KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Andrew Kerr, executive director of Empower Texans/Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, presented the 2011 Texans for Fiscal Responsibility Taxpayers’ Advocate Award to state Rep. Leo Berman. The group gives this award to legislators in recognition of their strong rating on the fiscal responsibility index, based on their voting record during the 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature. The award was presented during the September 8th Smith County Republican Club meeting. Berman said, “I am very proud to receive this award. I have always been a taxpayer advocate and will continue to support commonsense, pro-taxpayer legislation. Texans asked the legislature to balance the budget by cutting spending without a tax or fee increase. We did exactly as we were asked.”

Rep. Berman represents District 6, which includes the south half of Smith County. He serves on the House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs and the House Committee on Elections.

TYLER – A 29-year-old Henderson man has pleaded guilty to child pornography violations. Enrique Estrada Quintana pleaded guilty to three counts of production of child pornography Friday in Tyler before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

According to prosecutors, on Feb. 2, a search warrant was executed at Quintana’s residence, during which several computers, cameras, and other forms of digital media were seized. A forensic examination of the seized items revealed several thousand images of child pornography and over 10,000 videos of child pornography. It was also determined that Quintana actually took approximately 100 pictures and 20 videos of three different minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the images depicted prepubescent children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and some of the images involved the commission of a sexual act. Quintana was indicted by a federal grand jury on Mar. 2.

Quintana faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County fire officials tell KETK they’ve been battling a flare-up on CR 240 and CR 246 where several acres burned Thursday. The rekindle began around midday on Friday, and had reached two acres by the time fire officials got on scene. Officials were not clear at the time exactly how much it had grown. Authorities said the fire was beginning to jump the plow line around the blaze. Several departments are on scene. No word on whether there are any nearby structures in danger, but there have been no evacuation orders put in place at this time.

Earlier, officials said all Smith County fires had been contained, and there are no reports of other flare-ups. That containment includes a fire that ignited near several Smith County oil wells. Fire officials say it started around 4:00 Thursday afternoon in a wooded area near FM 850 and County Road 2301, near the New Chapel Hill community. That fire burned approximately 125 acres, but no structures were damaged. Fire crews are continuing to monitor hot spots at previous fire locations throughout the county. Officials believe some of the fires were intentionally set, and they’re still investigating.

LONGVIEW — The search goes on for whoever vandalized a Longview park early this month. On September 4 at 7:19 p.m., officers were called to the 1800 Block of Toler Road for a criminal mischief and burglary at McWhorter Park. When police arrived, park employees told them that sometime between September 1st around noon and September 4th around 7 p.m., someone had entered the park facilities and forced entry into buildings on the property causing damage. Parks officials estimate damages at this point to total at least $15,000.

Detectives are asking for anyone with information about this incident to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers online at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.com or 903-236-STOP. A reward of up to $1000 may be paid for information leading to the arrest of the suspect in this case. Any information given will remain confidential.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement in order to remember the fallen and pay tribute to the survivors and first responders on the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks:

“It has been said by Thomas Jefferson, ‘The cement of this union is the heart-blood of every American.’ The morning of September 11, 2001, America’s heart beat was fortified through tragedy and pulsed in one patriotic accord.

“Throughout most of the country, September 11th was a bright, clear and warm day. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. However, at 9:03 AM when the second of four hijacked planes crashed in to the World Trade Center’s South Tower, every heart was irreparably changed forever in America.

“Dozens of questions flooded the minds of our countrymen and women. Unfortunately, no one could specifically address the devastation, fear, doubt and sheer horror felt by the majority of Americans. Hearts – dismayed, anxious and angry – were racing. Though there were very small pockets of people in America and some countries abroad cheering when those towers came down, all true Americans were devastated.

