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TYLER — Tyler Junior College officials have dedicated a wing of the Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas Residential Complex in memory of a former Apache Belles director. The Eva Saunders Wing was dedicated in honor of the woman who served as Belles’ director from 1963 to 1976. The wing is located on the Ornelas complex’s fourth floor, which is occupied by the entire Apache Belles line.

Private donations for the dedication were raised by fundraising chair and former Apache Belle Mary Boles Blitch, a member of the precision dance team from 1948 to 1950. All gifts were placed in the TJC Belle Heritage Endowment. “The quintessential ‘Steel Magnolia’, Eva Saunders guided the Apache Belles in all aspects of life, manners, dress, speech and community participation,” Blitch said. “With Eva’s impeccable appearance, soft voice and genteel manner, she molded many ‘country girls’ into presentable young ladies.

During Eva Saunders’ tenure, the Apache Belles were the only college dance drill team to perform during televised halftimes for the Dallas Cowboys; and through this exposure, the group gained a worldwide reputation for excellence.

The Al Gilliam Wing and Mildred Stringer Lounge are also located on the Apache Belles’ floor and named in memory of the Belles’ former choreographer and director, respectively.

TYLER — Police in Tyler say a man arrested for indecent exposure is a registered sex offender. Shortly after 9:00 yesterday morning, officers responded to the French Quarter at 4500 S. Broadway in reference to a suspicious person. Officers were advised that a man in a black older model Dodge Stratus was exposing himself. The complainant wrote down the license plate number that was displayed on the Stratus. Investigators were able to determine that the vehicle was registered to a sex offender. They confirmed that the registered sex offender’s files listed this vehicle as belonging to him. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Daniel Michael Swed, 53, of Tyler. They located Swed at his place of employment, which was documented in his sex offender registration file. Swed’s alleged offense is a class B misdemeanor. His bond has been set at $15,000.

NACOGDOCHES — A six-month undercover drug investigation by the Nacogdoches Police Department has resulted in charges being filed against ten defendants. According to police reports, NPD began the arrests Wednesday morning. Officials say the investigation targeted street-level narcotics trafficking within the city. At last report, seven of the defendants had been arrested. The arrested suspects and charges are:

– Jerry D. Holcomb, age 44, of Nacogdoches, Delivery of a Controlled Substance
– Bryant D. Gilyard, age 43 of Nacogdoches, Delivery of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
– Rodney Woodson, age 33 of Nacogdoches, Delivery of a Controlled Substance
– Jerome R. Murchinson, age 23 of Nacogdoches, Delivery of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
– Jeffrey R. Gates, age 36 of Nacogdoches, Delivery of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
– Anthony D. Garner, Jr., age 21 of Nacogdoches, Delivery of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
– Maxie Deckard, 31 of Nacogdoches, Delivery of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)

Three suspects remained at large. All were wanted on charges of Delivery of a Controlled Substance:

– Mongo J. Fite, age 36 of Nacogdoches
– Trevosky Freeney, age 20 of Nacogdoches
– Kiara K. Raindle, age 21 of Nacogdoches

TYLER — Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials left the scene of the China King restaurant on Broadway in Tyler Thursday afternoon after several hours of employee questioning. Employees say nobody was taken into ICE custody, and all employees complied with investigators. The restaurant was closed for the rest of the day. During the raid, ICE released a statement that said, “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with U.S. Homeland Security are conducting an ongoing investigation, which the China King is a part of because it is ongoing. No further details can be released at this time.” Tyler police assisted in the raid.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A Lufkin truck driver died in an accident Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 78 in Greenwich Township, Pa. According to KETK, Wiley “Thad” Russell, 58, was pronounced dead at the scene after his rig crashed and rolled, according to a Pennsylvania Law Enforcement crash report. Russell was eastbound in northern Berks County near the Lehigh County line when his 2010 Freightliner struck the embankment and lost control around 1:30 p.m., the report stated. The rig then rolled on the driver’s side, coming to rest in the middle of the highway blocking both left lanes.

