KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Investigators are trying to determine what caused a couple of Tyler area fires on Saturday. A two story home in the 3300 block of Farm Road 724 was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon. A large explosion was heard from the house, and then the fire was seen. No one was at home when the fire started and no injures were reported.

And a fire damaged several homes at the corner of Duncan Street and the Old Gladewater Highway. The fire started in one home and then spread to two others. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — For $50, you get a chance to win a 2011 Dodge Ram quad cab pickup and help out a good cause. Only 1,000 tickets are being sold, with all proceeds going to the Children of the Tyler Police Department Scholarship Fund. All you need do is stop by Allen Samuels East Texas Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, and Jeep at 3120 SSW Loop 323 or go by the Tyler Police Department at 711 W. Ferguson. You can go to http://www.allensamuelstyler.com for more details.

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas Youth Commission has announced that it will close three of its 10 correctional facilities by the end of August. The TYC board said Friday that it will shut down facilities in Crockett, Beaumont and Brownwood and consolidate operations at McLennan State Juvenile Correctional Facility Units I and II. The board, stating that it was following direction from the Legislature, said its decisions would affect the placement of about 400 youth and 700 staff at those locations. The board cited the agency’s budget reduction of $116.9 million for the next biennium and significantly reduced youth population as key to the decision to close the facilities. An additional 50 positions in the agency’s central office and 73 positions in the regional and parole offices will also be eliminated.

AUSTIN – A Smith County man is one of three persons appointed by the governor to of the Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council. The council assists the commissioner of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services in developing rules and policies for the agency.

Among those named to the panel was Dr. Thomas W. Grahm of Tyler. He’s a board-certified neurosurgeon and a partner at Tyler Neurosurgical Associates P.A. He is president of the Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons, and a member of the Texas Medical Association, American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is also a member of the North American Spine and Skull Base societies, Smith County Medical Society, and American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring. Grahm received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

TYLER — The Tyler Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced that this year’s Race netted $286,000 in proceeds. Spokespeople say the 13th annual Race, held at Bergfeld Park on May 7th, had an outstanding year with over 5,600 runners and walkers registered. Additionally, The Power of 10 Pledge Program, established in 2008, had a record year with individuals raising $57,487. Spokespeople say many East Texans whose lives are affected by breast cancer will benefit from the grants which will be funded by the money raised through the race. 75 percent of the net proceeds will stay in Smith County for local grants. The remaining 25 percent is used to fund the Susan G. Komen for the Cure National Research Grants Program.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was built on a promise made by Nancy Brinker to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, to make every effort to eradicate breast cancer. In the past 25 years, the organization has raised more than $1 billion to fight breast cancer through research, education, screening and treatment, making it the leading source of nonprofit funding.

TYLER – One person has been killed in an accident on Tyler’s southeast side. It happened in a three vehicle wreck on the loop at University Boulevard late Friday afternoon. Dead at the scene was John Michele Ruiz, 29, of Tyler. The preliminary investigation indicates that Ruiz was westbound on the loop on a Yamaha motorcycle. A SUV had been eastbound on the Loop and made a U-Turn at the intersection of University Boulevard to travel westbound on the Loop. Investigators say that Ruiz tried to pass the SUV on the left of the vehicle and hit the driver side of it. This caused Ruiz to lose control and hit the concrete median in the center of the loop. The motorcycle then vaulted over the median and hit a pickup. The pickup was stopped for traffic in the left turn lane on the eastbound side of the Loop.

LAKE TYLER – The body of a missing five year old has been found in the waters of Lake Tyler. The youngster’s body was discovered under a boat ramp at the lake. He is identified as Joseph Cooks of Flint. Authorities say the youngster, who did not know how to swim, was not wearing a floatation device.

LUFKIN — A motorcycle accident claimed the life of a Lufkin woman early Friday. Maria Huerta, 42, died at Memorial Medical Center at 3:32am following the 12:19am accident, Lufkin Police said. Her husband and driver, Jesse Huerta, 48, was also taken to Memorial with a broken shoulder. Jesse Huerta reportedly lost control of the bike after hitting a curb in the 400 block of Frank Avenue by the downtown post office.

