KTBB News, Weather, Talk

KILGORE — Three East Texans are in jail after allegedly burglarizing a Kilgore home. The Kilgore Police Department tells KETK it received calls about two people running with a flat screen TV in the 500 block of Pineburr Street. When officers arrived, they found a house in the area had been burglarized. The burglars fled the scene in a vehicle, according to witnesses. Authorities say they were able to quickly find and stop the getaway car. Inside the vehicle, officers found stolen property. Officials charged Chesya Carmack, 23, of Hallsville, Dominique Scudella, 20, of Kilgore, and James Portley, 23, of Kilgore with burglary of a habitation. The stolen property was returned to its rightful owner.

TYLER (AP/Staff) – Attorneys for a man twice sentenced to death but later freed over the 1977 rape and stabbing of a Tyler woman are accusing a former prosecutor of keeping the knife used to kill the woman for the past decade. Kerry Max Cook pleaded no contest in 1999 to murder for a sentence of time served. Cook was twice convicted of killing Linda Jo Edwards. Courts overturned both convictions. Judge John Ovard has granted Cook’s request to conduct new DNA testing to demonstrate his innocence. But Ovard refused to have a Smith County judge recuse herself. Cook’s attorneys want Ovard to reconsider. In a motion filed Monday, they said former Smith County District Attorney A.D. Clark III had the knife in his possession. Clark, in an interview, denied the allegation.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A former House of Israel member and alleged East Texas cult leader has been found guilty of tampering with government records. According to KETK, Robert Fox has been on trial in Cherokee County. The House of Israel was raided in 2008. Police say since that raid, the group has slowly trickled out of Jacksonville.

ANGELINA COUNTY — More than 30 pounds of marijuana was found during a traffic stop in Angelina County. According to KETK, it happened around 6:30 Sunday evening north of Lufkin on US Highway 59 in the Redland area. Precinct 1 Constable Tom Selman clocked a man driving 83 mph in a 70 mph zone, and pulled him over. Constable Selman tells KETK, when he approached the vehicle, the smell of marijuana was very strong.

Claude Welch, 53, Houston, admitted to having the pot. Constable Selman searched the vehicle and found three garbage bags full of marijuana. Each bag was about 10 pounds. Welch was arrested and booked into the Angelina County Jail on possession of marijuana. His bond is set at $7,500.

ANGELINA COUNTY — A Diboll woman will spend the next quarter-century in prison for having sex with a teenager, according to the Lufkin Daily News. Natalie Johnson, 32, was sentenced to 25 years behind bars for aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to an arrest affidavit, Johnson first met the 13-year old boy at his aunt’s house. The two exchanged more than 1,500 text messages and had sex 7 times.

TYLER – The driver of the vehicle that killed 2-year-old Sydney Jane Farris in Saturday’s Highway 69 wreck near Bullard remains jailed. According to KETK, 41-year-old Jorge Cordero-Valera of Bullard was arrested and is in the Smith County Jail on charges of intoxicated manslaughter, along with six other charges of intoxicated assault. His bond has been set at $100,000. Additionally, officials say there is a good chance Cordero-Varela could be living in the U.S. illegally. He’s being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — which means he could very well soon be deported.

According to authorities, Cordera-Varela’s vehicle was traveling south in the northbound lane when it slammed into a 2001 Honda Civic driven by Jansen Farris, 22, of Bullard. Sydney Farris was also in the vehicle. Jansen Farris is in good condition at a Tyler hospital. He is being treated for internal injuries and broken bones. Authorities say Cordera-Varela’s truck went airborne due to its high rate of speed and came down on top of another truck, driven by Crystal Gilbert, 31, of Tyler. A 4-year-old, a 6-year-old, and an 11-year-old, as well as Bartillo Gonzales, were also in the vehicle. They were all treated for their injuries at a Tyler hospital.

MARSHALL — Harrison County Sheriff Jay Webb says a decaying body was found in a wooded area in Marshall. According to KETK, 911 dispatchers received a call at 10:30 Monday morning about the discovery of a dead person on Marks Hill Road and Frierson Road in Marshall. When deputies arrived, they were met by the witness who said she was in the area searching for plum trees when she smelled a strong odor.