According to television station WFMZ out of Allentown, Pa., initial reports from the scene were that Russell was trapped in his cab and semi-unconscious. State police troopers told WFMZ Russell died on the scene a short time after the crash. The station reported State Police were not sure whether Russell died from injuries sustained in the crash or from a medical condition.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin man has been arrested for allegedly robbing a cab driver. Justin Woodall, 28, is charged with aggravated robbery. Authorities say Woodall called the cab company asking for a ride. The owner of the cab company reportedly picked Woodall up and drove him to a driveway on Sayers Street. That’s when Woodall allegedly grabbed the driver’s neck from behind at knifepoint. Fortunately, the driver was able to get away safely. Close to $150 was reportedly taken from the center console of the cab.

LONGVIEW — The family of the good Samaritan killed trying to help a state trooper is seeking damages. The family of Trent Hepler filed a lawsuit against Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company and the driver of the truck carrying a trailer. Family members believe both are responsible for Hepler’s death. The 32-year-old Hepler was hit and killed on November 2 after he stopped to help the trooper during a wreck in Longview..

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Van Zandt County Precinct One Commissioner, Ricky LaPrade was arrested early Thursday morning for DWI, unlawful carry of a loaded weapon, and resisting arrest. Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Officials say LaPrade was taken into custody by a Canton K-9 officer in the parking lot of a Whataburger restaurant around 1:15. The commissioner has since been released from jail.

LUFKIN – After three hours of deliberations, a jury has found a Lufkin woman guilty of duct taping her children and beating them with an extension cord. Kathy Taylor, 38, was convicted of four counts of injury to a child and three counts of unlawful restraint. She headed back to court Thursday for the punishment phase of her trial.

AUSTIN (AP) — Republican Representative Leo Berman of Tyler is portraying his bill that would make English the official language of Texas as a cost-saving method. Presenting his bill before a House committee on Wednesday, Berman claimed the measure would save the state millions since it would only print things in English. The state comptroller did not produce a fiscal note on the bill, but Berman touted the amount of paper and effort that would be saved under his proposal. But opponents are skeptical.

Luis Figuera from the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, argues that the legislation isn’t about saving money but is aimed at the immigrant population. Berman’s bill was one of several bills targeting undocumented workers being discussed Wednesday evening.

LONGVIEW – A temporary restraining order is being sought to keep Gregg County from extending its lease with Good Shepherd Medical Center. The injunction was filed on behalf of Diagnostic Clinic of Longview and one of its physicians, Dr. Andrei Gasic. The Longview News-Journal reports that the plaintiffs claim the county’s lease with Good Shepherd Medical Center to occupy county owned property is void — and ask that a proposed extension Good Shepherd is requesting be voided unless certain steps to allow more public input are taken.

AUSTIN (AP) — A bill that would make it a felony to touch someone in an intimate place during a routine search has moved to the full House for debate. The proposed law is aimed at people conducting security checkpoints at airports and public buildings. The bill makes it a crime to intentionally touch someone’s groin or breasts, even through clothing, unless the security officer has probably cause to believe that person is carrying something illegal. House Bill 1937 was authored by state Representative David Simpson, R-Longview, and is co-sponsored by 54 other state representatives. It could place federal workers at jeopardy of prosecution for conducting so-called enhanced pat-downs.

HENDERSON (AP) – A 20-year-old East Texas woman gets an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole after a jury convicted her of capital murder in the sexual assault and beating death of her infant daughter. A Rusk County jury found Jesseca Carson guilty Wednesday of capital murder in the December 2008 death of her 13-month-old daughter, Amora. Carson’s boyfriend, Blaine Milam, has been sent to death row for capital murder in the death, which Carson believed was an exorcism. Prosecutors didn’t seek a death sentence for Carson, saying she encouraged, promoted or assisted in the crime. Defense attorney Don Killingsworth told jurors that Milam dominated Carson, convincing her that a demon dwelled inside her daughter. Killingsworth said Carson thought Milam was helping her child and didn’t think he would hurt her.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are still on the hunt for suspects in a cash register burglary last month. Just before 7:45pm on March 24, officers were dispatched to Academy Sports located at 445 Forest Square. Upon arrival, store managers told the officer that one of their registers had been broken into and approximately $1,100 in cash and checks was missing from that register. After reviewing the video, officers learned that there were at least three people involved in this theft. Officers observed a black male open the register with an unknown object while a black male and a black female stood by as look-outs. The three suspects then left the location in an unknown silver car.

