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TYLER — The Tyler Ministerial Alliance holds its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Interaith Rally today. This popular program, now in its 25th year, celebrates the legacy of Dr. King. Organizers say his calls for pluralism, racial equality, and social justice still need to be heard and celebrated in our day. This year, the keynote speaker is Texas State Senator Kevin Eltife, sharing his personal thoughts about the progress of race relations in East Texas over the past years.

As always, the program began with a rally on the Downtown Square at 9:30 a.m., followed by a march down Broadway to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — the site of a 10:00 service with prayers for peace, awards, Eltife’s keynote presentation, and musical presentations. Dr. Jerome Milton, who first brought the march to Tyler and has continued to organize it, says he and the ministerial alliance will be stepping down after this year and passing the baton to the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum. Milton says he wants to thank the public for its cooperation, prayers, and motivation over the years.

You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org/Home/tabid/36/ctl/NewsCategory/mid/865/Default.aspx for the city’s holiday schedule.

TYLER — The Tyler Ministerial Alliance held its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Interaith Rally Monday, and outgoing event chairman Dr. Jerome Milton is pleased. Milton says the usual crowd of 800 to 900 turned out in spite of the weather, and he said State Senator Kevin Eltife offered up a “phenomenal” keynote address.

Eltife shared his personal thoughts about the progress of race relations in East Texas over the past years. He pointed out that when he became mayor in 1996, Tyler didn’t officially observe the day — but the city council passed a resolution about six months later making it an official city holiday. Eltife says that’s just one example of efforts around the city. He remarked that every year, race relations have continued to improve in Tyler, and the community just has to keep working on it. Eltife says honoring Dr. King’s legacy “is not a one day a year event” — that people should live out Dr. King’s dream every day.

As always, the program began with a rally on the Downtown Square at 9:30 a.m., followed by a march down Broadway to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — the site of a 10:00 service with prayers for peace, awards, Eltife’s keynote presentation, and musical presentations. Milton first brought the march to Tyler 25 years ago and has continued to chair it. Now he and the ministerial alliance are passing the baton to the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum. That announcement was made during the rally, and Milton says it was well-received.

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.