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TYLER � A 47-year-old Kilgore woman has been sentenced to federal prison for using the mail to embezzle funds from her employer. Deborah Ogden Williams pleaded guilty on Apr. 12 to mail fraud and was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison Tuesday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis. Williams was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $626,717.99. According to prosecutors, Williams began working as a bookkeeper for K-K Mobbs Construction in 1994. During this time, Williams devised a scheme to defraud her employer and steal $626,717.99 from the company by writing checks on a company account to pay off her personal student loan, purchase gift cards, make payments on unauthorized credit cards, and pay off other personal debts.

TYLER — Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White issues a call for unity and refers to his business background during his latest phone visit with KTBB. According to White, “Texas deserves a governor who can bring people together — Republicans, Democrats, Independents — and run this state like a well-run business. I’m a businessman; Rick Perry’s a career politician. I urge people to understand we have an alternative — and don’t be distracted by Mr. Perry’s attempt to cover up his failures by pointing at Washington. We need somebody who’s accountable for the government of Texas.” No comment yet from the Perry campaign. The governor has secured the backing of former President George H.W. Bush.

TYLER — The Greater Tyler Association of Realtors� 1100-plus-member organization Tuesday endorsed the TISD Bond Proposal slated for vote in the November 2 election. President Bill Pillsbury announced the group�s support. Pillsbury said, �All schools – public, private and those in our surrounding areas – are crucial to home values. When businesses and individuals look at a move to our area, the two biggest factors they look at are the medical facilities and schools. Our medical is top notch and our schools need to be as well. TISD has demonstrated their ability to construct quality facilities, and investing in education is especially prudent during these economic times. Construction costs are low, and there has never been a better time to get bond money. We urge everyone to join our organization in voting YES to the TISD Bond Proposal.�

Andy Bergfeld, Vote Yes spokesperson and a member of GTAR, introduced Pillsbury. In addition, other members of the Vote Yes committee were in attendance including Senator Kevin Eltife and former Mayor Joey Seeber. GTAR is the fourth organized group to endorse the bond along with the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, �Educators for TISD,� and �Faith Based Leaders for TISD�. The $89.8 million TISD Bond Proposal includes the replacement of the final two current elementary schools and the construction of a new middle school relief campus for overcrowding and growth. The $89.8 million can be paid for with no tax rate increase.

The citizen activist group Grassroots America – We the People continues to lead the charge against the bond, saying too many unanswered questions remain. According to Executive Director JoAnn Fleming’s most recent statement, “GAWTP is asking Tyler ISD to take seriously the consulting report that tells them they need to redraw attendance lines so that we can get the population of Tyler ISD dispersed around so that we can maximize the use of the facilities we have, including the new ones.”

SMITH COUNTY — An wreck early Tuesday morning sends three to local hospitals. Smith County DPS report that around 2:15 two semi trailers reportedly crashed into one another on Interstate 20 near highway 155. According to KETK, both drivers of the two semi-drivers and a passenger are said to have minor injuries. They were taken to a local hospital. Both west bound lanes were later reopened.

LUFKIN — Lufkin police are investigating a series of nearly 30 vehicle burglaries that occurred between Friday and early Monday morning. The robberies spanned a large area of West Lufkin stretching from the Fox Run Apartments to Southwood Drive, according to Lufkin Police spokesman Det. JB Smith. Police are hoping for leads in the cases. KETK reports, Sunday morning seven vehicles were burglarized outside Fox Run Apartments.

TYLER — A Smith County youngster is being treated at a Dallas hospital after being run over by a hay dolly. The accident happened around 1:00 Sunday afternoon on Hobbs Road. The youngster, who is four, is said to have suffered a fractured pelvis and arm.

ALTO — A former sergeant for the Angelina County Sheriff�s Department has been killed in a one vehicle accident in Cherokee County. Dead at the scene of the Saturday night crash was Randy Bridges, 52, of Corrigan. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 69 about six miles south of Alto. The Department of Public Safety reports Bridges was heading south just before 10:00pm when he lost control of his pickup on a curve. Both the pickup and the trailer he was pulling overturned on the rain slick highway.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Fire Department will serve while wearing pink this week. Firefighters say it’s an effort to raise awareness and show support for all who have battled or who are currently battling breast cancer. Fire and medic crews will be wearing pink fire department T-Shirts on October 26th, 27th and 28th. The Fire Department will also have t-shirts available for individual purchase at the Fire Administration building with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

TYLER — Tyler City Councilman Donald Sanders was honored at the Winners� Circle Peer Support Network (WCPSN) at their Second Annual Unsung Heroes Awards Banquet Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Wyndham Hotel in Dallas. WCPSN is a therapeutic peer support network with 15 registered chapters in Texas. Councilman Sanders was one of 11 people honored at the event that the WCPSN established. The event recognizes individuals who advocate, support, implement, change or help destroy barriers and myths that have been deterrents to formerly incarcerated individuals and members of the community that desire to live drug and crime free.

Sanders was nominated for the honor by the Live and Kicking Winners� Circle Peer Support Network of Tyler (Tyler Winners� Circle) because he is �not one to back down� from doing the right thing. After the Winners� Circle lost its meeting place on Bellwood Road due to a zoning issue, Councilman Sanders became a supporting partner in the Winners� Supporting Winners� Capital Campaign. This campaign was initiated to build and support a new facility for the Tyler Winners� Circle to meet and provide outreach for those who avail themselves of the services provided.

