CANTON — In an effort to help authorities fight nuisance crimes such as the theft or destruction of road signs, Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers is offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of people involved in these crimes. The group is offering a $100 reward per tip, plus $50 for each sign that is recovered from the thief or thieves. To qualify for the reward, anyone with information about sign-related crimes can call Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers at 903-567-STOP (567-7867) and give that information without identifying themselves. Once an arrest is made, the caller will be able to collect their Crime Stoppers reward.
“People who steal or damage county road signs may not realize the harm they can cause,” said Andy Flowers, president of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers. “The lack of a road sign or a stop sign can hinder sheriff, police, fire, or ambulance response and put lives at risk. It also costs the county taxpayers a significant amount of money every year to replace these signs.” According to the Van Zandt County Commissioners, it cost taxpayers nearly $20,000 in 2009 to buy and install signs and posts to replace those that were stolen or damaged. So far this year, sign replacement has cost the county about $12,000, not counting a recent rash of sign thefts in Precinct 3.
Flowers said Crime Stoppers is targeting road sign thefts and vandalism at this time because of the damage these crimes do to citizens at large and to the county treasury. He said Crime Stoppers has an ongoing reward program for callers who provide tips about other criminal mischief and property damage crimes such as mailbox destruction or mudding.
Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers always offers cash rewards for anonymous tips that lead to the arrest of a criminal offender, someone who has either just committed a crime or is wanted on a warrant. By calling 903-567-STOP (567-7867), you can anonymously provide information about a crime. When you call, you are given a special code number. After the crime is solved or the individual arrested, you can use that code number to arrange to collect your cash reward. Crime Stoppers callers never have to give their names or any identifying information.
Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers uses cash from criminal court fines and donations to finance its rewards of up to $1,000 for anonymous tipsters. More information about Crime Stoppers is available online at http:www.vanzandtcrimestoppers.org or by calling the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.
TYLER — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White’s wife, Andrea, is talking up her husband’s trip to East Texas this week. Mrs. White says the campaign is going well, but her husband is still trying to introduce himself to Texans. She says, “A lot of people still haven’t heard of him, so that’s one reason he’s working so hard — but then, he works hard all the time.” Mrs. White is also promoting “Expectation Graduation” — a program Bill White started in his hometown of Houston, where he once served as mayor. The object is to get kids to re-enroll in school. Mrs. White explains that in September, project workers go door-to-door and ask kids who have dropped out to consider returning. So far, she says, the program has gotten over 8,000 Houston-area kids back in school — and has now spread to other towns. 
REDLAND — The DeSoto-based American Indian Cultural Society remembered the Battle of the Neches during a weekend ceremony in Van Zandt County’s Redland community. The pivotal battle spurred the wholesale exodus of Native Americans from Texas in 1839. Key event organizer Eagle Douglas says there’s a renewed emphasis on maintaining the land where the battle ended –which the society now owns, and where the ceremony is held each July. “The land needs to be self-sufficient so the history that is here can go on to future generations,” says Douglas. The society’s also working to add some new touches, possibly a library, a visiting center, and a wellness center, according to Douglas. For more information or to learn how you can help, you can contact Douglas at 
TYLER — The countdown begins to the 77th Texas Rose Festival, October 14-16. At a celebration over the weekend, festival organizers thanked the corporate sponsors and 800-plus volunteers. It’s been a summer of dress rehearsals and other preparations, and Rose Queen Mary-Lawson Bracken Walden told what she’s liked the most about it all. She cited “getting to learn more about my heritage in Tyler and just learning more about the community and being able to help out.” That said, all the work has kept Mary-Lawson plenty busy. She remarks, “When I got asked and I accepted, I was very excited, and I knew it was gonna be a lot, but it’s a lot more than a lot — but it’s fun.”
TYLER (AP/STAFF) A Smith County jury has convicted and delivered a life sentence against a man accused of being part of an alleged swinger’s club that used children as performers. The panel decided within a half hour Thursday that Dennis Pittman, 47, will serve at least 15 years of his prison sentence before he becomes eligible for parole. Pittman had been found guilty earlier in the day of engaging in organized criminal activity. The jury deliberated about 1½ hours before convicting Pittman, who was the fourth of six defendants to be tried in the so-called Mineola child sex ring. Pittman’s defense will file a motion for a new trial. In June, an appeals court overturned convictions of two other men. New trials were ordered for Patrick “Booger Red” Kelly and Jamie Pittman.
KILGORE — A powered wheelchair is reportedly stolen from a Vietnam Veteran at Brookshires in Kilgore. According to KETK, Fred Niles says he went into the store for about an hour and when he came back, his handicap walker was gone. Security tapes show a man in his 50’s swapped the stores power chair with Niles’, then loading it into an SUV.