KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — This may be a good time of the year to consider a unique pawnshop based in Tyler. IPawn is an online pawn operation targeting both businesses and individuals. CEO Ben Dekalo says he keeps costs down by asking that you describe the item and what you think it’s worth. Dekalo says the item is overnighted to Tyler. When iPawn gets the item, it is evaluated, and a binding offer is provided. If the client agrees, Dekalo says iPawn transfers the money to the client in no time. Dekalo says iPawn charges 1 to 2% interest. Regular brick and mortar pawn shops may charge up to 20%.

TYLER — With continued cold temperatures in the forecast overnight, many men, women, and children are facing the struggle of trying to find a place to stay warm. The Salvation Army has made preparations and welcomes them to come to the Center of Hope at 633 North Broadway in Tyler. Beds are available as well as blankets that have been collected through blanket drives and individual donations for this purpose. Donors in the community have knit blankets as well as caps to also assist with the cold weather. According to a news release, the Salvation Army has showers available, and the agency will continue to serve three meals a day to ensure that everyone stays nourished and healthy.

LUFKIN — Angelina County Commissioner Precinct 1 Rick Harrison died Christmas day, according to officials with the commissioners’ office. KETK reports that Harrison, 56, suffered a heart attack in August and was flown to a Houston hospital, where he died. Harrison was reelected to office November 6.

KILGORE — An oil tank near Kilgore exploded around 7:00 Tuesday night. That’s the report from KETK and the Longview News-Journal. According to a Kilgore Police Department spokesman, the tank is southwest of Driller Park on a lease road off County Road 1124. First reports indicate power lines down during the winter storm may have sparked that fire.

CROCKETT — Witnesses say a tornado the size of two football fields passed through an area near Crockett Christmas Day. The National Weather Service says a Tornado just north of Pennington, southeast of Crockett, was an EF-3 storm, which has winds of 136 to 165 mph. KETK reports a feed store was destroyed. Rubble and debris were spread over a wide area; nearby homes and property were damaged. In the process, at least three American flags fell to the ground from their respective poles, but they would all be rescued, and one would be put back in its rightful place by two men. On County Road 4550, firefighters Logan Presley and Esau Hernandez rescued a flag, raised it onto a utility pole, and moved on to their next task.

EAST TEXAS – A very rare snowfall brought just over ½ inch snow to Tyler. No trouble reported on Tyler streets. It would be wise to exercise caution on bridges and overpasses around the area. In East Texas, TxDOT reports all sections have applied magnesium chloride and lightweight rock “sanding” bridges and overpasses throughout the 8 county district, including Interstate Highway 20 and Toll 49.

EAST TEXAS — All Smith County offices, with the exception of emergency services, Road and Bridge and facility service personnel, will open at 10:00 this morning due to weather. Any court hearings scheduled to begin before 10:00 will be postponed until that time. Parties and other court participants will be expected to appear at 10:00. Also, the start of mini-mester classes at Kilgore College will be delayed until 10:00 this morning due to inclement weather.

EAST TEXAS – Storms on Christmas day brought power outages to East Texas. Crews have continued working to restore the power. At one point Wednesday morning, thousands were reported without electricity around the area, mainly in Titus and Morris Counties. Gregg and Smith Counties reported several hundred outages each.

LONGVIEW – Five trucks loaded with milk have been hit by fire at the Ryder Truck Rental Facility in Longview. The fire was reported around 10:45 Christmas morning in the 400 block of Ambassador Drive. Four of the refrigerated trucks were destroyed and one damaged. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — A third person has been arrested in the December 5 killing of Ronnie Gammage of Longview. Arrested around 1:00 Christmas morning was Andrew Conrad Norwine, 21. He was arrested in Louisiana by Vernon Parish sheriff’s deputies. He is being held in the jail in Leesburg, Louisiana. Bond has been set at $1 million.

Previously arrested in the case were Sarah Haslam, 20, and Daniel Paul Jones, 19, both of Longview. They are in the Gregg County Jail on the kidnapping and murder charges. Gammage’s body was found last Wednesday in rural Upshur County.

TYLER — Weather permitting, a new traffic signal will begin operation at the intersection of Golden Road and McDonald Road in Tyler today. Officials say the signal will enhance safety for all vehicles including those traveling to and from Tyler Junior College, Moore Middle School, and the University of Texas at Tyler. They add that it will benefit Rose Capital East Little League baseball players, their parents, and other park users at Golden Road Park. Safety for cyclists will also be improved as Bicycle Routes 9 and 12 intersect at this location, according to officials. City officials encourage all drivers to use extreme caution as they approach any new traffic control devices.

