KTBB News, Weather, Talk

EAST TEXAS — Several burglaries remain unsolved in Smith and Henderson Counties. Authorities say the target is items in storage facilities. Police say multiple locations have been targeted more than once, including 7 in Tyler. Officials say there may be more than one person or group responsible. The burglaries are happening at storage centers with no surveillance systems or other security. Local storage center owners are voicing their concern. One says, “There’s nothing you can do. If they want to get in they’ll get in, no matter what.” Authorities say the big target at the storage units is electronics such as TVs and DVD players.

TYLER — Tyler resident and community leader Anwar Khalifa is offering remarks on current unrest in Egypt. In a statement submitted to KTBB, Khalifa says, “I was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and still have relatives in Alexandria, Cairo and other cities in Egypt. I have been asked to represent those of Egyptian Origin. We pray that all violence stops. We condemn all violence against any and all religions. We also condemn police violent actions against peaceful protest. President Mubarak has been a long time friend of the USA. He has apparently not kept faith with our values in empowering the general public to choose leadership in a democratic/republican form, and has not looked after the welfare of the economy of his country.”

JACKSONVILLE — A Cherokee County jury has found Dickie Paul Bellanger guilty of two counts of aggravated assault of a child and two counts of injury to a child. He received two 75-year sentences, one for each count of aggravated assault of a child. The sentences will be served consecutively in state prison. He also received two 10-year sentences, one for each count of injury to a child. Dickie Bellanger and his mother, Candi Jean Bellanger, were arrested in May 2009. He was arrested for the assaults of two infants while she was arrested for not taking action to prevent or report the abuse.

LINDALE — Authorities are taking a closer look at a fire in Lindale that almost spread between an abandoned house and a local nursery. Officials say the fire may have been set intentionally. Lindale Fire Chief Jerry Garner says around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday a house, located on the 14800 block of CR 432, was on fire. The house was completely engulfed in flames when several fire departments arrived. Embers from the fire spread to Mea Nursery and almost caught parts of the building and plants on fire. Fire officials were able to control the blaze. No injuries were reported.

LUFKIN — A day after a police report was filed, a Lufkin man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly beating his wife with a plastic baseball bat and spraying Febreze in her mouth. The incident started when Victor Ray Wortham, 36, became angry at his wife because she popped her bubble gum, according to an arrest report. Wortham reportedly punched her in the mouth and then grabbed the plastic bat and beating her in the hip and chest. He then forced her onto the bed and held her down so he could spray Febreze air sanitizer in her mouth. The chemicals in her mouth made the woman vomit several times and burned her throat, the report stated.

LONGVIEW — A fire has extensively damaged a house in the 500 block of Luckett Street in Longview. It was reported around 1:45 Thursday morning. Firemen extinguished the blaze about 45 minutes later. A resident of the house was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. She’s in fair condition. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

DALLAS — According to the Palmer Drought Index, much of East Texas remains in a moderate drought situation. In Dallas, National Weather Service climatologist Mark Fox says it’s a La Nina-influenced winter that features drier and warmer than normal weather. He says there is some relief in sight, though. According to Fox, “Actually, we’re getting back to kind of what’s a normal spring. We’re definitely gonna be looking at a wetter pattern coming up for March, April, and May.” Fox says precipitation patterns are already starting to return to normal.

JACKSONVILLE — Due to conditions which have occurred recently in the water system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Craft-Turney Water Supply to notify all the customers involved in the repair area to boil their water prior to consumption. According to system officials, the area included in this boil water notice is from the Antioch Methodist Church on County Road 3111 to the intersection of CR 3111 and County Road 3114, down CR 3114 including up to the intersection of County Road 1804, and down CR 1804 — also, the Pine Grove side (the southwest end) of County Road 1816.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials will notify you. If you have questions regarding this matter you may contact Rhonda Briggs, Office Manager at 903-586-9301.

TYLER – A 20-year-old man is taken to the hospital with severe head lacerations Tuesday night, after a trip to Grandma’s house went awry. Police say Billy Ray Rollins, 63, lived with the grandmother at the Tyler residence. They say when the woman’s grandson came to visit, Rollins was drunk and tried to kick him out of the house. That’s when he allegedly grabbed an axe and hit the grandson over the head with the axe handle. Rollins has been booked into the Smith County Jail on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges.

