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TYLER —Smith County voters have finally been presented a jail improvement package they can accept. The measure easily passed in voting Saturday. The final, but unofficial tally: 3,644 for and 2136 against. Under the $35 million dollar plan, 384 beds would be added with the expansion and renovation of the existing jail.

County leaders are applauding the bond issue’s passage. County Commissioner Jeff Warr spearheaded the effort. He said, “We’re just so thankful that the citizens really looked at the issues of the safety of our officers and of the expense and the money we were wasting of theirs in sending prisoners to other counties.” Sheriff J.B. Smith has been pushing for a jail overhaul for fifteen years. Among his comments: “No one wants to spend money on a jail. It’s like putting money on a dead horse to run at Louisiana Downs. But if you want law and order, you have to have a jail. That goes with it.” Smith also thanked the citizens and commissioner Warr. County Judge Joel Baker singled out Warr as well. After the results came in Saturday night, Baker said, “This is a great night for him, and it’s a great night for the citizens of Smith County. This is something that we’ve needed to do for a long time, and I’m glad to be able to finally put it to rest.”

EAST TEXAS – Here is a look at some of the other elections around the area on Saturday.

A member of the Tyler school board easily won election. The final, but unofficial figures in the race for The Tyler School Board, single member District 4:
Christopher J. Archuleta 239
Shirley Jordan (I) 400

Both of the local option election issues in Troup passed.
Proposition 1
For 69
Against 37

Proposition 2
For 69
Against 36

Both of the local option election in Athens passed.
Proposition 1
For 831
Against 541

Proposition 2
For 904
Against 443

In the only contested race for the Longview City Council; Southeast District 3
Kasha Williams 593
Wray Wade 275
Victoria Wilson 47

Longview residents have approved a $52.6 million streets bond to repair roads throughout the city. According to city officials, taxpayers will see a maximum impact of about 1.6 cents on the property tax rate within three years. Included in the proposal was extensive repairs and utility relocation for three downtown streets; more than a dozen local intersections, including four Hawkins Parkway crossings; sidewalks on two South Longview thoroughfares; and improvements to dozens of oil-dirt roads and other streets such as South Green and East Cotton.

A Longview school trustee, who has been on the board for over three decades, has been re-elected. Incumbent John Harrison defeated Courtnie Wyche by 29 votes. Complete, but unofficial returns showed Harrison with 92 votes and Wyche with 53.

WINNSBORO – A one vehicle accident in Northeastern Wood County Saturday afternoon has left one person dead. The accident happened at the intersection of State Highway 11 and County Road 4310. Dead at the scene was Robert Emmett Kilmer, 33, of Keller, Texas. The Department of Safety report says a sleeping bag, that had been tied on the back of his motorcycle, dropped down and became entangled in the rear wheel. Kilmer, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from the bike.

DIBOLL – One person has been killed and two injured in a pickup/motorcycle accident two miles north of Diboll. The accident happened around 11:45 Saturday night. The driver of the motorcycle, Stephen Burchfield, 51, of Huntington, was killed and his passenger, Roliand Juneau, 36, of Lufkin, is in critical condition at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. Neither person on the motorcycle was wearing a helmet. A passenger in the pickup received minor injuries. The Department of Public Safety reports the pick-up, towing a car hauler, pulled out onto Farm Road 2497 and was hit by the motorcycle.

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

TYLER — Starting Monday, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform approximately two days of pavement-repair operations at the intersection of U.S. Highway 271 (Beckham Avenue) and State Highway 31 (Front Street). Once that work is completed, the crew is scheduled to move north and continue repairs in various locations on US 271 inside North Loop 323. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Also this week in Tyler, on Tuesday, the Union Pacific Railroad is scheduled to close Spur 164, also known as Greenbriar Road, between Spur 364 and State Highway 31 to all traffic while the railroad makes repairs to the crossing at that location. The work is scheduled to begin at 7:00am and last through 7:00pm. Detours will be posted.

Finally this week, TxDOT contractor Reynolds & Kay, Ltd., is scheduled to begin resurfacing work on Farm Road 14 in Tyler between U.S. Highway 271 (North Beckham) and North Loop 323. Farm Road 14 in Tyler is also known as East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard until it turns north on North Church Avenue. The project is scheduled for completion in late June.