TYLER — Tyler police remain on the hunt for some home burglars. Around 11:15 Monday morning, police responded to a residential burglary alarm at 6808 Hollytree Circle. Officers arrived at the scene and learned that a burglary had occurred at that location.

During this time, dispatch received a call from a citizen who gave a suspect vehicle description. Another officer located that vehicle and attempted to stop the occupants. Police say they then threw stolen jewelry from the vehicle. The jewelry was recovered, and the value has yet to be determined. Unfortunately, police say, the suspects were able to get away on foot. The only description police have at this time is three unknown black males. Tyler Police investigators were called out to the scene to begin working on the case. No one was injured, no weapons were observed, and the case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

DALLAS (AP) – Representative Ralph Hall of North and East Texas is set to become the oldest member of the U.S. House ever, a few months shy of his 90th birthday. The Republican from Rockwall is on pace this week to pass North Carolina Representative Charles Manly Stedman, who died in office in 1930 at 89 years, 7 months and 25 days old. Hall earlier this month had already become the oldest member ever to cast a vote. The Dallas Morning News reports that Hall recently won re-election to his 17th term from his North Texas district. It’s more common for senators to stay longer in office, in part because senators run for re-election every six years instead of every two. Hall describes himself as “just an old guy” who has “lived pretty clean.”

JACKSONVILLE — A Cherokee County man lost his home and his car in a fire. It was reported Friday afternoon just outside Jacksonville, near the intersection of County Roads 3301 and 3302. The homeowner received first and second degree burns as he tried to save his animals from the fire. No word on what started the blaze.

SMITH COUNTY – The Texas Department has big plans for Smith County in 2013, including letting to contract a pair of projects affecting Tyler’s Loop 323, and another on Spur 364. The plans for Loop 323 include a complete resurfacing project on the northeast quadrant of the loop, which runs from US 69 north to Commerce Street on the east side. The estimated $4.6 million project is scheduled to let to contract in March with work to begin in the late spring or early summer. Once the project is complete, TxDOT will have resurfaced the entire loop in the past five years.

Thays a big accomplishment,” said TxDOT spokesman Larry Krantz. “Tyler is growing right along with East Texas, and it’s important for a number of reasons that Tyler’s loop stays in good condition.”

The other project relating to Loop 323 is the project to eliminate the bottleneck caused by the railroad overpass between Bellwood Drive and State Highway 31 (West Front Street). The estimated $6.5 million project is scheduled to let in August, with construction to begin as early as the fall. “That’s going to be an interesting project to watch,” Krantz said. “That rail line is vital to commerce in East Texas and we can’t shut it down for long. That means, among other things, we have to build a temporary bridge for the railroad to use while we build the new one.”

On Spur 364, which runs between southwest Loop 323 and SH 31 west of Tyler, construction crews will be adding shoulders and turn lanes on most of the roadway. The estimated $2.7 million project, which includes similar work on FM 2908 west of Tyler, is scheduled to let in May and begin work in the summer.

The projects are also scheduled to conclude in 2013, including the $4 million project to repair, widen and resurface FM 2767 between FM 850 east of Tyler and the Gregg County Line; a $7 million project to repair and resurface Farm Road 16 between Farm Road 1253 near Van and Farm Road 757 near Winona; and a $2.2 million project to widen and resurface Farm Road 14 in the Tyler State Park area between Interstate Highway 20 and Farm Road 16 in Red Springs.

TxDOT is also scheduled to replace bridges on three Smith County roads, including County Road 1141 at Indian Creek, County Road 132 at Henshaw Creek, and County Road 2115 at Bowles Creek. The projects are all scheduled to let to contract in March through the Federal Bridge Replacement Program for an combined estimate of $1.7 million.

Finally, TxDOT’s annual preventative maintenance program, known as “District Wide Seal Coat” is scheduled to seal six roads in Smith County this summer, including:
*State Highway 110 between Hagan Road in Whitehouse and Farm Road 1089 in Troup;
*Farm Road between Farm Road 2015 and Farm Road\M 16 at Red Springs;
*Farm Road 346 between Farm Road 2868 near Flint and Farm Road 2964 (Rhones Quarter Road) near in Whitehouse;
*Farm Road 848 between State Highway 64 at Bascom Road and Farm Road 346 in Whitehouse
*Farm Road 1804 between Wood County Line and U.S. Highway 69 near Lindale;
*Farm Road 2661 between State Highway 64 and Big Eddy Road in Noonday.

