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WASHINGTON (AP) – The Veterans Affairs Department would lease two Texas facilities, including one in Tyler, under a Senate deal to expand veterans’ access to government-paid medical care. The VA now has 150 hospitals and 820 clinics nationwide. The bill authorizes the VA to lease 26 new health facilities in 18 states, including community-based outpatient clinics in Tyler and Lubbock. The plan also would consolidate leases of facilities in San Antonio and create a research center in Houston. The framework agreement was announced Thursday on the Senate floor by Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

TYLER — The 18th season of The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center will feature world-renowned performances and speakers, Susan Thomae-Morphew, Cowan Center executive director, announced. Among the top draws: Larry the Cable Guy, Nicholas Sparks, and U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. The season, titled “Let’s Have Some Fun,” features a wide variety of entertainment. Season tickets are on sale now at the UT Tyler Cowan Center box office. Box office hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also buy tickets and obtain additional information about the season at http://www.cowancenter.org or by calling 903.566.7424. Continue reading UT Tyler Cowan Center Announces 2014 – 15 Season

LAKE TYLER — Repairs have started to fix leaks in Lake Tyler’s dam. This comes after a 2010 inspection revealed small holes in the structure. The holes were allowing water to seep out at a rate of 30 gallons per minute. The city’s building a barrier to stop the flow. Greg Morgan is the city of Tyler’s Director of Utilities and Public Works. He tells KETK, “While those were not a structural issue at that time or at this time particularly, they have the potential to become a structural issue if left unattended.” Morgan says crews hope to be finished with repairs by this winter.

SMITH COUNTY — A portion of Smith County Road 411, also known as Mack Thompson Road, will close for repair starting June 16. The temporary closure for bridge repair will last approximately three weeks. County Road 411 is in the western part of Smith County, south of Lindale. The bridge scheduled for repair is located between County Road 46 and Highway 110. Alternate routes are recommended starting June 16 until completion of the bridge repair project.

TYLER — The annual 4th of July fireworks show at Lindsey park could be a thing of the past, because the Tyler Jaycees organization has disbanded. According to KETK, the President of the Jaycees, Bobby Jones, said, “We’re devastated about it, but you know it takes active people from the town we live in to make this thing go off.” The Jaycees have been actively involved in the community for the last 50 years, hosting events like the Halloween Haunted House and Easter Bash. Continue reading Tyler Jaycees Club Disbanded

TYLER — A Tyler man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for stabbing another man in a 2013 fight. According to Smith District Attorney Prosecutor Jacob Putman, Demetrius Kellum, 41, was found guilty by a jury of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on May 21. Judge Christi Kennedy of the 114th District Court sentenced the convict to life in prison. The stabbing of Windell Williams, 32, of Tyler, stemmed from a dispute while the two men were leaving the Banana Tree Club in Tyler on November 15, 2013. At the time of the assault, Kellum was on parole for a 1991 murder.

TYLER – Two men are being sought by detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. According to authorities, on April 24, Devonte Darion Hawkins, 19, Brandon Kentrell Ervin, 21, and LaSabien Karone Ford, 17, committed two burglary of a habitation offenses in northwestern Smith County. All three are from Tyler. Sheriff’s detectives reported that the first burglary was committed while the homeowner slept. Ford turned himself in to the Sheriff’s Office on May 23; however, Hawkins (top picture) and Ervin are still being sought. Continue reading Sheriff’s Office Seeks Two Men

TYLER — During the Memorial Day Click It or Ticket enforcement program, officers with the Tyler Police Department working specifically on this initiative wrote a total of 98 citations for seatbelt violations and 4 citations for child safety seat violations. That’s according to information released by the department Thursday. The department conducted a recent traffic survey in the City of Tyler to determine what percentage of occupants of a vehicle were wearing seatbelts. The survey results indicated that 98% of vehicle occupants were buckled up; that was an increase of 2% over last year. According to a police department news release, “We are pleased with the results of this survey and continue to encourage everyone to buckle up for safety.”

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department needs your help. KETK reports the woman in the picture is being sought for allegedly forging a check at the Lindale Walmart. The vehicle she was seen leaving in was a silver two-door Pontiac Sunfire, according to police. If you know the identity of this woman and where the police can find her, call Detective Mike Lazarine with the Lindale Police Department at 903-882-3313.

TYLER – The Tyler Jaycees are disbanding. The problem, lack of funds. A former Jaycee told KETK they were disbanding because of a lack of a cash flow. The former member also said, unless a private donor steps forward, the group will fold. The group is known for its annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show at Lindsey Park, its annual Christmas Parade and it’s Halloween Extravaganza.

NASHVILLE – Lindale’s Miranda Lambert has taken home another belt buckle at the 2014 CMT Music Awards in Nashville. With a star-packed audience on hand, Lambert won Female Video of the Year for the song “Automatic.” It’s the 5th straight year she has taken home that award.

