ABILENE  --  You may remember a string of robberies at Subway restaurants earlier this year...then a bank robbery about the same time. Thursday, a Taylor County grand jury indicted an Abilene man for four of those robberies. In January, 38-year-old Fernando Landeros admitted to police that he was responsible for four of the robberies of Subways around the city. And police say Landeros was one of two men who walked into the State National Bank on Buffalo Gap Road in January and robbed that bank. Landeros was captured later that day in a residence on Oak Ridge Street. Aggravated robbery is a first degree felony. If found guilty, Landeros' could be sentenced to life in prison.

ABILENE  --  Police will soon begin moving into a new, much larger space that they will set up as a forensics lab.  Criminalists have been using a space not much bigger than a closet.  The new space will provide over 2,200 square feet.  Watch our story…       

ABILENE  --  Everyone is trying to save money these days including the City of Abilene.  The City Council is reviewing an energy survey and may soon act on several of it's suggestions to save on electricity, fuel, and vehicle costs.  Watch our story…     

City Council makes appointments to Red Light Camera Citizens Advisory Committee

ABILENE -- During the Thursday, May 8 City Council meeting, City Council members each appointed an individual to serve on the Red Light Camera Citizens Advisory Committee. The appointees are: Mark Bottila, Don Bridges, Kevin Roberts, Larry Gill, Jim Potts, Hester Wood and Duane Donaway. Currently, City staff is researching ways to reduce red light running in Abilene. These methods include public education, traffic engineering, police enforcement and lastly, the installation of red light cameras. When the results of a traffic engineering study are complete, the Red Light Camera Citizens Advisory Committee will review the results as well as the effectiveness of efforts currently underway to improve intersection safety.

Among other items, the traffic engineering study will review the frequency of red light running in intersections with the highest number of accidents. No decision has been made yet whether the study will be conducted by City staff or a company that specializes in traffic studies. The study is expected to get underway early this summer. If red light cameras are recommended, the committee would also advise the City Council on the installation and operation of a photographic traffic signal enforcement system.

As per state law, fines collected through red light camera violations are used to pay for the installation, operation, administration and maintenance of the system. 50% of the revenue that is over and above these costs is required to go to the state of Texas for a regional trauma fund and the remaining 50% to the city's public safety programs.

Council Place 4 race preview

ABILENE  --  Three people are seeking the Abilene City Council Place 4 seat in Saturday's election.  The seat is being vacated by Celia Davis.  Watch our story…        

May 7, 2008

Woman charged in stabbing

ABILENE  --  An woman is facing charges after a fight with her common law husband got out of hand.  Around 11 AM Wednesday, Abilene police responded to a domestic disturbance call on the 27-hundred block of Beech Street. They found 29-year-old Steven Dickson had been stabbed several times. Dickson was taken to Hendrick Medical Center where he is listed in good condition. Police say 27-year old Kimnyia Lamb hit and stabbed Dickson with a knife in his arm, and chest. Lamb has been charged with aggravated assault family violence.

Brown County man indicted

BROWNWOOD  --  A Brown County man has been indicted by a grand jury after a fight that left one man dead.  Jamar James Render was indicted for aggravated assault. 31-year-old James Lee Holland was injured in the assault outside a Brownwood apartment complex back in February.  He later died from his injuries. The grand jury also returned a sealed indictment for murder but it will remain sealed until the indictment is processed. It's unclear if the murder indictment is related to the assault.

Bond prop propaganda

ABILENE  --  Some households in the AISD have been receiving information from the school district about the upcoming bond election.  Superintendent David Polnick says it's a fine line the district walks while trying to inform voters about the proposals without being a proponent of an issue.  Watch our story…     

Questions and answers regarding AYSA Youth Sports Complex proposition available online  

May 6, 2008

Murder suspect sought

SNYDER  --  A Cinco De Mayo party ends with a murder and police are looking for the killer. The Scurry County sheriff's office is searching for a man they consider armed and dangerous. 34-year-old Manuel Medrano Jr. allegedly shot 37-year-old Angel Juarez at a party Sunday night. Police say they arrived to the shooting about 9 o'clock. Juarez was driven to Cogdell Memorial Hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 9:30 pm. Monday, the Scurry County grand jury indicted Medrano Jr. for the murder of Juarez. Authorities say Medrano has an extensive criminal history, including several felonies. He was also charged for escaping from the Scurry County jail in 1996. If you have any information contact the Scurry County sheriff office at 325-573-3551.

Early voting ends

ABILENE  --  Early voting in city and school elections ended Tuesday night.  In Taylor County 5,789 people voted early.  253 voted on Tuesday.  In 2004, the last time there were bond propositions on the ballot, 5,817 people voted early.

Mayoral race profile

ABILENE  --  The race for mayor of Abilene is a two person contest this year.  Incumbent mayor Norm Archibald is seeking his second three year term.  He faces a challenge from relative political newcomer Ron Konstantin.  Watch our story…   

Applications accepted soon for next police academy

ABILENE  --  The Abilene police department is in need of officers. They're currently 18 officers short of full strength. In September nine cadets will graduate from the police academy. A new academy will then begin in November. They will begin testing for that academy on June 28th. You can apply beginning Monday. Apply in person at City Hall or find an application packet on-line HERE.

A big bite out of the budget

ABILENE  --  The AISD is working out food service bids for next school year and may be looking at food costs at least 10% higher than this year.  That may not sound like a huge increase but the dollar amount would be close to $300,000 more.  Watch our story…     

May 5, 2008

Mayor self surrenders

Man guilty of injuring state school resident

ABILENE  --  Judge Lee Hamilton has found a former Abilene State School worker guilty of injuring a state school resident.  Judge Hamilton ruled that Benjamin Kershaw acted recklessly in causing serious bodily injury to the person. The incident happened when Kershaw burned the face of a resident with a hair dryer. The conviction is a second degree felony. Kershaw now faces 2 to 20 years in prison. Judge Hamilton has ordered a pre-sentence investigation and will hand down punishment June 16th.

Fallen comrades remembered

ABILENE  --  A memorial service was held Monday to recognize correctional officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  The service is held annually at the French Robertson Prison unit north of Abilene.  Watch our story…

A stormy month

BRECKENRIDGE  --  Many residents in Stephens County continue to put their lives back together after two tornadoes ripped through the county a month ago.  A Breckenridge school teacher who used 'tornado' as a spelling word one day...was injured when here home was destroyed by a storm the next.  Watch our story…

Is tipping suffering?

ABILENE  --  Are tough economic times cutting into tips being left for restaurant wait staff?  With the price of gas and food soaring that may be the case.  What is a good tip for good food service?  Watch our story…