AUSTIN — Should pit bulls be banned in Texas? A proposed bill would make owning the dog a felony. Texas pit bull advocate and owner Laura Dapkus says maulings are rare. She says in the case of a ten-year-old East Texas boy killed by two pits two years ago, “We have a very, very small population of owners that are extremely irresponsible. These dogs had bitten before.” Cynthia Kent of Tyler, attorney for the boy’s mom, wrote the legislation; she doesn’t buy Dapkus’s argument. Kent says, “It’s not the person that mauled to death Justin Clinton. It was these two pit pulls.” Short of banning the breed, “Justin’s Law” would make dog owners carry adequate insurance.

LONGVIEW — Some confusion continued to grow for one group in charge of repairing Longview streets. A heated meeting ended in the resignation of one man who says the city is not paying attention to tax payers. Jim Martin was one of 16 members on the Longview Street Task Force Committee but resigned this week because he says the committee wasn’t doing what is was formed to do. Their mission was to repair streets, but instead, intersections and roads are being torn up when no repairs were needed. One of the projects Martin is commenting on is the Trion intersection.

JACKSONVILLE — Authorities in Jacksonville have released the name of a man killed in a house fire over the weekend. Roosevelt Brown was in his Jacksonville home Saturday evening when the fire started. Firefighters say he was overcome by flames. Investigators are still searching for a cause of that fire, but they do say it was not intentionally set.

WASKOM — A Harrison County Sheriff’s deputy is okay after being shot and a suspect is in custody. Merrill Wickware, 81, remains in the county jail, charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer. He is being held without bond. It happened around 3:45 Wednesday afternoon on Farm Road 9, south of Waskom.

According to a news release from the sheriff’s department, Lt. Duana Couch was conducting an investigation regarding a court-ordered seizure of an RV on the property when she was shot. Her head was grazed by a shot from a 22-caliber pistol. She was treated and released from Good Shepherd Medical Center in Marshall. Authorities say the suspect barricaded himself in his mobile home but surrendered when other officers arrived.

LONGVIEW – An Arkansas teenager is arrested in Longview after allegedly attacking a pharmacist. Taken into custody Wednesday was Johnny Cooper, 18, of Spiro, Arkansas. Longview police say the teen entered the Walgreen’s Pharmacy in the 500 block of Marshall Avenue around 3:00am. He is said to have had a long, narrow object wrapped in clothing, which he claimed was a gun. He is said to have demanded pain medication, and then leaped over the counter. He is said to have placed the object against the employee’s neck. The clerk was able to subdue him and held him on the floor until officers arrived.

MARSHALL — A Gregg County man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations. Michael Shane Donald, 42, of Kilgore, pleaded guilty on last November to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge T. John Ward.

According to federal prosecutors, on May 24, 2010, Donald was found to be in possession of a sawed-off shotgun with an obliterated serial number in Upshur County, Texas. Further investigation revealed Donald was a convicted felon, having been found guilty of assault, family violence in 2004 in Upshur County. Convicted felons are prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Donald was indicted by a federal grand jury last July and charged with federal firearms violations.

LINDALE — A fire just north of Lindale has destroyed two abandoned houses. It was reported around 9:30 Wednesday night on County Road 432. Firemen from 5 separate departments were able to extinguish the flames and to keep it from spreading to the nearby Mea Nursery. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — Lane closures are scheduled to begin Friday for the Reel Road widening project between Gilmer Road and Knobcrest Drive. The purpose of the project is to widen the section of road from two lanes to four lanes. Traffic will be limited to eastbound only from Knobcrest to Gilmer Road. Westbound traffic will be detoured through Regal Oak Drive. The closure will be effective through the summer.

This project was approved by voters as part of the Capital Improvements Bond Election in May 2007. It is being constructed by East Texas Bridge of Longview.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler will begin testing its outdoor emergency warning system at 11:05 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, Peyton Low, emergency management coordinator, announced. The change was made at the request of the City of Tyler in an effort to avoid confusion for residents who live near UT Tyler. The monthly test will still consist of a voice announcement, followed by a series of tones and conclude with another voice announcement. UT Tyler formerly tested its outdoor warning system at 4 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.

The outdoor warning system is activated for any threat that directly impacts the safety of the campus community, and is separate from the City of Tyler’s system. Potential reasons for activation include weather emergencies and other emergencies (law enforcement threat, hazardous materials release, or other dangerous situations). The only other time the system will be activated is for the monthly test or other announced tests. You can visit http://www.uttyler.edu/emergency/ for more information about UT Tyler’s emergency management efforts.

