State briefs

Panhandle church will

offer handgun training

DUMAS -- A Baptist church in the Texas Panhandle plans to host concealed handgun training, saying it's offering the class as a community service because there is so much interest in the area.

People wanting to get a concealed handgun license in Texas must take the class. The Rev. Brad Foster of Calvary Baptist Church in Dumas told the Amarillo Globe-News that a state-certified instructor will teach the first 10-hour class in the fellowship hall March 2.

"One concern was expressed that this is a political hot button, especially in our nation, and I certainly am sensitive to that reality," he said. "However, we're not making a political statement, except we don't mind being associated with being in support of the Second Amendment."

-- The Associated Press

Texas Tech campaign

reaches $1 billion

LUBBOCK -- The Texas Tech University System has reached the $1 billion fundraising mark in a campaign that began two years ago.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported Saturday that fewer than 70 universities have raised $1 billion.

-- The Associated Press

Gas plant explosion

kills one, injures one

LA PORTE -- Authorities said one person was killed, another was seriously injured and a third was missing after a gas plant explosion in Southeast Texas.

The Houston Chronicle reported that one employee was flown to a hospital after the incident Saturday morning at the Air Liquide plant, which houses a mix of industrial gases. La Porte is 25 miles southeast of Houston.

-- The Associated Press

Tyler man fatally shot

in parking lot at mall

TYLER -- Police said Saturday that one man was shot to death and a suspect was in custody after an argument in a Tyler mall spilled into the parking lot.

Tyler police spokesman Don Martin said Chris Mass, 23, of Tyler died Saturday morning outside the Broadway Square Mall.

Ricky Neal Jr., 25, of Henderson was arrested at the scene and accused of first-degree murder.

-- The Associated Press

District to buy assets

of bankrupt college

JACKSONVILLE -- The Jacksonville school district in East Texas has agreed to pay $1.53 million for the gymnasium, administration building and other assets of bankrupt Lon Morris College, the oldest junior college in Texas.

If the Bankruptcy Court approves the sale, the proceeds will go to creditors and former employees.

-- The Associated Press

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