Merkel Observer

03/12/2025

01/02/2025

From the Office of Chief Daniel Graziose Anson Police Department

Date: January 2, 2025

The Anson Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Joseph Tejeda, a 17-year-old male, who is suspected of being involved in a shooting that occurred on December 28, 2024, at the intersection of 4th Street and Avenue J in Anson, Texas.

An assault-style rifle was used in the shooting and has not yet been recovered. Tejeda is considered armed and dangerous and is charged with multiple felonies.

Suspect Description:
Name: Joseph Tejeda
Age: 17


Public Advisory:

We urge the public not to approach Joseph Tejeda if seen. Instead, contact law enforcement immediately.

If you have any information about Tejeda’s whereabouts or details regarding the incident, please contact the Anson Police Department at 325-823-3056 or submit an anonymous tip through the Jones County Dispatch Center at 325-823-4604.

It is important to note that harboring or aiding a fugitive is a crime under Texas law. According to Texas Penal Code § 38.05, a person commits the offense of Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution if they:

1. Harbor or conceal the suspect,
2. Provide or aid in providing the suspect with means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape or
3. Warn the suspect of impending discovery or apprehension.

This offense is classified as a felony of the third degree when the individual being harbored is charged with or convicted of a felony.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation in our efforts to ensure public safety and resolve this investigation.

08/02/2023

There will not be an edition this week as we did not have enough advertisers to cover printing. We have cut all the cost we are able to, color, and pages, but MUST have advertisers to continue and to add pages that we would like, puzzles, sports, school etc. That is farther down the road, if there is a road left to travel. Right now we just need advertisers to keep going.

Local newspapers are there to support the community and give back. We often hear that people will just post their business on Facebook, but Facebook does not support the community and often will block and screen post. Not everyone has Facebook and therefore, they often get left out of things.

Recently someone was upset that donations had not come in for a school supplies drive, something the newspaper would have helped donate to and promote. It was posted online, but nobody saw it. This is often the case as people have stopped following community pages due to drama and lack of facts.

The stories that appear in the newspaper are vetted so you know what you are getting has been checked out.

If you would like to see the Observer stay and grow we encourage you to advertise and support us so we can help support you.

08/02/2023

Our elementary art teacher, Mrs. Dixon, worked in the insane summer heat to create a beautiful mural on our campus!

Thank you Mrs. Dixon for your hard work to help beautify our campus!

💛🎨💜

07/31/2023

Shortly after 12:00 PM MPD was dispatched to Pioneer Court for a non-medical unattended death. Due to extended law enforcement presence at the scene, we want to ensure the public knows that there is no threat to public safety and at this time the investigations do not suspect any suspicious circumstances.

All next of kin has been notified. For privacy, the MPD is not going to disclose any further information. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this difficult time.

07/24/2023

It is with profound sadness that the family of Betty Joan Stamper of Abilene, Texas, announces her passing on July 16, 2023, at 1:28 AM at the age...

07/24/2023

URGENT LIST!

07/17/2023

MMS School Supply List 2023-2024 6th grade ELAR Math Science Tech Apps World Cultures 1- 5 subject spiral notebook 1- 1 inch binder 1- composition book 1- 2 inch binder 1- composition book 2- plastic three prong folder 1- package of dividers Package of sticky notes ...

07/14/2023

⚠️Weather Statement⚠️

Due to the ongoing heatwave and lack of rainfall, a Fire Danger Statement has been issued for our area.
Fire weather conditions will remain elevated through the first half of next week.

Please do your part to keep our community safe and take action to prevent wildfires.

For safety tips, refer to the Texas A&M Forest Service's wildfire prevention page https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/PreventWildfire/

07/13/2023

07/13/2023

07/12/2023

Please come out and join us. Friday, August 4, 2023, from 5 pm till 8 pm.

07/08/2023