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Central Texas Woman mistakenly misfiles taxes online, what you need to know when filing your own
With many folks looking for convenience this tax season many people may turn to file their own taxes online.
However, there are some things you should be aware of. One Central Texas Woman who did not want to be identified said, she has been filing her taxes with an online filing service for a decade. She has not had any problems until now.
"I can still remember holding that letter and feeling, you know, a pit in the bottom of my stomach, you know because they never reach out to you with good news," she said. "It just makes me want to cry."
She received a c She thought taking the extra precautions to pay for a CPA through the filing service would do the trick.
She said, "They have a CPA, review your return to make sure that it's in working order. And I had done that. I had done that as a precautionary measure because I wanted to be sure what I was giving them was accurate. And turns out, it wasn't."
The woman now turning to a professional tax expert to help sort through the mess, she said, "It took them an awful lot of time trying to untangle everything. And it turns out that I will owe about $6,000 for three years."
Tim Thomasson Accounting and Business Law, Baylor University, CPA said, "You really need to understand what it is that you're submitting on that software because you're responsible for it. You're the one that the Internal Revenue Service is going to hold accountable."
"Any reputable tax preparer, tax preparation firm, or CPA, we have to follow the IRS guidelines regarding due diligence," said Keisha Miller Co-Owner of Prosperity Tax Service.
If your financial documents are simple online services can be a good option but Thomasson said, "The more complicated your tax situation is, the more valuable it is to have a professional prepare it."
Miller said, "When you are filling out your tax return online yourself, your risk, you are responsible for anything that happens. Good, bad or indifferent. It is just the education piece in and having the client understand what it is they've done, or how they, or what has transpired with the year with all their financial thoughts and what it means and what it looks like, moving forward."
The woman has yet to hear from the filing service but hopes others can learn from her story.
"It all could have been avoided. You know, if it just walked into human beings office and said I need you to do this," she said. "I put money away in case of an emergency and the fact that half of that money that I tucked away for an emergency if I ever needed it is now gone. It just makes me want to cry. I will never do it again." | 2022-01-27T03:43:33Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/central-texas-woman-mistakenly-misfiles-taxes-online-what-you-need-to-know-when-filing-your-own | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/central-texas-woman-mistakenly-misfiles-taxes-online-what-you-need-to-know-when-filing-your-own |
SAT going virtual as many schools make standardized testing optional
WACO, Texas — Future college students will soon be trading in their pencil and paper for a tablet or a laptop as the SAT is going digital starting in 2024.
The new SAT will still be proctored and taken at a testing site, but will be taken on a device instead of pen-and-paper and only take two hours.
"Instead of pen and paper, it will be on a device, and the scores will come faster. It is an improvement for the student but won’t change much for us," Baylor University told 25 News.
It comes as tests like the SAT and ACT are becoming less important in the admissions process.
"You have like 1400 schools that have pretty much waived the test scores, made the tests optional," said Alred Freeman, college, career and military specialist for Waco High School.
Instead of tests, many universities are opting to rely on things like high school G.P.A., extracurricular activities and volunteer experience.
Freeman said all of the changes to the admissions process can be confusing for students.
"I just had a student today, and she was like, 'Well, one school told me I needed to submit my scores, another school said I didn't have to submit my scores, but there's nothing definitely saying if I don't submit my scores, I'm not going to get into the school or I am gonna get into the school," he said.
As for going digital, Freeman said he worries about fairness, as some schools will easily be able to supply the technology to take the test.
"You're gonna have some communities, some districts, who are not. And so what happens? Those kids are not able to take this test," he said.
Many universities have yet to announce whether they'll go back to requiring standardized tests post-pandemic. | 2022-01-27T05:18:31Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/sat-going-virtual-as-many-schools-make-standardized-testing-optional | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/sat-going-virtual-as-many-schools-make-standardized-testing-optional |
Beware! Too early to tell if winter weather will pay a visit next week
A cold front will arrive sometime Wednesday and spread cold air into the area through next weekend.
This air mass will be pretty cold, but it doesn't look as bad as last February, just to get that point across.
Also, there is the question of moisture. The models are flip-flopping back and forth on this front. It is too early to tell if winter weather will pay a visit to the area, but it is within the realm of possibility. We will continue to track this potential in the coming days!
You will likely start seeing a lot of so-called "weather experts" posting on social media about a winter storm next week. This is far from fact at this point. It's easy to post one model that looks bad and gets a lot of likes.
Beware! Everything is in play at this point, but there is a lot of uncertainty about how the cold air will align with moisture over Texas next week.
Once the models come into more agreement, we will get more answers for you. Accuracy is what we are going for, not hype. | 2022-01-28T01:11:24Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/beware-too-early-to-tell-if-winter-weather-will-pay-a-visit-next-week | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/beware-too-early-to-tell-if-winter-weather-will-pay-a-visit-next-week |
FILE - Stewart Rhodes, founder of the citizen militia group known as the Oath Keepers speaks during a rally outside the White House in Washington, on June 25, 2017. The seditious conspiracy case filed this week against members and associates of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group marked the boldest attempt so far by the government to prosecute those who attacked the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)<br/><br/> | 2022-01-28T01:11:30Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/magistrate-orders-oath-keepers-leader-jailed-until-trial | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/magistrate-orders-oath-keepers-leader-jailed-until-trial |
Lorena HS teachers recognized by State Champion football team
LORENA, Texas — The 2021 state championship-winning Lorena High School football team interrupted a staff meeting Friday morning to pay tribute to their teachers.
"We knew they were a big part of that win and we wanted to congratulate them for that," senior Baxtor Bankston told 25 News. "So we came together and were like we need to do something for them."
Players handed out championship medals to each of the teachers to say thank you for all they do.
Math teacher Ann Burnside said the sweet gesture was unexpected, but very appreciated.
"It means so much when you know these kids value what you do," she said. "Teachers put their heart and soul into this job and it's a tough job. When the kids recognize you're a part of their success, that you helped them achieve something, it makes every bit of it worth it."
Burnside has taught many of the players, but it was senior Rhett Hanson who recognized her on Friday.
"It meant everything to me," he said. "It's just awesome knowing that I can give that medal to her and she'll go home and frame that or hang it up in the middle of the house."
The staff said they are so proud of the team and excited to see what's next for them.
"These boys are destined for big things," Burnside said. "They're amazing." | 2022-01-28T19:18:55Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/lorena-hs-teachers-recognized-by-state-champion-football-team | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/lorena-hs-teachers-recognized-by-state-champion-football-team |
Police: Texas mother stabbed, beaten her two young children
A Texas mother was hospitalized after being stabbed multiple times by her two children, according to San Antonio Police.
Police said around 5 a.m. Wednesday the woman was attacked by her children, ages 12 and 16. The incident occurred at an apartment complex off West Military Drive near Pinn Road.
In addition to being stabbed she may have also been hit with a baseball bat which was recovered, according to police. The two children were taken into custody and the mother was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
In a separate incident last week, two brothers and one other man were arrested for allegedly beating their step-father to death for inappropriately touching a child. | 2022-01-29T00:06:50Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/police-texas-mother-stabbed-beaten-her-two-young-children | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/police-texas-mother-stabbed-beaten-her-two-young-children |
Police investigating after third party shoots man who was stabbing a woman at Waco gas station
By: Khadeeja Umana , Andrew Lamparski
Police are investigating after an individual shot at a man who was stabbing a woman at the QuikTrip on South New Road in Waco.
Waco police said a call came in at 7:40 p.m. in what began as a domestic dispute between a man and woman that escalated.
According to police, a third party stepped in and shot at the man who was stabbing a woman. There were a lot of people at the gas station as this all went down.
"The third-party that was involved that did discharge a weapon, he is with us, he is being very cooperative, he does have people here that are supporting him as well, and so we'll continue to work with him throughout this investigation," said Waco police spokesperson Garen Bynum.
The shooter is not in custody, but is cooperating with the police.
Both the man and female victim involved are being transported to the hospital, police said. Their conditions are unknown at this time. | 2022-01-29T04:17:36Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/police-in-waco-investigating-shooting-domestic-incident-at-quiktrip | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/police-in-waco-investigating-shooting-domestic-incident-at-quiktrip |
Rural areas running out of veterinarians
CENTRAL TEXAS — A growing number of veterinarians are taking up jobs inside cities, and that's leaving farmers and ranchers without good options for animal care.
Browse the web for vet offices in Waco or any other Central Texas city and you'll come up with a long list of options. It's quite the opposite out in the country, where vets are becoming increasingly harder to find.
Many rural veterinarians have left the practice or retired, but younger vets aren't following in their footsteps and instead are starting up careers in cities. It's put farmers and ranchers in a perilous position.
"If you don't have access to that care, sometimes quite frankly you may lose the animal," said Texas Farm Bureau president Russell Boening. "And so that's an economic loss."
When Amy Mersiovsky isn't at work as a nurse, she’s helping raise dozens of rabbits in her barn. She knows how tricky it can be to find proper care for farm animals.
"I live in an area where it doesn't take me long to get to a vet if I need one," said Mersiovsky. "Now getting one who's comfortable working with rabbits, that's another thing."
Finding a vet who can care for your dog or cat is a bit simpler, but farmers are especially hurt by a lack of doctors who treat livestock.
"That is probably one of the biggest shortages in the vet industry," said Mersiovsky. "I think that's definitely an area of need."
Boening believes that aspiring vets aren't getting enough encouragement to adapt to a rural lifestyle, but he's working to change that.
"Moving out to a rural area, you know, sometimes is difficult. It's not only difficult financially, but it can be different culturally," said Boening.
The Texas Farm Bureau recently introduced scholarships for veterinary students who intend to pursue a rural practice. Four scholarships will be awarded, each worth $10,000. Applicants must be a member of Texas Farm Bureau, among other guidelines. It's the start of what Boening hopes to be a bigger solution.
"We're going to put a committee together to look at other ways we can help," said Boening. "Possibly after they establish a practice."
Boening said some college attendees may be dissuaded from pursuing a veterinary degree because of high cost of education, and that providing financial assistance may help put more veterinarians in our future. New blood entering the rural vet industry would go a long way in easing the concerns of farmers and ranchers. | 2022-01-29T06:14:00Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/rural-areas-running-out-of-veterinarians | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/rural-areas-running-out-of-veterinarians |
Nice last weekend of January.
CENTRAL TEXAS — Some beautiful weather on the way this weekend! We will start out chilly in the mornings with temperatures in the 20s and 30s but climb to the upper 60s in the afternoons.
Changes start to arrive early next week. Monday looks rainy throughout the day. The models have shifted a bit farther south with the overall system, so the heaviest of rain could be across the southern half of Central Texas.
Some more rain and storms are possible Wednesday evening as a cold front moves through Central Texas, which is where the forecast becomes a bit tricky. There is a possibility to see some winter weather and some sleet heading into Thursday and will be monitoring this over the next few days. Stay tuned! | 2022-01-29T15:35:39Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/sunny-weekend-ahead | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/sunny-weekend-ahead |
Single-vehicle deer collision in Coryell leaves one dead
CORYELL, Texas — A single-vehicle crash in Coryell has left one man dead.
The crash happened at 6:38 p.m. Friday on FM 107.
A 2008 Honda motorcycle that was operated by 61-year-old John William Chapman of Chilton was heading eastbound when it collided with a deer.
Chapman was ejected from his motorcycle without a helmet on and was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace James Caldwell.
An investigation into the crash is still open. | 2022-01-29T19:42:12Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/single-vehicle-deer-collision-in-coryell-leaves-one-dead | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/single-vehicle-deer-collision-in-coryell-leaves-one-dead |
(Chicago Police Department via AP)
This undated photo provided by the Chicago Police Department shows Xavier Guzman. A teenage boy and Guzman have been charged with first-degree murder in last weekend's death of an 8-year-old Chicago girl who was shot in the head as she walked hand in hand with her mother by a gunman targeting someone else on the city's Southwest Side. The 16-year-old boy, whose name was not immediately released, was the shooter, and Guzman was the driver of the car. Both were arrested on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder, with the teen also charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm. | 2022-01-29T19:42:18Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/no-bail-for-suspects-in-death-of-8-year-old-chicago-girl | https://www.kxxv.com/news/no-bail-for-suspects-in-death-of-8-year-old-chicago-girl |
Travelers wearing face masks to protect against COVID-19 line up for trains at a station in Guangzhou in southern China's Guangdong Province, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. Chinese are traveling to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year, the country's biggest family holiday, despite a government plea to stay where they are as Beijing tries to contain coronavirus outbreaks. | 2022-01-29T21:37:45Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/chinese-travel-for-lunar-new-year-despite-plea-to-stay-put | https://www.kxxv.com/news/chinese-travel-for-lunar-new-year-despite-plea-to-stay-put |
(Rudy Bou Chebel/Netflix via AP)
This photo released by Netflix shows characters from the Arabic-language version of the Italian film “Perfect Strangers,” about friends who agree to share their incoming calls, voice and text messages with each other over a dinner party, leading to a series of revelations that test their marriages and friendships. The film’s release has led to a widespread debate in some Arabic-speaking societies, such as Egypt, where some have denounced it as a threat to family and religious values while others praised and defended it. | 2022-01-29T23:27:34Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/first-arabic-netflix-film-tackles-taboos-sparks-controversy | https://www.kxxv.com/news/first-arabic-netflix-film-tackles-taboos-sparks-controversy |
(Rich Robertson via AP)
Supporters of Daniel and Lacey Rawlings gather in front of the Gila County Superior Court in Globe, Ariz., on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. The Rawlings drove around barricades and through a flooded wash on Nov. 29, 2019. The vehicle got stuck, and two of their children and a niece were swept away and drowned.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Nelly and Dallan Rawlings walked up to a podium in a crowded Gila County courtroom and asked a judge to let their parents stay home with them.
Nelly said her dad, Daniel Rawlings, is a hard-working man who wants the best for his family. Her mom, Lacey Rawlings, is her favorite person, she said.
“I love everything about my parents,” said Nelly, who is 12.
“My life wouldn’t be the same without them,” said Dallan, who is 13.
Those statements factored heavily into Judge Timothy Wright’s decision to sentence Daniel Rawlings to five years of probation and Lacey Rawlings to four years of probation Thursday in a case that points to the danger that arises when normally dry washes flood in Arizona, he said.
The children’s two siblings — 5-year-old Colby and 6-year-old Willa — and their cousin, 5-year-old Austin, died after the Rawlings drove the family into Tonto Creek the day after Thanksgiving in 2019. The couple disregarded signs and barricades that told motorists not to cross.
Wright said he also considered the couple’s lack of criminal history, that they were remorseful and accepted responsibility, and the roles they’ve played in the Pinetop-Lakeside community where they live in handing down the sentence. The Rawlings also will have to do extensive community service. | 2022-01-29T23:27:59Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/parents-of-children-killed-in-arizona-flood-get-probation | https://www.kxxv.com/news/parents-of-children-killed-in-arizona-flood-get-probation |
Willie Stokes walks from a state prison in Chester, Pa., on, Jan. 4, 2022, after his 1984 murder conviction was overturned because of perjured witness testimony. Stokes, whose murder case officially dismissed at a court hearing Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, said he was not bitter but "just excited to move forward" in life. He was also filing a lawsuit Thursday against the city over the nearly four decades he spent in prison.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia man freed after 37 years in prison in a case tainted by perjured testimony accused the city of “outrageous police misconduct” in a lawsuit filed Thursday, the same day his 1984 murder case was dismissed.
Willie Stokes left prison earlier this month, after a federal judge found prosecutors never disclosed that they had charged his chief accuser with perjury after the trial. The witness has said he was offered sex and drugs at police headquarters to frame Stokes in an unsolved 1980 dice-game slaying.
“I’m not bitter. I’m just excited to move forward,” Stokes, 60, told The Associated Press after the brief morning court hearing, when prosecutors announced they would not seek to retry the case.
More than 100 people have been exonerated in recent years in Pennsylvania, according to Marissa Boyers Bluestine of the University of Pennsylvania law school, the former executive director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. None served more prison time than Stokes.
The trial witness who identified him as the killer at a preliminary hearing recanted at the murder trial, in what he later called a fit of conscience. Stokes was nonetheless convicted. Prosecutors then charged the witness, Franklin Lee, with perjury over his pretrial testimony, and Lee went to prison for it. Stokes never knew that until 2015.
Stokes said his only child, a daughter who was 2 when he went to prison, died about 20 years ago. He was not allowed to attend her funeral. He now lives with his mother.
“She (has) got a beautiful three-story house, so I’m not in the way,” Stokes said Thursday, the joy in his voice evident.
“The cases needed to be closed. The inner-city minority were interchangeable, as long as you had someone in the defendant’s chair,” he said.
Both detectives who allegedly offered Lee a sex-for-lies deal to help them close the homicide case are now deceased. The lawsuit names their estates as defendants.
“I fell weak and went along with the offer,” Lee told the federal judge in November, recalling his false testimony at the May 1984 preliminary hearing.
Two surviving prosecutors named in the suit, now in private practice, did not immediately return messages seeking comment Thursday. At least one has given a statement saying he doesn’t remember the case, according to court files.
Both the Philadelphia police department and the city declined to comment on the case, citing the pending lawsuit. | 2022-01-29T23:28:11Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/philadelphia-man-cleared-after-37-years-in-prison-sues-city | https://www.kxxv.com/news/philadelphia-man-cleared-after-37-years-in-prison-sues-city |
Brazos Valley Catholic Charities helps families in need
BRYAN, Texas — Parents across the country are now reporting a shortage of necessary baby items like diapers and formula. The Brazos Valley Catholic Charity hopes to help ease the struggle for some of these parents.
For Brazos Valley, Catholic charities have taken a day that's typically spent fund-raising and turned it into a day of giving.
“Diapers, we’re giving away hygiene kits, we’re giving away formulas, we’re also giving away toys for the kids,” said John Paci, director of Brazos Valley Catholic Charities.
Petrecia Ray knows how hard it is to come by these items at the store, she hopes this drive will ease the burden and help new parents
”That gives her something that she doesn’t have to worry about and something that she doesn’t have to spend money on right now," said Ray, a community member.
