KTBB News, Weather, Talk

GRAND SALINE (AP) – Many East Texas farmers are giving up on sweet potatoes, saying it’s become hard to find properties that are big enough and they must fend off wild hogs and weevils that can devastate their crop. Texas used to be one of nation’s top growers of sweet potatoes. The Texas Department of Agriculture says it ranked No. 3 in 1970 with 13,500 acres. This year, it was No. 8 with only 1,300 acres. Tony Phillips of Grand Saline tells the Houston Chronicle there were 70 or 80 growers when he joined his father’s and uncle’s sweet potato business in 1978. Now he thinks there are about 15. And Phillips isn’t earning a living growing sweet potatoes. He farms during the day and works at night at the Morton Salt Mine.

LONGVIEW — Two men are jailed after law officers in Longview make another drug raid. Around 2:45 p.m. Friday, the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit executed a narcotics search warrant at 313 Graham Street. Police say say agents made entry into the residence without incident and a large quantity of hydrocodone and Xanax was located. A firearm and an undisclosed amount of money were also discovered. Darryl Washington, 47, and Jefferson Jonathan Taylor, 27, both of Longview, were arrested. Washington was arrested on two charges of possession of controlled substance, an outstanding possession of controlled substance warrant, and possession of marijuana. Taylor was arrested for possession of marijuana.

LONGVIEW — The development of the Gregg County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is currently underway, and officials say participation is needed from area agencies and industries as the process moves forward. The purpose of the plan, which is mandated by the federal government and is required for several grant funding sources, is to help reduce the potential for damage to the community caused by natural, technological, or man-made hazards. The plan considers a variety of hazards such as tornadoes, ice storms, transportation accidents, hazardous materials, utility outages, and epidemics.

To coordinate the planning project, Gregg County invited area entities to participate in the 2011 Hazardous Mitigation Planning Team. Members of the Longview Fire Department were tasked with compiling the team’s efforts into a final document. The federal government mandates that communities develop Hazard Mitigation Plans every five years. Several reporting requirements have changed since the last plan was developed, and there have also been several changes to local resources within the last five years.

According to Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt, “We have a strong history of entities working together in Gregg County in emergency response. This project impacts all cities, school districts, hospitals, and industries within Gregg County. For this plan to truly be successful, we must receive input and participation from all entities.”

Three meetings have been held so far, and leaders are hopeful that the momentum for the project will continue to grow. According to Longview Mayor Jay Dean, “This is an absolutely vital public safety project for our region as a whole and each entity individually. It’s also important from a financial standpoint, because we know the pivotal role grants can play. I encourage representatives from all the local entities to be involved in the process.”

Locally, agencies have seen that collaborative planning can lead to real results. Longview Fire Chief J.P. Steelman stated, “This is an opportunity to be proactive as a region. By coming together for these meetings, it makes the emergency responders aware of what our regional capabilities are and what our weaknesses are as well. Then, we can take steps to address those needs.” Examples of recent hazard mitigation projects include installation of new generators at water treatment facilities and fire stations, construction of laundry facilities at the Gregg County Fairgrounds for evacuees of disasters, and development of mutual aid agreements between regional agencies.

The first meeting of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team was held December 1, and the process must be complete by September 2011. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Thursday, January 20, at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd. The January 20 meeting is open to the public. For more information about the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, you can contact the Longview Fire Department at 903-237-1150.

LONGVIEW — The MLK Planning Committee, the City of Longview, and other community sponsors honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the annual MLK Citywide Celebration. Under the theme “One Community, One Dream,” several events were held, including a couple on Monday:
*The 1st Annual Table of Brotherhood Breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Johnny Cace’s Seafood and Steakhouse, 1501 East Marshall Avenue.
*The MLK March at 11:15 a.m. from the Broughton Recreation Center to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 306 South MLK Boulevard. Event planners held a Memorial Service at noon, sponsored by the Longview Area Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.

TYLER — A group of volunteers saved Smith County taxpayers just over $74,000 in unpaid labor hours in 2010. That’s the word from Smith County Volunteer Coordinator Alicia Armstrong. The group of 27 volunteers provides a variety of services for various departments, including converting paper records to electronic files, clerical work, staff support, and archiving for the sheriff’s department, Commissioners Court, justice of the peace offices, and many more.

