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ATHENS — An Athens woman has been indicted for the murder of her young daughter in Henderson County. According to KETK, the Henderson County District’s Office says Stacie Marie Parsons, 25, was charged with one count of capital murder and three counts of attempted capital murder. An autopsy showed she allegedly killed her 4-year-old by “blunt force injuries of the head, stab wound of the chest and drowning” on July 22. According to authorities, she later admitted to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office that she committed the gruesome crime. Officials said the murder took place at a bridge on County Road 1500. Parsons is being held on $2 million bond.

TYLER — As an ongoing effort to improve customer service, Tyler Water Utilities will be conducting computer software upgrades this weekend, according to a city news release. Note that these upgrades will affect online and telephone payment options. Continue reading Tyler Water Utilities to Upgrade Software

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at a Texas College dormitory Thursday night at 9:00. The dormitory, located at 2404 North Grand Avenue, was evacuated. Initial calls indicated that the fire was on the 3rd floor of the building, with smoke inside the structure. Investigators believe that the fire started as a result of clothing placed on top of a room lamp. There was very little smoke or fire damage and no injuries were reported.

RUSK — Investigators are still working to determine the identity of a decomposed body found in Cherokee County after a preliminary autopsy failed to yield any answers. According to Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Captain John Raffield, the apparent female sent to Tyler for autopsy could not be identified. He also stated the cause of death was not determined. According to KETK, Raffield said the body will now be moved to the University of North Texas anthropology department for forensic testing. Officials will attempt to link the body to a missing Angelina County woman, 33-year-old Sheila Ann Morton. She was last seen in Huntington on June 2. Continue reading Autopsy: No ID or Cause of Death Returned on Cherokee Co. Body

TYLER — Tyler Police are continuing to search for a second suspect wanted in an auto burglary and shooting. Just before 6:30 Thursday morning, the Tyler Police Department received a call of an auto burglary in the 3200 block of Curtis. According to police, the caller indicated that they had observed two people in the neighborhood in a blue Cadillac. The passenger in the Cadillac got out of the vehicle and walked up to a pickup truck. The witness observed the Cadillac driving away. The passenger of the Cadillac broke out a window on the truck. As he was doing so, witnesses went to the pickup to contact the suspect. The suspect ran from the scene, and the witnesses followed. Continue reading Suspect Still Sought Following Auto Burglary and Shooting

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department has established an Internal Affairs Section. KETK reports the Internal Affairs Section is designed to be a fact finding entity and its purpose is three-fold: Protection of the Public, Protection of the Department, and Protection of the Employee. Continue reading Marshall PD Establishes Internal Affairs Section

GUN BARREL CITY — A Dallas woman was taken into custody for allegedly possessing methamphetamine in Henderson County. According to KETK, deputies stopped a vehicle around 6:22 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Oak Harbor Drive and Welch Lane in Gun Barrel City. The vehicle matched the description of one seen driving away from the scene of a disturbance at Wedgewood Loop in the Oak Harbor subdivision. The driver was identified as Joyce Patricia Williams, 55. Her vehicle was searched and a baggie of meth was found inside, according to officials. The suspect was arrested and booked into the Henderson County Jail for possession of a controlled substance.

TYLER — A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit between an East Texas man and Famous Chicken of Shreveport, L.L.C., after the man accused a Longview Popeye’s of employment discrimination due to his having HIV. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report an agreement between the parties was reached Tuesday in federal court. The agreement requires Famous Chicken, the parent company of the Longview Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits, to pay $25,000 to Noah Crawford. The company was also ordered to train its management in federal anti-discrimination laws with additional hours of school for its human resources director. Crawford said he was denied employment because he has the virus that causes AIDS. The suit was filed last September 13 in Tyler federal court.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is continuing to seek the whereabouts of an accused child predator. Police tell KETK Lewis Lavon Jones, 51, of Kilgore, is wanted for aggravated child sexual assault and indecent exposure. He reportedly ran from police in Rusk County and was able to escape capture. Jones is known to drive a 1992 tan Ford pick-up truck with Texas license plate number BNK-4913. If you know of this suspect’s whereabouts, contact the Kilgore Police Department at (903) 983-1559. If he is spotted in Rusk County, call the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 657-3581. You can also contact Rusk County Crime Stoppers at (903) 655-8477, and you may be eligible for a reward for information leading to an arrest of Jones.

SMITH COUNTY — One person was injured and cited after an early Thursday morning wreck south of Tyler. Just before 6:45, an 18-wheeler and passenger vehicle collided at Highway 69 and County Road 152 near Bullard. According to KETK, the driver of a passenger car fell asleep at the wheel. As the 18-wheeler was driving northbound on Highway 69, the car struck the semi. The driver of the car was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injures and was cited for causing the wreck.

