Local News
House committee appropriates $350K for STOP task force
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee agreed to fund $350,000 to the Johnson County Stop the Offender Special Crimes Unit and other county law-enforcement agencies on Tuesday, said U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco.
Edwards said he secured the funding in the 2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill, which passed the committee on Tuesday.
STOP will use the money to crack down on drug crime and improve communications technology, Edwards said.
The bill must still pass the House and Senate and be signed by President Barack Obama, however.
STOP SCU will receive $200,000 in funding if the bill passes. STOP SCU, an undercover joint law-enforcement effort, operates to stop the spread of drugs and other crime in the county. If the bill becomes law, Edwards will have secured $688,000 for the program since 2005, he said.
“These funds will help our law-enforcement officers continue their work to arrest drug dealers, and send a clear message that drug crime will not be tolerated in Johnson County,” Edwards said.
Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford applauded Edwards’ efforts.
“I greatly appreciate Congressman Edwards and his staff for all the hard work that went into obtaining this funding,” Alford said. “We will utilize this funding in a fiscally responsible manner for the purpose of exposing and apprehending those who engage in organized and violent crime as well as those trafficking in illegal narcotics.
“The Special Crimes Unit of Johnson County has become an essential tool that complements other law-enforcement efforts and has proven to have a positive impact on the quality of life of our law-abiding citizens.”
STOP Commander Adam King also called the funding crucial.
“This funding will allow us to continue supporting our local law enforcement agencies with specialized investigative assistance and will allow us to do so in a safe and effective manner,” King said. “We owe Congressman Edwards and his staff a big thank you for their support.”
The remaining $150,000 of the funding will benefit the Cleburne police and fire departments, Edwards said.
The funds will be used for installation of a wireless network to improve communication technology and to better access critical records.
The network may also be used by other city departments and will allow patrol officers to have quicker responses to calls, increase the time officers are actually in their vehicles on the streets and increase officer safety by providing instant access to information, Edwards said.
“During these difficult economic times, Congressman Edwards has continued to provide support to our community,” said CPD Chief Terry Powell. “The enhanced technology will allow for more efficient police service to the citizens of Cleburne.”
- Cleburne
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The Cleburne Conference Center was recently recognized by the Building of America Network.
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Cleburne Conference Center recognized by building group
The Building of America Network selected the recently opened Cleburne Conference Center as one of its Building of America award winners.
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Cleburne grad killed in U.S. 67 wreck
Wet road conditions are thought to have been a factor in an accident early Thursday that killed a Cleburne woman whose car ran into a tractor trailer. -
Cleburne veteran awarded ATI scholarship
A Cleburne resident is among those who have received an ATI Larry Gilbert/Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Scholarship that supports U.S. veterans living in Texas.
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City tax rate protested, defended
A Tuesday called meeting of the Cleburne City Council prompted several residents to chime in on the proposed increase in city property tax rates. All voiced opposition to the measure.
City leaders are finalizing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. -
Report faults pipeline operator for fatal explosion
The June 7 explosion of a gas pipeline near Godley resulted from numerous violations of state regulations by the operator, according to a Tuesday report by the Texas Railroad Commission.
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Cleburne Conference Center recognized by building group
- Johnson County
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The Cleburne Conference Center was recently recognized by the Building of America Network.
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Cleburne Conference Center recognized by building group
The Building of America Network selected the recently opened Cleburne Conference Center as one of its Building of America award winners.
- Officials searching for assault suspect
- Cleburne grad killed in U.S. 67 wreck
- Cleburne veteran awarded ATI scholarship
- City tax rate protested, defended
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Cleburne Conference Center recognized by building group
- Alvarado
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Police officer benefit concert today
A concert benefiting a Grandview police officer injured in the line of duty kicks off at 5 p.m. today in Alvarado.
- Friday night sights
- Vandals desecrate cemetery
- Stage set for benefit honoring officer
- Oh, baby, they’re all pretty
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Police officer benefit concert today
- Burleson
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Friday night sights
Football was in the air this weekend as Johnson County teams hit the field for the first time in 2010.
- Crash claims life of Burleson drag racer
- Businessman says city’s first tattoo studio will be upscale
- United Way, community build a better Johnson County
- Chisholm Trail 100 gives Grandview officer a helping hand
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Friday night sights
- Godley
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Riggin Cleveland, front right of the edge of the banner, and Garrett Murdick, back left edge, with their teammates at the 2008 Walk To Defeat ALS and their inspiration for walking, Riggin’s grandmother, Barbara Turner, standing with a walking aid.
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Godley boys not leaving the side of those in ALS fight
Two teenage boys from Godley soon may be visiting a grocery store near you. They won’t necessarily be looking for groceries, but, rather, sponsors to help them participate in a fund drive to raise money for the ALS Association of North Texas.
- Friday night sights
- Believe and see
- Godley man arrested on suspicion of assault
- Explosion reported at munitions plant between Godley and Cresson
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Godley boys not leaving the side of those in ALS fight
- Grandview
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Police officer benefit concert today
A concert benefiting a Grandview police officer injured in the line of duty kicks off at 5 p.m. today in Alvarado.
- Friday night sights
- Stage set for benefit honoring officer
- Free concert to feature local bands
- Snow cone devotees turn out to help Grandview officer
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Police officer benefit concert today
- Joshua
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Friday night sights
Football was in the air this weekend as Johnson County teams hit the field for the first time in 2010.
- Duty earns Joshua student prestigious ROTC award
- Man found dead hit by car; driver interviewed
- Partners in fighting crime
- Joshua man scuffles with police
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Friday night sights
- Keene
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Friday night sights
Football was in the air this weekend as Johnson County teams hit the field for the first time in 2010.
- Assistance program on table
- Former Keene teacher pleads not guilty
- Garage sale a booster to prison Bible studies
- Keene teacher indicted
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Friday night sights
- Rio Vista
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Friday night sights
Football was in the air this weekend as Johnson County teams hit the field for the first time in 2010.
- Three hospitalized in Rio Vista wreck
- Fort Worth man killed in Rio Vista wreck
- Hobbs looking to rebuild Eagle football from the ground up
- Godley, Grandview and Rio Vista grab accolades
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Friday night sights
- Venus
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Rusty Redden, a former offender, leads the men and their family members in bible study during a No Turning Back support group meeting Tuesday at Venus United Methodist Church.
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No turning back
Jimmy Humphus had an idea. He had already ministered to prisoners for three years at the Sanders Estes unit, a small minimum security prison in Venus.
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No turning back
