Two traps had mosquitos that tested positive for West Nile Virus, leading Burleson city officials to conduct ground-based spraying for mosquitoes Saturday, July 30, and Sunday, July 31.

Spraying will be in targeted subdivisions within a designated spray zone in the vicinity of the 300 block of NW Hillary Street and the 300 block of W. Eldred Street. Trucks with fogging apparatus will perform the spraying.

Spraying is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. and end by 5 a.m. each day, weather permitting. In the event of inclement conditions or wind speeds in excess of 10 mph, spraying will be rescheduled.

The spraying method targets flying mosquitoes that come in contact with the pesticide in the spray or fog.

To see the map of the areas that will be sprayed, click HERE.

Cactus Jack is pretty much a household name, derived from the popular store bearing his nickname.

So, it was a secret he probably wasn't going to keep upon relocating to Elk Creek, a new senior living community in Burleson.

Jack Morton was attending dialysis appointments when he ran across Jennifer Sain.

"We began to talk about different things. Then I realized he was Cactus Jack," she said. "He grinned when I said that."

Morton was selected as this month's Elk Creek Resident of the Month and last week was honored by staff, his family and new friends he has made.

"He told me how he missed being at home," Sain said. "I thought about what we could do to bring home here for him. Then we learned he used to train and own bird dogs."

That led to a call to Peter Crouch, who owns highly-skilled bird dogs. Last week, when Morton was honored, those dogs greeted the longtime outdoorsman.

"The quail have just about left this country," Morton said. "When that happened is about when I stopped hunting. The most exciting thing I believe I have ever done is watch bird dogs work."

He owned English pointers and recalls the day he got his nickname. He was unloading his gun right over a cactus, "so they started calling me Cactus Jack."

His son, Joel Morton, received a call that Elk Creek wanted to honor his father, who in addition to owning a western store in Alvarado had also served for 24 years for the U.S. Post Office.

"They [Jack and his wife, Joy] were among the first residents here, and they seem to know everyone," Joel said. "It was so nice for them to honor both of them."

Jack and Joy have been married for 68 years. The western store was opened in 1973 and moved to Interstate 35W in 1997 under the operation of Joel.

"I think the more we've gotten to know Jack the more we like him," Andrea Owen said. "When one of our residents has something they think they will never do again, we want them to see they can."

So, Jack got the chance to see working bird dogs do what they do best, and other residents may have had their first opportunity to gain an understanding of the time and training that goes into a bird dog.

"I came through here and there were a bunch of people," Jack said. "I didn't know what they were up to. No one told me anything about this."

Known as Miracle Moments, the event will feature a different resident each month.

Services were more eventful than normal Saturday evening at Pathway Church.

Church officials noticed a parked vehicle towing a trailer with two non-responsive occupants and called 911 at about 5:30 p.m.

"They were concerned for their safety," Police Chief Billy Cordell said.

Burleson police, firefighters and MedStar responded to find the occupants non-responsive, and eventually got them to respond.

"We didn't know why they were non-responsive when we arrived," Cordell said.

The passenger was transported to a Fort Worth hospital for treatment of an unknown medical condition. The reason both occupants were non-responsive does not appear to simply be related to dehydration or heat exhaustion, Cordell said, suggesting it may possibly have been because of drug use.

Police then noticed a vehicle identification plate for the trailer on the seat of the vehicle.

"You're not supposed to take a VIN plate off a vehicle for any reason," Cordell said. "We became concerned about that."

The driver was arrested for the removed VIN plate. Police are continuing to research the VIN number to determine if the trailer might potentially be stolen.

The Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force would likely be called to investigate the trailer, Cordell said.

The identities of the occupants of the vehicle were unknown at the time of this report. The passenger would likely be treated and released, Cordell said, because "generally the driver is the one responsible for the vehicle."

Following are calls reported by the Burleson Police Department July 18-31. An arrest should not be construed as a conviction of guilt. Subjects have a presumption of innocence until convicted in a court.

Monday, July 18
5:22 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 800 block Beaver Creek Drive.
10:10 a.m. – Theft, $100 to $750, 500 block SE Gardens Boulevard.
12:31 p.m. – Debit or credit card abuse, 800 block Irene Street.
2:38 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 1000 block Garden Ridge Drive.
2:22 p.m. – Forgery of financial instrument, 100 block S. Cliffside Drive.
3:31 p.m. – Reckless driving, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
8:33 p.m. – Vehicle burglary, 3300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Tuesday, July 19
12:29 a.m. – Assault, 500 block Shenandoah Court.
3:17 a.m. – Failure to identify as fugitive, 1000 block E. Renfro Street.
5:52 p.m. – Assault, 400 block Irene Street.
6:11 p.m. – Harassment, 800 block Clear View Court.
8:01 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 400 block Brett's Way.
9:20 p.m. – Home burglary, 600 block Gracie Lane.

