PolkCountyToday.com

                                                                Deputy Catches Intoxicated Driver in Livingston
Dani P
Livingston
My wonderful hubby was the man that called the cops. He was driving our 4 children home from a birthday party. He was in Shephard when he noticed this man all over the road. He followed him and called 911. The police there were not able to get to him in time and he was transfered to Polk County. Around Livingston Inn, he pulled over and my hubby stopped to see if the man was ok. Once my he got out of the car the man took off ..... my hubby was told by dispatch that the man was caught. Im so glad my family was safe. I was at work at the time and this idiot that wanted to get behind the wheel after drinking deserves to be in prison. THANKFULLY MY FAMILY WAS SAFE AND MY HUBBY GOT HIS BUTT OFF THE ROAD!!!!!!!! If more people would report drivers that are all over the road maybe we wouldnt loose as many people to drunks!!!!! Just one more reason my hubby is my HERO!!!!
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m pfaff
livingston
I called this one in! And Ill keep calling every drunk in. I had my family in the vehicle when we came up on this guy weaving from grass to dotted lines up 59. Thanks to Polk co. Sherrifs for getting him!
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The story title should read, Deputy Stops Intoxicated Driver and DPS cleans the catch.
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Doug Booker
Livingston
Houdini looks disgusted with the whole situation of drunk drivers.
I don't blame him (Houdini) for being disgusted, they are one of the major problems on the roads.

                                                                                     Fatal Accident on FM-350 North

richard wisecup
livingston
i am john's uncle & a close friend of malissa and her daughter.please feel free to e-mail me for questions.  renegaderecycling@live.com
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Jennifer Yates
moscow
this accident happened on our property. My husband was holding the daughter up while on the phone with 911 and I showed up and finished the call while he was trying to help, we would like to get in contact with the two that survived to be able to send flowers, etc. My husband was standing outside on our front porch when it happened.
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Amber R
Livingston
That's horrible! May God bless this family. Glad to hear Macy made it wishing her the best.
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Jennifer Yates
moscow
this accident happened on our property. My husband was holding the daughter up while on the phone with 911 and I showed up and finished the call while he was trying to help, we would like to get in contact with the two that survived to be able to send flowers, etc. My husband was standing outside on our front porch when it happened.
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Teeana Ferraro-Lee
East Hartford CT
Hello I am the sister-in-law to Malissa Ferraro I am still abit in shock over hearing this horrible news. My brother and Malissa are seperated but I just wanted say that nobody should die in this tragic way. She does have a young son who will no doubt be devestated at this news. Macy her sixteen year old who was in the car will be in our prayers as well as the boy.
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Mylinda Villarreal
Livingston
So sad, prayers for there family.
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Paula Richey
Onalaska
This is so horrible. Am sending prayers for all those involved.

                                                                                           3 Arrested in Meth Lab Bust

Allen
Livingston
A first degree felony can carry a max of life in prison, but they will not get that.
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Robin Morgan
Livingston
Its plain stupid for anyone to manufacture Meth. The drugs use to make it are so voilitile. Does anyone care to share with the readers what the sentencing could be for someone manufacturing meth? I mean making a meth lab? Maybe if other local polk county citizen new this then maybe they would be more careful to whom they rent their homes to. I was just wondering about this since it is a Felony in the 1st degree. So what could probably be the sentenced to?

Unsafe Speed, Foggy Conditions, Slick Roads Contribute to 18 Wheeler Accident

Diane
Oh my, that is a lot of trash... :( Hope the driver is ok.

2 Livingston Men Seriously Injured in Accident

Sarah Neff
Livingston
Just wanted to say thanks to the vfd first responders ...both men broke their nose..& one suffered from a dislocation (shoulder ) My husband was the driver we are just thankful they are alive ..

Four 18 Wheelers and a Van Crash In Corrigan

Leslie Millard
Houston
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of George Thomas, and also the family of Misael Garcia. Mr. Garcia is the father of four; he is extremely polite and hard working. He makes regular pick-ups at MI Swaco in Galveston, where I work as a security guard. This is truly a tragedy for all involved.
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becky whiteker
livingston
Perhaps a stonger police prescence on the highway, the way it used to be comingh into corrigan, at the school, and leaving the town would help. It used to be that way, but iv noticed in the past year i hardly ever see one, and given the fact there are now more officers i really see no excuse why there isnt. yes, it could have been worse, there are alot of pedestrians in that area, especially when school lets out.
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Deborah Vasquez
Katy
AMAZING that guy was not killed!
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PATSY LAROCHE
CORRIGANTEXAS
you know this real bad but could have been worse does he know he had just went thru a school zone on both ends of town the speed limit is 3o or 35 mph i have big trucks go thru here like there on a race track i do not no what can be done but think of how many big rigs have wrecked here remember the gulf station years ago all i can say is thank god the kids where in school
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BD
Livingston
Prying for the elderly man that was driving the van and also the 3 other drivers. The owers of the house are ok they were not hurt just scared the sh####### out of them.The lady of the house was my bosses sister.

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Dena Benner
Onalaska
Was wondering how the man in the minivan was doing?? God was watching over him and I pray he is doing better!

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Jerry Sumner
Shepherd
They should have checked Mr.Garcia's phone for recent text and data messaging. Not paying attention is a lame excuse.

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Mary Livingston
So glad no body was hurt worse than they were. My question, what about the owners of the house that was involved?

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B C
I have been going thru Corigan all my life its time to put a loop around that town . Mr Garica not paying attention there is no excuse . He should lose his comercial dl . Re train him if need be .

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B
Onalaska
Lorenzo if you don't believe he wasn't paying attention then how else did the wreck happen?? I drive 59 North alot and 18 wheelers fly past me all the time doing well over the speed limit. I am just thankful that Mr. Garcia's carelessness didn't kill the gentlemen in the van. This all could have been prevented had he watched his speed and paid attention to what was happening in front of him.

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Karen Salzar
Houston
That intersection is a bad one. 18 wheelers blast through the intersection of 287 and Hwy 59 all the time. Maybe a light down by the Corrigan Housing Authority would help slow them down so there won't be as many accidents and loss of precious life at that intersection.

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Lorenzo anonymous
anonymous
Garica is a good friend and co-worker hes been driving for 15 yrs or more and i don't believe he wasn't paying attention

"Not paying attention", Those were Garcia's words, Lorenzo. - Editor

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curtis mcclendon
corrigan tx
this was a very bad accident that could of been worse our prayers go out to the individuels involved and thank the Lord for looking over this wreck to see that no more were injured i have a van the same size and i am usually hauling my children around in mine and it would've been devestating i just want the people to be aware that god works in mysteries ways and this accident shows that corrigan in the last past year has lost a few of its town folk to accidents and we really need prayers throughout our community. thank you

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Kim
Big Sandy
God definitely has a plan for Mr. Thomas!!!!! Only God kept him alive...Unbelievable!!!!

Farewell Captain Chris

John Nunn
Pointblank
Fantastic - makes me appreciate life and a special thanks to the VFD
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Ben Cash
Houston
Good story.
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Katherine & Charlie Phillips
Brazoria, Tx
Chris must have been a remarkable young man. as I read this story to my wife, I got tears in my eyes. God bless his family

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melanie Kuelper
Livingston
Gnd bless each and every fire fighter who allowed chris to have his wishes come true ! i am quite sure he will be waiting for ya ll with mpen arms .

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Chad DeFord
Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Unit 5
I feel our Department as a whole was brought closer together as a result of Captain Chris. He was a passionate individual full of spirit. His love for the Lord and passion towards the Fire Service was truly inspiring. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to take part in Chris' funeral service. Like Chief said during the service, "it's the Captain Chris' in this world that help us get up and running at a 3 am call." Thank you Captain Chris for allowing me to have had a small part in your life and I know had it been my service, you would have done the same! Chad DeFord
LVFD 5

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Linda Wimpee
Attalla, AL
There are other worlds to sing in...

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Tommy Kerr
Ft. Riley, Kansas
God Bless you Chris. May the angels of heaven accompany you on your new journey.

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Joretta Brasher
Livingston
Now that I know his name I would like to thank the man behind the came Mr. Willie Openshaw. Thank you sir for the excellent job you did taping my sons funeral...we will cherish it forever! May God Bless you and your family....Joretta

Thank you for taking the time to view it all. - Editor

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margaret fernandez
livingston
willie nice job on the video of the funeral. much sympathy to his beautiful family, prayers are are going out to the family

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Kay Carr
Warren
I just want to Thank You for taking your time out to continue to make Chris dreams come true. You, Livingston Fire Department, Chief Cocky, Christy and all the other Fire Fighters who came to see him. I was like his second Mom and I just love all that you all have done for him.

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Betty Cedars
Livingston
Polk County you did us proud in what you did for Chris. RIP Young Man. Willie you did a great job filming this service. God Bless his family.

Thank you. - Editor

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DENDRA  BUTLER
SHEPHERD
I HAD NO IDEA CHRIS HAD PASSED AWAY. WE WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL TOGETHER. I AM PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY THAT THEY MAY HAVE PEACE. CHRIS IS IN A BETTER PLACE, HE IS NO LONGER SUFFERING.

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Robin Morgan
Livingston
What a outstanding child then man. I am sure he made his family proud! May God Bless you all that made his life something special!  He is with the angels and his Lord Jesus now.  That's what I like about this town/ Livingston! We stand together when wanted or needed.

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Joretta Brasher
Livingston
I am Chris Ainsworth's mother and I cannot express how much I appreciate the Livingston Fire Department, Corky Cochran, Christy Oswalt, the vidoe taper and the bag piper. This memorial service couldnt have been any more perfect for Chris. The only thing I would have added is that Chris dad and I are divorced and my new husband was Chris best friend. He thought whatever "Bubba" had to do, Chris had to do it too coz he did it. Bubba went right there under Corky...LFD and Corky was a house hold name in my house....I must have heard it 50 times a day. But it was okay coz thats what he wanted. I might have buried my sons body but his spirit is watching over me....I feel it...Oh and the last thing he told me was "Mom please make sure the firemen wear their badges....promise me" So guess what guys...please wear your badges.......special thanks to Dewayne Mcgarrahan and craig jones and Fred something or other from Houston...you guys are the ones that Chris remembered your names...I am not from Polk County but as God as my witness I am VERY proud to be here now...and I aint leaving...Oh lets not forget i have found me another best friend in Christy Oswalt....God Bless Them All !!!

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Janet Clay
Livingston
Chris was so full of joy & such an inspiration to everyone he met. I can still see him come bouncing into church saying, "Morning Pastor", Bible in one hand & guitar in the other. Heaven is truly rejoicing today! Rest in peace Chris.

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Rickey Helton
Crerizon.netosby
I would like to thank you for such a wonderful story about the passing of my nephew, Chris Ainsworth. You folks will always have a special place in my heart.

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Darrell Davis
Liv
I am proud to live in a community such as Livingston. I am certainly honored to know some of our finest first responders. I am humbled in their presence. What a young man and what fine People he was fortunant to befriend. Rest in Peace, Captain Chris

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Captain Obvious
Ace
There is good in the world yet! A wonderful tribute for a special man.

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A beautiful farewell.

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Charlene Bozner
Rock Springs, Wyoming
It is so good to read about a young man who overcame the odds. We read and hear so much bad that happens, it was like a breath of fresh air. Thank you again for printing his story.Farewell Captain Chris

You're very welcome Charlene.  Thank you for being a reader. - Editor

stephanie
No maam, it wasn't!!

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form 
leggett
no walter cones is not elvis! but they are kin!

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Robin Morgan
Livingston
I wish there was a way you could include the mug shot of some of the people that are arrested. From our family not attending school here but living here 12 years we dont know of people by there last name but only by sight.
It would be nice to be able to put a face to those names.

I'll talk to the Sheriff about it. - Editor

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Betty D
Livingston
No mam it was not our Elvis.

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Kim Futral
Big Sandy
Nope...not our Jimmy Cones aka Elvis. The guy arrested is a cousin of his though. Jimmy is my Daddy's first cousin :)

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Anita Nguyen

Please tell me the Cones fellow who was arrested is NOT our Elvis!

Amber R
Livingston

Don your straight LAME!!!

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Don
Livingston

Thanks goodness, your show sucked to begin with

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Angelica Herera
Livingston

Really sorry to hear that but trust you have your good reasons. Other doors will open and you will see it was the right decision. Best of wishes to you and keep up the good work on your website :)

Thank you Angelica. - Editor

Angelica Herera
Livingston

Wow, if you were going for the "I want to make you hungry" picture, then you nailed it. Food looks absolutely delicious. Kinda hoping someone will take me there very soon ;)

Oh My! - Editor
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Polo Marco
livingston

Willie, just wanted to thank you for recommending Taqueria Los Pinos, I have tried it and absolutely loved it! The food quality and prices are the best in town!! They are a great place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!
Take care bud and keep up the good work!

