LONGVIEW — A Longview man is set for sentencing tomorrow morning in the 2009 shooting death of another Longview man. Brandon Quadnell Horne, 31, pleaded guilty November 17 to killing Kelvin Muckleroy, 33, before setting fire to Muckleroy’s home on Chappell Street. Horne could be sentenced from five and 99 years or life in prison, and fined up to $10,000. He is scheduled to appear at 10:30 Friday morning at the Gregg County Courthouse.
Business Accused of Illegal Dumping

TYLER – Acting on a tip, Smith County authorities have uncovered illegal dumping and a business has been charged in the case. They received the tip a couple of weeks ago that items had been illegally dumped at Madfos Metals. They’re located north of Tyler off U.S. Highway 271.
On Tuesday the business was served with a search warrant. A backhoe was brought to the property and authorities began digging. They say they found more than 1,000 pounds of illegally buried items on the back of the property. The business has now been charged with commercial illegal dumping which is a state felony.
East Texas College Student has TB

COMMERCE – A student at Texas A&M University-Commerce has been diagnosed with tuberculosis. According to a news release from the school, Student Health Services at the school will provide screenings to some students. University officials say the individual is no longer on campus, and does not pose a continuing threat to the community. Some students, however, may be more at risk if they’ve been in contact with the infected individual for a prolonged time or in a confined space.
School officials say the university is working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services to investigate and monitor the incident. “We’re notifying all the students, in addition to the faculty and staff that were in contact with the student,” said Maxine Mendoza-Welch, a physician’s assistant and Student Health Services manager. “We know which classes the student attended, and the student is no longer on campus.”
Those with a believed high risk of exposure are required to visit the Health Center on the Commerce campus Tuesday, April 19 for a free screening. No appointment is necessary. It was not immediately clear how many students will need to be screened. Students will be asked to return to Student Health Services on Thursday, April 21 for test results.
“This [testing of students] is mandatory,” said Dr. Tom Selvaggi with Live Oak Professional Center in Commerce. “There’s no reason for public hysteria. It’s the appropriate thing to do, and it’s the correct protocol to be followed to make sure that if someone has been exposed to it they get the appropriate treatment.” According to Dr. Selvaggi, the infected student was diagnosed at a heath facility in Dallas and the university was later informed by the Hunt County Health Department.
Red Cross Welcomes “Miracle on the Hudson” Hero

TYLER — The Smith County Chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting a reception this afternoon for Dave Sanderson. He was the last person to leave the US Airways plane that was forced into frozen waters in the emergency landing that was to become known worldwide as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Red Cross officials say Sanderson was largely responsible for many others making it out safely.
Today, Sanderson is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, with over 150 speaking engagements in the U.S. and Canada, and has been invited to speak in Europe. He is a contributing author to the book, “Brace for Impact,” a compilation of survivor stories of the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the reception. The reception will be held at the Smith County Chapter office located at 320 East Rieck Road in Tyler from 3:30 p.m. until 4:15 p.m.
Red Cross officials say Sanderson is a firm supporter of the American Red Cross, having made it home from the crash with the sweatshirt and pants given to him by the local Red Cross. Smith County Red Cross chapter staffers invite you to join them for punch and cookies and a chance to meet Sanderson. For further information regarding this or any other Smith County Chapter events or programs, you can contact Linda Edwards at 903-581-7981.
Memorial to Abuse/Neglect Victims Stops In Tyler
TYLER — A memorial to the 227 children who died of abuse and neglect in Texas in 2010 will be displayed from 9:00 to 11:30 this morning at Tyler’s Broadway Square Mall as part of National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in April. The Memorial to Abused and Neglected Children was created by Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). According to CASA spokespeople, its purpose is to bring awareness about the epidemic of child abuse and neglect and children who die because they are not in safe, loving homes. The memorial is on a four-day, eight-stop tour through East Texas. The stop in Tyler is sponsored by CASA for Kids of East Texas.
Two More Arrests in Alleged Gang Rape
LUFKIN (AP) – Two more men have been charged over the alleged rape of a 16-year-old East Texas girl on a mattress in a yard during a party. Angelina County Sheriff’s Department records show three suspects, including a father and son, were jailed Tuesday, while a fourth man was freed on $100,000 bail. All are charged with aggravated sexual assault over the March 5 incident. Adrian Moreland of Lufkin was released Monday. Jail records did not list an attorney for the 17-year-old defendant. Moreland and Timothy Joseph Headley, 21, of Lufkin were arrested Friday. Headley’s bond is $100,000, with no attorney listed for him. Deputies earlier arrested Clinton Johnson Sr., 53, and Clinton “Bubba” Johnson Jr., 17, both of Hudson. The party was at the son’s home. The underage girl allegedly drank alcohol.
