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EAST TEXAS — Five East Texans have been arrested in the past 10 days and charged with some variety of sexual abuse of a child. According to KETK, Ronald Dison, 51, Gladewater, Peggy Weinberg, 26, and Cassandra Stone, 32, Kilgore, were arrested November 19. Weinberg and Stone, along with Jesse Smith, who was previously arrested and had charges increased, were arrested in connection with the molestation of a 2-year-old boy.

Guillermo Morales, 17, White Oak, was arrested November 22nd and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child after he was accused of abusing a 3-year-old girl. Christopher Townsend, 34, Longview, was arrested Nov. 21. He’s accused of molesting a girl who was 10-years-old at the time of the interaction. All five suspects are currently in the Gregg County Jail.

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety has commissioned the Tactical Marine Unit’s sixth and final new patrol vessel at a ceremony in Austin. The boat is named in honor of the late Trooper Scott Burns, who was shot and killed in the line of duty at the age of 39 in Marion County on April 29, 2008.

Trooper Burns was fatally shot in 2008 while pursuing a suspect near the intersection of FM 729 and FM 1969, northeast of Lake of the Pines. A massive manhunt ended with the suspect fatally shooting himself as law enforcement closed in on his location.

“This is an historic day for the state of Texas, as the Scott Burns completes a fleet of six state-of-the-art patrol vessels that represent a significant enhancement in department’s ability to deter and disrupt illegal activity along the Texas coast and the Rio Grande River,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Trooper Burns was an avid outdoorsman and loved his job as a DPS trooper. His legacy will live on as the boat named in his honor will join the fight against criminal elements in the state of Texas along the coast and border. It is a fitting tribute to this brave young man who gave his life protecting the people of Texas.”

The Scott Burns joins five other 34-foot shallow water interceptors that will ultimately patrol the Rio Grande River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Each vessel is named in honor of a DPS officer killed in the line of duty.

JACKSONVILLE — Authorities are still at a loss to explain why a 20-something-year-old Jacksonville man was shot Sunday night. KETK and the Jacksonville Daily Progress say he’s refusing to talk to police about what happened. Police say the incident took place about 9:00 Sunday night, but authorities are still a bit murky. They say it could have happened in the parking lot of Stream Global on Willowcreek Drive, at a nearby park, or at a nearby hotel.

ATHENS — A Mabank teen, Anthony Shane Morgan, 18, has been sentenced to 6 years in prison for heavily vandalizing a home during a burglary. According to KETK, county officials say Morgan was remanded into custody of law enforcement after a sentencing hearing in Athens. During the hearing, the court heard testimony from a victim whose family’s home sustained nearly $50,000 in damage.

Vandalism included squirting various liquids and powders throughout the house, shattering glasses, breaking windows, ripping wiring out of the wall, and what appeared to be an attempt to start a fire inside the house. Morgan admitted to stealing alcohol from the home so that he could throw a party. The homeowner testified that there was vomit and urine throughout the house and that one of his toilets had been clogged after someone defecated in it. So much damage was done that all of the carpet in the home had to be replaced. Multiple items were stolen from the home including a stereo.

The homeowner also testified that entry had been made into his boathouse. where it appeared that several people had been “living hard”. Alcohol and cigarettes were found along with makeshift beds made of pool floats. The homeowner added that his family’s clothing had been worn and that it was obvious that someone had gone through their personal belongings. Officials say an irreplaceable family heirloom was also ruined during the burglary. During an interview by Investigator Monte Mansfield of the Gun Barrel City Police Department, Morgan admitted to entering the home on four different occasions.

HENDERSON — An East Texas man is set for sentencing after a Rusk County jury found him guilty Monday of driving while intoxicated at a high rate of speed. That’s according to KETK. On November 26, 2011, a sergeant with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office stopped Courtney Chambless, 34, of Anderson County, for driving 126 miles per hour on Highway 79, heading toward Louisiana. After authorities performed standardized field sobriety tests on Chambless, he was arrested and a breath sample was refused. Judge Chad Dean presided over the trial.

HENDERSON — Emaciated horses seized from a Rusk County pasture last week have been awarded to Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home on Tuesday. Rusk County Justice of the Peace Pct. 5 Joe Sorrells presided over the seizure hearing, which resulted in the three horses and three dogs being taken from the owners. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the animals were found on the pasture on County Road 4223 in south Rusk County.