It is good food, and yes, the prices a very low to! - Editor

Trying to make things PERFECTLY SAFE

Unknown-Well you obviously have not read any of the facts or are just foolish, either or, it is a known fact that bullets can leave this range and for you to think that is " perfectly safe "....wow, I hope I never end up around you anywhere. When your neighbor decides to shoot at your property, without any regard for you, just remember you think that is "perfectly safe". Just because someone has not been shot YET does not mean there is not a problem. You think we should have not bought homes here, a MILE away, well I think they should not be able to allow bullets to leave their property solely because they are careless and unthoughful of others lives.

We are NOT trying to put anyone out of business. If they go out of business it will be their own fault for driving their own customers away because they won't let AP help them. We are asking for this business to let AP HELP them implement proper safety measures-we aren't even asking them to pay for it themselves- we have offered to PAY FOR IT. So please tell me how AP offering to pay for THEIR safety measures is trying to put them out of business?????????????????

What is wrong with you that because we don't have a dead body YET that you think it is okay for them to operate without any concern for the people around them??

Please someone tell me what gives this business the right to make a 3 mile radius around them unsafe? Why is it okay for them to not care about others safety- you care about their livelihood-why not the hundreds around them that are in danger because of the lack of safety at the range??????? Why don't you care about all of them? -you probably have not even read the article-maybe you should and look at the map, maybe one of your friends or family members is in range-do you then care if someone gets shot??

I am so fed up with closed-minded selfish people like you who don't care about others safety just because you might not know anyone in the areaS behind them. Please see area with an S, implying more than one area, itÂ’s not just four corners in range of these bullets. SELFISH=anyone who supports this range not implementing safety measures other gun ranges DO.
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Unknown

I believe that this gun range is perfectly safe as it has been here for years and nobody has been harmed. The owners of the subdivision knew that the gun range was there when the subdivision went in and it is not right to think that they can come in and put in a subdivision and put someone else out of business. As far as the people that bought houses in the subdivision, they too knew that the gun range was there and if they were worried about it, they should have not bought the homes.
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Polk County Resident

Anonymous-our subdivision is ONE MILE from this range. Popular rifles shoot over two miles-if a bullet of this caliber is shot and goes over the berm (because there is nothing and no one in place at this range that will keep barrels from being raised over a decent elevation) it will pass up our subdivision and go all the way out to the lake where the neighborhoods are even more heavily populated than ours. I can tell you I am fairly sure he was not there before All of those homes so maybe turn your post into "Hey, I like this area, I think I'll put a gun range here."

Who cares who was where first, because yes, that IS what you are “pushing towards”, they should have prepared for Livingston to grow and people to build even closer, or within ONE MILE like we are, and they should be taking proper safety measures like gun ranges in places like Houston, that have way more homes around them, and much closer, with no problems.

I looked up the blue area shown on the map in the article on google earth showing where bullets from this range can go when they leave, look up these streets and see where they are, these streets are within a distance an Expert concluded a bullet could land...and they are not marshmallows, they are bullets, so don't take the word "land" lightly.

Lake Livingston Blvd, Blue Fin St, Circle Drive, Fern, Big Lake Drive, Ferncrest, Crownpoint, Cedar Ridge. Note these are not streets in Four-C, see how heavily populated these streets appear on google earth and then come and tell us why you think he should not be applying safety precautions that other gun ranges do to keep their bullets on their property.
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Bill
Cleveland

I read all these comments about who is there first.But seems to me all the property in Polk County was there first no matter who owned it.One thing when a bullet hits and kills a person are injures them what then?You all know it can be traced back to the gun and owner.I would think BA keeps records of who uses the range maybe even the gun they use.You will be liable Just as the ones that accidentally shot the school kids.Want that on your record?
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Anonymous

I understand that the residents of 4C are worried that bullets will leave the gun range and possibly hit someone. I understand that. Now, what I do not understand is... WHY WOULD YOU BUILD A SUBDIVISION IN THE LOCATION?! I'm not pushing towards the "they were there first" deal, I'm saying its only COMMON SENSE to NOT build a subdivision in the same facinity as a gun range. It just doesn't make any sense to me; The gun range is there, then someone comes along and is like, "Hey, I like this area, I think I'll put a subdivision here." So here goes the subdivision, and AFTER the fact, people realize oh goodness, this is dangerous!!
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C B
LIvingston

Hmmm...Not sure what a "San Jacinto High Roller" is, but it sounds like either a local gambling club or drunk roller skaters. Either way, my answer to a knife is a gun. My answer to a gun is a BIGGER gun. The cops aren't your personal bodyguards. People need to learn to take their own safety into their own hands.
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Poppa Wheelie
Livingston

Knowing several San Jacinto High Rollers,that does not sound like anything they would do.
What they WOULD do is contribute to the welfare of citizens and children of this area with their various fundraisers.
Not to hi-jack this thread,but I will stand up and defend their honor...
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Lauren
Livingston

Paul, the fact that you are harping on who was there first, ie when did you know about the gun range...you obviously think it is fine that bullets can leave this range. Instead of asking your friend to make his business safe you are trying to find a way to blame his bullets leaving on 4C. Somehow you think it is our fault for building on a few of the hundreds of acres his bullets have the possibility of landing on...please don't forget he only owns 10, many rifles can shoot a bullet over 2 miles...even if he owned the 4C land behind him his bullets still have the possibility of landing on land that is not his without these safety precuations we have been asking for.

"The threat is something that would be expected from a group of people like the residence of 4C" And how many of us do you know? That is one of the most ridiculous statemens I have read yet. We have been very reasonable in merely asking this business to implement safety standards similar to other gun ranges (and with financial help from AP) and now you are comparing us to some kind of mob?!

Lets see here, you are atacking our character for asking a business to operate safely to insure that we won't get shot in our yards, BA won't "sit in the same room as AP" so they can work this out..there are a few people acting unreasonable here, acting on the wrong side of safey...and I am pretty sure it is not 4C and I.

Joanna, that sounds great. Please convince BA to sit down with AP to work this out. We have been trying to compromise but it takes two.

DC, this whole thing IS stupid. We shouldn't even be having to defend our right to safety in the first place. We are not the only subdivision behind BA.
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Very Concerned
Livingston

Just before Christmas I was shot in the leg on my own property of which I own 3 acres, called Polk County Sheriff who told me they don't come out if nobody is home, call them back when I get home from the Hospital. Of course by then the actors were gone. Went to Livingston ER who had me sitting bleding in lobby over 45 minutes till we asked why, Nurse said they had other patients before me, and she said just be glad it hit my leg and not my stomach as she laughed. We left and went to Cleveland ER who were waiting on me, had me in x-ray within 5 minutes, stitched up and on my way home in an hour. Next day a Deputy comes by to check on me and wants to know why I did not request they come out, I did. Two weeks later shooting of automatic weapons, shotguns, pistols on the other side of my property again. Called the Sheriff. Over 3 hours later they came out and asked what did I want them to do, they were not on my proeprty? I said of tell them to stop shooting wildly.

Deputy came back, said well you aren't going to believe this, they are Houston Police Officers and said they will stop in a while to go eat. So since they are Houston Police Officers it is ok. Do you see the pattern here? No concern for our safty, no concern that I was shot, just that they are Houston Police Officers coming to Polk County to act like idiots. Wonder what would happen if I start shooting back in that direction?

Since moving here we learned that Polk County is a "good ole boy" gevernment. It is who you know and who knows you. When 2 San Jacinto High Rollers came into our business, pulled aknife and said we were dead, Deputies arrived, and then a Capt. and Lt., they wer elet go, said not enough evidence and I guess the 911 tape was not enough with them screaming "you are dead, you don't know who you f---ed with, you are dead". Folks, if you want to move to peace and quiet DO NOT move to Polk County. Read Polk County Today or check with Willie first and he will tel you it ain't quiet here, ever. You want justice, how about the older man with 3 D.W.I.'s who ran over the Harley riders, was let go, he went straight to the bar, hit two more cars leaving and is still on probation. I can promise you this would not have happened in Harris County
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JR
Livingston

Paul,

I don't care if there is nothing but woods behind that gun range, NO bullets should leave it's walls.

By definition: Outdoor shooting ranges are often required for longer distance shooting sometimes exceeding 1,000 metres (1,094 yd). Training might also specifically require exposure to the elements such as wind or rain.

Outdoor shooting ranges usually are backed by a high retaining wall, earth mound, sandbag barrier or specially designed funnel-shaped traps to prevent the ricochet of bullets or shots going outside the bounds of the shooting range. Most outdoor ranges additionally restrict the maximum caliber size, or have separate ranges devoted to use for higher-powered firearms.
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joanna woolf
livingston

im a member of NRA, why cant we all get along?compromise?
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D C
Livingston, TX

This whole situation is stupid. Unfortunately, as Ron White says, "You can't fix stupid." If you build a housing division behind a gun range in a county full of land, you might be stupid. If you know there is a gun range across from the house you are buying you might be stupid. If you can't figure out how to point your firearm in straight horizonal manner, you might be stupid. So, in conclusion, this whole thing is stupid.
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Paul
Blanchard

Lauren, I never said it is ok for bullets to leave the range. I just wanted to know when did you and the other residence descover that your property was down range from a gun range.
The threat is something that would be expected from a group of people like the residence of 4C in this situation, normal group mentality.
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Lauren

Paul-why is it okay for this range to let their bullets leave their property?

Why in your opinion is it wrong for AP to assume a business One Mile away is operating safely and in your opinion it is right for a business to put lives in danger because they refuse to implement standards set by their own industry??

And I can tell you that none of the other residents I have met nor members of AP I've spoken with would write that threatening comment; our whole goal all along has been safety, that comment certainly does not correlate with our goal. Please do not point that comment at 4C and AP, it does not even have a name with it.

All we want is this range to implement safety precautions other gun ranges do to insure the safety of their customers and community around them.
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John Jackson
Cleveland

It looks pretty simple to me, if Bear Arms keeps their bullets on their property, no more issues.
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Paul
Blanchard

So let me see if I have this;
1. AP did not investigate into the safety of the berm used to stop bullets from leaving the range.
2. AP did not tell the buyers about this non investigation, or the problem that bullets may land on their property.
3. After clearing land and building homes is when it came to light that bullets may be landing on your property, and it is somebody elseÂ’s fault you built there.
4. It is alright for the people of four corners to threaten Bear Arms with death and destruction, “somebody needs to catapolt some dynomite onto bear arms & be done with it.”
5. The US constitution does not apply to Anthony Property and the Residence of Four Corners.
I understand now.
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Marksman Charged in Shooting near School
Jan 6, 2012 2:55 p.m.

A competitive target shooter was charged Friday in a shooting last month in which two teens were severely wounded during basketball tryouts behind their South Texas middle school.

Dustin Wesley Cook, 36, was arraigned on a charge of second-degree felony aggravated assault in the Dec. 12 shooting behind Harwell Middle School in Edinburg . He was only charged in the shooting of 14-year-old Edson Amaro. Investigators haven't been able to test the bullet that wounded 13-year-old Nicholas Tijerina because it's lodged near his spine.

Cook's attorney, Michael Guerra, said that once the details of what happened come out they will show his client "didn't have any criminal responsibility, whatsoever." He said Cook is a parent and has been praying for the two boys and their families.

But Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino called the shootings "reckless" during a news conference after Cook's arraignment hearing, because he said Cook told investigators that he knew the school was behind the targets he was aiming at.

"He admitted knowing that there was a school in the trajectory," Trevino said.

Edson and Nicholas were among about 50 students trying out for the team on an outdoor court behind the school when they were shot. Edson lost a kidney and shortly before Christmas, Nicholas' doctor said the boy was unable to move his legs, at least for the time being.

Authorities said after the shooting that they had detained three armed men from adjacent ranchland. Two of the men, one of them Cook, had been practicing target shooting nearly a mile from the school and were released. The third man, an illegal immigrant with an assault rifle, according to authorities, was kept in custody on charges of misdemeanor trespass and poaching.
If you fire a weapon you are responsible for the results. It does not matter if you are behind a pile of dirt, tree , or on a thousand acres.
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somebody needs to catapolt some dynomite onto bear arms & be done with it.
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Lauren

David-since when did the "hometown folks" start caring more about one business than the safety of their own hometown? Why are you "hometown" and us not-because I built a new home?? Why are you supporting someone who refuses to implement normal safety precuations for a gun range that will keep your hometown safe?

Shelia...the concrete fence would be great, but unlike the others you are referring to that are probably about 12 feet tall, ours would have to be like 60+ feet tall...so not really an option here. Why is it our job to keep his bullets off our property? What gives him the right to let his bullets leave his range and go onto land that is not his nor has ever been his??