Deputies were unable to identify the body due to advanced decomposition. Judge Kent Alford pronounced the body as deceased and ordered an autopsy to determine the identity and cause of death. The body was sent to Forensic Services in Tyler. Sheriff’s investigators and Marshall Police are reviewing all missing person records to aid in identifying this body. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 903-923-4000.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Postal Service is responding to concerns voiced by East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert. According to KETK, Gohmnert says the information used to recommend shutting down the mail processing center in Owentown is faulty. Gohmert says data used in the shutdown decision is from Tyler County and not Tyler, Texas. The processing center is tentatively scheduled for a May 15 closure. In Gohmert’s words, “We got some morons. Maybe they’re just incompetent, who knows?”

KETK received a statement of response Tuesday from USPS spokesperson McKinney Boyd story that stated: “As the Postal Service loses $25 million a day, a national initiative includes the possible closing of plants and post offices. Presently, a congressional moratorium issued last December prevents USPS from closing any postal facilities. Just last week, the U.S. Senate approved a proposal to discuss a proposed bill – 1789, before the full Senate. Again, the US Postal Service was asked to halt the closing of any facilities, until a decision can be reached by Congress.”

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) announces Harold Higgins as the recipient of the 2012 W. T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. Higgins is NET Health’s senior deputy director for public health emergency preparedness, a program he developed for the Health District following the 9/11 disaster. In a statement, NET Health CEO George Roberts says Higgins “was instrumental in the sheltering of thousands of special needs evacuees during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.” Roberts adds, “During the recent H1N1 flu crisis, Mr. Higgins and his team provided over 20,000 vaccinations against H1N1 throughout East Texas. The relationships that Mr. Higgins has built and grown through the years have enabled the Northeast Texas Public Health District to grow, sustain, and become recognized as experts in the field of public health.”

TYLER – A 32-year-old Cherokee County man has been sentenced for federal wildlife violations. Blake Powell pleaded guilty on December 12, 2011, to a three count Information charging him with negligent transportation of wildlife. Powell was sentenced Monday in Tyler to two years probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie. Powell was also ordered to pay a fine of $243,000 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Lacey Act Reward Account and $157,000 in community restitution to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Additionally, Powell will be prohibited from participating in the deer breeding business during the term of his probation.

According to information presented in court, Powell owned and operated Rockin’ P White Tails, a high-fence deer breeding facility in Cherokee County. On three separate occasions, Powell transported and possessed illegally imported live whitetail deer valued at over $350. The fair market value of the illegally imported whitetail deer, including relevant conduct, exceeded approximately $208,500. Additionally, through the unlawful importation of whitetail deer, Powell accumulated whitetail deer semen valued at approximately $85,000 and progeny valued at approximately $172,500. Powell was required to forfeit the illegally derived deer semen to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview say they’ve arrested five suspects in two separate vehicle burglaries. Last Friday afternoon just before 1:15, officers were dispatched to the 400 Block of East Loop 281 for a theft in progress. When officers arrived, they were told two women in a 2008 Silver Chevrolet Impala were attempting to cash a stolen check. Officers located the suspects inside the car in one of the drive-through lanes of the bank. Officers determined that the check was one that had been taken during a recent string of vehicle burglaries in Longview over the past few weeks.

Police identified the two suspects as Lisa Marie Grove, 29, and Haley Nicole Crouch Still, 25, both of Longview. Grove was arrested on two outstanding misdemeanor warrants and stealing/receiving a stolen check. Still was arrested on two counts of forgery of a check. Officers say they also found a falsified driver’s license document and several prescription medication pills that were not prescribed to Still in her purse. She was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and tampering with a government document. Both woman were transported to the Gregg County Jail.

On April 29 at 7:53 p.m., police were dispatched to the 400 Block of West Loop 281. Upon arrival, an officer was told that there were several people walking from vehicle to vehicle attempting to open car doors. The officer located several males inside a 1998 maroon Ford F150 pickup. While the officer was attempting to talk to them, one of the suspects reportedly jumped out of the truck and ran into some nearby woods. Police say after the initial officer gave chase to the fleeing suspect, and prior to other officers arriving on scene, the other occupants of the vehicle fled the scene. According to authorities, the other three suspects were located a short time later hiding in the bathroom of a nearby restaurant. Those suspects were taken into custody and charged with evading arrest and detention and burglary of a vehicle.

One suspect was determined to be 16 years old. He was transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center. The other two suspects arrested were Francisco Javier Avila 19, and Roberto Adonias Obispo-Sosa, 22, both of Longview. During the booking process Avila was also found to have a counterfeit government document and was charged with tampering with a government document. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also placed detainers on the adult suspects. One suspect remains at large. Citizens are asked to call Longview Police at 903-237-1199 if they observe suspicious activity or have other information regarding a crime.

