KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday heard a presentation from the Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) on the results of the Pedestrian Access Study. The purpose of the Pedestrian Access Study is to identify existing pedestrian infrastructure and recommend priority pedestrian routes and projects to help connect destinations around the City and promote access. The study was coordinated with the Regional Trail Plan, the Parks and Recreation Department with regard to tree plantings and the Transit Department for bus stop access.

Officials say the Tyler Area MPO began the study by reviewing existing assets, determining what gaps there were in the current system and then providing a way to prioritize new construction to best meet the goal of an accessible network. According to city staff, in creating the priority listing of projects, the MPO paid special attention to areas that would be significant draws such as major employment centers, regional shopping areas, civic centers and schools; staffers say consideration was also given to how these attractors connect with residential areas. Additionally, the MPO held three public meetings and accepted public comments throughout the development of the study to obtain input from the community to assist.

After their assessment, the Tyler Area MPO identified 214 projects; these projects were each assigned a score based on their proximity to the attractors mentioned above. The scores were used to rank the importance of the project based on the impact it would have on the community. This project ranking is scheduled to be adopted by the MPO Policy Committee at their February meeting.

The project ranking will also be submitted to the City of Tyler Capital Improvement Program in February for consideration by the Half-Cent Sales Tax Board in April. Sidewalks are currently ranked number four out of 91 projects citywide. The Tyler Area MPO has also identified the Federal Safe Routes to School program, Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife trail grants and public/private partnerships as other possible funding sources for these projects.

The City of Tyler serves as the administrative agency of the Tyler Area MPO. The MPO, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), is responsible for carrying out the urban transportation process as required by federal legislation. The MPO is intended to provide a forum for cooperative decision making concerning transportation issues. Go to http://www.TylerAreaMPO.org for more information.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted Wednesday to support a measure that would raise the local hotel occupancy tax rate from seven to nine percent to fund a convention center. “We estimate that at least 20,000 convention visitors go elsewhere each year because Tyler does not have the facilities to accommodate larger groups,” commented Mayor Barbara Bass. “The need was identified in the Industry Growth Initiative (IGI) and we are taking the first step in realizing that goal.”

The IGI was adopted in May 2010 and outlines strategies Tyler should pursue to strengthen the economy. “The IGI aligns Tyler’s people resources with our natural resources,” added Mayor Bass. “It is all about identifying your strengths and wholeheartedly pursuing strategies that will capitalize upon them.” Ten building blocks were identified in the plan including healthcare, higher education, retirees and tourism. A convention or meeting center was specifically identified as an opportunity to bring more visitors to Tyler. “Tyler has tremendous opportunities to grow our tourism sector and getting the appropriate facilities will give us a competitive advantage,” added Bass.

In addition to pursuing the hotel tax adjustment, a public relations consortium has been formed to take a close look at the community’s image and how Tyler is marketed. A community survey was completed that recommended that the rose continue to be used to represent Tyler. Additionally, 72 percent of respondents felt that a convention center was needed to attract more visitors.

Texas Tax Code Section 351.003 authorizes certain municipalities to enact a hotel occupancy rate not to exceed 9 percent of the price paid for a room for a hotel. “The next step in this process is to have measures introduced into the Texas Senate and carried in the House,” explained Bass. “Because they only convene every other year, we are asking for consideration this year so that we do not have to wait two more years.”

The revenue raised from the additional 2 percent in the hotel occupancy tax rate would be used for the costs associated with and related to a new or expanded conference center and/or multi-purpose arena, and any associated facilities. The funds would be accounted for separately within the City of Tyler’s Occupancy Tax Fund and tracked as a reserve for future commitments. It is estimated that the tax would generate $500,000 per year.

KILGORE — An autopsy confirmed Tuesday that Renee Garrett died of a single gunshot wound to the torso, Justice of the Peace Arthur Fort said. Garrett, 25, of Kilgore was found just after midnight Monday at Adult Video in the 1900 block of Industrial Avenue in Kilgore after police responded to a disturbance call. She worked as a clerk at the store. Kilgore Police Department Lt. Roman Roberson said in addition to the slaying, an unknown amount of money and a cash box was taken from the store in the attempted holdup. Although no arrests have been made, police officials said they are still following ongoing leads.