LONGVIEW — The Union Pacific Railroad, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation, will be closing Loop 281 to all traffic near Farm Road 2087 on Sunday while the railroad makes repairs to the crossing at that location. Detours will be posted, and the roadway is scheduled to be re-opened by Sunday night.

Also this week in Gregg County, in Kilgore, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 259 Business in Kilgore between Lantrip Street to the south end of the US 259 Bypass. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Union Pacific Railroad, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation, is scheduled to close Farm Road 1616 north of Athens between Loop 7 and Farm Road 2752 on Monday while the railroad makes repairs to the crossing at that location.

Then on Thursday, the railroad is scheduled to close State Highway 19 just north of downtown Athens for the same work. The work at each location is scheduled to begin at 7:00am and last through 7:00pm. Detours will be posted.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing operations on U.S. Highway 287 south of State Highway 294 in Elkhart, while a second crew makes base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 2961 between Farm Road 59 and Farm Road 837 on the north side of the Engeling Wildlife Management Area. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Also this week, TxDOT’s District Wide Seal Coat program is scheduled to continue in Anderson County in the following locations:
*On US 287 between the Freestone County Line and FM 321;
*On FM 2961 between FM 59 and FM 837; and
*On SH 19 between FM 321 in Montalba and the Henderson County Line.

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. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 3227 between State Highway 198 and Farm Road 47, while a second crew performs fog-seal operations on Ranch Road 2909 between Canton and Martins Mill, and on Farm Road 47 between State Highway 243 and State Highway 198.

A third crew is scheduled to perform pavement and edge repairs on Farm Road 857 just south of Grand Saline. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs in Jacksonville at the intersection of SW Loop 456 and Farm Road 347 on Tuesday, followed by the same work on State Highway 135 and State Highway 110 in Troup. 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.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to conclude base-repair work on U.S. Highway 259 north of Henderson by Tuesday, then move to perform pavement and edge repairs on Farm Road 1662 between Farm Road 1798 in Laneville and Farm Road 2753 in Anadarko. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

KILGORE — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 259 Business in Kilgore between Lantrip Street to the south end of the US 259 Bypass. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House has approved final passage of a bill that would make it a criminal offense for public servants to inappropriately touch travelers during airport security pat-downs. Sent to the Senate Friday, the measure makes it illegal for anyone conducting searches to touch “the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person” including through clothing. It also prohibits searches “that would be offensive to a reasonable person.”

The bill’s chief sponsor is Republican Representative David Simpson of Longview. He said during brief debate late Thursday night that “this has to do with dignity and travel, and prohibiting indecent, groping searches.” Simpson believes it will keep Transportation Security Administration officials from treating travelers like criminals, though the measure may be superseded by federal law. Representatives approved the measure with little opposition.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (AP) — The most anticipated wedding in the country music world this year doesn’t involve a prince or a Middleton. Country’s royal couple, Lindale’s Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, are tying the knot Saturday in Texas.

Lambert says she can’t wait for the big day to get here since they’ve been engaged for a year. She’s been working out since November to avoid a crash diet and says she definitely wants to be a “fit bride.” Shelton says his only wedding hope is that Lambert doesn’t back out. He joked that it’s going to be an expensive party to not have at least gotten married there.

They are serving venison at the reception, and country singer Neal McCoy is performing. Shelton and Lambert are the reigning CMA male and female vocalists of the year.

TYLER — The physicians of Texas Spine and Joint Hospital have been named 2011 Business Hall of Fame Laureate of the Year by Junior Achievement of Greater Tyler. The announcement was made by 2011 Business Hall of Fame Chairman James Sheridan. The 39 physicians will be honored at a reception on Tuesday evening, May 17th. “Texas Spine and Joint Hospital embodies the spirit of what Junior Achievement is all about – entrepreneurship, free enterprise and the willingness to take risks to start a business,” said Sheridan. “We are fortunate to have this award winning hospital and group of physicians in our community.”

RUSK COUNTY — Authorities say a man has died in a four-wheeler mishap in eastern Rusk County. Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to County Road 304 Thursday night around 10:00 in reference to the accident. A witness at the scene said he and the victim, Hugh Aubrey Jones, 63, of Henderson, were raccoon hunting on four-wheelers when the accident happened.