TYLER — The local homeless coalition known as Gateway to Hope joins the Texas Homeless Network, along with other local agencies and interested parties, in conducting a Homeless Survey Thursday in a continuing effort to address the homelessness issues facing community members in Smith County and throughout the state.

“We will be carrying out this survey and count on the same day as other agencies all over Texas,” said Christina Fulsom, Gateway to Hope Steering Committee member. “The survey will result in a comprehensive report on the number of homeless persons – sheltered and unsheltered – in our community; demographics, reasons for becoming and remaining homeless, educational attainment, employment status, health care needs, and other factors will be collected. We have to truly understand the scope of the problem in order to improve our ability to plan and implement effective housing and service programs. The same survey was conducted in January of 2010 – 306 homeless individuals, 68 of them children, were identified in Tyler, there were many others we did not find that night.”

Fulsom says the coalition needs at least 50 volunteers to make this a successful study. “Anyone who shares our commitment to helping the homeless of Smith County is encouraged to volunteer. We will provide you with training on the night of the survey. Every team will be led by an experienced team leader.” Volunteers will meet at 3 p.m. on Thursday. After a brief training and a light meal, volunteer teams will disperse throughout the County and count and survey individuals living on the street and in shelters from 5-7:30 pm.” To register to volunteer, you can visit the PATH website at http://www.pathhelps.org or call Chanta Willis at 903.597.4044 x112.

Fulsom added, “It is also very important that homeless individuals know we are coming out to visit them that night. Those meeting HUD’s definition of homeless are encouraged to come to the following Soup Kitchens: Good Samaritan, Loaves and Fishes, and The Salvation Army. Those staying in shelters will be surveyed in the shelter. Shelters participating include the Salvation Army and the East Texas Crisis Center.”

MARSHALL — A 43-year-old Karnack, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for distributing cocaine. Rodney Kirk Jenkins pleaded guilty last November to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge T. John Ward.

According to information presented in court, from 2007 through April of 2010, Jenkins and other co-defendants are responsible for the distribution of 500 grams or more of crack cocaine in the Eastern District of Texas, and maintaining a place in Harrison County in order to produce large quantities of crack cocaine for distribution. Jenkins was indicted by a federal grand jury last August.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert says there were a few issues he found problematic in the State of the Union Address — mainly President Obama’s long-range push for clean energy initiatives. Gohmert says the world is desperate for gasoline and that oil companies will take advantage — selling the fuel in other places, such as Asia, Africa, and South America. According to KETK, Gohmert says that would drive the price of gasoline up to 5, 6, even 7 dollars a gallon — and that the working poor would be among those most affected. Two-thirds of the nation’s refined gasoline is produced in Texas.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council heard a presentation Wednesday on the creation of the Medical District and Tyler Junior College Area Development Plan. City officials say the plan is an outgrowth of the Tyler 21 Comprehensive Plan and the Industry Growth Initiative (IGI). According to officials, the plan will help guide the future development of the area. The planning area encompasses approximately 1,062 acres surrounding the medical district and the Tyler Junior College campus contained in the boundaries of Front Street and Broadway Avenue to Fifth Street and Old Omen Road.

City officials say, “The objective of the IGI is to pinpoint the industries that make the most sense to focus resources on given Tyler’s unique characteristics so we may foster an Innovation Economy and take the Tyler region into the next 20 years of economic prosperity and growth.” According to city press materials, the healthcare sector supports more than 25,000 jobs in the Tyler region, making it Tyler’s largest industry in terms of employment and economic impact. Officials say launching an area development plan for the medical district is one of the first steps the City of Tyler is taking to help foster growth in this industry.

“The IGI identified the medical industry as a key opportunity for Tyler’s economic future,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “Developing a plan for how the district should look, how people will find their way around, how traffic will move and how land will be used are all important to continuing to grow this industry that is Tyler’s largest employment sector.”

City staff has created a project schedule and met with Tyler Junior College, East Texas Medical Center and Trinity Mother Frances to share preliminary data. Officials say city staff will soon begin seeking the input of stakeholders, students and area residents. The stated goal of the Plan is to consider the impact on future land use, infrastructure and pedestrian connections within the areas. The scope of the area development plan will include the following elements:

* Public/stakeholder involvement;
* Land use/zoning;
* Transportation/pedestrian connections; and,
* Environmental/aesthetic design issues.

