Texas lawmakers look to quicken parole for youth offenders
AUSTIN (AP) — Lawmakers looking to shrink Texas’ prison population and costs are considering a bill that would allow some people convicted of committing serious crimes as minors to apply for parole in half the time they’re currently allowed. The bill sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Joe Moody, of El Paso, would allow people convicted…
Read MoreVHS One-Act Play advances to bi-district
The Vernon High School One-Act Play Company “The Book of Everything” advanced to compete at the bi-district level after winning first place at the district level during the district contest Saturday, March 9 at Wilbarger Auditorium. Brandon Goins, Lillian James and J.C. Freeman were named to the “All-Star Cast” while Eli Goodman and Ezekiel Walker…
Read More2 bills could help Texas landowners near transmission towers
HOUSTON (AP) — Two proposed bills could give Texas landowners more options should electric transmission towers be put up on or near their property. Republican Sen. Larry Taylor has introduced a bill that would require utilities to notify nearby homeowners and hold public hearings before making transmission upgrades. Republican Rep. Ed Thompson filed a bill…
Read MoreSupreme Court agrees to hear deadly DC sniper shootings case
By JESSICA GRESKO Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider Virginia’s plea to reinstate the life-without-parole sentence of a man who as a teenager participated in sniper shootings that terrorized the Washington, D.C., region in 2002. The justices said they will take up the state’s appeal in the case…
Read MoreNew Zealand’s darkest day: 36 minutes of terror
By NICK PERRY, KRISTEN GELINEAU and JULIET WILLIAMS Associated Press CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — On March 15, New Zealand changed. Some are calling it a loss of innocence, a reminder that distance doesn’t bring protection against violence. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has vowed to change gun laws and investigate what went wrong. This is…
Read MoreGunman kills 3 on Dutch tram, mayor says terror likely
By ALEKSANDAR FURTULA and MIKE CORDER Associated Press UTRECHT, Netherlands (AP) — A gunman killed three people and wounded nine others on a tram in the central Dutch city of Utrecht, sparking a manhunt that saw heavily armed officers with sniffer dogs zero in on an apartment building close to the shooting. Authorities immediately raised…
Read MoreSpringer’s bill would eliminate signature requirement for WGH board election
State Rep. Drew Springer introduced legislation last week that would change how candidates run for a seat on the board of directors of Wilbarger General Hospital. HB 2888 removes the provision requiring candidates for the Wilbarger Hospital Board to gather 100 signatures before being on the ballot. “Removing this requirement will reduce a barrier for…
Read MoreLady Lions win district opener, 1-0 in pitching duel
The Vernon Lady Lions (10-3-1, 1-0) opened 6-4A District play a few days later than planned, but they came away with a hard fought 1-0 win over the Burkburnett Lady Bulldogs (12-6, 0-1) on Friday night. Vernon pitcher Shay Williams struck out 12 and allowed just two hits and two walks in the complete game…
Read MoreLions run-rule Lawton High at Altus Tournament
Lawton High School in its first game of the Altus Tournament late Thursday night and defeated the Wolverines 10-1 in five innings. Ashton Durham pitched all five with two strikeouts. Two hits each were recorded by Tyler Reeves, Jacob Boatman and Joseph Boone, followed by one it each from Garrett Pierce, Marc Rodriguez, and Jace…
Read MoreMultiple sentences handed out last week in District Court
Two men and one woman were sentenced during proceedings of the 46th Judicial District Court of Wilbarger County this past week in Vernon. Maldonado Justin Lee Maldonado, 38, of Vernon, was sentenced to three years in prison following his plea of guilty to possession of a controlled substance. On October 7, 2017, Maldonado was stopped…
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