KTBB News, Weather, Talk

CANTON (AP) – Two men have pleaded guilty to starting two church fires in Van Zandt County last year and have been given life sentences. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reported that 21-year-old Jason Bourque and 23-year-old Daniel McAllister made the pleas on Friday afternoon. Bourque pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and was given two life sentences. McAllister pleaded guilty to one count and received one life sentence. Both men had already received life terms after entering guilty pleas to other church arsons last year in Smith and Henderson counties. The Van Zandt County sentences will be served concurrently with those of the other two counties. McAllister apologized to those in the courtroom.

TYLER — The Tyler Independent School District has determined that Friday, May 27, 2011 will be the bad weather make-up day for the February 4 school closing due to inclement weather. Students will have classes on May 27. School district officials say the bad weather day was purposefully set in order to avoid a conflict with Memorial Day on May 30.

The Tyler ISD school calendar is approved by the Board of Trustees. School district officials say it is created through a lengthy, thoughtful process that relies on input and feedback from both the community and the school system, including the District Planning Committee (DPC). The DPC consists of business representatives, parents, teachers and administrators who serve as advisers to the District in a number of initiatives throughout the year, including the selection of dates for staff development, teacher work days, holidays and bad weather days in the annual calendar. You can visit http://www.tylerisd.org to access the school calendar for the current year, as well as the approved school calendar for 2011-2012.

CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County say they’ve rounded up a pair of copper theft suspects. On Thursday, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on VZCR #3221 on a report of a burglary in progress. A neighbor had spotted two men taking items from a property and putting the items into a silver pickup truck. Prior to the deputies’ arrival the suspect vehicle left the scene.

Authorities say a Department of Public Safety trooper on patrol in the area spotted the vehicle outside of Wills Point and stopped the vehicle. The trooper detained 26-year-olds Brandon Donihoo and Nathan Pruitt. According to a sheriff’s department report, a deputy discovered that Donihoo and Pruitt had removed several rolls of copper wire and aluminum cans from the complainants’ property. The suspects were arrested for theft of copper and were transported to the Van Zandt County Justice Center. Both suspects were arraigned, and bond was set at $5000.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — A Tuesday morning wreck claims the life of a Nacogdoches man. 23-year-old Franscisco Rios Vasquez, died Wednesday from injuries sustained in a wreck Tuesday in Nacogdoches County. State Troopers say Vasquez was driving east on State Hwy 21, just east of Nacogdoches, when he entered the westbound lane striking another vehicle.

SMITH COUNTY — A major wreck Thursday afternoon sends 4 people, including a baby, to the hospital. It happened along Hwy 31 east in Smith County around 5:30. Troopers say a blue van heading east on 31 did not yield the right of way when turning left. A truck coming over the hill hit the van head-on.

JACKSONVILLE — A man is under arrest in connection with a shooting in Jacksonville. Gary Warren, 33, allegedly shot a gun at a house on Skyline Blvd. Five people were said to be inside, including a child, but no injuries were reported. Warren was later caught on Austin Street and charged with possession of marijuana and firearms as well as five counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Police say there may be a second suspect involved and they believe the incident to be gang related.

MARSHALL — One person is in custody in connection with a Harrison County shooting death. The suspect, Barney Davis, 44, of Marshall, was arrested at the home of Harrison County Sheriff Tom McCool.

A news release said Davis called dispatchers Wednesday night saying he was in front of the sheriff’s home and wanted to talk with him. McCool met Davis in the driveway and Davis told McCool and deputies who had arrived, that he had just been involved in a fight on Maryland Drive with Glynn Morehead, 50. When deputies went to check on Morehead, they found him dead.

At last report, Davis remained in the Harrison county jail, charged with murder.

TYLER – Smith County residents have been given a look at a new county jail expansion plan. It was presented and discussed at a town hall meeting Thursday afternoon. The plan is to expand the existing downtown jail facilities and eliminate the need for out-of-county inmate transport. The $35 million plan includes an in-house infirmary, estimated to save the county $600-800,000 per year in hospital expenses, and an additional 384 beds to eliminate the average $2 million annual cost for housing Smith County inmates in alternate facilities. County officials say the plan will eliminate pressing safety issues, increase operating efficiencies and cut costs.