BULLARD – Two-year-old Sydney Jane Farris has been killed and seven people injured, at least two critically, in a three-vehicle accident just north of Bullard. It happened Saturday night around 9:15 on U.S. Highway 69 at County Road 152. Helicopters and ambulances were used to transport the injured to Tyler hospitals. Authorities say a black truck was traveling south in the northbound lane when it hit the two other vehicles head-on. Investigators say they believe alcohol played a part in the crash. According to KETK, the deceased child’s father is listed in critical condition.

TYLER — Smith County officials have set a court date for Kimberly Cargill, the woman accused of murdering a mentally challenged woman. KETK reports that Cargill’s trial is due to begin on May 7 in the 241st District Court, according to county judicial records. Whitehouse police charged Cargill in July 2010 with the murder of 29-year old Cherry Dianne Walker. Walker’s body was found in June 2010 off County Road 2191. Officials say Walker was murdered one day after she was issued a subpoena to testify in a custody hearing regarding Cargill’s 4-year old son. The 45-year old is also charged with injury to a child. Her bonds total $1.5 million.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County authorities are seeking help in finding a local teen whom they believe to be a runaway. Lauren Ashley Martin, 16, was last seen in the area of Maxey Road in Longview on April 21. She’s 5’5”, 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Officials say they have no further information regarding whom she was last with or any vehicles involved. You’re asked to contact Cecil Shelton with the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office at 903-237-2531 with any information.

GREGG COUNTY — Longview police arrested two men Saturday at a Longview eatery and charged them with burglary of a vehicle, booking sheets released Sunday show. According to the Longview News-Journal, Roberto Adonias Obispo-Sosa, 22, (pictured) and Francisco Javier Avila, 19, both of Longview, remained in the Gregg County Jail Sunday under respective bonds of $3,000 and $21,000. In addition to the vehicle burglary counts, each also was charged with evading arrest or detention. Avila also was charged with tampering with a government document, and both South America natives were held without bond on detainers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The pair were arrested by Longview police at 8 p.m. Saturday at 410 W. Loop 281, Casa Olé.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Texas and U.S. authorities are trying to seize $20 million worth of properties from the former treasurer of the Mexican border state of Coahuila. Hector Javier Villarreal is wanted on charges of money laundering and engaging in organized criminal activity in Bexar County.

The former Mexican government official had been in custody in Smith County earlier this year, but the U.S. State Department ordered his release following a Tyler traffic stop. With him at the time was his wife Maria Teresita Botello, 28.

Smith County sheriff’s deputies arrested the couple in early February, and federal officials transported them from the Smith County Jail to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement division, or ICE, of Homeland Security in Dallas. After their arrest, the State Department ordered their release. Smith County Sheriff, J.B. Smith said, in regards to the release, that some people just make mistakes and the paperwork to keep the fugitives was not received in time.

Authorities say Villarreal bought a strip mall, a 4,000-square-foot home, a storage center and other San Antonio properties with embezzled money. In Mexico, he’s accused of falsifying documents to borrow $222 million on the state’s credit — then shuffling the money to relatives in the United States. The San Antonio Express-News reports that federal prosecutors filed lawsuits last week seeking forfeiture of a dozen properties. Authorities also are seeking forfeiture of properties owned by Villarreal’s relatives in the Rio Grande Valley. His whereabouts are unknown.

TYLER – The Gallery Main Street building at 110 West Erwin has been damaged by fire. It was reported just before 11:00 Saturday morning. Fire Marshal Paul Findley a roofing crew was removing a metal marquee brace from the roof with a cutting torch in order to fix a leak. As a result, tar and wood material on the roof caught fire, filling the building with smoke. There are no damage estimates at this time and no injuries were reported.

SHREVEPORT – A man wanted for over four years for failing to register as a sex offender, has been arrested by the U.S. Marshal Service in Shreveport. Charles Ray Rusk was arrested Thursday. He had been convicted in 1978 of the sexual assault of an 8 year old girl. Police in Nacogdoches tell KETK they also want Rusk for an aggravated robbery that happened five years ago. He is accused of dragging an 80 year old woman to the ground while trying to snatch her purse. The incident happened in the parking lot of the Burger King on the 2000 block of North Street. As he awaits his extradition back to Texas, Rusk remains in the Caddo Parish Jail.