Wednesday, July 20
1:51 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 2000 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
10:07 p.m. – Assault, 500 block NW Charlyne Drive.
11:20 p.m. – Vehicle parts theft, $10 to $750, 600 block Parkridge Boulevard.

Thursday, July 21
1:55 a.m. – Auto theft, $2,500 to $30,000, 400 block Delaware Street.
2:40 p.m. – Failure to identify as fugitive, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
7:36 p.m. – Building burglary, 2100 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Friday, July 22
1:59 a.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 1100 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
2:20 a.m. – Assault, 300 block Pin Cushion Trail.
8:29 a.m. – Auto theft, $30,000 to $150,000, 600 block NW An Lois Lane.
10:44 a.m. – Aggravated robbery, 800 block NE Alsbury Boulevard.
7:13 p.m. – Theft of firearm, 1500 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
9:28 p.m. – Assault, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Saturday, July 23
12:11 a.m. – DWI second offense, 3500 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
12:42 a.m. – Accident, less than $200 damage to vehicle, 900 block N. Interstate 35W.
3:01 a.m. – DWI, 1700 block S. Interstate 35W.
10:09 a.m. – Possession of controlled substance, less than 2 oz., 800 block NE Alsbury Boulevard.
12:15 p.m. – Shoplifting, two or more prior convictions of theft less than $2,500, 1100 block N. Burleson Boulevard.
2:45 p.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 200 block NE Murphy Road.
4:37 p.m. – Shoplifting, two or more prior convictions of theft less than $2,500, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
6:27 p.m. – Unlawful carrying of a weapon, 5800 block FM 917.
9:07 p.m. – Criminal mischief, $100 to $750, 700 block Peach Lane.

Sunday, July 24
8:21 p.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 500 block NW King Street.
10:46 p.m. – Theft, $100 to $750, 300 block SW Johnson Avenue.

Monday, July 25
1:56 p.m. – Assault, 1100 block Hackberry Court.
1:38 p.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 500 block Sandgate Drive.
2:51 p.m. – Building burglary, 900 block Yucca Court.

Tuesday, July 26
2:42 a.m. – DWI, 100 block NE Wilshire Boulevard.
6:08 a.m. – Building burglary, 500 block Plum Drive.
10:31 a.m. – Theft, $2,500 to $30,000, 1400 block E. Renfro Street.
10:05 a.m. – Warrant arrest, 200 block NE Wilshire Boulevard.

Wednesday, July 27
1:01 a.m. – Shoplifting, less than $100, 100 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
9:14 a.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 900 block NW Park Meadow Lane.
10:15 a.m. – Assault, 3400 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
7:16 p.m. – Possession of controlled substance, less than 2 oz., 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
8:27 p.m. – Theft, $750 to $2,500, 1400 block S. Hurst Road.

Thursday, July 28
12:00 a.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 200 block NW John Jones Drive.
12:00 a.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 1100 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
12:01 a.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 300 block Springwillow Road.
1:47 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 100 block Loy Street.
5:12 a.m. – Adult protective referral, 400 block Wod Duck Court.
6:48 a.m. – Home burglary, 700 block Flamingo Circle.
6:24 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 1300 block Hearthstone Drive.
9:05 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 1300 block Hearthstone Drive.
9:18 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 1300 block Shelley Drive.
9:33 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 1000 block McKavett Drive.
4:31 p.m. – Possession of controlled substance, lease than 1 gram, 300 block NE Amy Street.
10:44 p.m. – Possession of marijuana, 2-4 oz., 3900 block E. FM 917.

Friday, July 29
10:21 a.m. – Assault causing bodily injury, 400 block E. Renfro Street.
11:24 a.m. – Forgery of financial instrument, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
12:32 p.m. – Forgery of currency, 200 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
6:30 p.m. – Shoplifting, $750 to $2,500, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
9:07 p.m. – Assault, 1100 block Mourning Dove Drive.

Saturday, July 30
3:12 a.m. – DWI, second offense, 400 block S. Hurst Road.
2:13 a.m. – DWI, 700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
9:18 a.m. – Assault with prior conviction, 400 block Berkshire Drive.
10:33 a.m. – Harassment, 400 block NW Douglas Street.
12:23 p.m. – Home burglary by force, 400 block Berkshire Drive.
2:28 p.m. – Shoplifting, $100 to $750, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
6:46 p.m. – Tampering with vehicle identification number, 300 block NW Renfro Street.
7:18 p.m. – Aggravated assault, 3000 block Shoreline Drive.

