Liberty Co. judge, two others face new charges

  BEAUMONT, TX (KTRK) -- We have an update to our 13 Undercover investigation of alleged hurricane related fraud by Liberty County officials.

A federal grand jury indicted Liberty County Judge Phil Fitzgerald, his brother-in-law Mark Miksch and former Liberty County Commissioner Herman Groce on new charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, theft, bribery and making false claims. The charges stem from Wayne Dolcefino's reports that the three allegedly created an elaborate bribery-kickback scheme, involving a hurricane debris contract. You can read more about this in the Cleveland Advocate, our Houston Community Newspaper partner. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more 13 Undercover »

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HFD: Family escaped house fire thanks to smoke detector

Firefighters say a man, woman and child were able to escape from this home as it burned early Saturday because a smoke detector awoke them

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A northeast Houston family escaped a house fire early Saturday thanks to a smoke detector, officials said.

The blaze started just after 12:30am Saturday at a home on Dorchester near Roswell.

Firefighters say the family had grilled dinner and then went to bed.

Some embers from the grill fell onto their wooden porch overnight and caught fire.

The flames spread across one side of the home and became so intense that they melted the siding on a neighbor's house.

The home sustained extensive damage, but the family -- a man, a woman and a child around 10 years old -- awoke to the sounds of their smoke detector and escaped unharmed.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Wildfire in Polk, Trinity Counties prompts evacuations

This photo of the brush fire burning across Polk and Trinity Counties was sent to us by a viewer. If you see news happening, email a photo or video to us at news@abc13.com.

  HUNTSVILLE, TX (KTRK) -- A massive wildfire burning in Polk and Trinity Counties has forced several people from their homes.

The fire started around noon Friday and is consuming parts of the Davy Crockett Forest just northeast of Huntsville in Apple Springs.

Fire crews from both counties are battling the blaze. It has burned at least 14,000 acres, according to the Trinity County Sheriff's Office.

At last check, officials with the Texas Forest Service said it was only 20 percent contained.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for the Trevat, Nigton and Helmic communities.

A temporary shelter has been set up for those residents at a Groveton High School.

Two homes and six trailers have been destroyed by the fire. So far, there are no reports of any injuries.

It's not yet clear what caused this wildfire, but investigators suspect a wheel bearing on an 18-wheeler produced a spark that caused the blaze.

The fire is being called the "Bearing Fire" and is reportedly one of the largest wildfires ever in East Texas, according to the National Forest Service.

We'll keep following this story and bring you the latest updates on Eyewitness News and abc13.com.

If you can see the fire and can snap cell phone videos or photos without putting yourself in harm's way, please email them to us at news@abc13.com or upload them on our iWitness Reports page.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Wildfire threatens homes in Waller

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Two separate wildfires burned across our area on Friday. Both threatened homes, and at least one led to evacuations.

Fire threatens homes in Spring

In Spring, officials evacuated about 200 homes in the Breckenridge Forest subdivision due to a wildfire near Cypresswood Drive and Aldine Westfield Road. Residents were allowed to return to their homes around 5:30pm.

Texas Forest Service helicopters dropped fire retardant in the area all afternoon, but authorities say it was air drops from two C-130 planes that really kept the flames from spreading.

At one point, 60-foot fire walls were within 200 yards of homes. "The fire crews have gone back in with the grass trucks and the brush trucks, the air operations are going on, the dozers are still out in the field doing those fire breaks. So that will continue on through the night until we make sure that this fire is not going to spread anymore," said Lt. Dean Hensley of the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office. As many as a dozen fire departments were on the scene, and many crews were told to pull back. When the flames neared homes, residents were asked to evacuate.

Authorities drove through a section of the Breckenridge Forest subdivision, advising families in about 200 homes that it was time to get out. Gloria Marshall Elementary was among the structures threatened.