TYLER – A 51-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges. Nicodemus Udofia pleaded guilty on May 31 to health care fraud and illegal remunerations charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, from 2006 to 2008, Udofia, the owner of a medical equipment business in Tyler, submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medical equipment and supplies which were not provided to beneficiaries. As a result of these claims, Udofia unlawfully obtained more than $50,000 from Medicare and Medicaid. Udofia also offered to pay illegal remunerations, or cash kickbacks, in exchange for patient information that he could use to submit claims to Medicare and Medicaid.

Udofia was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 3, 2010. Udofia faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — With high temperatures once again making their presence felt, officials in Tyler are revisiting their heat plan. Twelve years ago a coalition was formed to address the issue of high temperatures and to develop a heat plan. An annual review is conducted by local police, fire, public health and community groups to ensure the information remains current and the community is aware of its contents. It is a resource to safe havens to get relief from the heat.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District reminds everyone that heat kills. A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected and will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible; they are announced by local weather reports. Those at highest risk for death or illness from heat (groups without access to air conditioning for at least a few hours of the day) are: the elderly, socially isolated individuals (homebound, homeless), the physically disabled, those with chronic medical conditions, infants, and those taking certain medications (neuroleptics, anticholinergics).

Public health officials conclude that access to air conditioning is the most critical intervention to decrease the human impact of a heat wave. During the hottest parts of the day, the note, it is important to seek additional shelter from prolonged heat exposure. You are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, and stay out of the sun as much as possible. You should also check on relatives and neighbors that may be at increased risk. Civic groups and public spaces offer access to air conditioned areas. Welfare concerns may be referred to your local fire department or police department, or the Smith County Sheriff’s Department. In case of extreme emergency you’re urged to call 911. For additional information or a copy of the Heat Plan, you can contact Patty Roberts at [email protected] or 903-535-0053.

TYLER — The John Tyler High School and Robert E. Lee High School graduation ceremonies take place this weekend at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, located at 609 Fair Park Drive in Tyler. Here’s the full schedule with contingency plans:

Robert E. Lee High School Graduation
Friday, June 3, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

John Tyler High School Graduation
Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

Staffers scheduled both graduation ceremonies for live airing on http://wwwtylerisd.org and TISD TV Channel 19. Any changes to the graduation plans will be communicated via the media, TISD TV-19, AlertNow phone messaging system, Facebook, Twitter and the district website.

John Tyler High School Contingency Plan
#1-Rose Stadium Sunday, June 5 2:00 p.m.
#2-Rose Stadium Sunday, June 5 5:00 p.m.
#3-Rose Stadium Sunday, June 5 8:00 p.m.

TYLER – A 34-year-old Palestine man has pleaded guilty to federal gun violations. James Emil Hanson pleaded guilty in Tyler on June 2 to possession of an unregistered firearm before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. According to information presented in court, on Oct. 1, 2009, Hanson was found in possession of an unregistered firearm. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 2, 2011, and charged with federal violations. Hanson faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER – A federal grand jury has returned multiple indictments in Tyler. In separate cases, two men face charges of enticement of a minor. Stephen Wayne Perritte, 66, of Henderson, allegedly used a computer to communicate with a minor in an attempt to engage in sexual activity from May 23 to May 25, 2011. Charles Abner Richey, Jr., 62, of Christianburg, Virginia, allegedly did likewise from Apr. 19 to May 5. Each man faces up to ten years behind bars if convicted.

Concepcion Baldelamar, 49, of Mexico, was indicted for failing to register as a sex offender and illegally being present in the United States after having been previously deported. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the first charge and up to 20 years for the immigration violation. According to the indictment, in March 2009, Baldelamar allegedly returned to Texas after having been deported to Mexico. Baldelamar is also alleged to have failed to register as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Notification Act.

Lisa Godfrey, 50, of Tyler, was indicted on charges of theft of government property, making a false statement, and social security benefits fraud. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, from February 2007 till March 2011, Godfrey is alleged to have made false statements claiming that a minor lived with her resulting in the payment of approximately $29,490 of child insurance benefits to which she was not entitled. During that same time, Godfrey allegedly failed to report that the child left the residence and was no longer living with her.