Sunday, July 31
2:46 a.m. – Shoplifting, $100 to $750, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
2:44 p.m. – Evading arrest with a vehicle, 3100 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
3:01 p.m. – Criminal mischief, $10 to $750, 300 block S. Warren Street.

ARRESTS

Monday, July 18
4:30 a.m. – Dustin Lemire, 2800 block S. Interstate 35W.
8:06 a.m. – Christopher Iglehart, 2000 block SW Hulen Street.
11:05 a.m. – David Vera, 10000 block S. Interstate 35W.

Tuesday, July 19
12:56 a.m. – Martin Dever, 500 block Shenandoah Court.
3:17 a.m. – Joshua Ashmore, 1000 block E. Renfro Street.
3:08 a.m. – Benjamin Fisher, 1000 block E. Renfro Street.
6:32 p.m. – Craig Ervin, 400 block Irene Street.

Wednesday, July 20
12:29 a.m. – Barry Porter, 100 block N. Lawson Street.
12:49 a.m. – Jordan Hebert-Newman, 500 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Thursday, July 21
3:30 p.m. – Anna Batdorf, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.

Friday, July 22
5:52 p.m. – Jared Frost, 800 block NW Summercrest Boulevard.

Saturday, July 23
12:11 a.m. – Mario Zuniga, 3500 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
3:01 a.m. – Jordan Johnson, 1700 block S. Interstate 35W.
12:15 p.m. – Zachary Cockerham, 1100 block N. Burleson Boulevard.
5:01 p.m. – Charles Moore, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
6:56 p.m. – Freddie Roop, 5800 block FM 917
8:46 p.m. – Scott Parpan, 100 block N. Burleson Boulevard.

Sunday, July 24
1:30 a.m. – Anthony Gomez, 200 block E. Renfro Street.
2:23 a.m. – Mary Mesker, 1800 block S. Interstate 35W.
12:01 a.m. – Danny Varela, 200 block NW Renfro Street.
1:55 p.m. – Dakota Chavez, 8200 block FM 1902

Monday, July 25
2:16 p.m. – Cherri Ainsworth, 1100 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Tuesday, July 26
3:01 p.m. – Jimmy Rogers, 100 block Valley Vista Drive.
2:42 a.m. – Justin Parker, 100 block NE Wilshire Boulevard.
10:40 a.m. – Marty Cardona, 100 block NE Cindy Lane.

Wednesday, July 27
4:09 p.m. – Ty Pope, 1100 SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Thursday, July 28
12:01 a.m. – Jana Garza, 300 block Springwillow Road.
7:19 a.m. – Joshua Lane, 700 block Flamingo Circle.
4:31 p.m. – Shawn Davis, 6800 block Midway Road.
9:24 p.m. – Josue Vanegas, 500 block SE Gardens Boulevard.
10:44 p.m. – Tyler Jordan, 6900 block E. FM 917
10:44 p.m. – Braden Wright, 6900 block E. FM 917

Friday, July 29
12:10 p.m. – Kathy Graham, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
3:09 p.m. – Devin Waine, 100 block McKinley Drive.
5:27 p.m. – Thomas Reinmiller, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Saturday, July 30
1:46 a.m. – William Lloyd, 400 block S. Hurst Road.
2:13 a.m. – Andrew Wilmot, 700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
12:59 p.m. – James Griffin, 900 block NW Summercrest Boulevard.
2:28 p.m. – Tracy Tyler, 100 block NW John Jones Drive.
6:37 p.m. – Jermey Blackwood, 300 block NW Renfro Street.
8:48 p.m. – Cynthia Nelson, 3000 block Shoreline Drive.

Sunday, July 31
3:18 a.m. – Jorge Marquez-Juarez, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
3:06 a.m. – Esteban Orosco Garcia, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
3:18 a.m. – Luis Marquez-Juarez, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
12:30 p.m. – Sarah Saghir, 800 block Huebner Way.

A vandal may have learned a valuable rodeo lesson. When the show is over at the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse grounds almost nothing is left behind.

Monday, a junior sheriff's posse member discovered the east glass in the main concession stand window at the outdoor arena had been broken. Cleburne police were called to investigate.

"There's nothing in there," JCSP Capt. David Welty said. "We may have had a few hamburger patties in the freezer, but that's it."

A rock is believed to have been used to break the glass and there may have been damage to the frame of the window. The total loss is presently unknown.

"It appears this was more vandalism than burglary," Welty said. "We found some small, size-seven footprints. This was probably a young person."

Welty recalls making a few mistakes in his own youth, and is hopeful a lesson can be learned.