“Within minutes of the first plane hitting the North Tower, dozens of police, firefighters and rescue personnel rushed up the endless stairwells with a strict mission in mind – to provide assistance to the victims and contain the violent fire. When the second plane smashed into the South Tower, immediately rescue personnel headed up the stairs to give aid. Emotions saddled with fear and uncertainty, these ordinary Americans, answered the call of bravery, and sacrificed their lives by offering assistance to their fellow Americans.

“Elmer Davis’ words echoed as truth that day, ‘This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.’

“September 11th was the single worst terrorist attack any country has suffered in modern times. Nearly 3,000 innocent people were cold heartedly murdered on our soil. Americans lost husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, children, and friends.

“The heroic Americans who responded with courage and strength will never be forgotten. We remember those who lost their lives on 9/11 and honor those who ran into the burning buildings that catastrophic day. These brave men and women make up the true heart of America. When people were evacuating the World Trade Center and Pentagon – running down stairwells and corridors – these patriots stationed themselves in the path of disaster; they saved the lives of their countrymen and comforted countless Americans in their last moments on earth.

“On that horrific day, two towers came crashing down – all that was left was a foundation. It is the foundation of faith, hope and love that comprises the bedrock of America. Ironically, following the attacks, during the operation to clear Ground Zero and when the massive search to find survivors was underway, a 20-foot cross of steel beams was uncovered among the rubble. In the midst of chaos and calamity, God was present. To quote Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

“America’s patriotism is not etched in the colors of the flag, it’s not found in the concrete monuments or historic government buildings. True American patriotism can only be viewed in the valiant faces of its people. In the days, weeks, months, and years that follow, I pray, even in the face of scoffers, we will always honor these brave individuals. I pray that we never forget the sacrifice of those who ran into the burning buildings that day. I pray that we never replace these men and women who demonstrated courage with those who merely speak of it.

“May God Continue to Bless America.”

DIANA — Upshur County firefighters say a fire in Diana is 100% contained. The blaze, near Farm Road 726 and Highway 154, has been burning since Sunday. KETK reports it has destroyed about 3000 acres and three houses. The blaze was reportedly caused by a power line. Firefighters say one man burned his arm Sunday while trying to fight those flames.

LUFKIN — An arrest has been made in the 6-year-old rape case of a mentally handicapped woman. Perry Haggerton, 53, Diboll, turned himself in Wednesday. He was pinpointed as a suspect after his DNA was collected and placed in the Combined DNA Index System system due to a second DWI conviction in December 2010. Haggerton was placed on six years probation following the DWI conviction. On May 3, Lufkin Police were notified that Haggerton’s DNA potentially matched DNA from a rape that occurred in July 2005. The next day, Haggerton submitted to a mouth swab at the Lufkin Police department after a search warrant was issued. That swab was submitted to a Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab in Houston, resulting in a definite match Aug. 29.

The charges stem from July 19, 2005, when a then 44-year-old woman filed a police report. A sexual assault examination at Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin showed the woman did have trauma to her private area and DNA from her attacker was collected. She gave a similar account of being raped to a sexual assault nurse examiner.

SMITH COUNTY — A crash along Highway 271 Thursday night sent two people to the hospital. It happened near the UT Tyler Health Science Center around 9:30 Thursday night and involved two vehicles. Winona Firefighters say a man was driving south along FM 2908 and crashed into another car driving north.

MINEOLA — Two people were hospitalized Thursday afternoon after a fiery wreck that closed U.S. 69 north of Mineola. Investigators said a car hit the fuel tanks of a tanker truck, causing them to explode and forcing the truck driver to jump through flames to escape. Injured were Jean Lemonds, 65, Ben Wheeler, who was taken to Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, and Lamont Abernathy, 28, of Wills Point, who was taken to East Texas Medical Center Hospital in Quitman. U.S. 69 was shut down early Thursday evening.

KILGORE – There has been a slight drop in the fall enrollment at Kilgore College. Staci Martin, registrar and director of admissions, said the enrollment is 6,415 students, down 299 students or 4.5% from 2010’s 6,714. She added, “We will now start our financial aid attendance verification process, so we will lose additional students through that process, about 40 were dropped through this process last spring. Additional clean-up for state reports will occur up until reports are submitted in mid-October.”

