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WASHINGTON — East Texas Regional Airport will receive a federal grant worth $500,000 for airport improvements, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Thursday. The funding comes through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). “These funds will be used to address needed maintenance and safety improvements at East Texas Regional Airport,” Sen. Cornyn said. “In addition, quality transportation services are important for boosting local economic growth. I commend the area leaders who worked to secure this funding.” This grant will provide Federal funding for several rehabilitative projects at East Texas Regional Airport including airport terminal entrance road and parking lot construction, both deemed important to improving passenger safety.

TROUP – Tuesday night the Troup city council voted unanimously to permanently ban the sale and use of K2 within city limits. However, KETK reports water pipes can still be sold for tobacco use. Troup Police Chief Pat Hendrix says K2 is 100 times more potent than THC, the active component in marijuana.

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County homicide is under investigation. It happened around 6:00 Wednesday evening on CR 1295. 50-year-old Richard Rico Ramos was found dead at the scene from multiple stab wounds. 17-year-old Alejandro Silva, Tyler, is charged with murder. According to authorities, Silva was at the home visiting his girlfriend when he heard Ramos fighting with his girlfriend’s mom. Smith County Sheriff’s Lt. Tony Dana said Silva took a kitchen knife to the back bedroom where the two were fighting and confronted Ramos. Dana said Ramos reportedly took a swing at Silva, when Silva stabbed him multiple times. Bond has been set at $1,000,000.

Authorities say the original call that came in was regarding a sexual assault that had allegedly happened and the murder was in response to the reported assault. Lt. Dana said there was no evidence that any sexual assault ever happened or was attempted.

RUSK COUNTY — A Henderson man pleads guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. 21-year-old Trenton Ferguson was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in prison for the felony. He will have to serve 1/4 of the sentence before being eligible for parole.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is sharing its memories of a retired Tyler police officer killed in a one vehicle accident in Wood County. Pronounced dead at the scene were Dan Ross, 54, and Southern Trace Glaspif, 7. The accident happened around 12:45 Wednesday afternoon on Farm Road 14, about a mile north of State Highway 154. Their bodies have been sent to Dallas for autopsy. According to the Department of Public Safety, the victim’s truck left the road and hit a dirt embankment and then caught fire.

According to a statement from the Tyler Police Department, Ross began his career in law enforcement on January 23, 1978, with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. On July 1, 1979, he was hired by the Tyler Police Department. Ross served with the Tyler Police Department for 23 years and retired on June 24, 2002. During his tenure with the department he received his Advanced Peace Officer License, TCLEOSE Instructors License, Commendation Bar, and Certificate of Merit Bar, and was named Officer of the Year in 1993.

Ross was a Field Training Officer and a member of the Hostage Negotiation Unit. He was assigned to the Narcotics Unit for a good portion of his career, and during that assignment he was appointed to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Task Force for a period of time.

The statement adds, “The Tyler Police Department personnel were saddened at the news of Dan and his grandson’s death from yesterday’s vehicle accident. Dan was well liked by police personnel who worked with him and knew him. Even though Dan retired several years ago, he is still part of the Tyler Police family and will be missed.”

TYLER – The Tyler square was crowded as citizens gathered to hold a rally in support of the downtown Tyler Post Office. The postal service is conducting a study to see which of its facilities can be closed or consolidated in an effort to cut its losses. They are discussing closing the downtown facility. The Postal service recently reported a loss of $3.5 million.

KETK-TV reports those who gathered at the rally gave a variety of reasons why the postal facility should remain open. Several businesses say they rely on the office, and most agree that having a post office downtown is convenient. One person says the other post offices are already congested enough.

Among those on hand for the rally was Mayor Barbara Bass. She told the crowd, “We have a huge group, and a huge momentum. It’s going to build as we support this initiative to keep our downtown post office.” She said keeping the post office is environmentally friendly since some people can walk to the post office instead of driving.

CARTHAGE — They’re gearing up for production of a movie in East Texas, but the plans have some residents feeling a little uneasy. In 1997, Carthage resident Bernie Tiede was charged with the murder of Marjorie Nugent, an elderly woman with whom he was involved. Tiede was the heir to Nugent’s estate, worth millions of dollars. For many months he hid her body in a deep freeze while spending her money. Her body was discovered in August of that year. She had been shot with a 22-caliber weapon. Many Carthage residents are afraid the release of the movie might present the city in a negative light. The movie, called “Bernie,” is set to be a dark comedy. Filming is set to begin in September.

TYLER — Tyler Metro Children’s Center on Highway 110 South was shut down Wednesday morning, after the area lost its water supply. KETK reports parents were called to pick up their children, due to the day care center’s closing. The day care reopened today. Health department officials confirm there was a problem with the area’s water supply, possibly a water main break or leak.