Charles Kevin Clayton, 36, of Texarkana, Texas, was indicted on charges of counterfeiting. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on May 21, 2011, Clayton is alleged to have attempted to pass a counterfeit $50 bill at a Dairy Queen. Further investigation revealed Clayton possessed approximately 7 counterfeit $50 bills and 12 counterfeit $20 bills.

Dustin James Poole, 31, of Mabank, was indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on May 12, 2011, Poole is alleged to have been found in possession of two firearms and ammunition. Further investigation revealed Poole was previously convicted of possession of a stolen firearm in federal court in 2003 and theft in Henderson County in 2004.

LONGVIEW — AlleyFest celebrates 33 years of festival fun in downtown Longview June 3 through 5. The annual celebration of the arts, which has become a local tradition, is taking place on the streets of Longview’s historic Main Street district. You can go to http://www.alleyfest.org to get more information on AlleyFest and its activities.

NOONDAY — An agreement was reached in a Smith County Precinct 2 courtroom just after 3:00 yesterday afternoon in last week’s puppy mill case. The home where Refugio Silvas, Jr., and his wife were living was raided last week. The couple was ordered to pay $8,000 and hand over all 70 puppies to the SPCA. Many people in the courtroom are said to have been upset over the puppy mill case. The SPCA says it will continue to pursue further action and charges against the couple.

TYLER — Tyler Police have arrested a teenager who allegedly robbed a 14 year old at gunpoint in Fun Forest Park. Taken into custody was Donald Lloyd Davis Jr., 17, of Tyler. Officials say the victim was walking through the park in the 1800 block of Garden Valley Road when he was approached by the suspect who told him to give him all his money. While showing his empty pockets, the teen pulled out a cell phone. The robber pulled a gun and demanded the phone, then ran away. A witness offered his phone to the teen to call the police. When officials arrived, they found Davis in the 1800 block of West Oakwood, where they arrested him. They searched the area and found a pistol and the cell phone in two different trashcans on Maxwell Street, about a block away from where they found Davis.

GILMER — Tuesday’s Upshur County Commissioners meeting erupts with accusations, and a request to remove a person from the crowd. Commissioner James Crittenden accused fellow Commissioner Lloyd Crabtree of bypassing his authority as presiding officer. That comes after Crabtree received a letter instead of Crittenden. And when Commissioner Mike Spencer tried to get back to business, a woman from the crowd spoke up, saying Crittenden was presiding and could “say what he wants to.” Spencer responded, “Excuse me. For an outburst like that I would like to have her removed from the court.” After the outburst, the commissioners took a recess. The woman was not removed from the meeting.

The commissioners’ court has seen its share of controversy in recent months. Crabtree is under indictment along with County Judge Dean Fowler and Sheriff Anthony Betterron. All are charged with official oppression and abuse of official capacity in a case involving removal of public comment from agendas.

CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County have arrested two suspects on narcotics charges. On Wednesday at approximately 3:30 p.m. the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office along with the Precinct 3 Constable, Wills Point Police Department, Canton Police Department, and Child Protective Services served a narcotic search warrant at 800 Van Zandt County Road 3219 in the Myrtle Springs Community. After a lengthy investigation, the Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of a large amount of methamphetamine, a large amount of marijuana, several thousand dollars, surveillance equipment and drug paraphernalia.

Wendy Mae Jones, 34, and Joseph Zachary Eggeling, 34, of Wills Point, were placed into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance and delivery of marijuana. They’re currently being held at the Van Zandt County Law Enforcement Center on $35,000 bond each. Three others were released at the location pending further investigation. Four children ranging in age from 1 to 14 were placed in the care of Child Protective Services.

TYLER – A new film festival was announced Thursday by the film working group of the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition (DTAC). The Downtown Tyler Arts Film Festival will take place Oct. 12-15 at Liberty Hall. Members of the DTAC filmmaker group are serving as organizers. “Show Us Your Shorts” is the theme of this year’s festival, which concentrates on comedic short films of 15 minutes or less. The event will kick off with a VIP street party on Oct. 12, with films available for viewing Oct. 13-15 at the newly renovated Liberty Hall. Additional activities will be announced at a later date.

