KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Smith County has received notice from the Texas Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management that residents are eligible to apply for low-interest emergency disaster loans due to drought and related disasters including high winds, high temperatures and wildfires since January 1, 2011. The Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) will immediately make emergency loans available to eligible applicants in Smith County. To receive details on terms and eligibility for these loans, you can contact the nearest FSA office.

In addition, the Small Business Administration (SBA), in an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers in counties that have received a disaster declaration. Applicants may go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply online via the SBA’s secure website. Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling the SBA toll-free at 800-659-2955 or contacting [email protected] via email. You can also go to http://www.sba.gov for info and application forms. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339. The deadline to apply for these loans is September 4, 2012.

TYLER — Wednesday marked the ninth anniversary of the deadly Shuttle Columbia disaster over East Texas. Tylerite Scott Lieberman is well-known for his photo of the incident. He tells KETK, “It did look a little unusual. There seemed to be some trailing…dots of light. Then we realized that, in fact, we were seeing the…disintegration of the vehicle.” With the shuttle missions now over, NASA is preparing for whatever comes next. Regardless, it’s worth noting that as of this month, NASA’s no longer accepting applications to become an astronaut.

TYLER — Miranda Lambert is discontinuing “Cause for the Paws” in East Texas. To date, the concert has raised more than half a million dollars for the Humane Society of East Texas. The Shelter’s Director, Gayle Helms, tells KETK it’s disappointing. However, she says, they will come up with something just as much fun to raise money. A spokesperson for Lambert says the fundraiser “outgrew” East Texas. Lambert was born and raised in Lindale.

Here is the statement from Bev Lambert:

“After much consideration and coordination effort, we have come to the realization that we will no longer be able to host Miranda’s annual Cause for the Paws concert in East Texas. Due to the enormous turnout with Miranda’s growing popularity, we regrettably do not have a venue in East Texas that is suitable for the attendance numbers. We are currently in talks regarding the relocation of the event, which will most likely take place in the latter part of 2012. Rest assured we will continue to lend support to the Humane Society of East Texas as well as our other animal related outreaches.

“MuttNation Foundation extends a much-deserved thank you to all of the concert attendees, sponsors and volunteers that helped us reach the unexpected goal of outgrowing our venues, as well as raising over a half a million dollars over the past four years. We promise to keep you informed of further information.”

TYLER – A 21-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Saul Cobarrubias pleaded guilty on Jan. 31 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to money launder. The plea came in Tyler before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to prosecutors, on Mar. 9, 2011, Cobarrubias traveled from Houston to Tyler with 2 kilograms of cocaine for distribution in the area. Cobarrubias admitted that he possessed between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine for distribution in East Texas. Cobarrubias also admitted to assisting in the collection of illegal proceeds from the sale and purchase of cocaine and using bank accounts to manage the funds from the drug trafficking and to conceal the nature of the illegal proceeds. Cobarrubias was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 13, 2011. Cobarrubias faces at least 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER – Officials with Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics held a formal open house Wednesday at Trinity Clinic-Broadway Commons, located at 8288 S. Broadway. The clinic incorporates an expanded medical home model and offers family medicine, internal medicine and pediatric care provided by eight physicians and two mid-level providers. Trinity Clinic-Broadway Commons is Trinity Clinic’s 36th location in the region.

“We are excited to be providing this level of care for family members of all ages who live in south Tyler and the surrounding area,” said Steven P. Keuer, MD, President-Trinity Clinic and Chief Medical Officer-TMFHC. “Part of our mission is to take healthcare to the patient whenever possible and the population in southern Smith County has grown significantly over the last several years. I believe that this level of care and a convenient location are a great combination and will be appreciated by those who select Trinity Clinic-Broadway Commons as their medical home.”

Trinity Clinic-Broadway Commons is accepting new patients. It’s open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. You can go to http://www.tmfhc.org/broadway for more information.

LONGVIEW — The trial continues for a man charged in a deadly Longview shooting. According to KETK, Toronto Eldermek Lockridge faces life in prison for the death of Kelvin Muckleroy. Police found Muckleroy’s body inside the charred remains of his Longview home. Prosecutors believe Lockridge shot Muckleroy, then set his house on fire. Lockridge’s first trial ended in a hung jury. Brandon Quadnell Horne of Longview already has been convicted of murder in Muckleroy’s death.

