http://www.cbs7.com Your Eye on West Texas en-us Copyright 2012 CBS 7. All Rights Reserved. Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC News 20 CBS 7 Reporter
smurray@cbs7.com
May 16, 2012

Odessa, TX -One Ector County ISD school is earning praise from administrators, parents, teachers and even the students themselves.

At last nights board meeting trustees heard from the New Tech Odessa students about the progress they're making at the project based learning high school.

Several parents and teachers also spoke up even board member Fay Batch says she is happy with her choice to send her son to New Tech Odessa.

Also at last nights meeting Principal Dr. Adrian Vega revealed some shocking numbers to the board. He says for the entire school year there were only 6 students sent to the office for behavior issues for 9th graders and only 5 students for 10th grade. And all year long there has only been 1 fight.

School leaders at New Tech attribute those numbers to a unique learning environment.

Now the students are finishing out the school year with a project that has the kids full attention

When the students heard that their school project would require them to read the popular book The Hunger Games, they couldn't wait to get started. But not only are they reading the book and incorporating it into every core subject...the school wide project is reaching much further than the school walls.

This P.E. class is preparing for an Olympic style tournament, all modeled after the popular book the hunger games.

"In geometry we are designing costumes, arenas and weapons," explains teacher Amy Hoxie.

Similar to the book, the students are divided into 12 districts, each representing a different country.

But it's not all fun and games.

"The Hunger Games project is a project we're doing school wide to bring awareness both locally and globally about starvation issues," Hoxie explains. "There are a lot of people that are going hungry in Odessa but there are also a lot of people that are starving around the world."

The students in district 10 are raising money to help their country, Laos, and accepting donations to help people in their own backyard.

"There's children that don't get to eat and there are people that don't have homes," explains group member Devyn Navarrette.

"So what we're doing is we're collecting cans from other people or bringing them ourselves and putting them in here," says freshman Jennifer Garcia.
"The cans are actually going to go to West Texas Food bank because they're running low on food and need our help," says another group member Erika Navarrette.

New Tech teacher Amy Hoxie says this engaging project is a prime example of why their school has seen so much success and has little to no discipline problems.

"The more interested and engaged you can keep your kids the less you have to worry about discipline," she claims. "So I think that typically when kids act out in school they're just bored so we try to take that element of boredom out and when that's gone all they want to do is focus on what's in front of them."

Less boredom and more teamwork have made students like these at New Tech a dream for teachers.

"I couldn't ask for a better classroom it's a dream because I've been at other schools and it's like it's a dream come true that I don't have to worry about that element of discipline," Hoxie explains.

To help the students out you can donate any canned goods or water at the New Tech Odessa campus.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34691 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Associated Press
May 16, 2012

Trial has begun in Dallas of a former Roman Catholic priest accused of plotting the death of a man who accused him of sexual abuse.

A neighbor of John M. Fiala when the former priest lived in suburban Dallas accused Fiala of asking him to kill his accuser. That accuser had said Fiala abused him at Fiala's former rural West Texas parish in 2008 when the man was 16.

Authorities say Fiala also attempted to hide the boy in a Big Spring apartment Fiala set up for him.

The Dallas Morning News reports prosecutors told a Dallas County jury Wednesday that Fiala was distraught over the four-count indictment, which is still pending in Edwards County.

Now, if convicted of solicitation of capital murder, Fiala could be sentenced to up to life in prison.

Fiala's attorney told jurors the death plot was Fiala's neighbor's idea.]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34689 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Press Release
May 16, 2012

As the Contractor for the City of Midland continues the Lamesa Rd. Waterline Replacement Project, the Engineering Services Department would like to thank the driving public and area businesses for their patience during this time of construction. The waterline replacement that is already complete can be identified by the pavement cuts that have been backfilled with three-sack concrete. As the contractor moves to the north side of the Scharbauer Draw, we ask drivers to continue to observe and obey the traffic control devices and drive cautiously over the slightly rougher street. The City of Midland Transportation Division is scheduled to begin adding asphalt on top of the rougher pavement cuts to improve the ride quality, beginning Thursday, May 17, 2012.

