News Synergy: Local News Feed

Heat Stroke Prevention

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:15:40 -0500

With the rise in temperatures also comes the risk for heat exhaustion and heat strokes. With temperatures pushing the century mark, doctors are starting to see more heat-related illnesses.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, light-headedness, dizziness and nausea. Heat strokes occur after the symptoms of heat exhaustion and include lack of sweating and the body temperature rising above 104 degrees. The elderly and young are more susceptible to the effects of the heat and people outside for long periods of time.

If you start to feel tired from the heat make sure you get inside to some cool air, and drink plenty of water. Also make sure you avoid alcohol, and carbonated drinks.

Salvation Army Cooling Stations

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:14:43 -0500

There's a way for people to beat the heat during the summer. The Salvation Army has set up a cooling station to get people off the streets, and into a cool environment.

The cooling station opened its doors for the first time Monday. The location offers free AC, cold drinks and snacks for no charge but so far there's just one problem. Salvation Army officials said traffic has been slow but they hope that will change. Officials said the cooling stations will remain open as long as it’s hot outside.

Everyone is welcome including entire families. The cooling station is located at the Salvation Army located on Louis.

It's open Monday-through-Friday from 11-to-4.

Late Night Liquor in Port Lavaca

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:08:54 -0500

In Port Lavaca, talk is heating up over late night liquor sales. The move comes as a popular restaurant chain looks to set up shop wanting to sell booze until 2 a.m. The move is stirring up debate on the matter.

The ordinance was passed in April and now two bars are already serving until 2 a.m. However a petition against the ordinance has already more than 85% of the signatures it needs and once the two hundred signatures are acquired, the ordinance will be suspended. The election would cost the city anywhere from 8 to 10 thousand dollars. The date for that election is currently set for November 5th.

Gang Prevention Program Needs Funds

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:07:00 -0500

Tuesday kids at the Victoria Boys and Girls Club got whipped into shape by Victoria’s finest. Kids learned about martial arts in connection for the sheriff’s office’s Gang Prevention Program.

Taught by Chris Garcia with the Victoria Sheriff’s Office, kids strapped on their belts and were taught martial arts. It's for the sheriff offices gang prevention program aimed at steering kids’ lives in the right direction. The program is seeking funds through the state.

Monday Victoria County leaders sought help from the state capital. They need money for the program to continue into 2014.

VISD Board Meeting

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:44:35 -0500

School may be out for the summer, but there's still plenty of work to be done for administrators for the upcoming school year. This week school leaders are crunching the numbers for the new school budget while also deciding on leadership positions.

Not only will school officials get the first look at the upcoming budget for next year, but they will also be selecting the finalists for not one but seven open principal positions. The school board meeting begins Thursday at 6 where officials will announce the seven new principals after approved by the board.

For more information on other vacant positions at VISD please visit http://www.visd.com/jobs/index.asp

Loma Vista House Fire Update

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:16:01 -0500

A Victoria firefighter is on the mend after being injured during a house blaze Sunday night. Officials said the firefighter fell through the floor while battling the blaze on Loma Vista. Victoria Fire Chief Taner Drake stated the officer suffered a minor knee injury. He was taken to Citizens Medical Center, where he was treated and released. The blaze also left a family of six homeless. Monday night, they're looking for a new place to call home while trying to rebuild their lives. This is just a latest in a series of fires lately. Monday night fire officials are also urging others to practice fire safety.

Daniel and Robin Rodriquez along with their four children have been renting a home located on the 800 block of Loma Vista Avenue since August but Sunday night, flames destroyed everything they owned. Robin said her kids were disappointed that they lost new school clothes and supplies but she said she's upset about the things that can't be replaced.

Firefighters stated no one was home at the time of the fire which was around 8:30. Robin said she was at work and her husband and kids left the house at 6 to walk and pick her up. Victoria Fire Marshal Tom Legler said while there have been several fires in the area, they are not connected. Legler is urging the public to take safety precautions like test smoke alarms, knowing two different ways to get out of your home and have a plan.

Firefighters stated the home total loss. Robin added the home was not equipped with smoke alarms so despite losing everything she is thankful no one was home at the time. The family does not have renters insurance and said they haven't been able to get a hold of the owner to see if the home is insured. The fire is still under investigation by the Victoria Fire Department.

If you would like to help out the family please, drop off monetary or clothing donations located at Mac Haik Hyundai 4506 North Navarro, Victoria, TX 77904.

Clothing & shoe sizes:
Mom- 12 Pant, L shirt, 8 ½ shoe.
Dad- 36 Pant, XL shirt, 13 shoe.
8 year Boy, 11-12 Pant, M shirt, 3 shoe.
4 year Girl, 3T, ll shoe.
2 year old boy 2t, 8 shoe.
10 month girl-18-24 month, 3 shoe.

Micheal Mays Car of Fire Relief fund set up at Calcom Federal Credit Union on John Stockbauer Drive.

Motorcycle Accident

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:12:54 -0500

A motorcyclist was rushed to the hospital after a crash Monday afternoon.

The accident happened around 2 at Airline and Navarro. Victoria police said the driver of a car failed to yield to an oncoming motorcycle and collided into him. The motorcyclist was taken to DeTar Hospital with serious injuries to his legs. The driver of the car was not hurt. The accident is still under investigation.

Three Injured in Weekend Plane Crash

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:11:54 -0500

Federal authorities continue to piece together what caused a weekend plane crash that injured three people. Monday night, two of them continue to recover in the hospital.

The crash happened Saturday morning. Early reports, said the twin-engine plane lost power, shortly after taking off from Victoria Regional. Three people onboard were taken to Citizens Medical Center where one was treated and released. Pilot, 50-year-old Burt Wilkerson of Houston, was airlifted to Memorial Herman hospital in Houston. He remains in good condition after undergoing surgery.

30-year-old passenger Sajib Rupollia was airlifted to University Medical Center in San Antonio. He is said to be in stable condition. The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the crash.

Goliad Airport Lawsuit

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:10:30 -0500

The future of the controversial Airpark in Goliad has a new chapter. During a special report in February, Newscenter 25 reported the problems the park has created in recent years.

Earlier this month, Goliad County Commissioners voted to settle the matter with the navy, through mediation. The navy is looking to repurchase the property from the county, but both sides are at odds over the value of the property. In 2011, the navy offered nearly 3-million dollars to purchase the land but, Goliad said the property was appraised at 9-million dollars.

The hearing is set for July 9th. If a deal can't be reached the matter could go to trial.

Gang Prevention Summer Program

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:06:57 -0500

During the summer months kids looking to keep busy can often times find themselves in trouble with some even joining gangs but Victoria County sheriffs are hoping to kick the urge to join through martial arts.

The Victoria County Sheriff’s office is trying to turn gang colors into belt colors. In an effort to steer students in the right direction in life, the sheriff's office is teaming up with local schools for a special summer program. According to Victoria County Sheriff T. Michael O'Connor this gang prevention program will let kids vent themselves through martial arts taught by Victoria’s finest. So far they have over 40 students who meet daily at the boys and girls club in Victoria for their summer classes. The sheriff said when kids are not in class they are more prone to get in trouble, this enables them to stay busy and it works on their self esteem.

The one thing the program needs to keep going is money. Monday during Commissioner’s Court, county leaders moved forward with applying for a grant with the state to help with funding. An answer should be known in the coming weeks.