Once again more people harping on the "there first" thing. Someone please tell me what in the world about being there first gives him the right to operate his business unsafely? Please, someone please explain this way of thinking to me. Please also note that over 29 available guns can travel over a mile. We personally have atleast two that travel over two miles- someone shooting one of those at his range is going to go another Mile or Two PAST four corners-was he there before those hundreds of residents too? Probably not, though common since says that who was there first should not matter in the first place.
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I think that the gun shop is perfectly safe and that they ought to be left alone. Its been there for years and nobody has ever been hurt.
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Plain and simple, they (bear Arms) are responsible for keeping their projectiles from leaving their property. If my dog goes into my neighbor's yard and bites someone, I'm liable. If I am enjoying fireworks on the 4th of July (on my property) and they fly over and ignite a fire on my neighbor's property, I'm liable.
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Travis Lindley
Livingston

There are a few issues here, but the most prominent is that people don't seem to want to deal with FACTS! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but a problem arises when you take your OPINION, puke it up, and call it a FACT. By all means, let's use a little LOGIC here.

Many people are saying it's perfectly safe, but it seems that we have clear evidence that ammunition has, IN FACT, breached the boundaries of said business. If it's so safe, and there's nothing to worry about, why don't we all just get together and build a nice little recreational area back there so we all have a place to take the kids, family, and pets this summer? After all, bullets NEVER leave the boundaries, so it's perfectly safe, right?

I also see people arguing that the business existed there first, so should not have to account for others who decide to move close the business, even going so far as to compare it to moving in next to a sewage plant and bitching about the smell. LOGIC tells us that odor from a sewage or manufacturing plant is a nuisance; stray bullets are NOT. Stray bullets have deadly consequences sometimes. And since we're caught up in who was where first, although a CHILDISH argument, I would like to note the FACT that my parents, aunts, and uncles have all owned property behind the business in question, and have owned those properties since at least the early 20th century. All of their residences lie dead center of the blue areas on that map, and all of these residences have existed anywhere from around 30-60 years, so if that argument is valid, then the business shouldn't have been built there and should have to relocate as soon as my family and others in the area have a problem with sa!
id business's location, right?

I realize our country isn't governed by logic (wouldn't that be magnificent?), rather by laws (often written by illogical minds) to ensure the safety, sanity, and equal treatment of civilization as a whole.

My OPINION, is that opinions (including religion, customs, and traditions) have NO place in government and only serve to skew the truth and ensure inequalities will forever exist in our country. Intelligence coupled with unbiased FACT goes a long way to ensure that we all exist on an equal playing field, and my guess is that that's what the builders of our country had in mind all along. As a citizen of the United States of America, I consider it my duty (as should everyone else) to make sure that these ideals are not overshadowed and disregarded due to ignorance and personal feelings of others who have only their self interests in mind.
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Chelsea M
Livingston

Apparently you people are forgetting to see the fact that regardless of who was there FIRST bullets leaving a gun range is a very serious situation. Its not just 4C involved, there are other subdivisions and land behind that range. Regardless of sides, this is a safety issue. Go read the article posted about the Garland gun range and poor Michael Domin, is this what is going to happen before something is done?? Think about if this was your family or your CHILD? Quit posting selfish "I back the small town man" "I support Bear Arms" crap. Its not a matter of who was there first or about the AP and 4C people trying to shut him down. Thats not the case here. It is SAFETY! All you people in this town should know as many of us shoot guns that its not something to be taken light. Shooting is a very serious responsibility. A range is great for this town for new shooters learning and advanced shooters alike, but without safety measures being implicated by Bear Arms, its not!
safe for anyone!

Chelsea
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I'm getting irritated with the whole "there first" that most of you keep falling back on. "There first" isn't worth anything. Ask the native americans, they were here first yet it didn't help them.

Use your imaginations if you can for a moment. I'm going to give you a hypothetical scenario that I want you to wrap your minds around. Someone comes in and builds a big ole factory. Opens jobs, people like working there, overall a nice addition to the community. A land company comes in a mile away and builds houses for people to live in, everyone's happy. One day the new land owners start noticing lesions on their skins, lo and behold the factory has been allowing waste run off to escape and it is now coming into the front yards of the new suburbanites. They start worrying about cancer, no one has it yet but it could happen. Yet despite the public awareness of the situation waste water keeps getting out. The factory says, "we've done all we are going to, after all we were here first". Mary and Joe Bob are afraid to let little Billy Wayne to play outside, who want's to watch their kid go through chemo? The community starts yelling, "you don't like it, then move!". !
Tee shirts are sold and lines are drawn. Just because the factory came first should they be allowed to endanger the lives of their neighbors? Is "there first" really an issue?
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concerned citizen
Livingston

No matter whose side you are on, if bullets are leaving the property of bear arms something should be done.
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Shelia Dunn
Livingston

Cornelia you are so right. Lauren if all ya want in four corners is a bigger berm than I would think that 4C would insist that AP build a nice concrete fence around the subdivision as they do in a lot of other upscale neighborhoods.ince BA was there "first" and ya are so worried about safety it would make more sence. Then ya couldn't gripe about a big dirt berm as an eyesore.
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Paul
Blanchard

Did you people in 4 corners buy your property knowing that you would live down range from a gun range? Did you investigate into the safety of the berms before you closed on the land? Did AP tell you about the "Unsafe" conditions where your land would be, prior to any transaction?
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David Bickford

Hey AP and 4C Ya'll lost so get over it. Your "so called" paid expert witneseses done you a lot of good. All Bear needed was hometown folks for him. Which I'm proud to say I'm one of them.
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My son has been after me to buy him a gun and start taking him to the range. After seeing how Bear operates their business with complete disregard to safety I now know to look else where to teach proper gun handling.
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She
Polk County

Being a blonde female gun owner(that most likely will scare a few)one question for all the gun range military experts----why not just go back of pile of dirt and fire towards hwy 190? It has to be safe!!! I am no expert but I have stayed the night in Holiday Inn.
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Grace
Livingston, TX

Michael,
I have read an article about you and your story previously. It is so unfortunate that things like this are allowed by our state, counties, and town to happen. It seems pretty obvious that it will take extreme circumstances like yours before anyone will open up their eyes and realize what a big issue we have here. There needs to be some kind of state safety regulation for gun ranges to operate by. A safe gun range is an asset, a dangerous gun range is nothing but a tragedy waiting to happen.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Polk county I hope it doesn't have to come to this here too.
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Byron Dunaway
Livingston

I will try to answer the berm question. In order to build a berm on Four Corners to stop bullets that may miss the Bear Berm, I would think it needs to be considerably taller then Bears. Now that also depends on how close Bears Berm is to the property line. The height of the berm needs to be calculated based on the angle of the shot needed to clear Bears Berm. The bullets aren't going straight and level, the bullet will travel at an arc. That could be 50 feet or higher, and I haven't measured so this is just a guess.

Now I have two simple cheap solutions. I believe the berm is adequate enough with proper maintenance (because of erosion) and responsible shooters. What needs to happen is to make sure, to the best of his ability, that the shooters are hitting the berm. So first would be to make sure that no one shoots at the rifle or pistol range without a range officer there. Either operate one range at a time or have two range officers.
Second is to install a board or bar at the rifle range stalls that the shooter would have to place his rifle under to shoot. It would keep people from shooting at an angle that would allow a bullet to go over the berm. I don't think this is unreasonable solutions and I cannot understand why anyone would not be in favor of these recommendations.

Sueing AP is pointless. I knew a gun range was there and was happy to have it there. Means I have a place to shoot. Anyone driving to 4C knows its there because we pass it coming home. There wasn't a secret or deceptive practices going on.

One person even stated to charge us with negligence if we don't build our own berms? Really? We are negligent but the shooters aren't?

Lastly, to everyone that keeps calling for evidence of the stray bullets. All it takes is one bullet to be tragic. Why does anyone want to wait for more evidence? The next evidence may be a DEATH. Then where will you stand?

Bear just operate the rifle or pistol range when you have a range officer for them and add the board. I'll buy it and put it up for you. As long as people hit the berm, the range is safe. Remember it took one of you, to cause this problem for Bear Arms. Someone a couple of years ago shot their rifle unsafely and it struck a carport.
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Michael Domin
Rowlett

I have the same problem with the garlag public shooting range in garland tx only I was struck by a stray bullet the range owner does not have insurance even tho texas state law requires outdoor ranges to carry insuance the state of texas and all the the gun nuts do not give a crap about peoples lives look for the story on google type in garland public shooting range.

Found it.  Click here - Editor
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Lauren
Livingston

R Jacobs- why is it 4Cs job to make Bear Arms safe?

I have also written this many times but will one more time-4C is not the only neighborhood in his flight path.

Even if we could make our neighborhood safe-what about everyone else? (Please see the picture in the article showing hundreds of acres his bullets can travel to-you can get on google earth to clarify where the picture is showing if you are not sure)

Should everyone behind him build their own berms to keep his bullets off their property?

If my neighbors dog walks onto my property and bites me should I put up my own fence to keep their dog off my property?

The simple answer to all my questions is NO.

It should not be other's responsibility to keep his bullets off their property, it is his job to keep his bullets on his own property.

Plain and simple. Not too much to ask, common courtesy.
 
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R Jacobs
Splendora

To the 4C residents..I have just one simple question that has been asked but no one seems to answer. Why doesn't AP just build a Berm or wall on the AP property side that would meet the safety requirements you want? It has to be cheaper than all of this litigation, right?
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Paul
US Veteran, DAV

Think about this.
Double Jeopardy, and I do not mean the game show. The US Constitution protects Bear Arms from being taken to court for the same thing twice if the outcome is unsatisfactory for the complaint.
If you were blind to the fact that AP was selling property down range of a gun range, does not make it Bear Arms fault. I think you should blame AP and your own self.
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Byron Dunaway
Livingston

My family has lived here since 1992. They wanted the small town life, where you can depend on each other and trust your neighbors. The type of towns many grew up in. I graduated in 1996 from LHS, moved off, experienced life and came back 2 years ago to be close to family.

I am embarrassed at the responses from my fellow Polk Co residents. I have one question for all of you. Since WHEN did it become okay for ANYONE to shoot a firearm in an unsafe manner? When did it become okay to NOT hit what you are aiming at?

All of the negative responses on here have CLEARLY missed the true safety issue. IT IS YOU. It is the residents that have attended Bear's range and shot your firearm UNSAFELY by missing the berm. You shot over it, which showed in the bullets holes in the trees. You missed your target.

All of the government firearms training and private training I have ever taken stressed one very important part. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE AIMING AT AND HIT YOUR TARGET. Anything else was unacceptable and you were yelled at, cursed at, or thrown out and disciplined. That hasn't changed. Haven't you ever heard of the stories where people would turn and point loaded weapons at others when they had malfunctions or questions and the range officer would flip out? Well it was for good reason. Bullets will seriously injure or kill you.

You people have turned this into big business vs local business. Then you blame the property owners for living there. That is not what this is about. MAKES no sense how its the property owners fault. I have shot at numerous ranges in the Houston area, both inside and out, pistol and rifle. They don't have this issue and some of those ranges have more homes around them than Bear does. Now if its standard and okay for bullets to leave a firing range then how come those ranges in Houston don't have this problem? Well I will tell you. Its because they stress safety. There is a range officer for both pistol and rifle. They are walking around watching you to make sure you are being safe. Some even have a bar that you had to put your rifle under. Now what do you think that bar was for?
It was to keep people from shooting their rifle at an angle where they would shoot over the berm. At those ranges if you point your weapon anywhere else but downrange you are gone, if you shoot your weapon at anything else but your target, you are gone. It is the firing ranges responsibility to make sure those people that come to ranges and don't know how to safely shoot a weapon, don't endanger others. If you operate a range, then that's just part of the responsibility the owner has.

Anyone who shoots a gun is responsible for where that bullet goes. If you are on your lease, your property or at a range. If you strike someone with your bullet, you think the DA will not press charges? Are you gonna tell him the reasons y'all have stated here? Are you gonna tell the DA, my neighbor shouldn't have bought his land behind my berm, or those people shouldn't be out in the woods by my lease when I'm hunting, or those kids shouldn't be playing outside when I'm at the range shooting. I'd like to see where that would get you. But maybe in Polk Co you could get away with it, the jury might side with you and you get No Billed. Unless it was their family that was seriously injured or dead.

Bottom line is this, it is your fault this has happened. Those of you that have shot at Bear's and weren't shooting at your target. Your not there to shoot in the sky or squirrel hunt. If you would have hit the berm and your target, this wouldn't be an issue but since you didn't and Bear operates the range, then he has a duty, a moral obligation to make sure that he keeps the range safe and prevents those from being unsafe.

How come none of ya'll can even agree that he should be running that range as safely as he can?
Why won't he add a bar or piece of wood at the rifle lanes to prevent people from shooting above the berm? That can't cost too much. Even AP offered to pay to upgrade the range to make it safer but he wouldn't. And none of ya'll see that as an issue? That bothers none of you?

