Latest news with #PaloPintoCounty
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Flood victims recover in Palo Pinto County, firefighters rescue 10
Joseph Kidwiler can't say what it was, but it woke him up around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The husband and father of three said he was oblivious to flash flooding until it was too late. "I put my foot down off the bed, and I felt water. So I told my wife to get up. It's time to go somewhere," he said. When his family went to their porch, water was everywhere. They had to wait for the Santo Volunteer Firefighters and other departments to respond and help them off the porch, onto a truck, and to safety. "So we slow down. Everyone's got to take a deep breath. The instinct is to rush because we want to go help somebody. But we have to take our time. We don't know what's under the water," Kent Farquhar said. Farquhar is the Deputy Chief for the 14-member department. He's proud of their response to the intense calls. "We came over the railroad tracks and noticed about four feet of rushing water. And when I say rushing water, it was probably moving 10 to 15 miles an hour at the minimum," he said. Tommy's Convenience Store, located at 13850 S FM 4, appeared to be sinking into water. Video from the volunteer fire department showed high water rushing. Farquhar said the water was as high as four feet. The rescues were on Panama Road and East Oak Street. Two vehicles were also involved. Palo Pinto County Office of Emergency Management officials said no disaster declaration had been issued. But tell that to Tommy's, where they are still cleaning up mud, and to Kidwiler, who is being strong for his family. "We lost about 20 chickens and one goat. And we find a neighbor has about 30 cats, and we've been finding cats are dead in the yard and everywhere else," Kidwiler said.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Abilene man killed in Possum Kingdom Lake propeller strike
The Brief A 23-year-old Abilene man died Friday after being struck by a boat propeller on Possum Kingdom Lake. The boat operator, Justin Mitchell Pillard, 21, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter. The incident is currently under investigation by Texas Game Wardens. PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas - Texas Game Wardens, the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office and Sacred Cross EMS responded to a propeller strike on Possum Kingdom Lake on the evening of June 6. What we know A 23-year-old Abilene man was being pulled on a tube when he was struck by the vessel's propeller. Three people were on board the vessel at the time. The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The vessel operator, Justin Mitchell Pillard, 21, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter. What we don't know Further details are currently unavailable out of respect for the victim's family. Texas Game Wardens are conducting an ongoing investigation. The Source Information in this article was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
Fatal boat propeller strike at Possum Kingdom Lake under investigation
PALO PINTO COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) – A fatal boat incident on Possum Kingdom Lake led to the arrest of a boat operator on Friday, June 6. According to the Mineral Wells Area News, it happened yesterday evening. Texas Game Wardens, the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office and Sacred Cross EMS all responded to a call about a propeller strike on PK Lake. Based on a statement from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a 23-year-old man from Abilene was being pulled on a tube by a boat carrying three people when the boat's propeller struck him. According to public information officer Maggie Berger with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Allegedly, the operator of the boat, 21-year-old Justin Pillard from Abilene, was arrested by the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office and is facing charges of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle. This case is still under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
19-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Residents begin recovery efforts as Palo Pinto County reels from tornado damage
Community comes together to clean up after storms, tornadoes hit North Texas Community comes together to clean up after storms, tornadoes hit North Texas Community comes together to clean up after storms, tornadoes hit North Texas The town of Gordon, located in southern Palo Pinto County, is picking up the pieces after multiple tornadoes ripped through the area Sunday night, leaving behind a trail of destruction. An EF-1 tornado was confirmed in and near Gordon, according to the National Weather Service. Peak winds reached 105 mph. According to the Palo Pinto County Emergency Manager, 31 homes were damaged in the storm, including one that was completely destroyed. "Next thing we know, the front door opened, glass shattered everywhere, the rain came in," said Alicia McCauley, who huddled with her family inside their Gordon home when the storm passed over. "We started just praying and praying, saying, 'God help us,' because it was insane. It's something I would never want to wish on anybody. It was scary." No one was killed, but there were a few minor injuries. A family that went to the hospital for treatment has since been released. "We're thankful to be alive, McCauley said. "That's the main thing." McCauley said the pressure during the storm was so intense it gave her a headache. "I don't want to do it again," she said. "I don't want to go through it again, that's for sure." Tamber Dixon, another resident, echoed the sentiment. "Oh, it was roaring," she said of the storm. "One went by—a big old roar—and then another came on the other side. I just sat there and prayed. Nothing we could do but pray." Despite their losses, residents remain grateful and determined to rebuild. "I feel blessed," Dixon said. "I have everything." Volunteers jumped in Monday morning, working nonstop by cutting up fallen trees, clearing debris, and hauling broken pieces of roofs and buildings off homes. "All these people, they just loaded up their tractors and trailers and skid steers and came over and started working," said Michael McCoy, whose portable structure business was destroyed. "They said, 'Point me a direction.'" His wife, Martha McCoy, added, "And the women who didn't know what to do went to cook food and are bringing lunch, water, and Gatorade to everybody." Only the McCoys' office and one RV were left standing. The Red Cross is on the ground distributing supplies, but there's no need for a temporary shelter at this point. Neighbors have also set up a place to provide food and water. "Everybody out here is great people," Martha McCoy said. "We couldn't ask for anything better." Recovery will likely take weeks, but the people of Gordon say they're ready to face it together.
CBS News
19-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Severe storm damage prompts Gordon ISD school closure Monday
A rural North Texas school district canceled classes on Monday after a night of severe storms. Gordon ISD, located in Palo Pinto County, had extensive damage to school property and asked staff and students to stay off campus while emergency crews and insurance adjusters investigate. There was also no power in the City of Gordon as several light poles and power lines were down. A CBS News Texas crew in Gordon Monday morning reported a building that appeared to belong to the school was missing its roof and its walls were ripped off. Bleachers at the school's baseball field were also mangled. Mangled bleachers seen in Gordon, Texas following a night of severe storms that prompted Gordon ISD to cancel school. CBS News Texas According to Gordon ISD, no life-threatening injuries were reported. "We can't thank you enough for the outpouring of love," a post on Gordon ISD's Facebook page read. "While we are devastated, we are Gordon strong," the post continued. "We will get through this. Sending our prayers and love to each and every one in our community!" Gordon ISD has one school campus, located in the central part of town. Gordon is about 67 miles west of Fort Worth. Severe storms rip across North Texas on May 18 Multiple funnel clouds were spotted by CBS News Texas Storm Chaser Jason McLaughlin in Palo Pinto County Sunday evening. A tornado was confirmed over Strawn, about 8 miles west of Gordon. A tornado hasn't been confirmed in Gordon.
