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LONGVIEW – Two persons were killed and one injured in an early Monday morning crash in Longview. The one vehicle accident happened around 12:05am in the 300 block of Pine Tree Road. Pronounced dead at the scene were Alonso Rivera, 20 and Jose Cervantes, 22, both of Longview. A third person in the vehicle was ejected. He was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

JACKSONVILLE — Law officers have arrested a suspect on robbery and weapon charges, and more charges could be on the way. Late Sunday afternoon, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about the possible location of Shane Kirkland, 20, of Arp. The caller advised that Kirkland was seen getting into a gold colored van at a gas station in New Summerfield. The caller further advised that the van began traveling west on Highway 79 toward Jacksonville. According to authorities, Texas DPS Troopers, with assistance from the New Summerfield PD, located the van on Highway 79 just inside Jacksonville about 15 minutes later.

Authorities say that Kirkland was taken into custody without incident but that he was found to have a stolen 9 mm pistol tucked inside his waistband when he was placed into custody. While questioning the driver, it was discovered that he did not know Kirkland, and had just been approached by Kirkland seeking a ride. The driver of the van was released at that time. The 9 mm pistol was listed as stolen through the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. Kirkland was arraigned Monday on charges of felon in possession of firearm and aggravated robbery. The bonds were set at $125,000 and $1,000,000 respectively.

He had been wanted for an aggravated robbery in Cherokee County. He is accused of pulling a knife in the Hot Spot convenience store and demanding money, cigarettes, and K-2. The incident happened Tuesday afternoon April 5th. A contingent of law officers, aided by dogs, was unable to locate Kirkland that afternoon.

Kirkland also has a no-bond probation revocation warrant for an aggravated robbery charge out of Smith County, where he was arrested July 8, 2009. Officials say other charges are still possible in Cherokee County and Rusk County, all stemming from incidents which occurred while Kirkland was allegedly on the run.

TYLER — Tyler Police say they need your help with any information related to the homicide that occurred at 4516 Edinburgh on February 24. Investigators determined that 28-year-old Harold Miller and an unknown suspect had a violent struggle before Miller was killed. Investigators believe that the suspect suffered a serious cut to his hands or arms during the incident.

Tyler Fire, Police, and EMS responded to a house fire at 4516 Edinburgh around 11:17 a.m. on February 24, 2011. The fire was observed by a neighbor who was passing by the residence who observed the smoke and flames. Tyler firefighters located a deceased male inside the residence while attending to the fire. Tyler Police Investigators responded to the scene due to what was termed the suspicious nature of the body, later determined to be Miller’s.

Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrest and charges filed against the suspect or suspects in this or any felony case.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches Police search for an armed gang they believe is responsible for a Saturday hold-up. Officers answered the call for help at the Entertainment Shack on Shawnee just after 3:00 Saturday morning. They say several armed men rushed in and demanded money while pointing a gun at employees. One of the man fired shots toward the Shack as he ran away.

HUNTINGTON — A woman was killed and two people were seriously injured in a wreck in front of the Dairy Queen in Huntington a little after 8:00 Monday morning. Christine Wise-Allen, 50, of York, Pennsylvania, died on impact in the wreck, according to Huntington Police Chief Bobby Epperly. The woman was a passenger in a car driven by her friend, Robin Chambers, 49, of Zavalla, according to Epperly.

Chambers was taken to Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin, although she was expected to be transported to another facility once she was stabilized, Epperly said. Billy Joe Walters, 56, of Huntington, was the driver of a southbound Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that slid into the turn lane of U.S. 69 south and collided nearly head-on with the northbound car.

TYLER — A second person has died following a Sunday night crash in Tyler. The wreck happened around 8:00 Sunday night at the intersection of West Erwin and Lyons Streets. Geneva Davis Townsend, 89, Tyler, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in her vehicle, Jane Onys Bohanon, 81, of Tyler, died shortly after 2:45 Monday morning in East Texas Medical Center from injuries she sustained in the crash.

Accident Investigators determined Joe Preston Rogers, 61, Tyler, was traveling west on Erwin when he struck Townsend’s vehicle head on in the intersection of Erwin and Lyons. Rogers was treated at East Texas Medical Center and later transported to the Smith County Jail. He has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.