Crazy the way people think. I this opens some of your eyes or gets you to look at both sides or the bigger picture. I hope this is all for nothing and we don't have to suffer an unnecessary tragedy down the road over this. I don't know how I would act if my kids get hurt one day playing in our backyard at our house in four corners. Yep I live there, my kids play outside, their friends come over and play outside with them, some of them may be even related to some of you on here. There is awesome creek back there that the boys just love to play in. Now isn't that how its supposed to be?

Anyone else cares to debate, I would love to do it in person. I am free for lunch tomorrow if anyone wants to discuss this more.

I am an hard core supporter to the Bill of Rights, The Constitution, and especially the right to bear arms. I have sworn oath to defend and protect. I hunt, shoot, and support all things guns. We don't want Bear shut down, or even moved. This isn't about any of that. Stay Safe.
Byron Dunaway
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Robin
Onalaska

Anthony Properties should have thought and researched the gun range before building the houses close to it. Bear arms was open way before four corners. So if you live in four corners and have a problem take it up with the people who sold you your home. It is not like one day bear arms just popped up. It is not illegal to shoot a gun in the county.
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Lauren LIVINGSTON RESIDENT
ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS WRONG ISSUE

John-you want to shut the thread down now because someone called you out? I looked it up also, the NRA does not certify ranges-common since as the liability that would open up for them would be huge. Sandy you mentioned finding something else to fight about-shootings...do I need to say more?? We are trying to make a difference for MANY residents of Polk County, it's a shame people cant see that. We are almost ONE MILE FROM THIS RANGE-PEOPLE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, ONE MILE-BULLETS TRAVEL FOR MILES! THEY ARE LEAVING HIS PROPERTY AND TRAVELING TO OUR PROPERTY AND OTHERS AROUND. This is not APs fault, they didn't even know the range was unsafe until a bullet hit one of the residents carport and cars. Why is everyone so concerned with AP making money off their own land-this is called growth people-do you not want your community to grow? Bring in more taxes to support this town?? Why is the focus on AP? Why isn't the focus on the issue? Why is everyone not concerned t!
hat it has been proven that BULLETS ARE LEAVING HIS PROPERTY AND TRAVELING ONTO HUNDREDS OF ACRES THAT ARE NOT HIS AND NOT JUST APs? Support Bear Arms, support all your local businesses, but also require them to operate safely. This is not too much to ask. Quit making this about something that it is not people. Quit worrying about poor AP developing their lots-they run a business, there is nothing wrong with being in business and wanting to PROTECT your investment, worry about BULLETS leaving his range. All you selfish people that keep trying to blame it on us for building a mile away from his range, all we want is a BIGGER BERM to keep his BULLETS ON HIS PROPERTY. This is ABSOLUTELY not too much to ask.
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Tom R
Livingston

Interesting comment made to Judge Trapp to do something. There are two sides to every story. I would hope that Judge Trapp as well as all of our elected county officials represent all of us and do not bend to the will of big business with deep pockets.
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JBC
Livingston

Grace, There wer no fowl words that came off MY fingers!
To every one, Show your support to James and BEAR ARMS. SHOP BEAR ARMS or just stop by and give them your support in person. Yes you may bring your gun The pistol, and rifle range are open, and he welcoms the visit. if you need Amo he has that too. Ha Willie, Ill buy you a box of 7.62 x 39. if you wanna go shoot. oh yea and I got the range cost too. just go sign in and tell him your name . It is covered, I will have it set up for ya then you will have a sighted in 74 which will reach 2 miles.
What I cant see is all these people in Four Corners complaining abput all the bullets flying, and landing in their yards. I have lived on my place for 15 years, have shot thousands of rounds there, and for the life of me cant find a single lead shot just lying there.HMM!!
Willie, all thoes shots at the pot, you see any lead?
Have a great New Year, be safe, Happy hooting at Bear Arms.
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David Sanders
Corrigan

I think it's time to just say no to guns. Grab a punching bag and punch it at home rather than shooting a pile of dirt. There hasn't been a problem with Stray punches. I don't believe.
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juror
Last Name:

Ann.....no the jury did not have its mind mad up at the end of the trial. We were still deliberating into the next afternoon.
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Sandy Ivy
Livingston

If these people at AP knew this establishment was here prior to their chance to make big money why are they so upset? Leave Bear Arms alone and find something else to fight about like DWI's,Drugs,Shootings; put your energy and effort into something that could make a real difference in the community.
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Cornelia
Livingston

If all the property owners want is to build a bigger berm, then why don't they use money from their maintenance fees to build a large berm along the propery line of the subdivision? If safety is the number ONE issue, then it would be worth the expense.
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john

I believe this is a good time to shut the thread down!
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reply to captain oblivious

While.reading your post I realized AP iIS using Polk county today for propaganda. Wow. Unfair journalism. But I love your site anyway :)
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Grace
Livingston, TX

John and JBC, just so you are aware the NRA does not certiy ranges. Look things up before you post them. Just because evidence is ignored does not mean it is not true. It was determined by very intelligent experts. By the way, most experts must be PAID for their time, that does not mean they are paid for their words- if they were being paid to say false things that would be considered perjury and if that was the case they would be in jail or have charges brought against them by Bear Arms, which no such thing has happened because their testimony was true. There is nothing money hungry about people wanting a bigger pile of dirt. And we are gown ups dear, that is why we don't feel the need to use foul language like you. I support anyone around that range with bullets flying past them. Thanks for bringing this issue to light so that our county can be a safer place.
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observor

Many on the jury were college graduates and intelligent people. Martha you are dellusional and need to get another focus in your brain. If you were so distraught why did you laug while being questioned. Just ludicrous. Why don't you sue AP? They sold you the "unsafe" property. Do you know how many deer leases there are in Polk county?
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Ann
Livingston

The jury already had their mind up when they went in that court room on the first day - see letter from "Juror" posted on this site. It proves just that. I hope all of the Bear Arms supporters never have any kind of safety issue around their homes, even if they are ONE MILE from the issue, because half of this town will not support you. They would rather see your child get shot, FROM ONE MILE AWAY, than help you get someone to build a bigger pile of dirt. All of your neighbors and peers will write on here that you are greedy and stupid for thinking that someone should operate their business safely. Put yourself in our shoes Bear Arms supporters, you would want a bigger pile of dirt too. Incredibly sad. I hope you are never in this situation, I wouldnt wish it upon any of you.
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Captain OBVIOUS
Blanchard

They took it to trial and 12 of their peers decided that their claim was groundless. 12 peers heard the witnesses and determined that the evidence given by those called by Anthony Properties (who bank rolled the suit) were not credible and gave their testimony no weight. I'm sorry it's a SLOW news week. Anthony Properties wants the range gone in order to upshift their development in a stagnant economy and I'm sorry, Really Sorry that you and your site have been USED as a propaganda tool.
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Ann
Livingston

For everyone that keeps saying why did you buy behind a gun range- Four Corners is almost ONE MILE behind the gun range. It is not like we bought in his backyard. The problem is bullets travel for MILES when they go over his berm, and they don't always land in our neighborhood, they can travel all the way to the lake. Look at the picture in the article-which is factual unlike everyone's unknowing pretend to be facts you keep writing on here about how safe the gun range is. Also how is just wanting him to build a bigger berm GREED?? Someone PLEASE explain this to me? Why is wanting him to operate safely like other businesses are required to greed?? We should not have to MOVE because all you "supporters" think it is okay for bullets to leave his property instead of just building a bigger berm. This is NOT a hunting or gun issue, this is build a bigger freaking berm issue. Geez! What is wrong with all you people that you are so mad that we want him to build a bigger berm? Bullets are leaving his property, please do not pretend that since we cannot prove what gun they came from that they are not from the gun range. They are lodged in trees continuously, repeatedly from the direction of the gun range. Quit making this about things it is not. All we want is a bigger berm and you should be standing up for the safety of Polk county residents and asking you friend to just build a bigger berm. If he has the money to buy the land behind him (which does not solve this problem still-bullets going over berm) then why doesn't he take that money and build the bigger berm? Why with all of this outcry and conflict does he not just want to make is his business safer? This is not greed people, wanting a pile of dirt is not greed, its common since. We live almost a mile away and his bullets are reaching other neighborhoods around us and past us. Wake up people, you should be supporting our request for a bigger berm, its not that much to ask.
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john
livingston

This whole thing sounds like a crock! Hey maybe if i buy property on 190 , i can get them to move the highway due to safety concerns of a drunk driving off the road and hitting my house or even worse one of my kids! You always need to look at the surroundings before you buy any property! Go Bear Arms! You won this battle once ,and if need be you can do it again!
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Cut-Em-Loose
Onalaska

Seems that by the title of this article, the owners already gave up their "Safety". They let a slick real estate salesman take their money for property potentially in harms way. Why didn't Frank show this survey photo to the potential buyers. Oh, Mr. Sulfi, Mr. Phillips was NOT invited to your lynch mob. Not that he would have attended, but I have it from his own mouth today that your statement is indeed a lie. If you got that from Frank, then he's lying as well. Willie, Mr. Phillips has tried to purchase the land behind his range, but AP refused to sell to him. The NRA has inspected the range and found it safe, but the inspection didn't happen in time to be admissible evidence in the trial. The NRA "Expert" flown in from Florida saw two photos taken for the plaintiffs and had his decision made before he got on the plane.  The trial is over. The worst people in life are the sore losers, just what sports try not to teach, but these folks can't teach that to their kids, now can they. If they try, they are hypocrites from the get go. Due process has already happened, and everyone's Constitutional rights were observed. Now if y'all want more safety, pony up the bucks to build a steel wall on your property, high as you want. I'll bet the range officer will throw every shooter that hits it off the range as soon as he hears the bullet hit it.  Also further new litigation from this plaintiff will have force of a new state law behind it, protecting gun ranges. This law, signed into law after the last suit was filed, didn't apply for this trial, but future litigation will have that law involved.
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resident

If the Brock's are so afraid why does Mr brock discharge his firearm onto his property in four corners. The only person who was a fool at bear arms was brent Phillips.
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royce
cleveland

i've been to the range a couple of times, i can see people worry bout saftey. but i think its more of a money thing for AP they no they can't sell the land if people know its a gun range in there back door futher more if you people knew the range was there before you built the why in the hell did u build there. Once again the big money man trying to push the little man around.
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Denise
Livingston

Ok I have read all of the comments on this story and I have to say that in my opinion that if the residents in that neighborhood are in so much fear for their safety then they should have thought about that before purchasing land BEHIND a gun range!! Common sense must be a thing of the past for them. When I bought my home I considered location and what was around me, did any of you do that before buying your home there? I have gone to the gun range and Bear Arms holds safety as a number one priority!! Heck even concealed Handgun classes go there for qualification. Bear Arms has been attacked way too much on this issue. If you have a problem where you live MOVE!!! We are standing behind BEAR ARMS 100% and will continue to do so!!
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john

the funny thing bear arms has built their dirts mounds up to regulations due to the nieghbor hood i have worked in several of the houses in fourcorners and never seen any sign of a bullet comin through there just cause you have a house worth 300,000 dollars or more doesnt mean your **** dont stink... yall done been to court and lost give it a ****** break you money hungry people... yall are the ones that piss people off... so to everyone in fourcorners grow the **** up
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JBC
Livingston

Bear Arms was there before the subdivision. In court their evidance was proven not to be TRUE. In several instances. Their witnesses were Paid. There were No bullets that were found that could be proven to come from the gun range. There were even witnesses for Four Corners that were called out on there testimony time and time again with differant recalls of the same inciodent. A person was sentr to the range to do wrong; he was asked "did you shoot an ak47 many times into the air" answer "Yes", "why did you intentionally endanger people" answer" They were blanks" "did you pick up your brass" answer NO, " why were ther no Blank casings found" I only shot 1 or 2. So from shooting many times( just to see if he could get away with it). to only 1 or 2 blanks. and he even said he signed in at the range but used a false name. All was bogus and the jury seen that. there were many false statements like that through out the trial that came to a head, and the truth came out.!
They even PAID witnesses to come testify about James and Bear Arms that did not know of James, nor ever been to the gun shop or range. Leave the buisness and its owners alone. They are NRA certified and have been.

Yes I may have miss spelled a word or to, I don't care, maybe it will give some gun haters something to gripe about.
Hay have you seen Willie shooting his new AK74 at a pot. the video is on here, no one is jumping on him.

Love Ya Willie, keep up the shooting maybe you will hit the pot more with 100 rounds.

I bought the AK-74 brand new and never had it sighted.  In spite of that, I'm confident I can stop a human with it. :) - Editor
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MY TWO CENTS
Livingston

There is a better chance of a BULLET PUTTING A HOLE IN MY ROOF TOMMORROW NIGHT FROM A NEW YEAR'S IDIOT than 10 year's worth of "stray" bullets leaving Bear Arms. Just saying, all you IDIOTS shooting in the air on New Years need to go to JAIL!
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Shawn Phillips
Conroe

I guess the saddest part of this is that the bullets that have reported to have left the gun range are nonexistent, or how about the facts that some of the members of the Four Corners sub division wanted to testify for bear arms that the range is safe, and AP did not want this in court. The truth is these accusations aimed at bear arms are by people that have never been to this gun range, probably are afraid of guns and have no clue that people hunt in Texas everywhere. People in four corners sub division, the house supposedly hit by the bullet, have been seen and photographed with rifle targets in their own back yard. Instead of assuming it is not safe, go there and see for yourself.
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Gun Owner Deer hunter
Livingston

Attention Polk Co.

