KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE — State Representative Chuck Hopson attends the field day and forestry tour hosted by the Texas Forestry Association at the tree farm of Phillip and Norleine Power on Saturday. During the visit, Mr. and Mrs. Power received a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives to commemorate their recognition as the Texas Forestry Association’s Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.

According to Hopson, “The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year competition recognizes private landowners for the exceptional job they are doing of enhancing the forest on their property and their efforts to promote the practice of sustainable forestry to other landowners and the public. Phillip and Norleine Power’s implementation of tree farm stewardship best practices reflects an understanding of how careful planning today can have immense benefits for the future.”

In 2008, Mr. and Mrs. Powers’s tree farm was awarded the Stewardship recognition from the Texas Forest Service, the farm was honored in 2009 by the Cherokee County Soil and Water Conservation District, and in 2009, the Powerses were recognized as a Zone winner in the state Tree Farm competition.

TYLER — Liquor could soon boost Smith County coffers. According to KETK, state officials have finally given liquor stores a “go ahead” to sell large quantities of alcohol. Earlier this year the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission put a moratorium on liquor sales in Smith County, but some new revisions will bring big business to local distributors. When Winona went wet, the TABC continued to allow restaurants to get their liquor across county lines. Now state officials say restaurants will also be required to buy their alcohol only from distributors in the county. Local distributors say it’s about time. Restaurants will not be able to get liquor from other counties starting January 1st.

MARSHALL (AP) – A federal prosecutor says an east Texas man has been charged with sexually exploiting children in his traveling rodeo act. U.S. Attorney John M. Bales said Friday that Rodney Ray Hayes of Linden was indicted and charged with four counts of transporting minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The 44-year-old man was released Friday after posting a $100,000 bond. A phone number for him could not be found. His attorney could not immediately be reached. The Tuesday indictment states that Hayes, also known as the “Texas Kid,” was a professional rodeo performer who had children working and traveling with him to various states. If convicted, Hayes faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating what they term a double homicide. Police say they received a call around 3:06 a.m. Saturday from an unknown person stating that someone had been shot in the Line Street Alley. Officers responded to the area of Line Street and discovered a man lying in the front yard of 909 E. Line who was deceased from a gunshot wound. Upon further investigation officers discovered the front door to the residence of 909 E. Line open and observed a second victim lying on the floor. Officers found a woman who was also deceased from a gunshot wound. The male victim is identified as 49-year-old Pedro Flores of 1418 N. Haynie, Tyler. The female victim is identified as 38-year-old Felisha Mosley, who lived at the residence where the victims were found.

Tyler Police Department Investigators responded to the scene. According to a news release, investigators have been working on the identity of the victims and looking for evidence that leads to the identity of the suspect or suspects. Investigators believe that a possible motive may be related to illegal narcotics. 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.

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) will offer flu vaccinations to the general public beginning Monday, September 13th, at 815 N. Broadway. The flu vaccination clinics will operate every Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seasonal flu vaccinations will continue until the supply is depleted.

According to George Roberts, CEO of NETPHD, “CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. We are here to help protect you and your family and encourage our community to get vaccinated early.” Officials say the 2010 – 2011 seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against three strains of flu viruses, including the 2009 H1N1influenza virus, which cause so much illness last season. Health officials caution that flu is unpredictable, but they say it is very likely that the flu virus will cause illness throughout the U.S. in the coming months.

The cost for the flu vaccination is $20.00 per person and the cost for the flu mist nasal spray is $25.00 per person. Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted. Children who are uninsured or underinsured and qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program will be charged $8.00. “Seasonal flu vaccine, available in shot and nasal spray forms, is recommended for people ages 6 months and older. It is especially important for individuals at high risk of complications from the flu to become vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available.” says Dr. Jonathan MacClements, Smith County Health Authority. For additional information, you can go to http://www.healthyeasttx.org or contact the Northeast Texas Public Health District at 903-510-5604.

TYLER — The South Tyler Rotary, in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus, hosted a barbeque Saturday for the 141st Quartermaster Company and their families at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the Southwest Loop. “It is important for everyone to remember all of the soldiers and families who continuously make huge personal sacrifices so the rest of us can enjoy our freedom,” said Tom DeWitt, President of the South Tyler Rotary. “There is no greater country than ours, and our military plays a huge role in protecting all of us. The Rotarians feel strongly about supporting our military troops and it is appropriate to honor them on the anniversary of 9/11. We are delighted to working hand in hand with the Knight of Columbus to honor our local military heroes.”