McCOMB, Miss. (AP) – Authorities say a thoracic surgeon with ties to Mississippi and Texas was killed in a weekend plane crash along with his wife and her sister. Pike County, Miss., Coroner Percy Pittman said the crash killed 52-year-old Dr. Taylor Pickett; his wife, 22-year-old Laura Pickett of Summit, Miss.; and her sister, 29-year-old Jacquelyn Ham of Meadville, Miss. The Cessna 310R, a dual-engine propeller craft, crashed Sunday about 4:30 a.m. into trees near the McComb-Pike County Airport on its way from New Orleans to McComb, Miss. Officials say Dr. Pickett was a cardiologist and thoracic, or chest, surgeon who worked for McComb’s Mississippi Cardiovascular Institute before going to work in Lufkin, Texas. McComb Police Chief Greg Martin said the pilot spent time in both Summit, Miss., and Texas.

TYLER — In an effort to raise the county’s immunization level against rabies, the annual Smith County Dog and Cat Rabies Vaccination Clinics are being held this week. The clinics are open through Saturday at various locations around the county. Your pet dog or cat can be inoculated at the reduced price of only $8.00. Here are this year’s clinics and locations:
Monday, April 11th, 7:00pm
Bullard……..High School Ag Shop
Mt. Sylvan….Community Center
Winona…….Winona High School Ag Shop

Tuesday April 12th, 7:00pm
Chapel Hill….High School Bus Loop
Flint/Gresham…Community Center
Noonday…….Community Center
Overton……..Overton High School Ag Shop
Pine Springs…Community Center
Providence……Community Center
Red Springs…..Red Springs Fire Department
Troup…………Troup High School Ag Shop

Wednesday April 13th, 7:00pm
Tyler………….Humane Society of Smith County, 1823 County Road 386

Thursday April 14th, 7:00pm
Lindale……….High School Ag Shop
Jackson……….Fire Department
Whitehouse…..Covered pavilion across from the high school
New Harmony….Community Center
Starville…………Community Center
Arp………………High School Ag Shop

Saturday April 16th, 2:00pm
Colonial Hills……Colonial Hills Baptist Church on South Broadway
John Tyler……….Parking lot in front of the school on NNW Loop 323

If you need more information, contact the Smith County Extension Service Office at 903- 590-2980.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Street Department and Texas Department of Transportation will again be closing the outer westbound lane of Loop 323 from Copeland Road to Fry Avenue between 8:30am and 4:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday. This closure is to ensure the safety of area high school students as they paint a mural on the retaining wall in this area.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the mural stretching along the southeast portion of Loop 323 will receive a facelift. Originally launched as an interschool project that would be repainted regularly, the existing mural was painted by students from area schools in 2002.

This spring, students from six area schools including: The Brook Hill School, All Saints Episcopal, T.K. Gorman, Robert E. Lee, John Tyler, and Grace Community School will join forces to repaint the retaining wall. The new mural will portray a long strand of multicolored roses, with each school completing a section of the vine in their own style and color scheme.

All drivers are asked to use caution while driving in this area to further safeguard the safety of the students as they work.

UNDATED — Here’s a quick look at events and 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 perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 2661 east of Tyler between State Highway 64 and State Highway 31. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

LONGVIEW — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement-repair operations on Spur 63 between U.S. Highway 80 and Loop 281. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repair operations in various locations on State Highway 37 in Winnsboro between State Highway 11 and Farm Road 515, and south of Winnsboro near Farm Road 1647. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform fog seal operations on U.S. Highway 175 between Frankston and Jacksonville. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

Then, on Monday, April 18, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to begin several weeks of pavement-repair operations in Rusk, Reklaw and Jacksonville. Crews will be working in the following locations in the following order:
*U.S. Highway 69 and U.S. Highway 84 in Rusk, working in and around the intersection;
*U.S. Highway 84 east of U.S. Highway 69 in Rusk;
*U.S. Highway 84 in Reklaw in the curb-and-gutter section;
*U.S. Highway 69 and U.S. Highway 79, working in and around the intersection; and
*U.S. Highway 79 east of U.S. Highway 69.
Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement-repair operations on State Highway 19 in Canton between Interstate Highway 20 and State Highway 64. Once that work is complete, crews will be performing the same work on State Highway 64 west of State Highway 19 and on State Highway 243 west of State Highway 198. Crews will also be at work in various locations south of U.S. Highway 80 on Farm Road 857 and Farm Road 1255. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 85 between the Navarro County Line and State Highway 274 in Seven Points. A second crew is scheduled to perform base repairs on Farm Road 317 south of Chandler between Farm Road 314 and Farm Road 315. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location 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 edge repairs on State Highway 323 between Loop 571 and State Highway 42. 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 edge repairs on Farm Road 323 southeast of Palestine between U.S. Highway 84 and Farm Road 1817, then move to Farm Road 321 between Tennessee Colony and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Historic Preservation Board will host a ceremony at 4 p.m. Monday designating the Schoenbrun House at 505 W. Third as a Historic Landmark. The designation of this modern-style home coincides with Preservation Texas’ Inaugural Texas MODern Month. The goal of Texas MODern Month is to raise awareness of and to preserve locally, regionally and nationally significant examples of modern architecture in Texas.

Mano Schoenbrun, born in Slovakia but a naturalized U.S. citizen, came to Tyler in 1931 with his wife Elsie, who had just immigrated from Hungary. They established what would become a retail fashion icon for men and women in East Texas, the New York Store. In 1947, with their business firmly established, the Schoenbruns took the first step toward building their dream home, purchasing from the estate of Walter H. Knight a large lot on the north side of West Third Street near the intersection of Chilton Avenue. Always in the forefront of fashion, Elsie and Mano embraced the new Modernism in architecture, building in 1950-1951 a sleek, one-story, u-shaped home of nearly 4,000 square feet –- distinctive in a neighborhood of traditional residences.

Attributed to architect Shirley Simons and built by Harry Oliver, Jr., the house features wide sweeps of aluminum windows that wrap corners. A massive chimney dominates the low roofline and façade of elongated salmon-colored brick. Important in 1950s Modernism, the flow begins with flagstone used for the front walk and porch, continuing as the entry and dining room flooring. Original cork paves the den and the 60-foot windowed hallway that runs along one side of the interior west wing.

Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a central private patio with a deep overhanging roofline shading the interior wrap-around porch, another element of 1950s Modernism. Interior features include pocket doors, recessed lighting and a fossil stone living room fireplace wall that begins at the front entry. This same stone was added to the face of the downtown New York Store, still visible on the second story portion of the building at the corner of Spring and Erwin streets.

The Schoenbruns reared their four children, Ronnie, Larry, Shirley and Greta in this home. Rising to prominence in the East Texas retail business world, they added a store in Kilgore as well as one in Tyler’s then new Broadway Square Mall. Mano died in 1959, but Elsie operated the business with help from her family and continued to live in the home until her death in 1993. The property was purchased from the Schoenbrun estate in 1998 by Steve and Niki Cash.

In 2003 the house was included as a Contributing Property in the survey of the Azalea Residential Historic District and subsequently was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Don and Bonny Edmonds, current residents, bought the home in 2010.

TYLER — Police in Tyler are following up on an assault report. Shortly after 6:30 Saturday evening, TPD received a call of an aggravated assault at 3088 Old Omen Road. Officers responded to that location and were informed that two people had been cut with a broken beer bottle and were being transported to Mother Frances Hospital by private vehicle. No suspects were located at the scene. Officers responded to Mother Frances and contacted two men, ages 23 and 24 year, with minor lacerations to their backs. Both victims said that an unknown black male in his late teens or early 20s had caused a disturbance near the swimming pool area at the apartment and ultimately cut both of them during an altercation with a broken beer bottle. Both victims were treated at the hospital emergency room for their wounds and released.

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating a reported accidental shooting. Officers and EMS arrived on scene after police were dispatched to 516 West Houston Saturday night just before 8:00. Police and EMS were led into the residence by a friend of the victim. The victim, an 18 year old man, had suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was then transported to East Texas Medical Center to undergo surgery. Two friends of the victim were at the residence at the time of the shooting and advised officers that the victim had accidentally shot himself.

TYLER — Citizens can pick up their vouchers and participate in the annual Smith County Wide Clean-up Event April 11-16. The County Clean-up event is an opportunity for residents of Smith County to bring trash and bulky items to the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free. The Smith County Environmental Crimes Unit, Precinct Constables, and Smith County Commissioners Court are working together to host the event. The County will provide vouchers to the public that are good for up to three cubic yards of trash per person, which is equal to a full-sized truck bed. Vouchers are available to pick up at all Justice of the Peace and Constable Precinct offices or the Commissioners Court Office in the Smith County Courthouse Annex. There is a limit of one voucher per household, and businesses may not participate in the voucher program.

The vouchers are good Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to noon the week of April 11-16. The vouchers come with a map to the landfill and a list of items that the Greenwood Farms Landfill, an Allied Waste Company, cannot accept. “We would like to thank Greenwood Farms Manager Zach Briscoe for providing us with this service every year. It is a benefit to the citizens of Smith County and helps us keep the trash off the roads and in the landfill, where it belongs,” Smith County Environmental Officer Tommy Goodman said. Items not accepted during the County Wide Clean-up include hazardous waste, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, gasoline, oils, paint, acid, batteries, asbestos, Freon, whole tires, refrigerators, freezers, televisions and computers.

For more information or to pick up your voucher, you can call (Tyler) Pct. 1 Constable Henry Jackson, 903-590-2609; (Noonday) Pct. 2 Constable Andy Dunklin, 903-590-4840; (Troup) Pct. 3 Constable Dustin Rust, 903-842-2664; (Winona) Pct. 4 Constable John Smith 903-590-4879; or (Lindale) Pct. 5 Constable Dennis Taylor, 903-590-4901.

TYLER — It’s the final day of Tyler’s annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trails. Among the showcase events: the 2011 Azalea Trails Arts and Crafts Fair at Bergfeld Park, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More than 90 vendors will offer handmade items such as pottery, clothing, jewelry, candles, floral arrangements, woodcrafts, oil paintings, and much, much more. You can go to http://www.tylerazaleatrail.com for more information on Azalea Trails.

VAN — A 78-year-old Van woman is dead in a two-vehicle accident that occurred in Van shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday. The DPS says Peggy Alexander was eastbound on Kansas Street when her car struck a vehicle driven by Amanda Cabler of Ben Wheeler. Cabler’s vehicle was southbound on FM 314. Alexander, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at Cozby-Germany Hospital in Grand Saline. Cabler was last reported in good condition at ETMC/Tyler. She was wearing a seat belt.

McKINNEY — Big trouble for a former East Texas police chief. Donnie Gene Lewis has been indicted by a grand jury in Collin County on five counts of sexual assault of a child and eight counts of indecency. No further details were immediately offered, except that all of this allegedly happened in Plano between 2001 and 2004. That was shortly after Lewis had retired as chief in Sulphur Springs. He’d been on the force there for 25 years. He’s now 61, and if he’s convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

AUSTIN (AP) – State health officials say people who attended horse shows in Belton and Lufkin last month may have been exposed to a horse that tested positive for rabies. About 150 people from Texas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi attended the American Southwest Texas Cutting Horse Association show in Belton March 19-21 and the Lufkin Cutting Horse Association show March 25-27. The horse was a 7-year-old bay quarter horse gelding with a faint star on its forehead. The horse died April 4 and tested positive for rabies April 6. People can be infected if they are bitten or if the infected animal’s saliva gets in an open wound or cut or in the eyes, nose or mouth. A series of post-exposure shots, if given in time, can prevent rabies from developing.

LUFKIN — Thirteen suspects have been arrested following a year-long investigation into drug trafficking in the Lufkin and Nacogdoches area. A 12-count sealed indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on March 17, 2011, charging 11 individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Three of the individuals are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A separate sealed indictment in another unrelated case was also filed on March 17, 2011, charging Teodocio Carrera, also known as Maclovio Ocon, along with two other individuals, with conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.

The following individuals are in custody:

Jesus Pineda, 28, Nacogdoches
Antonio Mendoza, 25, Nacogdoches
Israel Colin, 28, Nacogdoches
Esteban Castro, 25, Nacogdoches
Robert Max Wilson, 24, Lufkin
Leocadio Garcia Rivera, 26, Nacogdoches
Eleazar Rivera Estrada, 22, Nacogdoches
Augustin Chacon, 44, Lufkin
Armando Colin, 27, Nacogdoches
Ramiro Samarripa, 41, Lufkin
Margarita Pineda, age unknown, Nacogdoches
Nelson Rodriguez, 37, Nacogdoches
Teodocio Carrera a/k/a Maclovio Ocon, 48, Nacogdoches

Federal authorities seek the forfeiture of $1 million cash in drug proceeds. Authorities also seek forfeiture of 6 pieces of real estate property in Lufkin and Nacogdoches and multiple vehicles that authorities say were utilized in the drug trafficking crimes.

WASHINGTON – A Tyler-based effort was among the honorees as Attorney General Eric Holder recognized seven individuals and three organizations for what was termed outstanding work on behalf of crime victims. It happened at an awards ceremony hosted by the Department of Justice. According to a news release, the Crime Victims Fund Award recognizes individuals or teams for their outstanding work in pursuing federal criminal offenders and imposing and collecting the criminal fines. This year’s recipient is the Tyler-based Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

Officials say the honor recognizes the unit’s efforts to maximize fine collections on behalf of the Crime Victims Fund and the restitution payments to victims of crime. According to officials, the unit assures defendants meet their responsibilities to victims in restitution cases by coordinating with prosecutors and investigating agencies to prevent fraudulent asset transfers, or the hiding of assets, by defendants.

Holder remarked, “We commend these individuals and service providers who, when faced with emerging challenges, seek out new ways to protect our communities, and to more effectively assist and empower crime victims.” The Attorney General’s Annual Victims’ Service Awards are presented as a prelude to the nation’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 10-16, 2011. Officials say this year’s theme — “Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past” — highlights the importance of crime victims’ rights and recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to this effort.

TYLER – Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler was named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Thomson Reuters. Mother Frances officials say Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of health care. The study evaluates performance in several areas. Those include mortality; medical complications; patient safety; average patient stay; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; post-discharge mortality; and readmission rates for heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia. Hospitals do not apply, and winners do not pay to market this honor.

Mother Frances has been designated a 100 Top Hospital four times and is one of only four hospitals in Texas — and the only hospital in East Texas — to receive the recognition this year. “Our patients deserve this level of health care and I am proud of every Trinity Mother Frances employee for their dedication and focus that keeps Mother Frances Hospital an award-winning medical destination,” said Ray Thompson, FACHE, the hospital’s chief executive officer.

TYLER — A 40-year-old Tyler man is in jail after police say he escaped from Officer Kevin Mobley, who had him detained for possession of a controlled substance in the area of Trezevant Street and Tennneha Avenue, around 10:15 a.m. Friday. Markus Earl Glenn of Tyler is charged with escape causing bodily injury, a 2nd degree felony, and tampering with evidence, a 3rd degree felony.

According to police, Glenn was being placed under arrest and had one handcuff on when he struggled with Mobley and broke free. Authorities say Mobley suffered cuts to his hand during the struggle to maintain control of Glenn. Police report that Glenn was located on a roof top at 703 Trezevant Street, after a short foot pursuit. A police department news release says officers and negotiators responded to the scene to secure the area and talk the suspect into coming down off the roof. Authorities say Glenn was taken into custody after two hours of negotiations.

HENDERSON — Trial testimony Friday indicates a change in the Rusk County mother accused of beating her daughter to death — all during what’s been called an “exorcism.” According to KETK, Jessica Carson’s mother and brother say it was obvious when she moved in with her boyfriend, Blaine Milam, that she had changed. Her mother testified Jessica became withdrawn and cut off all contact between her and her grandchild. Milam was sentenced to death for his part in the torture and killing of baby Amora Carson.

JACKSONVILLE — After days of rumors about alleged money problems at Jacksonville’s Lon Morris College, a Lon Morris representative agreed to sit down and talk to our news partner KETK. Vice President of Business Affairs Tommy Ferguson says everyone should have received his or her paycheck by five Thursday afternoon. Employees’ paychecks were delayed five days, and Ferguson says there’s no guarantee there won’t be future delays.

Ferguson contends rapid growth and getting new sports like football added to financial woes. He says college officials knew financial problems were coming, but they didn’t know the extent. College officials say they’re doing all they can to keep the school running, but say bankruptcy is always a possibility at a private college. According to Ferguson, “There’s businesses all over the state and all over the country going bankrupt and closing their doors, but before Lon Morris would close the doors, they will look at all their options. Ferguson says those options include furloughs and cutting jobs and programs.

KILGORE — Friday classes for all students of Kilgore ISD were canceled due to vandalism against the district’s school bus fleet. According to KETK, 39 buses had their stem valves removed, causing flat tires — and officials said they could not be fixed in time for the buses to run their normal routes. Maintenance workers discovered the vandalism shortly after arriving at the bus barn, located behind the high school, at 3 a.m. Kilgore police are investigating the incident. The cost of vandalism is not known at this time, and KISD is not sure if students will have to make up the day or not. All teachers and employees were asked to report to work at the normally scheduled time.

NEW BOSTON – A New Boston High School student has died after collapsing while doing exercises in a gym class. Stevie Surratt, 15, a freshman at New Boston High School, collapsed just before 11:00 Thursday morning. The class instructor used use an automated external defibrillator on the youth. The student was said to have been in full cardiac arrest when the ambulance arrived. He was rushed to a Texarkana hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

NACOGDOCHES – A contingent of federal law officers have searched some offices in the Nacogdoches area. Taking part in the operation were city police officers along with agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI. They were seen removing at least one box from Diamante Hair Salon on South Street. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would only confirmed an operation within Nacogdoches and said additional information will be released at a later date.

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches woman is in a Galveston hospital after being burned over nearly half of her body. Curlie Sparks, 77, who suffered first, second and third degree burns, is in critical condition at the burn center of the University of Texas Medical Branch. Investigators say she was using a newspaper to carry coals from a wood burning stove. As she headed outside in her motorized wheelchair, the coals ignited the paper which caught the woman on fire.

TYLER — Officials say a disassembled weapon was reported on the campus of Robert E. Lee High School. At approximately 12:15 Thursday afternoon, an anonymous tip was reported to the Tyler ISD Police Department that a student was in possession of a weapon on the campus. According to officials, the administration quickly responded to confirm the tip. Authorities say the student was immediately located, and that when it was confirmed that he was in possession of a rusty, disassembled handgun with no ammunition, he was taken into custody. According to a TISD news release, all students and staff remained safe and school continued on a normal schedule.

The statement concludes, “Although we hope we never have these types of instances, this is a great example of how reporting a concern can help keep each other safe. We applaud the efforts of our anonymous caller in communicating this information to school officials.”

TYLER – A federal grand jury has returned several indictments charging individuals with separate federal crimes in the Eastern District of Texas.

Timothy J. Patton, 61, and Dawn G. Patton, both of Big Sandy, were indicted on charges of conspiracy to avoid taxes and attempting to evade and defeat taxes. According to the indictment, the Pattons are charged with attempting to avoid assessment of federal income tax by failing to have withholdings taken from their paychecks; by failing to file federal income tax returns; by creating a shell non-profit corporation and having their paychecks issued in the name of the corporation; and by claiming that they were exempt from withholdings. If convicted, they each face up to 5 years in federal prison.

Edwin Tadeo Cruz-Manzanarez, also known as Franklin Lope, 24, a Honduran national, was indicted for being an alien unlawfully present in the United States after having been deported. According to the indictment, on March 1, 2011, Cruz-Manzanarez was located at the Gregg County Jail. An investigation revealed he had been deported to Honduras on several occasions. If convicted, he faces up to 2 years in federal prison and deportation.

Juan Antonio Lara-Lopez, 31, a Mexican national, was indicted for being an alien unlawfully present in the United States after having been deported. According to the indictment, on March 3, 2011, Lara-Lopez was located at the Anderson County Jail. An investigation revealed he had been deported to Mexico on several occasions. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and deportation.