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TYLER – Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler has achieved a place on Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals list. Healthgrades is an online resource that helps consumers search, evaluate, compare, and connect with physicians and hospitals. According to a news release from Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, Healthgrades evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide based on objective measures of clinical performance. Trinity Mother Frances officials say this represents five years of advanced and continuous clinical quality excellence and patient care for Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler. “We are very proud to be included in this elite group of hospitals,” said Dr. Barbara Allen, Vice President of Medical Affairs.

COLUMBUS, GA. (AP/Staff) – An Arkansas man has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison after prosecutors say he called in bomb threats from Longview to the Carmike Cinemas’ headquarters in Georgia. Prosecutors say Keith Bowers, 59, of Jessieville, Ark., was sentenced yesterday. Bowers pleaded guilty in December to making two calls from Longview in August 2012 to Carmike’s headquarters in Columbus. Prosecutors say he used a “Hispanic accent” and said he was unhappy that Carmike underpaid immigrant workers for cleaning. He said he would detonate a bomb during a screening of “The Expendables.” Prosecutors say Bowers provided cleaning services to businesses, including Carmike, and was angry about rivals he said used immigrant labor and could undercut his bids.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is in custody for allegedly endangering his 11-year-old daughter, who has been hospitalized in Dallas. KETK reports Longview police were called to 401 High Street around 10:30 Sunday night for reports of someone injured in the roadway. According to Officer Kristie Brian, the girl said that she and her father had gone to the store and when they left, he started “driving crazy.” The child says she wasn’t sure if her father was trying to kill himself or kill her, but she became afraid for her life. The girl then opened her door and jumped out of the vehicle while it was traveling at a high rate of speed. According to reports, she had facial fractures, a skull fracture, and brain bleeding. Her condition is unknown at this time. Continue reading Man Arrested for Child Endangerment; Daughter in Dallas Hospital

GLADEWATER — A paid study of Gladewater’s police department is complete — and KETK reports the results are not pretty. The study was conducted by former Dallas Police Chief Bill Rathburn, with the $22,000 assessment paid for by Gladewater’s city council. Rathburn told the council its department performs poorly and has no leadership. The report also accuses some in the department of mistreatment toward African-Americans in town. Rathburn’s study was conducted under the former police chief. He says new Chief Robert Vine can use the study as a blueprint to turn the department around.

MARSHALL — Harrison County investigators have issued a warrant for the arrest of Thorsten Nirmaier, 42, of Longview. KETK reports the warrant is the result of an investigation into the Schlumbeger parts warehouse burglary that occurred on February 14 in western Harrison County. Anyone with information on Nirmaier’s whereabouts is asked to call Kevin Johnson at the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 903-923-4000 or Crimestoppers at 903-935-9969.

TYLER — The issue of water is front and center for Eric Opiela, one of five agriculture commissioner candidates in the March 4 GOP primary. Opiela joined KTBB for a phone interview Tuesday. He terms himself a rancher and property rights advocate who splits his time between Karnes City and Austin. Opiela says the state needs an ag chief who has his experience with water concerns, calling water “the number one issue impacting the future of agriculture in this state.” Continue reading Opiela Brings Campaign to East Texas

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – Following his arrest in Gladewater, an ex-neighbor has been charged in the December fatal stabbing of a 72-year-old woman whose body was found in her burned Houston-area home. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says Ethen Drake, 21, has been charged with capital murder. Investigators believe he stole cash and drugs from Caroline Stagner, then set her house on fire. Stagner’s body was discovered December 13 by firefighters. Authorities say the victim’s discarded pill bottles labeled with her name were discovered about three blocks from her home and near where the suspect’s parents still live. An affidavit released Tuesday says Drake was arrested in Gladewater, where he faces similar charges of taking pills and money from a home and setting it on fire. He was arrested last month and faces being returned to Harris County.

RUSK COUNTY — A Rusk County resident has been taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas after being injured in a fire at his home. Several fire departments were called to the scene off Highway 42, just north of Farm to Market Road 2012 yesterday morning. Firefighters tell KETK that Phillip Wayne Williams, 42, was hospitalized locally after receiving several burns. He was later transferred to Parkland for additional treatment. A fund has been set up for Williams at Citizens Bank in Kilgore.

WINONA — Winona Elementary was temporarily evacuated Tuesday morning after reports of a gas leak in the school. Winona ISD tells KETK that an odor was detected. The school immediately took precautions and evacuated all students, faculty, and staff. All students were transferred to the high school while the city came out to investigate the problem. According to the city, the school is fine and all students got clearance to return to the school by mid-morning.

