KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — Dixie and Noonday fire departments responded to a brush fire on County Road 195 South of Tyler. According to KETK, it started around 5:00 Sunday evening. Fire officials said the brush fire burned about 1 acre of land. No injuries were reported. Now an investigation is underway to determine how the fire got started.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately two weeks of pavement repairs on Westbound Interstate Highway 20 between State Highway 110 south of Van and Willow Branch Road near the Van Zandt County Line. 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.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repair operations on Loop 456 in Jacksonville between U.S. Highway 69 south and State Highway 204, followed later in the week by the same work on U.S. Highway 79 between US 69 and Larissa Street. 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.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement-repair operations on Farm Road 859 south of Edgewood. Meanwhile, construction work continues on FM 859 between Farm Road 1395 and State Highway 19 near the Rains County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

LONGVIEW — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on Farm Road 1845 between Loop 281 and the Upshur County Line, and on Farm Road 2963 between Farm Road 349 and Lake Cherokee. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

TENNESSEE COLONY — Texas Department of Transportation construction crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately three weeks of resurfacing work on Farm Road 645 between U.S. Highway 287 north of Tennessee Colony and Farm Road 3328 near the TDCJ Beto I Unit. Also this week, erosion control work is scheduled to continue on SE Loop 256 near Farm Road 322. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing operations on Farm Road 2496 between U.S. Highway 259 north of Mount Enterprise and Farm Road 1798 east of Laneville. A second crew is scheduled to be at work this week on Farm Road 918 between State Highway 135 in Overton and U.S. Highway 259 south of Kilgore. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2869 north of Farm Road 2088. The work is in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. A second crew is scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 515 west of Farm Road 2225. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on State Highway 19 between Athens and the Anderson County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

PALESTINE — A 34-year-old Palestine woman described as “a major player” in the area’s distribution of methamphetamine was arrested Friday during the serving of a pair of sealed indictments, according to the Palestine Herald. Leslie Ann Deltoro (pictured) was arrested on two charges of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance 4-to-200 grams and a single charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance 1-to-4 grams Friday morning at her apartment in the 200 block of South Church Street, according to Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor. Deltoro has previously served time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on a drug conviction, according to the sheriff.

A second person at the apartment, Juliana Marie Martinez,30, of Palestine, was also arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram, according to the sheriff.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Cherokee County officials tell KETK a man from Whitehouse was headed back home Sunday morning when he crashed his pickup truck about a mile south of Bullard just after 7:00. He was traveling northbound on Highway 69 and Farm to Market Road 2493 when he reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The truck flipped and then landed into a nearby ditch. Responding deputies said they closed the northbound lanes of Highway 69 for about an hour. The man’s injuries were said to be minor.

TYLER — The East Texas Communities Foundation is awarding over $200,000 in scholarships to high school and college students from East Texas for 2012. This marks the first year ETCF scholarship awards have reached the $200,000 milestone. First-time scholarships of over $130,000 were awarded to 70 students at a reception held in honor of the recipients at Marvin United Methodist Church this past week. Scholarship amounts range from $500-$10,000 per student. Over $70,000 in scholarship renewals will be distributed later this summer, making a total of over $200,000 in scholarship grants in 2012 from 40 different scholarship funds at ETCF.

SANDY SPRINGS, GA. (AP/Staff) – Authorities in East Texas have arrested the husband of a Georgia lawyer who was shot eight times. Sandy Springs, Ga., Police Department spokesman Capt. Steve Rose says Michael Parson was arrested near Tyler just before midnight Saturday. He was arrested by a state trooper on a traffic stop. Authorities say Parson was taken into custody without incident and he is being held in the Van Zandt County Jail in Canton. Authorities have warrants for the arrest of Michael Parson, whom they accuse of being involved in the April 20 shooting of his wife, Adina Parson. The warrants accuse the husband of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, a firearm offense and making false statements. Parson had not been seen for several days. Family members said the wounded woman is starting to move her arms and legs. She is unable to speak.

