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LUFKIN – A Lufkin man has been charged with indecency with a child after the 8 year old wrote about the incident in her school journal. Taken into custody was Justin Delane Nash, 33, who was free on probation for injury to a child. The girl he injured last year is the older sister of the girl in the latest incident. Nash remains in the Angelina County Jail.

AUSTIN – Wildfire survivors in Gregg, Harrison, Smith and Rusk counties can meet with state and federal specialists at recovery centers this week in area communities, including a new center opening Thursday in Smith County. Specialists from the state of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. They also have brochures and other written materials on disaster recovery.

The remaining schedule is:

Gregg & Harrison Counties
Fairgrounds
1123 Jaycee Dr.
Longview, TX 75604
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21

Smith & Rusk Counties
Bethel Baptist Church
13108 Hwy 64 East
Tyler, TX 75707
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Any Texan with questions about the recovery process or needing help registering with FEMA is urged to stop by a recovery center. Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but officials say the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and help applying for it

Texas homeowners, renters, and business owners can register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They can also register by telephone via FEMA’s toll-free numbers: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. Assistants are available by phone from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

LONGVIEW – The name of the man killed in a weekend Longview fire has been released. Richard Andrew Hillman, 58, died in the Saturday morning fire at the Pine Meadows RV Park. He was alone when the fire started. An unoccupied trailer next to his was also destroyed by the fire. The fire has been ruled accidental. It appears to have started when a cigarette ignited some combustibles in the trailer.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler debate team is ranked tops in the nation after strong finishes in the tournament at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill., Dr. Martin Slann, College of Arts and Sciences dean, announced. Senior economics major Alex Warren of Tyler and senior communications major Travis Smith of Palestine placed first in the three-day tournament, which is considered the bellwether meet for potential national champions in collegiate debate, according Dr. Charles Walts, UT Tyler director of forensics. “This is a big series of wins for us. Historically, the winner of the McKendree tournament goes on to good showings at nationals in the spring,” Walts said.

The first place finish also positions Warren and Smith at the top of the national ranking system, trumping teams from schools including Texas Tech University, University of California – Berkeley, University of Oregon and the United States Air Force Academy. “It feels great to be at the top of a ranking system that has more than 200 teams on it,” said Warren, who placed in the top three for overall best speaker. The ranking system determines who qualifies for the national tournament, Walts added.

In the junior varsity division, sophomore English major Addison Gribbin of Ennis and freshman communications major Dallas Flick of Aubrey placed in the top two teams, marking the second consecutive tournament in which the UT Tyler duo reached the finals. UT Tyler will travel to the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. to compete in an exclusive, invite-only tournament featuring the top ten debate teams in the country.

TYLER — ETMC Tyler announced Wednesday that patients and physicians in the region can now access one of the newest and highest-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scanners available: the Ingenia 1.5T system from Philips Healthcare. Hospital officials say the MRI provides high image quality to aid diagnostic confidence, increase clinical versatility and improve productivity by shortening exam times. In addition, officials say, patients will appreciate its many comfort-related features.

According to a hospital news release, ETMC’s Ingenia 1.5T system facilitates the delivery of crisp image clarity to help clinicians make informed decisions for a wide range of procedures. The elease says Ingenia 1.5T can assist radiologists and physicians in the earlier diagnosis of a variety of medical conditions, including brain and nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease and organ disease.

Hospital officials say with a simplified pre-exam set-up and a large 70cm bore, the system is more comfortable for patients and operators. “We expect to gain as much as a 30 percent increase in throughput compared to previous generation systems,” said Bill Tobin, director of ETMC radiology. “With both a wide bore and a large field of view, we also expect to do a variety of scanning procedures. For doctors and patients who understand that the latest technology can improve outcomes, the Ingenia 1.5T MR system we have installed represents what they have been looking for: the very latest technology that provides exceptional image quality in the most patient-friendly environment. It is of tremendous diagnostic benefit to the community.” Patient referrals may be made by calling 800-648-8141.

TYLER — The man accused of shooting a Smith County Sheriff’s deputy in March has been indicted on additional charges. According to KETK and Smith County jail records, 27-year-old Christopher Martin Summerville was indicted on October 14 for aggravated robbery, which is a first degree felony. He was also indicted for failure to register as a sex offender.

