Latest news with #Cleburne
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cleburne wins distinguished budget award
Thirty-four consecutive years and counting, Cleburne Finance Director Craig Boonstra said of the city's latest award. Boonstra, during Tuesday's meeting of the Cleburne City Council, announced that Cleburne has once again won the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Association announced the award March 11. This year's award is in connection with Cleburne's annual budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. 'This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting,' Boonstra said. 'Its attainment represents a significant achievement by a city organization.' In choosing recipients for the award, the Association consider several criteria, Boonstra said. 'In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as a financial plan, as an operations guide, and as a communications device,' Boonstra said. Cleburne's long running tradition of receiving the award each year speaks volumes, Mayor Scott Cain said. 'It speaks to the professionalism and quality of our finance department,' Cain said. 'It also speaks to our other city departments who support and work with the finance department in creating the budget.' Amendments and renovations Based on a desire to support the development of non-profit, affordable housing within the city, council members unanimously approved an amendment to city codes dealing with impact fees. 'The hope is to provide financial relief through the exemption of impact fees [in certain cases],' Public Works Director Jeremy Hutt said. 'This effort aims to reduce development costs and encourage the construction of affordable housing units by non-profit entities.' Such an exemption already exists within the city for public school construction projects. This addition, Hutt and others said, should help spur construction of affordable housing. Hutt, in answer to Councilman Oliver Cozby's question, said the exemption will apply both to construction projects involving single homes as well as multiple home projects. 'To request an exemption, the applicant must submit a formal letter to the director of public works, which includes a description of the proposed development, including location and number of housing units as well as documentation verifying the applicant's non-profit status and supporting information demonstrating compliance with the requirements for affordable housing,' Hutt said. 'If an exemption is granted but the development is not constructed as affordable housing or later ceases to qualify, the city shall assess and collect applicable impact fees based on the rates in effect at the time of building permit or water meter issuance.' Council members also approved the replacement of 39 windows at city hall for a cost not to exceed $115,000. Council also agreed to hire Strong Commercial for the project. The post office previously occupied the current city hall building, which dates to the early 20th Century. 'The existing windows are in poor condition and require full replacement to improve energy efficiency, aesthetics, and overall building performance,' Hutt said. 'The project scope includes the replacement, demolition, and proper disposal of a total of 39 windows.'
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Texas cops use dystopian surveillance method to track down woman trying to leave state for abortion
A dystopian scene unraveled in Texas when police officers were caught using software for a nationwide license plate reader to track a woman who had a self-administered abortion in a state where the procedure is legal. The officer was employed with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office in Cleburne, a suburb outside of Fort Worth, where abortion is banned except in cases of a fatal medical emergency. On May 9, the officer used Flock cameras, which have license plate reading technology, to search for the unidentified woman. Police don't need a warrant to search surveillance footage if it's an emergency, and can also typically access footage from cameras in public spaces. An officer with the sheriff's office reportedly searched Flock cameras and gave the reason as, 'had an abortion, search for female,' according to sets of data reviewed by 404 Media. The data revealed that the office searched cameras nationwide, combing through 83,000 license plate readers to look for the woman. Johnson County Sheriff Adam King told the publication that authorities were searching for the woman because, 'her family was worried that she was going to bleed to death, and we were trying to find her to get her to a hospital.' 'We weren't trying to block her from leaving the state or whatever to get an abortion. It was about her safety.' King told 404 Media that the department got a few 'hits' when they searched for the woman's license plate in Dallas, but that Flock camera footage didn't ultimately lead to authorities locating the woman. Two days after the department located her plate in Dallas, they made contact with her and verified that she was okay. The sheriff added that they performed a nationwide search instead of limiting it to their jurisdiction to ensure, 'we're hitting everything, every possibility.' Flock told 404 Media that the company provides technology that individuals can leverage 'in a way that reflects their values.' 