In the month of December alone, according to officials, Smith County volunteers logged a total of 321 hours at a value of $6,692 to the county. Since the volunteer program began in 2009, volunteers have put in more than 4,700 hours at an estimated value of $99,000 to the county. The oldest member of the volunteer group, 95-year-old George Mason, leads the volunteers in work hours logged, with just over 600 at the end of 2010.

Smith County is currently searching for volunteers interested in working at the Constable/Justice of the Peace Office, Pct. 4 in Winona. For more information on how to volunteer for this position or any volunteer service for Smith County, you can contact Armstrong at 903-590-2786.

TYLER — What do you give someone as a retirement gift after 40 years in the classroom? Tom Rhodes, fourth grade teacher at Tyler’s Douglas Elementary, knew exactly what he wanted as a retirement gift from his students. Rhodes challenged his students to read six million words. The students ended up reading 6,079,472 words. “They had individual goals and I give them all of the credit,” Rhodes said. “These are the most awesome readers I have ever had! And I had the good fortune to be their teacher. There is nothing in life they cannot accomplish. I couldn’t be happier. They busted the goal!”

Friday was Rhodes’s last day with Tyler ISD. He has been with the school district for 35 of his 40 years in education as a teacher at Camp Tyler, Hogg Middle School and Douglas Elementary. Rhodes is looking forward to his retirement, especially spending a lot of time with his young grandson and reading to him.

LONGVIEW — A retirement reception will be held for Longview Chief of Police J.B. McCaleb from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 20. The recognition presentation will occur at 4:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and will be held at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex, 100 Grand Blvd. Chief McCaleb has served in law enforcement for 35 years, including 32 years with the Longview Police Department. He has served as Chief of Police since 2003.

TYLER — Tyler ISD graduation plans have been finalized for the 2010-2011 school year. A coin toss determined the schedule for both high school campuses. The schedule is as follows:

Robert E. Lee High School Graduation
Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium – Friday, June 3, 2011 8:00 p.m.

Robert E. Lee High School Contingency Plan
Outdoor Contingency Plan Options for Inclement Weather:
#1-Rose Stadium Saturday, June 4 10:00 a.m.
#2-Rose Stadium Saturday, June 4 2:00 p.m.
#3-Rose Stadium Sunday, June 5 5:00 p.m.

John Tyler High School Graduation
Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium – Saturday, June 4, 2011 8:00 p.m.

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

Final Contingency
In the event that both graduations are cancelled due to inclement weather on Friday and Saturday, and bad weather is forecast for Sunday as well:

Both campuses would graduate at TJC Wagstaff Gym on Sunday, June 5:
Robert E. Lee High School at 2:00 p.m.
John Tyler High School at 6:00 p.m.
Any decision to move to Wagstaff would be made by 8:00 a.m. Sunday.

Those concerned are asked to please pay special attention to the contingency plans for both campuses that address alternate dates, times, and locations in the event of inclement weather. Contingency information will be distributed at each campus to all seniors with other graduation material. If there are any questions regarding graduation, school officials say please contact your campus principal or the district office at 903-262-1007.

SMITH COUNTY — Almost a year after being destroyed by arsonists, Smith County’s Dover Baptist Church has its first service in its new home today. The church was burned to the ground on February 8 of last year by convicted arsonists Jason Bourque and Daniel McAlister. KETK reports Dover Baptist will also have an official dedication of its new facility on February 6 at 2:00.

MARSHALL – Authorities have seized the assets of the National Truck Stop off Interstate 20 in Harrison County for failure to make payments. Employees say their checks have been bouncing and the owners owe thousands of dollars in taxes. Employees say one of the owners, Imran Khan, has spent the last few days cleaning the place out and taking money from the registers along with other items. Officials with the Harrison County Sheriffs Department tell our news partner KETK that the truck stop owes over $62,000. Authorities say Khan was gone before they got to the scene and they are now searching for him. The case remains under investigation.

TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a suspect in a burglary and assault that occurred early Saturday. At approximately 3:42 a.m., police received a telephone call regarding an assault that occurred at a residence at 2408 Plume Dr. As officers arrived on scene they were told that the suspect had entered the victim’s residence through a back bedroom window. Police say once inside the residence, the suspect struck the victim with a crowbar before attacking a second victim with the same crowbar. During a struggle for the crowbar, the suspect allegedly pulled a large kitchen knife from his person and reportedly began attacking the second victim with the weapon.

According to a police news release, as this was occurring, the first victim retrieved a firearm and fired once at the suspect; police say it is unknown whether the suspect was hit. According to authorities, the suspect then turned his attention back towards the first victim, and they reportedly began wrestling over the firearm. Police say in the process, the suspect managed to take the firearm from the victim but was unable to use the weapon before both victims fled the scene. Immediately following this, according to police, the suspect fled the scene in a 2002 maroon Impala.

The arrest happened after a warrant was obtained on Corey Jermaine Latham for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a family member, a first degree felony. Judge Kennedy Christie Kennedy set bond at $500,000. Latham was arrested after he came to the Tyler Police Building at 711 W. Ferguson at about 2:00 p.m. Saturday. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

BEAUMONT – A 29-year-old Nacogdoches man pleaded guilty Friday to charges related to a double homicide which took place in Nacogdoches in August 2007. Charles Cameron Frazier, aka “Mojo,” pleaded guilty to committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. The plea came in Beaumont before U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone. Specifically, Frazier admitted that he had participated in the murders of David Mitchamore and Christy Rochelle Brown.

According to information presented in court, Frazier was a member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), a powerful race-based state-wide organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas and the United States. Authorities say the ABT enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Authorities say members, and often associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

According to court documents, David Mitchamore, aka “Super Dave,” an ABT member, and his girlfriend, Christie Rochelle Brown, were murdered as a result of a “direct order” by members of the ABT because of Mitchamore’s failure to repay an outstanding debt he allegedly owed to an Aryan Brotherhood general. The bodies of Mitchamore and Brown were discovered in Nacogdoches County on Aug. 10, 2007.

U.S. Attorney John Bales expressed his appreciation for what he termed the hard work performed by so many officers and agents, saying, “While this guilty plea is a very significant step in the process of addressing this savage crime and in dismantling the ABT, there is much work left to be done. But we will not rest until all those responsible for these senseless murders have been brought to justice. We are ever mindful about the loss experienced by the victims’ family; they continue to have our deepest sympathy.” Frazier faces life in prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

LONGVIEW — Longview police say four men from the area have been arrested on narcotics charges and warrants. On January 13 at approximately 3:45 P.M., officers responded to assist the United States Marshal’s Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force in apprehending a suspect who had allegedly fled from authorities on two prior occasions. Officers were called to a location in the 1800 Block of Nimrod Trail. There, they assisted in the arrest of three suspects.

The first, identified as Christopher Carl Lindsay, 40, of Longview, was arrested on three outstanding city warrants and Possession of a Controlled Substance less than1 gram. The second subject, Dennis Ray Seals Jr, 32, of Longview, was arrested on a Marion County warrant for Felony Abuse/Child Neglect.

The third subject, Michael Henry Goodson, 38, a transient, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance over 4 grams but less than 200 grams, Evading Arrest and Detention, Violation of Parole warrant, and an Upshur County warrant for Manufacturing/Delivery of a Controlled Substance over 4 grams less than 200 grams. Also arrested in a related traffic stop was Gary Bradshaw, Jr., 29, of Diana. Bradshaw’s charges included Driving While License Invalid and Possession of a Controlled Substance over 4 grams but less than 200 grams. All four suspects were booked into the Gregg County Jail on their respective charges.

LONGVIEW — Longview police seek the public’s help solving a robbery. Around 7 p.m. Thursday, officers were dispatched to a robbery already occurred in the 3600 Block of McCann Road. Upon arrival officers were told two unidentified black males, with handguns, entered the unlocked residence and demanded money and other property. One suspect was described as 30 to 35 years old, approximately 5’6” to 5’7”, wearing a blue Lacoste jacket. The other suspect was described as 20 to 25 years old, 6’2” to 6’3”, wearing a white jacket and Michael Jordan tennis shoes. The suspects left the location in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Longview Police Department at (903) 237-1199.

