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Author Archives: Maynard
The Drones Are Coming to Wichita Falls – Maybe
The articles about U.S. cities preparing to make use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are becoming more frequent. All that seems to be holding back the flood is FAA approval of the machines, and that approval seems to be … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Opinions
Tagged airplane, drones, pilot, surveillance, uav, unmanned aerial vehicles
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Jailhouse Lawyers at the James V. Allred Unit
We’ve all heard of jailhouse lawyers – those offenders who are, or think they are, knowledgeable on criminal law. These folks work hard on their own appeals and even help other offers with their legal work. Some of them are … Continue reading
Posted in Allred Files
Tagged allred unit, correctional officer, prison, wichita falls
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Offender Grooming Standards at the Allred Unit in Wichita Falls
5-11-2012 There’s been a rumor floating around that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville is presently deciding on whether or not to relax the current offender grooming standards. Relatively short hair and a clean-shaven face is the present … Continue reading
Posted in Allred Files
Tagged allred unit, correctional officer, corrections, grooming, prison, wichita falls
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Wichita Falls Texas Information #34
5-3-2012 – TIME ZONE – You can always tell an Allred Unit offender who has never been in the military when he shows up at 4PM for a 0400 medical lay-in (appointment). Speaking of medical, an offender was brought in … Continue reading
Posted in Home Page Archive
Tagged articles, information, news, opinions, reports, wichita falls
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Federal Assault Mounting on State “Stand Your Ground” Laws
The trouble came to the forefront following the Trayvon Martin shooting in Florida. Lawmakers at the state and federal level are going after states that have “stand your ground” laws. The article I reference said that deaths in Florida have … Continue reading
The Local Wichita Falls Newspaper and Police Retirees
The following article is really of no importance at all. Let’s just call it an exercise in creating content for my blog! I’ve noticed over the years that our local newspaper regularly features photos and stories of Wichita Falls Police … Continue reading
Posted in Opinions
Tagged newspaper, police, retirees, retirements, wfpd, wichita falls
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More Government Grant Goofiness
From the Community Oriented Policing Services website - www.cops.usdoj.gov – Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues … Continue reading
Air Marshals or Sacrificial Lambs?
4-30-2012 According to an online news item that appears to be from ABC News with Diana Sawyer, intelligence officials fear that Al Qaeda may be planning to blow up U.S. bound airplanes using terrorists with explosives inside their bodies. So, … Continue reading
Posted in Crime
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Texas Prison Museum Huntsville Texas
If you’ve been to the Texas Prison Museum, please leave your comments on the experience below. ………………………………………………………………… The wife and I visited the Texas Prison Museum back in the summer of 2006, while returning from a trip to Houston. It’s … Continue reading
Famous Mineral Water Company in Mineral Wells Texas
If you’ve been to the Famous Mineral Water Company in Mineral Wells, please leave your comments below. …………………………………………….. I’ve driven up and down U.S. 281 many times and never knew this place existed until just a few months ago. The … Continue reading
Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas
The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in 1960 by four students from St, Mary’s University (San Antonio). The first 1/2 mile of the caverns were later developed and open to the public. I first visited the caverns in 1966 as … Continue reading
The Dutchman’s Hidden Valley Store in Hamilton Texas
If you’ve been to the Dutchman’s Hidden Valley store, leave your comments on your experience below. ……………………………………………………………. Whenever we’re on US 281 on the way from Wichita Falls to San Antonio or Austin, we stop at the Dutchman’s Hidden Valley … Continue reading
Stinking Crime in Wichita Falls
This is another short story (also read about the Wheel Burglars) showing the importance of video equipment before such equipment was really popular. Somewhere back in time, the folks at a certain student organization with offices across from Midwestern State … Continue reading
Posted in Crime
Tagged criminal mischief, midwestern state university, msu, wichita falls
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Wheel Burglars in Wichita Falls
4-29-2012 The “wheel burglars” weren’t stealing wheels back in the early 1980′s, they were using wheels – car wheels – to burglarize local Radio Shack stores. The burglars would drive up to a Radio Shack and one would hurl a … Continue reading
Posted in Crime
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Wichita Falls Scanner Frequencies
