KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — The Longview Rodeo Arena at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex is opening following a major renovation project. A ribbon cutting will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday. The first event in the renovated facility will take place on Saturday: Dalton Days, hosted by the Gregg County Historical Museum.

The arena is a PRCA-approved facility with seating for approximately 5,000. During the renovation, the arena received new stadium seats, new lighting, and a new announcer’s booth. Additional parking surrounding the arena was also added. The renovations were funded by the City of Longview. Gregg County provided in-kind assistance of materials and labor for the parking lot improvements.

The City of Longview closed the arena in October 2011 after an engineering review noted several structural deficiencies. The rodeo arena was constructed at its current site during the 1980s, but the stadium grandstands had been in use for several previous decades as the former Longview Lobo football stadium. According to Activity Complex Manager Dixie Golden, “In 2011 there were seventeen events in the rodeo arena. So far, nine events have already reserved for 2012, with several additional groups expressing interest.”

LUFKIN – A guilty verdict recently handed down by an Angelina County jury was the result of coordinated investigative efforts of numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. That’s according to U.S. Attorney John M. Bales and Angelina County District Attorney Clyde Herrington. On Mar. 30, Kimberly Saenz, a 38-year-old Lufkin dialysis nurse, was found guilty of three counts of aggravated assault and one count of capital murder following an 18-day trial in state court. Saenz was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for the murder conviction and received an additional 20 years in prison for each of the assault convictions. According to KETK, she’s planning an appeal.

According to a press statement from the U.S. attorney’s office, “This case is yet another excellent example of the cooperation of multiple agencies of federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecution teams in bringing justice to the Lufkin community.” Bales noted, “The jury’s verdict of guilty, is of course, a bittersweet one. I am pleased that justice has been done, but we all know that a criminal trial is a poor substitute for the losses experienced by the friends and family members. We continue to pray for God’s peace and healing for all involved.”

“There are no winners in this case,” said HHS/OIG Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows. “Many families still grieve the loss of their loved ones. Rest assured that HHS/OIG is dedicated not only to protecting the financial integrity of the Medicare Trust Fund, but also to ensuring the physical safety of Medicare beneficiaries. Together, with local and State law enforcement as was displayed in this case, we’ll do exactly that.”

LONGVIEW — Two victims of a hammer attack in Tatum last week continue to recover. As of Monday morning, Betty Barker was listed in good condition at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. Barker spent three days in serious condition before her condition was upgraded. Donald Wagstaff was released from the hospital Sunday afternoon.

According to KETK, authorities arrested 20-year-old Michael Christopher Ferris of White Oak after the Thursday afternoon attack on the elderly woman and the elderly man, who was working in the yard. Officials said Ferris reportedly knocked on Barker’s door. When she answered, he allegedly attacked her with a claw hammer. As he ran from the home, he reportedly encountered Wagstaff and attacked him as well. Barker was the more severely injured of the two. She was struck repeatedly from behind and was left with many bruises and lacerations.

After the assaults, Tatum police said Ferris ran into the woods, beginning a three-hour manhunt. At least two nearby Tatum schools and one child care facility were locked down as authorities searched for Ferris, who police said was in custody by early evening. Ferris faces two counts of attempted murder and two counts of injury to an elderly person. He has been booked into the Panola County Jail, and his bond is set at $4 million.

TYLER (AP/Staff) – A man twice sentenced to death – but later freed – over the 1977 rape and murder of a Tyler woman will get new DNA testing that he says will demonstrate his innocence. A judge on Monday granted Kerry Max Cook’s request to have more testing. Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham says he doesn’t know yet what Cook will want tested or re-tested, but that he doesn’t oppose it. Cook was twice convicted of killing Linda Jo Edwards. Courts overturned both convictions. In 1999, Cook agreed to plead no contest to murder for a sentence of time served. Judge John Ovard of Dallas denied the request of Cook’s attorneys to have State District Judge Christi Kennedy recuse herself and to have the case moved elsewhere.

NOONDAY (AP/Staff) – In southwest Smith County, Jody Jennings, 47, died after her parked recreational vehicle caught fire. Smith County First Assistant Fire Marshal Oren Hale says the fire broke out Sunday afternoon at an RV park in Noonday. Hale says the materials used to build the RV, like many manufactured homes, meant it burned quickly. Officials add that the smoke in an RV fire is extremely toxic and can incapacitate those trying to escape.

According to KETK, authorities believe the cause may have been a mechanical fire in the RV’s electrical system, but they say it will be several days before they have an official cause. Jennings’ dog also died in the fire. Jennings had only lived in the RV for 10 days before the fire. Monday would have been her 48th birthday.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department and the University of North Texas have teamed up to conduct a survey of residents regarding police services. The research study was reviewed and approved by the University of North Texas Institutional Review Board. According to a police statement, the survey is being issued “as the Longview Police Department strives to provide professional police services to the citizens of Longview.”

