A Mineral Wells woman died early Wednesday at a Fort Worth hospital following a single-vehicle wreck Tuesday night west of Weatherford, according to reports.
Barbara Northrop, 52, died at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital, the Tarrant County medical examiner reported.
The wreck happened about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. 180, a few miles west of Weatherford, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Northrop was eastbound in 2009 Honda Civic that crossed into westbound lanes and struck a concrete culvert, reported Trooper Daniel K. Walker of the DPS highway patrol.
The scene of the wreck was in front of County Memorial Cemetery, near the intersection of U.S. 180 and Old Millsap Road.
Walker's report did not list any other people involved in the wreck.
Northrop was pronounced dead at 2:19 a.m. Wednesday at the hospital, the medical examiner reported.
Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/10/06/2525074/mineral-wells-woman-dies-following.html#ixzz11gPDN2Ld
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Toddler Killed in Houston Car Crash
A man who fled after he crashed his car on U.S. 59, killing a 4-year-old child and injuring four other passengers last weekend in southwest Houston surrendered to authorities after nearly a week on the run.
Raul Eulises Velasquez, 26, of Houston, is charged with causing an accident involving serious bodily injury or death in the wreck in the 6800 block of the Southwest Freeway on Saturday, according to Houston police
Police said Velasquez, 26, initially ran away after the crush, but surrendered to authorities Thursday. He is being held in the Harris County jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.
The crash killed Rolando Olvera and injured his 3-year-old brother and parents as well as another man, police said.
Police said Velasquez, an El Salvador native, was driving a green Honda Accord southbound on the freeway service road at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic when he lost control of the car and slammed into a pole.
He left immediately, abandoning his passengers, police said.
Roland died at the scene. The boy's parents, Elizabeth Diaz, 23, and Caesario Olvera, 21, were taken to Memorial Hermann Hosptial. His brother, Ernesto Olvera is recovering at Texas Children's Hospital.
The other passenger, Lambert Alvarado, was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition.
Raul Eulises Velasquez, 26, of Houston, is charged with causing an accident involving serious bodily injury or death in the wreck in the 6800 block of the Southwest Freeway on Saturday, according to Houston police
Police said Velasquez, 26, initially ran away after the crush, but surrendered to authorities Thursday. He is being held in the Harris County jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.
The crash killed Rolando Olvera and injured his 3-year-old brother and parents as well as another man, police said.
Police said Velasquez, an El Salvador native, was driving a green Honda Accord southbound on the freeway service road at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic when he lost control of the car and slammed into a pole.
He left immediately, abandoning his passengers, police said.
Roland died at the scene. The boy's parents, Elizabeth Diaz, 23, and Caesario Olvera, 21, were taken to Memorial Hermann Hosptial. His brother, Ernesto Olvera is recovering at Texas Children's Hospital.
The other passenger, Lambert Alvarado, was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition.
Two Killed in Weatherford Parker County Car Wreck
Two people have died in an early-morning two-vehicle wreck on the south side of Weatherford, police said.
It happened about 6:45 a.m. on Bethel Road, just south of Interstate 20. The area is near Weatherford High School.
The drivers of both vehicles were killed, police said. Their names, at 11:30 a.m., had not yet been released by the Tarrant County medical examiner's office.
One man, however, the driver of a white Chevrolet pickup, is believed to be in his late 60s, and a resident of Weatherford. He was traveling alone, northbound, on Bethel Road, police said.
Officials had not yet identified the driver of a black Chevrolet Tahoe, who was southbound on Bethel.
However, two passengers of the Tahoe were flown by helicopter to John Peter Smith hospital in Fort Worth. Both were conscious and speaking to first responders, police said.
The Tahoe and the pickup collided after the sports utility vehicle tried to pass a four-door car driven by an 86-year-old woman, who was unhurt, police said.
But the maneuver was attempted in a no-passing lane, police said.
The Tahoe went out of control and collided with the pickup, police said.
Bethel Road was shut down for about two miles from I-20 to Scarlett Road, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.
Traffic was being detoured onto Scarlett Road, then west to Dennis Road, which continues north into the city.
It happened about 6:45 a.m. on Bethel Road, just south of Interstate 20. The area is near Weatherford High School.
The drivers of both vehicles were killed, police said. Their names, at 11:30 a.m., had not yet been released by the Tarrant County medical examiner's office.
One man, however, the driver of a white Chevrolet pickup, is believed to be in his late 60s, and a resident of Weatherford. He was traveling alone, northbound, on Bethel Road, police said.
Officials had not yet identified the driver of a black Chevrolet Tahoe, who was southbound on Bethel.