TYLER — Some Smith County prisoners are on the road again. Because of overcrowding, Smith County inmates are sent to jails in neighboring counties. The Gregg County Jail failed inspection in December — so inmates there were sent to Upshur County’s jail. Now, Sheriff J.B. Smith tells KETK Upshur County also failed its jail inspection. So 21 Smith County prisoners were transferred from Upshur to Henderson County.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Fire Officials say a structure fire on CR 244 was caused by an electrical overload in a bedroom of a house. Three people live in the house, a woman and her two children, but they were not at home at the time. Authorities say there is heavy smoke damage to the house, but the home is intact. The family will be staying elsewhere while repairs are made.

LINDALE — Five Lindale High School students were each awarded $109,000 Post 9-11 GI Bill scholarships Wednesday from the U.S. Navy. Alexander Jamieson, Jessica Berry, Nathan Gray, Seandrea Williams and Lydia Olsen accepted their awards from Petty Officer David Rodriguez. The money will be used to pay for full tuition and books for each student as they begin their post-high school education. In return for their scholarships, students will be obligated to a 4-6 year enlistment with the Navy, depending on which career each student chooses.

TYLER — Tyler Police are called to the scene of a rollover accident early Friday morning and make an arrest. It happened around 12:00 at Highway 271 and Highway 155 going to Winona. Tyler police Sgt. Matt Smyser says 31-year-old Lucas White of Tyler, the man involved in the accident, was driving while intoxicated. He reportedly lost control of his vehicle causing it to roll. Reports show that he was wearing a seat belt. He did suffer injuries and was taken to East Texas Medical Center. The man has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

HENDERSON – The hunter who shot a man he thought was a deer has been named in an arrest warrant for criminal negligent homicide. Rodney Connally, 54, of Ft. Worth, was first charged with unlawful possession of a firearm in the death of Louis N. Conner. After the sheriff’s department completed its investigation, the material was presented to the district attorney’s office. It was then the arrest warrant was issued for Connally.

TYLER — The Park of East Texas, Inc., has completed design work on Phase I of the planned entertainment complex known as The Park of East Texas. Park officials term the move a significant step toward fulfilling the vision set forth by the former East Texas State Fair Association board of directors.

“The Park, as it has come to be known, is an entertainment and conference development located in west Tyler. The Phase I plan includes an event center, meeting rooms, exhibit space and ballrooms. The event center will have 4,500 fixed seats with the ability to increase to 8,000 when floor seating is utilized,” said John E. Sykes, President and CEO of The Park of East Texas, Inc. “To accommodate the needs of local education institutions, business development and the growing economy, the board of directors of The Park of East Texas, Inc. initiated a search for a design team to establish a master plan for The Park. The search led to a collaborative effort between Tyler-based firm Ron Mabry Architects and GH2 Equestrian Architects of Oklahoma.”

The need for such a development has been explored in the Tyler community for decades; the recent findings of The Industry Growth Initiative and a local survey by the Tyler Convention and Visitors’ Bureau have reiterated the desire from the community for such a development. “The configuration of Phase I is now complete. In a cooperative endeavor with local entities, the first phase is being broken into sub-phases to best meet the needs of the community in the most efficient manner,” continued Sykes. Lonny Uzzell, Board of Directors Treasurer, says he recognizes the importance a project such as The Park can and will mean to the community. “A project of this scale will have significant impact on the local economy and will require a public/private partnership to commence construction,” says Uzzell.

Officials say The Park of East Texas will attract national tours, conventions and tradeshows in addition to national and regional equestrian events. They say The Park will create commerce for Tyler and East Texas through the development process and as the complex is utilized for various events. Phase I economic impact during construction is predicted to generate over $50 million according to an economic impact study prepared by Impact DataSource from Austin, Texas.

TYLER — Information from the Texas Comptroller indicates that total City of Tyler sales tax revenues deposited for the month of January have increased 9.34 percent as compared to January 2010, resulting in a 4.98 percent cumulative year-to-date increase. The reported revenue of $2,710,337.24 is comprised of $1,806,891.49 general sales tax revenue and $903,445.75 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from November 2010 collections, as there is a two-month period before revenue is reported.