Everyone move now due to stray bullets fron deer hunters, duck hunters, dove hunters, hog hunters, rabbitt hunters, coon hunters. ISUPPORT BEAR ARMS
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Martha Gregorczyk
Livingston

I just want to make it clear, that I do not wish anythig bad on Bear Arms or any one. My only concern is SAFTY. Please Mr. Phillips make your place safe for all the citizens to enjoy your range and our properties.Please show everybody that you don't care only about yourself.
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Ashley Reeks
Livingston

Kudos Jenetha. This is about greed and nothing more! The people who bought property from AP should consider if AP was so concerned with safety, perhaps these issues would have been disclosed prior to purchase? Instead, it was easier to sell off lots and worry about the rest later by attacking a small business owner. Four Corners is one of the highest appraised communities in our area, yet they offered Mr. Phillips a pittance of what his land is worth.

The case was heard, it was ruled on, leave the man alone.
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Lauren B
Livingston

Jenetha-Please do not write things which are FALSE. The man from the NRA did NOT deem this range safe in any way. He said not only was it not safe, that bullets are flying over his tiny berm, but that it does not adhere to any of the standard for shooting ranges published by the NRA-written by him! If Bear Arms is so concerned with safety then why before this suit was his berm only 7 to 9 feet tall- he might as well have had a picnic on the berm and let people shoot over him because 7 to 9 feet is not going to contain anything. The judge in the case MADE him raise his berm to at least 20 feet. I am not sure what “range master” you are referring to- people are allowed to shoot unattended and he himself confirmed in court that he does not walk out there with everyone.
Vicky-this would not be “PETTY” if it was your CHILD bullets were flying at.
Betty D- you are missing the point. I donÂ’t care what everyone thinks about AP as a resident of Four Corners MY GOAL is to get them to OPEARTE SAFELY, no close.
If it were a 10% chance that bullets might leave his range, fine, I take that chance with people hunting around us, but a 100% chance that bullets leave your property is selfish and wrong.
Roy Sanders- I 100% agree with you.
Louis- well said!
Anita N- he was offered DOUBLE the value of his property (which is known since AP recently sold the lots on both sides of him) as well as many other incentives.
Arnold- I had a bottle of water to drink. Thanks for asking.
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Lauren B
Livingston

Jenetha-Please do not write things which are FALSE. The man from the NRA did NOT deem this range safe in any way. He said not only was it not safe, that bullets are flying over his tiny berm, but that it does not adhere to any of the standard for shooting ranges published by the NRA-written by him! If Bear Arms is so concerned with safety then why before this suit was his berm only 7 to 9 feet tall- he might as well have had a picnic on the berm and let people shoot over him because 7 to 9 feet is not going to contain anything. The judge in the case MADE him raise his berm to at least 20 feet. I am not sure what “range master” you are referring to- people are allowed to shoot unattended and he himself confirmed in court that he does not walk out there with everyone.
Vicky-this would not be “PETTY” if it was your CHILD bullets were flying at.
Betty D- you are missing the point. I donÂ’t care what everyone thinks about AP as a resident of Four Corners MY GOAL is to get them to OPEARTE SAFELY, no close.
If it were a 10% chance that bullets might leave his range, fine, I take that chance with people hunting around us, but a 100% chance that bullets leave your property is selfish and wrong.
Roy Sanders- I 100% agree with you.
Louis- well said!
Anita N- he was offered DOUBLE the value of his property (which is known since AP recently sold the lots on both sides of him) as well as many other incentives.
Arnold- I had a bottle of water to drink. Thanks for asking.
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Proud Gun Owner
Livingston

A simple fix for the residents of Four Corners ! Instead of paying lawyers thousands of dollars , put your money where the problem is. Take all of your money and fix his range up to YOUR standards !! If you truly don't want to shut him down then this would be a simple fix !!
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Martha Gregorczyk
Livingston

My family and I live at Four Corners. We are tremendously affected by bullets leaving Bear Arms. We are the ones that have a bullet in our carport that also went through my husband'’s truck. I wish we would have never seen this hole. It has caused so much fear in me. I keep getting flashbacks and remember that my son would play where the bullet hit the truck. His head was that height, he loved to play there because that is where there was dirt. I am so thankful to God that he was not hit, and that I still have my baby with me. There has been so much evidence from professionals proving that the bullet hole came from Bear Arms. The survey shows that Bear Arms property and ours is at about the same elevation. There is a valley in between, so not much trees will block a bullet from coming our way. It is not only Four Corners subdivision who is getting affected by stray bullets leaving his property, bullets go way past us. For example, the street next to us, Yarbrough Loop, they are at high risk, as we are. There are many homes on Yarbrough Loop that were built before Bear Arms had his property. Why should anybody be affected, or shot at? This should not be a matter of who was here first. When we bought our property, we knew Bear Arms was there. I had no problem with them. I do not complain about the noise. I support small businesses. I come from a family who has small businesses. But, like any small business you should try to keep safety measures at all times. I always thought that Bear Arms was keeping his bullets in his property, but sadly to say, he is not he doesnÂ’t care, for the safety of anybody, but himself. His berms have rocks in them. Anybody who shoots there can easily have a bullet ricochet. I just wish he cared about others, even his own customers. I have been in fear ever since, I saw that bullet hole, my son is affected by it. He is four now, he is my one and only child. As a mother, I will try to do anything to keep him SAFE. One day, we were out playing on the trampoline and we were having so much fun jumping, when we start hearing gun shots and I told him we have to go inside because of the bullets, and he told me “lets go mama because if I get hit, no more Eli”. Wow, that about tore me apart, to hear that coming from a 3 year old then. But, recently this summer, he had his friend come and play with him, it was so hot that they both wanted to get in the pool, so both of them got there bathing suits on and they had me put sun block on them and there life vests. They started to run towards the pool very excited, and then we hear gun shots. They didnÂ’t even get to make it in the pool, when my son takes his life vest off, really upset, and says “aw man now we canÂ’t get in the pool” So I made both of them come inside and I had to figure out something to make them happy and play inside. That day he threw a tantrum, I would rather have him throw a tantrum than to have him dead. I try not to think about the shot, but it is always there in my head. At night, I wake up with nightmares literally crying, thinking someone is going to burn down my house, because there are lots of people that only know one side to a story. I just wish people would be safe when handling a gun. My husband is in law enforcement and he carries a gun, and he always puts his gun in a safe after work. Safety is what saves lives. I hope that Judge Trapp will give us a new trial, where the jury doesnÂ’t have there mind made up and not see all of the evidence, and not hear that all we want is SAFTY and not to shut Bear Arms down. He also has a right to have his company, but please make it safe for everyone to enjoy there life. All we want is SAFTY.
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Jenetha Hambrick
Onalaska

Lets not get this construed, the main reason for this lawsuit was in fact to have the range at Bear Arms shut down. When the issue of safety came up they also brought in experts to see if it was possible for bullets to leave the property of Bear Arms. Which their expert and an NRA associate named the range safe, for not only other people on the ranges but also for neighboring properties and home owners. They are a partner of the NRA and the BBB. But in the case of the home owners who have bullet holes in their property did you happen to check the deer lease out there, in Four Corners? Also why don't you check your own backyards? The targets set up there, tell a whole new story. Possibly that you should point that blame finger a little closer to home??! Bear Arms and the owner/operators do care about safety, it is one of the highest priorities there. There are very strict rules for the range, enforced by a range master to make sure there are no idiots shooting crazy. Yes, your experts said there was a chance of bullets leaving the range but how accurate could they be if they didn't inspect the range completely? One of your experts actually testified that he came to his conclusions simply driving by the range. It has not been proven that any of the bullet holes they found in Four Corners actually came from Bear Arms shooting range. And without proof, you really have nothing to argue. So why don't we slow down, and quit being so judgmental. Quit laying blame onto the closest possible cause we can find. Also quit trying to cover this lawsuit up as our safety concerns. There is much more going on here then what you are saying, and for you to believe this yourself is sad enough but now trying to have Judge Trapp over turn the jury decision because they didn't agree with AP and their greedy little lawyer? Ya'll need to get over your selves, quit spreading malicious lies and accusations. Possibly you didn't get the decision you were wanting because you are wrong!!
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John Dunlap
Montgomery, Tx

I am concerned about the safety of the residents of Four Corners given the location of the shooting range. Common sense tells me that the bullets should be contained to the shooting range and not be able to endanger the people living in the area.
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jill d.
livingston

It is beyond me that anyone would not understand the concern we, the residents of Four Corners, have for our safety. There are measures that Mr. Phillips can take to make his property safer but he refuses to. No one in Four Corners has an issue with the gun range being open, we just want the bullets to stay on Mr. Phillips property. He has a responsibility as a range owner, just like all of us have he responsibility as firearm owners to operate safely and ensure that we do not put the people around us in jeopardy. Each person who fires above his berm is also at risk for civil and criminal liability if their bullet hits a person. Every person is responsible for every bullet they fire and Mr. Phillips is responsible for ensuring his range is safe and that people who use it are operating safely as well.
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Vicky Vaughn
Pointblank

Bear Arms was taken to court by a group, four corners was a part of that group, your interest was represented. The jury knew that. To say the jury did not care about safety or your kids is stupid. This jury was briefed by the judge, he understood the issues. They were your peers also, not just Mr. Phillip's peers. They were mainly women, mothers also. They could envision their own children. This jury addressed a number of spicific points to find Mr Phillips not negligent. Safety was one of those points. By stating that the jury did not understand is to devalue the intelligence of this jury, your peers. They found Bear Arms not wanting as a responsible local business and neighbor. The tactic seems to be to cause Mr. Phillips so much in court as to bankrupt him. This is not the way the system should work. Vicky Vaughn, gun owner and shooter and trying to understand your petty reaction to your court loss.
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ARNOLD
SHEPHERD

HOW MANY OF THOSE AT THE MEETING WERE ALLOWED TO LEAVE AFTER HAVING SEVERAL DRINK'S TALK ABOUT SAFETY.
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Anita Nguyen

If you don't like the shooting range for your neighbor, MOVE! Or, when you try to buy out bear arms property, offer him REAL money, just like you charge others to buy your (AP) land. I am surrounded by a "hunting club" and have seen stray bullets. But, I don't know for a fact if the bullet came from a neighbor or the hunting club. The judge and jury has heard the case and ruled. Get over it or move and leave bear arms alone. This story reminds me of taking land from the native Americans.
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Ryan
Livingston

This issue is not just about 4 corners it is Yarborough Loop, 4 Corners and Lake Livingston Estates which are all in the high danger areas.  A Gun Range operating that close to 4 Corners and Yarborough Loop is NOT the problem. The problem is deadly projectiles consistantly leaving the gun range property onto neighboring property. I think he should follow the NRA handbook for Gun Ranges, because as it operates today it is not safe for anyone in the area. Again, I agree the gun range is free to operate in their current location, but needs to do so in a safe manner by taking the best measures to ensure projectiles do not leave their property.  A tree littered with bullets behind the shooting berm which is now cut down is pretty good evidence projectiles leave the property...
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Louis Salfi

To the Editor,

I was present Wed. night at Busters. On top of what you said, it should be noted that Mr. Nuchereno invited Mr. Phillips to the meeting but he refused. He also refused to have his gun range made safer at Anthony Properties expense or sell at double the amount of his property value.

As for Constitutinal Rights, I have read the Constitution of the USA several times and cannot find anything that refers to this problem. However, there are state laws that do. That is the right to the enjoyment of ones property, which means, what you do on your property CANNOT effect the use of my property. I would think bullets coming from a gun range entering another persons property, would interfere with that enjoyment. Furthermore, why should the owner of 10 acres be allowed to control hundreds of acres and many families because of his negligence. Now those are legal issues. Here is a personal issue. I am a father and grand-father, a Vietnam veteran and former Marine. If I purchased a piece of property almost a mile away from a gun range and my child or grandchild, or any other family member, was hurt by a bullet from a gun range that was proven to be dangerous by many experts and did nothing to improve its safety and the county or state did nothing to insure it's safety!
, I wouldn't be writing about it.

