GILMER — One person has been killed and two injured in an Upshur County accident. The accident happened around 9:00 Saturday night on State Highway 300. Marcey Robertson, 40, of Mount Pleasant, died after being airlifted to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. Injured was Oliver Palmer, 74, of Houston and his wife, Delores Palmer, 64. She is listed in serious condition at Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center. Her Husband was treated and released. The Department of Public Safety report said Robertson’s car, which was north bound, drifted into the south bound lane of traffic and collided with the Palmer vehicle.
Longview Fire Investigation
LONGVIEW — Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a Longview fire that extensively damaged a home. KETK-TV reports the Sunday morning fire occurred near the intersection of Idylwood and Clover. No injuries were reported.
TxDOT Project Updates
TYLER — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District:
TYLER — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform ditch and pavement repairs on Farm Road 756 (Paluxy Drive) between Jeff Davis and Cumberland Road. Once the work is complete, the crew will begin shoulder repairs in various locations on Farm Road 346 and Farm Road 344.
Also in Smith County, crews are scheduled to perform edge and base repairs on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 and Farm Road 16 northwest of Winona. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews on Monday are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on eastbound Interstate Highway 20 in various locations between the Joy-Wright Mountain Road and Farm Road 3053 (Liberty City) exits. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.
RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on State Highway 64 between State Highway 42 in Turnertown and Loop 571 in Henderson. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal coat operations on Farm Road 1255 between Interstate Highway 20 and Farm Road 773. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and a pilot vehicle will control traffic. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.
MINEOLA — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on SE Loop 564 between U.S. Highway 69 south of Mineola and U.S. Highway 80. A second crew will also be at work performing ditch maintenance on Farm Road 1804 south of US 80. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
NAACP Weekend Banquet
TYLER — The NAACP remains as relevant today as ever, according to Marlin, Texas, City Manager William McDonald. The Tyler native keynoted his hometown’s NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet over the weekend. One key area, says McDonald: economic empowerment. McDonald said there’s a “new Jim Crow” at work in America, in which too many young African-Americans are told they can’t succeed. McDonald commented that in order for young people to compete in a truly global marketplace, “we have an important role to lay…during these difficult economic times to try to help individuals gain a quality education.” He added, “If we have an opportunity to work together and become entrepreneurs, there’s certainly a benefit to the entire community.” McDonald also says it’s important to look to the future while remembering civil rights gains of the past.
New Programs for Parents
TYLER — Some new programs are getting underway at Tyler’s Parent Services Center as it seeks to increase its educational efforts by forty per cent this year. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Executive Director Shelley Judd pointed to “Parent University,” a new partnership with TJC on the college’s West Campus consisting of five two-hour classes. According to Judd, it begins with early child development, continuing through the teenage years and family communication. Judd says another new effort provides affordable counseling. She remarks that there’s a real need for that, observing, “Sometimes it’s hard to solve a problem that your family is facing until you can get your own attitude sort of in the right direction.”
The Parent Services Center seeks to improve the quality of life for families through various programs. You can go to http://www.parentservicescenter.com for more information. And you can log on to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to hear the “Staff Meeting” show online.
Man Dead After Allegedly Shooting Wife
LUFKIN — Lufkin Police are investigating an apparent murder. According to KETK, the incident happened Friday afternoon. Officers reportedly shot Maurell McClendon, 86, after he shot his wife. Reports say McClendon was in a yard carrying a gun, while his estranged wife, Christine, lay on the ground wounded after reportedly being shot. Christine McClendon later died at the hospital. Maurell was taken to a Lufkin hospital. He was later flown to a Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center where he died Sunday night.
Man Stabbed at Lake Tyler
TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a stabbing at Lake Tyler. It was reported around 2:45 Sunday morning after officers were called to the hospital. The victim was identified as Ronnie Melton, 24, Van. Police say Melton told them he was stabbed multiple times by an unknown black male while talking with some people in the parking lot area of Hillcreek Park. Authorities say Melton was unable to provide any information regarding the suspect’s identity or the reason for the attack. Melton’s injuries were said to be serious, but non life-threatening.
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 the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case, or any, felony case.
Ag Commissioner’s Race Gets Muddy
EAST TEXAS — The Todd Staples campaign released jail records of his opponent Hank Gilbert of Whitehouse in the agriculture commissioner’s race. Gilbert was pulled over for speeding and after an arrest warrant related to the charge, authorities took away his license. Throughout the campaign, Staples has brought up Gilbert’s conviction for theft by check back in 2001. According to KETK, on Friday, the Gilbert campaign responded by saying Staples is mudslinging with personal attacks instead of focusing on the issues.
The Gilbert camp says the speeding charge came from a Texas surcharge points system and Gilbert paid the fine before the warrant was executed.
One Dead in Tyler Wreck
TYLER — A major accident on Troup Hwy Friday night left a 24-year-old woman dead and three injured. It happened just after 5:00 in front of Green Acres Baptist Church on Troup Hwy and Sterling Dr. Police say a Ford Mustang was travelling northbound on Troup Hwy when a Mercury Mystique, traveling south, made a left turn toward Sterling Dr. into the path of the Ford and was struck in the passenger side of the vehicle. The Mercury then spun into a light pole at intersection.
The driver and infant passenger in the Mercury were transported to Mother Francis Hospital as well as the driver of the Ford. A 24 year old Black Female occupant of the Mercury was transported and pronounced deceased at ETMC Hospital. The three persons transported to Mother Francis Hospital were treated and released. The accident is still under investigation. No names are being released pending proper notification of next of kin.