Big Egg Donation for Food Bank
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TYLER — Pilgrim’s Pride and Feather Crest Farms team up to donate more than 118,000 eggs to the East Texas Food Bank. It’s the fourth year in a row United Egg Producers and Feeding America’s network of food banks have joined hands. Egg farmers nationwide are donating nearly 12 million eggs; they’ve donated more than 50 million across the country since 2008. According to East Texas Food Bank staff, “Fresh eggs are always a prized item for food banks due to their dense nutritional and high protein content, but they are also one of the hardest categories for food banks to acquire. The partnership here in Texas and throughout the nation will help feed more than 50 million men, women, and children in America who are at risk of hunger, up significantly since the beginning of the recession in December 2007.”
Juvenile Murder Suspect Back in Court
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TYLER — The East Texas teen accused of shooting and killing his sister Amanda Anderson back in September at their parents’ Chapel Hill house, has had another hearing. Monday, Nate Anderson was back in court at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center for a routine hearing, where lawyers told Judge Floyd Getz Anderson has been a model detainee. Judge Getz ordered Anderson to remain in custody and set another routine hearing for April 25th. The hearing that will determine whether Anderson will be tried as an adult is pushed back to May 9th.
Tyler Robbery Attempt

TYLER – Tyler police are looking for a Hispanic male in the attempted robbery of the Allstate Insurance offices at 4719 Old Bullard Road. It happened around 5:15 Monday afternoon. Employees told officers the man entered the business and displayed a handgun, demanding money. After being told that there was no money on the premises, the suspect then fled the scene on foot.
The suspect was described as a clean shaven Hispanic Male, 5’10” tall, 230 – 240 lbs., wearing a backward facing baseball cap with red brim, Ray Ban style sunglasses, gray sweat shirt and dark gray basketball shorts. He was armed with a silver handgun with white grips. The suspect spoke fluent English with no accent.
Big East Texas Drug Haul

MOUNT PLEASANT – A traffic violation in Titus county has resulted in a big drug seizure and one suspect in custody. A tractor/trailer rig was stopped Sunday afternoon on Interstate Highway 30 near the 171 mile marker. When the driver consented to the search of the rig, state troopers found 184 bundles of marijuana weighing over 4,600 pounds and valued at $1.5 million. It was hidden among the produce in the trailer. Arrested was the driver, Giovanni Borrero, 30, of Longwood, Florida.
Woman Dies of Accident Injuries
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LONGVIEW – A Longview woman has died from injuries received in a car wreck just over a week ago. Saturday, Silvia Rodriguez-Munoz, 47, of Longview, died from injuries received in the accident on April 3rd. It occurred in the 2900 Block of Fourth Street. She was a passenger in a car driven by driven by Miguel Rodriguez-Munoz of Longview. He was injured in the crash.
Investigators say their car was hit by a SUV that crossed over into their oncoming lane of traffic. It was driven by Jackquine Bell, 46, of Longview. She was also injured in the crash. Bell has been charged with driving wrong side of the roadway- not passing, no insurance and no driver’s license. An intoxication manslaughter charge may also be filed pending the results of blood tests.
Two Dead in Longview Accident
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LONGVIEW – Two persons were killed and one injured in an early Monday morning crash in Longview. The one vehicle accident happened around 12:05am in the 300 block of Pine Tree Road. Pronounced dead at the scene were Alonso Rivera, 20 and Jose Cervantes, 22, both of Longview. A third person in the vehicle was ejected. He was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The accident remains under investigation.
Man Arrested on Robbery, Weapon Charges

JACKSONVILLE — Law officers have arrested a suspect on robbery and weapon charges, and more charges could be on the way. Late Sunday afternoon, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about the possible location of Shane Kirkland, 20, of Arp. The caller advised that Kirkland was seen getting into a gold colored van at a gas station in New Summerfield. The caller further advised that the van began traveling west on Highway 79 toward Jacksonville. According to authorities, Texas DPS Troopers, with assistance from the New Summerfield PD, located the van on Highway 79 just inside Jacksonville about 15 minutes later.