MARSHALL — After being determined competent in July to stand trial, Christopher Lynn Hamilton, the suspect accused of attacking two Marshall Wal-Mart associates and a customer with a hatchet, has now been declared legally insane. That’s according to KETK and the Marshall News-Messenger. Hamilton, a 28-year-old Arkansas transient, was arrested last December and charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Continue reading Hatchet Slinging Suspect Declared Insane

WELLS — According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, a decomposed body has been found near Wells, in the southern part of the county. KETK reports that around 10:45 Wednesday morning, the body was found by a TxDOT contracted mowing crew off Highway 69 near County Road 2620. The body, which was found in a median, is believed to be a female. The approximate age and race are unknown at this time. The median was last mowed in June. Law enforcement said an Angelina County investigator was en route to the scene. Authorities are currently looking for a missing female in the area. Officials at the scene said the body would be sent to Tyler for autopsy.

ATHENS — Deputies arrested two Henderson County men Tuesday evening in connection with a home burglary. According to KETK, at 7 p.m., The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office stated it received a 911 call from a resident on FM 3273 in the Cross Roads area. The caller told dispatchers there were two men breaking into a home. A Malakoff police officer, along with a deputy, found and pulled over a suspect vehicle on Railroad Street in Malakoff. Authorities say they determined the two men were responsible for the burglary in Cross Roads. The suspects were still in possession of all the stolen items, according to the Sheriff’s Office. John Wesley Dodd of Cross Roads and Jamie Lee Phillips of Athens were arrested and booked into the Henderson County Jail for burglary of a habitation. Both men remain in the Henderson County Jail on $50,000 bond.

AUSTIN (Staff/AP) — A veteran Lindale firefighter seriously injured during a January house fire received a prestigious Star of Texas Award Wednesday morning from Governor Rick Perry. KETK reports Joe Yeakley was battling the blaze when part of the roof collapsed on him. Yeakley was among dozens of police officers, firefighters, and first responders honored with the awards, distributed during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol. All recipients were killed or severely hurt in the line of duty. The award was created to honor police and other emergency personnel who exhibited extraordinary service to the state. Some 363 awards have been distributed since it was first distributed in 2004.

GLADEWATER — Three people were taken into custody for an alleged oilfield theft on Wednesday evening. KETK reports that around 6:00pm, officers were called to the area of Locker Plant Road on reports of a possible oilfield burglary in progress, according to the Gladewater Police Department. Once authorities made it to the scene, they were given a description of a suspect vehicle seen leaving the vicinity. Officers were able to find the vehicle and three alleged burglars inside. There was also a trailer hooked up to the vehicle with several pieces of stolen pipe, officials say. Authorities arrested Tony Joe Sprayberry, 52, of Mt. Enterprise; Beth Maxwell, 26, of Kilgore; and Daniel Sunday, 38, of Kilgore for theft greater than $1,500, less than $20,000.

MARSHALL — A former Marshall Police Department narcotics officer is accused of alerting a drug dealer that he was being investigated. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, the federal charges against William “Brody” West were filed August 5 in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas in Marshall. He is charged with misprision of a felony, which accuses him of withholding information on a crime or deliberately concealing knowledge of a felony. Continue reading Former Officer Accused of Alerting Drug Dealer

TYLER — Classes at Hogg Middle School resumed as usual today. Yesterday morning, a small electrical fire in the school’s server room resulted in the Tyler ISD canceling classes at Hogg for the day. Students or parents with further questions are asked to call the Hogg front office at 903-262-1500.

RUSK (AP) – Riding the rails in East Texas could be part of a history lesson for some students. The Texas State Railroad has announced reservations are now being accepted for its fall educational school runs. The special train trips happen on three Fridays this month, beginning September 12. The train departs from the Rusk Depot on 90-minute round trips. The Texas State Railroad was established in 1881. Spokeswoman Janet Gregg said Tuesday that the special runs will help students learn the history of the railroad, especially use of its 1890′s turntable. Railroad officials are offering discounted rates for education groups.

TYLER – A Dallas man has been arrested in Tyler for drug violations. Taken into custody was Robert William Zandstra, 27, of Dallas. He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1, one gram or more but less than four grams, in a school zone, a 2nd degree felony. The ATF also entered the case because of the weapons that were found and additional charges may be filed. Continue reading Mobile Meth Lab Seized in Tyler

AUSTIN (AP) — Longtime Texas journalist Donnis Baggett has been selected as recipient of the 2014 James Madison Award presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Baggett, executive vice president of the Texas Press Association, will receive the award September 12 during the John Henry Faulk Awards luncheon at the foundation’s Bernard and Audre Rapoport State Conference in Austin. The Madison award is given to those demonstrating a commitment to upholding the principles of the First Amendment. Baggett leads the press association’s governmental affairs program, focusing on protecting open records, open meetings and public notices. Baggett worked for Texas newspapers, including the Longview News-Journal, for nearly 40 years before joining the press association in 2012. Foundation President Diana Fuentes said Baggett “has spent his career working for freedom of the press and open government.”

