KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Over the next several months, don’t be surprised if you see smoke billowing from Tyler State Park. The fire is planned. Park Superintendent, Bill Smart says that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff plans to conduct prescribed burns at Tyler State Park sometime during late January through March. The burns are expected to be conducted and completed in two to three days.

Prescribed burns are used as a management tool in state parks to improve habitat for wildlife by restoring forest and prairie habitats on the park that were historically maintained by natural fires. They also are conducted to reduce the amount of available fuels, such as leaf litter, fallen branches, understory growth and dead trees that accumulate naturally and from storm events. By reducing the amount of available fuels, prescribed burns reduce the chance for a potentially destructive wildfire to occur.

Park staff already has begun preparing for the upcoming burn by clearing vegetation and other fuels from the fire breaks established around the perimeter of each area (burn unit) that will be burned this year. Fuels and vegetation also are cleared away from utility poles, structures, signs and sensitive resources to protect them during the prescribed burns.

Prescribed burns on state parks are conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel who have undergone training and met national wildland firefighting certification standards. The park’s prescribed fire plan defines the conditions under which a prescribed burn may be conducted, taking into account wind speeds and direction, air temperature, relative humidity and fuel moisture levels. The plan also guides the fire crew members in managing burns to prevent them from escaping into adjacent properties and to minimize the effect of smoke in nearby residential areas.

Because specific weather conditions are required to conduct an effective and safe prescribed burn, TPWD staff cannot provide a specific date for the burn at this time. However, local emergency management officials will be notified before the prescribed fire is implemented. Smart stated that during the burn, some areas of the park would be closed to the public. During the burn there may be smoke that reduces visibility on neighboring roads and Smart cautions travelers to reduce their speed and use their headlights when smoke is present.

TYLER — The host of “Gun Talk,” heard on KTBB, has his say in the aftermath of Saturday’s shooting rampage in Tucson. Speaking with KTBB, Tom Gresham again targeted gun control advocates. According to Gresham, people who do not plan to take care of themselves say someone should take care of them — but people who actually take control of their own safety ask what else they need to do to take care of themselves and their families. Gresham says you can’t make people behave — the only question is what you as an individual are prepared to do about it.

Gresham says training is key. He comments that some say you don’t know how you’ll react in a situation like the one in Tucson — but that actually you do if you’re properly trained. And according to Gresham, training doesn’t just mean learning how to shoot a gun. He says it means learning how to react to attacks — how to move, how to communicate, how to shoot, how to use cover, etc. Gresham adds that according to statistics, people use guns to stop crime and protect themselves between one million and two million times a year in the U.S.

Gresham also says the man who jumped on the shooter after the shooting stopped was carrying a gun and was going to use it on the shooter as soon as he got there; Gresham says the rampage just ended right before he got there. Gresham asks, “Do you want to wait and have someone else protect you or do you want to have the ability to do it yourself? It really is as simple as that…As we like to say, ‘When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.'”

Gresham additionally discussed the possible role of “toxic rhetoric” in spurring the shooting. Gresham comments, “This is just an attempt by one group to shut down talk by another group. If you follow their logic, eventually we will all have to submit our remarks, prior to making them, to the government to get them approved…It’s crazy, it’s insane, but it’s once again from the people who brought you gun control; now they want speech control — and all of it is about controlling you.”

TYLER – A 55-year-old Kilgore man has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Ronnie Ben Chappell pleaded guilty on June 23, 2010, to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison Tuesday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

Prosecutors say on December 12, 2009, Chappell consented to a search of his laptop computer after being identified as having used his credit card to purchase child pornography over the internet. An analysis of the computer revealed approximately 75 images of child pornography; authorities say some depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct.

TYLER – A 45-year-old Whitehouse man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations. Johnny Coy Roberson, Jr., pleaded guilty back in June to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison yesterday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to information presented in court, on November 21, 2009, Roberson was stopped for a traffic violation in Smith County during which he was found to be in possession of a Kel-Tex, model P-11 9mm handgun. Further investigation revealed Roberson was a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of burglary of a habitation in Smith County in 2003. As a convicted felon, Roberson is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – Moderate Republican Joe Straus has been overwhelmingly re-elected as speaker of the Texas House — and an East Texan figured into the activity. By a 132-15 vote, Straus successfully fended off a challenge from conservatives who wanted to replace him with one of their own. Two Republicans abstained from voting. Some conservative groups had warned that they would use the speaker’s vote to assess lawmakers’ performance at the end of the session. The House was on the verge of taking an anonymous voice vote, but Republican Rep. Leo Berman of Tyler abruptly requested the vote be recorded. As speaker, Straus presides over the House and is one of the most powerful men in state government. He sets the agenda and controls what legislation makes it to the House floor for consideration.

