KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville animal control officers are looking for a feral pit bull that is part of a pack that attempted to attack a 3-year-old girl on Harrison Street. The feral dogs roam neighborhoods and wooded areas between Monroe Street and U.S. Highway 175. Suzie Clements, the animal control officer for Jacksonville Police Department, said officials have been chasing this particular pack of dogs for several years. She said once the dogs see members in traps, they relocate and they know what her truck looks like. Originally the pack had seven members, but she believes now there is only one left. “When they see their cohorts in the traps, they leave and we have to wait until we see them again,” she said. She said the dogs are well-known in the neighborhood, and generally just a nuisance to residents by getting into their trash, eating their dog food, and attacking goats or other animals. But on Wednesday, the group came out of the woods to attack a small girl riding her three-wheeler. Luckily, the girl’s grandfather was able to scare them off.

JACKSONVILLE — A Jacksonville man crashed a car into a telephone pole trying to evade police. Jacksonville Police Sgt. Jason Price said the department received a frantic 911 call from a woman concerning someone attempting to break into her home on John Street in Jacksonville. Patrol officer Doug Yount responded to the call. Once there, he saw the suspect, Paul Taylor, 53, of Jacksonville fleeing the scene. Price said Yount told the man to stop, and when he did not the officer called for backup. Police say a high speed chase through town ended when Taylor struck a telephone pole. Taylor was injured in the crash. He was taken to East Texas Medical Center in Jacksonville where he is listed in fair condition. He’s faced with two possible felonies.

TYLER — Tyler Police respond to a report of shots fired in the 1500 block of Dargan Avenue. It happened just after 3:00 Sunday morning. Authorities say they had initially received information that a man had been shot but officers found only gunshot holes along the front of the residence. Several bullets entered the living room area. No injuries were reported. The resident was unable to provide any suspect information. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tyler Police.

ANNONA (AP) — Texas authorities say they mistakenly identified the son of the late NWA frontman Eazy-E as one of eight people killed in a two-car collision in Red River County. Department of Public Safety Trooper Ryan Case said Saturday that Eric Wright Jr.’s name was on a rental agreement for one of the cars that collided Friday in East Texas. He says Wright was mistakenly listed as killed but actually was not involved in the wreck. Wright, who raps under the stage name is Lil’ Eazy-E, posted on Twitter that close friends died. Those killed in the rental car were: Debra Thompson of Long Beach, Calif.; and Curtis Sanders, Michael Mathis, Lawrence Bridnac III, of Compton, Calif. Those killed in the other car were Sonia de la Torre, 29, of Annona, and her three young children.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating an aggravated assault after a report of multiple gunshots being fired. It happened around just before 2:00 Saturday morning at the Wild Bunch Club, 1714 North Palace. Officers say one person had been shot outside of the club. The victim was identified as Odis Bagley, 61. He suffered a gunshot wound to his arm and was taken to East Texas Medical Center for treatment. Investigators said witnesses were unable to describe a suspect. Anyone with information about the suspect involved is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000 or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin woman pulled over for traffic warrants was arrested after officers found a marijuana pipe with her name on it. A search of Lisa Dugat’s vehicle uncovered a plastic pipe smelling of burnt marijuana with a printed label that read “LISA DUGAT.” She was taken in on the traffic warrants and her vehicle towed for no insurance. She was also issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released from the Angelina County Jail after posting bonds totaling $2,500.

LONGVIEW — A house fire has left a Longview family homeless, and, adding insult to injury, items were stolen from the home after the fire. The fire began about 8:00 Thursday night at the home in the 1300 block of Young Street where sisters Merial Dunn and Christina Dunn, along with Christina Dunn’s three small children, lived.

“I’d just been home from work a few minutes and kept smelling something smoky,” Merial Dunn said. “There’s often a smell like somebody’s having a bonfire in this neighborhood, so I didn’t pay too much attention at first. Then I looked toward the kitchen, and it was just all lit up and obviously on fire.”

The sisters first tried to put out the fire with a home fire extinguisher. When it became apparent their efforts weren’t working, they gathered the children, left the house and called 911. Longview Fire Chief J.P. Steelman said the fire was under control at 8:45. Steelman said the cause of the fire has been ruled accidental and was due to a pan of cooking oil being left unattended on the stove.

When firefighters notified them Friday morning that they could return to the home and salvage what they could from among their belongings, they got an unwelcome surprise. At some point between when the firefighters left and the Dunns returned, thieves had entered the house and stolen some jewelry. Kristie Brian, public information officer with the Longview Police Department, said about $160 worth of jewelry was taken.

HARRISON COUNTY — Hallsville Mayor Jerri Medrano said Friday that she thought she would have to advertise the vacancies created when she fired three members of the city’s four-man police force. “But, I haven’t had to, people from all over the state have been calling and coming in, bringing applications,” said Medrano, who already had hired new Police Chief Lukas Reynolds but lost the city’s fourth and remaining officer when he resigned Wednesday night. “It looks like we might have some good applications. Reynolds is consulting with me as we look at applications,” she said.

The mayor remained tight-lipped over her reason for firing Chief Greg Scott, Sgt. Mack Fuller and officer T.C. Livingston on Wednesday morning. She has said the three failed to follow department or city policy and referred more specific inquiry to City Attorney Josh Searcy, who did not return detailed phone messages Friday.

Meanwhile, Reynolds on Friday was in Marshall meeting with Harrison County Sheriff’s Office officials to ensure Hallsville residents are under law enforcement protection. The Department of Public Safety troopers also regularly patrol Hallsville highways.

EAST TEXAS — Debra Kirby is hoping East Texans are ready to put drought and a long, hot summer behind them and welcome 2012 with a bang. Preferably, a lot of bangs. But they can’t do it within city limits. Kirby operates Fireworks Express, between Longview and Hallsville at 6667 U.S. 80, and several other regional fireworks stands with her husband. They’ve been in business since 2004, and Kirby said this past Fourth of July season was harsh. “This past summer was the worst we’ve ever had,” she said of sales.

Recent rains and the lifting of outdoor burning bans across East Texas have the fireworks business looking up. “It’s really starting to pick up today, and we expect to be really busy Saturday,” Kirby said Friday afternoon. She said people coming in seem more comfortable buying fireworks after recent rains. Fireworks Express and other fireworks stands in the region will be open until midnight tonight, she said. Despite the rain and lack of burn bans, though, customers still cannot use fireworks anywhere they wish; Longview and most area cities ban the use of fireworks.

Fireworks Safety Tips:

Use fireworks outdoors only. Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them. Always have water handy. (a hose or bucket) Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them. Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes, and then soak it in a bucket of water. Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter, and the shooter should wear safety glasses. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.” Only people age 12 and older should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Do not use homemade fireworks.

QUITMAN — No one was injured when a passing train struck a tractor trailer Friday afternoon in Overton. According to Overton police Officer Janice Bagley, the crash occurred at 4:16 where Henderson Street intersects Commerce Street near the train tracks in downtown Overton. Bagley said the downtown area was closed to traffic for about two hours as crews cleared the crash scene. Witnesses said part of the trailer was near enough to the track that the passing train struck the end and forced it to become perpendicular with the tracks.

WOOD COUNTY –A man who was shot just outside Mineola shortly before 4:00 Friday was taken by emergency helicopter to East Texas Medical Center Hospital in Tyler and investigators have a suspect in custody on unrelated charges. The incident happened along County Road 2210, which runs from the loop to Lake Holbrook. A suspect, Joel David Head, 44, of Quitman is in custody on unrelated charges.

