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WASHINGTON – Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Traci L. Kenner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Texas was one of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson. According to a news release from the Eastern District, the recognition came at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony Wednesday in Washington D.C. The Eastern District was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building. Continue reading Attorney General Recognizes Tyler Federal Prosecutor

LONGVIEW — Longview police are on the hunt for an attempted robbery suspect. On Thursday at 10:04 a.m., police were dispatched to the 1400 block of West Marshall Avenue. When officers arrived they were told a black male had just tried to rob the store. Witnesses said the suspect, wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and a hat with a goatee on his face, came into the store, brandished a handgun, and demanded money. However, the store employee did not give him any money and he left prior to police officers’ arrival. According to KETK, anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of this suspect is asked to contact Longview police at 903-237-1170. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by contacting Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-7867.

TYLER — The U.S. News and World Report America’s Best Colleges survey has again recognized The University of Texas at Tyler as one of the leading public universities in the state, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. In the 2015 results, UT Tyler is the top public East Texas institution listed, and the university was listed among the top 25 of all public universities recognized in the West region, which includes institutions in Texas, California, and 13 other states. According to a UTT news release, the West region is the largest region U.S. News and World Report uses to categorize institutions. Regional universities are ranked against their peer group in one of four regions – North, South, Midwest and West, according to the magazine. Continue reading UT Tyler Again among Best Universities in U.S. News and World Report

SMITH COUNTY — Crews were able to cap a broken gas line late this morning on Highway 155 South, and traffic returned to normal. At approximately 9:15 a.m., Smith County Sheriffs Office dispatch received a call from the Tyler Police Department regarding the situation, in the 13800 block of Highway 155 South. That’s a short distance south of the Grande Boulevard intersection. The Noonday Volunteer Fire Department responded along with Tyler police officers and crews from Atmos Energy.

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – Two pit bulls will be euthanized after mauling an 8-year-old East Texas girl and a woman who used her body to try to protect the child. Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges said Wednesday that the dogs apparently escaped through a hole in a fence. The two victims, whose names haven’t been released, were in stable condition following Tuesday night’s attack. A woman who was nearby heard the attack and placed her body over the child to protect the girl, who was mauled while helping a neighbor youngster search for the loose dogs. A man who lives nearby also heard the attack and used a baseball bat to stop the dogs. Officers seized both animals that Bridges says would be euthanized.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating an early morning shooting that left at least one person injured. It happened just after midnight Thursday in the 500 block of Chilton. Officers responded to a domestic dispute with shots fired and found evidence that indicated that someone was injured. While they were at the scene, dispatch received information from a local hospital of a man with a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The name of the victim is being withheld. Detectives were called in to assist with the investigation.

ANGELINA COUNTY — The first 2014 case of West Nile Virus in East Texas has been confirmed. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services September 9 report, one case of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) was reported in Angelina County. No other information surrounding the case was provided in the report. DSHS has confirmed 70 cases of human West Nile illness, including one death, in Texas this year. Continue reading First Case of West Nile Virus Reported in East Texas

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man who police say ran from an officer trying to detain him was held Wednesday on multiple charges including evading arrest with a vehicle. According to the Longview News-Journal, Eric O’Brien Adams, 25, is being held in Gregg County Jail on bonds totaling $19,000 after he was arrested by Longview police on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, theft of a firearm and evading arrest with a vehicle. Police reportedly noticed a suspicious vehicle parked at the end of Ledger and Wagster Streets around 1:45 Wednesday morning. When police approached the car, Adams fled the scene in the vehicle. Continue reading Felon Arrested after Evading Longview Officers

TYLER — PATH Week activities wrap up Thursday evening with the Annual Philanthropy Celebration, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Willow Brook Country Club. According to the PATH website, the event celebrates the agency’s heritage and future plans. Proceeds from the $100-a-plate dinner benefit PATH’s HOPE and HOME Programs. Officials say PATH Week is designed to raise awareness of PATH and its programs serving the needy in the Tyler community. For further information or to make reservations, which are required for the Thursday evening event, contact Kim Lessner at 903-617-2825.

RUSK — A boil water notice has been issued by Iron Hill Water Supply Corporation. The company’s coverage is located in the Rusk area. According to KETK, customers should boil water for at least two minutes before using. Officials did not say how long the notice is expected to last.

STARRVILLE — Authorities are asking for the public’s help catching the person or people responsible for a recent case of vandalism at a local cemetery. According to KETK, Smith County Precinct 4 Constable John Smith says a headstone was destroyed at the Starrville Cemetery off FM 757. Smith stated the property was destroyed by a blunt object in the last few days. Contact Constable Smith at 903-590-4871 or jsmith5@smith-county.com if you have any information on this case.

