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LONGVIEW — Longview resident Johnny A. Mumphrey, 37, has pleaded guilty to having sexual contact with a minor. He received ten years deferred adjudication probation. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Mumphrey could face up to 20 years in prison if he violates his probation. Mumphrey was accused of five counts of sexually assaulting a youth for a decade between the ages of 8 and 18. The man is now 20. The guilty plea ended a Gregg County district court trial in which the jury was having trouble reaching a verdict.

TYLER — In an effort to educate residents about the Tyler Municipal Court’s ability to put a hold on the renewal of driver’s licenses for people who have fines and/or warrants pending in the court, the Municipal Court will hold a “Keep Driving” sweep beginning Friday and continuing through August 6. To help residents “keep driving,” the court will remove the warrant fee(s) from residents who pay their fines in full; officials say this can result in a savings of up to $50 per violation. Once a resident has paid his or her fines in full, the Municipal Court will remove the hold on the driver’s license renewal so the individual can “keep driving.” Holds on driver’s license renewals cannot be removed until all of a driver’s fines are paid in full.

“We frequently hear that residents were not aware of the court’s ability to place a hold on their driver’s license and that they need to renew their license right away,” said Court Administrator Cam McCabe. “This program will make it easier for them to pay their fines and renew their license.”

While all courts in the State of Texas have the ability to place holds on driver’s licenses, this program applies only to fines that are due to the Tyler Municipal Court and does not apply to parking violations or fines totaling less than $200. Drivers can call 1-800-686-0570 to find out if any court in the state has placed a hold on their license. “Even when paid in full, it can take from seven to 30 days for the hold on the driver’s license to be removed,” added McCabe. “So those who wait until the last minute may face several weeks of not being able to renew their license.”

As part of the “Keep Driving” sweep, the Municipal Court will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. The Tyler Municipal Court is at 813 N. Broadway Ave., and its regular business hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

TROUP — Homeowners in Troup are not too happy about a new store that could move into the middle of their neighborhood. It’s happening along the 100 block of South Georgia. Homeowners tell KETK the former gas station’s been vacant for years. But after the city approved alcohol sales, the landowner’s looking to turn the building into a new package store. Homeowners say they’re fighting the move every step of the way.

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – A Nacogdoches man convicted of murdering his estranged wife and sentenced to life in prison agrees to terminate the parental rights of his two daughters. Kyle Barnhill, 47, worked out an agreement on a settlement to terminate his rights Wednesday in a Nacogdoches courtroom. A family not related to Barnhill has cared for the girls and has been seeking to adopt them. The girls were ages 10 and 3 at the time of the slaying. Melissa Barnhill was shot through a kitchen window in March 2009. The girls were in the house but not injured. Kyle Barnhill was caught 500 miles away, in the Eagle Pass area. A jury in October 2009 convicted Barnhill of murder and sentenced him to life behind bars.

NOONDAY — The controversy surrounding a new gun range in Noonday continues. KETK told you last week about the neighborhood association trying to shut it down over noise and safety issues. The pursuers have lawyers and an expert. The gun range is less than a thousand feet from an upscale subdivision, and the residents want it shut down. They have sent photos of the range to the man who wrote the original safety guidelines for gun ranges for the National Rifle Association, Richard Whiting, though he hasn’t worked there since 1994. Don Layton, the co-owner of the property has an NRA certification for the range and carry NRA insurance. Layton says they’ve met the state standards and will wait on any action from the Smith County DA.

MARSHALL – Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a Marshall home. It was reported around 10:30 Tuesday morning at the Robie Haggerty residence at 415 Sanford Street. The couple was able to escape the burning house without being injured. The fire is thought to have started in a bedroom of the home.

NEW YORK (AP) — East Texas-based Lufkin Industries says that second-quarter profit jumped 74% as higher oil prices boosted demand for the company’s services. Lufkin President and CEO John Glick said yesterday orders for company services are on the rise in both its oil field and power transmission divisions.

