KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — A 62-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. William Robert Pate pleaded guilty in Tyler to possessing child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, on Mar. 26, 2010, investigators executed a search warrant at Pate’s home for suspected child pornography after images were reported being uploaded to an Internet website from Pate’s IP address. During the investigation, Pate admitted to downloading child pornography over the Internet and consented to a search of his computer. An analysis of the computer revealed approximately 97 images and 7 videos of child pornography. Some of the material depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on April 8, 2010 charging Pate with child pornography violations.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Pate faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford unveiled the university’s new logo before a crowd of nearly 500 employees Monday. The new logo includes the university colors of blue and gold and features a shield shape that is recognized as a traditional symbol of academic quality for universities. Inside the shield is a globe with latitude and longitude lines that form a stylized cross. University officials say the globe represents the university’s global vision to equip students to make an impact for Christ in every workplace in every nation. The officials add that the cross provides a visual element of the school’s core identity as an unapologetically Christian university. Also, according to officials, the letters “LETU” inside the shield are designed to be easily recognizable and unique identifiers for those for whom the name “LeTourneau” is difficult to spell.

“We are, as part of our strategic plan, going to do some new marketing initiatives, and so it was the right time to update our university logo,” Lunsford said. “The ‘LETU’ inside the shield is important as we begin to communicate with audiences that cannot pronounce or spell ‘LeTourneau,’ so they need to know us as ‘LETU.’ There are many ‘LU’s’ out there, but we are the only ‘LETU.’” Lunsford said the new logo will be rolled out within the next year. Officials say the logo was designed by Encore Multimedia of Longview to be representative for both the traditional and nontraditional students, as a gateway to a world experience.

LUFKIN — A six-year-old from Lufkin is being hailed as a hero after saving a toddler from drowning. “Everyone says I swim like a fish,” says Alexis Weeks. And Alexis did just that the other day when she saw the two-year-old girl sinking to the bottom of a pool. Alexis recounts, “I went underwater and I got her on my knee and then I holded her.” Alexis then swam her back up to the surface and over to the side. Alexis’s mom says she still can’t believe it, remarking, “We have the bragging rights to say that our daughter saved someone’s life. We’re really proud to say that.” Then is there any kind of reward? According to Alexis, after the rescue, the toddler’s mom said to tell the two-year-old’s dad he owed Alexis a hundred dollars or “somethin'” — but Alexis declined. She says she was just trying to help, and the fact that she did is better than any reward.

BOWLING, GREEN, Ky. — A Tyler man is reportedly killed, his wife injured, in a two vehicle crash in Kentucky. Police say a tractor trailer reportedly switched lanes on the interstate and hit a Corvette with Jan and Steve Hurst inside. According to KETK, the car flipped over. Steve Hurst died Monday afternoon.

LONGVIEW — The case against a Gregg County Constable started Monday. KETK reports a former Easton resident filed a suit claiming Constable Robbie Cox wrongfully evicted her in December of 2006 and threw her belongings in the yard. Cox’s wife, who owned the house, and his brother-in-law are also named in the suit.

TYLER — The Texas Downtown Association announces the finalists for the 2010 Presidents Awards Program, and Tyler is named in two categories. Gallery Main Street is among three finalists in the Best Adaptive Reuse category. The Downtown Tyler Artwalk is being considered for Best Promotional Event. Elsewhere in East Texas, the City of Winnsboro is among the finalists for Best Marketing Program.

Finalists will make a presentation at the Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference in El Paso on Nov. 11. Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala to be held that evening. The Texas Downtown Association, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a statewide nonprofit organization comprising more than 400 members involved in downtown revitalization projects. Visit http://www.texasdowntown.org for more information.

LAKE TYLER — A man who claimed he was stabbed at Lake Tyler by an unknown suspect says he lied. According to KETK, Ronnie Melton, 23, Van, says a girlfriend of his friend reportedly stabbed him in a dispute over car keys. Melton says he was trying to keep the girl out of trouble. He had said the incident reportedly took place at Hillcreek Park Sunday morning. Investigators say the incident actually happened at an undetermined address in Smith County over a dispute over some car keys. After the stabbing, he and his friends made up the story about him being stabbed by an unknown black male. Individuals involved in the incident will likely face criminal charges including aggravated assault, false report to a peace officer and fail to report a felony.