LONGVIEW — Rather than send trees to the landfill after the holiday, the City of Longview encourages residents to give their real Christmas trees new purpose as compost or fish habitats. Residents may drop off Christmas trees at three locations from Wednesday, December 26 through Friday, January 11. The drop-off locations are McWhorter Park, 1000 Toler Road.; Stamper Park, 400 Fair Street; or the Compost Site, 280 Hearne Road, during open hours. Christmas trees left for curbside pickup will not be recycled. When dropping off trees for recycling, residents are asked to remove all decorations from trees. Flocked trees will not be accepted.

According to Sanitation Manager Dwayne Archer, “We want to encourage the community to recycle as much as possible. Every year, we receive hundreds of Christmas trees to be recycled, but we would love to see that number grow. When residents recycle, whether it is cardboard, plastic, paper, yard waste, or a Christmas tree, we are able to divert more stuff away from the landfill.”

As a reminder, throughout the year Longview residents may drop off yard waste at the City’s Compost Site. Acceptable items include limbs, brush, leaves, grass clippings, and pine straw. The mulch and compost that is produced at the Compost Site is available at no charge to City of Longview residential solid waste customers with proof of residency such as a water bill. Compost Site regular hours are 8:30am to 4:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday. The Compost Site will be closed for the holidays on December 24 – 26, and January 2. You can contact 903-237-1250 or visit http://recycle.longviewtexas.gov for more information about Longview’s recycling programs.

TYLER — Friday and Saturday, toys and bikes collected from the Angel Tree as well as food boxes were distributed to hundreds of needy families in East Texas at the Community Center, Food Warehouse, and Spence building on Spring Street in Tyler. Since October, the Salvation Army had been making preparations for Christmas by taking applications for the Angel Tree, creating the paper angels, and making arrangements for the Kick Off event which took place November 9th. Since then angels have been available for adoption, and Smith County turned out in great numbers to meet the need of many seniors and children. Once the Angel Tree distribution was complete, preparation began for the Tyler Salvation Army’s 10:30 a.m. Christmas Eve brunch.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department has received a donation of a stump grinder that will be used to eliminate unsightly tree stumps. The donation to the department was made by the locally owned Genecov Group. Many trees were lost during last year’s drought. Officials say the stumps that were left are not only unsightly, but also pose a hazard depending on their location. So far, the Parks and Recreation Department has removed more than 70 stumps thanks to the generous donation. “Christmas came early for the Urban Forestry crew,” said Luke Porter, parks and recreation’s certified arborist. “This generous donation is going to make the community an even more beautiful place to live.”

In an effort to combat the loss of trees during the drought, Parks is encouraging citizens to take part in The Mayor’s upcoming Tree Tyler Planting Day January 19. Participants will meet behind Harvey Convention Center at 10 a.m. and plant donated trees throughout the city. The trees planted at this event will contribute to the Mayor’s Tree Tyler Initiative’s goal to plant 5,000 trees in five years. Visit http://www.TreeTyler.com for more information about the Mayor’s Tree Tyler Initiative.

TYLER — The 31st annual Spirit of Christmas Food Drive will soon be complete, and Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods stores and partnering service groups and food pantries expect to provide a little more than 19,000 boxes of food for families in need throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Volunteers have packed food in boxes provided by the grocery company, and all will complete the distribution of those before Christmas, along with 19,000-plus coupons for a free roasting hen, also provided by BGC. Screened households receive at least one box of nonperishable food and one coupon, based on family size.

The food drive ran from November 14 through December 19 in most areas with BGC stores setting up collection bins and selling “grab-bags” containing Food Club groceries. All contributions to the Spirit of Christmas Food Drive remain in the community in which they are collected.

“This is our largest annual service project, and we work with a great group of organizations to help neighbors in need,” said Brookshire Grocery Co. President and CEO Rick Rayford. “Each year our store teams do a terrific job of promoting the effort and following through to make the food drive a success in their communities.” Using conservative estimates regarding the number and weight of food boxes and hens, BGC estimates the food drive accumulated donations totaling approximately 500,000 pounds this year.

