Have you seen her? Submachine gun stolen from Converse gun range; woman caught on surveillance camera
A sub machine gun once safely locked up in a Converse gun store and shooting range now may be out on the streets of South Texas. Surveillance video shows the woman walking out with the gun and taking off in a truck. Now law enforcement needs the public's help identifying her.
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COVID-19 prompts changes to National Night Out celebrations in San Antonio area
The City of San Antonio and San Antonio Police Department canceled its “Neighbors Together” night more than a month in advance, due to COVID-19 case numbers. In nearby Converse, the city pushed ahead with its celebrations, though it focused on a central event at North Park, rather than numerous, smaller neighborhood events.
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“Bryce Wisdom Way”: City of Converse honors Judson ISD student with street sign
On Wednesday, May 12, the City of Converse took another step to honor the life and legacy of Judson Rocket Bryce Wisdom, officially renaming the street between D.W. Rutledge Stadium and the baseball and softball fields at Judson High School as Bryce Wisdom Way.
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Converse family displaced after lightning strike sets home on fire, firefighters say
CONVERSE, Texas – A Converse family is displaced after a lightning strike set their house on fire, according to the Converse Fire Department. According to Converse Fire Chief Luis Valdez, firefighters arrived at the scene in a matter of minutes. Converse Firefighters responded to a reported lightening strike and found a working house fire. Valdez said the family was home at the time of the fire and had heard a “loud boom,” following the lightning strike, and the power went out. The family went outside and saw the flames coming from the attic.
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Brush removal in Converse underway to help protect neighborhood
CONVERSE – In Converse, a team of fire experts put in hard work Saturday morning to tackle potentially dangerous brush behind the subdivision Parc at Escondido. Converse Local 4377 worked with the City of Converse Fire Department, community leaders, Tiger Sanitation, and the Texas A&M Forest Service to clear the area. Behind the subdivision trees, fallen branches, brush, trash and construction material all pose a risk if a fire were to start. Although major progress was made for the firebreak, Cano said more work and volunteers are needed to complete the task that runs behind a total of 20 homes. To sign up to volunteer, send the Converse Professional Firefighters Association Local 4377 a message on Facebook.
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Wastewater tracking by UTSA researchers provides data about COVID-19 in Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO – University of Texas at San Antonio researchers began a wastewater testing program in June for the COVID-19 virus. The team collected samples from the San Antonio River Authority’s wastewater treatment plants in Converse. AdResearchers monitored the presence of the virus through testing wastewater sewage containing feces, bodily fluids and other residues. “We reported all this data to San Antonio Metro Health,” Al-Duroobi said. Al-Duroobi said they are ready to apply the technology in other parts of Bexar County.
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Residents disappointed with COSA’s registration process for COVID-19 vaccine
San Antonio – Thousands of residents were disappointed Saturday morning after learning all 9,000 slots were filled within minutes of trying to register online to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the Alamodome vaccination site. Immediately, registration is full.”The 9,000 available slots for next week were taken within six minutes of registration opening, according to city officials. “I was extremely ready and excited when I heard about this registration process,” Converse said. They are hoping to either get information or possibly get the vaccination.”Converse said getting the COVID-19 vaccine is so important to her. Read also:Registration for COVID-19 vaccine at Alamodome site full in just a matter of minutesCity of San Antonio to convert Alamodome into mass, no-cost COVID-19 vaccination siteTwo COVID-19 vaccination sites coming to San Antonio’s South Side, West Side
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Converse unveils ‘NBA city edition’ chucks
SAN ANTONIO – Converse has unveiled its NBA “city edition” Chuck 70s and you get to be the star designer. The iconic shoe company has teamed up with six NBA teams to bring fans a chance to design their own signature kicks with familiar city jersey color combinations. “From the moment they were unveiled, the NBA city jersey became a fan favorite,” the company’s website states. The company said that the shoe features three to four “exclusive” designs for each team inspired by the city jerseys. Related: Spurs’ Becky Hammon first woman to direct NBA team
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Small Bexar County cities, towns struggle to spend CARES Act funding
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Converse Mayor Al Suarez says he has a list of wish list items he hopes the CARES Act funds will cover for his residents. The amount given to the cities and towns was based on the population. The city needed to ensure it had the equipment necessary if the COVID-19 cases continued to go up in the area. Some cities -- such as St. Hedwig, Von Ormy and Grey Forest -- didn’t use any of the money budgeted to them, according to a county list. Budgets, money disbursed to 26 cities, towns in Bexar County (Bexar County)The federal government had given a Dec. 30, deadline for the funds to be used, so the county gave the cities and towns an Oct. 30 deadline to have documentation into the auditor’s office.
