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SHREVEPORT — Two East Texas men were taken into custody Tuesday in separate incidents after officials say they were caught with stolen vehicles out of the Longview area. According to KETK, Louisiana State Troopers say on December 16 at 10:22 a.m., authorities stopped an SUV driven by Michael Lawson, 35, of Mt. Vernon, on Interstate 20 in Haughton, Louisiana, after learning the vehicle had been reported stolen in White Oak, Texas. Troopers arrested Lawson, and after the vehicle was recovered, took him to the Bossier Parish Jail for illegal possession of stolen things.
Continue reading Louisiana Authorities Arrest Two East Texans in Vehicle Thefts

BULLARD — Bullard ISD dismissed its high school students early Wednesday after receiving an anonymous email containing a threat toward the high school. The district let students out at 1:00 p.m. Buses transported students to the middle school gym, and exams have been rescheduled. According to a BISD news release, all other campuses were placed on a soft lockdown as an added precaution. Continue reading Anonymous Threat Prompts Early Release, Other Moves in Bullard ISD

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center Tyler is one of the first sites in the United States to offer Inspire therapy for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to an ETMC news release. Inspire therapy utilizes first-of-its-kind technology — a small, fully implanted system that has been clinically proven to significantly reduce sleep apnea events and significantly improve quality of life measures, according to the release. Continue reading ETMC among First in Nation to Offer New Sleep Apnea Treatment

HENDERSON — A huge haul of stolen oilfield equipment from a Kilgore company has been tracked down by Rusk County authorities, but the thieves are still on the loose. KETK reports four trucks loaded with equipment were stolen from the oil field service company around 2:30 Monday morning. The thieves drove off with more than $500,000 worth of property. But according to authorities, what the thieves didn’t know is that surveillance was rolling the entire time, catching everything on camera. Continue reading Authorities Recover over $500,000 Worth of Stolen Equipment

KILGORE — Kilgore College is safe from asbestos. So says a review by ERI Consulting, according to KETK. That review was presented at the school’s board meeting Monday evening. The report shows some asbestos-containing materials were found in a half-dozen buildings, including the Rangerette Gym, but that the asbestos is inaccessible to students and the public. The review was conducted after a school employee claimed there was asbestos throughout campus.

TYLER – Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith says he sent a personal note of support Monday to U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz for what Smith terms their continuing efforts to secure the border and to fight granting amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. Smith said, The Cromnibus showdown in Washington, D.C., last week demonstrates who is really on the side of law enforcement. We’re proud Louie Gohmert and Ted Cruz are standing firm for the rule of law.

Smith stated, With the rampant spread of dangerous Mexican cartels and transnational gangs on our side of the border, every county in Texas is a border county. I strongly agree with Texas Department of Public Safety Executive Director Steven McCraw that the most significant public safety and homeland security vulnerability in Texas is an unsecured border with Mexico. Our wide-open southern border and the erosion of the rule of law, coupled with the federal government’s failed ‘catch and release’ program, have enabled the Mexican Cartels to become multi-billion dollar international crime syndicates that dominate the U.S. drug and human smuggling and trafficking markets. Multi-agency law enforcement reports have long warned that gang members and criminals associated with the Mexican Cartels are using increasingly aggressive tactics, including military grade weapons and training, as they seek to avoid and evade law enforcement.”

Smith continued, “An overwhelming majority of the men and women in local, state, and federal law enforcement simply want to do their jobs to protect the life, liberty and property of those they swore to serve; however, it is increasingly difficult to do so due to policies that undermine the rule of law and withhold resources needed to fight hardened criminals.”

Smith joins elected sheriffs across the nation calling on all levels of government to “put America, our citizens, our safety, and our security first because illegal immigrants should never come before American citizens.” He concluded, “Our entire criminal justice system and societal order is based on the rule of law – that means the laws will be enforced and applied consistently to everyone. Losing the rule of law is the end of America, the end of security, and the end of liberty. Period.”