TYLER — With vacations and relaxation on the menu, summer is a time when we often let our guard down against criminals. But law enforcement officials remind you burglars don’t have an off-season, and they’re offering some tips. According to KETK, Tyler police say you should keep your keys with you at all times, especially when you go to sleep at night. They say just keep them close to your bedside so if you’re afraid someone’s breaking into your home, all you have to is press the panic button — and it will alert your neighbor or let someone know you’re in trouble. Good relationships with neighbors are seen as a key crime prevention tool. Tyler Officer Don Martin says it’s surprising how many burglars are caught because a neighbor recognizes a car in the driveway that shouldn’t be there.

LONGVIEW – Gregg County authorities have arrested a substitute teacher in the Sabine school district for improper relationship between an educator and student. Sheriff Maxey Cerliano announced the suspect as Spencer Brewer, 23, of Gladewater. He was taken into custody yesterday. He was later released on a $25,000 bond. Brewer was arrested on a warrant for a second degree felony offense stemming from text messages between him and a girl student late last month.

HALLSVILLE — Two people were injured, including a state trooper, in a Tuesday night crash. According to the Department of Public Safety, Trooper Tyson Chow, 26, of Longview, underwent surgery at a Longview hospital following a wreck on Highway 80 near Hallsville. KETK reports he suffered a broken pelvis, bruised kidney, and internal bleeding, but is expected to recover. The crash, which is still under investigation, took place around 11 p.m. Vehicle driver Kamrey Gee, of Tatum, suffered only minor injuries. DPS stated Chow is based out of the Marshall office.

WHITEHOUSE – Detectives with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information that leads to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for vandalism and criminal mischief involving homes on Lost Creek, located south of Whitehouse. Earlier this week, the roadway, several mailboxes, and a house were spray painted with profanity and symbols, including swastikas and at least one KKK reference. Officials say those involved face arrest and possible state jail felony charges. Anyone with information regarding these crimes should contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600, or Detective Archer at 903-590-2846. To remain anonymous, contact the Sheriff’s Office at http://www.smith-county.com/so using the tip411 link.

MARSHALL — Law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help in identifying two people who tried to steal from an ATM in the Marshall Mall. Police said on May 25 at around 2:47 a.m., officers were dispatched to the mall after an alarm triggered in the 1300 block of East Pinecrest. According to KETK, responding officers spotted two men, described as black males, running in the mall hallway. Authorities set up a perimeter around the building and entered the mall, but the burglars escaped into a nearby wooded area. Continue reading Burglars Try to Break into ATM inside Marshall Mall

TYLER — A 43-year-old Nigerian fugitive has been arrested at a Houston airport and will now face federal health care fraud charges in the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. An official with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the district says the defendant was indicted in Tyler and some of the charged conduct occurred in Tyler. Vivian Yusuf, of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, is the former owner of Ivy Health Care Supply, a Houston area medical supply company. Bales says she was arrested June 3 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Yusuf had been indicted for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft — and had reportedly been a fugitive since March 2011. Continue reading Feds: Nigerian Fugitive Arrested for Health Care Fraud Violations

LONGVIEW — Longview cardiovascular surgeon David Lee Sadler, a pioneer of Longview’s first heart surgery program at Good Shepherd Medical Center in 1987, died Monday at 65. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Sadler partnered with fellow cardiovascular surgeon Jay Chastain to perform thousands of heart surgeries during the past 26 years. Chastain said Tuesday that his business partner and friend will be greatly missed. Sadler’s funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Longview.

LONGVIEW — A man charged with multiple local robberies is set to stand trial starting Tuesday, June 10. Robby Brian Stevens, 43, of Leander, is facing charges stemming from an aggravated robbery of the Dollar General in Diana. He is also charged with the aggravated robbery of China King in Longview. According to KETK, jury selection will take place Monday, June 9. Continue reading Trial Date Set For East Texas Robbery Suspect

EAST TEXAS — The Mount Pleasant Police Department has charged a teenager with an extensive criminal history with multiple misdemeanors after they say he called in a murder hoax Tuesday afternoon. According to KETK, around 1:00 p.m., police responded to the 2200 block on North Edwards Street in reference to a 911 call in which a male caller reported to having just murdered two people. A short time after the caller made the statement twice to a 911 operator, the caller hung the phone up and turned the cell phone off. Continue reading Teen Accused of Reported Murder Hoax

KILGORE — The FBI is now helping the investigation into a Kilgore woman’s disappearance. Investigators say as more time passes,the more reason they have to believe Christina Davison was abducted. According to KETK, the case is now being investigated as an abduction and possible homicide. Davison has been missing since May 16th when one of her co-workers at Whataburger called police for a welfare check after she didn’t show up for work. Police began their investigation and say they found signs of struggle at her apartment. A few days later, Davison’s purse was found on the side of the highway in Marshall. Continue reading FBI Joins Search for Missing Woman

MARSHALL – A Marshall man has been arrested on a capital murder warrant in the death of a toddler. Arrested Tuesday night was Deterryon Tyrell Kelly, 26, the boyfriend of the dead child’s mother. On May 6th, Marshall police received a report of an unresponsive child at a Marshall motel. The 21 month old was rushed to Good Shepherd Medical Center-Marshall where he later died. After the completed autopsy report was received Tuesday, the arrest warrant was issued for Kelly. He was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail Tuesday night.

DALLAS — A boy who was critically injured in a Smith County crash has died in a Dallas hospital. According to family members, Aiden Eynon, 5, was taken off life support Tuesday at Children’s Medical Center. KETK reports a second child, a girl, is still in critical condition following the fatal two-vehicle wreck Saturday. The accident happened just after noon on Highway 271, just south of FM 16. DPS Troopers said a truck hydroplaned and ran into an 18-wheeler parked on the side of the road. The father and driver of the truck, Thomas Eynon, 43, was killed in the accident. The third child, a 14-year-old girl, has been moved from Tyler to Dallas. Continue reading 5-Year-Old From Fatal Crash Taken Off Life Support

CAMERON (AP) – An inmate convicted in East Texas has been killed and several others are among six people hurt in a Central Texas collision between a car and a van hauling prisoners. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice on Tuesday identified the female inmate who died as Ellaree Mathews, 53. She was serving less than a year for a conviction out of Angelina County. Mathews was pronounced dead at the scene late Monday morning near Cameron. The Department of Public Safety says the wreck involved a van hauling four female inmates from the Crain Unit in Gatesville to a substance abuse treatment facility in Beaumont. Officials say one inmate and one transport worker were treated and released. Conditions of the other two injured prisoners and the two drivers weren’t immediately available.

TYLER — Detectives with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office say they need the public’s help in locating Dennis Lynch, age 45, of Lindale. Lynch is wanted on a charge of aggravated assault/strangulation or suffocation of a family member. Judge Randall Rogers of County Court at Law 2 issued the warrant in April after Lynch was accused of attempting to strangle his common-law wife, but officials say Lynch has managed to evade arrest. If you see Lynch or have any information regarding his whereabouts, you’re asked call the Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600, or if you would like to remain anonymous, visit http://www.smith-county.com and click on tip411.

KILGORE — Kilgore police arrested one person Tuesday morning following a shooting on the southeast side of the city. KETK reports that at around 7:07 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Peach Street after a caller reported someone had been shot. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Craig Slayter, 53, of Kilgore, had allegedly fired a bullet into a truck parked in front of his home. The shot went through the door of the vehicle and hit a man in the leg. He was identified as Bobby Reid, 43, of Carthage. The incident was the result of an argument between the two men, police said. Slayter (pictured) was arrested and booked into the Kilgore jail on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. Reid was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

CANTON — Van Zandt County law enforcement officials are putting out a request for any possible victims of the recent cemetery thefts to come forward. According to KETK, the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office believes 50 to 100 graves were burglarized. If you have a relative buried in one of the following cemeteries with missing brass items, you’re asked to contact the Constable’s Office at (903) 833-5705.

Asbury Cemetery – FM 2339, Callender Lake
Cox Cemetery – FM 1653, Martins Mill
Colfax Cemetery – FM 16, Colfax
Creagleville Cemetery – Poletown/Grand Saline
Prairie Spring Cemetery – SH 64, Ben Wheeler
Haven of Memories – SH 64, Canton
Myrtle Springs Cemetery – Myrtle Springs Continue reading Officials Ask Cemetery Theft Victims to Come Forward

LONGVIEW — A Kilgore woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to aggravated child sexual assault. KETK reports that on Monday, Cassandra Stone, 34, waived her right to a trial by jury after being charged with indecency with a child and sexually assaulting a child under the age of six. According to authorities, Stone, along with Jesse Smith and Peggy Weinberg, assaulted the child in their home. The child was three years old at the time of the assault. Continue reading Woman Gets 25 Years for Sexual Assault of 3-Year-Old

LUFKIN (AP) – A domestic disturbance call at an East Texas home includes a police report that a woman used a dead catfish to smack her sister-in-law in the face. Lufkin police on Tuesday said nobody has been charged amid conflicting stories from a husband, his wife and his sister. Sgt. Mike Shurley says no one was hurt in Sunday’s incident. Investigators are trying to determine what sparked the fight. Officers were summoned after a woman allegedly used a fish to slap her sister-in-law in the face, the brother and sister argued and he asked his sibling to leave. Shurley says the sister called police to report being assaulted. Shurley says the man was detained on an outstanding traffic warrant but was no longer in custody Tuesday. His name wasn’t immediately released.

TYLER — Police are looking for four suspects in connection with the burglary of a Tyler pharmacy. Around 3:45 yesterday morning officers were notified of a commercial alarm sounding at Good’s Medicine Chest Pharmacy, 2130 West Grande. Officials said the building had noticeable signs of a burglary but there were no suspects at the scene. Upon reviewing store surveillance video, it was found that four subjects were involved. Two entered the store and the other two acted as look outs. All four were wearing dark clothing, masks and gloves. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department or Crimestoppers.