The horses were seized November 21 by Rusk County sheriff’s deputies because they were extremely malnourished and “had taken a turn for the worse,” said Safe Haven Executive Director Richard Fincher. The seized horses — a gelding and two mares — were taken to Safe Haven in Upshur County, where after thorough examination they were found to have a body condition score between one and two on a one to nine scale, with one being starving and nine being obese, Fincher said. Fincher said the Rusk County sheriff’s department had been monitoring the condition of the animals and a Nov. 20 check in prompted the animals’ seizure.

Viki Penny, spokesman for the Rusk County sheriff’s office, said it was unknown at this time if the animals’ owners would face criminal charges in connection with the animals’ conditions. The land where the starving animals were found had no house or barn on it, Penny said. The dogs were given to Henderson Animal Shelter, Sorrells said. Sorrells added that the woman who represented the animals’ owner was Carolina Lowe; however, Lowe was not available for contact late Tuesday.

LONGVIEW — Investigators said a game of Russian Roulette proved fatal for one East Texas woman. According to the Longview News-Journal, Barbara Hudson, 39, died November 17 after being shot in the back at her home in the 1100 block of N. Third Street in Longview. Byron Houston, 30, told officers he leveled his revolver, loaded with only one bullet, at Hudson’s back, spun the cylinder and pulled the trigger, according to the criminal complaint filed by investigators for his arrest. He said it wasn’t the first time he’d played the deadly game and did it because it “made her mad.” Houston was charged with manslaughter in what the Longview Police Department ruled an accidental shooting.

Houston had 17 prior arrests before the fatal shooting. He has been convicted of multiple felonies, most recently serving 18 months for a 2010 convicted of burglary of a building and evading arrest with a prior conviction, according to Gregg County judicial records. Houston was held in the Gregg County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road and Bridge crews have closed a portion of County Road 230, about 2½ miles south of U.S Highway 64, for safety issues and repair. Alternative route recommended for North bound traffic: Farm Road 345 east to Arp, left on Farm Road 135 then Hwy 64 west back to CR 230.

ATLANTA (AP) — Investigators say a man and his girlfriend have been found slain in his Northeast Texas home after he did not show up for work. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the bodies were discovered Monday by a co-worker of the man. Capt. Scott Sartain says nobody has been arrested and the bodies have been sent to Dallas for autopsies. Sartain identified the victims as Doyle O’Neal Pollard, 49, and Dyrika Jones, 42. Sartain told the Texarkana Gazette that evidence at the home near Atlanta indicated Pollard and Jones were homicide victims. He declined to describe their wounds. Investigators believe the victims were slain on Sunday.

LONGVIEW – An electrical plug and wiring is said to be the cause of a fire that extensively damaged a Longview home. It was reported around 5:45 Tuesday morning in the 1200 block of Ridgelea Drive. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center Tyler celebrated its 25th annual Christmas tree lighting on Tuesday, with Whitehouse elementary student Jason Ackerly lighting the tree. Jason, who has attended the ETMC Diabetes Boot Camp for children with Type 1 diabetes, was diagnosed at the age of 5. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. In Type 1, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

Jason is a fourth grade student at Brown Elementary. He has received perfect attendance awards since kindergarten. He is a member of the National Elementary Honor Society, Cub Scouts, enjoys piano, tennis and karate and is a member of Dayspring Methodist Church. He wants to be a doctor who helps kids with diabetes. He has a twin sister named Michelle and has two older sisters, Kayla and Kristina. He’s the son of Liisa and Paul Ackerly.

This is the third year for ETMC to use its living Christmas tree, which was planted as part of the Tyler tree initiative, created by Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass to promote tree conservation. Each year, an ETMC-related patient with a special story serves as the hospital’s tree lighting ambassador.

WELLS (Staff/AP) – One person has been killed in a southern Cherokee County plane crash. The Federal Aviation Administration said the crash occurred shortly before 10:00 Monday night. The victim has been identified as John Thomas Steeper, 64, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Steeper was alone, flying from Houston to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The FAA reports indicate that the plane was destroyed. The Department of Public Safety says the crash site was just over a mile west of Wells. The plane’s charred wreckage wasn’t discovered until just before midnight. The cause of the fiery crash is still under investigation.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department reports several arrests and drug seizures. KETK reports the department’s DEA Task Force Officer recently investigated a case involving Walley Jackson of Dallas, identified as a major supplier of large quantities of methamphetamine (ice) to the East Texas area including Kilgore. Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and was sentenced to 57 months federal time.