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Converse firefighter, six-year veteran of department, dies after suffering medical episode
CONVERSE, Texas – The Converse Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own on Saturday. Firefighter and paramedic Joseph Mitchell, a six-year veteran of the department, died while off-duty after suffering a medical episode, according to a release from the fire department. Mitchell leaves behind his wife and two-year-old twins, according to fire officials. We ask for prayers for Rochelle, their children and family during this time,” Chief Valdez said. MORE: Converse Fire Department holds private stair climb to honor 9/11 heroes
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Family hopes mother’s death encourages victims of domestic violence to seek help
Converse – A Converse family is hoping their mother’s death encourages other victims of domestic violence to speak up. Latoucha Green was a Sergeant First Class Army Combat Medic and was known for her strong personality. Sadly, the next day, after suffering from bruises, a brain bleed and having to be placed on a ventilator to breathe, Latoucha Green passed away. She said she hopes her mother’s story encourages other victims of domestic violence to get out and speak up. “If you are being hurt by someone at home, let someone know,” Dezymber Green said.
Man arrested after woman severely beaten inside Converse home, hospitalized, police say
SAN ANTONIO – Update:Kendall Blount is now charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury and murder, according to Bexar County court records. Blount’s bond has been set at $585,000 and he is still being held in the Bexar County Jail. Original:A man was arrested this week after Converse police say he severely beat a woman, leaving her hospitalized and unable to breathe on her own. According to an arrest affidavit, Blount began an argument with the woman and as the argument escalated, the woman told the girl to call the police. The girl overheard yelling and “thud” sounds while the man and woman were in a bedroom.
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Search underway for vehicle burglary suspect in Northampton subdivision, Converse police say
CONVERSE, Texas – Converse police are searching for the person responsible for burglarizing several vehicles in the Northampton subdivision. Several vehicles were burglarized between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., Saturday, according to police. One resident in the area, Jerry Huerta, observed the suspect on surveillance video and notified authorities. Huerta said he hopes the suspect behind the burglaries turns his life around. Anyone with more information that can help lead investigators to an arrest is urged to call Converse police.
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Converse police searching for 15-year-old missing since Oct. 2
SAN ANTONIO – Police in Converse are searching for a 15-year-old girl who disappeared after getting into a silver car on Oct. 2. Converse police identified the teen as Santos, who was last seen in the 300 block of Converse Center Street after she allegedly ran away. Santos was wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and red and white Nike tennis shoes when she left. She is 5-feet tall and weighs 115 pounds. Police said she may be with her boyfriend who travels to and from Houston.
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Fire damages group home in Converse
CONVERSE, Texas – Firefighters in Converse responded to a fire at an adult specialty group home early Friday morning, fire officials said. The fire was called in around 12:30 a.m. at a home in the 8000 block of Chestnut Gate Lane, not far from Seguin Road. Firefighters said the fire was contained to a back room of the house and that they were able to put the fire quickly. Fire officials said the case workers for the people inside were at the scene following the fire and will relocate them for the time being. The Converse Fire Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office answered the call.
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‘Military Makeover’ seeking volunteers to help injured Marine Corps veteran
CONVERSE, Texas – “Military Makeover” with Montel Williams is coming to Converse and looking for volunteers in the San Antonio area. The show is calling for skilled tradespeople like carpenters, electricians, tile installers, plumbers, handymen, painters and demolition and drywall workers over the age of 18 to help lend a hand renovating the home of injured U.S. Marine Corps veteran Corporal Jacob Tabora. Now, Tabora’s family home, which he shares with his wife and three children, will be renovated by the “Military Makeover” team. The makeover process involves local businesses and invites volunteers to help in addition to sponsorship partners which help offset the cost of the renovations. To volunteer on the Tabora family renovation with “Military Makeover,” click here.
