LUFKIN Lufkin Police are investigating an apparent murder. According to KETK, the incident happened Friday afternoon. Officers reportedly shot Maurell McClendon, 86, after he shot his wife. Reports say McClendon was in a yard carrying a gun, while his estranged wife, Christine, lay on the ground wounded after reportedly being shot. Christine McClendon later died at the hospital. Maurell was taken to a Lufkin hospital. He was later flown to a Tylers East Texas Medical Center where he died Sunday night.
Man Stabbed at Lake Tyler
TYLER Tyler Police are investigating a stabbing at Lake Tyler. It was reported around 2:45 Sunday morning after officers were called to the hospital. The victim was identified as Ronnie Melton, 24, Van. Police say Melton told them he was stabbed multiple times by an unknown black male while talking with some people in the parking lot area of Hillcreek Park. Authorities say Melton was unable to provide any information regarding the suspects identity or the reason for the attack. Meltons injuries were said to be serious, but non life-threatening.
Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case, or any, felony case.
Ag Commissioner’s Race Gets Muddy
EAST TEXAS — The Todd Staples campaign released jail records of his opponent Hank Gilbert of Whitehouse in the agriculture commissioner’s race. Gilbert was pulled over for speeding and after an arrest warrant related to the charge, authorities took away his license. Throughout the campaign, Staples has brought up Gilbert’s conviction for theft by check back in 2001. According to KETK, on Friday, the Gilbert campaign responded by saying Staples is mudslinging with personal attacks instead of focusing on the issues.
The Gilbert camp says the speeding charge came from a Texas surcharge points system and Gilbert paid the fine before the warrant was executed.
One Dead in Tyler Wreck
TYLER — A major accident on Troup Hwy Friday night left a 24-year-old woman dead and three injured. It happened just after 5:00 in front of Green Acres Baptist Church on Troup Hwy and Sterling Dr. Police say a Ford Mustang was travelling northbound on Troup Hwy when a Mercury Mystique, traveling south, made a left turn toward Sterling Dr. into the path of the Ford and was struck in the passenger side of the vehicle. The Mercury then spun into a light pole at intersection.
The driver and infant passenger in the Mercury were transported to Mother Francis Hospital as well as the driver of the Ford. A 24 year old Black Female occupant of the Mercury was transported and pronounced deceased at ETMC Hospital. The three persons transported to Mother Francis Hospital were treated and released. The accident is still under investigation. No names are being released pending proper notification of next of kin.
Public Meeting on Area Development Plan
TYLER — The City of Tyler will hold a public meeting tonight at 6:00 at the UT Tyler Ornelas Activity Center to present the preliminary outcomes of the UT Tyler Area Development Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to hear conclusions on the Area Development Plan including the planning teams findings and recommendations. The City of Tyler initiated the plan study last October to build upon recommendations set forth in the Tyler 21 Comprehensive Plan. City officials say the purpose of the Area Development Plan is to further develop UT Tyler, neighborhoods and surrounding areas as a vibrant district. Officials say the findings and recommendations cover long term growth, pedestrian friendly corridors, and ideas to enhance the UT Tyler area.
NETPHD Executive Wins Emerson Award
TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) announces that Harold Higgins, Senior Deputy Director, received the 2010 Janet Emerson Public Health Servant Award at a dinner Wednesday evening in Austin. This award is the Texas Association of Local Health Officials (TALHO) highest accolade for demonstrated extraordinary performance with an exemplary commitment to local public health. Health officials say the Emerson award is a means of expressing gratitude, recognition and encouragement of professional accomplishment in public health at the local level. As nominator and NETPHD CEO George Roberts noted, Harolds steady ‘can do’ spirit and willingness to work with many people and many different organizations has enabled NETPHD to grow, sustain and be recognized as experts in public health.
Higgins serves as the Senior Deputy Director of Public Health Preparedness, Immunization and Tuberculosis Control Departments at NETPHD. Local health officials say Higgins has contributed outstanding service and dedication to protect and promote the health of the community for more than 30 years. During his public health career, Higgins has worked at the state, regional and local levels. In 2009, the Immunization Department, in which he serves as Director, had a record year by giving almost 17,000 immunizations in Smith County, as well as leading the vaccination of over 20,000 area citizens with the H1N1 vaccine.
Officials say due to Higgins’s actions, NETPHD received a Model Practice Award from the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) for establishing a partnership with UT Tyler for Medical Special Needs Sheltering. He was also deemed instrumental in the sheltering of thousands of special needs evacuees during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. Mr. Higgins has been a rock solid, reliable public health worker for over three decades now, and I am sure Mr. Higgins will continue to make great contributions in the field of public health for years to come, says Dr. Paul McGaha, Regional Director, Texas Department of State Health Services.
Grassroots Members Talk Taxes
TYLER– Smith County and Tyler Junior College both recently proposed taxes increases. This means Tyler property owners could be facing more than $100 extra each year. Friday, Grassroots members met to discuss the taxes. Tyler property owner, Jann Allison, says, “I don’t think they should raise taxes. There has to be other ways to do it.” She and other taxpayers gain insight at the Grassroots meeting today.
According to KETK, Smith County Commissioner Jeff Warr updated the crowd on the Smith County budget. Warr says,”We want to cut everything we can possibly cut out of the budget before we ask for a tax increase.” However, taxes are not settling well with many citizens, especially when they are hit twice. Tyler Junior College Board of Trustees wants a 33% increase in property taxes. Former TJC Board Member Anna Snyder encourages the crowd to represent Grassroots at the next public hearing. She says, “Come and sit behind me in an $8 million building and just stare at them.”
Several stood up in their commitment to attend the public hearing held at Tyler Junior College on Thursday. There will be public hearing for the Smith County budget this coming Tuesday.
