handled by Smith and Lane to other courts after the attorneys filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against them and the county.
By Max B. Baker, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - Several Tarrant County judges sued over a death at the defunct boot camp are being accused of unethical behavior for considering cases involving the attorneys who are suing them.
Defense attorneys Charlie Smith and Bill Lane say that state district judges Sharen Wilson and George Gallagher have decided that they will not automatically transfer those cases to other courts.
Since January 2003, the judges have routinely transferred cases handled by Smith and Lane to other courts after the attorneys filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against them and the county.
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Police Arrest 3 Suspects In Drive-By Shooting Of Council Member's Home
Jim Lane Won't Run For New Term
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Police say they've arrested three suspects in a drive-by shooting of Fort Worth City Council Member Jim Lane's home last August.
Police identify the suspects as Artero Clemente, 22, Eric Rodriguez, 24, and Oscar Andrade, 20 -- all of Fort Worth.
A police statement said Clemente was found serving time in the Tarrant County Jail, where he was booked on an unrelated charge. The statement said he gave detectives information leading to arrests of the other two suspects.
All are accused of engaging in organized criminal activity with deadly conduct. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and fined up to $10,000.
The shooting was the first of two drive-bys targeting Lane's home recently. The police statement said there is no known link between the Aug. 8 shooting and a similar Jan. 16 shooting.
Nobody was wounded in either incident.
Lane Won't Run For New Term
Lane -- who has been a vocal supporter of police anti-gang efforts -- said Monday he won't run for a new term in the May city elections.
But, Lane adds his decision to not run for re-election has nothing to do with the recent shootings at his home.
Lane spent 12 years representing the city's northside. He pushed for Fort Worth police to restore the gang unit, and even though gang members are suspected of shooting at his house, Lane said they can't intimidate him and his wife, Janet.
"Janet and I are going to stay right where we are. That's our home, and I will be probably even more active," Lane said.
Lane plans to return most of his attention to his law practice.
Jim Lane Won't Run For New Term
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Police say they've arrested three suspects in a drive-by shooting of Fort Worth City Council Member Jim Lane's home last August.
Police identify the suspects as Artero Clemente, 22, Eric Rodriguez, 24, and Oscar Andrade, 20 -- all of Fort Worth.
A police statement said Clemente was found serving time in the Tarrant County Jail, where he was booked on an unrelated charge. The statement said he gave detectives information leading to arrests of the other two suspects.
All are accused of engaging in organized criminal activity with deadly conduct. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and fined up to $10,000.
The shooting was the first of two drive-bys targeting Lane's home recently. The police statement said there is no known link between the Aug. 8 shooting and a similar Jan. 16 shooting.
Nobody was wounded in either incident.
Lane Won't Run For New Term
Lane -- who has been a vocal supporter of police anti-gang efforts -- said Monday he won't run for a new term in the May city elections.
But, Lane adds his decision to not run for re-election has nothing to do with the recent shootings at his home.
Lane spent 12 years representing the city's northside. He pushed for Fort Worth police to restore the gang unit, and even though gang members are suspected of shooting at his house, Lane said they can't intimidate him and his wife, Janet.
"Janet and I are going to stay right where we are. That's our home, and I will be probably even more active," Lane said.
Lane plans to return most of his attention to his law practice.
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Garland stuff Store Closes; Residents Claim Victory
Planet X Store Closes Doors For Good
GARLAND, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Some residents in Garland are claiming victory now that a stuff store has closed its doors for good.
The Planet X store at Kingsley and Jupiter agitated community leaders in Garland for the entire year and a half it was open while city leaders worked to determine whether the store violated any city ordinances.
A lot of the controversy centered around the store's private viewing rooms and possible ordinance violations. Store owner Bruce Khan said the permit application never asked what he would be selling.
Darren Luna's restaurant, Garland Grill, is next door to Planet X and he opposed the pornographic store since its opening.
Since August 2003, Luna passed around petitions, staged protests and for eight months held Friday night prayer right outside the store's doors. Luna believes the actions may have turned customers away.
"Every time they did a little promotion, we let them know at least some people in Garland didn't want them here," Luna said
Luna said he saw people emptying out the store on Saturday and is very pleased that the store has closed.
The city of Garland approved a new ordinance regulating sexually oriented businesses last year and at that time Khan agreed to dismantle the private viewing rooms.
Opponents believe that ordinance and constant pressure from neighbors kept customers away.
Planet X Store Closes Doors For Good
GARLAND, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Some residents in Garland are claiming victory now that a stuff store has closed its doors for good.
The Planet X store at Kingsley and Jupiter agitated community leaders in Garland for the entire year and a half it was open while city leaders worked to determine whether the store violated any city ordinances.
A lot of the controversy centered around the store's private viewing rooms and possible ordinance violations. Store owner Bruce Khan said the permit application never asked what he would be selling.
Darren Luna's restaurant, Garland Grill, is next door to Planet X and he opposed the pornographic store since its opening.
Since August 2003, Luna passed around petitions, staged protests and for eight months held Friday night prayer right outside the store's doors. Luna believes the actions may have turned customers away.
"Every time they did a little promotion, we let them know at least some people in Garland didn't want them here," Luna said
Luna said he saw people emptying out the store on Saturday and is very pleased that the store has closed.
The city of Garland approved a new ordinance regulating sexually oriented businesses last year and at that time Khan agreed to dismantle the private viewing rooms.
Opponents believe that ordinance and constant pressure from neighbors kept customers away.
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TexasStooge
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Doughnut Demand High In Fort Worth
Magazine Ranks City No. 1 Nationwide For Doughnut Shops
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Undoubtedly, many Fort Worth residents like Candy Hitt start their day with a donut.
"I think it's a great treat in the morning and it doesn't feel like there's a lot of calories, but there must be or I wouldn't like it," Hitt said.