Chief Scott Schoonover of the Spring Volunteer Fire Department said the evacuations were precautionary in the event fire got past the fire line. Schoonover said the area is private property and a witness told them that about a year ago, the property was cleared and there's a lot of timber that has been cut down in the area. The chief said that downed timber helped speed the rate of the fire growth.

"Initially, it was about 15 acres when I got here, and it spread throughought the day; the heat, the drought conditions have really hampered operations," Harris County Fire Marshal's Office Lt. Dean Hensley said.

Bulldozers dug out fire lines to contain the blaze. Even though the fire was contained, still resident Adam Rodriquez was uneasy. "We don't know if it's been turned off, has it been contained, we don't know if it will ignite again or if we should stay here," he said. Investigators aren't sure how Friday's fire started, but the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. A few minor injuries occurred, but those injured were treated and released on the scene, said Chief Schoonover. By Friday night, most firefighters left the scene, leaving the Spring Volunteer Fire Department to mog the hot spots overnight. Grass fire burns in Waller

Meanwhile, firefighters took on a large wildfire near Highway 290 and FM 2920 near Kickapoo in Waller.

Firefighters from five companies rushed to contain the fire that came dangerously close to several pastures and homes. Many families and the SPCA rushed in to save their livestock. "We called them out of the woods, gave them hay and cubes and tried to contain them right here so they don't get too close to the fire," neighbor Betty Schroeder said. That fire quickly spread across 75 acres. Investigators say the wind and dry conditions were too much to handle at times. They say the good news no homes were destroyed and no people or animals were hurt. However, the Harris County Sheriff's Office says some lanes of FM 2920 near Hwy 290 were closed due to smoke, and traffic was detoured away from the area.

The cause of this fire is still being investigated.

If you caught photos or video of either fire, you can upload them at iWitness.abc13.com or email them to news@abc13.com. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Man shot by officer in NW Houston

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was in the hospital Sunday after he was shot by police, and investigators are still trying to figure out why the whole thing happened.

Neighbors called police after hearing the man firing a gun at cars and homes on Georgi and Mangum just after 8pm Saturday.

Police arrived on scene and asked the man several times to put down the gun, but he fired more shots toward the officers.

According to authorities, the officers feared for their safety and for the safety of neighbors, so they shot the man.

He was hit once in the chest area and taken to Ben Taub General Hospital in serious condition. He is expected to survive, officials said.

No officers or neighbors were injured.

It's still unclear why the man was firing a gun. The case remains under investigation.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Officials identify burned remains

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The body of a woman found burned in a field in southeast Houston has been identified.

Investigators at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science identified the remains as Sherell Baldwin.

Baldwin's remains were found behind a business on Scranton and Easthaven around midnight Thursday. They were on fire, officials said.

According to workers at a nearby business, it was a small fire captured on surveillance cameras that first caught the eye of an outside security company.

A guard there called 9-1-1, but it wasn't until firefighters arrived that authorities realized it was a woman's body on fire.

Police still have little to go on, but they do believe someone dumped Baldwin's body and then intentionally set it on fire.

Anyone with any information about Baldwin's death is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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NASA employees training for Atlantis mission

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We are just weeks ago from NASA'S final shuttle mission. Atlantis is getting ready to blast off for the international space station.