TYLER — Toll 49 construction has reached I-20. Officials with the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) say the first of many construction activities taking place within the next several months is an eastbound shoulder closure, beginning today, allowing drainage work to begin. There will be signage making motorists aware of the shoulder closure. Officials say you should be prepared for any potential delays in the construction area. You can follow the NET RMA on Twitter and Facebook and stay current by logging onto http://www.toll49.org for the all of the latest updates.

NACOGDOCHES — A rumored fight on the Nacogdoches High School campus led to a heightened absence rate on Friday. According to Nacogdoches ISD officials, rumors had been floating around campus on Thursday about a gang fight that might involve weapons on Friday. Security was increased on campus as a precautionary measure, but school authorities tell KETK, there was never a weapon found, and they believe it to just be a rumor. Still, parents of many Nacogdoches ISD students opted to keep their children out of school Friday. The school district’s attendance rate for Friday was 66%, down from an average daily attendance rate of 95%. School officials said 554 students were absent out of the total 1697 enrolled. Nacogdoches ISD authorities tell KETK, they are still taking the situation very seriously, and will continue to monitor the issue to ensure the safety of all students on campus.

Nacogdoches ISD released the following statement: “The high school administration has done an excellent job of responding to rumors and issues of concern among our students on the campus and in the community. We appreciate the City and County for their support of our students while we addressed the issue. Both the county and the city sent officers to the campus to assist us in ensuring a smooth and safe start and ending of the school day. The message that I would like to send to our parents and community is that we are working very hard to maintain the excellent environment on the high school campus that you expect. Please understand that any student or community member who approaches any Nacogdoches ISD campus with intent to disrupt the educational process will find a swift and severe response. We are here to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students and any attempt to disrupt that goal will not be tolerated.”

EAST TEXAS — One Big Sandy resident had a bit of a scare Friday when he discovered a 7-foot alligator in his front yard. According to KETK, Dan Dassing lives within the Big Sandy city limits. Dassing was checking the mail when he noticed the gator by the front gate near a flower bed. The Big Sandy Fire Department along with officers were called in to remove the reptile without incident.

MINEOLA — A second person has died from injuries received Thursday in a one-vehicle crash in Wood County. DPS Sgt. Willie Drabble said Monica Hayes, 33, of Mineola, was pronounced dead at East Texas Medical Center in Quitman. Fannie Crowell, 53, of Alba, died at the scene of the crash on CR 2231 west of Mineola on Thursday afternoon. Drabble said the vehicle hit a concrete railing. Two others people in the vehicle were injured. The driver, Donald Houck, was taken to ETMC in Tyler. A third passenger, Cecil Cantrell, of Yantis, was transported to Trinity Mother Frances

GREGG COUNTY — One man is dead after he was hit crossing an intersection Thursday night in Longview. Shortly before 10:00, officers were called to the 3000 Block of Estes Parkway on a pedestrian accident involving a gold 1999 Toyota Camry. When officers arrived on scene, they found the victim, Robert Wayne Mullins, 51, Longview, lying in the roadway. Mullins was trying to cross the roadway in a dimly lit area located away from the intersection, when he was hit by the Camry driven by Rebecca Ann Sheets, 20, Tatum. Mullins was taken to a local hospital where he died.

The incident remains under investigation, Brian said, and police are asking for witnesses to the accident or anyone with information to contact Longview Police Traffic Unit officers at (903) 237-1199. If the caller wishes to remain anonymous he or she can also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at (903) 236-STOP(7867) or submit a tip online at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

SMITH COUNTY – By a unanimous vote of its board of directors, Grassroots America – We the People endorses Larry Smith for Smith County sheriff. Smith is a veteran of 34 years in law enforcement. According to a statement from the citizen group, “Smith understands that to run a law enforcement agency successfully, he must provide consistent leadership and high standards, the right tools, and the right training for his people. The fact that he has ‘walked in the shoes of the men and women’ we depend upon for safety, security, and justice convinced us he understands how to lead a group of public servants who willingly put their lives on the line every day.” Smith faces Bobby Garmon, Chris Green, and Donn Rust in the May 29 GOP primary.

