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EAST TEXAS — East Texans are celebrating Independence Day with a variety of events. A number of communities scheduled traditional fireworks displays and other activities. Go to http://www.ktbb.com/calendarofevents/ for a sampling of what’s going on around the area. Meantime, Tyler police are putting out a traffic advisory detailing the 4th of July fireworks show at Lindsey Park. Officials also remind residents within city limits that discharging a firearm is illegal and so are all unauthorized fireworks. Continue reading July 4 Celebrations Held; Tyler Police Issue Traffic/Safety Advisory

MARSHALL — Officials with Marshall-based Rio Ammunition have announced the opening of the company’s new manufacturing facility in Marshall and call it a boon to the local economy. In a news release, officials say the plant has added over 40 new jobs to the community and has the ability to double that in coming years. Rio is a subsidiary of the Spain-based MAXAM firm, and Spanish officials were on hand for the ribbon cutting at the new East Texas facility. According to the news release, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, and Gov. Greg Abbott believe the opening “also signals that the state is open for business to future international investment as well.”

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Six members of the controversial Church of Wells are under orders to stay at least two hundred feet away from a Houston mega church. The six heckled Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen during Sunday’s services and were arrested and charged with trespassing. Wells resident Patricia Brotherton says they’ve been harassing town residents for years, screaming at people that they’re evil. She wants them to stop it. Brotherton says last year church members yelled at her granddaughter during the town’s homecoming parade and told the four year old she was doomed.

LUFKIN — A dump truck has hit and killed a man in a motorized wheelchair in Lufkin. Killed Thursday morning was James Rudolph Roy, Jr, 70, of Lufkin. The truck’s driver, Ronnie Eugene Grogan, 64, of Lufkin, was ticketed for failure to yield from a private drive. The accident on Atkinson Drive, remains under investigation.

TYLER — The Clerk of the 12th Court of Appeals in Tyler, Cathy Lusk, has announced her retirement. After 20 years in the post, Lusk is stepping down August 31st. She said the decision was not made lightly. Lusk is a member of both the Appellate Court Clerks of the State of Texas and the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks. She has served on numerous committees in both organizations. Lusk joins her husband, Mike, a former major in the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, in retirement. Continue reading Tyler Appeals Court Clerk Retiring

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott has appointed 10 student regents to their respective universities for terms expiring on May 31, 2016. Governor Abbott also appointed a student representative to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Among those named: Stephen F. Austin University-Nacogdoches student Ryan Brown-Moreno of Plano, who’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in general business.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A business consultant and 2012 candidate for Texas land commissioner has announced his candidacy for Texas House of Representatives District 7. According to KETK, Upshur County resident David Watts officially filed for the office Wednesday after State Representative David Simpson announced his intention to run for the Texas Senate. In a news release, Watts termed himself a conservative Republican and cited concerns about “a relentless assault on our liberties from an intrusive Federal Government.” As of his filing, Watts claimed endorsements from “more than 150 citizens and conservative leaders in House District 7.”

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department will once again be looking out for DWI drivers this July 4 holiday. According to a news release, the department will be participating in a state grant that provides funding to enforce DWI laws. The enforcement detail starts Friday and runs through Saturday.

GLADEWATER — Authorities say a runaway who allegedly stole her mom’s vehicle has surrendered to law enforcement. According to KETK, the Gladewater Police Department says Mary Flowers, 17, was taken into custody by the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning on an outstanding warrant of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Police say the car was taken on June 26 and recovered in New Mexico. Officials believe Flowers was en route to California.

AUSTIN (AP) – Five more Texas counties, including some in East Texas, have been granted federal disaster status to assist with recovery from deadly severe weather since early May. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday announced Bowie, Brazoria, Cherokee, Ellis, and Harrison counties have been added to the list. Individuals in 36 Texas counties are now eligible to seek state and federal disaster help from violent weather between May 4 through June 19. The deadline for applying is July 28. Two people died in a May 10 tornado in Van. Memorial Day weekend flooding in parts of Texas claimed more than two dozen lives statewide. Storms and flooding continued into June.

KILGORE — Dr. William M. “Bill” Holda announced Thursday that he will retire as president of Kilgore College effective Jan. 31, 2016. The announcement came exactly 19 years after he was selected as KC’s eighth president. In a news release, Holda said the expectation of his first grandchild tops the list of reasons for his departure. He also pointed to the college’s reaccreditation process, which begins next year and ends in 2018. Holda said the new president should be on board to initiate the reaccreditation review — and should be on board when the process is complete. He also said the college is in good hands as it prepares for new leadership. Holda has worked at KC since 1975, starting out as an instructor of voice, ear training, opera workshop, and music theory.

