KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Police are searching for a man who burglarized a donut shop over the weekend. It happened during the early Sunday morning in the 1500 block of South Jackson Street. Detective Greg Compton with the Jacksonville Police Department tells KETK that the man forced his way into the business and took an undisclosed amount of money. Based on surveillance photos, police say the thief is a black male with a black beard. Cherokee County Crimestoppers is offering a reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief. If you can help, contact Jacksonville Police Department at 903-586-2546.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has named Matthew Henry to serve as the new Dean of Innovative Education and as the leader of the LETU’s new Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. As an administrative dean over academic technology, Henry will also serve as the senior academic technology officer, and the leader in quality control of online/blended educational delivery. In his new role, Henry will join LETU’s Deans Council and continue to serve on the President’s Cabinet. Henry has served as the head of LETU’s Information Technology Department as Chief Information Officer since Aug. 2009. He will continue to serve as CIO, with a shift of some of his former duties to expand the roles of others in IT. Continue reading New Dean at LeTourneau University

JEFFERSON — The lone finalist for school superintendent in Jefferson is Rob Barnwell. School trustees on Monday night named Barnwell the lone finalist for the post. According to the school website, Barnwell will be coming to Jefferson from Queen City ISD where he has served as superintendent the past nine years. After the required 21 day waiting period the board anticipates hiring him at the August 12th meeting and have him start work the following day.

DALLAS (AP) — The Texas woman accused of sending ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has given birth prematurely to a baby boy while in custody. Attorneys for Shannon Guess Richardson, 35, and husband Nathan say she gave birth July 4 to a boy named Brody. Shannon Richardson’s attorney, Tonda Curry, says the baby faces serious medical issues due to the premature birth and remains hospitalized. John Delk, Nathan Richardson’s attorney, says the boy weighed less than 2 pounds at birth and was four months premature. Continue reading Woman in Texas Ricin Case Gives Birth in Custody

TYLER — A Smith County man will be going to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on November 7, 2012 charging Jose Eduardo Moreno, 39, of Tyler, with federal drug trafficking crimes. He pleaded guilty on February 4 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Moreno was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Federal prosecutors say Moreno was found in possession of approximately 52 grams of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute in the Eastern District of Texas.

TYLER — A 28-year-old illegal alien residing in Palestine, has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on December 6 against Eduardo Guerrero Alvarado. He pleaded guilty on February 4 to possessing a firearm while illegally in the United States. Yesterday, Alvarado was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. According to federal prosecutors, on November 29, 2012, Alvarado was found in possession of a pistol. Further investigation revealed Alvarado was illegally in the United States and not legally allowed to carry a firearm.

BOSSIER CITY, LA. — A man wanted in Longview for murder has been captured at his Bossier City residence by a contingent of law officers. According to KETK, members of the U.S. Marshal’s Violent Offender Task Force, with the assistance of Bossier City Police and Shreveport Police, arrested Paul Anthony Mengel Jr., 27, at his home in the 1400 block of Gibson Drive at 1:30 Tuesday afternoon. Mengel was previously wanted for the shooting death of a Joey Espy on July 7. Continue reading Man Wanted for Longview Murder Arrested in Bossier City

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert calls for a House select committee investigation of last September’s multi-fatality attack on the American diplomatic mission at Benghazi, Libya. Joining others at a Washington news conference, Gohmert pointed out that the committee would have subpoena power, and added, “We need to force this issue to the floor.” Amid the applause of colleagues, Gohmert said, “We owe it to those who might die in the future for want of us getting to the truth. We owe it to them to get to the bottom of this.”

LONGVIEW — Longview’s first compressed natural gas fueling station is now fully operational. KETK reports that Independence Fuel SYstems opened the station along Eastman Road near Interstate 20 on Monday. The company now has six high flow pumps available for use. Businesses have already been using the pumps, including buses that have altered their routes to stop in Longview. The CNG Station will also have an impact for local car dealers selling CNG vehicles. Independence Fuel Systems plans to break ground on another CNG station in Carthage next week and has plans of building two more stations in Longview.

KILGORE — Kilgore ISD board members Monday night approved changes to several of the district’s policies, but not the one Todd McElmurry had hoped to hear about. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, McElmurry said his 5-year old son spent most of his first year at Kilgore Heights Elementary School in a state of constant worry after being bullied. Beginning in October, McElmurry said his son was spit on, tripped in the hallway and verbally abused by a student from another class in his grade. That student was later moved into his son’s classroom despite the family’s objections. The last straw, McElmurry said, was in February when the child urinated on his son’s jacket in the school bathroom. Continue reading Kilgore ISD Board Discusses Policies after Bullying Incident

