Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 113, No. 280, Ed. 1 Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Page: 3 of 10
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Sweetwater Reporter
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 ■ Page 3
Ex-teacher in Dallas reaches
plea deal in sex case
DALLAS (AP) — A former teacher at a Dallas religious
school faces probation over his sexual affair with a female
student.
Nathan Campbell pleaded guilty Monday to sexual assault
of a child, in exchange for 10 years of deferred adjudication
probation. Prosecutors say a count of improper relationship
with a student has been dropped in the plea agreement.
Campbell, who resigned from the Episcopal School of
Dallas after the affair became public, must register as a sex
offender.
The girl was 16 and Campbell was 34 when police ii
2009 discovered the pair in a car in a parking lot. School
administrators then asked the girl to enroll elsewhere.
A Dallas jury on Sept. 21 decided the school was grossly
negligent and awarded the teen $9.2 million. The schoo
plans to appeal.
Two San Antonio school
employees resign over funds
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (AP) — Two top San Antonio
school district employees have resigned after an inter-
nal investigation determined that they funneled about
$800,000 n federal funds to family members and others
over at least three years.
Superintendent Robert Duron told the San Antonio
Express-News Monday that Eduardo Elizondo, the senior
director of federal programs for the district, and another
employee guided professional development work to com-
panies owned by their wives.
Duron said the payments in question didn't reach the
threshold that would have required school board approv-
al.
School board president James Howard told the news-
paper that the district has notified the Texas Education
Agency. He said the agency will guide the district in
determining which vendor payments are legitimate and
which may need to be paid back to the U.S. Department of
Education.
Jobless help in 23 Texas
counties hit bv wildfires
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Workers in 23 Texas counties who
lost their jobs due to wildfires have the opportunity to apply
for job assistance.
The Texas Workforce Commission on Monday announced
an expanded presidential disaster declaration includes unem-
ployment help for Navarro County.
Anderson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Cass, Colorado, Fayette,
Henderson, Hill, Gregg, Grimes, Harrison, Houston, Leon,
Marion, Montgomery, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Upshur, Walker
Waller and Williamson counties previously were approved
for unemployment assistance.
The deadline to seek employment help in Navarro County
is Nov. 9. Various October deadlines apply for the other 22
counties.
The Texas Forest Service says more than 2,800 homes
have been destroyed since the wildfire season began last
November.
Bush speaks at dinner for
wounded military members
DALLAS (AP) — Members of the U.S. armed services
who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan were honored
Monday night during a dinner and concert following the
first day of a golf tournament hosted by former President
George W. Bush.
Bus! paid tribute to the military during a brief speech at
the dinner on the campus of Southern Methodist University
attended by about 250 people.
Twenty wounded military members are competing in the
two-day Warrior Open tournament being held n the Dallas
suburb of Irving.
"Watching these warriors play golf is fantastic/' Bush
said. "It is moving."
Former PGA star Ben Crenshaw also spoke at the dinner,
and country group Rascal Flatts performed.
"All of you are heroes. We thank you for your service,'*
singer Gary LeVox said before opening with their song,
"Fast Cars and Freedom."
Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dale Beatty, who lost both
legs below the knee in Iraq because of an anti-tank mine,
said it was nice to compete with golfers dealing with similar
injuries. He also said he appreciated the fact that Bush is
Still involved with the troops even though he's been out of
office since January 2009.
"It really says a lot for his character," said Beatty, 33, who
attended the event with his 7-year-old son.
Bush has said that, despite his desire to remain largely
out of the public eye, he wants to make sure veterans and
military members know they still have his support. In the
spring, he joined more than a dozen wounded military
members ir :he Warrior 100, a loo-kilometer (62 mile
mountain bike ride he hosted in West Texas.
Bush also has made appearances at events for organiza-
tions that benefit troops He has said he gets inspiration
from meeting members of the military who have overcome
serious injuries.
After leaving office, Bush and former first lady Laura
Busl: bought a house in Dallas and started work on his
presidential center at the SMU campus.
Vote
Continued from page
pledge for repayment of the bonds or notes increases in
ad valorem taxes imposed by the county on property in
the area. The amendment does not provide authority for
increasing ad valorem tax rates."
• Proposition 5 "The constitutional amendment autho-
rizing the legislature to allow cities or counties to enter
into nterlocal contracts with other cities or counties
without he imposition of a tax or the provision of a
sinking fund."
• Proposition 6 "The constitutional amendment clari-
fying references to the permanent school fund, allow-
ing 1 e General Land Office to distribute revenue from
permanent school fund land or other properties to the
available school fund to provide additional funding for
public education, and providing for an increase in the
market value of the permanent school fund for the pur-
pose of allowing increased distributions from the avail-
able school fun ."
«Proposition 7 "The constitutional amendment autho-
rizing the legislature to permit conservation and recla-
mation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds sup
ported by ad valorem taxes to fur I the development and
maintenance of parks and recreational facilities."
