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LONGVIEW — The senior pastor of one of Longview’s oldest and largest churches has been suspended from duties after being arrested on a drunken driving charge. According to the Longview News-Journal, John Logan “Jack” Matkin, pastor of Longview First United Methodist Church, was arrested April 19 in Smith County. He was released later in the day after posting $500 bond. 56-year-old Matkin has served as senior pastor of the church for the past two years, said Ed Moore, acting as spokesman for the church.

As chairman of the church administrative counsel, Moore said he and two other church lay leaders were told of the arrest April 19 by a representative of the bishop’s office.

AUSTIN — Governor Rick Perry has appointed 10 student regents to their respective university systems, and one student representative to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Their terms start June 1 and expire May 31, 2013. Among those appointed by the governor was Jourdan Dukes, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stephen F. Austin University.

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – An East Texas man was killed when the horse he was riding bucked him into the path of an oncoming car. The Texas Department of Public Safety says Yancee Lavan Curbow, 42, of Nacogdoches died about 9:00 Monday evening at a Nacogdoches hospital, about 90 minutes after the incident on State Route 21. The DPS report says Curbow was riding about two miles west of Nacogdoches when the horse stopped and threw him into the path of a car driven by a friend of Curbow’s family.

ATHENS — A Henderson County man who’d been sought for a decade has finally been arrested. According to KETK, Travis Wayne Jones, who is now 50, was arrested in July of 2001 for sexual indecency with a child. Jones was released on a $5,000 bond, but failed to show for court. A warrant was issued in August of 2002, and the search began.

Jones was finally arrested on April 23, after U.S. marshals noticed a man who appeared to be Jones mowing the lawn at one of his suspected locations in Monroe County, Arkansas. When approached, the man identified himself as “Nathan Reed.” According to authorities, when asked for identification, the man led the marshals into the home, then ran through the back door. He was captured by officers outside the house, and officials say he admitted his real name was Travis Jones. He was booked into the Monroe County Detention Center, where he is waiting for extradition back to Texas.

TYLER — Officials Tuesday held a groundbreaking for Smith County’s downtown jail expansion at Spring and East Erwin, directly behind the current jail. The ceremony kicked off the second phase of the $35 million jail bond proposal that was approved by voters last year. Phase one began with the low risk facility and includes a kitchen and laundry facility and remote video visitation. Phase two will include an infirmary and the actual additional jail beds. Officials expect the project to be complete by spring of next year.

According to officials, since the state mandated that the county start shipping its inmates off to other counties in June 2004, the county has spent approximately $18 million on their rent and transport. Officials say the new jail will provide significant cost savings, but more importantly, will greatly improve the safety of the working environment for jail staff and administration. At left is a rendering of what the downtown project will look like when complete.

QUITMAN — Wood County and Quitman ISD officials say they’re investigating reports of alleged mistreatment of an animal at Quitman High School. According to KETK, Game Warden Kurt Kelly says students are accused of picking up an injured raccoon from the roadside and bringing it to the high school. Once there, they reportedly mistreated the raccoon. Charges will be filed against those involved by the Wood County District Attorney’s Office.

Quitman ISD officials say since students are involved, they’re not at liberty to release any information pertaining to their investigation. “But we do have the appropriate authorities assisting us in our investigation,” the statement continues. “Quitman ISD tries to instill respect for all living things through our classes taught in our vocational agriculture department as well as the general curriculum. The district will respond immediately to any reports of disrespect to people, animals, or property on our campus.”

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler has scheduled additional public information meetings regarding the new university charter school, Dr. Michael Odell, associate vice president for sponsored research and director of federal relations, announced. “The Innovation Academy will present an unparalleled opportunity for students, with technology integration,project-based learning and the connection to the university – there really is nothing else like it. We hope parents take advantage of the opportunity now,” said Eli Crow, academy executive director.

Meetings will be:
· 6 p.m. Monday, April 30 at the UT Tyler Ornelas Activity Center.
· 6 p.m. Monday, May 14; Thursday, May 17; and Monday, May 21 at the Longview University Center.
· 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15; Tuesday, May 22; and Tuesday, May 29 at the Palestine Campus.

Officials will hold a lottery at 6 p.m. Monday, June 11, at the Ornelas Activity Center. “An initial lottery was held in March to enroll students, but all campuses still have available space. Students who apply prior to June 11 will be in a secondary lottery to be held at that time. Students who are not selected in the lottery will be placed on a waiting list and will be allowed to enroll as space becomes available,” Crow added.

