shim
Current Weather
Weather Icon
Complete Forecast
shim
 Lotto Results
shim
Online Poll
shim

shim
shim
Samce Media
Harlingen cyclist critically injured in Tilden
Gerald Black, News Editor - Wednesday, September 03, 2008
A 70-year-old man from Harlingen remains in critical-but-stable condition at University Hospital after his motorcycle was struck by an 18-wheeler oil field service truck in downtown Tilden on Friday afternoon, August 29.  The man was thrown from the motorcycle.  The truck dragged the bike across a brushy lot and into the tree line. (Express photo by Jack Garcia)
A 70-year-old man from Harlingen remains in critical-but-stable condition at University Hospital after his motorcycle was struck by an 18-wheeler oil field service truck in downtown Tilden on Friday afternoon, August 29. The man was thrown from the motorcycle. The truck dragged the bike across a brushy lot and into the tree line. (Express photo by Jack Garcia)
“The man was very, very lucky,” said DPS Trooper Clint Walker in Tilden. The Harlingen resident, age 70, was traveling northbound with nine other motorcycles along Hwy. 16.

The cycles were crossing the intersection with Hwy. 72 East next to the courthouse about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 29.

Meanwhile, several other big rigs were waiting at the corner to execute a turn onto Hwy 16. The 18-wheeler involved in the accident was approaching the intersection and the driver attempted to slow down, “but the brake pedal fell off,” explained Trooper Walker. “It’s not attached like a brake pedal in a car.” As a result, the driver had no means of stopping the truck – except by down shifting, which he attempted. The big truck reached the intersection just as the last motorcyc...


[ Full Story ]

Unemployment rate rises to 5.1 percent
Gerald Black, News Editor - Wednesday, September 03, 2008
 
 
Employment in Atascosa County remains in a slight slump during this summer period. The jobless rate here rose from 4.9 percent in June to 5.1 percent for July 2008.

Only three other counties in the region have lower unemployment rates. The state’s unemployment (not seasonally adjusted) stands at 5.0 percent – 4.7 percent, if adjusted.

What is our unemployment track record for 2008?

2008 2007
January 4.4% 4.4%
February 3.9% 4.3%
March 3.8% 3.9%
April 3.6% 3.7%
May 4.1% 3.7%
June 4.9% 4.7%
July 5.1% 4.6%

Here is the state’s comments on the most recent unemployment figures:

AUSTIN — Texas’ seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment grew by 17,500 jobs in July. Texas employers now have added 248,600 jobs in the p...


[ Full Story ]

Atascosa Co. added to drought disaster list
Gerald Black, News Editor - Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Atascosa County has been added to a list of 13 counties being treated as contiguous disaster counties suffering drought damage since January 1, 2008.

Three primary counties include Kleberg, San Patricio and Wilson; however, as a contiguous county, residents who have suffered drought damage are also eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits. Being considered will be the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

Loan applications will be received through April 14, 2009 for production and physical losses.

The declaration of emercency was set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FSA, in College Station. The Texas Notice number is FLP-781 and...


[ Full Story ]

Tilden Rodeo this Labor Day weekend
Gerald Black, News Editor - Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Cash Casas, age 3, sister KayLee Casas, age 4, and their 1-year-old miniature paint pony “Pete” are all excited about going to the 58th annual Tilden Labor Day rodeo planned for this weekend, August 30-31.   Cash and KayLee are the children of A.J. and Sarah Casas of Tilden. (Express photo by Gerald Black)
Cash Casas, age 3, sister KayLee Casas, age 4, and their 1-year-old miniature paint pony “Pete” are all excited about going to the 58th annual Tilden Labor Day rodeo planned for this weekend, August 30-31. Cash and KayLee are the children of A.J. and Sarah Casas of Tilden. (Express photo by Gerald Black)
So, what’s new?

The Tilden Lions Club, which organizes the 58th annual Labor Day Weekend Rodeo has changed things up in 2008. Instead of a regular rodeo with the usual events, they have changed over to something much more exciting — a Ranch Rodeo.

Organizers of the Tilden Lions Club Rodeo are celebrating the 2008 Labor Day Weekend and have issued this statement: “The rodeo is an all new action packed Ranch Rodeo. While we are sad to be parting from our ‘traditional’ rodeo that our fans have enjoyed for the past 57 years, we are excited to bring you a new rodeo. Ranch cowboys are a dying breed, so the very popular Ranch Rodeo allows these talented South Texas cowboys to showcase their skills by participating in events that are more typical of their everyday work....


[ Full Story ]

St. Ignatius picnic this Sunday
Gerald Black, News Editor - Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Parishioners of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Christine join to invite area residents to help them celebrate at their annual picnic on Sunday, August 31.  There is lots of fun activities and food available – including their famous Brisket and Sausage Dinner plates. (Express photo by Jack Garcia)
Parishioners of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Christine join to invite area residents to help them celebrate at their annual picnic on Sunday, August 31. There is lots of fun activities and food available – including their famous Brisket and Sausage Dinner plates. (Express photo by Jack Garcia)
Parishioners of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Christine have pulled out all the stops preparing for their annual Labor Day Picnic, set for Sunday, August 31.

The activities are set throughout the day and will include dinner that you can’t beat, a big auction, bingo, roping competition, washer and horseshoe tournaments, game booths, arts & crafts, DJ music, a country store, a drawing for prizes and a big dance to wrap things up.

So, bring your family.
Hot meal in a cool place

You can beat the heat and enjoy the dining inside the air conditioned church pavilion. Church members will be serving up their famous Brisket and Sausage Dinner beginning at 11:30 a.m. and continues until they run out of food. It includes all the trimmings and is priced right at $...


[ Full Story ]

Burn Ban lifted
Gerald Black, News Editor - Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Rains almost two months ago brought some relief and the red Burn Ban flag was lowered. The drought index had dropped to 430. It was expected to climb to between 600 and 700 with no rain expected.

So, county leaders re-established the Burn Ban effective August 13. But, the rains did come in sufficient amounts.

At Monday’s meeting of Commissioners Court, Fire Marshal Chuck Garris asked that the ban be lifted. The drought index for Atascosa County dropped to 301.

For now, the Burn Ban is lifted “until further notice,” Garris said....


[ Full Story ]

DPS urges CARE this Labor Day weekend
., . - Wednesday, August 27, 2008
DPS Troopers will be joining other law enforcement agencies this Labor Day weekend in Operation CARE – Combined Accident Reduction Effort – strictly enforcing major contributing factors to motor vehicle crashes.

“We find that excessive speed, DWI, and unrestrained drivers and passengers are still the major causes of crash fatalities,” said Captain Jack Webster, Commander of the Highway Patrol in the San Antonio area. “This Labor Day weekend, we will have all available Troopers on our streets and highways to keep them as safe as possible,” added Webster.

Fatigue also plays a large part in crashes and drivers are cautioned to get plenty of rest before starting that long trip and allow plenty of time to get to your destination.

“The open container law is still in...


[ Full Story ]



shim

shim

shim

shim

shim
shim