LONGVIEW – The pedestrian struck by a truck Tuesday in the 1100 block of McCann Road in Longview has died as a result of his injuries. The pedestrian is identified as Robert Shimeld, 77, of Longview. Police were able to determine that the driver of a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, Philip Latham, of Longview, was turning left from Glencrest Lane to travel south on McCann Road. As Latham began turning onto McCann Road, Shimeld stepped off the curb and into the path of Latham’s truck, according to authorities. The accident happened around 2:00 Monday afternoon. Shimeld was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center, where he died. Latham was not cited in the crash.

KILGORE – Until a full time city manager can be found, Mark Israelson will be Kilgore’s interim city manager. The Kilgore city council named Israelson to the post Tuesday. The Kilgore News Herald reports, as part of the agreement, the City of Plano will grant Israelson professional development sabbatical leave. He was recommended to the council by Strategic Government Resources, a Keller government leadership consulting firm hired by the council in late November to look for a new full-time city manager. The position becomes open at the end of the year when city manager Scott Sellers leaves after three years on the job. He leaves Kilgore to become city manager in Kyle.

CARTHAGE (AP) — An Arkansas man has been accused of stealing about 70 cattle and trying to sell some of the livestock at auction in East Texas. Panola County jail records show Bradley Wayne Guthrey of North Little Rock, Arkansas, was being held Tuesday on counts including livestock theft, burglary and evading arrest. Online jail records don’t list an attorney for Guthrey, who was arrested Dec. 9 in Carthage after a chase. Workers at the Panola Livestock Company Inc. contacted authorities after Guthrey allegedly offered eight unbranded cattle for sale. The animals turned out to be stolen. His bond was set at $10,000 on an evading arrest charge. Guthrey was held without bond on the other charges, including parole violation in Arkansas and a stolen property-related count in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

WASHINGTON (AP/STAFF) — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says approving the Keystone XL pipeline will top the Senate agenda in January. The issue could set up an early 2015 veto confrontation with President Barack Obama. Congressional Republicans have been pushing for approval of the pipeline for years. Obama has resisted because of environmental concerns. The pipeline, which comes through eastern Smith County, would carry tar sands oil from Canada into the United States and eventually to the Texas Gulf Coast. The Republican-led House has repeatedly passed legislation approving the pipeline. But the bills have died in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Republicans will take control of the Senate in January, and McConnell said approving the pipeline will be the first issue on the agenda. McConnell said the pipeline would create jobs.

MARSHALL — Harrison County District Clerk Melinda Craig has been arrested again. The Longview News-Journal is reporting Craig was arrested in her office shortly before 4:45 yesterday afternoon for public intoxication. Craig was arrested in July by the Texas Rangers for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault causing bodily injury to a family member, deadly conduct and criminal trespass. She was indicted in August by the Harrison County Grand Jury on misdemeanor charges of assault causing bodily injury, deadly conduct and criminal trespass.

TYLER – An East Texas transportation advocate was surprised Monday by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Good Roads Association when the department’s coveted Road Hand Award was bestowed upon him. Tom Mullins, President/CEO of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce/Tyler Economic Development Council, was presented the prestigious Road Hand Award before his colleagues at a meeting at the chamber. Continue reading TxDOT Presents Road Hand Award to Tom Mullins

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler held fall 2014 commencement ceremonies Dec. 12 and 13, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. 899 degree candidates were recognized in the UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. Continue reading 899 Candidates Recognized at UT Tyler Fall 2014 Commencement

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is asking for help identifying a man who allegedly stole a TV from the local Walmart. KETK reports the unidentified suspect is said to have taken the item on December 11 at around 4:15 p.m. If you know this man’s identity or his whereabouts, contact police at 903-882-3313.

ATHENS — In a multi-agency raid, law enforcement executed warrants on several illegal gambling locations in Henderson County, according to authorities. According to KETK, District Attorney Scott McKee said at around 10:00 Tuesday morning, authorities raided game rooms in Eustace, Tool, Seven Points, Cap City, and Gun Barrel City. Officials say the warrants were the result of an almost year-long investigation into illegal gambling operations, money laundering, and organized crime in Henderson County at McKee’s request. The Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, State Comptroller’s Office, and Henderson County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the operation. We’ll bring you more information as it becomes available.