]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34681 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Press Release
May 16, 2012

Midland ISD advises parents and guardians to plan for early release times on the last day of school, Friday, June 1, 2012. Early release times are as follows:

Elementary Schools: Bonham, Burnet, Bush, Crockett, DeZavala, Emerson, Fannin, Greathouse, Henderson, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Long, Milam, Parker, Rusk, Santa Rita, Scharbauer, South and Travis elementary schools and Carver Center: 1:20 p.m. Dismissal Time

Bowie Fine Arts Academy, Pease Communication & Technology Academy and Washington Math & Science Institute: 1:45 p.m. Dismissal Time

Secondary Schools: *Some make-up exam sessions will be held Friday afternoon. Senior students will follow a variant schedule due to graduation preparation. Abell, Alamo, Goddard and San Jacinto junior high schools: 1:55 p.m. Dismissal Time

Midland High School, Midland Freshman High School and Coleman High School: 10:50 a.m. Dismissal Time

Lee High School and Lee Freshman High School: 12:50 p.m. Dismissal Time

Early College High School at Midland College: 10:45 a.m. Dismissal Time

MAP (Midland Alternative Program): 11 a.m. Dismissal Time
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34679 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news CBS 7 News
May 16, 2012
tguinn@cbs7.com

The Midland County Sheriff's Office will be joining forces with the Department of Public Safety for a no refusal weekend starting tomorrow.

The Midland County Sheriff's Office received a grant that will allow more officers on the roadway during peak hours.

Authorities say they will be concentrating their efforts looking for impaired drivers.

If you do plan on drinking, authorities encourage everyone to designate a sober driver, look for alternate rides home or spend the night where you are if it is safe.]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34678 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news CBS 7 News
May 16, 2012
tguinn@cbs7.com

Tonight is a special night of remembrance for Permian Basin bicyclists.

The 7th Annual Ride of Silence is set for tonight to honor and remember the cyclists killed while riding in our area.

The ride will start and end at the UTPB CEED Building, which is on the corner of Highway 191 and FM 1788.

They're asking riders to show up at about 6:40.]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34677 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Follow up to release of May 13, 2012
Homicide at Big Spring Mall from Big Spring Police.

This investigation has thus far determined that following the altercation in front of the Family Dollar Store, shots were fired and one subject was struck and killed by a vehicle.

It has been determined that the hand gun was produced from his vehicle by Noe Sanchez and at least two shots were fired at a white pickup prior to him being struck by that pickup. After he was struck a female subject picked up the gun and fried another shot at the pickup.

The pickup was hit twice. No persons were hit by any gunfire. At this point there is some discrepancy as to who was driving the pickup. The pickup was at the scene when officers arrived. One round had flattened a tire and one round had penetrated the passenger side window. The female who fired the final round is the wife of Sanchez.. Tracy Juarez, 21 of Big Spring.

She was disarmed by a witness to the incident who handed the firearm over to police. This confrontation is part of an on going feud between members of two families.

At this time it appears that Sanchez and some family member were leaving Family Dollar and members of the Montanez family were walking from the movie theatre in the mall to Family dollar when Carols Montanez, 35, of Big Spring saw Noe Sanchez and ran to him and a fight ensued setting off the events.

Both families had several members at the scene and three people were arrested for hindering officers at the scene, including Tracy Juarez. The investigation will continue as more witnesses will be interviewed and some re-interviewed until the facts are found.

No arrests have been made in the death.

Once the investigation is complete, the finding will be taken to the district attorney who will make the determination of filing of charges or presenting the case to the grand jury.


DETECTIVE SGT. TONY EVERETT PIO
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34676 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news CBS7 News
May 16, 2012

Active duty military and their families can soon visit any or all 397 national parks, including Big Bend, free for a year.

The National Park Service will begin issuing an annual pass on Saturday, Armed Forces Day.

They can receive their passes, which normally cost $80, by displaying a valid military identification at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee.

This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Forest Service.

Officials say the "America the Beautiful" pass is not available to veterans or retirees.

Some More Facts About the Pass:

Valid for one full year from month of purchase (through last day of that month).

Allows pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter Federally operated recreation sites across the country.

Covers the pass owner and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fee charged for children 15 and under.

Photo identification will be required to verify ownership.

Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

NOTE: Recreation Fees vary widely across the thousands of Federal Recreation sites. Please contact specific sites directly for information on what is or is not covered by the passes.


For a list of participating sites across the country, click here.

]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34674 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news MARTIN COUNTY - DPS is on the scene of a rollover in Martin County. Sheriff's Officials have confirmed that at least one woman was been transported the Midland Memorial hospital with no life treating injuries.

TxDOT had shut down the eastbound lane but it is now reopened.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34669 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news CBS 7 News
jsamp@cbs7.com
May 16, 2012

Odessa, TX - Tuesday law enforcement and families remember the officers who died in the line of duty.

At the sunset memorial gardens in Odessa, CBS 7 had the honor to speak with the families of these brave officers who gave their lives serving the community.

