KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — A popular East Texas destination gets a makeover. According to KETK, a Thursday news conference at Tyler State Park showed off recent improvements purchased with almost $4 million in state money. The park already features a new playground and new restrooms, work’s begun on a new dining hall, and officials say the new additions will be around for generations to enjoy. One official says, “We’re able to make those parks even more enjoyable so that for the future, people can continue to have those memories that make our state park system so enjoyable for lots and lots of people.”

EAST TEXAS — The Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers of reports of fraudulent letters pretending to be from the official Publisher�s Clearing House. These bogus letters inform customers that they have won a major prize with Publisher�s Clearing House, and �winners� are approved for an automatic payoff on any debt accumulated on qualified credit cards. Unfortunately, this scam is an attempt to obtain the �winner�s� account information, and victims are likely to end up with an empty bank account. Victims claim that when the toll free number is dialed, the representative requests the �winner�s� bank account number so that the winnings may be wired directly into the account. If the victim refuses, the representative quickly disconnects the call.

BBB reminds consumers of the importance of protecting your identity from unlawful use:

Never provide financial information, such as checking account information and credit card numbers on the phone or online, unless you initiate the contact and are familiar the person or organization you are dealing with. Call your BBB to check the company out and make sure the company contact information on any letters or emails matches the company�s registered information. Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.

Protect your Social Security number. Don�t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier. Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a Web address you know. Use the most up-to-date firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software available.

Don�t use obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother�s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.

BBB also reminds consumers that Publishers Clearing House (�PCH�) will only contact major prize winners in person; smaller prize winners are notified by FedEx, UPS or certified mail. If you believe you have received a suspicious letter or email from a fake sweepstakes or wish to report another fraud or scam, please call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.

NACOGDOCHES — Two suspects are arrested after a reported armed robbery on the campus of Stephen F. Austin. Arrest warrants were issued for Jerry Don Thorn and Demarcus Andrew Wade. Tips led to the Thursday night capture of the two men suspected of robbing a student at gunpoint Sunday night on campus. Wade and Thorn, both 22, are charged with aggravated robbery and might have other charges pending from the same incident, according to SFA University Police.

Both suspects have a criminal history. Wade has previously been charged with theft from a person and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Thorn has been charged in the past with theft from a person, burglary of a habitation and criminal trespass.

TYLER — Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City Management Association (ICMA), termed the premier local government leadership and management organization. McDaniel is one of 1,200 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program. To receive the ICMA credential, city officials say, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development. �We are all extremely proud of Mark,� said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. �His leadership and professional expertise has greatly benefitted the City of Tyler. It is gratifying to see that he is being recognized in this way.�

TYLER — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Friday celebrated the start of the next piece of the Toll 49 system with the groundbreaking for Segment 3B. Smith County Judge Joel Baker was among those offering remarks. Baker gives the credit to “some dedicated people in this community — community leaders…just people who are committed to community service and who have seen this through.” According to officials, Segment 3B has been much anticipated since not only will it complete the Toll 49 system to I-20 — but it will do so in a record 22-month build time. Segment 3B connects to the western segment of Toll 49 that is currently under construction at SH 31 and proceeds north to connect with Interstate 20.

The NET RMA has worked with TxDOT to further the development of Toll 49. Last fall, the NET RMA received notification that the Texas Department of Transportation approved up to $90 million for construction of Toll 49 Segment 3B by funding the project with two forms of loans. Officials say the funding also opens the door for the NET RMA to start focusing on the next segments of Toll 49, namely, the Lindale Relief Route and the East Texas Hourglass. Jeff Austin III, Chairman of the Board of the NET RMA, stated, �Toll 49 Segment 3B represents the most important segment of the project to date as it makes connection to I-20 increasing connectivity for travelers along US 69 and throughout the region.� Along with Baker, the ceremony featured remarks by Austin, Senators Kevin Eltife and Robert Nichols, and Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.