TYLER — In light of the fires ravaging the area, the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas is advising residents across Texas to have a plan, prepare their homes for a possible wildfire and properly vet any charities before giving money and items to help fire victims. To help guide consumers preparing for future fires and looking to help those who have lost their homes, BBB offers the following advice:

• Have a plan. Know what you will do and where you will go should you have to evacuate. The Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency offer tips and materials to help residents plan for wildfires. Central Texas residents can sign up to have emergency alerts sent to their mobile phones using this link: http://wireless.capcog.org/ENS/PhoneMap.aspx?NewUser

• Pack an emergency bag. Have a list of items you will take should you have to evacuate and have as many of them packed and ready to go as is feasible. FEMA compiled a list of important items to help people decide what they need to save in an emergency.

• Prepare your home. The Texas Forest Service recommends following the Ready, Set, Go! plan to help residents prepare their homes for wildfire.

• Protect important documents. BBB recommends consumers purchase a fire safe for important documents — such as passports, birth certificates, insurance contracts and photos — and precious items. Fire safes have ratings that indicate the level of protection they offer, and a higher rating generally means a higher price. Pick the model that is right for your needs.

• Catalogue valuables. Take pictures of your valuables and store them off-site or in a fire safe. This can help the insurance company assess the dollar amount for your losses. Even photos or video taken with a cell phone as you evacuate can be useful.

• Give wisely. Many families will not be able to recover without the assistance of others. However, when donating money or items, be sure you are working with a trustworthy organization.
– Find out where exactly your money and items will go. Does the charity add donations to a general fund or does it have a specific fund set up for fire victims?
– Make sure the charity has experience in relief efforts, especially wildfire damage. Not all disasters are the same and need to be handled differently.
– Visit http://www.irs.gov to verify that the charity exists and is registered as a 501(c)(3). Visit http://www.bbb.org to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses. To report a fraud or scam, call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.

HENDERSON — Firefighters in Rusk County have had very little rest during the last week. Most of these men and women are volunteering their time to help protect Rusk County, with many of them taking vacation days to be able to stay and fight the fires the county is having. According to information from KETK and Rusk County, fire departments are depleting the budgets and are in need of monetary donations for their departments at this time. This will help with fuel, fire equipment, and truck repairs cost incurred during the extreme wildfires. Officials ask you to designate the fire department you wish your donation to go. If no designation is given, the Rusk County Firefighters Association distribute the funds as needed.

Send Checks to:
Rusk County Firefighters Association
P.O. Box 1911
Henderson, TX 75653
Attn: Rick Wittner

Cash donations may be taken to the Central Fire Station in Henderson at 401 W. Main.

TYLER – A Smith County man has pleaded guilty in Tyler federal court to firearms violations. Ernesto Camacho, 35, of Tyler, pleaded guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. Federal prosecutors say, on March 1, Camacho was arrested following a traffic stop during which a firearm was discovered in his vehicle. Further investigation revealed Camacho was a convicted felon, having been previously found guilty of aggravated assault, arson and theft. As a convicted felon, Camacho is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Camacho was indicted by a federal grand jury several months ago and charged with federal firearms violations. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is renewing and clarifying an earlier advisory. Police encourage residents to refrain from calling 9-1-1 about general smoke in the air unless the resident sees a column of smoke or sees the fire is the source of the smoke. Law officers say they have been overwhelmed with 9-1-1 calls since the wildfires began.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has recorded a 29% increase in first-time undergraduate students and a 37% increase in graduate enrollment compared to last fall, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. Total headcount for this fall is 6,703, which surpasses the fall 2010 figure of 6,446. The overall enrollment increase is 4%. “We are very pleased with these figures. Students statewide and across the nation increasingly realize that UT Tyler is a top-flight institution that produces some of the best graduates anywhere. I believe this increase, especially during these challenging economic times, attests to the fact that our academic programs are among the best and are very worthwhile investments for students,” said President Mabry.

SMITH COUNTY — Officials say due to the number of fires experienced in the area, combined with the diminishing winds, smoke is expected to remain in the City of Tyler for the next few days. According to KETK, more than 30,000 acres have burned across the region. Smoke will tend to settle into lower elevations and remain throughout parts of East Texas. The City of Tyler Division of Emergency Management stands ready to assist in any way possible. The Tyler Fire Department has temporarily increased staffing levels due to the increased number of fires that the county has experienced. The situation may continue for several days due to the continuing dry conditions.

Smith County officials note, “A large portion of East Texas is currently experiencing smoke coverage. This is due to high humidity and a lack of wind surrounding several East Texas forest fires, according to information from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report smoke in the air; emergency services are aware of the condition. It is imperative that 9-1-1 lines stay clear to report active emergencies.”

State Highway 31 and county roads in the Jackson Heights area are now reopened following Monday night’s evacuation on Highway 31 East. The fire will continue to burn in the Jackson Heights area for several days, but officials say no structures are currently in danger. According to a county press statement, volunteer fire departments from around the county will continue to monitor hot spots in the area until the fire is fully contained.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter site for people who have been displaced from their homes in Smith County due to the fires. The shelter site is located at the First Christian Church at South Broadway and Loop 323 in Tyler. Citizens are urged to remain cautious during these dry conditions.

For a map of fires: http://ticc.tamu.edu/Response/FireActivity/default.aspx

RUSK COUNTY — People in Rusk County are being asked to avoid certain stretches of road while firefighters try and get a handle on flames there. There’s still no word on just how large this one is, but firefighters say they’re actively battling flames. Drivers are being urged to avoid South Highway 42 from South Highway 64 to Highway 79 South. Some Rusk Countians are being told to stay away from their homes. Rusk County authorities tell KETK County Roads 4110 and 4113 in Price are still closed. The fire there is only 40 percent contained. People living on and around County road 476 are being allowed back home. FM 850 about one and a half miles west of Highway 42 in New London is now reopened to traffic. The Carlisle ISD called off classes for Wednesday, but classes in Carlisle resume Thursday.

CASS COUNTY — As wildfires continue to rage through Cass County, having already claimed about 30,000 acres of land, the county judge has declared the area a disaster area. County Judge Charles L. McMichael on Tuesday issued a declaration of disaster for Cass County saying the county is “under imminent threat of severe damage, injury of loss of life or property” due to the wildfires. Cass County has the largest single wildfire in Northeast Texas, and it has now spread to Marion County. According to KETK, investigators are looking into the possibility arsonists may be responsible for those flames.

SMITH COUNTY — Officials in Smith County continue to monitor wildfire activity, with a dense smoke advisory now expired for the county — but extended until 4 p.m. for Camp, Cass, Upshur, Marion, Gregg, and Harrison Counties. Smith County officials note, “Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report smoke in the air; emergency services are aware of the condition. It is imperative that 9-1-1 lines stay clear to report active emergencies.” The fire in the Jackson Heights area will continue to burn for several days, but officials say no structures are currently in danger. The American Red Cross has opened a shelter site for people who have been displaced from their homes in Smith County due to the fires. The shelter site is located at the First Christian Church at South Broadway and Loop 323 in Tyler. Citizens are urged to remain cautious during these dry conditions.

For a map of fires: http://ticc.tamu.edu/Response/FireActivity/default.aspx

HENDERSON — Some residents in Rusk County are now allowed to return home after wildfire prompted their evacuation. People forced from their homes along County Roads 4110D, 4113, and 487 can go home. KETK reports the fire in that area is now 100% contained. Residents on 316D are not allowed back home. CR 314 is open for traffic but CR 4114 is still closed. One firefighter was slightly injured fighting that blaze.

MARSHALL — For the third day in a row, three East Texas school districts cancelled their classes due to wildfires. The Avinger, Jefferson, and Linden-Kildare all announced cancellations for Thursday. Football games scheduled for Thursday night were also cancelled. Today the Marion and Jefferson school districts have cancelled classes. Fires continued to rage across Marion and Cass Counties, with over 30,000 acres burned so far.

EAST TEXAS — As fires blaze across East Texas, many families have been forced from their homes. But people with no other place to go are finding refuge at local locations. Our news partner KETK has compiled a list of shelters and other assistance centers.

SHELTERS:

An evacuation shelter has been set up at Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview. The City of Longview is also in a position to assist those with the sheltering of animals if the need arises. Anyone needing shelter as a result of the recent wildfires can go to Maude Cobb.

Smith County: First Christian Church at Broadway & Loop 323

Anderson County: Dogwood Hill Baptist Church for shelter.

New London: New London Community Center is open for evacuees from the fires in New London and Carlisle.

Palestine: Dogwood Hill Baptist Church on Hwy 79 E. FM 294 to 322

Gladewater: Antique Capital RV Park on 500 Loop 485, First Baptist Church on 300 West Upshur, Calvary Baptist Shurch on 3601 West Upshur

Diana: New Diana High School Gym on 11826 Texas 154, The Rock House

DONATIONS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Gregg County:

Gladewater Fire Department is asking for water donations. Donations can be dropped off at 511 South Tyler Street in Gladewater.

Kilgore Fire Department is asking for fuel or monetary donations for fuel. Donations can be made at 1100 Powder Horn in Kilgore.

Sabine Volunteer Fire Department is asking for gloves, face masks and bandanas. Donations of these items can de dropped off at their station on 1252, in Liberty City (across the street from the Baptist Church). They are also asking for monetary donations which can be dropped off at the First National Hughes Bank in Liberty City.

Smith County:

The First Assembly of God has started a donation site at the Brookshire’s in Whitehouse. They are collecting water and snacks for the fire departments in surrounding areas.

Whitehouse Fire Department is asking that any donations the public can make be dropped off at their main location at 305 E. Main in Whitehouse.

Winona Volunteer Fire Department is asking for anything the public can spare, especially bottled water and snacks. Donations can be dropped off at the station which is located at 1111 Dallas Street in Winona.

Smith County officials are asking only for monetary donations at this time for the following departments:

Arp Fire Department — Donations can be dropped off at 107 West Longview Street in Arp.

Bullard Fire Department — Donations can be dropped off at 2281 Old FM Road 344 in Bullard.

Chapel Hill Volunteer Fire Department — Donations can be dropped off at 13801 County Road 220 in Chapel Hill.

Dixie Volunteer Fire Department — Donations can be dropped off at 584 County Road 1143 west of Tyler.

Flint- Gresham Fire Department — Donations can be made at the station which is located at 18823 FM 2493 in Flint.

Jackson Heights Fire Department — Donations can be made at 2874 County Road 24 in Tyler.

Lindale Volunteer Fire Department — Donations can be made at 208 East Hubbard Street in Lindale.

Noonday Volunteer Fire Department — Donations can be dropped off at the station which is located at 16619 HWY 155 S in Noonday.

Red Springs Volunteer Fire Department — Donations can be dropped off at the station which is located at 16696 FM 14 north of Tyler.

Troup Fire Department — Donations can be dropped off at 101 West Bradford Street in Troup.

Cherokee County:

The Jacksonville Fire Department is asking that the public drop off any donations that have at 301 S Main Street in Jacksonville.

Upshur County

The Gilmer Fire Department is asking for monetary donations to be made at your neighboring volunteer fire departments.

Rusk County

The New London Volunteer Fire Department is asking for monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at City Hall, which is located at 180 East Philips (behind the high school) in New London.

The Overton Volunteer Department is asking the public for water and Gatorade donations. Donations can be dropped off at City Hall which is located at 1200 South Commerce in Overton.

Henderson County

Chandler and Westside Volunteer Fire Departments are giving mutual aid into Smith County and are also in need of donations, water & Gatorade. Donations can be dropped of at both stations.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Officials say Angelina River Bottom fire evacuees may return home, but Highway 21 is still closed to through traffic. Between 50 and 100 homes were evacuated on the Cherokee County side of the Angelina River on Tuesday. Nacogdoches County officials say that fire scorched about 3,500 acres in Nacogdoches and 1,000 acres in Cherokee County. It’s now said to be around 35 per cent contained. According to KETK, the fire managed to jump Highway 21 sometime during the night. Highway 21, west of Douglass, may remain closed today due to the fire burning on the Cherokee County side. County Road 3 has also been closed due to smoke and the number of emergency vehicles traveling that roadway.

SMITH COUNTY — Republican Chris Green formally announces his candidacy for Smith County Sheriff. Green recently retired as Game Warden and has served as a state peace officer for 20 years. He said he wants to continue what JB Smith has accomplished but also implement a fresh perspective, drawing on the relationships that he has cultivated in all aspects of the community.

Green announced that he is “running on a platform of establishing and maintaining an administration that is ethical, transparent and one with integrity.” He said he wants to run a department that is fiscally responsible with the budget and with officers who lead by example as professional, compassionate servants of the taxpayers.

LONGVIEW — Fireighters in Gregg County said all fires have now been contained and evacuation orders have been lifted. This includes the fires in the Gladewater area: Cole Bottom and the Moore Fire. City and County Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and are encouraging citizens to be aware of fire safety precautions. Below is an update of the situation in the Gregg County area.

Smoke and Air Quality:

The East Texas area continues to be blanketed by smoke from area fires. The smoke tends to settle in the morning and evening. The majority of the smoke seen over the Gregg County area is seen from fires occurring in counties to the north. With all the smoke and other particles in the air, people with a history of respiratory symptoms are cautioned to stay indoors. In addition, officials encourage residents to refrain from calling 9-1-1 about general smoke in the air unless the resident sees a column of smoke or sees the fire that is the source of the smoke.

Donations and volunteers:

Generous citizens have provided many donations including more than 1,000 cases of water, hundreds of bottles of sports drinks, and many non-perishable food items. The donations have been distributed to area emergency responders. No items are being requested at this time; however, to inquire about making donations to support public safety personnel, you’re asked to call 903-237-1379. To inquire about donations for fire victims, call the local Red Cross at 903-753-2091. No volunteers are needed at this time except for qualified firefighters.

Reminder of Fire Safety Tips:

With all the smoke and other particles in the air, people with a history of respiratory symptoms are cautioned to stay indoors.

If there are extreme smoke conditions, please do not proceed down the streets.

Have an exit strategy from your home, business, and neighborhood to multiple points of exit.

Do not wait for someone to tell you to evacuate. Be watchful and evacuate if the fire danger is nearby.

For your own safety, if you don’t live near the fires, please stay away from the area around the fires.

Avoid activities that can create a spark. Examples include burning of any kind, outdoor cooking or grilling, improper disposal of cigarettes, industrial activities such as welding or other construction, or use of any older equipment without spark arrestors.

Visit http://www.FireWise.org for additional fire safety tips.

TYLER — Smith County evacuations have now been lifted after crews were able to contain that fire, according to KETK. Residents are allowed to return home. The Smith County Fire Marshal late Wednesday afternoon reported an active fire that crews were fighting at County Road 26. The fire was approximately 5 blocks away from the Jackson Heights fire Monday night. So far, 430 acres have burned in the CR 26 blaze, with 75% containment. Authorities now say arson is suspected, but the cause is not yet confirmed. They say a person of interest has been questioned, but no arrests have been made.

WHITEHOUSE — East Texas citizens rally to the cause as donations are sought for wildfire relief. Members of the Mt. Carmel Baptist in Whitehouse spent their afternoon Wednesday collecting donations for area firefighters at Brookshire’s. Volunteer Jacob Johnson said he and his colleagues planned to continue the effort Thursday. Johnson tells KETK the group is doing whatever it can to help.

TYLER – In an appearance in federal court in Tyler, A 60-year-old Vermont man has pleaded guilty for failing to register as a sex offender. Raymond Leo Lemaire, Jr., pleaded guilty yesterday to failure to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act when he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

Federal prosecutors say in June 2010, Lemaire moved to Whitehouse, Texas, after having been previously convicted in 2004 in Vermont of the felony offense of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor. Lemaire failed to register as a sex offender, as required, upon his move to Texas.
He was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 13, 2011.

LONGVIEW — Fire danger continues to exist for the Longview and Gregg County area. City and County Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and are encouraging citizens to be aware of fire safety precautions. Officials opened the Emergency Operations Center on Monday, September 5 at approximately 2:00 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd., was opened Monday to allow for sheltering of evacuees. Sheltering is also available for livestock and pets. Anyone needing shelter as a result of the recent wild fires can go to this location.

All fires in Longview and Gregg County are partially contained. Officials say they are thankful for the work of emergency responders. The winds are not as severe as Monday; however, there is still fire danger. According to KETK, County Judge Bill Stoudt has asked residents to cease all outdoor cooking of any kind. Longview Fire has responded to 82 fires in the Gregg County area from noon on Sunday, September 4, through 8 a.m. Tuesday, September 6. Only one structure was lost during that time in the city limits. The Longview Fire Department has had approximated 30 additional firefighters working each shift, has maintained five additional apparatus, and has also maintained full staffing at all Longview Fire Stations.

Currently, one of the primary concerns is air quality due to the smoke and other particles in the air. Individuals, especially those with respiratory issues, are encouraged to stay indoors. According to Longview Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Curtis Shaw, “We are hopeful the wind conditions will stay low today as predicted. The lower wind conditions are favorable to the on-going firefighting operations.”

The Longview Fire Department has received numerous donations of water and food supplies. These items are being distributed to Longview Firefighters as well as other area agencies. However, the Longview Fire Department does not need additional donations at this time. To inquire about making donations, please call 903-237-1379. According to Mayor Jay Dean, “Only qualified firefighters are needed to assist. We appreciate the desire of individuals to come volunteer, however it is not needed at this time.”

Fire Safety Tips:
With all the smoke and other particles in the air, people with a history of respiratory symptoms are cautioned to stay indoors.

If there are extreme smoke conditions, please do not proceed down the streets.

Have an exit strategy from your home, business, and neighborhood to multiple points of exit.

Do not wait for someone to tell you to evacuate. Be watchful and evacuate if the fire danger is nearby.

For your own safety, if you don’t live near the fires, please stay away from the area around the fires.

Avoid activities that can create a spark. Examples include burning of any kind, outdoor cooking or grilling, improper disposal of cigarettes, industrial activities such as welding or other construction, or use of any older equipment without spark arrestors.

Visit http://www.FireWise.org for additional fire safety tips.

The Longview Fire Department has received Mutual Assistance from:
Sabine VFD
Quitman VFD
Holly Lake VFD
Canton FD
Edgewood VFD
Hawkins VFD
Haynesville VFD
Wills Point VFD

Aid has been provided to:
Gladewater
White Oak
Harrison County
Elderville / Lakeport
Jefferson Metro

Other agencies participating:
Texas Forest Service
Gregg County Precinct 1 and 3
Gregg County Sheriff’s Office
Longview Police Department
City of Longview
Department of Public Safety / State Troopers Office
East Texas Council of Government
HAM Operators
Area businesses have donated use of bulldozers, water tankers, and other field equipment

HARRISON COUNTY — Firefighters in Harrison county have now contained the Peter Chapel fire, in which more than 2,000 acres were burned. All of the residents who were forced to evacuate have now been cleared to return home.