WHITEHOUSE (AP/Staff) – More information has emerged about what apparently prompted a stabbing incident in Whitehouse. Shaun Lawler, 32, of Whitehouse remains jailed on $300,000 bond in Smith County after authorities say he stabbed his fiancee as she returned an engagement ring. Lawler turned himself in to authorities Monday night after an argument turned violent. It happened around 10:45 Monday morning at a business at the intersection of Highway 110 and Hagan Road in Whitehouse. Police say Lawler attacked the victim, stabbing her multiple times. The woman, Jessica Wimpee, 23, remained hospitalized following emergency surgery.

TYLER — Tyler Police Investigators have identified and arrested the suspect in a hit-and-run incident involving alleged unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The incident occurred at Southtown and S. Broadway Tuesday around 11:15 p.m. The suspect is identified as Jeremy David Turner, 32, of Tyler. Turner has been arrested for unauthorized use of motor vehicle, along with felony and misdemeanor hit and run. Turner is now in Smith County Jail on a $60,000 bond set by Judge Tom Dunn.

The owner of the vehicle works at Buffalo Wild Wings. She told officers Tuesday night that Turner had taken her vehicle without her permission. While officers were heading to the scene they were advised that the vehicle the suspect was in had been stolen in the 7900 block of South Broadway prior to the accident.

Investigators say a black 2002 Honda Civic had been struck from the rear causing that vehicle to strike a white 2011 Ford Focus. The 31-year-old male driver of the Honda Civic was not injured. The 51-year-old female driver of the Ford Focus was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The stolen vehicle, a black 2009 Nissan Altima was recovered in the roadway in the 6200 block of Hollytree Drive. The vehicle had extensive damage to the front end. The driver had fled the scene.

TYLER — The 96th East Texas State Fair is weeks away, opening on Thursday, September 22 and running through October 2. Of course, there’ll be carnival rides, exhibits, fair food, and animals — along with the third annual concert series. “The East Texas State Fair is a fun, family tradition. We created a concert series in 2009 and have watched it grow in popularity ever since,” said Heather Pickett, director of presentation and development. “The 2011 concert line-up features many local and almost-local favorites. We look forward to great crowds at each of the concerts. As always, the concerts are free with your Fair admission!”

The 2011 concert series kicks off Friday, September 23rd, with 13-year-old blues guitar virtuoso and Shreveport native Matthew Davidson. On Saturday, September 24th, says Pickett, East Texas’ own JB and the Moonshine Band will have the crowds on their feet. Feliz Cumpleanos to La Invasora on Sunday, September 25th, as the fair celebrates the 10th birthday of La Invasora with an all-day music festival of Tejano and Latino bands. The Monday Gospel tradition continues on Monday, September 26th, with The Sounds of Smith County, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Gospel Choir.

Pickett says This Day Forth will rock the stage on Tuesday, September 27th. Alternative band Truffula Tree performs Wednesday, September 28th. It’s “more than blues,” says Pickett, with Something Blue on stage Thursday, September 29th. Austin’s Brad Dunn and Ellis County take the stage Friday, September 30th. Oklahoma boy and former Cross Canadian Ragweed front man Cody Canada and his new venture Cody Canada and The Departed wrap up the concert series as the headliner on Saturday, October 1st.

LONGVIEW — Fire department officials said a Tuesday night fire that displaced a Longview family was started from a 5-year-old playing with fire. Longview firefighters were dispatched to the 500 block of West Broadway Street at about 8:00 Tuesday night after authorities were notified about the fire, according to Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary. Zackary said the blaze started after a 5-year-old was playing with matches or a lighter. He said the blaze destroyed the living room and a hallway in the home.

WICHITA, KAN. – Two East Texas hunters have been indicted on federal poaching charges. The announcement was made yesterday by U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

Justin Klein, 29, of Center, was indicted on three counts of transporting deer across state lines after the deer were illegally taken in Kansas. The indictment alleges the deer were taken in violation of Kansas hunting laws November 1, 2006, and November 1, 2007, in Comanche County, Kansas.