Authorities say that Kirkland was taken into custody without incident but that he was found to have a stolen 9 mm pistol tucked inside his waistband when he was placed into custody. While questioning the driver, it was discovered that he did not know Kirkland, and had just been approached by Kirkland seeking a ride. The driver of the van was released at that time. The 9 mm pistol was listed as stolen through the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. Kirkland was arraigned Monday on charges of felon in possession of firearm and aggravated robbery. The bonds were set at $125,000 and $1,000,000 respectively.
He had been wanted for an aggravated robbery in Cherokee County. He is accused of pulling a knife in the Hot Spot convenience store and demanding money, cigarettes, and K-2. The incident happened Tuesday afternoon April 5th. A contingent of law officers, aided by dogs, was unable to locate Kirkland that afternoon.
Kirkland also has a no-bond probation revocation warrant for an aggravated robbery charge out of Smith County, where he was arrested July 8, 2009. Officials say other charges are still possible in Cherokee County and Rusk County, all stemming from incidents which occurred while Kirkland was allegedly on the run.
Police Seek Help with February Homicide

TYLER — Tyler Police say they need your help with any information related to the homicide that occurred at 4516 Edinburgh on February 24. Investigators determined that 28-year-old Harold Miller and an unknown suspect had a violent struggle before Miller was killed. Investigators believe that the suspect suffered a serious cut to his hands or arms during the incident.
Tyler Fire, Police, and EMS responded to a house fire at 4516 Edinburgh around 11:17 a.m. on February 24, 2011. The fire was observed by a neighbor who was passing by the residence who observed the smoke and flames. Tyler firefighters located a deceased male inside the residence while attending to the fire. Tyler Police Investigators responded to the scene due to what was termed the suspicious nature of the body, later determined to be Miller’s.
Anyone with information about the suspect 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 arrest and charges filed against the suspect or suspects in this or any felony case.
Gang Believed Responsible for Hold-Up
NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches Police search for an armed gang they believe is responsible for a Saturday hold-up. Officers answered the call for help at the Entertainment Shack on Shawnee just after 3:00 Saturday morning. They say several armed men rushed in and demanded money while pointing a gun at employees. One of the man fired shots toward the Shack as he ran away.
Fatal Wreck Near Lufkin
HUNTINGTON — A woman was killed and two people were seriously injured in a wreck in front of the Dairy Queen in Huntington a little after 8:00 Monday morning. Christine Wise-Allen, 50, of York, Pennsylvania, died on impact in the wreck, according to Huntington Police Chief Bobby Epperly. The woman was a passenger in a car driven by her friend, Robin Chambers, 49, of Zavalla, according to Epperly.
Chambers was taken to Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin, although she was expected to be transported to another facility once she was stabilized, Epperly said. Billy Joe Walters, 56, of Huntington, was the driver of a southbound Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that slid into the turn lane of U.S. 69 south and collided nearly head-on with the northbound car.
Women Identified In Fatal Tyler Crash

TYLER — A second person has died following a Sunday night crash in Tyler. The wreck happened around 8:00 Sunday night at the intersection of West Erwin and Lyons Streets. Geneva Davis Townsend, 89, Tyler, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in her vehicle, Jane Onys Bohanon, 81, of Tyler, died shortly after 2:45 Monday morning in East Texas Medical Center from injuries she sustained in the crash.
Accident Investigators determined Joe Preston Rogers, 61, Tyler, was traveling west on Erwin when he struck Townsend’s vehicle head on in the intersection of Erwin and Lyons. Rogers was treated at East Texas Medical Center and later transported to the Smith County Jail. He has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.
East Texas Doctor Killed in Plane Crash
McCOMB, Miss. (AP) – Authorities say a thoracic surgeon with ties to Mississippi and Texas was killed in a weekend plane crash along with his wife and her sister. Pike County, Miss., Coroner Percy Pittman said the crash killed 52-year-old Dr. Taylor Pickett; his wife, 22-year-old Laura Pickett of Summit, Miss.; and her sister, 29-year-old Jacquelyn Ham of Meadville, Miss. The Cessna 310R, a dual-engine propeller craft, crashed Sunday about 4:30 a.m. into trees near the McComb-Pike County Airport on its way from New Orleans to McComb, Miss. Officials say Dr. Pickett was a cardiologist and thoracic, or chest, surgeon who worked for McComb’s Mississippi Cardiovascular Institute before going to work in Lufkin, Texas. McComb Police Chief Greg Martin said the pilot spent time in both Summit, Miss., and Texas.
