Man Charged in Barista Death Linked to 7 Killings

ANCHORAGE (AP) — A man charged in the death of an Alaska barista has killed himself, and authorities say he was linked to at least seven other slayings or possible slayings in three other states. Israel Keyes was found dead in his Anchorage jail cell Sunday morning. Officials say it was a suicide. Keyes was facing a March trial in federal court for the murder of 18-year-old Samantha Koenig, who was abducted from an Anchorage coffee kiosk last February. He was later arrested in Lufkin, Texas after using the victim’s debit card.

Authorities say they have confirmed that Keyes killed a Vermont couple missing since last year. Federal and state investigators said at a news conference in Vermont on Monday afternoon that 34-year-old Israel Keyes provided details about the abduction of Bill and Lorraine Currier that authorities had not released to the public. The bodies of the Curriers have never been found, but Vermont investigators had said they found evidence to support the claims by Keyes that he killed them. Authorities say Keyes also indicated he killed four others in Washington state and one person in New York state, but did not give the victims’ names.

At Bankrupt Lon Morris, Buildings Frozen in Time

JACKSONVILLE (AP) – The grounds of the oldest junior college in Texas appear to be frozen in time. They’re deserted, but otherwise little-altered as they wait to go on the auction block. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reported Saturday that books still line the library shelves. At the theater building, sheet music and pianos occupy one classroom. Signs designate “cheerleader seating” in the gymnasium. Inside the cafeteria, athletic uniforms and cheerleading items are on tables, along with framed theater photographs and a certificate marking Lon Morris’ 130th anniversary. The only occupied facility is the administration building, where a limited staff continues to work. All of these buildings will go on sale when the college auctions off core facilities Dec. 13 in Dallas. Lon Morris has suspended classes after filing for bankruptcy this summer.

Texas Rail Crossing Deaths Rise despite State Plan

DALLAS (AP/Staff) – Deaths at railroad crossings in Texas have doubled in the last year, renewing questions about whether the thousands of miles of track in the state is being safely maintained and monitored. The deaths include not only the Nov. 15 accident in Midland that claimed the lives of four military veterans on a parade float, but an equally horrific accident that killed three generations of one family in Diboll last March. Figures compiled by The Associated Press from federal data and other sources show the spike in fatalities has reached 32. It comes after a four-year period in which Texas had lowered its death toll significantly. It also comes with the state in the midst of implementing a federally mandated plan aimed at improving rail-crossing safety.

Seventh Annual Holiday in the Park

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting the seventh annual Holiday in the Park and Bazaar on December 7 and 8 at Bergfeld Park. The event includes a “tubing hill,” a snow play area, shopping, entertainment; a kid’s zone featuring pony rides, a bungee jump, and rock wall; plus more than 85,000 pounds of snow.

The fun begins on Friday, December 7, from 4:00 to 8:00pm with “Snow Play” and the Kids Zone in the park. On Saturday, December 8, the Bazaar will run from 10:00am until 5:00pm and will feature more than 50 vendors displaying a wide variety gift items for your friends or family…or maybe yourself. “Snow Play and the Kids Zone” will be open from 11:00am to 7:00p.m. for kids of all ages. Local dance groups and choirs will entertain from 11:30am until 5:00pm. Finally, the evening will wrap up with a showing of “Arthur Christmas” in the amphitheater at 6:00pm. The weekend’s events will also include the unique and exciting arrival of Santa Scirto around 3:45pm on Saturday, December 8. Photo opportunities with Santa will be available between 3:45 and 5:30pm.

The Holiday in the Park event also invites citizens to bring toys, games, and clothing for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. Gifts are needed for both children and senior adults. A drop-off station will be located by the snow hill area and can be brought to the event both Friday, December 7 between 4:00 and 8:00pm and Saturday, December 8 between 10:00am and 7:00pm.

Christmas Tree Prime Fire Target

LONGVIEW — While holiday revelers are rockin’ around the Christmas tree this year, Longview’s fire marshal is urging the use of safety precautions to keep festivities from going up in smoke. “Our hope here is to prevent a fire during the Christmas holidays,” said Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary. According to KETK, to illustrate the danger, Longview’s fire department staged a Christmas tree fire Thursday at the department’s training facility, 200 Fair St.
Trees were set up, trimmed with all the usual decorations — twinkling lights, glittery garland and shiny ornaments. The trees were placed near living room furniture, just as they typically are placed in homes. In about 30 seconds, the trees were fully engulfed in flames. In less than a minute, nearby furniture was on fire. Thick, black smoke was billowing throughout the room.

