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CANTON — After failing to be indicted within 90 days, Larry Maples, 44, of Ben Wheeler, was released from the Van Zandt County Jail on Thursday after allegedly murdering his wife and injuring her boyfriend in March. That’s according to KETK. On Sunday, March 24, at 6:00 a.m., the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Maples saying he had shot his wife and her boyfriend. Deputies arrived at the 2600 block of FM 16 a short time later and arrested Maples at the front door of his home without incident. Continue reading Alleged Murderer Released from Jail

AUSTIN — At its June 13-14 meeting, the Texas Medical Board disciplined 57 licensed physicians, including three in East Texas. KETK reports the cases involved Gary D. Boyd, M.D., of Tyler; Jose Ricardo Martinez, M.D., of Mineola; and Ron Daniels, D.O., of Quitman. All three actions were taken June 14. Continue reading State Medical Board Disciplines Three Area Doctors

TYLER — According to the Gilbert’s El Charro Facebook page, the Tyler landmark has announced it is closing its doors. The following statement was posted on the page: “After 69.5 years and 3 days El Charro is officially closed. Thanks to all of East Texas for dining with us throughout the years.” El Charro first opened in 1943. KETK reports it will close both locations. El Charro #1 at 2604 East Erwin has been closed recently due to repairs but will not re-open. The second location at 2623 East 5th Street, will also not be serving Tylerites anymore.

KAUFMAN (AP) – The woman indicted along with her husband on capital murder charges in the slayings of two North Texas prosecutors has filed for divorce. The Dallas Morning News reports that Kim Williams has filed a divorce petition seeking to end her marriage to Eric Williams, a former justice of the peace. The petition was filed Thursday, the day both were indicted in the deaths of Kaufman County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse, District Attorney Mike McLelland and McLelland’s wife, Cynthia. The couple was arrested in April for what prosecutors allege was a plot to avenge Eric Williams’ conviction for stealing county computer monitors. Authorities say Kim Williams has confessed, naming her husband as the shooter. Her petition says the marriage has become “insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities.”

TYLER — Tyler Independent School District Deputy Superintendent Cecil McDaniel has resigned from TISD and accepted a position at Keller ISD. KETK reports McDaniel will be the new Chief Administrative Officer at Keller and will start his new job on July 29. McDaniel began his tenure at TISD in July 2007, and his last day will be July 26. The official announcement was made Thursday, after the Keller ISD Board of Trustees approved the hire. TISD is closed until July 8, and at that time the search to fill McDaniel’s position will begin.

TYLER – Local health officials say preparing for an emergency now provides you your best chance of survival in the event of a local disaster — and emergency preparedness should always be considered in the home and workplace for any unexpected event. That’s why the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health), Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP), is presenting the “Public Health Capabilities: Bridging the Gap Between Planning and Preparedness” conference to educate East Texans about the importance of emergency planning and response. Continue reading NET Health to Hold Public Health Emergency Preparedness Conference

TYLER (Staff/AP) — A 35-year-old New Boston woman has been indicted and charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. Shannon Guess Richardson was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on June 27. The indictment charges Richardson with threatening the President of the United States, mailing a threatening letter to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and mailing a threatening letter to lobbyist Mark Glaze. Continue reading New Boston, Texas Woman Indicted for Ricin Letters

ELKHART — Two Anderson County teens injured in a Wednesday morning fire have died. Shauna VanStory, 19, and Michael Murdock, 13 were pulled from their burning home. They were being treated at Parkland Hospital in Dallas where they died Thursday. Their home, in the 100 block of Sheridan Street, was destroyed by the fire. No word yet on how the fire started. It appeared to start in the home’s living room.

AUSTIN (AP) — An East Texas state senator has refiled a major transportation funding bill for the special session that starts Monday. The constitutional amendment from Republican Senator Robert Nichols of Jacksonville would divert nearly $1 billion a year to build and repair highways. The plan uses oil and gas severance taxes collected and now sent to the state’s cash reserve fund. Transportation officials say Texas needs to spend an extra $4 billion per year to keep pace its expanding population.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — One man died in a grinding head-on collision Wednesday night on State Highway 7 East at Farm Road 2713 in Nacogdoches County. The victim was identified as Kolton Wayne Culberson, 23, of Nacogdoches. Our news partner 103 The Bull reports fire and cleanup crews shut down traffic on the highway until troopers had finished information gathering and cleanup. It appears as if Culberson swerved into oncoming traffic and was struck head-on by an 18 wheeler which then ran off the road. Culberson was pronounced dead at the scene by Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Leann Goerner.

WOOD COUNTY–Funeral services will be held this weekend for former Wood County Sheriff Bill Wansley. Wansley, who as sheriff from 2009 to 2012, died Thursday evening. Visitation will be Saturday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Lowe funeral home in Quitman. Funeral services will be Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at Lake Fork Baptist Church.

LONGVIEW — A grand jury has cleared two Longview Police Department officers of any wrongdoing in separate shootings that occurred last month. KETK reports both cases were investigated by and presented to the grand jury by the Texas Rangers. Grand jurors heard testimony from Texas Rangers who investigated the fatal shooting of Candace Jackson (pictured). Jackson was shot by a Longview Police Department officer on May 9, 2013 at a residence on Eden Street in Longview. Continue reading Longview Officers Cleared of Wrongdoing in Two Incidents

TYLER — The Smith County Elections Office has begun verifying petitions for the sale of beer and wine in Justice of the Peace Precinct 4. KETK reports that more than 1,700 signatures are needed for the provision to be added to the November ballot. By law, the office has 30 days to review the petitions. The petitions will be presented to the Smith County Commissioners Court for review on July 30th.

TYLER — The Tyler Museum of Art has hired Christopher M. Leahy of Alexandria, Va., as its next Executive Director effective in mid-July. The Board of Trustees unanimously selected Leahy from among three finalists vetted from more than 80 national and international applicants. Continue reading TMA Hires New Executive Director

KAUFMAN (AP) – A former North Texas justice of the peace and his wife have been indicted on capital murder charges in the slayings of three people, including two prosecutors. A local grand jury indicted Eric (pictured) and Kim Williams on Thursday. The couple is accused of killing Kaufman County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse, District Attorney Mike McLelland and McLelland’s wife, Cynthia. Hasse was shot outside the county courthouse in January, while the McLellands were killed in their home in March. Prosecutors allege Eric Williams was the gunman in both cases. The two were arrested in April for what prosecutors allege was a meticulous plot to avenge Eric Williams’ conviction for stealing county computer monitors in 2012. Eric Williams is being held on a $23 million bond. His wife’s bond is $10 million.

TYLER — East Texas lawmakers react as a second special session of the Texas Legislature prepares to begin Monday. According to KETK, Governor Perry says too many important issues were left on the table. This comes after Texas Republicans failed to pass a restrictive abortion bill overnight due to a Democratic filibuster. East Texas lawmakers say at least three important bills didn’t make it for a vote Tuesday night because of Democrats’ procedural tactics. Those bills were on redistricting, transportation funding, and criminal justice. Continue reading East Texans Prepare for Second Special Session

TYLER — Advocates of gay marriage celebrated in downtown Tyler Wednesday after the U.S. Supreme Court issued rulings against the Defense of Marriage Act. Members of Tyler Area Gays tell KETK the justices’ decision is a step in the right direction. The group’s chair, Jolie Smith, says, “I’m hoping this starts a dialogue that everyone’s equal and we’re all here just to share with the people that we love the same way everybody else is.” Smith says she understands people’s religious objections to the decision but believes it’s a civil rights issue.

LONGVIEW (Staff/AP) — Driver’s license offices across the state opened their doors Thursday for Texans seeking a state-issued photo ID card to vote. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the Department of Public Safety is not expecting a Texas flood, but says Longview and other offices are equipped and ready to issue the picture identification cards. After a U.S. Supreme Court ruling Tuesday that Texas no longer must have federal approval to change election practices, voters are required to have one of seven forms of photo ID to cast ballots. The ruling opened the door for Texas Secretary of State John Steen to declare the voter ID law, which had been jammed in the same court battle, is valid and in immediate effect. At least one lawsuit has already been filed against the voter ID law since the Supreme Court ruling. Continue reading Longview DPS Office Begins Issuing Voter ID Cards

TYLER — Tyler Morning Telegraph sports writer Harold Wilson, 35, of Tyler is in the Smith County Jail. KETK reports he turned himself in on charges of sexual assault of a minor. Wilson is reportedly thought to have engaged in improper relations with a minor in his church. His bond has been set at $100,000.

LONGVIEW — A Longview jury has found Dennis Ray Freeman guilty of attempted sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. The trial is now in the punishment phase. The jury convicted Freeman of the sex charges Wednesday in Longview’s 124th State District Court. He had been accused of sexually assaulting a girl younger than 14 years of age. He is now facing prison time of from 25 to 99 years.

MARSHALL — A Karnack couple have been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Gregory Scott Covey, 42, pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2012, to possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison. Christine Francis Sirmans, 45, pleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2012, to possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison. Both appeared Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. Continue reading Harrison County Couple Sentened for Drug Violations

MOUNT PLEASANT — A suspect in the robbery of a Mount Pleasant bank is in custody. The holdup occurred around 11:00 Wednesday morning at the Pilgrim Bank at 2401 South Jefferson Avenue. A description of the robber and his SUV was broadcast to area law enforcement agencies. KETK reports deputies with the Camp County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle at the Pitt Stop Gas Station located at 908 North Greer in Pittsburg. Taken into custody was Dennard Francis Scott, 30, of Mount Pleasant. Investigators say they found money taken in the robbery in the suspect’s vehicle.

TYLER — As part of the Tyler 1st comprehensive planning process, the City of Tyler is seeking input from residents about Tyler’s business environment and the economy. To add your input, you can attend an open house today from 5:00 till 7:00pm at Park Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 2450 East Fifth Street, behind Posados. You can also go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YFSXZBB or http://www.Tyler1st.com and complete an online survey.

LONGVIEW — A man identified as Clarence Barnes Jr., 79, of Longview, was hospitalized in stable condition after he crashed his SUV into a Longview business Wednesday morning. The Longview Fire Department tells KETK the SUV slammed into the Rent-A-Center in the 1700 block of West Loop 281. The SUV damaged parked cars before driving into the building. The building is being assessed by fire officials. They say there is no threat of collapse, but there is considerable damage to the glass and brick.

ATHENS — Authorities say Tuesday marked the end of a long road for two Henderson County fugitives. According to KETK, Joy Lynn Everett (pictured) and Pete Quinonez have been captured. Everett was convicted in February 2012 for Possession of a Controlled Substance and sentenced to eight years in prison in April 2012. She appealed the case and was released on bond. On April 24, 2013, the Twelfth Court of Appeals in Tyler affirmed the conviction, securing Everett’s eight year sentence. Authorities say she’d been on the run ever since, until Tuesday morning. Continue reading Henderson County Officials: Two Fugitives Arrested

TYLER — The fourth and final suspect in the June 15th homicide at Tyler’s American Inn Motel has been taken into custody. Michael Tekielleon Browning, 34, of Tyler, was arrested around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the America’s Best Value Inn at I-20 and Hwy. 155 North. Tyler police and U.S. Marshals collaborated in the arrest. The third suspect surrendered to authorities around 4:00 Tuesday afternoon. Broderick Lavar Smith was taken into custody at the Tyler police department. Monday morning, Lawrence Murphy, 20, turned himself in at the police department. Darian Pilkinton, 18, of Tyler, turned himself in Friday. Continue reading Final Suspect Arrested in Tyler Murder Case

TYLER — Smith County commissioners agree to test a new scofflaw program. KETK reports the program would block registration of a vehicle if the person has outstanding citations. Some commissioners voiced concern with the program at Tuesday’s meeting. Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff Warr says he’s willing to give it a try but remains skeptical on the difference it’ll make in the number of fees collected. He compares it to when the state began requiring everybody to buy insurance. According to Warr, “I was an agent before you had to. The percentage of people driving in the state of Texas with insurance or without insurance hasn’t changed at all.” The program will be up for review in six months.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday voted unanimously to approve the adoption of a master plan for Gladys and T.B. Stewart Park. According to a city news release, the plan includes approximately 2,600 linear feet of concrete trails, 900 linear feet of decomposed granite trails, icons describing the rich history of the St. Louis Community, an area devoted to a community garden with a barn/garden shelter, a small pond, a picnic pavilion with nearby playground, an heirloom garden, and a pavilion/stage for outdoor events that opens onto a lawn area. The plan also includes restrooms, a 19 car parking lot and a windmill. The park site is a nine-acre parcel comprising open meadows, mature hardwoods, a stand of pines and a drainage swale. The site also contains a rock house with a garage. Continue reading Master Plan Unveiled for Stewart Park

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is warning citizens about the dangers of Internet fraud cases and has issued an advisory on how to avoid being scammed. Police say they’re receiving an increasing number of fraud cases in which citizens are being defrauded of sums of money due to Craigslist scams on the Internet. Most scams involve one or more of the following:

1) Inquiry from someone far away, often in another country.
2) Western Union, Money Gram, cashier’s check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a “guarantee”.
3) Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consummating transaction.

The suspects tend to target the elderly and victims looking for an easy way to make money. Continue reading Police: Beware of Internet Scams

TYLER (Staff/AP) — Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, disagrees with U.S. Supreme Court action Wednesday on the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. Schaefer said, “The Supreme Court ruling cuts away the power of the people to govern themselves, and increases the Court’s own power in a way our Founders never intended. This is a terrible blow to the Constitution. The history of mankind has proven that the biblical definition of marriage between one man and one woman is the best way to build a secure family. The Supreme Court has departed from that deeply rooted tradition. However, I will not move one inch on defending marriage in Texas. I will always oppose same-sex marriage. We must prepare for fierce assaults on our conservative values.” Continue reading Schaefer Opposes U.S. Supreme Court Action on DOMA