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SMITH COUNTY — Smith County is asking for redistricting input from the public at two upcoming public hearings and through the County’s redistricting web page. You can go to http://www.smith-county.com to view the web page.

According to the Census Bureau the Smith County population grew to 209,714 in 2010, making the ideal population for the four commissioner precincts 52,429. According to the initial data presented to the court, only County precincts 1 and 4 will be affected by the proposed new boundaries. Initial information showed Precinct 1 experienced significant growth and is more than 10 percent above its ideal population, while Precinct 4 needs about 9.5 percent more population. Each commissioner precinct must be within 10 percent deviation from the ideal population.

The new population numbers create a 19.5 percent imbalance. The proposed plan will
address the imbalance and bring Precinct 4 under the 10 percent threshold. Morning and evening public hearings will be held on June 21 at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. inside the Smith County Courthouse Annex, 200 E. Ferguson St. The public is also encouraged to send questions, concerns and input to County Commissioners via the “comments” tab on the Smith County redistricting page.

WHITEHOUSE (AP) – An expectant East Texas couple thought creating a Facebook page for their unborn child would be a fun and convenient way to announce their coming addition to their family to their friends. Ellie Greene says she thought it would be the most efficient way to keep her family back in Scotland updated on her pregnancy. But as will happen with Internet creations, Matt and Ellie Greene’s page took off and became a viral hit, with 800 people asking to be her Facebook friend. Then, Facebook shut the page down, since it had been created in the name of someone who had not yet moved from the realm of the fictitious to the factual. The Greenes created a new group page for updates.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Two East Texas sex offenders are sentenced to jail. Visitacion Flores, 50, Jacksonville, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault of a child. Officials say, while working at an apartment complex, Flores assaulted a 13-year-old girl. James Schlater, 53, Rusk, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after violating his probation last year. Authorities say he failed to report to his probation officer and was found in California. He was on probation for assaulting a 6-year-old relative.

JACKSONVILLE — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of East Texas seized animals from a property on CR 3304 in Jacksonville on Thursday and Friday because the animals were “cruelly confined, severely neglected and improperly fed,” according to a warrant. One horse was seized Thursday and seven horses, one bull, two cows, and one donkey were seized Friday and taken to a veterinarian in Tyler.

The SPCA of East Texas president said a tip on the organization’s hotline spurred the investigation. The owner of the animals, William Earl Franklin, is ordered to appear at a civil hearing June 13. Officials say, the animals could be awarded to the SPCA of East Texas and placed with a new owner.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation Sunday afternoon after a fire destroyed a portion of his home. According to the Longview Fire Department, fire crews were dispatched at around 1:00 to the 300 block of Millie Street in connection with a fire that started in a bedroom of the residence. Officials said the fire spread from the bedroom of the home into other parts of the residence. The fire also damaged a car parked near the home and caused some damage to a neighboring residence. Officials say it took crews about three hours to clear the scene. Extra crews were sent to assist with the fire due to the triple digit temps. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

KILGORE — Kilgore College is mourning the loss of former Lady Ranger basketball coach Evelyn Blalock who died Saturday in Longview after a lengthy battle with cancer. According to Kilgore College President Dr. Bill Holda, Blalock is best described as a pioneer, a trailblazer in the history of KC women’s athletics. “As the first person to coach women’s basketball at KC, she set a standard for the program by winning three national championships,” Holda said. Evelyn was passionate, committed and loved to win. She inspired her players to reach goals which were at or above their own ability levels.”

Blalock taught at KC from 1965-1997, beginning the basketball program in 1979. In addition to the three national championships, Blalock’s teams accrued numerous other awards including six conference titles, 14-straight playoff appearances and six NJCAA National Tournament appearances. Her overall record at KC was 390-156, winning 71% of games played.

“As one of her many long-time colleagues, I join the entire KC family in mourning her passing. While we will miss her, I am happy for her that her trials and sufferings are no more,” Holda said. “She will forever be in our memory.” Funeral services for Blalock are set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Visitation is also scheduled for Tuesday, from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

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

WHITEHOUSE — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled perform pavement repairs on State Highway 110 between Farm Road 346 in Whitehouse and Hagan Road. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

Also this week, contractor Reynolds & Kay is scheduled to continue several weeks of resurfacing on Spur 147 (Gentry Parkway) between West Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and U.S. Highway 271 (Beckham Street). Daytime lane closures will be in effect, and motorists are encouraged to be on the lookout for heavy trucks entering and leaving the job site.

