The Daily Press http://www.bigspringherald.com http://www.bigspringherald.com/apfeed.xml--1 Copyright The Daily Press 2013-06-17T14:10:05-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91842013-06-17T14:10:05-04:002013-06-17T14:10:05-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring HeraldThe meeting was called for by the Big Spring City Council during its June 11 meeting, part of an ongoing effort to fill the position currently being handled by Interim City Manager Todd Darden.The council held an executive session to discuss the matter during the June 11 meeting, as the city administration worked to bring newly elected Mayor Larry McLellan and District 5 Councilman Raul Benavides up to speed on the matter.According to McLellan, the field of candidates has gone from nearly three-dozen to just three vying for the position.“When this search started out, we had between 33 and 34 candidates,” McLellan said. “A committee was able to get that field down to about about seven or eight people. During the last meeting (June 11) we held an executive session and our goal was to get that list down to what the council felt was the three best candidates. By the end of the meeting, all seven members of the council agreed they could hire any of the remaining three.”McLellan declined to name the candidates, although he did confirm one of them is Darden.Big Spring, TXTHOMAS JENKINSCouncil to consider city manager applicantsBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9184Change0Usable2013-06-17T14:10:05-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91832013-06-17T14:08:21-04:002013-06-17T14:08:21-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring HeraldJoshua Aaron Kirby, 28, of 1302 S. Connell in Midland, Texas, was arrested early Saturday morning in the 700 block of W. Interstate Highway 20 — near the TravelCenters of America Truck Stop — on a charge of attempted murder.Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer with the Big Spring Police Department, declined to comment on the arrest, citing an open investigation.“The investigation is ongoing at this time,” Everett said. “Kirby was in Big Spring with the intent to commit a criminal act. However, I can't comment further without compromising the investigation.”Everett said he expects the BSPD will release a statement on the arrest once more information has been gathered.Big Spring, TXTHOMAS JENKINSMan jailed on attempted murder chargesBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9183Change0Usable2013-06-17T14:08:21-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91822013-06-17T14:06:57-04:002013-06-17T14:06:57-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring Herald• JOSHUA AARON KIRBY, 28, of Midland, Texas, was arrested Saturday on a charge of attempted murder.• AUSTIN AUGENE BERRY, 21, of 400 N.E. Ninth St., was arrested Sunday on warrants for expired motor vehicle inspection certificate and failure to appear.• SABRINA JANE LOPEZ, 30, of 610 George St., was arrested Sunday on a warrant from another agency.• ROBERT HENDRIX, 31, of Tyler, Texas, was arrested Sunday on a charge of driving while license suspended/invalid with a previous conviction.• ASSAULT was reported:In the 1900 block of Wasson Road.In the 700 block of Ann Street.• THEFT was reported:In the 1100 block of N. Aylesford.In the 400 block of Sunset Blvd.In the 1500 block of E. Sixth Street.In the 1600 block of State.• BURGLARY OF A VEHICLE was reported in the 600 block of W. Interstate Highway 20.• CRIMINAL MISCHIEF was reported in the 1600 block of S. Benton.• BURGLARY OF A HABITATION was reported in the 2500 block of Albrook Drive.The Howard County Sheriff’s Office reported the following activity:Note — Officials with the Howard County Jail reported having 82 inmates at the time of this report.• TORY PETE MARTINEZ, 18, was arrested Friday by the HCSO on a judgment/sentence for a motion to revoke probation for assault causing bodily injury.• DONTAE RENELL CARR, 31, was arrested Friday by the HCSO on a judgment/sentence for failure to identify – giving false information.• NOEL GARCIA II, 31, was booked into the county detention center Friday by the BSPD on a charge of forgery of a financial instrument.• CHRISTOPHER LEE BEDFORD, 33, was booked into the county detention center Friday by the BSPD on a charge of bail jumping – failure to appear.• CHAD ALLEN MUSGROVE, 45, was arrested Friday by the HCSO on a charge of burglary of a vehicle.• ROY G. CERVANTES, 33, was booked into the county detention center Saturday by the BSPD on a charge of public intoxication.• NICHOLAS GRAIG MILLS, 33, was arrested Saturday by the HCSO on a municipal capias warrant for expired driver's license.• JOSHUA AARON KIRBY, 28, was booked into the county detention center Saturday by the BSPD on a charge of attempted murder.• THEODORE LEE FLORES, 34, was booked into the county detention center Saturday by the BSPD on a charge of driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension.• MERRILL CAMPBELL, 45, was arrested Saturday by the HCSO on charges of possession of marijuana – two ounces or less, displaying a fictitious registration and no driver's license – when unlicensed.• KIMBERLY GAIL CONAWAY, 41, was booked into the county detention center Saturday by the BSPD on a charge of theft of property – more than $50 and less than $500.• JUSTIN KYLE DAHMER, 24, was booked into the county detention center Sunday by the BSPD on a charge of driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension.• SAMUEL FLORES, 45, was booked into the county detention center Sunday by the BSPD on a charge of public intoxication.• MARIO YHARTE ADWELL, 36, was booked into the county detention center Sunday by the Sterling County Sheriff's Office on Sterling County warrant for driving while intoxicated – second offense.• JOHNNY IRA ADWELL, 38, was booked into the county detention center Sunday by the Sterling County Sheriff's Office on a Sterling County warrant for public intoxication.• AUSTIN BERRY, 21, was booked into the county detention center Sunday by the BSPD on municipal warrants for expired motor vehicle inspection certificate and failure to appear.• SABRINA LOPEZ, 30, was booked into the county detention center Monday by the BSPD on a charge of parent contributing to the non-attendance of a minor.• ROBERT JOSEPH HENDRIX, 31, was booked into the county detention center Monday by the BSPD on a charge of driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension.• ELISA HILARIO RUIZ, 44, was booked into the county detention center Monday by DPS on a charge of driving while intoxicated – blood alcohol more than 0.15.The Big Spring Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services reported the following activity:• TRAFFIC ACCIDENT was reported near the 188 mile marker of Interstate Highway 20. Four people were transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 1400 block of E. Sixth Street. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 1600 block of S. Lancaster. One person was transported to SMMC.• TRAFFIC ACCIDENT was reported near the 176 mile marker of Interstate Highway 20. Records do not reflect if anyone was transported or refused treatment.• MEDICAL was reported in the 300 block of N.E. Ninth Street. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 1800 block of N. Highway 87. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 300 block of S. Aylesford. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 1800 block of N. Highway 87. One person was transported to SMMC.• TRAUMA was reported in the 3200 block of Drexel. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 300 block of Second Street. One person was transported to SMMC.• TRAUMA was reported in the 1400 block of Mt. Vernon. One person was transported to SMMC.Big Spring, TXNo author availablePolice/Sheriff/EMS 06-17Big Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9182Change0Usable2013-06-17T14:06:57-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91692013-06-15T14:14:50-04:002013-06-15T14:14:50-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring HeraldIn addition, Judge Solis ordered that Juan Jose Guerra pay $150,000 in restitution to a victim whose photographs were included in his child pornography collection.Guerra has been in federal custody since Dec. 6, 2011. He pleaded guilty in February 2013 to one count of possession of child pornography. According to documents filed in the case, Guerra owned a computer, which he kept at his residence in Big Spring, which contained numerous images of child pornography.The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol, and the Midland and Big Spring Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Lubbock, Texas, was in charge of the prosecution.In other cases:Victor Lopez, 47, of San Angelo, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 210 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in March 2013 to one count of receipt of child pornography. Cummings also ordered that Lopez serve an additional 20-year term of supervised release.Lopez has been in federal custody since his arrest following the execution of a federal search warrant at his residence by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on January 23, 2013. He was indicted in February 2013 on several counts of receiving and possessing child pornography. According to plea documents filed in the case, Lopez admitted that he used file-sharing software to collect numerous videos of child pornography, including depictions of sadistic and masochistic conduct.Roy Paul Granger, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Solis to 10 years in federal prison, following his guilty plea in January 2013 to one count of receipt of child pornography. Granger has been in custody since Jan. 25, 2013. Big Spring, TXNo author availableLocal man sentenced to 10 years in federal prisonBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9169Change0Usable2013-06-15T14:14:50-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91672013-06-15T14:13:19-04:002013-06-15T14:13:19-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring HeraldJose Lopez Chavez III, 43, of 300 Tulane, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of a controlled substance – more than four grams and less than 200 grams (two counts) and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.According to Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer with the Big Spring Police Department, investigators with the BSPD and Homeland Security served the warrant at approximately 2 p.m.