"We forgive whoever did this and sincerely hope they won't try this in the future, because we will prosecute," he said. "There's a footprint, but no blood. We're glad whoever this was did not get hurt."

Police have been unable to determine that anything was taken by the vandals, and Welty says there's just not much of value to take anywhere on the grounds. Possibly, vandals had believed there may have been cash in the concession stand, Welty said.

"We're just a non-profit trying to do good for the community," Welty said. "It is unforeseen costs like these that hamper what we're trying to do. It is really sad. This is a loss of time and money."

All members of the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse serve in an unpaid volunteer capacity.

Anyone with information about this case may call Johnson County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 817-469-8477, or text "JCCS" and your message to 274637.

A new crop of Burleson ISD employees will be welcomed Tuesday by business leaders during the chamber of commerce's annual luncheon.

Business and community leaders invite new school employees to lunch at the Burleson High School cafeteria. Keynote addresses will be offered by Superintendent Bret Jimerson and Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter, a graduate of BISD schools.

The BISD's foray into innovative education began with the opening of STEAM Middle School, the first science, technology, engineering, math and science curriculum model school. The district has since expanded on innovative education models at the high school and elementary level.

Students have embraced college-ready course offerings and there has been a 27 percent increase in career and technical education courses, many of which offer students an opportunity for professional certifications before high school graduation.

About 150 new teachers and employees will be welcomed at the lunch, including some recently named administrators.

Shetter has served as Burleson's mayor since his 2004 election, following two terms on City Council. He has championed the expansion of higher education opportunities in Burleson, including his work as a leader in the development of the Burleson Opportunity Fund, a program to allow Burleson students the financial means to earn a post-secondary education. He is presently a member of the Fund's board of directors.

As mayor, Shetter has focused on efficiency, transparency, revitalization of Old Town, public safety and job growth. Among his current priorities is a plan for a plaza surrounding City Hall in Old Town.

Tickets to the chamber's BISD New Employee Luncheon are $25 and may be purchased at burlesonchamber.com or by calling 817-295-6121. There are also teacher sponsor opportunities.

The memory of James "Jim" Sinclair was evoked Monday by County Commissioner Kenny Howell as an example for commissioner's court to follow.

Sinclair, an equipment operator for Howell's Precinct 2 staff, "suddenly and unexpectedly" died Friday, as a contentious court session on the fiscal year budget was releasing. Howell dwelled on both activities throughout the weekend, he said.

"Last Friday was probably a low point in my time on this court," Howell said. "I think we lost a little of the dignity of the court."

He seemed to allude to an exchange between County Judge Roger Harmon and Commissioner Jerry Stringer.

Harmon had expressed his displeasure that his experience in six terms as county judge was given no credibility in budget discussions.

"I'm tired of digging holes. I want to run this county the way it should be run," Harmon said. "Three of you take it upon your own to run the county. You are running it towards the ground."

Stringer responded: "Judge, it sounds like you are running against us for a campaign. It sounds like you're setting us up to lose an election."

"Do what?" Harmon asked. "You're way out in left field, commissioner."

Stringer responded: "I know how you feel judge."

Harmon called to take a break in the court session.

"We're going to get into a verbal conflict here and let's not do that," Harmon said.

"Good idea," Stringer responded.

Howell left the court with the interaction fresh in his mind.

"That was really not the worst part of my day," Howell said.

His phone rang on the way back to Burleson. He learned Sinclair had died while helping to plumb a friend's home. It had most likely been a massive heart attack.

"He was a part of our family," Howell said. "He had very little family of his own."

A memorial service for Sinclair is 10 a.m. today at Crosier-Pearson Funeral Home in Cleburne.

Howell considered the demeanor he always witnessed from Sinclair throughout the weekend.

"He was one of the nicest and most polite persons you could want to meet," Howell said. "He was very well liked. He was just a good guy that you wanted to be around."

With another court budget session called for Monday and with his employees in mind, Howell considered both situations over the weekend.

"Something I realized is that none of us has a guarantee that we're going to be here tomorrow, this afternoon or an hour from now," Howell said. "That means we don't have the chance to make something right. For myself, I intend to respectfully listen to a question, and respectfully listen to an answer."

Tensions in court were high Friday because of an inability court members realize to provide for an employee salary increase, fund jail construction, an ambulance subsidy and avoid a tax rate increase.

"We should be more professional," Howell said. "I don't want us to bring our personal differences into the courtroom. We owe that to the taxpayers."

Harmon followed Howell's lead and apologized for his role in Friday's discourse. No one else commented.

"I do get aggressive about the court," Harmon said. "We all have opinions and say things we probably shouldn't say. Sometimes in this courtroom we don't win friends and influence people.