Police say the survey is designed to provide feedback to the Department on numerous topics including:
1. The identification of perceived crime in Longview
2. The level of citizen satisfaction
3. Possible fear of crime
4. The familiarity with community-based police programs

Surveys were due to be mailed to 3,500 residential addresses in Longview around April 9. If you receive a survey in the mail, you’re asked to complete or have a member of your household 18 years of age or older complete the survey. It should then be returned directly to the University of North Texas in the provided postage-paid envelope. Police say the results of the survey will be available later this year.

YANTIS — Wood County officials have charged one person with possession of K-2 in a drug free zone Monday. According to KETK, deputies arrested Mohan Jassal, 42, on two felony warrants at his store; the Yantis Food Mart. Officers seized an undisclosed amount of drugs at the store. Jassal was booked into the Wood County Jail and later released on bonds totaling $23,000.

TYLER — Tyler Police investigate a disturbance and suspected suicide. It happened around 10:25 Sunday night at 4201 Chester Drive. Officers said a 46-year-old man was in possession of a handgun. Family members were moved to safety and shortly after, officers heard gunfire from inside the residence. Weldon Hall was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives are investigating.

TYLER – The mother of a Tyler man is coming to her son’s defense following his arrest after reports of gunshots in the city. According to KETK, Brandon Choice’s mother, Ruthie Bride, said her son was being attacked by several people. She claims she gave Choice the gun and told him to fire warning shots. One shot allegedly struck the car of one of the attackers. She said she’ll file charges against the attackers.

Just before 2:15 Saturday morning, Tyler police received a call from a residence located within the 500 block of Maxwell Drive about a suspicious person running across their yard and the sounds of gun shots in the distance. Arriving officers were notified of persons located on east M.L. King Boulevard they were shot at moments earlier on Maxwell Drive. When given a suspect’s name, they contacted Choice, 28, at his Maxwell Drive home. Following an investigation, Choice was booked into the Smith County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to Sgt. Matthew Smyser, no injuries were reported in the incident.

LUFKIN – A teen has been arrested by Lufkin police following a pickup-train accident. It happened shortly after 8:15 Saturday night on Hoshall Road near the Southwood intersection. The pickup driven by Seth Hargis, 18, of Lufkin was on the tracks as the train approached. The conductor said he saw the truck on the tracks and sounded the train’s horn. Hargis is said to have jumped from the truck and ran away. Hargis was not injured. He was arrested and booked in the Angelina County jail on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

TYLER — Internet safety remains a top focus for local authorities. On this week’s KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Community Response Officer James McCraw with the Tyler Police Department shares a list of do’s and don’ts, for kids and adults alike. For one thing, he says parents need to be familiar with their kids’ favorite Internet sites. He also suggests establishing clear rules — and seeing that computers are kept in a family room or other high-traffic area of the home to promote better parental supervision.

Additionally, McCraw discusses a local multi-agency web safety collaboration. The Committee to RAISE Tyler consists of the police department, SuddenLink, Tyler ISD, and Discovery Science Place. “RAISE” stands for “Raising Awareness of Internet Safety through Education.” For more information, you can visit http://www.tylerpolice.com or call 903-531-1096. You can also click on http://www.ktbb.com/audio to hear the full “Staff Meeting” show online beginning early Monday morning.

LONGVIEW — Ray Street in Longview will be closed at Sabine Street to through traffic beginning today. The closure will allow for water main adjustments at the intersection of Ray and Sabine Streets as part of the Annexation Sewer and Water Improvements Project. Access to Ray Street will be at Loop 281. The closure will be effective for approximately three days. This project is providing water and sewer service to areas annexed by the city in 2009. This project is being constructed by Texas J and D Construction of Bronson, Texas.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on State Highway 155 between Toll Road 49 and State Highway 57 (Grande Extension). Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

TENNESSEE COLONY — Texas Department of Transportation construction crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately three weeks of resurfacing work on Farm Road 645 between U.S. Highway 287 north of Tennessee Colony and Farm Road 3328 near the TDCJ Beto I Unit. Also this week, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on State Highway 294 west of Elkhart between Farm Road 322 and Farm Road 1990, followed by the same work on Farm Road 323 between U.S. Highway 84 east of Palestine and Farm Road 1817. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement-repair operations on State Highway 31 in Malakoff. Also this week in Henderson County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue resurfacing work on Farm Road 3079 between Farm Road 314 south of Brownsboro and Farm Road 315 south of Chandler. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on South Loop 281 between FarmRoad 2205 (Jaycee Drive) and Estes Parkway early in the week, followed by applying a seal coat in the same location later in the week. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue approximately two weeks of edge repairs on Farm Road 1716 between State Highway 43 near Tatum and Farm Road 782. The work is being done in advance of a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2869 north of Farm Road 49. The work is in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on US 84 in Rusk and work east toward Reklaw. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 47 north of Farm Road 2475, and on Farm Road 1395 between Farm Road 47 and Farm Road 859. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

LONGVIEW – According to new data, over 25% of Texas children live in poverty. The living conditions of many children in East Texas are worse. The figures from new 2010 data released this past week, thousands of area children are impoverished, with no health insurance, and relying on government assistance for food.