The 141st Quartermaster Company drills on the south edge of Tyler on Troup Highway, where they have been training for the last 25 years. The quartermaster branch is the logistics and supply branch of the army. The 141st is a pipeline company. When ships come to port delivering fuel, the 141st company draws the fuel out of the ship and pumps it into the area of operations to be disseminated to deployed soldiers. They have been completing this mission for the last ten years, the last two under CPT Stephen T. Melton and 1SG Christopher Cassano. There are just under 200 Soldiers who report to the 141st, the vast majority from the Tyler area. Soldiers come from as far as Houston and Louisiana on a monthly basis as well.

TYLER — A Tyler traffic accident has claimed the life of a 57-year-old man. At 3:14 p.m. on Friday, Tyler Police dispatch received a call about a one vehicle crash at the intersection of Front and Clayton Streets. Tyler Fire and East Texas EMS arrived at the scene, removed the sole occupant of the involved vehicle, and began CPR. The driver of the vehicle is identified as Paul Ray Jarrell. Police say after a prolonged effort to revive Mr. Jarrell, the CPR was discontinued.

Witnesses to the crash said Jarrell’s vehicle drove off the roadway into a vacant lot for no apparent reason. Police say Jarrell had a history of medical problems that may have resulted in his losing his capability to operate his vehicle. Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers responded to the scene and ordered Jarrell’s body taken to South East Forensics for an autopsy. Major Crimes detectives and accident investigators also responded to the scene for the investigation.

LONGVIEW — After 31 total years in the Fire Service and almost 28 years with the Longview Fire Department, Assistant Chief Claude Ford is retiring. Ford’s last day on the job will be September 17, with an official retirement date of September 26. A retirement reception has been scheduled for from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 15, at the Longview Fire Department Training Center, located at 307 American Legion Blvd.

LONGVIEW — A leak discovered during routine monitoring at Eastman Chemical in Longview causes the company to shut down one of its crackling plants. KETK reports the leak was discovered Wednesday in crackling plant No. 3. Eastman officials say the leak occurred in one of its cooling towers in the plant and they took immediate action to prevent any damage. The leak is currently being fixed, and officials expect the plant to be back up and running in the next few days. Production is not expected to be affected.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University’s Fall 2010 incoming class made history as the largest the university has ever added to its traditional program at the Longview campus, with 460 new students, compared to 432 last year. This year, the school also enjoyed a record number of applications and campus visits. “A record number of new students arriving, as well as a record number of last fall’s students returning, indicates that LETU is on a trajectory for future enrollment growth, and with each student comes increasing impact on workplaces around the world,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “We are pleased to attract these students to Longview and know that when they leave, they will take their experiences here in East Texas with them as they serve wherever God calls them all across the globe.”

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has recorded its highest enrollment with a 4.5 percent increase over last fall, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. Total headcount for this fall is 6,483. The fall 2009 figure was 6,201. Students also are enrolling in more courses as semester credit hours for 2010 are 69,779, a 2.5 percent increase over 68,106 in 2009. “We are very pleased with these figures. Enrollment management is working diligently to improve many of our procedures and services to better recruit, admit and retain the students, and we are seeing the results,” said Charlie Hutchins, assistant vice president for enrollment management, marketing and customer service.

Officials say in the last two years, enrollment at UT Tyler has been flat due to the economy. “The effects of the economy made it difficult for some students to return to school and prevented some from beginning their education,” Hutchins said.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery. According to KETK, police say 22-year-old Richard Allen Wofford Jr. shot a 52-year-old man in the leg April 1. They say they were arguing over a debt. Wofford originally faced five years to life, but he accepted a plea deal.

KILGORE — The Kilgore City Council passed an ordinance earlier this week banning the sale and possession of K2 in city limits. Kilgore is just one of many east Texas cities that have recently banned the synthetic marijuana. Kilgore officials say if someone is caught trying to sell or posses K2 it will be a Class C Misdemeanor and can result in a fine up to $2,000. According to KETK, the ban goes into effect September 18.