We're getting a look behind the scenes in mission control and the training for those who are set to jump into action if things go wrong. When you see a launch in person in Florida or even on TV, the shuttle's engine roar is so loud. So we figured on the floor of mission control it would, for some reason, be the same. It's not. It is really quiet in there. For the trip to space, there are 15 people in this room. Mostly, but not all, are men, and even when things are going well, they are tied keyed into the job they're doing. But when things go wrong, it's hard to tell. We were there for a simulation. The mission control team is at their normal seats. The crew was a few buildings over at Johnson Space Center in a simulator that twists and tilts and shakes with the crew inside. In this training session, the shuttle developed a simulated Freon leak. It knocked out the shuttle's ability to cool itself down and that could've been dangerous. The team decided to bring the shuttle home after just one orbit. It's never been done in real life. But on this day, in this room, it was done successfully. "It was a very important practicing. We have a very small crew this time, we don't have anyone in the mid-dock," shuttle commander Chris Ferguson said. "I think it was a great script. It gave us an opportunity and the mission control team an opportunity to see just what our capabilities are." They will practice this just one more time, and then it's launch day and then mission control is done. Once Atlantis lands, mission control will turn into a new room for some unnamed program. A lot of these people will get new jobs and the shuttles will stop flying, but this crew doesn't think it's the end. "The space shuttle won't stop inspiring people, they're going to park Atlantis down at the Kennedy Space Center and kids are going to go real close for the first time to see the Atlantis and say, wow that's amazing we can launch those into space, and hopefully they'll get the same reaction and say let's do it again, let's do it again," astronaut Rex Walheim said. Technicians will begin making high-tech X-ray scans of the shuttle's fuel tank's support beams to look for any cracks that could delay launch. Atlantis' final launch is scheduled for July 8 and we'll be in Florida to bring it to you. Send us pictures of your NASA experience through iWitness.abc13.com. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Wildfires burn in Spring, Waller

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Two separate wildfires burned across our area on Friday. Both threatened homes, and at least one led to evacuations.

Fire threatens homes in Spring

In Spring, officials evacuated about 200 homes in the Breckenridge Forest subdivision due to a wildfire near Cypresswood Drive and Aldine Westfield Road. Residents were allowed to return to their homes around 5:30pm.

Texas Forest Service helicopters dropped fire retardant in the area all afternoon, but authorities say it was air drops from two C-130 planes that really kept the flames from spreading.

At one point, 60-foot fire walls were within 200 yards of homes. "The fire crews have gone back in with the grass trucks and the brush trucks, the air operations are going on, the dozers are still out in the field doing those fire breaks. So that will continue on through the night until we make sure that this fire is not going to spread anymore," said Lt. Dean Hensley of the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office. As many as a dozen fire departments were on the scene, and many crews were told to pull back. When the flames neared homes, residents were asked to evacuate.

Authorities drove through a section of the Breckenridge Forest subdivision, advising families in about 200 homes that it was time to get out. Gloria Marshall Elementary was among the structures threatened.

Chief Scott Schoonover of the Spring Volunteer Fire Department said the evacuations were precautionary in the event fire got past the fire line. Schoonover said the area is private property and a witness told them that about a year ago, the property was cleared and there's a lot of timber that has been cut down in the area. The chief said that downed timber helped speed the rate of the fire growth.

"Initially, it was about 15 acres when I got here, and it spread throughought the day; the heat, the drought conditions have really hampered operations," Harris County Fire Marshal's Office Lt. Dean Hensley said.

Bulldozers dug out fire lines to contain the blaze. Even though the fire was contained, still resident Adam Rodriquez was uneasy. "We don't know if it's been turned off, has it been contained, we don't know if it will ignite again or if we should stay here," he said. Investigators aren't sure how Friday's fire started, but the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. A few minor injuries occurred, but those injured were treated and released on the scene, said Chief Schoonover. By Friday night, most firefighters left the scene, leaving the Spring Volunteer Fire Department to mog the hot spots overnight. Grass fire burns in Waller

Meanwhile, firefighters took on a large wildfire near Highway 290 and FM 2920 near Kickapoo in Waller.

Firefighters from five companies rushed to contain the fire that came dangerously close to several pastures and homes. Many families and the SPCA rushed in to save their livestock. "We called them out of the woods, gave them hay and cubes and tried to contain them right here so they don't get too close to the fire," neighbor Betty Schroeder said. That fire quickly spread across 75 acres. Investigators say the wind and dry conditions were too much to handle at times. They say the good news no homes were destroyed and no people or animals were hurt. However, the Harris County Sheriff's Office says some lanes of FM 2920 near Hwy 290 were closed due to smoke, and traffic was detoured away from the area.