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Converse Fire Department hosts private stair climb to honor 9/11 heroes
In previous years, the Converse Fire Department climbed the stairs at the Tower of the Americas as part of San Antonio 110′s 9/11 Memorial Climb. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the event was held virtually, encouraging registered participants to plan a tribute challenge. Converse Fire Chief, Luis Valdez opted to continue with the traditional stair climb, with limited capacity. Converse Fire Department hosts private stair climb to honor 9/11 heroes (Copyright 2020 by KSAT - All rights reserved.) Valdez said he hopes the stair climb at the local stadium in Converse becomes an annual event open to the community.
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City of Converse honors fallen 9/11 heroes with stair climb
SAN ANTONIO – The City of Converse and Judson ISD honored those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, with a stair climb at D. W. Rutledge Stadium. The stair climb began following a brief remembrance ceremony Friday morning. The stair climb was closed to the public due to COVID-19, and participants started in waves. Also on Friday, a special wreath-laying ceremony to honor LTC Karen Wagner will be held at Fort Sam National Cemetery. Wagner, who graduated from Judson High School in 1979, died at the Pentagon during the attack.
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Parents of teen fatally shot during scuffle hope incident encourages others to stay on the right path
CONVERSE, Texas The parents of a teen shot and killed during a scuffle Sunday night are hoping their sons death encourages other teenagers to stay on the right path. Ian Harrison, 16, died after San Antonio police said he and a 17-year-old suspect got into an argument that escalated to them tussling over a gun. He was brilliant, said Stacey Harrison, the victims mother. We did not condone the use of guns, whatsoever, Stacey Harrison said. Why do our young kids turn to guns? Stacey Harrison asked.
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Converse fire captain honored with outdoor memorial service
Converse Dozens of first responders from across the state and community members gathered Saturday outside Judson High School to honor a Converse fire captain that died from COVID-19 complications. The service was held outside and heard inside vehicles to make sure coronavirus safety protocols could be followed. Captain Bryant Anderson served with the Converse Fire Department for 16 years and was described as a selfless leader who loved serving his community and his family. During the memorial service, Converse Mayor Al Suarez promoted Bryant to First Battalion Chief and issued a proclamation that Aug. 29 would be known as Chief Bryant Anderson Day. RELATED: Converse fire captain, 16-year veteran of department, dies of COVID-19
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Procession escorts Converse fire captain who died of COVID-19 to funeral home
SAN ANTONIO – A captain with the Converse Fire Department who died this week due to COVID-19 was escorted to a funeral home on Friday morning. A procession of more than 20 marked and personal vehicles escorted Fire Captain Bryant Anderson from the Santa Rosa Northwest Hospital to Heritage Oaks Mortuary. Anderson, who worked with the Converse Fire Department for 16 years, died on Tuesday. A release from the fire department called Anderson a “well-credentialed professional” who played a vital role throughout the years. “Our department is hurting from this news and this loss is devastating,” Fire Chief Luis Valdez said in a statement.
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Converse fire captain, 16-year veteran of department dies of COVID-19
SAN ANTONIO – A captain with the Converse Fire Department who is described as a “selfless leader” has died due to COVID-19, officials said Wednesday. Fire Captain Bryant Anderson, who worked with the department for 16 years, died on Tuesday. A release from the fire department called Anderson a “well-credentialed professional” who played a vital role throughout the years. “Our department is hurting from this news and this loss is devastating,” Fire Chief Luis Valdez said in a statement. Read also: 143 new COVID-19 cases reported in San Antonio, Bexar County
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Two star San Antonio football transfers will not play for Judson in 2020
CONVERSE – Judson football suffered some tough news today. Dual-threat quarterback Jordan Battles and running back L.J. Butler will not be able to play for the Rockets this season, at least for the time being. KSAT 12 has been informed that the District Executive Committee for District 27-6A voted 6-0 against both players suiting up for “J-Rock.”“Me and L.J. Both will continue to train and stay ready in the hopes of playing their senior seasons with Judson.