TYLER — The City of Tyler today holds two public meetings to gather input on Tyler Transit’s 2010 Paratransit Plan. One meeting began at 2:30 p.m., and the other kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Both are in the Taylor Auditorium of Tyler Public Library, 201 South College Avenue. The input will be used to update the Paratransit Plan, the document that describes how the City provides transportation to elderly and disabled residents as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.

Previously, the City of Tyler has held several public meetings to gather input on the future of Tyler Transit fixed routes and to update the City’s plan for how it serves citizens with ADA-accessible transportation needs (paratransit service). Officials say the Aug. 12 meetings are intended to collect additional information from groups including other transportation providers, paratransit users, regulatory agencies and advocacy groups about how the Tyler Transit paratransit service should be operated in the future. As a part of this Plan update, Tyler Transit has requested information from area transportation providers about their available resources and future plans. The City is encouraging any who have not responded to provide that input.

A copy of the 2010 Paratransit Plan is available online on the Transit page of the City’s website at http://www.cityoftyler.org and at the Tyler Transit office at 210 E. Oakwood. Anyone unable to attend these meetings can provide comments on the Transit page of the City’s website, at the Tyler Transit office (during business hours), or by calling the Transit Office at (903) 533-8057.

“It is important to update Tyler Transit’s paratransit plan,” said Director of Airport and Transit Services Davis Dickson. “The Paratransit Plan is a guide for our customers to understand the paratransit services we provide. It is critical that we receive public input as we move forward to ensure that we meet the transportation needs that enhance the social and economic quality of life for people with disabilities.”

Currently Tyler Transit operates five fixed bus routes and provides paratransit service within the city limits of Tyler. Service hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tyler Transit office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transit passes can be purchased Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Transit office.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD is reminding parents that immunization requirements change for students as they move from pre-school into kindergarten and from 6th grade into 7th grade. TISD notes that in an effort to assist parents in meeting these requirements, the Northeast Texas Public Health District will extend their hours on the dates and at the times listed below. A parent or guardian must accompany the student at the clinic.

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on each date below:
Thursday, August 19
Friday, August 20
Thursday, August 26
Friday, August 27

In addition to the dates/times above, the Northeast Texas Public Health District is open each Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and each Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for immunizations. No appointment is required. On August 23, the first day of school, 2010 students not having provided the school nurse with proof that these requirements have been met will not be allowed to attend school.

TYLER — Laura Jackson will serve as special assistant to the President for external affairs, UT Tyler President Rodney H. Mabry announced. Jackson will be responsible for all legislative affairs and serve as a university liaison to the external community. “Laura will play a vital role in helping to make UT Tyler’s story known and truly appreciated. She will tell of our quality academic programs that produce outstanding graduates whose performance rank the University among the very best in the State. She will also speak of our direct service to the region and impact on the economic development of East Texas,” Mabry said.

A UTT news release says Jackson will respond to specific queries from legislators and provide important general information regarding governmental issues. The university says she also will help the university be proactive in presenting its case for continued funding. Jackson holds master of public administration and bachelor of science in political science degrees from Texas A&M University. She has served as a field coordinator and legislative assistant in the office of then State Senator Todd Staples and was campaign manager for State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representative Mark Shelton.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted unanimously to approve an inter-local agreement with the City of Bullard regarding extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) boundaries after a discussion in executive session at their meeting held Wednesday. The agreement establishes an (ETJ) boundary south of Tyler along U.S. Highway 69 in an area where overlap had occurred following annexations by both cities. An ETJ is an area that is not within the city limits, but is attributed to a particular city for future planning purposes. It is considered a city’s future growth area.

An ETJ is defined by State law and is generally based upon the established city boundaries and population. Because Tyler’s population exceeds 100,000, its ETJ is five miles from the City limits. Bullard’s population of 3,600 results in an ETJ of one-half mile from its city limits. There is a provision in the law, however, that allows cities to enter into inter-local agreements to change the prescribed boundaries.

“To provide for orderly development, particularly along Highway 69, and a mutually agreeable settlement, both cities have agreed upon this ETJ boundary,” commented Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Occasionally, questions arise about who reached a particular location first. In this case, it was simply a matter of sitting down together to find a solution that was a win-win for both communities.”

TYLER — City officials say maintaining current levels of service delivery while decreasing expenditures by $4.8 million is the focus of the 2010-2011 proposed budget presented by City Manager Mark McDaniel to the Tyler City Council Wednesday. McDaniel says the budget proposal is the culmination of eight months’ work by the City’s budget committee and departments in response to significantly lower sales tax revenue and slightly depressed property values. The proposed budget calls for maintaining the existing “effective tax rate,” which is essentially the tax rate calculated to generate the same amount of revenue that was received in the last fiscal year. The effective rate is 20.8 cents per $100 valuation.