Officials believe the victim was struck in the head one time by a small caliber rifle round. He was a passenger in a white Dodge pickup traveling eastbound on CR 2210. The driver of the truck stopped at a flea market to place the 911 call. The victim was taken by emergency helicopter to ETMC Tyler. The sheriff’s department said his status is unknown at this time and the Tyler Police Department is assisting with information on the victim.

GREGG COUNTY — Officials had one suspect in custody when another jumped back into their vehicle, leading police on a chase south of Longview. A Department of Public Safety trooper was running the second suspect’s license when he got back inside the vehicle and drove away, according to DPS spokeswoman Jean Dark. Officials apprehended the driver in a hotel parking lot near Estes Parkway at Interstate 20. Dark said the chase lasted about six miles. The two men are Louisiana residents. They were identified as Patrick Lee Thomas, 27 (pictured) and Bryan Webb, 29. Thomas’ bail is set at $10,000. Webb’s is set at $40,000.

WOOD COUNTY — The second suspect in a Wood County sexual assault of a child is in custody. David Lee Bowman, 25, was apprehended Thursday by the United State’s Marshal’s Office and is in the Crosby County Jail, according to a Wood County sheriff’s press release. Bowman and 24-year-old Roni Curry are charged with continuous sexual assault of a child younger than the age of 14 in Wood County. U.S. Marshal Service found Bowman had been hiding in Ralls, the release said. Curry turned herself in Wednesday to officials. She is being held in the Wood County Jail on $200,000 bond.

HARRISON COUNTY — A Waskom man died Thursday morning when a burning tree fell and pinned him as his son tried to free the 61-year-old. Nathaniel Fletcher had been burning the tree in preparation for cutting it down when his son heard an explosion in the backyard in the 800 block of Fox Hunting Road. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department said the son called 911 at about 11:00 reporting he was able to roll all but the largest portion of the tree pinning his father’s legs. Sheriff’s deputies and fire crews removed the tree to find Fletcher’s legs broken along with multiple lacerations and burns. Fletcher was pronounced dead at the scene.

ANGELINA COUNTY — A Pollok man was arrested Wednesday on accusations he stole more than $100,000 from his employer, East Texas Open MRI. Jon LaCount was released from jail the same day on a $20,000 bond. An arrest affidavit stated LaCount was in charge of keeping the financial records, but those responsibilities were taken from him in 2009 when the managing partner found discrepancies. An investigation into the matter showed LaCount was using company money to pay his personal credit cards, property taxes, dental work, vehicle repairs and groceries bought at Sam’s Club.

The total amount stolen is reportedly more than $100,000, the affidavit stated. Workers and the managing partner gave written statements to police saying LaCount did admit he used company money to pay his bills. If convicted of the charge of second-degree felony theft, LaCount faces up to 20 years in prison.

TYLER — Postal Service managers got an earful last night from area residents who don’t want a Smith County mail processing operation shut down. They were in Tyler to give an overview and gather community input regarding a proposal to move some mail processing operations from the East Texas Processing and Distribution Center. None of those who showed up at the Tyler hearing last night approved the plan.

The AMP proposal supports consolidating some mail processing operations that are currently being performed at the East Texas Processing and Distribution Center in Owentown by taking advantage of available processing capacity at the Austin, North Texas and Shreveport postal plants. The proposal is an effort to increase efficiency and improve productivity and save money. While no final decisions have been reached, Postal Service managers will gave an overview of the reasons for the proposal and its possible outcomes. A summary of the proposal and presentation materials will be made available on usps.com.

McKinney Boyd with the Dallas district of the postal service tells KETK, he realizes people nationwide are passionate when it comes to closing facilities. “It’s like part of the community. It’s like the library or a police station. They become passionate, we understand that. But at the same time, we’re losing $23 Million a day. We have to do something to offset those expenses.”

ALBA – A third person has died from a three vehicle wreck on U.S. Highway 69 near Alba. The latest to die from that Tuesday Wood County wreck was Margaret Miller, 69, of Sherman. She had been in critical condition at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. Dead at the scene of the crash was Michael West, 38, Alba and Suzan Fincher, 74, Sherman. Fincher was a passenger in a car driven by Angela Ann Shoffstall, 74, Fairview, who remains in critical condition at ETMC.