The cause of this fire is still being investigated.

If you caught photos or video of either fire, you can upload them at iWitness.abc13.com or email them to news@abc13.com. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Escapee calls deputies to come arrest him

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man who escaped from Harris County deputies' custody on Thursday afternoon is now behind bars.

The suspect was detained in the 1700 block of FM 1960 shortly before noon Thursday for questioning about a robbery earlier in the week. But as he was getting ready to be transported to the HCSO Cypresswood Substation at 6831 Cypresswood, the handcuffed suspect ran away.

Deputies set up a perimeter around the Wimbledon Estates neighborhood but couldn't find the man.

But on Friday, the suspect called the Harris County Sheriff's Office and asked for deputies to come get him. He was arrested around 6pm Friday and is now facing a felony escape, even though he'd been wanted only for questioning before.

The suspect was arrested in the same area from which he escaped.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Booking Houston Hotel Reservations? Catch These Houston Attractions While in Town

Woman's body found burning in SE Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A woman's burned body was recovered from a field in southeast Houston overnight. As police search for leads, we are hearing from neighbors who are afraid.

The woman's remains were found behind a business on Scranton and Easthaven at around midnight. Neighbors say the field where the body was found was cleared recently and they were excited about what was to come. But now they say they were scared by what they are calling a cruel and heinous crime.

Emma Hernandez was scouring her usual spot near the dead end of Scranton Street looking for cans and scrap metal Wednesday, but her routine was interrupted by a police investigation.

"A body over there," she said in shock.

HPD homicide investigators say the partially burned body of the unidentified woman was found in a vacant field Thursday night. Workers at a nearby business say it was a small fire captured on surveillance cameras that first caught the eye of an outside security company. A guard there called 911. But it wasn't until firefighters arrived that authorities realized it was a woman's body on fire.

One neighbor says she didn't see anything but won't forget the smell.

"I couldn't figure out what the smell was. I've never smelled that before," she said.

"This is a dead end street so no one comes up and down this street," said nearby resident Albert Reyna.

Right now, police say they don't have much to go on but they do believe someone may have dumped the woman's body then set it on fire. For neighbors on this dead end street, it is unimaginable.

"I pray to God to get it out of my head because I am hurting for her," said one neighbor.

"I am scared," said Hernandez.

Investigators say they believe the woman was clothed and they also believe she was not homeless. So far, they say they do not know who she is or how she died. They are asking anyone with any information to give authorities a call.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Suit over alleged cyber threats against local girl

  HOUSTON -- Three Houston-area girls have been sued over an alleged cyberbullying video threatening a classmate.

The Houston Chronicle reports three Riverwood Middle School students made the video last month while off campus. The Facebook posting has since been removed.

The attorney father of the targeted girl gave the video to school officials, sent cease-and-desist demands to the three families, plus requested each donate $5,000 to a group dedicated to responsible Internet use.

The defamation of character lawsuit was filed Tuesday when the families didn't respond.

Humble Independent School District spokeswoman Karen Collier says Riverwood officials confirmed the incident. She declined further comment on the case.

The mother of one of the girls Thursday told the newspaper that the children apologized to their principal.

The children's names haven't been made public.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Man drowns trying to save two teens

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man drowned while trying to save two teenagers who had gone swimming at the popular Banana Bend beach, along the San Jacinto River.

Those teens are physically OK after surviving a near-drowning. But deputies say the hero who swam out to save them, didn't make it.

What started out as a fun day for two close families trying to beat the heat at Banana Bend Park quickly turned tragic when two boys, ages 13 and 17, got in trouble in the San Jacinto River.

Sgt. Mauro Alvarado with the Harris County Sheriff's Office said, "They drifted into the deep end of the river, and they started drowning. They started calling for help."

Large, bright signs are posted around the park warning swimmers there are no life guards on duty. Investigators say a 45-year-old man who is a close friend to the boys jumped in the river to rescue them.

