KTBB News, Weather, Talk

HOUSTON — Houston authorities arrested two suspects wanted in connection with an East Texas murder Sunday night. KETK reports Jason Stevens Rand (pictured), 31, and Oriel Jacinta Alexander, 21, are awaiting charges, according to the Houston Police Department jail records. The duo allegedly killed David James Cherry, 28, at a home in Marshall on Friday morning. He was found with a single gunshot wound to his head. Rand’s bail is set at $2,500 on a possession charge. No bail has been set for either suspect in connection to the murder.

VAN — Crews extinguished a day care center fire in Van Sunday, but not before considerable damage was done. The blaze at the Little Vandal Day Care Center on FM 314 appears to be accidental and started in a resource/store room in the center of the facility, according to authorities. The center suffered extensive fire, smoke, and heat damage and will be closed until further notice. Any parent needing information on the status of the day care center is urged to contact Julie Jackson at 903-590-0035. Day care center officials stated that they believe that they have contacted all the parents of children who are currently enrolled. The center has an enrollment that fluctuates between 50-60 children each day.

ANGEL FIRE, N.M. (AP/STAFF) — A preliminary report by federal investigators into the crash of a small plane in New Mexico that killed four people says the pilot was warned against taking off in windy conditions.

The single-engine plane crashed during takeoff in 55 mph winds on March 2 from a northern New Mexico ski resort in Angel Fire, 150 miles northeast of Albuquerque. The plane was headed to Dallas-Fort Worth following a family ski trip and killed two adults and two children, all from Texas. KETK and the Marshall News-Messenger report that two of the four victims were originally from the Marshall-Scottsville area, and the FAA says the plane was owned by a company in Scottsville.

WASHINGTON (AP) – A $406,000 federal grant will help Texas fund temporary jobs as cleanup and recovery efforts continue from devastating 2011 wildfires, including some in East Texas. The U.S. Department of Labor on Monday announced the latest National Emergency Grant that pushes the Texas total to more than $1.2 million.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency previously declared 32 Texas counties eligible for public assistance. The grant will help pay for continued recovery in Anderson, Bastrop, Bosque, Briscoe, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Colorado, Coryell, Edwards, Gregg, Hall, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Howard, Kimble, Leon, Marion, Menard, Montague, Morris, Navarro, Nolan, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Sutton, Upshur, Walker and Wise counties.

TYLER — Smith County is seeking public input and priorities from citizens on all county related services and issues, and a community input meeting is set for this evening. It’s the first in a series of such gatherings, and it’s for residents of Precinct 4. The meeting is at 6:00pm, at 304 East Ferguson Street.

The first five community input meetings will focus on individual precincts within the county. On Tuesday, April 9, the Community Input Project will conclude with a joint meeting for all precincts to attend and provide input. That meeting is also set for 6::00pm at 304 East Ferguson. Additionally, you can go to http://www.smith-county.com/ to find a short questionnaire, along with more detailed information about the Community Input Project. County officials plan to use the information gathered during the Public Input Project for the upcoming budget year and in long-term comprehensive planning.

TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful (KTyB) received the Keep America Beautiful (KAB) President’s Circle Award during Keep America Beautiful’s 60th Anniversary National Conference, which recently took place in Washington, D.C. The President’s Circle Award recognizes exemplary performance by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit in building and sustaining vibrant communities, according to a KTyB press release. In qualifying for a President’s Circle Award, Keep Tyler Beautiful has met the standards for excellence by conducting activities in three core focus areas of litter prevention, recycling and waste reduction, beautification and community greening.

KTyB Board Chair Phyllis Carlyle says she is very proud of this recognition and the work done by Keep Tyler Beautiful. “This award means a great deal to us,” Carlyle said. “It is great to be a part of making a difference in Tyler and this recognition is a welcome pat on the back for the board’s hard work.”

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

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform ditch-clearing work in various locations on Toll 49 between State Highway 110 near Whitehouse and State Highway 155 in Noonday. A second crew is scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 271 in and around its intersection of Farm Road 2015 just north of Tyler’s North Loop 323.

Elsewhere, crews are scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 849 between Lindale and Interstate Highway 20, and in various locations on Farm Road 346 between Farm Road 2868 in Flint and Farm Road 2964 (Rhone’s Quarter Road) near Whitehouse.

Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas. Looking ahead to the week of March 18, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to make pavement repairs in various locations on IH 20 between U.S. Highway 69 and Farm Road 14.

WOOD COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement and edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 49 northeast of Mineola, and on U.S. Highway 80 east of Mineola. A second crew is scheduled to perform edge work in various locations on Farm Road 2869 southeast of Winnsboro. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several weeks of base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 782 between Farm Road 1716 in Oak Hill and State Highway 149 near the Gregg County Line. A second crew is scheduled to continue spot resurfacing operations on State Highway 135 between Overton and Sexton City. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform spot-seal operations in various locations on Farm Road 349 in Lakeport between State Highway 149 and State Highway 322. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 2636 between Farm Road 3441 in Malakoff and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several weeks of resurfacing operations on State Highway 243 west of Canton, between State Highway 198 and Farm Road 47.

Elsewhere, a contract crew is scheduled this week to begin several weeks of base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 773 between Interstate Highway 20 and Ben Wheeler. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic. Looking ahead to the week of March 18, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to perform two days of pavement-texturing operations on IH 20 between Farm Road 1255 east of Canton and the Smith County Line.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 768 between Jacksonville and Gallatin, and on Farm Road 1910 between Farm Road 2138 south of Lake Jacksonville and Farm Road 347 in Dialville. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 2961 north of the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area, and on Farm Road 319 southwest of Elkhart. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ARP — A man arrested in a Smith County shooting has been re-arrested after the victim died. Richard Lee Hunt, 51, has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Tony Tillman, 53. Tillman, who had been hospitalized since the shooting last Tuesday, died Saturday at a Tyler Hospital. Hunt allegedly shot him in the neck and chest, then reportedly shot himself accidentally in the leg. The incident happened shortly after 6:15 March 5th at a residence in the 15000 block of Highway 135 near Arp.

Early last Wednesday morning, after receiving treatment for his wound, Hunt was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was booked into the Smith County Jail. Hunt was later released on bond. Hunt was re-arrested on the new charge of first degree murder and is now back in the Smith County Jail. State District Judge Jack Skeen set Hunt’s bond at $750,000.

Tillman’s body was sent to Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas for an autopsy.

TYLER — A driver for Tyler fire station number ten has been named as the city’s firefighter of the year. The award to Reese Hunt was one of numerous awards handed out last night at the 22nd annual Tyler fireman’s award banquet. Described as a good firefighter from his first day on the job, Hunt was praised for his integrity, motivation, enthusiasm and drive. A new award was presented last night. The first Firefighter Association Award went to Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.

TYLER — A Smith County home has been extensively damaged by fire. It was reported around 2:15 Saturday afternoon in the 6600 block of County Road 384, in northeastern Smith County. The fire is said to have started in the kitchen and quickly spread. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it may have been caused by an electrical problem. No one was at home when the fire started and no injuries were reported.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been charged with a string of armed robberies. Taken into custody was Corey Gaylon Champion, 19. Police say he stole or tried to steal money from workers at a Sonic Drive Inn on Gilmer Road, Chanel Stop and Go in the 500 block of Mobberly Avenue, and a shoe store in the 700 block of Estes Parkway. Champion is being held on bonds totaling $225.00. A companion with champion on one of the robberies remains at large.

TYLER — Texas College held its Fifth Annual Legacy Scholarship Fundraiser Friday night at Harvey Convention Center. There was a touch of Hollywood as the college honored “individuals and organizations who have given unselfishly of themselves for a better Texas College and a better city of Tyler.” This year’s honorees were Congressman Ralph Hall; B.J. Hornbostel, East Texas Regional Manager of United Heritage Credit Union; multifaceted businessman/volunteer H. Lanier Richey (posthumously) and his widow, Marilyn; the Rose City Civitan Club; and longtime educator/volunteer Dr. Bobby J. Stinson. The event also recognized 16 scholarship recipients who are students at Texas College.

For the third straight year, actor Danny Glover was on hand to offer his support for the college, as was actor, director, producer, and humanitarian Marc Gomes. Gomes keynoted last fall’s Texas College Convocation and served as honorary chair of Friday night’s event.

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) — January’s unemployment in Tyler has fallen from January a year ago. The Texas Workforce Commission reports Tyler’s jobless figure in January was 7.2%. A year ago it was 7.8%. Longview’s unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.2%. For Texas, January’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 6.3%. But that’s almost a full point lower than in January of last year. Officials say the jobless rate ranged from 3.4% in Midland to 11.6% in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area.