The Odessa Police Department, Ector County Sheriff's Office, The Texas Department of Public Safety, and other law enforcement agencies were there.

The Mayor of Odessa, Larry Melton, and Susan Redford, The Ector County Judge made a proclamation and deemed Tuesday Police Memorial Day.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34668 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Editor's Note: The following is a news release from TxDOT.

DPS is investigating the fatal wreck from Tuesday. Because of that, northbound Highway 385 is closed south of Andrews from mile marker 329 to mile marker 331.

All traffic is being routed over to the southbound lanes which are now a two-way street. Traffic is moving but delays are likely with two-way traffic on the southbound lanes. Motorists are asked to be very patient and use extreme caution in the area. The work should be wrapped up by 1 p.m.
Gene
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34667 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Shelley Childers
CBS 7 News
schilders@cbs7.com
May 16, 2012

MIDLAND, TX - Plans to develop and improve Highway 191 connecting Midland to Odessa are closer to finalization.

The Midland Odessa Transportation Organization, also known as MOTOR, will be holding their final public forum Thursday night at 6:30.

The meeting will take place inside the Atmos Community Room near the CAF at 2304 Loop 40 in Midland.

MOTOR says they still need the public's input on the plan before it is finalized.

They will discuss transportation improvements, land use policy and strategies and economic development.

The motor policy board, technical advisory committee and city and county leaders are expected to be in attendance.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34666 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
May 16, 2012

Prices at the pump are noticeably cheaper sitting at about $3.68 per gallon, according to gasbuddy.com. Oil & Gas Expert Morris Burns says international turmoil and political uncertainty is causing the prices to fall. Burns says demand is down by about 1 percent but the market always overreacts driving the price of oil down dramatically. The price per barrel is $93, the lowest since December of 2011.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34665 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
May 16, 2012

Midland, Texas - As population continues to soar, city services are stretched thin. City officials say most cities the size of Midland are working with double the amount of code enforcement officers and the rapidly rising population is putting a major strain on the officers. Water restrictions, weeds, building codes and RV's in yards; all issues Midland's Code Enforcement Department is dealing with more than ever before.

"When you have an economy that's moving as aggressively as ours, city services are strained and you work as hard as you can to make sure it doesn't get too far ahead of you," said John James, Midland City Councilman.

The growing population is putting even more demand on the small staff of 7.

"It does push them to the limit, they're busy all the time and go, go, go," said Steve Thorpe, Building Official, City of Midland.

And the housing shortage is causing a new problem.

"What you're starting to see is code violations in terms of people putting trailers in front of their houses and running electrical cords to them," said Councilman James.

A new issue to add to the long list of duties.

"It's hard and we do the best with what we have," said Thorpe.

"We're at some point gonna have to address this with more code officials," said Councilman James.

And that opportunity is right around the corner as the budget process for next year is about to begin.

"We're about to start the budget process this summer and the city manager may make recommendations of staffing needs and I'm confident code enforcement officers will be on the list," said Councilman James.

Councilman James says if the new budget includes more code enforcement officers, the next challenge will be finding workers and somewhere for them to live. The City of Midland currently has 47 job openings. The departments with the highest number of listings are maintenance, utilities and administration.

For more information on employment opportunities with the city, click here.]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34664 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Greg Morgan - Chief Meteorologist


Sunny skies and warmer temperatures will be the theme for the weather forecast across all of Southwest Texas for the next few days. Expect high temperatures in the 80's today and tomorrow. Highs in the 90's return Friday and Saturday.

The only caveat is the potential for breezy winds on Friday and Saturday. However, due to recent rains, blowing dust should be at a minimum. So even the wind isn't too bad.

Another storm system moves into West Texas on Sunday. An increase in clouds and a decrease in temperatures is expected. However, rain chances appear minimal at best.

GM
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34663 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news CBS 7 News
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
May 15, 2012

Midland, Texas - Midland County Commissioners are considering a $14 million expansion to The Horse Shoe Arena but residents say they feel the money should be spent elsewhere. Residents say there are miles of roads un-repaired in the county. They say the money being set aside for this project should be used to address this growing problem first.

"We're not letting anything go to do this project," said Randy Prude, Midland County Commissioner, Precinct 4.

The Midland County Horse Shoe could be seeing a large expansion. A much needed project according to commissioner randy prude as the facility is having to turn away 50 percent of the events due to a lack of space.

"If we're turning away that much business, it might be time to expand so we're getting preliminary drawings," said Commissioner Prude.