"Unfortunately, the hero in this case didn't make it," Sgt. Alvarado said.

Eyewitnesses told deputies the 45-year-old man was able to get the 13-year-old out of the water safely. But they say there was a struggle as he tried saving the 17-year-old. Deputies say they both went underwater until another eyewitness rushed in the river to pull them out.

"EMS performed CPR on both the individuals," Sgt. Alvarado said. "The 17-year-old responded well to CPR. The 45-year-old did not."

Tragically, the man who risked his life to save those teens died at the scene. The 17-year-old was rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital to be checked out.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Police investigating bank robbery in Meyerland

Houston police are searching for the suspects who robbed a bank inside a southwest Houston Kroger.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police are investigating a bank robbery at a Kroger in southwest Houston.

An unknown number of robbers went into the Kroger at S. Post Oak and West Bellfort in Meyerland about 9:45am Friday and robbed the First Convenience bank inside, according to the Houston Police Department. Police say the suspects had pistols, and one may have also had a shotgun. No shots fired and there were no injuries, police say. Officers found their abandoned getaway car in the same shopping center. So far, no word on what they could be drving now or how much money they got away with. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Drought devastating to local cattle ranchers

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Ranchers in Fort Bend County say they are having to take extreme measures to deal with the extreme drought.

It's not just homeowners who are having to watch their grass turn brown because of the lack of rainfall. Local ranchers say they seeing the same thing as well. But for them, the grass is food for cattle and without it, their herds can suffer. What's happening at the T&M Ranch outside of Richmond is happening to cattle ranchers all across Texas. The cows have been fussing all morning. They are mooing, says the rancher, because he's thinning his herd by removing the calves from their mothers. It's an extreme decision Tim Wiethat made to save the rest of his herd. There's just not enough grass, and the pastures have dried up from the drought. "We'd normally ship these calves in October and hopefully they'd weigh 650 to 700 pounds. Right now, they're weighing 400 pounds. We're getting them off the cattle to try and get the cattle to breed back. Basically, we're running out of grass," said Wiethat. He's one of many ranchers in Ft. Bend Co. culling their herds. The usually lush pastures are brown and dusty, leaving smaller areas for forage and a smaller chance for profit this year. Tom Dompier has been moving his cows from one pasture to another, going wherever there is grass. "There is a sense of impending doom. In order for the cattle to survive, I'm going to have to sell the cattle. We don't get enough rain, get enough feed -- I don't want to sit here and watch them die," said Dompier. He says he has plenty of well water pumped to troughs, but it is his hay barn that worries him. His winter supply is a resource Dompier says he's forced to use now. "This is left over from last year, and I've got a few bale in here from this year, and that's all I've got right now," said Dompier. "If I start using it this summer, I'm not going to have any hay for the winter." That is a dilemma, the USDA says, that is happening to cattle ranchers all across the state. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Father charged in connection with toddler's drowning

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A father is facing a felony charge after his daughter drowned in the family's bathtub.

Randall Lee Johnson, 26, is charged with injury to a child by omission. On April 6, Johnson's 16-month-old daughter, Teddi Johnson, drowned in the bathtub.

According to court documents, a deputy arriving at the mobile home found the bathtub had overflowed, spilling water into the bathroom. Witnesses said Teddi been in the tub for a bath, along with her two-year-old sister. The water was reportedly running, and the girls' father was in another room taking a phone call.

Johnson's girlfriend went to check on the girls and discovered Teddi floating in the tub and attempted to perform CPR. She was taken to Hermann Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Johnson reportedly admitted smoking marijuana on the day of the drowning. Teddi's cause of death was drowning, and the manner of death is listed as homicide on the autopsy report.

Bond in the case has been set at $30,000.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Man accused of shooting brother during fight

A man is accused of shooting his own brother during a fight Thursday afternoon at a home in Channelview

  CHANNELVIEW, TX (KTRK) -- SkyEye 13 HD was over the scene of a shooting Thursday afternoon at a home in Channelview.