TYLER — Warmer daytime and overnight temperatures mean work is set to resume next week on some local highway construction projects that have lain dormant during the colder months, and work is scheduled to begin on several others. In all, there will be an additional 15 active Texas Department of Transportation work zones next week throughout the eight-county Tyler District, on top of the maintenance and construction jobs that remained active over the winter months. Work is scheduled to resume on the following construction projects:

Smith County
● FM 757, FM 1252, FM 2015 — Adding shoulders to FM 757 between IH 20 and FM 2767; to FM 1252 between SCR 3104 and the Gregg County Line; and to FM 2015 between IH 20 and US 271. The approximate $2.7 million project let in June and began August 29. The project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2012. Madden Contracting, Inc., of Minden, La., is the contractor.
● SH 110, FM 1253 — Adding shoulders to SH 110 between FM 1253 and Interstate 20, and adding centerline rumble strips on SH 110 between the Van Zandt County Line and Loop 323 in Tyler. Adding shoulders to FM 1253 between US 80 and FM 857. The approximate $1.4 million project let in June 2011, began in August, and is scheduled for completion in spring 2012. A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., of Buffalo, Texas, is the contractor.

Gregg County
● FM 349, FM 1844, FM 2011 – Adding 3-foot shoulders to FM 349 between FM 2276 and FM 2011; FM 1844 between Burnam Road and Hamby Road; and on FM 2011 between FM 2087 and the Rusk County Line. Also adds centerline rumble strips and seal coat on FM 1844 between Upshur County Line and US 259. The approximate $3.5 million project let in October 2010, began in June 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in summer 2012. A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., of Buffalo, Texas, is the contractor.

Henderson County
● RM 2329 – Repair and resurface between FM 316 and US 175. The $1.2 million project let in January 2011 and began in May. Work on this project is suspended until spring. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2012. A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., of Buffalo, Texas is the contractor.

Work is scheduled to begin next week on the following projects::
Smith County
● Interstate 20 – Repair and resurface Interstate 20 between the Smith/Van Zandt County Line and US 69 in Lindale. The approximate $2.1 million project let to contract in January and is scheduled begin construction May 7. Reynolds & Kay, Ltd., of Tyler, is the contractor.
● US 271 – Repairing and resurfacing US 271 at its intersection with IH 20. The project is scheduled to begin in May. Reynolds & Kay, Ltd., of Tyler, is the contractor.

Gregg County
● Interstate 20 – Bridge rail and guard fence repairs at EB SH 31, EB UPRR bridge, EB and WB Crazy Bess Bayou (just east of FM 2087). The approximate $401,000 project is scheduled to begin in May. Ray Faris, Inc, is the contractor. Some ramp closures and detours will be required in each location while work is in progress.

Rusk County
● US 84 – Repairing and resurfacing US 84 between the Angelina River and FM 2753. The approximate $2.6 million project let to contract in January and is scheduled to begin May 1. Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview, is the contractor.

Van Zandt County
● FM 17 – Add shoulders and resurface FM 17 between SH 110 in Grand Saline and Interstate 20. The approximate $3.7 million project let to contract in March and is scheduled to begin work in the spring. D.L. Lennon Inc., of Commerce, is the contractor.

Wood County
● FM 778 – Adding shoulders and applying a seal coat to FM 778 between SH 37 in Quitman and FM 49 in Hainesville. The approximate $2.2 million project let to contract in March and is scheduled begin construction in the summer or early fall. Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview is the contractor.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do this summer,” Krantz said, adding that additional projects would be breaking ground in the coming months. “All of it aimed at improving the safety and overall condition of your highway system. Please be careful in and around work zones.”

LONGVIEW — Eastman Chemical Co. on Thursday posted record first quarter revenues, with company officials expressing optimism for the remainder of 2012. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The Kingsport, Tenn.-based company, with operations in Longview, reported revenues of $1.821 billion, up about 4 percent from the $1.758 billion in revenues reported in the first quarter of 2011. The revenue figure also edged the previous top first quarter revenue figure of $1.803 billion in 2006. Revenue has increased for four quarters in a row.

“We delivered solid first quarter results despite persistent global economic uncertainty, and we remain well positioned for full year earnings growth,” chairman and CEO Jim Rogers said in a statement. “In addition, we are on track to complete the Solutia acquisition by mid-2012, which we expect will significantly enhance our earnings growth in the future.”