“Investigators executed a search warrant at an apartment complex located at 300 Tulane,” Everett said. “The search warrant was the result of a several month investigation into the trafficking of narcotics. The search uncovered four firearms — one of which was stolen — and approximately 1.5 ounces of heroin, 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine, one-quarter pound of marijuana, a small quantity of cocaine and miscellaneous prescription pills.”Everett said law enforcement officials also seized approximately $5,000 in in cash and a pair of vehicles. Chavez was booked into the Howard County Detention Center shortly after his arrest. Chavez has also been charged with a Tom Green County warrant for theft by check, according to officials with the county detention center.No injuries were reported as a result of the raid on the residence, according to Everett. Bond has been set at a total of $43,500 — $20,000 for each count of possession of a controlled substance, $3,000 for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and $500 for theft by check — according to detention center records.Big Spring, TXNo author availableMan jailed on drugs, weapons chargesBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9167Change0Usable2013-06-15T14:13:19-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91652013-06-15T14:11:45-04:002013-06-15T14:11:45-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring Herald• NOEL GARCIA II, 31, of 1604 Robin St., was arrested Friday on a charge of forgery – money order.• CHRISTOPHER LEE BEDFORD, 31, of 2513 Dow, was arrested Friday on a warrant from another agency.• DONTAE RENELL CARR, 31, of 3006 Cherokee, was arrested Friday on a warrant for failure to identify giving false/fictitious information.• CHAD ALLEN MUSGROVE, 45, of 405.5 N. Moss Lake Rd., was arrested Friday on a warrant for burglary of a vehicle.• THEFT was reported at the 1400 block of E. Sixth St., 500 block of E. IH 20, 200 block of W. FM 700 – two incidents and the 3600 block of W. HWY 80.• SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY was reported at the 1800 block of S. Gregg St.Big Spring, TXNo author availablePolice beatBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9165Change0Usable2013-06-15T14:11:45-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91542013-06-14T18:48:22-04:002013-06-14T18:48:22-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring Herald• MELANIE LUVERNE JONES, 38, of 1003 Stadium, was arrested Thursday on a charge of driving while intoxicated.• HARVEY LYNN STEGMAN, 27, of 3509 E. Interstate Highway 20 Apt. 27, was arrested Thursday on a charge of driving while license invalid/suspended with a previous conviction.• HECTOR REYES, 62, of 500 S. Lancaster, was arrested Thursday on a charge of public intoxication.• JOSE LOPEZ CHAVEZ III, 43, of 300 Tulane, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of a controlled substance (two counts) and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.• THEFT was reported:In the 3600 block of W. Highway 80.In the 200 block of Galveston.• HIT AND RUN was reported in the 100 block of E. FM 700.The Howard County Sheriff’s Office reported the following activity:Note — Officials with the Howard County Jail reported having 82 inmates at the time of this report.• HARVEY STEGMAN, 27, was booked into the county detention center Thursday by the BSPD on a charge of driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension.• JOSE LOPEZ CHAVEZ III, was booked into the county detention center Thursday by the BSPD on charges of possession of a controlled substance (two counts) and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.• HECTOR REYES, 62, was booked into the county detention center Thursday by the BSPD on a charge of public intoxication.The Big Spring Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services reported the following activity:• TRAFFIC ACCIDENT was reported in the 100 block of Interstate Highway 20. Service refused.• MEDICAL was reported in the 1900 block of N. Highway 87. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 3200 block of Parkway. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 1600 block of S. State. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported near the intersection of Third Street and Runnels. One person was transported to SMMC.• MEDICAL was reported in the 300 block of Tulane. One person was transported to SMMC.Big Spring, TXNo author availablePolice beatBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9154Change0Usable2013-06-14T18:48:22-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91532013-06-14T18:47:19-04:002013-06-14T18:47:19-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring HeraldIf you're looking for something out of this world to do Saturday evening, both astronomy buffs and casual observers alike are invited to participate in the annual Stargazing Party on Saturday atop Scenic Mountain beginning at sunset.The West Texas Amateur Astronomy Club of Midland will bringing some high-powered lenses which the public can look through to view the night skies as never before.“The astronomy club will be bringing 18-inch lenses,” said State Park Manager Ron Alton. “They usually set up about six or seven telescopes and you can see quite a bit. I've seen some multicolored nebulas that are just amazing.”The skies have to be fairly clear for the evening to be a success. In case of rain or heavy cloud cover, a back-up date has been set for July 13. Whether the stargazing takes place Saturday or next month, Alton hopes the community will show up and support the event, which in turn supports Scenic Mountain itself.