Other alleged members of this drug distribution ring were identified as Jennifer Northcutt, 42, of Mineola; Stacie Serenko, 35, of Tyler; and Billie Earl Johnson, 49, of Van. They were each federally indicted in September for one count of conspiracy to possess with Intent to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance to a drug trafficking crime.

This month, Kilgore Police responded to a residence in the 800 Block of Beckley Street, due to a disturbance. Police say they observed drug paraphernalia inside. According to authorities, a search resulted in the seizure of two pounds of marijuana, hydrocodone pills, a pistol, and possible LSD. Other drug related items were also taken from the residence by police, according to authorities. Kilgore residents James Ferguson, 34, and Cecil Babb, 26, were arrested. Ferguson was charged with possession of marijuana. Babb was charged with possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled Substance. Eight other occupants of the residence were issued citations for alleged possession of various drug paraphernalia.

Also in November, a traffic stop yielded two arrests for marijuana possession; police located the residence in Kilgore the drugs were allegedly being sold from. Authorities say a search of the residence (located on Fritz-Swanson Road) by police revealed close to a pound of marijuana which had allegedly been packaged for distribution. Other drug paraphernalia were reportedly taken, including scales, rolling papers, and plastic bags. A shotgun was also seized, authorities say. A resident at the location identified as Eric King, 22, of Kilgore was arrested for possession of marijuana and evading arrest.

TYLER — The child who will light downtown Tyler’s Christmas tree this year has been introduced. Officials with the Children’s Miracle Network and Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics yesterday presented one-year-old Daniela Guzzetta. Daniela was born early via an urgent caesarean section. Preliminary fetal echocardiogram testing before her birth indicated that Daniela could have Down syndrome. Her parents, Joe and Carolina, carefully prepared for her arrival. According to her father, “It was the longest twenty minutes of my life,” as he awaited news from the operating room of Daniela’s safe delivery.

Daniela spent 19 days in the Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mother Frances Hospital. Shortly after discharge from the NICU, Daniela developed fever and was not eating well. On the recommendation of TeleCARE Plus, the free 24-hour health information service provided by Trinity Mother Frances, the family took Daniela to the Emergency Care Center for evaluation. Daniela was diagnosed with viral meningitis and was admitted to the Children’s Center at Mother Frances Hospital. Following her recovery and return home, she developed an upper respiratory infection that also required hospitalization.

Daniela became a patient of the Trinity Pediatrics Special Needs Clinic early on, a program made possible by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Dr. Rick Rogers, Chief of Pediatrics for Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, is the Guzzetta’s family pediatrician. According to Dr. Rogers, “Daniela is a true miracle in every sense of the word. She has overcome great obstacles in her short life.” Now a happy, thriving one-year-old, Daniela makes The Special Needs Clinic her medical home, receiving her care close to home so that her family can enjoy life to its fullest, according to officials. She’ll light the tree Thursday evening on Tyler’s downtown square.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has launched a mobile app for students and the university community, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. With the UT Tyler app, students have convenient access – via mobile phones and tablets – to register for classes, check schedules, view financial aid, view the course catalog, visit the virtual campus map and keep up with university news and events. “We wanted to provide students with a useful mobile app, and this enables them to access the services of the student information portal, myUTTyler. They can easily and conveniently conduct business from their phones and tablets,” said Beverley Golden, UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications director.

Plans are to continue enhancing the mobile app features. Officials say students will eventually be able to accept financial aid and make payments while faculty will be able to input grades via the mobile app, she added. Go to http://www.uttyler.edu/mobile for downloading instructions and additional information. You can also email [email protected] for more information.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches police are trying to solve a couple of possibly connected robberies. KETK reports the first one happened Sunday night shortly before eleven at a store at Main and University Drive. Two men came in, pulled a gun, and managed to get away with some of the store’s cash. The second robbery happened about 48 minutes later. This time two men targeted the Holiday Inn on South Street. Police say they entered the lobby, pulled a gun, and demanded cash from the clerk.

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities say a 2-year-old child underwent emergency surgery last week after she was allegedly sexually assaulted by her mother’s fiancé. That’s according to KETK. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the incident on the 11,100 block of FM 848 the night of November 20, when the mother, Amanda Golightly, returned home from errands and found her little girl unresponsive. Golightly told deputies the child was fine when she left her in the care of her fiancé, Joshua Robert Williams, 28, who also lives at the location. When the mother returned home, the 2-year-old was in respiratory arrest and had severe injuries. Emergency crews were immediately contacted and the toddler was taken to a local hospital.