“In good and bad times government needs to strive to improve efficiencies and cut costs. There is never a good time to build a jail, however this plan offers the greatest impact at the lowest cost to the taxpayers,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff Warr, who worked to develop the plan.

“The facts are black and white. We have to keep criminals off the street and it makes more sense to own the space they are in than to rent it,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Cary Nix said. The plan offers few new amenities but reorganizes existing resources to operate more efficiently.

“The kitchen and laundry facilities are being moved to the low-risk campus to allow trustees full access to work there,” Commissioner Warr said.

“The visitation space will be replaced by an infirmary and all visitation will be done by remote video, increasing safety and eliminating the need for jail employees to monitor this function. Lack of contact with family members also works as an added detourant for offenders,” Commissioner Warr said.

“This plan is about organizing and maintaining efficient operations for our criminal justice system, not creating any extra comforts for those who are in jail,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Terry Phillips said.

The $35 million plan, if approved by a May bond election, would add one cent per $100 valuation to the Smith County tax roll for 15 years or a cost of about $13 per year to the average Smith County household.

“This proposal addresses numerous situations that our Sheriff’s office has dealt with for years in severely inadequate conditions, which will ultimately lead to greater safety for our deputies and jail personnel,” Precinct 4 Commissioner JoAnn Hampton said.

County Judge Joel Baker said that cooperation and extra work done by members of the court, along with the work that the District Attorney and the Judges have done to expedite the judicial process, will have significant benefit for all our Smith County citizens.

HENDERSON – Rusk County Crime Stoppers and the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office need help identifying a man who stole copper wire from Crims Chapel Water Supply on County Road 238. On January 11, deputies say he broke into the water supply by climbing a fence around the building. That’s when he is said to have picked up some copper wire lying on the ground, threw it over the fence, and climbed back over before leaving. The copper wire was worth about $500. Rusk County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1000 for any information leading to an arrest in this case. Call them at 903-655-TIPS (8477) or contact the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office at 903-657-3581.

TYLER – A 33-year-old Palestine man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking. Sterlynn Jeremiah Henry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute phencyclidine, also known as PCP, Thursday in Tyler before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

According to information presented in court, on October 7, 2009, Henry and a co-defendant, Andrea Rachelle Bailey, were found to be in possession of a mixture containing a detectable amount of PCP, which they intended to distribute in the Eastern District of Texas. Henry also admitted to being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of his criminal activity. Henry and Bailey were indicted by a federal grand jury on December 1, 2010. Henry faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. Bailey pleaded guilty on February 3, 2011, and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not been set.

CANTON — Four persons are arrested in Van Zandt County on drug charges. On Wednesday, a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving investigators from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Saline Police Department, Canton Police Department, and Pct. 1 Constable’s Office executed a narcotics search warrant. Investigators had received information of illegal narcotics allegedly being sold at a location in Grand Saline. They executed the warrant at 134 W. Hickory St. in Grand Saline. Investigators say they seized a large amount of currency and methamphetamines from the location.

Upon execution of the warrant, four suspects were taken into custody: Tabbatha Jane Bretz, 28; Lacey Wayne Hipp, 26; Mindy Ann Roseman, 31; and Ronald Wayne White, 45. All have been charged with manufacture/delivery of controlled substance and are being held on $40,000 bond at the Van Zandt County Justice Center.

LINDALE — The Lindale Independent School District will hold classes on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 to make up for the district closure on Friday, February 4 due to winter weather. The May 31 date is already scheduled on the approved 2010-2011 LISD school calendar as a make-up day. June 1 is also scheduled as a possible makeup day in the event of another school closure. At this time, classes will only be held on May 31. “Every school day is important to our students and our school district,” Lindale ISD Superintendent Stan Surratt said. “Attendance on the scheduled make-up day is just as important as attendance any other day. I am sure there will be many end of the year exams, programs and presentations that our students will not want to miss as well.”

TYLER – Carter BloodCare is issuing a special call for donors, saying inclement weather resulted in a severely low blood supply. The organization requests all available donors make an appointment or attend community drives soon. All Carter BloodCare donor centers in East Texas reopened Thursday after Wednesday’s inclement weather conditions led the organization to shut down. This, following a wintry blast from Feb. 1st through 4th, that resulted in the loss of almost four days of blood collections for the blood center. During those days, blood drives were canceled and Carter elected to close donor centers, citing safety concerns for staff and donors.

