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TYLER – The latest art exhibit at Gallery Main Street will open today as “The Uncommon Image: An Exhibition of the Abstract and Non-Objective” is unveiled at a reception from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the Gallery, 110 West Erwin. The work of more than two dozen artists will be on display. Artwork featuring a wide variety of media, including acrylic, ceramic, oil, sculpture, watercolor, photography, ink and pencil will be shown. There were more than 100 entries to be considered during the jury process.

Best of Show will be announced at 5:30. The public is invited to attend the come-and-go reception at the gallery from 4:30 to 6:30. This exhibit will be on display until September 15. The prospectus for the next exhibit, “Human Expressions: Figure and Portraits” is available online and the deadline for entry is August 10.

Gallery Main Street is a project of the City of Tyler Main Street Department and the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition to encourage the revitalization of downtown through the arts. The gallery is open 10:00am to 5:00pm. Monday through Wednesday; 10:00am to 7:00pm Thursday and Friday and 11:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays. More information is available at http://www.downtowntylerarts.com or at 903-593-6905.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police Detectives are asking the community for help with an aggravated robbery case that landed the 80-year-old victim in the hospital. On July 31 at around 5:07 p.m., Longview Officers were dispatched to an area hospital by emergency room personnel after the victim, John Morris, was brought in by his wife with a head injury.

Mrs. Morris told officers that two men had robbed and beaten Mr. Morris at the bait shop they operate beside their home in the 400 block of West Pliler Precise Road. Mrs. Morris said that around 4:30 p.m., two men arrived at the bait shop in a white or tan, older model, four-door passenger car, and Mr. Morris walked next door from his home to help them, thinking they were customers. After several minutes, Mrs. Morris saw the vehicle drive away, but Mr. Morris did not come back inside the house. When Mrs. Morris went to investigate, she found Mr. Morris lying on the ground inside the bait shop bleeding heavily from a wound to his head. Mr. Morris’s wallet containing cash, credit cards and VA insurance paperwork was missing.

The suspects were described as two black males, and they left behind a foam minnow bucket at the bait shop. It is believed the two suspects had been to the bait shop before and may frequent local fishing areas. If anyone has information about the suspect’s identity, they are urged to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.com or 903-236-STOP. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000.00 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police search for a couple accused of stealing beer. The two suspects reportedly robbed a convienence store in late July. Security footage shows a woman called the store clerk over to the far side of the store to distract her while a man grabbed the beer. According to KETK, the two left the store in a waiting car.

LONGVIEW — A company with a big presence in East Texas is expanding. Longview’s Eastman Chemical will add to production by about 10% starting in 2011. According to the company, there’s been an increase in demand for products. Eastman will also expand their plant in the Netherlands to help accommodate the growing needs of their product.

TYLER (AP) — An East Texas police officer has been placed on unpaid leave after authorities say a juvenile suspect pulled a gun from a duffel bag that wasn’t searched and opened fire while in custody. Tyler police say no one was injured during the July 24 incident at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center. Police say the 16-year-old boy was taken into custody on outstanding warrants when he arrived by bus from his hometown of Kansas City, Mo. Chief Gary Swindle said Monday Officer Jessica Doughten violated policy by not checking a suitcase and duffel bag the 16-year-old boy had with him.

Police say the teen grabbed the gun in a holding area and shot at an intake officer. The boy is facing several charges. The criminal investigation into the juvenile suspect’s actions has led to the following charges:
– Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant
– Possessing a Deadly Weapon in a Penal Institution
– Possession of Marijuana in a Penal Institution
– Directive to Apprehend for Felony Assault out of Kansas City, Missouri
– Failure to Appear out of Kansas City, Missouri

On July 24 at 12:22 a.m., Tyler Police and Smith County Pct. One Constables responded to the Attention Center in reference to a shots fired call. Responding officers gained entry into the building and confronted a 16-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri, in a secured hallway within the facility. Police say the juvenile had a gun to his head attempting to get officers to shoot him. According to police reports, officers on the scene were able to convince him to put the gun down after talking him down. Earlier, police received information that the juvenile was on a bus from Kansas City to Tyler and had outstanding warrants. Officers contacted the juvenile on the bus at the bus station in Tyler and took him into custody. Officers transported him to the Tyler Police Department and then to the Juvenile Attention Center.

Authorities say while the juvenile was being held in a secured intake room in the facility, he gained access to his personal duffel bag that contained a handgun hidden in his clothing. Police say the juvenile removed the handgun from the bag and fired several shots within the intake holding room. The intake officer took cover and was not struck by the gunfire. No juveniles housed in the facility were in any danger during the incident. The juvenile had been searched at the time of the arrest; however his bag was not searched prior to being placed into the trunk of the patrol vehicle. The juvenile was transported to East Texas Medical Center for minor injuries he sustained by cut glass during the incident. He was treated and released back into the custody of officers.

TYLER — County Judge Joel Baker is scheduled to present a proposed budget later this week. And it appears as if more cuts will be needed to make ends meet. The county is barely getting by on the current budget, but the new one may have to be over $7 million lighter than the current one. The county commissioners looked over their budget needs Tuesday.

The question is, where will the new cuts come from? KETK-TV reports Judge Baker says they cut every expense possible before they looked at cutting jobs. Now, they’re looking at eliminating part-time and temporary jobs in the county, along with a few full-time positions. Up to 30 jobs could be lost if the court approves. There is also a proposal of tax increase of about $55 a year to the average homeowner. According to Judge Baker, “No one wants a tax increase, but, unfortunately, they still want the services that the county provides.”

BULLARD — A Tyler man could be facing charges following a three vehicle accident in Cherokee County that killed one person and injured two. The wreck happened Monday on U.S. Highway 69 South of Bullard. Killed was Alice Glass, 80 of Jacksonville. She was air-lifted to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center where she died around 5:00 Monday afternoon. Her husband Ernest Glass, 90, was injured. Also injured was Ghulan Jiwani, 23, of Tyler. He is thought to have fallen asleep and his car and drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic, hitting the Glass vehicle. The driver of the third vehicle in the accident was not injured.

MARSHALL — Triple digit temperatures have triggered heat advisories and warnings across East Texas — and in Marshall, city officials are offering a “cooling center” for its citizens. Marshall Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Pritchard says, “Whether they’re working outside, or whether they’re just homebound, we want to avoid — at any cost — anybody who just can’t cool themselves down.” Pritchard says the center will be open till further notice.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will hold two public meetings to gather input on Tyler Transit’s 2010 Paratransit Plan on Thursday, Aug. 12, at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Taylor Auditorium of Tyler Public Library, 201 South College Avenue. The input will be used to update the Paratransit Plan, the document that describes how the City provides transportation to elderly and disabled residents as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.

Previously, the City of Tyler has held several public meetings to gather input on the future of Tyler Transit fixed routes and to update the City’s plan for how it serves citizens with ADA-accessible transportation needs (paratransit service). Officials say the Aug. 12 meetings are intended to collect additional information from groups including other transportation providers, paratransit users, regulatory agencies and advocacy groups about how the Tyler Transit paratransit service should be operated in the future. As a part of this Plan update, Tyler Transit has requested information from area transportation providers about their available resources and future plans. The City is encouraging any who have not responded to provide that input.

A copy of the 2010 Paratransit Plan is available online on the Transit page of the City’s website at http://www.cityoftyler.org and at the Tyler Transit office at 210 E. Oakwood. Anyone unable to attend these meetings can provide comments on the Transit page of the City’s website, at the Tyler Transit office (during business hours), or by calling the Transit Office at (903) 533-8057.

“It is important to update Tyler Transit’s paratransit plan,” said Director of Airport and Transit Services Davis Dickson. “The Paratransit Plan is a guide for our customers to understand the paratransit services we provide. It is critical that we receive public input as we move forward to ensure that we meet the transportation needs that enhance the social and economic quality of life for people with disabilities.”

Currently Tyler Transit operates five fixed bus routes and provides paratransit service within the city limits of Tyler. Service hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tyler Transit office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transit passes can be purchased Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Transit office.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview wins the title of “Tea Town U.S.A.” According to KETK, aside from bragging rights, the city gets $10,000 for park improvements. The online McAlister’s competition put Longview up against cities all across the state and nation to become the official “Tea Town.” Longview won the race by over 12,000 votes — and the city’s already decided which park will get the facelift. The city will pair with AMBUCS and fix up Spring Hill Park to make it ADA-accessible. Officials say children of all abilities will be able to play within the entire playground and intermingle. According to officials, there will be ramps so there will be absolutely no restrictions to any child to be able to play on the new playground. The city will be awarded the money at a ceremony later this month.

HENDERSON — A Rusk County man pleaded guilty to a capital murder charge Monday. Joe Don Turner, 34, Reklaw was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and waived the right to appeal. Turner admitted that he murdered Eugene Snitker, 76, on March 9, 2010 at Snitker’s home in Rusk County during an aggravated robbery.

KINGSPORT, TENN. — Eastman Chemical Company has announced plans to expand production of hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins at both its Longview, Texas and Middelburg, The Netherlands, facilities.