TYLER — The U.S. Marshal’s Service met with media Wednesday to let East Texans know there is a scam going on. KETK reports that according to U.S. Marshal Robert Hobbs, “Citizens are being called by someone purporting to be a U.S. Marshal, a Chief U.S. Marshal, or a staff officer from a local sheriff’s office or other law enforcement agency. Citizens are then advised that they’ve failed to show up for jury duty or some other violation that a fine has been assessed against them.” They’re told by this fake official to buy a gift card to make payments. And they’re told if they don’t pay, there will be a warrant out for their arrest. Hobbs adds, “They’re given the names of local judges in order to give it some legitimacy.” Continue reading Marshals Service Warns of Jury Duty Scam

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A fugitive wanted out of Colorado has been arrested in Van Zandt County. Joshua Borth, 28, of Wills Point, was wanted out of Durango for sexual assault of a child at a homeless shelter. Borth’s mother, Janie Borth, 54, was also arrested for hindering apprehension of a known fugitive. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office along with the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force arrested Borth at an abandoned structure on his family’s property Wednesday. He was armed with a stolen .22 long rifle and 30-06 rifle. Continue reading Fugitive Wanted in Colorado Arrested in East Texas

LONGVIEW — A Tyler hairdresser has been acquitted in Gregg County on charges of molesting a child. The jury in 124th state district court deliberated around an hour Wednesday before returning the not guilty verdict in the trial of Coydarel Latroyed Simmons, 28. He had been tried on two counts of indecency with a child by contact.

KILGORE — Kilgore College Fire Academy No. 95 held its graduation ceremony 6:30 Wednesday night at the Bert E. Woodruff Adult Education Center Auditorium in Kilgore. The following students were Fire Academy #95 candidates for graduation:
Ben Wheeler: Tracy Gore
Gilmer: Fredrick Crump
Kilgore: Michael Frazer and Andrew Williamson
Lindale: Jordan Allen
Longview: Berle “Trey” Anderson and Derek McCuller
Tyler: Travis Johnson, Ethan Mackey and Joshua Stillwaugh

TYLER — Following the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriages, the bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, Joseph Strickland, has issued a statement. He says he will issue a decree that no member of the clergy will officiate at a same sex marriage. He also said that no Catholic property or facilities may be used for same-sex marriage ceremonies. He added, “We know that unjust laws and other measures contrary to the moral order are not binding in conscience, thus we must now exercise our right to conscientious objection against this interpretation of our law which is contrary to the common good and the true understanding of marriage.” Continue reading Bishop Strickland’s Statement Against Same Sex Marriage

LONGVIEW — A Pine Tree football player died Wednesday morning after becoming ill the previous day following a workout session. The student has been identified as Josh Warren, 16, by Pine Tree Athletic Director David Collins. Pine Tree Spokeswoman Mary Whitton says the teen participated in a strength and conditioning workout. Later in the day, he became sick and called his father. EMS came to Josh’s house and checked his condition, but he was cleared by medical officials. As the evening progressed, Josh began feeling worse and was taken to a Longview hospital. He was checked in for overnight observation and died Wednesday morning. Warren’s cause of death is unknown at this time. Whitton said school counselors are in place to help grieving students.

TYLER — Tyler police Tuesday arrested a suspect they’d been seeking for about 2 1/2 weeks. Officials say Nicholas Sanchez Jr. was jailed for possession of marijuana along with warrants for kidnapping, assault family violence, parole violation, and several Tyler Municipal Court warrants. Sanchez, 22, is accused in a June 12 incident in which he allegedly forced his ex-girlfriend into a vehicle against her will and assaulted her as the vehicle sped away with her inside. Police say Sanchez is a known gang member.

AUSTIN – Texas Lottery officials say Shameem Bano of Tyler is a millionaire after he scratched and won a top prize on a $20 Texas Lottery scratch-off. According to a Lottery news release, Bano claimed the last of the four top prizes worth $1 million available in One Million Cash. Officials say Bano requested minimal publicity. He bought his ticket at the A-Food Mart at 6500 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler, making the store eligible for a $10,000 retailer bonus. One Million Cash offers over $88 million in prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in One Million Cash are one in 2.80, including break-even prizes, according to the release.

LONGVIEW — A man is facing a variety of charges after his vehicle struck six other vehicles in Longview. Polce said Eusebio Ramos Oviedo, 34, later stripped naked and fought with law officers. The accident happened around 11:30 Tuesday morning on Gilmer Road. After the accident, the man is said to have tried to fight his son, bystanders and police officers. During the scuffle, he is said to have taken off all his clothes. He then tried to get a policeman’s gun from his holster. Officers had to use a Taser to subdue and restrain Oviedo. He was taken to a Longview hospital before being booked into the Gregg County Jail on charges of assault causing bodily harm and attempting to take a weapon from an officer.

LONGVIEW — Longview police said a teen that was reported missing was found safe Tuesday night. On June 29, Caitlyn Lott, 15, was reported as a runaway by her father. He said she was probably traveling with 18-year-old Ethan Paul Cook of Cypress. No word on where she and there was no information released on the whereabouts of Cook.

SMITH COUNTY — The arrest of a wanted fugitive in Smith County stemmed from a suspicious person call in the area of County Roads 313 and 315. Deputies were told he was hiding in a closet in a homeowner’s garage. When the homeowner started to shut the closet door, a man jumped out and ran into nearby woods. A short distance from the victim’s home, a man matching the description of the suspect was located walking down the road. Authorities say he ran into nearby woods to get away from the officers. He was taken into custody and identified as Joshua Paul Starr, 30. He had outstanding warrants for evading and failure to identify, both out of Justice of the Peace 4, in Smith County. Starr was booked in at the Smith County Jail for burglary of a habitation enhanced with previous convictions habitual felony, evading arrest on foot, fail to ID fugitive, and the two outstanding warrants.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct 4 Constable John Smith says he’s ready to move on as he seeks a third term. Smith was hospitalized in February after a head injury with allegations of attempted suicide. He tells KETK he has no recollection of what happened during the incident but has overcome his past. Another report was released showing Smith’s blood alcohol content level just shy of three times the legal definition of intoxication. Smith says he did read the reports and that the incident has made him a better person. He says he’s made mistakes, learned from them, feels a lot better, and is in good shape physically and mentally. He adds he just wants to go on with his life and do the best job he can for the citizens of Precinct 4.

TYLER — A report presented to the Smith County Commissioners Court Tuesday estimates that bringing county roads up to standards will cost some $97 million. The court approved a Citizens Review Committee to look over the plan and make recommendations on its implementation. The report, from Atkins North America, is officially called a Road and Bridge Inventory Analysis and Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Atkins was hired last year to conduct the study. County Engineer Frank Davis says the document lists roads from worst to satisfactory, along with recommendations and cost. According to Atkins, $97 million is the estimated cost to bring the roads up to what’s termed very good condition. Continue reading Report Estimates $97 Million Cost for Improving County Roads

LONGVIEW – Construction is shifting eastward on Methvin Street in Longview. The section of Methvin between High and Center Streets will be reopened to traffic by Friday, July 10, according to city officials. However, the Methvin section between Center and Fredonia will be closed for construction starting July 13. That closure is expected to last through this fall. Officials say the effort entails streetscape improvements and replacement of utilities. The project was approved as part of the 2011 Street Improvements bond package. If you have any questions related to construction you’re asked to call City Engineer Alton Bradle, at 903-237-1067.

TYLER — It’s that time of year again when Tyler police released a traffic advisory detailing the 4Th of July fireworks show at Lindsay Park. Officials also remind residents within city limits that discharging a firearm is illegal and so are all unauthorized fireworks. Continue reading Police Issue Advisory Ahead of Lindsey Park Fireworks Show

LONGVIEW — A Dallas man remains in custody after being charged with robbing a person at Motel 6 off Interstate Highway 20 in Longview. Arrested following the Saturday night incident was Marquaous Grant, 19. Police documents say they found Grant, who matched the victim’s description, in his room. They also found a Colt .177 caliber pellet pistol, which also matched the victim’s description of the weapon used. His bond has been set at $35,000 on charges of robbery and criminal trespass and a criminal trespass warrant issued out of Tyler. Grant remains in the Gregg County Jail.

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches man has been accused of setting a house on fire with two small children inside. Arrested Sunday was Monroe Deanthony Ward, 25. He is accused of setting the fire after his girlfriend told him to leave. Another woman in the home, who was said to have been pregnant, was said to have been injured getting her children out of the burning house. Ward has been charged with first degree arson causing bodily injury. He is currently free on a $25,000 bond

LONGVIEW — Six persons have been arrested following a report of an attempted robbery at a Longview motel. It happened Saturday afternoon at Motel 6 near Interstate Highway 20. Police tell KETK they received a call about a robbery attempt involving weapons. When they arrived at the scene, they contacted a SWAT team as a safety precaution. The suspects were initially detained for questioning, then arrested. The investigation is continuing.

EAST TEXAS — Residents of Smith and Gregg Counties are now cleared to receive same-sex marriage licenses following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on the issue this past Friday. The Smith County Clerk’s Office Monday issued its first such license at 9:25 a.m. The Vital Statistics Department opened at 9:15 a.m. after a short staff meeting, which included a teleconference with its software vendor, according to County Clerk Karen Phillips. Continue reading First Same-Sex Marriage Licenses Issued in Smith, Gregg Counties