TYLER — Authorities issued a warrant for a Dallas man’s arrest Thursday after they say he skipped out on a life sentence. During a court break, Nicky Charune Agnew, 37, of Dallas, left the Smith County courthouse and never returned, according to Civil Coordinator Terry Cockrum. The 7th District Court called for a lunch recess at around 10:45am and resumed at 1:00. Judge Kerry L. Russell sentenced Agnew to life behind bars following a returned guilty verdict by the jury. KETK reports the convict had been in court for a possession of a controlled substance charge.

According to state law, if the defendant does not return during trial, the court is allowed to proceed. Agnew was not held by bailiffs because he had bonded out on $150,000. Cockrum stated Agnew had at least eight criminal prior convictions with the majority in Dallas County. Agnew remains at large. If you have information on his whereabouts, you’re asked contact your local authorities or the Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER — Officials with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office are looking for Rodrick Cridell Reece, 29, in conjunction with a Thursday afternoon shooting on County Road 1113 near Highway 155. A warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a warrant for unlawful possession of firearm by felon (3rd degree felony) have been issued for Reece, who also has multiple outstanding drug, alcohol, and traffic violations.

Reece is accused of shooting an individual during an altercation at the aforementioned location. An individual who was wounded is still being treated at a Tyler hospital. Anyone who knows the location of or has any information regarding Rodrick Cridell Reece is asked to call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600 or call any other law enforcement agency. Authorities say updates will be released as they become available.

Officials won’t confirm the victim’s identity, but KETK identifies him as Ricky Taylor. The station says Reece is Taylor’s cousin. The men, who were said to have been drinking, got into an argument. Reece is said to have left, and returned with a gun and shot Taylor in the stomach.

KENNARD — A woman accused of kidnapping two Houston County children has been arrested in Fort Worth. The children are safe. Bonnie Miller, the children’s grandmother, was arrested around 3:00 Friday afternoon in a home near where her car had been found. She is accused of taking Nevaen Kimora Simpson, 2, and Malik Simpson, 1.

According to a news release from the Houston County Sheriff’s Department, the children’s mother died in late December. Their father, who had custody of the kids, took them to the grandmother’s house to visit for Christmas. When he returned to pick them up, the grandmother refused to return them to their father. A court order was issued listing the father as the sole managing conservator. During the time when the court proceedings initiated and were being finalized, the grandmother fled with both children. She has been named in two felony warrants for kidnapping.

KILGORE — Multiple agencies worked together in the arrest of multiple East Texans during a drug ring bust Thursday. According to KETK and the Kilgore Police Department, authorities arrested Paul Bryan Jones, 44, and Carrie Hammer, 32, each of Kilgore. The two were caught at their home on FM 1252 in Kilgore. In addition to their arrest, agents seized methamphetamine, packaging material and drug paraphernalia from the home.

Hammer and Jones were charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Shelly Wiles, of Longview, Rickey Velin, of Mt. Pleasant, and Paul Knight, of Kilgore, were also arrested on drug charges.

MARSHALL — East Texas law enforcement officers are investigating a murder after they responded to a 911 call early Friday morning. According to the Marshall Police Department, at 1:27 a.m., dispatchers received a call about a man inside a house with blood on him, who would not come to the home’s door. When emergency crews arrived at the scene, they found a man with a single gunshot wound to his head. He was later identified as David James Cherry, 28. KETK reports Justice of the Peace Kenneth Alford pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Marshall Police Department is asking the public for any information on this homicide to please contact the Marshall Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 903-935-4540. Any after hour calls may be directed to MPD Dispatch at 903-935-4575 or Crimestoppers at 903-935-9969.

MARSHALL — Harrison County authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding a wanted suspect. KETK reports Dennis James Perry, 58, is sought over a warrant issued for criminal trespass. Perry is described as a white male, standing five foot eight inches, weighing 125 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Any information may be given anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 903-935-9969 or the Harrison County Investigators at 903-923-4000.

