Beware Burn Bans in Central Texas Counties

Williamson County Judge Dan A. Gattis has put a burn ban in place for the entire county, in effect until further notice. The ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. Burning to clear brush is also forbidden.

Travis County is also under a burn ban until September 22nd.

Don't Just Sweat, Be Smart About the Summer Sizzle

Office people, listen up.  Although I am a college-educated man in his early 30's, who works in what's called a professional industry in that "white collar" sense, I am a guy who must cope through one cantankerous summer season after another.  And this is Texas; it's like this every year.

I sympathize with construction workers, street repair crews, caretakers of lawns and anyone else who must be outside during the hottest parts of the day.  I, too, have to endure the endless heat, the rising temperatures, and the excessive sweating, all while wearing long sleeves, a tie, sometimes a suit coat and wool suit pants.  Even Spider-Man must do it, and he's got crime to fight!

But for all the woes of a weather situation we'd rather not succumb to, there is some bright news.  Take the month of August off!  Make flip flops mandatory during the summer months.  Cart a snow cone machine with you and name the flavors after all your favorite indoor-working friends.

Honestly, you can't do any of those things.  But you can compromise and hydrate yourself thoroughly throughout the day.  Make it a point to cool off often by sitting down in the shade, nearest building with a lobby or car with the cold AC cranked.  For the love of pete, crack your car windows when you're not inside and never ever leave a child or pet inside a car when you have an errand to run.  It's not worth it, even if you're gone for only a minute.

Summertime affords us the opportunity to vacation, enjoy the beautiful rivers and lakes, and take time to get outside and soak up some vitamin D.  But do it wisely and the weather will change before you know it.  (Well, it is Texas, but it's bound to change at some point).

"Reckless Robber" Killed in Shootout

The man FBI investigators dubbed the "Reckless Robber" was killed during a shootout with sheriff's deputies in Fort Bend County. 26-year-old Mouafak Kazzaz was believed to be behind at least 20 bank robberies in Texas, including two in Austin..

On May 22, sheriff's deputies saw a van matching the description of the getaway car in a robbery earlier in the day at a Bank of America branch in the Houston area. When a deputy ordered the van to pull over, the doors flew open and Kazzaz started firing with an automatic rifle.

The FBI Bank Robbery task force gave Kazzaz the "Reckless Robber" moniker because he often kept his finger on the trigger of his gun during robberies, and sometimes pointed his weapon at the heads of bank employees. He also relied on disguises to change his appearance, sometimes appearing to be bald while at other times being described as having silver or white hair.

Missing Trooper Found at Lake Travis

The body of State Trooper Wesley Chenault was found early Wednesday morning on the west bank of Lake Travis, near his home.

Chenault ventured out in a flat-bottomed aluminum boat to check his trot lines Monday evening and never returned. The thunderstorms that rolled through the area Monday night are believed to be a factor in his death.

Searchers found his boat, with the motor still running, Monday night at a dock. Several agencies worked in the search, including the Department of Public Safety, the Lower Colorado River Authority, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Burnet County Sheriff's Office and Marble Falls Emergency Management Services.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported that boating accident deaths were down in 2009 compared with the year before. 2008 saw a spike in such incidents.

TPWD statistics showed that 207 boating accidents on Texas public waters last year caused 139 injuries and 38 deaths, compared with 272 accidents, 175 injuries and 62 deaths in 2008.

However, one-boat accidents are a continuing trend, including boats that capsize, run aground, collide with fixed or floating objects, or boaters that fall overboard.

Game Warden Maj. Jeff Parrish, the state’s marine safety chief, says there are a few simple rules to safety on the water.

“Staying safe while boating is simple as one, two, three,” Parrish said. “First, wear a personal flotation device. The new inflatable jackets are lightweight and comfortable, and they save lives. Second, don’t drink and boat. Third, take a boater education course.”