TYLER — The trial for a former Bullard police officer has been rescheduled. KETK reports that Steven Wayne Mills is accused of having a year-long sexual relationship with a 15- year-old student at Bullard High School. Morris was indicted last March for sexual assault of a child. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The trial date is now set for Monday February 13, at 10:00am.

TYLER — Leadership Tyler will celebrate its 25th anniversary as an organization at a community lunch presentation on Thursday, February 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Conference Center. The celebration will feature Carol Weisman, president of Board Builders and internationally known humorist, author, trainer and consultant. “This will be a wonderful event that will not only celebrate Leadership Tyler but will also entertain and enlighten,” said Colleen Colby, executive director of Leadership Tyler.

The lunch costs $50 a person. You can call 903-535-9242 or email [email protected] to reserve a seat. Everyone, regardless of past affiliation with Leadership Tyler, is invited to attend. Leadership Tyler is a non-profit organization providing unique opportunities for people to improve their professional skills, learn about Tyler area needs and develop as community leaders.

LONGVIEW — Police arrested a Longview man Tuesday after a victim claimed he was robbed at knifepoint in a convenience store parking lot last week. Brett Andrew Jones, 26, remained jailed Wednesday on $50,000 bond, charged with aggravated robbery. Officers were dispatched to EZ Mart in the 1800 block of South High Street Jan. 24 around 11:30 in connection with a robbery that had just occurred. The victim told officers that a man with a pocket knife robbed him.

According to the Longview News-Journal, the store clerk said the man came into the store prior to the robbery and attempted to use the restroom, but was denied. He then returned to the store with a knife. The store clerk said he fled and the suspect, who was later identified as Jones, attempted to break into the cash register and stole several packs of cigarettes.

KILGORE – A Kilgore home has been damaged by fire. It was reported around 11:00 Tuesday night in the 400 block of Gulf Hercules Road. According to KETK, when officials arrived on the scene, the home was 30% involved. Several units were able to get the fire under control in under 10 minutes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

TYLER (AP) – Three teenagers have been charged with aggravated assault in the dart-gun shootings of two women in an East Texas department store parking lot. The shootings happened in a Walmart lot in Tyler about 8:50 p.m. Monday. A Tyler police statement Tuesday says the women were in different parts of the lot and were hit with darts fired from a car, one in the leg, one in the arm. Witnesses followed the suspect vehicle until officers stopped it in a Dairy Queen parking lot. Charged and booked into the Smith County Jail in Tyler were 18-year-old Matthew Allen Arnold, Troup and 17-year-old Kasey Dewayne McClendon, Overton, who were released on $60,000 bond, and 17-year-old Gregory Alan Smith, Arp, was released on $40,000 bond. Jail records did not list attorneys for the three.

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County jailer is arrested and fired for assaulting his girlfriend. David Lee Patterson, 24, had been on the job for three years and was a Corporal when he was terminated. Officials said Tyler police had responded to several complaints at Patterson’s residence. Authorities say one of those complaints included a report of shots fired. Patterson was arrested Friday and charged with assault causing bodily injury and interfering with an emergency call. He was released on a $10,000 bond the same day.

LONGVIEW — The Longview City Council and city leaders met Tuesday to discuss current and future issues for the city. No action was taken, but a wide variety of business was covered, from South Longview revitalization efforts to the animal shelter and a hotel/motel tax increase. Mayor Jay Dean tells KETK it was a great chance to see what the city needs and wants. Dean says, “As a city, we try to not spend more money than we take in — and so, in order to do that in the economic days that we live in, we need to make sure that we properly plan and budget.” Dean added that the meeting was a big success, and some council members talked about adding another session later on this year.

ATHENS – Authorities in Athens are trying to locate a stolen airplane. It was reported missing over the weekend from the Athens Municipal Airport. The 1980 Cessna had been parked at the Athens Jet Center. According to authorities, it was being advertised for sale for $110,000. It disappeared sometime between last Thursday and Saturday afternoon, when the theft was reported. They are still not sure if it was flown away and transported in another way.

