KTBB News, Weather, Talk

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP/Staff) – Authorities have identified two East Texas men who died after a head-on crash on a foggy highway in western North Dakota’s oil patch. The Highway Patrol says 25-year-old Joshua Schuchardt of Hallsville, was pronounced dead upon arrival at a Dickinson hospital after the crash early Wednesday on state Highway 22 north of Dickinson. Twenty-three-year-old Derek Moore, of Center, died later in the day at a Bismarck hospital. The two were passengers in a pickup truck that collided head-on with a semitrailer while passing another vehicle. The driver of the pickup and another passenger were hospitalized in Dickinson with unspecified injuries.

MANGUM, Okla. (AP) – A former Oklahoma prison employee went back on the witness stand Thursday in the trial of an ex-deputy warden’s wife who is charged with helping a convicted killer escape in 1994. Glenn Hardin testified in the trial of 49-year-old Bobbi Parker. Prosecutors allege Parker fell in love with Randolph Dial and helped him escape the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite, where her husband, Randy, was deputy warden. Defense attorneys claim Dial kidnapped Bobbi Parker and held her hostage until they were found living in Campti, Texas, in 2005. Dial also maintained until his death in prison in 2007 that he kidnapped Parker and held her hostage. Hardin testified Wednesday that he had regular contact with Dial at the prison’s physical fitness area and called him egotist.

TYLER — TYLER — A 6-year-old boy received 18 stitches after he’s attacked by a neighbor’s dog. It happened Tuesday on Moore Avenue in Tyler. Police said Trevon James was in the back yard at his neighbor’s when the dog somehow got off the chain and attacked him. He was rushed to a local hospital and treated for his wounds. The dog was taken by authorities after it was found that his rabies vaccination was not up to date. The owners received a citation from police. Trevon’s father says the incident was scary at the time but he and his son hold no ill will towards their neighbor and even spoke to pet owner that very night. Animal Control in Tyler said the dog’s owner paid to have their pet put down. Trevon is expected to make a full recovery.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Fire Officials say a wildfire burning since Wednesday has been contained. Flames sparked of FM RD 2661 about a half mile off of Hwy 155. Officials say at least 10 acres have burned in the fire. Several bulldozers and a plane were brought in to help contain the blaze. The Texas Forest Service was also on hand. No word on what started the fire.

GREGG COUNTY — Gregg County jurors sent a Longview man to prison for 15 years Wednesday after finding him guilty the previous day to drug possession. The jury convicted Claudie Ray Edwards, Jr., 28, of having a bag of crack cocaine when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested him Nov. 6 at the Tiger Mart convenience store on East Marshall Avenue. Edwards was passed out in his parked vehicle with a bag of the drug sitting in plain sight on the dashboard. He admitted to consuming crack cocaine and liquid codeine that night and early morning.

The Assistant DA asked for an enhanced punishment against Edwards based on his criminal history, which includes drug, theft and burglary convictions. He has pending misdemeanor charges in Gregg County for marijuana possession and criminal trespass. Gregg County jailers testified in Edwards’ punishment hearing that he exposed himself several times to several female jailers and made inappropriate, sexually offensive comments.

TYLER — A Cambodian national illegally living in Caney City has been convicted of federal firearms violations. Chhourngly Kheng, 26, was found guilty by a jury of being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm. According to information presented in court, in April of last year, officers responded to a call reporting a shooting at Thunder Liquor in Caney city. Officers said Kheng, an employee of the liquor store, had fired a .38 caliber revolver at two customers as they left the parking lot. Following the guilty verdict, Kheng was remanded into custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to await sentencing. Kheng faces up to 10 years in federal prison and deportation. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — The teen accused of bringing a gun to the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on a peace officer. Corey Webb, 17, from Kansas City was arrested in Tyler in July of last year. Kansas City police asked Tyler police to apprehend the teen from a bus for outstanding warrants. Webb allegedly pulled a gun from his backpack and began firing at an officer inside the attention center. No one was injured. Judge Kerry Russell has set Webb’s sentencing for September 16th.

TYLER — A Titus County man appearing in Tyler federal court, has drawn a prison sentence for drug trafficking. Hector Nieto, 40, of Mt. Pleasant, pleaded guilty last November to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Nieto was also ordered to forfeit ownership of commercial property in Mt. Pleasant, valued at $93,000, a 2005 GMC, K3500 pickup truck, and $21,473.47 in U.S. Currency. According to information presented in court, in July 2009, Nieto knowingly delivered approximately three kilograms of cocaine to others with instructions to transport the cocaine to Chicago, Illinois, for sale and distribution.

MANGUM, Okla. (AP) – The former secretary to a former deputy Oklahoma prison warden whose wife is charged with helping an inmate escape says the inmate had become friends with the prison’s warden. Anne Brooks testified Wednesday in the trial of Bobbi Parker. Parker is charged with helping convicted killer Randolph Dial escape the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite where her husband – Randy Parker – was deputy warden. Brooks was Randy Parker’s secretary and testified that Dial and prison Warden Jack Cowley spoke frequently inside the prison. She said she didn’t trust Dial and called him “that conniving inmate.” Prosecutors say Bobbi Parker fell in love with Dial and helped him escape in 1994. Defense attorneys say Dial kidnapped Parker and held her hostage until they were found in Campti, in Shelby County, Texas, in 2005.

GILMER — An Ore City woman was charged with murder Tuesday evening in connection with a body that was found in a burned out vehicle in Upshur County. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Upshur County Sheriff Anthony Betterton said 43-year-old Sharon Stanley Maxwell was arrested around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday after investigators determined that the case was “suspicious in nature.”

Betterton said authorities were dispatched to a residence on Texas 155 north of Gilmer around 11:15 a.m. Tuesday in connection with a vehicle fire. They discovered a body in the vehicle after it was extinguished. Upshur County spokesman Freddie Fitzgerald said due to the condition of the body, authorities were unable to positively identify the victim. Justice of the Peace Lyle Potter pronounced the victim dead at the scene and an autopsy was ordered from Southwest Forensic Center in Dallas. Maxwell remained jailed on $750,000 bond, charged with murder.

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating the death of a two-month-old child. Wednesday morning just after 10:00, Tyler Police, Fire and EMS responded to 727 South Porter on a report of an unresponsive infant boy. The infant was transported to Mother Frances Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by emergency room personnel. The infant is identified as Michael Salas. Tyler Investigators say they found no evident signs of foul play. Judge Quincy Beavers ordered an autopsy which will be conducted by Southwest Forensics in Dallas. Child Protective Services was notified of the incident.

RUSK COUNTY — Firefighters in Rusk County respond to a massive blaze on County Road 476. KETK reports at least 70 acres blackened so far. The Texas Forest Service tells us the fire broke out on an oil well property, but so far, no wells have been affected.

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department was notified today that Delek Refining, located at 425 McMurrey, will be upgrading the emergency notification system at their facility. As part of the upgrade, they will be testing the system periodically throughout the day. Because of this, sirens may be heard in the surrounding neighborhoods. Delek hopes to be finished with the project by the end of today. Please contact the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office at (903) 535-0005 for more information.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police have identified the woman who was arrested early Tuesday morning on charges related to a man who was shot in the arm. Sharonda Brewster Beck, 34, of Longview, was arrested about 3:45. Officers were dispatched to a car wash in the 3300 block of Lilly Street in connection with a shooting. One victim was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center where he was treated and released. Authorities said an argument started in the parking lot of the car wash when Beck fired at least one shot hitting the victim.

HOUSTON (AP) – The condition of polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs has been upgraded from critical to serious following his move to a prison hospital for additional treatment after he became sick while fasting. Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons says Jeffs was flown Tuesday 215 miles to the Texas prison hospital at Galveston. On Sunday, he was admitted to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. The 55-year-old Jeffs last week was assigned to the Powledge Unit, about 100 miles southeast of Dallas, to serve his life sentence for sexually assaulting underage girls. On Sunday, he told corrections officers he’d been fasting since his conviction and had become ill.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a report of an aggravated assault. It happened just after 11:30 Tuesday night at D’s Coffee Shop, 710 East Front Street. Officers say upon arrival, they found a 42-year-old man suffering from a stab wound in his back. He was taken to Mother Frances Hospital and treated. The wound was not life-threatening. Tyler Criminal Investigations Division arrived on scene and started an investigation into the events that led up to the stabbing. No arrest had been made at this time and no names are being released while the investigation is pending.

HENDERSON — Henderson voters will have a school bond proposal on the November 8th ballot. School trustees yesterday voted to put a $26 million proposal for voters. If approved, the funds will be used to build a new middle school. Henderson Middle School houses the district’s sixth, seventh and eighth graders. It was built in 1953.

If voters approve the proposal, it would increase the district’s taxes 9.5 cents. At Tuesday’s meeting the Henderson School Board approved a tax rate of $1.18 per $100 valuation. With the 9.5 cent tax increase, the average home would have about a $5.00 a month tax increase.

