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LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University will launch a new Master of Science in Engineering program in the Fall 2011. The school will become one of the first Christian colleges in the nation offering a graduate degree in engineering. LETU’s new master’s degree is a residential, research-oriented graduate engineering program. Applications are already being accepted, with a January 15, 2011 deadline for consideration for the Fall 2011 term. LETU recently received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which accredits the university programs.

“With our strong undergraduate engineering research tradition totaling $4.5 million in external funding in the past decade, this new Master of Science in Engineering program moves us that much closer to being one of the best, comprehensive engineering schools in the country,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “The expansion of our programs greatly contribute toward fulfilling our vision to have an impact for Christ in every workplace in every nation.”

“This new graduate engineering degree is designed so that currently enrolled engineering students can take dual-credit classes in their senior year and complete a master’s degree in five years,” said LETU Engineering Dean Dr. Tom Hellmuth.

The new graduate degree program in engineering adds to the university’s three existing graduate degree offerings: the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Education and our Master of Strategic Leadership.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department was informed Thursday that Magic, one of the department’s two black Labrador K-9 dogs, died Thursday due to kidney failure. Police say Magic had been with the police department for approximately nine years and did an outstanding job in detecting drugs for the Narcotics Unit. The handler and partner for Magic was Officer Steve Black, who was the third handler in Magic’s career with the department. Police say a special service will be held next week in honor of Magic’s service to the police department and citizens of Tyler.

TYLER — Grassroots America – We the People is giving Tyler ISD officials a failing grade on facility planning. Grassroots America has already come out against the school district’s November bond proposal. Now Executive Director JoAnn Fleming says, “It is time for some answers from TISD officials! Documents on TISD’s own website prove the point Grassroots America has been making about Tyler ISD’s ill-conceived $145 million bond package. Tyler ISD and the Vote Yes Committee are asking the taxpayers to just trust the district again and vote themselves more debt. Information we’ve discovered leaves us no choice but to give the District a failing grade on its facility planning, and to declare that we now are in a place where we simply can no longer trust the direction Tyler ISD’s leaders are taking us.”

Fleming continues, “After analyzing information found on Tyler ISD’s own website under the “Bond 2010” section and documents we requested from the District, we found that eight out of sixteen elementary schools or 50% of the elementary school construction projects passed in 2004, 2008 and proposed in this 2010 bond package will be at capacity or overcrowded in less than five years! That is unacceptable and a good way to lose the trust of the people! To imagine that these new schools may soon have portables sitting outside them is shocking.

“We also discovered that in spite of the fact that TISD is saying this bond election will “finish the elementary schools” and begin the middle schools, they’ve neglected to tell us that based on the size schools we are building and the consulting report they have posted in the bond information section of their website, the district will need at least two more elementary schools by 2013! It is now abundantly clear to that this “pay me now and we’ll give you the details later” plan is WRONG! It is wrong for the taxpaying families and businesses, wrong for the teachers, wrong for the parents, and wrong for the school children of Tyler ISD.”

Vote Yes Committee spokesman Andy Bergfeld responds that if the schools do go over capacity, it can be dealt with when it happens — perhaps by building more schools. He even says that would be a good thing — that it would mean the school district is growing and doing some things right. Bergfeld adds, “We know overcrowding is an issue – that is why we need to stay the course and build these schools. They come with no tax increase.” Also, TISD says the actual bond cost is about $89.8 million.

TYLER — A group of faith-based leaders Friday announced their support and endorsement of the TISD Bond Proposal slated for vote in the November 2 election. Included in this group are: Dr. David O. Dykes, Green Acres Baptist Church; Rabbi Neal Katz, Congregation Beth El; Rev. Ralph E. Caraway, Sr; Charles Dodson, Breckenridge Village of Tyler; President Rev. Charles Faulks; The Rev. Canon Dr. Robert DeWolfe, St. Francis Episcopal Church; Anwar Khalifa, Islamic Society; Rev Dr. Archie Hicks; Rev Darryl B. Bowdre; Dr. Stuart Baskin, First Presbyterian Church; Rev. Rob Fisher, Pollard United Methodist Church; Bishop David Houston; Rev. Valita F. Waits; Rev. Charles Burns; Rev. John R. Hinton; Bishop C.F. Porter; Rev Robert L. Davis; Dr. John Robbins, Marvin United Methodist Church; Superintendent Rev Melton R. Timmons; and Chris Pulliam, First Christian Church.