LONGVIEW — The man sent to show Kilgore firefighters how to use a new ladder truck did not bring or use a safety belt before a January 2009 training exercise that resulted in the deaths of two firefighters, testimony in a wrongful death lawsuit revealed Wednesday. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Doug Fleming, an instructor with the maker of the 95-foot aerial platform truck the city of Kilgore bought in December 2008, also did not include the use of safety belts in the presentation he gave firefighters when the truck was delivered. That’s according to his testimony, provided by videotape Wednesday in a lawsuit brought by the widow, mother and two children of Kilgore firefighter Kyle Perkins. The family is suing E-One and Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus, respectively the maker and distributor of the ladder truck.

TYLER — The Smith County Bar Association and the Smith County Bar Foundation celebrated Law Day with a luncheon Friday at the Tyler Rose Garden Center. Awards presented at this year’s event include:

Justinian Award – Tom Henson
Award of Excellence – Jim Huggler
Young Lawyer of the Year – Greg Kimmel
Liberty Bell Award – Donna Ashby

New to the event this year was the establishment of a Law Day Endowment by the Smith County Bar Foundation. Contributions to the fund, made in honor of current and past recipients of the awards, will go to fund community projects such as the Courthouse model currently on display at the Discovery Science Place Children’s Museum.

Another example of community service that the Association does is sponsoring an essay contest for high school students and a poster contest for grades K through 5, celebrating this year’s national theme of No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom. The Essay contest winners are:

1st Place – Madison Behm (who also placed third in the State Bar of Texas Law Day contest)
2nd Place – Brandon Lackner
3rd Place – Max S. McKinley

The poster contest winners in K-2 were:
Brianna Tovar
Jade Castro
Cameron Ames

The poster contest winners in 3-5 were:
Elliot Davidson
Haley Minton
Jared McLean

You can go to http://www.smithcountybar.com to learn more about the Bar Association and its activities.

NACOGDOCHES — A Wednesday night fight sends two Nacogdoches women to the hospital. According to KETK, Tiffany Wyrick reportedly stabbed Lonnita Daniels several times. Both were taken to a local hospital. Daniels is still there; Wyrick made it out of the hospital and was taken to the Nacogdoches County Jail.

NACOGDOCHES — An officer with the Nacogdoches County Precinct 4 constable’s office discovers 6 grams of crystal meth inside a shoe box during a traffic stop. According to KETK, the officer pulled over 27-year-old Robbie Wallace for allegedly not wearing a seat belt. Officials say Wallace started acting suspicious. After searching his car, the officer reportedly found meth along with pills believed to be steroids. Wallace was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

WASHINGTON (AP/Staff) – A Canadian company that wants to build the disputed Keystone XL pipeline in the U.S. says it has submitted a new application for the project after changing the route to avoid environmentally sensitive land in Nebraska. TransCanada says it filed a new application Friday for the project to carry oil from western Canada to Steele City, Neb. It would link up there with other pipelines to carry oil to refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast, running through much of East Texas along the way. President Barack Obama blocked the project earlier this year, citing uncertainty over the Nebraska route, and drawing fire from Republicans. TransCanada proposed a new route last month that would veer east around the groundwater-rich Sandhills region.

TYLER – Tyler ISD schools, city leaders, and local businesses come together to celebrate GenTX Day, an event recognizing the graduating class of 2012 and their plans for the future. To join in this effort, community members were asked to wear their favorite college t-shirt Friday. According to materials from the city and TISD, Mayor Barbara Bass declared May 4 as GenTX Day with an official proclamation encouraging the community to show its support for the students of Generation TX. Tom Mullins, President/CEO of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and Tyler Economic Development Council; Dr. Randy Reid, Superintendent, Tyler ISD; Dr. Mike Metke, President, Tyler Junior College; and Jesse Acosta, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment, University of Texas at Tyler spoke during the ceremony.

Robert E. Lee High School lined its inner courtyard with college signs to show how many choices are available to students. The school also invited community members to have lunch on campus with a student ambassador serving as their host, giving the community member an opportunity to share his or her college experience with the student. Senior pictures scrolled in the Robert E. Lee cafeterias and library throughout the day.

At John Tyler High School, seniors participated in a signing day event during their lunch period where they announced which college they plan to attend. A table was also set up in the cafeteria for students in all grade levels to gather information about various universities.

