KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — An informative event was held in Tyler over the weekend to address a growing problem. Saturday’s bullying conference in Tyler, “The bully, the bullied and the bystander” featured noted author and speaker Barbara Coloroso. Her goal was to inform and educate about what bullying is and what it isn’t. “It begins about age 5 with little girls feeling it’s ok to exclude other little girls and works all the way up to the point where we have young people killing themselves cause they can’t take it anymore,” Coloroso said. Coloroso considers bullying to be inflicting pain on another and taking pleasure in that pain.

It’s an age-old problem, but bullying has recently gotten a technological face-lift. “Internet and cell phones, cyber bullying, that has such a tremendous impact. It used to be years ago, I could go home and get away from the targeting but now our young people are facing it 24/7,” Coloroso said.

She says stopping the cycle of bullying is a community job, because neither parents nor schools can do it alone.

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 has made a felony arrest after a methamphetamine lab bust on FM 2713 Thursday evening, officials said. It also recovered several components from a meth lab. The Constable’s office had been receiving information that drug activity was occurring at the residence. Upon further investigation, officers found the residence did belong to Randy Cox, who was arrested last year for manufacturing methamphetamine. Cox is currently serving his sentence in prison for that arrest.

The constable’s office found out that Cynthia Cox, who is related to Randy, was living at the residence. Bridges stated that he and his deputies arrived Thursday evening at the residence and conducted a search after obtaining consent to search the residence. Items recovered at the residence included a gram of methamphetamine, marijuana and several components for a methamphetamine laboratory. Bridges stated evidence was observed that a methamphetamine laboratory had been used at the residence before and several items were found outside in a burn pile.

EAST TEXAS — Smith County Officials were fighting two house fires last night. The first house fire was located in Whitehouse, near the intersection of Shadow Wood Drive and Eastern Hills Drive.

The second house fire was near Red Springs, close to the intersection of County Road 313 East Sand Flat, less than a mile down County Road 314.

Several fire departments responded to both house fires. There has been no word on any injuries, however there was a pet lost in the house fire near Red Springs. Officials say no one was home when the house fire near Red Springs began. Neighbors told KETK they saw smoke billowing from the left side of the house and called the fire department. Officials say the house is a loss.

BEAUMONT – A Lufkin man and woman have pleaded guilty in Beaumont to charges related to a double homicide which took place in Nacogdoches in August, 2007. Brent Stalsby, 30, pleaded guilty to committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity (VICAR) Friday before U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone. Specifically, Brent Stalsby admitted that he murdered David Mitchamore and Christy Rochelle Brown. Terry Stalsby, 29, pleaded guilty to charges of accessory after the fact in the murder of Christy Rochelle Brown Friday before Judge Crone.

According to information presented in court, Carl Carver was a general of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, a powerful race-based state-wide organization which operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Authorities say the ABT enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects, and associates. According to authorities, this is done through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault, robbery, and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Members, and often associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

It is believed that David Mitchamore, a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, and his girlfriend, Christy Rochelle Brown, were murdered by Brent Stalsby as a result of a “direct order” issued by Carver because of Mitchamore’s failure to repay an outstanding debt he allegedly owed to the Aryan Brotherhood general. The bodies of Mitchamore, also known as “Super Dave,” and Brown were discovered in Nacogdoches County on August 10, 2007. Terry Stalsby was present when the “direct order” issued by Carver was delivered to Charles Cameron Frazier, who pleaded guilty to his role in the murders late last week. Terry Stalsby also actively participated in a plan to conceal the gang members’ roles in the murders after the murders took place.

Brent Stalsby faces life in federal prison at sentencing. Terry Stalsby faces up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set for either defendant. Carver has also pleaded guilty to his role in the case. U.S. Attorney John Bales expressed his appreciation for what he termed the hard work performed by so many officers and agents. Bales remarked, “From the beginning, our purpose in becoming involved in this case was two-fold – to successfully prosecute the brutal murders of David Mitchamore and Christy Brown, and to completely dismantle the ABT criminal enterprise. With each conviction, we take a large step closer to both goals.”

LONGVIEW — Longview police seek suspects in some area burglaries, and the suspects reportedly hit a house with their vehicle during a police chase. Around 1:51 a.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to a convenience store in the 2400 Block of H.G. Mosley Parkway. Upon arrival they found the store had been burglarized and property stolen. During the investigation it was discovered that the same suspects might have also burglarized two more locations, one inside the city and one in Gregg County.

Later another officer observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ vehicle. A short pursuit ensued, and the driver of the truck lost control and struck a house near the intersection of Louise and Texas Streets, causing considerable damage. The two suspects then fled the scene on foot. According to KETK, one of the men is described as a black male, while the other is unknown. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Longview Police Department at (903) 237-1199.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees Thursday accepted and approved the proposal of Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) in the amount of $58,650 to provide a complete demographic study projecting student populations, long range facility needs, and attendance zone planning through 2020. PASA was first selected in November 2003 to provide the demographic study that school officials say enabled the district to plan appropriately for the construction of new schools in the 2004 bond issue. PASA has provided periodic updates to their demographic study since the initial study was conducted.

School officials say PASA was selected based on the quality of its study and the firm’s reputation with districts and state agencies. According to information from the school district, the data provided by PASA’s earlier studies have proven to be thorough and accurate. The demographic study will be paid for from the bond funds.

