KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — The 61st Annual Longview Jaycees Gregg County Fair and Expo will be held September 13th through 18th. Hours are 6:00 to 11:00pm Monday through Friday and 12:00 noon through 11:00pm on Saturday. All week long there will be raffle tickets for a $1,000 shopping spree, with proceeds benefiting the Longview Thanksgiving Food Drive. You can visit http://www.GreggCountyFair.com for up-to-date schedule and band listings. There’s also more information on the ktbb.com Calendar of Events.

EDGEWOOD — One man is in custody after a Van Zandt County murder. Deputies were called to a home on VZCR 3508 in Edgewood Saturday in reference to a shooting Upon arrival they discovered the homeowner had been shot twice. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died. After speaking with witnesses at the scene, authorities arrested Jonathan Mitchell. He’s been charged with murder and bond is set at $1 million. Texas Rangers have been called in to assist with the investigation.

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating what they term a double homicide. And they’re looking for a cell phone that may have been stolen from one of the victims. Police say they received a call around shortly after 3:00 Saturday morning from an unknown person staying that someone had been shot in the Line Street Alley. Officers found a man lying in the front yard of 909 East Line who was dead from a gunshot wound. Upon further investigation officers discovered the front door to the home was open and saw a woman dead on the floor. They are identified as Pedro Flores, 49, of 1418 North Haynie, in Tyler, and Felisha Mosley, 38, who lived at the residence where the victims were found.

According to investigators, Flores blue AT&T Samsung a887 slider cell phone is missing and is believed to have been stolen. It is possible that the phone may be sold, traded or discarded. The phone, like the one pictured here, has a distinct identification number, “IMEI: 358946024949747”, on the inside under the battery.

Tyler police ask that anyone finding a phone matching this description or anyone who has contact with someone trying to sell or trade this phone call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the individual(s) responsible for this homicide.

TYLER — This is PATH Week, a time to remember Smith County’s people in need. Christina Fulsom is executive director of PATH, or People Attempting to Help, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary as an interfaith agency working to meet various needs. Fulsom says there are over 26,000 people struggling with poverty in the community. She says, “PATH is the place where people can contribute their time or their money or gifts so that they can help people in need.” The week features a Tuesday luncheon, a Wednesday “Dine out for PATH” fundraiser, and an anniversary dinner on Thursday. You can go to http://www.pathhelps.org for more information.

BULLARD — A big event at Bullard’s Bushman Celebration Center is picking up steam. Pastor Dan Cummins of the Bridlewood Church of Bullard is organizing “Come Pray with Me,” September 21 at 7:00pm. Cummins terms it “a non-political event whose purpose is to pray for the direction of our nation.” He says 2,000 people or more are expected for “what is promising to be maybe the largest prayer event of its kind in East Texas.”

According to Cummins, there are over fifty churches involved from many denominations, across Smith and Cherokee Counties. Spiritual and patriotic music will be featured. Cummins says there will also be “words of inspiration and challenge and a time to pray for “My House, God’s House, and the White House.” Admission is one non-perishable food item or one new toy for Bullard’s Mission House. You can log on to http://www.ComePrayWithMe.org or call 903-571-4291 for more information.

TYLER — The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County invites all high school students in Smith County to enter a video contest. The project is the production of a 30-second public service video announcement. Promoting Texas Voting is the theme. The deadline is September 17.

“We want to elevate awareness of the importance of voting in young voters. We believe that getting them to think about the importance of voting and the ways to get this message across to the public are good ways to encourage students to register and vote when they reach 18,” says Kristi Roberts, president, LWV-Tyler/Smith County. Announcement of winners takes place at the Candidate Forum, sponsored by LWV-Tyler/Smith County, on Monday, October 4, in the Tyler Independent School District Board Room in the Plyler Instructional Complex, 807 West Glenwood. Each winning entry will yield a cash prize for its producer or production team.