Carter BloodCare is the largest blood center in Texas and its 56-county operation means that when blood collections are low in East Texas, the blood center’s Dallas/Fort Worth and Waco operations can help meet the demand. However, the recent weather conditions affected all of Carter BloodCare’s service area – eliminating this benefit – and leaving the blood supply severely low, according to Carter officials.

Officials say patient needs were met during the crisis because of strong relationships that Carter BloodCare has forged with other community blood centers statewide and across the country. The blood center imported blood from as many as eight other centers. But Carter officials say this type of arrangement is not sustainable.

A community blood center relies on local volunteer blood donors. Officials say Carter BloodCare needs to see at least 1100 donors a day, system-wide, in order to keep up with local hospitals’ needs. A wide range of patients use blood on a daily basis, and there is no substitute for human blood. Patients battling cancer are the largest consumers of blood and blood products, but blood is just as necessary for patients undergoing joint-replacement surgery, sickle cell disease treatments, emergency labor and delivery cases, and emergency trauma care.

Potential donors can be 16 years old with a parent’s consent; 17-year-olds may donate independently. There is no upper age limit for donating blood. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good general health and present a photo ID. Ideally, a donor should also eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood. For more information about donor eligibility, visit http://carterbloodcare.org or call Carter BloodCare at 1-800-DONATE-4.

KILGORE — Kilgore public school administrators say all departments are being considered for cuts as the district faces budget trimming in light of the state’s deficit. The district is expecting a state funding cut ranging between 3.2 to 6 million dollars. The state legislature has until July to make decisions, Kilgore Schools have only until April to renew those teacher contracts.

LUFKIN — A 19-year-old Lufkin man died early Wednesday morning, and three other people were injured, during a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 69 north. The accident happened at 12:35 a.m. Wednesday one mile south of FM 843, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety report. The driver of a 1995 Lexus, Isaac Tucker, 19, of Pollok, crossed the center line heading southbound and collided with a Kenworth truck towing a trailer, the report stated. Nicholas Zayne Anthony, a passenger in the Lexus, died at the scene.

Tucker was transported to Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin and is listed in serious condition. Another passenger, Ryan Walton, 19, also of Pollok, was taken to Memorial and is listed in poor condition. The driver of the truck, Michael Sutton, 40, of Louisiana, was also taken to Memorial and was listed in good condition. The report stated that everyone was wearing a seat belt.

EAST TEXAS – East Texas is getting back to normal after winter weather plagued the area. It turned out, at least for the Tyler and Longview area, to be not nearly as bad as predicted. Still, there are some scattered problems and some schools will have a delayed start today. Here’s the list:
Slocum opens at 9:30
Azleway Charter School opens at 9:30
Frankston starts at10:00am
Laneville starts at 10:00am
Van starts at 10:00
Quitman starts at 10:00
Yantis starts at 10:00
Rusk opens at 10:00
LaPoyner starts at 10:00
Wells starts at 10:00
Union Hill opens at 10:00
Malakoff has a two hour delay
Jacksonville has a two hour delay
Alto has a two hour delay
Nacogdoches has a two hour delay
Sulphur Springs has a two hour delay
Quitman has a two hour delay

TYLER — The public is encouraged to attend a community input meeting on the newest Smith County Proposal for jail expansion. Officials say you can get information, ask questions, and submit comments this afternoon starting at 4:00 in the County Courthouse’s Central Jury Room. According to officials, proposal highlights include a 384-bed expansion of the existing facility, improved employee and community safety, improved efficiencies and cost savings, and elimination of out-of-county inmate housing. You can also go to http://www.Smith-County.com for more information or to email questions and comments.

TYLER — City of Tyler sales tax revenues deposited for the month of February have increased .58% as compared to February 2010, resulting in a 3.78% cumulative year-to-date increase. City officials explain that the current month increase was 1.51%; however, an out-of-period audit adjustment resulted in the .58% increase.

The reported revenue of $3,927,247.40 comprises of $2,618,164.93 general sales tax revenue and $1,309,082.47 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from December 2010 collections as there is a two-month lag before taxes are reported and remitted back to the City from the State.

