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TYLER — A child safety alert continues for 19-month-old Xander Alexander of Tyler. KETK reports Child Protective Services is seeking the whereabouts of the toddler. He is believed to be with his mother, Macy McCombs. The department was granted temporary managing conservatorship of Xander and has not been able to locate him to this date. Authorities suspect the child is in the Smith County area. If you have any information on the location of Xander, contact The Department of Family and Protective Services at 903-279-3420 or 1-800-252-5400.

TYLER — A former East Texas sportswriter has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to having a sexual relationship with a local teenager. KETK reports Harold Lamonte Wilson, 36, of Tyler will be behind bars after turning himself in for having sexual relations with a 16-year-old girl. He was indicted in October by a Smith County grand jury, according to documents released by the 241st Judicial District Court. Wilson was arrested by police on June 26, and was held on $100,000 bond in the Smith County Jail until he was released later that night. According to Texas law, a child is defined as a person younger than 17 years old. Wilson was a sportswriter for ET Final Score and the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

TYLER — The city of Tyler has terminated its lease agreement with the management team that has been operating the Lake Tyler Marina. According to a city news release, this action comes after the city spent several months and years seeking corrective action on maintenance issues associated with the marina property. “The marina is an important asset to the city,” said Managing Director of Water Utilities Greg Morgan. “We have been working with the manager of the marina to rectify several issues and have been unsuccessful. Ultimately we chose to terminate the agreement in the best interests of the community.” Continue reading City Terminates Lake Tyler Marina Lease Pact

LONGVIEW — A Longview shop with a reputation for selling synthetic marijuana has changed its name and is no longer selling the substance. KETK reports the Glass Dragon on North Fredonia is now called Longview Vapor Store. The shop specializes in e-cigarettes instead of synthetic marijuana. Longview police say out of three locations, only one continues to sell the substance. Law officers say they hope businesses in Longview don’t sell the synthetic marijuana, which police term dangerous to people. Officers say they’ve been writing citations to businesses selling it, including the former Glass Dragon.

TYLER — Citizens wishing to take part in the Smith County Wide cleanup this weekend may take advantage of two locations added for this Saturday only. Along with the Greenwood Farms Landfill, citizens will also have the opportunity to drop off bulky items Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Spring Creek Baptist Church, 13915 CR 46, and Jones Valley Church of God in Christ on Texas College Rd. The Clean Up continues through April 12. Continue reading Two Locations Added to County Wide Clean Up for Saturday Only

GREGG COUNTY — Authorities have taken one juvenile into custody in connection with the Cherokee Pawn Shop burglary. The Longview Police Department announced the arrest Friday morning but could not release any more details because the suspect is a juvenile. According to Longview Police, a group of local teenagers stole a beige Ford F-250 and drove into the Cherokee Pawn Shop located in the 2700 block of Gilmer Road this week. According to KETK, when officials and the store owner arrived on scene, the suspects had fled with six stolen guns.

TYLER — A professor of education at The University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Robert Stevens, has received the 2014 “Best Book Award for Civil War Historical Fiction” from the Texas Association of Authors. He was honored for the novel titled, Master Robert. The award recognizes exemplary fiction for young adults. This is the third year the association has selected winning titles. “I am both delighted and overwhelmed,” said Stevens. “This is my first historical novel – a real experiment for me.” Continue reading UT Tyler Education Professor Earns State Award

LONGVIEW — Students at LeTourneau University seek to set a Guinness World Record for the greatest number of 3D printers operating simultaneously. The attempt got underway Friday afternoon at 3:00 in the Solheim Arena of the Solheim Recreation Center on the LETU campus, 2100 South Mobberly Avenue. The student engineering team is seeking to set the world record with at least 50 3D printers printing the same commemorative coin simultaneously during the public 3D printing demonstration event.

TYLER — A Tyler man has been arrested after being accused of stealing items from a store and assaulting the store manager. Taken into custody yesterday afternoon was Bernard Mitchell, 72. Police say Mitchell was supposedly upset over the service he received at the CPU Store at 201 Rice Road. He is said to have gone behind the counter, hit the store manager in the head with his fist, took a couple of computer motherboards and left the store. The store manager received minor injuries. Mitchell was taken to the hospital for treatment for a cut to his head, then booked into the Smith County Jail. Police Sgt. Luke Shafer said Mitchell was charged with robbery due to the fact he committed an assault during the commission of a theft.