Investigators say that a car was traveling north on US 69 when it slowed to make a left turn into a rest area. While the vehicle waited for traffic to clear from the southbound lanes, it was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The impact sent the car into the oncoming southbound traffic where it was struck broadside by a another car.

LONGVIEW – A Longview family has escaped their burning home uninjured. The fire was reported around 8:00 last night in the 1300 block of Young Street. Investigators say the fire started in the kitchen when a pan of grease ignited. About 30% of the home was damaged.

CANTON – A car stuck in the mud has turned into a drug arrest in Van Zandt County. Officers answering a trespassing call found the car on County Road 1804. A man and a woman were in the car, which was registered to the man, Michael Lee Herrera of Quitman. Herrera was taken into custody when it was discovered he was wanted on a narcotics warrant for methamphetamine out of Dallas County.

During an inventory of the vehicle, deputies found about 30 grams of meth, scales used to weigh and measure drugs and small baggies used for the distribution of narcotics. Herrera is being held with no bond. He is also facing additional charges of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance. The woman was released.

HAWKINS — Water has been restored to Hawkins. It was disrupted yesterday morning after an eight-inch water main ruptured, causing water to gush from an area on Farm Road 14 near Veteran’s Memorial Park in Hawkins. That forced the system to be shut down while repairs were made. City officials announced last night that the repair was completed and that water service had been restored.

WELLS – Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a home in Wells. It was reported at the Jose Zapata residence on Homer Street just before 7:30 Wednesday night. Zapata was at home when the fire started but was able to escape without being injured.

LUFKIN – A Lufkin couple ended up in jail after the breakup of their 15 year relationship turned violent. Arrested on charges of assault/family violence, were Christopher Hill and Monita Bryant. Bryant told investigators that Hill punched her in the jaw, tried to back his car over her, grabbed her by the neck and threw her to the ground.

Hill said Bryant started hitting him in the face as he drove her to a friend’s house. When she got out of the car, he claims she returned and started punching him in the head through an open window. Both had injuries that required medical attention. At last report, both remained in the Angelina County Jail.

CUSHING – Nacogdoches County authorities are investigating the break-in at Texas Bank and Trust in Cushing. Someone disabled the alarm system and then pried open a rear door to get into the building. Employees found the break-in when they arrived around 8:00 yesterday morning. It is believed the break-in occurred around 7:00 hours earlier, that’s when records indicate the power was lost to the building. Anyone who might have seen some suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Department.

LONGVIEW — Longview Transit, in partnership with R&K Distributors is preparing to provide a “Safe-Ride-Home” on New Year’s Eve. For the fourth consecutive year, Longview Transit will give free rides to anyone within Longview city limits on New Year’s Eve between 8:00pm and 3:00am. Rides can be scheduled by calling Longview Transit at 903-753-2287 ext.10.

Transportation service will be available to or from any Longview destination. The service is offered to the general public, including individuals that have had a couple drinks or those that simply do not want to drive that evening. If possible, Longview Transit encourages riders to schedule trips in advance.

According to Longview Transit General Manager Rob Stephens, “Longview Transit is proud to be able to offer this unique service for residents celebrating the New Year. We want to be able to provide a safe and easy alternative to getting behind the wheel.”
The Safe-Ride-Home initiative is made possible by the financial contribution of R&K Distributors. For more information about Longview Transit or Safe-Ride-Home, visit http://www.LongviewTransit.com or call 903-753-2287.