The UT Tyler Innovation Academy is expected to open in the fall of 2012 for grades 3 – 6, with campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine. Another grade will be added each year until the campuses will ultimately serve students in grades 3 – 12. As a state funded charter school, there is no tuition for students. Through the connection with UT Tyler, officials say, students will have access to resources and opportunities not readily available in traditional public school settings. For more information, visit http://www.uttia.org or contact Lisa Jett, administrative assistant, or [email protected] or 903-565-5867.

HUNTSVILLE (AP) – The Texas attorney general’s office is appealing a reprieve given to a 29-year-old convict set to die tomorrow for a fatal shooting during a robbery and abductions at a Cherokee County convenience store. State attorneys Tuesday asked the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to remove the stay of execution given to Beunka Adams. Adams’ scheduled lethal injection was stopped Monday by a federal district judge. State lawyers argue the reprieve was improper.

Adams is facing punishment for the 2002 slaying of Kenneth Vandever, 37, outside Rusk. Vandever and two women were abducted during the robbery, one of the women was raped and all three were shot. The women survived. Adams’s lawyers contend he had poor legal help in earlier stages of his appeals and his death sentence is unconstitutional.

TYLER — A Gilmer man is sentenced to 9 years in prison for dealing drugs in East Texas. Charles David McWhorter, 38, pleaded guilty on Nov. 28 to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. According to court documents, on July 31, 2009, McWhorter purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at the Drug Emporium store in Longview. On that same day, he made three additional purchases at other stores in the area with the intent of manufacturing meth.

ALBA — A fallen East Texas soldier is remembered. Area law enforcement, firefighters and more than 75 Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles escorted the body of Sgt. Tanner Higgins, 23, from Sulphur Springs to Yantis Monday. His funeral was held yesterday afternoon Lake Fork Baptist Church in Alba. The U.S. Army Ranger from Yantis died April 14 in Afghanistan. According to KETK, he completed four deployments to the Middle East.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College today conducts the second of two town hall meetings to discuss its upcoming $25 million bond election for construction of a new nursing and health sciences building. College officials say the meeting will provide the public an opportunity to learn about the proposed project and ask questions. The TJC Board of Trustees has called for the election within the TJC district for Saturday, May 12. Early voting begins April 30 and concludes May 8. Tonight’s town hall meeting will take place at 6:00 in the Family Learning Center at Douglas Elementary School, 1508 North Haynie. A meeting was held last week at the TJC West Campus.

The TJC tax district comprises properties within the Tyler, Chapel Hill, Lindale, Winona, Grand Saline and Van independent school districts. Portions of the Tyler and Chapel Hill districts are not within the TJC district. You can visit http://www.tjc.edu/bondproposal for more information. The bond election is one of a number of local elections scheduled in the area May 12. The county and statewide primaries are May 29. You can go to http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/2012dates.shtml for more on the election schedules.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is free on a surety bond after being charged with driving while intoxicated and evading arrest with a vehicle. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Tederio Eugene Freeney, 24, was arrested around 1:45 Sunday morning. Officers of the Gregg County Sheriff’s Department made the arrest at the intersection of Farm Road 2906 and State Highway 149.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has introduced S. 2324, the Upper Neches River Wild and Scenic Study Act. The legislation requires a study to be conducted of the Neches River from the dam forming Lake Palestine in Anderson and Cherokee Counties to the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir in Jasper and Tyler Counties, to determine which areas of the river should be eligible for a Wild and Scenic River designation.

“The Neches River is one of Texas’ most beautiful, free-flowing rivers and provides a vital habitat for fish and other aquatic animals,” said Sen. Hutchison. “Its location in the heart of the Central Flyway makes it a crucial path for migrating ducks, geese, and songbirds. A Wild and Scenic River designation would help preserve all these attributes.” Officials say the Secretary of Agriculture and/or the Secretary of Interior will complete the study within 3 years of passage of the legislation.

LONGVIEW (AP) – Crews have begun work on a 10,000-square foot splash pad at Longview’s Lear Park. The Longview News-Journal reported Monday that the $1.5 million water-based entertainment complex will have fountains, sprinklers and spouts. The site will also have areas with western, sports, and pirate themes. The target opening date for the splash pad, featuring play areas with no standing water, is June 22. City spokesman Shawn Hara says Longview completed several park projects, using voter-approved bond money, for less than budgeted. City leaders are using some of the savings on the splash pad, with Longview’s share about $1 million. The Longview Economic Development Board and private donations also contributed. The complex will be named for late civic leader Jack Mann.