Smith County Rabies Clinics This Week
TYLER — In an effort to raise the county’s immunization level against rabies, the annual Smith County Dog and Cat Rabies Vaccination Clinics are being held this week. The clinics are open through Saturday at various locations around the county. Your pet dog or cat can be inoculated at the reduced price of only $8.00. Here are this year’s clinics and locations:
Monday, April 11th, 7:00pm
Bullard……..High School Ag Shop
Mt. Sylvan….Community Center
Winona…….Winona High School Ag Shop
Tuesday April 12th, 7:00pm
Chapel Hill….High School Bus Loop
Flint/Gresham…Community Center
Noonday…….Community Center
Overton……..Overton High School Ag Shop
Pine Springs…Community Center
Providence……Community Center
Red Springs…..Red Springs Fire Department
Troup…………Troup High School Ag Shop
Wednesday April 13th, 7:00pm
Tyler………….Humane Society of Smith County, 1823 County Road 386
Thursday April 14th, 7:00pm
Lindale……….High School Ag Shop
Jackson……….Fire Department
Whitehouse…..Covered pavilion across from the high school
New Harmony….Community Center
Starville…………Community Center
Arp………………High School Ag Shop
Saturday April 16th, 2:00pm
Colonial Hills……Colonial Hills Baptist Church on South Broadway
John Tyler……….Parking lot in front of the school on NNW Loop 323
If you need more information, contact the Smith County Extension Service Office at 903- 590-2980.
Lane Closure on Loop 323
TYLER — The City of Tyler Street Department and Texas Department of Transportation will again be closing the outer westbound lane of Loop 323 from Copeland Road to Fry Avenue between 8:30am and 4:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday. This closure is to ensure the safety of area high school students as they paint a mural on the retaining wall in this area.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the mural stretching along the southeast portion of Loop 323 will receive a facelift. Originally launched as an interschool project that would be repainted regularly, the existing mural was painted by students from area schools in 2002.
This spring, students from six area schools including: The Brook Hill School, All Saints Episcopal, T.K. Gorman, Robert E. Lee, John Tyler, and Grace Community School will join forces to repaint the retaining wall. The new mural will portray a long strand of multicolored roses, with each school completing a section of the vine in their own style and color scheme.
All drivers are asked to use caution while driving in this area to further safeguard the safety of the students as they work.
TxDOT Project Update

UNDATED — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.
SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 2661 east of Tyler between State Highway 64 and State Highway 31. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
LONGVIEW — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement-repair operations on Spur 63 between U.S. Highway 80 and Loop 281. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.
WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repair operations in various locations on State Highway 37 in Winnsboro between State Highway 11 and Farm Road 515, and south of Winnsboro near Farm Road 1647. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.
CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform fog seal operations on U.S. Highway 175 between Frankston and Jacksonville. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.
Then, on Monday, April 18, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to begin several weeks of pavement-repair operations in Rusk, Reklaw and Jacksonville. Crews will be working in the following locations in the following order:
*U.S. Highway 69 and U.S. Highway 84 in Rusk, working in and around the intersection;
*U.S. Highway 84 east of U.S. Highway 69 in Rusk;
*U.S. Highway 84 in Reklaw in the curb-and-gutter section;
*U.S. Highway 69 and U.S. Highway 79, working in and around the intersection; and
*U.S. Highway 79 east of U.S. Highway 69.
Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement-repair operations on State Highway 19 in Canton between Interstate Highway 20 and State Highway 64. Once that work is complete, crews will be performing the same work on State Highway 64 west of State Highway 19 and on State Highway 243 west of State Highway 198. Crews will also be at work in various locations south of U.S. Highway 80 on Farm Road 857 and Farm Road 1255. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.
HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 85 between the Navarro County Line and State Highway 274 in Seven Points. A second crew is scheduled to perform base repairs on Farm Road 317 south of Chandler between Farm Road 314 and Farm Road 315. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on State Highway 323 between Loop 571 and State Highway 42. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 323 southeast of Palestine between U.S. Highway 84 and Farm Road 1817, then move to Farm Road 321 between Tennessee Colony and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
Historic Landmark Dedication Ceremony
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TYLER — The City of Tyler Historic Preservation Board will host a ceremony at 4 p.m. Monday designating the Schoenbrun House at 505 W. Third as a Historic Landmark. The designation of this modern-style home coincides with Preservation Texas’ Inaugural Texas MODern Month. The goal of Texas MODern Month is to raise awareness of and to preserve locally, regionally and nationally significant examples of modern architecture in Texas.
