Front Page News
Courthouse evacuated, searched, after threat of three bombs
by Michael Dillin-Managing Editor
(Posted Tue 03:30 pm)
The Limestone County Courthouse was evacuated and searched room-to-room for two hours Thursday after someone called the Limestone County Sheriff's Office and said three bombs had been planted there. Sheriff's deputies, Texas State Troopers and Groesbeck police cordoned off the streets around the Courthouse as the search was conducted. (Michael Dillin photo) GROESBECK -- The Limestone County Courthouse was evacuated Thursday after a person called 9-1-1 to say three bombs had been placed inside.
The Limestone County Sheriff's Office, aided by other law enforcement agencies, conducted a room-to-room search for more than two hours before giving the all-clear for employees and the public to return.
"Our dispatcher got a call from an individual who said three bombs were planted and they were set to go off at any time," Sheriff Dennis Wilson said. "We went from top to bottom, checking every office, every room, closet and every restroom."
Wilson More
by Michael Dillin-Managing Editor
(Posted Tue 03:30 pm)
The Limestone County Courthouse was evacuated and searched room-to-room for two hours Thursday after someone called the Limestone County Sheriff's Office and said three bombs had been planted there. Sheriff's deputies, Texas State Troopers and Groesbeck police cordoned off the streets around the Courthouse as the search was conducted. (Michael Dillin photo) GROESBECK -- The Limestone County Courthouse was evacuated Thursday after a person called 9-1-1 to say three bombs had been placed inside.
The Limestone County Sheriff's Office, aided by other law enforcement agencies, conducted a room-to-room search for more than two hours before giving the all-clear for employees and the public to return.
"Our dispatcher got a call from an individual who said three bombs were planted and they were set to go off at any time," Sheriff Dennis Wilson said. "We went from top to bottom, checking every office, every room, closet and every restroom."
Wilson More
Prosecutor arrested for porn
by Michael Dillin
(Posted Tue 03:28 pm)
Donald Vaughn Phillips
by Michael Dillin
(Posted Tue 03:28 pm)
Donald Vaughn Phillips
Limestone County Assistant District Attorney Donald Vaughn Phillips was arrested Tuesday night on a charge of possession or promotion of child pornography. It's a third degree felony.
As a result, Phillips was fired Wednesday by his boss, Limestone County District Attorney Roy DeFriend, who called Phillips "a talented, hard-working and experienced prosecutor."
"I cannot continue to employ a person who I believe, based on the available information,has committed reprehensible and unlawful acts," DeFriend said Thursday. "To say that I am shocked would be an understatement."
The investigation of Phillips was spearheaded by the Office of More
As a result, Phillips was fired Wednesday by his boss, Limestone County District Attorney Roy DeFriend, who called Phillips "a talented, hard-working and experienced prosecutor."
"I cannot continue to employ a person who I believe, based on the available information,has committed reprehensible and unlawful acts," DeFriend said Thursday. "To say that I am shocked would be an understatement."
The investigation of Phillips was spearheaded by the Office of More
Plugging the leaks
by Michael Dillin-Managing Editor
(Posted Tue 02:59 pm)
Workers take on the daunting task of making repairs around the dome on top of Mexia City Hall -- no job for the faint at heart when you're 40 feet above the ground. The repairs, by workers from Parsons Roofing out of Waco, are aimed at trying to stop leaks that have caused considerable damage inside the aging structure. The job is supposed to take 3-4 days. Photo by Roy Castillo They're on top of things at Mexia City Hall.
If you were driving down McKinney Street this week, you might have looked up and wondered: what are these people doing on top of the building around the dome?
The answer is pretty simple. A work crew, at a dizzying height of 40 feet (dizzying if you're afraid of heights), was trying to perform stopgap measures to fix the roof of the semi-historic building that was constructed 83 years ago -- in 1927.