TYLER – Another addition is on the way to the Trinity Mother Frances family. “We are excited to announce a capital campaign to create a new, state-of-the-art Women’s Health Unit,” said Lindsey Bradley, FACHE, President, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics. “With the support of generous donors, we plan to renovate the fifth floor of the Dawson tower area of Mother Frances Hospital, opening 27 spacious new private rooms equipped to care for a wide spectrum of women’s services. We encourage everyone to consider a generous donation to support this important project for the health of women in East Texas.” The new facility will be called A Woman’s Place: For Healing. For Health.

The campaign was announced April 20 at the Trinity Mother Frances Foundation Women’s Board’s annual Pearls and Promises Gala, this year named Diamonds, Pearls and Promises in honor of TMF’s 75th anniversary. The fundraiser focuses on expanding women’s services provided through Trinity Mother Frances. Health system officials say the rooms in the hospital providing these services need major improvements to provide modern amenities and comforts to patients and their families. The older areas of the hospital were built in 1962 and last remodeled in 1986.

You can visit http://www.tmfhc.org/awomansplace for more information regarding A Woman’s Place: For Healing. You can call (903) 531-4752 to learn to about naming opportunities.

CANTON — In the latest round of rewards for anonymous tips about criminals and crimes, Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers has authorized $1,650 in rewards for six tips that led to the arrests of five local individuals who were wanted on a variety of warrants. In one case, two separate tips were called in for one Grand Saline man, described as a very violent offender. He had been wanted for crimes such as family violence, evidence tampering, and bail jumping.

Other tip-inspired arrests include:
* An Edgewood man wanted on a warrant for felony theft of scrap metal.
* A Canton woman wanted on a probation violation for cocaine possession and drunk driving.
* A Wills Point woman wanted for a drug felony who was arrested in Gun Barrel City.
* A Dallas woman whom deputies suspect of dealing drugs in Van Zandt County who was arrested on a felony theft warrant from Dallas.

“Six people made some easy money by calling Crime Stoppers and leading deputies and police to these five wanted criminals,” said Andy Flowers, president of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers. “We encourage anyone who knows about a crime or someone who is wanted on a warrant to call our tip line at 903-567-STOP. We are more than happy to pay rewards to get criminals behind bars where they belong.”

Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers has authorized more than $5,000 in rewards already in 2012. These cash rewards are designed to encourage anonymous tips that lead to the arrest of a criminal offender who has either just committed a crime or is wanted on a warrant. The Crime Stoppers number is 903-567-STOP (567-7867). 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 on Facebook.

NACOGDOCHES — One person was taken to a local hospital after being stabbed at a Nacogdoches apartment complex Saturday morning. According to KETK, the 36-year old victim was reportedly cut during an argument with a known person in the 1000 block of Douglass Road at the Austin Arms Apartments. Police say the attack took place in the parking lot shortly before 11:30. The victim was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. A warrant has been requested for the arrest of the suspect.

TYLER — A Smith County jailer and two inmates sustained minor injuries in a two vehicle wreck in Tyler. Treated and released from East Texas Medical Center was jailer Joseph Jordan, 23, and the two inmates he was transporting, Alvin Odom, 32 and Shannon Wallace, 33.

The accident occurred around 6:30 yesterday morning at the intersection of West Gentry and Palace. Jordan, in a sheriff’s department vehicle, westbound on West Gentry and was entering the intersection on a solid green light. The second vehicle was operated by Luis Chavez-Ibarra, 27, who was traveling eastbound on West Gentry. He also had a solid green light and attempted to turn left onto Palace, hitting the county vehicle in the intersection. Chavez-Ibarra refused any medical treatment and was cited for failing to yield right-of-way.

Officers said Jordan was traveling westbound on W. Gentry and was entering the intersection on a solid green light. The second vehicle was operated by Luis Chavez-Ibarra, 27, who was traveling eastbound on W. Gentry. He also had a solid green light and attempted to turn left onto Palace striking the County vehicle in the intersection. Jordan, who is employed as a jailer, and his two passenger inmates were transported to East Texas Medical Center Hospital with minor injuries and released. Chavez-Ibarra refused any medical treatment and was cited for failing to yield right-of-way.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police are investigating a weekend stabbing. According to KETK, William Chunn, 34, Lufkin, was found inside a local business, near the bowling alley, Saturday night with a stab wound to his neck. He was taken to a local hospital. According to the victim and witness statements, a racial comment caused the argument between two groups of people. Authorities said alcohol was involved. Police are still searching for the stabbing suspect.