Hitt's hair salon is right next door to a doughnut shop that boasts the best doughnuts in the city.
The city of Fort Worth is famously fond of doughnuts and has more stores per capita, according to Men's Fitness magazine, than any other city in the U.S.
According to the magazine's survey, Fort Worth has four times the national average of doughnut shops. The magazine also ranked Fort Worth the 14th fattest city in the nation.
"I don't know if that's anything to be famous for or not," Hitt said. "That's probably very true, 'cause I can think of five between here and where I live."
But now, Hitt is cutting back on her favorite sweet treat while trying to lose a few pounds.
"I've sworn off of them, but they are my favorite breakfast. That and a Pepsi. There has got to be a diet that that is really good on," Hitt said.
Magazine Ranks City No. 1 Nationwide For Doughnut Shops
FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) -- Undoubtedly, many Fort Worth residents like Candy Hitt start their day with a donut.
"I think it's a great treat in the morning and it doesn't feel like there's a lot of calories, but there must be or I wouldn't like it," Hitt said.
Hitt's hair salon is right next door to a doughnut shop that boasts the best doughnuts in the city.
The city of Fort Worth is famously fond of doughnuts and has more stores per capita, according to Men's Fitness magazine, than any other city in the U.S.
According to the magazine's survey, Fort Worth has four times the national average of doughnut shops. The magazine also ranked Fort Worth the 14th fattest city in the nation.
"I don't know if that's anything to be famous for or not," Hitt said. "That's probably very true, 'cause I can think of five between here and where I live."
But now, Hitt is cutting back on her favorite sweet treat while trying to lose a few pounds.
"I've sworn off of them, but they are my favorite breakfast. That and a Pepsi. There has got to be a diet that that is really good on," Hitt said.
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TexasStooge
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TIPS POUR IN ON MURDER CASE
HALTOM CITY, Texas (KDFW Fox 4) -- Haltom City police are getting many tips in the case of a murdered teenager.
14-year-old Lan Bui's body was found this week. The people who found the body and dialed 911 may have seen the killer. A $10,000 reward is being offered in the case.
HALTOM CITY, Texas (KDFW Fox 4) -- Haltom City police are getting many tips in the case of a murdered teenager.
14-year-old Lan Bui's body was found this week. The people who found the body and dialed 911 may have seen the killer. A $10,000 reward is being offered in the case.
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TexasStooge
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CONTROVERSIAL PRIEST LEADS SERVICE
DALLAS, Texas (KDFW Fox 4) -- Many Dallas Catholics were angered by a controversial priest leading Ash Wednesday services.
Some parishioners at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall were under the impression Father Richard wouldn't reside over the mass.
Richard had announced sunday he was resigning under pressure after he refused to get rid of an associate who had been convicted of indecent exposure. There were mixed emotions from parishioners. Although Father Richard announced his resignation Sunday, today is his last day.
DALLAS, Texas (KDFW Fox 4) -- Many Dallas Catholics were angered by a controversial priest leading Ash Wednesday services.
Some parishioners at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall were under the impression Father Richard wouldn't reside over the mass.
Richard had announced sunday he was resigning under pressure after he refused to get rid of an associate who had been convicted of indecent exposure. There were mixed emotions from parishioners. Although Father Richard announced his resignation Sunday, today is his last day.
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TexasStooge
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Credit Freeze Ices ID Theft
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) - A new law on the Texas books can help prevent what the FBI called the fastest-growing crime in the United States -- identify theft.
The law now allows individuals who think their personal identification information could have been stolen to place a freeze on their credit information with the three credit history agencies: Experion, Equifax and Trans Union. With the freeze in place, a credit-issuing business such as a retail store or bank card company cannot open an instant credit account in that person's name.
Criminals bank on instant credit access so they can run up fraudulent charges before the individual or credit-issuing company realizes a scam has been committed. The freeze closes the instant availability avenue.
Bryan Block called the theft of his identity a "living hell." Thieves racked up thousands of dollars' worth of bogus charges in his name within a matter of hours.
"You feel violated," he said. "You won't feel that you're secure again. If your credit turns out good, they get whatever they want -- phone plans, accessories, stuff like that. (It's) real easy over the phone, and real quick."
Texas joined California as the two states in which citizens can opt for a freeze on their credit histories. That freeze blocks creditors from accessing an individual's credit file, which means issuing credit in that person's name becomes nearly impossible until the individual unfreezes the information.
Credit counselor Bettye Banks said she sees the credit freeze law as a useful tool against ID theft as long as the potential victim is willing to give up access to instant credit.
"The bad guys are out there all day, every day doing what's easy for them," she said. "(This) is just a lingering hassle."
Some insurance companies offer ID theft policies, and some will help their customers who fall victim to repair their credit histories.
DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC 5) - A new law on the Texas books can help prevent what the FBI called the fastest-growing crime in the United States -- identify theft.
The law now allows individuals who think their personal identification information could have been stolen to place a freeze on their credit information with the three credit history agencies: Experion, Equifax and Trans Union. With the freeze in place, a credit-issuing business such as a retail store or bank card company cannot open an instant credit account in that person's name.
Criminals bank on instant credit access so they can run up fraudulent charges before the individual or credit-issuing company realizes a scam has been committed. The freeze closes the instant availability avenue.
Bryan Block called the theft of his identity a "living hell." Thieves racked up thousands of dollars' worth of bogus charges in his name within a matter of hours.
"You feel violated," he said. "You won't feel that you're secure again. If your credit turns out good, they get whatever they want -- phone plans, accessories, stuff like that. (It's) real easy over the phone, and real quick."
Texas joined California as the two states in which citizens can opt for a freeze on their credit histories. That freeze blocks creditors from accessing an individual's credit file, which means issuing credit in that person's name becomes nearly impossible until the individual unfreezes the information.
