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TYLER — For the second consecutive year, the Tyler ISD Foundation has received the Golden Achievement Award from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). The Foundation’s entry, “Education Foundations: Fulfilling the Need for Sophisticated Training,” contained presentation materials from Larry Goddard, Executive Director, for the past academic year. Goddard’s presentations on the advancement of education foundations, leveraging positive community awareness for your school district and other subjects were evaluated by a team of nationwide judges in public relations. Goddard remarked, “Positive community relations, clear and concise communications, and a high level of professionalism and sophistication are the requirements in today’s world of school communications; we are proud that as a public charity, we can serve our donors and support our district in a positive manner.”

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) — Texas tea party activists are praising Governor Rick Perry’s addition of a pat-down bill to the special legislative session agenda. For Wesley Strackbein, the founder of the web site tsatyranny.com, the issue isn’t just pat downs at the airport. He says it’s also a way to fight back against a federal government that thinks it can do anything it wants to its citizens. According to Strackbein, “We’re confirming the rule of law and say that they must be shackled, to quote Thomas Jefferson, ‘shackled to the chains of the constitution.'”

The legislation would ban “intrusive” airport security screenings. Representative David Simpson of Longview (pictured) sponsored a bill in the House last month that would make it a criminal offense for officials conducting traveler pat-downs to touch “the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person” including through clothing. The measure died in the Senate after a threat from federal officials to close airports if it were approved. Simpson sent a letter to Perry on Sunday urging him to defend the “privacy, dignity, and constitutional rights of our citizens.” Lawmakers can only take up measures Perry adds to a special-session call. Perry announced the decision Monday night.

TYLER — Local officials are upbeat after Governor Rick Perry signed into law SB 349, which will add two percent to Tyler’s Hotel Motel Occupancy Tax rate, to be used for the expansion or construction of conference or event facilities for the community. The bill, signed Friday, was introduced during the regular session by Senator Kevin Eltife and Representative Chuck Hopson at the request of Mayor Barbara Bass and the Tyler City Council.

“We are extremely grateful to our state level elected leaders who went to bat for us on this,” said Mayor Bass. “The ability to raise funds for facilities which will attract tourism and conferences without raising our property tax rates for our citizens is very important to establishing tourism as an economic engine in Tyler.” Eltife remarked, “It was an honor for me to help the Mayor and Council achieve their goal during this legislative session and I appreciate Governor Perry signing SB 349 into law.”

Tourism was identified as one of Tyler’s chief opportunities for economic growth in the Industry Growth Initiative that was adopted in mid-2010. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 visits are lost each year because Tyler has not had the facilities to accommodate large conferences. “Tourism brings fresh dollars to our economy,” explained Bass. “This is money from outside our region being spent in Tyler. The result is jobs for Tylerites and economic vitality.”

The additional revenue from the two percent increase will be captured in a unique account and will be used solely for the purpose of expanding or constructing convention or event facilities. It is anticipated that $500,000 will be raised annually. “A specific project has not yet been identified,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “The need for larger conference/event facilities has been discussed for years. With the adoption of the IGI, we felt that the time was right to begin putting funding sources in place to address this call for expanded facilities. Now that we know that a revenue stream has been established, we will continue our exploration for an appropriate project that will be the most beneficial for Tyler.”

The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Tyler Economic Development Council and the Tyler Lodging Association all provided letters of support for the additional two percent occupancy rate. “The revenue generated by the new rate will help to generate income to fill the need for conference facilities,” said Henry Bell, chief operating officer for the Chamber of Commerce. “This will give us a competitive advantage when trying to bring large conferences to Tyler.” A letter of explanation and revised Report of Hotel Motel Occupancy Tax Form will be sent to all Tyler hotels from the City of Tyler Finance Department prior to the planned Sept. 1 effective date. A local ordinance to put the bill into effect will be presented to the Tyler City Council on July 13.

TYLER — Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics unveils its $7 million Outpatient Imaging Center, in Trinity Mother Frances Health Park Plaza, 1327 Troup Highway. Spokesman John Moore says, “Not only do we have the latest technology — and, in some cases, the best technology you can buy in the world right now — but it’s comprehensive; it’s all in one place.” Moore says MRI’s, CT scans, and digital x-rays are all part of the new arsenal of medical tools for finding, diagnosing, and treating medical problems. Moore says the center’s the first and only comprehensive facility of its kind in the region. He adds, “This is good for physicians, it’s good for patients. These machines are more accurate, they’re faster, less radiation, more convenient; it’s just a wonderful facility, and we’re very proud to have it open.”

EAST TEXAS — The extremely dry weather has led to a number of counties taking precautions. Several counties have implemented burn bans due to the ongoing drought and several are considering banning fireworks. Officials say most of the state is under a red flag warning. Counties under burn bans include: Angelina, Morris, Cass, Harrison, Panola, Rusk, Cherokee, Anderson, Henderson, Navarro, Ellis, Nacogdoches, Shelby, and San Augustine.

Smith County Commissioners vote to restrict the sale and use of certain aerial fireworks outside of city limits for the Fourth of July fireworks season and as needed during existence of drought conditions. The ban applies to the sale and use of fireworks that are “rockets with sticks” or “missiles with fins.”

A ban on burning and fireworks has been filed by Angelina County Judge Wes Suiter due to drought conditions across the county. According to KETK and the Lufkin Daily News, Suiter said the burn ban must be extended by county commissioners within seven days and the fireworks ban must be approved by Gov. Rick Perry’s office within 60 hours. As for the yearly city display, Suiter said he is exempting organized fireworks shows under fire department supervision.

TYLER — A Tyler house has been damaged by fire. It was reported around 5:00 Monday afternoon in the 300 block of Dobbs Street. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, it is thought to have started on the back porch and a rear room and then extended into the attic. No one was at home when the fire started and no injuries were reported. But a pet dog and cat were killed in the blaze. A second cat was resuscitated at the scene and taken to a local vet.

LONGVIEW – Thanks to an alert bystander, a Longview burglary suspect has been arrested. The witness called 911 to report a vehicle burglary in the 300 block of Erskin Avenue early Sunday morning. He described the clothing the suspect was wearing and the direction he was heading.

When officers arrived they found Edward Cartwright, 19, quickly walking away from the area. He was wearing the clothing the witness described to dispatchers. Officers found in Cartwright’s backpack a loaded .22 caliber pistol and several other items that did not belong to him. He was arrested on charges of burglary of a vehicle and unlawfully caring a weapon.

MANGUM, OKLA. (AP) — A judge is considering whether to dismiss some prospective jurors in the trial of a former warden’s wife accused of helping an inmate she allegedly fell in love with escape. Defense lawyer Garvin Isaacs said the number of possible jurors for the trial of Bobbi Parker couldn’t be determined Monday because District Judge Richard Darby hadn’t ruled on challenges made by attorneys. The pool was at 20 on Thursday. Parker is accused of running away with Randolph Dial after helping him break out of the Oklahoma State Reformatory in 1994. Isaacs says Dial kidnapped Parker and held her hostage until she was rescued at a Shelby County, Texas chicken ranch in 2005. Parker has pleaded not guilty. Attorneys want to choose 22 people then use challenges to reach a 12-member panel.

BEAUMONT – An Angelina County physician has been sentenced to federal prison for health care fraud violations. Dr. Alexander Orlov, D.O., 47, of Lufkin, pleaded guilty last November, to conspiracy to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. He was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark. Orlov was also ordered to pay $309,000 in restitution and a $30,000 fine.

According to federal prosecutors, from November 2008 to April 2010, Orlov, a physician and the owner of a Lufkin medical practice and urgent care clinic, and an employee, Haseeb Rehman, submitted claims for physicians’ services to Medicare and Medicaid for services provided by Rehman, who was not a licensed medical professional. Orlov controlled and operated Lufkin Urgent Care, P.A. He employed Rehman to run Lufkin Urgent Care. He treated patients, prescribed medication, performed minor surgical procedures, and operated within Lufkin Urgent Care as if he were a licensed medical professional. Claims were submitted to Medicare and Medicaid for Rehman’s services representing that the services were provided by a physician. As a result of these claims, Orlov unlawfully obtained more than $250,000 from Medicare and Medicaid. Orlov was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of last year and charged with conspiracy to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.

TYLER — The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport has been awarded an $8,372,357 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for airport safety and security enhancement projects. This is the largest single grant Tyler has ever received from the FAA. “Quality transportation services are important for boosting the local economy, so we are delighted to receive these funds to be ued toward improvements and safety for our airport,” said Davis Dickson, Airport Manager.

The grant funding will be used to improve and update required Runway Safety Areas for Runway 4/22. Navigational aids (NavAids), lighting, associated taxiways and facilities will also be constructed to meet the new runway configuration. “We are very pleased with the airport staff for their efforts, hard work and diligence to secure this latest grant,” Mayor Barbara Bass said. The grant will pay 95 percent of all eligible expenses related to the improvement project.

“We are very fortunate that the FAA blessed us with this grant opportunity,” said Mayor Bass. “The Airport is a tremendous asset to the community, making travel easier while bringing new businesses and industries to Tyler. In the Industry Growth Initiative, Tyler Pounds is identified as an asset that we should capitalize upon. This grant will help move us in that direction.” At their regular meeting on June 22, the Tyler City Council will be asked to ratify the grant application and authorize the City Manager to accept the grant funding.

The grant announcement came from U.S. Senator John Cornyn. “These funds will be used to address needed maintenance and safety improvements at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport,” Sen. Cornyn said. “In addition, quality transportation services are important for boosting local economic growth. I commend the area leaders who worked to secure this funding.”

The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport was named 2007 Airport of the Year for the State of Texas by the (FAA) for its outstanding contributions toward aviation in the state. The new airport terminal was constructed in 2002 with half cent sales tax funding and other grant funds. Located at 700 Skyway Blvd, off of Highway 64 West, it is serviced by Continental Connection and American Eagle with 18 daily flights, servicing 150,000 passengers per year.

DALLAS (AP/Staff) – Gov. Rick Perry has signed into law a measure that will give the state’s teachers more access to criminal information about their students. The law will require written notification of student arrests as well as details about parolees from the juvenile justice system. It was prompted by the 2009 fatal stabbing of John Tyler High School teacher Todd Henry (pictured) by a 16-year-old who had been released from the Texas Youth Commission. Rep. Jerry Madden, the bill’s sponsor, said Monday that Perry’s approval ensures “a safe learning environment” for teachers and students. The legislation was strongly supported by educators. But it drew criticism from juvenile justice advocates who believe it undercuts the confidentiality necessary for young people to overcome mistakes. Texas already provides more background on students than most states permit.

TYLER — Smith County holds two public hearings today in the Courthouse Annex as it continues to seek redistricting input from the public. One hearing was this morning at 9:30; the other is this afternoon at 5:30. You can also submit input through the County’s redistricting web page. Go to http://www.smith-county.com to view that page.

According to the Census Bureau the Smith County population grew to 209,714 in 2010, making the ideal population for the four commissioner precincts 52,429. According to the initial data presented to the court, only County precincts 1 and 4 will be affected by the proposed new boundaries. Initial information showed Precinct 1 experienced significant growth and is more than 10 percent above its ideal population, while Precinct 4 needs about 9.5% more population. Each commissioner precinct must be within 10% deviation from the ideal population. The new population numbers create a 19.5% imbalance. The proposed plan will address the imbalance and bring Precinct 4 under the 10% threshold.

HOUSTON COUNTY — 80 dogs seized from a suspected animal hoarder in Houston County may travel thousands of miles to find new homes. The flea-ridden and emaciated dogs, from Chihuahuas to a St. Bernard mix, were taken from a 17-acre property and are being shipped across the country. Scotlund Haisley with Animal Rescue Corps says, “The resources and shelters are limited, and we want to make sure that these dogs aren’t just simply brought to a shelter and put to death, because shelters are already overcrowded. We’ve got to get real creative.” Haisley says the owner was evicted three weeks ago, abandoning the dogs, and some 20 horses had been moved off the property before the dogs were rescued.

LONGVIEW — A 43-year-old Longview man is found guilty of exposing himself in a restaurant last year. Roger Dale Brigmon Jr. was convicted of third-degree felony indecency with a child Friday in Gregg County’s 124th District Court. A sentencing hearing will be held later. A Gregg County Sheriff’s Deputy was working off-duty security at The Butcher Shop May 26th when a customer reported to restaurant management that a man was touching himself under the table while looking at a young girl. When the deputy walked toward the booth, the customer, later identified as Brigmon, had his hands under the table and appeared to be zipping up his pants.

AUSTIN (AP) – A tea party lawmaker has written to Republican Gov. Rick Perry, imploring him to include legislation banning “intrusive” airport security screenings among the items in the special legislative session. Texas Rep. David Simpson, Longview, sponsored a bill in the House last month that would make it a criminal offense for officials conducting traveler pat-downs to touch “the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person” including through clothing. The measure died in the Senate after a threat from federal officials to close airports if it were approved. Simpson sent a letter to Perry on Sunday urging him to defend the “privacy, dignity, and constitutional rights of our citizens.” Lawmakers can only take up measures Perry adds to a special-session call. A spokeswoman said there are no plans to add it.

LUFKIN — A two vehicle accident around 7:55 sent four people to different hospitals Monday morning. A Dodge Caravan carrying a woman and her two teenage sons were eastbound on Highway 94 when they were reportedly hit by a Ford F150 turning into Hudson Volunteer Fire Department, officials said.

Hudson Police and Lufkin Fire responded to the accident and had to free the woman from inside of her Dodge Caravan. Traffic was shut down on Highway 94 to allow a medical helicopter to land. The woman was airlifted to Tyler with an apparent broken leg. Her teenage sons and the driver of the truck were also taken to hospitals.

TYLER — A Tyler toddler died at a Dallas hospital after he’s found unresponsive in a pool. Tyler Investigators were notified that Ashton Wade, 4, Tyler, passed away at Children’s Hospital Saturday night. Authorities say on June 14th, they responded to the Cambridge Apartments on Old Omen Road, after Wade was found floating in the pool. A bystander was administering CPR when they arrived. The boy was first taken to East Texas Medical Center and later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Dallas. Investigators say the child, and the adults he was with, live in Tyler but do not live at the apartments where the pool is located. The case remains under investigation.

EAST TEXAS — Texas firefighters have been trying to contain an 18,000-acre wildfire that has destroyed two homes and at least four trailers in East Texas. According to KETK, Texas Forest Service spokesman Richard Reuse said Sunday that there were currently no evacuations ordered. He says the fire is about 40 percent contained, but added that that could quickly drop with the windy, hot conditions. Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Rae Brooks says the fire started after noon Friday in the Davy Crockett National Forest west of Lufkin. Brooks says the fire is being called the “Bearing Fire” and is the largest wildfire ever in East Texas. Reuse says such large wildfires are unusual in forested East Texas. Most of Texas is under a red flag warning, which means there is an extreme risk of fire.

In other parts of East Texas, firefighters and Texas Forest Service officials responded two wildfires in Harrison County that burned a little more than 10 acres and another in Upshur County that burned 86 acres. Upshur County volunteers and Texas Forest Service firefighters battled the blaze, which started from an electrical spark from an oil pump jack, into Saturday evening, officials said. About 10 homes were evacuated as the fire near Kieffer Road in Upshur County between Texas 300 and Spur 502 spread in record-breaking heat Saturday afternoon.

Assistance was sent to help manage the blaze from several departments, including firefighters from Longview Fire Department who fought the fire for about four hours, according to Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary. There were also two wildfires reported in Harrison County that caused a total of 12 acres worth of damage, Brooks said.

LONGVIEW — A high speed chase through East Texas ends in a wreck. According to the Department of Public Safety, authorities were attempting to stop a speeding man on a motorcycle on Interstate 20 around 11:40 Saturday night. Authorities said the motorist crossed over Estes and Martin Luther King Boulevard in Longview before crashing on the off ramp to Eastman Road. He was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center. No word on his condition. Officials would not release the man’s name pending an arrest and arraignment.

GLADEWATER — After an honorable East Texas homecoming, funeral services for a fallen soldier were held Monday in Gladewater. On Saturday, spectators holding American flags lined the sides of roads as the motorcade bringing home the fallen soldier approached Gladewater. Officials estimated more than 1,000 people lined U.S. 80 and side streets waiting to pay their respects to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Bradley Justin Gaudet, 31, of Gladewater, as he came home for the last time. The pilot was killed June 5 in a helicopter crash while serving in Afghanistan. It was his third tour of duty.

Gaudet’s body was accompanied by family, honor guard members and U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler. State Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview were waiting for Gaudet’s arrival at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. Bikers escorted the family and casket to Gladewater.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to install right-turn lanes on FM 2661 at its intersection with State Highway 31 near Chandler. A second crew will also be performing edge repairs on Farm Road 2661 between State Highway 31 and Big Eddy Road. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews on Monday are scheduled to perform pavement repairs in various locations on Interstate Highway 20 including: Eastbound side, between the Oakland-Colfax exit and the rest area west of Van; Westbound side, near FM 859 north of Canton. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews are scheduled to continue seal coat operations on U.S. Highway 84 between Rusk and Reklaw, followed by the same work on Farm Road 22 between U.S. Highway 69 south of Jacksonville and State Highway 110 east of Gallatin. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 2206 between State Highway 42 and Loop 281 in Longview. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 1798 between Farm Road 839 in McKnight and Farm Road 1662 near Laneville. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs in various locations on Ranch Road 2970 between Farm Road 753 and the end of state maintenance, followed by the same work on Ranch Road 2588 between U.S. Highway 175 in LaRue and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on State Highway 294 near U.S. Highway 79 southwest of Palestine. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 69 north of Farm Road 515 in Coke. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — A Tatum man was killed Saturday afternoon in an all terrain vehicle crash in Rusk County. According to Department of Public Safety officials, Jeremy G. Garrett, 30, was traveling northwest on CR 2183, 3.9 miles east of Tatum at around 2 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve and his ATV left the roadway and struck a tree. Officials said Garrett was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, where he was later pronounced dead at about 3:15 p.m. He was not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred.

LONGVIEW — A Longview family was displaced from their home Saturday night after a house fire that started in the attic of their home. According to Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary, firefighters were dispatched at about 8:30 p.m. to the home in the 1700 block of Buccaneer Drive. The fire was extinguished in about 20 minutes.

Fire investigators determined that the fire started from an electrical issue that occurred in the attic. About $20,000 worth of damage was caused to the home, and the family was displaced, he said. There were no injuries reported.

Zackary said crews stayed busy Saturday night, because they were also dispatched to a reported structure fire on Eastman Road. However, the Eastman Road report turned out to be a false alarm, he said.

TYLER — The City’s Tyler Against Graffiti (TAG) team and Keep Tyler Beautiful Board kick off a partnership with the Smith County Juvenile Services office to put young offenders to work cleaning up the City’s graffiti. The TAG team began putting the partnership into action Monday morning. Organizers say the partnership is aimed at using young people who have been found guilty of violating Tyler’s graffiti ordinance to clean up the tags found around the city. The youth range in age from 14 to 17.

“This is a very exciting opportunity to get at-risk youth involved with the community in a positive way,” said Marjorie Mustard, board chairperson for Keep Tyler Beautiful. “We are hoping that this program will show young offenders that graffiti is harmful to the community; it takes hard work to clean up and it is expensive.” By engaging these young offenders in cleaning up graffiti, it is also hoped that they will take on some ownership and have some pride in their work, Ms. Mustard added.

Smith County Juvenile Services Director Ross Worley says he is very excited about the program and is optimistic over its future. “We look forward to being involved with the TAG program again and partnering with the City of Tyler to help eradicate graffiti while fostering a sense of responsibility and community with our juvenile offenders.” The City of Tyler spends nearly $24,000 per year on graffiti abatement through the TAG team efforts. The team averages about 40 reports per month. The TAG program is sponsored by Keep Tyler Beautiful.

TYLER — Tyler held its Juneteenth celebration over the weekend, honoring the day in 1865 when Texas slaves learned of their freedom. The Juneteenth parade grand marshal was Texas College’s board chairman, Bishop Henry Williamson Sr. Williamson noted the participation of such community leaders as Mayor Barbara Bass and County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton in Juneteenth festivities. He urged continued work in the Juneteenth spirit of freedom and unity for all people “so that the things that we need to accomplish together, in Tyler, in Texas, and across the nation, can take place.” Williamson hopes the community will start using the celebration and other holidays “to address the dreams and hopes of this community and be solution-based rather than problem-centered.” A gospel celebration and a Woldert Park gathering were other Juneteenth highlights.

A Longview man has been found guilty of exposing himself in a Longview restaurant in May 2010. Roger Dale Brigmon Jr., 43, was convicted of third-degree felony indecency with a child Friday in Gregg County’s 124th District Court. A sentencing hearing will be held later.

A Gregg County Sheriff’s Deputy was working off-duty security at The Butcher Shop May 26th when a customer reported to restaurant management that a man was touching himself under the table while looking at a young girl. When the deputy walked toward the booth, the customer, later identified as Brigmon, had his hands under the table and appeared to be zipping up his pants.

JACKSONVILLE — A county-wide burn ban was issued Wednesday for Cherokee County. The ban is effective for seven days. The Cherokee County Commissioners Court will vote on whether to instate a 90-day burn ban on Monday. During a burn ban, Cherokee County residents are prohibited from burning outdoors and tossing lit cigarettes. The penalty for violating the burn ban is a $565 fine.

LUFKIN — The Lufkin Police Department is investigating an apparent attempted car-jacking incident that ended with the death of the suspect and a victim being treated at an area hospital for gunshot wounds. It started around 1:15 Sunday morning when police received a report of a disturbance at Applebee’s restaurant in Lufkin. The caller told dispatchers that her ex-boyfriend, Jackie Doyle Clay Jr., 34, threatened her and discharged a firearm into the air. The caller stated that she fled the area by vehicle and did not know his location. While officers were responding to the area, dispatchers received a call requesting emergency medical assistance for a gunshot-wound victim at a Whataburger restaurant.

The responding officers soon learned that the Applebee’s and Whataburger incidents were connected. Officers believe that Clay walked from Applebee’s to the intersection of South First Street and South Medford Drive in Lufkin where he attempted to carjack a vehicle. The victim resisted and was reportedly shot in the shoulder, chest, and face. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown.

Lufkin Police, along with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Department of Public Safety and a TxDPS helicopter searched a wooded area. Around 4:15, authorities found Clay in that wooded area, dead from a single, apparently self-inflicted, gunshot wound to his head.

TYLER — Tyler Police arrest a suspected drunk driver after he wrecks into a house. It happened around 5:40 Saturday morning on the 300 block of north Parkdale Ave. When officers arrived, they learned the suspect had fled the scene on foot, leaving his tan 2000 Ford F150 in front yard of the residence. Authorities say they found the intoxicated suspect, Jair Zarate-Cobos, 25, Tyler, a short time later near the 1300 block of Bellaire Drive. Zarate-Cobos is the registered owner of the wrecked truck and officers determined he was the operator of the truck at the time of the incident. He was arrested, booked into the Smith County Jail and charged with DWI and leaving the scene of an accident. A resident was injured as a result of the crash and transported to the East Texas Medical Center emergency room for minor injuries.

KILGORE (AP) — Five graduates will face misdemeanor charges over dozens of damaged school buses that forced classes to be canceled for a day in an East Texas district. Kilgore police initially said the students could face felony criminal mischief charges. Gregg County District Attorney Carl Dorrough says the former Kilgore High School students have been charged with misdemeanor vandalism offenses. The Kilgore Independent School District called off classes April 8 after 39 buses were discovered with valve stem damage. All five seniors were then sent to an alternative school, but were allowed to graduate June 3. The students have apologized and agreed to pay the $3,100 in damage. The misdemeanor charges carry a sentence of up to a $500 fine.