TYLER — The ground gave way behind the subway restaurant at the corner of Beckham and Houston over the weekend. KETK reports recent heavy rains and years of erosion opened a sinkhole measuring 12 feet deep and 40 feet across. Not only is the sinkhole a danger, it’s bad for business. While crews work on repairing the hole, expect traffic delays. City officials say, “We did close Beckham; the southbound lanes of Beckham were reduced to one traffic lane so that we could bring in some large equipment.” The recent rainy weather could cause a delay in repairs. Until the soil dries, crews can only work to minimize the damage.

TYLER — A popular East Texas destination gets a makeover. According to KETK, a Thursday news conference at Tyler State Park showed off recent improvements purchased with almost $4 million in state money. The park already features a new playground and new restrooms, work’s begun on a new dining hall, and officials say the new additions will be around for generations to enjoy. One official says, “We’re able to make those parks even more enjoyable so that for the future, people can continue to have those memories that make our state park system so enjoyable for lots and lots of people.”

EAST TEXAS — The Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers of reports of fraudulent letters pretending to be from the official Publisher’s Clearing House. These bogus letters inform customers that they have won a major prize with Publisher’s Clearing House, and “winners” are approved for an automatic payoff on any debt accumulated on qualified credit cards. Unfortunately, this scam is an attempt to obtain the “winner’s” account information, and victims are likely to end up with an empty bank account. Victims claim that when the toll free number is dialed, the representative requests the “winner’s” bank account number so that the winnings may be wired directly into the account. If the victim refuses, the representative quickly disconnects the call.

BBB reminds consumers of the importance of protecting your identity from unlawful use:

Never provide financial information, such as checking account information and credit card numbers on the phone or online, unless you initiate the contact and are familiar the person or organization you are dealing with. Call your BBB to check the company out and make sure the company contact information on any letters or emails matches the company’s registered information. Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.

Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier. Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a Web address you know. Use the most up-to-date firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software available.

Don’t use obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.

BBB also reminds consumers that Publishers Clearing House (“PCH”) will only contact major prize winners in person; smaller prize winners are notified by FedEx, UPS or certified mail. If you believe you have received a suspicious letter or email from a fake sweepstakes or wish to report another fraud or scam, please call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.

NACOGDOCHES — Two suspects are arrested after a reported armed robbery on the campus of Stephen F. Austin. Arrest warrants were issued for Jerry Don Thorn and Demarcus Andrew Wade. Tips led to the Thursday night capture of the two men suspected of robbing a student at gunpoint Sunday night on campus. Wade and Thorn, both 22, are charged with aggravated robbery and might have other charges pending from the same incident, according to SFA University Police.

Both suspects have a criminal history. Wade has previously been charged with theft from a person and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Thorn has been charged in the past with theft from a person, burglary of a habitation and criminal trespass.

TYLER — Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City Management Association (ICMA), termed the premier local government leadership and management organization. McDaniel is one of 1,200 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program. To receive the ICMA credential, city officials say, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development. “We are all extremely proud of Mark,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “His leadership and professional expertise has greatly benefitted the City of Tyler. It is gratifying to see that he is being recognized in this way.”

TYLER — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Friday celebrated the start of the next piece of the Toll 49 system with the groundbreaking for Segment 3B. Smith County Judge Joel Baker was among those offering remarks. Baker gives the credit to “some dedicated people in this community — community leaders…just people who are committed to community service and who have seen this through.” According to officials, Segment 3B has been much anticipated since not only will it complete the Toll 49 system to I-20 — but it will do so in a record 22-month build time. Segment 3B connects to the western segment of Toll 49 that is currently under construction at SH 31 and proceeds north to connect with Interstate 20.

The NET RMA has worked with TxDOT to further the development of Toll 49. Last fall, the NET RMA received notification that the Texas Department of Transportation approved up to $90 million for construction of Toll 49 Segment 3B by funding the project with two forms of loans. Officials say the funding also opens the door for the NET RMA to start focusing on the next segments of Toll 49, namely, the Lindale Relief Route and the East Texas Hourglass. Jeff Austin III, Chairman of the Board of the NET RMA, stated, “Toll 49 Segment 3B represents the most important segment of the project to date as it makes connection to I-20 increasing connectivity for travelers along US 69 and throughout the region.” Along with Baker, the ceremony featured remarks by Austin, Senators Kevin Eltife and Robert Nichols, and Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.

MARSHALL – East Texas Baptist University invites the community to attend the Dedication Service for the new Ornelas Student Center. The service will be held in the student commons area on the first floor today at 1:00 p.m. The two-story center is located on the ETBU Quad, just a few steps west of Marshall Hall. Students began enjoying the building when they returned for the spring semester on January 10. Inside the facility are a gourmet coffee and bakery shop, a sub sandwich shop, offices for the Student Affairs division and Student Government Association, post office, game room, copy center, chapel, and various meeting rooms. Building tours of the 31,852 square foot facility will be held from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

LONGVIEW — Longview’s Chamber of Commerce is warning businesses about a possible scam. Chamber officials say a company called Hometown Productions is claiming to be working on a city map in conjunction with the Chamber. The company’s reportedly asking businesses for money to advertise on the map. But Chamber officials say they have nothing to do with this company. Chamber President Kelly Hall says this isn’t the first time the company has claimed to be working with the Chamber. Hall says last year one non-profit group signed up, believing it was a real deal. Hometown Productions did not return phone calls from our news partner KETK.

TYLER – The City of Tyler announced this morning that due to a collapsed box drainage structure caused by the recent rainy weather, emergency action is being taken today to clean it and stabilize it. A portion of Beckham closed at midday. The closure will take place in the vicinity of Houston Street. Officials say they will be able to keep one lane open at all times, to keep the flow of traffic going.