However, two passengers of the Tahoe were flown by helicopter to John Peter Smith hospital in Fort Worth. Both were conscious and speaking to first responders, police said.
The Tahoe and the pickup collided after the sports utility vehicle tried to pass a four-door car driven by an 86-year-old woman, who was unhurt, police said.
But the maneuver was attempted in a no-passing lane, police said.
The Tahoe went out of control and collided with the pickup, police said.
Bethel Road was shut down for about two miles from I-20 to Scarlett Road, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.
Traffic was being detoured onto Scarlett Road, then west to Dennis Road, which continues north into the city.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Oil Rig Accident Louisiana Coast Kills and Injures
NEW ORLEANS — Rescuers searched waters off Louisiana's coast Wednesday after an explosion and fire on an offshore drilling platform left seven workers badly hurt and 11 missing.
Most of the 126 people were believed to have escaped safely after the explosion on the rig Deepwater Horizon at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike O'Berry said. The rig, about 52 miles southeast of Venice on Louisiana's tip, was listing about 10 degrees and still burning Wednesday morning.
"It's burning pretty good and there's no estimate on when the fire will be put out," O'Berry said.
Seven workers were reported critically injured, Coast Guard Lt. Sue Kerver said. Two were taken to a trauma center in Mobile, Ala., where there is a burn unit, but the nature of their injuries was unclear, she said. At least two were taken to a suburban New Orleans hospital.
O'Berry said many workers who escaped the rig were being brought to land on a workboat while authorities searched the Gulf of Mexico for any signs of lifeboats.
"We're hoping everyone's in a life raft," he said.
The rig was drilling but was not in production, according to Greg Panagos, spokesman for its owner, Transocean Ltd., in Houston. The rig was under contract to BP PLC. BP spokesman Darren Beaudo said all BP personnel were safe but he didn't know how many BP workers had been on the rig.
Kerver said the Coast Guard and the Minerals Management Service will work together to investigate possible causes of the accident.
"It's still too early to tell the cause," Panagos said. "Our focus right now is on taking care of the people."
O'Berry said Coast Guard environmental teams were on standby in Morgan City, La., to assess any environmental damage once the fire was out.
According to Transocean's website, the Deepwater Horizon is 396 feet long and 256 feet wide. The semi-submersible rig was built in 2001 by Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard in South Korea. The site is known as the Macondo prospect, in 5,000 feet of water.
The rig is designed to operate in water depths up to 8,000 feet and has a maximum drill depth of about 5.5 miles. It can accommodate a crew of up to 130.
A semi-submersible rig is floated to a drilling site. It has pontoons and a column that submerge when flooded with seawater. The rig doesn't touch the sea floor, but sits low with a large portion of the structure under water. It is moored by several large anchors.
The Coast Guard said a next-of-kin hot line has been set up.
Most of the 126 people were believed to have escaped safely after the explosion on the rig Deepwater Horizon at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike O'Berry said. The rig, about 52 miles southeast of Venice on Louisiana's tip, was listing about 10 degrees and still burning Wednesday morning.
"It's burning pretty good and there's no estimate on when the fire will be put out," O'Berry said.
Seven workers were reported critically injured, Coast Guard Lt. Sue Kerver said. Two were taken to a trauma center in Mobile, Ala., where there is a burn unit, but the nature of their injuries was unclear, she said. At least two were taken to a suburban New Orleans hospital.
O'Berry said many workers who escaped the rig were being brought to land on a workboat while authorities searched the Gulf of Mexico for any signs of lifeboats.
"We're hoping everyone's in a life raft," he said.
The rig was drilling but was not in production, according to Greg Panagos, spokesman for its owner, Transocean Ltd., in Houston. The rig was under contract to BP PLC. BP spokesman Darren Beaudo said all BP personnel were safe but he didn't know how many BP workers had been on the rig.
Kerver said the Coast Guard and the Minerals Management Service will work together to investigate possible causes of the accident.
"It's still too early to tell the cause," Panagos said. "Our focus right now is on taking care of the people."
O'Berry said Coast Guard environmental teams were on standby in Morgan City, La., to assess any environmental damage once the fire was out.
According to Transocean's website, the Deepwater Horizon is 396 feet long and 256 feet wide. The semi-submersible rig was built in 2001 by Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard in South Korea. The site is known as the Macondo prospect, in 5,000 feet of water.
The rig is designed to operate in water depths up to 8,000 feet and has a maximum drill depth of about 5.5 miles. It can accommodate a crew of up to 130.
