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MARSHALL – A Harrison County attempted capital murder case has come to an end with the death of the defendant. The case against Merrill Harley Wickware, 80, was dismissed when he died of metastatic brain cancer. He had been accused of the January 26 shooting of Harrison County sheriff’s deputy Sgt. Duana “D.J.” Couch.

According to a news release from the sheriff’s department, Lt. Duana Couch was conducting an investigation regarding a court-ordered seizure of an RV on the property when she was shot. Her head was grazed by a shot from a 22-caliber pistol. She was treated and released from Good Shepherd Medical Center in Marshall. Authorities say the suspect barricaded himself in his mobile home but surrendered when other officers arrived.

TYLER – The chair and Chandler professor of computer science at The University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Stephen B. Rainwater, has been recognized as a recipient of the 2010 – 11 President’s Volunteer Service Award, Dr. James Nelson, College of Engineering and Computer Science dean, announced. He was granted the silver medal for his work of more than 250 voluntary services hours on behalf of educational technology.

A UT Tyler faculty member since 1982, Rainwater currently serves on the International Society for Technology in Education Board of Directors as the computer science representative. In this role, he contributes towards the society’s focus on providing leadership and service to improve teaching, learning and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in the K-16 environment. As a subcommittee co-chair, he provided leadership in the revision of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards for secondary computer science teaching certification.

LONGVIEW – Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center has delivered a baby that has set the hospital’s weight record. The picture from the Longview News-Journal shows JaMichael Brown Johnson shortly after he was delivered by Cesarean section. Doctors had predicted he would weigh around 12 pounds. But, when he arrived at 9:05 Friday morning he tipped the scales at 16 pounds and one ounce. Mother and son are doing well.

TYLER — At least for now, Tyler police are treating a burned body case as a possible homicide. Shortly after 4:30 Friday morning, Tyler Fire, Police, and EMS responded to a reported house fire at 1005 West Lollar Street. Authorities say the residence was fully engulfed in fire upon arrival of fire units. Observers at the scene told officials that the house had just been leased and that no one was living in it. The owner of the residence confirmed that the house had been rented and that the tenant had not fully moved in yet. Fire-fighters fought the fire for one hour and 24 minutes and advised that the fire was under control at 6:02 a.m.

At 7:35 a.m. the Tyler Police Department was notified by a family member of the owner of the residence that they had located a body inside a storage closet inside the residence. The family member was searching the residence for salvageable items when they discovered the body. Investigators from the Tyler Fire and Police Departments, and the Smith County DA’s Office responded to the scene and are currently conducting an investigation. The body has been identified as Leon Kentrelle Heard, 26. Heard was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers. Judge Beavers has ordered an autopsy, and the body is being transported to Southwest Forensics in Dallas.

The Tyler Police Department is taking the lead in this investigation and treating it as a possible homicide until evidence indicates otherwise. Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this, or any, felony case.

MARSHALL – A federal jury in Marshall has convicted a Big Sandy couple of federal income tax violations. Timothy J. Patton, 61, and his wife, Dawn G. Patton, 54, were found guilty on July 7 of conspiracy to attempt to evade federal income tax and five counts of attempting to evade federal income tax following a 3-day trial before U.S. District Judge T. John Ward.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2000, the defendants stopped filing federal income tax returns and began insisting that their employers not withhold any federal income tax. Each provided false W-2s to their employer, claiming that each was single and exempt from income tax. They also had their employers begin issuing paychecks to the Office of the Patriarch of the Gathering of the House of Israel, an entity created by Timothy Patton using an invalid Employer Identification Number. The Pattons would regularly refuse to provide a Social Security number to their employers. The defendants, who insisted on being referred to as Brother T and Mimi, claimed that they were not the individuals named in the indictment. The guilty verdict on all counts was reached after approximately 3 ½ hours of deliberation.

The Pattons each face up to 5 years in federal prison for each of the six counts. A sentencing date has not been set.

WASHINGTON – Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert is targeting President Obama in the wake of the unemployment report issued by the U.S. Department of Labor Friday. Gohmert says, “In order to create jobs for the American people, Washington must stop spending money it does not have. A meager 18,000 American jobs were created in June, but if you look hard at the adjustments, we actually lost 26,000 jobs. This number is staggering and significantly below market expectations. Unemployment continues to climb and is at 9.2% and Senate Democrats have now failed to pass a budget for 800 days. This is truly unacceptable.