"We're trying to make it water-tight and stop the leaks," said Roy Castillo of Parsons More
by Michael Dillin-Managing Editor
(Posted Tue 02:59 pm)
Workers take on the daunting task of making repairs around the dome on top of Mexia City Hall -- no job for the faint at heart when you're 40 feet above the ground. The repairs, by workers from Parsons Roofing out of Waco, are aimed at trying to stop leaks that have caused considerable damage inside the aging structure. The job is supposed to take 3-4 days. Photo by Roy Castillo They're on top of things at Mexia City Hall.
If you were driving down McKinney Street this week, you might have looked up and wondered: what are these people doing on top of the building around the dome?
The answer is pretty simple. A work crew, at a dizzying height of 40 feet (dizzying if you're afraid of heights), was trying to perform stopgap measures to fix the roof of the semi-historic building that was constructed 83 years ago -- in 1927.
"We're trying to make it water-tight and stop the leaks," said Roy Castillo of Parsons More
Ice Cream now, football later
(Posted Tue 11:57 am)
Mexia football players are served ice cream by the cheerleading squad at the Meet the Blackcats gathering Friday night at the Mexia High School football field. The Blackcats open their season August 27 at home against China Spring.
TJ Maxwell photo
(Posted Tue 11:57 am)
Mexia football players are served ice cream by the cheerleading squad at the Meet the Blackcats gathering Friday night at the Mexia High School football field. The Blackcats open their season August 27 at home against China Spring.
TJ Maxwell photo
Local News
Mexia Tax Rate Sees Small Change
(Posted Wed)
The City of Mexia tax rate increase for fiscal-year 2010-2011 is minimal.
By law, the budget, following official presentation to the City Council, must sit for 90 days on the desk of City Secretary Christi Shivers before it can be adopted. Presentation of the proposed budget came at Tuesday afternoon's Council meeting. Adoption is anticipated at the regularly-scheduled September meeting.
"The increase in the proposed new tax rate will bring just pennies in the increase," says Shivers. The new rate is to be $0.7244 per $100 valuation, up by just .05 percent from last year's rate More
(Posted Wed)
The City of Mexia tax rate increase for fiscal-year 2010-2011 is minimal.
By law, the budget, following official presentation to the City Council, must sit for 90 days on the desk of City Secretary Christi Shivers before it can be adopted. Presentation of the proposed budget came at Tuesday afternoon's Council meeting. Adoption is anticipated at the regularly-scheduled September meeting.
"The increase in the proposed new tax rate will bring just pennies in the increase," says Shivers. The new rate is to be $0.7244 per $100 valuation, up by just .05 percent from last year's rate More
Children hurt in ATV accident
by Mexia News Staff
(Posted Tue 03:29 pm)
Two children were injured in an accident on private property near Groesbeck on Thursday after the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) they were riding rolled over onto them.
According to Capt. Chris Henson of the Limestone County Sheriff's Office, five children were riding on an ATV commonly known as a "mule," when a dog ran in front of them and the driver swerved, causing the vehicle to roll over and pin two of them under it.
The two children pinned under the ATV were evacuated by air ambulance helicopter to Scott and White Hospital in Temple, possibly with More
by Mexia News Staff
(Posted Tue 03:29 pm)
Two children were injured in an accident on private property near Groesbeck on Thursday after the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) they were riding rolled over onto them.
According to Capt. Chris Henson of the Limestone County Sheriff's Office, five children were riding on an ATV commonly known as a "mule," when a dog ran in front of them and the driver swerved, causing the vehicle to roll over and pin two of them under it.
The two children pinned under the ATV were evacuated by air ambulance helicopter to Scott and White Hospital in Temple, possibly with More
Limestone approves annual supply bids
by Bob Wright
(Posted Tue 03:21 pm)
Annual bids for supplies for another fiscal year have been approved by the Limestone County Commissioners' Court during a regularly-scheduled meeting in the county courtroom.
In other action, the county's governing body left the length of term at one year for election judges, and accepted a $32,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation block grant. The grant, which comes through the State Comptroller's office, is for replacement of some energy-efficient lighting in the courthouse, according to County Judge Daniel Burkeen.
The County Auditor was authorized to advertise for an Internet Technology Technician.