At least two people received cryptic phone calls from an adult video store clerk shortly before she was shot to death in an apparent holdup early Monday morning. In an interview later Monday, store owner Robert Duggan said he received a call from Garrett at 11:59 p.m. He was unsure whether the call was dialed intentionally or by accident. Other pieces of evidence were taken from a voicemail the victim left on another person’s phone, Duggan said, but declined to give further details.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies investigate a report of the killing of two pitbulls. Deputies were called to CR 129 where a man said his neighbor killed his dogs. The neighbor claimed the dogs killed his goat. Animal cruelty charges are possible because the neighbor reportedly followed one of the dogs back to its home and then killed it.

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man is arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. James Wendell Mobley, 70, is accused of shooting his friend in the hand during an argument. He’s also accused of pulling a gun on two sheriff’s deputies responding to the shooting off of FM 2710. Mobley is in the Smith County Jail with bond set at $200,000.

WHITEHOUSE — The City of Whitehouse may be seeing some changes. A new development has been proposed for a vacant 2 acre lot on East Main St. near city hall. The additions would include a hotel, restaurant, convenience store, and a gas station. Whitehouse city manager, Mike Peterson, says that a more developed town center would add entertainment, increase tax revenue, and create new jobs. Peterson says Whitehouse is “excited about this project and we’re looking forward to having our downtown area begin to be revitalized.” The proposed developments can not begin until they are approved by the city. The next board meeting is in February.

LONGVIEW — More than two weeks has passed since the death of a Gregg County Jail inmate sparked an internal investigation that put the jail in non-compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Gregg County officials said Tuesday the majority of the investigation is complete, but they can’t close the books on the investigation until an official cause of death is ruled on Amy Lynn Cowling, 33. That final ruling is being held up by the victim’s attorney.

Attorney Robert Davis, who represents Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano, said the doctor who is performing Cowling’s autopsy requested that Jarom Tefteller, the attorney representing Cowling’s family, provide past medical records before her autopsy could be complete. “These documents were requested from Tefteller more than a week ago, and investigators said they had yet to receive Cowling’s medical history or HIPAA form, which releases her medical documents to the Texas Rangers,” Davis said. Tefteller said he would have to go through legal departments and possibly a court hearing before the documents could be released to him.

TYLER — Smith County officials say a major house fire leaves a family of 9 homeless. It started around 1:30 Wednesday morning at 522 Dobbs Terrace in North Tyler. No injuries were reported. Investigators say a dryer may have sparked the blaze. The mobile home was completely destroyed. The family’s car also caught on fire. Reports say there are power lines down.

LONGVIEW – A Longview warehouse has been destroyed and a suspect arrested and charged with arson. The fire in the warehouse in the 300 block of Cherokee Street was reported around 8:30 Monday night. Investigators say the building was a total loss. The suspect was arrested Tuesday night.

CINCINNATI (AP/STAFF) – Tyler native, and former Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach, Bill “Tiger” Johnson, died at his home in Fort Myers, Florida after a long illness. He was 84. Johnson was an All-State player at Tyler High School and played at Texas A&M. He is also a member of the Circle of Honor at Tyler Junior College.

Johnson was on the original Bengals staff in 1968 and spent 17 years with the Bengals, three of them as head coach. He coached the offensive line under Paul Brown before succeeding him. Johnson went 18-15 from 1976-77 and the first five games of 1978. He returned to coach tight ends from 1985-1990.

The Texas native was a center for the San Francisco 49ers. He was also on staff with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1979-82) and Detroit Lions (1983-84).

TYLER — Over the next several months, don’t be surprised if you see smoke billowing from Tyler State Park. The fire is planned. Park Superintendent, Bill Smart says that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff plans to conduct prescribed burns at Tyler State Park sometime during late January through March. The burns are expected to be conducted and completed in two to three days.

Prescribed burns are used as a management tool in state parks to improve habitat for wildlife by restoring forest and prairie habitats on the park that were historically maintained by natural fires. They also are conducted to reduce the amount of available fuels, such as leaf litter, fallen branches, understory growth and dead trees that accumulate naturally and from storm events. By reducing the amount of available fuels, prescribed burns reduce the chance for a potentially destructive wildfire to occur.