"Because I have seen the shortage with the milk cans and it has been harder for some of the parents out here,”
According to the national diaper bank, 1 in 3 U.S families needs diapers. Meanwhile, the pandemic has created many financial obstacles for families and supply chain shortages it hasn't made things any easier.
”Helping to eliminate poverty in this area is part of it and so giving back to the community is just a great way of showing what we want to do for this well-connected community and those especially in need,” said Paci.
Volunteers of all ages sacrificed their time to help those in need.
“It means a lot for everyone to be able to give back in some kind of capacity it’s just amazing whether it’s big or small," said Ray.
"How everyone comes together we can help each other as a community,"
The impact was bigger than the organization could have ever imagined.
In the first hour, they served 150 cars and they hope to continue this annual event for years to come. | 2022-01-30T01:11:25Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/brazos-valley-catholic-charities-helps-families-in-need | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/brazos-valley-catholic-charities-helps-families-in-need |
FILE - A pair of migrant families from Brazil seeking asylum walk through a gap in the border wall to reach the United States after crossing from Mexico to Yuma, Ariz., June 10, 2021. Despite the appearance of asylum being virtually banned, U.S. authorities process about six of every 10 people who cross illegally under immigration laws, which include the right to seek asylum. Nearly all of them, about 100,000 in December 2021 alone, are released or detained in the U.S. while judges consider their cases. | 2022-01-30T18:16:19Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/some-asylum-aspirants-pin-hopes-on-trump-era-policy | https://www.kxxv.com/news/some-asylum-aspirants-pin-hopes-on-trump-era-policy |
Blinn launches blended veterinary technology program
BRYAN, Texas — There is a shortage of veterinary technicians and the demand is only expected to grow over the next decade.
Blinn College is trying to help solve that problem by allowing students to do some of the work online.
According to the bureau of labor statistics. vet tech jobs are expected to grow by 15-percent over the next ten years.
But that could make things worse with the current shortage and not enough graduates to fill the jobs that already exist.
”We’re seeing a large amount of shortages in veterinary technicians," said Jessica Salazar Garza, veterinary technology instructor.
"Throughout the whole board, we’re hoping this program will give insight as our students go through it. We're hoping that they tell other people about the program,”
Blinn College hopes its blended veterinarian technology program can help the local community's workforce.
Utilizing labs, the lessons must be completed on campus and courses completed online.
This gives students like Katrina Sciba, who work full-time jobs, even more flexibility.
”I can’t stop working and go back to school fully," said Katrina Sciba, Blinn blended vet tech program student.
"But I still want to be licensed and have that associate degree, so this gives me the ability to work and come home, leave work and just go to lab. All without having to put the rest of my life on hold,”
Blinn has partnered with Texas A&M so students get hands-on experience.
”When we send our students to A&M that is a real-life hospital," said Garza.
"It is going on as a hospital right now. So, they can see clients walking in and out, they can see emergencies come in, they see everything right there on the spot and see how it is in the real world,”
The deadline to apply has been extended until Feb. 28. | 2022-01-30T23:28:55Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/blinn-launches-blended-veterinary-technology-program | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/blinn-launches-blended-veterinary-technology-program |
(Bosque County Sheriff's Office)
WACO, Texas — The Bosque County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing man out of Waco.
John Walter Mauhar, 50, was last seen Friday at the Little Rocky Lodge in Laguna Park.
Mauhar is described as being 6 feet tall, weighing about 220 pounds with brown eyes and brown beard.
He suffers from medical conditions that leave him disoriented at times, following his treatments and medications.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s office at (254) 435-2362. | 2022-01-31T02:42:36Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/bosque-county-sheriffs-office-looking-for-missing-waco-man | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/bosque-county-sheriffs-office-looking-for-missing-waco-man |
Drew Pavlou, left, and Max Mok show some of the 1,000 shirts they plan to hand out to patrons ahead of Saturday's women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. As he was being ejected for wearing a shirt with a Where is Peng Shuai? slogan, Max Mok saw an opportunity to amplify the message at the Australian Open. | 2022-01-31T02:43:00Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/where-is-peng-shuai-australian-open-t-shirts-grab-attention | https://www.kxxv.com/news/where-is-peng-shuai-australian-open-t-shirts-grab-attention |
Waco police investigating shooting that leaves two people dead
WACO, TX — Waco police are investigating what they're considering the city's second murder of 2022.
Officers responded to a home in the 1000 block of Walker St. just before 8 p.m. Sunday night.
When they arrived, they found a 17-year-old boy with gunshot wounds. First responders rushed him to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Officers found a second man dead at the scene. He has been identified as 21-year-old Christopher Brown. Police say he suffered several gunshot wounds.
If you know anything about this case, please contact the Waco P.D. Special Crimes Unit, or you can remain anonymous by calling Waco Crimestoppers at (254) 753-4357. | 2022-01-31T09:42:03Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/waco-police-investigating-shooting-that-leaves-two-people-dead | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/waco-police-investigating-shooting-that-leaves-two-people-dead |
Rainy Monday, eyeing mid-week Arctic Blast
Showers will be around today with highs reaching the low 60s.
CENTRAL TEXAS — Grab the umbrella as you're walking out the door! Today looks to be a busy weather day with the potential for showers. It won't be a wash out, but many of us will see rain today. The higher amounts will be found south of Waco-Temple-Killeen and into the Brazos Valley where the main energy will pass. A Flood Watch is in effect for these areas, and 2-4 inches of rain could fall in spots. Most of Central Texas will generally see less than a half inch, but isolated spots could see up to an inch of rain.
Tuesday will be a dry day with the return of sunshine. That should push our temperatures into the 70s.
Wednesday brings big weather changes as a strong arctic front arrives late in the day. Temperatures will quickly drop, and could drop below freezing as early as midnight. Showers will be around during the day on Wednesday, and with the near-freezing temperatures, we will have to watch for a switch over to a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and potentially snow. There is still some disagreement in computer models, which is typical up to around 3 days out. In the next 24 hours, these will likely come in more agreement, that's when we can iron out the timing of the front, and more importantly, the timing of a switch-over to wintry weather or if cold air is slower. The forecast will remain fluid over the next 24 to 48 hours, but with at least the potential for some ice, it will be smart to make plans on what you will do if we encounter ice. Regardless, temperatures look to fall into the 30s all day on Thursday, and potentially will stay below freezing until Saturday. Stay tuned, we will continue to keep you updated. | 2022-01-31T13:57:59Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/rainy-monday-eyeing-mid-week-arctic-blast | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/rainy-monday-eyeing-mid-week-arctic-blast |
Temple police take 2 into custody following standoff, detain 8
Temple police took a man and woman who barricaded themselves into custody on Monday.
Police were serving an evidentiary search warrant around 7:30 a.m. at the 5000 block of Charter Oaks Drive. The warrant was for firearms, narcotics, and related evidence.
"A male and female subject are in custody after barricading themselves inside the residence, eight others are detained," said police.
Temple officers initially asked the public to avoid the area, however, the scene is now clear. Killeen police assisted with the standoff and SWAT deployed chemical munitions in the house.
No shots were fired from either side, and no injuries were reported, according to police.
Subjects were both male and female, ranging in age from mid-30s to their early 50s. | 2022-01-31T21:19:56Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/temple-police-take-2-into-custody-following-standoff-detain-8 | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/temple-police-take-2-into-custody-following-standoff-detain-8 |
FILE - The logo for ExxonMobil appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Oct. 8, 2019. ExxonMobil is restructuring its business into three divisions and moving its headquarters 250 miles south from Irving, Texas, to its campus north of Houston. The oil giant said Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 it will combine its chemical and downstream companies — refineries and distribution operations — while centralizing its technology and engineering and other other support services. It will also consolidate its upstream business, which includes exploration and drilling. | 2022-01-31T22:57:17Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/exxon-restructures-divisions-and-packs-up-for-houston | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/exxon-restructures-divisions-and-packs-up-for-houston |
Central Texas school district removes spectators from basketball games
The Marlin Independent School District said it will be removing spectators from its upcoming basketball games.
The announcement was an update regarding the Marlin versus Mart basketball game, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 8.
Marlin ISD said this is due to information regarding the potential for violence at these junior varsity and varsity games.
Parents and family members of senior girls from Marlin ISD will be allowed to attend.
The school district also said the games will start at 3:30 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. | 2022-02-01T00:34:59Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/central-texas-school-district-removes-spectators-from-basketball-games | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/central-texas-school-district-removes-spectators-from-basketball-games |
North Texas man wanted for continuous sexual abuse of child, fugitive arrested
Unnasch, Adam
Two of Texas' most wanted, a fugitive and a sex offender, are back in custody following their arrests.
Dps said 34-year-old Bobby Joe Flores Jr. was arrested on Jan. 16 in Los Angeles. Flores has been wanted since October of 2019 by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office for the continuous sexual abuse of a young child.
DPS said Marcus Jarmine Wallace, wanted for aggravated and online promotion of prostitution, was arrested in the parking lot of a shopping center in McAllen on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
"Wallace, who is affiliated with the Crips gang, was added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List on Jan. 18, the same day he was arrested," said DPS.
For more: Two of Texas’ Most Wanted from Duncanville, Ferris Back in Custody. | 2022-02-01T00:35:05Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/north-texas-man-wanted-for-continuous-sexual-abuse-of-child-fugitive-arrested | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/north-texas-man-wanted-for-continuous-sexual-abuse-of-child-fugitive-arrested |
Central Texas organizations open doors to homeless for expected below-freezing temperatures
There's value in having a hot meal and shelter, this week with temperatures dropping the un-sheltered homeless population is at risk.
Dr. Jeffrey Yarvis, professor of social work at Central Texas A&M said, "When it happens ... it could be very dangerous depending on their health."
Just under 8000 homeless died in 73 US cities and counties in 2020 according to homelessdeathcount.org.
Suzanne Armour, Director of Programs with Families in Crisis said, "For the clients that do come into the shelter after they spend the night and, in the morning, if it’s still freezing, they are allowed to stay in the building for the rest of the day.”
Serenity Edward, a Killeen resident said, its organizations like families in crisis helped her and her husband get back on their feet.
Serenity said, “[There are] many churches and there are states resources that you can go to where you can say I’m homeless… and they will put you in the right direction.”
Social work professionals urge you to call 211, if you or someone you may know is experiencing homelessness.
There are many resources in the Central Texas area including Families in Crisis who provide warm shelter into the night and into the morning if temperatures remain low. | 2022-02-01T03:51:40Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/central-texas-organizations-open-doors-to-homeless-for-expected-below-freezing-temperatures | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/central-texas-organizations-open-doors-to-homeless-for-expected-below-freezing-temperatures |
2022 Miracle Match Marathon
Proceeds from the race series go to support blood, organ, tissue, marrow, and stem cell donation in Texas.
WACO, Texas — According to Donate Life Texas, 70 percent of people do not find a donor in their family.
The Miracle Match Marathon Race Series hopes to change that for residents in Central Texas and beyond.
Hundreds of people came together to donate and help thousands of people who need lifesaving marrow and stem cell transplants.
Race Director Nancy Goodnight said, "It is [all] about bridging the gap between the donor and the recipient.”
While some chose to pound the pavement, others are making a difference behind the scenes. Tim Anderson has been donating since 2008 and today he makes over 700 metals that are distributed at the finish line and assists in cooking for those who are running for a cause.
"It is an awesome feeling to know that when they come across the finish line, they look at that medal and they say hey man this is awesome that makes me feel better," Anderson said.
He hopes to continue to encourage residents to help save lives in Texas and remind others of the “purpose of this marathon is [to] provide the opportunity for anybody to come up and donate," said Anderson.
The Miracle Match Race is now in its 18th year. The event goal is to continue to grow and inspire the Waco community every year for generations to come.
For more information and learning about the ways you can donate, visit miraclematchraceseries.run. | 2022-02-01T05:26:59Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/2022-miracle-match-marathon | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/2022-miracle-match-marathon |
'Share their Story': Bringing awareness to suicide prevention and resources in Central Texas
Hannah King (KRHD)
WACO, Texas — Suicide remains the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the 11th cause of death in Texas across all ages.
25 news wants to continue to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
In 2011 Jennifer Warnick's mother died by suicide. "I remember just how it felt the whys and you know what-ifs,” said Warnick.
She shared her mother left an impact on everyone she met and at the time of her death, she felt there was no one available to her. Her search for healing led her to the resources she still needs today.
"I didn't find those resources at my fingertips," Warnick said. "I think of where I could be had I not taken this pain and figured a way to make it a positive.”
In Texas, a person dies by suicide every two hours with rates increasing by 18.9 percent since 1999 making suicide the second leading cause of death amongst individuals ages 15 to 34.
Jayne Whisnant from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Central Texas wants to remind everyone that if you are “struggling with suicide or suicidal thoughts, then you should seek a mental health evaluation and talk to somebody about that, to figure out if there's an underlying mental health condition contributing to that."
As for Warnick, she is still on her journey and just wants to share her experience with those in need as well as encourage others to take a step forward and “start talking to someone, whether it's a counselor, a best friend, start putting that foot forward."
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255.
For more resources in Central Texas visit afsp.org/chapter/central-texas. | 2022-02-01T05:27:05Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/share-their-story-bringing-awareness-to-suicide-prevention-and-resources-in-central-texas | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/share-their-story-bringing-awareness-to-suicide-prevention-and-resources-in-central-texas |
The end of January marks the end of voter registration, as people look forward to the primary election in a month.
“Not as big as like say November 2020 election but we’ve got a decent turnout. We’ve had a lot of people calling to check on the registration status,” said McLennan County Elections Administrator Jared Goldsmith.
McLennan County Elections administrator Jared Goldsmith said they usually see around 30,000 to 40,000 people vote during the primaries.
While the primary election is important. Political expert Dr. Patrick Flavin with Baylor University said it’s not the most popular.
“These elections tend to be much lower than in general elections. Usually 10 percent turnout. Whereas, for example, in the 2020 presidential general election it was around 60 percent in Texas,” said Baylor University Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Patrick Flavin.
Dr. Flavin said primaries decided which candidate with representing parties for the general election in November and in several cases, it could determine the final results for senate, house, and statewide elections.
“If they lean towards one party, if it’s a republic leaning district or a democrat democratic leaning district, the result is decided in the primary election,” said Dr. Flavin.
“State representative 56 is still in McLennan County. We used to have Rep 12 as well, however, State Rep 12 is no longer in McLennan County. State Rep 13 will be the new State Rep. That’s mostly in the eastern portion of McLennan,” said Goldsmith.
Districts in Bell County will remain the same but they’ll add some new voting precincts. Experts say it’s important to do some research on your candidates, districts, and precinct before you cast your ballots. | 2022-02-01T07:00:39Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/voter-registration-for-primary-election-ends-early-voting-to-begin-feb-14 | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/voter-registration-for-primary-election-ends-early-voting-to-begin-feb-14 |
In-Depth: LGBTQ+ members stuck in Afghanistan facing rape, torture after Taliban takeover ask U.S. for help
Afghan LGBTQ members are speaking out and you can hear the desperation in their voices and messages.
Through group messages, 25 News has spoken to over 15 people. Their stories are very similar.
Afghan LGBTQ person speaks with about hiding from the Taliban and his family.
One man told 25 News over Zoom that he's in hiding.
"I'm even hiding from my family my friends and everyone," he said.
He doesn't want to share his name or show his face out of fear of the Taliban.
According to a 42 page Human Right Watch report, the Taliban is touching the LGBTQ community. At this point staying is not a choice and many have been kicked out of their homes.
"I was 18 years old when I knew I was gay in this society they never excepted us," he said.
He tells us that he's in hiding with little to eat and in fear. Many report that the Taliban will stop them because of their short beards. Human Right Watch believes around a thousand members are in high danger.
Begging for help
Atavistic Nemat Sadat is from Afghanistan and one of the first to come out as LGBTQ. He now lives in the United States and has a list of nearly 800 that are in need of being rescued.
Nemat said he has been in contact with the state department.
"What I am hearing from the state department is that there are negations that are happening. Between us and the Taliban," said Nemat.
He admits that there are tens of thousands of LGBTQ Afghans but just a handful fully out.
"The total amount that are high risk is about a thousand LGBTQ people, and I think that would be a good start," said Nemat.
LGBT+ Afghans are actively being hunted by the Taliban. Let’s get them out of harm’s way. A donation of $100 can pay for a passport, $250 a visa for a Pakistan, and $1000 can support ten people for a month in a safe house outside of Afghanistan. Thank you! https://t.co/G2Svc5Fvt5
— Nemat Sadat (@nematsadat) January 26, 2022
Nemat says that in Afghanistan in the last two years many started to embrace their sexuality and gender change. Many of those who are in their 20's really don't know Afghanistan without America in the forefront.
Before the fall many of these members were in Afghanistan Universities. Many now are alone hiding in rooms and on the move.
LGBTQ now going to media outlets asking for help.
When the Taliban took over Advocates and lawmakers urged the state department to include LGBTQ Afghans the request went unanswered.
Only Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland have said they would commit to resettling LGBTQ Afghans.
Threats through Technology and Social Media
Like all young people, social media is a huge part of this community's life. For many TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook was an outlet for them to connect. Now the Taliban is making threats.
Sajjad G., a 21-year-old gay man in one of Afghanistan’s major cities, posted videos of himself dancing on TikTok; he also worked as a model and appeared in music videos online. About a week before the fall of the Afghan government, he said, a man messaged him from a Facebook account with pictures of the Taliban flag and guns and demanded he have sex with him, threatening to kill Sajjad if he refused.
Human Rights Group
Many have deleted their accounts. The Taliban will stop people and go through their phones according to the several we spoke to with. If they find anything that relative to the LGBTQ community they face beatings, rape, and even death.
Access to Jobs and Commerce
Many LGBT people still in Afghanistan aren't facing direct violence, but are not being able to make a living or even go to a store. Many people of all identities have no access to their bank accounts. Some tell us that they eat once a day.
(AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
Taliban leader Mullah Nooruddin Turabi poses for a photo in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. Mullah Turabi, one of the founders of the Taliban, says the hard-line movement will once again carry out punishments like executions and amputations of hands, though perhaps not in public.
Some have been able to make it to neighboring countries. It's a little safer, but many of those countries are also against LGBTQ. If you have a visa or passport you must go through a lot of Taliban checkpoints.
To help with the journey the Human Rights Group is asking concerned governments, including the United States and other parties to join the 2001-2021 Afghan conflict.
Use any diplomatic leverage to press the Taliban to recognize the rights of everyone in Afghanistan, including LGBT people.
Recognize that LGBT Afghans face a special risk of persecution in Afghanistan and neighboring countries and expedite their applications for evacuation and resettlement.
Support and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Afghans in need, and support organizations providing humanitarian assistance, including programs specifically designed to assist LGBT Afghans.
Ensure that support to organizations working in Afghanistan is directed to organizations that commit to gender-sensitive programming, nondiscrimination, and inclusion of LGBT beneficiaries.
In engagements with formal and informal civil society groups in Afghanistan, including human rights organizations, women’s rights and feminist organizations, and organizations focused on health, education, or youth, raise concerns about abuses against LGBT Afghans and urge such groups to be inclusive of LGBT Afghans.
Engage with civil society organizations directly or indirectly addressing LGBT issues in Afghanistan, informal groupings of LGBT people, and community leaders who are well networked within LGBT communities to best help them protect their rights. | 2022-02-01T07:00:45Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/in-depth/in-depth-lgbtq-members-stuck-in-afghanistan-facing-rape-torture-after-taliban-takeover-ask-u-s-for-help | https://www.kxxv.com/news/in-depth/in-depth-lgbtq-members-stuck-in-afghanistan-facing-rape-torture-after-taliban-takeover-ask-u-s-for-help |
Police: Missing Houston man's body found in Dallas weeks after disappearance
Melissa Lumpkins (Facebook)
HOUSTON, Texas — A Houston man's body has been discovered nearly eight weeks after his disappearance, said police.
Taylour Young, 25, was last seen on Dec. 9, 2021, while running errands during his lunch break near Tanglewood.
Young's body was discovered Jan. 19 in the trunk of his vehicle at an impounded vehicle lot in Dallas, said police.
His body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, according to the Dallas Police Department.
No official cause of death has been announced yet.
Anyone with more information regarding Young's death is asked to contact the Houston Police Department's Homicide Division at 713-308-3600. | 2022-02-01T14:33:35Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/news/police-missing-houston-mans-body-found-in-dallas-weeks-after-disappearance | https://www.kxxv.com/news/police-missing-houston-mans-body-found-in-dallas-weeks-after-disappearance |
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, stops to talk to reporters on his way to vote on the House floor at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 4, 2021.
The FBI raid at U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s Laredo home made for a damning drama: a swarm of agents descending upon his property with a warrant in hand, emerging later with a computer and plastic bins and bags full of personal belongings. | 2022-02-01T21:57:17Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/timing-of-fbi-raid-on-henry-cuellars-home-so-close-to-election-raises-questions | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/timing-of-fbi-raid-on-henry-cuellars-home-so-close-to-election-raises-questions |
Time to begin cold weather preparations for pets
WACO, Texas — Freezing temperatures are right around the corner, which may leave pet owners in central Texas concerned about how to keep them warm and safe.
"Just like when we take more precautions when it's colder outside, we bundle up. We need to take precautions with the pets, they're not used to the cold weather either," Dr. Kristin Dodson, veterinarian, and owner of Hewitt Vet Hospital told 25 News.
Dodson said the most important way to protect your pets is to make sure they have adequate shelter and unfrozen water.
"Something that can help retain the pets heat, you can use straw, blankets, all of that would be best," Dodson said. "Make sure it's secure and windproof so wind can't get in and that will help the pet stay warmer as well. Or bring them inside, best yet. Bring them inside when it's cold to keep them out of the cold temperatures."
When bringing pets out for a walk, it's best to limit the time they are outside or put them in winter clothing, such as a jacket or booties.
"Some animals have shorter hair coats and would benefit potentially from adding a jacket on if they're going to be outside for a period of time," Dr. Dodson said. "You can buy boots for them. It can be hard to get used to, but most of the time they do well when they're outside with them."
For animals that don't have an inside to escape to, the Humane Society of Central Texas will implement their cold weather policy.
"We are going to have staff here 24 hours a day to monitor the shelter, our heating system, and monitor the animals," Animal Shelter Administrator Trey Buzbee said. "We're going to care for the animals that are here in our care, find them food, keep them warm. We'll have animals in the shelter taken care of."
The shelter is currently at capacity with almost 200 pets, but staff hopes to find a few of those animals homes before Thursday and Friday.
"For the rest of the week we are having free adoptions at the Humane Society," Operations Manager Jordan Cervantez said. "We want as few animals at the shelter to take care of during this cold weather. We're doing free adoptions through Saturday, there's no better time to adopt an animal." | 2022-02-02T01:19:09Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/time-to-begin-cold-weather-preparations-for-pets | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/time-to-begin-cold-weather-preparations-for-pets |
Authorities investigating human remains found on Texas ranch in western Llano County
Authorities in Texas are asking for assistance in identifying human remains that were found on a ranch in western Llano County.
The Llano County Sheriff's Office said the remains were discovered in April of 2018. The Texas State University Forensic Anthropology Center took possession of the remains for analysis and reported that they belong to that of a White male between the ages of 24 and 39.
"A facial reconstruction was completed by a Forensic Imaging Specialist with the Texas Ranger's Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety," said the sheriff's office. "Keep in mind that head hair and facial hair may have been different."
Authorities said the subject was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System under #UP17738.
"If you recognize the person in this image and he has been missing or not heard from since sometime before the end of 2017, please contact Sergeant Investigator Bucky Boswell at the Llano County Sheriff's Office," said the sheriff's office. | 2022-02-02T01:19:15Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/authorities-investigating-human-remains-found-on-texas-ranch-in-western-llano-county | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/authorities-investigating-human-remains-found-on-texas-ranch-in-western-llano-county |
New emergency response vehicle donated to Milam County by solar energy companies
MILAM COUNTY, Texas — As Milam County continues to seek solutions for its lack of emergency transportation, several solar energy companies in the surrounding area have come together with a donation that will provide some relief to first responders.
With the closure of two local hospitals and the strain of the coronavirus pandemic, Milam County residents have suffered in recent years with only three ambulances and no emergency rooms in the area.
“My father, he’s been a lawyer here for a very long time, and he has a lot of significant health issues," said Matthew Humble, a lifelong Cameron local and spokesperson for High Road Clean Energy, LLC. "And yeah, I know if something were to happen to him, I don’t think I could stand waiting an hour.”
Several solar energy companies with local operations have come together, coordinated by High Road Clean Energy, and pledged to give a total of $180,000 towards the acquisition of a new emergency vehicle and paramedic.
“The idea was – what can we do to help?" said Humble. "These companies, it’s very common for them to try to make donations of some sort for the people who live nearby.”
The funds will pay for the paramedic’s salary of one year. Milam County Judge Steve Young shared that local mayors have offered to support that salary for an additional amount of time.
County first responders told KRHD that this new vehicle will be helpful in providing more responses to emergency calls. However, the vehicle will not be a full-service ambulance designed for hospital transport.
“For situations where we don’t have an ambulance, let’s say they’re all three out on a call," said Judge Young. "This [paramedic] could go triage that person and provide medical care while we wait on a fourth ambulance to get there.”
Rockdale VFD Chief Herbert Vaughn hopes the county, when bringing in the vehicle within the next few months, will select a model that supports some form of transportation, even if it’s just to a helicopter landing zone.
“The quick response vehicle is not going to be able to transport anybody if it’s the wrong kind of vehicle," Vaughn noted. "And then there’s some state regulations you have to look at, as far as transporting."
Ultimately, Young said he would like to see taxpayer approval of a long-term solution. Chief Vaughn echoed this sentiment, agreeing that county funding needs to be established for an emergency services district. | 2022-02-02T02:57:29Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/new-emergency-response-vehicle-donated-to-milam-county-by-solar-energy-companies | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/new-emergency-response-vehicle-donated-to-milam-county-by-solar-energy-companies |
Central Texas is seeing shortage of plumbers
You can drive through just about any neighborhood or down I-35 and see construction crews hard at work but you might not have noticed those crews are getting smaller and smaller.
Most industries have taken a big hit on employment numbers in the past couple of years and the trade industry as the population of plumbers in Central Texas is only so large.
Pipes bursting in a record number of homes and businesses during last year's deep freeze reminded us how critically important plumbers are to our community.
The problem is, there is a massive shortage of plumbers here in Central Texas.
”Even with this small storm we got coming up, I think it’s going to be a problem like we had last year. There wasn’t enough people and people were waiting months to get stuff done. The way this industry is going, there’s just not enough people,” said Earnest Finney, Professor of Building Trades, Central Texas College.
A shortage that plumbers on the job feel every day.
”I actually get calls from other plumbing companies to help them with their service. Most plumbers are out for 4 to 6 weeks right now and there is nothing going on. It’s just the normal,” said Doni Engel, Owner of Pro-Tech Plumbing in Killeen.
One problem is a lack of new people wanting to get into the industry and it’s a trend that professors at Central Texas College have definitely noticed.
”Mainly a lack of interest because they figure they can go do tech work, make more money and stay clean,” said Prof. Finney.
Those already on the job say the amount of new construction around town is also adding to a lack of plumbers available for emergencies and service calls.
”They’ve pretty much stayed to that construction side with maybe 1 or 2 service trucks. The reason being, the construction is their bread and butter, and the service just pays wages and things like that.” said Engel.
The growing lack of plumbers and other tradesmen is why Central Texas College is doing what it can to teach anyone interested in the industry.
”There is a lot of money to be made. Especially, with flipping houses and the way the housing market is now. A lot of houses are being bought and sold so a lot of repairs.” said Prof. Finney.
It can take 18-months, or even less, to get your basic certification through Central Texas College, and with demand as high as it is, it shouldn’t take long to find a job. | 2022-02-02T02:57:35Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/central-texas-is-seeing-shortage-of-plumbers | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/central-texas-is-seeing-shortage-of-plumbers |
'Black is beautiful': Entrepreneur says creating generational wealth is vital for African Americans
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Cedric Lewis is an entrepreneur, community advocate but a father to a 7-year-old girl above anything else.
“We have the time to teach our daughter and let her know that man, Black is beautiful,” he said with a smile on his face. “It’s important.”
He spends most days, if not all of them, speaking wisdom to her.
He hopes he’s creating a mindset that he and many others did not have growing up in the Brazos Valley.
“Financial literacy is stuff that you're not taught as a minority,” he explained.
Looking at his daughter and realizing many other African Americans may not have the means, he came up with a crazy idea.
One that would take a small army to complete.
Well, at least an army of Facebook friends.
Reaching out to many of them he said, “if we can get 10,000 of us to pitch in $100, we can have a million dollars.”
It’s a hefty check that would go toward a black-owned grocery store.
Lewis explained that he and others don’t have issues shopping at their local HEB or Walmart, but it would be good to give the community another option.
The store is still in the works, but in the process, he found a group of people, like Donna Druery, who also noticed a lack of Black-owned businesses.
"Money talks,” Druery said.
“The creation of wealth is lacking, sometimes [it's] generational, and so we want to provide an opportunity and close that gap.”
According to the US Census, in 2019 there were one million minority-owned businesses, with Black-owned ones making up around 12 percent of those.
Trailing behind Asian and Hispanic-owned businesses.
What causes such a large gap? Here’s what Druery thinks:
“It's a lack of money,” she said.
“I think it's lack of knowledge, sometimes, and I think maybe even a lack of opportunity.”
With the help of others, they started Culturally Rooted Enterprise.
It’s an organization that throws markets a few times a year that brings together local minority-owned business owners and gives them a place to showcase their work or products, and network.
“In terms of that dollar turning over and over into the community, that will be fabulous,” Druery said.
“It will change the trajectory of a lot of parents, a lot of families and a lot of children.”
Their next market is Saturday, Feb 5. at the Lincoln Center in College Station from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 2022-02-02T17:36:37Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/black-is-beautiful-entrepreneur-says-creating-generational-wealth-is-vital-for-african-americans | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/black-is-beautiful-entrepreneur-says-creating-generational-wealth-is-vital-for-african-americans |
Winter Storm Warnings issued across Brazos Valley
Josh Jones (Twitter)
BRAZOS VALLEY, Texas — A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for Brazos, Burleson and Madison County this afternoon.
Ice accumulations exceeding 1/8th inch are possible.
There is also a winter weather advisory in effect in both Grimes and Washington County, where glaze is possible. | 2022-02-02T19:22:47Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/winter-storm-warnings-issued-across-brazos-valley | https://www.kxxv.com/news/winter-storm-warnings-issued-across-brazos-valley |
Central Texas school districts close for winter storm
WACO, Texas — Dozens of school districts across central Texas have already announced they will be closed on Thursday ahead of the winter storm moving into the area.
For a complete list of Central Texas districts that have announced school closures click here.
Districts track the weather for days when a winter storm is expected before they make the decision to close.
"We start by monitoring the weather and monitor that on the hour by the hour," Temple ISD Superintendent Bobby Ott explained. "If it's something we're going to decide that morning, we'll have the bus drivers. They go out at 3 or 4 in the morning, drive routes and decide if they are safe or not safe."
The decision to close Thursday was based on meteorologist predictions and conversations with other districts in the area.
"We definitely communicated with other districts and everybody had the same concerns as far as safety goes," Executive Director of Communications at Waco ISD Alice Jauregui told 25 News. "And so the decision was made together to go ahead and call it for Thursday."
"It's very important that all school districts in this area do a good job of staying in contact with each other," Ott said. "We have our own resources for monitoring the weather, we compare notes and try to make the decisions that serve our families and communities."
It's unclear if schools will be back open on Friday or not. Some, like West ISD, have already decided on two-hour delays.
All districts ask parents to keep an eye out for emails, texts, or phone calls from your local district. | 2022-02-02T22:48:34Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/central-texas-school-districts-close-for-winter-storm | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/central-texas-school-districts-close-for-winter-storm |
1868 Millican Massacre: The secret left out of Brazos Valley History
By: Halle Jones
BRYAN, TEXAS — Just 15 miles south of Texas A&M University, on the southern edge of Brazos County, is Millican, Texas. Its current population is 241.
But 153 years ago, during the Reconstruction era following the end of the Civil War, Millican was the place to be in Brazos County.
"So in 1868, Millican would have been the big town in this area, because the end of the railroad pre Civil War was in Millican and a very large percentage of black free men and women were living there," said Amy Earhart, project coordinator of the Millican Race Massacre 1868 project and associate professor of english and affiliated faculty of Africana studies at Texas A&M University.
The large number of newly freed African-Americans who had the right to bear arms, combined with the loss of voting rights for white Texans, signaled a dramatic shift in power. In July of 1868, a shift toward equality for Blacks incited one of the largest “race riots” in Texas, known today as the Millican Massacre.
“We are not sure it went on for several days. We don't have firm numbers. Newspapers around the world reported from five to 300 people murder, they all make clear that no white people were killed or only black people," said Earhart. "The newspapers are pretty consistent on that. I've also read a report by the Governor of Texas, former Gov. [Elisha] Pease, and he also reports the same thing that it was a massacre of black freeman.”
The Millican Massacre was reported worldwide in newspapers from Panama to Europe, and it’s that public record in print and oral histories from Brazos Valley families that have helped fill in holes to what happened in Millican 153 years ago.
“It’s something that is very uncomfortable to talk about and one of the reasons why it is important is you don’t ever want it to happen again," said Barry Davis of the Brazos Valley African American Museum. "We don’t want violence. Violence is not something Dr. Martin Luther King was all about, he was about love, working together and we can respect each other. So, you don’t want it to happen again and that’s why you want to study it and you want to know about it."
The Millican Massacre has for decades been the secret left out of Brazos Valley history. Earhart hopes a Texas Historical Maker will soon mark the location of the massacre as she continues her work on the Millican Project.
“We filed an application for Texas historical marker to commemorate George Brooks and those who were murdered, and we should hear final approval. We're hoping by February, we've done the wording. It's going through all the processes. We're just waiting on final like 'Yes, we like the wording, we're going to send it off to the foundry.' So I'm excited that there will be a marker that people will see and know about this important event because it's kind of been erased.”
Along with Earhart, Reggie Brown, a former Exxon diversity executive, and Toniesha Taylor, department chair and associate professor of communication at Texas Southern University, have both been vital in getting a historical marker placed in Millican.
To look at the documents Earhart and her students have found in their research of the Millican Massacre visit https://millican.omeka.net/. | 2022-02-03T00:30:59Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/1868-millican-massacre-the-secret-left-out-of-brazos-valley-history | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/1868-millican-massacre-the-secret-left-out-of-brazos-valley-history |
History of a local Black church and its impact in Waco
WACO, Texas — The Church is so deeply rooted in Black history, dating back to slavery.
For decades after the Civil War, Black churches like Toliver Chapel Baptist Church in East Waco became a meeting place for political activism, plotting for justice and equality.
Today, it's a beacon of hope. A symbol of how far we've come but also the foundation to continue moving the black community forward.
Founded in 1895 by Rev. L Toliver, the church has uplifted the black community for more than a century, being a light in dark times like segregation and injustice.
Across history -- the black church has been that..was that foundation. You can go back as far as slavery period, that's where they found the hope, that's where they found the faith, Pastor Jimmy Hunter said.
And now, it's getting the community through a pandemic.
Serving for 21 years, Pastor Jimmy Hunter is the second oldest tenured pastor at the church, seeing its transformation.
"Toliver has weathered the storms and been here. Toliver was here when there was a railway that passed through here", he said.
He's also seen, firsthand, the impact in the community.
"The movement, the journey from then to now, the church has always been the hub. The church has already maintained herself. But, I'm seeing more and more persons recapturing the essence of what the church was meant to be," Pastpr Hunter said.
It's a place of refuge for spiritual nourishment and support in times of need.
"It's a very prevalent part of the community," church member Robin Erving said. "We do outreach, we have food drives where people can come and get food. We do Christmas baskets, Thanksgiving baskets, we are always helping the community."
That's what makes this church so special -- it's commitment to taking action.
"When there have been certain serious situations in the community, we've found ourselves present in those things. The church has got to stay engaged with community, not segregated from community. I think that's the key part, here," Pastor Hunter said.