Dr. Dykes said, “Cindy and I are both supporting the TISD Bond election. We believe that Tyler should have the very best facilities for our children. An investment in the lives of children is a wise investment in the future of our nation.” Reverend Caraway said, “This is a bond proposal that must pass for the future of education in TISD and to make sure we finish the job we started. We have completed 14 of the 16 elementary building projects…only two are left. Join me in voting YES to keep building schools that are being built on time and under budget. Remember, this proposal does not raise our tax rate.”

Rabbi Katz added, “The TISD School Bond is yet another way to show our students how much we care about them and their places of learning. With this election, the community has an opportunity to finish a major overhaul of our school facilities that began some five years ago. We are all proud of Tyler ISD, so let us vote YES with pride to fund our next generation of schools.”

“The most important commodity we have in life is our future in the form of our children. They are the legacy that needs to be nurtured, formed, and prepared for carrying on a fruitful society that will continue the improvement of quality of life for all of our people. And, we need adequate facilities to prepare our children for this future role of enhancing our society. I heartily support the passage of the bond issue that will make this possible.” said The Rev Canon Dr. Robert Wolfe.

Dr. Robbins continued, “Schools are a reflection of the community as a whole. That’s why it is critical that we have the best and most technologically advanced schools. Quality schools mean a quality community.” Anwar Khalifa said, “New schools give Tyler a great image for those looking at Tyler to live. They will help our economy as a whole.”

And Dr. Baskin concluded, “As a pastor, I know a thing or two about good stewardship. I know that aging buildings eat up a lot of money in high utility costs and maintenance that could otherwise go to instruction. The TISD bond proposal is simply good stewardship. It will help us devote a higher percentage of our tax dollars to teaching our children rather than repairing old buildings. And that is good for Tyler.” The TISD Bond Proposal includes the replacement of the final two elementary schools and the construction of a new middle school relief campus for overcrowding and growth.

GILMER — One of East Texas’s showcase fall events, the 73rd Annual East Texas Yamboree, continues in Gilmer through Saturday. Today’s highlights include band performances; the yam pie judging, results, and sale; and a street dance. You can get more details at http://www.yamboree.com or by calling 903-843-2413.

BEN WHEELER — The Ben Wheeler community is putting itself on the map with an unusual collection of fun and games. The town’s inviting everyone to take part in the 2010 Fall Feral Hog Festival, today and Saturday in downtown Ben Wheeler. It includes a quirky follies show, hog queen pageant, live music, a parade, World Championship Wild Hog Cook-Off, pig races, dress a pig contest, kid’s play area, games and food. You can go to http://benwheelertx.com or http://facebook.com/FallFeralHogFestival for more information. You can also e-mail hogfest@bwdc.net or call 903-833-1070.

LONGVIEW — Today’s the deadline as the Longview Race Relations Committee, sponsored by the City of Longview Partners in Prevention, seeks nominations from the community for citizens to be honored at its Seventh Annual Unity Awards Luncheon in January 2011. The purpose of the Unity Award is to honor individuals, living or deceased, in the Longview community who have stood against prejudice and mistrust and who have demonstrated leadership in promoting racial harmony and understanding. Those persons can be current or past residents of the Longview area.

Award nomination forms are available at: the Partners in Prevention Office, 140 E. Tyler St., Suite 400; 300 W. Cotton St.; Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton St.; and Broughton Recreation Center, 801 S. MLK Blvd. You can also go to http://www.LongviewTexas.gov to access a form. You can contact Partners in Prevention at 903-237-1019 for more information.

TYLER — Tyler Police respond to several reports of auto burglaries this morning around 2:00. The callers stated they observed a maroon Lincoln Town car occupied with several Hispanic males involved in the crime. The suspects were last reported breaking into a vehicle on Industrial Street around 3:15 when an officer spotted the suspect vehicle. The suspects bailed from the vehicle after running off the road, but the driver was arrested after a short foot pursuit. The three other suspects were able to get away and are in the process of being identified.

Upon searching the suspect vehicle, officers located numerous stolen electronic items in the trunk. The driver was identified as Martin Gonzalez Jr., 19, was charged with four counts of auto burglary, possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and evading arrest. He was booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $125,000.

Tyler Police have taken over 12 auto burglary reports this morning along with a report of an Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle from a repair shop on W. Gentry that matches the suspect vehicle involved in this crime spree. That crime is still under investigation.

The suspects broke out windows of cars at the following locations: S. Beckham, N. Carlyle, N. Glenwood, S. Wall, Merrimac, Hudson, Pollard, S. Porter and S. Donnybrook.

TYLER — Tyler Police Department will be participating in a DWI enforcement program for the last two weekends in October. The enforcement detail of officers will be on the look-out for intoxicated drivers in the City of Tyler. This enforcement program is funded by a state grant that was awarded to the department for DWI patrol. Tyler PD urges everyone who is drinking and considering driving to have a designated driver, or to hire a cab to get home safely.

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse residents will soon vote whether to sell alcohol in the city. With elections just a couple of weeks away, city officials are getting ready just in case. City manager Mike Peterson says, “If it goes wet, we’ll have ordinances already in place that will regulate the sale of beer and wine inside the city.” He says they already prepared ordinances: one says alcohol cannot be sold in residential areas, another sets the fee for alcohol permits, and a third one says alcohol cannot be sold near schools and churches. According to KETK, Peterson says whether the city is wet or dry, the council will support the outcome and the desire of the citizens.

TYLER (Staff/AP) — With the gubernatorial election less than two weeks away, Democrat Bill White brought his campaign back to Tyler. White told the crowd, “We need a governor who has been in private business. One who has met a payroll and who knows how to squeeze the most out of taxpayer dollars.”

KETK-TV reports White said Rick Perry has a lot to answer for lately, he’s making much of the whistleblower who accuses Perry of steering the Teacher Retirement Fund toward companies run by his donors. “That should be illegal,” White said. “It should be illegal for them to do what they’re doing. The Teacher’s Retirement Fund has gone from a 5-billion dollar surplus when Rick Perry took office, to being over 20-billion dollars in the red. There was a vote that had the support of people of both parties, to put a teacher’s representative who could be a watchdog on that board. Rick Perry vetoed that bill.”

White also said if he’s elected governor his first move would take him straight into a mobile home. The millionaire lives in a home appraised at $2.1 million, but says he’d be the portrait of frugality the moment he takes office by moving into a mobile home to save taxpayers money. Perry’s spokesman calls White’s proposal a gimmick.

TYLER — A hearing resumed in Tyler this morning to have State District Judge Jack Skeen removed from the upcoming retrial of the man convicted in the Mineola child sex ring case. KETK-TV reports Patrick Kelly’s defense lawyer, Thad Davidson, says that Judge Jack Skeen has had private meetings with the prosecution during the Mineola sex ring trial and should be removed from the case. Davidson has filed a motion to recuse Judge Skeen from the proceedings. Presiding over the hearing is retired State District Judge Alvin Khoury of Longview.

TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted an on-campus ceremony Wednesday to unveil a marker in the Reflections Program honoring Texas College as part of TC’s Homecoming activities. In accordance with the Tyler 21 North End Action Plan, in 2009, the City of Tyler launched a three year program to promote Tyler Historic Landmarks status and the installation of historic markers and plaques at North End locations important to city history, including the history of the African-American community. Officials say the Reflections Program encourages citizens or interested organizations to submit nominations for the designation in the North End as Tyler Historic Landmarks, Tyler Historic Subject Markers or Half Mile of History stones.

Texas College was founded in 1894 by a group of ministers of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church who were interested in offering a quality education to African American youth. City officials say today, with its diverse student, faculty and staff populations, Texas College admits students of any race, color, gender, religious affiliation, or national or ethnic origin. The College is an affiliate of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and has a modified open admissions policy that permits it to serve a broad-based traditional and non-traditional student clientele.

CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County have arrested a man who now faces multiple charges. On Tuesday at approximately 2:10 p.m., the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a concerned citizen stating an unknown person was seen running from the citizen’s residence. Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigators responded to the scene and immediately cordoned off a perimeter. Authorities say the suspect, later identified as Larry Leroy Jackson, Jr., was observed by one of the Investigators in a pasture and took off running toward a wooded area.

The Canton helicopter and the Canton K-9 Unit were called in to assist. Participating with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office were the Canton Police Department, Precinct #1 Constable, Department of Public Safety, the Grand Saline Police Department and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office Posse. Within a short time after the pursuit begun, the suspect was flushed out with the help of the helicopter pilot and the K-9 unit and taken into custody

Authorities say the Precinct #1 Constable had made a traffic stop earlier in the day in which Jackson, a passenger in the vehicle, took off running. A foot pursuit ensued at that time, but was suspended after a thorough search proved to be futile. All agencies had also participated in that search. Jackson faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, tampering or fabricating physical evidence with intent, and evading arrest or detention, along with revocation of supervision out of Wood County. His bonds total $100,000.

LONGVIEW — Six adults escape a house fire Wednesday morning unharmed. It happened around 10:00 at 1002 Oden St. Longview firefighters say about 25% of the home was a blaze when they arrived. Authorities say it started in the upstairs bed room. Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire in about 10 minutes. One resident said she had a candle burning in the window sill with the window open. The drapes then caught on fire. The remainder of the house sustained heavy smoke and heat spread.