A man is accused of shooting his own brother during a fight. It happened around 12:30pm at a home on Wentworth Park. We're told the brother was shot in the abdomen and was undergoing surgery at Ben Taub Hospital. The brother accused of shooting him is in custody. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Extreme heat puts elderly in danger

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The heat is especially dangerous for the elderly. Wednesday night on Eyewitness News at 10pm, we told you about a woman in her 90s and her son, who'd been in their home without air conditioning for three days! Well, you -- our concerned viewers -- responded.

Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to the extreme heat and humidity. Many elderly in our community don't have a way to keep cool in their own homes. That often leads to some major health problems.

If you think it's hot outside, check out the temperature inside Ralph Carter's house. It's almost as unbearable. He and his mother have had very little air conditioning for three days now. The window unit crashed on Monday.

Carter said, "It's cooler here today than it was yesterday by about 10 degrees."

While he's been using fans to try and stay cool, on Wednesday the oppressive heat finally took its toll on a 90-year-old woman whose been staying at the house. Carter found her lying on the couch.

"She was gasping for breath it seems, but she didn't seem conscious," Carter recalled.

His friend suffered heat stroke and had to be rushed to the hospital. Carter bought a portable A/C unit to keep his elderly mother comfortable until the repairman comes.

"It's working out OK," he said. "I'm just sorry I didn't do it. I should have taken those precautions sooner."

EMS workers have been busy in recent weeks as heat-related emergency calls have spiked. There were 70 in the first two weeks of June compared to just 12 in the first two weeks of May. Those who have questions or concerns about their A/C can call 211 for assistance.

Carter said, "The police department was by here this morning and they gave me a card and they told me I should contact the substation if I needed any help."

Several Channel 13 viewers who saw the story called and emailed us to see how they could help. A local couple has offered to buy and install a new window unit today. Together with the owners of an A/C repair company, they got the job done. Carter is overwhelmed and grateful for the support.

We should mention that during extreme heat emergencies, the city's office of emergency management would be activated and arrangements would be made through METRO to transport the elderly or anyone else to cooling centers.

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Longtime Harris Co. Judge 'Wild Bill' Hatten dies

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There's sad news to report from the Harris County Courthouse.

Judge William 'Wild Bill' Hatten, a popular figure and legend of the courthouse has died at the age of 97. Judge Hatten presided over the 176th district court in the 1970s and 1980s. There's still a picture of him in that courtroom.

Judge Hatten remained active in his church and American Legion after his retirement.

We caught up with Judge Hatten at his birthday celebration at the courthouse last year, and he showed his wit and character were still well intact. You can see our interview with him in the video window above.

Statement from Harris County DA Pat Lykos on Judge Hatton's passing:

"I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Judge Bill Hatten. He was passionate about justice. His zest for life showed in all he did. Bill had a great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye -- even when he was yelling at a lawyer or a defendant. He will be sorely missed."

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Local community water restrictions

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Local communities are enacting various stages of water conservation efforts, and residents who violate them could even face fines, depending on where they live.

A number of communities are facing high water usage, as our extremely hot and dry weather continues its record streak. Residents in Pearland and Sugar Land are encouraged to reduce water consumption under voluntary guidelines, but League City has taken the additional step of enacting mandatory water restrictions.

League City is enacting stage three of their drought contingency plan, in an effort to maintain pressure for firefighting purposes and to avoid other problems associated with low pressure. Violations of the restrictions are considered misdemeanor crimes. Violators may face fines of $500 plus court fees each day that one or more restrictions are violated.