If approved the project will double the size of the convention space, also adding another horse barn and an outdoor amphitheater. Commissioner Prude says though the facility does not produce revenue. it brings plenty of people and dollars into the county.

"They are spending almost $10 million a year in our economy," said Commissioner Prude.

But residents out in the county say the news isn't welcome as they watch the roads crumble around them.

"It's been a problem for many years here, with the thought of them expanding the horse shoe versus fixing these roads, that doesn't sit well with the residents out here," said Patsy Hoelscher, Midland County Resident.

Patsy Hoelscher says she's made several attempts to bring the problem into the spotlight but wasn't paid any attention.

"We have always felt like we're second rate out here, we have to call and call to get the commissioners to listen to us and do something about our problems," said Hoelscher.

But commissioner prude says roads are still a priority.

"If they're in my precinct, give me a call, I'll take care of it and I think the other commissioners would say the exact same thing," said Commissioner Prude.

Commissioner Prude says the project will completely be funded out of the county's reserves. He says no taxes will be raised. If the expansion project is approved, the County will be going out for bids in two months. Construction is expected to begin in the fall and should take a year to complete.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34659 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news Andrews County - A tire blowout is the cause of a deadly head-on crash in Andrews County.

Troopers say 41-year-old Carlos Granados lost control of his eighteen-wheeler after a tire blew out on hwy 385 South.

Granados went into oncoming traffic and collided with a truck driving north.

Troopers say the driver of the truck, 32-year-old Bradley Newbrough, died on impact.

*DPS tell CBS 7 that Granados is from Odessa and Newbrough is from Andrews.

Troopers on the scene say Hwy 385 is considered the most dangerous highway in Andrews County.

385 North was closed for several hours, but is now reopened.

*New details








-------------------------

Jennifer Samp
CBS 7 News
jsamp@cbs7.com
May 15, 2012

Andrews TX -A tire blowout is the cause of a deadly head-on crash in Andrews County.

Troopers say 41-year-old Carlos Granados lost control of his eighteen-wheeler after a tire blew out on hwy 385 South.

Granados went into oncoming traffic and collided with a truck driving north.

Troopers say the driver of the truck, 32-year-old Bradley Newbrough, died on impact.

Troopers on the scene say Hwy 385 is considered the most dangerous highway in Andrews County.
-----------------------------

Texas Department of Transporation
Press Release
May 15, 2012

A pickup and a tractor trailer have collided in the northbound lanes of Highway 385 approximately 10 miles south of Andrews. There are reports of one death in the accident. Northbound 385 is closed at the moment. As soon as DPS will let us, TxDOT will split the southbound lanes and employ two-way traffic on that lane, diverting northbound traffic over to those lanes. Motorists should expect delays and avoid the area if possible. The closure is expected to last at least four hours.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34657 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news City of Odessa
Press Release
May 15, 2012

The City of Odessa is offering citizens rebates on the purchase of water efficient appliances.

Residential City of Odessa utility customers can receive a $75 credit for the purchase of a high efficiency WaterSense toilet or a $100 credit for the purchase of a hot water recirculation pump.

A limited number of rebates will be available. Specific requirements must be met for eligibility. Complete information is available online at Odessa-tx.gov or by calling 432.335.3286.

For more information please call Michael Marrero, Assistant City Manager, at 432.335.3286.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34656 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news CBS 7 Reporter
smurray@cbs7.com
May 15, 2012

Odessa, TX - Students at New Tech Odessa are holding a food drive based on the popular book, Hunger Games.

The freshman students are divided into districts, similar to the plot of the book series. Each "district" is responsible for getting donations of canned goods and water that will be donated to the West Texas food bank.

Students are getting creative to find the donations as part of the project. The district 10 group even called our CBS 7 newsroom to give us a heads up on the project.

To help, any donations can be dropped off at New Tech Odessa.]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34655 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news MIDLAND, Texas (AP) - Concho Resources Inc. has agreed to buy the oil and
natural gas assets of Three Rivers Operating Co. for $1 billion in cash.

The Midland-based privately-held exploration and production company has
about 200,000 net acres in the Permian Basin.

Concho says it plans to finance the deal with debt under its $2 billion
credit facility, which had about $1.8 billion available as of March 31.
Concho also plans to sell $200 million to $400 million of non-core assets from the acquisition and its existing holdings over the next nine months.

The sale, which is expected to close in July, remains subject to regulatory
approval.

*CBS 7 Editor's Note:
City of Pecos Mayor Venetta Seals says they keeping a close eye on the upcoming decisions because Concho owns a large portion of the land in the area of Pecos and Reeves County.]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=34653 Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:16 UTC news