When the Star-Telegram launched one of the first watchdog investigative columns at a U.S. newspaper in 2005, editors turned to longtime metro columnist Dave Lieber to fulfill the role. The Watchdog column runs on Fridays and Sundays. In 2009, Dave won two top awards from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. "Every city needs a Dave Lieber," one judge commented. "Dave Lieber's columns quickly and easily create a sense of outrage in a reader. He writes about rip-offs, scams and jerks who take advantage of the most vulnerable people in society."

E-mail: watchdog@star-telegram.com | Phone: 817-390-7043

When a Texas small-claims-court request gets big, it ends

| |Saturday, Jan. 07, 2012

The key word in small-claims court is small. But what happens when a judge hears that a plaintiff wants big? Why, the judge boots out the case faster than a prairie fire with a tail wind.Read more

Fort Worth dentist's mailing opens a whole can of worms

| |Thursday, Jan. 05, 2012

The dental practice says state rules are unfair to the little guys.Read more

Watchdog lessons of 2011

| |Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011

Challenge your tax bill; keep your hands to yourself.Read more

The Watchdog: Keller district campus is plenty green, but what about that wind turbine?

| |Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011

Questions lead to a surprising discovery about an energy-efficient school.Read more

Water meter reading turns into flood of errors

| |Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011

His monthly water bill was $19,000 -- and then things really got ugly.Read more

In tough economy, Tarrant has millions for construction

| |Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011

The county, which has frozen employee salaries in the past and reduced services, is in the midst of a massive construction spree. Some of the projects don't need voter approval.Read more

Fort Worth won't pay for damage caused by acts of God

| |Friday, Dec. 16, 2011

A pastor driving home in Fort Worth found that out the hard way.Read more

Leader of criticized Arlington ad company vows to improve

| |Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011

The company has been the subject of hundreds of complaints in recent years from officials at schools, chambers of commerce, police departments, city halls, public libraries and more.Read more

Tarrant resident tired of signs cluttering the landscape

| |Thursday, Dec. 08, 2011

When it comes to roadside sign enforcement, Tarrant County could learn from Fort Worth.Read more

Bowie man gets quick help from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

| |Saturday, Dec. 03, 2011

The new federal agency has already made a difference.Read more