LONGVIEW – Two men are being sought in a Longview armed robbery. It happened around 1:00 Wednesday morning in the1200 block of South High Street. The victims told officers two black males had come into their residence and demanded money. At least one of these suspects was armed with a handgun and both were wearing all black. One of the robbers had on a ski mask and the other had a bandana over his face. The victims stated the suspects took cash and other personal items and ran out the door of the residence and toward Family Dollar store. No injuries were reported.

LUFKIN — Lufkin police are looking for a bandit who got up close and personal with a cashier. Security footage caught a man coming up behind an employee counting money from a cash register. The man grabs the money from the employee’s hands and runs off.

LONGVIEW — A lawsuit filed against several Longview firefighters is dismissed. Former Fire Chief Michael Pruitt filed the lawsuit against the officers of the Longview Professional Firefighters Association and two other organizations. He claimed the organizations did not help him in his fight against the city. The lawsuit was dismissed after Pruitt failed to file the correct paperwork. Pruitt, who was fired over a year ago, claimed his firing was racially motivated.

TYLER — During its meeting on Wednesday, the Tyler Development Authority received a presentation on the state of parking in the downtown area and unanimously approved a proposal from Walker Parking Consultants to provide functional design alternatives for a downtown parking garage. The parking study was conducted in an area of approximately 12 city blocks in downtown Tyler generally bordered by Locust Street to the north, Fannin Avenue to the east, Elm Street to the south, and Bois D’Arc Avenue to the west. The study is a preliminary step in improving downtown parking and comprised three components: a parking supply and demand study, a parking alternative analysis, and a preliminary financial analysis.

Findings from the study show that available parking in downtown meets current demand; however, officials say that as redevelopment efforts continue downtown, parking demands will quickly exceed the existing supply of parking. To guarantee that the amount of parking available in downtown continues to meet demand as the city grows, Walker Parking Consultants has recommended building a multi-level parking structure with between 300 and 400 spaces. Walker Parking Consultants will now begin work designing a parking structure that will be built at the corner of Elm Street and Broadway Avenue. It is anticipated that this phase of the project will take approximately one month to complete.

“With the all of the exciting redevelopment projects planned for downtown, like Liberty Hall and renovations to the Lindsey Building, it is important to ensure that we are adequately planning for all aspects of this growth,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “The proposed parking structure will provide parking to a variety of downtown patrons and will make sure that there is ample parking to support future development in the downtown area.”

The Tyler Development Authority was created by the Tyler City Council to provide services to the TIRZ Number Two Board on an as needed basis. Board members include the Tyler mayor and city council and representatives from other governmental entities participating in the Downtown TIRZ (Commissioner JoAnn Hampton from Smith County and Trustee Mike Coker from Tyler Junior College). Such services include hiring consultants to plan projects, hiring contractors to implement improvements, and paying for such services from available TIRZ Number Two funds.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has unanimously approved the purchase of a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station and two residential solid waste trucks that utilize this fuel. These purchases are the first phase of a pilot project that will move part of the city of Tyler’s fleet from unleaded and diesel fuel to CNG fuel. If this project is successful, officials say, each year the city will add additional vehicles and equipment that operate on CNG under the regularly budgeted vehicle replacement plan.

According to a city news release, the initial cost of CNG fuel shows a consistent yearly cost of $2.00 per gallon versus what the city is currently paying, which has recently been as much as $3.26 per gallon for unleaded and $3.44 per gallon for diesel fuel. At the conclusion of the pilot program, according to officials, the city will be able to obtain an additional 50-cent credit on CNG fuel from the federal government, reducing the cost from $2.00 to $1.50 per gallon.