Credit counselor Bettye Banks said she sees the credit freeze law as a useful tool against ID theft as long as the potential victim is willing to give up access to instant credit.
"The bad guys are out there all day, every day doing what's easy for them," she said. "(This) is just a lingering hassle."
Some insurance companies offer ID theft policies, and some will help their customers who fall victim to repair their credit histories.
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TexasStooge
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New sewer lift station brings an air of progress
By Don Chance, Special to the Star-Telegram
LAKE WORTH, Texas - There's a big stink around the Lake Worth City Hall lately, and it has little to do with local party politics.
When a new sewer lift station, located within a hundred yards of the city offices, came online last summer, nearby residents began noticing the distinct smell of sewer gases.
"Periodically, it has a terrific odor," said Allen Cole, who lives three blocks from the lift station. He said he passes it twice a day. "They were supposed to be taking care of this and fixing it up."
Cole, who has been active in Lake Worth politics and issues for many years, said he understood that odor control was part of the original contract for locating the lift station near homes.
"I've wrote them letters, and others have wrote letters talking about the smell," Cole said. "I hope they get it taken care of this time."
Lake Worth City Administrator Joey Highfill said that the lift station itself is not the cause of the odor.
"The way our system works, all of the wastewater from Lake Worth comes through that lift station before it goes to Fort Worth," Highfill said. "But the majority of it comes through another lift station before it gets to the new one. The process of pumping it from one place to the other, and the turbulence it can cause, causes the hydrogen sulfide to be increased. So when the wastewater gets from one lift station to the next, the hydrogen sulfide gases are vented, causing the odor issue."
Highfill said that the city council authorized the solicitation of bids for a media filtration system at Tuesday's meeting. Media filtration, Highfill explained, involves the use of a replaceable dry-chemical medium to neutralize the gases, as opposed to filtering the exhaust through a passive, fiber-material system.
"Hopefully, bids will go out and come back," Highfill said, "and we'll know exactly what we're gonna put in there."
The new lift station replaced one that was removed from a location farther east when Jacksboro Highway was widened.
"The same thing was happening there," Highfill said. "It wasn't as noticeable, because it was in such an open area. And it wasn't all the time. Just every once in awhile."
Highfill said that in addition to citizen complaints, the opening of Mascot's Deli and Spring Creek Barbecue downwind from the lift station was another factor in seeking out odor control.
Spring Creek Barbecue manager Shane Morgan said he has never noticed the smell, and none of his customers have ever said anything about it.
Highfill said that most cities with lift stations or treatment plants are bound to experience odor issues.
"You're collecting millions of gallons of sewer, and you're gonna have gases," Highfill said. "They've gotta go somewhere. It just so happens that we have two lift stations in line, and that causes the hydrogen sulfide to increase. Then it burps, and there you have it."
By Don Chance, Special to the Star-Telegram
LAKE WORTH, Texas - There's a big stink around the Lake Worth City Hall lately, and it has little to do with local party politics.
When a new sewer lift station, located within a hundred yards of the city offices, came online last summer, nearby residents began noticing the distinct smell of sewer gases.
"Periodically, it has a terrific odor," said Allen Cole, who lives three blocks from the lift station. He said he passes it twice a day. "They were supposed to be taking care of this and fixing it up."
Cole, who has been active in Lake Worth politics and issues for many years, said he understood that odor control was part of the original contract for locating the lift station near homes.
"I've wrote them letters, and others have wrote letters talking about the smell," Cole said. "I hope they get it taken care of this time."
Lake Worth City Administrator Joey Highfill said that the lift station itself is not the cause of the odor.
"The way our system works, all of the wastewater from Lake Worth comes through that lift station before it goes to Fort Worth," Highfill said. "But the majority of it comes through another lift station before it gets to the new one. The process of pumping it from one place to the other, and the turbulence it can cause, causes the hydrogen sulfide to be increased. So when the wastewater gets from one lift station to the next, the hydrogen sulfide gases are vented, causing the odor issue."
Highfill said that the city council authorized the solicitation of bids for a media filtration system at Tuesday's meeting. Media filtration, Highfill explained, involves the use of a replaceable dry-chemical medium to neutralize the gases, as opposed to filtering the exhaust through a passive, fiber-material system.
"Hopefully, bids will go out and come back," Highfill said, "and we'll know exactly what we're gonna put in there."
The new lift station replaced one that was removed from a location farther east when Jacksboro Highway was widened.
"The same thing was happening there," Highfill said. "It wasn't as noticeable, because it was in such an open area. And it wasn't all the time. Just every once in awhile."
Highfill said that in addition to citizen complaints, the opening of Mascot's Deli and Spring Creek Barbecue downwind from the lift station was another factor in seeking out odor control.
Spring Creek Barbecue manager Shane Morgan said he has never noticed the smell, and none of his customers have ever said anything about it.
Highfill said that most cities with lift stations or treatment plants are bound to experience odor issues.
"You're collecting millions of gallons of sewer, and you're gonna have gases," Highfill said. "They've gotta go somewhere. It just so happens that we have two lift stations in line, and that causes the hydrogen sulfide to increase. Then it burps, and there you have it."
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TexasStooge
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Teen ordered to drug treatment program
Boy gave diazepam to friend who died
By Deanna Boyd, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - A teen-age boy who gave a lethal dose of prescription drugs to a 13-year-old friend has been ordered into a drug treatment program.
Associate Judge Tim Menikos issued the order after prosecutor Riley Shaw and defense attorney Trent Loftin agreed in a hearing Wednesday that such a program would be best for the boy, who was 13 years old the time of the offense.