“The City budgeted for a two percent increase in our sales tax revenue for 2010-2011,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “It is tremendous to see that we have already met that projection only four months into our fiscal year. Still, we have taken a very conservative approach in filling vacancies frozen last year and will continue to monitor expenditures closely as we prepare for the next fiscal year.”

SMITH COUNTY — A seriously injured Tyler baby has been released from the hospital. CPS says the girl is in a foster home and they believe she will suffer permanent brain damage. The suspect, who first said his infant suffered a head injury after her sister jumped on top of her, admitted later that he is the one who injured the baby. The 2 month old girl suffered a head fracture last month. Saul Lino-Porcayo, 23, Tyler, was taken into custody after admitting to authorities he was drunk and frustrated when he hit the child.

LUFKIN — Former Congressman Charlie Wilson now stands immortalized in front of the clinic that bears his name and his passion. A 10-foot statue entitled “Standing Tall with Charlie Wilson” was unveiled at the Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic during a remembrance ceremony Wednesday. Charles “Charlie” Nesbitt Wilson, 76, died Feb. 10, 2010. Friends and former colleagues spearheaded the fundraiser for the project, garnering nearly $50,000 in honor of Wilson.

TYLER (AP) – Two men already sentenced to life in prison for torching a series of East Texas churches face new arson charges. A Henderson County grand jury on Tuesday indicted 21-year-old Jason Robert Bourque on three arson counts, and 23-year-old Daniel George McAllister on two arson counts. In a statement, Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee said bonds of $500,000 were set against each defendant.

Both were sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to arson counts in neighboring Smith County. Nobody was hurt in last year’s blazes that damaged or destroyed 10 churches, leading to an investigation that included state and federal arson experts. Three churches were burned in Athens in Henderson County, two in Van Zandt County and five in Smith County.

TYLER — The SPCA of East Texas has formally retained the services of a specialized architectural firm for the study and design of a Regional Animal Services Center. Animal Arts of Denver, Colorado, has been contracted to perform a feasibility study for the assessment of the needs of the community. The SPCA of East Texas will be hosting an all day workshop this Friday, January 14th, for City of Tyler Animal Control, Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD), Smith County Sheriff’s Department, Smith County Animal Control, Animal Rescue Fund (ARF), the Humane Society of East Texas, SPCA of East Texas and several other members of local government.

Currently, over 10,000 dogs a year are being euthanized in the Tyler/Smith County community. The 2007 cancellation of the city and county animal contracts by the Humane Society left the community with no local animal shelter or adoption facility. Officials say the creation of a Regional Animal Services Center would provide numerous important services to the community that are currently unavailable locally. Funding for the new center is being sought through the SPCA of East Texas Capital Building Campaign. A kickoff benefit concert is scheduled for February 12th at the Lone Star Event Center in Tyler.

LAMARQUE — Authorities in LaMarque have released the names of a Lufkin couple killed in what’s now been ruled a murder and suicide. They are Gary Frank Parker, 63, and his wife Kathleen, 57. Their bodies were found Wednesday morning in their travel trailer at an RV park on Interstate Highway 45. Investigators say the husband shot his wife in the head and then shot himself in the chest.

TYLER – A police chase that started near Tyler Junior Collage ended on Highway 64 East in front of Chapel Hill High School. Taken into custody yesterday was Anthony Boyd, 42, of Athens. Around 1:15 Wednesday afternoon, A Tyler Junior College police officer reported seeing Boyd driving erratically, nearly hitting a TJC police car. The officer radioed for assistance and started the pursuit. It ended when Smith County sheriff’s deputy was able to cut off Boyd’s vehicle and stop him. He is facing a variety of charges.

MARSHALL — A Marshall mother and her three children are without a home after a fire extensively damaged the inside of the house. The fire was reported Wednesday morning in the 300 block of Hawley Street. Investigators say it appears the fire was started by a space heater. No injuries were reported.

TYLER – No major damage was reported in a fire at Distant Lands Coffee on Highway 64 west. A roaster caught fire, causing a lot of smoke. The fire was quickly extinguished.

TYLER – Traffic along a portion of U.S. Highway 69, just under a mile north of Tyler, had to be blocked off for around an hour yesterday. The problem was a broken gas line. A contractor who was putting in a city water main accidently cut the pipe with a backhoe.