The plan is scheduled to take approximately 11 months to complete, with a final draft scheduled to be presented to the City Council in December 2011.

GILMER — A district court judge will be fulfilling some of the duties left behind by Upshur County Judge Dean Fowler after he was suspended. Fowler was suspended after he was indicted on an official oppression charge, causing a backlog of cases to pile up and forcing the county to take action. Precinct One Commissioner James Crittenden has taken over Fowler’s responsibilities during commissioners’ court meetings while Fowler is suspended.

TYLER — At the City Council meeting Wednesday morning, City Manager Mark McDaniel announced the appointment of Tyler’s new fire chief, Tim Johnson. Johnson has served the Tyler Fire Department for nearly 30 years.

He began his firefighting career in 1981 and progressed through the ranks of firefighter, driver, captain, senior captain, and district chief. He has also served as chairman of the firefighter’s pension fund for the last 17 years.

Johnson was promoted to Fire District Chief in 2008, holds a Master Certification through the Texas Fire Commission, and has earned ten certifications in firefighting, including: Instructor Certificate, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rope Rescue, Extrication, High Angle Rescue, Confined Space, Incident Command, Incident Management, and Hurex/Hurricane Training. In addition to Johnson’s experience as a firefighter, he has served as the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Mabank for six years, been on the Mabank City Council, serves on the Mabank Economic Development Corporation, and served on the Mabank School Board.

TYLER — There was a lot to celebrate as Heart of Tyler held its annual meeting. The Downtown Revitalization Group looked ahead to several projects in the works, from the new sheriff’s office and Spring Street Plaza — that’s the project planned for the site of a devastating fire — to a new downtown Brookshire’s and a renovation of the old Elks’ Lodge building. The organization’s Brick Street Award went to AT&T for it’s long time support — most recently, a generous grant to support downtown arts.

TYLER — Smith County Commissioners are again looking to expand the Smith County Jail. The expansion plan carries a $33 million price tag and would increase the county’s inmate occupancy level from 755 to more than 1,100. According to officials, the goal is to reduce numbers at the jail. Officials are hosting a town-hall style meeting February 10th at the Smith County Courthouse.

TYLER — A Tyler man found guilty of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and sexually assaulting her is sentenced to life in prison. Elasko Thomas, 37, was sentenced Thursday morning in a Smith County courtroom. The victim reportedly came home to tell Thomas to leave her and her parents alone. That’s when Thomas reportedly kidnapped her, beat her and sexually assaulted her twice. In testimony Tuesday, the victim’s parents said Thomas told them “something bad” was going to happen when he found their daughter.

TYLER – A suspect in the Sunday night robbery of the Exxon Corner Market on Lake Placid Road has been arrested. Taken into custody Tuesday, without incident, was Clance Nelson, 31, of Tyler.

He was identified as the suspect after the robbery video was aired Monday night. Several tips were called in to police identifying Nelson as the suspect. He was currently wanted for a parole violation and Tyler police have added the robbery charge against him. Nelson’s bond was set at $100,000.

SULPHUR SPRINGS – A prisoner in the Hopkins County jail is in a Tyler hospital, possibly suffering from a brain aneurysm. The 38 year old unidentified man complained numbness in his feet and hands. After being checked out by EMS, and it was determined he was gravely ill, the man was flown to Mother Francis Hospital. At last report he was on life support.

NACOGDOCHES — An East Texas company preparing to employ more than 200 refugees. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions about how it’s going to work. Pilgrim’s Pride in Nacogdoches has 4,000 employees, but it still needs about 400 more. According to Pilgrim’s, after advertising for two years, the company still couldn’t fill the empty slots. The refugees being hired are from Burma, also known as Myanmar, the second poorest country in the world. Currently workers and their families are living in Houston, getting ready for the Nacogdoches transition.

Work at Pilgrim’s Pride means a paycheck, plus benefits. Company officials say the workers will have the same responsibilities as others in the U.S., including taxes and rent. City officials say the children will go to public schools and families will live in a closed nursing home. There are no Burmese translators right now for the company, But Pilgrim’s is confident it will find one. As for the children, most don’t have birth certificates, making it difficult to determine in exactly which grade in school they’ll be enrolled.