"We hope this will serve as a deterrent to other juveniles who are considering getting into their parents' medicine cabinet," Shaw said. "When you start messing around with pills that you don't know about, anything can happen." The boy, now 15, admitted to stipulated testimony that he took a small bag of diazepam pills to the 13th birthday party of Joseph Barnett on June 13, 2003, then gave some pills to Barnett and William Loren Ely, 17, whose father was the boyfriend of Barnett's mother.
Paramedics were summoned to the house the next afternoon after Barnett's mother was unable to wake her son.
Barnett, a National Junior Honor Society member and football player at Highland Middle School, died two days later of a drug overdose at a Fort Worth hospital.
Ely, now 18, has also acknowledged that he gave Barnett some pills on the night of the party. Ely pleaded guilty in November to delivery of a controlled substance for his role and was sentenced to three years' probation.
If the 15-year-old boy does not successfully complete the drug treatment program, he could be found to have engaged in delinquent conduct/delivery of a controlled substance.
The judge could then put him on probation until his 18th birthday, place him outside of his home or remand him to the custody of the Texas Youth Commission, the juvenile prison system, for an indeterminent amount of time up to his 21st birthday.
After Wednesday's hearing, Jeri Barnett, the victim's mother, read a statement to the courtroom, calling on the criminal justice system to open the public's eyes to the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
"The responsibility for safeguarding prescription drugs from the hands of others, especially our children, must be addressed," she said.
Wearing a photograph of her smiling son pinned to her chest, Barnett told the courtroom that she is only one of many parents who have lost a child by misuse of prescription drugs taken from a parent's medicine cabinet or made accessible on the streets.
She reminded the courtroom of the recent death of Tyler Bailey, a 14-year-old Fossil Ridge High School freshman who died in September after taking prescription drugs given to him by a 15-year-old friend.
Speaking directly to the parents of the juvenile who gave her son the deadly dosage of pills, Barnett told the couple that it could have just as easily been their son who died.
"I want the (family) to question themselves on how this incident could have been avoided," Barnett said. "I want (the boy) to realize the great impact of his actions and that his actions took a life.
"What would be a worse tragedy is that no lesson is learned from this act that took my son's life."
Barnett broke into tears as she told the courtroom, "I miss my son. I miss Joe. My soul yearns for him incessantly."
Loftin said the boy and his family are devastated about Barnett's death and their hearts go out to the boy's family.
Loftin said he hopes the case will serve as a deterrent to others.
"I think it was an experimental, isolated incident because he's been drug tested over and over since then and it's been negative," Loftin said. "But all it takes is one stupid time, one experiment.
"Like (Jeri Barnett) said, it could have been him. He realizes that."
After the hearing, the juvenile turned to Jeri Barnett, quietly telling the woman, "I'm sorry about what happened."
Barnett motioned the boy into her waiting arms and hugged him.
Boy gave diazepam to friend who died
By Deanna Boyd, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - A teen-age boy who gave a lethal dose of prescription drugs to a 13-year-old friend has been ordered into a drug treatment program.
Associate Judge Tim Menikos issued the order after prosecutor Riley Shaw and defense attorney Trent Loftin agreed in a hearing Wednesday that such a program would be best for the boy, who was 13 years old the time of the offense.
"We hope this will serve as a deterrent to other juveniles who are considering getting into their parents' medicine cabinet," Shaw said. "When you start messing around with pills that you don't know about, anything can happen." The boy, now 15, admitted to stipulated testimony that he took a small bag of diazepam pills to the 13th birthday party of Joseph Barnett on June 13, 2003, then gave some pills to Barnett and William Loren Ely, 17, whose father was the boyfriend of Barnett's mother.
Paramedics were summoned to the house the next afternoon after Barnett's mother was unable to wake her son.
Barnett, a National Junior Honor Society member and football player at Highland Middle School, died two days later of a drug overdose at a Fort Worth hospital.
Ely, now 18, has also acknowledged that he gave Barnett some pills on the night of the party. Ely pleaded guilty in November to delivery of a controlled substance for his role and was sentenced to three years' probation.
If the 15-year-old boy does not successfully complete the drug treatment program, he could be found to have engaged in delinquent conduct/delivery of a controlled substance.
The judge could then put him on probation until his 18th birthday, place him outside of his home or remand him to the custody of the Texas Youth Commission, the juvenile prison system, for an indeterminent amount of time up to his 21st birthday.
After Wednesday's hearing, Jeri Barnett, the victim's mother, read a statement to the courtroom, calling on the criminal justice system to open the public's eyes to the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
"The responsibility for safeguarding prescription drugs from the hands of others, especially our children, must be addressed," she said.
Wearing a photograph of her smiling son pinned to her chest, Barnett told the courtroom that she is only one of many parents who have lost a child by misuse of prescription drugs taken from a parent's medicine cabinet or made accessible on the streets.
She reminded the courtroom of the recent death of Tyler Bailey, a 14-year-old Fossil Ridge High School freshman who died in September after taking prescription drugs given to him by a 15-year-old friend.
Speaking directly to the parents of the juvenile who gave her son the deadly dosage of pills, Barnett told the couple that it could have just as easily been their son who died.
"I want the (family) to question themselves on how this incident could have been avoided," Barnett said. "I want (the boy) to realize the great impact of his actions and that his actions took a life.
"What would be a worse tragedy is that no lesson is learned from this act that took my son's life."
Barnett broke into tears as she told the courtroom, "I miss my son. I miss Joe. My soul yearns for him incessantly."
Loftin said the boy and his family are devastated about Barnett's death and their hearts go out to the boy's family.
Loftin said he hopes the case will serve as a deterrent to others.
"I think it was an experimental, isolated incident because he's been drug tested over and over since then and it's been negative," Loftin said. "But all it takes is one stupid time, one experiment.
