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LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has again ranked in the top tier nationally in the U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of “America’s Best Colleges.”

LeTourneau University is ranked in the top 10 among private schools in Texas and above all state universities in Texas in the same category. LETU is ranked 35th among all of the Best Universities – Master’s in the Western Region in the 2011 U.S. News rankings.

For 17 years, the university has been listed in the magazine’s top tier rankings. U.S. News ranks colleges and universities among other schools with similar programs and degree offerings. Indicators used to determine the rankings include small class sizes, high SAT and ACT scores of incoming freshmen, the student-to-faculty ratio, average graduation rates and assessments by administrators at other peer universities.

“We are always pleased to receive national recognition for our quality academic programs,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “We believe new programs in air traffic control, nursing and civil engineering will only increase our national recognition in the future.”

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville school trustees have called a bond election for November 2nd. At a meeting yesterday, trustees approved a nearly $50 million dollar package. If approved by voters, it would increase taxes around 19 cents per $100 valuation.

MARSHALL — Two East Texas men have pleaded guilty in separate child pornography cases in federal court in Marshall. Corey Robert Collins, 31, of Marshall, and Terry Don Briant, 49, of Gilmer, each pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham.

According to prosecutors, on May 19, 2010, investigators executed a search warrant at Collins’ home for suspected child pornography. During the investigation, Collins admitted to downloading child pornography over the Internet using his laptop, and consented to a search of his computer. A forensic analysis of the computer revealed 24 complete downloaded videos of child pornography. Some of the material depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct.

Also, on May 19, 2010, investigators executed a search warrant at Briant’s home for suspected child pornography and seized several digital cameras and computers. A forensic examination of a laptop was found to contain about 86 videos and 17 pictures of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of that material also depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. Collins and Briant each face up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. Sentencing dates have not been set.

TYLER — A 62-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. William Robert Pate pleaded guilty in Tyler to possessing child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, on Mar. 26, 2010, investigators executed a search warrant at Pate’s home for suspected child pornography after images were reported being uploaded to an Internet website from Pate’s IP address. During the investigation, Pate admitted to downloading child pornography over the Internet and consented to a search of his computer. An analysis of the computer revealed approximately 97 images and 7 videos of child pornography. Some of the material depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on April 8, 2010 charging Pate with child pornography violations.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Pate faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford unveiled the university’s new logo before a crowd of nearly 500 employees Monday. The new logo includes the university colors of blue and gold and features a shield shape that is recognized as a traditional symbol of academic quality for universities. Inside the shield is a globe with latitude and longitude lines that form a stylized cross. University officials say the globe represents the university’s global vision to equip students to make an impact for Christ in every workplace in every nation. The officials add that the cross provides a visual element of the school’s core identity as an unapologetically Christian university. Also, according to officials, the letters “LETU” inside the shield are designed to be easily recognizable and unique identifiers for those for whom the name “LeTourneau” is difficult to spell.

“We are, as part of our strategic plan, going to do some new marketing initiatives, and so it was the right time to update our university logo,” Lunsford said. “The ‘LETU’ inside the shield is important as we begin to communicate with audiences that cannot pronounce or spell ‘LeTourneau,’ so they need to know us as ‘LETU.’ There are many ‘LU’s’ out there, but we are the only ‘LETU.’” Lunsford said the new logo will be rolled out within the next year. Officials say the logo was designed by Encore Multimedia of Longview to be representative for both the traditional and nontraditional students, as a gateway to a world experience.

LUFKIN — A six-year-old from Lufkin is being hailed as a hero after saving a toddler from drowning. “Everyone says I swim like a fish,” says Alexis Weeks. And Alexis did just that the other day when she saw the two-year-old girl sinking to the bottom of a pool. Alexis recounts, “I went underwater and I got her on my knee and then I holded her.” Alexis then swam her back up to the surface and over to the side. Alexis’s mom says she still can’t believe it, remarking, “We have the bragging rights to say that our daughter saved someone’s life. We’re really proud to say that.” Then is there any kind of reward? According to Alexis, after the rescue, the toddler’s mom said to tell the two-year-old’s dad he owed Alexis a hundred dollars or “somethin'” — but Alexis declined. She says she was just trying to help, and the fact that she did is better than any reward.

BOWLING, GREEN, Ky. — A Tyler man is reportedly killed, his wife injured, in a two vehicle crash in Kentucky. Police say a tractor trailer reportedly switched lanes on the interstate and hit a Corvette with Jan and Steve Hurst inside. According to KETK, the car flipped over. Steve Hurst died Monday afternoon.

LONGVIEW — The case against a Gregg County Constable started Monday. KETK reports a former Easton resident filed a suit claiming Constable Robbie Cox wrongfully evicted her in December of 2006 and threw her belongings in the yard. Cox’s wife, who owned the house, and his brother-in-law are also named in the suit.

TYLER — The Texas Downtown Association announces the finalists for the 2010 Presidents Awards Program, and Tyler is named in two categories. Gallery Main Street is among three finalists in the Best Adaptive Reuse category. The Downtown Tyler Artwalk is being considered for Best Promotional Event. Elsewhere in East Texas, the City of Winnsboro is among the finalists for Best Marketing Program.

