Running for office? file now

According to the Democratic Chair, Sergio Mora the last day to file for office in the Democratic Party is January 4th, 2010. Those wishing to register to run for a political office must register on this date.

Here is a current list of candidates for the March primaries:

WEBB COUNTY JUDGE::: Danny Valdez (Incumbent), "Tano" Tijerina, Andres "Andy" Reyes and Louis H. Bruni are confirmed to be running

COUNTY COMMISSIONER PCT. 2::: Wawi Tijerina (Incumbent), Fransico Salinas and former Commissioner Judith Gutierrez

COUNTY COMMISSIONER PCT. 4::: Sergio "Keko" Martinez (Incumbent) will run for re-election, Jaime Canales will also run as well as former city councilman Juan Chavez and former Sheriff Juan Garza

MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE::: Rosie Cuellar-Castillo has been confirmed to be running as well as Juan B. Caballero and Charles Wise

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PCT 2, PLC 1::: Ramiro Veliz (Incumbent), Danny Dominguez, Victor M. Schunior, Ricardo Urdiales, Elda Rivera and Santos Benavides have been confirmed to be vying for this seat

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PCT 2, PLC 2::: Ricardo Rangel (Incumbent), another possible candidate includes Becky Soto

COUNTY TREASUER::: Delia Perales (Incumbent), Jose A. Valdez and Hector "Tito" Garcia have been confirmed to be running at this time

COUNTY CLERK:::: Margie Ramirez Ibarra (Incumbent) and Longino "Lonnie" Garcia Jr.

JUDGE, 49TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT::: Joe Lopez (Incumbent)

JUDGE, 111TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT::: Adriana Arce-Flores, Monica Zapata Notzon and Jesus "Chuy" Dominguez will run as Raul Vasquez retires

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 1::: Ben Morales (Incumbent)

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 2::: Jesus "Chuy" Garza (Incumbent)

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT. 1, PL. 2::: Oscar R. Liendo (Incumbent)

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT 4::: Oscar O. Martinez (Incumbent) and Vicky Cantu

WEBB COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK:::: Jackie L. Ramos, Esther Degollado, Lydia Liendo Parra and Sylvia Palumbo will be running as Manuel Gutierrez is retiring.

Classes will resume Thursday at Colonel Santos Benavides Elementary

UISD has just cofirmed that students at Colonel Santos Benavides Elementary will return to class on Thursday after being closed for a day. The campus has a water line breakage and caused classes to be cancelled on Tuesday.

Lil' Wayne tickets go on sale

Lil' Wayne tickets go on sale Saturday morning at the LEC box office. Several people braved the cold Friday night to stay in line to be one of the first to get tickets. The grammy won rapper will perform on December 18th at the Laredo Entertainment Center.

Judge Oscar Liendo to run for re-election

Justice of the Peace Oscar Liendo for Precinct One, Place Two has announced that he will seek re-election next year.

Liendo says he hopes to continue programs he has initiated that help the elderly and at-risk youth. Liendo is the younger brother of long time Judge Jector Liendo, who serve side by side.

EXCLUSIVE: Bill White to run for Texas Governor

Laredo Watch has confirmed from sources that Houston Mayor Bill White will place his hat in the ring for Texas Governor in the democratic primary.

White will make an official announcement Friday as he will give up his current campaign for Senator.

Prior to serving as mayor, White was a prominent businessman and later served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1995. He was rated Governing Magazine's Public Official of the Year in 2007. White will be endorsed by Tom Schieffer, who dropped out of the race several weeks ago.

Other democrats in the race are Farouk Shami and Kinky Friedman.

Burglers in south Laredo detained by police

Four teens have arrested for terrorizing homes in Los Presidentes neighborhood. The teens are; Juan Alberto Moreno, 17, Alexis González, 17, and Ignacio González, 20, with a minor of 16 years of age.

Reports say the teens were stealing car stereos, speakers, and other objects of vehicles in the neighborhood.