Task Force Agreed to Site for New Animal Shelter

GREGG COUNTY — A new animal shelter in Longview will most likely be built on property owned by the Humane Society of Northeast Texas, according to KETK. The 4.3-acre site on Kermit emerged as the favored location after Humane Society board members agreed during their November meeting to convey the property off H.G. Mosley Parkway, near West Loop 281, to the nonprofit group created by the City of Longview and Gregg County.

The vote was unanimous, said Terry Moore, vice president of the Humane Society of Northeast Texas. Members of Longview’s Animal Shelter Task Force agreed this week the new shelter should be built on the land which was purchased about 10 years ago. At the time, the Humane Society planned to build a new shelter, but financial difficulties stalled those efforts.

Additional Charges Pending for Lufkin “Door Kick Burglar”

ANGELINA COUNTY — Lufkin Police Department Detectives will seek additional warrants for the arrest of Corey Lee Fleming for the offense of burglar of a habitation.

On November 06, officers arrested Corey Fleming after a witness saw him in a neighbors yard. Fleming fled on foot, but officers quickly established a containing perimeter and stopped Fleming’s car in the 100 block of Temple Boulevard. Fleming was sweating profusely, his shoes and pants were wet from contact with the wet grass and shrubbery, and he refused to cooperate with officers. Fleming was arrested for Transportation Code violations, No Driver’s License and Failure to Yield Right of Way from a Private Drive. Authorities then began investigating him as a possible suspect in more than twenty burglaries and attempted burglaries incidents that occurred between August and November at residences in the Lufkin area.

A search of Fleming’s residence resulted in the recovery of evidence linking him to at least one recent burglary. The item had the victim’s name on it. Detectives seized other items from Fleming’s residence for further investigation.

Lufkin PD detectives will seek two warrants for Fleming’s arrest for the burglaries of several other residences where they recovered jewelry linking Fleming to additional burglaries on October 4 and 19. The investigation into the burglaries will continue so that detectives may identify any other burglaries committed by Corey Fleming.

Two Traffic Deaths in the Lindale Area

LINDALE — Two people were killed in separate wrecks in the Lindale area on Thursday evening. According to KETK, the first happened on Hwy 69 North near County Road 4148, about a mile north of Lindale, just after 5:00pm. The driver, Lonnie WIlliams, 65, from Lindale, was heading north on Hwy. 69, when officials believe he had a medical issue that caused him to veer off the road. Williams crossed into southbound lanes and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second wreck happened at 7:45pm on FM 16, about 2.5 miles west of Lindale. Lindale Police officials tell KETK that an officer attempted to pull over the driver, Kamron Vickers Geis, (pictured) 36, of Van, for a minor traffic violation near the Rodeo Arena, but Geis sped away. The officer opted not to pursue Geis, who was heading westbound on FM 16. Smith County DPS officials say that Geis crashed about two miles from the scene of the attempted stop. He had driven off the road, hitting a fence and several trees. Geis was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Court Rejects Texas Landowners’ Pipeline Argument

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas court has rejected an appeal filed by landowners who argued a Canadian company did not have the right to condemn their land to build a pipeline designed to eventually transport tar sands oil from Canada to Texas refineries.

The 9th Court of Appeals in Beaumont handed down its decision Thursday, rejecting arguments presented by Rhinoceros Ventures Group, Inc. and Batson Corridor, LP. The landowners’ attorney Robert Wade says they plan to appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.

The court battle is one of many in Texas as landowners fight TransCanada’s construction of the oil pipeline across the state. The larger, cross-border project still doesn’t have the necessary approval to proceed from the U.S. State Department. The portion of the pipeline from Oklahoma to Texas is under construction. A portion of the pipeline is scheduled to go through eastern Smith County.

East Texan Plans Lawsuits over Keystone XL Pipeline

AUSTIN — Retired chemist and landowner Mike Bishop of Douglass, in Nacogdoches County, comes to Austin to protest the Keystone XL pipeline, and to file the first of several lawsuits. He says when he refused to allow the oil pipeline to go through his land, the pipeline firm said there was no chance of his winning a case against the company. He said the firm told him it has the right of eminent domain as a common carrier. Bishop says his lawyer told him he had no choice but to settle. He says he’s concerned about pipeline spills and the pipeline’s effect on the environment. He’s already filed a lawsuit against the Texas Railroad Commission. He says he also plans to file suits against the Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas Legislature.

Suspect in Fatal Shooting Turns Himself In

TYLER – A man wanted in a Tyler shooting has surrendered to authorities at the Smith County Jail. Tyler police were told yesterday afternoon that Marquel Jermon Scott, 33, of Tyler, had turned himself in. Scott was wanted in an early Monday morning shooting at Hyena’s motorcycle club in Tyler that killed Keeston Dwone Fields, 26 and critically injured John T. Woods, 33. He is now listed in fair condition. Scott is held on one count of homicide and one count of aggravated assault. Bond was set at $750,000 and $500,000 respectively.

New Benches Downtown

TYLER — Smith County finished installing new benches at the T.B. Butler Fountain Square (Tyler Downtown Square) just in time for families to gather and watch Thursday night’s Christmas parade. Officials say the new benches are sturdier and more durable than the aging wooden benches removed from the park several months ago. They are also specially designed to allow for Square patrons to sit, but discourage sleeping. According to a news release, Smith County worked with the Heart of Tyler to find benches that were a better fit both functionally and aesthetically for the Downtown Tyler area. The previous wooden benches were originally removed for repairs by Smith County. But according to officials, they were in poor condition and it became more cost-effective to replace them with sturdier, long-term seating.

Three Arrested in Connection with Theft of Railroad Property

RUSK — Three people have been jailed for alleged railroad property theft in Cherokee County. On Wednesday at approximately 1:45 p.m., Game Warden Brian Bearden contacted the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and requested assistance on CR 4807 with some individuals who were allegedly stealing the material. Officer Bearden had been investigating an earlier call in the area when he observed three people walking down the railroad tracks pulling a home-made cart that ran on the rails of the track. Bearden said when he called out to them, they removed some items from the cart and placed them in the woods.

According to authorities, Officer Bearden was able to detain one of the suspects but the other two fled from the scene. Bearden learned that the suspects had allegedly been removing railroad spikes and “hooks” from the railroad bed and selling them as scrap iron. Officer Bearden was also able to ascertain the identity and possible location of the two suspects who allegedly fled.

When Deputy McNeely arrived on scene, he was briefed on the situation. He and Bearden traveled to a residence in the 2900 Block of Highway 177 in the Mixon community. The remaining suspects were arrested at that location without incident. All three were transported to the Cherokee County Jail. Authorities say the stolen spikes and hooks and the home-made cart were brought to the Sheriff’s Office as evidence. According to officials, the property that belongs to the railroad will be counted, photographed, and released back to the railroad. The cart will remain with the Sheriff’s Office as evidence.

The suspects, all from the Troup/Mixon area, are named as Lance Lee Adams, 22 (pictured); Briana Michelle Hale, 18; and Dustin Scott Massey, 24. All three were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and interference with railroad property. Each charge carries a $2,000 bond for each suspect. Authorities say there may be more charges filed if there is more damage to the railroad than was known at the time of the arrests.

Athens Nativity Scene Back on Display

ATHENS — The controversial Christmas display in Athens has gone up again. Last year, a national atheist foundation called for the Nativity scene to be dismantled because it sat on the courthouse lawn. The Freedom from Religion Foundation claimed that the religious display was unconstitutional because it blurred the lines between church and state. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott showed his support for Henderson County’s decision to keep the Nativity scene in place — as did hundreds of demonstrators who crowded the courthouse square last Christmas. The Freedom from Religion Foundation may make claims again this year. It’s already asked to put up its own display in Athens in response.

Friday Road Closure in Downtown Tyler

TYLER — The City of Tyler will install new manholes and an eight inch sewer main extension on South Fannin Avenue for the Smith County Jail expansion project today. Because the construction will cross the entire street, South Fannin Avenue will be closed between East Erwin Street and East Elm Street from 7:00am to 10:00pm today to complete the work. Drivers should use an alternate route. Recommended southbound alternate route:

At East Erwin Street and South Fannin Avenue, drive east to South Centre Avenue, south on Centre Avenue then west on East Elm Street back to South Fannin Avenue.