LONGVIEW — Two horses and two calves were seized Monday afternoon from a northwest Longview property after city officials said neighbors grew tired of feeding them. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “They felt compassion for the animals and after seeing they were neglected, they stepped up,” said Buck Farrar, environmental health supervisor for the city of Longview. “You could tell by looking at these animals it wasn’t just a few days without food. This was a chronic problem that was going on for days.” Richard Fincher, executive director of Safe Haven Equine Rescue, said the animals’ pen was not stocked with food or water. “There’s no hay, nothing really for them to feed on. The water trough, I took pictures of it, and it’s empty,” he said. Continue reading Officials Seize Livestock after Complaints of Animal Neglect

TYLER — A 32 year veteran with the Tyler police department has retired. The retirement ceremony for Officer Sandra Nauls-Mast was held Tuesday afternoon at the Tyler Police Department. Sandra Nauls-Mast was one of the first female African American Police Officers hired at the Tyler Police Department. She currently serves as the second shift Airport Officer at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Continue reading Tyler Officer Sandra Nauls-Mast Retires

TYLER — Saying he’s fulfilling a campaign promise to equip Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies and personnel with the tools they need to do their jobs, Sheriff Larry Smith announced Monday that 49 Tasers are now on the streets. According to KETK, Smith added that all personnel for whom the device is applicable have completed taser training. Smith says Tasers are conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) and are used worldwide by law enforcement to temporarily incapacitate dangerous, combative or high-risk subjects who pose a risk to law enforcement officers or themselves. According to Smith, Tasers are generally recognized as a safer alternative to other uses of force. Continue reading Sheriff’s Office Adds 49 Tasers

TYLER — Habitat for Humanity and PATH are announcing a partnership that closely coordinates efforts for future home ownership opportunities for the economically disadvantaged people of Smith County. PATH’s newly designed Transitional Housing Program (THP) provides assistance to low-to-moderate income families who are deemed ready and capable of breaking through the barriers that have been holding them back from self-sufficiency. Officials say the 18-24 month program includes ongoing case management, education, mentoring, accountability, and assistance. The stated goal for every family enrolled will be to prepare for ongoing success in home ownership or a market-rate rental home. Continue reading Habitat for Humanity and PATH Announce New Partnership

QUITMAN — A Wood County man is expected to have charges filed against him after he allegedly stabbed his father in the chest, then reportedly cut the older man’s throat over drugs. According to KETK, on Saturday, officials with the Wood County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call inside a housing addition off Farm Road 2869 in regard to an assault. When authorities arrived, they found a man with knife-inflicted injuries to his throat and chest. When EMS arrived, the victim was taken to a Tyler hospital. Also on scene of the reported assault was the victim’s son, who was also taken to a local hospital after allegedly overdosing on methamphetamine and cocaine. Continue reading Man Accused of Stabbing Father and Cutting His Throat over Drugs

BULLARD — The Bullard High School solar car gets a little work done after a four-car crash on its way to Texas Motor Speedway. KETK reports the crash happened along Interstate 35. Wet roads are to blame. A vehicle swerved in front of the truck towing the team’s car. No injuries were reported, but the solar car got a little banged up. The team was still expected to compete in the 2013 Winston Solar Car Challenge beginning today. The race is a 1400-mile journey from the Texas Motor Speedway to the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

NACOGDOCHES — A man and two juveniles have been arrested in connection to recent fuel thefts from several East Texas school districts. Authorities with the Nacogdoches Sheriffs Department tell KETK that diesel and gas had been taken from the Nacogdoches, Martinsville, Garrison, Chireno, Woden, and Alto ISDs, as well as a Cherokee County work barn. Officials believe that there may have been additional thefts that have not yet been discovered. Continue reading Three Arrested in Connection to Fuel Thefts

GLADEWATER – Last week KTBB news reported a story from the Longview News-Journal that incorrectly reported autopsy results in the June 24th drowning of Timothy Matthew Carson. The Longview News Journal now reports “Tests for illegal and prescription drugs were conducted, but none were found” in Carson’s system. The paper has gone on to report that “his blood alcohol level was 0.329 and cause of death was ruled accidental drowning.”

KAUFMAN (AP) – A court document is among the windows into the alleged motive for the slayings of two Texas prosecutors. The document details an interview Kaufman County ex-Justice of the Peace Eric Williams gave a probation officer after he was convicted last year of stealing three county computer monitors. Williams said in the presentence investigation report that his life had taken a “drastic turn” and the conviction would amount to a “life sentence.” Continue reading Suspect in DA Killings: Life Took “Drastic Turn”

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

PALESTINE – Work associated with the Texas Department of Transportation’s annual preventative maintenance program known as District-Wide Seal Coat is scheduled to continue this week in Anderson County as it moves through all eight counties of the Tyler District, treating nearly 300 miles of roadway before concluding work in August. Several days of rain in the past week delayed the crew moving into Anderson County. The rain pushed work scheduled for SSE Loop 256 to Sunday. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

NACOGDOCHES — One man is arrested after being found in possession of marijuana early Sunday morning. According to KETK, Nacogdoches Police were called to the 2900 block of EJ Campbell Boulevard around 1:50 after police received a call from a neighbor stating someone was inside her home. Upon investigation, officers found a man, related to the resident, in possession of marijuana. Authorities arrested Sheldon Allen, 21, for possession of marijuana. He was taken to NLEC for booking.

