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HENDERSON — Two known gang members are being sought by Rusk County authorities on a variety of charges. They’re asking for the public help in locating Taurus Trevion Roberson, (pictured) 21, and Jamarion Miguel Houston, 20, both of Lufkin. Roberson has 13 warrants out for him and Houston has four. The two are wanted for theft of a firearm, burglary of a vehicle, credit card abuse and abuse of the elderly. If you know their whereabouts you are asked to contact the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office at 903-657-3581 or Rusk County Crime Stoppers at 903-655-8477.

LUFKIN (AP) – An endangered jaguar has been born at an East Texas zoo as part of a breeding program called the Species Survival Plan. The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin on Thursday announced the birth of the male cub. The jaguar was born Aug. 20 and named Balam, which is the Mayan word for jaguar. The animal weighed 1 pound, 6 ounce at birth, but has since grown to about 2 pounds. A zoo statement says the parents are 8-year-old Seraphina and 3-year-old Kabah. Zoo experts are tending to the cub because the first-time mother was not nursing her offspring and the newborn required special attention. The cub is not yet on public display.

TYLER — Smith County Extension Agent Keith Hansen is retiring. Hansen, who has served nearly 30 years as an Extension Horticulture Agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, with 23 years in Smith County, he is retiring at the end of this month. Hansen said he felt like now is the right time to retire in order to spend more time with family and to try out new ventures. He will continue his business of creating and maintaining websites for businesses, while keeping his hand in the horticulture world, consulting and speaking when asked. He said he is also going to try garden coaching, giving guidance to do-it-yourself gardeners. He plans to continue blogging and is developing his new website, http://easttexasgardening.com and is contemplating writing a book. Continue reading Smith County Extension Agent Retiring

LONGVIEW — Three Longview police officers, on administrative leave following a shooting, have been identified. They are are Dustin Ashworth, John Delgado, and Armando Juarezortega. Officer Delgado has been identified as the one who fired his gun, wounding Joshua Kennon Thomas, 17. Thomas was said to have been hit several times. He is hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries. Continue reading Officers in Longview Shooting Identified

LONGVIEW — One Longview neighborhood had two shootings in less than 24 hours Tuesday. According to KETK, police think it’s all about drugs. They say one person has life-threatening injuries after a shooting around 9 p.m. near the intersection of Mobberly and Idylwood. Police report it was a robbery; three people in a car included the man who was shot. The man they believe to be the shooter was outside the car. Officer Kristie Brian says, “After talking to the victim as well as the other two people…the exact shooting address is unknown at this time. Apparently they were down there in that area looking for things they probably shouldn’t have been looking for…and…it ended up being a robbery.” Brian says one section of town is not any more dangerous than any other; it just depends on what people are doing in a given area. Police ask that you contact them with any information.

HENDERSON — An East Texas man is wanted by the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly evading arrest. KETK reports Jamie Dale Walker, a registered sex offender, is also wanted by the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office for contempt of court. If you have any information on Walker call Rusk County Crime Stoppers at 903-655-8477 or the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office at 903-657-3581.

LONGVIEW — Good Shepherd Health System, which has been struggling to achieve financial viability and meet federal standards, is seeking an affiliation with a non-profit health care system. The Longview News-Journal report members of its boards were given the news Tuesday evening. Steve Altmiller, president and CEO of the Longview-based hospital system, told hospital staff in a message Wednesday morning the move is intended to allow Good Shepherd Medical Center and its affiliates in Marshall, Kilgore, and elsewhere to continue providing community-based health care. The benefits, he said, would include the resources, experiences, and skills available in a larger health system. It also would provide financial resources needed for the hospital to make needed improvements, according to Altmiller. Continue reading Good Shepherd Seeks Partner for Health System

TYLER — The City of Tyler announced Wednesday that Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), a major health care organization, has chosen Tyler over multiple competing locations as the site of its new medical business office support facility. In addition to the already existing 120 jobs currently filled in FMCNA, the facility will add between 300-350 more new jobs to Tyler’s economy, according to a city news release. Mayor Martin Heines says in the release that the addition will be “in line with the goal of the Industry Growth Initiative.” Heines adds that the goal “was to capitalize upon Tyler’s strengths,” including the community’s strong medical industry, to bring well-paying jobs to Tyler. Continue reading New Job Development Coming Soon to Tyler

AUSTIN — Palestine resident Doug Lowe has been sworn in as commissioner of the Texas Lottery Commission. Lowe was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott August 10 but was constitutionally required to take the oath of office before assuming his duties. His term is set to expire Feb. 1, 2017. In a news release, Lowe says he’s “honored” by the appointment and welcomes the opportunity to lead the agency. Lowe is a solo practitioner at the Lowe Law Firm and previously served as Anderson County district attorney for 16 years.

NACOGDOCHES — A foreign exchange student from Armenia has been killed in an ATV accident in Nacogdoches County. Lilit Ishxan Gevorgyan, 16, is thought to have lost control of the vehicle on the side of a hill. KETK reports she was rushed to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The accident happened on private property off County Road 425. The investigation into the accident is continuing.

TYLER — The East Texas Communities Foundation has announced the recipients of $120,000 in grants from the Retail Merchants Association of Tyler Charitable Fund. 19 non-profits were invited to apply for funding for what were termed “strong projects based on good ideas and compelling needs which have the potential to improve the community and the lives of its people.” 16 area charities requested approximately $330,000 in funding during this grant cycle. Continue reading Local Charities Get $120,000 in Grants

LONGVIEW — Three police officers have been placed on paid administrative leave after an officer-involved shooting Tuesday morning in Longview. According to KETK, officers were on the scene of a suspicious activity call in the 500 block of Mobberly Avenue around 3:42 a.m. when they encountered several men in a store parking lot. When officers approached them, 17-year-old Joshua Kennon Thomas reportedly produced what appeared to be a handgun from his waistband. One officer fired his duty weapon several times, striking the suspect. Continue reading Three Longview Officers on Paid Leave Following Shooting

LONGVIEW — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has awarded Keep Longview Beautiful a $400,000 matching grant to build The Green. According to a news release from the city of Longview, the nine-acre project is “a community driven greenspace that will enrich the lives of all East Texans.” Officials say matching grant partners are Longview Economic Development Corp., the city of Longview and Gregg County. The Green, a $1.2 million dollar outdoor facility, will be located at the Highway 31 and Spur 63 entryway into Longview. The tract adjoins the new entryway Keep Longview Beautiful is building in partnership with TxDOT and Keep Texas Beautiful. Completion for the entrance project is slated for this fall. Continue reading TPW Awards $400,000 Grant to Build The Green

AUSTIN – State Representative Bryan Hughes of Mineola has picked up a key endorsement in his campaign to succeed retiring Kevin Eltife in the Texas Senate. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has announced his backing of Hughes, who’s opposed by fellow Republican state Representative David Simpson of Longview. In a press statement, Patrick calls Hughes “a principled and reliable conservative.” Patrick says he has already committed to appear at two fundraising events in support of Hughes, one in Austin September 1 and one in Tyler later this fall. Both candidates have long lists of supporters as they look ahead to the March 2016 GOP primary. You can visit http://www.bryanhughes.com and http://davidsimpson.com to view those lists and learn more about each candidate.

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for a suspect wanted in an aggravated assault. It happened around 12:30 Tuesday morning at 332 west Heritage. Officers said when they arrived at the scene, they found a man with a stab wound to his leg. Witnesses told the officers the victim was stabbed by Gustavo Guardado (pictured) during an argument, then fled on foot. Continue reading Tyler Stabbing Suspect Sought

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is warning of a new scam. Officials say the department has received a few phone calls reporting that someone has been calling residences and soliciting money for the Tyler police Department. According to a police department news release, “The police department does not solicit citizens by phone, so we ask that you please do not donate funds.”

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Monday to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 balanced budget and the unchanged tax rate, according to information from the county. Officials say the budget addressed adequate funding for law enforcement and jail operations; improvements to county roads and infrastructure; hiring and retaining qualified, motivated employees; and continued improvements to facilities and technology. The tax rate remains at 33 cents per $100 valuation. There will be an increase of $974,665 in tax revenue added to the tax roll this year due to new construction. The Court also voted unanimously to adopt the FY2016 Salary Plan. Continue reading Smith County Budget, Tax Rate Adopted

LUFKIN (AP) — A company has announced plans to close a historic foundry located downtown in the East Texas city of Lufkin and further reducepositions at a facility south of the town. The Lufkin News reports that officials with General Electric/Lufkin Industries announced the plans Monday, citing increasingly challenging market conditions. Laura Bauer, a GE Oil and Gas spokeswoman, said 262 positions will be eliminated across the foundry and the Buck Creek facility. Monday’s announcement puts an end to speculation about the foundry’s future since GE purchased Lufkin Industries in a $3.3 billiondeal in 2013. The Lufkin foundry originally began operating in 1902. Company officials had said earlier this year that market conditions could result in the closure of the downtown Lufkin foundry.

WHITE OAK — Last week’s rain continues to have an effect as the city of White Oak becomes the latest area community to lift its ban on outdoor burning. KETK reports the fire marshal is again issuing permits. Smith and Gregg counties were among the jurisdictions removing burn bans within the past week.