TYLER — A 53-year-old Dallas man has pleaded guilty to smuggling charges in a Tyler courtroom. KETK reports Carlos Delgado Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury May 14 and charged with smuggling dead hummingbirds from Mexico into the United States. According to the indictment, from February 2013 through January 2014, Rodriguez was alleged to have unlawfully imported approximately 61 dead hummingbirds of various varieties into the United States for sale. The five-count indictment specifically alleged that the importation of dead hummingbirds violates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Lacey Act, the federal smuggling law, and Texas state law. Rodriguez pleaded guilty August 27 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A date for sentencing has not been set.

GLADEWATER — An East Texas man is behind bars after a call concerning shots fired led to the discovery of meth, according to authorities. KETK reports that on Monday around 6:00 p.m., Gladewater police officers responded to the area of Phillips Springs and Paradise Hill in reference to possible shots fired. Upon arrival, police located a 30-year-old female and Randy Holloway, 35, of Gladewater, who said they had been the ones responsible for firing shots. Officers say through the course of the investigation they seized illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia and made two arrests. The woman was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, and Holloway was allegedly found to be in possession of meth. He was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The name of the female suspect was not immediately released.

TYLER – Students returned to campuses this week to see large amounts of progress made on Tyler ISD Bond 2013 construction projects, according to a news release from TISD. Bond 2013 projects include the new Career and Technology Center (CTC), two new middle school campuses at the existing Moore MST Magnet School and Boulter Middle School locations, the new Three Lakes Middle School in South Tyler, and renovations and additions to Dixie and Rice elementary schools. Continue reading Tyler ISD Bond 2013 Construction Update

LONGVIEW — Authorities have arrested the fourth suspect in a mid-August Longview-area bank robbery. According to KETK, law enforcement officials said Jarray Rashad Todd was arrested at his home in the 4300 block of Patton Drive in Longview on August 30 for aggravated robbery. The suspect was wanted on an FBI warrant out of Dallas in connection with a recent Austin Bank robbery. Continue reading Fourth Suspect Arrested in Longview Area Bank Robbery

TYLER – A new study by the East Texas Food Bank and Feeding America shows that 252,900 people in East Texas turn to food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their families each year. According to a news release from the East Texas Food Bank, this includes 64,700 children and 68,800 older adults. You can go to http://EastTexasFoodBank.org/ETHungerStudy to view the Hunger in America 2014 local report. Go to http://FeedingAmerica.org/HungerinAmerica for the full national report. Continue reading Face of Hunger in East Texas Revealed by New Feeding America Report

KILGORE — Kilgore police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a woman suspected of theft at a local retail store. Anyone with information on the person pictured at left is asked to e-mail Det. John Rowe at john.rowe@cityofkilgore.com or call him at 903-218-6906. If desired, you can contact text an anonymous tip to 847411 + KILGORE + your tip. Please refer to KPD Incident #1408-1494.

ATHENS — Dry weather is beginning to take its toll in parts of East Texas. KETK reports an outdoor burn ban has been issued for Henderson County. According to the County Commissioners Court, the ban was announced Tuesday and will continue for 14 days.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Foundation, the Tyler Independent School District, and the Tyler Area Business Education Council have partnered to award the first-ever Tyler ISD Distinguished Alumni Award. The honor will be given annually to a Tyler ISD graduate whose achievements, strengths of character, and citizenship serve as a model to inspire and challenge current students, according to a TISD news release. Officials say award finalists will have achieved excellence and made impactful and significant contributions to their profession or community. Continue reading Tyler ISD Seeking Nominations for First-Ever Distinguished Alumni Award

SMITH COUNTY — A suspect has been arrested in a Smith County armed robbery. Taken into custody by Tyler police was Jose Alberto Aguilar, 30, of Tyler. He was a suspect in Monday afternoon’s robbery of the convenience store in the 1200 block of East Northeast Loop 323. Around 11:00 Monday night, police received an anonymous tip that Aguilar was walking on Walton Road near Pearl Street. A few minutes later, he was taken into custody without incident. Continue reading Suspect Arrested Following Gas Station Robbery

DIANA — New Diana ISD residents rejected a tax rate increase on Saturday. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, it was voted down by a 247 to 169 margin. The district proposed a hike of 13 cents in the maintenance and operations portion of the tax rate in an attempt to generate more state and local funding as well as increase staff pay. If passed, it would have boosted state money by about $300,000, local by over $200,000, and would have seen staff get a two percent pay increase. trustee’s will review the decision at their next meeting on September 8.