“The City budgeted for a two percent increase in sales tax revenue for 2010-2011, so we are staying on track to meet our budget projections,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “We will continue to watch expenditures closely heading into the next budget cycle as another difficult fiscal year is anticipated due to deflated property values and a slow economic recovery. One of our biggest concerns at this point is potential ramifications from budget cuts at the State level.”

The City received more than $1.1 million in State funding this fiscal year, of which $722,000 came from Federal grants passed through the State. “The Federal funding passed through the State is primarily special law enforcement grants, as well as transit and transportation funding,” explained McDaniel. “Some of this funding may no longer be available on the Federal level. Additionally, the State may choose to eliminate some of its funding to help balance the State budget or pass along unfunded mandates to the local level.”

The law enforcement grants account for more than $200,000 of the total State funding and allow for special enforcement programs such as the Auto Theft Task Force and Click It or Tickit programs. “If the State chooses to reallocate these funds in the future, most likely we will cease these special enforcement programs,” explained Police Chief Gary Swindle. “However, it would not cause us to lose officers as most of this State funding is used for overtime pay.”

State funding only represents 1.2% of the City’s operating budget. Although the cessation of the grants would not result in staffing decreases, there is concern that the State could choose to require cities to continue the programs without providing the funding. “The potential of unfunded mandates or fees emerging from the State budget process is something we are watching closely,” added McDaniel. “Over the last two years we have worked diligently to balance our budget and make the cuts needed to stay within our means. Mandates to continue former State programs with local resources could be devastating to city budgets.”

In 2010, the City of Tyler froze more than 125 positions mid-year, delayed capital expenditures, renegotiated contracts, launched a Lean Sigma efficiency program, limited salary adjustments and took many other actions to ensure the City ended the year in a positive financial position. “Tyler is in a much better position that many other cities across the country,” shared McDaniel. “Because we have no general obligation debt and pay cash for most capital improvement projects, we are able to respond to changing financial conditions. And thanks to our Blueprint, Called to SERVE and Lean Sigma programs, Tyler has maintained its culture of continuous improvement for greater efficiencies.”

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department follows up on a big robbery. More than $50,000 worth of equipment was discovered missing from a city-owned building early Tuesday. The equipment includes stage monitors, speakers, a 50-foot projection screen, mixing boards, amplifiers, and other audio and video equipment. Marshall’s Main Street director, Bo Ellis, says the loss of equipment is devastating for his department, charged with organizing most of Marshall’s community events. The Marshall Police Department is not commenting, but is investigating the case.

TYLER — Tyler Police Chief Gary Swindle made a presentation Wednesday to City Council to explain the amendments to the Community Response Crime Prevention Program and introduce each of the Community Response Officers, along with a description of the geographical beats for which they are responsible.

On October 13, 2010, the Council approved the acceptance of a grant for four additional police officers from the United States Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Police Services (COPS). This grant will be for a three year period and save the City of Tyler $853,000. The additional officers allow the expansion of the department’s Community Response Officers (CROs) program from six officers to ten. This will reduce the geographical regions or beats for which each CRO is accountable. Police say the CROs will be able to respond faster to problems and work to develop more partnerships within the community to prevent crime.

Police say the CRO serves as liaison for the community; other local entities, private and public; and the police department, giving the citizen direct access for problem resolution. According to police, the patrol officers are deployed to the same geographical areas and work to resolve the community problems along with the CRO. Police say the CRO meets regularly with community groups and other entities to develop partnerships and coordinate problem resolution. Police add that when a problem is identified, the CRO, the community, the officers, and other resources are brought to bear to resolve the problem. According to officials, at the conclusion of the grant period the Police Department will retain these positions and will fully fund the positions within the Department’s budget.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council received a presentation Wednesday on the outcomes of the Fall 2010 Neighborhood Empowerment Works (NEW) Program. Officials say during the 10th NEW Program, City of Tyler Departments came together and made many improvements to a neighborhood in City Council District Three. The boundaries of the neighborhood selected as the 10th NEW were West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Border and Palace Avenues to West Vance Avenue between Moore and Palace Avenues to Franklin Street.