Johnny Risinger, 43, of Mt. Enterprise, was indicted on one count of transporting a deer across state lines after the deer was illegally taken in Kansas. The indictment alleges the deer was taken in violation of Kansas hunting laws on December 1, 2005, in Comanche County, Kansas.

Both men are charged under the Lacey Act, which is a federal law that makes it illegal to knowingly transport or sell in interstate commerce any wildlife taken or possessed in violation of state law or regulation. If convicted, Risinger and Klein face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $20,000 on each count.

The indictments are related to a federal investigation that led to the convictions of James Bobby Butler, Jr., and Marlin Jackson Butler on charges of conspiracy and interstate trafficking of game illegally taken in Kansas. James Butler was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison and Marlin Butler was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. The two Nacogdoches County men ran a hunting camp in Kansas. James Bobby Butler Jr. was accused along with his brother with offering guided hunts to hunters who paid thousands of dollars to kill deer illegally.

TYLER – A Rusk County man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking. Kylon Jeffery Henson, 22, of Henderson, pleaded guilty on March 23 to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. According to federal authorities, beginning in September 2009, Henson possessed approximately 181 grams of cocaine base, also referred to as crack cocaine, with intentions to distribute it in the East Texas area. Henson was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 2, 2011, and charged with federal drug trafficking violations.

TYLER – An Anderson County man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking. Sterlynn Jeremiah Henry, 33, of Palestine, pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute phencyclidine, also known as PCP. He was sentenced in Tyler yesterday to 151 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to information presented in court, on October 7, 2009, Henry and a co-defendant, Andrea Rachelle Bailey, were found to be in possession of a mixture containing a detectable amount of PCP, which they intended to distribute in the Eastern District of Texas. Henry also admitted to being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of his criminal activity. Henry and Bailey were indicted by a federal grand jury on December 1, 2010. Bailey pleaded guilty on February 3, 2011 and was sentenced to time served and 3 years supervised release on June 30, 2011.

ALTO — Authorities say they’ve arrested a suspect in an Alto convenience store robbery. Around 12:30 Monday morning the Corner Market at Highway 69 and Highway 21 was robbed by a man displaying a firearm. A citizen in the area observed the suspicious activity and called 9-1-1. A Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputy was on scene shortly after receiving the call. The deputy then observed the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in Alto. Authorities say that upon the deputy’s approach, the suspect fled on foot into a wooded area.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) K-9 track and pack dogs were called to the scene to assist in locating the suspect. Personnel with TDCJ and Sheriff’s Detectives and Deputies tracked the suspect for approximately 4 hours. The suspect had been identified through further investigation, and the search was called off due lack of information. At approximately 5:45 am a local citizen aware of the search for the suspect observed him walking on a county road outside Alto. Detectives and deputies arrived on scene and took the suspect into custody. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by TDCJ as well Rusk Police Department.

The suspect has been arrested on charges of aggravated robbery, evading arrest or detention, and resisting arrest. The name of the suspect was withheld pending arraignment.

LONGVIEW — A 911 dispatch system failure that caused one emergency call to be dropped and others re-routed occurred when workers bumped a breaker. Longview police officials blamed this past week’s outage on contractors working in the breaker box next to one for the 911 telephone system. The failure happened about 10:00 Wednesday morning.

Police spokeswoman Kristie Brian said when the telephone system failed, it went directly into multiple alarm mode, which required that calls be rerouted to non-emergency extensions for up to about seven hours.
“Because of the way the system is configured, the only way this could have occurred was if something physically bumped, switched or unseated the breaker,” Brian said. “And the only people working on the electrical system and near those breakers at the time were the contractors.”

Because of the error, one in-progress 911 call was dropped, Brian said, but it already had been processed and entered into the dispatch system, so dispatch was not affected. She said Systems Specialist Daniel Waites was notified about the issue immediately and activated the center’s backup procedure to forward all calls to the Gregg County Sheriff’s Department.