TYLER — Police are investigating a shooting that sent a Tyler man to Mother Francis Hospital. The hospital emergency room notified police that they had a gunshot victim. It happened early yesterday morning. Investigators say Kertral Damon Murphy, 18, told them that he was shot by an unknown person on West Gentry.

Family members at the hospital however, indicated that Murphy was at a party somewhere in the area around West Erwin and Glenwood prior to the shooting. Officers searched both areas for evidence and any witnesses but failed to locate any leads. Murphy was brought to the hospital by an unknown black male driving possibly a tan or gold colored vehicle with tinted windows. This subject left the hospital after Murphy left the vehicle. Murphy was shot one time in the lower back and underwent surgery for what is believed to be a non-life threatening injury.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation contractor A.K. Gillis & Sons, Inc., of Sulphur Springs, is working to rebuild Farm Road 2339 between Farm Road 1861 south of Martins Mill and Farm Road 773 south of Ben Wheeler. The approximate $1.7 million project let in March and is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Motorists should expect one-lane traffic during work hours and seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Also this week in Van Zandt County, TxDOT maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on FM 859 between Edgewood and Interstate Highway 20. A second crew is scheduled to conclude fog seal operations on IH 20 service roads between the Kaufman County Line and Farm Road 859, on Farm Road 17 between IH 20 and State Highway 64, and on State Highway 198 between Farm Road 47 and Farm Road 3080.

Finally this week, crews are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 314 south of Van between Farm Road 1995 and State Highway 64. 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.

TENNESSEE COLONY — Texas Department of Transportation construction crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately three weeks of resurfacing work on Farm Road 645 between U.S. Highway 287 north of Tennessee Colony and Farm Road 3328 near the TDCJ Beto I Unit. A second construction crew is scheduled to begin pouring concrete rip-rap for erosion control on SE Loop 256 in Palestine near Palestine High School.

Finally this week, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 59 between U.S. Highway 287 and the Henderson County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

SMITH COUNTY — Beginning Tuesday, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on the Loop 323 Extension between NE Loop 323 and U.S. Highway 271 north of Tyler.
Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Also in Tyler, on Sunday, survey crews worked on West Loop 323 at the railroad overpass just south of State Highway 31 (Front Street). The work was done in advance of a project scheduled for 2013 to eliminate the bottleneck at that location by expanding the loop to six lanes in that area.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement-repair operations on State Highway 31 in Malakoff. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

LONGVIEW — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on Spur 63 in various locations between North Loop 281 and State Highway 31. The work is in preparation for a resurfacing project later this spring. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2869 north of Farm Road 2088. The work is in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer.

A second crew is scheduled to make edge repairs on Farm Road 515 west of Farm Road 2225. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repair operations on U.S. Highway 84 in Rusk in the curb-and-gutter section between U.S. Highway 69 and State Highway 110. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

TYLER — There are a couple of chances tonight to learn more about candidates in upcoming elections. The public is welcome and admission is free at both events.

Grassroots America – We The People will host a debate between Republican Leo Berman & Matt Schaefer, candidates for the Texas House of Representatives, District 6. It’s set for 6:30pm at Cornerstone Church Assembly of God, 9107 Paluxy Drive in Tyler.

Across town, The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County will be sponsoring a local candidate forum at 7:00pm in the Boardroom of the Plyler Instructional Center located at 807 West Glenwood Blvd. in Tyler. Candidates participating will be:
– Constable, Precinct 1: Henry Jackson and Reggie Wilson
– Constable, Precinct 2: Andy Dunklin
– Constable, Precinct 3: Dustin Rust, Scott McAuley, Jim Blackman and Bob Overman
– Tyler City Council, District 2: Sarah Coats, Darryl Bowdre and Charles Burns
There will be a panel asking questions, and questions will be taken from the audience.

The county and statewide primaries are May 29. Those include the Berman-Schaefer election and the constable elections, among others. The city council election is among those scheduled for May 12. You can go to http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/2012dates.shtml for more on the election schedules.

ANDERSON COUNTY — A 25-year-old Texas Department of Criminal Justice correctional officer was charged with evading arrest with a motor vehicle Friday afternoon when he allegedly fled authorities after failing to stop for a school bus dropping off school children. David Ekwejunor was arrested by an Anderson County Precinct 2 Constable around 3:30 on U.S. 287, north of Palestine.