“Independent film production is becoming a major industry,” said festival Director Chris Abraham, a volunteer with DTAC. Abraham pointed out that major media distributors have a growing interest in small, start-up studios, and filmmaking is now a very popular area of study on college campuses. Abraham continued by saying that new distribution avenues are opening lucrative business models for new media producers. “A film festival is not only great fun, but it is also a very smart business move for Tyler,” Abraham said. Also organizing the event are experienced film festival producers Stephen Self and Donna Gatewood.

The film festival is also capitalizing on Tyler’s relatively new concept of Rose Season, an effort to expand upon the economic impact of the Rose Festival by incorporating a variety of events to extend the season to three weeks. “This event was planned intentionally to complement the Rose Festival dates and offer additional activities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy,” said City of Tyler Main Street department leader Beverly Abell. “We hope the film festival will only add to the wonderful schedule of events available during Rose Season.”

Entries in the film fest are limited to live-action or animation. All films must have at least one producer or director who is a resident of Texas. Live-action movies must have had at least 75 percent of their principal photography completed in Texas. Entries must be received by Aug. 31, and only 25 will be selected for showing. Go to http://www.tylerfilmfest.com for more information on the event. “We also encourage people to ‘like’ the festival on Facebook and keep up with events on Twitter,” Abell said.

ALTO — A Cherokee County town will furlough its police force for six months, believing it the best way to save the city money. The Alto City Council voted to cut off for six months the wages and benefits for Alto’s police chief and four police officers, effective June 16. That’s despite Mayor Monty Collins’ warning that such a move is a mistake. The furlough would turn over law enforcement for the town of about 1,200 residents to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies recently took over law enforcement down the road in the town of Wells. That’s after the governing council in that town of 800 residents laid off its only police officer.

TYLER — This week, Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust, asked the Smith County Commissioners Court for an additional $5,800 to cover the rest of the fiscal year in fuel costs. He says with rising gas prices, the county didn’t give them enough. Precinct 2 Commissioner Cary Nix says the Constable is in a unique situation, but he says thinking ahead and staying within budget is the issue. The Commissioner says the court will discuss the matter next week.

LUFKIN — A 20-year-old Lufkin man was arrested Tuesday for having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl. Hayden Shaw McCleskey is being charged with two first-degree counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, an arrest report stated. The girl, who is now 14, was spending the night at McCleskey’s home with his sister on two separate occasions when the acts took place, the first in February and the second in March, according to the report.

The alleged sexual assaults were reported by the victim’s father, according to Lufkin Police Lt. David Young. In an interview with police, the girl said McCleskey knew she was only 13. After McCleskey was taken into custody, he admitted to having sex with the girl twice and that he was aware of her age, the report stated. McCleskey was booked into the Angelina County Jail, where he made a collective $50,000 bond a short time later. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.

LONGVIEW — Three people have been arrested in connection with a fight and a robbery that occurred at the Days Inn, in the 3100 block of Estes Parkway, May 23rd. Arrested were Robin Wilson, 28 and John Pack, 19, both of Longview. Pack’s Twin brother, Joshua, was also arrested. Police say the brothers saw Wilson, who is said to be a girlfriend of one of the teens, at the motel with six other people. In the fight that followed, the brothers are said to have used a gun and a knife to rob the group. When they fled the scene, Wilson is said to have left with them. One person was injured, but not seriously, in the fight.

LONGVIEW – Gregg County authorities are looking for two suspects in the burglary of an ATM Machine. The burglary occurred at Zippy J’s convenience store at the corner of State Highway 31 and Farm Road 2767. The suspects are said to have cut a hole in a rear wall of the building, and then used a bar to pry open the ATM. They are said to have taken $46,000 from the machine. The store’s surveillance video shows two suspects wearing dark clothing, masks and gloves.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police remembered one of their own Thursday morning during a public ceremony. They dedicated a table with a plaque in memory of fellow Officer Ellyn Goodan. The table is near the entrance to the Roy E. Stone Training Center located at 302 W. Cotton Street. The memorial was purchased with donations from Police Department employees.

Goodan died last December after being shot in the head. Her husband, and former 911 communications administrator Harry Goodan, has been charged with her murder. He was originally held on $500,000 bond. However, District Judge David Brabham ruled the bond was excessive and lowered it to $75,000 after Goodan’s father-in-law, Jimmy Rice, and Goodan’s ex-wife, Jonna Goodan, testified on his behalf at a January court hearing.

