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BREAKING NEWS

CONVERSE

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.

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.

Converse residents will get chance to air concerns, support for proposed annexation

The city of Converse will host a public hearing March 23 on its proposed annexation of nearly 900 acres of Bexar County land within its extraterritorial jurisdiction into city limits. Deadlines and timelines set forth by an earlier ordinance had expired, City Manager Le Ann Piatt said. “I don’t think the city is prepared for the impact that it will have on their ability to service existing residents of Converse,” Jeffries said. “Converse is still down a considerable number of police officers … in dealing with the citizens they already have,” Jeffries said. It briefly mentions what residents in the annexation areas have now, and what they will receive once they become Converse residents.

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NFL star from Judson feeds hundreds

A line of cars, trucks, and SUVs snaked through and around the parking lot of Rutledge Stadium, where Flowers had last played in the fall of 2012. Mike Miller, Judson ISD boys athletic director, paced nervously about the parking lot in the final minutes before things got under way. More than 300 vehicles drove through the parking lot, receiving the lion’s share of 400 cases of water. Judson Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Ball made the scene to thank Flowers and the volunteers for making their alma mater the day’s top priority. This just shows how much the community cares for the people of Converse and our Judson family.”jflinn@express-news.net

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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.

Hipster-approved taco peddler Torchy’s Tacos set to open two new San Antonio locations this year

click to enlarge Instagram / torchystacosResidents of West SA with a penchant for "Trailer Park Trashy" tacos can get their fix sometime next month, mySA reports Austin-based Torchy’s Tacos is set to open two new SA-area locations this year, including a space on Wurzbach Road, near Castle Hills. The Wurzbach location — the company’s fourth SA spot — is set to open in February, the news site reports.A fifth SA location is planned for the Loop 1604 and Bandera Road area as early as this summer.Since launching as a food truck in 2006, Torchy’s has grown into a “craft casual” brand that now has 83 locations in seven states, including three in San Antonio. In November of 2020, the company sold a $400 million stake to an investor group to fund an aggressive expansion plan into as many as 10 additional states over the next four years.The taco, burrito and margarita purveyor has not yet released official opening dates for either location.

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Converse EDC launches city interactive map

After Bourland walked into the Converse Economic Development Corporation office and asked a few questions about maps, the EDC created its new Converse Interactive Map. “Converse is expanding, the city limits are taking in new subdivisions, new acreage and new business,” Bourland said. That interaction led to the development of the Converse Interactive Map, which lists the locations, photos, description and address hotlink of businesses and facilities in 14 different categories. If we had maps of Converse.’ I asked what he meant and we kind of talked through it,” Kuborn said. The map is available on the EDC’s website at www.chooseconverse.com, under the “Map & Directory” pulldown.

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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

Fort Bliss soldier, 19, found dead while on holiday leave in Converse

An Army soldier assigned to Fort Bliss was found dead while on holiday leave near San Antonio, officials said. "The Ready First family mourns the loss of our friend, teammate, and fellow soldier, Pfc. He arrived at Fort Bliss, an El Paso post, in April 2020 after completing basic training. Eady was the second Fort Bliss soldier found dead in recent days. Asia Graham, 19, of Cherryville, N.C., was found unresponsive in her barracks and pronounced dead by emergency personnel on New Year's Eve.

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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

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.

State-of-the-art 'COVID' ambulances to hit road in January

The city of Converse expects to have three new ambulances on the road by mid-January after receiving the specially equipped state-of-the-art infectious disease transporters last week. “These are state-of-the-art ambulances that no other city has, outfitted to help our firefighters deal with COVID-19 calls,” Mayor Al Suarez said during the city’s Dec. 23 rollout of the three IDRUs. “When the CARES Act was being discussed, I was asked right away, ‘What do you need? “They have the highest technology system available, whether it’s COVID or anything else,” Valdez said. They will then serve split service between station 1 and station no.

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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

Converse man facing murder charge after ex-girlfriend dies

A Converse man accused of beating his ex-girlfriend so badly she could not breathe on her own is now facing a murder charge after the woman died, according to an arrest affidavit. Kendall Blount, 36, was originally arrested on Dec. 2 on suspicion of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury for allegedly beating his ex-girlfriend, 41-year-old Latoucha Green, police said. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inboxWhile the the teen was in her room, Green began yelling at her daughter to call police. Blount came into the teenager's room and took her phone, so she ran to a neighbor's house to get help but no one was home. On the day after the incident, medical staff told police Green was brain dead with no chance for recovery.

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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.

Affidavit: Man arrested after beating Converse woman, leaving her unable to breathe on her own

A man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly beating a Converse woman and leaving her unable to breathe on her own, according to an arrest affidavit. A 14-year-old girl reported that her mother was attacked by the woman's ex-boyfriend, later identified as Blount, the affidavit states. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inboxThe woman had been getting ready for work when Blount arrived and began an argument. She told her daughter to call the police, but Blount went into the girl's bedroom and took her cell phone. She returned to the home, where she witnessed Blount hitting her mother and heard four to five "thud" sounds from behind a closed door, the affidavit states.

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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.

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.

Converse recognized with 'City Spirit' award

For its months of planning and action, Converse was recognized during the 2020 Virtual Texas Municipal League’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, and awarded the City Spirit award for cities with populations over 25,000. The award went to Converse over other nominated cities in the state with large populations, including San Antonio, Austin and Houston. The TML City Spirit award highlights “any citywide effort to address a city need. There is no doubt that we have plenty of city spirit in the city of Converse.”Suarez said Fire Chief Luis Valdez played a major role in spearheading CAT and pulling it together. The city released a list of community groups that were listed in the TML City Spirit nomination as being active in helping to restore and beautify the city.

