Copy Genie News Sample - Content in Parentheses Removed
(Prepared: 03/27/2002 06:38:39 PM)
Prepared by Copy Genie. A product of Binx Custom Software

cop
The thoughts of Houston police officer Lowell Nienast as he was released from the hospital yesterday. He's the officer who was first shot by a crazed gunman at Piney Point elementary school. Nienast was on campus was preparing to give an anti-drug lecture when he was shot twice by the gunman. He admits it'll be spooky going back to the school, but says he'll change only one thing.
Nienast hopes to play some golf soon, but probably won't be back on the job until January.

Brothers
"T-D-C mentality" is the defense being used by a man accused of killing two brothers just one day after getting out of prison. Attorney James Stafford says something touched off a war as Rick Alan Rhodes walked by the brothers' Pasadena house, causing Rhodes to snap. Stafford says his client does not have a violent history, but was conditioned to fight when confronted, thanks to T-D-C. The victims were Charles Allen, an up and coming musician, and his brother Bradley, a graphic artist. Rhodes was arrested after investigators followed his bloody footprints.

Skull
Harris county officials are trying to identify a human skull discovered at a Pasadena apartment complex. It was found inside a clothes dryer at the Los Brisas apartments, in the 2700 block of Pasadena Boulevard. The Harris County medical examiner's office is also working to determine how old it is and how the person died. It appears the skull was dug up, possibly from a grave or mausoleum.

Trash
Houston's Saint Luke's Episcopal Hospital has begun a first-of-its kind program to recycle plastic products. Spokeswoman Amanda Engler:
She says to her knowledge, no other Texas hospital is making this effort. But recycling isn't new to Saint Lukes. It's been collecting paper, cardboard, and aluminum for some time.

register
There's less than a week to register to vote in the November general election. To help out, the Harris County Tax office and it's 13 branches will be open longer this week.
Tax-Assessor-Collector Carl Smith says all tax offices will be open Saturday from 8am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Mail in registrations must be postmarked by midnight next Monday.

perot-lead
Ross Perot is still not a presidential candidate, but during an appearance on the "Larry King live" show, he hinted he might still run.
Perot's opening up his toll-free hot-line again, and says he'll make his presidential decision based on what the people want.

perot-local
Here in Houston, a group of Perot supporters jammed into the local campaign office. One was Mary Williams, who hopes Perot runs.
Supporters say his exit from the race this summer means nothing now, and they're itching to get back on the campaign trail.

SLE
This year's first victim of Saint Louis Encephalitis outside the houston city limits is expected to survive. The 17 year old white female contracted S-L-E in the Spring area earlier this month. She was released from the hospital after a 2-week stay and is recovering at home. 2-other cases of the sometimes fatal mosquito-borne disease have been reported this year, both within the city limits. Health officials stress the importance of preventive measures to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

Teachers
An humble woman is included on the list of finalists the 2002-2003 Texas elementary teacher of the year program. Humble elementary special education teacher Kathy Ungerer, is one of three teachers still up for the award. She's joined by educators from Amarillo and Wylie. High school teachers from McAllen, Bastrop and Port Arthur are vying for a separate award.

TOY DRIVE FRAUD
The Marine Corps is warning Houstonians about a possibly fraudulent toy drive. Staff Sergeant Bob Beyer says the Marines have no connection with a drive called "Toys For Toddlers", which is reportedly soliciting donations here.
Sergeant Beyer says the Marine program is called "toys for tots", and it doesn't kick off until November. He adds the Salvation Army and many businesses do help out, but all use the name "Toys For Tots."

Homes
The city of Houston's homebuying assistance program is in high gear. It's run by the Houston housing finance corporation, and helps first-time homebuyers receive a tax reduction equal to 25% of the interest paid on their mortgage loan. In other words, you get lower monthly payments. Participants must meet certain income qualifications, though. More information may be obtained by phoning any area realtor.

Port/NAFTA
The state fair of Texas opens Friday, and spokeswoman Nancy Wiley says it has a futuristic flair.
New attractions include a simulated trek through space, and a NASA-sponsored display of space-age artifacts. 3-and-a-half-million people are expected to visit the state fairgrounds in Dallas during the fair's 24-day run.

Fines
If you've got some outstanding traffic tickets..listen up. On Thursday, the Houston municipal courts will begin a month-long amnesty program. Arrest warrants and warrant fees will be dropped for motorists who pay off the tickets during the amnesty period. Judge Sylvia Garcia says after that, all bets are off.
The amnesty applies to any delinquent municipal court citation...except parking tickets.

Capitol Moving
Work on the new office complex at the state capitol is entering its final stages, with the movement of furniture and supplies into the 4-story deep underground structure. The offices of 99 house members will be moved along with those of 10 senators. The move is expected to take 3-months. It's the culmination of a 3-year project.

Milk
A former Borden general manager pleads guilty to helping rig bids for milk products supplied to East Texas schools. Joe Gilmer was released on an unsecured bond. Sentencing will be set after the U-S probation office completes an investigation. Gilmer faces three years in prison and either a 250-thousand-dollar fine, or twice the gain from the crime, or twice the victims' loss.