JACKSONVILLE — The Lon Morris College President says the number of students has more than doubled in the last two years–which means less housing for the students. Now, more than 300 students live in a local inn. However, neighbors say it’s not a good idea. One neighbor says students tore her fence down and she had to replace it. Another says the students’ music is too loud and she fears she won’t be able to sell her house. According to KETK, students say they sometimes walk down the street to the park and play a little ball. The Lon Morris President says, “College students will be college students.” The school says for serious complaints, residents should call the police.

TYLER — After almost ten years of rescuing and re-homing homeless dogs and cats, East Texas Animal Rescue Fund announces plans for the dissolution of ARF as they join forces with the newly formed SPCA of East Texas. According to media materials, Since 1991, ARF volunteers have spent countless weekends in front of Petsmart adopting dogs to loving homes. Although it was termed “a difficult and bittersweet decision,” ARF board members recently voted to make the SPCA of East Texas the recipient of their non-profit assets. To ensure all their years of hard work would continue to benefit homeless animals in East Texas, ARF officials say, the 28 acre ARF headquarters/facility/ranch will be sold to assist with funding the recently launched SPCA Animal Services Center building campaign. Currently, neither the city of Tyler nor Smith County has a local facility to house, rescue and adopt stray or neglected dogs and cats.

The formal dissolution of ARF is expected to take place by the end of this year. In the meantime, SPCA volunteers are assisting ARF with re-homing their adoptable animals at the National Adoptathon to be held this weekend, September 11th and 12th.

When: September 11 & 12, 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Where: PetSmart, 5610 S. Broadway in Tyler

The community is invited to view and visit adoptable animals. The adoption fee of $60.00 is tax deductible and will be used to provide food and medical care to other homeless animals.

JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville’s West Side Elementary and Fred Douglass Elementary Schools were two of the twenty-five Texas schools that have been named 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools award winners by the U.S. Department of Education. JISD officials say the two schools are the only East Texas schools to be awarded the prestigious designation. According to the officials, with only 25 statewide qualifying, the award puts two of the top 1% of elementary campuses in the state in Jacksonville ISD. The award honors schools that achieved academic excellence or made significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

Schools that receive the award will be recognized at the Blue Ribbon Schools conference in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 15-16 — where each recipient will receive a plaque and a flag signifying its status as a Blue Ribbon School.

TYLER — Information from the Texas Comptroller indicates that City of Tyler sales tax revenues deposited for the month of September have increased 2.95 percent as compared to the same period in 2009. Officials say Tyler compares favorably to the statewide average improvement of 2.66 percent. This is the second consecutive month of improved collections versus those reported in the same month in the prior year.

The reported revenue of $2,613,396 comprises $1,742,264 general sales tax revenue and $871,132 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from July 2010 collections, as there is a two-month period before revenue is reported.

“In the proposed 2010/2011 budget, the City planned for a two percent increase in sales tax collections,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel (pictured). “It is gratifying to see that at the end of this fiscal year, the local economy is showing signs of recovery. The City currently has more than 100 positions frozen and these positions will not be refilled until we see several months of growth in our sales tax revenue. We will continue to take a conservative approach and ensure we are operating in a positive financial position; however, we remain cautiously optimistic about the coming year.”

TYLER — A big change on the way for one popular downtown Tyler road. According to KETK, the city’s approving a two-way stretch of road on East Erwin. Drivers making their way between North Spring Avenue and Center Street will now be able to go both ways. Traffic engineers say it’ll make for a safer drive down the congested road. Changes should come by the spring.

TYLER — A 43-year-old Longview man has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations. Anthony Quinn Steward pleaded guilty on Mar. 30, 2010, to possession of child pornography. He was sentenced Thursday in Tyler to 78 months in federal prison. According to prosecutors, on Dec. 18, 2009, Steward had been living at the Contessa Inn in Longview with his sister and her two children for about 4 months when it was discovered he was in possession of computer equipment which contained visual depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

TYLER — “Living Green: A Sustainability Symposium” will be held at Harvey Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost for the second annual symposium is $5 at the door; entrance is free to children under 12 and any student with an I.D. card. The program is presented by the City of Tyler, Keep Tyler Beautiful, and the Texas Conservation Alliance. Organizers say it will include presentations from experts on recycling, conservation, and sustainability issues; “green” vendor displays and exhibits; and food vendors.