Former Rio Bravo mayor arrested for theft

Former Rio Bravo mayor Juan Gabriel Gonzalez is facing charges of theft stemming from a case when he was a mayor of Rio Bravo.

According to authorities Gonzalez had given away a city owned vehicle to somebody else and that vehicle had not been returned.

Gonzalez was also arrested in July of 2007 for driving while intoxicated. He is currently under investigation by the Texas Rangers on charges of theft.

UISD will not close school Friday

Rumors have been circulating that UISD will close school on Friday due to harsh weather. That is not the case according to the district. Although temperatures are extpected to drop in the 30's and a freeze warning will be in effect, the district will keep schools open. District officials will monitor the weather. Meanwhile classes in Nuevo Laredo will be closed on Friday.

Four arrested on west side prostitution

Four women have been arrested for prostitution as part of a special police operation in Laredo west side.

The four women arrested were 20-year-old Alison Nancy Garcia, 22 year old Esmeralda Arevalos, 48 year old Juanita Compean, and 44 year old Flor Chapa for prostitution.

One of the women, Arevalos was also charged with possession of cocaine.

Obama: 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan by summer

President Obama is dispatching 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, accelerating a risky and expensive war buildup, even as he assures the nation that U.S. forces will begin coming home in July 2011. The first new Marines will join the fight by Christmas. Obama also announced a start to a U.S. withdrawal by July 2011.

Cold is here to stay

The cold weather Laredo is seeing will stay for a bit longer. Temperatures will be in the high 30s on Friday, with the weather getting warmer next Tuesday with the highs of 70. Laredo continue to see more rain later this week and early next week.

Laredoan crowned Miss Texas Teen USA

Chelsea Morgensen of Laredo has been crowned Miss Texas Teen USA. She is only the second Laredoans to be chosen as miss Texas Teen USA.

Shoppers awake early for Black Friday

Hundreds of Laredoans stood in lines in the cold early morning hours to grab a good deal.

Many were seen in lines reaching up to a block at Toys R Us and Best Buy. The local Toys R Us store opend at midnight, while Old Navy opened it's doors at 3 AM.

Mayor Raul Salinas headlined in Fox News

Mayor Raul Salinas was headlined in Fox News for bringing troops home for the holidays.

Man killed on Zapata highway while crossing

Police have identified 22 year old Orlando Gonzalez as the victim of an auto-pedestrian accident on the 4400 block of Zapata highway.

The incident occured around 6:30 Tuesday evening while Gonzalez crossed the busy highway from a local restaurant infront of Walmart.

He was killed instantly on inpact.

Man arrested for shoplifting JC Penny's

24 year old Edwing Ahmed Alvarez was caught shoftlifting at the local JC Penny's in Mall Del Norte Tuesday.

Alavarez punched a hole in the retail's wall while store associates detained the man until police arrived.

He has other chrages under his belt of which include; prostitution, thefts, resisting arrest, and credit card abuse among other charges.

The 24 year old man was dressed as a woman at the time of his arrest.

Troops come home for the holidays

The Laredo National Guard Bravo Company stationed in El Paso headed home Tuesday night for the holidays.

Dozens of family members were on hand to receive the brave men and women. All were delighted to have them for the three short days home.

Hollywood in Laredo? Council dreams idea

The Laredo city council recently approved a resolution that will make it possible to attract the filmmaking industry right here in Laredo.

Members of the Film Commission of Texas will be in town December 3rd at La Posada Hotel. Councilmen Gene Belmares and Hector Garcia, both employees of La Posada say this will be a stepping stone to better things to come.

The workshop is named "When Hollywood comes to town" and is being sponsored by the Texas Film Commission together with the Leadership Institute of Texas.

Officials say film making in Laredo will help the economy and generate tourism.

H1NI flu shots available

The Texas Health Department has created a vaccine locator online. The graphic indicated the areas in which local residentes can get an H1NI flu shot. As of press time all locations except the City of Laredo Health Department are temporarily out of stock.

Teens arrested for pot

Two Laredo teens have been arrested for being busted with Marijuana in a drug free zone. 18 year old Kevin Richard Coria (pictured) and 17 year old Eleazar Eloy Lara are behind bars.

Police found less than five pounds of Marijuana in their possession during a routine traffic stop.

Man arrested on downtown murder

76 year old Enrique González has been arrested for killing 29 year old Efraín Reyes of Nuevo Laredo in downtown Laredo. The shooting occured because of a ten dollar dispute between the killer and the vicitm. Gonzalez confessed to the killing of Reyes to Laredo police.

A handful of passerbyers witnessed the killing in public on Jarvis Plaza in downtown Laredo. The 29 year old was killed by a gunshot to the head dying neary a plaza bench.

Paul Young closes dealership

Paul Young Auto has closed the Loop 20 dealership. The auto center has recently closed numerous sites around Laredo and the south east dealership is the latest victim. The closure is due to poor sales and the economy.

DPS warns Mexican gangs recruiting in schools

The Texas Department of Public Safety is warning parents across the state to be aware of efforts by Mexican cartels and transnational gangs to recruit Texas youth in our schools and communities. These violent organizations are luring teens with the prospect of cars, money and notoriety, promising them if they get caught, they will receive a minimal sentence.

Laredo natives Gabriel Cardona and Rosalio Reta were recruited in their teens to be hit men for the Zetas. Cartels constantly seek new ways to smuggle drugs and humans into Texas are now using state based gangs and our youth to support their operations on both sides of the border.

Both local school districts say they are doing their part to avoid this in schools from assistance of Laredo Police and other law enforcement agencies.

Flores faces 8 years in state prison

Former Webb County Clerk Henry Flores was sentenced to eight years in state prison Thursday morning. Judge Joe Lopez announced his sentence in which his defense team will appeal.

Person killed from shooting on site

One person is dead after an afternoon shooting at Farragut and Salinas in downtown Laredo. People crowed the scene as they witnessed the shooting and the death of a 29 year old man yet unnamed to the public. The victim was from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Laredo police are currently investigating the incident and have a suspect in custody.

KGNS Director dies

KGNS TV news director Ray Gomez passed away Tuesday morning. Gomez had been with Pro 8 News, the CW and Telemundo for several years as part of KGNS. He became ill over the past week and died because of the illness. Ray Gomez is survived by his wife Diana Fuentes, the editor of the Laredo Morning Times.

Investigation continues on LPD corruption

One month ago Laredo Watch and San Antonio news outlets reported the case of possible Zeta and gang infiltration in the Laredo police department.

Readers have been asking, what if anything has been done? News sources say the investigation continues by the FBI and is a federal matter. The officers in question remain on the force assigned to office duty.

News sources also say that at least a handful of others are currently involved or have been involved in corruption involving illegal activity. At this time it is not known whether more officers are being investigated.

As of press time not one local news outlet has presented this information to the public. Many readers have been questioning: why do people from San Antonio know more about potential corruption in their community than they themselves?

Laredo Watch will keep you updated on this story.

See related story: BREAKING: Possible Zeta infiltration in Laredo police department

New attorneys backing Flores

Former Webb County Clerk Henry Flores has replaced his attorney George Garcia with Zone Nguin and George Altgelt.

Flores is currently being tried in the 49th District Court, Monday he presented his new attorney's upon his sentencing.

The new attorney's are claiming Flores was on Prozac during the time of the alleged pick up of an eleven year old boy.

Flores plead guilty to soliciting a minor with intent to commit aggravated sexual assault earlier this month.

Wawi runs for re-election

Webb County Commissioner Pct. 2 Rosuara “Wawi” Tijerina has made it official -- she will run for re-election.

Tijerina faces popular former Commissioner Judith Gutierrez in March 2010 election. The race is sure to bring up a heated campaign for this seat.

Music stars line up for Jalapeno

The Jalapeno Festival that is; Jack Ingram, Cory Morrow, La Mafia and Duelo have been confirmed to hit the stage for the 32nd annual Jalapeno Festival.

The event takes place in a two day span, February 19th and 20th of 2010 and is part of the WBCA activities. Tickets are on sale now at O'Reilly's autoparts and Casa Raul.

Grandmother Killed on street

59 year old Emigdnia Rodiguez died on impact as she walked a Laredo street while being hit by a truck. The lady was hit on the intersection of Chicago and Juarez late Friday night.

55 year old David Fraga, driver of the truck stopped and administered aid, he was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian.

Martinez announces re-election; Cantu runs

Justice of the Peace of Precinct 4, Oscar O. Martinez has announced he will officially run for re-election. Vicki Cantu, a bailbonds owner says she will challange him for the seat.

Martinez says he wants to finish several programs he is working on. Cantu says she wants an open door policy, assist the youth and bring a much needed change for the office. Elections take place in March of 2010.

Men rob movie theater

Two men robbed Movies 12 located at San Bernardo around 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.

The men were wearing masks and forced their way inside the theater and robbed the office at knifepoint. They were able to get away with an undisclosed amount of money.

Police are currently looking for the men, they say the two men fled in a black passenger vehicle that is believed to be a Mitsubishi Galant.

Firefighter arrested after confessing to crime

Firefighter Marcos Aranda has been arrested for damaging a vehicle at a local parking lot. Police obtained video survalence footage showing Aranda and an accomplice, his girlfriend, Erika Gallardo. Aranda confessed to the crime and both are being charged for Criminal Mischief. Reports say both Aranda and his girlfriend had an agruement with the vehicle's owner, a black Chevy pickup truck.

Aranda is a prominent member of the community. He was a quarterback for Cigarroa High who led the team to be the first high school to advance to regional quarterfinals. A south Laredo field is also named after him and participates in the yearly Guns 'N Hoses charity event.

Fire Chief Steve Landin will look into this matter and decide pending an investigation.

Dominguez announces candidacy for the 111th District Court

Local attorney Jesus "Chuy" Dominguez has officially announced his candidacy for 111th District Court.

"I’m outgoing with the people. I belong to certain clubs. I’m a board member at one of the local schools, San Augustine, and doing that I believe what my parents have taught me is to give back and it's time for me to give back because Laredo has been good to me." Dominguez says.

Adriana Arce-Flores and Monica Zapata Notzon are the other candidates that have announced as incumbent Raul Vasquez retires.

Bank robber arrested

Police have arrested 19-year-old Jose Carlos Gomez after he confessed to a bank robbery.

Gomez was taken for questioning by police and confessed for robbing the Compass Bank last month. He is being charged with felony robbery and is being held on a $20,000 bond.

Bucks' Levassuer wins weekly CHL award

The Laredo Bucks, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League, announced Monday that J.P Levassuer has been named the Oakley/CHL goaltender of the week for November 9th.

22 year old Levassuer, a native of Victoriaville, Quebec was excited to win the award.

Thousands line up for H1N1 vaccines

Close to 2,000 people attended the Laredo Health Department H1N1 vaccine clinic today.

The event took place at the Laredo Entertainment Center; The health department was administering the vaccine to those two to 24 years old.

Health department officials say they have plans to administer the vaccine at both Laredo school districs in the near future.

Man arrested for DWI with toddler

20-year-old Rolando Anguiano of Laredo was arrested Saturday night on the 2800 block of Clark Blvd.

He was driving while intoxicated all while a two year old toddler was on board the vehicle. Anguiana was booked on DWI charges.

House votes 220-215 to pass landmark health care legislation

The Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous with only one voting "yea". Congressman Henry Cuellar voted for the bill.

Cuellar called the bill "transformative" In his press release, he stated that the "...landmark bill is one of the most important votes this Congress will ever take. Senator Ted Kennedy once called health care reform ‘the great unfinished business of our country.’ Today, we are one step closer to finishing the job."

The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.