A semi-submersible rig is floated to a drilling site. It has pontoons and a column that submerge when flooded with seawater. The rig doesn't touch the sea floor, but sits low with a large portion of the structure under water. It is moored by several large anchors.
The Coast Guard said a next-of-kin hot line has been set up.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Toyota's Problems Continue regarding potentially Defective Cars
Residents of an apartment building in northeast Dallas were without homes late Wednesday when flames swept the two-story structure.
The fire was reported at 8:45 p.m. at the Knob Oaks Apartments, 9170 Forest Lane, said Jason Evans, spokesman for Dallas Fire-Rescue.
"When firefighters first arrived, they could see lots of fire coming from the first floor," Evans said. "They initially moved in for an offensive attack, but when the fire began to breach the roof, they put a third alarm on it and positioned themselves defensively."
One person who was treated for minor smoke inhalation declined to go to the hospital, Evans said. No other injuries were reported.
The number of people displaced by the fire was unclear late Wednesday, but all eight units in the building were "uninhabitable," Evans said. The American Red Cross, he added, was summoned to help the people.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation Thursday.
The fire was reported at 8:45 p.m. at the Knob Oaks Apartments, 9170 Forest Lane, said Jason Evans, spokesman for Dallas Fire-Rescue.
"When firefighters first arrived, they could see lots of fire coming from the first floor," Evans said. "They initially moved in for an offensive attack, but when the fire began to breach the roof, they put a third alarm on it and positioned themselves defensively."
One person who was treated for minor smoke inhalation declined to go to the hospital, Evans said. No other injuries were reported.
The number of people displaced by the fire was unclear late Wednesday, but all eight units in the building were "uninhabitable," Evans said. The American Red Cross, he added, was summoned to help the people.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation Thursday.
Fire at Apartment Complex
Residents of an apartment building in northeast Dallas were without homes late Wednesday when flames swept the two-story structure.
The fire was reported at 8:45 p.m. at the Knob Oaks Apartments, 9170 Forest Lane, said Jason Evans, spokesman for Dallas Fire-Rescue.
"When firefighters first arrived, they could see lots of fire coming from the first floor," Evans said. "They initially moved in for an offensive attack, but when the fire began to breach the roof, they put a third alarm on it and positioned themselves defensively."
One person who was treated for minor smoke inhalation declined to go to the hospital, Evans said. No other injuries were reported.
The number of people displaced by the fire was unclear late Wednesday, but all eight units in the building were "uninhabitable," Evans said. The American Red Cross, he added, was summoned to help the people.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation Thursday.
The fire was reported at 8:45 p.m. at the Knob Oaks Apartments, 9170 Forest Lane, said Jason Evans, spokesman for Dallas Fire-Rescue.
"When firefighters first arrived, they could see lots of fire coming from the first floor," Evans said. "They initially moved in for an offensive attack, but when the fire began to breach the roof, they put a third alarm on it and positioned themselves defensively."
One person who was treated for minor smoke inhalation declined to go to the hospital, Evans said. No other injuries were reported.
The number of people displaced by the fire was unclear late Wednesday, but all eight units in the building were "uninhabitable," Evans said. The American Red Cross, he added, was summoned to help the people.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation Thursday.
Lawyer Sentenced in Austin Travis County for Lewd Gesture
AUSTIN — An Austin defense attorney serving 90 days for making a lewd gesture in court will not spend the entire time in jail.
Adam Reposa will be released Feb. 12 and allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence at home and as part of a work release program.
Senior State District Judge Paul Davis on Wednesday also ordered Reposa to attend all medical appointments with his pregnant girlfriend.
Several judges testified as character witnesses for Reposa, condemning his March 2008 gesture simulating masturbation before County Court-at-Law Judge Jan Breland while representing a client. Breland found Reposa in contempt of court, a finding that Davis affirmed.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected appeals for Reposa.
Reposa, who said the gesture was meant toward a prosecutor, reported to jail Tuesday.
Adam Reposa will be released Feb. 12 and allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence at home and as part of a work release program.
Senior State District Judge Paul Davis on Wednesday also ordered Reposa to attend all medical appointments with his pregnant girlfriend.
Several judges testified as character witnesses for Reposa, condemning his March 2008 gesture simulating masturbation before County Court-at-Law Judge Jan Breland while representing a client. Breland found Reposa in contempt of court, a finding that Davis affirmed.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected appeals for Reposa.
Reposa, who said the gesture was meant toward a prosecutor, reported to jail Tuesday.
One Killed, One Injured in Williamson County Austin Texas Car Wreck
One man was killed and another person was injured in a head-on collision early this morning on Texas 29 on mile west of Liberty Hill in Williamson County.