"My main concern is looking out for the taxpayers. They are the ones who put each of us in this office. We have to be conservative and give them the services they want."

It is the toughest financial year Johnson County has experienced in terms of setting a budget, Howell said.

"I think everyone is concerned," he said.

Where his wisdom should be recognized, Harmon alluded, is in fiscal conservatism.

"I was criticized for building up too much of a cash reserve," he said. "I think you can see what I did has been extremely beneficial to this county. It has helped us keep from having to raise taxes drastically in one year."

Burleson police and residents have played an active role in driving support for Dallas police injured or killed in the early July attack at a rally.

Police Chief Billy Cordell's wife, Kim, right, and daughter, Kelsey, help a Burleson resident select a shirt to show support for police officers. They sold Dallas Strong and Back the Badge shirts Saturday at the Burleson Police Department, with the assistance of Melissa Pate. All funds raised from the gray Back the Badge shirt go toward the Burleson police's Explorers Post.

Residents still wishing to purchase a Back the Badge T-shirt may contact police through Facebook at "Burleson Police Department Texas" or watch the page for the next anounced sale date.

A Joshua man has been hospitalized after an injury related to auto repair he was performing.

Steven Campos, 39, was working on a truck driveshaft Wednesday evening when the vehicle rolled backwards, Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford said. He injured his chest and arms. Emergency dispatch indicated the man had been ran over by the vehicle.

Johnson County sheriff's deputies and CareFlite responded to the call in the 900 block of County Road 903. Campos was transported by CareFlite to a Fort Worth hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Madison Heaps, second from left, is honored after being selected as a scholar Athlete of the Week and a Scholar Athlete of the Month by two local television stations. She is a swimmer for Centennial High School. Honoring Heaps was Burleson ISD Superintendent Bret Jimerson, Coach Jeremy Martin and Principal Jimmy Neal.

Eight Centennial High School students have received licenses as certified clinical medical assistants. The students are Lake Acklen, Trevor Baker, Blake Bodin, Ericah Fletcher, Brianna Frias, Paloma Miranda, Austyn Pewitt and Shelby Smith. The students were honored by Superintendent Bret Jimerson, their teachers and principal.

Significant challenges have been posed to Johnson County commissioners.

A $785 million mineral value loss has been realized. Cleburne has opted to offer its own ambulance service, leading to a call from CareFlite for Johnson County to fund a $300,000 ambulance service subsidy. A first-year debt service fee of $1.335 million is due this fiscal year for county jail renovation and construction.

Despite those factors, commissioners Tuesday initially supported a tax rate of 45.76 cents per $100 of tax valuation, an increase of 96-hundredths of a cent. It would not fund employee salary step increases.

"There's not a one of us who wouldn't like to see that second step go forward," Commissioner Rick Bailey said.

That would have significantly added to the tax rate, Commissioner Kenny Howell said, who had argued to maintain the prior tax rate of 44.8 cents.

"Do we give salary raises to employees and raise taxes on Johnson County residents?" he asked.

"If we can't take care of the employees, then we need to take care of the taxpayers," Commissioner Larry Woolley added.

The proposed tax-allocated fund budget of $74.28 million is balanced by the proposed tax rate without requiring a drawdown of fund balance, County Auditor J.R. "Kirk" Kirkpatrick said.

"If you think of it as a painting on a canvas, we are at the point of the painting coming together so you can recognize it," he said.

Public hearings on the tax rate could be scheduled for Aug. 22 and Sept. 12. The tax rate may be adopted Sept. 26.

There's some confusion as to the portion of a property tax bill that is collected for Johnson County use, opposed to school districts, municipalities, college districts and fire districts, Kirkpatrick said, because Johnson County collects all the tax for those entities.

"If you look at the pie chart for where your taxes go, the piece for the county is a tiny piece," he said. "It would be nice if the public knew that."

If adopted and if Burleson's city and school tax rate remained steady, the Johnson County tax rate would represent 16.1 percent of a Burleson city resident's tax bill.

Considerably raising the tax rate would be a "double-whammy," Commissioner Jerry Stringer said, because of rising property values. Also, two school districts – Joshua and Cleburne – have passed bond issuances that will be included in the tax rate, Howell said.

County Judge Roger Harmon projects a brighter future for Johnson County.

"Next year will be a recovery year, so to speak. I think your property values will be up, and your mineral values will be up some," he said. "The second and third years will be some of the best Johnson County has seen."

His family operates an insurance business, and he had further news homeowners may not like.

"Insurance rates are going up, by the way, because of the hailstorms we have had in the area," Harmon said.