LONGVIEW — A soldier heading home from leave is stuck in Longview after stopping to help with a wreck. Iit happened on Interstate 20. Robert Devolld was heading back to Fort Hood at the time. Devolld reportedly pulled over to check on the drivers, but as he was helping, his truck was hit by another car. Devolld at the time had no money for a hotel room but says a good Samaritan helped him get a room by putting it on their tab. Devolld is being sent back to Iraq after a 3 week leave.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council took a decisive step forward in their effort to improve traffic flow Wednesday when they voted unanimously to expand the City’s adaptive control system (ACS). The ACS system uses cameras to detect traffic volumes and makes signal timing adjustments in real time. “The ACS system is like having a traffic engineer at every intersection making constant adjustments,” explained Associate Traffic Engineer Justin Smith. “Using this system on the Broadway corridor helped us dramatically improve traffic progression. We anticipate a similar impact with this expansion on Loop 323.”

The ACS expansion will integrate 21 additional intersections into the system. These signals are along Loop 323 from Shaw Street, South and East along Loop 323 to Old Bullard Road and from Commerce Street, South and West to Copeland Road. Utilization of the ACS technology was a recommendation from the Tyler 21 plan to help ease traffic congestion. The City launched its first segment in 2007 and has added to the system in the last three years.

“Addressing traffic congestion was the number one concern identified in the Tyler 21 comprehensive plan,” shared Mayor Barbara Bass. “The City has taken many steps to improve traffic flow in the last three years and has made a lot of headway. I think this enhancement will keep us moving in the right direction.” Once the construction of Loop 323 West is complete, the City also plans to extend the system from SH31 north to US 69.

TYLER — Investigators say 62-year-old Linda Sue Michael of Quitman is the owner of 43 horses rescued in Lindale on December 13th — several of them pregnant and all of them starving. Since the rescue, things have changed for the animals. The S.P.C.A of East Texas and the Humane Society of the United States are making sure these animals receive the care they need. Besides daily food, something these horses are not used to, and exercise, Monday afternoon the animals were given vaccinations as well as additional medical attention.

As the horses receive the care they need, officials say the next step is finding them a home. Officials say in the coming weeks the S.P.C.A. will hold an open house and allow the public to see these animals once they are ready for adoption.

LUFKIN — An East Texas man is behind bars after he was arrested for an apparent meth lab at his home. Angelina County Sheriff’s officials say Matthew Thomas Harvard, 46, was arrested on methamphetamine charges. Harvard had been investigated for several months by police. Reports show this is not the first time Harvard has had a run-in with the law regarding drug offenses.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — An East Texas man is on trial for shooting his wife to death and then dumping her body in December of 2009. Police officials say John Presley killed Stephanie Fowler Presley and later left her body on an isolated road out in the county. He is facing murder charges. Presley was arrested near the U.S.-Mexico border.

TYLER -– Police round up a suspect in an aggravated kidnapping. According to authorities, Gerardo Zuniga surrendered to investigators at the Tyler Police Department without incident Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Zuniga was jailed with bond set at $250,000 for the first-degree felony. The 26-year-old Zuniga, also known as “Ya-Yo,” is accused of kidnapping a former girlfriend. The 29-year-old woman told officers that she was forced away from a party on January 7th by Zuniga and held against her will overnight at a residence on South Oakland Street in Tyler. Investigators observed several signs of physical abuse on the victim that were allegedly caused by the suspect.

TYLER – A Gregg County woman has pleaded guilty in Tyler federal court to drug trafficking charges. Latisha Marie Anthony, 26, of Kilgore pleaded guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. She now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the violation. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to federal prosecutors, on August 20, 2009, Anthony purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine from a Wal-Mart store in Longview, as well as on numerous other occasions at other stores in the area, all in furtherance of her methamphetamine manufacturing activities.

EAST TEXAS – The Winter storm that moved through the area Sunday and Arctic air that followed are responsible for more delays in the start of classes. Because of the very cold temperatures, the Van School District will have a two hour delayed start again today, as it did yesterday. A couple of schools will have delayed openings this morning; Hughes Springs starts at 9:00 and Pittsburg begins at 10:00.

