One Killed-One Injured in Tyler Wreck

TYLER – A two vehicle accident in Tyler shortly after 1:15 Thursday afternoon killed one person and one injured. The accident happened in the 7600 block of S. Broadway at the intersection of Heritage.

According to police spokesman Don Martin, a Tyler officer clocked a Dark Green, Nissan Sentra, traveling north bound on South Broadway at a high rate of speed. The officer pulled out and attempted to catch up with the speeding vehicle. The officer observed the Nissan passing other vehicles on the right shoulder near the intersection of South Broadway and Cumberland. The Nissan continued to travel northbound and the officer determined that he would not be able to catch it and halted the pursuit.

The Nissan continued North to the intersection of Heritage and South Broadway where it crashed into the rear of a white, Toyota Camry that was sitting in the outside traffic lane, waiting for the light to change at Heritage. The driver of the Toyota was dead in the over turned vehicle when emergency personnel arrived on the scene. The driver was a Robert Dane Bass, 55, from Plano.

The driver of the Nissan was identified as Jerdene Boyd, 50, of Tyler. Officers observed signs of alcohol in connection with the driver. She was taken to East Texas Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Boyd was arrested for possession of marijuana and an out-standing warrant out of Smith County. She also is facing charges in the accident after completion of the investigation. Boyd is currently free on bond.

Fugitive Parolee in Custody


LONGVIEW — Investigators located and arrested a wanted parolee early Friday morning who attempted to run over a Longview Police Officer on a traffic stop late yesterday. Billye Jack Baldwin, 43, was located at a hotel in Kilgore around 1:00 a.m. and taken into custody without incident. Baldwin was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center after he claimed he had a medical condition unrelated to the earlier traffic stop. Once Baldwin was released from the hospital, he was booked into the Gregg County Jail on charges of aggravated assault on a public servant, evading arrest with a vehicle and an outstanding warrant for parole violations.

During the traffic stop around 7:53 p.m. on Thursday evening, a Longview Officer fired several shots at Baldwin in defense of his life after Baldwin attempted to run over him in a Ford F150 pickup truck. Baldwin fled the scene and it was later discovered he abandoned the truck on Lake Lamond Road. The incident is still under investigation.

Fire Damages Kilgore Restaurant


KILGORE – No injuries were reported in a fire at a Kilgore restaurant. The fire at the Jalepeno Tree on Highway 259 came in around 7:00 Thursday night. Fire officials tell KETK-TV they believe a PVC pipe on the outside caught on fire and traveled up to the attic. The fire was quickly extinguished and minor smoke damage was reported. Fire investigators are still determining what caused the pipe to catch on fire.

Rusk County Coal-Fired Power Plant Sued


TEXARKANA (AP) — The Sierra Club has filed a federal lawsuit against the owner of an east Texas coal-fired power plant. The suit filed Thursday in Texarkana alleges the Martin Lake plant in Rusk County exposes the public to harmful air pollution in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. The club seeks to reduce air pollution from the plant where three electric generating units operate.

Neil Carman of the Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter says the Martin Lake coal plant is “among the dirtiest in the entire nation and one of the worst polluting coal plants in Texas every year.” The suit lists as defendants the plant’s owner, Luminant Generation Co., and Energy Future Holdings Corp. Both are based in Dallas.

Luminant spokeswoman Ashley Monts says the Sierra Club’s allegations are without merit and unsupported by the law

One Killed-One Injured in Tyler Wreck


TYLER – A two vehicle accident in Tyler shortly after 1:15 Thursday afternoon killed one person and one injured. The accident happened in the 7600 block of S. Broadway at the intersection of Heritage.

According to police spokesman Don Martin, a Tyler officer clocked a Dark Green, Nissan Sentra, traveling north bound on S. Broadway at a high rate of speed. The officer pulled out and attempted to catch up with the speeding vehicle. The officer observed the Nissan passing other vehicles on the right shoulder near the intersection of South Broadway and Cumberland. The Nissan continued to travel northbound and the officer determined that he would not be able to catch it and halted the pursuit.

The Nissan continued North to the intersection of Heritage and South Broadway where it crashed into the rear of a white, Toyota Camry that was sitting in the outside traffic lane, waiting for the light to change at Heritage. The driver of the Toyota was dead in the over turned vehicle when emergency personnel arrived on the scene. The driver was a 55 year old white male from Plano. His name has not been released pending notification of relative.

