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TYLER – As Tyler’s PATH organization begins a search for a new executive director, following board policy, the Finance Director of the organization, Rick Hyatt, has been named as Acting Executive Director. The announcement was made at a news conference Tuesday. The Board has also determined that it is in PATH’s best interest to hire an Interim Executive Director to guide PATH during the months ahead while the agency searches for a new Executive Director. A search committee should be named by the end of the month.

And it was announced Tuesday that PATH has received two bequests that they say will help secure its future for many, many years to come. Trudy Richardson, who died last year and was the granddaughter of PATH founder Gertrude Windsor, left trust funds for PATH’s benefit in the amount of $500,000. Half of this money, $250,000, is to be used as a permanent endowment to provide income for PATH into perpetuity, and the other half is to be used for buildings.

They also announced another bequest of $600,000, this one from an anonymous donor. The bequest is named in honor of C.C. and Brenda Baker, longtime friends and supporters of PATH. C.C. Baker was also one of the founders of PATH.

FRANKSTON (AP) — Cattle prices have hit record highs in recent months after a severe drought forced ranchers to sell off and slaughter their livestock. Now, as the rain returns, many ranchers in Texas want to restock, further upping the price of the scarce cattle.

A recent auction on the Neches River Ranch was closely watched by ranchers, dealers and others in the cattle industry. Prices were even higher than some expected and almost double across the board from what they were a year ago, with a cow that fetched $1,800 now commanding almost $3,000.

DALLAS (AP) — Authorities in a Texas town under investigation for allegedly shaking down motorists for their cash sometimes used the travelers’ children as bargaining chips in their attempt to seize money. Documents reviewed by The Associated Press describe the extent to which children became pawns as authorities in Tenaha near the Louisiana border accumulated hundreds of thousands of dollars through highway traffic stops.

The records show that authorities separated a small child from one couple and threatened to do the same to another during stops on U.S. Highway 59. The Justice Department has been investigating Tenaha and Shelby County officials since they were named in a 2008 class action lawsuit alleging that a drug interdiction program was in fact a scheme to use trumped-up money laundering charges to seize cash from motorists.

TYLER — The conservative activist group Grassroots America – We the People endorses challenger Matt Schaefer for state House District 6 in the May 29 Republican Primary. Schaefer is running against longtime incumbent Leo Berman for the Tyler-area seat. Grassroots America says it respects several aspects of Berman’s record. But the group says the state’s fiscal house is not in order, and that Berman has worked against the financial transparency Grassroots America supports. The group says it believes Schaefer understands what it will take to resolve the state’s fiscal woes. Grassroots America also cites Schaefer’s service on the Texas Sunset Commission.

Schaefer says the endorsement “is proof positive that conservatives right here in Tyler and Smith County are ready for fresh leadership.” Berman says he’s not concerned about Grassroots America’s endorsement, that he’s been able to help thousands of voters, and that he stands on his conservative record.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County authorities say 16-year-old Lauren Martin has returned home. Lauren had last been seen in the area of Maxey Road in Longview on April 21, and officials had sought help in finding her until she came back to her residence.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police investigate a downtown burglary early Monday morning. Intruders made their way into the Crystal Spur Boutique; a mannequin was taken from the store window. Police tell KETK thieves used a small weight to break in.

MARSHALL — A Nazarene pastor in Marshall, Raymond Earl Cooper, arrested and charged last week for online solicitation of a minor, has been placed on leave from the church following his arrest. That report comes from KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “After seeking advice from the General Secretary of the Church of the Nazarene as well as denominational legal counsel for the Church of the Nazarene, we have placed Raymond Cooper on leave from the pastorate of First Church of the Nazarene, Marshall, Texas,” Rob McDonald, Dallas District Superintendent for the Church of Nazarene, said in an e-mailed statement. The Dallas District hired Cooper as pastor of the church.

McDonald said church officials consider the recent allegations concerning Cooper as “tragic.” He said church officials will continue conducting their own investigation. “For the next period of time we will continue to investigate the situation and follow due process as warranted by the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene and denominational counsel as to Pastor Cooper’s credentials,” he said. “We want to be careful and cautious, yet prudent in the handling of this most sensitive issue.” Cooper was arrested last week for allegedly soliciting a person online that he believed to be 14 years old. His bond for the offense was set at $50,000 by Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Mike Smith.

TYLER — The Tyler Independent School District has announced that the John Tyler High School Principal will be leaving. Shon Joseph announced his resignation Tuesday. He will be taking a principal position at Little Elm High School, in Little Elm. Joseph said, “This decision was very difficult,” Mr. Joseph said. “This move will allow me more flexibility and more time with my family. I will always remember John Tyler’s team of students and parents. There is nothing like a Friday night at Rose Stadium with the Big Blue Band and the best football team in the state. I can’t thank you enough for your support and unwavering belief in me as a leader.”

During his time at John Tyler High School, Mr. Joseph was awarded the 2011-2012 Region VII High School Principal of the Year award.

“Mr. Joseph is an outstanding principal that set high academic standards for the students of John Tyler High School,” Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid said. “He has served as a leader not only in the district, but also in our community. He will be greatly missed.”

MARSHALL — A Marshall man is in custody in Conroe in connection with the December murder of Kenneth Dillard, of Marshall. Dillard’s body was found Dec. 16 near St. James Cemetery in Harleton. He had been stabbed repeatedly, investigators said. According to the Longview News-Journal, Harrison County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jay Webb said Monday, investigators recovered what they believe to be the murder weapon. William Penn Jones is charged with terroristic threat and murder in connection with the slaying. Jones, 29, was taken into custody May 3 in Montgomery County. He is expected to be transferred to Harrison County this week.

LONGVIEW – Thunderstorms that moved through the area overnight Monday and Tuesday were responsible for some power outages. In the Gregg County area, Swepco reported Monday night over 10,000 residences without power. The majority of that was on the north side of Longview.

LONGVIEW – A fire has destroyed the Willene Alston residence in the 1300 block of Montclair Street in Longview. It was reported around 1:00 Monday afternoon. No one was at home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, but it is believed to have started in the garage.

LONGVIEW – A Tatum couple’s family has grown by four. The woman, around 12:30 Monday afternoon, gave birth to quadruplets. The babies were delivered by cesarean section at Good Shepherd Medical Center. The parents are Ruben Salgado and Maria Jamaica.

TYLER – Tyler ISD is calling on parents to carefully review the contents of their children’s belongings before sending them to school. The call to action comes after a student at Orr Elementary School brought an unloaded weapon to campus. According to a school district statement issued Monday, the weapon was found and confiscated, and no students were in danger, but the incident serves as a reminder for parents to closely monitor their students. “We have staff and procedures in place to ensure our campuses are safe learning environments for our students,” Ken Vaughn, Tyler ISD Director of Student Services, stated. “We also need support from our parents and guardians to help us control what students bring to school.”

The statement continues, “Tyler ISD wants to assure parents that no students were harmed during the incident today. The teacher and principal followed proper procedure to make sure that all students were safe throughout the day. The investigation into this incident is ongoing and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken concerning the student involved.”

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview are continuing to investigate a fatal accident, and they have some additional information. Just before 10:00pm on May 3, officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Estes Parkway for an accident involving a pedestrian. When officers arrived they found the victim, Robert Wayne Mullins of Longview, lying in the roadway. Mullins, 51, was attempting to cross the roadway in a dimly lit area located away from the intersection. Mullins was struck by a Camry driven by 20 year-old Rebecca Ann Sheets of Tatum. Mullins was transported to a local hospital where he died.

Police have now learned that three black females stopped to help the victim but left before police arrived. Police are also looking for the driver of a white or light colored SUV that may have been involved in the accident. If you have any information regarding the accident or the driver of the SUV, you’re asked to contact the Longview Police Traffic Unit at 903-237-1196 or Officer Mike Grisham at 903-239-5516. If the caller wishes to remain anonymous, he or she can also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org or 903-236-STOP (7867).

HARLETON — A Harrison County 2-year old has drowned. According to KETK, at around 4:30 Sunday afternoon, Harrison County 911 dispatchers received a call from an address on Private Road 4137, near Harleton, about a possible drowning. When crews arrived, they found Lacy Besecke being given CPR inside the residence.

According to the child’s grandmother, who lives there, she was watching the children play in the pool from the back porch. The grandmother says the child was wearing a swim ring, and had apparently taken the swim ring off, and was found at the bottom of the pool by other children. It is not known how long the child was under the water. The victim was taken to a Longview hospital where she was pronounced dead by the emergency room physician.

LONGVIEW — An 86-year-old Longview woman who was struck by a vehicle while crossing Gilmer Road has died from her injuries. The accident happened April 27 around 5:15 a.m. on West Loop 281 and Gilmer Road. Longview Police were told that a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Charles Patrick McClain, Longview, was traveling south on Gilmer Road. McClain stated he did not see the victim, Mary Ruth Burgess Neal, Longview, crossing the roadway. Neal was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center where she remained until her death on May 4. No charges have been filed against McClain.

TYLER – The Kimberly Cargill murder trial is underway in state district court in Tyler. Whitehouse police charged Cargill in July 2010 with the murder of Cherry Dianne Walker, 29, who authorities described as mentally challenged. Walker’s body was found in June 2010 off County Road 2191. Officials say Walker was murdered one day after she was issued a subpoena to testify in a custody hearing regarding Cargill’s 4-year old son. The 45-year old is also charged with injury to a child. Her bonds total $1.5 million. She has entered a not guilty plea.

SMITH COUNTY — Dixie and Noonday fire departments responded to a brush fire on County Road 195 South of Tyler. According to KETK, it started around 5:00 Sunday evening. Fire officials said the brush fire burned about 1 acre of land. No injuries were reported. Now an investigation is underway to determine how the fire got started.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately two weeks of pavement repairs on Westbound Interstate Highway 20 between State Highway 110 south of Van and Willow Branch Road near the Van Zandt County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repair operations on Loop 456 in Jacksonville between U.S. Highway 69 south and State Highway 204, followed later in the week by the same work on U.S. Highway 79 between US 69 and Larissa Street. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement-repair operations on Farm Road 859 south of Edgewood. Meanwhile, construction work continues on FM 859 between Farm Road 1395 and State Highway 19 near the Rains County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

LONGVIEW — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on Farm Road 1845 between Loop 281 and the Upshur County Line, and on Farm Road 2963 between Farm Road 349 and Lake Cherokee. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

TENNESSEE COLONY — Texas Department of Transportation construction crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately three weeks of resurfacing work on Farm Road 645 between U.S. Highway 287 north of Tennessee Colony and Farm Road 3328 near the TDCJ Beto I Unit. Also this week, erosion control work is scheduled to continue on SE Loop 256 near Farm Road 322. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing operations on Farm Road 2496 between U.S. Highway 259 north of Mount Enterprise and Farm Road 1798 east of Laneville. A second crew is scheduled to be at work this week on Farm Road 918 between State Highway 135 in Overton and U.S. Highway 259 south of Kilgore. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2869 north of Farm Road 2088. The work is in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. A second crew is scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 515 west of Farm Road 2225. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on State Highway 19 between Athens and the Anderson County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

PALESTINE — A 34-year-old Palestine woman described as “a major player” in the area’s distribution of methamphetamine was arrested Friday during the serving of a pair of sealed indictments, according to the Palestine Herald. Leslie Ann Deltoro (pictured) was arrested on two charges of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance 4-to-200 grams and a single charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance 1-to-4 grams Friday morning at her apartment in the 200 block of South Church Street, according to Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor. Deltoro has previously served time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on a drug conviction, according to the sheriff.

A second person at the apartment, Juliana Marie Martinez,30, of Palestine, was also arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram, according to the sheriff.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Cherokee County officials tell KETK a man from Whitehouse was headed back home Sunday morning when he crashed his pickup truck about a mile south of Bullard just after 7:00. He was traveling northbound on Highway 69 and Farm to Market Road 2493 when he reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The truck flipped and then landed into a nearby ditch. Responding deputies said they closed the northbound lanes of Highway 69 for about an hour. The man’s injuries were said to be minor.

TYLER — The East Texas Communities Foundation is awarding over $200,000 in scholarships to high school and college students from East Texas for 2012. This marks the first year ETCF scholarship awards have reached the $200,000 milestone. First-time scholarships of over $130,000 were awarded to 70 students at a reception held in honor of the recipients at Marvin United Methodist Church this past week. Scholarship amounts range from $500-$10,000 per student. Over $70,000 in scholarship renewals will be distributed later this summer, making a total of over $200,000 in scholarship grants in 2012 from 40 different scholarship funds at ETCF.

SANDY SPRINGS, GA. (AP/Staff) – Authorities in East Texas have arrested the husband of a Georgia lawyer who was shot eight times. Sandy Springs, Ga., Police Department spokesman Capt. Steve Rose says Michael Parson was arrested near Tyler just before midnight Saturday. He was arrested by a state trooper on a traffic stop. Authorities say Parson was taken into custody without incident and he is being held in the Van Zandt County Jail in Canton. Authorities have warrants for the arrest of Michael Parson, whom they accuse of being involved in the April 20 shooting of his wife, Adina Parson. The warrants accuse the husband of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, a firearm offense and making false statements. Parson had not been seen for several days. Family members said the wounded woman is starting to move her arms and legs. She is unable to speak.

TYLER — Toll 49 construction has reached I-20. Officials with the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) say the first of many construction activities taking place within the next several months is an eastbound shoulder closure, beginning today, allowing drainage work to begin. There will be signage making motorists aware of the shoulder closure. Officials say you should be prepared for any potential delays in the construction area. You can follow the NET RMA on Twitter and Facebook and stay current by logging onto http://www.toll49.org for the all of the latest updates.

NACOGDOCHES — A rumored fight on the Nacogdoches High School campus led to a heightened absence rate on Friday. According to Nacogdoches ISD officials, rumors had been floating around campus on Thursday about a gang fight that might involve weapons on Friday. Security was increased on campus as a precautionary measure, but school authorities tell KETK, there was never a weapon found, and they believe it to just be a rumor. Still, parents of many Nacogdoches ISD students opted to keep their children out of school Friday. The school district’s attendance rate for Friday was 66%, down from an average daily attendance rate of 95%. School officials said 554 students were absent out of the total 1697 enrolled. Nacogdoches ISD authorities tell KETK, they are still taking the situation very seriously, and will continue to monitor the issue to ensure the safety of all students on campus.

Nacogdoches ISD released the following statement: “The high school administration has done an excellent job of responding to rumors and issues of concern among our students on the campus and in the community. We appreciate the City and County for their support of our students while we addressed the issue. Both the county and the city sent officers to the campus to assist us in ensuring a smooth and safe start and ending of the school day. The message that I would like to send to our parents and community is that we are working very hard to maintain the excellent environment on the high school campus that you expect. Please understand that any student or community member who approaches any Nacogdoches ISD campus with intent to disrupt the educational process will find a swift and severe response. We are here to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students and any attempt to disrupt that goal will not be tolerated.”

EAST TEXAS — One Big Sandy resident had a bit of a scare Friday when he discovered a 7-foot alligator in his front yard. According to KETK, Dan Dassing lives within the Big Sandy city limits. Dassing was checking the mail when he noticed the gator by the front gate near a flower bed. The Big Sandy Fire Department along with officers were called in to remove the reptile without incident.

MINEOLA — A second person has died from injuries received Thursday in a one-vehicle crash in Wood County. DPS Sgt. Willie Drabble said Monica Hayes, 33, of Mineola, was pronounced dead at East Texas Medical Center in Quitman. Fannie Crowell, 53, of Alba, died at the scene of the crash on CR 2231 west of Mineola on Thursday afternoon. Drabble said the vehicle hit a concrete railing. Two others people in the vehicle were injured. The driver, Donald Houck, was taken to ETMC in Tyler. A third passenger, Cecil Cantrell, of Yantis, was transported to Trinity Mother Frances

GREGG COUNTY — One man is dead after he was hit crossing an intersection Thursday night in Longview. Shortly before 10:00, officers were called to the 3000 Block of Estes Parkway on a pedestrian accident involving a gold 1999 Toyota Camry. When officers arrived on scene, they found the victim, Robert Wayne Mullins, 51, Longview, lying in the roadway. Mullins was trying to cross the roadway in a dimly lit area located away from the intersection, when he was hit by the Camry driven by Rebecca Ann Sheets, 20, Tatum. Mullins was taken to a local hospital where he died.

The incident remains under investigation, Brian said, and police are asking for witnesses to the accident or anyone with information to contact Longview Police Traffic Unit officers at (903) 237-1199. If the caller wishes to remain anonymous he or she can also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at (903) 236-STOP(7867) or submit a tip online at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

SMITH COUNTY – By a unanimous vote of its board of directors, Grassroots America – We the People endorses Larry Smith for Smith County sheriff. Smith is a veteran of 34 years in law enforcement. According to a statement from the citizen group, “Smith understands that to run a law enforcement agency successfully, he must provide consistent leadership and high standards, the right tools, and the right training for his people. The fact that he has ‘walked in the shoes of the men and women’ we depend upon for safety, security, and justice convinced us he understands how to lead a group of public servants who willingly put their lives on the line every day.” Smith faces Bobby Garmon, Chris Green, and Donn Rust in the May 29 GOP primary.

LONGVIEW — The man sent to show Kilgore firefighters how to use a new ladder truck did not bring or use a safety belt before a January 2009 training exercise that resulted in the deaths of two firefighters, testimony in a wrongful death lawsuit revealed Wednesday. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Doug Fleming, an instructor with the maker of the 95-foot aerial platform truck the city of Kilgore bought in December 2008, also did not include the use of safety belts in the presentation he gave firefighters when the truck was delivered. That’s according to his testimony, provided by videotape Wednesday in a lawsuit brought by the widow, mother and two children of Kilgore firefighter Kyle Perkins. The family is suing E-One and Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus, respectively the maker and distributor of the ladder truck.