TYLER — BBB is warning consumers about an area carpet cleaning contractor whom they say took their money without completing the work. Several Tyler and Longview area consumers are reporting that Steam Tech did not provide services they paid for. Responding to roadside sign advertisements for carpet cleaning at $12.95-$20 per room, customers are alleging the contractor comes in, sprays water on the floor (to let it soak), asks to be paid in cash, and leaves the premises without completing the job. Another consumer told BBB that she went to look at the room, and by the time she realized he hadn’t done anything, he was gone. “I gave him $210, and he said he was going to write up an invoice”, one consumer stated. “Next thing I know, I hear his motor running; he just took the money and ran.” Continue reading East Texas Residents Taken to the Cleaners

BULLARD – The Bullard school board has announced that Todd Schneider, the assistant school superintendent in Katy, is their choice as lone finalist for superintendent of schools. According to the district’s web site, the board has followed a lengthy process in determining the finalist. In August, the Board hired Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services to direct the search. TASB consultants met with staff and community groups September 9 to discuss desired characteristics of the new superintendent. The profile developed from these meetings was the standard used by the Board and consultants in evaluating the applicants for the position. The board selected six applicants for initial interviews. Three applicants were invited back for a second interview. The Board is scheduled to vote to offer a contract to Schneider January 5, 2015. Continue reading Bullard ISD Names Lone Finalist for Superintendent’s Post

TYLER — More details are emerging on a case that came to light over the weekend involving an alleged hit man. Tyler police investigators Friday arrested Chip Patrick Owens, 34, of Tyler for reportedly contracting a hit man to kill his wife and another male. Over the past few months numerous conversations took place between Owens and the person he allegedly contracted for $10,000 to complete the act, according to authorities. Police say they discussed how it would be done and how they would get rid of the bodies and evidence. Owens allegedly provided a 9mm handgun, ammunition, zip ties, and duct tape to the person he hired. Continue reading Police Release More Information on Alleged Hit Man Case

TYLER — Tyler is responding in the aftermath of recent police-related deaths in Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island, N.Y. Tyler resident Ambra Phillips is organizing what she terms a peaceful rally, scheduled for Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Phillips says the rally will begin at Front and North Broadway, with a march up Broadway to the downtown square. According to Phillips, activities on the square will include a short program and a candlelight vigil to promote peace. Participants may join the group on the square if they don’t wish to take part in the march. Continue reading Tyler Rally Planned in Response to Ferguson, Staten Island Incidents

MINNEAPOLIS (AP/Staff) – The NFL Players Association has filed a federal lawsuit for Adrian Peterson, asking the court to dismiss an arbitrator’s decision to uphold the NFL’s punishment of the star running back. The petition was filed Monday in Minnesota, where the NFLPA has often gone to contest labor matters with the league. The former Palestine star was suspended without pay for the remaining six games of this season by Commissioner Roger Goodell. That came as a result of the child-abuse case that has kept the six-time Pro Bowl pick out of all but one game this year. Arbitrator Harold Henderson on Friday affirmed the penalty issued by Goodell, which Peterson appealed. The union argued that Henderson’s decision was biased, unfair, and contrary to the collective bargaining agreement.

LUFKIN (AP) – The trial for an East Texas man and woman accused in the starvation death of their 2-month-old son is underway. The Lufkin Daily News reports the joint trial of DeQuisha Jackson, 19, and Isaiah Tolliver, 20, started Monday. Both are charged with murder in the death of their son, Imauri Jackson. In October 2013, someone at the home where the two were staying with a relative called 911 to report that the baby wasn’t breathing. The infant was pronounced dead at a Lufkin hospital. According to an arrest affidavit, the baby was delivered at term and weighed 6.7 pounds. At the time of death, he weighed 5.6 pounds. An autopsy ruled the baby’s death a homicide caused by malnutrition and dehydration.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at work planned in the Tyler District during the Week of December 15, 2014:

