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LONGVIEW — 78-year-old Elbert Pannell has been found alive and well, according to authorities. He walked away from his residence on Flenniken Street in Gladewater (Liberty City area) at about 8:00pm Sunday and had last been seen walking on Old Highway 135. Authorities announced he’d been found shortly after issuing a missing persons bulletin this afternoon.

LONGVIEW — All Longview adult softball games scheduled for Monday were called off after Hensley Park was found to be vandalized. City officials tell KETK several electrical boxes were broken into and the wires were cut to the lights on the field. The City is waiting for electrical contractors to assess the damage before they can estimate the cost. The games will be rescheduled for a later date. If you have any information about this incident, you are urged to contact Longview Police.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Cherokee County authorities have arrested three men after executing a narcotics search warrant. Sheriff’s investigators executed the warrant Friday at the residence of Johnny Ray Birdwell (pictured), 63, located just outside the Reklaw Community in Eastern Cherokee County. Detectives Fred Butler and Michael Goff obtained a search warrant for the residence after conducting a lengthy narcotics investigation into the alleged sale of narcotics by Birdwell. The search warrant was executed at approximately 3:00pm on Friday afternoon. A total of $1,333 was seized, as were approximately 5 oz. of crystal methamphetamine, packaging materials, and other drug paraphernalia, according to officials. Birdwell, Brandon Wade Coats, 44, of Rusk, and Donald Ray Guinn Jr., 41, of Jacksonville were arrested at the scene.

All three suspects were charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 (Greater than 4 grams, but less than 200 grams), which is a first degree felony. Birdwell is currently on parole for a previous felony conviction, and will most likely be served with a parole violation in the coming days. Guinn was also charged with Possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 (Less than 1 gram), which is a first degree felony. Detectives say they located stolen property at the residence, which resulted in a second search warrant being obtained and executed later on the same day. According to authorities, more charges are possible and will be filed as the investigations are completed.

CANTON — Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers has authorized $800 in rewards for tips that led to the recent arrests of three people, including a Dallas man who has been charged with theft of a firearm from a Van Zandt County homeowner. The Dallas man was arrested at his home. Another reward approved was a $400 payout for a tip that resulted in the arrest in Henderson County of a Van Zandt County man wanted on a warrant related to an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. There was also a $200 reward for the arrest of a Fort Worth man wanted in connection with a theft in Van Zandt County.

“Three people who needed to be in jail are now, thanks to our latest anonymous tip callers,” said Andy Flowers, president of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers. “We are happy to give out rewards, especially when it takes criminals off the streets and makes all of us safer.”

Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers gives rewards of up to $1,000 for anonymous tips that lead to arrests of criminal offenders who have either allegedly just committed a crime or who are wanted on warrants. The Crime Stoppers tip line number is 903-567-STOP (567-7867). Crime Stoppers is hosting a fund-raising golf tournament at Van Zandt Country Club in Canton June 8. More information about Crime Stoppers is available at http://www.vanzandtcrimestoppers.org or on Facebook. For information about the June 8 golf tournament, call 903-848-0163.

SMITH COUNTY — A gas leak was repaired Monday near John Soules Foods on Farm Road 14 in Smith County. KETK reports the crew that was working on the line accidentally busted it. John Soules was evacuated as a precaution because it was nearby. Farm Road 14 was blocked off to prevent any sparks that might occur. Roads were reopened by late yesterday morning, and employees returned to business as usual. There were no injuries reported.

JACKSONVILLE — A well-known Jacksonville eatery sits empty today, destroyed by fire. KETK reports that firefighters worked for hours Sunday to put out the blaze that destroyed Yum Yum restaurant on Main Street. While authorities say the fire started at around 12:30 Sunday morning, the flames continued until late in the afternoon. Jacksonville Fire Department Captain Randy Ragsdale said, “It’s not safe to put anybody inside because of the danger of collapse so we’re just trying to put in all the water we can with the ladder.”