Wichita Falls Scanner Frequencies & Other Radio Information AMATEUR RADIO – and other forms of personal radio communications – is the backup in case the “Internet Kill Switch” is ever used. Declare Your Information Independence Upcoming Amateur Radio exam sessions … Continue reading
Posted in Communications
Tagged amateur radio, police scanner, scanner, scanning, storm spotters, weather spotters
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Wichita Falls Texas Information #32
4-8-2012 – SAVE ON GAS – United Supermarkets is again offering fuel discounts for shopping in their stores. This current program is in effect until May 22, 2012. Spend $40 – $69.99 – Save 5 cents a gallon Spend $70 … Continue reading
Wichita Falls – Wichita County FEMA Storm Cellar Grants
According to a Tuesday, 4-10-2012 article in the Wichita Falls Times Record News, Wichita County Commissioners are applying for a grant program that might get funding from FEMA that will assist 100 county families with up to $3000 each to … Continue reading
Posted in Opinions
Tagged fema, grants, storm cellar, tornado, wichita county, wichita falls
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2012 In-Service Training at the James V. Allred Unit
It’s time for my annual In-Service training! Below are some of the subjects we’ll be tackling over the 4-day event. Orientation Physical Agility Test Defensive Tactics Riot Control Contraband Interdiction Escapes Key and Tool Control Security Threat Groups Search of … Continue reading
Wichita Falls Texas Information #31
4-4-2012 – ONSTAR SILLINESS – My six-month free trial of OnStar is about to expire. Having not needed such a service in 45 years of driving, I figured I would “pass” on their renewal offer. The problem is that their … Continue reading
Off to Young’s Orchard in Charlie to Pick Strawberries
4-7-2012 -You can’t really call this a day trip because I think we were back home in about 90 minutes. But I’ll file it under day trips anyway. Who knows, maybe you can figure out how to make a day … Continue reading
M3 Remote Control Helicopter from Skytech – Wichita Falls
4-6-2012 – BACK IN THE AIR – Okay, so it’s just a little M3 remote (infrared) control helicopter from Skytech. We’ve been wanting one of these little gadgets for a while, so we got one. It only takes about 5 … Continue reading
Posted in Articles, Photos
Tagged helicopter, model helicopter, radio control, remote control
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Grant Money Madness Courtesy of FEMA
4-6-2012 – MORE GRANT MONEY MADNESS – Here’s a portion of an e-mail I got from FEMA: “The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $1.8 million to the state of Texas for construction of a community safe room in … Continue reading
OnStar Renewal or Non-Renewal Issues in Wichita Falls
My six-month free trial of OnStar account is about to expire. Having not needed such a service in 45 years of driving, I figured I would pass on their renewal offer. The problem is that their website is geared toward … Continue reading
Amateur Radio, Cell Phones and the Hotter N Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls
Have you ever monitored the Hotter-N-Hell Hundred (Wichita Falls) event support communications as administered by area Amateur Radio Operators? The on-the-air coordination of just about every phase of the event is a massive and details operation. Give them a listen … Continue reading
Posted in Communications
Tagged amateur radio, criterium, hhh, hotter n hell, wichita falls
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Allred Unit – Wichita Falls – 2012 Accreditation
It’s ACA accreditation time again. The James. V. Allred Unit first became accredited by the American Correctional Association in the summer of 2006. The ACA publishes a comprehensive list of standards to which correctional institutions must adhere in order to … Continue reading
Wichita Falls Texas Information #30
3-29-2012 – CELL PHONE GUY – I saw him again today in the I-44 Walmart. You know, the guy who’s always on his cell phone. I’ve mentioned him before. If you frequent either the northside Walmart or the mall, you’ve … Continue reading
Posted in Home Page Archive
Tagged articles, information, news, reports, wichita falls
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She Drove the Wheels Off in Wichita Falls
It was the night shift, who knows when – late 1980′s or early 1990′s. It all seems to “run together” as the years pass. While patrolling Wichita Falls’ north side, my favorite beat and still my favorite part of town, … Continue reading
Day Trip to the Stations of the Cross in Groom Texas
If you’ve been to the Stations of the Cross in Groom, Texas, please leave your comments on the experience below. ……………………………………………………………… 3-27-2012 – My wife found out about the existence of this display a few years ago, and we’ve been … Continue reading
Posted in Texas Travel
Tagged day trips, groom texas, stations of the cross, wichita falls
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Wichita Falls Texas Information #29
3-21-2012 – EMERGENCY SIRENS – I was looking over some Texas Amateur Radio websites when I stopped at the nice site of the Richardson Wireless Klub. There I noticed that the club provides Radio Operators to monitor the city’s 22 … Continue reading
Wichita Falls – Sidewaks But Still No Bus Station?