Park staff already has begun preparing for the upcoming burn by clearing vegetation and other fuels from the fire breaks established around the perimeter of each area (burn unit) that will be burned this year. Fuels and vegetation also are cleared away from utility poles, structures, signs and sensitive resources to protect them during the prescribed burns.

Prescribed burns on state parks are conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel who have undergone training and met national wildland firefighting certification standards. The park’s prescribed fire plan defines the conditions under which a prescribed burn may be conducted, taking into account wind speeds and direction, air temperature, relative humidity and fuel moisture levels. The plan also guides the fire crew members in managing burns to prevent them from escaping into adjacent properties and to minimize the effect of smoke in nearby residential areas.

Because specific weather conditions are required to conduct an effective and safe prescribed burn, TPWD staff cannot provide a specific date for the burn at this time. However, local emergency management officials will be notified before the prescribed fire is implemented. Smart stated that during the burn, some areas of the park would be closed to the public. During the burn there may be smoke that reduces visibility on neighboring roads and Smart cautions travelers to reduce their speed and use their headlights when smoke is present.

TYLER — The host of “Gun Talk,” heard on KTBB, has his say in the aftermath of Saturday’s shooting rampage in Tucson. Speaking with KTBB, Tom Gresham again targeted gun control advocates. According to Gresham, people who do not plan to take care of themselves say someone should take care of them — but people who actually take control of their own safety ask what else they need to do to take care of themselves and their families. Gresham says you can’t make people behave — the only question is what you as an individual are prepared to do about it.

Gresham says training is key. He comments that some say you don’t know how you’ll react in a situation like the one in Tucson — but that actually you do if you’re properly trained. And according to Gresham, training doesn’t just mean learning how to shoot a gun. He says it means learning how to react to attacks — how to move, how to communicate, how to shoot, how to use cover, etc. Gresham adds that according to statistics, people use guns to stop crime and protect themselves between one million and two million times a year in the U.S.

Gresham also says the man who jumped on the shooter after the shooting stopped was carrying a gun and was going to use it on the shooter as soon as he got there; Gresham says the rampage just ended right before he got there. Gresham asks, “Do you want to wait and have someone else protect you or do you want to have the ability to do it yourself? It really is as simple as that…As we like to say, ‘When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.'”

Gresham additionally discussed the possible role of “toxic rhetoric” in spurring the shooting. Gresham comments, “This is just an attempt by one group to shut down talk by another group. If you follow their logic, eventually we will all have to submit our remarks, prior to making them, to the government to get them approved…It’s crazy, it’s insane, but it’s once again from the people who brought you gun control; now they want speech control — and all of it is about controlling you.”

TYLER – A 55-year-old Kilgore man has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Ronnie Ben Chappell pleaded guilty on June 23, 2010, to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison Tuesday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

Prosecutors say on December 12, 2009, Chappell consented to a search of his laptop computer after being identified as having used his credit card to purchase child pornography over the internet. An analysis of the computer revealed approximately 75 images of child pornography; authorities say some depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct.

TYLER – A 45-year-old Whitehouse man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations. Johnny Coy Roberson, Jr., pleaded guilty back in June to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison yesterday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to information presented in court, on November 21, 2009, Roberson was stopped for a traffic violation in Smith County during which he was found to be in possession of a Kel-Tex, model P-11 9mm handgun. Further investigation revealed Roberson was a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of burglary of a habitation in Smith County in 2003. As a convicted felon, Roberson is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – Moderate Republican Joe Straus has been overwhelmingly re-elected as speaker of the Texas House — and an East Texan figured into the activity. By a 132-15 vote, Straus successfully fended off a challenge from conservatives who wanted to replace him with one of their own. Two Republicans abstained from voting. Some conservative groups had warned that they would use the speaker’s vote to assess lawmakers’ performance at the end of the session. The House was on the verge of taking an anonymous voice vote, but Republican Rep. Leo Berman of Tyler abruptly requested the vote be recorded. As speaker, Straus presides over the House and is one of the most powerful men in state government. He sets the agenda and controls what legislation makes it to the House floor for consideration.