"Like (Jeri Barnett) said, it could have been him. He realizes that."
After the hearing, the juvenile turned to Jeri Barnett, quietly telling the woman, "I'm sorry about what happened."
Barnett motioned the boy into her waiting arms and hugged him.
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rainstorm
TexasStooge wrote:Teen ordered to drug treatment program
Boy gave diazepam to friend who died
By Deanna Boyd, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - A teen-age boy who gave a lethal dose of prescription drugs to a 13-year-old friend has been ordered into a drug treatment program.
Associate Judge Tim Menikos issued the order after prosecutor Riley Shaw and defense attorney Trent Loftin agreed in a hearing Wednesday that such a program would be best for the boy, who was 13 years old the time of the offense.
"We hope this will serve as a deterrent to other juveniles who are considering getting into their parents' medicine cabinet," Shaw said. "When you start messing around with pills that you don't know about, anything can happen." The boy, now 15, admitted to stipulated testimony that he took a small bag of diazepam pills to the 13th birthday party of Joseph Barnett on June 13, 2003, then gave some pills to Barnett and William Loren Ely, 17, whose father was the boyfriend of Barnett's mother.
Paramedics were summoned to the house the next afternoon after Barnett's mother was unable to wake her son.
Barnett, a National Junior Honor Society member and football player at Highland Middle School, died two days later of a drug overdose at a Fort Worth hospital.
Ely, now 18, has also acknowledged that he gave Barnett some pills on the night of the party. Ely pleaded guilty in November to delivery of a controlled substance for his role and was sentenced to three years' probation.
If the 15-year-old boy does not successfully complete the drug treatment program, he could be found to have engaged in delinquent conduct/delivery of a controlled substance.
The judge could then put him on probation until his 18th birthday, place him outside of his home or remand him to the custody of the Texas Youth Commission, the juvenile prison system, for an indeterminent amount of time up to his 21st birthday.
After Wednesday's hearing, Jeri Barnett, the victim's mother, read a statement to the courtroom, calling on the criminal justice system to open the public's eyes to the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
"The responsibility for safeguarding prescription drugs from the hands of others, especially our children, must be addressed," she said.
Wearing a photograph of her smiling son pinned to her chest, Barnett told the courtroom that she is only one of many parents who have lost a child by misuse of prescription drugs taken from a parent's medicine cabinet or made accessible on the streets.
She reminded the courtroom of the recent death of Tyler Bailey, a 14-year-old Fossil Ridge High School freshman who died in September after taking prescription drugs given to him by a 15-year-old friend.
Speaking directly to the parents of the juvenile who gave her son the deadly dosage of pills, Barnett told the couple that it could have just as easily been their son who died.
"I want the (family) to question themselves on how this incident could have been avoided," Barnett said. "I want (the boy) to realize the great impact of his actions and that his actions took a life.
"What would be a worse tragedy is that no lesson is learned from this act that took my son's life."
Barnett broke into tears as she told the courtroom, "I miss my son. I miss Joe. My soul yearns for him incessantly."
Loftin said the boy and his family are devastated about Barnett's death and their hearts go out to the boy's family.
Loftin said he hopes the case will serve as a deterrent to others.
"I think it was an experimental, isolated incident because he's been drug tested over and over since then and it's been negative," Loftin said. "But all it takes is one stupid time, one experiment.
"Like (Jeri Barnett) said, it could have been him. He realizes that."
After the hearing, the juvenile turned to Jeri Barnett, quietly telling the woman, "I'm sorry about what happened."
Barnett motioned the boy into her waiting arms and hugged him.
a real human tragedy. very sad
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TexasStooge
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Murder suspect's statements played in court
By Melody McDonald, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - After his arrest in the double-slaying of a Fort Worth couple, 17-year-old Lance Kirk became very talkative, homicide Detective Curt Brannan testified Thursday.
So talkative that he gave several contradictory statements about the May 24, 2003, robbery and killings of Joan and Robert Griswold.
On Thursday, jurors heard the written and audio statements that Kirk gave to Brannan on May 28, 2003 -- the day he was pulled over on Meadowbrook Drive for running a stop sign in Joan Griswold's 2002 silver Infiniti.
They also heard a third statement that Kirk gave on May 30, 2003, after he asked to talk to Brannan again.
Kirk, now 18, is on trial in state District Judge Scott Wisch's court, accused of fatally shooting Joan Griswold, 47, inside her home in the 7100 block of Meadowbrook Drive.
He has also been charged with capital murder in the death of the woman's husband, Robert Griswold, 58.
Brannan testified that, during the first interview, Kirk told him he had borrowed the Infiniti from a friend on May 26. Kirk claimed that his friend had left the Griswolds' credit cards and Robert Griswold's cellphone in the car for him to use.
Brannan testified that he checked the cellphone records and confronted Kirk after it appeared that Kirk had used the phone to call his friends as early as May 24, 2003.
At that time, Kirk changed his story.
This time, Kirk said his friend had asked him to join a robbery at a home where he had done yard work, according to his statment. Kirk said that he, his friend and a "dude" whose name he did not know, went to the home and Robert Griswold invited them inside.
Kirk said he introduced himself and then went outside. A short time later, he heard shots, according to his statement.
Kirk said that they left the house in his friend's car, but his friend returned later and stole the Infiniti. Kirk said he borrowed the Infiniti the next day, according to his statement.
Based on that information, Brannan issued an arrest warrant for Kirk's friend. He was released, however, after it was determined he had been at a baseball game at the time of the shooting and did not know Kirk, Brannan testified.
On May 30, 2003, Brannan said, he interviewed Kirk again after Kirk's mother contacted him and said that her son wanted to talk. During that interview, Kirk tentatively identified the third man he said was with them that day in a photo spread.