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance crews in Tyler are continuing pavement repairs on Loop 323 between the loop extension and Commerce Street. Expect lane closures in this work zone. Use caution when traveling through the following construction projects in Smith County:
State Highway 31East Widening Project
*Limits: From FM 757 to FM 1639
*Contractor: Reynolds & Kay, LTD
*Cost: $7.8 million
Approved by the Texas Transportation Commission in August, this project consists of widening SH 31 to add passing lanes for multiple sections of roadway in both the eastbound and westbound directions. Once the widening is complete, a seal coat and final surface will be applied. Motorists should expect delays as wells as a daily construction speed limit of 60 mph when work is being performed on this job which is expected to about 18 months to complete. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

LONGVIEW — Longview Police have released the name of a man found Saturday night fatally shot in a wrecked vehicle. George Wrighten, 67, of Longview, was found with multiple gunshot wounds while crews were responding to a report of a wreck in the 300 block of Pecan Street. Officials had to use the jaws of life to free the victim from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Longview Police.

FLINT — The father of fatal car wreck victim is pleading for the return of his son’s memorial. Adam Nunn, 27, died in an accident on FM Road 2813 in August of 2013. According to KETK, after his son’s death, Terry Nunn put up a memorial along the road. “This was my only son, and this was his final resting place,” said Nunn. He was devastated when he found out the memorial was missing four crosses along with all his son’s keepsakes. The keepsakes were not worth a lot of money, but they are priceless to family and friends. “It’s valuable to me and his friends and his family,you know, who put the time and the effort into making these for him,” said Nunn. A family friend first noticed they were missing.

TYLER — Tyler Police respond to an accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian. It happened just before 7:00 Saturday night at the intersection of South Vine and 2nd Street. According to officers, a silver car was traveling north on South Vine in the inside lane when it struck a 46-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street in a motorized wheelchair. Officials said the pedestrian was not crossing at a crosswalk. The pedestrian was transported to East Texas Medical Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The female driver was not injured. Officers said there were no signs of the driver being intoxicated. No citations were issued and the driver wasn’t found to be at fault for the accident.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A compliance check of the county’s 98 registered sex offenders, led by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, was performed Thursday with the help of 35 officers representing 13 agencies. According to the Jacksonville Daily Progress, 10 teams consisting of three to four officers began knocking on doors shortly after 6 a.m., in areas that included Wells, Rusk and Alto. The compliance check was done to verify if offenders’ addresses and vehicle information were current. CCSO will be securing warrants for at least six of these offenders because they had moved without giving correct addresses or they had moved without contacting officers, the release stated. Continue reading Cherokee County Officials Verify Sex Offenders’ Registration

TYLER — An East Texas man has been taken into custody for allegedly trying to hire a hit man to kill his wife, according to KETK. Judicial records show Chip Patrick Owens, 32, Tyler, was booked into the Smith County Jail shortly after 7:00 last night. His bond was set at $1 million dollars. Owens is charged with criminal solicitation.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP/Staff) – An arbiter appointed by the NFL to hear Adrian Peterson’s appeal has ruled that the Minnesota Vikings running back will remain suspended until at least next spring. The decision by Harold Henderson, a former league official, was announced on Friday. His ruling upheld the NFL’s decision last month to suspend the former Palestine star without pay for the remainder of the season and not consider him for reinstatement until April 15. The NFL Players Association balked at the punishment. Peterson was charged with felony child abuse in September for using a wooden switch to discipline his son, but he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault in November. He had been on paid leave while his case moved through the court system.

TYLER – Students and staff at five Tyler ISD elementary campuses recently collected more than 6,000 books for Bill’s Bookshelf, a project of the Literacy Council of Tyler. Bill’s Bookshelf provides new and gently used children’s books free to families in the community. Bookshelves are placed at sites where low-income families have easy access to them, and children are invited to choose a book to keep. Continue reading TISD Campuses Donate over 6,000 Books to Literacy Council