According to the Palestine Herald-Press, Ekwejunor, a correctional officer at the TDCJ’s Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony, was charged with evading arrest/detention with a motor vehicle and a handful of other violations, including failing to stop for a school bus with lights flashing. Authorities said the chase ended after Department of Public Safety Troopers placed spike strips in the road and Ekwejunor’s tires were flattened.

TYLER — Tyler Police are looking for a suspect in a weekend assault. It happened just before 8:15 Saturday morning in the area of Donnybrook and 2nd Street. Officers said a woman claimed she was walking her dog when a Hispanic man pulled along side her in a vehicle, pointed a gun at her and demanded she get in the car. The woman said she refused and ran to a nearby house. She said the suspect drove off. The car is described as a white four door.

LONGVIEW – A two-vehicle accident has injured a Longview police officer. On Thursday at 6:07 p.m., Longview police were dispatched to an accident with injuries at the intersection of McCann Road and West Loop 281. Upon arrival, officers discovered that Officer Jose Montalvo had been responding to a call on the west side of town with his lights and siren on. As he entered the intersection, he was hit by a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Aaron Matte Hoescher of Kilgore. The impact sent Officer Montalvo’s patrol car ran several yards down an embankment on the northwest side of the intersection.

Officer Montalvo was transported to Longview Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Hoescher and a passenger in his vehicle were taken by private car to another health care facility. At this time no charges have been filed against the driver of the Dodge truck, but the accident remains under investigation. Officer Montalvo was admitted to the hospital for observation, and is in stable condition. KETK reports Hoescher was treated and released.

MANSFIELD — Two robbery suspects have been arrested after a robbery at the EXXON station in Lindale April 10. The Lindale Police Department issued an aggravated robbery warrant on Charles Terrion Camp, 48. Investigators were notified that Camp was in custody in Mansfield with a $100,000 bond. According to KETK, a female accomplice was identified as Desiree Nicole Satterwhite, 25. She was also in custody in Mansfield. An arrest warrant was issued Satterwhite for aggravated robbery with a $100,000 bond. Both suspects are still incarcerated at the Mansfield Center facing several armed robbery charges.

LINDALE — A car has run into the Chevron gas station on the 11000 block of Hwy. 69 in Lindale. Authorities say two elderly women were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, shortly before noon Friday. After getting gas, according to law officers, the driver accidentally rammed her car into the building. According to KETK, no one was injured.

HENDERSON — Rusk County officials say they’re searching for a wanted fugitive. 25-year old Charles Glenn Allen of Kilgore is sought for two active felony warrants in Rusk County, one for aggravated robbery and one for aggravated assault with deadly weapon. According to KETK, anyone with information as to his whereabouts may call the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, (903) 657-3581, or Rusk County Crime Stoppers, (903) 655-TIPS(8477). Rusk County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for Information leading to his arrest.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are on the hunt for a burglary syspect. On March 21, Officer Alex Chorba was dispatched to 320 E. Loop 281 for a vehicle burglary. When Officer Chorba arrived, the victim told him someone had broken the front passenger window of her 2007 Nissan truck and taken several items out of the truck, including her purse.

On March 29, Officer Nora Cheatham was following up on the case after learning a credit card taken from the vehicle had been used to purchase items from a kiosk located in the Longview Mall. Officers were able to retrieve video from that location and are attempting to identify a suspect in the case. The suspect is described as a heavy se, black male (300-350 pounds), possibly in his 30s, balding, with a goatee. The suspect is believed to be driving a midnight blue Ford F-150 Quad Cab with running boards and no front license plate.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this individual is asked to contact Detective Melissa Dobbs at 903-237-1199. If the tipster wishes to remain anonymous he or she can also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org or 903-236-STOP (7867).

JACKSONVILLE — Lon Morris College officials say employees should soon be receiving their delayed March 31 payments if they haven’t already gotten them. According to a statement issued to our news partner KETK, Lon Morris officials notified faculty and staff on Monday, April 16th, that funds were being processed to update the March 31st payroll. The Comptroller informed everyone that funds would be uploaded and sent out on Thursday, April 19th.

The college says live checks were printed and available for employees not using direct deposits on Thursday, April 19th. School officials add that direct deposits were available to employees in their accounts either Thursday, April 19th, or Friday, April 20th. Officials say they’re currently working on the April 15th payroll so employees will be up-to-date on payment.

Earlier this month, Jessica Chile, Director of Admissions and Media Relations for the school, said the college didn’t have the funds to issue the payments. Chile says the ends of the semesters tend to strain the school’s finances because its government funding has been depleted by that time.