Casey Armendariz, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 2 a.m. crash, a spokeswoman with the Department of Public Safety said today.
Gabrielle Marie Urton, 21, was driving east on the highway when he crossed into westbound traffic for unknown reasons and struck a car Armendariz was a passenger in, the spokeswoman said.
Urton was taken to Seton Medical Center Williamson with cuts on his face, the official said. The driver of the other car, whom officials did not identify, had no major injuries, she said.
All involved in the crash were wearing seat belts, the spokeswoman said.
Casey Armendariz, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 2 a.m. crash, a spokeswoman with the Department of Public Safety said today.
Gabrielle Marie Urton, 21, was driving east on the highway when he crossed into westbound traffic for unknown reasons and struck a car Armendariz was a passenger in, the spokeswoman said.
Urton was taken to Seton Medical Center Williamson with cuts on his face, the official said. The driver of the other car, whom officials did not identify, had no major injuries, she said.
All involved in the crash were wearing seat belts, the spokeswoman said.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Lewisville Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident Wreck
A 22-year-old Lewisville man died Thursday night after he crashed his motorcycle into a SUV at a high rate of speed, police said.
The crash occurred in a residential neighborhood just west of the Vista Ridge mall, police said.
Craig Bishop was pronounced dead at Medical Center of Lewisville shortly after the 7:30 p.m. crash. A female passenger on the motorcycle was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, where she is being treated for broken bones and internal injuries, a Lewisville police spokesman said Friday.
According to police, Bishop was southbound in the 2700 block of Rockbrook Drive when he struck the driver’s side door of a Nissan Pathfinder at the intersection with Crestview Point. The SUV was attempting to turn left from Crestview onto northbound Rockbrook Drive, police said.
Though the crash was still under investigation Friday morning, witnesses said the motorcycle was traveling at a high-rate of speed just before the collision.
Four occupants of the Nissan were taken to Medical Center of Lewisville for precautionary reasons, police said.
The crash occurred in a residential neighborhood just west of the Vista Ridge mall, police said.
Craig Bishop was pronounced dead at Medical Center of Lewisville shortly after the 7:30 p.m. crash. A female passenger on the motorcycle was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, where she is being treated for broken bones and internal injuries, a Lewisville police spokesman said Friday.
According to police, Bishop was southbound in the 2700 block of Rockbrook Drive when he struck the driver’s side door of a Nissan Pathfinder at the intersection with Crestview Point. The SUV was attempting to turn left from Crestview onto northbound Rockbrook Drive, police said.
Though the crash was still under investigation Friday morning, witnesses said the motorcycle was traveling at a high-rate of speed just before the collision.
Four occupants of the Nissan were taken to Medical Center of Lewisville for precautionary reasons, police said.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Chupacabra?
Possible chupacabra carcass sparks intrigue
An unidentified animal that some say may be the legendary chupacabra — a mysterious animal that roams rural areas of Mexico and Texas and sucks the blood from livestock — was found last week in Runaway Bay. Whatever it is — mongrel dog? Hairless raccoon? — it’s lighting up news Web sites and social media. According to reports, a worker at Runaway Bay Golf Course found the creepy carcass and took it to a biologist in nearby Bridgeport, and she reportedly had no idea what it was.
An unidentified animal that some say may be the legendary chupacabra — a mysterious animal that roams rural areas of Mexico and Texas and sucks the blood from livestock — was found last week in Runaway Bay. Whatever it is — mongrel dog? Hairless raccoon? — it’s lighting up news Web sites and social media. According to reports, a worker at Runaway Bay Golf Course found the creepy carcass and took it to a biologist in nearby Bridgeport, and she reportedly had no idea what it was.
Woman Dead After Johnson County Cleburne Wreck
A 68-year-old Garland woman died Monday after her 2001 Honda collided head-on with a tractor-trailer on U.S. 67 in Cleburne, police said. Her name was being withheld Monday pending notification of relatives. About 11:15 a.m., the woman was southbound on U.S. 67 — a two-lane highway with no divider — near Farm Road 4 when she veered into northbound traffic, police said. She was flown to a hospital, where she died. The truck driver, a 50-year-old Cleburne man, was taken by private vehicle to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Floor Mats Ruled Not To Be Cause of Fatal Wreck
Defective floor mats did not contribute to the Dec. 26 wreck in Southlake that killed four people who were conducting religious work in the area, a police spokesman said.
They drowned when a 2008 Toyota Avalon crashed through a metal fence and then landed in a pond near Lonesome Dove Road and Burney Lane, police have said.