Judge Trapp, it's your duty t keep the people of Polk Co. safe. Please do something.
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Roy Sanders
Livingston

Seem to me that bear arms & anthony properties shoul work together to solve this problem, it would be fiancally right for both parties
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Betty D
Livingston

The realtor knew Bear Arms was there so did Nuchereno so why did they build there. So they can run a small businuess out of towm. That is owu of towner's coming in for country living.
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Lauren B

Goodrich Resident
It is not okay for someone to let bullets leave their property. It is not a small chance that a bullet might leave it is a 100% chance. I am sure you would be whining too if someone was letting bullets fly past your child, and if you still thought this same way then we have a bigger problem. We are not worried about noise we are worried about DEATH. It doesn't matter who was there first, that is an inconsiderate view. Bullets were flying at the first owner of our property too, he was there before Bear Arms- is that okay with you too? This is not just a problem for Four Corners this is a problem for hundreds more acres behind him. His 10 acres is putting hundreds of acres behind him in danger. The fact that you don't think businesses should have to operate in a safe manner, just because you are not in the path, is sad.
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Ernest Clarke
Hutson

Landowner: "hey this is a nice lot, what's on the other side of the woods? Oh a gun range? Well hell let's build anyway"! Makes me wonder about people.
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Local NRA member
Livingston

Hey Tony,
Does Grandma Nuchereno like hospital food?
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Goodrich Resident
Goodrich

If you build behind a gun range, what do you expect to have as a safety issue? No matter what is done (short of shutting down the range) there will always be SOME chance of a stray bullet. If you build by a major highway, you can expect a small chance of vehicular damage. If you build by a sewer plant, you can expect sewer smell now and then and some chance of a leak at some point. If you build by water, there is always some chance of flooding. Come on people if you bought and/or built there then you were inept in your own lookout. The gun range was there first. The world around you shouldn't have to be re-arranged just because you built a house where a gun range already existed nearby. Should businesses whose industry is loud be made to shut down if someone comes along and builds within hearing distance of them? No! If you built there, then you have the responsibility upon yourself to deal with your environment. Build your own berms and quit whining. Idon't understand why anyone would willingly build or buy in the path of a gun range in the first place, let alone complain afterwards.

Happy New Year Polk County!
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Lauren B
Livingston

I am a Four Corners Property owner and would like to clear up a few misconceptions about our issue with Bear Arms.

The trial was not just Anthony Properties, some big name out of town developer, trying to shut down a hometown business. Four Corners residents and 2 individuals (who have a bullet hole in their home) were also part of the suit. This suit was about safety, making Bear Arms operate their business safely by implementing safety measures that would not let bullets leave his property. Our goal was NOT to have him shut down but to have him operate SAFELY. I am a small business owner myself in Livingston and I would never operate my business in a manner that would potentially hurt or even kill innocent people around me. “juror” who wrote the letter to Polk County Today, if as you stated you are trying to stand up for this hometown guy, why don’t you stand up for all the people behind him who have bullets flying over his berm and onto their hometown lots. You should be standing up for safety.

An expert from the National Rifle Association and one from the Texas Rangers testified that there is a 100% chance that bullets have left and CONTINUE to leave the Bear Arms property. This is not just a problem for Four Corners residents- look at the picture in the article with the large blue arrow-if your property is in that blue arrow you are at risk for a bullet in your home, yard, or person. This is not just about my safety, this is about many residents of Polk County'’s safety.

Next, many people keep saying that Bear Arms was there first so it is our fault, we should not have bought behind a gun range. Well let me tell you I never thought for one minute when buying my property that bullets would be ALLOWD leave his property, I never thought for one minute that there was not some kind of legislature regulating shooting ranges- unfortunately there is not. Just because he was there first why does that give him the right to allow bullets to fly onto my property? If my neighbor has his target pointed at my lot before I build my house, and his arrows or bullets are going onto my lot before I move in, when I move in should he be able to continue to shoot onto my property?? NO because that is not right and not safe, and this is the SAME situation. Please also remember he is not just allowing bullets onto Four Corners property but hundreds of acres behind him-bullets can travel for MILES.

People have brought up the new state bill not allowing "“these kinds of lawsuits" against gun ranges. That new bill is SB 766 from Texas. It however would not apply to our case. This bill does not protect dangerous gun ranges. This bill says that if a lawsuit is brought about against a gun range expert reports must be filed by the plaintiffs within 90 days of filing suit. As we did provide expert reports that there are bullets leaving his range this bill would have not applied to us (passed after our suit). This bill is a great one, it protects safe gun ranges.

My husband is an avid hunter and I also enjoy guns. We do not have a problem with guns nor with Bear Arms being in business, we have a problem with bullets leaving his property. We would welcome and use a safe range, it would be an asset, this one is not.

My husband and I bought our lot to build our first home and start our family there. How is it right that now us or one of our future children might get shot because someone does not care enough about the safety of those around him to contain his bullets on his property? This is AMERICA not IRAQ, I should not have to worry about getting shot in my own backyard!

Again there is a 100% chance, verified by experts, that bullets will continue to leave this range. All we want is for this range to operate safely. I hope that it does not take someone or their child getting shot before something is done to keep those bullets on his property.
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Angelica Herera
Livingston

Well first of all, great coverage on this! Second, how would anyone in their right mind not support this group of people? There is enough violence and meaness in the world that is done on purpose, and for someone not to think that this is dangerous is just stupid. Seriously what is it going to take to change this? A person being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a bullet decides that's where it wants to land???? BTW, I'm an amatuer photographer, maybe you can give me some pointers????

Hmmmm... - Editor
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Earl Williams

Seems to me this would be like someone building a house next door to a creosote or fertilizer plant and then complaining about the smell. What about building a home next to a hunting lease and then complaining about stray bullets? Or next to a prison and complaining about escapes. I wonder if Anthony Properties informed these homeowners of the proximity of the gun range before they bought their lots and built their homes? Seems to me that common sense has to come into play at some point. Unless a gun range is completely enclosed, there will always be the potential for stray bullets regardless of the safety precautions. Maybe that's something that should be factored into a decision regarding where to buy property and build a home.
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Lesley Swope

This law suit has always been about safety and nothing more. Unfortunatley, the jury seemed to think it was about one out of towner (AP) trying to take over another out of towner (James Phillips), who move here some time ago. It seems as if they thought it was a matter of who came here first rather than safety.

All Anthony Properties and the residents of Four Corners are asking James to do is to keep his projectiles on his own property, let the residents keep their right to enjoy their property and he refuses to do so.
It seems to me that by refusing to do so, shows he cares little about the personal safety of others and his intention is "business as usual" no matter what the consequences may be.

I hope Judge Trapp overturns the decision the jury made due to their lack of understanding the true meaning of the lawsuit.
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Rich Timm
Livingston

These people built behind a gun range that was there years before them.

Once again an assault on our Constitutional rights via lawfare.

But Rich, the bullets are landing on property that doesn't belong to them, and is putting others in danger. - Editor

Betty C C

Praing for the lady that was hit. Also praying for the lady that hit her it was an accident walking on side of road is so dangreous. If you have to walk at night PLEASE WEAR SOMETHING LIGHT. GOD BLESS BOTH OF THESE FAMILIES.
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Robin Morgan
Livingston

First I just want to say that I am praying for this young woman that has suffered so much and I hope she survives this accident.
We live off Scenic Loop in Livingston and just recently I was traveling to and from home and it was during the evening and two pedestrians were walking in the lane going one way against me and let me say the lighting isnt there until the headlights shine upon the subject, And another was walking in the lane going the other way ar night. I have also had to
move around a bicycler in the road another time. I really think people should think twice before walking on this loop. It is enough for drivers to handle the curves and other cars going the other way that drives over the lane all the time. Please Pedestrians Please stay off the road. I might be taking this accident wrong but it sounds like she was hit on the inside of the lane and not the outside.
---------------------------------
nikol sanmiguel
mcnair tx

i know my sister is storng and is goin to come through, god be with her and us thru this recorvery!
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Bianca Crain
Cleveland

It is so sad that this happened. So many pedestrians are injured like this all the time. The young lady that was injured, sustained extensive damage to her body. It's so sad. She is going through so many surgeries each day and some are 10 hrs or more. Please keep her in your priayers for she has a long road to recovery. She still is in critical care and may lose her left eye. I just ask people to pay more attention when they are diving. All it takes is one glimpse away and something like this happens.
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Linda Ellison
Onalaska

Would like to say thank you to the gentleman directing traffic around this lady until the police could arrive. I was driving home from work in steady traffic and she would have been struck again except for this blessed person directing us around her.
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Michael & DeAnna Lassman & Hudnell
Point Blank

Taneea Marie's is a hard worken women ,with a loving family.Such a terrible accident. Our hearts and prayers are with her and her family. As her husband whom works for me. From all of use from R.A. Lassman & Son Inc. & Tiger Dirt Co. Our , Prayers are with you.
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JT
Livingston

How awful, prayers to the family.

Diane Beck
Livingston

Great site, it's helpful to know what sirens are about out on the scenic loop
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Chris Hubbs
Milledgeville, Georgia

Hey Willie, thanks for keeping up with polk county news! we miss everyone there but georgia is pretty cool and mabey we will come back some day.  Blessings, Chris and family.
 
ps the third hubbs child should be here by the new year

Congratulations y'all.  Sounds like life is getting better for y'all. - Editor
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J. R.
Beaumont

Keep up the good work Willie. You do a very good job at reporting the news.
Remember if you do the crime you do the time and your picture will be posted on PolkCountyToday.com
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Jennifer Petronilo
Livingston

Willie and the gang, I appriecate all the hard work you all put into this site. I am sadden to see so many negative post from the different articles. I do have to say I agree with Robin Morgan when i say that this site is the first site i come to when i get on the web. I am egar to see what new things you have put on here. If everyone would take a step back from all the slandering they will see that your site have more to it than just the updates on DWI to wreak or who going down for whatever it is that going on. Your site offer a wide range of stuff. I glad you have this site and you and the staff have my up most respect. Thanks yall!!

Flattery will get you everywhere, Jennfer. What would you like? ;) - Editor
-------------------------------
Robin Morgan
Livingston

Hey Willy, I am amazed how many people in this community I run into that also follow you web site on a daily basis. Thanks for keeping us informed and all the effort you give to provide us with as many incidents as possible that happen. You surprise us at times with as many of the featured stories that are listed so often. it sure keeps us foll interested all the time. Your doing a wonderful job and making a difference. Keep it up and we look forward to pictures of Houdini too!

Thank you for the kind words, Robin.  Yes, Houdini has become a real live canine celebrity in Polk County :) - Editor

This thread is shut down, and there will be no more comments posted on this topic.  I'm tired of the senseless nitpicking, whining, and complaining.  We get our information from the official accident report.  If you have a problem with that, take it up with the law.  If you don't like the story then don't read it. - Editor

Amber R
Livingston

Willie this family is getting redicioulious I'm a firm believer in freedom of speech but their language is just disrespectful and harassment granted I dont alway agree with your photos either but it's your freedom of speech, personally all the fuss is because Maddox is an officer. Take it to trial Wyatt family and stop making yourself look bad with that language
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reader
onalaska

Willie if you hadent took the pic of him crying it would'nt be no big deal. Willie keep up the good work Sir . I enjoy your site.

Thank you. - Editor
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ROBYN HARRELL
SPRING

I THINK WHEN IT COMES TO THE POLICE THE LAWS DONT APPLY TO THEM THEY GET AWAY WITH MURDER.AND TO (SOMEONE) YOUR RACIST REMARK SHOULDNT HAVE EVEN BEEN POSTED BUT THATS POLK COUNTY FOR YOU. IM WOMEN ENOUGH TO SAY WHAT I MEAN AND PUT MY NAME ON IT GROW UP...
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Rocio Leija
Cleveland

Willie your a great reporter. This news site is the only local site I like to view. The montgomery site suck ***. Anyway for all these rude people and their dumb comments with fake names. I say don't post them anymore. It's annoying how they can talk S*** but not post their real names. And as far as that not so gentleman making threats online, that can be a felony. It's a shame how some people are. It really is!

Thank you, Rocio. - Editor
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Rick Carlisle
Livingston

regarding Ms Vivian Mimms...shut your trap and stay in Huntsville
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Mrs.Wyatt

People I have talked to my children about their response to the editor it was not right but I do want you to understand that at some point in our lives emotions run high and we speak from anger instead of stopping to processwhat we are about to say. You are more than welcome to check my sons phone if you would like. I can only go by what i was told by my son and witnesses so I dont blame anyone at this time. thank you for your concern but the only thing on my mind at this time is the condition of the young ladies that are still hurting. THANK YOU!

Thank you Mrs. Wyatt. - Editor
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Marrisa B

Did you ever think he was upset about his friends being hurt? This comment "Wyatt was clearly distraught at the site of the accident that he apparently caused when he failed to yield..." Is way over the line. I've had problems with this "news-site" for years. But this.... how dare you. I won't even get into the fact that it wasn't even his fault.

