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LONGVIEW — More exposure for a Longview man accused of being a white supremacist, as questions arise about ownership of his home. According to the Longview News-Journal, as president of the nonprofit Council of Conservative Citizens, Earl P. Holt III has been connected with Dylann Roof, whom authorities say opened fire June 17 in a South Carolina church, killing nine people. Before the massacre, Roof wrote he was motivated in part by information on the council’s website, which shocked him with stories of black on white crime. Holt has written more than 4,300 internet posts this year alone commenting on topics mostly involving race and politics. Continue reading Longview Man Remains in Racist Spotlight

TYLER — A Smith County home has been extensively damaged by fire. it was reported after 4:00 Sunday afternoon on Lavender Road north of Tyler. No one was at home when the fire started and there were no injures. There is no word on what caused the fire.

TYLER — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of July 6. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

District-wide Seal Coat Operations have been ongoing in Van Zandt County the last couple of weeks with the contractor finishing up Farm Road 2475 before postponing work for a short period of time. Seal coat is the department’s preventative maintenance program designed to help roads last longer and require less maintenance. Striping operations continue on those roadways that have been sealed over the last few weeks in Henderson, Anderson and Cherokee counties. Expect lane closures. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

GLADEWATER — The McKaig car dealership in Gladewater was damaged after it caught fire around 3:45 Saturday afternoon. Authorities did not immediately confirm the cause of the blaze, though witnesses tell KETK a truck inside the dealership caught fire. Further details were not immediately available.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – The grassroots advisory board Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick set up as a sounding board for his tea party constituency is dissolving after a legislative session that left the leadership of that constituency dissatisfied. In a joint statement issued Friday, Patrick and board chairwoman JoAnn Fleming said they mutually agreed to dissolve the board and work together on a less formal basis. Fleming (pictured) is a state tea party leader who heads Smith County-based Grassroots America – We the People. Patrick said the decision came after several board members “expressed a desire for greater independence” from Patrick and the Legislature. The Texas tea party network is the nation’s strongest with four dozen major conservative groups representing thousands of active members. The recent legislative session left movement activists openly unhappy.

SALT SALT LAKE CITY (AP/Staff) – Seven years after a massive police raid on a remote polygamous group’s ranch in Texas, a small-town sheriff is mowing the lawn and irrigating the orchard as the state tries to sell the expansive property. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Schleicher County Sheriff David Doran is tasked with making sure the property stays intact, including the gleaming white temple built by the Utah-based group led by Warren Jeffs. Jeffs (pictured) remains imprisoned at the Louis C. Powledge Unit near Palestine. Texas authorities assumed control of the $20 million property over a year ago. While the state pays the utility bills, there’s no extra money set aside for maintenance and Doran ends up doing much work himself. Prosecutor Allison Palmer is selling the property and is willing to consider a number of possible uses, including a law enforcement training center or a juvenile holding facility.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department continues its search for a missing person. Dvontae Tramond Oliverires, 23, was last seen at 1:30 Friday afternoon on foot in the 2100 block of West Erwin in Tyler. He is African-American, 5’ 11”, 175 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing only a pair of black shorts with white stripes and socks. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

EAST TEXAS — East Texans are celebrating Independence Day with a variety of events. A number of communities scheduled traditional fireworks displays and other activities. Go to http://www.ktbb.com/calendarofevents/ for a sampling of what’s going on around the area. Meantime, Tyler police are putting out a traffic advisory detailing the 4th of July fireworks show at Lindsey Park. Officials also remind residents within city limits that discharging a firearm is illegal and so are all unauthorized fireworks. Continue reading July 4 Celebrations Held; Tyler Police Issue Traffic/Safety Advisory

MARSHALL — Officials with Marshall-based Rio Ammunition have announced the opening of the company’s new manufacturing facility in Marshall and call it a boon to the local economy. In a news release, officials say the plant has added over 40 new jobs to the community and has the ability to double that in coming years. Rio is a subsidiary of the Spain-based MAXAM firm, and Spanish officials were on hand for the ribbon cutting at the new East Texas facility. According to the news release, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, and Gov. Greg Abbott believe the opening “also signals that the state is open for business to future international investment as well.”

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Six members of the controversial Church of Wells are under orders to stay at least two hundred feet away from a Houston mega church. The six heckled Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen during Sunday’s services and were arrested and charged with trespassing. Wells resident Patricia Brotherton says they’ve been harassing town residents for years, screaming at people that they’re evil. She wants them to stop it. Brotherton says last year church members yelled at her granddaughter during the town’s homecoming parade and told the four year old she was doomed.