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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.

Converse hiring police to counter recent departures

The city discussed the policing issue at its Oct. 6 City Council meeting after a councilwoman brought up concerns she said she heard from the public while out campaigning. City Manager Le Ann Piatt addressed Councilwoman Deborah James’ concerns over rumors of police officer resignations and terminations. She said her office will be handling office for the chief department, such as emails and other paperwork. But he said the City Charter places imitations on what city council members can discuss in regards to personnel duties and employment issues. “The public needs to be educated that employees are not controlled by city council,” Suarez said.

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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.

Converse police chief resigns

A recent survey of Converse police officers showed a complete lack of confidence in the former police chief, who submitted his resignation last week. Converse Police Chief Ruben Saucedo submitted his resignation after four months on the job. Saucedo, who was hired in mid-May as chief from his assistant chief role in Leon Valley, fell out of favor with the rank-and-file within the department. “A few months ago the CPOA (Converse Police Officers Association) contacted us and said they were having severe morale problems with their current chief of police,” according to Jim Bono, TMPA communications manager. “We conducted our survey, which is usually 50-60 questions and covers all aspects of policing in the city of Converse,” Bono said.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Man assaulted relative and threatened her children while looking for pills at Converse home, affidavit says

SAN ANTONIO A man is accused of threatening a relative and her children before assaulting her at her home, according to an affidavit. Joshua Koerner, 21, was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the incident at a house in Converse on Sunday, booking records show. Bexar County Sheriffs deputies said Koerner was at the womans house looking for some pills when he made a threat toward her and her children. When he went outside to leave, the woman kicked him in the buttocks, the affidavit states. Koerner was booked on a $25,000 bond, booking records show.

Converse hires Saucedo as new police chief

Converse hires Saucedo as new police chiefRuben Saucedo, currently an assistant police chief in Leon Valley, will become the new Converse police chief on May 18. Ruben Saucedo, currently an assistant police chief in Leon Valley, will become the new Converse police chief on May 18. Photo: Courtesy Photo Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Converse hires Saucedo as new police chief 1 / 1 Back to GalleryConverse Police Chief Ruben Saucedo officially starts his term Monday, according to city officials who announced his hire last week. Saucedo, currently the assistant police chief in Leon Valley, was selected from a field of 25 applicants, according to City Manager Le Ann Piatt. Assistant Chief Pam Hunt has served as acting police chief in the interim.

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Progress on road linking FM 1516 and Loop 1604 hits snag

Progress on road linking FM 1516 and Loop 1604 hits snagProgress on a road linking FM 1516 and Loop 1604 in Converse has hit a snag, and Converse City Council members voiced their displeasure with the situation during their April 7 council teleconference. Developer Gordon Hartman briefed council on progress in the Knox Ridge subdivision off Loop 1604, which includes the extension of Binz-Engleman Road through the subdivision to FM 1516 at the rear of the development. But Hartman told the city that portions of land must be obtained from two land owners in order to make the cut-through to FM 1516 happen. And we have every intention to build this extension, Hartman answered. If Mr. Hunt and the Ryan Trust will not work with you guys in respect to the sale of this property, Hartman said.

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Trail to connect two Converse lakes to proceed

Trail to connect two Converse lakes to proceedAn effort to build a trail that connects two Converse lakes has taken a slight detour but is finally ready to proceed. The Greenway Trail, a three-mile-long walkway that will connect Converse Park Lake with Converse North Park City Lake, will proceed despite a change in how the trail will cross two roadways. The original plan was to build the trail from Converse City Park up to Gibbs-Sprawl Road, put a pedestrian bridge over the road (FM 1976) and then connect back to North Park, Longoria said. The trail cannot cross FM 1976 parallel to Gibbs-Sprawl because of deep drainage culverts along the north side of 1976. The safest thing to do is what we had planned to do (with the pedestrian bridge), but we just cant afford it.

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Police identify suspect in DWI crash that killed retired Converse police officer

Police identify suspect in DWI crash that killed retired Converse police officerJeanne-Nicole Bernice Coutros, 23, faces charges of intoxicated manslaughter and evading arrest. Photo: Bexar County Records Photo: Bexar County Records Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close Police identify suspect in DWI crash that killed retired Converse police officer 1 / 27 Back to GalleryUpdate:San Antonio police identified the person who allegedly killed a retired Converse Police Department assistant chief on Tuesday night. Jeanne-Nicole Bernice Coutros, 23, faces charges of intoxicated manslaughter and evading arrest. Original story:A 23-year-old woman was charged with intoxicated manslaughter after killing a retired Converse Police Department assistant chief on Tuesday night. The suspect stopped abruptly in the left traffic lane, but when the officer approached the truck, the suspect took off, SAPD said.

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Converse Man Reportedly Told Young Girl Not to Tell Family About Sexual Assault Because They Would Be Angry

A local man is facing charges after a teenage girl said he touched her inappropriately then warned her not to tell her family.Henry James Montalvo was arrested Wednesday after a 13-year-old girl said she was taken to his apartment in Converse some time last year. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current. Every reader contribution is valuable and so appreciated, and goes directly to support our coverage of critical issues and neighborhood culture.

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Woman Arrested After Robbing Sonic Drive-Ins in Converse While Her Infant Children Were in Car

A San Antonio-area woman is accused of robbing Sonic Drive-In carhop attendants while her infant children were inside the vehicle with her.Monica Michelle Logan was arrested after a Sonic employee told Converse police that she was robbed on February 12. "I want the money inside of your apron," the employee said Logan told her, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KSAT. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current. Every reader contribution is valuable and so appreciated, and goes directly to support our coverage of critical issues and neighborhood culture.

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