KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler City Council received two presentations Wednesday that could ultimately lead to a new hotel conference center in Tyler as well as an arena. “The genesis for both of these projects was Tyler 21 and the Industry Growth Initiative (IGI),” said Mayor Barbara Bass. There was also follow up tax adjustment activity in the state legislature and city council aimed at expediting the project.

Consultants brought in last November have now found that Tyler is uniquely positioned to attract private investors for the construction and management of a full-service hotel conference center. Further, they went on to prioritize potential sites for the facility and suggest a prospective financing plan for the $57 to $75 million project, pending further study. “The hotel conference center would be a public-private partnership with 63 percent of the funding coming from private investment,” said Bass.

The consultants also found that Tyler could benefit from an arena to host concerts, sporting events and other large-scale events. The arena could seat from 5,500 to 8,000 attendees. “This is certainly a project that would enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Tyler,” said Mayor Bass. “However, because the City would need to have a much greater investment in the project, we will not build the arena without going to the voters for their approval.” It is anticipated that 40% of the cost of the facility would come from private donations and 60% from public funds. “Until the private donations are raised, we would not consider approaching voters to approve the public investment,” added Bass. “I really don’t see that happening before November 2013, if not later.”

On June 27, The City Council will consider a contract with the consultants to take the next step for the two projects. That includes seeking and securing potential locations, seeking partners, and conducting preliminary designs for the projects. You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org for a more detailed look at the planning process for the convention center and arena.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police believe three local men are connected to the May murder of a Kilgore College student. According to KETK, Torre Reed, 17, and his brother Deion Frazier Reed, 16, along with Brenden Xavier Douglas, 22, (pictured) are all suspects in the murder of DeAundray Lamanze Rossum, 23. Douglas was arrested the night of Rossum’s death in connection to an attempted hold-up outside a fast food restaurant. Authorities said bullets found at that crime scene link him to where Rossum was murdered.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches County commissioners Tuesday discussed a proposed haul route agreement between the county and the TransCanada firm regarding the planned Keystone XL Pipeline. KETK reports that the agreement is patterned after similar agreements the pipeline has with Rusk and Cherokee counties, according to Precinct 1 Commissioner Jerry Don Williamson. Williamson says officials want to be sure contractors would take care of streets and be responsible for any damage caused during construction.

WINNSBORO — The Winnsboro Police Department continues being investigated by the FBI for an incident that happened back in 2008 where 3 officers allegedly planted drugs. Tuesday night, the subject was broached in the city council meeting. Even though the case is a few years old, the defendant, Jason Brumell of Pittsburg, ended up suing the city in a case that was mediated and settled by the city. According to KETK, the FBI is looking into it once again and Wood County District Attorney Jim Wheeler announced in open court that he wouldn’t prosecute any case brought by the Winnsboro PD while the FBI was investigating them.

The subject was talked about toward the end of the meeting, and it was apparent that there is overwhelming support for the department from city officials. The city manager claimed the city isn’t even sure what officers the FBI is investigating but that the city supports the department and every officer in it “innocent until proven guilty.” Police Chief J.L Miller also spoke, saying he stands by his officers 100%. Mayor Carolyn Jones spoke on behalf of the city council saying they support the department as well.

TYLER — A Tyler man has been charged with intoxication assault after a major accident. Lawrence Woodham, 24, was booked into the Smith County Jail around 6:30 Wednesday morning. Tyler Police responded to the wreck on Troup Hwy and Loop 323 just after midnight. According to witnesses, a small 4 door car driven by Casey Patterson, 23, was traveling west bound on Loop 323 in the left turn lane preparing to turn south onto Troup Hwy. As Patterson was making his left turn on a green arrow, the passenger side of his vehicle was struck by a Chevy truck driven by Woodham who was traveling east bound on Loop 323 and failed to stop for a red light. Both subjects were transferred to ETMC by ambulance. Patterson’s condition was listed as critical. Woodham was also arrested December 23, 2011 for driving while intoxicated, according to online Smith County judicial records.