Love the Outdoors? Take it On the Road!

by Edward Kiaune
ACS Contributor 

That time of year is upon us when Texas and all it’s natural beauty is budding and ready to be absorbed by anyone halfway adventurous enough to find it. And with the economy being what it is, there is a renewed interest in one of the most affordable forms of entertainment ever discovered: hiking and camping. This is a quick guide to some of the more notable places, near and not so near, that promise to pack the allure of a weekend road trip without completely breaking your account.

Whether the draw is to visit places curious with historical happenings or to immerse yourself in a bit of the good old outdoors, heading west provides a number of the coolest places worth checking out. Some of them are within a couple hours drive time, while others require logging in a little more windshield time. Also, along the way it’s not hard to find small town restaurants and BBQ joints, promising to satisfy appetites of any type.

Along Hwy 290, not too far out of the Austin city limits, is a turnoff for Pedernales Falls State Park. Quick to get to, practically in our backyard, it is the ideal place to get away from the crowds and enjoy some unbelievably relaxing river time. From $5 day passes to $10 overnight camping sites (both primitive and with water or electrical hook ups), you can hardly go wrong. The park is open 7 days a week year round. (830) 868-7304



A little further out past Fredericksburg is the ever crowd pleasing Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Declared a National Natural Landmark in 1970, it has long been a favorite for Hill Country hiking and camping. The batholithic protrusion is one of the largest in the country and provides no shortage of hiking trails of all levels. Sitting on some 640 acres, the park is laden with activities ranging from bird watching to rock climbing as well. All in a place, too, with sunsets that are hard to match. It tends to reach capacity early, especially on holiday weekends, so make sure to call in advance or have a decent backup plan. (830) 685-3636



Keep going west and pass over I-10 and you’ll find Lost Maples sitting on the other side of Kerrville. It’s an obvious gem in the Fall for it’s spectacular foliage that the uncommon Uvalde Bigtooth Maples bring. But it’s equally as enjoyable any other time of the year because it has an abundance of swimming spots and some of the better primitive camp areas in the state. Fees will range from $6 day passes to $15 camping. (830) 966-3413



And for what is considered to be the mother of all camping locations, stock up on some supplies, be prepared to take turns driving in shifts, and head out for Big Bend Ranch State Park. The 500+ mile haul is worth it if you’re looking to really isolate yourself and see some of the most amazing views Texas has to offer. And don’t ask how much further, it passes quickly if you keep in mind the reward far exceeds the efforts of getting there!

It is unadulterated, visual stimuli like few places have to offer. It is replete with not only that wild west feel, but a genuine sense of the sublime in that thousands of generations have visited these very same sites and were as mesmerized as we are today by the sheer beauty.

Miles of trails to walk, distant views that offer breathtaking glances of a large and rough expanse, and you’re still only getting started. It’s worth noting, too, that in days of yore there was a border crossing into the nearby town of Boquillas. It had a couple of cantinas, a restaurant or two, a tiny museum of rustic relics, and a population who relied on some of the park’s guests to make the cross. But since the last several years have caused certain scares along borders, it is apparently a closed crossing yet. I happen to know that several years ago there were still guys from Boquillas who would come down to the river with horses or mules and offer to take you across for a small fee. Now a much larger
fee is imposed if caught doing such a thing. Yeah, really.

Kayaking and rafting trips are available for those wanting to get things wet. The Rio Bravo/Rio Grande corridor offers some scenic and relatively easy sections of the river to navigate. With over 65 routes, the park also boast some wonderful hiking areas, and there are regular tours given for bird watching which is worth keeping in mind. Entrance fees will range from $3 day fees to $8 camping fees. Lodges are also available varying from $25-$100 but holding quite a few people. (432) 358-4444

Now, Texas is rich with a wide variety of landscapes and geological terrain. And the parks are a great way to experience that when you can. But if anyone ever tells you they have a cool, private spot along the Llano or on the Blanco or anywhere you’ve never been, then don’t hesitate to take them up on it! Because the hundreds of hidden treasures are also part of what makes up our diverse experiences out here.