LONGVIEW — A robbery suspect who reportedly used a toy gun has been taken into custody by Longview police. Shortly before 12:15 Saturday morning, officers responded to an armed subject call at the Wal-Mart 2440 Gilmer Road. When officers arrived, witnesses told them a man later identified as Juquin Daniel Gallardo, 20, of Gladewater, attempted to break the glass to gain access into the store’s pharmacy. According to reports, when he was unsuccessful at breaking the glass, he took out what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it at two different clerks.

Gallardo allegedly demanded the keys to the pharmacy. However, the store clerks did not have access to the pharmacy keys. Police say upon further investigation it was determined the gun was actually a toy gun. Gallardo was arrested for robbery and transported to the Gregg County Jail without further incident.

TYLER — Tyler authorities seek the public’s help finding an aggravated assault suspect. Around 3:30 Friday afternoon, police officers were dispatched to 618 North Ellis in reference to a disturbance. When officers arrived on scene, they contacted a man identified as Daniel Gasca, 22. Gasca advised that he and his cousin, Kebodrick Osborne, 17, had gotten into a verbal dispute. The dispute reportedly escalated to the point where Osborne pulled a handgun and fired one time at Gasca, missing him. Osborne then left the area northbound on foot.

Investigators with the crimes against persons unit were called to the scene. After speaking with witnesses and collecting evidence, an arrest warrant was obtained for Osborne for the offense of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Osborne is described as a black male, 6’1”, 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a red sweater, dark colored jean shorts, and a red “beanie” type hat.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Osborne is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler/Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-897-2833). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

LONGVIEW -— Longview Police are searching for the suspect who reportedly stole a vehicle and crashed it into a house. According to KETK, the thief took the truck from a convenience store Thursday night and led police on a chase but managed to get away.

Early Friday morning, the same man was involved in a hit and run accident on Judson Road while driving at an estimated speed of 70 MPH. The suspect then drove down Green Street where he is said to have lost control of the vehicle. He drove through a fence of one house, then crashed into another house across from the former Foster Middle School. Both houses were vacant at the time.

The man ran away from the scene. He is described as a white male, with a military style haircut.

TYLER — As part of their annual surveillance of credit ratings, Standard and Poor’s (S&P) announced that they have reaffirmed the City of Tyler’s AAA bond rating. “To initially receive the AAA bond rating in 2009 was truly a remarkable achievement for our community,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “However, to have it reaffirmed following these tough economic times is extremely rewarding and is a testament to the fiscal discipline embraced by our community.”

In their report, S&P cites the following as underlying factors in reaffirming the City’s bond rating:
* Tyler’s status as the regional trade, service, and health care center for much of northeast Texas;
* Tyler’s strong wealth levels and adequate income levels partly due to a significant student population;
* Consistently very strong financial position;
* The City’s strong financial management policies; and
* A direct debt burden that is expected to remain very low because of a dedicated sales tax that provides cash funding for essentially all of the city’s tax-supported capital needs.

“Very few cities have AA, much less a AAA rating,” said Steven Adams, managing director of Specialized Public Finance, Inc., the City’s financial advisors. “This rating can be directly attributed to the quality leadership of the City and the local, diverse economy. Tyler is a regional economic hub and the strength of its two strongest industries, healthcare and education, contributed greatly to the improved bond rating.”

“I can’t express how satisfying it is to see Tyler’s exemplary financial management and diverse local economy recognized in this way,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “Not only does the improved rating have significant financial implications for future bond issues, but the rating demonstrates that the financial decisions that the City has made over the last decade were the right things to do.”

TYLER — A former Smith County jailer was convicted Thursday of having consensual sex with an inmate. Lakerry Devonerich Bowie, 28, was charged with of violating the civil rights of a person in custody. The jury sentenced him to two years probation.

Investigators first learned of the accusations involving Bowie and the inmate in September of last year. When authorities questioned him about the alleged incident, Bowie allegedly did not cooperate and was fired. He was employed by Smith County for two years. However, the inmate has confessed to consensual sex, but there is no such thing as consensual sex between law enforcement and an inmate, according to Sheriff J.B. Smith. The Texas Rangers investigated the incident.

MARSHALL — During the Christmas holiday break, 28 security camers will be installed at Marshall Junior High School. The are expected to be fully operational soon after students return to classes in January. A news release from the school district says 22 of the cameras will be located within the school and the remaining six will monitor outside activity at key locations.

“This is a very important part of our overall plan to increase security and safety at all of our campuses,” said Dr. Marc Smith, MISD Superintendent. “There was an area of need for cameras at our junior high school and we are pleased to be able to install these cameras and have them up and running soon after school resumes after the holidays.”