TYLER — A non-native plant is once again taking over East Texas lakes, and has members of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department scrambling to do something about it. KETK reports that the plant is called hydrilla, and the problem is not only how fast it’s spreading, but how thick it can be. Officials say hydrilla can threaten lakes’ plants and fish. TPW crews surveyed the 65-acre Tyler State Park lake for hydrilla Tuesday.

TYLER — Officials with Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics announced that the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital has received a three-star rating for isolated coronary artery bypass (CAB) and aortic valve replacement (AVR). Of the 1,014 hospitals reporting data to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), 14% received a three-star rating for CAB and 3.2% for AVR procedures from the STS National Database. The rating places all cardiac surgical procedures performed at the heart hospital for one year ending December 30, 2011, in the top 15 percent of cardiothoracic programs that submitted data. The Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital is located on the campus of Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler.

“As we near the opening of the completed Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital later this year, this is very welcome news,” said John McGreevy, CEO, Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital. “We are grateful to the Owen family for their generosity to build the region’s first freestanding heart hospital and the STS report reinforces that we have committed to honoring their support by doing the best job we can for our heart patients.”

LONGVIEW — Home sales in the multi-county area served by the Longview-Marshall Multiple Listing Service are running 9% ahead of 2011 for the first four months of 2012. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “This is the best year we’ve had as a company in four years,” said Suzanne Cook of Suzanne Cook & Co. “Sales have been great across all price points and the upper end of the market has really improved.” Through the end of April, real estate agents in the Longview area closed 625 home sales. That was 51 more sales than for the same period a year ago.

GLADEWATER – A one vehicle accident in Gladewater has left one person dead. The wreck occurred shortly after 1:30 Tuesday morning, starting in the 400 block of North Main Street/U.S. Highway 271. Killed was Bradley Naismith, 41. He was southbound in a flatbed welding truck when he lost control on a curve and ran off the roadway, hitting two power poles at Allison Street and North Main. The truck continued south, sideswiping a brick retaining wall at Croley Funeral Home before finally stopping at Gregg Street and North Main Street. Naismith died before emergency crews arrived on scene. He was wearing a seatbelt, and alcohol was observed in the vehicle, but it is unknown at this time if alcohol contributed to the crash.

DAINGERFIELD — Daingerfield Police Chief Doug Stanley died early Monday evening at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview after a short illness. Stanley had been with the Daingerfield Police Department since 1994. He was promoted to sergeant in 1999, and became chief of police in January 2007. Also in 2007, he was chosen as Emergency Management Coordinator

According to Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs, services for Chief Stanley will be tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 at First Baptist Church in Daingerfield. Burial will follow at Daingerfield Cemetery.

JACKSONVILLE — Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, the oldest junior college in the state of Texas, sits empty. Furloughs were issued last month to all but 11 employees. Jacksonville native Kay Lewis, who went to Lon Morris for a while before going off to college, asked herself what the community could do for a place that has done so much for so many.

According to KETK, Lewis is responsible for the very popular, “Jacksonville Cares”, a group that brought awareness to driving safety for teens. Now she’s started another group, “Loving Lon Morris.”

Church groups, boy scouts, as well as East Texans with lawn mowers, weed eaters, and time to spare are volunteering to help the school with repairs, painting, grounds keeping and help around the office.

And they can use all the help they can get.

TYLER – Tyler school trustees have named a new principal at Peete Elementary. Starting next month will be John Dees, who comes to TISD from the Grand Prairie school system where he has served as assistant principal since 2007. He started his career in education in 1999 as a second grade teacher, and worked as an art teacher for six years.

He will take over as principal when Freeman Sterling retires at the end of June. Sterling has served as principal at Peete for the past 18 years.

“I’m excited to join a district, campus, and community that share my vision of high expectations for student success,” Mr. Dees said. He added, “Peete Elementary has a history of strong leadership and academic success. I look forward to building on a solid foundation to ensure that our future is even brighter than our great past.”

Dees received his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, and his Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Dallas Baptist University.

TYLER — Catholic Extension announced that it has approved the Diocese of Tyler to be a recipient of funding to support and strengthen the local Catholic community within the diocese. Catholic Extension will provide two building challenge grants totaling $133,000.