TEXARKANA — A Harrison County woman has been sentenced to federal prison for bank fraud. Aimee Lynn Elwood, 45, of Marshall, pleaded guilty in February. She was sentenced Tuesday to 21 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Elwood was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $167,414.20.

According to federal prosecutors, from July 2008 to April 2010, Elwood abused her position as a Vice-President with Texas National Bank to fraudulently renew a line of credit and obtain loans in her name and the names of others. Specifically, Elwood forged the names of co-borrowers and pledged as collateral vehicles, certificates of deposit and other valuable items belonging to third parties without their consent.

LINDALE — The Lindale ISD board of trustees adopted the 2011-2012 budget and voted unanimously Monday night to reduce the tax rate for LISD home and property owners. The tax cut reduces the Interest and Sinking (I&S) rate from 41.5 cents to 39.5 cents. The I&S rate is used to pay off school construction bonds. The Maintenance and Operation (M&O) tax rate of $1.06 per one hundred dollars of appraised value will remain the same. The new I&S rate will be applied to the $42 million bond passed in 2009 that included the construction of a new junior high school, the addition of classrooms at the high school, a 1,200 seat auditorium and improvements to athletic facilities.

The board also approved a $ 25.5 million budget for the 2011-2012 school year. The state of Texas budget shortfall that resulted in $4 billion in cuts to public schools did impact LISD’s budget. The district’s share of state cuts is approximately six percent, almost $1.5 million, of last year’s operating budget. LISD was able to make cuts without laying off any fulltime district employees. To compensate for cuts to the district’s operating budget, departments and campuses were asked to tighten their budgets. Travel and supply budgets received significant cuts.

“Due to our conservative approach to spending and great timing with bond rates and low construction cost, the Lindale ISD board of trustees was able to actually lower the tax rate,” LISD Superintendent Stan Surratt said. “To give a tax cut during these tough economic times certainly shows the great financial strength of Lindale ISD. I am very pleased with our financial status.”

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court has voted unanimously to adopt a 2012 budget that keeps the tax rate at essentially the same level with a one cent, voter approved increase to pay for jail improvements. That brings the tax rate to 0.324 cents per $100 valuation. “We worked very hard this year to hold the line and provide the same level of service to tax payers despite recent economic challenges,” County Judge Joel Baker said. Since 2008 sales tax revenue has decreased by 8.62% or $1.4 million and fines & fees have decreased by 8.42% or $1 million. Interest earnings have decreased by 93% or $1.45 million since 2007.

Last year the Commissioners Court reduced retirement benefits and eliminated 33 positions to cut the budget by $9.2 million. The 2012 budget holds services steady without creating any new positions. Base salaries and benefits for Smith County employees are still frozen, and the budget only allows for the absolute minimum amount of equipment purchases necessary in the upcoming fiscal year.

Judge Baker credits several accomplishments in 2011 with contributing to the stable state of the county. “We have focused efforts on maintenance programs to extend the life of assets, continued planning efforts to resolve the jail overcrowding issue, developed a comprehensive 5 year Capital Improvement Plan and started the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee and Cooperative Purchasing programs.” Judge Baker said. “We are focusing our efforts on responsible fiscal planning for the future.”

LONGVIEW — Authorities in Gregg County seek help finding a 33-year-old woman. Jennifer Marie Johnson is Caucasian, 5’3”, 130 pounds, with brown hair, and blue eyes. She was last seen on FM 2011 in Gregg County on August 27. The sheriff’s department has no information on clothing, vehicle description, or direction of travel, and it’s unknown if she is traveling alone. You’re asked to contact the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 237-2506 with information.

TYLER — Police in Tyler are looking for clues in the death of a 43-year-old man. Yesterday morning around 11:45, Tyler Police responded to 1404 West Claude Street on a report of a resident found dead in his residence by his roommate. Tyler Investigators were called to the scene to look into the details surrounding the death of Brian Patrick Miller. Investigators found no evident signs of foul play, and Judge Quincy Beavers ordered an autopsy to be performed by Southwest Forensics in Dallas.

LINDALE — There’s a new face in the race for Smith County Constable Pct. 5. Kenneth Bibby says he “will bring a fresh approach to service in the office,” which is currently held by longtime Constable and fellow Republican Dennis Taylor. According to a press statement, Bibby has served over 31 years in law enforcement, including the Smith County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Department of Public Safety (retired), and Smith County Precinct 2, which he currently serves a Deputy Constable.

Bibby was born in the Lindale area and has lived the majority of his life there. Bibby’s stated objectives include increasing responsiveness and service through more efficient use of resources, promoting and participating with community groups and organizations in protecting the area, and utilization of technology advancements. The Republican primary is next March 6.

TYLER — Three women were sent to Tyler hospitals Monday night following an incident at a local business. According to KETK, ambulances were called to the Ace Check Cash on West Gentry, where it appears workers were overcome by carbon monoxide fumes. A floor buffer being used at the business was reportedly the cause of the problem. Authorities say it’s unlikely any kind of charges will be filed against the cleaning business responsible for the buffer. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, confusion, redness and headaches.

TYLER — A town hall style meeting in Tyler Monday night featured Congressman Louie Gohmert. The Lakeview Church of the Nazarene was packed with East Texans very passionate about the issues our nation is facing. KETK caught up with Gohmert before he began his speech and asked him a few questions, like how he feels about Governor Rick Perry running for president? Gohmert says he thinks it’s great for America but 6 months ago, he never would have guessed any politician from Texas would stand a chance. “People are so hungry for good leaders that it looks like their willing to even have another one from Texas,” Gohmert said.

Recently Governor Perry is quoted as calling social security a ‘ponzi’ scheme. Gohmert says even though it wasn’t well thought out back in the 30’s when it started, it’s what people are counting on. “We can’t leave people in the lurch but we can work for future generations to have something even more and better than social security,” Gohmert said.

LONGVIEW — A Longview shooting sends one person to the hospital. It happened around 3:30 yesterday morning at a car wash on Lilly Street near Eastman Road and Interstate Highway 20. According to Longview Police, it was sparked by an argument between several people when shots were fired. One person was shot in the arm and was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A suspect was taken into custody but the name has not been released.

PALESTINE – A wreck between a SUV and an 18-wheeler has left one person dead. The accident happened shortly after 12:45 Monday afternoon on U.S. Highway 79 one mile east of Palestine. Dead at the scene was Cheryl Diane Welch, 49, of Palestine. The Department of Public Safety reports her SUV crossed over into the oncoming lane of traffic and hit the 18-wheeler head on.

TYLER – A suspect has been arrested with the help of a citizen and an off duty officer. The off duty Tyler police officer was on his way to work in his private vehicle around 6:45 Monday night, when he saw a motorist who he knew was wanted for an outstanding arrest warrant. He called the dispatch center and an officer was sent to stop the suspect vehicle. The responding officer located the vehicle about half a mile outside Loop 323, on the Frankston Highway. When the officer stopped the suspect’s vehicle, the man got out of the car and fled on foot, running into the woods. The officer gave chase, but lost sight of him.

An alert citizen spotted the suspect hiding in a gravel pit near the intersection of County Road 1114 and County Road 1121. The citizen notified officers and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. He is identified as Irvin Perez, 18, from Tyler. He was booked into Smith County Jail for engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest.

LONGVIEW — Visitors to the Longview Public Library and City Hall need to be aware of parking lot paving work currently taking place. Contractors have started paving operations on the parking lot located between City Hall and the Longview Public Library. The repaving project is expected to impact this section of the library parking lot for about two weeks. The paving project will not impact the Longview Public Library’s operating schedule.

Visitors to City Hall, the library, and the Police Department are advised to use caution. Traffic markers and signs will direct patrons to the available driveway entrances and parking lots.

This is the fourth phase of a paving project at the City of Longview municipal complex that is scheduled to be complete by early October. The fifth and final phase of the project is expected to begin within a couple weeks and will include repaving the drive-through lane for the City of Longview Water Utilities Department. During the construction, water customers are encouraged to use alternate methods of payment such as by mail, online, over the phone, or at one of twenty authorized Fidelity Express payment stations throughout Longview. Water utility customers visiting City Hall are encouraged to utilize the parking lot located on the west side of the building. The paving project is part of the capital improvements bond package approved by voters in 2007.

RUSK COUNTY — A three-acre fire that started from a Saturday evening lightning strike reignited Sunday morning, burning through more than 70 acres in Rusk County. Texas Forest Service spokesman Dena Matteson said crews were sent back to Rusk County Road 326 Sunday morning around 11:45 after dispatch advised that the blaze had reignited.

Matteson said that as of 4:00, Texas Forest Service officials had completed 90 percent of the fire line, which helps prevent the fire from spreading to more land. She said there were three helicopters working to knock down flames from above in order to get the fire line drawn. There were also four dozers called to the scene to assist with containing the fire.

“There are no homes in direct danger from the blaze at this time, but local volunteer fire departments are standing by at three or four residences just in case the fire becomes a threat to those homes,” Matteson said. “I’m not sure if the homes were evacuated.” The fire was listed as contained by 5:00 Sunday evening.