When there was hesitation within the Black community about COVID19 vaccinations, Toliver took the lead, becoming a vaccine site to keep people safe.
No matter what, Erving said, the church is there.
"With everything that's going on this is where we come, to the Church and God. We don't have anywhere else to go but to God and the Church," she said.
"It's just a place where you can go and come and feel all your burdens are relieved because you have help here. People here love you. It's like a family," Joe Bishop said.
Bishop has been a member of Toliver Chapel since 1976.
He says, it makes you feel like you are not alone.
"It's just a place where you can go and come and feel all your burdens are relieved because you have help here. People here love you. It's like a family," Bishop said.
Whether it's racism, hair discrimination, police brutality, or COVID19, the Church is the foundation of love and strength to keep pushing forward for generations to come.
"Because when everything is gone, the church will still be standing," Pastor Hunter said. | 2022-02-03T03:43:39Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/history-of-a-local-black-church-and-its-impact-in-waco | https://www.kxxv.com/news/history-of-a-local-black-church-and-its-impact-in-waco |
Power crews gear up for incoming ice storm
BELL COUNTY — Much of Central Texas is going to be covered in ice Thursday morning, and that includes the powerlines - raising the potential for power outages.
When rain falls in sub-freezing temperatures, it’s easy for ice to build up on powerlines and that usually means we may see outages.
”We don’t see this winter weather as much as we do in other places. So, our power structure isn’t as good as it is in other places. Our lines aren’t made to withstand a lot of weight of ice and snow.” said David Nobles, Training Specialist for MasTec Utility Services.
It’s why companies like MasTec Utility Services and Oncor already have crews at the ready.
”In the past week, we have had time to coordinate with our crews across Oncor to make sure that everybody is in spots all across the service area. To make sure that, when they do respond, they don’t have to go far.” said Jen Myers, Meteorologist and Spokesperson for Oncor.
Those crews are made up of well-trained professionals like the linemen that work tirelessly to repair damaged powerlines.
”These folks are prepared. So, the linemen are just like, the mavericks of the power industry. They're our superheroes that go out there,” said Myers.
And those superheroes repair damage of all kinds and in all weather conditions and they are ready for the ice headed our way.
”Just like hurricanes, we always stage out in front of the storm coming in. So, we can get the power back on as quickly as possible. We don’t go home until the lights are back on.”
Oncor says they also have some 1,500 additional workers coming from 10 nearby states state to help restore power where needed as part of their Mutual Assistance Program. | 2022-02-03T05:15:59Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/power-crews-gear-up-of-coming-ice-storm | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/power-crews-gear-up-of-coming-ice-storm |
As winter weather rolls in, farms work to keep animals safe
ROBINSON, Texas — Last February's winter storm took a toll on The Bridge Sanctuary, a Robinson farm dedicated to protecting abused or neglected farm animals.
"We didn't have any power, everything was freezing," said executive director and founder, Margaret Ransom.
When news of another winter storm came in, Ransom jumped into action to make sure her animals—17 goats, five horses, two ponies, and three donkeys—would be safe from the weather, especially as the rain is expected to turn to freezing rain and sleet overnight on Thursday.
"Wet to cold is three times more dangerous to horses specifically than just cold weather," she said.
The Texas Farm Bureau has a checklist for livestock owners experiencing a winter storm. They recommend providing extra food, removing ice from drinking water, moving animals to indoor shelters, and keeping areas well-ventilated.
The Bridge Sanctuary is doing all of that, with heat lamps, extra hay, blankets, and cameras to check on the animals all day long. Ransom encourages other animal owners to do the same.
"Bring your cats in, bring your dogs in, check on your animals, check on your livestock," she said.
Although this year's storm is not expected to be anything like last year's, nerves are still present.
"It's a little scary to think about the worst-case scenario, but we're prepared. I think we're gonna do okay," Ransom said.
The sanctuary said they are willing to provide advice or help to anyone in need. They encourage people to reach out to them via social media. | 2022-02-03T05:16:05Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/as-winter-weather-rolls-in-farms-work-to-keep-animals-safe | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/as-winter-weather-rolls-in-farms-work-to-keep-animals-safe |
An analysis of modern-day lynching and how we got here
You may think of lynchings as an extremely horrific practice of the past. But, they continue today.
In 1998, James Byrd Jr. was chained to a car by three white supremacists and dragged to his death in Jasper, Texas.
Amaud Arbery was shot and killed while jogging near Brunswick, George. The three white men found guilty of his death claim that he was simply, trespassing.
And George Floyd was held down by a white Minneapolis police officer in broad daylight with his knee to his neck for nine minutes, suffocating him to death.
James Byrd Jr., Amaud Arbery and George Floyd; names that come to mind when thinking of modern-day lynching.
Looking back at the darkest moments of Waco history, it's hard to imagine what it takes to lynch another human being.
But Dr. William Carrigan said documenting history, in both cases, can help inspire change and hopefully ... progress.
"In Texas, violence was justified and celebrated in a way that was not common in other places," Carrigan said.
Historian and Waco Native Carrigan said racism and it's horror still exists.
"At the time of Jesse Washington's lynching, and today you can see these parallels where people would say it's just a few bad people who did this," Carrigan said.
That same indifference to human suffering from 100 plus years ago, isn't too hard to spot in 2022 America.
"It's not like George Floyd is the only Black man ever killed by the police. Jesse Washington wasn't the only Black man who was ever lynched. But they were particularly gruesome features of a larger phenomenon and the visual evidence in each case was remarkable," Carrigan said.
It's a systemic problem. One hiding in plain sight.
"How do you go to a lynching with a hundred people to a lynching with 15,000? Well, on the way to the lynching with 15,000, are a lot of other lynchings, which time after time, no one does anything about it," Carrigan said. | 2022-02-03T05:16:11Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/an-analysis-of-modern-day-lynching-and-how-we-got-here | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/an-analysis-of-modern-day-lynching-and-how-we-got-here |
Central Texas' long, troubling history of racism
The State of Texas has a long, troubling history of racism beginning with slavery.
Though the nation abolished the practice in 1865, the racial attitudes toward black people continued for decades, along with generations of violent lynchings.
Two of Waco's most horrific lynchings, Sank Majors and Jesse Washington, led to a larger for change to stop violent killings of black men.
"For years, his death hung over our family like a dark cloud," Nona Kirkpatrick said. "My mother and her siblings were brought up not to talk about him for fear of retribution."
What once was a family-kept secret is now being exposed.
"I could tell it hurt her to talk about it," Kirkpatrick said.
76-year-old, Nona Kirkpatrick remembers the story told to her by her grandmother, Mary Majors Green.
"Sank majors was my great grandmother's youngest brother so that made him my great uncle," she said.
In the summer of 1905, Majors was arrested and put in jail.
"It was a classic story of the South. A young black man accused of raping a white woman," Kirkpatrick said. "But his story was particularly interesting because he had an attorney. A white man represented him, and he had enough evidence to prove Sank was innocent."
A jury found Majors guilty and he was sentenced to prison. However, with the lawyers' evidence, Majors' case qualified to be tried again. Before that could happen, on August 8 of 1905, an angry mob broke into the jail looking for vigilante justice.
"They took him down to what's known now as the Washington Street Bridge. They hanged him from the bridge and then shot the body," Kirkpatrick said.
Hundreds of lynchings just like that of Sank Majors produced no consequences, eventually leading to one of the worst lynchings on record in Central Texas.
"There's no good way to lynch somebody but Jesse Washington's was one of the most horrific that anybody had ever heard of because he was stabbed and they burned him," Kirkpatrick said.
In 1916, nearly a decade after Majors' killing, Jesse Washington was accused of raping and killing a white woman, Lucy Fryer, in Robinson.
She was the wife of a farmer he worked for.
"Somebody said they saw him near where the murder took place moments before," Dr. George Harrison said.
Fryer was found bludgeoned to death inside her home.
"It didn't go well for Jesse as far as that's concerned," Harrison said.
Washington was arrested and put on trial. Harrison said the all-white jury deliberated for just four minutes before finding Washington guilty. Quickly after the verdict, an angry mob rushed into the courthouse, seized the man, and pushed him in front of City Hall.
"His genitals were removed; his fingers and toes were cut off," Harrison said.
Nearly 15,000 people gathered around, watching and cheering as the mob burned Washington alive. They, then, dragged him through the streets of Waco and black neighborhoods.
"It brought horror to many; to the black community, it was a horror," Harrison said.
"He was 17 years old. That is a kid by any definition," Shannon Spitzer.
No one really knows if Washington did, in fact, kill and rape Lucy Fryer.
But, Spitzer, Fryers' great great-granddaughter said, even if he did, his death was wrong.
"What happened to him subsequently after he performed this terrible act was not justice, not even close," she said.
Photos and postcards of Washington's lynching were sent across the country, eventually reaching the newly formed NAACP.
"I think Washington was one of those things that sparked a preliminary movement toward the civil rights movement," Harrison said.
There was a national effort to pass a federal antilynching bill in 1918. Although it was defeated by white southerners in the senate, the culture around circus-like lynchings shifted.
Suddenly, there were consequences and people were held accountable for killing black people.
"It seems like it takes monumental instances, that we'll never forget, to make other things happen," Harrison said.
Moments in time sparked a movement to create a more just and equal society. | 2022-02-03T05:16:17Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/central-texas-long-troubling-history-of-racism | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/central-texas-long-troubling-history-of-racism |
Within the last few years, there's been a profound push for mental health nationwide, but in the black community there is still a stigma about getting help. One young girl in Copperas Cove is making sure mental health care is at the top of her community's mind.
Looking at her now, you see a young girl competing and winning pageants.
Dorianna Gilbert, a 7th Grader in Copperas Cove ISD, and winner of Preteen Miss Five Hills 2021 said, "I just won in March, I won preteen Miss Five Hills."
Dorianna Gilbert is now confident in the skin she's in, but she wasn't always this way. When she was in the 3rd grade she says she remembers being bullied, teased, and taunted over things she couldn't control.
Dorianna said, "My platform of service this year is anti-bullying and awareness, and I chose that because I used to get bullied. They used to say just rude things to me."
She was suffering in silence until the taunting became too much to bear on her own. So, eventually, she turned to the only person she could, her mother.
"Once it started to become a daily thing, I started to get sadder and I has to tell someone because it didn't feel right bottling it up," said Dorianna. "Without her, I don’t know where I could be right now."
Shannoda Gilbert hung on to every word her daughter told her, grateful her daughter felt comfortable enough to talk to her about what she was going through.
"I have seen friends of mine whose kids have taken their lives behind in being bullied and stuff like that. So, for her to feel comfortable enough with me to come and talk to me about that it really meant a lot," said Mrs. Gilbert.
Initially, mental health was not always a priority for Mrs. Gilbert. After Shannoda lost her own mother at a young age and then spent some time in the military, her attitude changed when it comes to mental health.
Mrs. Gilbert said, "Me and my husband we both served in the military and went overseas so PTSD is always something that we always talk with our children about mental issues. There is definitely a stigma with black people in mental health "
Yulonda Washington, the Founder and Clinical Director of It's a Journey Counseling said, "Mental health is just as important as the health and the strength of your body."
Washington is a Killeen-based is a licensed professional counselor. She says while black people have come a long way when it comes to being open to therapy, she believes there is still a stigma when it comes to mental health in the black community.
Washington said, "It makes you appear to be funny because sometimes in the black community toughness stuff and it is looked at as strove then but behind it toughness a lot of times, they are just trying to hold it together as best as they can."
However, Washington is optimistic about the younger generations and their efforts to break the break down the stigma.
"We really want our children to grow and be emotionally intelligent people. So in order to start that we have to start early saying it’s OK if you wanna express your emotions, it’s OK if you need someone to talk to."
"You have to sit there and not have to listen to your child you have to be that support system," said Mrs. Gilbert.
The time Mrs. Gilbert took to spend listening to Dorianna sparked something in her.
Dorianna said, "I started learning how to stand up and I want other kids to know that it’s OK to stand up."
Dorianna has since expanded her anti-bullying campaign across the city of Copperas Cove and has hosted the CCISD annual suicide prevention walk. Dorianna hopes she can be the change she wants to see.
"I just wanted to be the one to make everyone rise as one. We’re all just trying to make an impact in the world," said Gilbert.
Although Dorianna's reign as Miss Preteen Five Hills is coming to an end, she plans to continue her community service work and advocate for bullying and mental health awareness. | 2022-02-03T05:16:23Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/destigmatizing-mental-health-in-the-black-community | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/destigmatizing-mental-health-in-the-black-community |
Picking up the torch: Leading the way on civil rights
Civil rights icons from the 1960s have paved the way for today's activists.
For over 10 years, Bennie Walsh the president of Temple's NAACP chapter has been taking what he has learned firsthand from those leaders. He's now using it to build meaningful connections in the community and spark change while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Back in the 1960's Bennie Walsh was just a kid, but as a person of color, he faced racism hatred and issues much bigger than himself. Early on in his life, Walsh was driven but lacked direction.
"I have not always been on the right side of trying to make it as a young man, I threw rocks at windows and destroyed stuff," Walsh said.
However, wise words from his aunt, who was the president of Kansas City's NAACP Chapter at the time, steered him in the right direction. At just 13 with the words of his aunt echoing in his mind, he began marching and protesting for his rights.
Walsh said, "I was a young kid but my auntie put it in my heart that you have to do something for your people."
Fast forward to today, Walsh is using the teachings of his greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, to inspire change in Central Texas.
"They are my heroes once they came together it made a difference it made a great difference in my life," said Walsh. "Whatever is going on in the community I want to make sure I have my footprint on it especially if it has to do with voting rights."
Younger community members are now following their lead.
"A lot of us realize and recognize that the change we wanna see isn’t going to happen just by protesting but really getting involved and knowing what is going on in our local government," said Terris Goodwin, the Founder of Wake Up Temple.
Wake Up Temple is a local non-profit that was founded to promote nonpartisan civic engagement.
Goodwin said, "We don’t care who you vote for our goal for wake Up temple is to really just empower you to do so and exercise that right. When we do or don’t have turnout from typically underrepresented communities then we see that reflected in the results of the election and ultimately if we don’t participate in that process then I don’t feel that we have a right to criticize or be upset."
Goodwin says she and her team are ready to continue the fight.
"I really truly believe that this is the time for our generation to kind of pick up that torch and keep it running," said Goodwin.
Walsh said, "To see young people follow that path and do what is right for the community, it brings joy to my heart."
It's a fight Walsh has been fighting for most of his life, one he says he will continue until he can't anymore.
"In this day and age, It bothers me today that we are still dealing with racism," Walsh said. "I have to follow what the Lord says so until he says it’s time for you to quit I’m gonna keep doing his work." | 2022-02-03T05:16:29Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/picking-up-the-torch-leading-the-way-on-civil-rights | https://www.kxxv.com/news/black-history-month/picking-up-the-torch-leading-the-way-on-civil-rights |
'No one can guarantee there won't be a 'load-shed' event' assessing the state's power grid
As the temperatures continue to drop many Texans are making last-minute preparations for the pending winter storm. State officials say they have been winterizing the grid since last year's storm, but will those updates prevent another catastrophic blackout.
Brad Jones, the Interim President and CEO of ERCOT said, "We’ve been working for the last year to make sure this grade is more reliable than it has been in the past. We are ready for this storm. We are prepared for this."
2021's deadly winter storm has some Texans on edge many questioning is the grid ready?
Jones said, "We have about 71,000 MW of expected load which will be a record for ERCOT but at the same time We have 86,000 MW of available generation."
Gov. Greg Abbott said in a press conference this week that the state's power grid now exceeds federal weatherization standards.
Abbott said, "No one can guarantee that there won’t be a 'load shed' event."
Ed Hirs, an energy fellow in the Department of Economics at the University of Houston said, "They've made great progress, weatherizing, and winterizing the grid, but it takes more than 12 months to fix something that's been in decay for 10 years."
Hirs explains because this year's winter storm isn't expected to last as long as last year, it may not give an accurate of the state's power grid updates.
"I don't think that this storm is going to stress the grid as much as the one last February. We still have several weeks more of winter to go. So, we don't know what's going to be coming behind it," said Hirs.
Meteorologists report what we’ll see in the next 48 to 72 hours won’t be a repeat of 2021 but some folks would rather be safe than sorry.
Charles Partain, a Killeen resident said, "I lost power for over a week last year I’d rather have it than not need it than need it and not be able to find it."
Partain is one of several Bell County residents who headed to Big Hill's Firewood in Killeen.
Anthony Hill the Owner of Big Hill's Firewood said "There is only so much seasoned firewood to go around that I can sell to people."
Hill encourages his customers to shop for firewood in the summer when most people are not looking for it. He provides wood to local businesses and private citizens. With the winter storm approaching Hill is now completely sold out.
"I get super busy this time of year just like this time last year with the winter storm. There is usually not enough wood to go around with the number of houses. When you have everyone looking for the same product it creates a shortage," said Hill.
As folks in Killeen and across the state prepare for the pending weather storm, Gov. Abbott is remaining optimistic.
"What we are prepared to achieve is that the power stays on across the entire state," Abbott said.
State officials expect the highest energy demand on Friday morning. | 2022-02-03T05:16:41Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/25-news-weather-ready/no-one-can-guarantee-there-wont-be-a-load-shed-event-assessing-the-states-power-grid | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/25-news-weather-ready/no-one-can-guarantee-there-wont-be-a-load-shed-event-assessing-the-states-power-grid |
After a historic arctic blast last February caused power outages across the state, Texans braced for a repeat.
A year ago, a winter storm took down much of the Texas power grid leaving most Texans without electricity or heat for days.
Luckily that didn’t happen with this storm, but we are still seeing outages in parts of the state.
This year, the Governor assures Texans that the power grid is going strong.
”At the expected peak demand, there should be about 10,000 megawatts of extra power capacity. To put that in context, that is about enough extra power to supply about 2-million homes.” said Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.
Though we didn’t have a repeat of last year’s disaster, tens of thousands of people lost power Thursday.
An issue Governor Abbot says is not caused by power grid failures.