Mano Schoenbrun, born in Slovakia but a naturalized U.S. citizen, came to Tyler in 1931 with his wife Elsie, who had just immigrated from Hungary. They established what would become a retail fashion icon for men and women in East Texas, the New York Store. In 1947, with their business firmly established, the Schoenbruns took the first step toward building their dream home, purchasing from the estate of Walter H. Knight a large lot on the north side of West Third Street near the intersection of Chilton Avenue. Always in the forefront of fashion, Elsie and Mano embraced the new Modernism in architecture, building in 1950-1951 a sleek, one-story, u-shaped home of nearly 4,000 square feet –- distinctive in a neighborhood of traditional residences.
Attributed to architect Shirley Simons and built by Harry Oliver, Jr., the house features wide sweeps of aluminum windows that wrap corners. A massive chimney dominates the low roofline and façade of elongated salmon-colored brick. Important in 1950s Modernism, the flow begins with flagstone used for the front walk and porch, continuing as the entry and dining room flooring. Original cork paves the den and the 60-foot windowed hallway that runs along one side of the interior west wing.
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a central private patio with a deep overhanging roofline shading the interior wrap-around porch, another element of 1950s Modernism. Interior features include pocket doors, recessed lighting and a fossil stone living room fireplace wall that begins at the front entry. This same stone was added to the face of the downtown New York Store, still visible on the second story portion of the building at the corner of Spring and Erwin streets.
The Schoenbruns reared their four children, Ronnie, Larry, Shirley and Greta in this home. Rising to prominence in the East Texas retail business world, they added a store in Kilgore as well as one in Tyler’s then new Broadway Square Mall. Mano died in 1959, but Elsie operated the business with help from her family and continued to live in the home until her death in 1993. The property was purchased from the Schoenbrun estate in 1998 by Steve and Niki Cash.
In 2003 the house was included as a Contributing Property in the survey of the Azalea Residential Historic District and subsequently was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Don and Bonny Edmonds, current residents, bought the home in 2010.
Aggravated Assault Investigated
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TYLER — Police in Tyler are following up on an assault report. Shortly after 6:30 Saturday evening, TPD received a call of an aggravated assault at 3088 Old Omen Road. Officers responded to that location and were informed that two people had been cut with a broken beer bottle and were being transported to Mother Frances Hospital by private vehicle. No suspects were located at the scene. Officers responded to Mother Frances and contacted two men, ages 23 and 24 year, with minor lacerations to their backs. Both victims said that an unknown black male in his late teens or early 20s had caused a disturbance near the swimming pool area at the apartment and ultimately cut both of them during an altercation with a broken beer bottle. Both victims were treated at the hospital emergency room for their wounds and released.
Tyler Police Investigate Shooting
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TYLER — Tyler police are investigating a reported accidental shooting. Officers and EMS arrived on scene after police were dispatched to 516 West Houston Saturday night just before 8:00. Police and EMS were led into the residence by a friend of the victim. The victim, an 18 year old man, had suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was then transported to East Texas Medical Center to undergo surgery. Two friends of the victim were at the residence at the time of the shooting and advised officers that the victim had accidentally shot himself.
Annual County Wide Clean-up Starts Today
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TYLER — Citizens can pick up their vouchers and participate in the annual Smith County Wide Clean-up Event April 11-16. The County Clean-up event is an opportunity for residents of Smith County to bring trash and bulky items to the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free. The Smith County Environmental Crimes Unit, Precinct Constables, and Smith County Commissioners Court are working together to host the event. The County will provide vouchers to the public that are good for up to three cubic yards of trash per person, which is equal to a full-sized truck bed. Vouchers are available to pick up at all Justice of the Peace and Constable Precinct offices or the Commissioners Court Office in the Smith County Courthouse Annex. There is a limit of one voucher per household, and businesses may not participate in the voucher program.