'We support democratically-authorized governing bodies to determine what that means for their community,' the statement continued. 'Flock does not decide which criminal codes to enforce in Texas or Washington. We rely on the democratic process. And in this case, it appears Flock was used to try to locate a vulnerable person who may have been a danger to herself.' Since Roe V. Wade was overturned in 2022, abortion rights returned to the states, with many outlawing the practice entirely. In Texas, almost all abortions are prohibited, and there are civil and criminal penalties for those who have them or medical practitioners who perform them. The only exception to the law is if the health of the patient is at risk. Texas doesn't allow exceptions for rape or incest like other states. The Justice Department decided in November 2023 that the Constitution protects interstate travel to receive an abortion. Abortion rights activists and advocates against surveillance have previously expressed concern that police could use advanced technology to locate those who have had abortions while living in states where it's illegal. 'Lawmakers will likely pressure police and prosecutors to use all of the tracking tools they have to target health providers, pregnant people, and anyone helping them to access care,' the Stop Surveillance Technology Oversight Project said before Roe V. Wade was overturned. 'And with all mass surveillance, there will be countless bystanders targeted, too, those who will be jailed because of miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and inaccurate data.' Most states don't criminally prosecute individuals who have had or assisted with abortions. However, a study conducted by Pregnancy Justice revealed that there were at least 210 pregnancy-related prosecutions from June 24, 2022, to June 23, 2023. Nearly half of those prosecutions occurred in Alabama, about a third in Oklahoma, and only six in Texas. Most of the prosecutions were related to alleged child abuse, while five concerned allegations of abortion. Those who were prosecuted for abortion related instances faced charges ranging from homicide to child neglect.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Estrada homers, Canaries defeat Cleburne
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (CANARIES) — The Sioux Falls Canaries clinched a winning home series with a 6-4 triumph over Cleburne on Wednesday. The Railroaders scored twice in the top of the second inning before Calvin Estrada blasted a three-run homerun in the third to put the Birds in front for good. Sioux Falls tacked on three more runs in the fifth inning. Jabari Henry delivered an RBI single and Josh Rehwaldt followed with a sacrifice flyout. Henry later scored on a double from Peter Zimmermann before Cleburne could escape the jam. The Railroaders got a run back in the top of the sixth and added one more in the seventh but could get no closer. Thomas Dorminy struckout six over six innings to move to 3-0 while Christian Cosby tossed a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save. Henry, Zimmermann and Jordan Barth each finished with two hits as the Canaries improve to 9-9 overall. The Birds will look to sweep the three-game series when the two teams meet Thursday at 6:35pm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Without them' there'd be no America
Because of the ultimate sacrifices made by numerous men and women in uniform throughout America's history, we enjoy the lifestyle and freedoms we hold dear, U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, and others said on Monday morning. 'Without the bravery and commitment of our [men and women in uniform] there would be no American story,' Williams said. 'Throughout American history those in uniform have stepped up to protect and defend our people and uphold the values that make our country the greatest in the history of the world.' More than 80 residents, many of them veterans and/or family members of veterans, gathered at Cleburne Memorial Park Cemetery to honor those lost in past wars. The early hours of Monday saw downpour, which played out by the time the ceremony's 10 a.m. start time. 'Isn't God good?' American Legion Auxiliary member Marty Peters asked as she opened Monday's ceremony. 'It's not raining and I had prayed that it wouldn't be all week.' Cleburne Police Chief Rob Severance referenced Memorial Day's true purpose while delivering the opening prayer. 'We come this morning to honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion for the freedoms we hold dear,' Severance said. 'We thank you for the brave men and women who laid down their lives in defense of our nation.' Severance spoke of the enormity of those sacrifices. 