While no one was in the restaurant at the time of the fire, the loft above the restaurant was a different story. Only one of the loft’s three residents, Jeral Kopelow, was home, but escaped safely. Kopelow says right before the fire started he heard what sounded like two small explosions from the back of the building. Because of the severity of the fire damage, firefighters say they may never find out what started the flames. Captain Ragsdale explains, “I would say at this point it’s going to be hard to determine what started the fire” The one thing that is certain: Yum Yum will be missed. This restaurant had a history of donating food to emergency shelters such as Hope: Helping Others Pursue Enrichment.

TYLER — Early voting got underway Monday in the May elections throughout Texas. In East Texas, voters will be deciding on a number of items and candidates. The most prominent in Smith County: a bond election in Tyler ISD. The bond proposal would create a career and technology center that offers cosmetology and health science classes. It also calls for the renovation of Dixie and Rice Elementary Schools and building three new middle schools.

Smith County officials want you to know about their new location for casting early ballots: 302 E. Ferguson, just two buildings east of the previous location in the Courthouse Annex. Officials say the new facility offers customers ample parking, ground-level entry, and a spacious early voting area.

Early Voting Hours For the May 11 Election in Smith County:
· April 29th – May 3rd: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
· May 6th – 7th: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For additional information concerning the May 11 Smith County election or early voting, visit the Elections page at http://www.smith-county.com or contact the Smith County Elections Office at 903-590-4777.

LONGVIEW — The next City of Longview Election will be Saturday, May 11. Early voting began Monday, April 29. Voters from Districts 5 and 6 will elect council members, and voters from all districts will decide three propositions.

For City Council, Richard Manley is running unopposed in District 5, and Sidney Allen is running unopposed in District 6.

Voters from all districts will decide three propositions. Proposition 1 pertains to legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption. If the proposition passes, grocery and convenience stores in the historically dry areas of west and north Longview would be able to sell beer and wine, but not hard liquor. Proposition 2 pertains to a City Charter amendment to require a filing fee or petition for mayoral and city council candidates. Proposition 3 pertains to a City Charter amendment to change the residency requirement from six months to twelve months for mayoral and city council candidates.

For information about City elections, visit http://www.LongviewTexas.gov or contact the City Secretary’s Office at 903-237-1080.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin teen has been arrested and charged with DWI and evading arrest. Booked into the Angelina County Jail was Christina T. Luna, 19. KETK reports was driving down the road and when police flashed their lights on. Luna did not stop when the officer tried to pull her over. After being stopped, authorities reported her breath alcohol content was .15, nearly twice the legal amount.

LONGVIEW – This week, East Hawkins Parkway will be under construction from Airline Road to Eastman Road (US 259). Traffic will be reduced to two lanes for street maintenance and overlay work. Street work will continue on Hawkins Parkway through the week. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes.

This project is being constructed by Cutler Repaving of Lawrence, Kansas. If you have any questions related to construction please call the City’s Project Manager, Alton Bradley, at 903-237-1067.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

ANDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews on Monday and Tuesday this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs in the northbound outside lane of SE Loop 256 in Palestine in front of Palestine High School. A second crew is scheduled to make edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 19 between Frankston and Neches. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Also this week, traffic lanes will shift on Friday throughout the U.S. Highway 79 expansion project between Palestine and the Trinity River. Motorists are encouraged to use caution while navigating the new lanes.