Marrisa, as far as this wreck is concnerned, you don't KNOW anything. If you can't handle seeing news, then stay away from this website, cause I'm giving news in this county like it's never been given before and will continue to do so. - Editor
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Vivian Mimms
Huntsville

Why are you letting all these people post under made up names? According to your policy the name will be posted with the comment. Maybe if they had to actually see their real name there, they would think twice before they write some of this stuff.
-----------------------------------------
livingston mom

Capturing emotion? Whatever.....
"There nothing insulting about a person distraught from a bad situation"...true but it is insulting the picture you posted. Karma....
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Teresa
Livingston

I agree, "Wyatt was clearly distraught at the site of the accident that he apparently caused when he failed to yield...", could have been worded differently. I am SURE he was upset at his friends etc. being hurt as anybody with a heart would have been. Sorry, but I really disagree with how this was worded.
-----------------------------------
concerned citizen

I witnessed this wreck and the boy was not at fault!! I saw Maddox run that redlight due to excessive speed and clearly not paying attention!! His light aS red and the car in Tue left hand lane was at a complete stop when Maddox came flying thru the intersection where he smashed into the side of wyatts vehicle!!
-------------------------------------
anonymous has it right, if you've got a case press it in court not on the local news site. These comments that have been posted are ridiculous. I have never seen such a blatant disregard for self respect in all my life. Shameful, that's all I have to say.
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Her white mama

I dont see why you polk county folks care about the child being upset and saying her words if it were your kids they'd do the same all of you people that sit behind a computer screen and act like your shit dont stink need to be slapped. you wanna get mad because this baby spoke her mind get real you all acted the same way as kids ! why dont we focus on getting the other two out of the hospital smart ones
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Steven Bradshaw
Corrigan

I see this as two people playing the yellow light, at a dangerous intersection like this, why chance it? Wyatt probably assessed the timeing of the yellow light where he assumed a normal human being coming in the opposite direction would have plenty of time to stop and decided to turn left, however the officer thought he had enough time to make the yellow light, even if it turned red before he got there. I'm not saying the officer ran a red light intentionally, but I'm GUESSING by the situation he miscalculated a yellow light. This is just the image of the scene painted in my head by all these comments and the story.
----------------------------------
Mr. Intrigued
Livingston

Just Saying thast if you drive your self out there and check out this redd light ,there is a green arrow for 190 traffic to cross over to 350 south or go the opposite way
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Say Wyatt?
Livingston

Yes, it is all a conspiracy and coverup because one side was law enforcement and the other side is black. Of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that many others who attempted what Wyatt attempted at that intersection have met the same fate.
------------------------------
livingston mom

I appreciate your reporting. However, you slip into tabloid reporting when you take close ups of people at their worst moments. This young man is very well liked and the picture of him being upset was unprofessional. Even my teenagers were upset you would post that picture of their friend. You really need to think of working on a more professional level.

M'am, if you watch and/or read the news, that's part of it, capturing emotion.  I guess you better write this same letter to ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, CNN, etc...  There's nothing insulting about a person distraught from a bad situation. Thank you for writing. - Editor
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just curious

if there was a witness that told a police officer that the child was already turning when this man ran a red light how does the child get failure to yeild ? and yes onalaska police chief was there i dont know if he realized he was talking to the parent of one of these young ladies when he clearly stated his officer was known to drink. im just saying
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Just Sayin
Livingston

To the family making comments: what a great way to gain sympathy from the readers....calling someone a hoe for a misspelled name?...so "classy"! I was actually feeling kind of bad for the guy because he was upset about his siblings....until he started making threats.
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Anonymous

I am a friend of a grandmother of one of these girls, and from what I've been told, there are a lot of questions about who was really in the wrong in this accident, so I do understand that those involved would be upset. However, I would suggest that those who are so upset by the coverage by this paper take their concerns to the proper authorities instead of coming on here and calling names and making threats. In fact, if you're going to call names, I would further suggest you might want to learn how to spell the ugly words you are trying to use. It does not further sympathy for your cause when you come on here lashing out at the editor.

If there are truly numerous witness statements that this officer was in the wrong, press your case in the right place. I could see you might want to defend yourself here, but I would refrain from the nastiness. It doesn't do any good, and only provides more entertainment for those who like to make fun of the citizens of our county. Step back, take a deep breath, and channel your anger into something useful.
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Just Saying
Livingston, TX

Let me see if I can dumb it up for the ignorant people commenting on here. First you have multiple witnesses from both sides of the light saying both cars had yellow lights. Second you have one witness from 350 saying they saw the accident, looked up and they had a green light. Proving that either A: they both had a yellow light or B: they both had a red light. Third, why is that you only want to check phone records on the cops phone. Is there something on your son's you want to hide? Fourth, the accident happened in the City of Livingston so in turn the City would investigate the accident not DPS. DPS would only investigate if it happened outside the City. The main point of all of this is people are screaming that the Tahoe had a red light, well with the way those lights work, that means both vehicle would have had a Red light. With that into consideration, the car would still be at fault. So however you look at it the car is at fault. For the record people, its called grammar. From the sound of it, most of you have maybe a 5th grade education, but that is something they teach in GED classes also.
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Someone

The only reason it was Wyatt's fault is because the man that hit them was a cop. When will things be right and fair?
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Mr.Intrigued
Onalska, Tx.

Not only does A father who will fight this have a good question but has apparently been checking into this. Here goes a few questions : Where is Onalaska's Police Chief during this accident and investigation? 2 How fast was officer Maddox going , we all know that this intersection can be fairly dangerous. 3 Why didn't DPS troopers investigate considering it involved an Emergency/Police Vehicle , this is Onalaska Police Vehicle ? just wandering.

Chief Ron Gilbert was there.  I spoke to him myself. - Editor
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his baby sister

by the way ***** spell my brother **** right next time stupid ****** its D A K E R R I A N hoe !
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observer

The Tahoe belongs to the Onalaska Police Department...go figure.
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T'Undra Wyatt

Willie Openshaw you are so stupid i was in this car my brother was crying because his little sister and cousins were hurt not because he caused an accident! Polk county just wants to cover up the fact that this police officer ran a red light there were witnesses at the scene that told the law officers the driver of the tahoe caused this accident stupid! Why after the accident Mr.Maddox ran to me and began appologizing huh ? because he knew he was in the wrong. how in the heck would he turn off the third lane ? that is so childish ! IMBISULS

T'Undra, I NEVER go by what accident victims say, but go only by the police report.  Thank you for writing. - Editor
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dakerrian wyatt
livingston

mr wille openshaw yousa lieing s.o.b just wait til i c u
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dakerrian wyatt

mrs wille openshaw i u have things very twisted if u wanted to know what happen u should brought yo scary *** over there and asked instead of taking pictures hiding somewhere yea i was crying my little sister was in that car that some dummy hit running a red light omg just wait til i c u buddy we got words homie yo **** *** lied on me.

Didn't lie on you.  I go by the police report only.  Secondly, I wasn't scary, and wasn't hiding.  I was all around you, and the accident scene.  Not hiding anywhere. - Editor
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Nancy hudson
goodrich texas

What a dumb***( thing to say that this child was distraught because he caused the accident! He had a sister a cousin and two very close friends in the vehicle wouldnt you geniuses think he was upset because they were hurt ? He didnt cross over from anything he turned from a turn
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A father Who will fight this
Livingston

Yes he was in the wronk cause the guy that hit him was a cop in good ole boy POLK COUNTY, check his phone record (Maddox) before you say that someone failed to yield I bet he either had a text or was sending one. Witness say officer was in the wrong. When will it change!!!
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Amber
Livingston

Three of the four girls are in the hospital in Houston! Please everyone keep them in your prayers! They are still shook up from everything and I know one of them is going in for x-rays on her ribs this morning. And they believe one is going to have to have surgery! Pray for them please!

Teresa
Livingston

There is a lot shady with the people that own this motel! I worked there for almost a year and the things I saw is bad!! I don't know how that place is even open any more. I know there are no fire alarms (working) in MOST of the rooms, there was no fire extinguishers placed where they are suppose to be, and many many more violations! They stayed in trouble over that dilapidated pool for so long by the city and nothing was done about it. I don't know if it is still uncovered or not. This place really needs to be shut down and plowed!! I have seen many illegal things happen and that was when it was a little cleaner!?!?! Too bad a good life was taking before this place was shut down! I sure hope LPD knows better than to believe what these people (owners of motel) says anyways because they don't tell the truth anyway!!
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Tonja Feltner
North Buena Vista

They said that the boy was only there a few weeks Caleb Maze was my friend we both lived at that motel Caleb lived there longer then I did he used to be in room 114 why did they move him upstairs? and why are they lying saying he ws only there a short time when he was there for at least 3 months? Who killed Caleb? has any1 told his sister or uncle John? Im baffled thaat he was in room 200 when he had been in room 114 for a long time 2 months or better!!! Caleb nd I became very good friends I am very sad and very pissed that the hotel owner is lying to lpd and lpdf about how long he was there and thaat he drank alot yes he did but he wirked lot too he was a good kid who called me his mom cuz he had no1 else my heart is very broken right now and very upset tht this woman who owns the motel can lie to authority's so easy tht place needs to sshut down if thts how they run there bussiness Caleb Wayne Maze will be very missed and always hold a special place in my heart...the woman he called mom cuz his real mom and I have the same first name... Please find out what happened to him cuz all this seems alittle to outta sorts....Thx so much a good friend/mom Tonja to Caleb ... if yall have any questions for me since i did there in that motel for 2 months while Caleb was there u can reach me at my email address or my dads phone number which is 563-870-2070 or write to me at 212 Lowell ln North buena Vista Ia 52066 plz do not post my phone number or address in paper I can probably give u some good info on that motel and Caleb Maze
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Dennis Alverson
Livingston

Why haven't the police come to take a statement about the men who kept trying to jump and threaten him from the man who helped fend them off? It's sad that it cost a young man his life, but maybe these slum lords will learn they can't treat people like this. Also I hope the family sue's the hotal for everything they got. I wasn't bad mouthing the editor, I was talking about the hotel owner.
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Jessica
Livingston

I don't think Mr.Aversion was talking about what the Editor put.I think he was referring to what The hotel owner said. Obviously she didn't know him to well. I read Polk County today all the time and I always think people complain to much. Now that this has happened to our family I do think so comments should be left out. I know the editor can't help what The lady said but I don't think it was comment she should of made. I don't think anyone negative comments should made about anyone that has passed and she could have kept it to herself. Our family did care and Love him very much and May he rest Easy
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observer

TO MR ALVERSON, WILLIE POSTED WHAT THE OWNER STATED AND POSTED WHAT YOU WROTE, WILLIE IS FAIR. EASE UP ON HIM, HE IS THE BEST.
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Johnny
Trinity

@FAMILY MEMBER....

Couldn't have said it better.
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FAMILY MEMBER

I agree with Mr. Alverson. Stick to facts Willie. Too often you print your thoughts and others' thoughts that are in no way related to the facts. I appreciate that you cover the news here in Polk County but slandering accusations such as the ones the owner made are painful daggers in the heart of family who loved their son/nephew/cousin/grandson...this young man was loved by his entire family.
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F. Ed Dupp
Marston

Who's the Old Lady with the Cheezy Cheepo Camera.. and why is she in a crime scene? She looks lost

She works for the Enterprise. - Editor
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Dennis Alverson
Livingston

Everybody needs to get thier facts straight. The young man worked for me for nine months and stayed at the Royal Inn for nine months. He was NOT a heavy drinker. May have had a beer at night, but did not drink heavily. And him snd his father were very close. All they are trying to do at the Royal Inn is cover their backs. And the investigators need to check out the men who were attemping to jump and attack him frequently. He was scared to death of them. We will miss him at work.

I'm only telling what the Hotel Owner said since she owns the place and says she knew the young man. - Editor

glenn bethune
onalaska

The wheels of justice moves on.
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Robin Morgan
Livingston

Can anyone quote me the plea bargain offers that he turned down and why?
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Bubba

Guess he should have took the plea bargain offers, huh? Looks like he's going to have a long time to cool his heals and think about what he did. Good job DA's office and Judge Coker for taking this menace to society off of the streets of Polk County! We all feel a little safer as a result of your hard work and dedication!
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Jaimie Randolph
goodrich

Just to set the record straight there was 2 plea bargins offered to Nigel!
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Granny

No matter what people say about him and others, to the Creator, he is still His child.
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Citizen

Mr. Romero name one big trial where there has been a plea bargin?
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mary webb
onalaska

way to go Judge Coker & mr hon wish more strong sentences would be passed on Crimanals
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james romero
corrigan

Suprise DA didnt offer plea bargain. This county is good at that. DA office here is a joke
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Roy Sanders
Livingston

Hooray for our courts for this verdict, if they could get stiffer with drug dealers & users our children would have a better county to live and raise their families
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Jaimie Randolph
Goodrich

I am Raymond Howells step daughter and the sister to the defendant! This has rocked our whole family for they were both a hugh part of our lives!!!! We loved them very much and still do! In a case like this there was questions from the beginning and there is even more now. In this trail NONE of the DNA matched to Nigel Gardner. With that being said he was found guilty and we are dealing with it! Raymond Howell was the man that taught me how to bowl, dance, drive and even walked me down the isle at my wedding! Nigel is my brother that I grew up with that taught me how to ride a bike, helped me with my homework, played video games with, and has been and will always be there for me to talk to when I need him! I was in the court room through the whole trail and on December 6,2011. When the judge asked for victims statement the DA said there is none... I'm sorry but I was there and there was plenty that I could say! They called no one to the stand to talk on be hafe of Nigel.... I loved Ray and believe me when I say we all think about him every day! As for the part of "...he has led a life that is totally without redeeming value and nothing constructive." All I have to say is that is NOT how we as a family see Nigel! Nigel has 3 girls that he is very proud of and that love him! 2 sisters that adore him! A newphew that thinks he is the best uncle in the world.... He is loved very much by his family and we feel that no one is without redeeming value... Going to church one of the things I remember from Sunday school is "GOD DON'T MAKE NO JUNK!!!!"
Justice is not served till all parties of this have been held accountable!!!!!!
RIP POPPA RAY
To POLKCOUNTYTODAY.... I would like to thank you for our family is in many different states and made it easy for all of us to stay up to date.....