I see where the City of Wichita Falls is busy with a massive construction project that will add miles of sidewalks to various parts of town. This is apparently for “hikers and bikers” and not your normal sidewalk construction as … Continue reading
GMRS – FRS – CB Radio Scanner Frequencies
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) Frequencies Channel Type Frequency 1 FRS / GMRS 462.5625 2 FRS / GMRS 462.5875 3 FRS / GMRS 462.6125 4 FRS / GMRS 462.6375 5 FRS / GMRS 462.6625 6 FRS / GMRS 462.6875 7 … Continue reading
Posted in Communications
Tagged amateur radio, cb radio, frequencies, FRS, GMRS, repeaters, scanner frequencies, scanners, scanning, storm spotter, Texas, weather spotter, weather watch
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Wichita Falls Texas Information #28
3-5-2012 – TATTOO BLUES – An article in today’s Wichita Falls Times Record News outlines some changes in the local ordinance regarding the tattoo business. In part, the City’s policy is that “anyone wanting to obtain a license to become … Continue reading
Texas Traffic Laws – Stop Signs
3-10-2012 – STOP SIGNS – I’ve always heard that the Texas Department of Public Safety will bust you on a driving test if you fail to stop behind the “stop sign”, if there is such a sign at an intersection. … Continue reading
Posted in Traffic Topics
Tagged citations, ddc, defensive driving, stop signs, texas traffic laws, tickets
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BLS Employment Situation News Release
From BLS.gov Statement of John M. Galvin, Acting Commissioner Bureau of Labor Statistics Friday, March 9, 2012 Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 227,000 in February, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 8.3 percent. Over the last 3 months, nonfarm … Continue reading
Tattoo Business Competition Restrained in Wichita Falls?
3-5-2012- TATTOO BLUES – An article in today’s Wichita Falls Times Record News outlines some changes in the local ordinance regarding the tattoo business. In part, the City’s policy is that “anyone wanting to obtain a license to become a … Continue reading
A Strange Afternoon in Wichita Falls
3-3-2012 My first stop was Michael’s Arts & Crafts on Lawrence Road. My wife wanted to exchange something she bought last week. As we’re walking toward the entrance, we had to stop for a car driving by. The driver was … Continue reading
Posted in Opinions
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Wichita Falls Survey – Animal Leash Law Violations
2-26-2012 – LEASH LAW – According to a newspaper article in the Times Record News, the maximum fine for a “leash law” violation is $500, regardless of whether the violation results in an attack by the animal in question. I … Continue reading
Posted in Local Surveys
Tagged dog attacks, god bites, leash law, survey, vicious dog, wichita falls
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Wichita Falls Survey – National Chain Restaurant Choices
I’m not a big fan of chain restaurants, but I know most people love them. If I had to pick a newcomer to Wichita Falls it would probably be a White Castle, just for the childhood memories. What would be … Continue reading
Wichita Falls Survey – Semi-Auto Pistol vs Revolver
If you are a Concealed Handgun License holder, or just keep a handgun or two around for home defense, do you prefer the semi-automatic pistol or the revolver? Tell why. _______________________________________________________
Posted in Local Surveys
Tagged chl, concealed handgun license, pistol, revolver, wichita falls
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Wichita Falls Survey – Extended Warranties on New Vehicles
If you have purchased a new vehicle, did you buy, at the time of purchase, or later, an extended warranty? Whether or not you bought the warranty, was there a major repair needed during the coverage – or would-be coverage … Continue reading
Wichita Falls Survey – Favorite Locally-Owned Restaurant
What is your favorite locally-owned (non-franchise) Wichita Falls restaurant? Tell why. _______________________________________________________
Wichita Falls Survey – Ideas for Reviving the Downtown Area
What would be your suggestions for reviving the Wichita Falls Downtown area?
Wichita Falls Survey – The Overhead Expressway
Do you think having the expressway pass over the top of downtown Wichita Falls is a good or bad idea?
Day Trip – Wichita Falls – Lawton
2-16-2012 – DAY TRIP – We took a short trip to Lawton, Oklahoma today, with the primary target being the Hobby Lobby store. I know we have one in Wichita Falls, but the Lawton location is much bigger. Well, the … Continue reading
Allred Unit – Wichita Falls – Technology and the Incarcerated
I was using my Blackberry the other day – actually I use it every day – when I thought about the plight of those who have been behind bars for decades. At the Allred Unit, those who are in “General … Continue reading
Posted in Allred Files
Tagged allred unit, correctional officer, corrections, prison, prison guard, prison jobs, tdcj
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Another Pit Bull Attack in Wichita Falls
So, we have yet another pit bull attack in our fair city. This time, a 77-year old woman, out for a walk, was attacked by two pit bulls. According to the news, she was left a bloody mess! I think … Continue reading
2-14-2012 Federal Trade Commission News
From FTC.gov Debt Buyer Pays Up One of the nation’s largest consumer debt buyers has agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle FTC charges that it broke the law trying to collect old debts. Asset Acceptance, LLC, buys unpaid debts … Continue reading
Allred Unit – Wichita Falls – A Little Technology, Please!