A short time later, Kirk suddenly and unexpectedly pointed to another photo sitting on a homicide detective's desk and claimed that was the third person.
Brannan said he checked out the allegation and it turned out that person lived in another state. Several days later, Brannan testified, Kirk's mother contacted him with another name of the third person.
Brannan said that person, too, was cleared.
"We found nothing, whatsoever, to link any of these people -- other than Lance Kirk -- to this crime," Brannan said.
Testimony will resume at 9 a.m. Friday in the 372nd District Court.
By Melody McDonald, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - After his arrest in the double-slaying of a Fort Worth couple, 17-year-old Lance Kirk became very talkative, homicide Detective Curt Brannan testified Thursday.
So talkative that he gave several contradictory statements about the May 24, 2003, robbery and killings of Joan and Robert Griswold.
On Thursday, jurors heard the written and audio statements that Kirk gave to Brannan on May 28, 2003 -- the day he was pulled over on Meadowbrook Drive for running a stop sign in Joan Griswold's 2002 silver Infiniti.
They also heard a third statement that Kirk gave on May 30, 2003, after he asked to talk to Brannan again.
Kirk, now 18, is on trial in state District Judge Scott Wisch's court, accused of fatally shooting Joan Griswold, 47, inside her home in the 7100 block of Meadowbrook Drive.
He has also been charged with capital murder in the death of the woman's husband, Robert Griswold, 58.
Brannan testified that, during the first interview, Kirk told him he had borrowed the Infiniti from a friend on May 26. Kirk claimed that his friend had left the Griswolds' credit cards and Robert Griswold's cellphone in the car for him to use.
Brannan testified that he checked the cellphone records and confronted Kirk after it appeared that Kirk had used the phone to call his friends as early as May 24, 2003.
At that time, Kirk changed his story.
This time, Kirk said his friend had asked him to join a robbery at a home where he had done yard work, according to his statment. Kirk said that he, his friend and a "dude" whose name he did not know, went to the home and Robert Griswold invited them inside.
Kirk said he introduced himself and then went outside. A short time later, he heard shots, according to his statement.
Kirk said that they left the house in his friend's car, but his friend returned later and stole the Infiniti. Kirk said he borrowed the Infiniti the next day, according to his statement.
Based on that information, Brannan issued an arrest warrant for Kirk's friend. He was released, however, after it was determined he had been at a baseball game at the time of the shooting and did not know Kirk, Brannan testified.
On May 30, 2003, Brannan said, he interviewed Kirk again after Kirk's mother contacted him and said that her son wanted to talk. During that interview, Kirk tentatively identified the third man he said was with them that day in a photo spread.
A short time later, Kirk suddenly and unexpectedly pointed to another photo sitting on a homicide detective's desk and claimed that was the third person.
Brannan said he checked out the allegation and it turned out that person lived in another state. Several days later, Brannan testified, Kirk's mother contacted him with another name of the third person.
Brannan said that person, too, was cleared.
"We found nothing, whatsoever, to link any of these people -- other than Lance Kirk -- to this crime," Brannan said.
Testimony will resume at 9 a.m. Friday in the 372nd District Court.
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TexasStooge
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Officer accused of fondling teen in patrol car
By Alex Branch, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth police officer was arrested Thursday after a 15-year-old girl accused him of fondling her in his patrol car while driving to a juvenile detention facility in November.
Officer J.D. Carter, 40, a nine-year veteran, was booked on suspicion of indecency with a child/sexual contact. He was released after posting $15,000 bail.
Carter's attorney, Bill Lane, called the allegations untrue and said that they were made by a juvenile who initially lied to police about her age and blew twice the legal limit in an alcohol breath test.
"It's a sad day," Lane said. "We've cooperated fully with the police department. It's strictly he-said, she-said."
The incident is alleged to have occurred Nov. 10 after Carter arrested the 15-year-old female driver on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, said Lt. Mark Krey, a police spokesman.
Carter drove the girl to Tarrant County Jail, where she underwent a breath test, and then to a juvenile detention center, according to an affidavit for Carter's arrest. On the way, the girl told Carter that the seat belt was choking her and he stopped the car.
The girl said that before adjusting the seat belt, Carter removed her breast from her shirt and rubbed her crotch through her pants, the affidavit states, and then continued to the detention center.
After the girl's mother picked her up, she told her mother what happened, the affidavit states. The mother called the detention center and spoke to Carter, who had returned to the facility to retrieve a clipboard.
Carter disputed the girl's allegations but did not notify his supervisor, the affidavit states. About a month later, the mother reported the allegation to police internal affairs, which started an investigation.
The girl agreed to take a polygraph test in which the test examiner determined that she was being truthful, the affidavit states.
The affidavit also states that Carter acknowledges stopping his patrol car on the way to the juvenile detention center without notifying dispatchers of his mileage and location, which is required by department general orders.
Krey said the girl pleaded guilty in juvenile court to a DWI charge.
Carter has been placed on detached duty and is not allowed to carry a badge or a gun.
Indecency with a child/sexual contact is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
By Alex Branch, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth police officer was arrested Thursday after a 15-year-old girl accused him of fondling her in his patrol car while driving to a juvenile detention facility in November.
Officer J.D. Carter, 40, a nine-year veteran, was booked on suspicion of indecency with a child/sexual contact. He was released after posting $15,000 bail.
Carter's attorney, Bill Lane, called the allegations untrue and said that they were made by a juvenile who initially lied to police about her age and blew twice the legal limit in an alcohol breath test.
"It's a sad day," Lane said. "We've cooperated fully with the police department. It's strictly he-said, she-said."
The incident is alleged to have occurred Nov. 10 after Carter arrested the 15-year-old female driver on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, said Lt. Mark Krey, a police spokesman.