“This pilot program to start moving the city’s fleet to alternative fuel is just another example of how the city is utilizing innovative and environmentally friendly ways to save money,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “CNG vehicles have a history being environmentally friendly by utilizing cleaner fuel as well as showing less wear on vehicle engines, creating longer vehicle lifespans.”

HALLSVILLE — Hallsville ISD Superintendent Greg Wright is on a paid leave of absence after his late-night evaluation by trustees Monday. But no one Tuesday was saying how long he will be gone or whether he will be back, although his contract runs through June 30, 2013. The school board took no action Monday after emerging after midnight from a three-hour closed-door assessment of the superintendent, district spokeswoman Carol Greer said Tuesday. “At this time, I am requesting to take a personal leave of absence — effective immediately,” Wright said. Details of Wright’s mid-semester departure were not available Tuesday. Greer said only that Wright requested the immediate hiatus and it is paid. “He will be out of the office for I don’t know how long, immediately,” she said. “He’s not in today.” Deputy Superintendent Paula Rogers is in charge of district operations at this time, Greer said.

LONGVIEW — Eastbound Longview-area Interstate Highway 20 traffic had to be diverted onto Texas 31 after a crash involving a tractor trailer. Shortly after 4:00 yesterday morning, a tractor trailer carrying groceries hit a parked minivan causing a fire. According to Longview Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary, there was no one in the minivan when the wreck occurred. Fire crews extinguished the fire but officials remained on the scene for a while. Elderville/Lakeport and West Harrison Volunteer Fire Departments responded along with the Longview Fire Department.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is set for sentencing tomorrow morning in the 2009 shooting death of another Longview man. Brandon Quadnell Horne, 31, pleaded guilty November 17 to killing Kelvin Muckleroy, 33, before setting fire to Muckleroy’s home on Chappell Street. Horne could be sentenced from five and 99 years or life in prison, and fined up to $10,000. He is scheduled to appear at 10:30 Friday morning at the Gregg County Courthouse.

TYLER – Acting on a tip, Smith County authorities have uncovered illegal dumping and a business has been charged in the case. They received the tip a couple of weeks ago that items had been illegally dumped at Madfos Metals. They’re located north of Tyler off U.S. Highway 271.

On Tuesday the business was served with a search warrant. A backhoe was brought to the property and authorities began digging. They say they found more than 1,000 pounds of illegally buried items on the back of the property. The business has now been charged with commercial illegal dumping which is a state felony.

COMMERCE – A student at Texas A&M University-Commerce has been diagnosed with tuberculosis. According to a news release from the school, Student Health Services at the school will provide screenings to some students. University officials say the individual is no longer on campus, and does not pose a continuing threat to the community. Some students, however, may be more at risk if they’ve been in contact with the infected individual for a prolonged time or in a confined space.

School officials say the university is working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services to investigate and monitor the incident. “We’re notifying all the students, in addition to the faculty and staff that were in contact with the student,” said Maxine Mendoza-Welch, a physician’s assistant and Student Health Services manager. “We know which classes the student attended, and the student is no longer on campus.”

Those with a believed high risk of exposure are required to visit the Health Center on the Commerce campus Tuesday, April 19 for a free screening. No appointment is necessary. It was not immediately clear how many students will need to be screened. Students will be asked to return to Student Health Services on Thursday, April 21 for test results.

“This [testing of students] is mandatory,” said Dr. Tom Selvaggi with Live Oak Professional Center in Commerce. “There’s no reason for public hysteria. It’s the appropriate thing to do, and it’s the correct protocol to be followed to make sure that if someone has been exposed to it they get the appropriate treatment.” According to Dr. Selvaggi, the infected student was diagnosed at a heath facility in Dallas and the university was later informed by the Hunt County Health Department.