Every few weeks, someone in authority needs to find out who owns a certain vehicle on the Allred Unit parking lot. For one thing, all vehicles are required to be locked and windows rolled up. A small “crack” is allowed … Continue reading
Posted in Allred Files
Tagged allred unit, correctional officer, corrections, prison, prison guard, prison jobs
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Wichita Falls Survey – The Curtiss “Jenny”
Have you seen the Curtiss “Jenny” on display or in flight here in Wichita Falls? If yes, what did you think? If no, do you plan to see it? From Wikipedia: JN-4D U.S. Army Air Corps “2525″ on display at … Continue reading
Texas Castle Doctrine
AN ACT relating to the use of force or deadly force in defense of a person. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 9.01, Penal Code, is amended by adding Subdivisions (4) and … Continue reading
Posted in Crime
Tagged amateur radio, castle doctrine, chl, clubs, concealed handgun, ham radio, repeaters, scanners, scanning, self defense, storm spotter, weather watch
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Offensive Driving in Wichita Falls
I was backing away from Comet Cleaners in Rio Vista Plaza when a car zoomed by behind me. He was driving in what I will say was the wrong direction. I know it’s a parking lot, and traffic rules generally … Continue reading
Allred Unit – Wichita Falls – Very High Security
2-2-2012- I was at a certain business location in Wichita Falls the other day. I won’t mention the business because I don’t want to identify the employee. The employee recognized me and asked if I still worked at the Allred … Continue reading
Posted in Allred Files
Tagged allred unit, correctional officer, corrections, prison, prison guard, prison jobs, tdcj, wichita falls
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Wichita Falls – Burkburnett Rest Stops
A recent newspaper item reports that the roadside rests stops on I-44 between Wichita Falls and Burkburnett may be closed for budgetary reasons. It was also reported that, due to the expansion of both cities, the rests stops are not … Continue reading
Sneaker Fools
2-7-2012 – MARYLAND MALL EVACUATED OVER SNEAKER FIGHT It seems that a shoe store advertised a sale on a certain brand name sneaker, and ran out of shoes before they ran out of customers wanting them. It was reported that … Continue reading
Wichita Falls Traffic Fines 2011 – 2012
ANIMALS Animal at Large — $365 No City License — $170 No Rabies Vaccination — $170 Refusal to Quarantine Animal — $365 ALCOHOL-RELATED Minor Consumption of Alcohol — $365 Minor Driving Under the Influence — $365 Minor Possession of Alcohol … Continue reading
Posted in Wichita Falls Data
Tagged police, traffic fines, traffic tickets, wfpd, wichita falls
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Correctional Officer Screening in Wichita Falls Feb – Mar 2012
2-2-2012 – The test for the position of Correctional Officer will be given at the Texas Workforce Commission – 4309 Jacksboro Hwy., Ste 300 (at Hatton Road) on the following 2012 dates: February 14, 15, 16, 28, 29 and March … Continue reading
Posted in Allred Files
Tagged allred unit, correctional officer, corrections, prison, prison guard, prison jobs, wichita falls
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Blogging Income for Correctional Officers
FTC Disclosure: I am a sales affiliate for Bluehost, the company that hosts this site. This means that if you order Bluehost services after clicking on a Bluehost link on this site, I will receive a commission. While the below … Continue reading
Texas Penal Code – Alcohol & Intoxication Offenses
TITLE 10. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND MORALS CHAPTER 49. INTOXICATION AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OFFENSES Sec. 49.01. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) “Alcohol concentration” means the number of grams of alcohol per: (A) 210 liters of breath; (B) 100 … Continue reading
Texas Penal Code – Burglary and Criminal Trespass
Sec. 30.02. BURGLARY. (a) A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner, the person: (1) enters a habitation, or a building (or any portion of a building) not then open to the public, with intent … Continue reading
Texas Penal Code – Presumption of Theft by Check
Sec. 31.06. PRESUMPTION FOR THEFT BY CHECK. (a) If the actor obtained property or secured performance of service by issuing or passing a check or similar sight order for the payment of money, when the issuer did not have sufficient funds in … Continue reading
Wichita Falls Texas Information #27
2-28-2012 – MORE INFIRMARY SOLITUDE – Yet another quiet day in the Infirmary. One of the staff doctors has moved on to other employment. A cake and cupcakes were consumed in his honor. I monitored the situation closely, hoping to … Continue reading →