In March 2011, Smith County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals served a warrant on Summerville, then 26, at The Arbors apartments on Chimney Rock in Tyler for failing to register as a sex offender. When officials attempted to enter the apartment, Summerville allegedly shot Smith County Deputy Josh Caulkins in the chest. Luckily, Caulkins was saved by his bulletproof vest. After the shooting, Summerville was taken to a local hospital for a meth overdose. Officials believed at the time that Summerville injected himself with the drug just before they arrived at his apartment complex.

At the time of the shooting, Summerville was not charged with the assault, but in April, Tyler Police investigators secured the evidence to arrest him for aggravated assault of a peace officer, which is a first degree felony. Summerville was also charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and engaging in organized criminal activity, both first degree felonies. Two other people, Kara Hanley and Jeffery Andrysiak, who were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, were also charged for engaging in organized criminal activity.

SACRAMENTO, Cal. – Low-interest disaster loans are now available to certain private, nonprofit organizations (PNPs) in six additional Texas counties — mainly in East Texas — following President Obama’s September 21 federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of wildfires beginning August 30. The announcement comes from Karen G. Mills, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Only PNPs that provide essential government services are eligible for assistance.

The disaster declaration now makes SBA assistance available in the additional counties of Anderson, Henderson, Hill, Marion, Smith and Upshur. Previously SBA announced assistance to private, nonprofit organizations in the counties of Bastrop, Cherokee, Colorado, Gregg, Harrison, Houston, Leon, Rusk and Walker.

All interested PNPs should begin the process by registering with FEMA. At the time of registration, FEMA will initially determine if the PNP qualifies to immediately apply for a grant from FEMA’s PA program. All other eligible PNPs will be referred to the SBA for a low-interest disaster loan to cover property damages. If SBA cannot approve a low-interest disaster loan or meet all of the PNP’s needs, SBA may refer the PNP back to FEMA.

SBA may lend PNPs up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For certain private, nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the PNP suffered any property damage. Interest rates are as low as 3 percent with terms up to 30 years.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site. Go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply. Disaster loan information and applications are also available by calling (800) 659-2955, clicking on http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or contacting [email protected] via email. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is November 21, 2011. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 21, 2012.

TYLER — Part of East Erwin Street in downtown Tyler will soon be switching from one-way to two-way. The city plans to make the change on the stretch running from Spring Avenue to Center Street. It’s seen as a way to help drivers better navigate the downtown area as downtown becomes more of a destination for residents and visitors. Officials hope to make the switch by early next week, but no firm date has been set. Meantime, you’re urged to watch for the signs that will indicate the change.

PALESTINE — Anderson County sheriff’s authorities arrested four Tyler men early Monday whom they say were in possession of more than $9,000 cash and believed to be involved in the trafficking of illegal narcotics. Michael V. Cordaro, 22, Sam N. Cordaro, 20, Antonio T. Grahm, 20, and John T. Turman, 20, all of Tyler, were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity-money laundering following their arrests early Monday morning just east of the Palestine city limits.

Around 3:45 a.m. Monday, an Anderson County sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1998 Toyota Avalon for speeding on U.S. 79, just east of the Palestine city limits. The deputy reportedly smelled marijuana and was given permission to search the vehicle. Along with the cash, officers found drug paraphernalia items. All four suspects were released from the Anderson County Jail after posting a $75,000 bond.

NACOGDOCHES — A worker for an electric cooperative died while on the job. Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative officials tell KETK Aaron Sullender, 21, of Broaddus, was working between Nacogdoches and Garrison Tuesday when he came in contact with a high voltage line and was electrocuted. DETEC officials are investigating the cause of the accident.