According to a report in the Longview News-Journal, 39% of Texas mothers received no, or very late, prenatal care. Rates were higher in most East Texas counties. Gregg County’s rate of child poverty topped the statewide rate with just shy of 30% of children 17 and younger in poverty. The region’s highest rate, however, was 35%, in Marion County. Panola County had the area’s lowest child poverty rate, at 20%, the only area county with a rate below the state average of 25.7%.

You can go to http://www.news-journal.com to see more study.

WOOD COUNTY – Three illegal gambling operations have been raided in Wood County. Over 100 eight-liner machines were seized when three separate teams raided the businesses at Quitman, Winnsboro and Alba. All three raids were staged at the same time Thursday night. Besides the machines, authorities also seized the property and a large amount of cash. At least one person has been arrested because she was in possession of a firearm, and more arrests are anticipated. Sheriff Bill Wansley said the raid followed a year-long investigation.

LONGVIEW — Longview authorities are searching for one person in connection with a shooting. KETK reports it happened Friday near the intersection of 14th and Lorin Streets. Officials say a man was shot twice in the leg. His injuries are reportedly not life-threatening. No further information was immediately available.

NACODOCHES — Working with Nacogdoches police, a Nacogdoches County constable has conducted a search warrant that has led to two arrests and the seizure of several types of controlled substances and marijuana. According to KETK, Constable Jason Bridges said the warrant was executed on West View Street around 6:30 Friday morning. Authorities say the two suspects were found inside the residence with their two small children. Officials say a search of the residence revealed 15 grams of crack cocaine, 4 grams of powder cocaine, 41 ecstasy pills, ½ gram of methamphetamine, 3 pounds of marijuana and four marijuana plants that were found inside of a closet.

Constable Bridges said the investigation started last month when deputies with the Precinct 4 constable office seized narcotics from a traffic stop in Precinct 4. Arrested at the scene were Melanie Rose Arnold, 29, and Jarcory Bussey, 33, both from Nacogdoches. Both were charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and child endangerment. Bridges said Child Protective Services was called to the scene and is assisting with the ongoing investigation involving the children.

TYLER — Tyler supporters of GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum want to know who took 15 Santorum campaign signs in the Tyler area Thursday night. Local campaign spokesman Adam Comer says the cost was $750. Comer says police have been notified, and “this is not something that the Rick Santorum grassroots campaign is going to ignore.” Comer says the campaign has put up some signs in place of the ones that were taken. He asks anyone with information to call Tyler police.

HENDERSON — A Rusk County man is still missing after almost 2 months. According to KETK, authorities are still looking for James Tidwell of Mt. Enterprise, who was last seen on Feb. 15. His vehicle was found abandoned on the side of FM 95 on February 29. If you have any leads, you’re encouraged to call authorities.

GILMER — A judge on Wednesday placed 29 small-breed dogs in state custody after their owner testified she loves the animals and does not operate a puppy mill. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Upshur County sheriff’s deputies seized the dogs March 30 after a burglary investigation led them to a home on Texas 155 south of Gilmer. Owner Thelma Poche has 10 days to appeal Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Laura Norred’s decision that seven Chihuahuas, 14 Yorkshire terriers and eight Yorkshire puppies should remain in state care.

“My objective was to raise show dogs,” Poche testified Wednesday, specifying the terrier breed. “I was trying to raise and choose from them which ones could be shown.” No charges have been filed against Poche, though sheriff’s Lt. Freddie Fitzgerald said charges are possible as the investigation continues.

ATHENS — Two months after he threatened to sue an East Texas county for allowing a nativity scene on public property, a longtime Atheist announces during holy week, he’s converting to Christianity and become a pastor. Facing massive medical bills, Patrick Greene decided to stop his suit against Henderson County after learning his ability to see was rapidly deteriorating. Thousands of dollars flowed in from local Christians causing Green to undergo a radical change of heart. Green says the Theory of Evolution left him empty and the compassion of Christians who should have been angry at him caused his transformation. Greene says he’s going to help minister with a local chapter of The Rainbow Baptists, a ministry that accepts the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community.