KILGORE — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform spot-resurfacing work in various locations on Farm Road 2204 between U.S. Highway 259 and Pentecost Road. Once that work is complete, crews will move to perform edge work on US 259 between the south end of the Kilgore Bypass and Farm Road 850 in Rusk County. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zones.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 2661 between the railroad crossing south of State Highway 31 and Pine Cove. A second crew is scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on NB U.S. Highway 271 in and around the intersection with Farm Road 2908. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

Also this week, work has begun on the project to widen the shoulders of Farm Road 14 between Interstate Highway 20 north of Tyler and Farm Road 16 in Red Springs. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes to avoid delays on this project.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 80, beginning Monday between Edgewood and State Highway 19, then moving to perform the same work in various locations in and around Grand Saline. Meanwhile, a second crew is scheduled to perform spot resurfacing operations on Farm Road 16 in Van. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 782 between U.S. Highway 259 in Henderson and Farm Road 1716 in Oak Hill. Then on Thursday, weather permitting, crews will begin several weeks of resurfacing operations on Farm Road 782 between Farm Road 1716 in Oak Hill and State Highway 149 near the Gregg County Line. Also this week in Rusk County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to perform edge work on US 259 between Farm Road 850 and the Kilgore Bypass. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zones.

WOOD COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make pavement and edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 779 northwest of Mineola and perform spot-resurfacing operations on Loop 564 in Mineola. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 1911 east of U.S. Highway 69 near Wells. A second crew is scheduled to make edge repairs on Farm Road 13 between Troup and State Highway 42 in Price in Rusk County. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin several weeks of pavement-repair operations on U.S. Highway 175 between SE Loop 7 in Athens and Farm Road 804. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man convicted of murder 23 years ago will be free by summer. KETK reports the victims were a husband, his wife, and their toddler son. In April of 1984, Jerry and Brenda Morgan were found murdered in their home in Longview. Jerry had been shot multiple times. Brenda was shot once in the back of the neck and bled to death. Their 22-month-old son Devin had been held with one hand by the killer, and shot once in the face.

The case went cold until 1990, when the former wife of longtime drug dealer Alvin Kelly told authorities about the crime. Kelly was in jail on another murder conviction. He was convicted of the murder of the boy and given the death penalty. His accomplice, Ronnie Wilson, who was there but didn’t pull the trigger, was given 66 years.

KETK spoke with District Judge David Brabham in Longview, who was DA at the time. He only said they chose not to seek death for Wilson, but wouldn’t say why. Kelly was executed in 2009, still saying he didn’t commit the crime. And now, Wilson is about to be given parole. Lori Kubecka was 10 at the time of the murders of her uncle and his family. “I just don’t feel that he served enough time. We’re living through this daily,” she says. “If you’re helping with a murder, I don’t care who’s doing it. you’re just as guilty.”

GRESHAM — Nearby residents say they are not shocked over a fatal wreck last Thursday on FM 2813 in southern Smith County. Authorities say it happened after one driver — the one who was killed — failed to yield right of way. One resident tells KETK, “A lot of people out here don’t usually stop either. So I’m expecting a big accident outside of my house.” Some say the small roads seem to have a high accident rate. Smith County Sheriff’s Office PIO John Moore says, “Some of these intersections might not be as marked as when you’re traveling in the city. When you’re in the city you have red lights and things that call your attention more than you do in the county, so it’s twice as important when you’re in the county that you pay attention to oncoming traffic.”

Officials say 29-year-old Omar Saucedo died Friday. The accident happened at the intersection of FM 2813 and County Road 128. A pickup towing a trailer driven by Scott Pope, 43, of Hawkins, was traveling westbound on the farm road. According to state troopers, a white SUV driven by Saucedo was eastbound on the farm road when it turned left, failing to yield right of way to the oncoming pickup. The pickup struck the SUV as it turned in front of it. Both vehicles fell into a nearby ditch, and the SUV caught fire. A passerby managed to extinguish the flames before officials arrived on scene.

Pope remained in critical condition at Mother Frances hospital in Tyler. His two passengers were listed as having non-incapacitating injuries and taken to ETMC and Mother Frances. Saucedo was initially listed as having critical injuries and taken to ETMC. Officials say he was wearing a seatbelt. His passenger was listed as having non-incapacitating injuries and taken to ETMC.