The first grant will assist in the renovation of the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church within the Diocese of Tyler. Because they have met the building challenge, Catholic Extension will provide $50,000 as a 1:1 match. More and more Hispanic families are attending Mass, confession, CCD classes and baptisms offered in Spanish. The expansion of the sanctuary will increase the seating capacity by 100. The building will also be more energy efficient through double paned entryways and windows and new HVAC and exterior insulation systems. These changes will allow more parishioners to fit comfortably inside, enabling them to enjoy the many offerings at the
church.

The second grant is a building challenge. If the University of Texas at Tyler Catholic Campus Community within the Diocese of Tyler meets the funding goal, Catholic Extension will provide up to $83,000 as a 1:1 match. The grant will support the formation of a campus ministry close to the UT Tyler and Tyler Junior College. The building, which was purchased late last year, will serve as the UT Tyler Catholic Campus Community House, a central location where students can celebrate Mass, lead Bible studies and receive spiritual guidance among many other opportunities.

CROCKETT (AP) — An East Texas county that bills itself as the oldest in Texas has plans for a big 175th anniversary party. The celebrations today in Houston County include activities in Crockett. Organizers say a silhouette of the late local historian Eliza Bishop will be unveiled by artist Michael Brenner.

About 2,500 cupcakes in the shape of Houston County will be handed out during formal ceremonies Tuesday night.

The county, with a population of nearly 24,000 was named for General Sam Houston and created by act of the Republic of Texas June 12, 1837.

TYLER – Some Tyler motorists have found out the hard way, you have to wear your seat belt. During the Click It or Ticket enforcement program, which ran from May 21st through June 3, police officers working specifically on this initiative wrote a total of 157 citations for seatbelt violations and 4 citations for child safety seat violations.

Texas law requires every person sitting in the front or rear seat of a vehicle to wear a safety belt. A child less than eight years old and less than four feet, nine inches tall must be secured in a child safety seat. Drivers can be stopped and ticketed for a safety belt violation if they, or any of their passengers under the age of 15, are not buckled up or properly restrained.

Traffic fines for failing to use a seat belt or secure a child in a safety seat can run from $25 to $200, plus court costs.

TYLER – A Tyler man will be going to prison after pleading guilty to the shooting death of his cousin in a dispute over a blanket. The trial of Danez Dewayne Black, 29, was scheduled to have started yesterday morning in 241st State District Court. Instead, Black pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. He had been accused of the shooting death of Marquis Dwain Black last October.

Investigators say that the shooting happened at the home of the suspect’s mother. The woman went into a room where the cousin was staying, asked for her blanket and the two began to argue. Danez Black, who also was at the house, heard the dispute and was said to have shot his cousin.

SMITH COUNTY — A grass fire that burned off of Highway 271 on Monday afternoon, may have been caused by a cigarette, according to fire officials. Red Springs and Winona fire departments responded to the fire near County Road 383 around 2:30 Monday afternoon. It was a small fire, a little over half an acre, but spread quickly because of the wind. Officials tell KETK crews on the scene that since the fire is so close to the road, they believe a cigarette tossed out a car window is to blame. Aside from a few remaining hot spots, the fire has been contained.

TYLER — Deanna Laney was back in court Monday morning for a hearing, according to Smith County Court records. It was a hearing to determine the status of her mental health. The Chapel Hill woman was found not guilty of stoning her sons in 2003, by reason of insanity. Two of the boys died, a third was permanently injured. The 43-year-old was ordered to the Kerrville State Hospital, which is a maximum-security inpatient treatment facility in Kerr County. She was released in May.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — One woman is dead after her vehicle rolled over on County Road 173 near the Nacogdoches County line. Officials say Allison Denise Barnhill, 34, of Nacogdoches, was driving a 2001 GMC Yukon with six other persons when she lost control of the vehicle around shortly before 6:15 Sunday evening. Officials tell KETK Barnhill was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five of the six passengers, Lucas Barnhill, 31, Easton Barnhill, 2, Trenton Channell, 9, Amber Smith, 13, and Hunter Smith, 16, are all reported to be in good or stable condition, and are being treated at a local Nacogdoches hospital. Triston Channell, 7, was taken to Shreveport in critical condition.