Brian said call routing was lost for between 45 seconds and a minute. While technicians worked to reroute calls to the non-emergency extensions, two dispatchers were sent to Gregg County to assist handling emergency calls, she said. “The enhanced features of 911 were not available while the system was down. Specifically, this includes the automatic number and location information that typically displays during 911 calls. However, it is (dispatchers’) policy to verbally verify all addresses and phone numbers on emergency calls, even when they have the number and location displayed. Therefore, dispatch time was not significantly delayed on any calls processed internally,” Brian said.

While the system was down and calls were being rerouted to Gregg County, the department received seven phone calls, three of which were for emergency medical services. Brian said the communication staff have an effective and capable contingency plan in case there is a system failure, and that it worked exactly as designed.

MANGUM, Okla. (AP/Staff) – A convicted killer said in a tape recorded interview that he kidnapped the wife of a former Oklahoma prison warden and that she did not help him escape. The recording of the now-dead Randolph Dial was played Tuesday in the trial of Bobbi Parker on a charge that she helped Dial escape the Oklahoma State Reformatory in 1994. Parker’s husband – Randy Parker – was the prison’s deputy warden. Dial described Parker as a victim that he kidnapped at knifepoint. Prosecutors say Parker fell in love with Dial helped him escape. The defense says Parker was kidnapped and that she stayed with Dial out of fear he would harm her family. The recording was made after the two were found living in the Shelby County, Texas, community of Campti in 2005. Dial died in 2007.

SMITH COUNTY — The burn ban for Smith County was extended for up to 90 days by the Smith County Commissioners Court. It was extended yesterday morning due to extremely dry conditions. The burn ban can be rescinded at any time during the 90 day period if conditions change. Since July 1, there have been 97 fires reported in Smith County.

“Many factors go into the decision-making process regarding the issuance of a burn ban. Record periods of heat have made conditions dangerous for outdoor burning and there is little chance for rain in the near future,” Smith County Fire Marshal Jim Seaton said.

Unusually high temperatures, lack of rainfall and low moisture levels have contributed to the need for a ban to be issued.

FLINT — A Smith County family loses its home to a fire. The Bullard fire department and Flint volunteer firefighters say flames were shooting through the roof when they arrived on the scene of the blaze in the 200 block of Cass Circle. Officials say the fire started on the back porch Monday morning, but they are unsure of the exact cause. The fire marshal is investigating and said the house was a total loss. No one was injured in the fire. Donations can be made at Bass Powersports, 750 N Northeast Loop 323, Tyler 903-566-0101. You can go to http://www.bpowersports.com to learn more about the family and their needs.

GALVESTON (AP) – Two guests have been treated for minor injuries after an SUV driven by a vacationing East Texas woman went through a wall and into a Galveston motel. Lt. Joel Caldwell says Brenda Harvey, 63, of Lufkin told police that she accidentally pressed on the gas pedal instead of the brake Monday afternoon. The vehicle went into one room at the Americas Best Value Inn and Suites and broke through the wall of another, apparently briefly trapping a guest. One woman was treated for a bump to the head. Police did not immediately provide details on the second victim. Harvey and her grandson, who was in the vehicle with her, weren’t injured. Police say no alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident.

WHITEHOUSE — A suspect has turned himself in to authorities after an argument turns violent. It happened around 10:45 Monday morning at a business at the intersection of Highway 110 and Hagan Road in Whitehouse. Police say the suspect, Shaun Lawler, 32, Whitehouse, attacked the victim, stabbing her multiple times. The 23-year-old woman was hospitalized, following emergency surgery. Lawler eventually turned himself in last night and was booked into the Smith County Jail. His bond was set at $300,000.

TYLER – Tyler police are investigating the report of an assault to a woman jogger in the 2900 block of Jamestown Drive. It happened just before 9:30 Monday night. She told officers during the assault her dog possibly bit the suspect in the face. According to investigators the woman suffered minor injuries to her neck but did not require medical treatment. The victim described the suspect as a white male as about 35 years old, medium build, 5’09”-6’00”tall, short brown hair and wearing a white t-shirt and long khaki pants.