LUFKIN — A dump truck has hit and killed a man in a motorized wheelchair in Lufkin. Killed Thursday morning was James Rudolph Roy, Jr, 70, of Lufkin. The truck’s driver, Ronnie Eugene Grogan, 64, of Lufkin, was ticketed for failure to yield from a private drive. The accident on Atkinson Drive, remains under investigation.

TYLER — The Clerk of the 12th Court of Appeals in Tyler, Cathy Lusk, has announced her retirement. After 20 years in the post, Lusk is stepping down August 31st. She said the decision was not made lightly. Lusk is a member of both the Appellate Court Clerks of the State of Texas and the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks. She has served on numerous committees in both organizations. Lusk joins her husband, Mike, a former major in the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, in retirement. Continue reading Tyler Appeals Court Clerk Retiring

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott has appointed 10 student regents to their respective universities for terms expiring on May 31, 2016. Governor Abbott also appointed a student representative to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Among those named: Stephen F. Austin University-Nacogdoches student Ryan Brown-Moreno of Plano, who’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in general business.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A business consultant and 2012 candidate for Texas land commissioner has announced his candidacy for Texas House of Representatives District 7. According to KETK, Upshur County resident David Watts officially filed for the office Wednesday after State Representative David Simpson announced his intention to run for the Texas Senate. In a news release, Watts termed himself a conservative Republican and cited concerns about “a relentless assault on our liberties from an intrusive Federal Government.” As of his filing, Watts claimed endorsements from “more than 150 citizens and conservative leaders in House District 7.”

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department will once again be looking out for DWI drivers this July 4 holiday. According to a news release, the department will be participating in a state grant that provides funding to enforce DWI laws. The enforcement detail starts Friday and runs through Saturday.

GLADEWATER — Authorities say a runaway who allegedly stole her mom’s vehicle has surrendered to law enforcement. According to KETK, the Gladewater Police Department says Mary Flowers, 17, was taken into custody by the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning on an outstanding warrant of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Police say the car was taken on June 26 and recovered in New Mexico. Officials believe Flowers was en route to California.

AUSTIN (AP) – Five more Texas counties, including some in East Texas, have been granted federal disaster status to assist with recovery from deadly severe weather since early May. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday announced Bowie, Brazoria, Cherokee, Ellis, and Harrison counties have been added to the list. Individuals in 36 Texas counties are now eligible to seek state and federal disaster help from violent weather between May 4 through June 19. The deadline for applying is July 28. Two people died in a May 10 tornado in Van. Memorial Day weekend flooding in parts of Texas claimed more than two dozen lives statewide. Storms and flooding continued into June.

KILGORE — Dr. William M. “Bill” Holda announced Thursday that he will retire as president of Kilgore College effective Jan. 31, 2016. The announcement came exactly 19 years after he was selected as KC’s eighth president. In a news release, Holda said the expectation of his first grandchild tops the list of reasons for his departure. He also pointed to the college’s reaccreditation process, which begins next year and ends in 2018. Holda said the new president should be on board to initiate the reaccreditation review — and should be on board when the process is complete. He also said the college is in good hands as it prepares for new leadership. Holda has worked at KC since 1975, starting out as an instructor of voice, ear training, opera workshop, and music theory.

TYLER — The U.S. Marshal’s Service met with media Wednesday to let East Texans know there is a scam going on. KETK reports that according to U.S. Marshal Robert Hobbs, “Citizens are being called by someone purporting to be a U.S. Marshal, a Chief U.S. Marshal, or a staff officer from a local sheriff’s office or other law enforcement agency. Citizens are then advised that they’ve failed to show up for jury duty or some other violation that a fine has been assessed against them.” They’re told by this fake official to buy a gift card to make payments. And they’re told if they don’t pay, there will be a warrant out for their arrest. Hobbs adds, “They’re given the names of local judges in order to give it some legitimacy.” Continue reading Marshals Service Warns of Jury Duty Scam

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A fugitive wanted out of Colorado has been arrested in Van Zandt County. Joshua Borth, 28, of Wills Point, was wanted out of Durango for sexual assault of a child at a homeless shelter. Borth’s mother, Janie Borth, 54, was also arrested for hindering apprehension of a known fugitive. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office along with the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force arrested Borth at an abandoned structure on his family’s property Wednesday. He was armed with a stolen .22 long rifle and 30-06 rifle. Continue reading Fugitive Wanted in Colorado Arrested in East Texas

LONGVIEW — A Tyler hairdresser has been acquitted in Gregg County on charges of molesting a child. The jury in 124th state district court deliberated around an hour Wednesday before returning the not guilty verdict in the trial of Coydarel Latroyed Simmons, 28. He had been tried on two counts of indecency with a child by contact.

KILGORE — Kilgore College Fire Academy No. 95 held its graduation ceremony 6:30 Wednesday night at the Bert E. Woodruff Adult Education Center Auditorium in Kilgore. The following students were Fire Academy #95 candidates for graduation:
Ben Wheeler: Tracy Gore
Gilmer: Fredrick Crump
Kilgore: Michael Frazer and Andrew Williamson
Lindale: Jordan Allen
Longview: Berle “Trey” Anderson and Derek McCuller
Tyler: Travis Johnson, Ethan Mackey and Joshua Stillwaugh

TYLER — Following the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriages, the bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, Joseph Strickland, has issued a statement. He says he will issue a decree that no member of the clergy will officiate at a same sex marriage. He also said that no Catholic property or facilities may be used for same-sex marriage ceremonies. He added, “We know that unjust laws and other measures contrary to the moral order are not binding in conscience, thus we must now exercise our right to conscientious objection against this interpretation of our law which is contrary to the common good and the true understanding of marriage.” Continue reading Bishop Strickland’s Statement Against Same Sex Marriage

LONGVIEW — A Pine Tree football player died Wednesday morning after becoming ill the previous day following a workout session. The student has been identified as Josh Warren, 16, by Pine Tree Athletic Director David Collins. Pine Tree Spokeswoman Mary Whitton says the teen participated in a strength and conditioning workout. Later in the day, he became sick and called his father. EMS came to Josh’s house and checked his condition, but he was cleared by medical officials. As the evening progressed, Josh began feeling worse and was taken to a Longview hospital. He was checked in for overnight observation and died Wednesday morning. Warren’s cause of death is unknown at this time. Whitton said school counselors are in place to help grieving students.

TYLER — Tyler police Tuesday arrested a suspect they’d been seeking for about 2 1/2 weeks. Officials say Nicholas Sanchez Jr. was jailed for possession of marijuana along with warrants for kidnapping, assault family violence, parole violation, and several Tyler Municipal Court warrants. Sanchez, 22, is accused in a June 12 incident in which he allegedly forced his ex-girlfriend into a vehicle against her will and assaulted her as the vehicle sped away with her inside. Police say Sanchez is a known gang member.

AUSTIN – Texas Lottery officials say Shameem Bano of Tyler is a millionaire after he scratched and won a top prize on a $20 Texas Lottery scratch-off. According to a Lottery news release, Bano claimed the last of the four top prizes worth $1 million available in One Million Cash. Officials say Bano requested minimal publicity. He bought his ticket at the A-Food Mart at 6500 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler, making the store eligible for a $10,000 retailer bonus. One Million Cash offers over $88 million in prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in One Million Cash are one in 2.80, including break-even prizes, according to the release.

LONGVIEW — A man is facing a variety of charges after his vehicle struck six other vehicles in Longview. Polce said Eusebio Ramos Oviedo, 34, later stripped naked and fought with law officers. The accident happened around 11:30 Tuesday morning on Gilmer Road. After the accident, the man is said to have tried to fight his son, bystanders and police officers. During the scuffle, he is said to have taken off all his clothes. He then tried to get a policeman’s gun from his holster. Officers had to use a Taser to subdue and restrain Oviedo. He was taken to a Longview hospital before being booked into the Gregg County Jail on charges of assault causing bodily harm and attempting to take a weapon from an officer.

LONGVIEW — Longview police said a teen that was reported missing was found safe Tuesday night. On June 29, Caitlyn Lott, 15, was reported as a runaway by her father. He said she was probably traveling with 18-year-old Ethan Paul Cook of Cypress. No word on where she and there was no information released on the whereabouts of Cook.

SMITH COUNTY — The arrest of a wanted fugitive in Smith County stemmed from a suspicious person call in the area of County Roads 313 and 315. Deputies were told he was hiding in a closet in a homeowner’s garage. When the homeowner started to shut the closet door, a man jumped out and ran into nearby woods. A short distance from the victim’s home, a man matching the description of the suspect was located walking down the road. Authorities say he ran into nearby woods to get away from the officers. He was taken into custody and identified as Joshua Paul Starr, 30. He had outstanding warrants for evading and failure to identify, both out of Justice of the Peace 4, in Smith County. Starr was booked in at the Smith County Jail for burglary of a habitation enhanced with previous convictions habitual felony, evading arrest on foot, fail to ID fugitive, and the two outstanding warrants.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct 4 Constable John Smith says he’s ready to move on as he seeks a third term. Smith was hospitalized in February after a head injury with allegations of attempted suicide. He tells KETK he has no recollection of what happened during the incident but has overcome his past. Another report was released showing Smith’s blood alcohol content level just shy of three times the legal definition of intoxication. Smith says he did read the reports and that the incident has made him a better person. He says he’s made mistakes, learned from them, feels a lot better, and is in good shape physically and mentally. He adds he just wants to go on with his life and do the best job he can for the citizens of Precinct 4.