TYLER — The Smith County Chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting a reception this afternoon for Dave Sanderson. He was the last person to leave the US Airways plane that was forced into frozen waters in the emergency landing that was to become known worldwide as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Red Cross officials say Sanderson was largely responsible for many others making it out safely.

Today, Sanderson is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, with over 150 speaking engagements in the U.S. and Canada, and has been invited to speak in Europe. He is a contributing author to the book, “Brace for Impact,” a compilation of survivor stories of the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the reception. The reception will be held at the Smith County Chapter office located at 320 East Rieck Road in Tyler from 3:30 p.m. until 4:15 p.m.

Red Cross officials say Sanderson is a firm supporter of the American Red Cross, having made it home from the crash with the sweatshirt and pants given to him by the local Red Cross. Smith County Red Cross chapter staffers invite you to join them for punch and cookies and a chance to meet Sanderson. For further information regarding this or any other Smith County Chapter events or programs, you can contact Linda Edwards at 903-581-7981.

TYLER — A memorial to the 227 children who died of abuse and neglect in Texas in 2010 will be displayed from 9:00 to 11:30 this morning at Tyler’s Broadway Square Mall as part of National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in April. The Memorial to Abused and Neglected Children was created by Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). According to CASA spokespeople, its purpose is to bring awareness about the epidemic of child abuse and neglect and children who die because they are not in safe, loving homes. The memorial is on a four-day, eight-stop tour through East Texas. The stop in Tyler is sponsored by CASA for Kids of East Texas.

LUFKIN (AP) – Two more men have been charged over the alleged rape of a 16-year-old East Texas girl on a mattress in a yard during a party. Angelina County Sheriff’s Department records show three suspects, including a father and son, were jailed Tuesday, while a fourth man was freed on $100,000 bail. All are charged with aggravated sexual assault over the March 5 incident. Adrian Moreland of Lufkin was released Monday. Jail records did not list an attorney for the 17-year-old defendant. Moreland and Timothy Joseph Headley, 21, of Lufkin were arrested Friday. Headley’s bond is $100,000, with no attorney listed for him. Deputies earlier arrested Clinton Johnson Sr., 53, and Clinton “Bubba” Johnson Jr., 17, both of Hudson. The party was at the son’s home. The underage girl allegedly drank alcohol.

TYLER — Pilgrim’s Pride and Feather Crest Farms team up to donate more than 118,000 eggs to the East Texas Food Bank. It’s the fourth year in a row United Egg Producers and Feeding America’s network of food banks have joined hands. Egg farmers nationwide are donating nearly 12 million eggs; they’ve donated more than 50 million across the country since 2008. According to East Texas Food Bank staff, “Fresh eggs are always a prized item for food banks due to their dense nutritional and high protein content, but they are also one of the hardest categories for food banks to acquire. The partnership here in Texas and throughout the nation will help feed more than 50 million men, women, and children in America who are at risk of hunger, up significantly since the beginning of the recession in December 2007.”

TYLER — The East Texas teen accused of shooting and killing his sister Amanda Anderson back in September at their parents’ Chapel Hill house, has had another hearing. Monday, Nate Anderson was back in court at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center for a routine hearing, where lawyers told Judge Floyd Getz Anderson has been a model detainee. Judge Getz ordered Anderson to remain in custody and set another routine hearing for April 25th. The hearing that will determine whether Anderson will be tried as an adult is pushed back to May 9th.

TYLER – Tyler police are looking for a Hispanic male in the attempted robbery of the Allstate Insurance offices at 4719 Old Bullard Road. It happened around 5:15 Monday afternoon. Employees told officers the man entered the business and displayed a handgun, demanding money. After being told that there was no money on the premises, the suspect then fled the scene on foot.

The suspect was described as a clean shaven Hispanic Male, 5’10” tall, 230 – 240 lbs., wearing a backward facing baseball cap with red brim, Ray Ban style sunglasses, gray sweat shirt and dark gray basketball shorts. He was armed with a silver handgun with white grips. The suspect spoke fluent English with no accent.