NACOGDOCHES – Authorities are looking for a woman who passed forged checks in Nacogdoches and Jacksonville. The woman, whom authorities are calling “Little Miss,” is said to have stolen mail from Jacksonville mailboxes. Among the items taken were a personal check and a Texas driver’s license. She then passed counterfeit checks at Wal-Mart, Staples and Lowe’s in Nacogdoches.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office held its 9th Annual Awards Banquet Monday. Awards and honors are as follows, with details and comments as given by the sheriff’s department:

(1) Citizens Certificate of Merit: Bruce Bloch (Bloch Metals) and Tom Curtis (Tyler Iron and Metal) for their devotion and service to citizens of Smith County and willingness to work with Law Enforcement to capture individuals involved in the Theft of Materials.
(2) Volunteer Recognition: In memory of George Jefferson Mason Jr. who was the one of the 1st Smith County Volunteers and volunteered 1000 hours at a value of $21,360.00. George volunteered up until his 96th birthday.
(3) Don Pinkerton Memorial Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Denice Johnigan

(4) Dale David Geddie Memorial Peace Officer of the Year: Deputy Yancy Green
(5) Plain Clothes Officer of the Year: Detective Joe Rasco
(6) Robert Britton Memorial Rookie of the Year: Deputy Jerel Crowder
(7) Detention Officer of the Year: John Preston
(8) Dispatcher of the Year: Josh Bennett
(9) Civilian Employee of the Year: Rubi Bahena

(10) Commendation Bars: Kim Matlock, Brad Williams, Demarcus Thompson, and Bryan Kelly for ending a dangerous pursuit without injury to innocent civilians or deputies.
(11) Meritorious Conduct Bar: Deputy Rickey Strickland for exceptional conduct and courage while risking his personal safety to end a deadly pursuit while keeping public safety and safety of other officers in mind.
(12) Purple Heart: Deputy Robert Britton (Accepted by his family). Deputy Britton was wounded in the line of duty March 24, 2011, while working traffic at an accident scene. Deputy Britton succumbed to his injuries March 28, 2011, at East Texas Medical Center.

(13) Medal of Valor: Deputy John Archer for demonstration of professionalism and courage while negotiating with an armed suspect November 14, 2010, after the suspect shot and killed another civilian. Deputy Archer ended the standoff successfully without any shots fired and injury to no one.
(14) Medal of Honor: Deputy Josh Caulkins. Deputy Caulkins was shot in the chest March 23, 2011 while serving a warrant on a convicted sex offender. Deputy Caulkins remained inside the apartment ensuring other officers got out safely and then re-entered the apartment assisting in the arrest of the shooter before allowing emergency services personnel to transport him to the hospital.

TYLER — Have a tip about suspicious activity on a Tyler Junior College campus or satellite facility but want to remain anonymous? The college has launched a new system that will accept your information without revealing your identity or location. As a result of its contract with e2Campus, TJC now offers “U-Tip,” a communication service that can provide mobile text messages directly to Campus Safety in an anonymous fashion. “This service will allow students, employees and even visitors to our campuses and satellite facilities to report suspicious activity or provide crime tips without their identity being exposed,” said Dr. Johnny Moore, TJC vice president of student affairs.

Individuals who wish to make a report or “tip” may do so by sending a text message to 79516, using the keyword of “tjctip.” The service was installed and tested during the fall semester, Dr. Moore said. “This is another example of TJC’s efforts to promote civility and safety in all areas,” he added. “All tips and leads provided will be investigated by our Campus Safety office. The person providing information will not be known, nor will their cell number or location. Only the information they provide will be revealed by the service.” Dr. Moore said efforts are under way to notify faculty, staff, students and visitors about the new service.