MARSHALL – East Texas Baptist University invites the community to attend the Dedication Service for the new Ornelas Student Center. The service will be held in the student commons area on the first floor today at 1:00 p.m. The two-story center is located on the ETBU Quad, just a few steps west of Marshall Hall. Students began enjoying the building when they returned for the spring semester on January 10. Inside the facility are a gourmet coffee and bakery shop, a sub sandwich shop, offices for the Student Affairs division and Student Government Association, post office, game room, copy center, chapel, and various meeting rooms. Building tours of the 31,852 square foot facility will be held from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

LONGVIEW — Longview’s Chamber of Commerce is warning businesses about a possible scam. Chamber officials say a company called Hometown Productions is claiming to be working on a city map in conjunction with the Chamber. The company’s reportedly asking businesses for money to advertise on the map. But Chamber officials say they have nothing to do with this company. Chamber President Kelly Hall says this isn’t the first time the company has claimed to be working with the Chamber. Hall says last year one non-profit group signed up, believing it was a real deal. Hometown Productions did not return phone calls from our news partner KETK.

TYLER – The City of Tyler announced this morning that due to a collapsed box drainage structure caused by the recent rainy weather, emergency action is being taken today to clean it and stabilize it. A portion of Beckham closed at midday. The closure will take place in the vicinity of Houston Street. Officials say they will be able to keep one lane open at all times, to keep the flow of traffic going.

SMITH COUNTY — A Chapel Hill teen accused of killing his older sister will remain in the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center for at least two more weeks. Nathaniel Anderson, 15, is accused in the shooting death of his sister, Amanda, 19. The autopsy showed she was shot in the head four times. Anderson’s next hearing is set for January 31st.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a robbery at a local motel. It happened Thursday morning at the Tyler Express, 2631 WNW Loop 323. Authorities say the clerk said she was robbed by an unidentified man after he entered the office, produced a handgun, and demanded money from the register. She said she gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money and he then fled on foot. The suspect is described as a black male approximately 5’6″ weighing around 150 pounds. He was wearing dark clothing with a black ski type mask. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin apartment maintenance man was arrested Wednesday, accused of attempting to rape a sleeping tenant. The victim�s roommate reportedly let Jose Otilio Diaz Jr., 34, into their Acadia Arms apartment to fix the dishwasher, according to an arrest report. The victim, 18, was in the bedroom asleep when she reportedly awoke to Diaz standing over her, pulling off her shorts. The victim yelled to her roommate, who was in the living room. The roommate could tell the woman was in trouble and grabbed her husband�s .45-caliber pistol before investigating what was going on. Authorities say the roommate told Diaz to get out of the apartment and followed him to the door. The victim said she felt Diaz would not have stopped if her roommate would not have walked in with the gun, according to the report. The victim later identified Diaz in a police photo lineup.

TYLER — Today’s the day of the Tyler Area Chamber’s annual Business Expo, from 9 to 5 at Harvey Convention Center, featuring some 150 exhibitors. The Chamber’s Henry Bell says the expo offers “a lot of different variety this year.” He says the free event offers a chance to network and learn about the local business environment. Bell said the business climate in Tyler is quite positive right now, and that should help spur interest in the expo.

BEAUMONT � A 44-year-old Lufkin man pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges related to a double homicide which took place in Nacogdoches in August 2007. Carl Carver pleaded guilty to committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity before U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone in Beaumont. Specifically, Carver admitted that he had participated in the murder of David Mitchamore.

According to information presented in court, Carver was a general 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� issued by Carver against Mitchamore because of Mitchamore’s failure to repay an outstanding debt he allegedly owed to Carver. The bodies of Mitchamore and Brown were discovered in Nacogdoches County on Aug. 10, 2007. Carver faces life in prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

LONGVIEW — A retirement reception will be held for Longview Chief of Police J.B. McCaleb from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. today. 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 Assistant Fire Marshal Brandon Davis says a house has been destroyed by fire on the 300 block of West Cedar. KETK reports the blaze started on the east side of the house, although investigators still aren’t sure how. The flames spread quickly into the attic, causing a partial roof collapse. No one was hurt.