Generation TX is an initiative of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to support the creation of a college-going and career-ready culture across the state. Organizers say the Generation TX movement helps students overcome the obstacles that stand between them and higher education, and seeks to empower those students with guidance, information, and inspiration to create a new future for themselves, their families, and all Texans.

TYLER — Flight For Life, part of Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, will offer “The Difficult Airway Course” for emergency responders June 2 and 3 at Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler’s Wisenbaker Conference Center. The course is limited to the first 100 registrants. It includes 15 contact hours of 2012 CE credits, provided by the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association and is approved by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services.

The program has been reviewed and is approved for a maximum of 15 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credit by the Physician Assistant Review Panel. Physician assistants should claim only those hours actually spent participating in the CME activity. This program was planned in accordance with AAPA’s CME Standards for Live Programs and for Commercial Support of Live Programs.

Cost of the course is $350. For more information, call Trey Moses with Flight for Life at 903-352-0432. To register, visit
http://www.ezregister.com/events/4454.

NACOGDOCHES — An Alabama man was arrested in Nacogdoches Thursday morning. Nacogdoches Police officials tell KETK, Ricky Eugene Prewitt, 41, Northport Alabama was riding a Kerrville bus, which was stopped at the bus station on the 2900 block of NW Stallings drive just after 9:30. When officers approached him, they discovered he had more than 200 grams of powder cocaine. Prewitt was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

TYLER – Two persons are hospitalized following a two vehicle accident on the Tyler Loop at Old Bullard Road. It happened just after 8:45 Thursday night. It occurred when a car that was west bound on the loop attempted to make a left turn and hit a minivan, knocking it into a light pole. A woman in the minivan had to be cut from the vehicle. Also tapped in the vehicle was a baby in a child safety seat. Sgt. Adam Colby said the baby did not appear to be injured, but the woman appeared to have suffered severe injuries. Both were taken to Mother Francis Hospital. The car’s driver was cited for failure to yield.

QUITMAN – A Wood County man has died after being exposed to the agricultural pesticide, Temik, which is reportedly one of the most toxic chemicals ever made. Bradie Bruce, 64, became ill Saturday. He was rushed to East Texas Medical Center in Quitman, where he later died. Investigators say the poisoning was intentional. While he didn’t leave a suicide note, he reportedly made a dying declaration to the hospital’s emergency room staff. Because of the nature of the chemical, the site where he was found had to be decontaminated. The hospital emergency room was also quarantined and thoroughly cleaned.

TYLER — Grassroots America – We the People is sponsoring the Tyler stop for the TEA Party Express National Bus Tour “Restoring the American Dream.” The bus arrives this afternoon at 5:30 at Lonestar Event Center, 4036 Farm Road 2767 (East Erwin) outside the Loop. The public is invited to attend. Tyler City Councilman Jason Wright will emcee the event. Congressman Louie Gohmert will be included in the lineup of speakers, along with Grassroots America Executive Director JoAnn Fleming and Amy Kremer, founder of the TEA Party Express.

According to press materials, “The Tour is designed to rally support for six simple principles which will restore the American Dream for the American Family: end bailouts, reduce the size and intrusiveness of government, stop raising our taxes, repeal Obamacare, cease out-of-control spending, (and) bring back American prosperity and jobs.”

MINEOLA – One person is dead after a one vehicle accident in Wood County. Steve Finley with the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department tells KETK, there were four adults in the vehicle. They were driving on County Road 2231 outside Mineola when the vehicle crashed and went over a bridge. Finley says a woman died from her injuries. Three others in the vehicle were injured.

QUITMAN — A Quitman church family is in mourning after a well-known local 9-year-old girl collapsed on the church playground Wednesday night and later died. Ally Baker was taken to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas after collapsing on the playground at the First United Methodist Church in Quitman at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. According to KETK, she died early Thursday morning. Doctors believe her death was caused by a brain aneurysm. However, that information will not be confirmed until an autopsy is conducted. According to the Longview News-Journal, Ally was the “Little Miss Dogwood Queen” in 2010 and served as an ambassador for the Quitman community.