LUFKIN — A wanted Lufkin woman has been taken into custody. It happened around 8:30 this morning. Texas Ranger Steven Rayburn, along with Lufkin Police Department Officers Ray Hightower and Stacy Seymore, arrested Karen Haney Renfro at Executive Inn & Suites, located at 103 Harmony Hill Drive, in Lufkin. Local and State law enforcement agencies in Texas and Arkansas were attempting to locate Karen Renfro for outstanding arrest warrants from Nevada County, Arkansas for Failure to Appear – Possession of Cocaine and from the Dallas County, Texas for Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

Assistance from area media outlets in publicizing the information concerning Karen Renfro’s “wanted” status led to an anonymous tip concerning her location, and a rapid reaction to that tip by the officers led to her arrest. Detective JB Smith, Law Enforcement Coordinator for Crime Stoppers of Lufkin, stated, “Crime Stoppers and all involved law enforcement agencies appreciate the assistance received from area media outlets. Without the quick response in publicizing this, there’s no way to know how long it would have taken to locate Mrs. Renfro.”

LUFKIN – A Lufkin pastor has been indicted for the sexual assault of a child. The indictment was returned by a Shelby County grand jury against Richard Adams. He is charged with three counts of indecency with a child and one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The complaints date back to 2005. Adams, who was arrested on the charges back in February, is currently free on a $35,000 bond.

LONGVIEW – A man accused of murder at a Gregg County club in January of 2010, has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Jimmy Lee Hall Jr., 31, of Kilgore, yesterday entered a guilty plea to manslaughter in the shooting death of Ilonzo McGregor, 27, of Henderson. The shooting occurred at the Wild Things club on Highway 31 west of Kilgore.

State District Judge David Brabham has ordered a pre-sentence investigation. No date has been set for the punishment hearing.

LONGVIEW – Longview police have arrested a parolee after his wife accused him of choking her and pulling out her hair during an argument. Currently being held in the Gregg County Jail, without bond, is Darrin Dexter Taylor, 45, of Greggton. Arriving officers reported seeing red, swollen marks on the woman’s throat and pieces of the victim’s hair with roots still attached. The officers said there were portions of the victim’s scalp that were reddened and bare. At the time of the incident, Taylor was out on parole following a 20-year prison sentence he incurred in 2001 for aggravated robbery in Gregg County.

PALESTINE (AP) — The downtown section of an East Texas city shook during the lunch hour when the roof of a four-story building partially collapsed. No injuries were reported in the fall of much of the roof and street-side wall of the top story of the 98-year-old Ivanhoe No. 15 building fell on the eastern end of downtown Palestine.

Police Sgt. Jeff Powell says the public first reported the collapse just before noon Tuesday. The Ivanhoe No. 15 building was built in 1913 as the meeting place for the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization. The top floors were vacant, while the bottom floor has been used for commercial office space in recent years.

TYLER — As several candidates battle it out for the Republican presidential nomination, Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert says he’s pleased with the field. Gohmert specifically says Michele Bachmann is one of his closest friends in Congress. But he told KETK he considers all the candidates friends and says they’re good people — though he admits he doesn’t know Mitt Romney as well as the rest.

BOSSIER CITY, La. — Bossier Sheriff Larry Deen says a Longview, Texas, man was arrested Monday afternoon after deputies allegedly found he had been operating a methamphetamine lab in a Bossier City, La., motel room over the past few weeks. According to KETK, Gregory L. Allison, 42, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit following an anonymous tip that he had meth in his hotel room.

According to information from the sheriff’s department, deputies contacted Allison at his motel room where they saw several components used in the production of a Red P (Phosphorous) meth lab after Allison invited them into his motel room. Authorities say Allison admitted to deputies he cooked meth in the room at least four times over the past few weeks. Deputies also found a small amount of suspected meth which tested positive for methamphetamine.

Allison was charged with manufacture of Schedule II (meth), four counts of operating a clandestine meth lab, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of Schedule II (meth) and transported to the Bossier Maximum Security Facility; his bond was pending at last report.

LUFKIN (AP) – Emergency officials say an oil vat fire has led to the evacuation of an industrial complex in East Texas. The Lufkin Daily News reports the fire broke out Tuesday morning in a Lufkin Industries heat treatment facility used for cooling and hardening metal. Company vice president Brian Gifford says nobody was hurt and authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Hot spots were being monitored throughout the day. Lufkin Industries supplies oilfield and power transmission products.

LUFKIN — Investigators need your help identifying a female suspect involved in the fraudulent use of a victim’s identifying information.