TYLER — The man accused in a fatal shooting at Broadway Square Mall now has an attorney. Ricky Neal Jr. was appointed an attorney in Judge Kerry Russell’s court. Neal is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to KETK, he’s accused of killing Chris Mass, 23, outside Broadway Square Mall last February. Neal’s trial is set to begin April 28th. Continue reading Trial Date Set in Fatal Mall Shooting

LINDEN — Good Shepherd Health System is announcing it is closing a Northeast Texas Hospital and two clinics. Closing on April 30th is the 25 bed Good Shepherd Medical Center – Linden, and Good Shepherd Medical Associated Family Health Centers in Linden and Hughes Springs. According to a news release from the hospital system, the closings are the results of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement cuts to hospitals, a pending loss of the Critical Access Hospital status, a cut in Medicare reimbursements from the federal sequester and low patient usage. Around 100 jobs will be lost as a result of the closures.

WASHINGTON (AP/Staff) — Governors are quoting President Barack Obama as saying he expects to decide on the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline in the next couple of months. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, a Republican who supports the pipeline, said Obama was asked about Keystone Monday at a White House meeting with about 40 governors. Heineman and Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin said Obama told governors he expects a decision “in the next couple of months,” but didn’t offer a specific timetable. Fallin, a Republican who chairs the National Governors Association, also supports Keystone. The southern leg of the pipeline began transporting oil in January. That leg runs through much of East Texas, including eastern Smith County. Continue reading Obama to Act On Keystone in ‘a Couple of Months’

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the National Rifle Association’s appeals over limits on the gun rights of young adults. Justices have upheld a Texas regulation that prohibits most 18-to-20 year olds from carrying a handgun outside the home.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit will receive two bullet-proof vests, thanks to a nationwide Groupon Event. The Sheriff’s Office says two dogs, Lanny and Endy, will receive their vests, which will protect them from both stabbings and bullets, in approximately 14 weeks. The “Occasions” campaign for Groupon Grassroots, which was launched to outfit police K9s with bullet and stab protective vests, runs through March 5th.
Continue reading SCSO K9 Unit to Receive Bullet-Proof Vests

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for a teenage girl who has been missing since Christmas Day. KETK reports authorities are searching for Antonia Lobato, 14. She is a Hispanic female with brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 2 inches and weighs 120 pounds. At this time, there is no description of the clothing in which she was last seen. Anyone who knows of her whereabouts should contact Tyler Police at 903-531-1000.

HENDERSON — Rusk County officials are knocking on wood and crossing their fingers that the county’s lack of fatalities on roadways since the new year will continue. Sgt. David Roberts, spokesman for the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, said Thursday that no fatal wrecks have occurred in the county since Jan. 1. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, almost 30 people were killed on Rusk County roadways in 2013, prompting county officials to take action. Roberts said he can’t pinpoint one reason for the change, but said educating young people about the dangers of texting and driving has resulted in a change in attitude of students.

BRYAN (Staff/AP) — Aggie defensive lineman Isaiah Demarcus Golden, a former Carthage star, has been arrested after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana. According to KETK, Bryan Police say an officer was on patrol Saturday in the 3600 block of Wellborn Road in Bryan when he reached the Reveille Ranch Apartment Complex. While walking through the complex, the officer came near a building and heard a man yelling on the other side of the building. When authorities got closer, they found a silver two-door Infinity sports car with its lights on. The officer made contact with the four men in the vehicle and reported that he smelled a strong odor. Continue reading Aggie Lineman, Former Carthage Star Faces Marijuana Charge

TYLER — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples stopped in Tyler over the weekend. KETK reports he went to the elections office to try and encourage East Texans to take part in early voting. Staples is currently running for lieutenant governor. He says if elected, he hopes to tackle the issues affecting all Texans. Staples said, “We’re tired of politicians not listening to states and not listening to taxpayers. We know that the president, he’s said that he’ll ignore the Constitution and just enact policies through executive order. I want to fight for Texas.” Staples is running against Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, State Senator Dan Patrick, and incumbent Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. Early voting wraps up on February 28th.

TYLER — Police have identified the person killed in a truck/pedestrian accident in Tyler as Eddie Joe Shands, 74, of Tyler. The mishap was reported shortly after 9:15 Sunday night in the 1600 block of South Vine. The pickup truck was heading south on Vine Street when the victim was hit. Tyler police say the man was not at a crosswalk when the accident occurred. The driver remained at the scene and talked with investigating officers. The accident remains under investigation.

TYLER — Some East Texas physicians have announced their support for incumbent Matt Schaefer for the Texas House. According to KETK, the doctors say Schaefer has experience serving and is a fighter. One doctor commented, “He’s willing to stand on principles and willing to stand up against powerful lobbyist groups…a man of faith, man of service, and man of principle. All good things.” Schaefer remarked, ” I want to return control to doctor and patient and to the states and to local health care facilities, not to Washington.” He added, “When I got down to Austin, I’m going to make good decisions that are going to be good for patients, that are going to be good for nurses and doctors and people who are sick and people who are well.” In the hotly contested District 6 GOP race, both Schaefer and challenger Skip Ogle have racked up noteworthy lists of backers.backers.

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

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on Northeast Loop 323 in Tyler, between the Loop 323 Extension and Commerce Street. A second crew is scheduled to continue edge work on Farm Road 15 between Troup and the Rusk County Line. Elsewhere, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue edge work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 near the Wood County Line and Farm Road 16 east of Winona. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

PALESTINE — Four Louisiana men have been jailed in East Texas for allegedly engaging in organized criminal activity. KETK reports the men, ages 20, 21, 26, and 29, were arrested Saturday in a counterfeiting operation in Palestine. It all began at 8:30 a.m., when police officers were called to two convenience stores on Palestine Avenue in reference to a suspect attempting to pass a counterfeit $50 bill. In both cases, the suspect fled the scene before officers’ arrival and left in a tan Chevy Impala with no license plate. Continue reading Palestine Police Arrest Four Louisiana Men in Counterfeiting Case

MARSHALL — A body has been found on a roadside in Marshall. According to KETK, just after 10:00 Saturday night when Marshall police were told a woman’s body was found lying off the roadway on Scotts Quarters Road near the intersection of Loop 390. She has been identified as Sharon Leonard, 52, of Marshall. Police, fire, and ambulance personnel were called to the scene. Leonard was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Judge Clarice Watkins. Police and crime scene investigators were called and began an investigation immediately. Continue reading Body Found on Marshall Roadside

TYLER — Tyler celebrates Black History Month by welcoming back one of its own icons, football hero Earl Campbell. The Tyler Rose keynoted the 13th Annual City Wide Black History Program Saturday evening at the Rose Garden Center, organized by the African-American Cultural Events Committee. Going back to his early days in the Tyler area, Campbell mixed reminiscences about his life with his personal philosophy. Campbell said there have been three keys to his success; God, the way his mom and dad raised him, and the fact that he came from Tyler. The high school, college, and pro football legend offered up such comments as “There’s nothing special about me,” “I’m just a citizen of this great country,” and “I try to do my best.” Continue reading Earl Campbell Keynotes Black History Celebration

KILGORE — A settlement has been reached between the Kilgore ISD and a student who was outed by coaches. Wayne Yang with the Texas Civil Rights Project says five years ago, two coaches locked then 16-year-old Skye Wyatt in a locker room and demanded she admit she’s gay, and then told her mother against her will. Yang says, “It was really a terrible thing to do, and it caused a lot of strife and a lot of emotional damage, and for a time, ripped her family apart.” Aside from a monetary settlement, the school district has agreed to maintain policies that would prevent discrimination over sexual orientation, protect privacy, and allow training provided, in part, by the Texas Civil Rights Project.

TYLER — Local builders say homeowners who may be ready to start updating and upgrading can find plenty of inspiration at The Tyler Area Builders Association’s 34th Annual Home Products Show. It began Friday and continues through today at Harvey Convention Center. “The economy is improving, which means many homeowners are finally ready to do those upgrades or updates they may have postponed for the last few years,” said TABA Executive Vice President Libby Simmons. Today’s hours are 1-5 p.m. You can log on to http://www.tylerareabuilders.com for more information.

TYLER – Early voting for the March 4 Primary continues this weekend in Smith County at all five early voting locations. You can visit the Elections page of the Smith County Web site at http://www.smith-county.com/Government/Departments/Elections/Default.aspx to view sample ballots or look up your voting precinct. You can also call the Smith County Elections office at 903-590-4777. Continue reading Early Voting Open This Weekend in Smith County

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek the public’s help in locating Jacob Hamilton Garrett, a 14-year-old from Whitehouse who was reported as a runaway by his family on February 14. The Sheriff’s Office has received reports from his school that he has been texting fellow students, but there have been no confirmed sightings of Garrett. Garrett is 5’6” and weighs 125. The last available photo of him shows him with shorter dark brown hair, but he reportedly now has longer hair with blond coloring added. Continue reading Officials Seek Whitehouse Runaway

WOOD COUNTY — A Silver Alert has been discontinued for a missing Wood County man. According to KETK, Department of Public Safety officials say they have found Robert Eugene Searer, 77. A Silver Alert was issued for Searer on Tuesday, when he was reported missing. Searer was found at 11:00 Friday night near Paris, Texas. Wood County officials say that Searer is alive and well and has been reunited with his family.

LONGVIEW — One person is injured in a shooting at a Longview gentlemen’s club. It happened at 1:30 Saturday morning at the Pleasure Palace in the 1300 block of East Marshall Avenue. Kristie Brian with the Longview Police Department tells KETK there was a fight inside the club. Shortly after the fight broke out, one person fired a shot and hit a man. That man was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Brian also says the wounded man and all witnesses are being uncooperative at this time. We will update you as soon as more information becomes available.