Melissa Crowe, chair of the Promoting Texas Voting video contest, says students can work alone or in teams, and they are free to use any graphic devices they wish so long as they do not go over the 30 second limit. Each entry must include a fully completed entry form and follow a set of contest rules. These include the basic League principles of nonpartisanship and fairness and the avoidance of brand names, trademarked material, bigotry, racism, and indecent language or behavior. The entries will be judged by a panel chosen from college/university faculty and media professionals. For complete information about this contest, email Meliss.crowe@gmail.com or call Melissa Crowe at 940-867-7021.

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

TYLER — On Tuesday, TxDOT, in conjunction with the Union Pacific Railroad, plans to close various lanes on West Loop 323 just south of State Highway 31 (Front Street) at the railroad bridge to allow Union Pacific to make repairs and upgrades to the bridge structure. The work, which is scheduled to be conducted between 9:00am and 4:00pm, should take one day to complete. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays caused by this work.

Also in Smith County, TxDOT maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing operations on Farm Road 3341 in the Lake Tyler area between Farm Road 346 south of Whitehouse and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge and shoulder repairs in various locations on Farm Road 2275 (George Richie Road). 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 base repairs on Ranch Road 2588, between U.S. Highway 175 near LaRue, and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several days of resurfacing operations in various locations along State Highway 43 between Henderson and Tatum. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal coat operations on Farm Road 1817 between U.S. Highway 287 in Elkhart and Farm Road 323, followed upon completion by the same work on Farm Road 2330 between State Highway 19 north of Montalba and Farm Road 860. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on U.S. Highway 80 east of Mineola between Loop 564 and Farm Road 2422, and in various locations on US 80 in and around Hawkins. 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.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin several days of base and pavement repairs on Interstate 20 between Farm Road 859 north of Canton and the Smith County Line. 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.

JACKSONVILLE — State Representative Chuck Hopson attends the field day and forestry tour hosted by the Texas Forestry Association at the tree farm of Phillip and Norleine Power on Saturday. During the visit, Mr. and Mrs. Power received a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives to commemorate their recognition as the Texas Forestry Association’s Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.

According to Hopson, “The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year competition recognizes private landowners for the exceptional job they are doing of enhancing the forest on their property and their efforts to promote the practice of sustainable forestry to other landowners and the public. Phillip and Norleine Power’s implementation of tree farm stewardship best practices reflects an understanding of how careful planning today can have immense benefits for the future.”

In 2008, Mr. and Mrs. Powers’s tree farm was awarded the Stewardship recognition from the Texas Forest Service, the farm was honored in 2009 by the Cherokee County Soil and Water Conservation District, and in 2009, the Powerses were recognized as a Zone winner in the state Tree Farm competition.

TYLER — Liquor could soon boost Smith County coffers. According to KETK, state officials have finally given liquor stores a “go ahead” to sell large quantities of alcohol. Earlier this year the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission put a moratorium on liquor sales in Smith County, but some new revisions will bring big business to local distributors. When Winona went wet, the TABC continued to allow restaurants to get their liquor across county lines. Now state officials say restaurants will also be required to buy their alcohol only from distributors in the county. Local distributors say it’s about time. Restaurants will not be able to get liquor from other counties starting January 1st.

MARSHALL (AP) – A federal prosecutor says an east Texas man has been charged with sexually exploiting children in his traveling rodeo act. U.S. Attorney John M. Bales said Friday that Rodney Ray Hayes of Linden was indicted and charged with four counts of transporting minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The 44-year-old man was released Friday after posting a $100,000 bond. A phone number for him could not be found. His attorney could not immediately be reached. The Tuesday indictment states that Hayes, also known as the “Texas Kid,” was a professional rodeo performer who had children working and traveling with him to various states. If convicted, Hayes faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating what they term a double homicide. Police say they received a call around 3:06 a.m. Saturday from an unknown person stating that someone had been shot in the Line Street Alley. Officers responded to the area of Line Street and discovered a man lying in the front yard of 909 E. Line who was deceased from a gunshot wound. Upon further investigation officers discovered the front door to the residence of 909 E. Line open and observed a second victim lying on the floor. Officers found a woman who was also deceased from a gunshot wound. The male victim is identified as 49-year-old Pedro Flores of 1418 N. Haynie, Tyler. The female victim is identified as 38-year-old Felisha Mosley, who lived at the residence where the victims were found.