TYLER — The Tyler Economic Development Council Thursday looked back on its first quarter-century, holding its 25th Annual Investors and Contributors Appreciation Luncheon. Tom Mullins (pictured) has headed up TEDC from the beginning. He says the economy was under a good deal of stress when his agency started up, and that TEDC supporters are “very pleased” to have been part of the growth and diversification that have occurred since then. Continue reading Tyler Economic Development Council Marks 25 Years

WHITEHOUSE — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a March burglary that happened in the Whitehouse area. According to KETK, officials say the homeowner determined that among the items taken was a bank card. That same day, the suspect used the stolen card to make purchases at Dollar General in Whitehouse and then at Walmart on Troup Highway in Tyler. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in identifying the suspect. If you have information on his identity, call 903-566-6600.

LONGVIEW — Harrison County investigators have found a teenager who had been missing since March 25. According to officials, Destiny Battensby, who was considered a runaway teen from the Longview area, was found around noon Wednesday in Cass County, and her mother made arrangements to pick her up. According to KETK, law enforcement says she left her house March 25 with an unknown male and was possibly in Texarkana or Hughes Springs. Law enforcement is issuing a word of thanks to all who helped get the word out about Battensby.

LONGVIEW — A mechanic has been seriously injured in Longview while repairing a dump truck. It happened in the 1600 block of Whitney Street near the intersection of Neal Street shortly after 12:15 Wednesday afternoon. According to the Longview Fire Department, a man was repairing a dump truck when the bed fell on him. KETK reports safety bars were not in use when the accident occurred. After 20 minutes, authorities were able to pull the man from beneath the bed. He was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center. The man worked for the dump truck company, said fire officials. The employee’s identity has not been released.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court was commended for keeping transparent financial records and for exceeding conventional reporting requirements in an annual independent financial audit report presented by Henry & Peters, P.C., during a regular meeting this week. CPA Tal Glenn thanked the Smith County Auditor’s staff for its cooperation and assistance during the 3-week investigation to produce the report. For the last four years the county has elected to participate in a “comprehensive” financial report, the highest level of reporting that can be performed for a governmental entity, going above and beyond what is required, according to a county news release. Continue reading County Commended For Transparent Financial Reporting

TYLER — Half of a south Tyler duplex has been damaged by fire. It was reported around 9:45 Tuesday night in the 7100 block of Richfield Drive. KETK reports half of the duplex received heavy smoke damage and the kitchen was destroyed, but the other half is still in good condition. No injuries were reported. It appears the blaze started in the kitchen but the exact cause remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — As authorities in Longview continue to try to put an end to the synthetic marijuana craze, a former mayor is in the process of evicting a renter for allegedly selling the drug. According to KETK, Murray Moore says the lease the renter signed was residential, and nothing was mentioned about a business being run out of the home. Moore says, “Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right — this stuff is horrible, and it’s dangerous.” Customers were at the house Tuesday trying to buy synthetic marijuana, but the renter was nowhere to be found.

PITTSBURG — An Arizona man previously charged with two armed robberies and a school fire in East Texas has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to the Camp County District Attorney’s Office, Steven Marlin Schade, 45, pleaded guilty about two weeks ago on two counts of aggravated robbery. KETK reports a charge of arson connected to an alleged school fire was dropped due to lack of sufficient evidence. Schade was arrested the night of January 15 for holding up two gas stations at gunpoint. He must serve 10 years before he is eligible for parole. Schade still faces two warrants for his arrest in Utah.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking the public’s help in locating 19-year old Fidelmar Aguirre of Tyler. KETK reports Aguirre is wanted by the DPS on several outstanding warrants as a result of a traffic stop on December 30, 2013. According to the arrest affidavit, Aguirre was stopped for speeding on Smith County Road 35. The trooper reportedly smelled the odor of marijuana, and a probable cause search was conducted. According to officials, Aguirre fled on foot after marijuana and suspected methamphetamine were found in the vehicle. Continue reading DPS Searching for Tyler Man Wanted on Several Warrants

TYLER – Tyler ISD will host additional parent information meetings to discuss the new graduation requirements (House Bill 5) affecting all current eighth and ninth-grade students. These requirements are set to be effective beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend, according to a TISD news release. Continue reading Tyler ISD to Hold Additional Graduation Plan Parent Meetings

KILGORE — Kilgore law enforcement is asking for the public’s help in solving a case that remains open almost two months after the crime took place. According to the the Kilgore Police Department, at 9:30 a.m. on February 6, police responded to Xino Converters, a recycling center, on the 300 block of Harris St. following reports of an armed robbery. According to KETK, upon arrival, an employee at the recycling center told authorities two masked men entered the business and robbed him of a large amount of cash. One of the two men pointed a handgun while the other tied him up. The two robbers stole the employee’s vehicle and left the scene. Continue reading Kilgore PD Seeking Tips in February Armed Robbery

LONGVIEW – Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano and Longview Police Chief Don Dingler have arrested 10 Gregg County parents who allegedly violated court orders requiring them to pay child support. Tuesday’s sweep was conducted in conjunction with the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division. After holding a 4:30 a.m. briefing to kick off the initiative, teams of law enforcement officers worked through the early morning hours to locate and arrest the parents before they had a chance to leave their homes for the day. Child Support Division investigators aided the sheriff and police chief by providing logistical assistance to locate missing parents. Continue reading Ten Arrested in Gregg County Child Support Sweep

TYLER — A vehicle/pedestrian accident in Tyler has injured two persons. It happened around 8:00 Tuesday night in the 200 block of South Englewood. Sergeant Paul Robeson says Vanessa Zamora, 31, saw her three year old daughter running towards the street. The mother tried to keep her daughter from getting hit, and in the process, both were hit by the vehicle. They were taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. This accident is still under investigation and no citations have been issued at this time.