DPS still do not know why Barnhill lost control.

Everyone in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt.

TYLER – Union employees with Trane met at Caldwell Auditorium Sunday afternoon to discuss a proposed new contract. One employee told KETK the vote ended in a tie. The proposal was for a four year contract. But, at the same time, the company was supposedly requiring more mandatory overtime, higher insurance cost, and dramatically reducing benefits for new employees that will be hired.

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

UNDATED — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin removing encroachments from the state rights of way, which includes anything placed on the rights of way without expressed TxDOT permission. Items swept up in this effort will be available for pick-up at the local TxDOT office for 10 days following the removal. After that time, the items will be disposed of. Before placing anything on the rights of way, citizens are encouraged to contact their local TxDOT office or call 903-510-9100 to determine the location of state property lines.

ANDERSON COUNTY — The Texas Department of Transportation’s annual preventative maintenance program known as “District-Wide Seal Coat” is scheduled to kick off as early as Tuesday in Anderson County, weather permitting. Crews are scheduled to apply a seal coat to Farm Road 2054 between Farm Road 321 and the end of state maintenance; Farm Road 2394 between Loop 256 in Palestine and U.S. Highway 79; Farm Road 315 between Farm Road 837 and State Highway 155 in Palestine; SB State Highway 155 between Farm Road 2267 in Pert and Farm Road 315 north of Palestine; and Farm Road 323 between U.S. Highway 84 and Farm Road 1817.

A second crew is scheduled to seal FM 2706 between US 287 and FM 321. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two lane areas. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

GREGG COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews are scheduled to continue several days of pavement repairs on Interstate Highway 20, both eastbound and westbound, between State Highway 135 and the Smith County Line. Also this week, in Longview, crews are scheduled to continue several days of seal coat work on Farm Road 1845 between Farm Road 2605 and the Upshur County Line, and in various intersections on Spur 63 in Longview. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists should be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on State Highway 323 between State Highway 135 in Overton and State Highway 42 near New London. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

Also of note to motorists, construction work has begun to rebuild U.S. Highway 84 between Reklaw and Farm Road 2753. The project will call for US 84 to be closed to all traffic during the work, so marked detours will be in place.

Elsewhere in Rusk County, construction crews are reconstructing roadway between US 84 east of Mount Enterprise and Farm Road 1971 south of US 84. The approximate $1.5 million project let in August 2011, started in December, and is scheduled for completion at the end of June. A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., of Buffalo, Texas is the contractor.

MIXON — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to conclude resurfacing operations on Farm Road 3052 in Mixon. Also this week in Cherokee County, resurfacing operations are scheduled to continue on U.S. Highway 175 between Farm Road 855 and State Highway 155 in Frankston. The project is scheduled to continue through mid-June. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Also of interest to motorists who use US 84, construction has begun to rebuild US 84 between Reklaw and Farm Road 2753 in Rusk County. The project calls for US 84 to be closed to all traffic during the work, so marked detours will be in place.

Looking ahead, seal coat work is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks on U.S. Highway 69 in Cherokee County between Farm Road 1911 south of Alto and the Angelina County Line in Wells, and on US 84 between US 69 in Rusk and the Rusk County Line in Reklaw. Finally, construction work to install a right-turn lane on US 175 at Pineda Street in Jacksonville for the new school is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. The approximate $420,000 project let to contract in April. Reynolds & Kay, Ltd., of Tyler, is the contractor.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 312 between Farm Road 515 south of Winnsboro and Farm Road 49 in Pine Mills. Looking ahead, crews are scheduled to begin several days of pavement repairs on Farm Road 312 in Winnsboro between State Highway 11 and Farm Road 515 on Monday, June 18. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

Also in Wood County, work continues on Farm Road 778 where construction crews are adding shoulders and applying a seal coat State Highway 37 in Quitman and Farm Road 49 in Hainesville. The approximate $2.2 million project let to contract in March and began work in May. Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview is the contractor.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement-repair operations on Farm Road 1653 between State Highway 64 and Farm Road 858 in Martins Mill. As part of the work, crews are scheduled to close Farm Road 1653 on Thursday, weather permitting, to replace a culvert under the roadway. Marked detours will be posted.

