Local man Elias Hernandez, 63 years old, was sentenced this Tuesday to 15 years for the sexual assault of a female minor here in Maverick County which occurred during the month of February of 2012. District Attorney Roberto Serna stated that this type of an individual is a danger to our children and that time in prison is the only form of justice. Serna further added that Hernandez will be carrying out the complete sentence and there will likely not to be any chance for him to be released before the his sentence is completely carried out.

Roberto Serna also informed The News Gram that in light of the recent Kauffman County DA shooting there have not been any specific procedural changes to security at the District Attorney's office. Serna noted that that case seems to be an isolated incident of retaliation and there have not been different security procedures put in place but assures that the District Attorney's office is and continues to be a secure and safe facility.

A.D. Ibarra

-Loma Bonita

A public forum was held on Tuesday where US Border Patrol officials were on hand along with Tom Schmerber, Maverick County Sheriff, Mexican Consulate Ricardo Santana, Constable Jose Regalado, Sergio Angulo, new Parks Director at the Nick Carr Sports Complex, Apolonio Rodriguez, Road and Bridge Director among others with new County Commissioner Robert Ruiz to allow citizens the opportunity to ask questions and/or voice concerns with a forum of experts there to answer their questions.

Ruiz gave credit to Enrique Ramos for the idea of coming out on this day to publicly address situations which are of major concern to the people who live in and around the area.

Mexican Consulate Santana stated, "I think this is an excellent idea in order to address the needs of the people which we represent," while reminding the gathering that he has proudly been in his position for the past five years.

He also mentioned that as we speak, there has been no major reform in migratory laws which concern his office, President Obama, however has implemented a viable program to address the needs of students aged 14-30 who wish to study at American colleges and universities which has been very successful and helpful to those who qualify.

Consul Santana also reminded those Mexican nationals in our country to file their income taxes and that his office can assist them free of charge to do so.

Commissioner Ruiz turned the microphone over to the public, many of whom voiced very serious concerns which were heard and noted by the panel.

A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass

in their regular meeting held on Tuesday, the Eagle Pass City Council handled all items on their agenda and were unable to complete interviews for the vacant position of city manager which we were told has been tabled until next week as Tuesday night's meeting ran a little long on time. In reference to the vacancy in the Eagle Pass police Department, what is being planned is to have someone in that position within the next two weeks who has prior experience in the position and who will be part of the process which they are hoping to use to assist the city in formally filling the position. This interim chief may come from an association of former police chiefs who are willing to come in and take over a department while the application and interview process is complete while checking standard operating procedures in order to maintain the integrity of law enforcement throughout the hiring process. Such a person could in fact make recommendations as to how to make changes in standard operating procedures which would be like having a consultant in the position who at the same time is doing the job on an interim basis. The News Gram recalls that Eagle Pass once had a chief from out of town by the last name of Mendiola who was named by then city manager Oscar Rodriguez approximately 20 years ago who was chief just before the hiring of Antonio Castañeda.