Officers have not yet determined why the car suddenly sped out of control.
Toyota last year recalled the Avalon and other models because of concerns about the gas pedal getting stuck on the floor mat, causing sudden acceleration.
But Lt. Ben Brown, a Southlake police spokesman, said Wednesday that investigators have ruled out the floor mats because they were not inside the car.
"The accident investigators advised me yesterday that they found floor mats in the trunk of the vehicle," Brown said. "So, that rules out the safety recall.
"But that's all we know."
Brown said the investigation was continuing into other possibilities, including a different mechanical defect or driver error, but nothing specific had been determined by Wednesday.
He noted that investigators were consulting with officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get information on other similar accidents.
Investigators had also hoped to get information from a computer inside the Avalon -- called an "event data recorder" or EDR -- which might show the car's acceleration, speed and braking prior to the crash.
On Wednesday, however, Brown had no updates on that part of the investigation.
The victims were Monty Hardy, 56, of Southlake, the driver; Hadassah Vance, 35, of Euless; Wendy Akion, 38, of Irving; and Sharon Ransom, 56, of Grapevine.
A spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses in North Texas confirmed that they all attended Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3408 Hall-Johnson Road in Grapevine, and were doing service work for the church when the wreck happened.
They drowned when a 2008 Toyota Avalon crashed through a metal fence and then landed in a pond near Lonesome Dove Road and Burney Lane, police have said.
Officers have not yet determined why the car suddenly sped out of control.
Toyota last year recalled the Avalon and other models because of concerns about the gas pedal getting stuck on the floor mat, causing sudden acceleration.
But Lt. Ben Brown, a Southlake police spokesman, said Wednesday that investigators have ruled out the floor mats because they were not inside the car.
"The accident investigators advised me yesterday that they found floor mats in the trunk of the vehicle," Brown said. "So, that rules out the safety recall.
"But that's all we know."
Brown said the investigation was continuing into other possibilities, including a different mechanical defect or driver error, but nothing specific had been determined by Wednesday.
He noted that investigators were consulting with officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get information on other similar accidents.
Investigators had also hoped to get information from a computer inside the Avalon -- called an "event data recorder" or EDR -- which might show the car's acceleration, speed and braking prior to the crash.
On Wednesday, however, Brown had no updates on that part of the investigation.
The victims were Monty Hardy, 56, of Southlake, the driver; Hadassah Vance, 35, of Euless; Wendy Akion, 38, of Irving; and Sharon Ransom, 56, of Grapevine.
A spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses in North Texas confirmed that they all attended Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3408 Hall-Johnson Road in Grapevine, and were doing service work for the church when the wreck happened.
Monday, December 14, 2009
One Man Killed in Arlington
A 30-year-old Benbrook man was killed early Sunday morning after his small sports utility vehicle crashed into a barrier on a bridge on North Collins Street and fell into a creekbed, police said.
A construction worker found Oscar Saenz's body inside a 2008 Nissan Rogue in a dry creekbed below Collins Street in far north Arlington at about 9 a.m. Sunday. Witnesses last saw Saenz leaving a nightclub, just north of the wreck, seven hours earlier, police said.
Saenz was driving south in the northbound lanes of North Collins, just south of Brown Boulevard, when he struck a concrete barrier that is connected to a bridge, said Arlington police spokeswoman Tiara Ellis Richard.
His vehicle then went off the bridge and landed below Collins Street, Richard said.
Pending toxicology results will determine if alcohol played a role in the death, Richard said.
This is the 30th traffic fatality in Arlington this year and nearly half of them involved drugs or alcohol, according to Arlington police.
A construction worker found Oscar Saenz's body inside a 2008 Nissan Rogue in a dry creekbed below Collins Street in far north Arlington at about 9 a.m. Sunday. Witnesses last saw Saenz leaving a nightclub, just north of the wreck, seven hours earlier, police said.
Saenz was driving south in the northbound lanes of North Collins, just south of Brown Boulevard, when he struck a concrete barrier that is connected to a bridge, said Arlington police spokeswoman Tiara Ellis Richard.
His vehicle then went off the bridge and landed below Collins Street, Richard said.
Pending toxicology results will determine if alcohol played a role in the death, Richard said.
This is the 30th traffic fatality in Arlington this year and nearly half of them involved drugs or alcohol, according to Arlington police.
Kinky Not Seeking Top Spot
After more than a year of planning a second run for the Governor's Mansion, humorist Kinky Friedman has dropped out of the governor's race today.
Friedman plans to run for agriculture commissioner instead, the same decision made earlier this month by East Texas rancher Hank Gilbert.