“This symposium is the perfect opportunity to learn more about ways that each and every one of us can make a contribution toward making our planet healthier,” said Cheryl Roy, Keep Tyler Beautiful board member and Symposium chair. “The symposium will cover a variety of subjects from recycling to green building to energy conservation.”

Presentations include:
· “What is Sustainability?” by Jim Bundscho, Ben Wheeler Development;
· “Recycling Concrete” by Hal Williams, Hal Williams Enterprises;
· “Clean Living with Natural Gas” by Claude Figueroa, CenterPoint Energy;
· “Does Your Home Make You Sick?” by John Vaselli, UT Tyler TxAire Project;
· “You CAN Afford to Build Green!” by Anwar Khalifa, Pyramid Homes;
· “Lower Your Energy Bill Without Spending a Penny” by John Stowe, StoneBridge Heating & Air;
· “Composting Made Easy” by Debbie Shafer, Keep Whitehouse Beautiful;
· “How EarthKind Landscaping Can Save you Money” by Mark Chamblee, Chamblee’s Rose Nursery;
· “Every Child Should” by Alan Byboth, Camp Tyler Foundation;
· “Where Does My Trash Go?” by Kristi Boyett, City of Tyler;
· “Tree City USA” by Stephanie Rollings, City of Tyler; and,
· “Trash to Treasure” by Jim Wooldridge, Habitat ReStore.

“The unique thing about this symposium is that you will find ideas, products and companies from right here in East Texas,” Ms. Roy continued. “We want to provide a one-stop shop for people to find out how to live green.”

RUSK — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department is going through records of Precinct 3 Commissioner Katherine Pinotti — and the results may be brought before a grand jury. According to KETK, the questions begin with Patterson Road. The commissioner says after much research, she discovered it’s mislabeled as private on county maps — that it’s actually County Road 3427. So at the request of residents, she had the road resurfaced.

But County Attorney Craig Caldwell is questioning the move, so an investigation is underway. And Sheriff’s Captain John Raffield, who’s leading the investigation, says, “The deeds have been pulled and all the documentation from the county. And the information we’ve gathered so far indicates that it is not a county road in Cherokee County.” A warranty deed for the developer of that subdivision says the road is private — and if residents want the county to maintain it, they must file for formal approval from the commissioners court. The investigation should reportedly take a couple more weeks and be ready for the DA in early October.

TYLER — Tyler’s Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School is selected as one of the best academically performing schools in the state. Jack Elementary has made the 2010 Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll for sustained, academic excellence. According to Tyler ISD officials, the honor roll recognizes less than 4% of the more than 8,000 Texas public schools across the state. “We are honored at Jack to be given this unexpected recognition,” said Jack Elementary Principal Shauna Hittle. “We are pleased to be recognized but we plan to keep working diligently each and every day to help every single student succeed at high levels because they each can and deserve to.”

TYLER – A 26-year-old Athens man has been sentenced to prison for federal firearms violations. Paul Ray Jackson pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2010, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced Thursday in Tyler to 100 months in federal prison.

According to information presented in court, on Nov. 28, 2008, an Athens police officer attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by Jackson for speeding. Jackson refused to stop and led the officer, and ultimately several additional patrol units, on a high speed chase before being stopped by a DPS spike strip in Kaufman. Jackson then fled the scene on foot. A search of the vehicle revealed a fully loaded .22 caliber pistol.

Not long after Jackson fled the scene, he was arrested by Kaufman County Sheriff’s deputies on marijuana charges. A review of police video footage of the car chase enabled officers to positively identify Jackson as the perpetrator in both incidents. On Dec. 2, 2008, Jackson voluntarily surrendered to authorities at the Athens Police Department and confessed to being the driver of the car in the Nov. 28, 2008 incident. Further investigation revealed Jackson was a convicted felon having been previously found guilty of possession of marijuana in 2007 in Parker County, Texas. As a convicted felon, Jackson is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Authorities say, “This conviction is yet another important outcome from Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national priority of the United States Department of Justice. PSN is designed as a partnership between federal and local law enforcement to reduce violent crime and gun-related crime through the vigorous enforcement of the criminal provisions of the federal firearms laws.”