LONGVIEW – Two Longview teens are in trouble after leading police on a chase over the weekend. It began around 4:30 Saturday morning when an officer noticed a car traveling at a high speed near the 2500 Block of Thirteenth Street. The officer stopped the car but the driver sped away when the officer got out of his patrol car. After a short pursuit the driver reached a dead end street. Both the driver and passenger jumped from the vehicle. Officers detained the 14 year old driver. Officers searched the area for the other suspect but were unable to locate him at that time.

The driver was arrested for evading arrest or detention in a Vehicle and he received two traffic citations including driving with no driver’s license and disregarding a stop sign. Several hours later, the mother of the other suspect brought her son, also 14 years old, to the police department. Police learned that he had taken the mother’s car without her permission and was a passenger in the vehicle during the pursuit. He was not arrested but investigators say charges will be filed against him.

TYLER — The City of Tyler’s newly refurbished Liberty Hall will get its first test run Saturday as the facility hosts a concert presented by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. Donors and supporters will be recognized at this invitation-only “soft opening” of the facility, said Liberty Hall Manager Anne Payne. A grand opening open to the public is set for Saturday, Sept. 10, Payne said.

“Saturday’s celebration is being held to recognize those people who early on in the process donated their financial support to seeing the dream of Liberty Hall become a reality,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “Not only will be have a wonderful concert by pianist Danny Wright and saxophonist Joseph Vincelli, but we will all have the opportunity to thank those who helped turn an empty old movie theater into a spectacular performing arts hall.” More than 200 people are expected at the event, Payne said.

The building in the 100 block of East Erwin began life as a 1930s-era movie theater. For years, it had been empty, and new purposes for the property were mulled. The City of Tyler partnered with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra in early 2008 to announce a cooperative project to revive the old theater building and turn it into a performing arts hall. A major fundraising effort followed, and renovation of the 6,824-square-foot facility began.

“The soft opening is only the beginning of what will be a stellar line-up of entertainment,” Payne said, adding that the theater will bring audiences downtown and contribute to the continuing effort to make downtown a center for the arts. “Not only will we have classical music at Liberty Hall, but we have comedians, classic movies, blues concerts and more scheduled for just the first few weeks the doors of the Liberty will be open. The public will have a myriad of entertainment options at Liberty Hall, including performances for children and families to scary movies on Halloween and everything in between.” Main Street Program Manager Beverly Abell added that the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition’s “Show Us Your Shorts” film festival will take place in Liberty Hall Oct. 12-15.

Information on the September grand opening and tickets for other Liberty offerings will soon be posted on the Liberty Hall website, Payne said. Those who want more information in the meantime should send email to [email protected] OR call Payne at (903) 595-7274.

TYLER — State Representative Leo Berman of Tyler has announced he will seek re-election to the Texas House of Representatives District 6 seat. Berman, a Republican, was first elected to the seat in 1999. His only announced opponent so far is fellow Republican Matt Schaefer of Tyler.

Meanwhile, Berman has added an item to his list of suggested study topics for House committees during the interim before the 2013 legislative session. In a letter to House Speaker Joe Straus, Berman says he thinks it’s time to take a look at the success of English as a Second Language or bilingual education compared to English immersion. He says he believes such a study would be important in regard to the dropout rate of Hispanic students.

Berman also wants committees to study assertion of state sovereignty as well as clampdowns on illegal aliens and Sharia law. Additionally, Berman would like lawmakers to consider a requirement that missing or dead children be reported to authorities within one hour from discovery. That suggestion was spurred by the Casey Anthony case.