He expressed disappointment the budget could not fund employee salary step increases.

"This is a year I think you hold pat [on wages]," Harmon said. "If you don't have the money, you just don't have the money."

What may have been a practical joke ended up not getting a laugh Wednesday evening.

A Burleson homeowner was surprised to answer the door to a young male wearing pantyhose on his face and a construction cone on his head.

"We think this was probably someone playing a joke," Burleson Deputy Police Chief Doug Sandifer said.

The door bell rang at about 7:44 p.m. The homeowner contacted Burleson police at 7:51 p.m. after not being able to identify the person. The homeowner also gave the description the young male was skinny and wearing a light-colored shirt.

Police were unable to locate the prankster. It is unclear if the same person may have approached other homes.

The call is unusual, Sandifer said, but led him to be reminded of another in the recent past.

"I guess the city was spraying for mosquitos in neighborhoods," Sandifer said. "We had someone go to a resident's front door wearing a gas mask."

In these cases, the homeowner didn't find the joke as funny as the prankster.

"You're playing a joke, but you could scare someone or end up getting hurt behind it," Sandifer said. "It's not the best idea."

A farmer's work was undone Thursday by a fire that sparked on County Road 806, about a mile north of FM 917 south of Briaroaks and Timber Creek.

"We think something shorted and sparked the hay he was baling," said Burney Baskett, executive director of the Emergency Services District.

Fire ignited on the hay baler and two round bales of hay.

Most likely, the fire was caused when dry grass crossed a bearing, leading to a spark, Sheriff Bob Alford said.

"It's more common than you might think," said R.C. McFall, who farms property in Bono and Cleburne. "Those parts can get really hot and it doesn't take much to spark a fire."

The farmer was able to get the tractor stopped and get away to place a call to 911 at 12:27 p.m.

"It was burning pretty good when we got there," Baskett said.

The fire was contained to the baler and hay, Sheriff's Office Lt. Jay Stubbs said.

"The only way to put out this type of fire is to unroll the hay bale and hose down the hay," Baskett said.

He expects the hay will be a total loss, but is unsure of the damage to the baler.

Jim Wadlow admits to getting a strange look every now and again when he brings it up.

"I've got pineapple growing in my backyard in Burleson," he said.

It's not like growing roses, bluebonnets or even a fruit tree with a fairly high expectation for success.

"It takes two years for a pineapple plant to blossom," Wadlow said. "You might get a pineapple. You might not."

The former city councilman was flipping through a 1950 version of Popular Mechanics when he ran across a story about a pineapple grower in Hawaii. The story claimed pineapple wouldn't grow without a certain amount of iron content in soil.

As he tells the story, workers at a machine plant decided to use old implements and water to create "iron water," which was then used to grow pineapple plants. Wadlow decided to take it as a challenge. He thought he would turn to Miracle Gro.

"It has the essential iron and nutrients the pineapple plant needs," Wadlow said. "I was intrigued by the article and decided to try it. I was hoping to maybe get one pineapple a year."

Jim and his wife, Jill, gave the plant everything it needed, including quite a large space in an area converted to a greenhouse.

"It used to be a spa room," Jill said.

The first plant grew to about four feet in height and width. Other plants were grown before the first pineapple arrived. There are maybe eight pineapple plants at various stages at their home today.

The idea led to Jim seeking some approval from Jill.

"Nothing surprises me," she said. "We've done a lot in 60 years of marriage."

She never doubted that if her husband believed he could grow a pineapple plant in North Texas that soon they would be eating pineapple.

"I have this reputation for not telling me something can't be done," Jim said.

He's learned that a golden-colored pineapple is "ready," and that natural pineapple doesn't necessarily taste the way it would from a can of processed pineapple.

"It is not as sweet," Jill said.

"It will have more of a tart taste," Jim said.

Admittedly, Wadlow's operation isn't exactly the model of efficiency. He had a pineapple blossom and produce fruit this year. He has trouble predicting how many he may have by the end of the year or next.

"But, its a hobby. I have fun with it," Jim said. "I guess you might say I'm the Johnny Pineappleseed of Burleson."

A neighbor came over to see the plant. A friend, Bettie Bailey, made a special trip across town to get a look at it. A Burleson police officer even asked to have a look.

"You don't really have to have patience," Jim said. "You just have to let the plant grow, water it and water it."

He's not decided what to try next, because he may be settled on being a pineapple grower. His list of those he's promised pineapples to is one reason.

"Pineapple has become my thing," Wadlow said. "I think I'll stick with it. I know what to expect, now."

Behind the badge of a law enforcement officer is a man or woman willing to serve and to possibly make the greatest sacrifice.