TYLER– After one Florida pastor said his church will burn copies of the Koran on Saturday, religious leaders in East Texas have been working even harder to build relationships with one another. Wednesday, we spoke with Christian pastors in our community who say burning the Koran isn’t showing the love of God.

Imam Faisal is a Muslim leader in Tyler, and he says burning the Koran is burning down bridges between Muslims and Christians. He says, “I wish he (the Florida pastor) could learn a little about what the Koran teaches about being kind to our neighbors and being friends with Christians and Jews.” According to KETK, Rabbi Neal Katz says the Muslim community should be offended. He says, “Burning the Koran is like burning the New Testament or Torah.” The religious leaders’ comments came before Pastor Terry Jones’s announcement that he has called off the Koran burning. We’ll have more details on that as the story develops.

LINDALE – A car crashed into a wall at a local business in Lindale on Wednesday. According to KETK, police officials say the driver accidentally pressed the wrong pedal and took out a portion of a wall at the Lindale Cleaners. The damage to the business is minimal. Nobody was hurt in the accident.

TYLER — PATH officials today are putting a special emphasis on the PATH Week Prayer Luncheon. Executive Director Christina Fulsom is encouraging everyone to make a reservation for the free event. It’s to be held on Tuesday, September 14th, at noon, at Tyler’s all-new Green Acres CrossWalk Conference Center. A number of speakers are on the docket, and the event will also feature presentation of PATH’s Faith in Action Award and Community in Action Award. For a reservation, or more information, you can call Mitzie at 903-597-4044, ext. 125. You can also log onto to http://www.pathhelps.org for more information on the luncheon, other PATH Week activities, and PATH in general.

EAST TEXAS– The recent rain isn’t enough to lift burn bans across some East Texas counties. Even though temperatures have dropped, officials say it’s still too dry. They also say the threat of wildfires is still in existence. According to KETK, Burn bans remain in effect in Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, and Panola counties.

TYLER — An agency that helps Tyler-area families receives a check for $2,500 from Bank of America. The money, given Wednesday to Tyler Rescue Ministries, follows a $2,500 donation last week from Cavender’s Boot City in Tyler. Founder/CEO Maurice Barnes says the funds are for the agency’s Catch the Vision…Save a Family expansion campaign. According to Barnes, “This expansion when complete will allow us to provide assistance to intact families. This is an area of great need as there were 453 homes lost to foreclosure in Tyler and Smith County in 2009. That is potentially 1600 – 1800 people facing homelessness.”

Barnes adds, “We will be the only agency that will allow the intact family remain together in northeast Texas. Currently we are only providing assistance to single women and women with children at our Kathryn’s House facility. Everyone is invited to help.” You can log on to http://www.tylerrescueministries.org for more information about Tyler Rescue Ministries.

TYLER — The Mineola child sex ring case is back in a Smith County courtroom. Patrick Kelly’s attorney filed another motion saying Judge Jack Skeen is not fit to hear the case. It was a bail hearing for Kelly, who’s on trial for his alleged involvement in the 2007 “Mineola Swingers Club”. The allegation is Kelly forced children to perform sex acts in front of an audience. His original conviction was thrown out. According to KETK, Kelly’s attorney is challenging a regional attorney’s decision to keep Skeen on the case.

JACKSONVILLE — Authorities credit Jacksonville Middle School students and local police with quick response in an incident that caused some concern following football practice Tuesday afternoon. School officials say several students witnessed a student in possession of what was perceived to be a gun and was later determined to be a cigarette lighter that was shaped like a gun. According to a school district news release, students reacted promptly and alerted the coaching staff of the incident. Officials say coaches took immediate action by contacting the Jacksonville Police Department. The cigarette lighter was immediately secured.

The news release says, “JISD administration appreciates the quick action and dedication of the Jacksonville Police Department in doing their part to keep our students safe. For the safety and security of the Jacksonville ISD students and staff, we take any perceived threats seriously. JISD prides itself in creating a safe learning environment and any incident that threatens that environment is handled firmly and promptly.”