Tyler Police Department Investigators responded to the scene. According to a news release, investigators have been working on the identity of the victims and looking for evidence that leads to the identity of the suspect or suspects. Investigators believe that a possible motive may be related to illegal narcotics. 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 arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this, or any, felony case.

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) will offer flu vaccinations to the general public beginning Monday, September 13th, at 815 N. Broadway. The flu vaccination clinics will operate every Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seasonal flu vaccinations will continue until the supply is depleted.

According to George Roberts, CEO of NETPHD, “CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. We are here to help protect you and your family and encourage our community to get vaccinated early.” Officials say the 2010 – 2011 seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against three strains of flu viruses, including the 2009 H1N1influenza virus, which cause so much illness last season. Health officials caution that flu is unpredictable, but they say it is very likely that the flu virus will cause illness throughout the U.S. in the coming months.

The cost for the flu vaccination is $20.00 per person and the cost for the flu mist nasal spray is $25.00 per person. Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted. Children who are uninsured or underinsured and qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program will be charged $8.00. “Seasonal flu vaccine, available in shot and nasal spray forms, is recommended for people ages 6 months and older. It is especially important for individuals at high risk of complications from the flu to become vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available.” says Dr. Jonathan MacClements, Smith County Health Authority. For additional information, you can go to http://www.healthyeasttx.org or contact the Northeast Texas Public Health District at 903-510-5604.

TYLER — The South Tyler Rotary, in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus, hosted a barbeque Saturday for the 141st Quartermaster Company and their families at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the Southwest Loop. “It is important for everyone to remember all of the soldiers and families who continuously make huge personal sacrifices so the rest of us can enjoy our freedom,” said Tom DeWitt, President of the South Tyler Rotary. “There is no greater country than ours, and our military plays a huge role in protecting all of us. The Rotarians feel strongly about supporting our military troops and it is appropriate to honor them on the anniversary of 9/11. We are delighted to working hand in hand with the Knight of Columbus to honor our local military heroes.”

The 141st Quartermaster Company drills on the south edge of Tyler on Troup Highway, where they have been training for the last 25 years. The quartermaster branch is the logistics and supply branch of the army. The 141st is a pipeline company. When ships come to port delivering fuel, the 141st company draws the fuel out of the ship and pumps it into the area of operations to be disseminated to deployed soldiers. They have been completing this mission for the last ten years, the last two under CPT Stephen T. Melton and 1SG Christopher Cassano. There are just under 200 Soldiers who report to the 141st, the vast majority from the Tyler area. Soldiers come from as far as Houston and Louisiana on a monthly basis as well.

TYLER — A Tyler traffic accident has claimed the life of a 57-year-old man. At 3:14 p.m. on Friday, Tyler Police dispatch received a call about a one vehicle crash at the intersection of Front and Clayton Streets. Tyler Fire and East Texas EMS arrived at the scene, removed the sole occupant of the involved vehicle, and began CPR. The driver of the vehicle is identified as Paul Ray Jarrell. Police say after a prolonged effort to revive Mr. Jarrell, the CPR was discontinued.

Witnesses to the crash said Jarrell’s vehicle drove off the roadway into a vacant lot for no apparent reason. Police say Jarrell had a history of medical problems that may have resulted in his losing his capability to operate his vehicle. Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers responded to the scene and ordered Jarrell’s body taken to South East Forensics for an autopsy. Major Crimes detectives and accident investigators also responded to the scene for the investigation.

LONGVIEW — After 31 total years in the Fire Service and almost 28 years with the Longview Fire Department, Assistant Chief Claude Ford is retiring. Ford’s last day on the job will be September 17, with an official retirement date of September 26. A retirement reception has been scheduled for from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 15, at the Longview Fire Department Training Center, located at 307 American Legion Blvd.