The vouchers are good Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to noon the week of April 11-16. The vouchers come with a map to the landfill and a list of items that the Greenwood Farms Landfill, an Allied Waste Company, cannot accept. “We would like to thank Greenwood Farms Manager Zach Briscoe for providing us with this service every year. It is a benefit to the citizens of Smith County and helps us keep the trash off the roads and in the landfill, where it belongs,” Smith County Environmental Officer Tommy Goodman said. Items not accepted during the County Wide Clean-up include hazardous waste, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, gasoline, oils, paint, acid, batteries, asbestos, Freon, whole tires, refrigerators, freezers, televisions and computers.
For more information or to pick up your voucher, you can call (Tyler) Pct. 1 Constable Henry Jackson, 903-590-2609; (Noonday) Pct. 2 Constable Andy Dunklin, 903-590-4840; (Troup) Pct. 3 Constable Dustin Rust, 903-842-2664; (Winona) Pct. 4 Constable John Smith 903-590-4879; or (Lindale) Pct. 5 Constable Dennis Taylor, 903-590-4901.
Azalea Trails Wraps Up This Weekend

TYLER — It’s the final day of Tyler’s annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trails. Among the showcase events: the 2011 Azalea Trails Arts and Crafts Fair at Bergfeld Park, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More than 90 vendors will offer handmade items such as pottery, clothing, jewelry, candles, floral arrangements, woodcrafts, oil paintings, and much, much more. You can go to http://www.tylerazaleatrail.com for more information on Azalea Trails.
Woman Dead in Crash
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VAN — A 78-year-old Van woman is dead in a two-vehicle accident that occurred in Van shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday. The DPS says Peggy Alexander was eastbound on Kansas Street when her car struck a vehicle driven by Amanda Cabler of Ben Wheeler. Cabler’s vehicle was southbound on FM 314. Alexander, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at Cozby-Germany Hospital in Grand Saline. Cabler was last reported in good condition at ETMC/Tyler. She was wearing a seat belt.
Former Sulphur Springs Police Chief Indicted
McKINNEY — Big trouble for a former East Texas police chief. Donnie Gene Lewis has been indicted by a grand jury in Collin County on five counts of sexual assault of a child and eight counts of indecency. No further details were immediately offered, except that all of this allegedly happened in Plano between 2001 and 2004. That was shortly after Lewis had retired as chief in Sulphur Springs. He’d been on the force there for 25 years. He’s now 61, and if he’s convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
State Health Officials Say Horse Had Rabies
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AUSTIN (AP) – State health officials say people who attended horse shows in Belton and Lufkin last month may have been exposed to a horse that tested positive for rabies. About 150 people from Texas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi attended the American Southwest Texas Cutting Horse Association show in Belton March 19-21 and the Lufkin Cutting Horse Association show March 25-27. The horse was a 7-year-old bay quarter horse gelding with a faint star on its forehead. The horse died April 4 and tested positive for rabies April 6. People can be infected if they are bitten or if the infected animal’s saliva gets in an open wound or cut or in the eyes, nose or mouth. A series of post-exposure shots, if given in time, can prevent rabies from developing.
Thirteen Nabbed in Drug Conspiracy
LUFKIN — Thirteen suspects have been arrested following a year-long investigation into drug trafficking in the Lufkin and Nacogdoches area. A 12-count sealed indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on March 17, 2011, charging 11 individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Three of the individuals are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A separate sealed indictment in another unrelated case was also filed on March 17, 2011, charging Teodocio Carrera, also known as Maclovio Ocon, along with two other individuals, with conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
The following individuals are in custody:
Jesus Pineda, 28, Nacogdoches
Antonio Mendoza, 25, Nacogdoches
Israel Colin, 28, Nacogdoches
Esteban Castro, 25, Nacogdoches
Robert Max Wilson, 24, Lufkin
Leocadio Garcia Rivera, 26, Nacogdoches
Eleazar Rivera Estrada, 22, Nacogdoches
Augustin Chacon, 44, Lufkin
Armando Colin, 27, Nacogdoches
Ramiro Samarripa, 41, Lufkin
Margarita Pineda, age unknown, Nacogdoches
Nelson Rodriguez, 37, Nacogdoches
Teodocio Carrera a/k/a Maclovio Ocon, 48, Nacogdoches
Federal authorities seek the forfeiture of $1 million cash in drug proceeds. Authorities also seek forfeiture of 6 pieces of real estate property in Lufkin and Nacogdoches and multiple vehicles that authorities say were utilized in the drug trafficking crimes.