TYLER — Police in Tyler have released surveillance video as they continue to seek leads in a weekend convenience store robbery. On Friday night shortly before 11:30, officers responded to the Exxon Speed Track at 2615 E. Commerce, where the incident had just occurred. The clerk told officers that a black male wearing a stocking over his head entered the store and pointed a handgun at him while demanding money. The suspect then left the store with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect is described as a black male, 23 to 28 years of age, 5’ 06” to 5’ 8”, 180 to 220 pounds wearing a black shirt and dark colored pants. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

LONGVIEW — A man remained jailed Monday on $10,000 bond after police said he threatened customers at a Longview convenience store and demanded money. According to arrest reports, Jonathan Hernandez, 20, who has a Longview address, was arrested Sunday morning at Kyle’s Quick Stop in the 1400 block of West Loop 281. The victim told police that a man, later identified as Hernandez, approached them at the store with a silver object believed to be scissors and demanded money. The victim told authorities that she gave Hernandez $100, which authorities say he was found with during a search. Hernandez was charged with robbery. He also had an immigration detainer placed on him.

CANTON — Callers who provided anonymous tips that led to the arrests of six individuals in Van Zandt County in the last two months have been given rewards totaling $2,225 by the Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers. The rewards were approved at the monthly Crime Stoppers meeting. Officials say rewards ranged from $700 for a serious drug-related arrest to $75 for a misdemeanor warrant. The $700 reward was for a tip that resulted in the arrest of a man and woman in Myrtle Springs. The couple was charged with possession of a controlled substance as well as child endangerment, related to exposing their four children to their alleged activities.

There were two $500 tip rewards, one for the arrest of a Grand Saline man who had outstanding assault and drug possession warrants, and the other for an Edgewood man wanted by Henderson County for drug possession and sale, who was also allegedly found with a firearm in violation of his parole. The other rewards were given for tips that led to the arrest of a Grand Saline man allegedly on military desertion charges, a Myrtle Springs man on a drug possession warrant, and a Wills Point woman on a traffic charge warrant.

“This surge in tips, arrests, and rewards is good news,” said Andy Flowers, president of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers. “It shows that people are calling our anonymous tip line and that these calls are leading to arrests that are taking criminals out of circulation. That’s why Crime Stoppers exists, and why we are happy to give out generous rewards to the anonymous tipsters.”

Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers always offers cash rewards for anonymous tips that lead to the arrest of a criminal offender, someone who has just committed a crime, or someone who is wanted on a warrant. By calling Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers 903-567-STOP (567-7867), people can anonymously provide information about a crime, whether it is about a recently committed crime or to report the whereabouts of someone wanted on an existing warrant. Each tip is given a special code number. After the crime is solved or the individual is arrested, Crime Stoppers determines the reward amount and provides arrangements for the tipster to anonymous collect a cash reward. Crime Stoppers callers never have to give their names or any identifying information.

Rewards of up to $1,000 are financed by criminal court fines and donations. More information about Crime Stoppers is available online at http://www.vanzandtcrimestoppers.org or by calling the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.

TYLER – The East Texas Food Bank will expand its Summer Bag Program thanks to a $20,000 Hunger-Free Summer grant awarded by Feeding America thanks to a donation from the ConAgra Foods Foundation. Officials say the grant will allow the Food Bank to provide bags of nutritious food over the weekend at ten rural Summer Food Service Program sites. The bags of food will be given out on Fridays to those children who participate in the Summer Food Service Program during the week but are at risk of hunger on the weekends.

According to a Food Bank news release, the grant was awarded to support the Food Bank’s efforts in alleviating hunger for East Texas children in the summer months when school is not in session. Officials say the ten sites were chosen due to the high level of need in the communities where they operate – underserved, rural communities where there is a high concentration of child poverty, but a low number of feeding agencies and child hunger programs.

The ten sites are Boys and Girls Club of Rusk County, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Sweet Union Apartment Complex, Oakgrove Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant, Marion County Community Center, Addie McFarland Community Center, Hawkins Community Center, Earnest J. Woods Intermediate School, and Grapeland Elementary School.

TYLER – An argument turned into a knife fight that left two persons injured. It was reported to Tyler Police just before 8:00 Sunday night in the 1,000 block of West Trezevant. Both men sustained non life threatening injuries. One was taken to East Texas Medical Center for treatment while the other was transported to Mother Francis Hospital. The investigation into the incident is continuing.