“I am very pleased that we were able to close the gap between our expenses and revenue without raising taxes or decreasing service levels,” commented Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Most people know that our tax rate is one of the lowest in the State; however, many of our citizens don’t realize how much lower it is. In some cases, it is as much as three times lower than cities of comparable size.” For example, currently the City of Waco has a tax rate of 78.6 cents per $100 valuation; Killeen is 69.5 cents, Abilene is 69.3 and Beaumont is at 64 cents. Since 1994, Tyler’s tax rate has decreased by more than 60 percent, putting a total of $22.3 million back in the pockets of consumers.

“Because of our low property tax rate and lack of general obligation debt, Tyler has been able to weather the economic downturn better than many other communities,” added Mayor Bass. “We are hearing daily about cities that are laying off public safety personnel, decreasing Library hours and cutting Parks programs. We are truly blessed that we have been able to tighten our belts to balance our budget this year without significantly affecting service levels.”

The City’s General Fund budget is nearly $55 million and comprises revenue from sales tax (41 percent), property taxes (26 percent), fines (11 percent), franchise fees (17 percent) and other sources. Expenses from this fund include:
– Police and Fire Departments – 67 percent
– Parks and the Library – 10 percent
– Public Works – 7 percent
– Court – 3 percent
– General Government – 7 percent
– Miscellaneous – 6 percent

“Public Safety was the number one priority identified during the Tyler 21 comprehensive planning process,” continued Mayor Bass. “Therefore, it makes sense that it accounts for 67 percent of the General Fund.”

City officials say the City of Tyler began its budget process several months earlier than typical to allow time to explore opportunities to make cuts that would allow the City to hold the property tax rate steady. Officials say cost savings were realized in many areas including:
– Freezing, shifting or eliminating 23 positions
– Postponing capital purchases
– Reducing funding to outside agencies
– Reducing subsidies and funding matches to other funds
– Reducing training expenses
– Shifting costs from internal service funds that over-recovered in prior years
– Adjusting cost allocations for some overhead expenses
– Reducing fuel and oil expenditures

Officials say as part of the annual budget process, some rates and fees will be adjusted. To fund multi-year utility extensions begun two years ago, a six percent water and sewer rate increase is proposed. Even with the increase, Tyler’s rates are still significantly below cities of comparable size, according to city officials.

Due to less development than in prior years, revenue generated in the Development Services Fund is down $104,000. To address this, two additional positions have not been funded, and fees for platting and zoning will be increased to cover more of the actual cost for these services. Residential and commercial Solid Waste rates will remain the same; however, there will be a rate adjustment for premium haul out/pack out service only. Rental car service fees at the airport will be adjusted as well as some fees at the cemetery. “In lieu of an across the board tax rate increase, use fees have been adjusted so those citizens utilizing a service contribute to offsetting the expense,” explained Mayor Bass.

Officials say efforts to retain the City’s trained workforce include the potential for a productivity increase from zero to two percent for civilians, two percent for sworn personnel, and implementation of the second phase pay plan study adjustments initiated over three years. These recommendations would be implemented beginning in January 2011 only if sales tax revenues increase by a projected two percent over sales tax collected in the City’s current fiscal year. However, employees may see up to a $30 per month increase in health insurance premiums in January.

In addition to Wednesday’s presentation, there will be three additional opportunities for public input on the budget, including two public hearings. The hearings will be at Tyler City Hall, 212 N. Bonner Ave. on the following dates:
– Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 9 a.m.
– Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m.
Final adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. at Tyler City Hall.

CANTON — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested the subject of a recent manhunt. Authorities had been looking for Kenneth Don Foster for burglary of a habitation. He was taken into custody Tuesday night at a home on VZCR #3105. Officials from the Sheriff’s Office waited until dark and then were able to use the cover of darkness to advance toward the residence where Foster had been staying. Upon approaching the residence it was discovered that nobody was at home. As deputies were leaving the residence they saw headlights from an approaching vehicle coming down the driveway. Deputies hid behind a group of trees and when the vehicle arrived at the residence, Foster was taken into custody.

JACKSONVILLE — Charges may be filed in connection with a fatal Cherokee County accident. Cameron Robinson, 8, was killed in the Monday night crash on U.S. Highway 69 about a mile south of Farm Road 22, south of Jacksonville. According to KETK, officials say Alexander Alverado, 28, was unable to control his speed and rear-ended a Toyota Corolla, killing the youngster, who was in the car’s back seat. The victim’s car had stopped at an accident site when it was rear ended. Alverado could be facing criminal negligent homicide charges.