Elsewhere, TxDOT crews are scheduled to perform edge work on Farm Road 2339 between Farm Road 773 and Farm Road 279 in the Edom area. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Also on FM 2339, work continues to repair and resurface between Farm Road 1861 and Farm Road 773. The approximate $1.7 million project let in March and began construction on April 23. A.K. Gillis & Sons, Inc., of Sulphur Springs is the contractor.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 753 southwest of Athens between Farm Road 59 and State Highway 19. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

Also in Henderson County, construction crews are at work adding shoulders to U.S. Highway 175 from 1.5 miles north of North Loop 60 in LaRue to 1.5 miles south of South Loop 60; adding shoulders to Farm Road 773 between Farm Road 1803 and Farm Road 1616 in Murchison and applying a seal coat to Farm Road 773 between the Van Zandt County Line to State Highway 31 in Murchison; and adding shoulders to Farm Road 47 in Van Zandt County between Farm Road 1651 and State Highway 198. The approximate $3.7 million project let to contract in December 2011 and began in March.A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., of Buffalo, Texas, is the contractor

SMITH COUNTY — One person has been killed and two injured, one critically, in a weekend Smith County accident. According to a DPS report, the crash happened Saturday morning at 11:15 on Farm Road 2767, 8.5 miles west of Kilgore. Authorities say a PT Cruiser driven by Sandra Griffin Reddock, 40, of Kilgore, drove off the roadway. According to the report, the vehicle over-corrected, entered the oncoming traffic lane, and struck a Toyota. The Toyota driver, Lloyd Leroy Webster, 54, of Minden, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Haley Carmen Moody, 18, of Kilgore, was a passenger in the Cruiser. She was last listed in critical condition with broken bones and head trauma at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. Reddock was last reported in fair condition with cuts and bruises at ETMC. All three people were wearing seat belts.

TYLER — Experts say the problem of feral hogs in East Texas is just getting worse. According to KETK, there are a few concerns with officials. One is that even after the rain, some of the water sources are drying up. That’s forcing feral hogs to look for new water sources, pushing some of them from the forest into neighborhoods. Another big problem is the population boom. East Texas has one of the highest feral hog populations in the state. Authorities say despite loosened hunting regulations, trapping and hunting are not working as well as they’d like, and agricultural damage is in the multi-millions.

Additionally, feral hogs can carry such diseases as bubonic plague, foot and mouth disease, and anthrax. That’s a key reason officials warn you not to approach them. Some reports say they can even harm or kill your pets if they feel threatened. You can contact your local game warden for more information on how to deal with the animals.

TYLER — A private lab is re-testing frozen DNA evidence in the brutal 1977 slaying of Linda Jo Edwards. KETK reports that Kerry Max Cook, convicted in the Tyler slaying, has asked a court for the re-test. Cook believes results will clear him. He’s been free since 1998 after taking a deal that convicted him of the murder but did not require him to admit he was guilty.

CHAPEL HILL — A fire near Chapel Hill severely damages a house on Sunday. KETK reports the fire happened in the 10,000 block of County Road 233. Officials say the owner of the house wasn’t home at the time of the fire. Half of the house was severely damaged by the flames while the other half suffered extensive smoke damage. No injuries were reported in that fire.

TYLER — The City of Tyler is currently accepting applications from community members to serve on City boards and commissions. The deadline to apply is Aug. 3, and appointments will be made by the City Council at their Aug. 22 meeting. Persons who are appointed to serve on a City of Tyler board or commission will serve voluntarily, without pay, for a two-year term. The boards and commissions include:

Regular Boards (Boards that meet monthly or bi-monthly)

Airport Advisory Board
Historical Preservation Board
Keep Tyler Beautiful Board
Library Board
Neighborhood Revitalization Board
One-Half Cent Sales Tax Board
Parks Board
Planning and Zoning Commission
North East Texas Public Health District Board
Traffic Safety Board

Periodic Boards (Boards that meet only as needed)

Board of Adjustment (Zoning)
Civil Service Commission
Construction Board of Adjustments
Disabilities Issue Review Board
Health Facilities Development Corp.
Industrial Development Corp.