The victim in this case reported to Lufkin Police Department that she received notification from the Internal Revenue Service warning that she owed taxes for unreported income. The warning letter stated that the victim did not report all of her income when filing her tax return paperwork. Specifically, the IRS claimed that the victim failed to report wages earned while working for Etech during the year 2010.

The victim had not worked for Etech so she called the company’s human resources department seeking an explanation for what was to her an obvious error. The victim learned that her name, date of birth, and social security number were listed in the company’s records for an employee currently working at Etech`s Lufkin Center.

The detective conducting the investigation attempted to make contact with the suspect at Etech’s Lufkin Center but was told that the suspect, upon learning that the victim complained to Etech, left work claiming a sickness and has not returned. The detective obtained the image of the suspect shown here from a copy of the employee identification card for the person claiming to be the victim.

If you can identify this suspect or provide any information concerning this crime, call Crime Stoppers of Lufkin at (936) 639-TIPS or click here to submit an anonymous tip. You never have to give your name and Crime Stoppers may pay a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest related to these crimes.

CANTON — Van Zandt County authorities are investigating the death of an East Texas man after he was found dead early Monday morning. Van Zandt County Sheriff Pat Burnett said Derek Shane Hutson, 28, Canton, apparently died as a result of gun shots. Hutson’s body was discovered around 2:00. Burnett said his office and the Texas Rangers continue investigating the death.

TYLER — Three Tyler ISD high school students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Taylor Huckaby and Cole Paxson, both seniors at Robert E. Lee High School, received the National Merit Program Commendation recognition. Andrea Huerta, a senior at John Tyler High School, received special recognition as a National Hispanic Achievement Scholar.

“We are extremely proud of Mr. Huckaby, Mr. Paxson, and Ms. Huerta for earning such high honors,” Randy Reid, Tyler ISD Superintendent, said. “These national recognitions are a testament to their hard work, as well as the work of our dedicated teaching staff.”

National Merit Program Commendation recognitions are bestowed upon roughly 34,000 of the over 1.5 million students nationwide who take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students who receive this recognition are candidates for special scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

The National Hispanic Achievement Scholar recognition is awarded to high-scoring Hispanic students on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Only the top two percent of Hispanic test takers receive this commendation.

LUFKIN – Law enforcement agencies in Texas and Arkansas are looking for Karen Haney Renfro. She is wanted in Texas by Dallas County authorities for possession of dangerous drugs and is wanted in Arkansas for failure to appear-possession of cocaine.

Renfro was last known to be in Lufkin on Sunday. She is believed to be staying in local motels; frequently changing rooms.

Since November 2008, she has been booked into the Angelina County Jail by a variety of city, county and state agencies. If you know where she can be found, you are asked to contact Lufkin Crimestoppers or your local law enforcement agency.

TYLER — A Smith County constable is accused of sexual harassment. Precinct 5 Constable Dennis Taylor allegedly harassed a deputy and then fired her when his advances were reportedly refused. According to KETK, a 12-page complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Tyler. Deputy Wendy Savering was hired in 2005 by Taylor and was soon assigned to the post of school resource officer for the Lindale ISD. She was named Officer of the Year in 2007 and was officially recognized by the school district in 2010 for her work.

The complaint alleges that when her divorce was finalized in December 2008, within three days, Taylor asked her out. Savering alleges that when it became clear that she was not interested in a relationship, Taylor began criticizing her work. Savering also claims that when an initial suit for harassment was filed, she was fired. Savering’s attorney claims, “When she refused to date Constable Taylor, he made her life — work life — as miserable as he could and ultimately terminated her. My client is seeking reinstatement; she would like to have her job back.” Repeated phone calls from KETK to Taylor’s lawyer were not returned. The case is set for mediation in November.

TYLER — Hope Kidwell, 75, of Mt. Pleasant is the first in the region to have a tumor removed from one of her kidneys with the assistance of a robotic system at Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler. Monday, Andrew Kirkpatrick, M.D., Chief of Urology with Trinity Clinic, was the first surgeon to use Trinity Mother Frances’ da Vinci Surgical Robot to use real-time fluorescence imaging technology. The procedure allows surgeons to see and assess anatomy better than the naked eye. According to hospital officials, that further enhances the unmatched vision, precision and control of surgical robotics.

In 2004, Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler was the first in East Texas to add robotic surgery, using it to perform minimally invasive cardiac bypasses and robotic assisted radical prostatectomies. Hospital officials say the newest upgrade is instrumental in the treatment of renal tumors. “We are pleased to be the first in the region to offer this ground-breaking technology to our patients and the community we serve,” said Kirkpatrick, who has used da Vinci to perform over 300 prostatectomies.

AUSTIN — Texans who survived the recent wildfires – or saw neighbors or family experience loss – can be experiencing post-disaster stress that is as real as the destruction itself. Because of this, free crisis counseling is available to Texans in the 23 counties designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration. The program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), is open to any child or adult who is experiencing disaster-related stress.

“FEMA funds this program after major disasters because counseling can help people understand that their emotional reactions to the disaster, such as grief, frustration, anger and fear, are normal,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “We know that the right support and coping skills can help most survivors pick up the pieces and go on with their lives.” Trained counselors are provided by the network of state Community Mental Health Centers. Calls to the crisis lines are free of charge, as are face-to-face follow-up sessions for adults and children whose needs cannot be fully served through phone counseling.

Here’s a rundown of services available in East Texas:

· Anderson County, ACCESS Anderson Cherokee Community Enrichment Services, crisis line 800-621-1693
· Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Rusk and Upshur Counties, Community Healthcore, crisis line 800-832-1009
· Henderson and Smith Counties, Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare System, crisis line 877-934-2131
· Houston County, Burke Center, crisis line 800-392-8343

SMITH COUNTY — The home of a special needs teacher at Hubbard Middle School has been heavily damaged by a fire that broke out late Monday morning. According to KETK, she had taken the day off to care for a sick grandchild, but was not at home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries. The back portion of the home was destroyed in the blaze. The home is in southern Smith County on the 12000 block of FM 344, about a mile south of Hwy. 110.

HOUSTON (AP) – An East Texas man sent to death row for a shootout that left two sheriff’s deputies dead and a third wounded has lost an appeal at the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices Monday refused to review a petition from 52-year-old Randall Wayne Mays. The former welder and oilfield worker was condemned for fatally shooting Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Ogburn in 2007. Another deputy, Paul Habelt, also was killed.

The deputies responded to a call of gunshots on Mays’ property in Payne Springs. After appearing to cooperate, Mays barricaded himself in his house and opened fire with a high-powered rifle. An attorney argued Mays had poor legal help and was mentally impaired. Mays does not have an execution date and has other appeals.

JACKSONVILLE –The Jacksonville ISD Board of Trustees meets this evening to discuss joining a coalition of more than 150 school districts across Texas that has filed a suit against the state. The coalition, led by the Equity Center in Austin, filed suit Monday, claiming the state’s treatment of taxpayers and school children is not equitable. The board will also discuss approving the goods in transit tax. Essentially, the tax would apply to certain goods transported into town and stored in a public warehouse more than 175 days. Jacksonville currently does not have any such taxable goods, but the passage of the act is required by state law if the city ever wants to tax goods in transit in the future.

TROUP — Smith County DPS and Troup Police reported an accident involving an SUV and a horse that forced a road to close in the Troup area. FM 346 was shut down while officials cleared the scene but has since reopened. Authorities say the accident happened around 6:20 at the intersection of CR 2142 and FM 346 Monday morning, when the vehicle hit the horse in the roadway. One person was reportedly transported to a local hospital but the extent of injuries is unknown. The horse died.

TYLER -– Police are searching for two suspects accused of robbing a Tyler convenience store. It happened around 1:15 Monday morning at the Food Fast at 4725 Troup Highway. The store clerk told officers he was in the cooler when a black male with a handgun, wearing a ski mask ordered him to the front of the store where another black male, wearing a black and gold Halloween mask, was waiting. The clerk reportedly gave the suspects and undisclosed amount of money before they fled on foot. The clerk was not injured.

The suspects were described as 18 and 20 years old, about 5’7”, with a slim build. Both were wearing all black clothing and white gloves.