TYLER — Tyler Police are seeking the location of 26-year-old Gerardo Zuniga, AKA “Ya-Yo,” a Hispanic male allegedly responsible for the January 7 aggravated kidnapping of a former girlfriend. The 29-year-old victim told officers that she was forced away from a party by Zuniga and held against her will overnight at a residence on South Oakland Street in Tyler. Investigators observed several signs of physical abuse on the victim that police say were caused by Zuniga.

Investigators hold an outstanding warrant for aggravated kidnapping, a 1st degree felony, on Zuniga. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Zuniga 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 arrest and charges filed against suspects in this case or any felony case.

TYLER — Two East Texas arsonists are sentenced. Jason Bourque and Daniel McAllister were sentenced Monday morning in Judge Kennedy’s 114th Court for several charges on arson and attempted arson dating back to the beginning of 2010. Both defendants pleaded guilty in December.

In the cases involving Jason Bourque, the State of Texas, honored the guilty plea, and sentenced Bourque to 5 life sentences and two 20 year sentences for his role in burning down East Texas churches.

In the cases involving Daniel McAllister, the State of Texas, honored the guilty plea, and sentenced McAllister to 2 life sentences and two 20 year sentences for his role in burning down East Texas churches.

Both defendants gave up their right to appeal their sentencing at this time. Charges are pending over fires in Van Zandt and Henderson counties. Nobody was hurt in the 10 blazes.

KILGORE (AP) – Kilgore police are seeking a suspect after an adult video store clerk was shot and killed during a robbery. Police early Monday responded to a disturbance at the Kilgore Adult Video Store and discovered the slain clerk. Police say 25-year-old Renee Garrett of Kilgore was dead from a probable gunshot wound. An unknown amount of money was stolen, along with a cash box. Police say the suspect, or possibly suspects, had fled before officers arrived.

TYLER – The various winter weather warnings and advisories for northeast Texas have been lifted. The winter storm that caused the problems has moved east of the area, taking the frozen precipitation with it. Caution should still be exercised when driving around the area. Overnight temperatures are remaining in the 20s and snow and sleet on roadways should refreeze, causing some problems especially on bridges and overpasses and secondary roads. KTBB weatherman Dr. Bob Peters says because of hazardous travel conditions, travel north of an Emory Henderson line should be discouraged.

The main arctic airmass is still poised to push through the area late Monday night. It will come in dry, but bitterly cold temperatures will follow for much of the week, especially at night where clearing skies will allow temperatures to fall. A warm up is in store for the end of the week.

EAST TEXAS – Snowy conditions prompted a number of area closings, cancellations, and postponements Monday. We’ll continue to keep you up to date. A couple of advisories: the 115th District Court in Upshur County is rescheduling Monday 8:30am jury to Tuesday at 8:30am — and the Kilgore East Texas Police Academy in-service class has also been re-scheduled until Tuesday.

UNDATED — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge and ditch repairs on Farm Road 16 north of Tyler between State Highway 155 in Winona and U.S. Highway 271. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 314 between Brownsboro and Farm Road 315 near Coffee City. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to be at work on the following roadways in and around Wood County:
Farm Road 778 between State Highway 37 in Quitman and U.S. Highway 80; and Farm Road 49 east of Farm Road 14. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several weeks of edge repairs in various locations on U.S. Highway 175 between Jacksonville and Poynor. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

SMITH COUNTY – The weather has been responsible for numerous wrecks around the area. Shortly after 1:00 Sunday afternoon, in the span of 15 minutes, Tyler police reported six traffic accidents.

Street conditions in Tyler declined because the snow and sleet made the roads and highways difficult to negotiate. Motorists are still advised to limit all non-essential driving and exercise caution. Drivers should pay special attention to overpasses, bridges, and large culverts that may hasten freezing conditions on these surfaces. Drivers should also keep extra distance between their vehicle and the vehicles that are in front of them.

Numerous wrecks have been reported in Smith County, including one involving a State Trooper. Shortly after 8:45 Sunday night, Trooper Nic Castle was working a traffic crash on Interstate Highway 20, eastbound at the 570 mile marker, when his patrol unit was struck by another motorist. Castle was not injured; however the occupants of the Dodge Neon were taken to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. The Department of Public Safety continues to warn motorists of the potential danger of icy road conditions, and to use extreme caution when driving in inclement weather conditions.