Carter drove the girl to Tarrant County Jail, where she underwent a breath test, and then to a juvenile detention center, according to an affidavit for Carter's arrest. On the way, the girl told Carter that the seat belt was choking her and he stopped the car.
The girl said that before adjusting the seat belt, Carter removed her breast from her shirt and rubbed her crotch through her pants, the affidavit states, and then continued to the detention center.
After the girl's mother picked her up, she told her mother what happened, the affidavit states. The mother called the detention center and spoke to Carter, who had returned to the facility to retrieve a clipboard.
Carter disputed the girl's allegations but did not notify his supervisor, the affidavit states. About a month later, the mother reported the allegation to police internal affairs, which started an investigation.
The girl agreed to take a polygraph test in which the test examiner determined that she was being truthful, the affidavit states.
The affidavit also states that Carter acknowledges stopping his patrol car on the way to the juvenile detention center without notifying dispatchers of his mileage and location, which is required by department general orders.
Krey said the girl pleaded guilty in juvenile court to a DWI charge.
Carter has been placed on detached duty and is not allowed to carry a badge or a gun.
Indecency with a child/sexual contact is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
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TexasStooge
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City's towing policy gets a shock
Senator's move to kill Safe Clear has panel's approval; Senate OK expected
By KRISTEN MACK, Houston Chronicle Staff Writer
AUSTIN, Texas - A bill to kill Houston's Safe Clear mandatory freeway towing ordinance got the fast treatment Thursday, catching the city flat-footed.
The bill by Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, won unanimous approval in a state Senate committee after a quick hearing. Every member of the full Senate has signed on except Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, who says he is monitoring the Safe Clear program.
A spokesman for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who presides over the Senate, predicted Whitmire's bill will pass the full Senate when it votes next week.
"Thirty out of 31 senators support the bill and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst supports the will of the Senate," said spokesman Mark Miner.
State Rep. Robert Talton, R-Houston, has filed a similar bill in the House.
The measure is one of at least two that arose from hotly debated Houston traffic issues. Rep. Gary Elkins' bill to kill the city's proposed use of cameras to catch red-light violators will go to a House panel Tuesday.
In an unusual move for a local matter as controversial as Safe Clear, the Senate suspended its rules Thursday to take up Whitmire's bill. Because the meeting was not announced in advance, there was little opportunity for people who wanted to testify to make an appearance.
Towing companies back bill
The only person who testified Thursday was C.J. Tredway, the lobbyist for Texas Towing and Storage Association, which represents 500 towing companies in the state and supports Whitmire's bill.
"I think it's an urgent matter that we put an end to this," Whitmire said. "It's a dangerous program. It's insensitive and punitive."
Safe Clear mandates that all stranded vehicles be removed from Houston's freeways by tow truck drivers under exclusive city contracts. Tow trucks are required to arrive within six minutes of police-ordered tows.
Whitmire's bill would prohibit cities from enacting mandatory nonconsent tows. It also would ban exclusive towing contracts on state highways — which Whitmire characterized as "privatizing" and "leasing" sections of state roads.
Drivers should have an opportunity to "timely and safely" repair a vehicle on the shoulder if it does not interfere with traffic, Whitmire said.
He suggested the city adopt a program similar to the county's Motorist Assistance Program, which focuses on getting vehicles safely moving again.
Mayor Bill White and other Safe Clear proponents argue that it helps reduce congestion caused by stalled cars and rubbernecking.
"I certainly think local governments should be given the flexibility to make highways safe," White said Tuesday in response to the Senate committee action.
The City Council has approved measures in response to public outcry about Safe Clear — one calling for free short tows instead of $75 minimum fees, and another allowing the city to pull the towing licenses of wrecker drivers with certain criminal backgrounds.
Councilwoman Ada Edwards noted that Safe Clear has had strong support from the council.
"Now it is interesting to see that people in Austin, some of whom aren't even from Houston, would not want to hear from us on an important local safety issue," she said. "I wish the Senate would act as quickly when it comes to issues like public health and education."
White declined to answer repeated questions about whether he was angered by the fast-track hearing. "I'm not going to get into the business of telling a state legislator what to do," White said.
White said it's unclear to him if the bill would affect Safe Clear even if it passed, because state law prohibits the legislature from creating laws that would negate existing contracts.
Eleven towing companies have one-year exclusive contracts to serve 29 sections of Houston freeways this year, but City Attorney Arturo Michel said the city actually has a five-year contract with these firms, with yearly options to renew. Michel said towing companies could claim that any law could not affect the Safe Clear ordinance for at least five years.
Even if Whitmire's bill is passed and goes into effect in Houston right away, Michel said it would not affect the portions of Safe Clear that deal with quickly clearing disabled cars from moving lanes of traffic.
State Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, who opposes the bill against Safe Clear, said the Senate committee took the quick action to avoid extensive testimony. Coleman said he believes the House will at least openly vet the bill
Red-light plan opposed
In the other Houston traffic issue before the Legislature, the city's plan to nab red-light violators with cameras could be headed for a screeching halt.
The city hoped to start using cameras to issue civil citations in at least 10 dangerous intersections by April, and to expand the program to as many as 50 intersections.
Under Texas law, running a red light is a Class C misdemeanor that can only be regulated by the state, even though local governments are in charge of enforcement. In 2003, the House overwhelmingly voted not to allow cities to use cameras to issue criminal citations to red-light violators.
But state Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving, inserted an amendment in the 2003 transportation bill giving cities the right to regulate transportation matters civilly or criminally.
The bill by Elkins would eliminate that amendment.
"It had unintended consequences," the Houston Republican said. "No one knew it was going to be used as a vehicle to use red-light cameras. No city has the power to override state law."
Issue debated extensively
There's been an extended debate in the House on the use of red-light cameras during the last several sessions.