MARSHALL — A man accused of attacking several persons with a hatchet at a Marshall Wal-Mart, has been ordered to the Rusk State Hospital. The order, issued Monday, said Christopher Lynn Hamilton will spend no more that 120 days at the hospital. According to the Marshall News Messenger, the order was based on a psychologist’s recommendation that Hamilton wasn’t competent enough to stand trial. Depending on the outcome of his hospital stay, Hamilton could later stand trial in the attacks. Continue reading Accused Hatchet Attacker Ordered to the Rusk State Hospital

LONGVIEW — Populations across the nation grew 0.71% last year, making it the slowest growth since The Great Depression. But KETK reports that here in East Texas, the Smith and Gregg County populations increased by over 1,500. New population estimates released by the U.S Census Bureau show a rise of 283 Gregg County residents and over 1,400 in Smith County. Continue reading Two East Texas Counties See Increase in Population despite National Trend

GLADEWATER — A Gregg County Constable has taken leave following a DWI charge in Franklin County last week. Gregg County Precinct 3 Constable Michael Baggett released the following statement: “I am voluntarily taking leave from my position as Gregg County Precinct #3 Constable to take care of my personal health and medical needs following an incident that occurred recently in Franklin County, Texas. I believe it is in the best interests of myself, my family, and my constituents for me to take this time to regain my focus and my health. During my absence the duties of my office will be carried out by the Gregg County Precinct #3 Deputy Constables with the assistance of other Gregg County law enforcement officers.” Continue reading Constable Takes Leave Following Arrest

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – Stephen F. Austin State University is shelving its new logo after hearing complaints from students and commenters on social media. SFA announced late last week that it would not use a logo designed by a marketing firm for about $14,000. The new logo had the letters “SFA” placed over an outline in the shape of the state of Texas, with a star in the “A” where SFA is located, in Nacogdoches. It would have replaced the old design, shown at left. The change sparked an online petition and complaints, and eventually led to university president Baker Pattillo saying the university would be “suspending the new logo effective immediately.” The old logo will go on billboards and banner ads.

GLADEWATER — The Gladewater Police Department is warning citizens of a new scam spreading in the area. KETK reports unknown persons will call residences posing as electric company representatives threatening to cut a customer’s power off unless an outstanding balance is paid. Once a person agrees to pay the bill, credit or debit card information is handed over to the con artist. If you receive a call similar to this scenario, police advise you to verify the true identity of the caller before providing any personal information. Officials say you should call your local electricity provider to verify the status of your account before ever giving out personal or financial information. You can report the scam to the Gladewater Police Department at 903-845-2166 or the Better Business Bureau at 903-581-5704.

LONGVIEW — Harrison County investigators are seeking information on the whereabouts of a missing teenager. KETK reports Destiny Battensby is a runaway from the Longview area of Harrison County. Her mother said she was last seen wearing a red “hoodie” style jacket, blue jeans, and a red and white striped tank top. Battensby is described as a white 16-year-old girl, standing 5’7” and weighing 125 pounds. She has blond hair and blue eyes. She has numerous tattoos on both arms and legs and stars with the word “Destiny” on her hip. She was last seen on Tuesday, March 25, at 10:00 p.m., when she left her house with an unknown male. She may possibly be in Texarkana or Hughes Springs. Any information about her location may be reported to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 903-923-4000.

PALESTINE — An Anderson County woman remains hospitalized in Tyler following shooting that left her ex-husband dead. It occurred shortly before 11:30 Friday morning north of Palestine on County Road 362. Investigators say Octoavio Guerrero Garcia forced his way into his ex-wife’s mobile home and shot her a couple of times. She was able to wrestle the handgun from him and shoot him. Garcia later died in a Palestine hospital. Nicole Lynn Guerrero, 32, has undergone surgery at a Tyler hospital and is listed in stable condition.

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

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on State Highway 135 between Troup and Arp, then move to SH 135 near the Overton City Limits. A second crew is scheduled to resume base and pavement repairs on East Loop 323 in Tyler between the Loop 323 Extension and Commerce Street. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates