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LUFKIN — Blue Bell may be thinking about changing its packaging in light of the ice cream licking case. In a statement, the Brenham based creamery says it is ‘looking at methods within our manufacturing process to add additional protection to the carton.’ The company didn’t get specific, but Blue Bell has been criticized following the case in Lufkin for not including familiar protections in is packing process, like seals under the lid or some sort of plastic wrapping. Blue Bell says when it makes its ice cream, it flips the package which freezes the ice cream to the lid, and should make it obvious when a package has been opened.

PALESTINE — An 84 year old Palestine woman has been charged in the death of her husband 35 years ago. Johnnie Albritton was fatally shot in May of 1984 while he was entering his Leon County home. The case was first investigated as a murder during a burglary in progress. But Sheriff Kevin Ellis started looking back at the case in 2015 and even reached out to the TV show Cold Justice. He assigned two investigators exclusively to the case. Norma Albritton was arrested July 1. She’s currently free on a $50,000 bond. Ellis said she did not seem confused and didn’t confess or deny the crime.

GREGG COUNTY — Henderson woman was arrested Tuesday afternoon for DWI with a child under the age of 15 and evading arrest. According to our news partner KETK, Laura Biggs, 36, of Henderson, was taken into custody around 2:15 p.m. The age of the child is unknown. She was booked into the Gregg County Jail. Bond has not been set. Biggs has an extensive criminal record. This is her second DWI arrest with a child in the car. She was convicted in 2017 for the same crime and sentenced to 10 years in prison. She was released on probation earlier this year. Biggs has multiple past convictions for assault on family members over the past two decades.

TYLER — Smith County has a new Human Resources Director. Commissioners took action on Tuesday appointing Esmeralda Delmas to the role. Delmas said her passion has always been helping others, and she believed she could do this through pursuing a career in human resources. She started working as a probation officer for Smith County in 2008, and became HR Coordinator in 2015. Delmas was born in Tyler and studied at Tyler Junior College before earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human resources development from the University of Texas at Tyler.

HIGH ISLAND (AP) — A message in a bottle tossed overboard last year by a Massachusetts couple sailing in the West Indies has been found thousands of miles away on a Texas beach. The Houston Chronicle reports James Howie Hill of Carthage says he was thrilled Friday to discover the algae-covered green bottle near High Island. That’s nearly 2,400 miles from where George and June Smith of Nantucket, Massachusetts, threw the bottle into the water off Martinique. Hill, who was beachcombing with family and friends, says they were all excited about the bottle with a note inside dated Dec. 22. The Smiths wished the finder “good fortune” and asked to be notified.

TYLER — Jay Brooks has been named Smith County Fire Marshal. Brooks served as assistant fire marshal from 2008 until 2015, and briefly served as the county’s fire marshal before leaving to work in the private sector. On Tuesday, the Smith County Commissioners Court voted to appoint Brooks as the Smith County Fire Marshal. He and two other candidates were interviewed during executive session. As fire marshal, Brooks will also serve as the county’s emergency management coordinator. After 26 years at Smith County, current county fire marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson is retiring. Brooks will take over the position on July 29, and will fill the unexpired term through December 2020.

TYLER– The winners of 2 Tyler Cattle Barons’Gala Raffles were announced Tuesday. Phil Smith of Whitehouse won a 2019 GMC Sierra contributed by Hall Buick GMC. The truck is valued at nearly $52, 000. Truck Raffle tickets raised a total of $52,900. Dr. Duke McHugh is this year’s winner of a Rolex watch valued at $7,850. It was donated by Susan Robinson Fine Jewelry. A total of 697 Cattle Barons’ Gala Watch Charitable Raffle tickets were sold raising $11,860 for the 2019 Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala benefiting the American Cancer Society.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview is asking for input of citizens for design of a welcome monument that will be installed along a southern Longview entryway. The city will host a public meeting Tuesday July 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the LeTourneau University Belcher Center. This is part of the planned reconfiguration of the intersection approved as part of the 2018 bond package. The public is invited to attend and provide comments and suggestions. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1991

TYLER — A $100,000 federal grant will revamp the perimeter fence to help protect the safety of the Tyler Pounds airfield. The aid comes through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program. In a press release from the Senator, Cornyn saying “access to safe and efficient infrastructure is critical as so many Texans travel for work, leisure, and visiting loved ones.” The fencing covers 10,900 feet.

TYLER — A Tyler business has settled a fine with OSHA. Cannon Steel was fined $6,497 for a serious violation. According to our news partner KETK, that fine was handed down after an accident claimed the life of Jonathan Burkett. Cannon appealed the initial fine of over $9,000, and settled at the nearly $6,500 figure. The case remains pending while OSHA awaits payment. Back on January 23, Burkett was unloading a trailer with steel beams when one of the beams came loose and struck Burkett in the head.

TYLER — Dr. Shih Yu Lee has been acknowledged by peers for enhancing health and nursing. The University of Texas at Tyler announced that Lee has been selected as an Academy Fellow by the American Academy of Nursing. Lee was selected for her contributions to nursing and their impact on health. The Academy’s more than 2,700 members, known as Fellows, are said to be nursing’s most accomplished leaders in education management, practice and research. Fellows include association executives; university presidents, chancellors, and deans; state and federal political appointees; hospital chief executives and vice presidents for nursing; nurse consultants; researchers; and entrepreneurs.

TYLER — An accident in May 2018 claimed the life of a Kilgore teen. On Monday a 21 year old, Isiah Franklin of Tennessee, was sentenced to six years in prison. He had earlier pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter in the crash on FM 16, around 15 miles north of Tyler.According to our news partner KETK, 17-year-old Jasmine Victoria Murillo died in the wreck.

WOOD COUNTY — Travelers of FM 2869 in Wood County may need an alternate route for a couple of days. A portion of the road will remain closed through Thursday for emergency repairs to replace a pipe. A washout developed under the roadway north of FM 2088 during recent storms causing the corrugated metal pipe to collapse. Traffic is being detoured to FM 852 east of FM 2869. Signage including detour information have been placed along the route. This is an active work zone. Motorists should use caution and obey all traffic control devices put in place for the safety of the traveling public.

SMITH COUNTY — Two teens have been arrested following a lengthy narcotics investigation. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was issued July, 2 at the Foundry Apartments on Varsity Drive. Smith County Narcotics Investigators found Devonte Jones III (pictured), 19, and Braylen Jones, 17, to be in possession of marijuana, disposable cartridges containing liquid THC, a large amount of cash and drug paraphernalia. Investigators also recovered a handgun inside the residence with the serial number removed. Continue reading Two Teens Arrested following Narcotics Investigation

TYLER — Tyler Police need your assistance in locating Andrew Scott Yelverton. He is a 65 year-old white male, 5’10” and a 145 lbs., with gray hair, brown eyes, wearing a gold t-shirt, blue jeans and tennis shoes. Mr. Yelverton has dementia and recently moved to Tyler from Katy, Texas. He was last seen driving a gray Subaru Impreza, Texas Handicap License Plate 8LL-RX from his residence on Old Omen Road around 1:30 p.m., July 8. If you come in contact with Mr. Yelverton or his vehicle, contact your local police department immediately.

SMITH COUNTY — It all began with a theft of a Valero convenience store. Video from the shop shows the suspect as a white male, about 5’10”, driving a white 2019 Kia Optima. If you recognize this person, contact Det. Tim McDonald at 903-590-2698 or [email protected].

MARSHALL — Marshall Police have arrested three persons in connection to a shooting and robbery. According to police press release, a controversy became physical and led to one person being shot and robbed. Police tracked down the vehicle, which led to a pursuit. The driver, Xzavier Jackson (pictured), 18, of Marshall stopped and ran. Police were able to apprehend Jackson, and recover a firearm. Jackson was charged with Aggravated Robbery, Evading Arrest or Detention with a Motor Vehicle, and Evading Arrest. A second passenger, Robert Leonard was charged with Aggravated Robbery. A third arrest was made. Keyshauna Leonard was charged with Interference with Public Duties.

MINEOLA — Jury selection began on Monday for a Mineola man accused of murdering a 19-year-old in 2014. According to our news partner KETK, Jason Russel Walters is accused of shooting 19-year-old Christopher Griffin at the EZ Mart on North Pacific Street. Police say Griffin was killed after an argument that started inside the store went into the alley outside. According to judicial records, the trial is set to run through July 26.

UPSHUR COUNTY — The Safe Haven Equine Rescue continues rehab of over 150 horses that were seized in June. According to our news partner KETK, In a statement from the facility, “the horses are receiving fresh hay every two hours and have a constant supply of water.” They intend to repair the hooves, but the process is slow due to past conditions. A warrant was served on June 27 to seize the horses due to what appeared to be malnourishment and a lack of veterinary care. Most looked severely underweight, and kept in overcrowded pens.

NAPOLEONVILLE, La. (AP) – Another apparent incident of someone licking ice cream at a store has surfaced. This time it’s in Louisiana. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man posted a video of himself on Facebook opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking it, poking it with his finger and putting it back on the shelf. News outlets report 36-year-old Lenise Martin III was charged Saturday with property tampering and posting criminal activity. Police Commander Lonny Cavalier says after being alerted of Martin’s actions by management, deputies found Martin at the scene showing the sales clerk a receipt showing he bought the ice cream he licked. Deputies searched the freezer and confirmed the purchase but still decided to move forward with the charges. Earlier this month, a teen in Lufkin was shown in an online video taking ice cream from a Walmart freezer, removing the top to lick it and then putting it back.

TYLER — The City of Tyler began replacing a portion of a storm sewer pipe below South Broadway Avenue on Monday. The outside southbound lane of Broadway Avenue from West Erwin Street to south of West Elm Street will be impacted. The goal is to help alleviate flooding at the intersection of South Broadway Avenue and West Erwin Street. The project has a target completion date of Sept. 9. Construction will take place daily from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The west side of the intersection of Broadway and Elm will be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Law enforcement officials are investigating a fatal vehicle/pedestrian accident. It happened around 3:15 Sunday afternoon on Highway 69, 3.5 miles north of Rusk. According to DPS Troopers, a north-bound truck towing a trailer struck a pedestrian after she reportedly ran into the roadway chasing after a dog. Katherine Ann Petty, 60, of Garland, was taken to a Tyler hospital where she died a short time later.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man was arrested Sunday on a warrant for child sexual assault in Arlington. According to our news partner KETK, Tavares Jerome Akins Jr., 24, was booked for drug possession and misdemeanor traffic violations. He was also charged for child sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault after officials found an outstanding warrant in Arlington. Akins is being held in the Gregg County Jail with bond set at $1,500 for the drug and traffic violations. Bond has not been set for the charges in Arlington.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning another week’s worth of construction and maintenance work around the Tyler District. The coming week’s schedule is the same as the previous week’s advisory, except that two projects have been completed. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. You’re advised to slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones. Continue reading TxDOT Update for This Week

TYLER –A recent grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund will provide home repairs for veterans and surviving spouses through Smith County Habitat’s critical repair program. Projects typically involve installing wheelchair ramps, making kitchen cabinets usable, installing new floors that are level and making doorways and bathrooms easier to get into. Applicants need to live in Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt or Wood county. Applicants must meet grantor’s requirements and Smith County Habitat’s requirements for assistance. Smith County Habitat estimates repairing the homes of 26 veterans.

ALTO — The East Texas Council of Governments will host a community meeting for residents affected by April 13 tornadoes in Alto to offer assistance through its new HOME Disaster Relief Program. Through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, ETCOG is able to assist qualified individuals impacted by storms and other disasters in East Texas. The community meeting will be held at Alto City Hall on Monday, July 8, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Individuals are encouraged to seek assistance by attending the community meeting on July 8th, or contact the ETCOG Housing Program at 903-218-6565 or [email protected].

MARSHALL — Marshall’s Oaklawn Municipal Golf Course will be temporarily closed on Monday (weather permitting) to allow contractors to spray for weeds and other unwanted vegetation. It’s part of the annual ground maintenance plan. Officials believe that closing the course is the most efficient way to keep the public safe and allow for proper spraying. If inclement weather arises, the spraying will be rescheduled. The plan is to reopen the course on Tuesday, July 9. For more information, contact the Support Services Department at 903-935-4470.

HOPKINS COUNTY — A massive hunting lodge in Hopkins County is getting a new owner. The Reserve at Sulphur Bluff is located near Sulphur Springs. The Dallas Morning News reports the lodge and 14,000-acre property were just sold for $84 million. The European-style lodge has more than 35 bedrooms, numerous kitchens, and a 2,800-bottle wine vault. The land includes its own commercial-length airstrip and heliport. The name of the buyer was not disclosed. The property was sold by an Indiana businessman who bought it in 2005.

MARSHALL — The East Texas Baptist University Men’s and Women’s Tennis Teams recently returned home from Paris, France. According to a press release from E.T.B.U. they went as a part of the Tiger Athletic Mission Experience program. Student-athletes served the homeless, invested in local churches, worked at the YWAM base, and attended worship services at the Refugee Ministry. Led by Great Commission Center and Global Education Director Lisa Seeley, Head Coach Jeff Bramlett, and Assistant Coach Drew Lambert, the group of 15 consisting of athletes and staff partnered with the International Sports Federation and Youth with a Mission in evangelism and ministry surrounding the French Open at Roland Garros.