”So, how can that be that there are people in the state of Texas without power if the grid is fully functioning and has ample power supply? The reason is because of issues with local power providers.” said Abbott.
This time around, Oncor is reporting over 500 outages on Thursday afternoon that were affecting nearly 20,000 people.
Though that seems like a huge number, it is a fraction of the numbers from last year and only in parts of the state.
”Right now, the bulk of the damage, the bulk of the reports of damage that we are seeing are in the Metroplex itself and in areas just slightly to the north.” said Jen Myers, meteorologist and Oncor spokesperson.
Most of the damage was to power lines, due to the amount of ice built up on nearby trees.
”We’ve seen so many photos of even trees just split from all that extra weight just weighing down the tree and when that happens, unfortunately the tree can impact lines and impact service.” said Myers.
They say they are working hard to fix the damage with the help of crews from out of state.
”They’re going to work in 16-hour shifts, 24-hours a day, and not just our crews. We’ve also got 1,700 folks from mutual assistance that have come in from up to 10 different states as far away as Florida.”
While crews are working around the clock, it will take time to clear trees and get the linemen in to do repairs.
So, Oncor is asking for patience as the work to get everyone’s lights back on. | 2022-02-04T04:23:09Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/power-crews-work-to-restore-power-to-thousands-after-ice-covered-trees-damage-power-lines | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/power-crews-work-to-restore-power-to-thousands-after-ice-covered-trees-damage-power-lines |
Traveling Texas: Waco Art Center
After four years of hard work and fundraising, the dream of a new home for Art Center Waco is a reality.
From stellar art exhibits to classes for the budding artist, Art Center Waco is now in its new home and ready for you to visit.
“It is literally a fulfillment of dreams and aspirations.”
Alyce Beard has been a member of the Art Center Waco since its beginning nearly 50 years ago, and a long-time member of the board. This new location, in the shadow of the Magnolia Silos, is quite a departure from its previous location in the residential Cameron home on the McLennan Community College campus. 4 years ago, that building became structurally unsound.
"We fled the scene actually very quickly and basically have been homeless or with just an office, the presence of an office, a few satellite offices to do some classes. But we have during this period of time, we were forced to come up with our future plan," Beard said. "We're now at 701 South Eighth Street. And it was an empty shell of the building, so we repurposed it.”
The fundraising isn’t over, though. Director and CEO Doug McDurham said they need to finish paying for the building that had its formal opening in October of 2021.
“Our BTRarchitects, Grant Dudley in particular, knew what they were doing in this space, and it is evident from top to the bottom," McDurham said. "It is a piece of art in itself.”
Art Center Waco has classroom space, two smaller galleries, and the big gallery --home to special “short term” exhibits. We got to see the grand-opening exhibit before it wrapped up featuring the work of renowned Waco artist Kermit Oliver.
“Kermit has lived in Waco over 30 years," Beard said. "His wife's family was from here and they came back here. And Kermit continued his employment with the united states postal office, but also continued in painting.”
Oliver is known for his designs for luxury Paris fashion house Hermes—the first American artist tapped to design their high-end scarves.
“He is a dear and lovely man, quite the gentleman, and has accepted our invitation to be our opening exhibition, which was very meaningful for us that we could show off a Waco product," Beard said. “He's very special to us and I think we are to him. Also, I think that he just as much admires us as we admire him, which is a beautiful relationship that we have with him.”
More exhibits are on the way, featuring nationally known as well as local artists—who will enjoy a very special showcase for their work.
“Folks are consistently walking through the door, just surprised and unexpected to see the gorgeous architecture, the amazing art that we have here," McDurham said. "And we had lots of folks come in from out of town and say, this is not what I expected when I was driving to Waco. And I can consistently say, well, this is what you should expect from Waco. We're very proud of it.” | 2022-02-04T04:23:40Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/traveling-texas-with-ann-harder/traveling-texas-waco-art-center | https://www.kxxv.com/news/traveling-texas-with-ann-harder/traveling-texas-waco-art-center |
'It takes a community to protect the village' City of Killeen opens warming shelter for freezing temperatures
As the temperatures continue to drop cities across our area are opening warming shelters for anyone who needs it.
It's safe to say this year's winter storm is in full effect. Sleet in Killeen on Thursday has been on and off for most of the day. With temperatures in the teens expected overnight, city officials say they are prepared.
All systems are a go in Killeen, with extra hands-on standby if needed.
Peter Perez, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management director for the City of Killeen said, "We have plans in place to ensure that we have on-call staffing and our water and sewer department, our street departments, and then, of course, police and fire."
Perez and other city officials learned a thing or two from last year's winter storm. He said the city made it a priority to alert citizens earlier winter weather was approaching.
"We wanted to make sure that people knew that there would be some sort of winter event and to start preparing then," said Perez. "The other thing is we started working on our process to close services earlier and make that call earlier. Even KISD did that yesterday, rather than this morning. The city also did that, as well, as I know, a lot of surrounding agencies did too."
As temperatures drop and road conditions become increasingly dangerous, Fire Chief James Kubinski says "It takes the entire city to pull together."
Kubinski says the city is now partnering up with local organizations to host warming shelters. Those shelters are for anyone who needs it.
Kubinski said, "Anybody who loses power in the home, our warming centers are not just for the homeless, they are for any resident of the city of Killeen, or actually any resident of the county. If it's not about financial means, try to find yourself a hotel that's got power, because they typically are the last to lose it. When people build hotels, they build them intentionally in areas where they've researched that they don't see a loss of power very often."
The city of Killeen has two warming shelters open from now through Saturday.
Moss Rose Center on 1103 E. Avenue E will be open Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and there Rosa Hereford Community Center is open on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
These shelters are taking some of the load off the designated shelters for our homeless neighbors, like families in crisis.
Susanna Armour, the Programs Director for Families in Crisis, "It helps us having the warming station is that there are people that don't want to spend the night in the shelter. So, for people that maybe don't want to spend the night, that's a good place for them to be able to code get out of the elements, you know, and get a break from that cold weather. That might not be when we can reserve those spots in our facility for people that are going to be in for the duration."
"Our community partners like churches that have the space that are willing to work with us is imperative. So, it really takes a community to protect the village," said Kubinski.
Kubinski says as the ice thaws, the fire department will be on standby to assist the city's water department as calls come in regarding broken pipes, they will be on standby to shut off the water when needed to preserve the city water supply. | 2022-02-04T04:23:46Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/it-takes-a-community-to-protect-the-village-city-of-killeen-opens-warming-shelter-for-freezing-temperatures | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/it-takes-a-community-to-protect-the-village-city-of-killeen-opens-warming-shelter-for-freezing-temperatures |
H-E-B announces early closing times due to winter weather
H-E-B has announced that several stores in Central Texas, including Waco, Temple, and Killeen, will be closing at 7 p.m. on Friday and opening at 9 a.m. Saturday.
The stores listed on the website are: Waxahachie, Burleson, Cleburne, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Killeen 3, Killeen 2, Mexia, Ennis, Corsicana, Stephenville, Belton, Temple 2, Temple 1, Waco 1, Waco 4, Waco 5, Waco 7, Waco 8, Gatesville, Marlin.
Additionally, curbside and home delivery may have limited availability in certain areas.
"In preparation of the winter storm, we are taking precautions to protect and support our Partners and our stores, which have additional stock to ensure product availability," said H-E-B in the announcement. "Any out-of-stocks are temporary."
For any updates on operations, residents can click here.
"Additionally, H-E-B has prioritized conserving energy across our business to do our part to help preserve the energy grid in Texas," said H-E-B | 2022-02-05T05:09:45Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/h-e-b-announces-early-closing-times-due-to-winter-weather | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/h-e-b-announces-early-closing-times-due-to-winter-weather |
'It's about the kids' Local woman braves icy roads driving foster care employees to work
We've all seen videos of cars and trucks slipping, sliding, and getting stuck on the roads over the past few days but essential workers have had to brave those conditions.
Tina Capito and her team at the Garden of Hope, an emergency shelter for foster children, are no different.
Capito is the CEO of The Garden of Hope, she said, "We have to have staff, we have state ratios. We have children in our care, and we have to have staff be able to be at work every day, during the day in the evening and overnight."
The slippery and slick road conditions made it difficult for staff to get to and from work. After helping during last year's winter storm, Dena Vega showed up again to help.
Vega said, "It appears as though it's going to be an annual tradition!"
Vega has been gassing up her four-wheel-drive truck and had been making sure staff get to and from work safely. So far she has driven over 400 miles in two days.
'It's just in my heart to make sure that the kids have what they need, and they need the staff, and they need Tina there. I just want the kids to know that we love them, people love them. And they may not feel that before or they might struggle with that feeling. But I want them to know that there are people that love them. And there are people that really care about them," said Vega.
Running an emergency shelter for children in the foster care system is no easy task, it's a huge undertaking with the staff needed 24/7. Capito explains if it was not for Vega, she does not know how they would have made it through this year's winter freeze.
While the kids are top of mind, Capito said, "It is about the kids, but we always have to take care of our staff before we can take care of the kids. Because if I don't have staff, we don't have children we can take care of. And so that's important as well. And so, this really makes our staff feel that no matter what's going on that we're going to help take care of them as much as they take care of their children."
Vega is as humble as ever. "I wish I could give more of my time throughout the year. And unfortunately, I'm not able to. So when things like this, come up, and we're fortunate enough to be able to help, we just want to make sure that we're out there to do whatever we can for the kids."
The duo also stopped along the way to assist other drivers on the road, urging the community to stay off the roads unless necessary.
"We're watching cars slide all over the road. We're watching people spin out, we're watching people not be able to drive well. If you don't need to be out, there's not really anything that's important enough to get an accident or to cause harm to themselves or anyone else," said Capito.
As the ice thaws, Capito said she is beyond grateful for Vega's help.
"There's no amount of money that could replace the volunteers and the service that this community gives. And the Vega family is just one piece of that puzzle," said Capito. | 2022-02-05T05:09:58Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/news/positively-central-texas/its-about-the-kids-local-woman-braves-icy-roads-driving-foster-care-employees-to-work | https://www.kxxv.com/news/positively-central-texas/its-about-the-kids-local-woman-braves-icy-roads-driving-foster-care-employees-to-work |
(Boston Police Department via AP)
This undated photograph provided by the Boston Police Department shows officer John O'Keefe, 46, of Canton, Mass. O'Keefe died at an area hospital after being found lying in snow unresponsive outside his home on Saturday Jan. 30, 2022. Karen Read, 41, of Mansfield, Mass., was charged with manslaughter on Wednesday Feb. 2, 2022 after allegedly striking O'Keefe, her boyfriend, with her car. Read pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and other charges at her arraignment Wednesday. | 2022-02-05T20:17:06Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/boston-police-officers-girlfriend-charged-in-his-death | https://www.kxxv.com/news/boston-police-officers-girlfriend-charged-in-his-death |
FILE — Supporters of President Donald Trump, including Aaron Mostofsky, right, who is identified in his arrest warrant, walk down the stairs outside the Senate Chamber in the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. Mostofsky, the son of a New York judge, who referred to himself as a "caveman" eager to protest Donald Trump's presidential election loss, pleaded guilty Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, to charges he stormed the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. | 2022-02-05T20:17:09Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/brooklyn-judges-son-pleads-guilty-to-capitol-riot-charges | https://www.kxxv.com/news/brooklyn-judges-son-pleads-guilty-to-capitol-riot-charges |
Texas man kills 4 family members, including child, & shoots 3 others before committing suicide
CORSICANA, Texas — A Texas man killed four family members, including a child, and shot three others, before killing himself.
The Corsicana Police Department said it got a 911 call just after midnight Saturday from someone who said a man had killed his family.
Deputies found the bodies of an adult male and a child. Both had been shot.
Detectives tracked the suspect’s vehicle using its GPS navigation system.
Corsicana SWAT officers then approached the vehicle and found the driver critically injured from a self-inflected gunshot wound to the head. He later died at Navarro Regional Hospital.
The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. | 2022-02-05T21:56:13Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/man-kills-4-family-members-including-child-shoots-3-others-before-committing-suicide | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/man-kills-4-family-members-including-child-shoots-3-others-before-committing-suicide |
In this photo provided by Sea Shepherd on Saturday Feb. 5, 2022, dead fish float in the Bay of Biscay, off La Rochelle, western France on Thursday Feb.3, 2022. France's maritime minister has ordered an investigation after environmental group Sea Shepherd released video and photos of a massive dump of fish in the Atlantic. The images show swarms of fish in the Bay of Biscay off the southwest France. The reason for the dump is unclear. | 2022-02-06T01:06:24Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/mass-swarm-of-dead-fish-in-atlantic-prompts-european-inquiry | https://www.kxxv.com/news/mass-swarm-of-dead-fish-in-atlantic-prompts-european-inquiry |
(Sgt. Jeremy Landers, Marion County Sheriff's Department via AP)
In this provided by Sgt. Jeremy Landers of the Marion County Sheriff's office, the wreckage of a Barn near St. Paul, Ore., smolders on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, after a fire and explosion destroyed it. A firefighter was critically injured in the explosion and has been airlifted to a hospital. Investigators were at the scene to determine the cause of the fire and explosion.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Firefighters responding to a fire at a barn in rural Oregon early Thursday were hit by an explosion, killing one of them, and investigators haven’t yet determined the cause.
Some 12 hours after the predawn blast it was still too dangerous for investigators to approach, Sgt. Jeremy Landers of the sheriff’s office said.
The blast occurred soon after firefighters arrived at the burning barn near the tiny town of St. Paul, located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Portland. The fire was reported to authorities around 4 a.m.
The explosion critically injured volunteer firefighter Austin Smith. Paramedics already at the scene provided first aid and Smith was flown by a medical evacuation helicopter to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, but he did not survive, Chief Bryan Lee of the St. Paul Rural Fire Protection District told reporters.
Smith, 30, of St. Paul, had been with the St. Paul Fire District since 2015.
St. Paul has barely 400 residents, but hosts a rodeo every summer that attracts thousands of spectators. One of Smith’s relatives, Bill Smith, was the first president of the rodeo, first held in 1936. Lee spoke with reporters on the rodeo grounds.
Landers said it may be several days before information about the cause of the fire and explosion are released. | 2022-02-06T02:44:32Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/oregon-firefighter-dies-after-explosion-at-fire-in-barn | https://www.kxxv.com/news/oregon-firefighter-dies-after-explosion-at-fire-in-barn |
(AP) — Steve-O dropped out of college in 1993. He told everyone his plan was to become a famous stuntman with his home video camera. He remembers people feeling genuinely sorry for him. To be fair, he wasn’t even sure it would work or that he’d be successful, in the least, he just wanted to amass enough crazy footage so he’d have a legacy to outlive him when he, “Inevitably died young, having failed at life,” he said.
For the past decade, Steve-O has been grinding through comedy clubs, building his act in which he reveals all about his wild lifestyle. The pandemic provided a break from the grueling touring lifestyle, and he was able to focus on building his podcast and merchandising. When he started back up again, he’d crossed an important threshold for any comic: He’d graduated from clubs to theaters. His first sold-out theater gig was at the Paramount in Austin, Texas, which seats 1,200. | 2022-02-06T02:44:45Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/the-evolution-of-steve-o-where-every-act-is-his-last | https://www.kxxv.com/news/the-evolution-of-steve-o-where-every-act-is-his-last |
FILE - China's Peng Shuai serves to Japan's Nao Hibino during their first round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 21, 2020. The stand the women's professional tennis tour is taking in China over concern about Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shuai's well-being could cost the WTA millions of dollars and end up being unique among sports bodies. The International Olympic Committee is preparing to host the Winter Games in Beijing in two months and has held calls with Peng to show she is doing well — but never raised the matter of the sexual assault allegations she made against a former Chinese government official. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill, File) | 2022-02-06T22:35:55Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/an-olympic-question-that-wont-go-away-where-is-peng-shuai | https://www.kxxv.com/news/an-olympic-question-that-wont-go-away-where-is-peng-shuai |
(AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)
FILE - Soldiers patrol near the hamlet Plaza Vieja in the Michoacan state of Mexico, Oct. 28, 2021. The self-defense movement in the nearby town of Tepalcatepec, said improvised land mines severely damaged an army armored car on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. In the war raging between drug cartels in western Mexico, gangs have begun using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on roads to disable army vehicles. | 2022-02-06T22:35:58Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/mexican-cartels-now-use-ieds-as-well-as-bomb-dropping-drones | https://www.kxxv.com/news/mexican-cartels-now-use-ieds-as-well-as-bomb-dropping-drones |
This image made available by the U.S. Coast Guard shows Cuban migrants on a sinking vessel spotted on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, about 40 miles off Key Largo, Fla. “They didn’t have lifejackets or safety equipment,” said Capt. Shawn Koch, commanding officer of Air Station Miami. “If the aircrew hadn’t found them on the patrol, these people would not have survived the night.” The migrants were repatriated to Cuba, the Coast Guard said. | 2022-02-06T22:36:21Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/six-cuban-migrants-rescued-from-sinking-vessel-off-florida | https://www.kxxv.com/news/six-cuban-migrants-rescued-from-sinking-vessel-off-florida |
Annual fundraiser 'hits the ice' to support police families
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The 100 Club has been serving agencies across Texas for more than 60 years.
Now, agencies in the Brazos Valley are coming together to support their mission.
The first Backing the Blue Hockey Tournament in College Station is bringing agencies and community members together to raise money for The 100 Club.
Stacey Dowling believes a peace officer is not about being a hero, it’s about helping others.
“In 2015 I was recognized," said Dowling, Bryan police officer, coordinator of Backing the Blue Hockey Tournament.
"I saved a guy off a bridge and pulled him out from falling,”
As Dowling was recognized, she learned all the things the 100 Club does for not just the men and women in blue.
”They go above and beyond," said Dowling.
"They help all the families of any officer or firefighter that is killed in the line of duty,”
With the increasing number of officers losing their lives in the line of duty, Dowling was motivated to get on the ice for a worthy cause.
”Unfortunately, the numbers are kind of overwhelming," said William Skeen, executive director, The 100 Club.
"We have helped over 200 families that have lost a loved one in the line of duty, that’s police and fire man, we currently have over 200 dependents that have lost a parent in the last 20 years,”
The organization has donated millions of dollars to support the families of fallen officers and firefighters, but that is not all they do.