Recommended northbound alternate route:

On South Fannin Avenue, turn west on East Elm Street, then north on South Spring Avenue, then east on East Erwin Street back to South Fannin Avenue.

Numerous East Texans Arrested for Sexual Abuse of a Child

EAST TEXAS — Five East Texans have been arrested in the past 10 days and charged with some variety of sexual abuse of a child. According to KETK, Ronald Dison, 51, Gladewater, Peggy Weinberg, 26, and Cassandra Stone, 32, Kilgore, were arrested November 19. Weinberg and Stone, along with Jesse Smith, who was previously arrested and had charges increased, were arrested in connection with the molestation of a 2-year-old boy.

Guillermo Morales, 17, White Oak, was arrested November 22nd and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child after he was accused of abusing a 3-year-old girl. Christopher Townsend, 34, Longview, was arrested Nov. 21. He’s accused of molesting a girl who was 10-years-old at the time of the interaction. All five suspects are currently in the Gregg County Jail.

Boat Named For Northeast Texas State Trooper

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety has commissioned the Tactical Marine Unit’s sixth and final new patrol vessel at a ceremony in Austin. The boat is named in honor of the late Trooper Scott Burns, who was shot and killed in the line of duty at the age of 39 in Marion County on April 29, 2008.

Trooper Burns was fatally shot in 2008 while pursuing a suspect near the intersection of FM 729 and FM 1969, northeast of Lake of the Pines. A massive manhunt ended with the suspect fatally shooting himself as law enforcement closed in on his location.

“This is an historic day for the state of Texas, as the Scott Burns completes a fleet of six state-of-the-art patrol vessels that represent a significant enhancement in department’s ability to deter and disrupt illegal activity along the Texas coast and the Rio Grande River,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Trooper Burns was an avid outdoorsman and loved his job as a DPS trooper. His legacy will live on as the boat named in his honor will join the fight against criminal elements in the state of Texas along the coast and border. It is a fitting tribute to this brave young man who gave his life protecting the people of Texas.”

The Scott Burns joins five other 34-foot shallow water interceptors that will ultimately patrol the Rio Grande River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Each vessel is named in honor of a DPS officer killed in the line of duty.

Victim of Jacksonville Shooting Won’t Talk to Police

JACKSONVILLE — Authorities are still at a loss to explain why a 20-something-year-old Jacksonville man was shot Sunday night. KETK and the Jacksonville Daily Progress say he’s refusing to talk to police about what happened. Police say the incident took place about 9:00 Sunday night, but authorities are still a bit murky. They say it could have happened in the parking lot of Stream Global on Willowcreek Drive, at a nearby park, or at a nearby hotel.

Teen Gets 6 Years for Burglary/Vandalism

ATHENS — A Mabank teen, Anthony Shane Morgan, 18, has been sentenced to 6 years in prison for heavily vandalizing a home during a burglary. According to KETK, county officials say Morgan was remanded into custody of law enforcement after a sentencing hearing in Athens. During the hearing, the court heard testimony from a victim whose family’s home sustained nearly $50,000 in damage.

Vandalism included squirting various liquids and powders throughout the house, shattering glasses, breaking windows, ripping wiring out of the wall, and what appeared to be an attempt to start a fire inside the house. Morgan admitted to stealing alcohol from the home so that he could throw a party. The homeowner testified that there was vomit and urine throughout the house and that one of his toilets had been clogged after someone defecated in it. So much damage was done that all of the carpet in the home had to be replaced. Multiple items were stolen from the home including a stereo.

The homeowner also testified that entry had been made into his boathouse. where it appeared that several people had been “living hard”. Alcohol and cigarettes were found along with makeshift beds made of pool floats. The homeowner added that his family’s clothing had been worn and that it was obvious that someone had gone through their personal belongings. Officials say an irreplaceable family heirloom was also ruined during the burglary. During an interview by Investigator Monte Mansfield of the Gun Barrel City Police Department, Morgan admitted to entering the home on four different occasions.

Man Found Guilty of Driving 126 MPH while Intoxicated

HENDERSON — An East Texas man is set for sentencing after a Rusk County jury found him guilty Monday of driving while intoxicated at a high rate of speed. That’s according to KETK. On November 26, 2011, a sergeant with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office stopped Courtney Chambless, 34, of Anderson County, for driving 126 miles per hour on Highway 79, heading toward Louisiana. After authorities performed standardized field sobriety tests on Chambless, he was arrested and a breath sample was refused. Judge Chad Dean presided over the trial.