�Councilman Donald Sanders is the epitome of a hero, but he does not boast his achievements; he is a man of noble qualities, a courageous and tireless fighter and a friend for those seeking a positive change in their lives,� said Eric Broughton, executive director of the Tyler Winners� Circle. � He has stood with us in our efforts to raise community awareness of the Tyler Winners� Circle�s vision to support, encourage and guide toward a better life for formerly incarcerated individuals, graduates of the therapeutic community and all who desire to live a life free from drugs additions and crime. He strongly supports our efforts to help young people through education, prevention and intervention to make sound choices and decisions not to use drugs or become involved in criminal activities.�

(In photo – City Councilman Donald Sanders (left) and Tyler Winners� Circle Assistant Executive Director Tony Meeks)

CRAFT — Due to conditions which have occurred recently in the water system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Craft-Turney Water Supply to notify all the customers involved in the repair area to boil their water prior to consumption. According to KETK, the area included in this boil water notice is from the Intersection of FM 347 South and CR 3105, all of the areas on FM 347 South and all county roads Going South off FM 347 up to County Road 1713.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials will notify you. If you have questions regarding this matter you may contact Rhonda Briggs, Office Manager at 903-586-9301.

TYLER — For the second night in a row severe weather moved through Smith County. Tornado warnings were issued for various locations around the county Sunday night. No injures and no major damage was reported. Some windows were reported damaged as the result of hail up to 1 � inches. As the storms moved out of Smith County late Sunday night, dime size hail was reported around 10:30 in Troup.

TYLER — This is the final week for early voting in the November 2nd General Election. There are five locations scattered around Smith County where one can vote early. The main location is the Smith County Annex Building, 200 E Ferguson, Ste. 500. Other locations are the Noonday Community Center, the Whitehouse Municipal Court, the Lindale Masonic Lodge and the Heritage Building at 1900 Bellwood Road in Tyler. Hours are from 7:00am till 7:00pm each day through Friday.

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

LONGVIEW — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs in various locations on Spur 63 in Longview between H.G. Mosley and North Loop 281. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

QUITMAN — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on State Highway 154 east of State Highway 37 near Quitman High School, and continue base-repair operations on Farm Road 2966 north of Quitman. 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.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge and pavement repairs on Ranch Road 2588 between LaRue and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 346 between Farm Road 2868 in Flint and U.S. Highway 69. A second crew is scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 724 west of Tyler between State Highway 64 and State Highway 110. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several days of resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 13 between State Highway 42 and Loop 571. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to conclude base and pavement repair operations on Farm Road 751 in the northwest corner of the county between the Hunt County Line and Farm Road 47 in Wills Point, and resume the same work in various locations on FM 47. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 315 between U.S. Highway 175 in Poynor and Farm Road 837 in Brushy Creek, and on Farm Road 837 between State Highway 19 and US 175.

A second crew is scheduled to make pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 287 between the Trinity River Bridge and Cayuga, and on Farm Road 2054 between Farm Road 321 and the Coffield Prison Unit. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

TYLER — Tyler Rescue Ministries held a 13th anniversary banquet Saturday in its continuing effort to help the area’s homeless. The current focus is TRM’s “Catch the Vision – Save a Family” capital campaign. That involves purchasing an additional 40 acres to provide care for eight intact families at one time. Congressman Louie Gohmert was guest speaker. Among other things, Gohmert voiced his support for the project by saying, “For a Christian, it’s really just carrying through on the command we were given — love God, love each other. How do you love each other if you don’t do these kinds of things?” A love offering was taken at the close of the event.

Founder/CEO Maurice Barnes says TRM’s last several fundraisers have gone very well. That includes a concert last Thursday by Casey Rivers and Beyond the Ashes, which Barnes says raised nearly $1,000. Barnes says once the campaign’s work is done, “We will be the only Christian ministry shelter in nine counties that will allow the entire family to learn, to grow, and to serve together as a family.” Tyler Rescue Ministries currently consists of Kathryn’s House, a facility for single women and women with small children. You can go to http://www.tylerrescueministries.org for more information — and to learn how you can help.

TYLER — The SPCA of East Texas is off and running in its bid to take care of stray, neglected, and abused animals — a real problem in the area, according to agency President Deborah Tittle-Dobbs. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Tittle-Dobbs said dozens of volunteers have signed on, but the agency can always use more. She says responsibilities include “fundraising, education, and just explaining who we are and why we need to further our goals.”

The group’s focus right now is a capital campaign for what Tittle-Dobbs calls a modern, first-class, family-friendly animal services center. The facility would house stray and neglected animals for extended periods — something Tittle-Dobbs says is sorely lacking in Smith County. In her words, “Right now we need assistance with purchasing a site and designing and building a shelter that would service the needs of the community.” Tittle-Dobbs used the show to detail the agency’s concerns, goals, and ongoing work. Go to http://www.spcaeasttx.com to learn more, including how you can help. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to listen to the “Staff Meeting” show online beginning early Monday.