“Anything that’s related to life-protecting equipment our board will look at and try to help fund those needs," said Skeen.
"So it just makes sense to try to help them instead of helping them after the fact like we do, let's try to prevent some,”
The organization has donated more than 13 million dollars in support of protective gear.
56 players of law enforcement officers and community members split up into 4 teams, to take on an eight-game tournament supporting everything the 100 club has to offer.
"Anything helps and it’s amazing that like I said I did get a lot of responses and stuff and I can’t wait to tally up everything see how much we got and then next year we’re going to set up a goal,” shared Dowling.
Dowling hopes to continue hosting this as an annual event for years to come.
If you're interested in donating, see how you can support the 100 club here. | 2022-02-07T01:56:18Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/annual-fundraiser-hits-the-ice-to-support-police-families | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/annual-fundraiser-hits-the-ice-to-support-police-families |
No. 9 Baylor women rally past No. 13 Texas, 63-55
(AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Texas guard Rori Harmon (3) and Baylor guard Sarah Andrews (24) drive downcourt during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, in Austin, Texas.
“There’s a lot of people who expect us to be perfect, and we’re not, and I’m not,” Collen said. “But every time we win a close one, the belief keeps growing. Obviously now we need some help with three losses ... Every game matters for us.” | 2022-02-07T01:56:25Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/no-9-baylor-women-rally-past-no-13-texas-63-55 | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/no-9-baylor-women-rally-past-no-13-texas-63-55 |
(Koosha Mahshid Falahi/Mizan News Agency via AP)
A family member of a victim of the 2008 mosque bombing cries as the others comfort her, at a court hearing of Iranian-German national and U.S. resident Jamshid Sharmahd, the alleged leader of the militant wing of a U.S.-based Iranian opposition group who is accused of planning the bombing that killed 14 people and wounded over 200 in Iran, at the Revolutionary Court, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022. | 2022-02-07T03:31:20Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/alleged-leader-of-us-based-iran-militant-group-goes-on-trial | https://www.kxxv.com/news/alleged-leader-of-us-based-iran-militant-group-goes-on-trial |
FILE - San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel speaks during a news conference at NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, July 29, 2021. On Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, the Miami Dolphins announced they have hired McDaniel as their new coach, making him the first minority candidate to get hired so far this offseason. | 2022-02-07T03:31:53Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/dolphins-hire-mike-mcdaniel-as-head-coach | https://www.kxxv.com/news/dolphins-hire-mike-mcdaniel-as-head-coach |
McLennan County sees an uptick in theft throughout community
WACO, Texas — Theft and burglaries have been on the rise this past year which has law enforcement reminding the community to lock up their belongings.
“Theft is a crime of opportunity," said Public Information Officer Cierra Shipley, Waco Police Department.
"So if a criminal sees something that they want and they see the opportunity to take it, then they will, so don’t give them that opportunity,”
In 2021, theft and burglaries went up by 15 percent compared to 2020.
The majority of those incidents include porch pirates.
“Especially those big packages, those can be really intriguing to criminals," said Shipley.
"If you do have packages coming to the house, make sure that you are home or about to be home, maybe even have those packages picked up at the UPS store,”
According to Shipley, it’s important to keep your home secure to avoid any break-ins.
“Simple things, like bushes. Don’t go above and block the windows, keep those bushes low," she added.
"Make sure you have the proper locks on your doors. Both on your garage and on your door,”
And in general, it is a good idea to write down serial numbers, take pictures of valuables and document your items in case of theft.
And in hopes of not seeing another increase of burglaries or theft in 2022, Waco PD will be hosting a crime prevention summit on February 19th, inviting everyone to learn how to prevent becoming a victim of a crime.
“This is going to bring the community together and let them talk to different security providers in the area about how they can help secure their home or even their person,” Shipley said.
According to Shipley, the best thing you can do is to be aware of your surroundings be sure to lock up your valuables. | 2022-02-07T15:39:38Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/mclennan-county-sees-an-uptick-in-theft-throughout-community | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/mclennan-county-sees-an-uptick-in-theft-throughout-community |
Biden administration adds 33 Chinese companies to red flag list
FILE - The American and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb. 2, 2022, in Zhangjiakou, China. The Biden administration is raising red flags about 33 Chinese companies whose legitimacy it cannot verify, imposing new restrictions on their ability to receive shipments from U.S. exporters and requiring extra diligence from American companies that want to do business with them. The Commerce Department said Monday that it was adding the companies to what is known as the “Unverified List,” a roster of businesses worldwide that are subjected to stricter export control because U.S. officials have been unable to do customary checks. | 2022-02-07T15:40:10Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/national/biden-administration-adds-33-chinese-companies-to-red-flag-list | https://www.kxxv.com/news/national/biden-administration-adds-33-chinese-companies-to-red-flag-list |
KILLEEN, Texas — Two teenage boys are hospitalized after an overnight drive-by shooting in Killeen, police said.
The incident occurred at 11:28 p.m. on Jan. 6 in the 2900 block of Zephry Road, according to the Killeen Police Department.
The teenage victims were both found with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
The 13-year-old victim was transported to McLane Children's Hospital and the 15-year-old victim was transported to Baylor Scott & White.
Upon investigation, officers learned both victims were inside the residence when an unknown suspect began firing towards their window.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Killeen PD at (254) 501-8800 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at (254) 526T-TIPS (8477). | 2022-02-07T23:15:23Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/killeen-police-drive-by-shooting-leaves-2-teens-hospitalized | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/killeen-police-drive-by-shooting-leaves-2-teens-hospitalized |
Temple City Council approves expansion of city's animal shelter
TEMPLE, Texas — Central Texas animal shelters are often at or over capacity, but thanks to a decision by the Temple City Council, that might change for their shelter.
The City Council voted to approve a remodel and expansion project for the animal shelter off Mama Dog Circle in Temple.
”This expansion and remodel is an important project, and additionally, it’s going to make the staffs work here, more efficient and effective as well,” said Kiara Nowlin, interim communications and public relations manager, City of Temple.
The shelter will have extensive remodeling done as well as adding more outdoor yard areas and kennels.
They will be adding 40 new kennels — and it's something the city says it desperately needs.
”We are at capacity a majority of the time," Nowlin said. "So, it’s going to enlarge that actual space of the shelter. Additionally, it is going to climatize the kennels in the current space.”
The news of the project being approved is something Animal Control Officer Kyli Boyd said couldn’t come soon enough.
”It gives us more space to take in more animals and help more people that need to rehome their animals," Boyd said. "Or, just for us to have more space for us picking animals off the street.”
They will also be adding more space for people to visit with animals before adopting. Pet adoption is why, Boyd said, she does the job.
”I wanted to be an Animal Control Officer because I like helping animals," Boy said. "I like seeing the public adopt out animals and fulfill their need to have a pet and another member of the family."
The city has $2.5 million currently budgeted for the project, and its leaders hope to get the project fully underway around May or June of this year.
The Temple Animal Shelter is also holding a half off adoption event through the month of February. | 2022-02-08T05:21:29Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/temple-city-council-approves-expansion-of-citys-animal-shelter | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/temple-city-council-approves-expansion-of-citys-animal-shelter |
No matter if you are starting a business from scratch or simply working to keep a current one afloat... it’s been tough during the pandemic.
Its why Texas Black Business week is geared toward giving business owners the tools they need to survive and thrive.
“Even in a pandemic like we’ve been going through you still can be successful. There are ways around it. If you are an online business there’s ways around it. If your brick-and-mortar business there’s ways around it,” said Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce Vice President Secret Odom.
The week includes several workshops focused on accounting, tax planning and several other topics to help aspiring business owners like local mental health professional Eleny Guerrero-Pena, who is starting her own counseling service.
“Mental health is a field that everybody doesn’t talk about especially people of color. I think it’s an area and a gap that we need to fill,” said Guerrero-Pena
Guerrero-Pena said Central Texas needs more businesses THAT cater to Spanish-speaking people.
She said this week is an opportunity for Black, Hispanic, Asian and other entrepreneurs to find resources to create a more diverse economy.
“I would like to do my best just to learn build connections and learn from the people that are here to help me,” said Guerrero-Pena
“That’s all you have to do is be educated in what is needed and put it into use,” said Odom.
Texas Black Business Week will also feature workshops on how to design and build your own website, capital gain and cryptocurrency. To learn more about the week-long event click here. | 2022-02-08T05:21:36Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/texas-black-business-week-helping-local-entrepreneurs-businesses-in-central-texas | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/texas-black-business-week-helping-local-entrepreneurs-businesses-in-central-texas |
Meals on Wheels Waco hopes to 'Wipe Out the Waitlist'
WACO, Texas — Hundreds of seniors in McLennan, Falls and Hill counties receive free, hot meals every day through Meals on Wheels of Waco.
"We would love to be able to do that for everyone that calls us, but right now the list is long enough that it's not always easy to do that," Chief Executive Officer Debbie King told 25 News.
They currently serve roughly 800 people and have more than 200 on a wait list.
"We had a much smaller wait list a couple of years ago, but I think because of COVID, more clients are asking to join our program and get meals," King said. "They really are stuck at home."
As the need for their services grow, the cost of supplies is rising as well. Now they're looking to the community to help them continue helping others with their "Wipe Out the Waitlist" campaign.
"The cost of food is really skyrocketing in the last few months," King said. "Also the transportation costs and costs of gas that we need to use to deliver the meals."
A $45 donation can feed one person for a week or $180 for a whole month.
Aside from monetary donations, the organization is always in need of volunteers. King said it's a great way for drivers to give back to the community and form bonds with people they might not have met otherwise.
"It's a great way to give yourself a lift everyday and see there are some wonderful people out there," she said. "They're not as healthy as they used to be, but they love to get a meal and have someone to say hello to." | 2022-02-08T07:11:47Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/meals-on-wheels-waco-hopes-to-wipe-out-the-waitlist | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/meals-on-wheels-waco-hopes-to-wipe-out-the-waitlist |
Children from Afghanistan living in Texas & now in school
WACO, Texas — It's been a ride for many Afghan children uprooting from their home country and moving to the U.S.
One family that we are choosing to not name for their safety, find themselves in a place they never thought the would be.
"Two days before the collapse I got to America," said the father.
He had been working as an interrupter for the U.S. government. When the Taliban took over he knew it was time to get out.
For the three children it was a shock but the father had spent time protecting them from the past in Afghanistan. His daughter attended school while in Afghanistan which is now forbidden.
"This makes me very proud," the father said. "She's going to school, and especially since girls are not allowed currently in Afghanistan to go to school."
Now in school and using the technology of today to learn English the children are learning to adapt to a new way of living.
"I think it's a lot for kids to take in," said Ashley Faye of Refugee Services Of Texas.
Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population went into into poverty.
An estimated 4.7 million Afghans will suffer malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations.
According to Save the Children, it's doubled the number of children visiting its clinics doubled since August. Forty children died in December on their way to receive medical care.
It's that reason that many who now live in the U.S. feel horrible for their families back home.
"I'm here, but I hope my family come here, then that will be occurred and we can stay together."
Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government collapsed in August. The health system relied on international aid with much of the funding frozen.
The International Rescue Committee recently predicted 90 percent of Afghanistan’s health clinics would more than likely close in the next few months.
Health Crisis in Afghanistan
Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly closed in October. Staff unpaid. They had to cut down trees to cook.
An Afghan woman holds her children as she waits for a consultation outside a makeshift clinic at a sprawling settlement of mud brick huts housing those displaced by war and drought near Herat, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2021. The aid-dependent country’s economy was already teetering when the Taliban seized power in mid-August amid a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops. The consequences have been devastating for a country battered by four decades of war, a punishing drought and the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov)
The World Health Organization reporting a outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals. All that will more than likely put a burden on the hospitals.
Now in the U.S.
Forty-four percent are children who came to the U.S., according to a letter from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Sen. James Inhofe, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Thirty-four percent of the refugees are adult men, and 22 percent are adult women.
"They are coming from very traumatic situations and really not having a chance to process that trauma before jumping into a brand new life where they don't know the culture and they don't speak the language," said Ashley Faye.
It's a new environment to navigate. Finding items at grocery stores, public transportation, looking for work. Doing all this while worried about those back home. | 2022-02-08T07:11:53Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/in-depth/in-depth-40-children-died-in-december-on-their-way-to-receive-medical-care-in-afghanistan | https://www.kxxv.com/news/in-depth/in-depth-40-children-died-in-december-on-their-way-to-receive-medical-care-in-afghanistan |
Clinic for kids opens inside Caldwell Intermediate School
CALDWELL, Texas — For several years now, Caldwell ISD has aimed to bring better healthcare options to the children of the local community.
Now, Caldwell Intermediate students can have a doctor’s appointment just up the hall from their music teacher.
Through the power of telehealth, medical company HealthPoint is bringing clinical care to the students of Caldwell Intermediate.
Monday morning the school’s new clinic opened its doors, and its first patient received a flu test administered by a HealthPoint nurse and overseen by a doctor via video chat.
“Our idea was to have a clinic on each campus, to make sure all students have access to a healthcare provider," said Heather Escalante, C.O.O. for Caldwell ISD.
While school nurses are able to recommend children to a doctor, they are unable to diagnose an illness.
“It’s a process of, we have to call the parent, they have to come pick [the child] up," said Tracy Ayers, director of nursing for Caldwell ISD.
"Then they have to make a doctor’s appointment, and that’s a day or two later. They’re still having to take off work, it delays treatment for the kiddo, they’re missing that much more school. This [clinic] is more of, kind of a one-stop-shop if you will.”
One of four on-call doctors, nurse practitioners or P.A.’s can prescribe medication, diagnose illnesses, approve vaccinations, and test for certain diseases - all physically administered by a health point nurse at the school.
Eventually, the district plans to be able to order lab work and make blood draws.
“So we’re starting here, it’s open today, and our next stop will be making sure our junior high kiddos can come over to the intermediate, and then we’re going to go over to the high school," said Escalante.
"Hopefully by the end of March our high school clinic will be open, and we’ll finish it out at the elementary.”
As these clinics will allow families to sit in on visits through telehealth video, the district hopes they will provide greater opportunities for working parents, and those who can’t easily travel to Bryan-College Station for care.
The clinic is available to all intermediate school students and staff, but since it’s run through HealthPoint specifically, and not the district, parents and guardians will still need to register their children for the clinic, discussing payment options and health insurance, just as they would at any other kind of clinic. | 2022-02-08T13:58:58Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/clinic-for-kids-opens-inside-caldwell-intermediate-school | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/clinic-for-kids-opens-inside-caldwell-intermediate-school |
WACO, Texas — Something old, something new, and maybe even something borrowed?
Wedding vendors across Central Texas are getting together to plan the perfect wedding while also showcasing their craft, the only thing they are missing is a couple.
Brienna Smith, owner of Legacy Impressions, has worked dozens of weddings over the past couple of years… helping brides and grooms make it down the aisle.
But, this time, she gathered local vendors to help put together a wedding to not only celebrate one special couple’s forever commitment, but to also showcase their own skills and craft.
“We are going to do the whole thing, like I want a real wedding so people can actually see what we do and appreciate that art,” Smith said.
The only thing still missing is a pair of lovers.
“I am excited for anyone to make that leap of faith. To make that jump to somebody else as a life partner,” Mallory Ordones, one of the makeup artists for the wedding, said.
With a date already set and 15 vendors signed up, ranging from caterers, videographers, and make-up artists, the entire wedding is completely planned. All a couple has to do is show up.
“That is going to take a 1000% of stress off of some lucky bride and groom,” Smith said.
Ordones will be one of the makeup artists at the event. She has been doing make-up for over five years, helping brides on their special day.
“That is what I am the most excited about," Ordones said. "Is making somebody feel beautiful to walk down an aisle, even in the most non-traditional way.”
And while this is a quick and unique way to celebrate a marriage, COVID-19 has taken many lives the past two years, so Smith asks any happy couple out there, why wait?
“We have mental illnesses, sicknesses, accidents on the roads, things like that. We don’t know who is going to be here tomorrow,” Smith said.
Brienna and the other vendors will be picking a lucky couple for the discounted wedding by the end of the month. The event will be a 'micro-wedding', so only 45 guests or less. For more information, email Legacyimpressions2019@gmail.com.
So, if you are ready to walk down the aisle, bring your something borrowed, something blue, and on March 6... you could be saying ‘I do’. | 2022-02-08T13:59:29Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/wedding-vendors-plan-ceremony-now-in-search-of-a-lucky-couple | https://www.kxxv.com/news/wedding-vendors-plan-ceremony-now-in-search-of-a-lucky-couple |
Chamber of Commerce Weather for the Week
Highs will reach the 70s.
CENTRAL TEXAS — Chamber of commerce weather will continue today as highs climb into the mid 60s. It's a bit chilly this morning, but by afternoon you'll be able to shed a couple of layers with mostly sunny skies. If there is any sort of blemish in the forecast, it will be the fact we have southwest winds. They'll be light, but it will be enough to bring in the cedar pollen again, so if that is something that bothers you, know you'll be dealing with it.
The dry weather and sunshine continue through the work week with temperatures approaching 70° by Friday. A cold front will work in Saturday bringing with it a cooler weekend and some small rain chances. Right now, wintry weather does not look to be in the forecast, but we will keep an eye on things. Temperatures warm up as we head into next week, and we may find ourselves in the 70s again on the other side of Valentine's day! | 2022-02-08T13:59:41Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/chamber-of-commerce-weather-for-the-week | https://www.kxxv.com/weather/chamber-of-commerce-weather-for-the-week |
WACO, Texas — A 22-year-old man has been arrested following a shooting Monday night, said police.
Vintreil Anderson has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Waco Police Department.
Officers were dispatched around 10:19 p.m. to the 2900 Block of North 21st Street.
The victim had gotten into an argument with Anderson earlier, said police.
He was immediately transferred to a local hospital.
Anderson was taken into custody following a brief barricade situation where he hid inside the residence, said police.