Another Smith County wreck occurred on Interstate Highway 20 at the U.S. Highway 69 overpass Sunday morning. A pickup’s driver lost control of his vehicle and drove over the overpass, landing upside down on Highway 69. Reports from the scene were the driver was taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries.

LONGVIEW — As a winter storm moved across the area officials from Gregg County and the City of Longview kept tabs on the system, preparing for any emergency responses they might have to make.

Before the storm hit, residents were encouraged to take steps to prepare for the cold weather and the possible accumulation of snow and ice. According to Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary, “It is important for residents to prepare and respond in a way that is safe. So, we encourage everyone to prepare your home and check on any neighbors with special needs.”

Traffic Precautions
•Do not travel if road conditions are dangerous unless absolutely necessary.
•If traffic signals are not functioning, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
•Check the road conditions in your area. Stay tuned to local news broadcasts for more information on roadway and weather conditions.
•Remove snow and ice from your vehicle before you drive, making sure the headlights and taillights are visible.
•Accelerate slowly. Increase your following distance.
•Brake gently in slow, steady strokes to see how much traction you have, and begin braking early when approaching intersections or stops.
•Approach bridges, shaded spots, overpasses and turns slowly.
•Never use cruise control in winter driving conditions.
•Use non-freezing windshield washer liquid.
•Keep our cell phone fully charged and in case of an accident call 903-237-1170.
Heating Precautions:
•Please check on elderly or disable neighbors to be sure they are safe and warm.
•Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything (curtains, furniture, etc.) that can burn. Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
•Candles should be kept a safe distance from anything that can burn and should not be left unattended.
•Be advised that generators and alternate fuel heaters using propane and kerosene should only be used outdoors as they can present a carbon monoxide risk.
•When using a fireplace, please only use hardwoods and be sure that screens are in place during use.
Pet Care Precautions
•Provide a shelter for your outside animals, adding hay or straw to the floor of their shelter can make a huge difference by providing a layer of insulation from the cold ground.
•Fresh water should be available at all times. If you keep a water dish outside, remember to check it periodically to make sure it is not frozen.
•If at all possible, bring your animals inside during extreme weather conditions such as ice, sleet, and any extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures.
Home Precautions Inside and Outside
•Wrap outside faucets. Wrap pipes in crawl spaces, under porches, garages and any pipes that have frozen in the past. Wrap pipe with dry newspapers, then cover newspapers with plastic (may use plastic garbage bags), and secure with string or wire. Commercially manufactured coverings are also sold at hardware and plumbing stores. Remove and store garden hoses.
•Open cabinet doors under sinks to give pipes next to outside walls exposure to warm air.
•Find the faucet farthest from the main water line and allow it to drip cold water at a very slow rate in order to keep water moving through the pipes.
•Thaw frozen pipes as soon as possible by wrapping with rags and pouring hot water over the rags. Call a plumber or capable handyman to thaw pipes or to replace broken pipes.
•To report a water or sewer emergency, call 903-236-3030.
•The Water Utilities Department provides a variety of Freeze Contingency Tips, such as removing garden hoses, wrapping outside faucets, and more. Click the link to read more tips on the Water Utilities page.

LONGVIEW — No injuries are reported in a fire in a duplex Saturday afternoon in the 800 block of Faircreek Lane in Longview. Firemen quickly doused the flames and damage was held to a minimum. The cause remains under investigation.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Streets Department is advising residents and businesses to turn off any irrigation and sprinkler equipment that could potentially reach streets and sidewalks in response to the continuing freezing conditions. “We have had several incidents in the past where sprinklers have moistened adjacent roadways causing ice to form and creating hazardous driving conditions,” commented Public Works Director Greg Morgan. “We recommend shutting these systems down until the freezing conditions have passed.”

In response to the freezing weather, the City of Tyler has taken the following
steps to prepare:
*Sand trucks have been fully loaded and stand ready should icy conditions manifest. However, the Police Department advises to avoid the following areas should the temperature fall below freezing: Beckham Street Overpass near Gentry Parkway, Fifth Street Overpass near Beckham, Fleischel and Saunders Overpass, Shiloh Road east of Paluxy (sloping road), and Loop 49 at overpasses;
*City crews will be on standby should sanding be needed;
*Sprinklers in the median flower beds have been turned off to prevent ice from forming on the streets;
*The airport has completed all winter storm preparation procedures, including ensuring that de-icing material is available, checking all generators to confirm they are operational, preparing sidewalk cleaning equipment and materials, and readying tractors for quick response. Airport employees will be on call. Travelers are urged to check the City web page at http://www.cityoftyler.org for the latest flight information;
*In the event of extreme weather, Transit service may be briefly postponed or cancelled. Check the City web page for the latest information; and Residents are strongly urged to stay indoors during icy conditions and limit unnecessary driving.