"Every day you put that badge on, you walk out that door of your home knowing you may not come back," Sheriff Bob Alford told graduates in the 22nd graduating class of Burleson's Citizens Police Academy.

About 20 residents graduated last week from the eight-week course. The academy students range from one member still enrolled in high school to retirees.

"The Burleson Police Department is without a doubt one of the finest law enforcement agencies I've ever worked with," said Alford, who says he's worked cases in about every county in Texas.

"Relationships that are built through the Citizens Police Academy are important," Class instructor and BPD Traffic Sgt. Brian O'Heren said. "It allows us to get to know more than just a name or face."

Police Chief Billy Cordell encouraged class members not to see graduation as an ending, but a beginning to more involvement with the police department.

"We certainly have opportunities for you to serve," Cordell said.

The evening began with a slide show including every law enforcement officer in America killed in the line of duty in 2016, including Burleson resident Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens. He was fatally wounded in a July shooting in Dallas.

"The one common thread is they were all brave enough to pin on a badge and say I'm willing to protect you," Cordell said.

Graduates of academy classes like Burleson's help build alliances in the community, Alford said.

"We have to know we have community support," he said. "When we know we have your support, you will get the policing you demand."

Johnson County's sheriff's office has had four incidents in Alford's 20 years that have left a civilian dead, he said.

"I can tell you it destroys police officers that they had to pull that trigger," Alford said. "Only one of those is continuing to work in law enforcement."

He encouraged graduates to become active in the Burleson community and work to build more support for police.

"For most people, the only relationship they've had with law enforcement is an 8-10 minute stop where they may have got a ticket," Alford said.

He also drew a laugh from graduates with an exchange he had with O'Heren, who introduced Alford as a longtime friend who administered his oath upon graduation from the police academy.

"Brian's wrong," Alford said. "We're not friends … not since he left the sheriff's office for Burleson."

The operator of a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer died Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Texas 174 in Joshua.

The 88-year-old female left the southbound lane of the highway at about 8:30 a.m. The vehicle rolled several times in the 400 block of Texas 174 before coming to a rest in a gas station parking lot, witnesses told police.

The Tarrant County medical examiner identified the woman as Peggie Tedford of Godley. A cause and manner of death had not been established by the medical examiner at the time of this report.

No other persons were injured in the crash. The crash is being investigated by Joshua police.

Following are calls reported by the Burleson Police Department Aug. 1-7. An arrest should not be construed as a conviction of guilt. Subjects have a presumption of innocence until convicted in a court.

Monday, Aug. 1
12:31 a.m. – Harassment, 100 block Country Vista Circle.
8:26 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 2700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
9:31 a.m. – Vehicle burglary, 200 block S. Hurst Road.
12:00 a.m. – Assault, 500 block Marybeth Drive.
1:05 p.m. – Theft, $100 to $750, 400 block Blaze Court.
2:33 p.m. – Criminal mischief, $750 to $2,500 loss, 3200 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
3:19 p.m. – Theft, $100 to $750 loss, 900 block N. Burleson Boulevard.
8:05 p.m. – Vehicle burglary, 1300 block Hearthstone Drive.
8:25 p.m. – Debit or credit card abuse, 1700 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
10:42 p.m. – Assault, 400 block Irene Street.

Tuesday, Aug. 2
12:08 a.m. – DWI, 1200 block N. Interstate 35W.
3:08 a.m. – Possession of controlled substance, less than 1 gram, 400 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
1:34 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 2700 block Lakeside Drive.
1:10 p.m. – Theft, $100 to $750 loss, 2300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.
3:31 p.m. – Harassment, 900 block Misty Oak Trail.
7:31 p.m. – Manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, 4-200 grams, 1500 block Houston Road.
9:33 p.m. – Vehicle burglary, 100 block SE Tarrant Avenue.
8:34 p.m. – Animal ordinance violation, 700 block Flamingo Circle.

Wednesday, Aug. 3
12:37 a.m. – Auto theft, $2,500 to $30,000 loss, 1000 block Stockton Drive.
12:45 a.m. – Criminal mischief, $100 to $750 loss, 1500 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
4:28 p.m. – Possession of marijuana, 4 oz.-5 pounds, 500 block E. Hidden Creek Parkway.
8:28 p.m. – Shoplifting, $100 to $750 loss, 1000 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Thursday, Aug. 4
3:06 a.m. – Assault, 300 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
10:50 a.m. – Theft, $100 to $750 loss, 500 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
11:30 p.m. – Possession of marijuana, less than 2 oz., 300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Friday, Aug. 5
1:25 a.m. – DWI, 200 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
8:20 a.m. – Auto parts theft, $2,500 to $30,000, 900 block N. Burleson Boulevard.
10:40 a.m. – Shoplifting, $100 to $750 loss, 1100 block N. Burleson Boulevard.
11:06 a.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 300 block Garrett Street.
1:14 p.m. – Shoplifting, $100 to $750 loss, 900 SW Wilshire Boulevard.
1:32 p.m. – Home burglary by force, 100 block NE Rosamond Street.
1:52 p.m. – Crash involving damage, less than $200 loss, 400 block S. Interstate 35W.
5:25 p.m. – Warrant arrest, 1900 block Coleman Road.

Saturday, Aug. 6
1:12 p.m. – Debit or credit card abuse, 1000 block Rock Springs Drive.
3:41 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 1300 block Erin Court.
9:53 p.m. – Criminal mischief, $100 to $750 loss, 400 block E. Renfro Street.

Sunday, Aug. 7
1:35 a.m. – Assault, 700 block Lynnewood Avenue.
2:20 a.m. – Assault, 100 block NE Johnson Avenue.
6:27 a.m. – Theft$100 to $750 loss, 600 block NW Lorna Street.
2:58 p.m. – Purse snatching, $100 to $750 loss, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
4:55 p.m. – Aggravated assault with a weapon, 500 block NW King Street.

ARRESTS

Monday, Aug. 1
1:00 p.m. – Jeramy Feronti, 1100 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
3:00 a.m. – Jerry Russell, 200 block S. Main Street.
9:57 a.m. – Mitzi Seyler, 500 block Marybeth Drive.

Tuesday, Aug. 2
12:25 a.m. – Carlos Romero, 1200 block N. Interstate 35W.
3:55 a.m. – Joe Tucker, 400 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
8:53 p.m. – Johnny Ford, 1500 block Houston Road.
9:33 p.m. – Mitzi Seyler, 700 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.

Wednesday, Aug. 3
2:33 p.m. – Benton Skelton, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
4:28 p.m. – Jordan Bellah, 500 block E. Hidden Creek Parkway.
4:28 p.m. – Fernando Duran Cubias, 500 block E. Hidden Creek Parkway.

Thursday, Aug. 4
3:43 a.m. – Ronnie Welch, 300 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
9:40 a.m. – Britain Gentry, 300 block Springwillow Road.
10:18 a.m. – Christopher Guerrero, 200 block Elk Drive.
11:47 p.m. – Samuel Rodriguez, 300 block S. Burleson Boulevard.

Friday, Aug. 5
1:37 a.m. – Joshua Cabrera, 200 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
1:14 p.m. – Jason Odom, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
4:19 p.m. – Jeramy Feronti, 900 block SW Wilshire Boulevard.
5:25 p.m. – Shawn Dean, 1900 block Coleman Road.

Saturday, Aug. 6
1:04 a.m. – Christian Angeles, 200 block S. Main Street.

Sunday, Aug. 7
12:06 a.m. – Kenneth Fitch, 900 block Irene Street.
1:35 a.m. – Ren Shelton, 700 block Lynnewood Avenue.

Texas Health Huguley Hospital has earned the Mission: Lifeline Bronze Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

Each year in the United States, about 250,000 people have a STEMI, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires time-sensitive treatment. To prevent loss of life, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication, according to the American Heart Association.

Mission: Lifeline is a program that helps hospitals, emergency medical services and communities improve response times so people who suffer from a STEMI receive prompt, appropriate treatment. The program’s goal is to streamline systems of care to quickly get heart attack patients from the 911 call to hospital treatment.

Along with Texas Health Huguley, four additional Texas Health hospitals earned recognition:

• Gold Award: Texas Health HEB.
• Silver Plus Award: Texas Health Dallas and Texas Health Denton.
• Bronze Plus Award: Texas Health Plano.

“We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients who suffer a heart attack, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that goal through internationally respected clinical guidelines,” said Tammy Collier, chief nursing officer at Texas Health Huguley. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care, and I am very proud of the nurses and physicians on the medical staff.”

Texas Health Huguley earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI patients to open the blocked artery. Before patients are discharged, they are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, and they receive smoking cessation counseling if needed. Eligible hospitals must adhere to these measures at a set level for a designated period to receive the awards.

“We commend Texas Health Huguley for this achievement award, which reflects a significant institutional commitment to improve the quality of care for their heart attack patients,” said Dr. James G. Jollis, chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group.

Burleson Police Sgt. Shelley Henken is coordinating a drive to raise donations of non-perishable goods for Harvest House.

Specifically, dry rice, pasta and macaroni and cheese are needed. Canned goods are also requested.

Donations may be dropped off to the front lobby of the police station.