The driver of the Nissan was identified as Jerlene Boyd, 50, of Tyler. Officers observed signs of alcohol in connection with the driver. She was taken to East Texas Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Boyd was arrested for possession of marijuana and an out-standing warrant out of Smith County.

$25,000 Arts Grant for Tyler


TYLER — Mayor Barbara Bass announced Thursday that the City of Tyler has received a $25,000 grant from AT&T in support of downtown arts programming for youth. The announcement was made at a press conference and reception held to celebrate the first anniversary of Gallery Main Street and the 20th anniversary of Tyler’s designation as a Texas Main Street Program community. “The City of Tyler is overwhelmed by AT&T’s generosity, and we pledge to make excellent use of the funding they have provided,” said Mayor Bass. The grant will be used to purchase a stage and provide programming with a focus on introducing children to the arts.

“We are proud to support the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition in its work toward stimulating children’s interest in the arts,” said Candice Gast, director of external affairs for AT&T. “We are happy to follow the lead of State Senator Kevin Eltife in supporting Mayor Bass and the City’s efforts to revitalize downtown Tyler.” Eltife said, “It was my honor to work with AT&T in securing this funding to continue the excellent downtown arts programming begun by the City of Tyler.”

In late August 2009, the City of Tyler opened the new Gallery Main Street and the Tyler Main Street Department / Heart of Tyler offices at 110 W. Erwin. The gallery is host to new juried art exhibits every six weeks in addition to special events such as ArtWalk and arts workshops. Bass said the arts programming will expand with the grant for arts instruction for children. “Now we can introduce children and families to dance, folklore storytelling, music and so many other genres thanks to AT&T’s generosity,” Bass said.

The mayor added, “This beautiful gallery is a perfect example of public-private partnerships and how they can benefit an entire community. From the construction phase that involved donated materials and time to the programming and events that are generated by volunteers, many people have worked together to create this resounding success story.”

Two decades ago, Tyler became one of the state’s first “urban” Main Street program communities. Main Street designation by the Texas Historical Commission is achieved through a competitive application process. A community’s historic preservation ethic, the presence of historical structures and a supportive business community are all part of the evaluation criteria.

Since Tyler became a Main Street community, more than $100 million has been invested in downtown. That figure includes property sales and property renovation costs. Recent downtown renovation projects have included Gallery Main Street, Balance Pilates and Dance, Subway, the Downtown Coffee Lounge, the Moore Grocery Lofts housing development, and development of numerous downtown loft-style residential units. Those who want more information should go to http://www.downtowntylerarts.com or call Gallery Main Street at (903) 593-6905.

Neglected Pony Found


CHANDLER — A pony is found in serious condition near an oil and gas lease in Chandler. Now the animal’s owner will appear before a judge. KETK reports the pony’s hooves are excessively long, and it’s so thin its bones are showing. The SPCA is pursuing cruelty and neglect charges. A hearing is set for next Wednesday. At that time, the alleged owner will be given an opportunity to explain why the animal has been neglected.

More Cold Pill Pleas


TYLER — The list of guilty pleas grows in a series of federal cases related to methamphetamine manufacturing. Two Rusk County men have now pleaded guilty in Tyler to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. They’re Larry Don Howell, 29, of Kilgore, and Russell Eugene Shepherd, 28, of Overton.

According to prosecutors, on Apr. 17, 2009, Howell purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Wal-Mart in Kilgore, in addition to making several other purchases up until Nov. 3, 2009. On Mar. 10, 2009, Shepherd purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Wal-Mart in Henderson, in addition to making several other purchases up until Jan. 25, 2010. The purchases were all made in furtherance of their methamphetamine manufacturing activities.

A federal grand jury returned a 273-count indictment on May 6, 2010 charging Howell and Shepherd with federal drug violations. Howell pleaded guilty on Sept. 1, and Shepherd pleaded guilty on Sept. 2. They each face up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. Sentencing dates have not been set.

Furloughs for Packing Plant Workers


TYLER — A Tyler meat packer gives dozens of unexpected furloughs to its employees. According to KETK, while Loggins is not confirming it’s closing its doors, concerns are beginning about what’s next for workers — and for business in the area. One employee says there’s been “no explanation,” and “nobody knows anything.” A manager at a nearby restaurant says if the company shuts down, that could be bad for his business — though he hopes Loggins workers will “still come in to see us” even if the packing firm closes.

Woman Reportedly Hits Man with Car

TYLER — A Tyler woman reportedly sends her boyfriend to the hospital Tuesday night after accusing him of infidelity. According to KETK, it happened at a house in the 2800 block of Premera Road just outside of Tyler. Smith County Deputies say she hit the man with her car and fled the scene. Authorities are still searching for the woman. When she’s caught, authorities say she could be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

LETU Gets $1.6 Million in NSF Grants


LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has recently been awarded three National Science Foundation grants totaling nearly $1.6 million for engineering projects. “In the last 10 years, LeTourneau faculty members have been awarded nearly $6.5 million in grant funding by organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health,” said LETU President Dale A. Lunsford. “Our faculty members are doing exceptional work here in Longview, Texas, where we have one of the premier engineering programs in the country. Our faculty are among the most highly qualified educators in all of Christian higher education.”

The first and largest of the three recent grants is $798,823 for upgrading LETU’s materials joining engineering lab for research and education, under the direction of Dr. Yoni Adonyi. The upgrades include a complete overhaul of the electrical wiring to the laboratory, increasing the capacity needed to operate complex equipment used in the lab for joining advanced engineering materials. Other upgrades will include improved lighting, roofing, plumbing, ventilation, air conditioning and interior insulation to bring the MJE lab up to date with the 21st century standards of a modern engineering research environment. Following a design phase, bids will be sought, probably sometime around Christmas. Completion of the project is expected to be done by Fall 2011.

The second NSF grant recently awarded was for about $500,000 over the next five years to support retention of first-year students majoring in engineering and engineering technology. The “First-Year Initiatives for Retention Enhancement” or FIRE grant develops a coordinated mentoring program for first-year students and a new, two-course freshman sequence that exposes students to real-world engineering practices. Industry mentors will provide a broad perspective of job opportunities in the engineering and engineering technology fields, as they work alongside faculty and peer mentors. This grant is under the direction of Alan Niemi and Robert Warke. The initial amount for the first three years is $321,965, with an additional $87,576 in year 2013 and $90,457 in year 2014.

“These fields of study are in high demand, not only nationally, but globally,” said Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Robert W. Hudson. “This grant will enable us to retain students in these high-demand fields of study which are areas of strength for LeTourneau University.”

The third NSF grant totals $300,000 over the next three years for research to further develop a computer model that may change how knee stability is currently assessed. It could also allow for potentially transformative changes in the current preventive, treatment and rehabilitation practices prescribed for injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This grant is under the direction of Dr. Roger V. Gonzalez. This grant is initiated in the first year with $119,084 and with an additional $71,412 for year 2011 and $109,504 for year 2012.

Longview Chief of Police Announces Retirement

LONGVIEW — After 32 years with the Longview Police Department and 35 years total in law enforcement, Chief J.B. McCaleb announces that he will retire in January 2011. Chief McCaleb began with the department in 1979, and he has served as Chief of Police since 2003.

According to J.B. McCaleb, “It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Longview for this number of years. I consider it a true honor to have served with the men and women of the Longview Police Department. I am giving my announcement now to allow time for a smooth transition.”

Over the coming months, the City of Longview will establish a transition process. As set by City Charter, the City Manager is responsible for selecting a Chief of Police, pending approval by City Council.

Second Person Dies in Double Shooting


TYLER (AP/Staff) — Tyler police say a second woman has died in a double shooting in Tyler. On Tuesday, gunfire blamed on a tenant killed a landlord at a residence, and the renter died later from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officer Don Martin says the suspect, Alice Aguilar, 47 (pictured), died Wednesday at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. Police on Tuesday afternoon received a call of shots fired at a multi-apartment residence and discovered the body of Socorro Nunez, 70, in one unit. Martin says Aguilar was found unconscious, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, in another unit. Police are investigating what led to the shootings and whether financial problems were involved.

Jewelry Theft Suspects Arrested


TYLER — Several suspects are in custody after allegedly stealing some jewelry from Murphey the Jewelr at 4921 South Broadway. It happened around 3:00 Wednesday afternoon. Employees say a Hispanic female stole some jewelry and then left in a black Ford Expedition driven by a Hispanic male.

A vehicle matching the suspect’s vehicle was noticed by an investigator with the Smith County District Attorney’s office. A Tyler Patrol Officer got behind the suspect at the Van Highway and Loop 323. The vehicle fled from officers and the pursuit was halted. The vehicle was found and the suspects were arrested a short time later by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is continuing.

Daingerfield Man Guilty in Cold Pill Case


TYLER – A Morris County man pleads guilty in Tyler to federal violations involving methamphetamine manufacturing. Jimmy Ray Nix, Jr., 36, of Daingerfield, pleaded guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

According to information presented in court, on April 27, 2009, Nix purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Walgreens in Longview, in addition to making four other purchases that same day at other stores in the area, all in furtherance of his methamphetamine manufacturing activities. A federal grand jury returned a 256-count indictment on February 2, 2010 charging Nix with federal drug violations. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

A Gift in the Battle Against Hunger


TYLER — Woodforest Charitable Foundation and Woodforest National Bank have presented a $12,000 check to the East Texas Food Bank. It’s the first gift to the food bank for Hunger Action Month. The check was presented Wednesday to Dennis Cullinane, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank. The gift will support the East Texas Food Bank’s BackPack and Kids Cafe programs in 10 counties: Bowie, Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Titus and Van Zandt counties.

Jewelry Theft Suspects Arrested


TYLER — One person is in custody after allegedly stealing some jewelry from Murphey the Jewelry at 4921 South Broadway. It happened around 3:00 Wednesday afternoon. Employees say a Hispanic female just stole some jewelry and then left in a black, Ford, Expedition driven by a Hispanic male.

A vehicle matching the suspect’s vehicle was noticed by an investigator with the Smith County District Attorney’s office. A Tyler Patrol Officer got behind the suspect at the Van Highway and Loop 323. The vehicle fled from officers and the pursuit was halted. The vehicle was found and suspect arrested a short time later by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is continuing.

Man Guilty in Cold Pill Case


TYLER – A 36-year-old Daingerfield man is the latest in a series of defendants to plead guilty in Tyler to federal violations involving methamphetamine manufacturing. Like the other defendants, Jimmy Ray Nix, Jr., pleaded guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
According to information presented in court, on Apr. 27, 2009, Nix purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Walgreens in Longview, in addition to making four other purchases that same day at other stores in the area, all in furtherance of his methamphetamine manufacturing activities. A federal grand jury returned a 256-count indictment on Feb. 2, 2010 charging Nix with federal drug violations. Nix faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

Police Nab Suspect after Short Crime Spree


TYLER — Police in Tyler say they’ve arrested a man following a brief crime spree. On Wednesday, Tyler Police were notified at 12:02 p.m. in reference to a 2003 SL 500 Mercedes Benz that had been stolen from 3872 Brighton Creek Circle — allegedly by the person hired to work in the yard while the home owner was away. Police say at 2:24 p.m. the suspect in the stolen vehicle, identified as 27-year-old Theodore Lane Obrien, was involved in a hit-and-run accident in the 100 block of N. Broadway. Police say Obrien was driving into oncoming southbound traffic and struck a 2002 Ford Focus. No injuries were reported to police from this incident.

According to a police report, a witness followed Obrien to the 300 block of Selman Street, where Obrien reportedly bailed from the stolen vehicle. Officers say they saw Obrien run to a residence at 219 Goodman Street and kick in the door to the residence. Officers report that they pursued the suspect into the occupied residence and found him hiding in a closet. Obrien was placed under arrest for theft of the vehicle, hit and run, and criminal trespass.

Plastics Services Firm Ends Texas Job Contract


AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – A plastics compounding company operating in East Texas has canceled its state job creation contract. Alloy Polymers Inc. — which has a Crockett-area facility — is joining other firms that have quit or changed their pacts under Gov. Rick Perry’s Texas Enterprise Fund since the recession hit. Perry spokeswoman Lucy Nashed says Alloy Polymers canceled its enterprise fund contract on July 9 citing “business reasons.” She says the company paid back with interest the $100,000 in taxpayer money it received under the $200,000 agreement. A governor’s office list of enterprise fund grant recipients states Alloy Poymers was to have created 52 new jobs as part of the 2006 agreement. An Alloy Polymers official familiar with the contract did not immediately return a call Wednesday from The Associated Press.

Smith County to Receive Best Practices Award


TYLER — Smith County will receive the Texas Association of Counties Best Practices Award for cost reductions made through the County’s Compensatory Time Management Program during a ceremony Thursday night. According to a county news release, each year TAC’s Leadership Foundation recognizes and highlights select county programs for outstanding innovation, achievement and delivery of services.

Officials say the Smith County Compensatory Time Management Program began in 2008 as a joint effort of the Auditor’s Office and Sheriff’s Department, to reduce the ever increasing and costly pay out and accrual of employee earned compensatory time. At that time, Smith County had more than $735,000 in accrued liability recorded for comp time — and more than $600,000 of the accrual was solely attributed to the Sheriff’s department and the Jail. Today, officials say, the comp hours have been reduced by 48% in the Sheriff’s office and 41% in the jail for a total reduction of more than 44% department wide. According to officials, that reduction has reduced the county’s accrued liability by more than $350,000.

“We are very proud of the leadership in our Sheriff’s Office and Auditor’s Department. They stepped up and thought outside the box to reduce our accumulated comp time and ultimately save hundreds of thousands of dollars for the County,” said Comp Time Committee Member and Smith County Precinct 4 Commissioner JoAnn Hampton. Representatives from Smith County will be presented with the award during a ceremony at the TAC Annual Conference in Austin, Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Police Warn of Robbery Scam


LONGVIEW — Police in Longview warn of a robbery scam. At around 9:50 p.m. Tuesday, Longview Officers were dispatched to 600 West Avalon Avenue in reference to a robbery that just occurred.

The victim told officers she was inside her apartment, when she received a knock at the door. The victim answered and a man told her that she had left her vehicle headlights on in the parking lot. The victim went to the parking lot, turned off her lights, and returned to her apartment. She then received another knock at the door. When she opened the door, the first man was there with a second man, who was armed with a handgun. The men entered the victim’s apartment and took her purse before fleeing the location. The suspects were last seen running south through the apartment complex parking lot.

The victim described one of the suspects as a black male, in his early 20s, with a slim build, wearing an oversized white t-shirt, baggy black gym shorts and a black hat with a shiny gold sticker on the bill. Police are warning you to be cautious of anyone that you don’t know who comes to your door. Ask the person what he or she needs without opening the door — and if you are suspicious, call police.

Second Person Dies in Double Shooting


TYLER (AP/Staff) – Tyler police say a second person has died following a double shooting Tuesday. Gunfire blamed on a tenant killed the owner of the tenant’s residence — and the renter died later from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officer Don Martin says the renter, 47-year-old Alice Aguilar (pictured), died Wednesday at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. Police on Tuesday afternoon received a call of shots fired at a multi-apartment residence and discovered the body of 70-year-old Socorro Nunez in one unit. Martin says Aguilar was found unconscious, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, in another unit. Police are investigating what led to the shootings and whether financial problems were involved.

Cornyn Staffers Present Medals To Family Of WWII Hero

Cornyn Staffers Present Medals To Family Of WWII HeroTYLER — Staff members from the office of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, recently presented several WWII military service medals to Mrs. Billie Bob Hickman, wife of the late Charles “Hick” Hickman, who passed away before receiving the medals he was authorized to receive. After being contacted by Hickman’s son-in-law, Enoch Freeman, earlier this year, Sen. Cornyn worked to secure Hickman’s overdue medals, including the Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. Sen. Cornyn’s staff delivered the medals to Mrs. Hickman’s Tyler home and hosted a ceremony during which Hickman’s grandson, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Freeman, presented the medals to his grandmother. Freeman currently serves in Iraq with the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division — the same unit his grandfather served in during WWII.

“It is always a great honor to have a hand in securing long overdue medals for American heroes and the family members who supported them during their service. Sadly, WWII veteran Charles Hickman passed away before receiving the medals he was due. But thanks to the hard work and persistence of his family members, I was able to help them obtain Mr. Hickman’s medals, including the prestigious Bronze Star,” Sen. Cornyn said.

The Senator added, “In a poignant act of remembrance, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Freeman, grandson of Mr. Hickman, who today serves in the same unit his grandfather did in WWII, was able to present these medals to his grandmother while he was on leave from his tour in Iraq. Thanks to this family’s love and respect for the late Charles “Hick” Hickman, his legacy and service to our nation will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.”

Murder/Attempted Suicide Probe Continues


TYLER (Staff/AP) – Tyler police are looking into the possibility of financial problems as they seek a motive in a case they’ve labeled a murder and attempted suicide. Police say the murder suspect’s landlord is dead after being shot, and the suspect is in critical condition at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police identify the slain woman as Socorro Nunez, 70. The other woman is said to be Alice Alvarez Aguilar, 47, who is pictured here. Police initially responded to a report of gunshots that came from inside the residence at 118 S. Beverly Street around after 12:30 yesterday afternoon. When officers arrived, they found Nunez’s body on the floor in Apartment #1. Officers searched the area for the suspect and located her unconscious in the adjacent apartment with the self-inflicted wound.

Sexual Assault Trial Starts

GREGG COUNTY — A Gregg County man is in court today charged with sexual assault of a child. The trial starts today for Tracy Antonio Bonner, 43, Longview, accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl back in 2000. KETK reports, officials with the Gregg County District Attorney’s office says if convicted, Bonner faces up to 99 years to life in prison.

Bullard Boil Water Notice

BULLARD — Officials with the City of Bullard Utility Department say water came back on late Wednesday morning. This comes after an early morning water main break. A boil water notice has now been issued to all residents who have city water. Another notice will be issued when the water is clear to drink without boiling. According to KETK, officials still don’t know what caused the water main break, which canceled classes Wednesday in the Bullard ISD and at Brook Hill School.

TISD Adds Two AVID Elementary Campuses


TYLER — Tyler ISD says two more elementary campuses are beginning implementation of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. They are Jones MST Elementary Academy and Ramey Elementary School.

AVID Elementary is designed to bring academic success to all students by combining “best teaching practices” with AVID Elementary’s framework of Writing to Learn, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading to Learn. The targeted grade level(s) implement and embed AVID Elementary strategies and methodologies into grade-level expectations and classroom procedures. All students in the target grade level are exposed to the strategies and tools of the AVID Elementary Program.

“With college-readiness as our motivation, teachers will begin incorporating the AVID Elementary components into their daily teaching practices, wherein the high expectation of success for EVERY student will always be at the forefront of the days’ activities and lessons,” said Lillian Bowens, Tyler ISD AVID Director. “AVID Elementary is part of a district-wide effort to increase college-ready students, and because of the successes of our first AVID elementary campus, Peete Elementary, Tyler Independent School District will begin implementation of two additional AVID Elementary campuses, Jones and Ramey, in the 2010 school year.”

The AVID program is currently being implemented at: Peete, Jones and Ramey elementary schools; Secondary Certified sites are: Boulter, Dogan, Hogg, Hubbard, Moore, and Stewart middle schools; John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools.

Tyler Abduction Probe


TYLER – Tyler police are looking for a Hispanic male on charges of unlawful restraint. Officers were called to East Texas Medical Center around 9:00 Monday night. A woman told officers she had been abducted while going to the hospital.

She said she was in the area of South Beckham and East Erwin streets when a Hispanic Male offered her ride to ETMC. She told officers the man immediately deviated from the route to the hospital and would not allow her out of the vehicle. The man transported her victim out of the city at a high rate of speed. She was unable to get out of the vehicle until they were in the area of County Road 211 and Farm to Market Road 850. She said she jumped from the vehicle. She was found by a Smith County Sheriff’s deputy. She was then transported to East Texas Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

The Hispanic male is described as being in his 40’s with a light beard, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. The suspect’s vehicle is described as a dark green two door, possibly Ford Ranger with dark tinted windows. The vehicle also had a piece of plywood in the bed protruding over the tail gate.

Woman Guilty in Cold Pill Case


TYLER – A 45-year-old Beckville woman has pleaded guilty to federal drug violations related to cold pills. Heidi Lynn Beall pleaded guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. The plea came Tuesday in Tyler before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

According to information presented in court, on Dec. 24, 2008, Beall purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Walgreens in Longview, in addition to making two other purchases that same day at other stores in the area, as well as on many other occasions. Officials say it was all in furtherance of her methamphetamine manufacturing activities. A federal grand jury returned a 256-count indictment on Feb. 2, 2010, charging Beall with federal drug violations. Beall faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.