TYLER — The Queen and her court of the 2011 Texas Rise Festival have been named. The announcement that Morgan Elizabeth Rippy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Reed Rippy would be the queen was made at a news conference Friday night at the Tyler Rose Museum. Miss Rippy is a 2010 graduate of Grace Community High School in Tyler. She is a freshman at the University of Alabama.

Also, Virginia Winston Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe McGrede Anderson, was named Duchess of the Texas Rose Festival. She is a 2010 graduate of All Saints Episcopal High School and she is also a freshman at the University of Alabama.

The theme of this year’s Rose Festival is “The Grand Illusion.” It will run October 13th through 15th.

LONGVIEW — State District Judge David Brabham of Longview has lowered the bond for murder suspect Harry Goodan. The former Longview Police 9-1-1 Communications Administrator is accused of shooting his wife Jamie Goodan, who was a Longview police officer. Goodan’s bond was dropped from $500,000 to $75,000. But, there were some conditions. They included the installation of the electronic monitoring equipment in Goodan’s house.

ATHENS — A Henderson County man is facing felony charges after being arrested for possession of marijuana and then supposedly swallowing some of the weed. The marijuana was found when Calvin Roy Helton was stopped for a traffic violation. Authorities say when Helton was booked into the county jail he pulled more marijuana from his boot and swallowed it. After being checked out at the hospital, he was taken back to jail.

LUFKIN (AP) — Five Angelina County elected officials have switched from the Democratic to Republican Party.

The Lufkin Daily News reported Friday that the district clerk, county clerk, tax assessor/collector, Precinct 1 commissioner and Precinct 3 constable all announced the switch in a signed statement released by the local GOP. The five said that the Democratic Party “no longer reflects our values and our conservative principles — it moved, we have not.”

The decision comes just two months after the GOP swept every contested race on the East Texas county’s ballot.

County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Wark said all five should resign and run again as Republicans. He said none informed him in advance of the party switch.

TYLER — The Salvation Army is asking for the community’s help now that the threat of winter weather is approaching. The Salvation Army says they are in need of new, full-sized blankets. They say they have been providing 50 blankets a week to the needy of Smith County. Blankets can be taken to 633 N Broadway in Tyler or monetary donations can be made at http://www.salvationarmytyler.org

EAST TEXAS — The Texas Department of Public Safety urges drivers to pay attention to changing weather conditions and prepare for the winter driving season. Stranded drivers can call the DPS helpline at 1-800-525-5555 for help from a DPS trooper or appropriate emergency service. Customers of participating wireless companies–ALLTEL, Nextel and Verizon Wireless–can dial *DPS (*377) free of airtime charges anywhere in Texas.

Winter driving tips include:

• Wear your seat belt, and make sure all passengers—including children—are buckled up.

• Remember that ice forms first on bridges, overpasses and shady areas. If you hit a patch of ice, stay off your brakes and decelerate slowly, holding the car steady as you go over the ice.

• Speed is the main problem with driving on ice. Adjust your speed to fit the weather conditions. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.

• If your car goes into a skid, take your foot off the gas pedal but don’t hit the brake. Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. As the car straightens out, you will be able to regain traction and control.

• Check your car battery before cold weather sets in. Battery power dips in cold weather.

• Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, tire chains, a flashlight, ice scraper and gloves in your car. Take a food supply of candy bars or dried fruit in case you become stranded.

• Keep the gasoline level as high as possible to prevent water condensation in the tank.

• Check the automobile’s motor oil, transmission fluid, ignition system, lights, heater, cooling system and wipers.

TYLER — Now there are reports of dead birds in Texas. Plainview Animal Control, just north of Lubbock, was called to pick up about 35 dead Grackles this week. Game Warden Bill Jones says there’s really no concern. The belief here is the birds fell victim to turbulent wind. About 200 dead birds were found in Tyler, also a far cry from the numbers reported in other states.