Booger

This ain't the friggin auto bann there Detlift. Slow your beer swillin self on down a notch. Where ya tryin to git to anyhow? The stupid store for stupids?
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Steven Stiefer
Denver

This is my uncle. he's not FROM AR, he's from Recklinghausen, Germany. They moved to Livingston in the 60's.  Oh, and his last name isn't Hartman, it's HARTMANN. :)
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margaret fernandez
livingston

drinking plus driving = STUPIDITY

I agree but this was pills (still stupid). - Editor

billy hill

paul, funny you should say that, because i'm actually black. a racist? no. the point being is that anyone can post some crap to get everyone upset. whitey darkie, they are just words. no need to get so upset over them.
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Paul
Livingston

Ok, ya'll got me. I am Tyrone Freeman....hee, hee, he. Just seein what kinda rise I could git from ya'll. lol
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billy hill

tyrone, were you the one in my woodpile last night? i guess the opposite of whitey would be darkie? well spook old chap, remember racism works both ways.
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Paul
Livingston

When are people going to realize that many of these haters like Tyrone are really just pretenders that post those comments just to get a rise out of you.Tyrone is probably just as white as you are.
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Red, Yellow, Black and Whitey We are Precious in HIS Sight!

Tyrone. Who exactly are you referring to as "whiteys"? Is it it me? I'm white. What did I do to you? I didn't even vote in the last presidential election. I could care less about Herman Cain and the GOP. Does that make you want to call me "White Trash"? I've got news for you, it's people like you, spewing hatred and simply not following God's word is why our country is in ruination!
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Bubba Trailer
Corrigan

Please Tyrone, continue your trolling of this site. I love it. You are the /b/est.
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Offended Conservative
Livingston

To Tyronne Freeman:

Seriously, how racists can You get! FYI, we whitey's as you put it, were the ones who wanted Herman Cain. We, the whitey's were very disappointed that he stepped out of the race. Instead of blaming the GOP, why don't you look (research) into who really dug up some dirt, made up might I add, it was LIBERALS. These women had ties to people inObama's adminstration. so before you slam, white people, do your homework. Also FYI, without white people, the human race would not survive. I really hate using these terms, because ignorance, like yours, really makes me mad. We are all children of God and he doesn't see color, but people like you do. Until you change we will always be divided. The greatest dividers are Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, also liberals. There is a very conservative in Florida, that I hope comes forward and run someday by the name of Allen West. Read up on him.
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chad

Tyrone Freeman:
what Cain doing is wrong and not because he is black... even happen to Clinton too and he is white! geez what a CRY BABY! I will tell you what I am getting tired of people like you accusing /labeled as a "racism" get a life cry baby! people like you make me sick! look at your self you sir are a "racism" for call white people a whiteye!


and also the last part you were said "Whitey,...get ready." I find this as threat!
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Tyrone Freeman
Livingston

OK WHITEYS !!!
Happy now?
You can't stand the fact that a black man was trying to represent the GOP. So "somebody" digged up Herman Cain's past and that has nothing to do with his ability to govern. I'm sure that some old fat white rich bastard will have the answer to the problems we face. White people make me wonder how the human race has survived this long.
Whitey,...get ready.

tiffney pecero
livingston

I am a close friend of the family and I thank God that he was okay...Dougie God was on your side....The pictures look real bad.
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glenn bethune
onalaska

I hope Mr. Perkins appreciates how fortunate he is to come out of that accident unharmed. ''Go Houdini!''
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Karen Hamilton
Houston

I'm a friend of the family, and looking at the pictures, seeing him standing there unhurt, is a miracle. The car can be replaced. Thankful that he is ok.

Regina Locke
Corrigan

Willie, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Ken Luck with The Eagle 92.3 for broadcasting the Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs bi-district playoff game, against the West Rusk Raiders in Center last night. Alot of our fans couldn't make the trip and this enabled those fans to cheer on our team from home. I also would like to give a shout out to Constable Ray Myers and the Corrigan Police Department for giving our boys a victory escort into Corrigan as they rolled back into town. The lights were flashing and sirens going and the team and parents were loving it! I also want to say thank you to the businesses in Corrigan that supported the team by letting the cheerleaders paint their windows with slogans of Good Luck Bulldogs and other messages of support. I would like to see every business, and every person in some small way show their support for our team, and all the hard work these boys have put in as the progress in playoffs. So come on Corrigan Bulldog Fans!
!! Lets see some support for the BIG BLUE!!

Kathy Walters
Alexandria, La.

I would like to say I am so thankful all pic's taken were not posted !!! I was the first one to come up on this accident and I will forever have the image in my memory. I am so broken for this young man's family, my prayers are for God's love and mercy to hold and comfort you and may only happy memories fill your thoughts and hearts in the days ahead! I pray should this ever be one of my family members this man have enough compassion and mercy to not print private pic's... sir,there is news and there is a time to use the sensitivity God gave you to be respectful to those left behind...if it was the one person you loved more than life itself would you want that person's memory to be put out there on the internet or anywhere in that manner, in the last moments of their life...please be very selective, a story is not worth someone's unending pain...thank you for removing the pic's, i have a very high respect for Texas and the wonderful people from your state, I pray I can continue to always feel this way !!! God speed with healing and mercy to Mr. Dillon's family and friends.
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c Henson

i am so sick of seeing people arguing like a bunch of dang kids. Someone's life has been lost but yall seem more interested then fighting like a bunch of kids. Mr Dillion was related to my husband and im so thankful for willie removing that pic before my husband seen it. Yes i do not agree with all the other photos of blood but hes doing his job and your job is to just read this site , until you have mr willie's job and can make the rules my advice is to shuttt up an grow up
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Joline Overstreet
Kountze

I commend you for removing those pics. I saw them...well aware that I might be scrolling down to something I'd rather not see.
Even if no one in his family or none of his close friends saw the pics, they would have to live knowing they were on the Internet. That would be another unbearable fact. Thank you for removing them. They were, indeed, more graphic than most.
I thank you for removing them.
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Paul
Livingston

My fellow Americans. Now that is a joke, America has become nothing more than septic tank full of political correctness. If you voice your opinion against homosexuals, muslins, the president, or the government (mainly Veterans), you will be labeled or blamed of hate crimes, racist, or a home grown terrorist. I did not serve in the Army and get shot so I could be called a terrorist, denied my freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, just to name a few freedoms lost. These freedoms were lost because of the wimpy liberal scum that protested against the military, using the freedom of speech and expression, made me and my fellow service members the bad guys, rouges, TERRORIST.
So next time something "“Offends" you, think before you open your mouth, how did you get that freedom to speak out. A point to ponder; If our founding fathers, (here in America) had all these PC restrictions to deal with, would we be a free nation today or still part of England?
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That picture was like no other before on pct, willie used his judgment. You sick people who "want to look want to look" should find your smut somewhere else and leave the editor and the grieving family alone. This is an insult to the memory of the deceased. Sickos. God forbid it should be one of your people. Why don't ya'll just line up outside the funeral home so you can get a good look. Maybe take a few pics of your own to keep under your pillows.

I'm sorry to the family, hang in there, I hope ya'll aren't reading any of this buy by God it makes me angry.
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cheyanne lane
big sandy

And i do not know about willie, but i have children of my own and when i see something like this as a passerby, at work, or wherever, regardless of the time of day or night, the first thought i have is of my kids. Immediately after the scene is cleared you will find me calling home to check on my kids and tell them i love them. As soon as i get home i hug them as tight as i can. Some people think what we do is easy, oh they are just the ambulance driver, but i promise, theres alot more than driving involved. Once again, thank you willie and my condolences to the family
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cheyanne lane
big sandy

First, Willie, i love your site. Second, no you can not make everyone happy, but i do agree with you in this particular incident. There were things inside that cab that family did not need to see. Yes, you do post that there is blood and that it is offensive, but family will always look because for some twisted reason they want to know exactly what that loved one went through in their last moments. So for those of you who say hes biased, and its bs...you are wrong. Willie made a mistake by posting that picture and had the heart and decency to remove it. Not for those who cry and moan about the blood being offensive but for the family who may have seen what was in that cab if he hadnt. Im sure the last memory of your loved one that you want to see is their organs spilled on a seat.yes, normally i to say that if you cant handle it, dont look. But this case is extremely differant and im sure that if this had happened at another wreck that he would have also removed those pictures. And i have a challenge for all you complainers...spend one day doing our job and see how well you handle it. I work for an ambulance service and willie does reporting. We see things that would give you nightmares. It takes special people to do what we do. And i can promise you, those pictures are nowhere close to what a scene is really like. My hats off to you willie for doing the respectable thing and keeping this family in mind. My heart and prayers go out to the family. We love you william, may you rest in peace and walk with angels
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You cannot pick and choose when it comes to news... Keep the picture up and those that want to look can look, and those who don't, well DON'T! You can't make everyone happy, but taking this one down only proves: someone got to you and that you are going to have to remove ALL pics that offend anyone from now on... Bull****!
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John Bowers
Livingston

Looks like whatever you do, you are still going to be the bad guy, my appologies.
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Johnny
Trinity

So you take down one picture with blood but not all the others?? Biased journalism at its finest.
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John Bowers
Livingston

Thought if I had time to gripe, I had time to thank you for removing that photo.
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Tim
Livingston

First let me say that my condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Dillon.
I don't fault Willie for posting these pics since it IS news. There is also a large unmistakeable warning not to scroll down if you don't want to see. Having said that, I know we humans all have some morbid curiosity and that is what compels usto go ahead and look. As gory as the pic was, keep in mind that what the responders saw was much, much worse and they are exposed to scenes like this on an almost daily basis. It truly is a sad story and my heart goes out to those he left behind.
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family member
livingston

The name was withheld so there were some friends and family who saw it first and found out later that it was William. In my case it was about 20 minutes later. It was horrific, and got worse once it was known who it was. If I had known beforehand I would have NEVER looked. But he couldn't post a name without immediate relatives being notified first so I don't fault him for that. Willie has risen greatly in my estimation not only for removing the image, but also apologizing.
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Bill
Cleveland

People will bash poor ol willie about his photos on here but still look at them.Most wrecker companies let family members only see a vehicle on their yard.I have seen them taking pictures and even have young kids with them.Towing companies do not clean all the vehicle up for their viewing.They put a tarp just to protect it from the weather.Even if the pics are distasteful to some just think how many people could realize what can happen to them if they don't drive safe.
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J. Kennedy
Livingston

Thank you for removing the image and showing decency.
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The picture was awful... BUT! the family doesn't have to look AND if you take down one, you must never show another... News is news, bottom line. If you don't want to see, don't look. But I guess favoritism was shown in this case.
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John Bowers
Livingston

I have always enjoyed and supported this website, until that picture. I thought it was very unthoughtful and inappropriate. It has to be very hard for the family members to view the accident photos, much less one like this. My opinion of this website is very low at this moment and probably will be for awhile. God bless this mans family and friends. I truly hope you regret that picture.
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one second can change your life forever!
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so sad!
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Now that picture of all the blood is TOO MUCH Mr.Wanna be journalist! I hope you never have to go through with the families of the accident victims have to go through, much less endure these horrid picture you post.
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Debbie Vasquez
Katy

How very sad. My heart goes out to the family.

I just wanted to drop y'all a line and tell you what a good job y'all do. I enjoy being able to get on polkcountytoday.com on my phone and read about things going on around the county, I especially want to thank you for the deer pics section I enjoy looking at those, keep up the good work!

Thanks. Jody Kilburn.

classmate
Livingston

Class of 2007!!!!!! Look at us being GREAT citizens.... Go Aaron!
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C. Edwards
Hardin Tx

more and more, seem to be happening, whats sad is most get awy to start it agian