Finalists will make a presentation at the Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference in El Paso on Nov. 11. Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala to be held that evening. The Texas Downtown Association, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a statewide nonprofit organization comprising more than 400 members involved in downtown revitalization projects. Visit http://www.texasdowntown.org for more information.

LAKE TYLER — A man who claimed he was stabbed at Lake Tyler by an unknown suspect says he lied. According to KETK, Ronnie Melton, 23, Van, says a girlfriend of his friend reportedly stabbed him in a dispute over car keys. Melton says he was trying to keep the girl out of trouble. He had said the incident reportedly took place at Hillcreek Park Sunday morning. Investigators say the incident actually happened at an undetermined address in Smith County over a dispute over some car keys. After the stabbing, he and his friends made up the story about him being stabbed by an unknown black male. Individuals involved in the incident will likely face criminal charges including aggravated assault, false report to a peace officer and fail to report a felony.

LONGVIEW — It’s now illegal to sell or possess K-2 in another East Texas community. The ban on the synthetic marijuana started Monday in Longview. According to KETK, the city passed an ordinance banning K-2 during last week’s city council meeting after citizens voiced concerns about the substance. Officials say they passed the ordinance for the safety of the residents. Authorities say they spent the weekend notifying gas stations and smoke shops that sell K-2. Police say if you’re caught selling or possessing K-2, you could be fined up to $2,000.

ARP — More developments on the case of a man who allegedly killed his father. KETK has learned the man reportedly stabbed to death by his autistic son was in jail at least twice before. David Wayne Wilson was at his home near Arp when witnesses say his son, David Adam Wilson, charged at him with a knife, stabbing him several times in the chest. The Wilson family tells police the 21-year-old had behavioral problems in recent weeks. They say he started a fight with his dad Monday night, after threatening several family members that day.

When deputies got to the house off FM 2089 near Arp, David Adam Wilson was hiding in a storage area. His father was already dead. The younger Wilson was taken into custody without incident. Investigators aren’t sure if David Adam Wilson was on his medication when it happened. He’s being held on a $500,000 bond. Authorities expect an autopsy report Wednesday.

TYLER — Thanks to the military, Tyler’s economy will be getting a boost. The reserve center on State Highway 110 is expanding. KETK-TV reports the over $24 million expansion is about 40% complete. The new installation is estimated to bring more than $150,000 to the local economy and about 300 armed forces every week starting in Next June. Officials say the reservists who will be flocking to Tyler to drill and take classes, will boost businesses such as hotels restaurants and dry cleaners. Tyler was selected for the facility because of its location, midway between Dallas and Shreveport. The project is said to be coming in ahead of schedule and under budget.

TYLER — Smith County commissioners offer you another chance to voice your views on the county’s proposed financial package for the coming fiscal year. At 5:30 p.m., there’s a public hearing on the proposed budget. Earlier today, commissioners held a public hearing on the tax rate. KETK reports there’s an increase in that figure currently on the table. Like the morning session, the afternoon gathering will be in the Commissioners’ Courtroom in the Courthouse Annex.

TYLER — The new school year is just around the corner and that may mean a change in your drive time routine. The City of Tyler notes that the Tyler Independent School District has adopted a new bell schedule for middle and high schools. Middle schools now will start at 8:25 a.m. and release at 3:40 p.m.; high schools begin at 8:40 a.m. and end at 4:10 p.m. All elementary schools will still begin at 8 a.m. and release at 3 p.m. You’re asked to please keep this information in mind when planning local trips.

School flashers will be in operation in marked school speed zones beginning Monday, August 23, 2010, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with the following exceptions:
* West Loop 323 near John Tyler High School – This school speed zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
* South Donnybrook near Robert E. Lee High School – This school speed zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
* Copeland Road at Hubbard Drive – This school speed zone will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, a new school speed zone with a speed limit of 35 mph has been added on West Front Street just east of West Loop 323 for the new Jones Boshears Elementary School.

School crossing guards will be on duty in designated locations during the hours of the school flasher operations. Crossing guards will raise a hand-held stop paddle and enter the crosswalk in preparation for allowing pedestrians to cross safely. Motorists are required to stop at pedestrian crossing locations while the school crossing guard is in the street; all vehicles should wait until the crossing guard returns to the curb before continuing through the crossing. Citizens are asked to review their commute route to avoid unnecessary delays.

“The first three weeks of a new school year are always very hectic as everyone adjusts to their new routines, especially when we have new schools opening,” commented City of Tyler Traffic Engineer Peter Eng. “Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and be patient with other drivers. Safety is more important that anything else. Each school has developed a traffic flow plan available to all parents to provide for the safe loading and unloading of students and also to get cars in and out of the school property as efficiently possible.” Drivers are also asked to please remember that the use of hand-held communication devices like cell phones is prohibited in school speed zones.

You can go to http://www.tylerisd.org for more information about Tyler ISD schools and school schedules. A list of designated school speed zones is located at http://www.cityoftyler.org in the City of Tyler’s code of ordinances.