To serve on a board or commission, applicants must reside inside the City limits and should not have any delinquent City taxes, City utilities or other City assessments. In addition, they must not have any pending claims or claim against the City. There may be additional requirements for some board positions.

“This is a perfect way for citizens to plug in and get involved in shaping our community,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “The City’s boards and commissions play a vital role in making recommendations to City Council.” City manager Mark McDaniel added, “Boards and Commissions fulfill an important role in City government by evaluating issues which affect our community and making recommendations to the Council for needed action. It is important that we get vacancies on the boards filled.”

Anyone interested in serving can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org to download an application online. Applications can also be picked up at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, or you can call the City Clerk at (903) 531-1106 and have an application faxed or mailed to you.

TYLER – Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler was honored with an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other larger purchasers of health benefits. The Hospital Safety Score was calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. U.S. hospitals were assigned an A, B, C, D or F for their Safety.

“Being given an ‘A’ by The Leapfrog Group so soon after being ranked as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Thomson Reuters is a great honor and a testament to the commitment, focus and dedication that our administration, physicians and employees have given to help ensure that Mother Frances Hospital is delivering some of the best care in the nation, right here in Tyler, Texas,” said Laura Owen, FACHE, CEO, Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler.

TYLER — Citizens can now pick up their vouchers for the annual Smith County Wide Clean-up Event. The County Clean-up event is an opportunity for residents of Smith County to bring trash and bulky items to the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free. Smith County Environmental Crimes Unit, Precinct Constables and Smith County Commissioners Court are working together to host the event June 11 – 23. The County will provide vouchers to the public that are good for up to three cubic yards per person; about a full-sized truck bed. Vouchers are available to pick up at all Justice of the Peace and Constable Precinct offices or the Smith County Courthouse Annex, Commissioners Court Office.

There is a limit of one voucher per household, and businesses may not participate in the voucher program. The vouchers will be good Monday-Friday, 6:30am to 4:30pm and on Saturday 6:30am to noon. The vouchers come with a list of items that the Greenwood Farms Landfill, an Allied Waste Company, will not take. Items not accepted during the County Wide Clean-up include: hazardous waste, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, gasoline, oils, paint, acid, batteries, asbestos, Freon, whole tires, refrigerators, freezers, televisions and computers. Directions and a map to the Greenwood Farms Landfill are provided with the vouchers.

For more information or to pick up your voucher, please call: Pct. 1 (Tyler) Constable Henry Jackson, 903-590-2609; Pct. 2 (Noonday) Constable Andy Dunklin, 903-590-4840; Pct. 3 (Troup) Constable Dustin Rust, 903-590-4744; Pct. 4 (Winona) Constable John Smith 903-590-4879; or Pct. 5 (Lindale) Constable Dennis Taylor, 903-590-4901.

WINNSBORO — The FBI is investigating two Winnsboro police officers for allegedly planting drug evidence in cars. The case involves a bust in 2008. According to KETK, the city was sued in civil court two years ago over the incident but settled out of court. The two officers, a man and a woman, are still on the force. Police Chief J.L. Miller says he’s convinced they’re innocent.

LONGVIEW — Two suspects have been arrested in a May homicide in Longview. On Friday at approximately 1:15 p.m., Longview police officers, along with the SWAT team, served a capital murder arrest warrant and a search warrant at 104 Vesta Drive. The warrants came as a result of the investigation of the shooting death of De’Aundreay Lamanze Rossum, 23, of Kilgore, on May 15. Police arrested Torry Jamal Reed, 17, of Longview. A 16-year-old juvenile suspect was also taken into custody on a directive to apprehend for capital murder in connection with the killing. Police say Reed was transported to Gregg County Jail without incident, and the juvenile was transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center.