LONGVIEW — Beginning Tuesday, Longview’s Fenton Road will be reduced to one-way travel and one lane of traffic. The closure will be intermittent and is expected to continue for an extended period, according to a news release from the city. Through traffic will be allowed to travel along Fenton Road beginning at George Richey to the south, then will turn east towards Gilmer Road. The project, which involves the widening of Fenton Road and replacing the utilities, was approved by voters in the 2011 bond election. It’s being constructed by East Texas Bridge of Longview. If you have any questions related to construction, call the Project Manager, Kevin Jaeger, at 903-237-1112.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County authorities are seeking the public’s help in finding three home invasion and robbery suspects. Deputies got the call around 5:30 Sunday afternoon from the 12000 block of Hwy. 64 West. The victim said he was home alone when three unidentified Hispanic males, all wearing ski masks, forced their way into the residence. At least one was armed with a handgun. The three confronted the victim, tied him up, ransacked the home, and took money and other items of value before leaving in an unknown direction. No other information was immediately available. If you have any information on the incident, contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

TYLER — The court date for Carl Crabtree, originally set for Monday morning, has been moved to October 12 at 10 a.m. KETK reports the suspect briefly appeared in the 241st District Court before the trial was re-scheduled. The case involves the deaths of two people stemming from an alleged drunk driving crash March 4. That’s when Crabtree, 31, of Tyler, was driving south on Old Jacksonville Highway and his vehicle crossed the center line, colliding head-on with an SUV. Continue reading Intoxication Manslaughter Court Date Moved to October

VAN (AP/Staff) — Students at Van ISD started back to school Monday morning after a tornado destroyed much of the district’s property in May. About 30 percent of the school district’s buildings were destroyed or damaged in the twister. Superintendent Don Dunn says neighboring districts and businesses have been pitching in and supplies, especially for the teachers, have been donated from across the state. Tyler ISD have provided 26 portable buildings at a charge of $1 each per year. Dunn says the district’s insurance company is set to cover at least part of the rebuilding The school board will be looking at putting a bond package together. Continue reading Van ISD Students Back at School

LUFKIN (AP) – The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office announced they are investigating the death of a 3-year old. Searchers found the body of the missing East Texas boy in a pond near his family’s home. Authorities say Mason Cuttler was located before dawn last Tuesday east of his residence near Lufkin. Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches says a deputy walking the property and searching for the boy spotted the body near the surface of the pond. Mason was last seen the afternoon of August 17th playing outside his home. Authorities believe the child wandered away while his parents were cleaning the residence. The father, Kevin Cuttler, says his son was allergic to some cleaning products so the boy had been playing outside.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is focusing on safety, with local public schools back in session as of Monday — and most private school students already several days into the academic year. Police have issued a number of safety tips and advisories:

School Zones: Last school year officers with the Tyler Police Department stopped 3,862 violators for speeding in a school zone and 466 violators for cell phone usage in a school zone.

– Be alert for the school zone signs posted near schools.
– Keep alert for the children and the crossing guards as they make their way across the street.
– Slow down and prepare to stop if the crossing guard so indicates.
– Tyler motorcycle officers will be monitoring school zones throughout the City when school starts.
– It is illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. Continue reading Back to School Safety Tips

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University held its opening convocation Monday in the S. E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center. School president Dr. Dale A. Lunsford was the featured speaker, welcoming incoming and returning students. In his address, Dr. Lunsford reminded the students of the mission of the university and challenged them to write their own mission as they seek to find meaning in their future careers. This school year opens with a new Remotely Piloted Aircraft major in aviation, new dual-credit partnerships with Pine Tree and Longview school districts, and a new field house being constructed on campus.

Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of August 24. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

The district wide Seal Coat Operations are expected to resume in several counties this week. The schedule starts in Rusk County on Monday and then moves down the list throughout the week.
*SH 43 in Rusk County from FM 1716/FM 1251 southwest to the Traffic Star in Henderson
*SH 43 in Rusk County from 4 miles south of FM 2658 (CR2136) going SW to FM 1761/FM 1251
*US 259 in Gregg County from the Upshur County line south to FM 1844
*FM 757 in Smith County from 2.2 miles south of I-20 (end of new project) south to SH 31

Striping operations continue on previously sealed roadways in Anderson, Cherokee, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. Expect lane closures. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is focusing on safety as local public schools prepare to go back in session Monday — with most private school students already back in class. Police have issued a number of safety tips and advisories:

School Zones: Last school year officers with the Tyler Police Department stopped 3,862 violators for speeding in a school zone and 466 violators for cell phone usage in a school zone.

– Be alert for the school zone signs posted near schools.
– Keep alert for the children and the crossing guards as they make their way across the street.
– Slow down and prepare to stop if the crossing guard so indicates. Continue reading Back to School Safety Tips

TYLER — The ongoing controversy about Planned Parenthood included a Tyler rally this weekend. In a news release, the Pro-Life Action League says its goal is “to defund Planned Parenthood and to bring attention to pro-life in East Texas.” Hundreds of people demonstrated against Planned Parenthood in Tyler on Saturday as part of a national protest going on in cities around the country. Continue reading Protesters Gather at Tyler Planned Parenthood