The witness told authorities that their dogs had treed a raccoon, and he moved in ahead of the victim to follow the dogs. Jones never arrived at the tree, so the witness went back to look for him. The witness found the victim on the ground pinned underneath his four-wheeler. The witness summoned help from a nearby friend, and they managed to remove the four-wheeler off Jones. The inquest was conducted by Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Joe Sorrells, who has ordered an autopsy.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Joel Baker cut the ribbon on the Spring Avenue Park Plaza on the downtown square in a ceremony Friday morning. The downtown plaza that stands in the spot where a devastating fire ripped through five Spring Avenue properties two years ago is now open to the public. The historical storefront facades of the buildings were salvaged and now frame shaded plaza and garden space that downtown patrons are invited to enjoy. “Little did we realize that what was then such a tragic historical and material loss to both owners and occupants, as well as our entire community, could turn into such a beautiful spot for all to enjoy,” Judge Baker said.

Thanks to the Smith County Historical Society, the plaza is adorned with a 4-foot-wide by 7-foot-tall cast stone relief, depicting the Spirit of Progress, a woman dressed in flowing robes balanced on a globe, holding a torch above her head and extending a caduceus in her other hand. The relief was originally on the front of Montgomery Ward Co. in downtown Tyler in the 1930’s.

Officials say the Park Plaza project was made possible by generous donations from the Genecov Group and the Brookshire Grocery Co. to the citizens of Smith County. In 2009, following the fire, Genecove donated the five damaged buildings to Smith County. In 2010 The Brookshire Grocery Co. made a $300,000 contribution to stabilize and renovate the historic facades, clean the damaged site and construct the public plaza.

RUSK COUNTY — A 2010 Mother’s Day murder remains unsolved. Now Rusk County authorities are asking for the public’s help. The body of Jason Vickers, 44, Kilgore, was found in May of last year inside an abandoned mobile home off CR 1112 in Rusk County. Sheriff’s Deputies say they’re looking for information on Vicker’s death and have increased the reward. Deputies say even the smallest detail can lead to an arrest. Contact Rusk County authorities or Crimestoppers if you have any information.

TYLER — A man involved in a shooting at Broadway Square Mall is arrested and charged. Tyler Police say several shots were fired Wednesday night in the parking lot of the mall. Authorities say one man tried selling Xanax to Kevin Willams, 26, Tyler. The two men reportedly started arguing when the “dealer” started shooting at Willams before driving off. Police say when they arrived on the scene, Willams was under the influence of drugs. He was taken to the hospital for minor injuries and later arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Authorities are still searching for the alleged shooter. He’s described as a black male 25-30 years of age with tattoos on arms. He had short black hair, goatee, was about 5’5” to 5’06” and weighed around 175 pounds. He drove away in a maroon 4-door Cadillac or Town Car.

TATUM – A Rusk County teenager is in custody after she allegedly stole her mother’s car and led police on a chase that at times topped 100 miles an hour. Around 6:00 Wednesday a mother called the sheriff’s department about a dispute. As officers were heading to the house on County Road 2173, the mother called back to say her daughter had taken her car and was heading to Henderson.

The 14 year old girl fled from officers by heading into Henderson and then turned around and headed back toward Tatum. Officers were able to stop her car by putting spikes in the road. The spikes flattened two tires and she ran off into a ditch.

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House passed a bill that would make it a criminal offense for public servants to inappropriately touch travelers during airport security pat-downs. Approved late Thursday night, the measure makes it illegal for anyone conducting searches to touch “the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person” including through clothing. It also prohibits searches “that would be offensive to a reasonable person.”

The bill’s chief sponsor is Republican Representative David Simpson of Longview, who said, “This has to do with dignity and travel, and prohibiting indecent, groping searches.” He believes it will keep Transportation Security Administration officials from treating travelers like criminals, though the measure may be superseded by federal law.

After a brief but raucous debate, lawmakers approved the measure with little opposition, drawing applause from supporters.

TEXARKANA (AP) — Northeast Texas investigators have determined the eldest child of a woman found dead with her youngest child after a house fire west of Texarkana died as a homicide. Bowie County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Larry Parker said the initial autopsy report didn’t indicate a precise cause of 11-year-old Guinevere Doss’ death, but that all signs were consistent with homicide.

Guinevere’s grandparents removed her body from the burning house Wednesday, but the bodies of Amanda Doss, 34, and her 8-year-old child, Texas Johnson, were found in the burned ruins of the house. Parker said autopsies are expected to be performed on them in Dallas today. Parker says no suspects have been identified, but interviews of family members and friends continue.