SACUL (AP) – Construction has been suspended at an East Texas biomass power plant after an accident left two workers critically hurt. Nacogdoches County emergency personnel say an electrical-related accident and brief fire were reported Tuesday morning in Sacul. Southern Power will own and operate the Nacogdoches Generating Facility once it goes into commercial operation, and that is scheduled for later this year. The general contractor, Fagen Inc. of Granite Falls, Minn., says the site has been closed for the investigation. CEO Evan Fagen also says the injured workers are receiving medical care and the incident poses no threat to the plant site. A spokeswoman at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital says both critically injured men were being sent to the burn unit of Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

TYLER — The Tyler Independent School District is promoting an anti-bullying campaign, including a Public Service Announcement on TISD TV Channel 19 and an anonymous bullying tip form on campus websites. The Public Service Announcement encourages students to take a stand against bullying. School officials say way students can do that is by reporting any instance of bullying at their school. On each of the Tyler ISD campus websites, students can find a new “No Bully Zone” link. The link takes them to a bullying incident report form, where they can fill out the information anonymously. The information gathered from the website will be combined with reports from Tyler ISD teachers, administrators, and staff members, which will help campus officials locate and stop bullying in Tyler ISD schools.

TYLER — Tyler Police arrest a suspect wanted for criminal trespass. Kyle Garrett Williams, 30, Tyler was taken into custody Monday night without incident. The arrest came after a woman reported an intruder in her apartment. Officers were called to Town Village South at 200 Muller Garden just before 5:45 Monday morning. The 27-year-old victim said she was asleep with her small daughter when she heard a lot of banging inside her apartment. She told authorities she went to investigate and found a man inside her hot water heater closet trying to get out. The man reportedly told her he was just trying to get out and fled out the front door of her apartment.

Police say they recovered the Williams’ wallet inside the utility closet. Police then went to his apartment, within the same complex, to find him. At the suspect’s apartment, police found the suspect’s girlfriend, who was allegedly under the influence of narcotics. Officers say they observed crystal meth and heroin in plain view. The woman was identified as Mackenzie Leah Kerns, 21. Kerns was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance.

The investigation led officers to believe that Williams was also under the influence of narcotics and had been chasing an imaginary person into his attic. Police say Williams fell through the attic into the crawl space of the female victim’s apartment and removed a metal plate gaining access into her utility closet.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A 10-year-old Union Grove boy returned to school Monday after being attacked by two dogs and spending two weeks in a Dallas hospital. Upshur County Sheriff’s deputies were called January 11 to a residence in the 10,000 block of U.S. Highway 271 South after a child was bitten by a pit bull and a Black Mouth Cur in a neighbor’s backyard. According to the Longview News-Journal, Triston Milliorn, underwent two surgeries at Dallas Children’s Hospital during the past few weeks for three major dog bites, one on his arm and one on each of his legs. Triston would be in therapy until he regains full function of his elbow.

The dogs were released back to their owners’ care after being quarantined with a local veterinarian for 10 days. Angela Milliorn, the boy’s mother, said she was told the dogs weren’t put down because they were on the owner’s property when the attack occurred.

TYLER – Three persons are in custody in connection with two separate aggravated assaults. Both occurred around 8:45 Monday night in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart Store at 5050 Troup Highway.

Two women told officers they were shot with darts while in the store’s parking lot. In both cases the darts penetrated their skin up to an inch. One woman was hit in the leg and the other in the arm, narrowly missing her face. Both were treated and released at the scene. Both described the suspect vehicle as a red Chevy pickup truck containing several male subjects.

Witnesses followed the vehicle until officers were able to catch up to them. They were stopped in the Dairy Queen parking lot at 12050 State Highway 64 East. A blow dart gun and darts were recovered in the truck. The suspects are identified as Matthew Allen Arnold, 18, of Troup, (pictured) Kasey Dewayne McClendon, 17, of Overton and Gregory Alan Smith, 17, of Arp. They were charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for each victim.

Tyler police say the two victims did not know each other and were in different areas of the parking lot when they were struck with the darts. The victims are Kathryn Bilberry, 26, of Chandler, and Stephanie Spencer, 19, a student attending UT Tyler. Police say the suspects had purchased the dart gun at Academy 7:50 Monday night and used it a short time after, to shoot the two female victims. Police believe that this was a random act of violence and the victims were not targeted.

WHITEHOUSE – A home on Lake Tyler has been destroyed by fire. It was reported around 6:30 Thursday night on Peninsula Road. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation. Neighbors say the homeowner left to visit someone and left a hamburger cooking on the stove, but there’s no official word on how that may have been related to the blaze.