Judge Awards Starving Horses to Safe Haven

HENDERSON — Emaciated horses seized from a Rusk County pasture last week have been awarded to Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home on Tuesday. Rusk County Justice of the Peace Pct. 5 Joe Sorrells presided over the seizure hearing, which resulted in the three horses and three dogs being taken from the owners. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the animals were found on the pasture on County Road 4223 in south Rusk County.

The horses were seized November 21 by Rusk County sheriff’s deputies because they were extremely malnourished and “had taken a turn for the worse,” said Safe Haven Executive Director Richard Fincher. The seized horses — a gelding and two mares — were taken to Safe Haven in Upshur County, where after thorough examination they were found to have a body condition score between one and two on a one to nine scale, with one being starving and nine being obese, Fincher said. Fincher said the Rusk County sheriff’s department had been monitoring the condition of the animals and a Nov. 20 check in prompted the animals’ seizure.

Viki Penny, spokesman for the Rusk County sheriff’s office, said it was unknown at this time if the animals’ owners would face criminal charges in connection with the animals’ conditions. The land where the starving animals were found had no house or barn on it, Penny said. The dogs were given to Henderson Animal Shelter, Sorrells said. Sorrells added that the woman who represented the animals’ owner was Carolina Lowe; however, Lowe was not available for contact late Tuesday.

Man Admitted to Fatal Game of Russian Roulette

LONGVIEW — Investigators said a game of Russian Roulette proved fatal for one East Texas woman. According to the Longview News-Journal, Barbara Hudson, 39, died November 17 after being shot in the back at her home in the 1100 block of N. Third Street in Longview. Byron Houston, 30, told officers he leveled his revolver, loaded with only one bullet, at Hudson’s back, spun the cylinder and pulled the trigger, according to the criminal complaint filed by investigators for his arrest. He said it wasn’t the first time he’d played the deadly game and did it because it “made her mad.” Houston was charged with manslaughter in what the Longview Police Department ruled an accidental shooting.

Houston had 17 prior arrests before the fatal shooting. He has been convicted of multiple felonies, most recently serving 18 months for a 2010 convicted of burglary of a building and evading arrest with a prior conviction, according to Gregg County judicial records. Houston was held in the Gregg County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

Couple Found Slain in Northeast Texas Home

ATLANTA (AP) — Investigators say a man and his girlfriend have been found slain in his Northeast Texas home after he did not show up for work. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the bodies were discovered Monday by a co-worker of the man. Capt. Scott Sartain says nobody has been arrested and the bodies have been sent to Dallas for autopsies. Sartain identified the victims as Doyle O’Neal Pollard, 49, and Dyrika Jones, 42. Sartain told the Texarkana Gazette that evidence at the home near Atlanta indicated Pollard and Jones were homicide victims. He declined to describe their wounds. Investigators believe the victims were slain on Sunday.

ETMC Tree Lighting Celebrates 25 Years

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center Tyler celebrated its 25th annual Christmas tree lighting on Tuesday, with Whitehouse elementary student Jason Ackerly lighting the tree. Jason, who has attended the ETMC Diabetes Boot Camp for children with Type 1 diabetes, was diagnosed at the age of 5. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. In Type 1, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

Jason is a fourth grade student at Brown Elementary. He has received perfect attendance awards since kindergarten. He is a member of the National Elementary Honor Society, Cub Scouts, enjoys piano, tennis and karate and is a member of Dayspring Methodist Church. He wants to be a doctor who helps kids with diabetes. He has a twin sister named Michelle and has two older sisters, Kayla and Kristina. He’s the son of Liisa and Paul Ackerly.

This is the third year for ETMC to use its living Christmas tree, which was planted as part of the Tyler tree initiative, created by Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass to promote tree conservation. Each year, an ETMC-related patient with a special story serves as the hospital’s tree lighting ambassador.

One Killed in East Texas Plane Crash

WELLS (Staff/AP) – One person has been killed in a southern Cherokee County plane crash. The Federal Aviation Administration said the crash occurred shortly before 10:00 Monday night. The victim has been identified as John Thomas Steeper, 64, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Steeper was alone, flying from Houston to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The FAA reports indicate that the plane was destroyed. The Department of Public Safety says the crash site was just over a mile west of Wells. The plane’s charred wreckage wasn’t discovered until just before midnight. The cause of the fiery crash is still under investigation.

Kilgore Police Busy with Drug Busts

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department reports several arrests and drug seizures. KETK reports the department’s DEA Task Force Officer recently investigated a case involving Walley Jackson of Dallas, identified as a major supplier of large quantities of methamphetamine (ice) to the East Texas area including Kilgore. Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and was sentenced to 57 months federal time.

Other alleged members of this drug distribution ring were identified as Jennifer Northcutt, 42, of Mineola; Stacie Serenko, 35, of Tyler; and Billie Earl Johnson, 49, of Van. They were each federally indicted in September for one count of conspiracy to possess with Intent to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance to a drug trafficking crime.

This month, Kilgore Police responded to a residence in the 800 Block of Beckley Street, due to a disturbance. Police say they observed drug paraphernalia inside. According to authorities, a search resulted in the seizure of two pounds of marijuana, hydrocodone pills, a pistol, and possible LSD. Other drug related items were also taken from the residence by police, according to authorities. Kilgore residents James Ferguson, 34, and Cecil Babb, 26, were arrested. Ferguson was charged with possession of marijuana. Babb was charged with possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled Substance. Eight other occupants of the residence were issued citations for alleged possession of various drug paraphernalia.

Also in November, a traffic stop yielded two arrests for marijuana possession; police located the residence in Kilgore the drugs were allegedly being sold from. Authorities say a search of the residence (located on Fritz-Swanson Road) by police revealed close to a pound of marijuana which had allegedly been packaged for distribution. Other drug paraphernalia were reportedly taken, including scales, rolling papers, and plastic bags. A shotgun was also seized, authorities say. A resident at the location identified as Eric King, 22, of Kilgore was arrested for possession of marijuana and evading arrest.

Miracle Child Introduced

TYLER — The child who will light downtown Tyler’s Christmas tree this year has been introduced. Officials with the Children’s Miracle Network and Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics yesterday presented one-year-old Daniela Guzzetta. Daniela was born early via an urgent caesarean section. Preliminary fetal echocardiogram testing before her birth indicated that Daniela could have Down syndrome. Her parents, Joe and Carolina, carefully prepared for her arrival. According to her father, “It was the longest twenty minutes of my life,” as he awaited news from the operating room of Daniela’s safe delivery.

Daniela spent 19 days in the Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mother Frances Hospital. Shortly after discharge from the NICU, Daniela developed fever and was not eating well. On the recommendation of TeleCARE Plus, the free 24-hour health information service provided by Trinity Mother Frances, the family took Daniela to the Emergency Care Center for evaluation. Daniela was diagnosed with viral meningitis and was admitted to the Children’s Center at Mother Frances Hospital. Following her recovery and return home, she developed an upper respiratory infection that also required hospitalization.

Daniela became a patient of the Trinity Pediatrics Special Needs Clinic early on, a program made possible by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Dr. Rick Rogers, Chief of Pediatrics for Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, is the Guzzetta’s family pediatrician. According to Dr. Rogers, “Daniela is a true miracle in every sense of the word. She has overcome great obstacles in her short life.” Now a happy, thriving one-year-old, Daniela makes The Special Needs Clinic her medical home, receiving her care close to home so that her family can enjoy life to its fullest, according to officials. She’ll light the tree Thursday evening on Tyler’s downtown square.

UT Tyler Introduces Mobile App

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has launched a mobile app for students and the university community, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. With the UT Tyler app, students have convenient access – via mobile phones and tablets – to register for classes, check schedules, view financial aid, view the course catalog, visit the virtual campus map and keep up with university news and events. “We wanted to provide students with a useful mobile app, and this enables them to access the services of the student information portal, myUTTyler. They can easily and conveniently conduct business from their phones and tablets,” said Beverley Golden, UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications director.

Plans are to continue enhancing the mobile app features. Officials say students will eventually be able to accept financial aid and make payments while faculty will be able to input grades via the mobile app, she added. Go to http://www.uttyler.edu/mobile for downloading instructions and additional information. You can also email [email protected] for more information.