LUFKIN — Two minors were arrested in Lufkin for possession of drug paraphernalia. According to KETK, Lufkin Police were called to the 100 block of North John Reddit Drive around 4:30 Sunday morning for a beer theft. Upon arrival, officers found both occupants of the vehicle allegedly intoxicated. Further investigation revealed that one of the occupants allegedly had marijuana hidden in his sock. Lufkin Police arrested Vincent Cantu and Vivian Garza, 20, both of Lufkin. They were taken to Angelina County Jail and charged with minors in possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches police have been arrested two men for possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. According to KETK, Nacogdoches Police were called to the 3200 block of North Street in Nacogdoches shortly after 7:15 Saturday evening. Officers were responding to reports of a narcotics distribution occurring at that location. After officials made contact with the residents of the home, they found both residences to be in possession of marijuana and cocaine. Police arrested Shekinula Jones, 38, and Artha Griffin, 40, both of Nacogdoches. Both Jones and Griffin were arrested for possession of marijuana. Griffin was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. They were taken and booked into NLEC.

TYLER — Participants and guests observe the official kickoff of the 80th Texas Rose Festival during a weekend event at Tyler’s Willow Brook Country Club. Rachel Vanderpool Clyde is Queen of the 2013 Festival. She says it’s a real honor to be a part of the activities during this landmark year. The Festival runs October 17-20; the theme is “Raindrops on Roses and Other Favorite Things.” You can visit http://www.texasrosefestival.com to find complete information.

MARSHALL — One week after Florida jurors found George Zimmerman not guilty in the murder of Trayvon Martin, 19, hundreds of people gathered Saturday at the Harrison County Courthouse for a peaceful protest rally. According to the Longview News-Journal, the rally joined a number of nationwide protests Saturday against the verdict. Protesters held signs asking for “Justice for Trayvon” and for Florida to change its Stand Your Ground law. Protesters were encouraged to register to vote and sign a petition asking for Florida’s Stand Your Ground law be changed. The petition will be sent to Florida Governor Rick Scott.

AUSTIN (AP) — Federal investigators say an East Texas state psychiatric hospital could lose Medicare funds because of deficient patient care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has given the Terrell State Hospital 90 days to fix things or lose Medicare funding. The Austin American-Statesman reports the $4.6 million is about 9% of the hospital’s $49 million budget. In its letter, the federal agency said nursing, laboratory, food, anesthesia and respiratory services were deficient. The hospital’s infection control and physical environment for patients weren’t adequate. Also, federal, state and local laws weren’t followed. The agency gave the hospital until October 6 to fix the problems or lose funding. A Texas Department of State Health Services spokeswoman said the 90 days will allow the problems to be remedied. .

LONGVIEW — Longview police are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect after a woman was assaulted Thursday in her home. According to KETK, the woman told police a man wearing a black T-shirt and blue basketball shorts was standing across the street from her Birch Street home, watching her as she arrived home that afternoon. According to police, the victim said she tried to make the man leave. He demanded money and attacked her, breaking several items and causing her non life-threatening injuries. The victim was able to get to a phone and called 911. The suspect fled before officers arrived. Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Longview police at (903) 237-1170.

LONGVIEW — Life, as tough as it has been recently, was is looking up for Spike Dillinger. Officials with the Northeast Texas Humane Society say the pit bull mix would be adopted by a Longview couple early this week. Continue reading Pet Adopted; Reward Still Offered in Dog Shooting Case

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview report they’ve arrested four suspects in two separate robberies. Thursday afternoon just before 5:30, officers were dispatched to Broughton Park in the 800 Block of Martin Luther King Blvd for a fight in progress. When officers arrived, they located a victim who had been assaulted and robbed by several males. The victim said the robbers displayed guns during the robbery, and he was able to identify the suspects. Two of the suspects were located near the park, and another suspect was found hiding inside a slide at the park, according to police. Continue reading Four Arrested in Two Robberies

LONGVIEW — Longview police investigate an incident involving a robbery and an assault. Thursday afternoon just before 3:45, officers were dispatched to a robbery just occurred in the 100 Block of Birch Street. When officers arrived, the victim told them that when she came home, she noticed a black male wearing a black t-shirt and blue basketball shorts standing across the street from her residence watching her. Continue reading Police Seek Tips after Woman Assaulted, Robbed at Home