Texas

Darrell and Kandace Marriott, Karen Hayes charged with first-degree felonies

February 7, 2008 -- CORSICANA – A Navarro County, Texas grand jury today indicted three defendants for engaging in an organized mortgage fraud scheme. According to prosecutors, the four-county criminal conspiracy, which involved loans backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), cost the agency more than $3 million.    » read more »

February 05, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Christopher J. West, 26, of Arlington, Texas, died Feb. 4 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered on Feb. 3 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations.

He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Source: DoD

06 February 2008 -- U.S. law enforcement officials say at least 11 people have been killed and dozens injured as tornadoes and thunderstorms tore through parts of the U.S. south.

The U.S. National Weather Service reports severe weather swept across the lower Mississippi Valley, Southern Plains and Midwest Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Reports of tornadoes, wind damage and hail came from Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri.    » read more »

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 5, 2008) – The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is sending personnel and equipment to Texas to assist with their current wildland fire emergency. A total of 10 division employees, comprising two tractor/plow strike teams, will report to Granbury, Texas tomorrow.    » read more »

Feb. 04, 2008 -- EDINBURG – Texas Governor Rick Perry today posthumously honored Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez by presenting the Texas Medal of Honor to his mother, Dolia Gonzalez, in appreciation for her son’s service and sacrifice to the State of Texas.    » read more »

February 02, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpt. Michael A. Norman, 36, of Killeen, Texas, died Jan. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

Source: DoD

Feb. 02, 2008 -- AUSTIN – In a letter sent to President George W. Bush, Texas Governor Rick Perry today requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas as a result of widespread wildfires and continuing fire danger across the state. The governor identified 184 Texas counties presently threatened or impacted by wildfires. To date, 75 wildfires have burned approximately 70,000 acres and destroyed 60 homes and structures.    » read more »

January 31, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Texas Governor Rick Perry has endorsed John McCain for president.    » read more »

January 30, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They died from wounds suffered when their unit encountered an improvised explosive device during convoy operations Jan. 28 in Mosul, Iraq.

They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Sgt. James E. Craig, 26, of Hollywood, California

Staff Sgt. Gary W. Jeffries, 37, of Roscoe, Texas

Spc. Evan A. Marshall, 21, of Athens, Georgia    » read more »

Jan. 30, 2008 -- AUSTIN – Texas Governor Rick Perry today spoke to the Governor’s Competitiveness Council, encouraging members to focus on increasing rigor and relevance in Texas classrooms, and bolstering research and development in alternative energy sources.    » read more »

Jan. 30, 2008 -- AUSTIN – Texas Governor Rick Perry today issued a state disaster proclamation for 152 counties in response to the threat posed by wildfires rapidly spreading in areas across the state. Burn bans are already in place in these Texas counties. This disaster proclamation allows affected counties to be eligible for state assistance.    » read more »

Jan. 29, 2008 -- AUSTIN - Texas Governor Rick Perry today announced a $600,000 grant to the Texas Foundation for Innovative Communities (TFIC) for the development of the Texas Clean Energy Park in Austin. The park, a first of its kind in Texas, is planned as one of the most advanced clean energy business, research, education and training facilities in the nation. Federal funds for workforce training, administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will be used to help establish the first phase of the park.    » read more »

Pct. 6 Constable Victor Trevino arrests 12 parents in today’s sweep

January 28, 2008 -- HOUSTON – Harris County, Texas Pct. 6 Constable Victor Trevino and deputy constables from his office have arrested 12 local parents who violated court orders requiring them to pay child support. The sweep, which began today and continues through Wednesday, is being conducted in conjunction with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Child Support Division. Today’s effort targets parents who are wanted by authorities for failing to pay their court-ordered child support.    » read more »

Names Five to Task Force

Jan. 28, 2008 -- AUSTIN – Texas Governor Rick Perry established the Task Force on Higher Education Incentive Funding, which will make recommendations to the governor, lt. governor and speaker regarding guidelines for implementing higher education incentive funding programs. Incentives for public colleges and universities will be based on student and institutional achievements that are aligned with state and regional priorities.    » read more »

County employee sold lots in Sierra Blanca subdivision lacking water, sewage facilities

January 25, 2008 -- AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged Adolfo Ramirez, a Hudspeth County Appraisal District employee, and his wife, Patricia, with violating the state’s colonia-prevention laws. According to court documents, the Ramirezes failed to install or bond sewer and water services on residential lots offered for sale in the Sierra Blanca Land Development – Phase One subdivision.    » read more »