The system will include the 28 two-megapixel cameras as well as a six-terrabyte Network Video Recorder (NVR) to store the recorded footage. Matt Calvert, MISD Executive Director of Finance, said the plan is to have the system up and running by the time students return for class on Jan. 14, although that date is tentative as technical issues could arise as the system goes live.

The security cameras are part of a general review of all campus emergency management plans that have been ongoing throughout the school year. Each MISD campus is required to have an updated crisis management plan that is reviewed annually, as well as a general district crisis management plan that is also updated annually.

“There is nothing more important to us the than the safety and security of our students,” said Dr. Smith. “We will continue to review our plan and look for ways to improve our campus safety in order to ensure the most effective educational experience possible that we can provide for our students.”

EAST TEXAS — Thousands of people were reportedly left without power following the storms late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. According to KETK, the outages were caused by high winds and some fallen trees. In Longview, an estimated 150 homes were without power as of late Thursday afternoon in the general area between LeDuke Boulevard and Delwood Drive, and between 4th Street and Eastman Road. Officials said there may be some sporadic power outages scattered throughout the community as well. A similar situation has been reported in Tyler. Utility crews are working to restore electricity; however, officials say it may not be restored before Friday.

With temperatures expected to dip into the upper twenties or low thirties overnight, the cities of Longview and Tyler encourage residents to check on elderly or disabled neighbors in the area. You’re asked consider staying with friends and family until power is restored. For emergency sheltering assistance, you may contact the American Red Cross at 903-753-2091 in Longview or 903-581-7981 in Tyler. The Longview Fire Department has been canvassing the area. Also, the city of Longview is utilizing the Code Red Emergency Notification System to call residents in the affected area.

Elsewhere in East Texas, Alto ISD classes were cancelled for Thursday. The schools lost power around midnight. Classes will resume as scheduled today. Garrison ISD in Nacogdoches County started late on Thursday due to a power outage, with activities beginning at 10:00 am.

WHITEHOUSE — Due to threats of violence surrounding the supposed Mayan end of the world prediction, Whitehouse ISD will beef up security on Friday’s early release. According to Whitehouse Police Department Captain Steve Henry, officials made the decision following recent incidents in and around Smith County, as well as social media, involving violent threats. Authorities will have officers stationed at every campus in the morning and during early release. Officials assure parents their students will not be in danger Friday and the “campuses will be safe.” Friday will be the first time a police officer has been assigned to every Whitehouse ISD campus.

Whitehouse police tell KETK threats of violence aren’t new to campuses, but they will be taking extra precautions in light of the Newtown shootings and drama surrounding the supposed Mayan end of the world prediction on December 21, 2012. Parents or students with information regarding a violent threat should contact their local authorities or a school official instead of posting to social media. Parents are also asked to speak with children about not bringing a gun on campus for protection.

Friday was already a scheduled early release for Whitehouse ISD. At this time, there have been no threats of violence towards the school district, and this was a notification for safety precaution. Henry emphasizes his department’s pledge that the fall term end without incident. “Our campuses will be safe because we’ll be there,” he said.

TYLER — Bullet holes in new vehicles at a local auto dealership have Tyler police seeking clues. Police were called to Crown Motor Company at 4716 Troup Highway on a report of 13 new Volkswagens that had been shot sometime during the pre-dawn hours Thursday. When employees showed up for work they discovered that an unknown suspect had shot the vehicles, parked in the front row facing Troup Highway. Employees also discovered three bullet holes in the building. Investigators believe that the weapon was fired from a moving vehicle on Troup Highway as it passed the business.

Anyone with information about the suspect or suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

HENDERSON — The Rusk County Sheriff’s office is looking for Roy Edward Smith of Tyler. According to KETK, the 31-year-old is wanted for an active warrant of retaliation, a 3rd degree felony. Rusk County Crime Stoppers is offering a $500 reward for his arrest. Anyone knowing of his whereabouts is asked to call Rusk County Crime Stoppers at 903-655-8477 or the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office at 903-657-3581.

WOOD COUNTY – The Texas Forest Service said Thursday afternoon that about 30 to 40 acres of land burned on Wood County Road 3588. KETK reports the fire was called in around 11 a.m. Crews employed two bulldozers to help control the fire. Six different fire departments were battling the blaze at one point. Several houses were threatened but firefighters were able to contain the fire.