PALESTINE — A three-vehicle accident in Palestine has left one person dead. According to KETK, Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., police were called to the intersection of Loop 256 and Martin Luther King Blvd. During investigation police were able to find that a truck with a trailer was traveling southbound on Loop 256 when a van traveling westbound on MLK pulled into the path of the truck. The impact of the truck pushed the van onto MLK, where it hit a car. The drivers of the car and van were taken to a local hospital. The driver of the van was later taken to another local hospital for further treatment. A male passenger in the van was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The name of the man has not yet been released pending notification of family. The cause of the accident is still being investigated.

PALESTINE — One person is dead following an early Sunday morning traffic accident in Palestine. KETK reports that just after midnight, police officers responded to the scene on Crockett Road at Oakland Street. They found that a young man was walking down the street and was hit by a truck. The man, who has not yet been identified, was said to have been northbound. A truck was traveling northbound in the outside lane of travel. The man was struck by the truck as he walked along the roadway.

Members of the local fire department and EMS arrived on scene to treat the victim. The victim had serious injuries from the impact and died at the scene. Justice of the Peace Carl Davis pronounced the young man dead and ordered an autopsy be conducted at the medical examiner’s office in Tyler. The driver of the truck was not injured; officials say name of the truck driver will not be released at this time. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, including why the victim was in the roadway.

The driver of the truck has cooperated with police concerning the accident, according to authorities. There was also another person walking with the victim at the time of the accident. Police have talked with this possible witness in an attempt to piece together what took place. Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Lynn Hubert is assisting with the investigation. Officials say additional information will be released when it comes available.

TYLER — One person has been killed and three injured in a vehicle-horse crash Thursday night in Smith County. Officials say it happened around 10:20 p.m. on Highway 31, 8/10 of a mile east of Tyler. A Dodge Neon driven by 22-year-old Jose Espinoza-Gallegos of Tyler was traveling westbound and struck a horse. Espinoza-Gallegos was pronounced dead Friday. He was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Two passengers were injured and listed in fair condition. The third person injured, also a passenger, was a minor on whom officials are not offering any details.

TYLER — A man has died following a Thursday accident in southern Smith County. Officials say 29-year-old Omar Saucedo died Friday. The accident at the intersection of Farm Road 2813 and County Road 128 was reported around 12:15 Thursday afternoon. A pickup towing a trailer driven by Scott Pope, 43, of Hawkins, was traveling westbound on the farm road. According to state troopers, a white SUV driven by Saucedo was eastbound on the farm road when it turned left, failing to yield right of way to the oncoming pickup. The pickup struck the SUV as it turned in front of it. Both vehicles fell into a nearby ditch, and the SUV caught fire. A passerby managed to extinguish the flames before officials arrived on scene.

Pope remained in critical condition at Mother Frances hospital in Tyler. His two passengers were listed as having non-incapacitating injuries and taken to ETMC and Mother Frances. Saucedo was initially listed as having critical injuries and taken to ETMC. Officials say he was wearing a seatbelt. His passenger was listed as having non-incapacitating injuries and taken to ETMC.

LONGVIEW — A known Longview gang member pleaded guilty Wednesday to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in the 124th District Court, according to the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, the DA’s office says sentencing for Timothy Earl “Trump Money” Johnson, 31, has been reset to an unknown date. Johnson is an active member of the 300 Davis Street Gang, according to the district attorney’s office. Johnson faces two to 20 years in prison when he appears before District Judge Alfonso Charles for sentencing.

KILGORE — Two Longview men were arrested Thursday near the Kilgore College campus after police say they found them in possession of multiple controlled substances. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Timothy Cloninger and William L. Blair, both 20, were arrested about 3:30 a.m. in the 1100 block of Broadway Street, Kilgore College police said. The men share a Longview address, according to police reports. The college said neither was a student.