According to a company news release. the Middelburg expansion, which is the third expansion of its Regalite hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins at this site since 2006, will increase current capacity by more than 20%. It is expected to be completed in the second half of 2011. In Longview, the company is planning a capacity increase of greater than 10% for its Eastotac hydrogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon resins. This expansion is planned for completion in early 2011.

“Around the world, demand continues to grow for Eastman’s hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins,” said Brad Lich, vice president and general manager of Eastman’s coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers and inks business. “These investments are a demonstration of our commitment to growing with our customers and to meeting demand in developing regions in advance of further capacity investments.”

Eastman’s hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins are used as raw materials essential in hot-melt and pressure sensitive adhesives, and as binders in nonwoven products such as disposable diapers, feminine products, and pre-saturated wipes. They are also used in a wide range of applications including plastics and rubber modification. Due to their versatility and broad compatibility, Eastman’s hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins can be formulated with a wide range of Styrenic and Polyolefinic polymers, and offer excellent color, stability, and adhesion.

“We are proud to announce these expansions in Middelburg and Texas,” said Ruud van der Eerden, business manager, hydrogenated and C9 hydrocarbon resins. “These two expansions will better allow us to serve growing markets and assure our customers that we are well positioned to reliably meet their needs now and in the future.”

FORT CAMPBELL, KY. (AP) — The military says a Fort Campbell soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near a security checkpoint in southern Afghanistan. The military said Sgt. Kyle B. Stout, 25, of Texarkana, was a cannon crewmember assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. He joined the Army in July 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell in November 2006. He is survived by his parents, Billy M. and Robin C. Stout of Wake Village, Texas.

BEAUMONT — East Texas is very much part of the picture after Attorney General Eric Holder announced the release of the Department of Justice’s first ever National Strategy to Combat Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction. That’s the word from U.S. Attorney John Bales, who oversees the Eastern District of Texas. As part of the effort, the U.S. Marshals Service announced plans to launch a nationwide operation targeting the top 500 most dangerous, non-compliant sex offenders. Additionally, officials say the Justice department will create a national database to allow federal, state, tribal, local and international law enforcement partners to work more closely together on sex offender cases.

Bales says the department also created 38 additional Assistant U.S. Attorney positions to devote to child exploitation cases, and over the coming months will work to fill the vacancies and train the new assistants. The Eastern District received a position and hired Christopher T. Tortorice in December 2009 to prosecute Project Safe Childhood cases exclusively. “A fair test of the morality of any society is how that society protects its children,” said Bales. “Child pornography, child exploitation, child sex tourism are present cancers in our body politic and they are a direct threat to our children. We will not rest while our children are at risk.”

Since FY 2006, the Department of Justice has filed 8,464 Project Safe Childhood (PSC) cases against 8,637 defendants. In the Eastern District of Texas, some of those cases include:

· Albert Slatter, Jr., a 59-year-old assistant band director for the Longview ISD, was sentenced to federal prison on Apr. 29, 2010, for possessing images of child pornography on his home computer.
· Patrick Sanders, a 52-year-old man, pleaded guilty on Apr. 22, 2010, to possessing child pornography on his computer at the Boys and Girls Club in Lufkin where he was the Director. Sanders faces up to 10 years in federal prison when sentenced.
· Thomas Alvin Boyd, 43, of Tyler, was indicted on July 14, 2010, and charged with using 3 boys to create child pornography from about 2001 to 2005. If convicted, Boyd faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
· Charles Orange, 45, a convicted sex offender from Longview, was indicted on July 14, 2010, and charged with possessing, receiving and distributing child pornography. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison.

As part of its public outreach efforts, the department re-launched http://www.ProjectSafeChildhood.gov, the Project Safe Childhood (PSC) public website. Officials say PSC is a department initiative launched in 2006 that aims to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children.

TYLER — Preparations are in high gear for the East Texas State Fair. Senior Citizens of the Year nomination forms are now available to nominate area adults, “55 or better.” The fair will celebrate the 41st annual Senior Day on opening day. All active adults in that age range are admitted free on Thursday, September 23. The East Texas State Fair Senior Citizens’ Day committee will accept nomination forms and a 500-word essay detailing the nominee’s community service and involvement along with what makes them the “Senior of the Year” until August 20. Nomination forms are now available online and at the East Texas State Fair office located at 2112 West Front Street.

Also, the fair invites area artisans to begin to plan their Creative Arts Competitive Exhibits submissions. Creative Arts catalogs were mailed out last week and are now available online. If local residents are interested in participating but did not receive a catalog in the mail, they are available at the fair office. You can go to http://www.etstatefair.com for senior citizen nomination forms, Creative Arts catalogs and pre-registration forms, and additional information about the fair.