KILGORE — A dog found emaciated and on the verge of death in Kilgore is recovering well after he had a leg amputated earlier this month. “Mr. Bones” is up to five pounds and no longer looks emaciated, according to the Kilgore Police Department. KETK reports he has been upgraded to “skinny” and is able to get around on three legs. Several people have approached officials and wish to adopt Mr. Bones once he is fully recovered. KPD stated the city has received about $1,000 in donations but hasn’t quite reached the total of $1,700 to cover his cost of surgery. The public can still make donations at city hall. Continue reading Police: Dog Found on Verge of Death Recovering Well

RUSK — Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC has named Steven Butler as general manager of The Texas State Railroad. The move comes after he was named interim general manager in June. According to a news release, Butler has been with the railroad for a little over a year, working in the capacity of chief mechanical officer. He has held several positions with IPH over the last six years focusing on maintaining various steam locomotives on the company’s other railroads. Additionally, Iowa Pacific has promoted employee Nathan Roberts to the position of roadmaster. Roberts has worked for the Texas State Railroad for six years in the Maintenance of Way department.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Multiple East Texas fire and law enforcement units are on the scene of an 18-wheeler rollover. According to Van Zandt County Emergency Management, the truck is on it’s side in the area of I-20 eastbound, just east of State Highway 19 in Canton. According to KETK, the driver is pinned in and officials are working to free him.

GREGG COUNTY — Local authorities are warning of a scam recently reported in the area. The con involves tricking the victim into paying for a non-existent warrant. According to KETK, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office released this statement in response to concerned citizen reports:

“The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office has received reports that persons are being contacted by phone and told that they need to provide credit card information in order to pay for a warrant for not attending jury duty. This is a scam that is occurring in Texas and in other states. No one with Gregg County or any other agency will solicit credit card information over the phone to pay for a warrant.”

TYLER — Another Smith County detention officer has resigned amid an ongoing investigation. KETK reports the resignation was turned in Monday. Smith County authorities and a Texas Ranger are continuing to investigate allegations that county detention personnel engaged in misconduct. When the story broke last Friday, officials said one sergeant and three officers had already resigned, and a sergeant and two officers had been put on administrative leave. Officials say the probe regards falsification of jail logs cataloguing times when cells were checked to make sure inmates were accounted for and not in distress. According to a news release, numerous employees say the activity’s been going on for at least seven years that they know of.

KILGORE — Officials in Rusk County say an accused child predator who had been at large since May has been arrested. KETK reports Lewis Lavon Jones, 51, of Kilgore, was arrested in Kilgore on Tuesday afternoon. Jones was wanted for aggravated child sexual assault and indecent exposure. He reportedly ran from police on the night of August 28 in Rusk County and was able to escape capture.

LONGVIEW — Forbes recently released a list of America’s Booming Small Cities 2014, and Longview is included in the top 10. KETK reports the city was named number six overall. The area’s metro population checks in at 216,000 — an 11.5 percent increase since 2000. The population isn’t the only thing seeing a steady rise. The area had a per capita income growth of 25 percent, along with an 18 percent increase in job growth. Continue reading Longview Named among Top Booming Small Cities

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announces a seven percent enrollment increase for fall 2014. Preliminary enrollment is 8,114, President Rodney H. Mabry announced in a news release. Last year at this time the total headcount was 7,534 on the 12th class day, which is the fall census date. “We are truly excited about the significant increases in enrollment we are experiencing, last year and this year, especially against the backdrop of flat or decreasing enrollment at other institutions in East Texas,” Mabry said. “Our increases show that students believe they get a high-quality education here at a good price. UT Tyler’s ‘value proposition’ is very high.” Students understand that they can get a flagship-level education without the hassle of going to much larger, expensive universities in large urban areas, he added. Continue reading UT Tyler Celebrates 7 Percent Enrollment Increase

LONGVIEW — A 36-year-old Longview man is behind bars for allegedly failing to pay citations issued after he allegedly caught and ate a threatened species of turtle. According to Gregg County Game Warden Todd Long, on April 25, 2013, Timothy Anderson caught an alligator snapping turtle on a fishing pole on the Sabine River. Long tells KETK Anderson pleaded guilty to the offense and was issued citations for catching and keeping the turtle and for not having a valid fishing license. Long says he was alerted Anderson was in still in the possession of the turtle and a warrant was issued by Gregg County Justice of the Precinct 3 Judge Talyna Carlson for his arrest. When Long arrived at Anderson’s home in the 120 block of West Garfield Street in Longview, he reportedly discovered the suspect had “cleaned” and eaten the turtle. Continue reading Officials: Man Eats Threatened Turtle, Arrested for Unpaid Fines

TYLER — Tyler police have secured an arrest warrant for a suspect who police say was driving a Cadillac and shot at an auto burglary victim in a recent incident. The suspect is identified as Damarian Paul Amie, a 20-year-old African-American man from Tyler. Amie is wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second degree felony. His bond was set at $100,000. One suspect was arrested shortly after the incident. Continue reading Police Secure Warrant for Second Burglary Suspect