LONGVIEW — A soldier heading home from leave is stuck in Longview after stopping to help with a wreck. Iit happened on Interstate 20. Robert Devolld was heading back to Fort Hood at the time. Devolld reportedly pulled over to check on the drivers, but as he was helping, his truck was hit by another car. Devolld at the time had no money for a hotel room but says a good Samaritan helped him get a room by putting it on their tab. Devolld is being sent back to Iraq after a 3 week leave.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council took a decisive step forward in their effort to improve traffic flow Wednesday when they voted unanimously to expand the City’s adaptive control system (ACS). The ACS system uses cameras to detect traffic volumes and makes signal timing adjustments in real time. “The ACS system is like having a traffic engineer at every intersection making constant adjustments,” explained Associate Traffic Engineer Justin Smith. “Using this system on the Broadway corridor helped us dramatically improve traffic progression. We anticipate a similar impact with this expansion on Loop 323.”

The ACS expansion will integrate 21 additional intersections into the system. These signals are along Loop 323 from Shaw Street, South and East along Loop 323 to Old Bullard Road and from Commerce Street, South and West to Copeland Road. Utilization of the ACS technology was a recommendation from the Tyler 21 plan to help ease traffic congestion. The City launched its first segment in 2007 and has added to the system in the last three years.

“Addressing traffic congestion was the number one concern identified in the Tyler 21 comprehensive plan,” shared Mayor Barbara Bass. “The City has taken many steps to improve traffic flow in the last three years and has made a lot of headway. I think this enhancement will keep us moving in the right direction.” Once the construction of Loop 323 West is complete, the City also plans to extend the system from SH31 north to US 69.

TYLER — Investigators say 62-year-old Linda Sue Michael of Quitman is the owner of 43 horses rescued in Lindale on December 13th — several of them pregnant and all of them starving. Since the rescue, things have changed for the animals. The S.P.C.A of East Texas and the Humane Society of the United States are making sure these animals receive the care they need. Besides daily food, something these horses are not used to, and exercise, Monday afternoon the animals were given vaccinations as well as additional medical attention.

As the horses receive the care they need, officials say the next step is finding them a home. Officials say in the coming weeks the S.P.C.A. will hold an open house and allow the public to see these animals once they are ready for adoption.

LUFKIN — An East Texas man is behind bars after he was arrested for an apparent meth lab at his home. Angelina County Sheriff’s officials say Matthew Thomas Harvard, 46, was arrested on methamphetamine charges. Harvard had been investigated for several months by police. Reports show this is not the first time Harvard has had a run-in with the law regarding drug offenses.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — An East Texas man is on trial for shooting his wife to death and then dumping her body in December of 2009. Police officials say John Presley killed Stephanie Fowler Presley and later left her body on an isolated road out in the county. He is facing murder charges. Presley was arrested near the U.S.-Mexico border.

TYLER -– Police round up a suspect in an aggravated kidnapping. According to authorities, Gerardo Zuniga surrendered to investigators at the Tyler Police Department without incident Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Zuniga was jailed with bond set at $250,000 for the first-degree felony. The 26-year-old Zuniga, also known as “Ya-Yo,” is accused of kidnapping a former girlfriend. The 29-year-old woman told officers that she was forced away from a party on January 7th by Zuniga and held against her will overnight at a residence on South Oakland Street in Tyler. Investigators observed several signs of physical abuse on the victim that were allegedly caused by the suspect.

TYLER – A Gregg County woman has pleaded guilty in Tyler federal court to drug trafficking charges. Latisha Marie Anthony, 26, of Kilgore pleaded guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. She now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the violation. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to federal prosecutors, on August 20, 2009, Anthony purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine from a Wal-Mart store in Longview, as well as on numerous other occasions at other stores in the area, all in furtherance of her methamphetamine manufacturing activities.

EAST TEXAS – The Winter storm that moved through the area Sunday and Arctic air that followed are responsible for more delays in the start of classes. Because of the very cold temperatures, the Van School District will have a two hour delayed start again today, as it did yesterday. A couple of schools will have delayed openings this morning; Hughes Springs starts at 9:00 and Pittsburg begins at 10:00.

TYLER — Tyler Police are seeking the location of 26-year-old Gerardo Zuniga, AKA “Ya-Yo,” a Hispanic male allegedly responsible for the January 7 aggravated kidnapping of a former girlfriend. The 29-year-old victim told officers that she was forced away from a party by Zuniga and held against her will overnight at a residence on South Oakland Street in Tyler. Investigators observed several signs of physical abuse on the victim that police say were caused by Zuniga.