WASHINGTON (Staff/AP) – U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert of Tyler has called for the resignation of EPA Region Six Administrator Al Armendariz. That’s after a videotape surfaced of what Gohmert termed Armendariz’s “toxic comments” at a meeting in Texas in May 2010.

In a statement, Gohmert said, “Elitists, like Al Armendariz, do not understand that we don’t have subway systems in east Texas. Hard-working, taxpaying Americans have to get in their cars and drive, sometimes long distances, in order to get to and from work. In his zeal to ‘crucify’ the evil oil companies, Armendariz is placing a crushing burden on overwhelmed Americans who have to choose between food for their families or gasoline to get to work.

“The specific game plan of this administration’s ‘War on Big Oil’ will not adversely impact major oil companies. Instead, their policies will repeal business deductions for small independent oil and gas companies who drill and maintain 95-percent of the wells in the continental United States. In fact, his ‘crucifixion’ strategy will nail small independent companies to the cross – leaving true big oil to make even more profit.”

Armendariz has apologized for using the word “crucify” when describing the agency’s enforcement policies, and for saying it makes examples of bad players in the oil and gas industry. Armendariz was answering a question about EPA enforcement. The video shows him saying that in the Middle Ages, the Romans would enter a troublesome town, “take the first five guys they saw and crucify them.” Then the town would be “really easy to manage for the next few years.” He then said the EPA similarly makes examples of oil and gas companies not complying with the law.

TYLER — The grandparents of a toddler that were arrested following an investigation into burn injuries on the girl’s body have requested a bond reduction. According to KETK, Shelley Walker, 60, and Kenneth Walker, 54, (pictured) have been in the Smith County Jail since March 26 on an injury to a child charge. Bond was set at $250,000 each. Judge Jack Skeen is reviewing their request.

Bridget Walker was severely burned on her feet and ankles when she was placed into a bath tub with scalding water. She was in the care of the two grandparents who were both at their home on Aberdeen Street. The 2-year-old was flown to Parkland Hospital in Dallas Feb. 28, and later released. She’s now in the custody of Child Protective Services.

LONGVIEW — An elderly woman is recovering from injuries sustained in an accident Friday morning. At 5:15 a.m., Longview police responded to a location north of the intersection of West Loop 281 and Gilmer Road. Officers were told that a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Charles Patrick McClain of Longview was traveling south on Gilmer Road. McClain stated he did not see the victim, 86-year old Mary Neal of Longview, crossing the roadway. Police say Neal was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center with serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries. At this time, no citations have been issued.

TYLER — Tyler Police say restaurant employees helped them catch a would be thief. Just before 2:30 Friday morning, officers were called to the Whataburger on South Broadway regarding a fight between a man and woman in the parking lot. Restaurant employees were restraining Todd Lax, 24, Arlington, until officers arrived. Upon further investigation, authorities said Lax had followed the victim, who is an employee of the nearby Wal-Mart. Lax reportedly attempted to steal the woman’s purse when the fight broke out. The victim sustained minor injuries. Lax was arrested for robbery and criminal trespass. He was booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $1,350.

HUNTSVILLE (AP) – A Texas man condemned for his role in a robbery in which three people were shot, one fatally, has been put to death. Beunka Adams became the fifth person executed in Texas this year. His lethal injection was carried out Thursday evening in Huntsville. The execution came less than three hours after the U.S. Supreme Court refused a last-day appeal to postpone the punishment. The 29-year-old Adams won a reprieve from a federal district judge earlier this week. But the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the death warrant Wednesday. Adams and another man were sent to death row for the 2002 slaying of Kenneth Vandever, 37, during the holdup of a convenience store outside Rusk. Two female clerks were shot but survived. One of the women was raped.

TYLER — Smith County voter registration cards have been mailed out and should be received by Smith County voters by the end of the week. That’s the word from county officials. Smith County Elections Administrator Karen Nelson said that “while a voter may vote without a voter registration card, we want all voters to be confident with regard to their registration and correct voting precinct location.” Voters may also vote with approved forms of identification.

The Secretary of State’s website http://www.votexas.org/faq says, “The issuing of new [voter registration] cards was delayed due to redistricting. A new federal court order has been issued, and the counties are instructed to issue the new certificates no later than April 25, 2012. The expiration of your old certificate on 12/31/2011 does not mean your voter registration expires. However, if your residence address is different, you should apply to update your registration (especially if you have moved to a new county).”