He is currently at the McLennan County Jail. | 2022-02-08T17:08:16Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/waco-police-man-arrested-following-monday-shooting-one-hospitalized | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/waco-police-man-arrested-following-monday-shooting-one-hospitalized |
(Courtesy of San Diego County Jail via The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)
In this image taken from May 2020 surveillance video and shown at San Diego Central Court in San Diego, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, former San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Russell, center, points his gun at Nicholas Bils outside San Diego County Jail in downtown San Diego. Russell, who fatally shot Bils, whom he saw escape from a patrol car, was sentenced Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, to three years of probation and a year in jail. | 2022-02-08T17:08:28Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/ex-san-diego-deputy-sentenced-in-killing-of-fleeing-man | https://www.kxxv.com/news/ex-san-diego-deputy-sentenced-in-killing-of-fleeing-man |
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Many dogs are well trained. They're talented sniffer, they answer commands, and they protect their loved ones.
But a dog risking his life for his job, even after being stabbed in the chest, is one-in-a-million.
K9 Nate is a four-year-old Belgian Malinois employed by the Houston Police Department, trained in the ways of patrol, suspect apprehension and bomb detection.
When chasing a knife-wielding suspect through a Houston parking garage last month, Nate showed no hesitation.
"He actually swung, hitting the wall, staggering back," recalled Ofc. Paul Foster, K9 handler for Nate. "It was a hard, blunt force trauma to his chest.”
Foster said Nate continued to pursue the suspect, a man named Ryan Mitchell, even after staggering back from the stab wound.
"Without Nate, I honestly believe the officers on scene would have been severely injured, or the suspect would have been killed," Foster said.
Nate is special even as far as police dogs go, the officer said, as he's able to navigate the complex requirements of S.W.A.T. operations. It’s through College Station nonprofit K9s4COPs, founded by Kristi Schiller, that HPD was able to acquire Nate from a special European breeding program.
"These dogs will do anything for their handlers," said Schiller. "They live with them, and a lot of times these officers will spend more time with them than they do their spouse, or their own family. That becomes their partner - and their work, and play. And Nate was just doing his job.”
Schiller said dogs like Nate, gifted to departments across the world by K9s4COPs, have performed acts of heroism and taken over $1 billion of contraband off the streets.
"These canines don’t ask for time off," she said. "They don’t take a holiday. They don’t ever come to work hung over. Everything they do is for the love of a tennis ball.”
Nate has been recovering ever since the attack in late January, and is ready to serve Houston as soon as possible. Foster said the dog is already walking, playing, and even running a little bit. Nate is scheduled to go back to work in less than two months.
K9s4COPs hopes to recruit Texas A&M students to help build software that will track and publicly display all the successful missions of dogs like K9 Nate, as they work out in the field. | 2022-02-09T02:21:53Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/houston-police-dog-sponsored-by-college-station-nonprofit-recovers-from-being-stabbed | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/houston-police-dog-sponsored-by-college-station-nonprofit-recovers-from-being-stabbed |
Indian girl students who were barred from entering their classrooms for wearing hijab, a headscarf used by Muslim women, arrive at their college in Udupi, India, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. Muslim girls wearing hijab are being barred from attending classes at some schools in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, triggering weeks of protests by students. | 2022-02-09T13:28:16Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/in-india-wearing-hijab-bars-some-muslim-students-from-class | https://www.kxxv.com/news/in-india-wearing-hijab-bars-some-muslim-students-from-class |
LAMPASAS COUNTY, Texas — One person has died after a two-vehicle collision Tuesday at the intersection of US 190 at County Road 3080, 2.8 miles west of Kempner.
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The accident, which occurred at 12:54 p.m., involved a 2012 Ford Fusion and a 2021 Freightliner cement truck, Texas DPS said in a release.
The Ford driver was struck while attempting an unsafe turn onto County Road 3080, across the Freightliner's lane.
A 17-year-old passenger inside the Ford was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in Temple with incapacitating injuries; their condition has since stabilized.
The Freightliner driver suffered non-incapacitating injuries and was not transported.
An investigation into the crash remains active and ongoing. | 2022-02-09T15:23:37Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/teen-dead-after-2-vehicle-on-us-190 | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/teen-dead-after-2-vehicle-on-us-190 |
Seven have been displaced on Wednesday following a house fire in Killeen that left a home uninhabitable.
Around 1:25 p.m. the Killeen and Fort Hood Fire Departments assisted with the house fire on Garth Drive.
"One adult and three children were at home at the time of the fire," said Killeen spokesperson Janell Ford. "No one was hurt but there are seven total occupants of the home who have been displaced and the home is uninhabitable."
A passerby in the area called in for the fire after witnessing black smoke coming from the garage, according to Ford. Crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the home.
"The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is working with the American Red Cross to provide any assistance they may need," said Ford. | 2022-02-09T23:54:10Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/7-displaced-in-killeen-house-fire-that-left-home-uninhabitable | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/7-displaced-in-killeen-house-fire-that-left-home-uninhabitable |
Lacy Lakeview police are investigating after four suspects broke into a gun store during the winter storm last week.
"A group of heathens were in town during the late-night hours of February 3rd and braved the cold to break into our local Atwood's to steal a total of 69 firearms," said the police department.
The burglary took place at Atwood’s Ranch & Home in the late-night hours of Thursday, Feb. 3, or early morning on Friday, Feb. 4, according to The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. ATF said it is offering a reward of up to $8,000 for information leading to the suspects' arrests.
The Lacy Lakeview Police Department and ATF’s Waco Field Office are leading the investigation.
“ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to apprehend the suspects responsible for this crime before they commit any more crimes,” said ATF Houston Field Division Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski. | 2022-02-09T23:54:16Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/lacy-lakeview-police-atf-investigating-gun-store-burglary | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/lacy-lakeview-police-atf-investigating-gun-store-burglary |
Texas fugitives wanted, convicted for aggravated sexual assault of children
Unnasch, Adam
The Texas Department of Public Safety has added to its Most Wanted Sex Offenders List.
DPS said 44-year-old fugitive Joe Louis Hernandez has been wanted since January of last year when the Galveston Police Department issued a warrant.
Hernandez is wanted for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements after he was convicted on three counts of aggravated sexual assault in an incident involving girls ages 2 and 7.
"Hernandez is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds," said DPS. "He has tattoos on his back, chest, left arm and hand, abdomen and right leg. In addition to Galveston, he has ties to Houston."
Gregory Jon Pecina Jr., 37, has been wanted since November 2020, for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
Pecina was also convicted for the aggravated sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in 2014, he was sentenced to eight years and paroled in September of 2019.
"In December 2020, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles issued a warrant for his arrest for a parole violation," said DPS. "In April 2021, the Grand Prairie Police Department also issued a warrant for Pecina’s arrest for failure to register as a sex offender." | 2022-02-09T23:54:22Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/texas-fugitives-wanted-convicted-for-aggravated-sexual-assault-of-children | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/texas-fugitives-wanted-convicted-for-aggravated-sexual-assault-of-children |
KILLEEN, Texas — Rhea Bridges is a Mortgage Loan Officer in Killen and she has lived in Central Texas her whole life. She recently started a Black History Month Bingo to highlight Black-owned businesses in the area.
"Really just wanted to get out and get the community involved, everyone just show support," she told 25 News. "I have people in my family who are self-employed and small business owners and the only way they can do their job and continue their business is by supporting them."
One restaurant on the list is Ras Kitchen in Temple. Owner Emilie Wright said she was honored to have been included.
"I have little kids come in and be like oh my goodness Black people own this," Wright said. "As a Black woman business owner, a Black man business owner, as a Jamaican business owner, there's a lot of communities we fall into."
Emilie Wright and her husband are the owners of Ras Kitchen. They offer a one-of-a-kind fine dining Jamaican experience and they're excited for more people to give it a try while playing bingo.
"We're excited and it brings a lot of importance to the Black community," she said. "Go support all of those businesses who are on the bingo cards. Make sure you check them out, they all have something important to give to the community."
Bridges said supporting local Black-owned businesses may expose you to something you've never had before, like at Mon'Amie's Caribbean Flava Ice.
"It's not Italian ice. It's not shaved ice, it's not sorbet and it's not an east-coast water ice," Owner Anthony Cooper said. "It is without a doubt the best cold confectionary that you will ever taste."
Cooper and his wife started their business as a single food truck more than 30 years ago. Over the decades, they've grown to three trucks and now a brand new storefront. Being on the bingo card gives them a chance to share their expansion with the community.
"For them to select us, I was like 'Hey cool anything I can do to get new people in here,'" he said.
To play black history month bingo all you have to do is visit a restaurant, snap a picture of your dish and post it on social media.
If you tag 'Rhea Bridges - Mortgage Loan Officer' on Facebook or @RB_Mortgages on Instagram, she will keep track of your card. Each time you hit bingo, you'll be entered into a drawing to win $100. | 2022-02-10T01:27:12Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/black-owned-businesses-highlighted-in-new-bingo-card | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/black-owned-businesses-highlighted-in-new-bingo-card |
LGBTQ Waco man looses partner to COVID-19
WACO, Texas — The CDC shows that LGBTQ adults report higher COVID-19 vaccination rates than heterosexual adults.
85 percent of LGBTQ adults over the age of 18 have received at least one vaccine dose, compared to 76 percent of heterosexual adults. The study was based on data collected from more than 150,000 respondents to the National Immunization Survey Adult COVID Module.
The pandemic has has a unique impact on the LGBTQ community. The CDC says (LGBT) "persons are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness because of a higher prevalence of comorbidities."
Note: Comorbidity is the presence of one or more additional medical conditions often co-occurring or co-existing with a primary condition. In the context of COVID-19 it refers to existing chronic diseases that could put people at a higher risk of developing complications if they are infected with the Coronavirus.
Wealth Found to be an impact
94 percent of LGBTQ adults with a household income of $75,000 or more were partially vaccinated or fully vaccinated.
74 percent of LGBTQ adults with an income below the poverty line were vaccinated.
Waco man looses partner to COVID-19
In small resale shop in Waco with "Friends" from Bette Middler spinning on the record player, is a man who has a unique way of looking at life.
Harold Alexander, 68, lost his partner 81-year-old Brents David in January of 2021 to COVID-19.
"He was just a very interesting man, a very sophisticated gentleman. He was 15 years older than me," said Alexander.
Brents came down with COVID-19 and spent a lot of time in the hospital.
"And then I brought him home and he was at home for three days with hospice, and then he passed," said Alexander.
Brents was born on March 4, 1938, in Hamilton.
"He was a special man," said Alexander.
Harold has a lot of history. He ran for Mayor of Waco in the '80s as an openly gay man.
"I'm hairdresser, I'm a photographer. I'm an entertainer, I'm an artist," said Alexander.
The resale shop shows just that. Full of photography work of his own and artwork.
He's been around to see how things have changed in the LGBTQ community. He worked as a performer doing drag shows. He was one of the lucky ones, his parents always accepted him.
He buys nothing new and people drop off items all the time.
"It's like Christmas," said Alexander.
He talks about how excepting the Waco community is of him. He's been on several boards around town.
After Brents passed away it took him five months to move on.
"It was almost like I needed to know he wasn't coming back," said Alexander.
LGBTQ+ members see economic & health impacts because of COVID-19
In the 70's Gay Pride demonstration marches were taking place across the U.S. asking for Equal Rights.
Now in 2022, the LGBTQ community has seen progress but still have many disadvantages. COVID-19 has made an impact on the community.
Human Rights Campaign released several reports showing that the LGBTQ community has had difficulties.
Unemployment increased for LGBTQ adults during the start of the pandemic.
Mental health: Three-fourths of LGBT people (74%) say worry and stress from the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health, compared to 49% of those who are not LGBT, and are more likely to say that negative impact has been major (49% v 23%).
Views: One-third (34%) of LGBT adults say the news has generally underestimated the seriousness of the pandemic (compared to 23% of non-LGBT adults). Three-fourths of LGBT adults (74%) are either “very worried” or “somewhat worried” that they or someone in their family will get sick from the coronavirus, similar to responses from, non-LGBT adults (67%). A large share of LGBT adults report being willing to take CDC recommended steps to avoid acquisition/transmission of the virus.
According to the CDC, 17 percent of LGBTQ plus adults don't have health insurance. | 2022-02-10T01:27:30Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/in-depth/lgbtq-adults-have-higher-covid-19-vaccination-rates-than-heterosexual-adults | https://www.kxxv.com/news/in-depth/lgbtq-adults-have-higher-covid-19-vaccination-rates-than-heterosexual-adults |
Killeen voters to decide on change to city council's charter, could affect future elections
KILLEEN, Texas — A unanimous vote by the City Council in Killeen puts the fate of some members in the hands of voters come May.
Voters will now decide whether or not to change the council's charter in a way that could affect future elections.
”The provision that we added would make it so that anybody who is on the council, or the mayor if they decide to run for a different position, would have to run immediately. As soon as the file for that new position,” said Melissa Brown, Killeen City Council Member at Large.
Right now, council members have to resign 40 prior to the election but this change would force them to step down immediately upon filing as a candidate; something current council members say should already be in place.
”Instead of concentrating on their current job, they tend to concentrate on campaigning for that new position from the dais. Which, gives them an unfair advantage over their opponent.” said Brown.
Not everyone agrees that the change is a good idea.
Killeen’s current mayor, Jose Segarra, said he shouldn’t be forced to resign in the first place.
”I would just throw all of that because, even with our current charter with the 40 days out, I think that that is unfair too. If you are going to go up against me and you are a council member, then you’re going to have to step down. While I'm still there in front of the cameras, engaging my people, getting out into the community,” said Segarra.
Mayor Segarra also said it doesn't make sense when members can run for outside office while sitting on the council.
”We’ve had council members who ran for Justice of the Peace. We’ve also had out passed Mayor who ran for state rep. And he filed and everything and he was still on the council.” said Mayor Segarra.
Segarra has reached his term limit but he did express his concerns to the council.
”I tried to make that point last night but I don’t think I changed anybody’s mind.” said Segarra.
The council voted unanimously to add the change to the ballot and whether or the change is made, will be up to voters when they hit the ballot box in May. | 2022-02-10T01:27:37Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/killeen-voters-to-decide-on-change-to-city-councils-charter-could-affect-future-elections | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/killeen-voters-to-decide-on-change-to-city-councils-charter-could-affect-future-elections |
Fundraiser started to help 11-year-old Temple boy get cochlear implants to hear
Every family has its own unique struggles, a family in Temple shares theirs. Their son Jeremiah experiences life differently than any other ordinary 11-year-old would.
Jeremiah is hearing impaired, he is 98 percent deaf in one ear and 100 percent deaf in the other. He is in need of cochlear implants to be able to hear.
His mom, Tia Thomas said, “Audio neuropathy, his hearing goes in and out, so the doctor told me it's like someone underwater talking to you… that’s how he hears.”
In addition to being hearing impaired, his family says he also has autism.
His grandmother, Shonsey Swain added, "It’s hard for people to understand, can’t tell that he’s deaf right now because he’s still trying to communicate with you.”
His father, KT Thomas said, “We got hit with that blow that he was hearing impaired and you know as a dad I just want him to be able to tell me that he loves me and to hear me when I tell him that I love him.”
HHS Texas GOV reported the prevalence of autism is currently 1 in 592…a child who is deaf misses out on alot of what life has to offer. His surgery for cochlear implants which could give him the opportunity to hear again will cost $260,000. Unfortunately, his family's insurance plan does not cover it.
To help the family, please donate to their GoFundMe link below.
https://gofund.me/e2c0742a [gofund.me] | 2022-02-10T03:02:20Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/fundraiser-started-to-help-11-year-old-temple-boy-get-cochlear-implants-to-hear | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/fundraiser-started-to-help-11-year-old-temple-boy-get-cochlear-implants-to-hear |
Police in Texas searching for woman in death of man executed by MS-13 gang members
HCDA
Police in Texas are searching for a woman who allegedly lured a man to death at the hands of MS-13 gang members in the Houston area.
Karla Jackelin Morales, 20, is said to have cut off her ankle monitor just days before her trial, and murder charge, in the machete killing of 24-year-old Jose Villanueva.
Morales, who is now also charged with bond jumping, is the last to face trial after five gang members who slaughtered Villanueva have already been sentenced, according to Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.
Morales is described as 5 feet tall with a heavy build. She has black hair and brown eyes, as well as tattoos, a large one on her upper left chest reads “Alicia.”
"In a scheme that was planned for weeks, Morales delivered Villanueva into the hands of his attackers," said a press release from Ogg. "His wracked and decomposing remains were found days later."
Morales goes by the nicknames “Cherry,” “Karlita,” “Missy,” and “Foxy.”
"Back when Morales was charged, prosecutors asked a magistrate judge to set her bond at $250,000," said Ogg's release. "The judge instead set it at $100,000. A district court judge later lowered the bond to $60,000 and waived the defendant’s fees for an ankle monitor."
Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a reward of $5,000 for Morales' arrest. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. | 2022-02-10T04:35:55Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/police-in-texas-searching-for-woman-in-death-of-man-executed-by-ms-13-gang-members | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/police-in-texas-searching-for-woman-in-death-of-man-executed-by-ms-13-gang-members |
Texas man who sold drugs with child in home pleads guilty, authorities say
A 30-year-old Texas man has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking-related crime in a home with an 8-year-old child.
Alec Michael Garcia of Corpus Christi was arrested in August of 2021after authorities executed a search warrant at a residence, according to U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. Officers that conducted the search also observed an 8-year-old boy at the residence.
"During the search, they found over 50 grams of meth; nearly two kilograms of pills containing fentanyl, alprazolam and meth; LSD; approximately two kilograms of marijuana as well as numerous THC products, 9 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armor, and U.S. currency," said the release.
Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth and carrying a firearm, said Lowery on Wednesday.
"Garcia faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison up to a maximum of life as well as a $10 million fine," said the U.S. attorney. "For the firearms conviction, he will receive an additional five years that must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed." | 2022-02-10T22:52:55Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/texas-man-who-sold-drugs-with-child-in-home-pleads-guilty-authorities-say | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/texas/texas-man-who-sold-drugs-with-child-in-home-pleads-guilty-authorities-say |
KILLEEN, TX — On Wednesday, the U.S. Marshals held a press conference to announce the success of a joint task force mission dubbed Operation Washout 2.0 that led to the arrest of 250 across Central Texas.