Friedman announced the decision after weekend meetings with the two other candidates in the governor's race: Houston Mayor Bill White and haircare magnate Farouk Shami.
"This has never been about me; this has always been about what is best for the people of Texas and the Democratic Party," Friedman said in a press release. "After my visit with Bill my mind was made up. There is a clear alternative for the people of Texas, and today I'm changing courses with a happy heart. I've determined that the best way that I can help the ticket and serve Texas families is by switching to the Ag Commissioner's race. Former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Jim Hightower explained how much the office does and how much potential there is to do more."
From Friedman's release, he said he plans "to focus on revamping the position of Agriculture Commissioner to increase the number of farmer co-ops, improve production of biofuels and bioenergy, expand the market for Texas agriculture products, and solidify the future of Texas agriculture through numerous programs, including a doubling of the cap for the Young Farmer Loan Program and defending farmers against eminent domain."
Friedman said he also plans to set up at least one animal rescue facility in each county.
"We're going to shake things up and show folks what the office can be if you have someone there who actually cares about the job," Friedman said.
Friedman has worked in recent months to convince Democrats he is one of them despite running for governor in 2006 as an independent.
Friedman plans to run for agriculture commissioner instead, the same decision made earlier this month by East Texas rancher Hank Gilbert.
Friedman announced the decision after weekend meetings with the two other candidates in the governor's race: Houston Mayor Bill White and haircare magnate Farouk Shami.
"This has never been about me; this has always been about what is best for the people of Texas and the Democratic Party," Friedman said in a press release. "After my visit with Bill my mind was made up. There is a clear alternative for the people of Texas, and today I'm changing courses with a happy heart. I've determined that the best way that I can help the ticket and serve Texas families is by switching to the Ag Commissioner's race. Former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Jim Hightower explained how much the office does and how much potential there is to do more."
From Friedman's release, he said he plans "to focus on revamping the position of Agriculture Commissioner to increase the number of farmer co-ops, improve production of biofuels and bioenergy, expand the market for Texas agriculture products, and solidify the future of Texas agriculture through numerous programs, including a doubling of the cap for the Young Farmer Loan Program and defending farmers against eminent domain."
Friedman said he also plans to set up at least one animal rescue facility in each county.
"We're going to shake things up and show folks what the office can be if you have someone there who actually cares about the job," Friedman said.
Friedman has worked in recent months to convince Democrats he is one of them despite running for governor in 2006 as an independent.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Workers Injured at Stadium
ARLINGTON -- Two workers were injured at Cowboys Stadium on Thursday morning when they fell from the roof to a lower level, said Tiara Richard Ellis, Arlington police spokeswoman.
An Arlington Fire Department spokesman said the men were doing maintenance on the top hatch of the stadium when they slipped.
He said the workers were not wearing safety harnesses and described their injuries as severe.
The accident happened about 7 a.m., fire officials said.
The men fell an estimated 50 to 75 feet, officials said. The injuries included broken bones, said Don Crowson, Arlington assistant fire chief. But the accident could have been much worse -- the roof rises some 300 feet above the ground.
"It's a cold morning. There was ice on the roof. It's a very dangerous and slippery environment up there," Crowson said. "They were lucky they hit the bottom of the roof and didn't fall off."
The most-seriously injured man was transported to a hospital by air ambulance about 8:50 a.m.
Members of the Arlington Fire Department's technical rescue team could be seen on the top of the stadium during the rescue operation.
"Every rescue is dangerous for firefighters. It's a dangerous environment up there but our people are well trained. They used safety equipment to keep themselves and the patients safe," Crowson said.
Crowson said the men were lowered from where they fell.
Officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said investigators were at the stadium Thursday morning looking into the incident.
The stadium, which opened for the 2009 season, has had its share of accidents, including one fatality. An electrician was killed in June 2008 when he touched a high-voltage line.
Since work began on the $1.1 billion stadium project in April 2006, 175 incidents had been reported through May 2008, an official with general contractor Manhattan Construction said last year.
Those incidents included minor scratches, broken bones, and eye irritation.
Manhattan initiated new safety procedures in May 2008 after a sharp increase in the accidents. The company was in a partnership with OSHA to provide extra safety training for employees.
OSHA investigated two previous major accidents at the site. In January 2007, a worker fell through a hole, and the contractor, Capform, was fined $10,000.
Later that year, a man was hit in the back with a crane hook. OSHA found no violations but issued the employer, also Capform, a warning letter.
Staff writer Susan Schrock contributed to this report, which contains material from the Star-Telegram archives.