Immigration Law Angers Thousands, Texas Lawmaker Wants Similar Bill in Lone Star State

Following Arizona's most historic and toughest legislation on illegal immigration, some Texas lawmakers are also considering a similar measure.  Texas State Representative Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, started similar legislation since 2002, and is coming forward before the ink is dry on Arizona's new law, telling Texans it's essential for the safety and security of the U.S. 

Texas State Representative Solomon Ortiz, Jr., D-Corpus Christi, said Wednesday the Arizona law is not only unconstitutional, but he said it gives law enforcement personnel the legal right to racially profile people they only suspect are in the country illegally.  Austin police chief Art Acevedo agrees.

"It's not only racial profiling, it virtually mandates racial profiling,” said Acevedo.  “I believe it is contrary to everything in my body that tells me what makes America great."

At its heart, the Arizona bill authorizes officers to stop anyone they suspect of being in the United States illegally from any other country and ask them to produce papers to prove their residency status.  As of April 23, it is a crime in Arizona for immigrants to lack immigration documents.  The law is gaining national criticism, even from late night talk show hosts like David Letterman.

"I don't think you belong here," said Letterman in a thick drawl, mocking the legislation.  "Hey!  What are you doing here?  Get out!"  The talk show host's infamous Top 10 list featured the category, "Top 10 Signs Your Governor May Be Nuts."  One of the signs: Claims to be the governor of Margaritaville.

A History Lesson

Gov. Jan Brewer, R-Arizona, whether you think she's nuts or not, wasn't elected to lead the Grand Canyon State.  She was, however, elected as the Secretary of State in 2002 and re-elected in 2006.   Brewer eventually replaced Democrat Janet Napolitano, who left her post as governor to join President Obama's cabinet as Secretary of Homeland Security in 2009.   Read about the work Brewer's done in office in Arizona here.

Riddle is right on board with Brewer's thought process, and wants Texas to adopt the same kind of bill.  "We're calling a spade a spade here,” said Riddle.  

“If I’m stopped down 290 for going too fast, I don't get offended thinking he stopped me because I was a woman."  However, unlike the Arizona law, Riddle's version does not require a suspect to show identification, and a law enforcement personnel has to confirm the immigration status of a suspect with U.S. Customs and Immigration before making an arrest.


Riddle's fight for an immigration bill did not live past committee in the 81st Texas Legislative session.  She says she plans on introducing it again in the 2011 session.

In the meantime, a big rally on immigration reform is slated for Saturday in downtown Austin where thousands of people are expected to voice their opposition to the bill, and to let Texas legislators know just how they feel about the matter.

Pentagon Seeks Compromise With Senate on Hasan Files

A showdown may be brewing between the Obama administration and a Senate committee that's asking for materials relating to the shooting incident that took place last year at Fort Hood, near Killeen.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee subpoenaed all of the materials that the Pentagon holds relating to the shooting that killed 13 people, and materials on the suspect, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan. The committee says they want to make sure the Pentagon is ensuring something similar doesn't happen again.

The Pentagon claims the material would put the case against Hasan in jeopardy, but agreed in a compromise to release Hasan's personnel file and a secret addendum detailing how the Pentagon failed to respond to tips on Hasan's behavior leading up to the incident.

John Galligan, Hasan's attorney, expressed concern that the information that the Senate committee is requesting is information he has asked for but not received.

You can read more at the Killeen Daily News.

Big Bass Nets Big Payday For Texas Fisherman

A big catch netted a Texas fisherman with more than just a good fish story - he also won more than $6,000.

Sam Callaway of Corpus Christi caught a 13.34-pound largemouth bass, making the fish the 500th eligible for the Toyota ShareLunker program. Callaway will collect $500 a pound for the catch, for a total of $6,670.

Jim McDaniel of Cedar Park just missed the big payoff. McDaniel caught Toyota ShareLunker 501 from Lake Austin, weighing 13.01 pounds.