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Converse Sonic Drive-In team listed among top 12 crews in national competition
CONVERSE, TX A Converse Sonic Drive-In team has been listed among the top 12 crews competing in this years Dr Pepper Sonic Games, the company announced Wednesday. According to the company, thousands of teams across the county participate in the games annually, which are used to promote exceptional performance during a five-month span of time. Sonics Senior Director of Operations and Training Kevin Knutson said that events like the games are pivotal the guest experience at Sonic, the teams listed in the companys top 12 teams exemplify what the drive-in company is all about. The teams compete in a variety of challenges from food safety to the companys core values and brand promises. The company said the games have been used to strengthen crew members skills and improve the overall guest experience through quizzes, training and team-building exercises.
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Former Brandeis QB Jordan Battles excited to work with new Judson teammates
CONVERSE – As Judson football progresses through their second week of strength and conditioning workouts, new transfer Jordan Battles, the former Brandeis quarterback, is slowly acclimating to the new environment and is excited to work with and learn from his new Rockets teammates.
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Defenders: Some San Antonio area municipalities charging drivers clean up fee for car crashes
In June 2018, Ana Gutierrez was hit near the intersection of Bandera Road and Eckhert in Leon Valley. She was being billed for the hour and 25 minutes the Leon Valley Fire Department spent at the scene cleaning up chemicals that spilled from her car. Not everybody who receives this service is a Leon Valley resident and pays taxes to Leon Valley. Leon Valley isnt alone in charging the response fee. Shes reached out to state lawmakers, urging them to look into the use of accident response fees in Texas.
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Man who died after crashing into oncoming traffic near Converse identified
CONVERSE, Texas – A driver who Converse police said fatally crashed into oncoming traffic while trying to pass up slower cars has been identified. Bret Alexander Wiseman, 26, died at the scene of the crash at 5 p.m. Tuesday on FM 1516 near Binz-Engleman Road, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials ID person killed in head-on crash with Mercedes-Benz; suspect arrestedWitnesses told Converse police that Wiseman was driving in the northbound lanes before crossing into the southbound lanes and hitting another car with three people inside. Wiseman was believed to be at fault, police said. The three people in the other vehicle were taken to the hospital.
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Man killed after driving into oncoming traffic, Converse police say
CONVERSE, Texas – A driver who was seen trying to pass slower cars on the road was killed after driving into oncoming traffic, Converse police said. The crash happened before 5 p.m. Tuesday on FM 1516 near Binz-Engleman Road. Officials ID person killed in head-on crash with Mercedes-Benz; suspect arrestedWitnesses told police the man who was driving was in the northbound lanes before crossing into the southbound lanes and hitting another car with three people inside. The man, who was believed to be at fault, died at the scene, police said. The severity of their injuries is unclear at this time.
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Woman shot during domestic dispute with common-law husband in Converse, police say
CONVERSE, Texas – A woman was taken to the hospital after a shooting following a domestic disturbance in Converse, police said. Police said when they arrived, they found a woman was shot in her leg. They said the shooting happened during a domestic dispute between the woman and her common-law husband. The woman was taken to the Brooke Army Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police said they’ve been called out to the home about a dozen times since the beginning of the year for domestic disturbance calls.
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Converse woman makes masks for neighbors to use
SAN ANTONIO – A woman in Converse is giving a new meaning to the term “neighborly” during the coronavirus pandemic. Karen Thomas is helping supply face masks for her neighbors who need them. Thomas said she knows masks are nearly impossible to find in stores. With the Center for Disease Control and Prevention now recommending that people wear masks when they visit public spaces, Thomas wanted to help. She said she leaves masks in a Ziploc bag outside her door for her neighbors to use.
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Colleagues, friends remember accomplishments of retired Converse asst. police chief killed by suspected drunk driver
“Started as a police officer, worked himself all the way up to assistant chief. Very involved in the community — Eagle Scout, FBI, academy graduate,” said Converse Mayor Al Suarez about Rheiner. He was very, very knowledgeable on everything.”Retired Converse PD assistant chief killed in DWI crash ‘a strong man of both faith and family’Rheiner was a trusted voice and heavily relied on by Converse city leaders. Inspiring colleagues seemed to be part of Rheiner's job with the Converse Police Department before retiring in March 2017. Do everything that you possibly can today.’ And so for it to end this way is exactly what he meant,” said Converse Police Department Assistant Chief Pam Hunt.