“Sadly, this June jobs report does not come as a surprise. However, it proves one thing – President Obama’s big spending habits have by no means aided job growth in the United States. His massive spending spree has only made this job crisis worse. It’s time to implement policies that work. It’s time to find a way to employ the 14.1 million Americans looking for work. With 28 straight months of national unemployment at or above 8 percent, we cannot just be satisfied with the status quo. In order to get America back to work and grow this economy, we must ease the debt that creates uncertainty among job creators.”

QUITMAN — Wood County Sheriff’s Officials say that Benjamin “Bennie” Edward George turned himself in to authorities just before 3:45 Friday morning. George was wanted for the reported rape of a 62-year-old Mineola woman. The assault occurred early Wednesday morning at a home on County Road 2270.

HUDSON — Two people are behind bars after an undercover drug sting just west of Lufkin. An Angelina County sheriff’s investigator went undercover in a FedEx truck Wednesday to a Hudson home along the 100 block of Stone Drive. After searching the house, authorities say they found 37 grams of mushrooms and some marijuana, along with two children who authorities say had easy access to the drugs. That’s where they arrested Torrence Haley, 33 and Jessica Simone Jamison, 24. Both are charged with possession of marijuana and a controlled substance.

TYLER — Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham Friday presented the Tyler Police Department a check for $22,242. The funds will be used to purchase 16 tasers, two pieces of tactical body armor, two tactical shields and crime scene lights.“We are very fortunate to have such a great working relationship with the Smith County District Attorney’s office,” said Tyler Police Chief Gary Swindle. “The cooperation between our organizations allows us to equip our officers with the most up-to-date law enforcement equipment and provide our community with the highest level of policing.”

“I am happy to present this check to the Tyler Police Department, to help them purchase the necessary equipment to keep their officer’s safe as they continue to do an outstanding job protecting us, Bingham said. This is money seized by the District Attorney’s Office from criminal offender’s, not taxpayer money. “It is very satisfying to seize money from criminals and turn it over law enforcement to be utilized in protecting them and our community, from those who commit crimes in Smith County,” Bingham said.

TYLER — One person has been arrested and another is being sought in connection with a vehicle burglary. It happened around 4:00 Friday morning in the 500 block of Eisenhower Drive. While checking the area, officers located two individuals matching the description of the suspects and carrying a black bag. The suspects fled on foot when they noticed the police but officers were able to apprehend a juvenile. Stolen property was found in the bag and the juvenile was charged with one count of burglary of a vehicle. He was released to his grandparents. Officers managed to identify the suspect that fled and warrants for evading arrest and burglary of a vehicle have been issued for him.

KILGORE — A Kilgore woman was jailed Thursday morning after police said she threatened her common-law husband with a kitchen knife. According to arrest reports, Juanita Ann Strong, 36, remained jailed Thursday on bonds totaling $2,000, charged with assault causing bodily injury and terroristic threat. Police were dispatched to the home in the 3300 block of FM 1252 about 2:15. He told authorities that Strong hit him in the face with her fist repeatedly and threatened to cut his throat with a kitchen knife after a verbal argument. Police said witnesses at the scene confirmed the victim’s testimony.

MINEOLA — Union Pacific officials are estimating cleanup to take up to a week after a Wednesday morning derailment near Mineola. According to Union Pacific spokeswoman Raquel Espinoza, crews from Fort Worth are bringing special equipment to the westbound track running along CR 2790 west of Mineola. She said it would take about a week for the site to be cleared. Once the site has been cleaned up, UP officials said they would be able to investigate what caused the 23 cars to derail. Authorities said there were no injuries reported and no hazardous materials spilled in the incident. Espinoza said she was checking with authorities to find out whether the rail had been opened.

TYLER – The race for District 6 in the Texas House has become contested. Tylerite Matt Schaefer announced yesterday he will run in the Republican primary for the post now held by Leo Berman of Tyler. Schaefer said his campaign will be aimed at the core functions of Texas government. He says, “We have to get better at the basics.” Schaefer went on to say, “Like Washington, there is always a strong tendency in Austin to do more and take more, as in more regulations and more taxes. I believe Austin should do less and take less.”

Schaefer made his announcement at Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive. “When I think about whether or not to pass a new law, I’m going to think about the Stewart family business. Will the Stewarts have less freedom under this law? Will their jobs be harder? Will they have to pay more taxes? The answers to these questions will be very important to me,” Schaefer said.

Schaefer is a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve and recently returned from a tour in western Afghanistan. He is currently the East Texas Regional Director for U.S. Senator John Cornyn, but will resign from that position to focus on the election and to pursue private business interests. Schaefer has a law degree and has prior legislative experience working as a policy advisor to the chairman of the Sunset Commission during the 81st Legislative Session. He is married to Jasilyn Schaefer, who directs the Tyler Jr. College Apache Belles.

TYLER – The City of Tyler’s sales tax revenues deposited for the month of July have increased 2.66% as compared to July 2010, resulting in a 3.4% cumulative year-to-date increase. According to figures from the state comptroller’s office, the reported revenue of $2,601,235 is comprised of $1,734,157 general sales tax revenue and $867,078 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from May 2011 collections as there is a two-month lag before taxes are reported and remitted back to the City from the State.

“We are monitoring sales tax revenues closely to see how they are trending in preparation for the 2011-2012 budget proposal,” explained City Manager Mark McDaniel. A proposed budget will be presented to the city council August 10th. “Thus far we have seen slow and steady growth in our revenues; which is a promising sign. However, we will remain cautious in our budgeting to ensure we are able to balance our budget moving into the next fiscal year.”

The city took aggressive steps in 2009 and 2010 in response to the economic downturn, freezing as many as 140 vacancies and curtailing spending to ensure expenditures did not exceed revenues. “The steps we took in the last two years have positioned us well as the economy slowly recovers,” added McDaniel. “Had we not tightened our belts and made tough decisions then, we would still be struggling in the next fiscal year.”

TYLER — A 63-year-old Christianburg, Virginia man has pleaded guilty to child pornography violations in East Texas. Charles Abner Richey, Jr. pleaded guilty Thursday to coercion and enticement of minors before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie. Richey faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to information presented in court, from April 19, 2011 to May 5, 2011, Richey used a computer to communicate with a minor in an attempt to engage in sexual activity. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on June 2, 2011, charging Richey with federal child pornography violations.

TYLER — The intersection of West Ferguson and Bois D’Arc has temporarily been converted to a three-way stop. The existing signals will be replaced with new pole foundations, poles, electronics and wiring as part of the Downtown Signal Modernization Project.

Stop signs for all three approaches have been erected on poles and these conditions are expected to continue for up to two or more weeks. Drivers are encouraged to drive safely and use caution while workers are present.

MANGUM, OKLA. (AP) — An Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agent continued his testimony in the trial of a former warden’s wife accused of helping a prisoner she allegedly fell in love with escape. Agent Richard Williams testified Thursday about evidence collected from a mobile home where Bobbi Parker and Randolph Dial were found in 2005. KFOR-TV reports that the evidence consisted of letters and cards that were exchanged between the two, including a letter in which Parker wrote that the Dial may be in the last chapter of his life. Greer County prosecutors allege Parker helped Dial escape from the Oklahoma State Reformatory in 1994. Parker’s attorneys say Dial held her hostage until she was rescued at a Campti, Texas, chicken ranch, in Shelby County. Defense attorneys say the letters Parker wrote were a survival tactic.

HENDERSON — A Henderson meat processing plant has until August 15 to correct violations of city health codes or face additional fines, City Manager Mike Barrow said. Sadler’s Smokehouse on Frisco Street was cited and fined $14,000 this past week for two health code violations. One had to do with a nauseous odor emitting from the business, and the other was the unauthorized discharge of wastewater, Barrow said. “We’ll have another day in court if these problems aren’t remedied by the middle of next month,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of complaints from residents and business owners near the property about how bad the smell is.”

James Reed, president and CEO of Sadler’s, said the company is working with the city to resolve the problem and expects to meet the deadline. “We had an engineering study commissioned as soon as we became aware of the problem and will begin construction this week on rebuilding the retaining wall of the lagoon that needs to be fixed,” Reed said. Sadler’s has hired 7-H Construction of Tyler to supervise the renovations, Reed said. Total cost of bringing the plant into compliance with the city codes will be about $100,000. “We’re trying to do it better this time around than the original construction, so that we won’t have a repeat of this problem,” Reed said.