Ally was a third-grader at Quitman ISD. Members of Quitman ISD’s faculty and staff have released the following statements:

“QISD is saddened at the loss of this precious little girl. Ally was a delight to be around. She was full of energy and always smiling. She will be greatly missed by her classmates, teachers, and many friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family”. – Rhonda Turner, Assistant Superintendent

“Her contagious laugh would always light up our classroom. We will miss her so much.” – Lisa Rust, 3rd grade Teacher

“Ally was a precious girl full of boundless energy. We will miss her giant smile and big hugs. She loved pink, her friends and this school. She was such a blessing to us.” – Mary Ann Nichols, Elementary Principal

Ally’s funeral is set for 2:00 Sunday afternoon at FUMC Quitman. A fund has been set up to help her family with medical and funeral costs. You can donate at any area City National Bank under the name Ally Baker.

MARSHALL — Harrison County investigators along with Marshall police investigators have identified the body found Monday in a wooded area of Marshall. The cause of death has been ruled a homicide. According to KETK, the body has been identified as Selonia Fay Rivers, 45. Marshall police received a missing person report on Rivers on April 23 from the daughter of the victim. She reported that her mother had gotten into a vehicle with an unidentified male on April 20 and did not return home. Officials say positive identification through forensic fingerprints confirmed the body to be that of Rivers. The clothing that was found at the location was similar to the clothing that was listed in the missing persons report.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview are following up on a case involving stolen credit cards. On April 23 at 4:16 p.m., Longview police received a report of a vehicle burglary that occurred in the 3000 Block of Good Shepherd Way. The victim told police that on April 22, between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon, someone had entered his vehicle and removed several credit cards from his wallet. The victim’s credit cards were used at various locations on that same date.

The suspect is believed to be of Hispanic, Asian, or Middle Eastern decent, black hair, approximately 35-40 years of age, and with an athletic build. The suspect was wearing sunglasses, a long-sleeved button-up shirt, with a white undershirt, and light-colored slacks. Video was obtained at one of stores where the cards were used. When the man left the store, he was seen entering a dark colored, late model four-door Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The driver of the vehicle, who accompanied the man inside the store, is described as a younger male, with a thin build and possibly of Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or Asian descent.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of these individuals is asked to contact Detective Melissa Dobbs at 903-237-1199. If the tipster wishes to remain anonymous, he or she can also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org or 903-236-STOP (7867). Longview police again urge people to lock their vehicles and take their valuables with them.

TYLER — Hundreds turned out at Harvey Convention Center Thursday as Tyler held its annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. “One Nation under God” was the theme of the event. It was organized in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. Mayor Barbara Bass issued a call to the entire community: “We ask that you continue to pray for each other, and more then prayer, we ask that you put your faith into action in helping each other.” The breakfast featured various prayers, music, and a dramatic presentation.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Police say they’re investigating the robbery of the Cashmax Store in Jacksonville. According to KETK, just before 11:00 Wednesday morning, a person wearing a jacket came into the Cashmax Store, displayed a handgun, and robbed the store of an undetermined amount of cash. Investigators say they believe the suspect was a woman, but are not sure at this time.

TYLER — Details have been released in a Smith County sexual harassment case. According to a 12-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Tyler, obtained by KETK back in October, Smith County Precinct 5 Constable Dennis Taylor hired Windy Savering in 2005. She was assigned as school resource officer for the Lindale School District. She was even named officer of the year in 2007 and officially recognized by the school district in 2010 for a job well done. But…things weren’t going well behind the scenes as Savering’s attorney told us by phone in October.

In the documents, Savering claims after her divorce was finalized, Constable Taylor asked her out and made inappropriate comments about her in front of others on several occasions. When it was clear she wasn’t interested, Taylor made her work difficult and ultimately fired her.

The documents include that Savering was paid a settlement of $200,000. Smith County makes it clear that the county only paid premiums and the rest was under insurance coverage. Also, the documents on Savering must be changed to reflect ‘honorable discharge.’ And Savering must be reinstated as a non-paid reserve deputy for Precinct 5, retroactive and effective as of October 21, 2010. Constable Taylor was required to write a positive employment letter of reference and signed by the constable himself.