"It's soundly defeated every time," Elkins said. "The citizenry does not want red-light cameras utilized for police enforcement."
Elkins, who filed the bill in December, said he hopes it is quickly passed out of committee. The earliest he imagines the House will vote on it is early March.
Elkins appears to have wide support. Houston-area representatives co-authoring the bill include Republicans Dwayne Bohac, Wayne Smith and Corbin Van Arsdale and Democrats Coleman, Harold Dutton, Joe Moreno, Melissa Noriega, Senfronia Thompson and Sylvester Turner.
Chronicle reporter Ron Nissimov contributed from Houston.
Senator's move to kill Safe Clear has panel's approval; Senate OK expected
By KRISTEN MACK, Houston Chronicle Staff Writer
AUSTIN, Texas - A bill to kill Houston's Safe Clear mandatory freeway towing ordinance got the fast treatment Thursday, catching the city flat-footed.
The bill by Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, won unanimous approval in a state Senate committee after a quick hearing. Every member of the full Senate has signed on except Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, who says he is monitoring the Safe Clear program.
A spokesman for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who presides over the Senate, predicted Whitmire's bill will pass the full Senate when it votes next week.
"Thirty out of 31 senators support the bill and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst supports the will of the Senate," said spokesman Mark Miner.
State Rep. Robert Talton, R-Houston, has filed a similar bill in the House.
The measure is one of at least two that arose from hotly debated Houston traffic issues. Rep. Gary Elkins' bill to kill the city's proposed use of cameras to catch red-light violators will go to a House panel Tuesday.
In an unusual move for a local matter as controversial as Safe Clear, the Senate suspended its rules Thursday to take up Whitmire's bill. Because the meeting was not announced in advance, there was little opportunity for people who wanted to testify to make an appearance.
Towing companies back bill
The only person who testified Thursday was C.J. Tredway, the lobbyist for Texas Towing and Storage Association, which represents 500 towing companies in the state and supports Whitmire's bill.
"I think it's an urgent matter that we put an end to this," Whitmire said. "It's a dangerous program. It's insensitive and punitive."
Safe Clear mandates that all stranded vehicles be removed from Houston's freeways by tow truck drivers under exclusive city contracts. Tow trucks are required to arrive within six minutes of police-ordered tows.
Whitmire's bill would prohibit cities from enacting mandatory nonconsent tows. It also would ban exclusive towing contracts on state highways — which Whitmire characterized as "privatizing" and "leasing" sections of state roads.
Drivers should have an opportunity to "timely and safely" repair a vehicle on the shoulder if it does not interfere with traffic, Whitmire said.
He suggested the city adopt a program similar to the county's Motorist Assistance Program, which focuses on getting vehicles safely moving again.
Mayor Bill White and other Safe Clear proponents argue that it helps reduce congestion caused by stalled cars and rubbernecking.
"I certainly think local governments should be given the flexibility to make highways safe," White said Tuesday in response to the Senate committee action.
The City Council has approved measures in response to public outcry about Safe Clear — one calling for free short tows instead of $75 minimum fees, and another allowing the city to pull the towing licenses of wrecker drivers with certain criminal backgrounds.
Councilwoman Ada Edwards noted that Safe Clear has had strong support from the council.
"Now it is interesting to see that people in Austin, some of whom aren't even from Houston, would not want to hear from us on an important local safety issue," she said. "I wish the Senate would act as quickly when it comes to issues like public health and education."
White declined to answer repeated questions about whether he was angered by the fast-track hearing. "I'm not going to get into the business of telling a state legislator what to do," White said.
White said it's unclear to him if the bill would affect Safe Clear even if it passed, because state law prohibits the legislature from creating laws that would negate existing contracts.
Eleven towing companies have one-year exclusive contracts to serve 29 sections of Houston freeways this year, but City Attorney Arturo Michel said the city actually has a five-year contract with these firms, with yearly options to renew. Michel said towing companies could claim that any law could not affect the Safe Clear ordinance for at least five years.
Even if Whitmire's bill is passed and goes into effect in Houston right away, Michel said it would not affect the portions of Safe Clear that deal with quickly clearing disabled cars from moving lanes of traffic.
State Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, who opposes the bill against Safe Clear, said the Senate committee took the quick action to avoid extensive testimony. Coleman said he believes the House will at least openly vet the bill
Red-light plan opposed
In the other Houston traffic issue before the Legislature, the city's plan to nab red-light violators with cameras could be headed for a screeching halt.
The city hoped to start using cameras to issue civil citations in at least 10 dangerous intersections by April, and to expand the program to as many as 50 intersections.
Under Texas law, running a red light is a Class C misdemeanor that can only be regulated by the state, even though local governments are in charge of enforcement. In 2003, the House overwhelmingly voted not to allow cities to use cameras to issue criminal citations to red-light violators.
But state Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving, inserted an amendment in the 2003 transportation bill giving cities the right to regulate transportation matters civilly or criminally.
The bill by Elkins would eliminate that amendment.
"It had unintended consequences," the Houston Republican said. "No one knew it was going to be used as a vehicle to use red-light cameras. No city has the power to override state law."
Issue debated extensively
There's been an extended debate in the House on the use of red-light cameras during the last several sessions.
"It's soundly defeated every time," Elkins said. "The citizenry does not want red-light cameras utilized for police enforcement."
Elkins, who filed the bill in December, said he hopes it is quickly passed out of committee. The earliest he imagines the House will vote on it is early March.
Elkins appears to have wide support. Houston-area representatives co-authoring the bill include Republicans Dwayne Bohac, Wayne Smith and Corbin Van Arsdale and Democrats Coleman, Harold Dutton, Joe Moreno, Melissa Noriega, Senfronia Thompson and Sylvester Turner.
Chronicle reporter Ron Nissimov contributed from Houston.
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