The ShareLunker bass are used for a selective breeding program by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Some of the offspring from the program will be used to restock Texas lakes. Anglers who catch a bass weighing more than 13 pounds can submit their fish to the program, and win a free replica of their fish, ShareLunker clothing and recognition at a banquet. In addition, the angler who catches the largest fish of the season (which ends April 30) receives a lifetime fishing license.

For more information on the Toyota ShareLunker program and how you can participate, visit this website.

Hutto Daycare's License Suspended

Several complaints have led the Texas Department of Family Protective Services to suspend the license of the Hippo Academy, a day care center in Hutto.

The agency received a complaint Tuesday that Jeanie Alcalar, the day care's owner, was throwing food on the floor and having infants pick it up and eat it, covering a baby's face with a towel and putting pepper on a baby's thumb.

An investigator visited the site on Tuesday and, according to an affidavit, saw black pepper on an infant's crib sheet. When questioned, Alcalar told the investigator that the infant must have tracked it in from the outside from her shoes. However, the investigator didn't find pepper on the infant's shoes and Alcalar then said that she had pepper on her lunch, which must have gotten onto her clothes and then into the baby's crib.

Day care minimum standards prohibit putting pepper on an infant's thumb, as it can pose a choking hazard or cause severe breathing problems.

“The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that Ms. Alcalar used pepper on the infant as a form of punishment,” according to the affidavit.

The investigator also found evidence that Alcalar placed a cloth over the face of a crying baby who was just nine weeks old, and put Cheetos or snack crackers in the same baby's mouth. There was also evidence showing that Alcalar threw food on the floor and let infants eat it from the floor.

The state will investigate more allegations, including that Alcalar slapped a baby on the cheek so hard that the baby cried, put hot sauce and water in baby bottles and spoon-fed hot sauce to an infant.  Alcalar has denied all of the allegations.

Hippo Academy's license was suspended for 30 days, beginning this past Tuesday. The state will inspect the day care during the suspension to ensure that no children are being cared for.

Meanwhile, Alcalar's lawyer, Howard Fomby, reported that Alcalar has received death threats and has had to remove her children from school. Fomby also said that the state investigation stemmed from complaints from people who had seen Alcalar portrayed unfairly on the television series "Toddlers and Tiaras" in February.

Vietnam Memorial Replica Reminds People Price Some Paid for Freedom

The Wall that Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C., toured Taylor this week.  People came out to remember the fallen men and women, and to meet people they don't even know.  Veterans say the wall brings other veterans and their families together.  Hear how some people view patriotism, and how an event like this connects communities.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Makes a Stop in Central Texas

Central Texans will have the chance to pay tribute to the military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the United States and its freedom.  The "Wall that Heals," which is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will make a stop in Taylor beginning Thursday, March 25 through Sunday, March 28.  You can find it at the corner of Main Street and Mallard Lane.

Governor Rick Perry encouraged people to take time to visit the memorial.  “Throughout our nation’s history, the men and women of our armed forces have given their lives to ensure our nation’s freedom, and I encourage Texans to take advantage of this opportunity to honor those who have given their lives to create the country we know today,” Gov. Perry said. “It’s not every day that we see a historic monument travel to Texas and have the chance to participate in a ceremony of this magnitude.”

A special ceremony will be held on Saturday at 7 p.m., that will include a candlelight vigil, will honor fallen soldiers whose names are inscribed on the wall.  A flyover by the Commemorative Air Force will take place, and the Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans will participate.

“Many Americans will not have an opportunity to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and this event provides the chance to experience some of what that landmark conveys,” Sen. Steve Ogden said. “I hope that everyone who can will pay tribute to those who served us all.”
 
There are more than 200,000 Texas veterans of the Vietnam War, with more than 3,400 Texans' names listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  You can find more information about the "Wall that Heals" by going here.  

The memorial will be open for viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.