Regarding voter photo identification requirements, the U.S. Department of Justice has refused to allow implementation of Texas Senate Bill 14 at this time. Thus, current law pertaining to approved documentation required for voting is in effect. Therefore, a Texas Voter Registration Card will be sufficient for voting in the May 12, 2012 Uniform Election and the May 29, 2012 Primary Elections. Approved documentation in addition to, or in lieu of a voter registration card includes at least one of the following:

* A driver’s license or personal identification card issued to you by the Texas Department of Public Safety or approved agency of another state;
* A form of identification that contains your photograph and establishes your identity;
* A birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes the person’s identity;
* Your United States citizenship papers;
* Your United States passport;
* Official mail addressed to you by a governmental entity; or
* A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.

The public should also note that the rescheduling of party primaries created the unusual situation of two election dates during May and two “early voting” periods. The May 12 elections are for city councils, school districts, and a Tyler Junior College bond proposal. The May 29 date is for county and statewide elections. Any questions should be directed to the Smith County Elections Administrator, Karen Nelson, at 903-590-4777.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University’s School of Engineering has received some $560,000 under three separate grants — one new, one current, and one recently completed. LETU got $250,125 in grant funding from the Federal Highway Administration for a two-year research project on welding on modern bridges. That grant is in addition to a current $180,000 grant.

“Two of our master’s degree students, as well as about ten undergraduates will be working on this study aimed at using innovative welding technologies for designing and manufacturing future bridges that would last over 100 years” said Dr. Yoni Adonyi, LETU’s welding/materials joining engineering program coordinator. “Our partners from industry remain the Navy Surface Warfare Center, as well as the American Iron and Steel Institute, and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. We are looking at high-frequency, friction stir and thermal stir welding applied to joining high strength- and corrosion resistant steels.”

Additionally, the university just completed a $129,000 grant from the II-VI Foundation that funded the development of new technology for microwave welding to join bismuth telluride to copper for building thermo-electric generators. “This breakthrough technology will be used for waste energy reclamation such as automobile exhaust heat pumping energy to the battery,” said Dr. Seung Kim, assistant professor in electrical engineering and co-investigator with Dr. Adonyi. A patent application is in the works for this new, no-plasma discharge, and closed-loop controlled microwave welder prototype.

TYLER — Smith County sheriff’s officials claim they have solved a 1999 cold case. According to KETK, William Thomas Young, Jr., was killed back in 1999, but mystery remained behind his death. Authorities suspected Shams Emil Masters, 33, of murdering young, but did not have enough evidence to charge him with murder. Masters was taken into custody at the time of Young’s death for possession of methamphetamine, which law enforcement found on him. He received a 6-year prison term.

Officials tell KETK the alleged murderer and victim knew each other. Young, who was 18 at the time, was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head on February 18, 1999. He was found dead in the southern region of Smith County off Noonday Road at the Woodlands Estates Subdivision.

Masters is currently being held at the Federal Correctional Institute in Florence, Colorado for bank robbery. His release date was scheduled for January 8, 2024. He will eventually be extradited to Smith County to face murder charges.

TYLER — TYLER — State Representative Leo Berman, Tyler, has received some good news. After receiving the results of two CT scans, Representative Berman said, “My oncologist diagnosed that my cancer is in remission. As a matter of precaution, I will complete the last two scheduled chemotherapy treatments next month.” Berman goes on to say, ” I served two years in Vietnam where I was exposed to Agent Orange and I encourage all Vietnam veterans to be sure they are registered on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Agent Orange list.”

Berman said he will continue working, in the hopes of being a source of inspiration to others and will be forever grateful for the outstanding medical care he continues to receive in Tyler, and “For all the prayers raised on my behalf.”

EAST TEXAS — An East Texas physician has been ordered by the Texas Medical Board to stop treating patients for chronic pain. According to the Longview News-Journal, Dr. Lynn Louis Bourdon “non-therapeutically” prescribed drugs to 11 chronic pain patients and failed to maintain adequate medical records for patients, according to the agreed order Bourdon signed April 13 with the medical board.

Bourdon has had offices in Longview, Gladewater, Marshall and Daingerfield. He is a 1961 graduate of the Baylor School of Medicine. The board said some of Bourdon’s patients showed signs of controlled substance abuse or addiction at which time Bourdon continued to prescribe the medications. Bourdon also had to surrender his Drug Enforcement Administration certificate of registration.