Some of the violations were discovered as the result of routine inspections by city health inspectors, while others were investigated as the result of specific complaints called into city offices, Barrow said. “This is a long-established business, and we understand its importance to the local economy, but we have environmental laws in place and they must comply the same as any other individual or business,” Barrow said. Sadler’s has been in business in Henderson since 1948. The company expanded and relocated in 1984, and opened the 300,000-square-foot processing plant on a 40-acre business site.

HENDERSON — Residents of Henderson will have a chance to vote on two alcohol-related referendums in November. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. A petition drive by the Henderson 1st Committee collected more than enough valid signatures to place the measures on the ballot, Rusk County Elections Administrator Kathie Wittner said Wednesday.

One initiative would allow the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption, which would allow grocery and convenience stores to sell beer and wine but would not permit packaged liquor sales. The second would allow for the sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders, which would permit restaurants to serve mixed drinks without a private club license. Wittner plans on bringing the matter before the Rusk County Commissioners Court at its Aug. 8 meeting. The court must call the election.

Claudia Morgan-Gray, one of the proponents of the proposition, said she’s excited about the response the petitions generated. “We haven’t encountered any kind of strong or organized opposition to our proposals,” Morgan-Gray said. Mayor J.W. “Buzz” Fullen said he is remaining neutral on allowing alcohol sales in the city.

TYLER – A two-alarm fire has extensively damaged a home 2103 Glass Avenue. It was reported shortly before 5:00 Wednesday afternoon. The homeowner arrived at the house to find it on fire. Tyler fire investigators believe the fire started in the living room near an air conditioning unit. One person was transported from the scene to an area hospital for an unrelated medical issue.

TYLER — One person has been arrested following a report of a woman being assaulted on the campus of U.T Tyler. Shortly before 9:15 Tuesday night, she was jogging on Varsity Drive at Old Omen Road when the assault occurred. The woman told officers a man grabbed her and attempted to drag her toward the tree line between Old Omen Road and parking lot 7. The man began groping the victim’s vaginal area and breasts. The victim screamed several times. A passing motorist noticed the incident taking place and slowed down. At that time, the offender released the victim and ran from the scene toward parking lot 7.

The University of Texas at Tyler police have arrested in the case Dearion Deshon Dews, 19. He was booked into the Smith County Jail last night on the charge of attempted sexual assault. His bond was set at $100,000 by Judge Randall Rogers. Neither the victim nor the suspect are U.T. Tyler Students.

According to U.T. Tyler Police Chief Mike Medders, “A University of Texas at Tyler police officer located an individual near the scene of the crime matching the description given by the victim. Evidence was obtained in relation to the offense, and the suspect subsequently confessed.”

TYLER – In a couple of months there will be a vacancy in the Diocese of Tyler. Bishop Alvaro Corrada has been appointed Bishop of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Bishop Corrada, who has been in Tyler ten years, will be leaving in September. The post will remain vacant until Pope Benedict XVI names his successor.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police are warning people to be on guard against telephone scams. These scams include calls from people pretending to work for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), or other law enforcement agencies. The caller will contact the victim and explain they are with an agency. They then tell the victim that if they do not pay them money immediately, usually several hundred dollars they will be arrested.

The Longview Police Department reminds citizens not to give out any pertinent information over the telephone. If someone contacts them they need to hang up the phone and contact the police immediately. Anyone can be a target of these scams.

TYLER — Police in Tyler are following up on an incident involving a two traffic accidents and a shooting. Shortly after 12:15 Yesterday afternoon, Tyler Police received a 911 call about a person being shot. A neighbor stated that the victim, who had been shot in the face, was in her driveway in the 8300 block of Garrett Drive. Investigators at this time believe that the shooting was self-inflicted; however, it is unknown if it was accidental or intentional. The victim has been identified as Brandon Laird, 28. Laird is listed in critical condition but is expected to live. The incident is currently under investigation. Police say further details will be released when available.

Tyler Officers assigned to the shooting on Garrett Drive were responding with emergency lights and siren. Just before 12:30 Officer Kerri Long notified dispatcher she had been involved in a collision in the intersection of Grande and South Broadway. Officer Long was traveling south bound on South Broadway and entered the intersection with her emergency equipment on. A pickup traveling east bound on Grande entered the intersection and collided with the passenger side of the patrol vehicle.

Officer Long, a nine year veteran of the Tyler Police Department, was transported to East Texas Medical Center by East Texas EMS. She was last listed in good condition with minor injuries, and her release was pending. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured and was released at the scene.