League City mandatory water restrictions:
Irrigation of landscaped areas is limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays for water customers with even-numbered addresses, and Mondays and Wednesdays for water customers with odd-numbered addresses. Irrigation of landscaped areas is further limited to the hours between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. on designated watering days. Irrigation shall be by means of hand-held hoses, hand-held buckets, drip irrigation, or permanently installed automatic sprinkler system only. The use of hose-end sprinklers is prohibited at all times.Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane, or other vehicle is prohibited except on designated watering days from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Such washing, when allowed, shall be done with a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses. Vehicle washing may be done at any time on the premises of a commercial car wash or commercial service station. Washing may be exempted from these regulations if the health, safety and welfare of the public is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleansing, such as garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables.Use of water to fill, refill or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools, wading pools and Jacuzzi-type pools is prohibited except on designated watering days from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.Use of water for washing down of any sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, or other hard-surfaced areas is prohibited.Using water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection is prohibited.Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street is prohibited.Failing to repair a controllable leak within a reasonable period of five days after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak is prohibited.Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes is prohibited except when necessary to support aquatic life or when such fountains or ponds are equipped with a recirculation system.Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting, related activities, or other activities necessary to maintain public health, safety and welfare, except that use of water from designated fire hydrants for construction purposes under special permit is discontinued.All restaurants are prohibited from serving water to patrons except upon request of the patron.The watering of golf course tee boxes is prohibited unless the golf course utilizes a water source other than that provided by the city.The City of League City will continue to monitor the water levels and update residents on www.leaguecity.com

Sugar Land voluntary water conservation details:
To reduce peak demand and total water consumption, Sugar Land residents are asked to water lawns according to the following schedule:
Even numbered addresses on even numbered days of the month from 8 p.m. to midnightOdd numbered addresses on odd numbered days of the month from 8 p.m. to midnightFor more information on the city's voluntary irrigation schedule, call the Sugar Land Utilities Department at 281-275-2450

Pearland outdoor watering schedule:
Residents are asked to limit non-essential water use to the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.Odd-numbered addresses are requested to water on odd dates and even-numbered addresses are requested to water on even dates. For example, 3519 Liberty Drive can water on June 17, 19, 21, etc. since the address ends in an odd number. For more information about the voluntary watering schedule or the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, please call the Public Works Department at 281-652-1900

Other water conservation tips: Set lawn mower blades one notch higher so they cut grass 2 to 3 inches tall, leave grass clippings on lawns,and cover bare ground with mulch to save up to 100 gallons or more per week.Check sprinkler heads, valves and drip emitters monthly. Make sure heads are aimed correctly, and immediately repair broken heads.Use a broom to clear pavement.Use a hose spray nozzle with a shutoff handle to stop water flow.Create a water-efficient landscape (called a xeriscape) by using drought-resistant and native plants.Repair leaksRun faucets only when using them.Install water-efficient fixtures. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Mayor Parker unveils change to drainage fee

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston Mayor Annise Parker says she wants to make sure people pay the drainage fee they voted for, even if that means the city can't raise all the money that was expected.

Ask an average Houstonian how much their drainage fee may be and you often get something like this.

"I have no clue. How much is it normally? Ten dollars, 3 or 4 dollars?" wondered Houstonian Shynae Godfrey.

Initially, Mayor Parker told voters that the median drainage fee would be about $5 per month, but in reality, the first round of numbers puts it closer to $8. So Mayor Parker on Thursday announced a new plan.

"The Rebuild Houston initiative itself may bring in fewer dollars, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a great program," she said. "I'm very supportive of it, but this is about maintaining a level of fairness."

In the revamped drainage fee structure, there will be an 1,000 square feet impervious cover credit for every piece of property in town, bringing the median monthly home fee to $5.

Critics remain unsatisfied.

"This whole system has been a fix as you go instead of a pay as you go and we don't think that's the way to do business in public policy," said opponent David Welch.

But Mayor Parker says drainage fee opponents will never be satisfied.

"This is not about addressing critics. This is not about addressing the people who don't want this program, worked against this program, will never never agree this is an important program," said Mayor Parker.

The revamped structure is expected to raise $15 million less a year than the original plan of $125 million a year for drainage. Voters we talked to say they just hope all that money actually makes an impact.

