Archives for September 2013

A Howardwick man is facing three counts of burglary, but local officials are still looking for the person or persons who might be accomplices.

Jeffery Wyrick, age 27, was in the Donley County Jail Tuesday in connection with three local burglaries, including one at the Clarendon Country Club from which a large safe was stolen.

Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn said at the time of his arrest on August 25, Wyrick had cash on his person that was identified as being from the country club safe that had been stolen earlier that day.

Wyrick was arraigned August 27 by Justice of the Peace Connie Havens and bond was set at $20,000 for each charge.

“We are reasonably sure that he did not act alone,” Blackburn said, “but he is the only suspect in custody at this time.”

The investigation in the three cases continues, and anyone with information about the country club break-in or other break-ins are asked to call the sheriff’s office at 874-3533.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is highlighting notable traffic and criminal laws that went into effect on Sept. 1, 2013.

“As a result of these new provisions, Texans now have additional protection while traveling our roadways, and individuals who disregard our laws will face tougher penalties for a variety of crimes,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “DPS encourages all residents to educate themselves about the laws affecting their lives and to do their part in keeping Texas safe.”

Please note that the following is not a comprehensive list of all new laws passed by the Texas Legislature.

HB 347 expands the current limitations on wireless communication device (cell phone) use in an active school crossing zone to include the property of a public elementary, middle, or junior high school for which a local authority has designated a school crossing zone. The use will only be restricted during the time a reduced speed limit is in effect for the school crossing zone. Further, it will not apply to vehicles that are stopped, or drivers using a hands-free device or making an emergency call.

HB 1174 amends current statute to increase the minimum fines for the misdemeanor offense of passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading children. The minimum fine increases from $200 to $500, and the maximum fine for such an offense increases from $1,000 to $1,250. The bill also enhances the penalty for a second or subsequent conviction of that offense committed within five years to a misdemeanor punishable by a minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum fine of $2,000.

SB 181 allows a motor vehicle operator the option of using a wireless communication device (such as a cell phone) to display motor vehicle financial responsibility (proof of insurance) information as evidence of financial responsibility. The display does not constitute effective consent for a law enforcement officer, or any other person, to access the contents of the wireless communication device except to view the financial responsibility information.

SB 510 requires drivers to move over or slow down (as required depending on the roadway) when approaching a stationary Texas Department of Transportation vehicle with its lights activated and not separated from the roadway by a traffic-control device. This provision expands the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law, which already requires drivers to yield to tow trucks, police, fire, and emergency vehicles. Violators would commit a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $200; punishable by a fine of $500 if property damage occurs; or a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily damage.

HB 2304 lowers the population requirement from 2.2 million to one million for counties where sheriffs or deputy sheriffs can be certified by DPS to enforce federal commercial motor vehicle regulations. This will open the opportunity to Bexar, Tarrant and Travis counties.

HB 625 clarifies that the penalty for operating a vehicle on a public highway without displaying the two license plates assigned to the vehicle is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.

HB 3668 amends current statute to require the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results or is reasonably likely to result in the injury or death of a person to immediately determine whether a person is involved in the accident, and if so, whether the person requires aid, in addition to other existing statutory requirements.

SB 275 increases the penalty for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a person and failing to render aid from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. A second degree felony carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000, whereas a third degree felony carries a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000.

HB 1284 increases the penalty for the offense of initiating, communicating or circulating a false report of an emergency (such as a bomb threat) involving an institution of higher education from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony.

HB 124 adds Salvia divinorum (unless unharvested and growing in its natural state) – including all parts of the plant, seeds and extracts from a part of the plant – to Penalty Group 3 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

HB 2637 provides that an individual fraudulently using identifying information to avoid registering as a sex offender to be punished at the next highest degree felony.

George W. Howard was born in Wellington in 1948. He attended school in Wellington and enlisted in the Navy in January of 1966. After boot camp, he graduated from Basic Hospital Corps School in August 1966 and Field Medical Services School in June of 1967 while assigned to the Fleet Marine Force.

Later that month he was shipped to Vietnam for a 13-month tour. He was stationed with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force’s 2nd Combat Action Group south of DaNang. As a medic for infantry marines in combat, he also helped take care of Vietnamese civilians treating ill patients and even delivering babies.

He married Sue Ellen Derr in Oceanside California in November of 1968, earned his GED in August of 1969 and graduated from X-Ray Technician School in 1971.

In 1976 George left the Navy and returned to the panhandle with his wife and two sons. The family later grew to four sons.

He re-enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1983 and in 1986 he began long-term employment as a guard at the Pantex plant.

He was recalled to active duty in January of 1991 where he was stationed for 3 months at 29 Palms, California and then at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia.

George retired from the Reserve in 2000 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after 26 years of services to his country.

His medals include the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Unit Commendation as well as numerous others.

George resides in Clarendon where he enjoys farming and ranching when he is not entertaining his grandchildren.