TATUM — Authorities have arrested a suspect after he reportedly beat an elderly woman and an elderly man working in the yard. He’s been identified as Michael Christopher Ferris, 20, White Oak. Officials said the attack happened shortly before 4:00 Thursday afternoon in the 600 block of East Johnson Street in Tatum. Officials said Ferris reportedly knocked on the victim’s door. When she answered, he allegedly attacked her with a claw hammer. As he ran from the home, he reportedly encountered a man working in the yard and attacked him as well.

According to the Longview News-Journal, both victims, identified by the Panola County Sheriff’s Office as Betty Barker and Buddy Wagstaff, were hospitalized in Longview. Both are listed in stable condition. Barker was the more severely injured of the two. She was struck repeatedly from behind and was left with many bruises and lacerations.

After the assaults, Tatum police said Ferris ran into the woods, beginning a three-hour manhunt. At least two nearby Tatum schools and one child care facility were locked down as authorities searched for Ferris, who police said was in custody by early evening. According to KETK, Ferris faces two counts of attempted murder and two counts of injury to an elderly person. He has been booked into the Panola County Jail, and his bond is set at $4 million.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department has seen a recent rash of car burglaries over the past three weeks. Officials said there have been over 100 reports filed from March 18th to April 2nd. According to KETK, the burglaries are not central to one location but districts throughout the city are seeing their share of the burglaries. Large commercial spots such as the mall and other shopping centers are prime targets for the burglars who can spot items by just walking around. LPD officials said they have made one arrest.

LINDALE — Two suspects are arrested for prostitution in Smith County. Authorities say a man and woman were taken into custody after allegedly offering sex to an undercover agent following a massage. According to Constable Precinct 5 Dennis Taylor, it happened around 11:15 Thursday morning at Sunny Foot, located in the 900 block of Main Street in Lindale. Constable Taylor says one suspect gave a massage to one of his deputies for $60, and then offered sex for $200. He Chong Chong and Yuhong Kenny (pictured) were taken into custody and charged with promotion of prostitution and operating a business without a license. According to KETK, the two were smuggled into the United States from China. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating the matter.

TYLER — Some in East Texas say the economy is starting to rebound, and they have some thoughts on where to look for work. According to KETK, Snelling Personnel’s Brenda Balch points to the oil and gas industry. Balch specifically mentions cooks and chefs, since some oil and gas companies provide meals for their field workers. Another staple of East Texas is the medical field. Balch says Tyler is the region’s medical hub, and it continues to add jobs. According to Balch, new physicians come on board every year, and that creates a spinoff effect. New restaurants in Tyler are also creating additional employment opportunities.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department says a missing woman has been located. An alert was issued yesterday for Elizabeth Aileen Clark, 80. She had last been seen at noon Thursday at 1301 South Chilton. She disappeared after going for a walk. We were notified this morning that Clark was found a couple of block from her home, walking in the 400 block of Mockingbird. An area resident saw her and notified police. She appeared to be confused and could not advise where she had been. Clark did not appear to have any physical injuries but was transported to Mother Francis Hospital to be checked.

CANTON — Van Zandt County authorities are investigating the theft of two historical markers. On Monday, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission reported a theft to the sheriff’s office. When a deputy arrived, he was told the markers had been stolen from County Road 1117 in the Canton area. One marker indicated a Cherokee boundary line and was located on near County Road 3051. The second marker was recognizing Father Jose Calahorra and was located near County Road 2419. Both markers were stolen sometime within the past week, and there are no suspects identified at this time. Anyone with information relating to the case is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-567-4133 or Crime Stoppers at 903-567-STOP (903-567-7867).

LONGVIEW — A Longview woman has been arrested in connection to stolen charity Christmas gifts. Rachel Bradley, 39, was arrested April 3rd and indicted by a grand jury on theft charges. She was released from the Gregg County Jail after posting a $25,000 bond. Longview Police say more arrests in this case could be forthcoming.

Last December, the Gregg County Child Welfare Board reported almost $20,000 worth of gifts, intended for area foster children, and were stolen from a storage facility on Jahan Trail in Longview.

HENDERSON — Henderson Police responded to a domestic dispute and discover numerous firearms. According to KETK, police said at least two guns have been reported as stolen. Jimmy Don Reedy was arrested and booked into the Rusk County Jail. According to KETK, he was arraigned on felony theft of a firearm charges. His bond was set at $10,000.

LUFKIN — Convicted serial killer Kimberly Saenz has returned to court to begin appealing her case. The 38-year-old was sentenced Monday to life in prison without parole for killing five DaVita Dialysis patients by bleach injection in April 2008. According to the Lufkin Daily News, she’s now attempting to overturn the ruling. Following the brief hearing, Saenz was taken back to the Angelina County Jail, where she will remain prior to prison transport. Saenz’s husband said Monday, their attorney would be appealing the conviction, and that the family planned to hold a press conference soon.