Under the stipulations of his lowered bond, Goodan is barred from possessing a gun, alcohol or illegal drugs; must remain home between 7:00pm and 6:00am daily; he must wear a monitoring device at all times; and he must report weekly to authorities. Goodan’s trial date has yet to be set in the 124th District Court. Goodan also has a pending civil case for “parent child relationship” in the interest of his and Ellyn Goodan’s son, Nicholas Goodan.

MANGUM, OKLA. (AP) — Two more prospective jurors have been chosen for possible jury service in the trial of a former warden’s wife accused of helping an inmate she fell in love with escape from prison. Prosecutors have accused Bobbi Parker of helping Randolph Dial escaped from the Oklahoma State Reformatory in 1994 and then running away with him. Defense attorneys say Dial kidnapped Parker and held her captive until she was rescued in 2005 at a Shelby County, Texas, chicken ranch. Defense attorney lawyer Garvin Isaacs said Wednesday two more people were added to a panel of prospective jurors that now totals 14. Isaacs says attorneys want to pick 22 prospective jurors before using challenges to select a 12-member jury. Jury selection continues today; it began on May 16.

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center says it’s responding to the external economic climate by streamlining operations. According to a written statement, this means becoming more efficient by reducing non-critical staff positions and finding ways to make processes more cost-effective, as officials say the organization has throughout its 60-year history. ETMC has declined to disclose any exact numbers regarding reduction of positions. According to the statement, reasons for the current economic challenges include lessening reimbursement from third-party payors, and federal and state reimbursement cuts. Hospital officials say the uncertainty caused by healthcare reform legislation is also driving this situation to some degree, both locally and nationally.

Throughout the United States, ETMC officials add, other hospital systems are experiencing similar situations. The written statement says that as the market demands reductions in healthcare costs, ETMC is doing its part to adjust operations and trim costs, while continuing to fulfill its mission.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) joined a bipartisan House coalition voting against a debt limit measure Tuesday night. The legislation would increase the federal government’s legal debt limit by $2.4 trillion, raising the limit to $16.7 trillion. Gohmert commented, “Raising the debt ceiling is not only irresponsible, it is, again, spending money the United States does not have. I could not vote to raise the debt ceiling without a major decline in negligent spending. Here and now, Washington must change the way it does business.

“We desperately need to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment with a cap on spending in the House and Senate and send it to the States for ratification. We must also stop the insane spending of $105 billion to implement the bureaucracy of Obamacare – which should ultimately be deemed unconstitutional. These are the immediate things we can do to show the world financial sectors we are serious about reining in renegade spending.

“There is absolutely no reason for the Administration to refuse to organize payments so we meet our public debt obligations and keep our commitments to those Americans who are supposed to receive them. Treasury Secretary Geithner should spend his time setting these priorities instead of playing Chicken Little and demagoguing this important issue.

“The future of our nation is at stake. Raising the debt limit will only dig America into a deeper, darker pit – one from which escaping will be difficult, if not, impossible. Out-of-control spending must end, and the Senate must finally pass a budget to solidify our commitment to solving this crisis. That’s the only way America will remain ‘the shining city on the Hill.’”

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is jailed after a chase and a wreck that injured five people. Jailed under a $40,000 bond on a variety of charges is Earnest James Survia Jr., 22. In his vehicle during the chase were his wife and two children.

It all started just after noon Tuesday afternoon in Longview at the intersection of Annette and Arthur. A state trooper said he saw someone trying to break into a car. Authorities say the chase started when the trooper tried to stop the man. According to officials, it ended when the man ran a stop sign in the Pine Tree area, striking another vehicle.

RUSK COUNTY — A Garrison man is in custody charged with charged with assault, endangerment of a child and resisting arrest. Around 3:30 Monday afternoon, Rusk County Deputies responded to a welfare concern. Authorities say Bradley Dale Koonce, 39, used a small child as a barricade to keep deputies from arresting him. Koonce was eventually apprehended and booked into in the Rusk County Jail with bond set at $40,000. A protective order has been filed against him.