Finally, TxDOT is scheduled to sever County Road 2297 (Brewer Road) on Monday, June 13, as part of ongoing construction on Segment 5 of Loop 49. Residents will have access to Farm Road 756 (Paluxy Drive) via SCR 2191.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 2274 between State Highway 204 in Ponta and US 79. The work is being done 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.

GREGG COUNTY — Beginning Wednesday, June 8, the Texas Department of Transportation will be closing Farm Road 2011 to all traffic between Farm Road 2087 and Farm Road 349 while damage to the bridge in that area is repaired. The closure is expected to last through June 21. Detours will be posted.

Also this week in Kilgore, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to conclude pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 259 Business in Kilgore between Lantrip Street to the south end of the US 259 Bypass, then move to State Highway 42 Business between Lantrip Street and Kilgore Street. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 13 between State Highway 42 in Price and the Cherokee County Line.

A second crew is scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 1662 between Farm Road 1798 in Laneville and Farm Road 2753 in Anadarko. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Also in Rusk County, on Monday, June 13, contractor Pinto Construction, Inc., of Nacogdoches, is scheduled to begin repairing and resurfacing Farm Road 1251 between Farm Road 2658 and Farm Road 3231 in the Martin Creek Lake area. The roadway will be closed to thru-traffic during the work. The approximate $570,000 project let to contract in May and is scheduled to take approximately two months to complete.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs in various locations on Ranch Road 2970 between Farm Road 753 and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing operations on State Highway 294 between U.S. Highway 79 and Farm Road 322. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Also this week, contractor Knife River is scheduled to open both sides of the State Highway 155 widening project between Frankston and Pert just south of the bridges in Frankston. Knife River will continue resurfacing operations on the northbound lanes and resume work on the Caddo Creek Bridge in the coming weeks.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs at the intersection of State Highway 243 and State Highway 198 in Canton, followed by similar work in various locations on State Highway 64 between U.S. Highway 80 in Wills Point and Interstate Highway 20. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 14 between Farm Road 49 and SH 154. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Also this week, TxDOT contractor Nixon Engineering is scheduled to begin repairs to the damaged bridge rail on the westbound U.S. Highway 80 bridge over Lake Fork Creek.
One lane will be closed at all times during the repair.

LAKE TYLER – The body of a missing five year old has been found in the waters of Lake Tyler. And charges may be filed in the accidental drowning. Found at the end of a pier by a boater was the body of Joseph Cooks of Flint. The youngster, who did not know how to swim, was not wearing a floatation device.

Game Warden Chris Green says the mother was fishing on the pier while her kids were wading in the water. Green says when she went back to her car for a moment, that’s when the boy disappeared. Green says this week, several officials will meet to decide if the parents will be charged in the death. He added, “Someone needs to be held accountable for this unfortunate death out here. It’s just not acceptable. We have to be more responsible parents.”

TYLER – Investigators are trying to determine what caused a couple of Tyler area fires on Saturday. A two story home in the 3300 block of Farm Road 724 was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon. A large explosion was heard from the house, and then the fire was seen. No one was at home when the fire started and no injures were reported.

And a fire damaged several homes at the corner of Duncan Street and the Old Gladewater Highway. The fire started in one home and then spread to two others. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — For $50, you get a chance to win a 2011 Dodge Ram quad cab pickup and help out a good cause. Only 1,000 tickets are being sold, with all proceeds going to the Children of the Tyler Police Department Scholarship Fund. All you need do is stop by Allen Samuels East Texas Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, and Jeep at 3120 SSW Loop 323 or go by the Tyler Police Department at 711 W. Ferguson. You can go to http://www.allensamuelstyler.com for more details.

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas Youth Commission has announced that it will close three of its 10 correctional facilities by the end of August. The TYC board said Friday that it will shut down facilities in Crockett, Beaumont and Brownwood and consolidate operations at McLennan State Juvenile Correctional Facility Units I and II. The board, stating that it was following direction from the Legislature, said its decisions would affect the placement of about 400 youth and 700 staff at those locations. The board cited the agency’s budget reduction of $116.9 million for the next biennium and significantly reduced youth population as key to the decision to close the facilities. An additional 50 positions in the agency’s central office and 73 positions in the regional and parole offices will also be eliminated.

AUSTIN – A Smith County man is one of three persons appointed by the governor to of the Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council. The council assists the commissioner of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services in developing rules and policies for the agency.