Following a medical official’s discovery that the girl had been physically and sexually abused, she was sent to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas the next morning in critical condition. The child suffered kidney failure, and doctors had to perform emergency surgery to save her. At last check by local officials, the 2-year-old’s condition had greatly improved; officials say she’s likely stay in Dallas to recover for a few more days. The name of the toddler has not been released by authorities.

Detectives were able to gather enough evidence to determine the child’s injuries were beyond those of a fall, and they appeared to be caused by blunt force trauma. Williams was arrested Monday and charged with injury to a child. His is being held on $250,000 bail

TYLER — A warrant has been issued in a Tyler shooting that has killed a Tyler man and critically wounded another at a Tyler motorcycle clubhouse. Killed was Keeston Dwone Fields, 26. John T. Woods, 33, is listed in critical condition. The shooting happened around 2:00 Monday morning at the Hyena clubhouse, 2126 North Grand. Both victims were transported to Mother Frances Hospital by private vehicle.

Named in the warrant is Marquel Jermon Scott, 32, of Tyler (pictured). He is charged with one count of homicide and one count of aggravated assault. His bonds are set at $750,000 and $500,000. Anyone with information on Scott’s location is encouraged to call 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 — City of Tyler crews spent last week and the first part of this week decorating downtown with thousands of Christmas lights in time for the 27th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. It’s to be held on the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza following the Jaycees Christmas Parade scheduled for 6 p.m. this Thursday.

The centerpiece of the ceremony, a 26-foot Leyland cypress donated by Jackie and Debbie Merket of Merket Christmas Tree Farm in Beckville, has been covered in more than 9,600 lights. The tree will be lit by one-year-old Daniela Guzzetta, who was named the 2012 Miracle Child, representing the Children’s Miracle Network at Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics. There will also be live music by the East Texas Christian Jazz Band and a performance by Artistic Dance Concepts.

TYLER — Beginning tomorrow morning at 9:00, the Tyler City Council Meetings will be held at Liberty Hall, 103 East Erwin, while the Council Chambers at City Hall are remodeled. Anyone attending the meeting is encouraged to park in the lot on the corner of Elm and Broadway or at the vacant lot near City Hall on Erwin and Bonner. A shuttle will be available to transport people to the meeting at Liberty Hall from 8 a.m., throughout the meeting, until everyone has been brought back to his or her car. If you have any questions about where to park for the meeting, you’re asked to call Gary Smith at 903-520-3166.

TYLER — With over 19 years of service as a board member and volunteer for local non-profit organizations, including three years as a member of the board of directors for PATH, Greg Grubb has been named executive director for PATH – People Attempting to Help. Introduced at a media event by Dr. Stuart Baskin, president of the PATH Board of Directors, Grubb was selected from a field of over 100 candidates.

Along with his non-profit credentials, Grubb is a self-proclaimed “numbers-man” whose professional career includes over 30 years in the oil and gas industry. Grubb retired from that career to pursue charity and ministry-related opportunities. In between volunteer roles, he has been involved in Tyler real estate development as the owner and managing partner of Tyler Stonegate Development Partners, a high-end residential developer.

“I’ve been blessed with a passion for helping those in need,” explained Grubb. “I am extremely excited and believe that working with PATH is a unique opportunity. I look forward to working with the volunteers and staff to fulfill the mission of this wonderful organization.” Grubb replaces Wayde Klein, who began filling in as interim executive director after Christina Fulsom stepped down several months ago.

TYLER — The trial for Bobby Ray Nichols was scheduled to begin in Tyler Monday morning. B the trial was continued until January 14th. Nichols, 76, is a retired Tyler dentist. He’s accused of killing his wife of 26 years, Rosiland Nichols, 71, on June 29. Nichols claimed at the time of the shooting he couldn’t recall what happened when she died, according to the Tyler Police Department.

Investigators were able to determine at around 5:00pm, Dr. Nichols arrived at his home on Allen Street. After a short while, Nichols and his wife began to argue, and a little later, he went out to his vehicle to get his gun and went back into the house. The argument continued, and authorities say Dr. Nichols shot Rosiland Nichols twice. Nichols was released July 3 on a $750,000 surety bond. He is charged with murder, a first degree felony.