DALLAS — Sulphur Springs resident McKenzie Glenn gave her three-year-old son one of her kidneys Monday. Jace’s diseased kidneys were removed when he was just weeks old — and he’s been on dialysis all this time. Chris Hawes with Medical City of Dallas says the family is thrilled “that he’s going to grow up, it looks like, and have a wonderful, normal life and have all the things that we take for granted. We asked what they were excited about, and one of the things that she said was just going to school, he’ll be able to go to school with other children.” Hawes says both are doing well. She says Jace, who was born six weeks early, has some challenges, but the hope is he’ll lead a long, normal life.

RUSK — A recent increase in court cases involving children in Cherokee County leaves the local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in need of even more volunteers. CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children. Cherokee County CASA Director Lee Ann Millender tells KETK her agency is in crisis at the moment and really needs additional help looking at the cases.

TYLER — Oncor is on hand this week to answer questions from customers. According to KETK, numerous Tyler-area residents are concerned over skyrocketing electric bills. Some think the new “smart meters” are responsible, but Oncor says that’s not the case. There was an open house in Tyler yesterday. Another one is scheduled today from 1:00 till 8:00pm at the Rose Garden Center.

TYLER — State Representative Leo Berman’s health continues to improve, according to press materials from the Tyler Republican’s office. Spokespeople say Berman, who was hospitalized last week and diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, should be released from the hospital this week. According to a news release, “The Berman family was delighted to learn from Leo’s doctors that his cancer is not only treatable, but curable.” His medical team began chemotherapy treatment Monday, and it’s due to continue on an outpatient basis.

Berman said, “Although my cancer treatment has begun, I continue to coordinate my re-election campaign from the hospital. I am eagerly awaiting a final ruling on the redistricting maps, so the people of Texas can have a firm date for the primary election.”

Leo’s wife, Lou Ann Berman, commented on the outpouring of support from the community, “We want to thank everyone for their gestures of love and concern. We know God is answering prayers on Leo’s behalf–Leo is strong and positive. Please continue to pray for a full recovery!”

LONGVIEW — On Thursday, January 26, Longview Public Safety Communications completed the transition to a new Emergency CallWorx Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) 9-1-1 System. Officials say this system provides the City of Longview with a true Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) solution that directly addresses many of the outstanding issues associated with aging communications technology. They say the upgrade in technology also allows for the eventual implementation of emerging 9-1-1 functionality such as improved (GIS-based) call routing, text to 9-1-1, the sending and receiving of picture and video messages, and email integration. According to authorities, the overall improvements in technology, reliability, and support will provide Longview Public Safety Communications with a current, expandable, and cost-effective emergency communications solution.

LUFKIN — Crime Stoppers of Lufkin wants your help bringing to close the seven-month-long investigation into the death of Melodie Fay Sexton, 26, of Groves, Texas. According to KETK, Melodie, “Puff” to family and friends, died Father`s Day 2011 in Lake Charmaine in Tyler County’s Ivanhoe community, about ten miles south of Woodville. At 12:59 p.m. on June 19, Tyler County Sheriff’s Office personnel received a missing person report from Melodie’s family; at that time, the family knew only that she had been missing for approximately twelve hours from the lake house where she and her three-year-old son were spending the weekend. Three hours later, family members found Melodie’s body in the lake, not far from the property’s dock.

While investigators have not uncovered evidence necessary to determine that criminal conduct led to Melodie’s death, Crime Stoppers officials say suspicions remain that it was not the result of an accident. Her family has from the beginning asserted that she was murdered pointing to abnormalities in her alleged actions prior to her death.

If you can provide any information concerning the death of Melodie Fay Sexton, you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers of Lufkin at (936) 639-TIPS or use this link – https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtips.aspx?AgencyID=207&L=E&DSID=207&Memo=Crime%20of%20the%20Week:%201/30/2012%20-%20Melodie%20Fay%20Sexton — to submit an anonymous tip. You never have to give your name and Crime Stoppers may pay a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest related to this investigation.

MARSHALL — A person recently reported missing in Harrison County, Lalania Williams, has been located in Tyler. Authorities say she was located after she had been missing for approximately one week. According to KETK and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, she is reunited with her family, and they wish to extend their sincere thanks for the public assistance.