An Arlington Fire Department spokesman said the men were doing maintenance on the top hatch of the stadium when they slipped.
He said the workers were not wearing safety harnesses and described their injuries as severe.
The accident happened about 7 a.m., fire officials said.
The men fell an estimated 50 to 75 feet, officials said. The injuries included broken bones, said Don Crowson, Arlington assistant fire chief. But the accident could have been much worse -- the roof rises some 300 feet above the ground.
"It's a cold morning. There was ice on the roof. It's a very dangerous and slippery environment up there," Crowson said. "They were lucky they hit the bottom of the roof and didn't fall off."
The most-seriously injured man was transported to a hospital by air ambulance about 8:50 a.m.
Members of the Arlington Fire Department's technical rescue team could be seen on the top of the stadium during the rescue operation.
"Every rescue is dangerous for firefighters. It's a dangerous environment up there but our people are well trained. They used safety equipment to keep themselves and the patients safe," Crowson said.
Crowson said the men were lowered from where they fell.
Officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said investigators were at the stadium Thursday morning looking into the incident.
The stadium, which opened for the 2009 season, has had its share of accidents, including one fatality. An electrician was killed in June 2008 when he touched a high-voltage line.
Since work began on the $1.1 billion stadium project in April 2006, 175 incidents had been reported through May 2008, an official with general contractor Manhattan Construction said last year.
Those incidents included minor scratches, broken bones, and eye irritation.
Manhattan initiated new safety procedures in May 2008 after a sharp increase in the accidents. The company was in a partnership with OSHA to provide extra safety training for employees.
OSHA investigated two previous major accidents at the site. In January 2007, a worker fell through a hole, and the contractor, Capform, was fined $10,000.
Later that year, a man was hit in the back with a crane hook. OSHA found no violations but issued the employer, also Capform, a warning letter.
Staff writer Susan Schrock contributed to this report, which contains material from the Star-Telegram archives.
Monday, November 30, 2009
One Dead in Houston Wreck
One person died in a traffic wreck over the weekend in northwest Harris County.
The crash occurred in the 10500 block of Woodedge about 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators said the person, who has not been identified, was traveling eastbound on Woodedge, lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a concrete culvert. Then the vehicle rolled over and smashed into a tree.
The crash occurred in the 10500 block of Woodedge about 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators said the person, who has not been identified, was traveling eastbound on Woodedge, lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a concrete culvert. Then the vehicle rolled over and smashed into a tree.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Car Wreck Kills One in Grapevine Northeast Tarrant County
A woman died early Friday in a single-vehicle wreck on Texas 121 in Grapevine, just north of D/FW Airport, police said.
Her name and age were unavailable Friday morning because officials wanted to make sure her family had been notified first, said Lt. Todd Dearing, police spokesman.
Police and firefighters responded at 1:30 a.m. to the wreck on the highway, just prior to the exit to Interstate 635, also called the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway.
The woman was driving a 1997 Jeep Cherokee with two men as passengers, Dearing said in a news release.
The Cherokee, Dearing said, "left the right side of the roadway prior to the IH 635 exit. (It) rolled multiple times down an embankment, coming to rest in a tree line."
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, Dearing said.
The two passengers, he said, were taken by ambulance to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, where they were being treated Friday morning. Their medical conditions were unavailable Friday morning.
Meanwhile, the wreck was still under investigation Friday, Dearing said.
Stephens, Anderson & Cummings, LLP Attorneys Fort Worth Texas Personal Injury
Her name and age were unavailable Friday morning because officials wanted to make sure her family had been notified first, said Lt. Todd Dearing, police spokesman.
Police and firefighters responded at 1:30 a.m. to the wreck on the highway, just prior to the exit to Interstate 635, also called the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway.
The woman was driving a 1997 Jeep Cherokee with two men as passengers, Dearing said in a news release.
The Cherokee, Dearing said, "left the right side of the roadway prior to the IH 635 exit. (It) rolled multiple times down an embankment, coming to rest in a tree line."
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, Dearing said.
The two passengers, he said, were taken by ambulance to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, where they were being treated Friday morning. Their medical conditions were unavailable Friday morning.
Meanwhile, the wreck was still under investigation Friday, Dearing said.
Stephens, Anderson & Cummings, LLP Attorneys Fort Worth Texas Personal Injury
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Two Killed in Weatherford (Parker County) Car Wreck
A teenage girl was killed Tuesday in a two-vehicle wreck south of Weatherford that also killed a Colorado man, officials said.
Sarah Jennifer-Lynn Brinkmann, 17, of Weatherford, was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, which was reported shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday on Farm Road 51, according to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety highway patrol.
