Archive - Jul 2011
July 30th
Forsan Independent School District campuses received the highest academic ratings in Howard County, according to accountability figures released by the Texas Education Agency Friday.
For the third consecutive year, Elbow Elementary received TEA’s highest rating of “Exemplary,” while the junior high/high school campus’ rating was one step down at “Recognized.” District-wide, Forsan ISD was rated Recognized, as well.
Those were the same ratings as the districts and campuses received the previous year.
Big Spring Independent School District was hammered in the latest round of school accountability ratings released by the Texas Education Agency Friday.
BSISD received a district-wide rating of “Academically Unacceptable,” the lowest of four possible TEA ratings. In addition, all but one local campus’ academic performance was rated as unacceptable by the state education agency. Moss Elementary received a “Academically Acceptable” rating from TEA.
July 29th
Christmas may be a few months away still, but preparations for the 2011 Comanche Trail Festival of Lights are already glowing brightly.
“I think this will be the most spectacular presentation yet for our visitors,” said Pat Simmons, Festival of Lights founder. This year will bring back the poinsettias to Scenic Mountain.
According to Simmons, three years ago three poinsettias adorned the side of the mountain, but due to lack of power supply were taken down and haven't been included the past few years.
Texas parents with children getting ready to head back to class in a few weeks have most likely faced plenty of challenges this summer, and, from a fiscal standpoint, paying for school supplies and clothing may be one of the toughest.
However, the state of Texas is hoping to ease the burden Aug. 19-21 with its annual Tax Free Holiday, a three-day opportunity for parents and guardians to skip the sales taxes on many of the back-to-school items they purchase each year.
The Big Spring Police Department reported the following activity between 7 a.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. today:
• TAMARA KAY WINK, 46, of Houston, was arrested Thursday on a charge of disobeying a police officer.
• STEVE ALLAN HANNABASS, 53, of 821 W. Eighth St., was arrested Thursday on warrants for failure to signal lane change, expired registration and failure to maintain financial responsibility.
• ASSAULT was reported in the 1700 block of S. Lancaster.
• THEFT was reported in the 2600 block of Carol Dr.
• BURGLARY OF A HABITATION was reported in the 1100 block of Runnels St.
Belia Diaz Landin, 80, of Big Spring went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at her residence. A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2011, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Monsignor Bernard Gully officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
July 28th
Like practically everyone else in Big Spring, Howard College officials are struggling to find ways to get by with less water.
The college is looking at ways to abide by a recent 20 percent cut in water deliveries from Colorado River Municipal Water District and the city's mandate to limit outside watering to only one day, trustees learned during their Monday meeting.
Executive Vice President Terry Hansen said one of the problems the college is facing is that recent construction projects have skewed water usage figures.
Just because school's out doesn't mean the time for learning is over.
The Heritage Museum is taking a week of summer to teach youth something a little different than what they would normally learn in a classroom. For three days, 12 youngsters will learn how to crochet, embroider, simple sew, cook, decorate a cake and other types of artful skills.
Janet Abner, summer education projects coordinator for the museum, brought the idea to the table.
The Big Spring Police Department reported the following activity between 7 a.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. today:
• MYRELL SIMPSON JR., 37, of 3210 Auburn, was arrested Wednesday on charges of failure to identify as a fugitive – giving false information and a warrant from another agency.
• THEFT was reported:
In the 3600 block of N. Highway 87.
In the 400 block of S. Gregg Street.
• BURGLARY OF A HABITATION was reported in the 1100 block of E. 14th Street.
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office reported the following activity:
Santiago “Chago” Valencia, 81, of Big Spring died Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at Scenic Mountain Medical Center. Prayer services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Myers & Smith Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2011, at Myers & Smith Chapel with Reynaldo Bennett, pastor of Lighthouse Restoration Center, officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olive Memorial Park.