Officials say the NEW program enhances the quality of life for Tyler residents – one neighborhood at a time – by intensely concentrating City services in a specific area for four weeks. Working in partnership with the neighborhoods, the City’s goal is to raise awareness of code and zoning ordinances, provide information on accessing City services and promote clean and safe neighborhoods. Various City departments use information gathered from a neighborhood meeting as well as an examination of the area to identify services that could make an immediate impact on the neighborhood.

Outcomes from the 10th NEW program include:
· 33 junk vehicles were tagged for removal;
· 109 lots with high vegetation were mowed;
· 24 trashed lots were cleaned;
· 2.6 miles of curb and gutter were edged and 8 miles of curb and gutter were repaired;
· 1.238 square feet of street base repairs were performed;
· 2.6 miles of right-of-way were mowed;
· 15 stop signs were replaced;
· 12 street lights were repaired;
· The Tyler Police Department issued 23 police citations and made two arrests. They supplied a total of 80 man hours;
· The Solid Waste Department removed 425 yards of solid waste;
· Trees were trimmed and 40 cubic yards of waste removed; and,
· Keep Tyler Beautiful planted daffodil bulbs on the T.J. Austin Elementary School campus.

“The NEW program is an important tool that the City uses to stop neighborhood decline in its tracks,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ralph Caraway. “The program has made great progress throughout the City since its inception and the 10th program has certainly continue the success of NEW.” The next NEW program will begin this spring and will be held in City Council District Two.

LONGVIEW — A Longview family escaped without injuries but is displaced from their home after an early morning blaze. Firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of West Birdsong Street about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday for a fire that started in the home’s attic. Longview Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary said residents told investigators their breaker tripped repeatedly, but they kept resetting it. He said the fire, which caused about $25,000 worth of damage, was caused by faulty wiring in the home. Zackary said the fire could have been prevented if the residents had heeded the electrical breaker warning. He said if a breaker trips in your home multiple times it is important to leave it off until an electrician can diagnose the issue.

ATHENS — Two men who pleaded guilty to a series of church fires in Smith County have now pleaded guilty to similar charges in Henderson County. Jason Bourque and Daniel McAllister pleaded guilty in a court appearance Tuesday afternoon. Bourque was assessed three life sentences and McAllister was assessed two life sentences. They will be served concurrently with the life sentences they received for the Smith County church arson cases. The pair still faces charges in Van Zandt County.

TYLER – A two-alarm fire at Tyler’s Transit Mix Concrete Company caused an estimated $20,000 in damage. The fire in the 4200 block of the Old Troup Highway was reported around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon. Six engines and two ladder companies along with a district chief and an investigator responded to the blaze. Flames were visible on the roof when firemen arrived. Investigators say workers constructing a new roof on the structure were using a propane torch and accidentally ignited wooden material beneath the roofing. The employees were quickly evacuated from the building and no injuries were reported.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert is concerned after three Texas teens were shot to death Saturday in violent Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, while visiting an auto dealership. Gohmert says the U.S. has to put pressure on the Mexican authorities — “and if they do not seem able to address these murders adequately, then it’s time to take what action we need to.” Gohmert says he’s discussed the situation with FBI personnel, and that they’re willing to assist in whatever way the Mexican government will allow. Gohmert serves as vice chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. He says when there are drug cartels killing people on either side of the border, obviously it’s going to spill over into America.

TYLER – A teen responsible for a 30 minute lockdown at Tyler’s Robert E Lee High School is in custody. Tyler I.S.D. officials say the lockdown was instituted because “the safety of our students is our foremost concern.”

They say that the incident began when a student reported some stolen items to the school’s Crime Stoppers organization. Officials say when the accused thief was approached by authorities; he dropped his bag and ran out of the school and into a nearby park. A handgun was found in the student’s bag, and the school was placed on lockdown. School district officials say Tyler ISD Police assisted by the Tyler Police Department in securing the suspect’s location. There were no injuries.

Around 9:00 Tuesday night, the student turned himself into authorities with the Tyler ISD Police Department. He was taken into custody by officers for the offense of “Places Weapons Prohibited” and transported to the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center.

According to a statement from the school district, “Although we hope we never have these types of instances, this is a great example of how to use the Crime Stoppers program successfully and how students can help keep each other safe. We applaud the efforts of our students in communicating this information to school officials. Campus administrators acted immediately to secure the campus. We appreciate the efforts of the students, staff, and both law enforcement agencies in acting efficiently and effectively to secure the campus in a timely manner.”