Investigators hold an outstanding warrant for aggravated kidnapping, a 1st degree felony, on Zuniga. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Zuniga 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 arrest and charges filed against suspects in this case or any felony case.

TYLER — Two East Texas arsonists are sentenced. Jason Bourque and Daniel McAllister were sentenced Monday morning in Judge Kennedy’s 114th Court for several charges on arson and attempted arson dating back to the beginning of 2010. Both defendants pleaded guilty in December.

In the cases involving Jason Bourque, the State of Texas, honored the guilty plea, and sentenced Bourque to 5 life sentences and two 20 year sentences for his role in burning down East Texas churches.

In the cases involving Daniel McAllister, the State of Texas, honored the guilty plea, and sentenced McAllister to 2 life sentences and two 20 year sentences for his role in burning down East Texas churches.

Both defendants gave up their right to appeal their sentencing at this time. Charges are pending over fires in Van Zandt and Henderson counties. Nobody was hurt in the 10 blazes.

KILGORE (AP) – Kilgore police are seeking a suspect after an adult video store clerk was shot and killed during a robbery. Police early Monday responded to a disturbance at the Kilgore Adult Video Store and discovered the slain clerk. Police say 25-year-old Renee Garrett of Kilgore was dead from a probable gunshot wound. An unknown amount of money was stolen, along with a cash box. Police say the suspect, or possibly suspects, had fled before officers arrived.

TYLER – The various winter weather warnings and advisories for northeast Texas have been lifted. The winter storm that caused the problems has moved east of the area, taking the frozen precipitation with it. Caution should still be exercised when driving around the area. Overnight temperatures are remaining in the 20s and snow and sleet on roadways should refreeze, causing some problems especially on bridges and overpasses and secondary roads. KTBB weatherman Dr. Bob Peters says because of hazardous travel conditions, travel north of an Emory Henderson line should be discouraged.

The main arctic airmass is still poised to push through the area late Monday night. It will come in dry, but bitterly cold temperatures will follow for much of the week, especially at night where clearing skies will allow temperatures to fall. A warm up is in store for the end of the week.

EAST TEXAS – Snowy conditions prompted a number of area closings, cancellations, and postponements Monday. We’ll continue to keep you up to date. A couple of advisories: the 115th District Court in Upshur County is rescheduling Monday 8:30am jury to Tuesday at 8:30am — and the Kilgore East Texas Police Academy in-service class has also been re-scheduled until Tuesday.

UNDATED — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge and ditch repairs on Farm Road 16 north of Tyler between State Highway 155 in Winona and U.S. Highway 271. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 314 between Brownsboro and Farm Road 315 near Coffee City. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to be at work on the following roadways in and around Wood County:
Farm Road 778 between State Highway 37 in Quitman and U.S. Highway 80; and Farm Road 49 east of Farm Road 14. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several weeks of edge repairs in various locations on U.S. Highway 175 between Jacksonville and Poynor. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

SMITH COUNTY – The weather has been responsible for numerous wrecks around the area. Shortly after 1:00 Sunday afternoon, in the span of 15 minutes, Tyler police reported six traffic accidents.

Street conditions in Tyler declined because the snow and sleet made the roads and highways difficult to negotiate. Motorists are still advised to limit all non-essential driving and exercise caution. Drivers should pay special attention to overpasses, bridges, and large culverts that may hasten freezing conditions on these surfaces. Drivers should also keep extra distance between their vehicle and the vehicles that are in front of them.

Numerous wrecks have been reported in Smith County, including one involving a State Trooper. Shortly after 8:45 Sunday night, Trooper Nic Castle was working a traffic crash on Interstate Highway 20, eastbound at the 570 mile marker, when his patrol unit was struck by another motorist. Castle was not injured; however the occupants of the Dodge Neon were taken to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. The Department of Public Safety continues to warn motorists of the potential danger of icy road conditions, and to use extreme caution when driving in inclement weather conditions.

Another Smith County wreck occurred on Interstate Highway 20 at the U.S. Highway 69 overpass Sunday morning. A pickup’s driver lost control of his vehicle and drove over the overpass, landing upside down on Highway 69. Reports from the scene were the driver was taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries.