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HAWKINS — The debate heats up over a sign on Hawkins city property. No action was taken, but it was standing room only at Monday night’s city council meeting. Most people who spoke were in favor of keeping a sign that reads, “Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins.” However, one resident noted that it would be cheaper to move it to private property than to get involved in a lawsuit — which is what is being threatened by the group Freedom from Religion if it’s not relocated off city grounds. The speaker added that if it’s moved from Highway 80, they could make the sign even bigger. The out-of-state group says the sign’s location violates separation of church and state. Mayor Will Rogers wants to fight the group.

LONGVIEW — The senior pastor at Longview’s Mobberly Baptist Church has been elected treasurer for the 2016 Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Glynn Stone was elected to the post for the 2016 Southern Baptist Convention Pastors Conference this past Monday at the SBC annual meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Stone is one of three officers, joining president John Meador, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Euless, and vice chairman Dr. Neal Franks, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Branson, Missouri., who will set the theme, establish the schedule and enlist speakers and volunteers for the two-day conference focused on encouraging and inspiring pastors. The Pastors Conference will precede the SBC annual meeting next June in St. Louis, Missouri. Continue reading Longview Pastor Elected Treasurer of 2016 Southern Baptist Convention

GILMER — The final suspect in a brutal Upshur County capital murder case has been sentenced to life in prison after entering a guilty plea on Tuesday. KETK reports Andrew Norwine, 23, appeared in the Upshur County 115th District Court at 9:00 a.m. to enter his plea in connection with the December 2012 kidnapping and slaying of Ronnie Joe Gammage. Continue reading Final Suspect in Ronnie Gammage Murder Gets Life in Prison

TYLER — Smith County is improving its county-to-county communication when it comes to law enforcement. KETK reports the new changes are for better dispatch communication. Smith County is adding three new radio channels that allow dispatchers from other counties to directly contact Smith County. The county’s assistant fire marshal, Oren Hale, says they used to have these channels in place, but when they relocated five years ago, they lost the capability. Now, after waiting for a grant and approval, they hope to have the new channels within the next 3 months. Hale says this is especially useful for high-speed chases, when authorities are forced to drive through multiple counties.

MINEOLA — Republican State Representative Bryan Hughes of Mineola announced Monday he will be running for Kevin Eltife’s state Senate seat. Hughes said his top priorities will continue to be securing the border, fighting for the pro-life cause, defending second amendment rights, and ending what he calls frivolous government intrusion in our daily lives. Republican David Simpson earlier said he’ll run and plans a formal announcement June 22. Saying it’s time for a break, Eltife announced over the weekend that this will be his last term. The Tyler Republican has served in the Senate since 2004.

CANTON — A man who escaped from the Van Zandt County Jail enjoyed freedom for less than 20 minutes before being recaptured. Wade Glenn Mathis, 20, escaped shortly before 5:00 yesterday afternoon. He escaped the facility by scaling a 12’ outer perimeter security fence topped with razor security wire. Mathis was being held pending trial for three charges of possession of controlled Substances, Felony Theft and evading arrest or detention. fled into a wooded area north and west of the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and traveled west, approximately one half of a mile, and came out onto Texas Highway 64 where he was arrested without incident shortly before 5:15. Continue reading Freedom Brief for Van Zandt County Escapee

LONGVIEW — A Gregg County Jail inmate has been indicted on an aggravated assault charge arising from an April 20 attack on other inmates. Brandon Euguene Washington, 31, of Longview was in jail on a misdemeanor theft warrant and two unpaid traffic tickets. According to the arrest report, witnesses said shortly after 9 p.m. April 20, Washington started acting aggressively toward other inmates in the cell. Washington then approached the victim and struck him in the left eye, continuing to hit the victim in the head and face, according to a complaint. He is being held in jail under a $75,000 bond. Continue reading Gregg County Jail Inmate Indicted for Assault

TYLER –John Tyler High School class of 2015 graduate Carlos Amante is the 2015 recipient of the Tab and Bonnie Beall Scholarship presented through the Tyler Independent School District Foundation. Amante was presented with a $1,000 scholarship to support both his fall and spring semesters at Tyler Junior College next school year. The Tab and Bonnie Beall Scholarship is awarded annually based on need to a Tyler ISD graduate planning to attend Tyler Junior College, the University of Texas at Tyler or Texas College. Continue reading TISD Student Awarded Beall Scholarship

LONGVIEW — Some good news in Longview’s deadly animal hospital fire. On Friday, our news partner KETK reported 5-year old Daisy being taken to an animal clinic in College Station for emergency treatment. Now Daisy’s owners say she is eating well and has a little bit more energy. Daisy and another dog were the only two to survive the Kimbrough Animal Hospital fire. Daisy’s been on secondary oxygen since being rescued, and was taken to Texas A&M after showing little signs of improvement. Her owners say she’s expected to be there a few more days. Meanwhile, a vigil for the deceased animals was held last night at the animal hospital.

LONGVIEW — The most recent former mayor of Longview has revealed plans to formally announce a bid for the Texas House of Representatives. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Jay Dean said he will seek election to District 7 Rep. David Simpson’s House seat. That’s in the wake of dual announcements by state Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, that he would not seek re-election in 2016 — and Simpson’s statement he intends to campaign for Eltife’s Senate seat. “I intend to make my announcement shortly that I will be a candidate for House District Seat 7,” Dean said Sunday afternoon. “I have been vetting the process over this time with close associates and business associates. And I feel good. I have been encouraged for the last three to four months at a minimum by citizens to consider running for the seat.”

PALESTINE — At 7:00 a.m. Monday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicted an 80% chance that a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico will develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm. The City of Palestine and Anderson County offices of Emergency Management encourage all residents to prepare for the likelihood of severe weather impacting the region, according to a city news release. Officials note that significant rainfall and flooding are very possible for an extended period. Residents are encouraged to put together an emergency supply kit to prepare themselves and their loved ones. Continue reading Palestine, Anderson County Prepare for Tropical Weather

TYLER — Portions of two Tyler roads have been closed because of a train derailment. No injuries were reported in the accident around 8:45 last night in the area of Robertson Road, Shaw Street and Bellwood Road. Currently the 2600 block of West Shaw Street and the 2300 block of Robertson Road are closed due to the train resting on the tracks. Officials said last night the repairs on the train were expected to take approximately 12 hours to clear up. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes from that area.

NACOGDOCHES — A trailer loaded with vehicle parts caught fire Sunday afternoon in Nacogdoches. It was reported just after 2:00pm in the 4000 block of South Street. When authorities opened the parked trailer, the fire grew rapidly. Firemen did not attempt to extinguish the fire because chemicals on the trailer were water reactive. There were no injuries reported. As a precaution the Texas Travel Plaza, which the trailer was behind, and nearby homes were evacuated.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Weeks of June 15 and 22. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

NOTE: An emergency contract to repair damaged culverts on Farm Road 279 at Edom starts today, weather permitting. Excessive rain in May resulted in two locations being washed out causing the culverts to separate. Repairs will be made about a mile east of Edom as well as about three miles east of Edom. The work will be conducted with the roadway reduced to one lane at each location. Expect delays. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

TYLER — State Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler will not be running for re-election in 2016. The news comes shortly after Eltife was named the Senate’s president pro tem. The former Tyler mayor and city councilman tells KTBB he feels “it’s time to take a break.” He says he never set out to be a career politician but kept running because people asked him to. Eltife has served in the Senate since 2004. He says once out of office, he plans to stay involved in state government and local nonprofits. He adds, “I will still work hard in Austin make sure Northeast Texas is represented. I don’t have to hold office to do that.” Continue reading Eltife Won’t Run for Senate in 2016; Simpson Says He Will

TYLER — A new partnership could benefit college students and professionals. KETK reports Tyler Junior College will partner with the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors. Officials say GTAR will work closely with TJC by giving the college feedback on the program. For now, TJC will offer a certificate in proficiency in real estate. The school would eventually like to offer an associate degree in that field. GTAR said it will benefit the students by bringing in better-trained real estate agents. “Some of the courses will be in the classroom,” said Claudia Carroll, the board chairman of GTAR. “They will be taught by people who have experience in real estate, and they will be getting the proper context for the information that they’re learning.” TJC trustees approved the program in January.

ATHENS — FEMA, along with the SBA, opened a Mobile Registration Information Center Saturday at the Cain Center at 915 South Palestine Street in Athens. People in Henderson County who had damages from the recent severe weather and flooding are urged to visit the center to register with FEMA and have their questions answered about possible federal assistance. Also, anyone with damage who lives in one of the four other East Texas counties which are part of the disaster declaration is welcome to visit the center, according to a news release. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

TYLER — Expect delays today on Shiloh Road and Rice Road. The City of Tyler Street Department will be milling sections of the roads due to excess asphalt rising to the surface, according to a city news release. Starting Wednesday, June 17, a contractor will place a new micro surface to repair the milled out sections of pavement. Citizens should expect temporary lane closures along Shiloh Road and Rice Road until repairs are completed.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been arrested in connection with a double murder in Pittsburg. According to KETK, Friday morning around 12:20 a.m., Pittsburg officers responded to a shooting at a home located in the 400 block of North Greer Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers determined one victim had been taken to a local hospital by private vehicle and another was being taken by ambulance. A a third victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim who was taken by ambulance later died of his wounds. Autopsies were ordered on the deceased victims, whose identities were not immediately released pending notification of next of kin. Continue reading Longview Man Arrested in Double Murder in Pittsburg

TYLER – Smith County has now been included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration, and local residents impacted by recent weather may register for help with FEMA and the Small Business Administration. Deadline to register for assistance is July 28, 2015, according to a Smith County news release. Officials say representatives with both agencies are currently in Smith County visiting those who were hardest hit and those identified with special needs. Continue reading FEMA/SBA Registration Now Open for Smith County Storm Victims