Among those named to the panel was Dr. Thomas W. Grahm of Tyler. He’s a board-certified neurosurgeon and a partner at Tyler Neurosurgical Associates P.A. He is president of the Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons, and a member of the Texas Medical Association, American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is also a member of the North American Spine and Skull Base societies, Smith County Medical Society, and American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring. Grahm received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

TYLER — The Tyler Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced that this year’s Race netted $286,000 in proceeds. Spokespeople say the 13th annual Race, held at Bergfeld Park on May 7th, had an outstanding year with over 5,600 runners and walkers registered. Additionally, The Power of 10 Pledge Program, established in 2008, had a record year with individuals raising $57,487. Spokespeople say many East Texans whose lives are affected by breast cancer will benefit from the grants which will be funded by the money raised through the race. 75 percent of the net proceeds will stay in Smith County for local grants. The remaining 25 percent is used to fund the Susan G. Komen for the Cure National Research Grants Program.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was built on a promise made by Nancy Brinker to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, to make every effort to eradicate breast cancer. In the past 25 years, the organization has raised more than $1 billion to fight breast cancer through research, education, screening and treatment, making it the leading source of nonprofit funding.

TYLER – One person has been killed in an accident on Tyler’s southeast side. It happened in a three vehicle wreck on the loop at University Boulevard late Friday afternoon. Dead at the scene was John Michele Ruiz, 29, of Tyler. The preliminary investigation indicates that Ruiz was westbound on the loop on a Yamaha motorcycle. A SUV had been eastbound on the Loop and made a U-Turn at the intersection of University Boulevard to travel westbound on the Loop. Investigators say that Ruiz tried to pass the SUV on the left of the vehicle and hit the driver side of it. This caused Ruiz to lose control and hit the concrete median in the center of the loop. The motorcycle then vaulted over the median and hit a pickup. The pickup was stopped for traffic in the left turn lane on the eastbound side of the Loop.

LAKE TYLER – The body of a missing five year old has been found in the waters of Lake Tyler. The youngster’s body was discovered under a boat ramp at the lake. He is identified as Joseph Cooks of Flint. Authorities say the youngster, who did not know how to swim, was not wearing a floatation device.

LUFKIN — A motorcycle accident claimed the life of a Lufkin woman early Friday. Maria Huerta, 42, died at Memorial Medical Center at 3:32am following the 12:19am accident, Lufkin Police said. Her husband and driver, Jesse Huerta, 48, was also taken to Memorial with a broken shoulder. Jesse Huerta reportedly lost control of the bike after hitting a curb in the 400 block of Frank Avenue by the downtown post office.

TYLER – A 51-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges. Nicodemus Udofia pleaded guilty on May 31 to health care fraud and illegal remunerations charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, from 2006 to 2008, Udofia, the owner of a medical equipment business in Tyler, submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medical equipment and supplies which were not provided to beneficiaries. As a result of these claims, Udofia unlawfully obtained more than $50,000 from Medicare and Medicaid. Udofia also offered to pay illegal remunerations, or cash kickbacks, in exchange for patient information that he could use to submit claims to Medicare and Medicaid.

Udofia was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 3, 2010. Udofia faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — With high temperatures once again making their presence felt, officials in Tyler are revisiting their heat plan. Twelve years ago a coalition was formed to address the issue of high temperatures and to develop a heat plan. An annual review is conducted by local police, fire, public health and community groups to ensure the information remains current and the community is aware of its contents. It is a resource to safe havens to get relief from the heat.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District reminds everyone that heat kills. A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected and will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible; they are announced by local weather reports. Those at highest risk for death or illness from heat (groups without access to air conditioning for at least a few hours of the day) are: the elderly, socially isolated individuals (homebound, homeless), the physically disabled, those with chronic medical conditions, infants, and those taking certain medications (neuroleptics, anticholinergics).

Public health officials conclude that access to air conditioning is the most critical intervention to decrease the human impact of a heat wave. During the hottest parts of the day, the note, it is important to seek additional shelter from prolonged heat exposure. You are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, and stay out of the sun as much as possible. You should also check on relatives and neighbors that may be at increased risk. Civic groups and public spaces offer access to air conditioned areas. Welfare concerns may be referred to your local fire department or police department, or the Smith County Sheriff’s Department. In case of extreme emergency you’re urged to call 911. For additional information or a copy of the Heat Plan, you can contact Patty Roberts at [email protected] or 903-535-0053.