LONGVIEW — It’s now illegal to sell or possess K-2 in another East Texas community. The ban on the synthetic marijuana started Monday in Longview. According to KETK, the city passed an ordinance banning K-2 during last week’s city council meeting after citizens voiced concerns about the substance. Officials say they passed the ordinance for the safety of the residents. Authorities say they spent the weekend notifying gas stations and smoke shops that sell K-2. Police say if you’re caught selling or possessing K-2, you could be fined up to $2,000.

ARP — More developments on the case of a man who allegedly killed his father. KETK has learned the man reportedly stabbed to death by his autistic son was in jail at least twice before. David Wayne Wilson was at his home near Arp when witnesses say his son, David Adam Wilson, charged at him with a knife, stabbing him several times in the chest. The Wilson family tells police the 21-year-old had behavioral problems in recent weeks. They say he started a fight with his dad Monday night, after threatening several family members that day.

When deputies got to the house off FM 2089 near Arp, David Adam Wilson was hiding in a storage area. His father was already dead. The younger Wilson was taken into custody without incident. Investigators aren’t sure if David Adam Wilson was on his medication when it happened. He’s being held on a $500,000 bond. Authorities expect an autopsy report Wednesday.

TYLER — Thanks to the military, Tyler’s economy will be getting a boost. The reserve center on State Highway 110 is expanding. KETK-TV reports the over $24 million expansion is about 40% complete. The new installation is estimated to bring more than $150,000 to the local economy and about 300 armed forces every week starting in Next June. Officials say the reservists who will be flocking to Tyler to drill and take classes, will boost businesses such as hotels restaurants and dry cleaners. Tyler was selected for the facility because of its location, midway between Dallas and Shreveport. The project is said to be coming in ahead of schedule and under budget.

TYLER — Smith County commissioners offer you another chance to voice your views on the county’s proposed financial package for the coming fiscal year. At 5:30 p.m., there’s a public hearing on the proposed budget. Earlier today, commissioners held a public hearing on the tax rate. KETK reports there’s an increase in that figure currently on the table. Like the morning session, the afternoon gathering will be in the Commissioners’ Courtroom in the Courthouse Annex.

TYLER — The new school year is just around the corner and that may mean a change in your drive time routine. The City of Tyler notes that the Tyler Independent School District has adopted a new bell schedule for middle and high schools. Middle schools now will start at 8:25 a.m. and release at 3:40 p.m.; high schools begin at 8:40 a.m. and end at 4:10 p.m. All elementary schools will still begin at 8 a.m. and release at 3 p.m. You’re asked to please keep this information in mind when planning local trips.

School flashers will be in operation in marked school speed zones beginning Monday, August 23, 2010, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with the following exceptions:
* West Loop 323 near John Tyler High School – This school speed zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
* South Donnybrook near Robert E. Lee High School – This school speed zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
* Copeland Road at Hubbard Drive – This school speed zone will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, a new school speed zone with a speed limit of 35 mph has been added on West Front Street just east of West Loop 323 for the new Jones Boshears Elementary School.

School crossing guards will be on duty in designated locations during the hours of the school flasher operations. Crossing guards will raise a hand-held stop paddle and enter the crosswalk in preparation for allowing pedestrians to cross safely. Motorists are required to stop at pedestrian crossing locations while the school crossing guard is in the street; all vehicles should wait until the crossing guard returns to the curb before continuing through the crossing. Citizens are asked to review their commute route to avoid unnecessary delays.

“The first three weeks of a new school year are always very hectic as everyone adjusts to their new routines, especially when we have new schools opening,” commented City of Tyler Traffic Engineer Peter Eng. “Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and be patient with other drivers. Safety is more important that anything else. Each school has developed a traffic flow plan available to all parents to provide for the safe loading and unloading of students and also to get cars in and out of the school property as efficiently possible.” Drivers are also asked to please remember that the use of hand-held communication devices like cell phones is prohibited in school speed zones.

You can go to http://www.tylerisd.org for more information about Tyler ISD schools and school schedules. A list of designated school speed zones is located at http://www.cityoftyler.org in the City of Tyler’s code of ordinances.

TYLER — In an effort to assist citizens who have been unable to pay past due court fines because of economic conditions, the Tyler Municipal Court is launching a Second Chance Program. The program enables persons who have had warrants issued for non-payment of fines to reestablish a payment plan and bring their accounts current.

“We have seen an increase in the number of people who have warrants issued for their arrest due to the economy,” said Court Administrator Cam McCabe. “This program provides a second chance for violators to become current and take care of their fines.”

A $300 down payment is required to reestablish the payment plan. Warrants will be removed once the $300 is received and a payment plan is signed. To take advantage of this Second Chance Program, defendants must visit the cashier’s window at the Municipal Court to make the down payment and sign the payment agreement no later than Sept. 9.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview say they’re investigating the suspicious death of Lloyd Johnson Sr., 67. Around 12:32 p.m. Monday, Longview Officers responded to a check welfare call at 1404 Booker Street. According to a news release, officers arrived to find Johnson dead inside the location, apparently due to foul play. Detectives, crime scene personnel and Gregg County Justice of the Peace Sam Lawson responded to the scene. His body has been sent to the Southeast Texas Forensics Center in Tyler for autopsy.

HALLSVILLE — Two persons have been killed and two injured in a Harrison County accident. It was reported around 8:30 Sunday morning on Interstate Highway 20, near the 607 mile marker, between Longview and Hallsville. Initial reports are two teenagers from Azle, near Fort Worth, were killed. Their names had not been released pending notification of their next of kin. The accident remains under investigation.

GILMER — One person has been killed and two injured in an Upshur County accident. The accident happened around 9:00 Saturday night on State Highway 300. Marcey Robertson, 40, of Mount Pleasant, died after being airlifted to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. Injured was Oliver Palmer, 74, of Houston and his wife, Delores Palmer, 64. She is listed in serious condition at Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center. Her Husband was treated and released. The Department of Public Safety report said Robertson’s car, which was north bound, drifted into the south bound lane of traffic and collided with the Palmer vehicle.

LONGVIEW — Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a Longview fire that extensively damaged a home. KETK-TV reports the Sunday morning fire occurred near the intersection of Idylwood and Clover. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District:

TYLER — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform ditch and pavement repairs on Farm Road 756 (Paluxy Drive) between Jeff Davis and Cumberland Road. Once the work is complete, the crew will begin shoulder repairs in various locations on Farm Road 346 and Farm Road 344.

Also in Smith County, crews are scheduled to perform edge and base repairs on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 and Farm Road 16 northwest of Winona. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews on Monday are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on eastbound Interstate Highway 20 in various locations between the Joy-Wright Mountain Road and Farm Road 3053 (Liberty City) exits. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on State Highway 64 between State Highway 42 in Turnertown and Loop 571 in Henderson. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal coat operations on Farm Road 1255 between Interstate Highway 20 and Farm Road 773. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and a pilot vehicle will control traffic. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.

MINEOLA — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on SE Loop 564 between U.S. Highway 69 south of Mineola and U.S. Highway 80. A second crew will also be at work performing ditch maintenance on Farm Road 1804 south of US 80. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

TYLER — The NAACP remains as relevant today as ever, according to Marlin, Texas, City Manager William McDonald. The Tyler native keynoted his hometown’s NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet over the weekend. One key area, says McDonald: economic empowerment. McDonald said there’s a “new Jim Crow” at work in America, in which too many young African-Americans are told they can’t succeed. McDonald commented that in order for young people to compete in a truly global marketplace, “we have an important role to lay…during these difficult economic times to try to help individuals gain a quality education.” He added, “If we have an opportunity to work together and become entrepreneurs, there’s certainly a benefit to the entire community.” McDonald also says it’s important to look to the future while remembering civil rights gains of the past.

TYLER — Some new programs are getting underway at Tyler’s Parent Services Center as it seeks to increase its educational efforts by forty per cent this year. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Executive Director Shelley Judd pointed to “Parent University,” a new partnership with TJC on the college’s West Campus consisting of five two-hour classes. According to Judd, it begins with early child development, continuing through the teenage years and family communication. Judd says another new effort provides affordable counseling. She remarks that there’s a real need for that, observing, “Sometimes it’s hard to solve a problem that your family is facing until you can get your own attitude sort of in the right direction.”

The Parent Services Center seeks to improve the quality of life for families through various programs. You can go to http://www.parentservicescenter.com for more information. And you can log on to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to hear the “Staff Meeting” show online.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a stabbing at Lake Tyler. It was reported around 2:45 Sunday morning after officers were called to the hospital. The victim was identified as Ronnie Melton, 24, Van. Police say Melton told them he was stabbed multiple times by an unknown black male while talking with some people in the parking lot area of Hillcreek Park. Authorities say Melton was unable to provide any information regarding the suspect’s identity or the reason for the attack. Melton’s injuries were said to be serious, but non life-threatening.

Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime 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 the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case, or any, felony case.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will hold a public meeting tonight at 6:00 at the UT Tyler Ornelas Activity Center to present the preliminary outcomes of the UT Tyler Area Development Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to hear conclusions on the Area Development Plan including the planning team’s findings and recommendations. The City of Tyler initiated the plan study last October to build upon recommendations set forth in the Tyler 21 Comprehensive Plan. City officials say the purpose of the Area Development Plan is to further develop UT Tyler, neighborhoods and surrounding areas as a vibrant district. Officials say the findings and recommendations cover long term growth, pedestrian friendly corridors, and ideas to enhance the UT Tyler area.

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) announces that Harold Higgins, Senior Deputy Director, received the 2010 Janet Emerson Public Health Servant Award at a dinner Wednesday evening in Austin. This award is the Texas Association of Local Health Officials’ (TALHO) highest accolade for demonstrated extraordinary performance with an exemplary commitment to local public health. Health officials say the Emerson award is a means of expressing gratitude, recognition and encouragement of professional accomplishment in public health at the local level. As nominator and NETPHD CEO George Roberts noted, “Harold’s steady ‘can do’ spirit and willingness to work with many people and many different organizations has enabled NETPHD to grow, sustain and be recognized as experts in public health.”

Higgins serves as the Senior Deputy Director of Public Health Preparedness, Immunization and Tuberculosis Control Departments at NETPHD. Local health officials say Higgins has contributed outstanding service and dedication to protect and promote the health of the community for more than 30 years. During his public health career, Higgins has worked at the state, regional and local levels. In 2009, the Immunization Department, in which he serves as Director, had a record year by giving almost 17,000 immunizations in Smith County, as well as leading the vaccination of over 20,000 area citizens with the H1N1 vaccine.

Officials say due to Higgins’s actions, NETPHD received a Model Practice Award from the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) for establishing a partnership with UT Tyler for Medical Special Needs Sheltering. He was also deemed instrumental in the sheltering of thousands of special needs evacuees during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. “Mr. Higgins has been a rock solid, reliable public health worker for over three decades now, and I am sure Mr. Higgins will continue to make great contributions in the field of public health for years to come,” says Dr. Paul McGaha, Regional Director, Texas Department of State Health Services.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has named Scott Fossey as the new senior director of development, responsible for managing the university’s fundraising staff and reporting to the vice president for development. In recent years, Fossey has served as a president and chief development officer in private education and as morning meteorologist at Tyler CBS affiliate KYTX-TV. His plans are to continue his role as a weatherman at the TV station.

“Scott Fossey is one of the most familiar faces in East Texas,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “I have had the pleasure of working with both Scott and (his wife) Leslie in the past and look forward to the years ahead. LeTourneau University is one of the most significant Christian universities in the nation and Scott will be effective at sharing our vision with others.”

“We are excited and humbled to be a part of the LeTourneau University family and to share in the university’s mission to equip students to impact every workplace in every nation for Christ,” Fossey said. “We look forward to forming new relationships throughout East Texas and around the country as we meet those who have also been touched by LETU and are looking for a way to give back to the university through a number of opportunities.”

KILGORE — Questions about the Senior Nutrition Program around East Texas cause the state to audit the program. The senior nutrition program for 14 local counties is run by the East Texas Council of Governments. Director David Cleveland says recently, the program was struggling and was down to just three contractors. KETK says after six months, the state auditor found no wrong doing. The agency says they will keep better records in the future.

TYLER — Smith County will extend its two-week warrant amnesty campaign through the entire month of August due to the early success of the program, according to county officials. The Smith County Collections Department, Justice Courts, and Sheriff’s and Constables’ Offices originally declared an amnesty period for August 1 – 15. That was to allow anyone with outstanding fines or warrants for Class C Misdemeanors in Smith County to contact the County Collections Department (903-590-4624) and make arrangements to pay the fine without fear of arrest.

A Warrant Round-Up will begin on September 1, 2010, and all remaining cases will be moved into active warrant status with additional costs and fees added. Once the Warrant Round-Up begins, defendants will be actively pursued at home and their places of work and arrested. Anyone operating a motor vehicle at the time of their arrest will have the vehicle towed.

The Smith County Collections Department and the Smith County Justice Courts will be available to take payments, workout payment plans and in some cases offer discounts during normal business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday – Friday during the amnesty period. To find out if you have a warrant in Smith County visit http://www.smith-county.com and select “Do you owe a court fine?” at the top of the home page. This site will allow you to search for your name in Smith County database.