Fossey Named LETU’s Senior Development Chief
LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has named Scott Fossey as the new senior director of development, responsible for managing the universitys fundraising staff and reporting to the vice president for development. In recent years, Fossey has served as a president and chief development officer in private education and as morning meteorologist at Tyler CBS affiliate KYTX-TV. His plans are to continue his role as a weatherman at the TV station.
Scott Fossey is one of the most familiar faces in East Texas, said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. I have had the pleasure of working with both Scott and (his wife) Leslie in the past and look forward to the years ahead. LeTourneau University is one of the most significant Christian universities in the nation and Scott will be effective at sharing our vision with others.”
We are excited and humbled to be a part of the LeTourneau University family and to share in the universitys mission to equip students to impact every workplace in every nation for Christ, Fossey said. “We look forward to forming new relationships throughout East Texas and around the country as we meet those who have also been touched by LETU and are looking for a way to give back to the university through a number of opportunities.
Nutrition Program Questions Resolved
KILGORE — Questions about the Senior Nutrition Program around East Texas cause the state to audit the program. The senior nutrition program for 14 local counties is run by the East Texas Council of Governments. Director David Cleveland says recently, the program was struggling and was down to just three contractors. KETK says after six months, the state auditor found no wrong doing. The agency says they will keep better records in the future.
Smith County Warrant Round-Up Extended
TYLER — Smith County will extend its two-week warrant amnesty campaign through the entire month of August due to the early success of the program, according to county officials. The Smith County Collections Department, Justice Courts, and Sheriffs and Constables’ Offices originally declared an amnesty period for August 1 15. That was to allow anyone with outstanding fines or warrants for Class C Misdemeanors in Smith County to contact the County Collections Department (903-590-4624) and make arrangements to pay the fine without fear of arrest.
A Warrant Round-Up will begin on September 1, 2010, and all remaining cases will be moved into active warrant status with additional costs and fees added. Once the Warrant Round-Up begins, defendants will be actively pursued at home and their places of work and arrested. Anyone operating a motor vehicle at the time of their arrest will have the vehicle towed.
The Smith County Collections Department and the Smith County Justice Courts will be available to take payments, workout payment plans and in some cases offer discounts during normal business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday Friday during the amnesty period. To find out if you have a warrant in Smith County visit http://www.smith-county.com and select Do you owe a court fine? at the top of the home page. This site will allow you to search for your name in Smith County database.
$500,000 Grant for Airport Improvements
WASHINGTON East Texas Regional Airport will receive a federal grant worth $500,000 for airport improvements, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Thursday. The funding comes through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These funds will be used to address needed maintenance and safety improvements at East Texas Regional Airport, Sen. Cornyn said. In addition, quality transportation services are important for boosting local economic growth. I commend the area leaders who worked to secure this funding. This grant will provide Federal funding for several rehabilitative projects at East Texas Regional Airport including airport terminal entrance road and parking lot construction, both deemed important to improving passenger safety.
Water Pipes for Tobacco OK in Troup
TROUP – Tuesday night the Troup city council voted unanimously to permanently ban the sale and use of K2 within city limits. However, KETK reports water pipes can still be sold for tobacco use. Troup Police Chief Pat Hendrix says K2 is 100 times more potent than THC, the active component in marijuana.
Teen Arrested for Murder
SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County homicide is under investigation. It happened around 6:00 Wednesday evening on CR 1295. 50-year-old Richard Rico Ramos was found dead at the scene from multiple stab wounds. 17-year-old Alejandro Silva, Tyler, is charged with murder. According to authorities, Silva was at the home visiting his girlfriend when he heard Ramos fighting with his girlfriend’s mom. Smith County Sheriff’s Lt. Tony Dana said Silva took a kitchen knife to the back bedroom where the two were fighting and confronted Ramos. Dana said Ramos reportedly took a swing at Silva, when Silva stabbed him multiple times. Bond has been set at $1,000,000.
Authorities say the original call that came in was regarding a sexual assault that had allegedly happened and the murder was in response to the reported assault. Lt. Dana said there was no evidence that any sexual assault ever happened or was attempted.
Prison Sentence for Drug Dealer
RUSK COUNTY — A Henderson man pleads guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. 21-year-old Trenton Ferguson was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in prison for the felony. He will have to serve 1/4 of the sentence before being eligible for parole.
Police Remember Officer Killed in Wreck
TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is sharing its memories of a retired Tyler police officer killed in a one vehicle accident in Wood County. Pronounced dead at the scene were Dan Ross, 54, and Southern Trace Glaspif, 7. The accident happened around 12:45 Wednesday afternoon on Farm Road 14, about a mile north of State Highway 154. Their bodies have been sent to Dallas for autopsy. According to the Department of Public Safety, the victims truck left the road and hit a dirt embankment and then caught fire.
According to a statement from the Tyler Police Department, Ross began his career in law enforcement on January 23, 1978, with the Dallas County Sheriffs Department. On July 1, 1979, he was hired by the Tyler Police Department. Ross served with the Tyler Police Department for 23 years and retired on June 24, 2002. During his tenure with the department he received his Advanced Peace Officer License, TCLEOSE Instructors License, Commendation Bar, and Certificate of Merit Bar, and was named Officer of the Year in 1993.
Ross was a Field Training Officer and a member of the Hostage Negotiation Unit. He was assigned to the Narcotics Unit for a good portion of his career, and during that assignment he was appointed to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Task Force for a period of time.
The statement adds, “The Tyler Police Department personnel were saddened at the news of Dan and his grandsons death from yesterdays vehicle accident. Dan was well liked by police personnel who worked with him and knew him. Even though Dan retired several years ago, he is still part of the Tyler Police family and will be missed.”