After stopping the two men after they departed a restaurant, an officer saw what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette inside their vehicle. Blair told him it was K2, an illegal form of synthetic marijuana, the report said. When the officer searched the vehicle, he found six types of prescription drugs in a backpack. Cloninger and Blair were each charged with six counts of possession of a dangerous drug and booked into the Gregg County Jail. Blair was being held under bonds totaling $12,000. Cloninger was being held under bonds totaling $30,000.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Three teens are arrested in Van Zandt County after a burglary gone wrong. It happened along CR 4821. Deputies tell KETK a couple of youths kicked in the door of a house but then ran away after spotting the law. The boys were caught a short time later. Deputies arrested a third teen who they believe was involved.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District has named Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun, President, UT Health Northeast, as the 2013 winner of the W. T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. He was recognized for his commitment to improving public health, addressing health disparities, and advocating for public health at the local, state, and national levels.

According to the health district’s announcement, For more than 30 years Dr. Calhoun has served as a physician, educator, researcher, and administrator. As President of UT Health Northeast since 2002, Dr. Calhoun understands that quality of life is directly related to the health of our population and he knows the public health importance of access to care. In an era of nationwide provider shortages, 80% of the family medicine physicians trained at UT Health Northeast remain in Texas, and the majority stay in our community. This is a testament to Dr. Calhoun’s focus on improving the health of our community through improved access to care.

The “Doc” Ballard Award is the District’s highest accolade for outstanding service contributing significantly to the enhancement of public health. Doc Ballard, a registered professional engineer for the Texas Department of Health and mentor to NET Health, was a leader in protecting the health of the public. His expertise and administrative skills ensured the environmental controls crucial to the quality and safety of public drinking water and public food service; the proper disposal of wastewater and solid waste; and the monitoring of radiation.

AUSTIN (AP) — Charter schools in Texas would have to offer the pledge of allegiance or a moment of silence each day under a bill given preliminary approval by the House. The measure overwhelmingly passed Thursday but not without friction. Republican state Representative David Simpson of Longview wanted to soften the language from asking students to “recite” the pledge to doing so “freely without coercion.”

Simpson is among the most prominent tea party members in the Legislature. He told the House that although he supports students saying the pledge, the U.S. Constitution “requires that we not compel people.” Lawmakers quickly lined up to block Simpson’s amendment. Republican Marsha Farney said her bill doesn’t compel charter-school students to say the pledge but merely gives them the opportunity.

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas Senate has voted to place new restrictions on spending from the state’s Major Events Trust Fund, which is typically used to help stage large sports events such as car races or Super Bowls. The Senate bill would bar the state comptroller from pledging money from the fund before all program requirements are met. The bill also prevents money from being spent before the event is held. It also limits how much could be spent on structural improvements to stadiums, such as a new roof or scoreboard.

Lawmakers have been scrutinizing the fund since Comptroller Susan Combs pledged to spend $250 million to help stage the Formula One car race in Austin, which began in 2012. The bill by Greenville Republican Senator Bob Deuell now goes to the House.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin woman didn’t go easily when police tried to arrest her during a Wednesday night disturbance in the 600 block of Weaver Avenue. Officers say Marquita Shamica Higgins, 30, was the one causing the disturbance. As they started to arrest her, she is said to have assaulted several officers, who had to use a taser on her to get her under control.

Higgins is facing a variety of charges; assault on a public servant, resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance between 1 and 4 grams. She was also said to have had some outstanding municipal warrants out on her.

HUNTSVILLE (AP) – A Texas inmate has been executed for fatally shooting one of three people he and a partner abducted during a Rusk convenience store robbery nearly 11 years ago. 29-year-old Richard Cobb received lethal injection Thursday evening for using a 20-gauge shotgun to kill Kenneth Vandever in a field where two women also were shot and one was raped. The punishment was carried out after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a last-day appeal. Cobb’s lawyers contended a prison expert gave false testimony at Cobb’s trial in 2004 that tainted his punishment. State attorneys argued the testimony was accurate and the appeal was a meritless attempt to delay the execution. It’s the fourth execution this year in Texas. Cobb’s partner, Beunka Adams, was put to death a year ago.

