KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Democratic challenger in the race for Texas Agriculture Commissioner is charging that incumbent Todd Staples is derelict on the issue of gas pump inspections. But Staples is challenging the allegation. At a news conference Monday, Hank Gilbert of Whitehouse (pictured) said Staples has let too many stations fall through the cracks. The news conference was held Monday at an abandoned gas station on Loop 323. According to Gilbert, “We’re finding routinely 20-40% of the stations that are out of compliance.”

KETK-TV reports as Gilbert spoke to the press, an inspector pulled up and began checking the pumps at that very station. “If you’ll look at the station behind me,” Gilbert told reporters, “it looks like the Texas Department of Agriculture is doing their inspection on those pumps. Because, when we did our Dallas Morning News interview Friday, I highlighted a sticker off of that gas station.”

According to Gilbert, The result of a lax inspection regime is possible overcharging, a problem found in almost 40% the gas pumps in the state between 2007 and now. “We have seen reports and instances filed in particular stations in particular pumps, where people were getting gouged by 12-14 cents a gallon.” He said in Smith County, nearly half were found out of compliance in that period. And how many were referred for enforcement? Only 11%, according to Gilbert. And for that, he blames politicians.

Late Tuesday, the Ag Department released a response to what it terms “recent misleading and inaccurate statistics” regarding TDA consumer protection activities. According to a department news release:

· Since Jan. 1, 2007, TDA inspections have found that 94% of fuel pumps inspected in Texas are accurate. During this same period, TDA’s oversight of ensuring accuracy within the state’s Weights and Measures program has resulted in 379,922 fuel pump inspections statewide.

· During this same time period, the compliance rate for Smith County fuel pumps inspected was also 94%, with 3,675 fuel pumps inspected.

· The unregistered Smith County fuel operator identified in the media this week was found with 6 fuel pumps being accurate; 4 pumps dispensing too much fuel; 1 pump dispensing too little fuel; 4 pumps malfunctioning prior to dispensing fuel; and 11 pumps not in operation. The inaccurate pumps have been shut down, the company is now registered, and further enforcement is pending final investigation.

· Since Jan. 1, 2007, the average amount of time between inspections of registered fuel pumps in Texas has been 2.6 years.

· Since 2007, TDA has quadrupled fines for violations of fuel pumps.

· TDA posts violators on http://www.texasagriculture.gov — the agency website.

· TDA encourages the public to report concerns regarding fuel pumps by calling the 1-800-TELL-TDA hotline.

TYLER — Texas Bank and Trust has selected 14 Tyler Independent School District seniors to serve on its 2010-2011 Student Board of Directors. A reception introducing the Student Board of Directors will be this evening at 7:00 at the Texas Bank and Trust, located at 2323 West Grande Boulevard in Tyler.

TB&T Student Board is a prestigious program recognizing outstanding high school seniors in the community. The students from John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools are Maria Araujo, Mickey Cheavens, Meredith Cozby, Raymond Cozby IV, Jessica Emery, Nicholas Freeman, Samantha Hudson, James Landes, Alexandra Lange, Elise Martin, Kaitlyn Martin, Jason McCloskey, Marco Retana and De’Anna Wheeler.

Students were selected based on their grade point average, extra-curricular activities, and afterschool work activities. Students must submit an essay with their application as well as two letters of recommendation from either a faculty member or administrator from the high school the student attends to be considered for the program.

The Tyler ISD seniors who qualified for this year’s program join with 12 other seniors from All Saints, TK Gorman, and Grace Community Schools to make up the senior class for the TB&T program in Tyler.

The student directors will attend meetings throughout the school year where they will learn about banking, budgeting, credit, the stock market, trust and brokerage services, job interviewing, as well as serve as advisors to the bank on three areas of banking technology, the redesign of the bank’s website and the use of social media.

KILGORE — The water in Kilgore has developed a bad taste and odor and an unusual color. City officials tell KETK-TV the problem can be traced back to the dry weather. Kilgore officials say the bad smell and taste results when the Sabine river gets low and algae grows. Kilgore City Manager, Jeff Howell says nature has to work out this problem. And he says even though the water doesn’t taste or smell that great, it is safe to drink.

TYLER — An attempt to change the second trial for a man accused in a 2007 child sex ring has failed. According to KETK, defense attorney Thad Davidson wanted State District Judge Jack Skeen of Tyler off the case. Davidson claimed Skeen used his own special rules of evidence and procedure in his courtroom during Patrick Kelly’s last trial. The state now says Davidson has a personal vendetta against Judge Skeen. So the trial will continue as planned.

LONGVIEW — Longview authorities are kicking off a major crime prevention event tonight. On October 12th, neighborhoods throughout Longview are invited to join forces with other communities statewide in the effort to reduce crime. Partners in Prevention and the Longview Police Department are the organizers of the citywide event. A Texans Against Crime kick-off event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30pm on Tuesday at the Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd. At the kick-off, participants can interact with other Texans Against Crime party hosts, meet law enforcement personnel, register for block parties, pick up yard signs, and visit informational booths. For more information or to register a block party, you can call 903-237-1019.

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.