By KERA News Room
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-987734.mp3
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX – Lockheed Martin announced the 370 layoffs Monday for its Fort Worth operation. Lockheed spokesperson Laura Siebert says these cuts are part of a larger, 1500-person layoff announced this summer. Siebert: Back in August, we gave eligible employees the option of volunteering. Of which, 300 people accepted those in Fort Worth. Siebert says this layoff was planned as an efficiency move, and is not the result of the recent F-16 negotiation. Taiwan wanted brand-new F-16 jets, which would have assured Fort Worth's Lockheed plant jobs for several years. Instead, the U.S. approved a contract to upgrade Taiwan's existing jet fighters. Siebert says the company and its current workforce are well prepared for any future contracts.
Senator Harris Won't Seek Re-Election
State Senator Chris Harris, from Arlington, will not seek re-election, saying he wants to concentrate on his law practice. Harris is the longest serving Republican in the Texas Senate - elected in 1991. His current term expires January, 2013. Senator Harris says he is endorsing Victor Vandergriff, former chairman of the North Texas Tollway Authority, as his successor. Vandergriff says he intends to run, and will make a formal announcement October 11th.
North Texas TV Legend Dies
Jerry Haynes, better known as "Mr. Peppermint" on Dallas television, has died. WFAA TV was home to Mr. Peppermint for 35 years. Officials at the station say Haynes died this morning from complications due to Parkinson's disease. Haynes was 84.
Dallas Police Seek Help To Find Missing Girl
Dallas Police are asking for help to find a 15 year old girl from West Dallas. Investigators say Alejandra Gonzales walked away from her home on Top Flight Drive Saturday. She suffers from diminished mental capacity. Police say she has a fascination with trains and has been located on a train in the past. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt, black pants, carrying a green backpack with a small skull emblem on the back. Police are classifying the case as a "critical missing person."