• Proposition 8 "The constitutional amendment pro
viding or the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of
open-space land devoted to water stewardship purposes
on the basis of its productive capacity."
• Proposition 9 "The constitutional amendment autho-
rizing the governor to grant a pardon to a person who
successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication
community supervision."
• Proposition 10 "The constitutional amendment to
change the length of the unexpired term that causes the
automatic resignation of certain elected county or dis-
trict officeholders if they become candidates for another
office."
Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 24.
Fire Prevention Week serves as a reminder
to protect your home from wildfire
A wildfire can be a dangerous force of nature that will,
at times, destroy anything in its path - but you can take
measures to help protect your home.
During Wildfire Prevention Week, observed nation-
wide Oct. 9-15, residents are encouraged to not only
learn how to prevent wildfires from happening, but also
prepare their homes and communities for when one
does ignite.
More than 2,800 homes have been destroyed since
Texas wildfire season began in mid-November 2010.
Studies have shown that taking proactive measures to
prepare a home for wildfire can significantly increase the
likelihood it will survive. More than 36,000 homes have
been saved this fire season - many due to homeowners
who implemented Firewise landscaping practices.
One of the most important Firewise concepts is defen-
sible space, a man-made buffer zone between your home
and the surrounding wildland. Under normal condi-
tions, this defensible space acts as a buffer that can slow
or halt the spread of wildfire.
In this 30-foot zone around your home, the following
practices should be implemented:
• Remove all dead or dying vegetation.
• Trim tree canopies regularly to keep branches a
minimum of 10 feet from structures and other trees.
• Remove leaf litter (dry leaves and pine needles) from
yard, roof and rain gutters.
Relocate wood piles and other combustible materi-
als.
• Remove combustible material and vegetation from
around and under decks.
• Remove or une vegetation near windows.
Remove "ladder fuels" (low-level vegetation that
allows a fire to spread from the ground to the tree can-
opy). Create a separation between low-level vegetation
and tree branches.
In the 30 to 100 feet of space surrounding your home,
you can minimize the chance of wildfire jumping from
plant to plant by removin dead material and removing
or thinning vegetation. The minimum space between
vegetation should be three times the dimension of the
plant.
Because of the severe drought conditions in Texas,:
seemingly harmless activities have been causing wild-
fires that ignite with just a small spark. Some prevention
tips include:
• Avoid overloading extension cords or electrical out-
lets. Replace damaged electrical cords and use extension
cords for temporary wiring only.
• Never leave food cooking on a stove unattended.
• Store flammable liquids in outbuildings away from
gas water heaters and other ignition sources.
• Make sure you have smoke detectors installed,
replace batteries with each time change and regularly
check to make sure detectors are working.
• Keep flammable materials away from ignition sourc-
es, such as space heaters or candles.
• Establish wide control lines around burn receptacles
and brush piles to help keep possible flying embers from
reaching flammable vegetation
• Dispose of smoking materials in vehicle ash trays to
help prevent roadside wildfires.
• Avoid driving or parking in tall, dry grass.
Vaccine
Continued from page 1
You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose — Cover your mouth
and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It
may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands — Washing your hands often will
help protect you from germs.
Family Planning services are available through several
funding sources. Services include pap smears, breast
exams, pregnancy testing, and methods of birth control,
and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. For an
appointment call 235-2869.
The health department will be participating in the
Nolan County Health Fair on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 10
a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Center at Texas State Technical
College. Re; dents of Nolan County are encouraged to
visit le different booths available. There is no cost to
attend and door prizes will be given away.
For more information about the services offered at the
health department, visit the health department's web
site at www.nolancountyhealth.com.
The Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department
does not discriminate against any person on the basis of
race, color, national origin, disability or age.
• Build campfires in open, level spots away from trees
and overhanging branches. Keep fires small and extin-
guish them cold to the touch before leaving.
County
Pnntinnori finm nono 1 ®
Continued from page 1
to various county entities such as the Sweetwater Fire
Department, other volunteer fire departments in Nolan
County, and the local TSTC (Texas State Technical
College) police.
The purchase will replace failing radic equipment
which needs to be replaced and will also include instal-
lation and programming. While all of the quotes were
approved by the commissioners, two of the quotes are
awaiting state approval which should be given.
Approval was also given on a request by Nolan County
Court at -aw Judge David Hall to consider a resolution
to apply for a formula grant from the Texas Indigence
Defense Fund. Mr. Hall briefed the commissioners on
the issue, stating that the county has not applied for the
grant in some time and the money is available.
The funding, which is dispersed annually, is used to
pay for court appointed attorneys and investigators.
The commissioners were asked to look at the res ution
before the application deadline, and Mr. Hall will now
work toward the application process.
Another approval came from a request from
Commissioner Terry Locklar to hire Louis Light on
a temporary basis starting Oct. L Mr. Light has been
working for Mr. Locklar as a replacement to Richard
Trevino — who underwent shoulder surgery — and will
remain on staff either until April or until Mr. Trevino
has been released from Workers' Compensation.