"I'm never in favor of paying more money for anything, but if it supports the city and it's what the city needs, then absolutely I'm in favor," said Houstonian Bev Taylor.

If you get a drainage bill and it's much larger than what you expected, you're asked to contact the city to contest it. The city admits there could be mistakes.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Man stabbed to death during apparent robbery

The victim drove off, but crashed down the road and died at the scene.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was killed in an apparent robbery in southwest Houston overnight.

Police say the man had stopped to talk to a woman at the intersection of Harwin and Boone. That's when two men who were hiding jumped out and stabbed the victim once in the leg. The victim drove off but crashed his car a block away and died at the scene.

Police are still looking for the woman and two male suspects.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Police: Fight over woman turns into stabbing

A man is nearly stabbed to death as he tangles with another man last night.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police say a fight over a woman caused one man to stab a man he viewed as his romantic rival.

It happened in northeast Houston on Burden near Knight around 10pm. Police say a man was jealous that a woman he was interested in was with another man. That caused the two men to fight and during the scuffle, one man pulled out a knife and stabbed the other.

The stabbing victim was listed in serious condition. Police arrested the man's attacker.

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Red light camera election ruled invalid

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There's a major development in the legal battle over Houston's red light cameras. A judge has ruled last November's red light cameras charter amendment vote is invalid.

The ruling came down from U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes today. However, this does not mean that the red light cameras will be turned back on and tickets will be issued immediately. Judge Hughes' ruling reads in part, "The charter itself and Texas law limit the ability of citizens to initiate changes to the city's charter and ordinances. The nature of the proposition was to repeal a single ordinance about techniques for enforcing traffic laws. It was done beyond the time limit in the charter for repealing an ordinance." Voters wanted them out, but the cameras have remained in place while the battle is being fought in federal court between the city of Houston and ATS, the camera vendor. The city is hoping to avoid paying damages to the company for dropping the contract. Mayor Annise Parker issued a statement saying, "Judge Hughes' ruling means that we have several options to consider. I will consult with City Attorney Dave Feldman and City Council members as we deliberate the future of the red light camera program in Houston. Right now the cameras continue to monitor intersections, but no tickets are being issued."

Paul Kubosh, a lawyer who led the fight against the cameras, told us today's ruling is "judicial activism at its worst."

Stay with ABC13 Eyewitness News for the latest on this developing story.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Massage therapist charged with sexual assault of client

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A massage therapist is facing charges after allegedly sexually violating a client during her massage.

Omar Prado Ruiz, 34, is charged with felony sexual assault. According to court documents, on May 17, Ruiz was giving a massage to a client at Massage Heights in the 13400 block of Briar Forest. The client said she had requested Ruiz, as she had on numerous previous occasions.

The woman told police that about 45 minutes into the massage, Ruiz began touching her in areas that made her uncomfortable and then he sexually assaulted her. She immediately sat up and demanded he leave the room.

The woman said Ruiz left, but re-entered the room while she was dressing and begged her not to tell anyone for fear of losing his job. The woman obtained a sexual assault exam the same day.

Bond has been set at $30,000 in the case.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Accent Flower Pendant, 18"

Colorful gemstone flowers are nestled among polished golden tendrils in this exquisite pendant, made from sterling silver plated in 18 karat yellow gold. Small faceted rounds of ruby, sapphire, and emerald serve as flower petals and are centered around polished silver dots or a diamond accent. This graceful and feminine design is showcased on an 18-inch cable chain that fastens with a spring ring clasp.

Price: $35.00

Click here to buy from Amazon

Police chase ends with two in custody

A police chase ended with two in custody after a crash on the northwest side

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Eyewitness News was on the scene of a police chase that began Thursday morning on the northwest side.

Police were looking for stolen cars in a motel parking lot when two suspects with warrants fled. The chase ended near Ella and Haverhill when the suspects crashed their vehicle and ran into a nearby apartment complex. They were quickly arrested after trying to break into a woman's apartment. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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