The successful arrest of 250 people tied to several gangs and violent crimes in Mclennan, Coryell, and Bell Counties is the result of Operation Washout 2.0.
The mission included multiple agencies from the U.S. Marshals and A-T-F to county sheriffs and local police departments. Killeen PD and their detective were assigned to the task force.
”He helps the marshal service in rounding up violent fugitives and people who are wanted in the area. Then we have a reciprocal type of case in Killeen and they bring their resources to Killeen,” said Charles F. Kimble, Killeen chief of police.
Operation Washout 2.0 relied heavily on tips and active warrants for most of the people arrested.
”They go look for those people who have active warrants. Particularly your more violent warrants. Your robberies, your murders, your drug dealers, those who are in possession of illegal weapons,” said Kimble.
Kimble said there is no way KPD could have had the success that these two missions had if they were flying solo.
”We can’t do this by ourselves. So, we had a lot of intel work that went in and did a lot of background on these people, that looked at their travel habits, that looked at that intel from a lot of different agencies that helped locate these fugitives,” said Kimble.
Many of the people arrested are gang members but Kimble said it’s not just the known gang members that fuel those gang problems in Killeen.
”We’re looking for the gang member but, we’re also looking for the people that aid, comfort, and support to these gang members also,” said Kimble
When it comes to gangs in Killeen, Kimble said Operation Washout 2.0 is a battle won but, the war against gang-related crime is not over in Killeen.
”I don’t care if it's 4 people or 400, that’s a gang problem. So, anytime that we as law enforcement and we as a community and as a criminal justice system, anytime that we can disrupt that gang network, we’re putting a dent in it.”
250 people across the 3 counties were arrested but several other arrests have been made outside of Operation Washout 2.0. | 2022-02-11T02:02:53Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/killeen-police-chief-sits-for-exclusive-interview-discusses-operation-the-led-to-250-arrests | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/killeen-police-chief-sits-for-exclusive-interview-discusses-operation-the-led-to-250-arrests |
Waco Parks and Recreation starts Black History Month mini museum
WACO, Texas — Waco Parks and Recreation unveiled their new Black History Month mini-museum Thursday morning.
"We really take the month of February to highlight Black History Month and the impact so many individuals have on our society and really honor that legacy and learn how we can make contributions ourselves," Parks and Recreation Director Jonathon Cook told 25 News.
The walls of the Dewey Community Center are covered with quotes, pictures, and facts about Black people and their contributions to America.
"We're not just about recreation," he said. "We're about outreach, community, and also education. It's important to teach our kids about role models and things that they can aspire to be and do and learn from the struggles and challenges and accomplishments people have made in our society."
Catelia and Eduardo Vasquez had the same idea when they stopped by on opening day with their child. While they knew she might not understand at this time, they want her to grow up with knowledge of Black history.
"If you don't learn about it, you can't grow from mistakes in the past so a lack of knowledge means lack of growth," Catelia said.
The museum highlights prominent Black people from across the country and also in Waco.
Catelia said she was happy to see the first Black female mayor of Waco on the wall because she remembers when it happened.
"I do remember seeing her in newscasts and in the Trib and I do remember when she passed," she said. "She was visible and I think that's what matters, visibility."
People can visit the exhibit through the end of the month, Monday through Saturday at the Dewey Rec Center. | 2022-02-11T02:02:59Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/waco-parks-and-recreation-starts-black-history-month-mini-museum | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/mclennan-county/waco-parks-and-recreation-starts-black-history-month-mini-museum |
Why experts say some political districts never change while others get constantly re-drawn
SUGAR LAND, TX — To understand the population and political change in Central Texas, it helps to understand what's happened in other parts of the state. Let's look at Fort Bend County, former stronghold of politicians like Tom DeLay and still a power base for Senator Ted Cruz.
To say it's seeing change seems like an understatement. Listen to what the mayor of Stafford told the PBS NewsHour last year: "When I first got here. It was a totally an agrarian community. entire East Fort Bend County was" said Cecil Willis.
Fort Bend County voter Renee Briggs says, the trend started years ago. "Absolutely. I think it's probably more diverse here than when I lived in the Bay area of California. I call this "the Berkeley of the South". Fort bend became more diverse as population spilled over from Houston. That diversity eventually showed up in the counties leadership. According to the PBS NewsHour: "My County is benefiting from people like me, but when it comes to a seat at the table, we don't have political representation" said Fort Bend County Judge PK George, whose family comes from India. Political maps lag behind and lawmakers draw boundaries that many say, doesn't reflect the change.
That's part of the argument behind the lawsuit the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund filed against Texas.
"When it seems to an incumbent that they might get a threat to their reelection. For example, from an emerging electorate, like the Latino community or the black community, you tend to see them manipulating the district lines to try to preserve their status quo," said Nina Perales of MALDEF.
But Republican leaders say assuming any group of voters certain way just doesn't work in these times. "I have this group have that particular persuasion or that group has that political persuasion, but that is a bad starting point in today's environment," said Texas State Republican Committeeman Jon Ker.
Add to that the impact of undocumented immigrants and it helps explain why MALDEF has turned watchdog when it comes to political lines.
"If undocumented are not counted, Texas will probably get one or two fewer congressional seats than would otherwise. Now some people would rather lose seats for the state that the have undocumented counted in the various districts, but it's sort of cutting off our nose to spite our face," said Al Kauffman, of the St. Mary's University School of Law, to San Antonio station KSAT.
In the meantime, voters say constant map changes in some areas and none and others leaves them a little confused.
"As an American and a Texan. I don't think we should, you know arbitrarily redrawn districts to have more certain kinds of people in this area and that area, wherever because then we could win the election. I don't think that's very fair," said Briggs.
Well think about that stability in Fort Bend County in comparison to the fundamental changes that took the core Central Texas, McClennan, Bell and Coryell counties and separated them in new congressional districts which canged the landscape both here and in the Brazos Valley. That's the subject of our next report. | 2022-02-11T02:03:11Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/news/25-investigates/why-experts-say-some-political-districts-never-change-while-others-get-constantly-re-drawn | https://www.kxxv.com/news/25-investigates/why-experts-say-some-political-districts-never-change-while-others-get-constantly-re-drawn |
Salvation Army looking to move, other ministries ponder ripple effects
CENTRAL TEXAS — The Salvation Army of Waco has been looking for a new home for a few years now and they're one step closer to making that happen. They say their downtown location is outdated and isn't large enough to fit their needs, which prompted the desire to move.
The building on the corner of Third and Webster has been a helping hand in Waco for decades, providing refuge from the elements and serving meals to those in need.
One of their patrons says he's thankful for it, and the other surrounding ministries.
"You know, we try our way, and then we need someone to say 'Now try God's way.' There's always hope," said Dwayne, a lunch-goer at Gospel Cafe.
But with the facility getting so old, and so many clients coming in, the Salvation Army needs a new home.
In January, the Waco council voted to buy 10 acres of land on La Salle Avenue for almost $2 million, with a plan to sell it to the Salvation Army. But there are some concerns a move could come with unintended consequences.
"If they move to where the people's at, that's what counts," said Dwayne.
However, the newly proposed location on La Salle is far removed from other ministries downtown, roughly two miles and a 40-minute walk. It has some of those programs wondering what it means for them.
"The Salvation Army domino, if that falls, it brings us closer to falling as well. Not that we will, but it takes us closer," said John Cowley, mission member with Gospel Cafe.
The cafe serves lunch every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and customers only have to pay if they feel they're able to do so. Right now, it's a walkable distance between the Gospel Cafe and the Salvation Army. If that changes, no one knows exactly what that means for the homeless, or for the ministries.
"If the poor aren't here, we're going to move someplace to where they are," Cowley said. "I hate to think that we're not going to be here because we've been here for so long. But, we can move."
Cowley says that he hopes the city can come up with some solutions to transport patrons from places like the Gospel Cafe and Mission Waco to the property on La Salle.
According to the Salvation Army, their official announcement about their relocation may not come until the spring. | 2022-02-11T02:03:18Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/salvation-army-looking-to-move-other-ministries-ponder-ripple-effects | https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/salvation-army-looking-to-move-other-ministries-ponder-ripple-effects |
Human skull found in abandoned Texas home sparks mystery: Murder or medicine?
CAMERON, Texas — A man traveling along U.S. 77 in Cameron decided to stop at an abandoned house on Jan. 11, just to peek and see what was inside. What that man saw would spark an investigation producing far more questions than answers.
A fully intact human skull, pale white and free of any trauma, was spotted lying on the middle of the home’s wooden floor – the only item left in the abandoned house beside an old piano.
"Where it was found was right in front of the cellar stairs in a little mini hallway, right where the bathroom would be," said Lt. Bill Behler, lead investigator for the case with the Milam County Sheriff’s Office.
The current property owner, Behler explained, recalls that the last renter from 2013 owned medical books and what appeared to be a medical-use skeleton.
“It was an elderly man, and he was in the medical field," Behler said. "But the current owner can’t remember, because he only talked to him briefly.”
The sheriff’s office sent the skull in for DNA testing with Texas State University in San Marcos. Nonprofit TEXSAR, who assist in search and rescue efforts, performed a volunteer-led search of the property recently, uncovering no new clues.
Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore noted that the case is peculiar, as the skull appeared to be bleached. Skulls from decomposing bodies are often darker in color and will have damage from wild animal activity.
"My hope is that it’s just a piece of medical stuff that somebody left behind, or somebody had it and put it in there as a prank," Clore said, noting he was still unsure if a crime of any kind had taken place. "... Once we’re able to get DNA and see if there’s some kind of a match, then I’ll be able to have a better thought on it.”
Behler said that the home has been unoccupied since 2013 when the elderly tenant moved away and then eventually died. In fact, most former renters and owners connected to the home have passed away, leaving police with a number of dead ends, Behler noted.
The home has remained unlocked and attracts a lot of curious visitors and burglars. The current property owner only uses the land for cattle. Clore stated that the current property owner is not considered a suspect in the investigation.
“I know it’s going to be a very long investigation," said t. Behler. "The DNA results are currently about nine months behind.”
Anyone who has information they think might be helpful to this investigation, Clore asked that they contact law enforcement. The Milam County Sheriff's Office can be reached at 254-697-7033, and anonymous tips can be submitted to Milam County Crime Stoppers at the following link:
Milam County Crime Stoppers, Inc. (crimestoppersweb.com) | 2022-02-11T03:39:36Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/human-skull-found-in-abandoned-texas-home-sparks-mystery-murder-or-medicine | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/human-skull-found-in-abandoned-texas-home-sparks-mystery-murder-or-medicine |
Supply disruptions could put a damper on Valentine's Day this year leading to higher flower prices and shipping delays.
There is a shortage of just about everything these days, flowers and glassware included.
However, seasoned flower shops like Wood Flowers in Temple are getting ahead of the curve and ordering ahead to prepare for one of their busiest times of the year.
Manager Frank Hajeda said, "You come to work and say hey it is another day to make people happy."
Business is booming, despite a thorny supply chain.
Hajeda said, "Some shortages on glass. Flowers, no shortage. Everything is coming in fresh."
After spending 46 Valentine's Day's with Wood's, Hajeda has learned how to stem the tide. When it comes to the glass shortage he said they buy in bulk so they don't run into any issues on that end. While flower shops across the nation have been coping with a flower shortage, Hajeda said they order early so they are prepared.
"When we find something, we like we buy a whole bunch of them. Woods has been open for 60 years and I've been here for over 40 so we know how to play the game. Everything is flown in and then it has to be trucked. So, that's where we do have a little trouble everyone in a while but it's not bad," Hajeda said.
Christell's Flowers shop is putting the petal to the metal too.
Javonda Keeley has been a florist for Christell's for three years, she said "We have a pretty heavy load on Saturday. On Sunday, it's kind of slow but we will still have 200-250 orders plus but that is like normal."
Their coolers are packed with thousands of flowers. The shop has been recruiting volunteers to ensure every order gets filled.
"It's typical because like a lot of other things we do and for Valentine's Day we will get last-minute orders for things, and we can easily accommodate for that, but we definitely get the most last-minute orders for Valentine's day," said Kelley.
With over 4,000 roses and extra help on hand Kelley says they are ready for the rush expected over the weekend.
Kelley said, "As a florist, you can't back down, you can't say oh no I can't do this I can't do that. The order is in we have to get it taken care of and out the door, so everyone is taken care of."
Management here at Woods and Christell's plan to be working through the weekend and even on Valentine's day with folks picking up those last-minute goodies.
The National Retail Federation projects Valentine's Day spending to reach $21.8 billion this year; that's a $2.1 billion increase compared to last year. | 2022-02-11T03:39:42Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/business-is-blooming-for-local-flower-shops-despite-supply-chain-issues | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/business-is-blooming-for-local-flower-shops-despite-supply-chain-issues |
City of Killeen getting community more involved, HUD funding also big topic
The City of Killeen is getting the community more involved in the decision-making process of city council meetings. They are doing this by incorporating technology to their meetings.
Baird James said, “If we talk about as a collective body, which is Killeen, Texas it’ll feel better with the citizens … it’ll feel like you’re part of it.”
Leslie Hinkle, executive director of community development, said, “The annual medium income in Killeen is 64,900 dollars annually so people who are earning 80 percent or less of that would be eligible to receive from this fund.”
Most Texans earn $47,000 USD, that's based on one thousand salary surveys completed by average salarysurvery.com
Baird Jones added, “The money will be used very well, it’s said to help the elderly people, the unfortunate in this city.”
HUD Funds will be used for programs and for overall public improvement in Killeen, mostly focusing on health, employment, education, homelessness, the elderly, and veterans.
The next community meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 24. There's an option to attend in person or over zoom. | 2022-02-11T03:39:49Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/city-of-killeen-getting-community-more-involved-hud-funding-also-big-topic | https://www.kxxv.com/hometown/bell-county/city-of-killeen-getting-community-more-involved-hud-funding-also-big-topic |
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — When it comes to preparing for Valentine’s Day as a florist, well, the best advice some will tell you is suit up and sleep well because you’re in for a busy few weeks.
“It's some long hours, but we want to make our customers happy,” said Tammy Kaus, the owner of University Flowers in College Station.
Kaus’ shop looks like it caught a love bug, with red hearts strung from the ceilings and a neon pink heart-shaped sign leaving behind some of its light on a small workstation.
“Right now I'd say we're probably right on par with a normal Valentine's,” Kaus said. “It always increases getting closer to Valentine's because everybody realizes, oh my gosh, it's Valentine's.”
It’s the day of love and a time of the year businesses like Kaus’ see a decent spike in sales.
“It started out that we got earlier orders than normal,” she said, explaining this year’s need.
While early orders sparked hope in the local business owner, it wasn’t all rosy for University Flowers over the past two years.
Last holiday, Kaus, like many of us, stayed home. Iced in. Cold and feeling hopeless.
“We were actually closed for five days before we could come back,” she said. “We had a lot of frozen flowers.”
Instead of cupid visiting her this year, Mother Nature decided to show us her wrath again, with a less dramatic winter storm, lasting just two days, but shutting local airports down.
“I was supposed to get a shipment of flowers on Thursday,” she said. “They didn't show up until [Tuesday.]”
It doesn't stop there.
Much like many other industries, the supply chain strikes again and is making it difficult for Kaus to get certain items in.
“We’re struggling to get plant baskets, baskets in general, plants,” she said. “Some of our greenery has gone up in price, so we've incurred higher pricing and lower availability.”
After a few long days leading up to Valentine’s Day, sorting flowers, filling out shipment orders and everything in between, she has one last piece of advice for you last minute lovers.
“Get your orders in,” she said, laughing. “Earlier the better.” | 2022-02-11T12:51:50Z | www.kxxv.com | 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays | https://www.kxxv.com/krhd-contact-us/its-some-long-hours-local-florist-explains-how-she-prepares-for-cupid-to-strike | https://www.kxxv.com/krhd-contact-us/its-some-long-hours-local-florist-explains-how-she-prepares-for-cupid-to-strike |
The demand comes from university President M. Katherine Banks, according to a Battalion staff report on Friday. 25 News confirmed with Texas A&M students and faculty as well.
The student newspaper said it was approached by Dean of Students Anne Reber, who held a physical copy of a 132-page MGT report in hand, and interim Director of Student Life Stefanie Baker.
The organization said it was initially informed that President Banks, "demands [that] the 129-year old student publication to cease printing weekly editions, effective immediately."
In its longtime history of printing, The Battalion said Texas A&M has never held oversight over content that is published. However, the organization said a recently passed university policy states that "signage, social media postings, press releases, news media interviews and website postings, must be approved."
“A member’s official messaging, such as signage, social media postings, press releases, news media interviews and website postings, must be approved in accordance with applicable member rules or procedures. Each member chief executive officer will adopt necessary rules and/or procedures to implement this regulation and may delegate approval authority as needed to facilitate effective operations.”
09.02.01 Texas A&M University
The Battalion said student leadership was informed that they must make the decision to remain as a student organization or transition to a purely digital publication by end of day Friday.
However, that decision was reversed in an update on Friday, allowing the publication to continue printing until the end of the spring semester.
"If The Battalion refuses the demand and remains a student organization, it would be stripped of any relevant resources, including its office space in the basement of the Memorial Student Center and of its faculty advisor, General Manager of Student Media Douglas Pils — longtime advisor and mentor," said the Battalion in its staff report.
The student newspaper's print edition and staff are funded by advertisements. The Battalion said Pils serves also as advertising supervisor.
Student journalists and members of the organization along with alumni have begun mobilizing and engaging with media, under the hashtag 'SaveTheBatt.' An online petition has been started for anyone who wishes to display their support.
Traditions are what makes Texas A&M unique. It makes no sense why you would get rid of a cornerstone of our school for no apparent reason. Save The Batt @TheBattOnline
— Barstool Texas A&M (@BarstoolTexasAM) February 11, 2022 | 2022-02-11T23:33:14Z | www.kxxv.com | ') } | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/savethebatt-texas-a-m-president-urges-student-newspaper-to-stop-printing | https://www.kxxv.com/brazos/savethebatt-texas-a-m-president-urges-student-newspaper-to-stop-printing |
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