SMITH COUNTY — Trinity Charter Schools (TCS) on Tuesday announced a new partnership with Azleway Inc., an organization that operates a residential treatment center in the Tyler area and provides intensive therapy in a safe, healing environment for at-risk youth. That’s according to a news release from Lutheran Social Services. KETK reports Trinity Charter Schools will serve approximately 150 students on Azleway’s campuses in New Chapel Hill and Big Sandy and in partnership with Willow Bend Residential Treatment Center. School services at these facilities were formerly provided by Azleway Charter School, which recently lost its charter over performance issues. Continue reading New Educational Partnership for Azleway

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department has taken a person into custody in connection with the alleged harassment of women in the area. According to KETK, Police said they received reports of a man in a gray Kia making vulgar comments and flashing his lights to make people stop in the road. According to the Lindale PD Facebook page, the person was identified and interviewed. Criminal charges are pending in the investigation, but no official charges have been made at this time. contact Sgt. Chad McElyea at 903-882-3313 if you are a victim of a criminal offense involved with this alleged crime if you wish to pursue charges.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a 911 call regarding numerous auto burglaries. It was reported around 6:30 Tuesday morning in the 18,000 block of Oakbrook Road, in the southeastern part of Smith County. According to the caller, a group of four or five men broke into several vehicles at his residence. When the caller went outside, the suspects ran. One of the suspects fired a small handgun in the direction of the victim. The suspects reportedly drove away in a newer, mid-size white model four-door passenger car, possibly a Chevrolet Lumina. The suspects have been described as armed, having medium to dark complexion, approximately 18-25 years of age. If you see anyone matching this description, please use extreme caution and contact your local law enforcement agency. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office can be reached twenty-four hours a day at 903-566-6600.

DALLAS — A Dallas County jury has awarded $18.6 million to the family of a tire builder who died after being exposed to cancer-causing asbestos fibers at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant in Tyler. According to KETK, Carl Rogers worked at the plant for 30 years before being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Jurors found Goodyear grossly negligent for allowing Mr. Rogers’ continued exposure to asbestos. The September 5, 2014, verdict includes $2.7 million in non-economic damages, $900,000 in economic damages, and $15 million in punitive damages. The parties stipulated to an amount of paid medical bills, which will also be added to the final judgment. Continue reading Family of Deceased Worker Wins Goodyear Suit

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to Varsity Place Apartments, 3400 Varsity, in reference to a shooting. It happened Monday afternoon just after 2:00. Tyler Police initially said that a man had accidentally shot himself. A report released today said that investigators determined that the victim, identified as Chavis Gregory, 20, of Center, was shot once in his upper thigh accidentally by his friend. Investigators were told that a 9 mm handgun was accidentally discharged after they thought the gun was unloaded. Gregory, along with his friend from Center, were visiting a third friend who lived in the apartment. Gregory was discharged from the hospital and did not wish to pursue charges.

TYLER — Smith County authorities have rounded up a suspect who’d recently been released from jail. At approximately 4:30 Monday afternoon, Smith County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and detectives executed an arrest warrant for Aaron Bowers, 41, of Tyler. Bowers was previously released from the Smith County Jail at approximately 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, after serving time on a criminal trespassing charge. Continue reading Burglary Suspect Arrested; Was Recently Released from Jail

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities are asking for the public’s help identifying the person involved in a Smith County theft on Sunday night. According to KETK, Precinct 4 Constable John Smith says a man stole diesel from a ranch in the 4400 block of County Road 313 West, or Sand Flat Road. The thief is described as a white male, about 18 to 20 years old. A picture of his truck was taken by surveillance at the location. The vehicle is believed to be a newer model Chevy 4-door pickup with four inch tires and chrome rims. If you have any information on this case, contact Constable Smith at or email him at jsmith5@smith-county.com OR 903-590-4871.

TYLER – The 24th annual Pantry Raid competition between Robert E. Lee and John Tyler High School students has kicked off. The students at both high schools have a friendly competition to help feed hungry East Texans. The food and funds the students collect will benefit hungry East Texans through the East Texas Food Bank’s partner agencies, according to a news release from the food bank. The school that collects the most food will earn bragging rights and proudly display the traveling trophy at its school for the year. Continue reading 24th Annual Pantry Raid

TYLER — PATH Week is underway, running Sept. 8-12. The annual observance is designed to raise awareness of the longtime Tyler human needs agency and its programs. This year’s events kicked off with a prayer breakfast this morning. Still to come: a community luncheon Wednesday and a philanthropy celebration Thursday evening. You can go to the “What We Do” tab at http://www.tylerpath.org to learn more.