HAWKINS — An eight-inch water main ruptured this morning causing water to gush from an area on FM 14 near Veteran’s Memorial Park in Hawkins. No residents are without service, but service will be stopped to about 670 customers when service on the line begins. According to Janis Smith, Hawkins City Secretary, repairs cannot begin until ordered equipment arrives. City crews are expected to be working all night. “Exxon must uncover a pipeline located in the same area as the eight-inch water lines before the city crews can try to repair the water lines buried 12- to 14-foot deep. Exxon has not uncovered their pipeline yet,” Smith said. The City of Hawkins does not know how long it will take to repair the leak.

QUITMAN — A suspect wanted for the abuse of a child under the age of 14, David Bowman, 25, has been added to Wood County’s most wanted list. Meanwhile, Wood County officials said another suspect, Roni Michelle Curry, 24, turned herself in Wednesday afternoon on a charge of continuous sexual assault of a child younger than the age of 14. Her bond is set at $200,000.

HALLSVILLE — The only Hallsville police officer who had not been fired Wednesday resigned Wednesday night in the middle of his shift, police chief Lukas Reynolds said. Reynolds said Earl Dykes, the department’s lone patrol officer after administrators terminated the former chief and two police officers, resigned at around 10:00.

Hallsville Mayor Jerri Medrano terminated former chief Greg Scott, Sgt. Mack Fuller and patrol officer T.C. Livingston Wednesday morning without severance pay. City administrators changed the locks Wednesday at Hallsville’s police station after the police chief and officers were fired. The city’s new police chief, Lukas Reynolds, was there to watch the fired officers clean out their desks and patrol cars and see them out the door.

“This decision was taken as a result of routine evaluation of personnel employed by the city at the Hallsville Police Department,” Medrano said. “During this evaluation, it became apparent to the city that the affected officers were not performing their official duties to the standards necessary for employees of the city. Their continued employment by the Hallsville Police Department was not in the best interest of the citizens of Hallsville.”

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide public safety assistance, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety to the Hallsville Police Department.

LONGVIEW — The skeletal remains found in a Longview creek bottom December 21st have been identified. Pathologists have confirmed the man’s identity as Silas Eugene Moore, 62, of Longview. He was reported missing in July. A wallet with Moore’s ID was found at the scene. Authorities withheld the name until it was confirmed by the pathologist.

The body was found in the creek bottom by a man and his son who were looking for minnows in the creek. Because of the condition of the remains, the cause of death has yet to be established. That could take months. But investigators say they do not expect foul play.

At the time, police spokeswoman Kristie Brian said investigators found a wallet with identification in Moore’s pants pocket, but they were waiting on a positive confirmation of his identity from the pathologist. Fort said he had not received an official ruling on the man’s death, and didn’t expect one for a few months due to the condition of the remains when they were found. Officials said foul play is not suspected.

EAST TEXAS — Texas wildfire survivors in 23 counties have just one week to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potential state and federal recovery
assistance. The registration deadline is Jan. 6, for survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration of Sept. 9, 2011.

The counties are Anderson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Cass, Colorado, Fayette, Gregg, Grimes, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Leon, Marion, Montgomery, Navarro, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Upshur, Walker, Waller and Williamson.

Jan. 6 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans for property damage.

To date, more than $13.3 million in grants has been approved for home repairs or replacement, rental assistance and other needs. Another $19.5 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans has been approved for 174 homes and businesses.

Survivors can register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov until midnight January 6.

TYLER — Postal Service managers will give an overview and gather community input regarding a proposal to move some mail processing operations from the East Texas Processing and Distribution Center. The AMP proposal supports consolidating some mail processing operations that are currently being performed at the East Texas Processing and Distribution Center by taking advantage of available processing capacity at the Austin, North Texas and Shreveport postal plants in order to increase efficiency and improve productivity. While no decisions have been reached, Postal Service managers will give an overview of the reasons for the proposal and its possible outcomes, and will listen to community input and concerns. A summary of the proposal and presentation materials will be made available on usps.com.

The meeting will take place tonight at 6:00 at the Hampton Inn Conference Center 3130 Troup Hwy.