'Their courage, their selflessness and their unwavering commitment to duty are etched forever into the soul of our country,' Severance said. 'May we never take for granted the liberties they died to protect.' Cleburne Mayor Pro Tem Blake Jones talk of the importance with which Cleburne's first responders, community leaders, residents and especially veterans hold service. 'We gather today in solemn remembrance, deep gratitude and unwavering respect for the men and women who gave their lives in service of our great nation. 'And not only their sacrifices, but to recommit ourselves to the values they defended including freedom, duty and country.' Williams, who served as keynote speaker, agreed. 'Memorial Day is a time for us to gather and reflect on the true cost of our freedom,' Williams said. 'May we be inspired by the patriotism and valor of those who gave their today so that we can simply have our tomorrow.' Williams discussed the history of Decoration Day, which over time became Memorial Day and reiterated the importance of paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Those heroes carry a legacy of honor, strength and steadfast duty to defend against those who threaten America's freedoms and liberty,' Williams said. That, Williams added, must never be forgotten and places a duty on all of us as well. 'As Americans, we've proudly carried this tradition forward,' Williams said. 'But it remains our duty to ensure that our next generation never loses sight of the importance of this day. We must never take for granted the freedoms and liberties our service men and woman valiantly fought to preserve.' U.S. Army Veteran Terry Mangrum spoke of how, after completing his military service in 1987, he came home to start a business. Mangrum recalled Jeremy Allmon who he employed in 1987 and who, in part inspired by Mangrum, decided to join the military. 'He was 17,' Mangrum said. 'I myself was 17 when I joined. On Feb. 5, 2005 I was at a pastor's conference in Phoenix when I got word that he had been killed by an improvised explosive device. I believe he was the first Johnson County resident killed in the Iraqi War.' The point, Mangrum stressed, is for all of us to heed our calling being that military service or elsewhere and then do our best to contribute back. Cleburne Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Thomas also spoke of honor and remembrance due those who paid the ultimate price as well as their loved ones left behind. 'Words can never replace the emotional feelings that each and every one of them have gone through,' Thomas said. 'We must never forget.' Sons of the American Legion member James Feaster highlighted the POW/MIA Table and the significance of the items placed upon it while ALA President Candy Maples discussed the significance of the Military Child Ceremonial Table while several children added items to it. Peters and former Cleburne ALA Past President Nelda Grande discussed the importance of poppies and the World War I poem 'In Flanders Fields.' Elisha Leonard, daughter of a Vietnam veteran, discussed the history of 'Taps' after which Cleburne student Lukas Leonard played the same while several children joined Williams in placing a wreath on a veteran's grave.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Railroaders tack on to roster ahead of exhibition games
Railroaders tack on to roster ahead of exhibition games The Cleburne Railroaders announced three new signings over the weekend in preparation for their exhibition games against the Charros de Jalisco on April 15-16. Andres Sosa is a catcher/infielder from Hermosillo, Mexico, who spent his college career with the University of Texas at Austin and Dallas Baptist University. Advertisement Undrafted out of DBU in 2021, Sosa signed with the Toronto Blue Jays organization and has spent the last four years in the minor league system. He reached the double-A level. Sosa joins Cleburne with a .242 career batting average and 42 home runs. Needing depth at the catcher position since the departure of Jaxx Groshans, the Railroaders added a second catcher in Jacob Morrow. Morrow is a rookie entering the 2025 season after two seasons as a Washington State Cougar. In his two years with the program, Morrow batted .291 in 66 games. The Railroaders welcome a different Dillard to Cleburne heading into the exhibitions with right-handed pitcher Trey Dillard. Advertisement The 26-year-old arm from Phoenix, Arizona was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2018 MLB Draft but decided to pursue a college career. After a short stint at San Jacinto College, Dillard played in the Southeastern Conference with Texas A&M University and the University of Missouri. Although he didn't get picked out of college, Dillard was immediately picked up by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023. In two seasons at the A-ball level, Dillard had a 5.36 ERA and 55 strikeouts. Both exhibition games begin at 5 p.m. at La Moderna Field. Opening Day for Cleburne's 2025 season is set for May 8, at 7 p.m. where the Railroaders take on the Western division champion Winnipeg Godleyes.