Also pronounced dead at the scene was Keith Defoe, 65, of Pueblo, Colo., the DPS said. His wife, Marcella Defoe, 67, was taken to Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth hospital with neck and back injuries, the DPS said.
The wreck happened about a mile south of Weatherford as Brinkmann traveled north on FM 51 in a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, according to the DPS report.
The Defoes were southbound in a 2000 Chevrolet Astro Van. But as the two vehicles started to pass each other, the Lumina swerved left into the van, the DPS said.
The collision left the Lumina facing south on the road and the van landed in a ditch on the west side of the road, the DPS said.
Brinkmann and the Defoes were wearing seat belts, the DPS said.
Marcella Defoe was listed in fair condition Wednesday morning at Harris, a hospital spokeswoman said.
No other information was immediately available Wednesday morning.
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Sarah Jennifer-Lynn Brinkmann, 17, of Weatherford, was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, which was reported shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday on Farm Road 51, according to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety highway patrol.
Also pronounced dead at the scene was Keith Defoe, 65, of Pueblo, Colo., the DPS said. His wife, Marcella Defoe, 67, was taken to Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth hospital with neck and back injuries, the DPS said.
The wreck happened about a mile south of Weatherford as Brinkmann traveled north on FM 51 in a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, according to the DPS report.
The Defoes were southbound in a 2000 Chevrolet Astro Van. But as the two vehicles started to pass each other, the Lumina swerved left into the van, the DPS said.
The collision left the Lumina facing south on the road and the van landed in a ditch on the west side of the road, the DPS said.
Brinkmann and the Defoes were wearing seat belts, the DPS said.
Marcella Defoe was listed in fair condition Wednesday morning at Harris, a hospital spokeswoman said.
No other information was immediately available Wednesday morning.
Stephens, Anderson & Cummings Fort Worth Personal Injury Wrongful Death Lawyers Attorneys
Monday, November 16, 2009
One Dead in Arlington Tarrant County Car Crash
Arlington police are investigating a late-night fatal wreck Sunday that involved at least two vehicles at Interstate 20 and Green Oaks Boulevard.
The Tarrant County medical examiner's office had yet to identify the victim early Monday morning.
A second person was injured and was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, police said.
The wreck occurred in the eastbound lanes of I-20 shortly after 10:30 p.m. Sunday, police said.
Check back for more details.
The Tarrant County medical examiner's office had yet to identify the victim early Monday morning.
A second person was injured and was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, police said.
The wreck occurred in the eastbound lanes of I-20 shortly after 10:30 p.m. Sunday, police said.
Check back for more details.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Recall
WASHINGTON (AP) -- About a million Maclaren strollers sold by Target and Babies "R" Us were recalled Monday, after 12 reports of children having their fingertips amputated by a hinge mechanism.
The recall includes all nine models of single and double umbrella Maclaren strollers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced the recall after an investigation.
The amputation risk occurs when a child's finger is placed in the hinge mechanism of a stroller while it is being unfolded. When the opened stroller locks into place, it can cut off the tip of the child's finger.
The recall includes the following stroller models: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller. They have been sold at Babies "R" Us, Target and other stores around the country since 1999. Prices for the strollers ranged from $100 to $360.
The company is offering free hinge covers to prevent future incidents. The covers should not be removed unless the stroller is being cleaned, according to the CPSC.
"Our message to parents, grandparents and all caregivers is to make sure that you stop using these strollers until you get the repair kit, which zips the covers in place," said CPSC spokeswoman Patty Davis.
The strollers were manufactured in China and distributed by Maclaren USA Inc of South Norwalk, Conn.
The company could not immediately be reached by phone for comment and its Web site was offline.
The recall includes all nine models of single and double umbrella Maclaren strollers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced the recall after an investigation.
The amputation risk occurs when a child's finger is placed in the hinge mechanism of a stroller while it is being unfolded. When the opened stroller locks into place, it can cut off the tip of the child's finger.
The recall includes the following stroller models: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller. They have been sold at Babies "R" Us, Target and other stores around the country since 1999. Prices for the strollers ranged from $100 to $360.
The company is offering free hinge covers to prevent future incidents. The covers should not be removed unless the stroller is being cleaned, according to the CPSC.
"Our message to parents, grandparents and all caregivers is to make sure that you stop using these strollers until you get the repair kit, which zips the covers in place," said CPSC spokeswoman Patty Davis.
The strollers were manufactured in China and distributed by Maclaren USA Inc of South Norwalk, Conn.
The company could not immediately be reached by phone for comment and its Web site was offline.
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