"This is a new More
by Bob Wright
(Posted Tue 03:21 pm)
Annual bids for supplies for another fiscal year have been approved by the Limestone County Commissioners' Court during a regularly-scheduled meeting in the county courtroom.
In other action, the county's governing body left the length of term at one year for election judges, and accepted a $32,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation block grant. The grant, which comes through the State Comptroller's office, is for replacement of some energy-efficient lighting in the courthouse, according to County Judge Daniel Burkeen.
The County Auditor was authorized to advertise for an Internet Technology Technician.
"This is a new More
Crimestopper BBQ, Auction Set
(Posted Tue 02:39 pm)
The Limestone County Crimestoppers Annual Barbecue and Auction will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Groesbeck Civic Center.
The organization was formed to assist law enforcement officers in in the county.
"All the years we have been active, the law enforcement officers have told us that (we) help them in doing their jobs in a more effective manner," the organization stated in a news release. "All this is possible because the merchants and individuals in our county have supported Crimestoppers in a very positive manner since our first meeting."
The organization asks for More
(Posted Tue 02:39 pm)
The Limestone County Crimestoppers Annual Barbecue and Auction will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Groesbeck Civic Center.
The organization was formed to assist law enforcement officers in in the county.
"All the years we have been active, the law enforcement officers have told us that (we) help them in doing their jobs in a more effective manner," the organization stated in a news release. "All this is possible because the merchants and individuals in our county have supported Crimestoppers in a very positive manner since our first meeting."
The organization asks for More
Sports
Mexia Volleyball Sweeps China Spring
by Mexia News Staff
(Posted Tue 02:17 pm)
Mexia's Mary Speights, center, sets the ball during their match against China Spring Tuesday. The Ladycats have played solid volleyball, maintaining their No. 6 ranking in the Texas Girls Coaches Association State Volleyball Poll released Tuesday. Courtesy photos/Blackcat Paparazzi The Mexia Ladycat volleyball teams travelled to China Spring on Tuesday, Aug. 17 for another match. Just as Mexia, China Spring has a new coach this year and is making adjustments.
The Mexia freshman started the night off well, defeating China Spring 25-21, 25-21.
The JV then got their opportunity and Mexia again showed their resilience taking home the match victory by scores of 25-19, 21-25, 25-20.
It was then the varsity's turn to make it a clean sweep for the night.
The first game was close most of the way and was tied at More
by Mexia News Staff
(Posted Tue 02:17 pm)
Mexia's Mary Speights, center, sets the ball during their match against China Spring Tuesday. The Ladycats have played solid volleyball, maintaining their No. 6 ranking in the Texas Girls Coaches Association State Volleyball Poll released Tuesday. Courtesy photos/Blackcat Paparazzi The Mexia Ladycat volleyball teams travelled to China Spring on Tuesday, Aug. 17 for another match. Just as Mexia, China Spring has a new coach this year and is making adjustments.
The Mexia freshman started the night off well, defeating China Spring 25-21, 25-21.
The JV then got their opportunity and Mexia again showed their resilience taking home the match victory by scores of 25-19, 21-25, 25-20.
It was then the varsity's turn to make it a clean sweep for the night.
The first game was close most of the way and was tied at More
Ladycats sweep first day of Grandview tourney
by Mexia News Staff
(Posted Tue 10:54 am)
The Mexia Ladycats huddle during tournament action in Grandview on Thursday. They won all three matches on Thursday to advance to the Gold Bracket today. (Courtesy photo) The Mexia Ladycat volleyball team recovered a bit from the opening season loss to 2A power Leon and easily defeated 3 opponents in the annual Grandview volleyball tournament.
The matches started with Mexia playing 4A Fort Worth Eastern Hills. The girls from Fort Worth were no match for the Mexia Ladycats quick paced offensive and Mexia easily won in two game 25-12, and 25-21.The second game was not as close as the score would indicate.