Public Meeting on Area Development Plan
TYLER — The City of Tyler will hold a public meeting tonight at 6:00 at the UT Tyler Ornelas Activity Center to present the preliminary outcomes of the UT Tyler Area Development Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to hear conclusions on the Area Development Plan including the planning team’s findings and recommendations. The City of Tyler initiated the plan study last October to build upon recommendations set forth in the Tyler 21 Comprehensive Plan. City officials say the purpose of the Area Development Plan is to further develop UT Tyler, neighborhoods and surrounding areas as a vibrant district. Officials say the findings and recommendations cover long term growth, pedestrian friendly corridors, and ideas to enhance the UT Tyler area.
NETPHD Executive Wins Emerson Award
TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) announces that Harold Higgins, Senior Deputy Director, received the 2010 Janet Emerson Public Health Servant Award at a dinner Wednesday evening in Austin. This award is the Texas Association of Local Health Officials’ (TALHO) highest accolade for demonstrated extraordinary performance with an exemplary commitment to local public health. Health officials say the Emerson award is a means of expressing gratitude, recognition and encouragement of professional accomplishment in public health at the local level. As nominator and NETPHD CEO George Roberts noted, “Harold’s steady ‘can do’ spirit and willingness to work with many people and many different organizations has enabled NETPHD to grow, sustain and be recognized as experts in public health.”
Higgins serves as the Senior Deputy Director of Public Health Preparedness, Immunization and Tuberculosis Control Departments at NETPHD. Local health officials say Higgins has contributed outstanding service and dedication to protect and promote the health of the community for more than 30 years. During his public health career, Higgins has worked at the state, regional and local levels. In 2009, the Immunization Department, in which he serves as Director, had a record year by giving almost 17,000 immunizations in Smith County, as well as leading the vaccination of over 20,000 area citizens with the H1N1 vaccine.
Officials say due to Higgins’s actions, NETPHD received a Model Practice Award from the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) for establishing a partnership with UT Tyler for Medical Special Needs Sheltering. He was also deemed instrumental in the sheltering of thousands of special needs evacuees during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. “Mr. Higgins has been a rock solid, reliable public health worker for over three decades now, and I am sure Mr. Higgins will continue to make great contributions in the field of public health for years to come,” says Dr. Paul McGaha, Regional Director, Texas Department of State Health Services.
Grassroots Members Talk Taxes
TYLER– Smith County and Tyler Junior College both recently proposed taxes increases. This means Tyler property owners could be facing more than $100 extra each year. Friday, Grassroots members met to discuss the taxes. Tyler property owner, Jann Allison, says, “I don’t think they should raise taxes. There has to be other ways to do it.” She and other taxpayers gain insight at the Grassroots meeting today.
According to KETK, Smith County Commissioner Jeff Warr updated the crowd on the Smith County budget. Warr says,”We want to cut everything we can possibly cut out of the budget before we ask for a tax increase.” However, taxes are not settling well with many citizens, especially when they are hit twice. Tyler Junior College Board of Trustees wants a 33% increase in property taxes. Former TJC Board Member Anna Snyder encourages the crowd to represent Grassroots at the next public hearing. She says, “Come and sit behind me in an $8 million building and just stare at them.”
Several stood up in their commitment to attend the public hearing held at Tyler Junior College on Thursday. There will be public hearing for the Smith County budget this coming Tuesday.
Fossey Named LETU’s Senior Development Chief
LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has named Scott Fossey as the new senior director of development, responsible for managing the university’s fundraising staff and reporting to the vice president for development. In recent years, Fossey has served as a president and chief development officer in private education and as morning meteorologist at Tyler CBS affiliate KYTX-TV. His plans are to continue his role as a weatherman at the TV station.
“Scott Fossey is one of the most familiar faces in East Texas,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “I have had the pleasure of working with both Scott and (his wife) Leslie in the past and look forward to the years ahead. LeTourneau University is one of the most significant Christian universities in the nation and Scott will be effective at sharing our vision with others.”
“We are excited and humbled to be a part of the LeTourneau University family and to share in the university’s mission to equip students to impact every workplace in every nation for Christ,” Fossey said. “We look forward to forming new relationships throughout East Texas and around the country as we meet those who have also been touched by LETU and are looking for a way to give back to the university through a number of opportunities.”
Nutrition Program Questions Resolved
KILGORE — Questions about the Senior Nutrition Program around East Texas cause the state to audit the program. The senior nutrition program for 14 local counties is run by the East Texas Council of Governments. Director David Cleveland says recently, the program was struggling and was down to just three contractors. KETK says after six months, the state auditor found no wrong doing. The agency says they will keep better records in the future.
Smith County Warrant Round-Up Extended
TYLER — Smith County will extend its two-week warrant amnesty campaign through the entire month of August due to the early success of the program, according to county officials. The Smith County Collections Department, Justice Courts, and Sheriff’s and Constables’ Offices originally declared an amnesty period for August 1 – 15. That was to allow anyone with outstanding fines or warrants for Class C Misdemeanors in Smith County to contact the County Collections Department (903-590-4624) and make arrangements to pay the fine without fear of arrest.
A Warrant Round-Up will begin on September 1, 2010, and all remaining cases will be moved into active warrant status with additional costs and fees added. Once the Warrant Round-Up begins, defendants will be actively pursued at home and their places of work and arrested. Anyone operating a motor vehicle at the time of their arrest will have the vehicle towed.
The Smith County Collections Department and the Smith County Justice Courts will be available to take payments, workout payment plans and in some cases offer discounts during normal business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday – Friday during the amnesty period. To find out if you have a warrant in Smith County visit http://www.smith-county.com and select “Do you owe a court fine?” at the top of the home page. This site will allow you to search for your name in Smith County database.