SULPHUR SPRINGS – Several persons have been injured in a fire at a Sulphur Springs apartment Complex. The fire was reported Sunday afternoon at the Quail Ridge Apartments. Several persons were treated for smoke inhalation and two firemen were injured extinguishing the flames. Over a dozen apartments were damaged by fire and numerous other ones received smoke and water damage. The American Red Cross said those displaced by the fire were being offered emergency housing Sunday night at a Sulphur Springs church. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

VAN – Lawmakers are stacking up bills for consideration in the next legislative session that would change what kids are taught, and one East Texan is weighing in. Bills have been filed to ban tracking devices in student IDs; another measure would allow districts to avoid the STAAR test. There’s even a measure that would mandate the teaching of sign language for the deaf. But Van Republican Dan Flynn wants something more basic. Flynn says many high school students have very limited knowledge of the Constitution, and he’d like to see that change.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

TYLER – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs on State Highway 64 (Glenwood Boulevard) between State Highway 31 (Front Street) and the water tower. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON -Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately one week of pavement-repair work on U.S. Highway 79 Business (East Main Street) between US 79 and Marshall Street. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

GREGG COUNTY -Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately two weeks of pavement-repair operations on both eastbound and westbound Interstate Highway 20 main lanes and various entrance and exit ramps between State Highway 322 (Estes Parkway) and the Harrison County Line. Daytime lane closures and various temporary ramp closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON COUNTY -Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin pavement-repair work on State Highway 31 at its intersection with State Highway 274 in Trinidad, followed by the same work on SH 31 in Brownsboro between Farm Road 607 and Farm Road 314. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zones.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY -Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to resume resurfacing operations on State Highway 243 between Canton and the Kaufman County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue shoulder work on Farm Road 855 between US 69 in Mount Selman and U.S. Highway 175 near Cuney. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 1801 east of Mineola, and on Farm Road 515 and Farm Road 2225 near Lake Fork. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 1137 between U.S. Highway 84 and the end of state maintenance. A second crew is scheduled to begin making edge repairs along various highways throughout northwestern Anderson County. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

EAST TEXAS — Now that Cyber Monday is here, the Better Business Bureau’s Michelle Mills reminds you to beware of scammers. There will be a lot of websites selling Ipads, TV and other hot items on some not so legitimate web sites. Mills said as soon as give them your financial information, they’re gone the next day. Mills spoke with KETK and said to make sure the web site you’re shopping on is secure. It will have https in the address.

PARKER (AP) — Many tourists are bringing flowers to Southfork Ranch in memory of Larry Hagman, who played the infamous J.R. Ewing on the TV show “Dallas.” Hagman, who just two weeks ago appeared at the Cowan Center at the University of Texas at Tyler, died in Dallas on Friday at age 81.

Some went to Southfork on Saturday because they had heard about Hagman’s death. Others hadn’t heard the news until arriving, and said being there was special. Southfork is a ranch north of Dallas. Viewers knew the ranch as the Ewing family home, as exterior shots of the house and pool were shown when the show aired from 1978 to 1991. The show wasn’t filmed there, though.
“Dallas” was recently revived on TNT this summer, and all of the scenes were filmed at Southfork or other places in the Dallas area.

LONGVIEW — A pedestrian critically injured in a Longview wreck has died. Lynden Bell, 24, of Longview died Friday night in a Longview Hospital. He had sustained life-threatening injured when hit by a vehicle just before 7:00 Wednesday evening in the 1900 block of Lee Street. The vehicle’s driver, Sarah Reeves of Longview, was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Now that Bell has died, that charged will likely be upgraded to intoxicated manslaughter.

KILGORE — Two pounds of marijuana, hydrocodone pills, and a pistol, KETK reports that’s what Kilgore police say they found while checking on what was called in as a “disturbance” on Beckley Street. Police say they also found other drug paraphernalia. James Ferguson and Cecil Babb were arrested. Both men have been charged with possession of marijuana. Babb was charged with several other crimes as well. Eight More people in the house were given tickets for alleged possession of various drug paraphernalia.

RUSK COUNTY — Three malnourished horses are seized from a Rusk County property Wednesday and taken to Safe Haven Rescue and Retirement in Upshur County. According to the Longview News-Journal, Richard Fincher, the executive director of the horse rescue center, said law enforcement had been watching the horses. He said authorities rank the condition for horses on a scale of one to nine, with one being extremely malnourished and nine being obese. He said the seized horses would be ranked a two. A hearing is set for 10:00 Tuesday morning.