Furthermore, the commissioners approved for their
2012 Commissioners' Court meetings to take place on
the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 9 a.m.
in the Nolan County Courtroom on the first floor of the
courthouse.
The commissioners also approved a court order allow-
ing the county auditor to pay all payroll items and any
other operation items listed on order as necessary
between court meeting dates. A resolution establish-
ing a fund balance policy to comply with GASB 54 was
approved as well.
However, an agreement to work with eCivis in order
to provide the county with grant writing services was
tabled it the meeting in order to conduct further
research.
The minutes from the Sept. 26 meeting were approved
and reports were received from several departments,
including the Nolan County Auditor and the govern-
ment trapper.
Feral hog dilemma to
e addressed at annual
meeting of SWCD directors
The feral hog dilemma in Texas seems to be a curse
that won't go away, but rather seems to be intensifying.
Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Extension Specialist, Texas
AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton,
will speak to SWCD directors attending the 71st Annual
Meeting of Soil and Water Conservation Districts about
the current feral hog problem in the state. The annual
meeting which draws some 600 conservation district
officials from over the state will be held Oct. 24-26, in
San Antonio at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort.
Dr. Higginbotham will talk about current research
supporting control efforts with respect to the feral
hog dilemma in Texas in an afternoon workshop on
Tuesday, October 25. He will also talk about the rea-
sons behind the current feral hog population levels in
the state as well as the legal control methods and best
management practices associated with each method.
The characteristics of damage caused by the hogs will
also be addressed.
According to a recent study by the Texas AgriLife
Extension Service, Texas A&M University Institute for
Renewable Natural Resources, about 134 million acres,
or 79 percent of the state's total of 170 million acres is
feral hog habitat.
DA's office
Continued from page 1
cial investigative topics, cultural diversity, sex offender
characteristics, child abuse, identity theft and crisis
intervention.
The Master Peace Officer certificate Mr. Gill just
received, however, is actually his third certificate. He
previously received Intermediate and Advanced cer-
tificates in the gradual step process towards the Master
certifica .
Mr. Gill commented on the time he has spent in law
enforcement and his new credentials, saying, "It feels
good to reach the 20-year milestone, and I'm happy for
all the experience I've gained. The certificate is not a big
deal, it just comes with the time I have put in."
He did understand, however, that not everyone makes
it to 20 years.
"At 20 years of law enforcement," said Mr. Gill, "peo-
ple get frustrated and burned out from the gloom and
00m of the job. I have been blessed to be surrounded
by good people who kept me positive. I always remem-
ber that the ob we are doing is needed and results in a
lot of good for the people we serve and protect."
Nevertheless, Mr. Gill knows that his experience
and training will continue to benefit the law enforce-
ment agencies within the 32nd Judicial District. Barrett
Thomas, the new ADA, also hopes that his experience
will be of great assistance as well.
Mr. Thomas is a 2001 graduate of Hardin-Simmons
University, and two years ater — while worldng in law
enforcement, he earned his Master's degree in Criminal
Justice at Tarleton State University. In 2008, he gradu-
ated from the Texas Tech University School of Law.
Mr. Thomas has worked in corrections, police work
and most recently on the judicial side of law enforce-
ment. While working as a police officer, and briefly as
a Chief of Police, Mr. Thomas also earned a Master's
Peace Officer Certificate
He believes the 32nd Judicial District will benefit
from his ability to understand the officers' jobs, and his
understanding of what it is like being in the field. He is
also excited to be returning to prosecution.
I hope that my past training and experiences will
allow me to more effectively present cases to jurors in
our community," added Mr. Thomas.
While he states his heart has always been in law
enforcement, Mr. Thomas spent the past year in private
practice including criminal defense work. Through that
experience Mr. T am as was able to meet, network with
and befriend several surrounding District Attorneys
(DA) in the area, including Ms. Reed.
"Ann is just a very special type of prosecutor," praised
Mr. Thomas. "She doesn't seem concerned about poli-
tics; she just seeks justice. That is not something you
find in every county."
He commended not only Ms. Reed's integrity and her
dedication to law enforcement, but the transparency
Ms. Reed has made a priority. Mr. Thomas hopes that
people realize that their office doors are open, and he
welcomes citizens' questions about the role of the office.
He is even willing to personally answer questions when
he is available, and when they can be answered without
jeopardizing ongoing investigations.
As Mr Thomas begins his position working alongside
Ms. Reed and Mr. Gill, he is excited to be a par the
process of the DA's office and their continual work and
3cus on justice, victims' rights, and keeping the coun-
ties he serves safe.
MIDDAY ON WALL STREET
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Change
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Ford Motor Co.
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AT&T
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Pepsico, Inc.
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McDonalds Corp.
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Chevron Texaco
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Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 113, No. 280, Ed. 1 Tuesday, October 11, 2011, newspaper, October 11, 2011; Sweetwater, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth229586/m1/3/: accessed May 7, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Sweetwater/Nolan County City-County Library.