TYLER — The John Tyler High School and Robert E. Lee High School graduation ceremonies take place this weekend at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, located at 609 Fair Park Drive in Tyler. Here’s the full schedule with contingency plans:

Robert E. Lee High School Graduation
Friday, June 3, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

John Tyler High School Graduation
Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

Staffers scheduled both graduation ceremonies for live airing on http://wwwtylerisd.org and TISD TV Channel 19. Any changes to the graduation plans will be communicated via the media, TISD TV-19, AlertNow phone messaging system, Facebook, Twitter and the district website.

John Tyler High School Contingency Plan
#1-Rose Stadium Sunday, June 5 2:00 p.m.
#2-Rose Stadium Sunday, June 5 5:00 p.m.
#3-Rose Stadium Sunday, June 5 8:00 p.m.

TYLER – A 34-year-old Palestine man has pleaded guilty to federal gun violations. James Emil Hanson pleaded guilty in Tyler on June 2 to possession of an unregistered firearm before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. According to information presented in court, on Oct. 1, 2009, Hanson was found in possession of an unregistered firearm. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 2, 2011, and charged with federal violations. Hanson faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER – A federal grand jury has returned multiple indictments in Tyler. In separate cases, two men face charges of enticement of a minor. Stephen Wayne Perritte, 66, of Henderson, allegedly used a computer to communicate with a minor in an attempt to engage in sexual activity from May 23 to May 25, 2011. Charles Abner Richey, Jr., 62, of Christianburg, Virginia, allegedly did likewise from Apr. 19 to May 5. Each man faces up to ten years behind bars if convicted.

Concepcion Baldelamar, 49, of Mexico, was indicted for failing to register as a sex offender and illegally being present in the United States after having been previously deported. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the first charge and up to 20 years for the immigration violation. According to the indictment, in March 2009, Baldelamar allegedly returned to Texas after having been deported to Mexico. Baldelamar is also alleged to have failed to register as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Notification Act.

Lisa Godfrey, 50, of Tyler, was indicted on charges of theft of government property, making a false statement, and social security benefits fraud. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, from February 2007 till March 2011, Godfrey is alleged to have made false statements claiming that a minor lived with her resulting in the payment of approximately $29,490 of child insurance benefits to which she was not entitled. During that same time, Godfrey allegedly failed to report that the child left the residence and was no longer living with her.

Charles Kevin Clayton, 36, of Texarkana, Texas, was indicted on charges of counterfeiting. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on May 21, 2011, Clayton is alleged to have attempted to pass a counterfeit $50 bill at a Dairy Queen. Further investigation revealed Clayton possessed approximately 7 counterfeit $50 bills and 12 counterfeit $20 bills.

Dustin James Poole, 31, of Mabank, was indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on May 12, 2011, Poole is alleged to have been found in possession of two firearms and ammunition. Further investigation revealed Poole was previously convicted of possession of a stolen firearm in federal court in 2003 and theft in Henderson County in 2004.

LONGVIEW — AlleyFest celebrates 33 years of festival fun in downtown Longview June 3 through 5. The annual celebration of the arts, which has become a local tradition, is taking place on the streets of Longview’s historic Main Street district. You can go to http://www.alleyfest.org to get more information on AlleyFest and its activities.

NOONDAY — An agreement was reached in a Smith County Precinct 2 courtroom just after 3:00 yesterday afternoon in last week’s puppy mill case. The home where Refugio Silvas, Jr., and his wife were living was raided last week. The couple was ordered to pay $8,000 and hand over all 70 puppies to the SPCA. Many people in the courtroom are said to have been upset over the puppy mill case. The SPCA says it will continue to pursue further action and charges against the couple.

TYLER — Tyler Police have arrested a teenager who allegedly robbed a 14 year old at gunpoint in Fun Forest Park. Taken into custody was Donald Lloyd Davis Jr., 17, of Tyler. Officials say the victim was walking through the park in the 1800 block of Garden Valley Road when he was approached by the suspect who told him to give him all his money. While showing his empty pockets, the teen pulled out a cell phone. The robber pulled a gun and demanded the phone, then ran away. A witness offered his phone to the teen to call the police. When officials arrived, they found Davis in the 1800 block of West Oakwood, where they arrested him. They searched the area and found a pistol and the cell phone in two different trashcans on Maxwell Street, about a block away from where they found Davis.

GILMER — Tuesday’s Upshur County Commissioners meeting erupts with accusations, and a request to remove a person from the crowd. Commissioner James Crittenden accused fellow Commissioner Lloyd Crabtree of bypassing his authority as presiding officer. That comes after Crabtree received a letter instead of Crittenden. And when Commissioner Mike Spencer tried to get back to business, a woman from the crowd spoke up, saying Crittenden was presiding and could “say what he wants to.” Spencer responded, “Excuse me. For an outburst like that I would like to have her removed from the court.” After the outburst, the commissioners took a recess. The woman was not removed from the meeting.