TYLER — A former Tyler photographer has been arrested on child exploitation charges. Todd Fleming, 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17 and charged with 24 counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography. The offenses are said to have occurred while Fleming lived in Tyler. He now lives in McKinney.

Fleming went before U.S. Magistrate John D. Love in Tyler for his initial court appearance on Wednesday. According to the indictment, from 1999 to 2007, Fleming coerced or persuaded minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of photographing such conduct. The victims were said to be from 12 to 17 years of age. Federal authorities say at least 8 victims have been identified and confirmed and they may be additional victims.

KAUFMAN (AP) — Investigators are combing for evidence in a vehicle they suspect was used in the January slaying of a North Texas prosecutor. A search warrant affidavit released Wednesday says the silver 2001 Mercury Sable was found at a Dallas wrecking yard. Workers said it had been towed from a self-storage complex where Eric Williams (pictured) had a storage unit rented for him. Owners of the complex said the car was abandoned there.

The vehicle resembles one witnesses said was used in the killing of Kaufman County prosecutor Mark Hasse. He and District Attorney Mike McLelland won a theft conviction of Williams, costing Williams his justice of the peace position and law license. Williams and his wife, Kim, are charged with capital murder in the slayings of Hasse, McLelland and McLelland’s wife, Cynthia.

MARSHALL — A Marshall man who died shortly after being shocked with a stun gun by Marshall police is said to have died from phencyclidine (PCP) toxicity. That was the coroner’s ruling in the death of Marcus Dewayne Slade, 32. A Harrison County grand jury has no billed officers in the case.

The incident started on January 4th when police responded to a disturbance call near the intersection of East Houston Street and Scoggins Street in Marshall. According to a police statement, officers were confronted by an uncooperative nude black male. A struggle ensued and the man was tased. Slade was shocked and arrested and taken to the Harrison County Jail. Officials said an ambulance was called a short time later when Slade was found unresponsive. He was pronounced dead by Harrison County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Kenneth Alford. He died three days before his 33rd birthday.

LONGVIEW — Texas Department of Transportation officials Thursday announced they would keep the Martin Luther King overpass at I-20 in Longview closed until further repairs could be made to the structure. “We never gamble with the safety of the traveling public,” said TxDOT Tyler District Engineer Randy C. Hopmann, P.E. “We are in the process of initiating a contract to make the necessary repairs to re-open the structure as quickly and safely as possible.”

Local TxDOT engineers closed the overpass early Monday morning as a safety precaution after an 18-wheel truck ran off the roadway, then burned underneath the overpass. A Mississippi woman died in the wreck. Engineers from TxDOT’s Bridge Division inspected the site the following day and informed the Tyler District Thursday morning of their findings and subsequent recommendation that the overpass should remain closed pending repairs.

“This will be handled similarly to other bridge-hits we’ve had along Interstate 20 and elsewhere,” Hopmann added. “Our goal is to get this work done quickly and safely, and get the overpass re-opened to traffic as soon as possible.” There is no timeline for the work to begin, or estimate on the potential cost, but officials say plans for the repairs are already underway.

KILGORE — Kilgore officials say they have determined through investigation that a previously reported robbery at Dr. Sam Fino’s Clinic on North Henderson Boulevard on March 26 did not occur. Police say the robbery was staged by two clinic employees along with two other parties. One clinic employee, Mikela Veronica Zermeno, 21, of Longview, was arrested on April 24 for False Report to a Police Officer, a Misdemeanor. The second employee, identified as Cierra Cheri Ballard, 23, of Rusk, is still being sought by police due to an active warrant for False Report to a Police Officer. Two additional arrests are also anticipated along with additional criminal charges for theft of money from the clinic.