Tyler Police Officers also investigated another accident at the same location involving three vehicles. A vehicle stopped at the intersection for the officer’s accident and was struck from behind by a vehicle. That vehicle in turn was struck from behind by a third vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The collisions remain under investigation.

CLARKSVILLE – A murder suspect, who at one time was thought to be heading for Tyler, has been arrested. Joseph Quelon Harris, 30, surrendered early Wednesday morning at the Red River County Sheriff’s Department. He was the object of a state-wide alert in connection with the Tuesday morning murder of his uncle, John Harris. Authorities have released no further information about the case.

MANGUM, Okla. (AP) – A defense attorney has asked a 12-member jury to find the wife of a former prison warden not guilty of helping a convicted killer escape almost 17 years ago. Defense attorney Garvin Isaacs made the request Wednesday as he wrapped up his opening statement in the Oklahoma trial of Bobbi Parker. Parker is accused of helping Randolph Dial escape from the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite in August 1994. Parker’s husband, Randy Parker, was deputy warden of the prison at the time. Isaacs says Bobbi Parker was drugged, kidnapped, beat and repeatedly raped by Dial while they lived in Texas for more than a decade. They were discovered at a Shelby County, Texas, chicken ranch in 2005. Prosecutors allege Bobbi Parker fell in love with Dial and helped him escape.

TYLER – A Gregg County man has been sentenced in Tyler federal court to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Nathan Lee Hogan, 20, of Gladewater, pleaded guilty on November 30, 2010, to possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison yesterday by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to information presented in court, from December 1, 2008 to June 5, 2009, Hogan purchased 203.52 grams of cold pills containing pseudoephedrine with intentions to manufacture methamphetamine. Hogan was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 6, 2010 and charged with federal drug trafficking.

MINEOLA — More than twenty train cars left the track Wednesday morning during a derailment about seven miles east of Mineola. Union Pacific Railroad officials said that no one was injured and no hazardous materials were spilled. Twenty three cars were on the ground after the incident, which occurred between 3:30 and 4:00am on the portion of track running along County Road 2790. Ronnie Burgess of Union Pacific’s mechanical department said the cause of the derailment had not been determined. “Until we start getting the pieces picked up we really don’t know what we’ve got,” Burgess said. He said the cars, which began derailing from the fourth car after the engine, included sand hoppers, empty tankers and carloads of paper. “Nothing hazardous” was in any of the cars, Burgess said.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview seek four people who injured a homeowner during a vehicle burglary. On Sunday at 2:42 a.m., officers responded to a vehicle burglary in the 1200 Block of South Fredonia Street. Upon arrival, the victim told Police she heard voices outside her home. The victim went outside and observed four black males. One of the suspects was in her vehicle, and she described him as a heavy set or muscular black male, approximately 27 to 30 years old, wearing blue athletic shorts with a white shirt on his head. The other three suspects were described as being between 14 and 17 years old. All were of a thin build and were wearing blue shorts. These three had white t-shirts on their heads as well.

The victim stated she hit her car panic button and yelled at the four to get away from her car. She heard a gunshot, felt something hit her near her eye, and fell to the ground. She heard several more shots and realized the suspects were shooting a BB gun in her direction. At that point she called the police. The victim was taken to a local hospital for non life threatening injuries.

The Longview Police Department encourages anyone who witnesses a crime to call the Police and not put himself, herself, or anyone else in harm’s way. If you have any information on this crime you are encouraged to call the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199. Information may also be reported anonymously by contacting Gregg County Crime Stoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.com or calling 903-236-STOP.

LONGVIEW — Three retailers are cited during the latest Longview alcohol sting effort. On July 1, the Longview Police Department, partnering with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and Longview Partners in Prevention (PIP), conducted off-premise minor stings at area retailers to validate compliance with Texas law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors. Of 28 retailers checked, police say three sold alcohol to the undercover minors. The locations that allegedly sold to minors were:

1. 408 N Spur 63 “A” – Mi Casita
2. 102 Lehigh – The Butcher Shop Inc.
3. 4208 Loop 281 West – Longview Bingo Center

At these locations the individuals who allegedly sold alcohol to the undercover minor were listed in offense reports for “making alcohol available to a minor.” This offense is a class “A” misdemeanor, and the reports will be filed with the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. In addition, the TABC issued and administrative citation or citations to each business.