The commissioners’ court has seen its share of controversy in recent months. Crabtree is under indictment along with County Judge Dean Fowler and Sheriff Anthony Betterron. All are charged with official oppression and abuse of official capacity in a case involving removal of public comment from agendas.

CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County have arrested two suspects on narcotics charges. On Wednesday at approximately 3:30 p.m. the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office along with the Precinct 3 Constable, Wills Point Police Department, Canton Police Department, and Child Protective Services served a narcotic search warrant at 800 Van Zandt County Road 3219 in the Myrtle Springs Community. After a lengthy investigation, the Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of a large amount of methamphetamine, a large amount of marijuana, several thousand dollars, surveillance equipment and drug paraphernalia.

Wendy Mae Jones, 34, and Joseph Zachary Eggeling, 34, of Wills Point, were placed into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance and delivery of marijuana. They’re currently being held at the Van Zandt County Law Enforcement Center on $35,000 bond each. Three others were released at the location pending further investigation. Four children ranging in age from 1 to 14 were placed in the care of Child Protective Services.

TYLER – A new film festival was announced Thursday by the film working group of the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition (DTAC). The Downtown Tyler Arts Film Festival will take place Oct. 12-15 at Liberty Hall. Members of the DTAC filmmaker group are serving as organizers. “Show Us Your Shorts” is the theme of this year’s festival, which concentrates on comedic short films of 15 minutes or less. The event will kick off with a VIP street party on Oct. 12, with films available for viewing Oct. 13-15 at the newly renovated Liberty Hall. Additional activities will be announced at a later date.

“Independent film production is becoming a major industry,” said festival Director Chris Abraham, a volunteer with DTAC. Abraham pointed out that major media distributors have a growing interest in small, start-up studios, and filmmaking is now a very popular area of study on college campuses. Abraham continued by saying that new distribution avenues are opening lucrative business models for new media producers. “A film festival is not only great fun, but it is also a very smart business move for Tyler,” Abraham said. Also organizing the event are experienced film festival producers Stephen Self and Donna Gatewood.

The film festival is also capitalizing on Tyler’s relatively new concept of Rose Season, an effort to expand upon the economic impact of the Rose Festival by incorporating a variety of events to extend the season to three weeks. “This event was planned intentionally to complement the Rose Festival dates and offer additional activities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy,” said City of Tyler Main Street department leader Beverly Abell. “We hope the film festival will only add to the wonderful schedule of events available during Rose Season.”

Entries in the film fest are limited to live-action or animation. All films must have at least one producer or director who is a resident of Texas. Live-action movies must have had at least 75 percent of their principal photography completed in Texas. Entries must be received by Aug. 31, and only 25 will be selected for showing. Go to http://www.tylerfilmfest.com for more information on the event. “We also encourage people to ‘like’ the festival on Facebook and keep up with events on Twitter,” Abell said.

ALTO — A Cherokee County town will furlough its police force for six months, believing it the best way to save the city money. The Alto City Council voted to cut off for six months the wages and benefits for Alto’s police chief and four police officers, effective June 16. That’s despite Mayor Monty Collins’ warning that such a move is a mistake. The furlough would turn over law enforcement for the town of about 1,200 residents to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies recently took over law enforcement down the road in the town of Wells. That’s after the governing council in that town of 800 residents laid off its only police officer.

TYLER — This week, Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust, asked the Smith County Commissioners Court for an additional $5,800 to cover the rest of the fiscal year in fuel costs. He says with rising gas prices, the county didn’t give them enough. Precinct 2 Commissioner Cary Nix says the Constable is in a unique situation, but he says thinking ahead and staying within budget is the issue. The Commissioner says the court will discuss the matter next week.

LUFKIN — A 20-year-old Lufkin man was arrested Tuesday for having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl. Hayden Shaw McCleskey is being charged with two first-degree counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, an arrest report stated. The girl, who is now 14, was spending the night at McCleskey’s home with his sister on two separate occasions when the acts took place, the first in February and the second in March, according to the report.

The alleged sexual assaults were reported by the victim’s father, according to Lufkin Police Lt. David Young. In an interview with police, the girl said McCleskey knew she was only 13. After McCleskey was taken into custody, he admitted to having sex with the girl twice and that he was aware of her age, the report stated. McCleskey was booked into the Angelina County Jail, where he made a collective $50,000 bond a short time later. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.