“After doing this for 35 years, I think people get outside less and less,” he said. “This is a good event because it's something different. It gives you a chance to be outdoors. And if you've never seen the deep skies through one of these telescopes, you can't even compare it. There's stuff in the deep sky you'd never believe was there. Events at the park are important and attendance is important. The park's visitation is monitored on a monthly basis and things like the Stargazing Party and the Movie On the Mountain we do each year, bolsters the fact that this park is being used.”Big Spring, TXBrian McCormackStargazing Party planned SaturdayBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9153Change0Usable2013-06-14T18:47:19-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91522013-06-14T18:43:44-04:002013-06-14T18:43:44-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring HeraldThe conference is a multi-county effort involving the AgriLife Extension offices in Glasscock, Upton, Reagan, Howard, Martin and Midland counties.“We have a fine slate of speakers coming who will present ranch-related information covering a wide array of topics pertinent to ranching in Far West Texas,” said Rebel Royall, AgriLife Extension agent in Glasscock County. “The AgriLife Extension agents planned the program based on needs from our local planning committees who share a common thread across our area, so that’s what’s being presented.”The morning session will deal with legislative water updates, the Earth Partners-Conservation Biomass, range management/wildfire prevention and Dow range herbicide products.The afternoon program will include presentations on Heart Brand Meats, drought management, Beef Quality Assurance and beef cattle health-related topics including vaccination programs, a live animal demonstration on chute-side protocol and de-worming.Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered — two general and one integrated pest management.Individual preregistration is $15 if received at the AgriLife Extension office in Glasscock County by June 18 and $25 thereafter. The fee includes the noon meal.For more information, contact Royall at 432-354-2381, r-royall@tamu.edu or the AgriLife Extension office in any of the participating counties.Big Spring, TXNo author availableRange conference coming to Big SpringBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9152Change0Usable2013-06-14T18:43:44-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:91482013-06-13T13:57:33-04:002013-06-13T13:57:33-04:00Copyright 2010 Big Spring HeraldRetired Texas Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin will serve as grand marshal of the event, set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22.“We are tickled to death to be able to honor some of our heros who have kept this country free,” said Quail Dobbs, parade coordinator. “We are indebted to him. And when we asked him, he said he was happy to do it.”Happy indeed.“I am very honored and humbled they selected me,” said Spurgin, who also serves as district conservationist with the National Resources Conservation Service. “I’m really looking forward to the parade. I appreciate the rodeo association selecting me for this honor.”Parade participants will line up at 11th and Main and make their way north on the divided street, circle the courthouse and come back south on Main to where they started. No, it won’t be going up Scurry this year, except for the one block stretch between Third and Fourth streets.Those planning to participate are asked to turn in a parade entry form to the Big Spring Herald, 710 Scurry, by noon Monday, June 17 so organizers can line up the various vehicles and four-legged animals.There will be awards presented in eight categories: float, riding club,custom/classic car, bicycle, tractor, antique car, antique tractor antique truck.Who’s eligible to participate?“Anyone at all can enter. The more the merrier,” said Dobbs.Entry forms are available in most issues of the Herald or at the Herald office.The Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo — in its 80th year — will be held June 20-22 at the Big Spring Rodeo Bowl. Gates open at 7 p.m. and the grand entry begins at 8. Spurgin, who recently spoke at Big Spring Memorial Day services, serves as committee chair for the Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He served more than 30 years in the Texas Army National Guard and the United States Army and commanded from the company level to division commander. He commanded the 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard from April 2009 to January 2012 and served as the Commanding General, United States Division-South (USD-S) in Basra, Iraq from January 2011 to September 2011 during Operation New Dawn. During this deployment, he was responsible for all combat and stability operations of U.S. forces in the southern nine provinces of Iraq.In his civilian career, he has served for more than 30 years with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. He is the district conservationist with the NRCS in Big Spring and has responsibility for supervision and management of a natural resources conservation team serving Howard, Mitchell, Nolan and Taylor counties. The team provides technical assistance to farmers and ranchers in the planning and application of conservation practices on cropland, pastureland and rangeland.Gen. Spurgin received his bachelor of science degree in animal science from Texas AHe and his wife Nancy reside in Big Spring.Big Spring, TXBy BILL McCLELLANRetired Maj. Gen. Spurgin named grand marshal for rodeo paradeBig Spring Heraldurn:publicid:dailypress.com:9148Change0Usable2013-06-13T13:57:33-04:00