Mexia then played an overmatched team from Blum and defeated them 25-9, 25-13. This left only a team from Northeast Dallas, More
by Mexia News Staff
(Posted Tue 10:54 am)
The Mexia Ladycats huddle during tournament action in Grandview on Thursday. They won all three matches on Thursday to advance to the Gold Bracket today. (Courtesy photo) The Mexia Ladycat volleyball team recovered a bit from the opening season loss to 2A power Leon and easily defeated 3 opponents in the annual Grandview volleyball tournament.
The matches started with Mexia playing 4A Fort Worth Eastern Hills. The girls from Fort Worth were no match for the Mexia Ladycats quick paced offensive and Mexia easily won in two game 25-12, and 25-21.The second game was not as close as the score would indicate.
Mexia then played an overmatched team from Blum and defeated them 25-9, 25-13. This left only a team from Northeast Dallas, More
Leon spikers best Mexia 3-1
by TJ MAXWELL-Sports Editor
(Posted Tue 09:58 am)
Mexia's Courtney Condon, center, hammers a kill between Leon's Amy Holt, left, and Avery Robinson. Mexia lost in four sets 25-20, 8-25, 26-28, 20-25. The Ladycats next play in the Grandview tournament today starting at 2 p.m. TJ Maxwell photo Ladycats fall in battle of Top 10s
The No. 6 Mexia Ladycat varsity volleyball team faced off with 2A counterpart Leon, the No. 6-ranked team in 2A on Monday in Mexia. The crowd participation and intensity from the players felt more like that of a playoff game and not an early preseason match up.
Both squads showed inconsistency, which is par for the course this early in the season. Leon, however, managed to shake the cobwebs loose much faster than Mexia and came away with the 3-1 win (20-25, 25-8, 28-26, 25-20).
A month into her tenure More
by TJ MAXWELL-Sports Editor
(Posted Tue 09:58 am)
Mexia's Courtney Condon, center, hammers a kill between Leon's Amy Holt, left, and Avery Robinson. Mexia lost in four sets 25-20, 8-25, 26-28, 20-25. The Ladycats next play in the Grandview tournament today starting at 2 p.m. TJ Maxwell photo Ladycats fall in battle of Top 10s
The No. 6 Mexia Ladycat varsity volleyball team faced off with 2A counterpart Leon, the No. 6-ranked team in 2A on Monday in Mexia. The crowd participation and intensity from the players felt more like that of a playoff game and not an early preseason match up.
Both squads showed inconsistency, which is par for the course this early in the season. Leon, however, managed to shake the cobwebs loose much faster than Mexia and came away with the 3-1 win (20-25, 25-8, 28-26, 25-20).
A month into her tenure More
Ladycat spikers kick off 2010 campaign
by Mexia News Staff
(Posted Tue 09:39 am)
Ladycat spiker Katie Day passes the ball in this file photo. The Ladycat volleyball team played Leon last night. (TJ Maxwell file photo) The Mexia Ladycat volleyball team began their 2010 campaign with scrimmages on Saturday against Franklin, Athens and Waco University.
Each scrimmage was simply a 45 minute running clock, with no timeouts used.
It took Mexia a while to find their rhythm in their first outing against Franklin at 9 a.m., but the Ladycats quickly regained their composure and dominated Athens in their second match of the morning. Mexia started making serves, hitting with better authority and consistency and began playing better defense at the net. Mexia also showed some of the up tempo volleyball coach Sherri Cain looks More
by Mexia News Staff
(Posted Tue 09:39 am)
Ladycat spiker Katie Day passes the ball in this file photo. The Ladycat volleyball team played Leon last night. (TJ Maxwell file photo) The Mexia Ladycat volleyball team began their 2010 campaign with scrimmages on Saturday against Franklin, Athens and Waco University.
Each scrimmage was simply a 45 minute running clock, with no timeouts used.
It took Mexia a while to find their rhythm in their first outing against Franklin at 9 a.m., but the Ladycats quickly regained their composure and dominated Athens in their second match of the morning. Mexia started making serves, hitting with better authority and consistency and began playing better defense at the net. Mexia also showed some of the up tempo volleyball coach Sherri Cain looks More
Obituaries
Opinions
Letters to the Editor