TYLER — While most chambers of commerce struggle through their annual membership drive, the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a membership event that is like none other, according to a Chamber news release. Chamber officials say for 2½ days, over 400 volunteers worked against the clock and against each other to sign up 914 new Chamber members and created a greater community awareness of the important role of the Chamber of Commerce. The event is organized by Jimmy Cusano and a group called Your Chamber Connection. Their specialty is high-energy membership campaigns that allow volunteers to conduct “out of the box” membership fun while building the membership base, according to the news release. Continue reading Officials: Tyler Area Chamber Sets National Membership Drive Records

OVERTON (AP) – Two Texas girls whose lemonade stand was shut down because they lacked a permit will instead offer the drink for free. 8-year-old Andria Green and her 7-year-old sister, Zoey, will take only donations for lemonade Saturday in Overton. A police officer on Monday approached the stand, which offered lemonade for 50 cents and “kettle korn” for $1. In patrol-car video, the officer can be heard asking the girls’ mother, Sandi Evans, for a permit. She says she wasn’t aware they needed one. A family friend went to City Hall to get one. Authorities waived the $150 fee, but said health department officials needed to inspect the stand. Overton’s police chief says police must follow state health guidelines.

HARRISON COUNTY — An old scam making the rounds again has led to an elderly East Texas man losing a huge fortune. It’s called the Jamaican or New York lottery scam — the one where they call people and ask them to get pre-paid debit cards to insure the delivery of their millions. A Harrison County man fell for it to the tune of $500,000. Lieutenant Jay Webb says the callers start out nice, then get belligerent, even threatening harm to you and your family. They’re convincing because of all the information they have. Another victim in the area lost $5,000.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police Chief Don Dingler will be retiring at the end of next month. The Longview native has served the city 42 years. He has been police chief since 2011. Starting the first of August, Assistant Chief Mike Bishop will serve as interim police chief. A set schedule has not been set for filling the police chief’s post. According to the Longview News Journal, Dingler began his career with Longview as a police officer in 1973. Over the years, he has worked assignments in patrol, traffic, training, jail services and narcotics. As a command level officer, he served as the commander in all major components of the police department.

TYLER — Some Tyler utility customers will be paying more for their services. KETK reports that the City Council Wednesday approved two rate increases. The first involves Atmos Energy, a natural gas company serving more than 200 residential customers and more than 60 commercial customers in Tyler. The average monthly bill will increase about 1.14 per cent. Garbage bills for Tyler commercial customers are also going up, by 1.7 per cent. The director of solid waste says it doesn’t affect the residential side of collection but does help offset expenses for residential customers.

LONGVIEW — The Humane Society of Northeast Texas has taken in so many cats, staffers there said they are at a 38% euthanasia rate. KETK reports they are now calling on the community for help. In 11 days, the shelter said it’s taken in 400 animals. Nationally, June is Cat Adoption Month, so the shelter is getting on board with the cause by lowering adoption fees in hopes of offseting the overcrowding. Instead of $75, the cats are being adopted out this month for $25. This includes all the basic kitten vaccinations, 30 days’ insurance, and having them fixed. Continue reading Humane Society Slashes Prices for Cats

TYLER — A former Tyler pharmacist has had his request for a new trail rejected by Tyler’s 12th Court of Appeals. James Carey Prosperie, 75, Tyler, was arrested at his south Tyler Home in 2013 following a brief standoff with law officers. He was charged with sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. Prosperie was found guilty on both counts and sentenced to two consecutive terms of 16 years each. In his appeal, Prosperie argued for a new punishment phase of his trial because of “his age and poor health.” The state court had denied his motion for a new punishment trial. There was no proof offered that he was in poor health. He also contended that the state district court “erred” by failing to conduct a restitution hearing. All of his arguments were rejected by the appeals court on Wednesday.

TYLER — Tyler city officials have scheduled an open house at which residents may provide input toward the Old Jacksonville Highway (FM 2493) Corridor Study. The open house will be held Thursday, June 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Lane’s Chapel United Methodist Church, located at 8720 Old Jacksonville Hwy. in Tyler. The portion of road being studied is bounded by Loop 323 in Tyler and Highway 69 in Bullard. According to a news release, the study will analyze the current conditions of traffic, travel lanes, and signals and make recommendations for upgrades as the corridor grows. Continue reading Open House June 18 for Old Jacksonville Highway Corridor Study

TYLER — Tyler street repair crews are sanding portions of Rice Road and Shiloh Road to soak up excess asphalt that is coming up in the wheel paths in the pavement. “Depending on temperature and traffic, sanding will continue in this area as long as excess asphalt is rising to the surface,” said City Engineer Carter Delleney. According to a news release, city staff will work with a contractor on the Rice/Shiloh pavement project to determine a cause and ultimate solution for this issue. Drivers are asked to use caution and drive safely as crews continue to sand in the area.

TYLER – A 54-year-old Tyler woman has been sentenced for wire fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales Thursday. Tammy Ogden pleaded guilty to that charge last Dec. 15. She was sentenced Wednesday in Tyler to 27 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. Ogden was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $136,237.75. Continue reading Tyler Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud