KTBB News, Weather, Talk

WINNSBORO – A one vehicle accident in Northeastern Wood County Saturday afternoon has left one person dead. The accident happened at the intersection of State Highway 11 and County Road 4310. Dead at the scene was Robert Emmett Kilmer, 33, of Keller, Texas. The Department of Safety report says a sleeping bag, that had been tied on the back of his motorcycle, dropped down and became entangled in the rear wheel. Kilmer, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from the bike.

DIBOLL – One person has been killed and two injured in a pickup/motorcycle accident two miles north of Diboll. The accident happened around 11:45 Saturday night. The driver of the motorcycle, Stephen Burchfield, 51, of Huntington, was killed and his passenger, Roliand Juneau, 36, of Lufkin, is in critical condition at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. Neither person on the motorcycle was wearing a helmet. A passenger in the pickup received minor injuries. The Department of Public Safety reports the pick-up, towing a car hauler, pulled out onto Farm Road 2497 and was hit by the motorcycle.

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

TYLER — Starting Monday, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform approximately two days of pavement-repair operations at the intersection of U.S. Highway 271 (Beckham Avenue) and State Highway 31 (Front Street). Once that work is completed, the crew is scheduled to move north and continue repairs in various locations on US 271 inside North Loop 323. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Also this week in Tyler, on Tuesday, the Union Pacific Railroad is scheduled to close Spur 164, also known as Greenbriar Road, between Spur 364 and State Highway 31 to all traffic while the railroad makes repairs to the crossing at that location. The work is scheduled to begin at 7:00am and last through 7:00pm. Detours will be posted.

Finally this week, TxDOT contractor Reynolds & Kay, Ltd., is scheduled to begin resurfacing work on Farm Road 14 in Tyler between U.S. Highway 271 (North Beckham) and North Loop 323. Farm Road 14 in Tyler is also known as East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard until it turns north on North Church Avenue. The project is scheduled for completion in late June.

LONGVIEW — The Union Pacific Railroad, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation, will be closing Loop 281 to all traffic near Farm Road 2087 on Sunday while the railroad makes repairs to the crossing at that location. Detours will be posted, and the roadway is scheduled to be re-opened by Sunday night.

Also this week in Gregg County, in Kilgore, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 259 Business in Kilgore between Lantrip Street to the south end of the US 259 Bypass. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Union Pacific Railroad, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation, is scheduled to close Farm Road 1616 north of Athens between Loop 7 and Farm Road 2752 on Monday while the railroad makes repairs to the crossing at that location.

Then on Thursday, the railroad is scheduled to close State Highway 19 just north of downtown Athens for the same work. The work at each location is scheduled to begin at 7:00am and last through 7:00pm. Detours will be posted.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing operations on U.S. Highway 287 south of State Highway 294 in Elkhart, while a second crew makes base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 2961 between Farm Road 59 and Farm Road 837 on the north side of the Engeling Wildlife Management Area. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Also this week, TxDOT’s District Wide Seal Coat program is scheduled to continue in Anderson County in the following locations:
*On US 287 between the Freestone County Line and FM 321;
*On FM 2961 between FM 59 and FM 837; and
*On SH 19 between FM 321 in Montalba and the Henderson County Line.

Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two lane areas. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application. 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 perform base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 3227 between State Highway 198 and Farm Road 47, while a second crew performs fog-seal operations on Ranch Road 2909 between Canton and Martins Mill, and on Farm Road 47 between State Highway 243 and State Highway 198.

A third crew is scheduled to perform pavement and edge repairs on Farm Road 857 just south of Grand Saline. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs in Jacksonville at the intersection of SW Loop 456 and Farm Road 347 on Tuesday, followed by the same work on State Highway 135 and State Highway 110 in Troup. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to conclude base-repair work on U.S. Highway 259 north of Henderson by Tuesday, then move to perform pavement and edge repairs on Farm Road 1662 between Farm Road 1798 in Laneville and Farm Road 2753 in Anadarko. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

KILGORE — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 259 Business in Kilgore between Lantrip Street to the south end of the US 259 Bypass. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House has approved final passage of a bill that would make it a criminal offense for public servants to inappropriately touch travelers during airport security pat-downs. Sent to the Senate Friday, the measure makes it illegal for anyone conducting searches to touch “the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person” including through clothing. It also prohibits searches “that would be offensive to a reasonable person.”

The bill’s chief sponsor is Republican Representative David Simpson of Longview. He said during brief debate late Thursday night that “this has to do with dignity and travel, and prohibiting indecent, groping searches.” Simpson believes it will keep Transportation Security Administration officials from treating travelers like criminals, though the measure may be superseded by federal law. Representatives approved the measure with little opposition.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (AP) — The most anticipated wedding in the country music world this year doesn’t involve a prince or a Middleton. Country’s royal couple, Lindale’s Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, are tying the knot Saturday in Texas.

Lambert says she can’t wait for the big day to get here since they’ve been engaged for a year. She’s been working out since November to avoid a crash diet and says she definitely wants to be a “fit bride.” Shelton says his only wedding hope is that Lambert doesn’t back out. He joked that it’s going to be an expensive party to not have at least gotten married there.

They are serving venison at the reception, and country singer Neal McCoy is performing. Shelton and Lambert are the reigning CMA male and female vocalists of the year.

TYLER — The physicians of Texas Spine and Joint Hospital have been named 2011 Business Hall of Fame Laureate of the Year by Junior Achievement of Greater Tyler. The announcement was made by 2011 Business Hall of Fame Chairman James Sheridan. The 39 physicians will be honored at a reception on Tuesday evening, May 17th. “Texas Spine and Joint Hospital embodies the spirit of what Junior Achievement is all about – entrepreneurship, free enterprise and the willingness to take risks to start a business,” said Sheridan. “We are fortunate to have this award winning hospital and group of physicians in our community.”

RUSK COUNTY — Authorities say a man has died in a four-wheeler mishap in eastern Rusk County. Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to County Road 304 Thursday night around 10:00 in reference to the accident. A witness at the scene said he and the victim, Hugh Aubrey Jones, 63, of Henderson, were raccoon hunting on four-wheelers when the accident happened.

The witness told authorities that their dogs had treed a raccoon, and he moved in ahead of the victim to follow the dogs. Jones never arrived at the tree, so the witness went back to look for him. The witness found the victim on the ground pinned underneath his four-wheeler. The witness summoned help from a nearby friend, and they managed to remove the four-wheeler off Jones. The inquest was conducted by Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Joe Sorrells, who has ordered an autopsy.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Joel Baker cut the ribbon on the Spring Avenue Park Plaza on the downtown square in a ceremony Friday morning. The downtown plaza that stands in the spot where a devastating fire ripped through five Spring Avenue properties two years ago is now open to the public. The historical storefront facades of the buildings were salvaged and now frame shaded plaza and garden space that downtown patrons are invited to enjoy. “Little did we realize that what was then such a tragic historical and material loss to both owners and occupants, as well as our entire community, could turn into such a beautiful spot for all to enjoy,” Judge Baker said.

Thanks to the Smith County Historical Society, the plaza is adorned with a 4-foot-wide by 7-foot-tall cast stone relief, depicting the Spirit of Progress, a woman dressed in flowing robes balanced on a globe, holding a torch above her head and extending a caduceus in her other hand. The relief was originally on the front of Montgomery Ward Co. in downtown Tyler in the 1930’s.

Officials say the Park Plaza project was made possible by generous donations from the Genecov Group and the Brookshire Grocery Co. to the citizens of Smith County. In 2009, following the fire, Genecove donated the five damaged buildings to Smith County. In 2010 The Brookshire Grocery Co. made a $300,000 contribution to stabilize and renovate the historic facades, clean the damaged site and construct the public plaza.

RUSK COUNTY — A 2010 Mother’s Day murder remains unsolved. Now Rusk County authorities are asking for the public’s help. The body of Jason Vickers, 44, Kilgore, was found in May of last year inside an abandoned mobile home off CR 1112 in Rusk County. Sheriff’s Deputies say they’re looking for information on Vicker’s death and have increased the reward. Deputies say even the smallest detail can lead to an arrest. Contact Rusk County authorities or Crimestoppers if you have any information.

TYLER — A man involved in a shooting at Broadway Square Mall is arrested and charged. Tyler Police say several shots were fired Wednesday night in the parking lot of the mall. Authorities say one man tried selling Xanax to Kevin Willams, 26, Tyler. The two men reportedly started arguing when the “dealer” started shooting at Willams before driving off. Police say when they arrived on the scene, Willams was under the influence of drugs. He was taken to the hospital for minor injuries and later arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Authorities are still searching for the alleged shooter. He’s described as a black male 25-30 years of age with tattoos on arms. He had short black hair, goatee, was about 5’5” to 5’06” and weighed around 175 pounds. He drove away in a maroon 4-door Cadillac or Town Car.

TATUM – A Rusk County teenager is in custody after she allegedly stole her mother’s car and led police on a chase that at times topped 100 miles an hour. Around 6:00 Wednesday a mother called the sheriff’s department about a dispute. As officers were heading to the house on County Road 2173, the mother called back to say her daughter had taken her car and was heading to Henderson.

The 14 year old girl fled from officers by heading into Henderson and then turned around and headed back toward Tatum. Officers were able to stop her car by putting spikes in the road. The spikes flattened two tires and she ran off into a ditch.

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House passed a bill that would make it a criminal offense for public servants to inappropriately touch travelers during airport security pat-downs. Approved late Thursday night, the measure makes it illegal for anyone conducting searches to touch “the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person” including through clothing. It also prohibits searches “that would be offensive to a reasonable person.”

The bill’s chief sponsor is Republican Representative David Simpson of Longview, who said, “This has to do with dignity and travel, and prohibiting indecent, groping searches.” He believes it will keep Transportation Security Administration officials from treating travelers like criminals, though the measure may be superseded by federal law.

After a brief but raucous debate, lawmakers approved the measure with little opposition, drawing applause from supporters.

TEXARKANA (AP) — Northeast Texas investigators have determined the eldest child of a woman found dead with her youngest child after a house fire west of Texarkana died as a homicide. Bowie County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Larry Parker said the initial autopsy report didn’t indicate a precise cause of 11-year-old Guinevere Doss’ death, but that all signs were consistent with homicide.

Guinevere’s grandparents removed her body from the burning house Wednesday, but the bodies of Amanda Doss, 34, and her 8-year-old child, Texas Johnson, were found in the burned ruins of the house. Parker said autopsies are expected to be performed on them in Dallas today. Parker says no suspects have been identified, but interviews of family members and friends continue.

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches school board made it official Thursday night, Dr. Fred Hayes is the district’s new school superintendent. Hayes, who is currently the Athens school superintendent, was named lone finalist to the Nacogdoches post last month. Hayes, a former principal at Tyler’s Robert E. Lee High School, starts his new duties in Nacogdoches June 9th.

AUSTIN – An Angelina County man is one of eight persons appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Trinity River Authority Board of Directors for terms to expire March 15, 2017. The authority oversees development and conservation of surface water resources of the Trinity River Basin.

Among those appointed to the panel was Dennis ‘Joe’ McCleskey of Apple Springs. He is owner of Angelina Excavating Inc. He is secretary/treasurer of the Piney Woods Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and a member of the Texas Wildlife Association, Lufkin Host Lions Club, and Angelina County Youth Fair Buyers Group Committee. He is also past president of the Deep East Texas Association of Builders, former committee member of the Hudson ISD Community Involvement Advisory Board, and a past volunteer with Angelina County Habitat for Humanity.

The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

TYLER — A young boy was slightly injured when knocked from his bike by a pit bull. The incident occurred around 10:15 Thursday morning on the southern portion of Rose Rudman Trail. Tyler police say the 5 year old boy was accompanied by his mother, who was on a bike. They say the dog “came out of nowhere” and knocked the boy off his bicycle. Officers at the scene believed the pit bull was not being aggressive, but was being playful with the child.

The youngster was attended to by paramedics with East Texas EMS. The dog scratched the child, but no biting occurred. The child also suffered minor scratches from being knocked off his bike. He was not transported for medical treatment and was released to his mother.

Animal Control responded and took custody of the dog. The dog was wearing a collar with the name “Titan” on it. No other information was on the collar.

LONGVIEW — A Longview High School teacher resigned Thursday following his arrest in Upshur County on charges of sexual assault and indecency with a child, Longview ISD officials said. Robert Craig Varnell, 54, was a high school science teacher and one of the district’s University Interscholastic League coordinators. He was booked in the Upshur County Jail at 12:25 a.m. Thursday, charged with indecency with a child and sexual assault, according to the jail website. He is being held on bonds totaling $500,000. An arrest warrant was issued by a Gregg County agency, but Varnell was arrested in Upshur County. He lives in Diana. Varnell sent a handwritten note to the district to resign. Varnell started working for Longview ISD in fall 2009 and was in his second year as a teacher. Prior to working for Longview ISD, he taught at LeTourneau University.

TYLER — The police investigation of the fatal crash that occurred at Broadway and Independence on May 10 has found that the accident had no link to the flashing yellow traffic signal in place at the intersection. The Tyler Police Department has released the audio interview with the driver of the 2008 Chevrolet Impala four-door involved in the crash, Helen Turner from Lindale. “The audio interview with Mrs. Turner clearly reveals that she understood what she was to do at the signal,” said Tyler Police Chief Gary Swindle. “She looked, felt she had time to make the turn, and proceeded through the intersection. She then felt the impact of the motorcycle striking her vehicle.”

According to authorities, Mrs. Turner’s vehicle was involved in the fatal accident in which she failed to yield the right-of-way while turning left. Kendrick Clark was operating a 2008 Kawasaki Motorcycle and stuck Mrs. Turner’s vehicle. Mr. Clark died as a result of the accident. The case will now be submitted to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office for presentation to a Smith County Grand Jury.

City officials say since 2008, 40 flashing yellow arrow signals (FYA) have been installed by the City in an effort to improve traffic progression in the City following the results of the Tyler 21 planning process that showed traffic was the number one concern for Tyler citizens. The determination was made to use this type of device following a seven year study by the Federal Highway Safety Administration that showed that FYAs were safer than a permissive green ball. The Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices includes these signals as an approved traffic control device, and their use has grown significantly across the nation in the last two years. Preliminary studies conducted by the City of Tyler Traffic Engineering Department on the intersections where the first 14 FYAs were installed shows that crashes have decreased by eight percent overall.

TYLER – A federal grand jury has returned multiple indictments charging individuals with separate federal crimes in the Eastern District of Texas.

Howard Wayne Collins, 66, of Greenville, was indicted for failing to register as a sex offender. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, from Sep. 21, 2010, to Apr. 7, 2011, Collins, a convicted sex offender, is alleged to have traveled in interstate commerce while failing to register as required by the Sex Offender Notification Act.

Kevin Davis Locklear, 25, of Jefferson — another convicted sex offender — was also indicted for failing to register as a sex offender and faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted. According to the indictment, from July 29, 2010, to May 2, 2011, Locklear is also alleged to have traveled in interstate commerce while failing to register as required by the Sex Offender Notification Act.

Edward Charles Lee, 45, of Gladewater, was indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, on Apr. 7, 2011, Lee is alleged to have been found in possession of a stolen firearm. Lee was previously convicted of felony offense battery in Texarkana, Arkansas, in 1993. It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess or own firearms or ammunition. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

Benito Salazar, Jr., 30, of Dallas; Jose Raul Perez, 23, of Dallas; and Celophis Williams, 28, of Irving, were indicted on charges of conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, they each face a minimum of 10 years, but not more than life, in federal prison. According to the indictment, the defendants are alleged to have been involved in a conspiracy with others to possess and distribute cocaine and money from Dallas to Little Rock, Arkansas, by way of Interstate Highway 30, through the Eastern District of Texas.

Humberto Oliveros-Contreras, 34, a Mexican national, was indicted for being an alien unlawfully present in the United States after having been deported. According to the indictment, on Apr. 7, 2011, Oliveros-Contreras was located at the Rusk County Probation Office. An investigation revealed he had been deported to Mexico on several occasions. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation.

TYLER — For the second time, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs recognized the City of Tyler with a “Gold Leadership Circle Award” for transparency in local government. The Comptroller’s Leadership Circle program recognizes local governments across Texas striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online. “Transparency has been a priority for me personally during my two terms as Mayor of Tyler,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Tyler has made several changes to ensure financial information is readily available to citizens via our web site. Our goal is to communicate and operate in a way that is open and accessible to our community.”

Officials say the Comptroller’s office is spotlighting local governments that have opened their books to the public in order to provide a clear picture of spending and to share information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more information. According to city press materials, the “Gold” designation in the Leadership Circle highlights local governments that set the bar for financial transparency, open their books to the public and set a strong example for other governmental entities to follow. The “Silver” designation encourages entities making continued progress toward achieving financial transparency, while “Bronze” inspires those just beginning their efforts and taking the first steps toward achieving financial transparency.

Following the recognition in 2009, Tyler continued to look for ways to enhance transparency, according to city officials. Officials say additional enhancements were made to the City web page to facilitate accessibility of the financial information. “A navigation button was added to our main directory for Transparency,” added Bass. “This link takes you to a page that houses all of the financial information available at the touch of a button. We also added even more data that our citizens may want to review.”

The review for the award accounts for financial reports, budgets and check registers available online. The process also checks for financial transparency features including budgets posted online for the current fiscal year, details within the check register, ease of access to the documents; instructions on how to submit a public information request, and the availability of contact information for current locally elected officials.

“The governments and school districts in Tyler and Smith County are doing a great job in giving citizens the transparency in government they expect by showing that opening the window on local government is not only essential, it’s rather easy to do,” Comptroller Susan Combs said. “I applaud their leadership in transparency and the example they have set for others in Texas. Taxpayers want to know they’re getting the bang for their tax bucks. Transparency engages and empowers citizens, holds government accountable and saves taxpayer dollars.”

SMITH COUNTY — Questions still remain in the shooting and carjacking of Thomas Ray Morrow, 24, Tyler, but investigators say they are making progress. Authorities say they found Morrow’s stolen car nearly 100 miles away in Garland, but the suspects are still on loose.

The shooting happened Monday night around 8:15 on County Road 310 near Farm Road 14. When deputies arrived on scene, Morrow was conscious and was able to tell the authorities about the incident. He said he was attacked by four men, one of whom he knew, named “Chopper.” Officials say one of the attackers shot him 6 times and the group stole his car, a 2001 gray Saturn 4-door with a black hood, license plate LLS624.

After he was shot, Morrow went to a known nearby neighbor’s house, but no one was home. He then walked about a mile to the truck stop, where he was expected to meet some other people from Dallas that he knew. Morrow was reportedly covered in blood when he reached the truck stop, and someone called 911. He was also the victim of robbery a few weeks ago that he reported to Tyler police.

TYLER — Two suspects are now in custody after a robbery and assault. It happened around 10:15 p.m. May 5 in the 500 block of South Bois D’ Arc Ave. Police say two suspects knocked on the resident’s door, attacked him and stole an undetermined amount of cash before running off. The victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital. A description of the suspects helped authorities locate and arrest Anthony Eugene Thomas, 25, and Emanuel James Hayes, 21, both of Tyler. The men have been booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $100,000 each.

MOUNT PLEASANT – A second person has died from injuries received in a hit and run accident in Mount Pleasant. Jocelyn Roberts, 13, died Tuesday night at Dallas Children’s Hospital after being taken off life support. Her cousin, Cameron Jones-Wheeler, died from his injuries the night of the accident. The two were crossing the street last Saturday night when they were hit by a car that authorities say was driven by Edward Joseph Moya, 21. He fled the scene and was later arrested. He remains in jail in Titus County under a $2 million bond. Witnesses told authorities that a second car also hit the young boy. It too fled the scene and authorities are continuing their search for it.

TYLER – A scuffle in the parking lot of the Broadway Square Mall resulted in one person being slightly injured. Around 6:45 Wednesday night police received a call of a shooting at the mall. Upon investigation, a Kevin Williams, 26, Tyler, told officers he was shot at, but not hit.

He told officers he was in the parking lot of the mall near the main entrance speaking with another man. He said the suspect was trying to sell him some Xanax. A scuffle followed at which time the suspect produced a handgun and fired a single shot. As the suspect fled the area, he struck Willams with his car. He showed officers several abrasions on his hands and knees and complained of back pain. He was transported to East Texas Medical Center for treatment.

The suspect is described as a black male 25-30 years of age, dark skin and with jail house tattoos on arms. He had a short black hair, goatee, was about5’5” to 5’06” and weighed around 175 pounds. He drove away in a maroon 4-door Cadillac or Town Car.

TYLER — Lightning strikes from thunderstorms that moved through the area Wednesday night caused a couple of fires. Around 8:00, an oil tank fire was reported on Farm Road 724. It was extinguished, and no injuries were reported. Shortly before 9:00, a fire was reported at the Exxon station at the intersection of U.S. Highway 271 and Highway 155. The lightning strike hit the building, which shorted out some neon signs.

TEXARKANA (AP) — Northeast Texas investigators now say they suspect a mother and her two children may have been dead before flames consumed their house west of Texarkana. Bowie County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Larry Parker would not say what wounds, if any, were found on the bodies of Amanda Doss, 34, Guinevere Doss, 11 and Texas Johnson, 8.

Sheriff James Prince says the grandparents of the children got to the burning house early Wednesday morning before authorities and pulled the three from the burning house, but they had died. The grandparents suffered burns and are receiving treatment at a Dallas hospital. The house was about 10 miles west of Texarkana.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Joel Baker announced Wednesday that Smith County has been awarded $368,600 in grant funds for sanitary sewer improvements to support job creation by Distant Lands Coffee Company. The grant, made from the Texas Capital Fund Infrastructure Program, is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, and consists of federal funds from the HUD Community Development Block Grant Program. The grant-funded improvements will be coordinated with the City of Tyler, enabling the Company to obtain sewer service, and re-purpose land for future expansion that is currently used by its septic system and drain field.

Distant Lands Coffee Company operates a roasting facility at 11754 State Highway 64 West near Tyler, but outside Tyler’s corporate limits. The company currently employs 56 persons in Smith County. Distant Lands is the only vertically integrated coffee company. Founded in 1982, Distant Lands’ operating divisions now include coffee farms, processing mills, multi-national quality control services, green coffee trading, and North American roasting plants. The company supplies approximately one-third of the coffee brewed at McDonald’s worldwide, as well as other chains, including Panera Bread.

Baker says the sponsorship of this project by Smith County and the cooperation of all parties, including the City of Tyler and the Tyler Economic Development Council, has contributed to the success of this grant application. As a result of the grant, the following benefits are projected:
• Will leverage an additional $368,600 in working capital investment by the company
• Will create 19 additional permanent full-time manufacturing jobs
• Will provide and additional annual payroll of $381,680 dollars.
• At least 51% of the new jobs will be filled by low and moderate-income persons.
• Construction of approx. 3,990 LF of new sanitary sewer main from the company’s plant to a nearby City of Tyler sewer interceptor.

The project will be located in Precinct 1 of Smith County. Smith County is thanking the Texas Department of Agriculture and especially Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples for making the grant possible. The team of Traylor & Associates; Rea Boudreaux, P.E.; and the Brannon Corporation worked together in preparing the grant application, cost estimates, and site plans for the project. This is the third Texas Capital Fund grant successfully sought by Smith County since 2000.

LONGVIEW — A nasty piece of pavement in Gregg County is getting a makeover. KETK reports that construction is underway to improve safety measures along a portion of Highway 149. East Texans know the stretch of road as Whiskey Bend, and it’s been the scene of many fatal crashes, including a fatal hit and run earlier this spring. Monday, Gregg County acquired land to help with the project. County Judge Bill Stoudt says added safety isn’t the only thing the project brings. According to Stoudt, “It will open up a large tract of land for development. We’ve had a lot of interest; a lot of national chains have asked about this project and when it’s going to happen.” The land acquired by the county allows Estes Parkway to make a” T ” intersection with Eastman Road. County officials say the project is expected to take about two years to complete.

TYLER — Information from the Texas Comptroller indicates that City of Tyler sales tax revenues deposited for the month of May have increased 2.61 percent as compared to May 2010, resulting in a 3.14 percent cumulative year-to-date increase. The reported revenue of $3,307,846.99 comprises $ 2,205,231.33 general sales tax revenue and $1,102,615.66 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from March 2011 collections as there is a two-month lag before taxes are reported and remitted back to the City from the State.

“Each month we are seeing steady, incremental growth in our sales tax revenues as compared to where we were last year,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “The 3.14 percent year-to-date increase represents about $608,000 in additional revenue, compared to budgeting figures, to provide for General Fund services, like police, fire and parks.”

The City is already into its 2011-2012 budget preparation cycle. Individual departments are preparing budgets that will be submitted to the City Manager in May, and staff-level budget hearings will take place in May and June; the final proposed budget will be presented to the City Council on August 10, 2011. “We anticipate this will be another tight budget year,” added McDaniel. “We made many cuts last year to offset significantly lower revenue – without dramatically affecting service levels. We are still recovering from those cuts in staffing and the delay of projects. Basically, we will be looking at a ‘maintenance budget’ with no new programming or costly initiatives.”

WHITEHOUSE — There’s some controversy surrounding the chief of the Whitehouse Volunteer Fire Department. The department met with board members Monday. Fire Chief Ronny Fite tells KETK the board reviewed and dismissed claims in a petition filed by Scott Beu, one of the department’s own. The claims concern alleged lack of training and misappropriation of funds, including questions about Chief Fite’s compensation. Beu says the petition was dismissed because it lost signatures from members who feared retaliation.