TROUP — Residents of Troup woke up to discolored water coming from their faucets Friday morning. KETK reports that according to City Administrator Gene Cottle, the coloration is not a reflection on the water’s safety. Historically, anytime the city uses well #1, which is a backup well, discoloration issues arise, due to the ground water being affected by the aquifer that is its source. Cottle says the water is safe and is tested according to the state mandates and meets all requirements that make it safe to drink. Since the issue came about, well #2, which was under renovations, is back in action, and normal operations have resumed. According to state law, the water from well #2 could not be used until it had been tested and approved by regulators.

LONGVIEW — Over the last several weeks, the City of Longview Environmental Health Department has received several calls regarding bats found primarily in the downtown area. Although none of the reported bats have tested positive for rabies, the Environmental Health staff encourages residents to be cautious when encountering the animals. “Thankfully, we have been able to trap and test several bats, and none of those had rabies. That said, citizens should always refrain from touching wild animals, especially those that appear sick or injured. In our area, bats, skunks, and raccoons are the most common carriers of the rabies virus, but we encourage caution when encountering any wild animal,” said Environmental Health Supervisor Buck Farrar.

If someone encounters a bat or other wild animal, that person should contact the Environmental Health Department at 903-237-1285. If the event occurs at night or during a weekend, contact the Longview Police Department non-emergency number at 903-237-1199.

Helpful Information about Bats:
* Bats flying overhead do not pose a risk for transmitting rabies. Rabies is transmitted when an infected bat bites or scratches a person’s skin.
* Never handle a bat.
* If a person is scratched or bitten by a bat, the Environmental Health Department advises that the exposed person begin treatment to prevent rabies as soon as possible.
* Residents are encouraged to periodically check attics and other quiet structures around the home. If bat roosts are discovered, pest control companies may assist with removal.
* Vaccinate your pets to protect them against rabies.
* Call the City of Longview Environmental Health Department if you encounter a bat or other wild animal around your home or place of business.

TYLER – Tyler ISD announces the 2013 Campus Teachers of the Year. According to a news release, “The Teacher of the Year program acknowledges the phenomenal dedication and success of our teachers and recognizes them for their contributions to the children of Tyler.” Each campus teacher of the year will be recognized at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet on Tuesday, May 14, at Harvey Convention Center. This year’s theme is “A Legacy of Caring.” During the banquet a District Elementary Teacher of the Year and a District Secondary Teacher of the Year will be named for the 2012-2013 school year.

The 2013 District Teachers of the Year will be eligible to be selected as the regional honoree. Regional honorees are eligible for two titles, Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor that the State of Texas can bestow upon a teacher.

The 2012-2013 Campus Teachers of the Year:
Elementary Campuses:
Erica Ramirez – T. J. Austin Elementary School
Andrea Gipson – Bell Elementary Global Communications Academy
LaTeh Franklin – Birdwell Elementary School
Derrell Broughton – Bonner Elementary School
Brenda Corley – Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs
Kemle Barroso – Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy
Karri Ohlhausen – Clarkston Elementary School
Cecilia Gonzalez – Dixie Elementary School
Ashley Green – Douglas Elementary School
Kim Whaley – Griffin Elementary School
Jennifer Phillips – Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School
Whitney Lamonte – Jones Elementary MST Academy
Embria Williams – A. W. Orr Elementary School
Regina Lane – Owens Elementary School
Rebecca Lewis – W. A. Peete Elementary School
Ruth Elmakiss – Ramey Elementary School
Vikki Mosley – Rice Elementary School
Theresa Moore – St. Louis Early Childhood Center
Oralia Hood – TARGET
Erica Miller – Andy Woods Elementary School

Secondary Campuses:
Michelle Grayson – Boutler Middle School
Aubrey Ballard – Dogan Middle School
Alacia Reid – James S. Hogg Middle School
Sarah Holzbauer – Hubbard Middle School
Lynnette Hadley – John Tyler High School
Kathy Miles – Moore MST Middle School
Gary Stracener – Plyler Instructional Complex
Elgin Johnson – Robert E. Lee High School
Rikkita Devers-Watson – A.T. Stewart Middle School

GRAPEVINE (AP/STAFF) — The nephew of former President George W. Bush headlines a local North Texas Republican fundraiser, along with one of the state’s most strident conservative voices.

George Prescott Bush is seen as a potential future star and the latest member of the Republican Party’s most prominent families to enter GOP politics. His father is former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and his uncle and grandfather are former presidents.

The 36-year-old Bush is to speak Saturday at the Denton County Republican Party’s Lincoln-Reagan dinner. The master of ceremonies is U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert of Tyler, an East Texas Republican and tea party firebrand.

Bush has crisscrossed the state and is raising money for a run at statewide office next year. Saturday’s event allows him to meet tea party voters critical in Republican primaries.

EAST TEXAS — Tyler is just one of several East Texas cities where sales tax revenue is up. According to KETK, that may be due to legalized alcohol sales. Tom Mullins (pictured) of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and Tyler Economic Development Council says it’s “pretty clear to us” that beer and wine sales are one of the biggest reasons for Tyler’s 8% sales tax spike over last March. Meanwhile, Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel is withholding comment; he says more info should be available in a few weeks on which sectors of industry subject to sales and use tax might be up. Noonday, located inside newly wet Smith County Justice Precinct 2, saw a sales tax revenue increase of over 45% from a year ago. Noonday Mayor Mike Turman says alcohol sales have helped his city more than he expected.

AUSTIN — Tyler State Senator Kevin Eltife is bucking his party and the state’s leadership. KETK reports that he filed a bill proposing a constitutional amendment to temporarily raise the state sales tax. Eltife wants the state to pay off billions of dollars in bond debt accrued by TxDOT. The half-cent tax would free up $1 billion a year now used for debt service. TxDOT could use that money to expand and maintain the state’s transportation system. TxDOT has said it needs $4 billion in additional money every year to maintain the state’s current level of congestion as the population continues to grow.

MARSHALL — Two persons are in custody, charged in the death of Bobby Joe Inzer of Hallsville in 2009. He had been shot to death. Harrison County authorities have arrested Thomas Dean Richardson, Jr. (pictured) and Harley Blake Vaughn. The two 20 year olds were originally detained in the case, but released after claiming self defense. But new evidence has led prosecutors to charge them with murder. Vaughn is being held on a $75,000 bond and Richardson’s bond is $50,000. The two were teenagers at the time of the murder. A hearing scheduled next month will determine if the two will be tried as adults.

TYLER — A Van Zandt County man man has pleaded guilty to possessing a short barrel shotgun. Michael Jack Callaway, 36, of Wills Point, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. Magistrate Judith Guthrie’s court. He is facing up to ten years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. A sentencing hearing date has not been set.

A federal grand jury indicted Callaway for the offense last November. He admitted that on August 22, 2012, members of the Van Zandt County Drug Task Force found a short barrel shotgun among numerous rifles, pistols, and shotguns, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition, during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Callaway must forfeit the seized weapons and ammunition to the United States Attorney’s Office.

TYLER — A 39-year-old Fort Worth, Texas man has been sentenced In Tyler federal court to 51 months in prison for drug trafficking violations. Ray Lee Ransom pleaded guilty on April 20, 2012 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute hydrocodone, alprazolam and promethazine with codeine. Ransom was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.

Federal prosecutors say from May, 2009 through 2011, Ransom conspired with others to purchase and distribute drugs. Ransom and his co-conspirators purchased these controlled substances at numerous pharmacies in cities located throughout the Eastern District of Texas and in other locations, utilizing fraudulent prescriptions. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on November 2, 2011, charging 5 individuals, including Ransom, with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute the drugs. All of the co-defendants have been sentenced.

TYLER — A 34 year old Fairfield man has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Victor Vasquez pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. Magistrate Judith Guthrie’s court. He is facing up to ten years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Vasquez admitted that on April 4, 2012 he was stopped by a police officer in Rusk for speeding. During the course of the stop, the officer determined that Vasquez had been drinking alcoholic beverages and Vasquez was arrested for DWI. Following the arrest, the officer inventoried Vasquez’s vehicle and found a 7.62×39 mm, semi-automatic rifle and ammunition for the rifle. The next day, a Rusk detective determined that Vasquez had a prior felony conviction in Kansas for Attempted Aggravated Burglary. A search warrant for Vasquez’s vehicle led to the discovery of a short-barrel, 12 gauge shotgun and a dozen 12 gauge shotgun shells under the back seat. Vasquez must forfeit the seized weapons and ammunition.

TYLER — For some 700 Tyler residents, power was out for a while yesterday. KETK reported the outage was near Loop 323 and West Gentry Pkwy. A blown transformer is believed to be the reason behind the outage.