TYLER – A 32-year-old Mexican National has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in Eastern Texas. Gabriel Hernandez Rodriguez, who’s said to be illegally living in Tyler, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, from an unknown date to January of last year, Rodriguez conspired with Jose Zavala of Whitehouse to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District. Rodriguez also possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Rodriguez was arrested on September 28, 2010, and charged with federal drug trafficking crimes. Zavala pleaded guilty on July 6, 2010 and will be sentenced today. Both men face a minimum of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date for Rodriguez has not been set.

EAST TEXAS — A hard freeze warning and a wind chill advisory are in effect for the Tyler-Longview area overnight. Travel could remain treacherous through Friday morning due to minimal melting on Thursday. Because of the winter weather, some schools and other agencies have announced some schedule changes for Wednesday evening and Thursday.

WEDNESDAY:

Closed:
Texas College
A & M Commerce
Bethel Christian (Pittsburg)
Jarvis Christian College
Star College
Kilgore College
UT Tyler
All Tyler ISD after-school programs and tutorials
LeTourneau University – Longview campus, Abbott Aviation Center and Tyler location. Food service will continue all day for students living on the LETU Longview campus.

The Tyler Municipal Court is canceling Partners for Youth Classes held at the Court between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday. Persons involved may call the Court at (903)531-1266 to get a reset appointment date.

The Tyler Public Library is canceling all events scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

PATH’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program has been cancelled for Wednesday night.

Services Cancelled Wednesday:
Colonial Hills Church
1st Baptist – Gresham
South Oaks Baptist Church
Cross Brand Cowboy Church
West Erwin Church of Christ
Central Baptist Church, Tyler
Friendly Baptist Church, Tyler

Wednesday night’s TJC Men’s & Women’s Basketball games at Panola College in Carthage have been postponed until Thursday. Game times will be 3pm and 5pm.

Wednesday night’s Kilgore College men’s basketball game against Navarro College has been postponed until Thursday at 6 p.m.

Trinity Clinic facilities closed Wednesday:
Sulphur Springs
Hawkins/HollyLake
Chandler
Canton and Canton DirectCARE
Mineola
Quitman
Winnsboro
Whitehouse
Manhatton
Trinity Children’s Clinic
Trinity Pediatric Clinic

All Carter BloodCare donor centers in North, Central and East Texas are closed Wednesday.

THURSDAY:

Van ISD will delay opening 2 hours.
Jacksonville will open with a two hour delay.
Rusk ISD will open at 10:00 a.m.
LaPoynor ISD will open at 10 a.m. Buses will run two hours late.
Slocum ISD will open at 9:30 a.m.

This list will be updated when additional information is received. Be sure to keep it on KTBB and check ktbb.com for the latest information.

LONGVIEW — Longview residents say two area citizens have fallen victim to pigeon drop schemes in the past month. According to victim statements, the same two black males and possibly a black female are suspected of being responsible for both incidents. Reports state the older black male suspect will approach the victim and strike up a conversation with them. After a few minutes the suspect will begin talking about money and then ask for a ride to a designated location. The victim will be asked to give the suspect money. In return the victim will be told they are going to receive more money. After the transaction occurs the suspect will leave the area, possibly in a bright blue newer model extended cab Ford truck. If you have any information regarding this crime, you are encouraged to contact the Longview Police Department at http://www.longviewpolice.com or (903)237-1199.

TYLER — Tyler Police observed several incidents of hazardous driving during last week’s winter ice storm that affected our area. Due to possible slippery conditions in the wake of Wednesday’s cold and precipitation, authorities want to bring attention to the most common errors that were observed by officers.

1. Driving too fast for road conditions. When roads are covered with ice, driving the posted speed limit is not safe. The key is to drive SLOWLY and maintain control of your vehicle.

2. Avoid, if at all possible, any route that may cause you to drive on icy inclines. Drive where your vehicle will maintain the best traction.

3. Following too Closely. Please maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

4. Remove all snow from your windows before you begin to drive. Impaired visibility affects your ability to react. Numerous drivers had windows that were completely covered with snow & ice while they were driving.

5. Don’t drive if you don’t have to.