KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Texas College honors City Councilman Rev. Ralph Caraway in the first of a series of monthly community breakfasts planned by the college. TC President Dr. Dwight Fennell says the theme is “Building Community Through Partnerships.” Fennell says the event was a celebration of thanks, but also a celebration of giving the college back to the community in a small way. He encourages the public to attend the breakfasts. Caraway was recognized for his support of the college and his service to the Tyler area, which includes a number of local affiliations. Caraway says he’s honored and that he supports the planned get-togethers. The councilman, also the city’s mayor pro tem, says he’s very hopeful that other citizens will be a part of the partnership as the college reaches out to the community “to better the college and also to better the community as a whole.”

TYLER — The Hispanic Business Alliance Advisory Committee has voted to support Tyler ISD’s $89.85 million bond package in the November election. The move came following a presentation by TISD Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid and school trustee Eleno Licea. The alliance’s Price Arredondo says the alliance “recognizes the need to replace the final two elementary schools and build a new middle school relief campus given the current overcrowding and growing student population.” Alliance members also said the TISD board and administration “have proven to be good stewards of the bond funds and have demonstrated a commitment to academic improvement.”

The Hispanic Business Alliance’s mission is to support and enhance the Hispanic business community. Opposition to the bond issue includes the citizen group Grassroots America – We the People, along with a new group concerned about possible relocation of Rice Elementary School.

CHAPEL HILL — Smith County Sheriff’s deputies tell KETK the investigation continues for the murder of Amanda Anderson. Anderson, 19, was shot and killed last month in her parent’s house. Her brother found her inside a bedroom, shot in the back of the head. Police say although it’s been six weeks since the homicide, and no arrests have been made, it isn’t a cold case. A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.

TYLER — A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamine. According to information presented in court, up until May 6, Lucio Adan, 34, conspired with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine throughout East Texas. Adan was indicted by a federal grand jury in May. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. Adan agreed to forfeiture of cash, firearms and a judgment in the amount of $50,000 representing the illegal proceeds of methamphetamine distribution.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department held a Memorial Service in front of the police department Thursday in Honor of Magic. Magic, who died due to kidney failure last week, was one of the department’s two black Labrador K-9 dogs. Magic was with the police department from 2001 to 2010, and police say he did an outstanding job in detecting drugs for the Narcotics Unit. The handler and partner for Magic was Officer Steve Black, who was the second handler in Magic’s prestigious career with the department.

TYLER — One person is in custody after a snatch and grab and a Tyler pursuit. Arrested Wednesday was Decarlton Wilson, 31, of Tyler. He is accused of entering a dentist’s office in the Albertson’s Shopping Center at Troup and the loop, and grabbing some items. He then fled in what witnesses described as gaudy, red, customized car.

KETK-TV reports he was spotted him on Paluxy Drive, but he refused to stop. A sheriff’s deputy chased him down Paluxy past FM 346 where he lost control of the car. He was arrested in a nearby house. Had he not run he would have only been facing a class B theft charge. Now he is in the Smith County Jail on charges of theft, marijuana possession and 3 counts of evading arrest.

LUFKIN — Fire has damaged the old Abitibi paper mill at Lufkin. Firefighters from Lufkin and area volunteer fire departments brought the blaze on Highway 103 east under control around 1:00 yesterday afternoon. Investigators say a demolition crew was cutting pipes in a building of the plant around 9:00 Wednesday morning. It is thought smoldering embers finally caught fire shortly after 11:30. There were no injuries.

TYLER – A 66-year-old Yuba City, California, man has been sentenced to federal prison for insider trading violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Stanley Swanson pleaded guilty Wednesday in Tyler to insider trading of a publicly traded security and was then sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to the information presented in court, Swanson was the CEO and President of Safescript Pharmacies, also known as RTIN Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company that marketed itself as an electronic prescription technology company. In 1999, Swanson resigned from his positions, and his son, Curtis Swanson, assumed control of RTIN holdings.

In September 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission began to investigate Curtis Swanson’s fraudulent activities, specifically that Curtis Swanson and others fraudulently inflated RTIN’s publicly-reported revenues and income. Over the following six months, Swanson was aware of the SEC investigations, which was not known to the investing public; sold over 500,000 shares of RTIN stock; and received proceeds of approximately $2,017,277.20. In a separate proceeding, Curtis Swanson pleaded guilty to securities fraud and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

TYLER — The citizen activist group Grassroots America – We the People says there’s more to Tyler ISD’s financial situation than meets the eye. GAWTP continues to oppose the TISD bond issue on the November ballot. According to the group, “Those urging voter approval of Tyler ISD bonds eagerly point to the AA rating by Standard & Poor’s, the ‘Superior’ Financial rating by the Texas Education Agency, and Certificates of Excellence in Financial Reporting as everything taxpayers need to know when it comes to how well the District spends our tax dollars.”

A statement from GAWTP Executive Director JoAnn Fleming continues, “While Grassroots agrees these ratings are important, the truth is – the S&P rating is based on the district’s financial strength, which is based on the ability of local taxpayers to foot the bill. The legal language in any bond proposition asserts the authority of the taxing district to levy the tax rate necessary to ensure the timely payment of bonded indebtedness. Holding steady the tax rate on the debt service side of the property tax rate is always dependent upon the stability of the local tax base, property values, and new debt. Superior financial ratings and excellence in financial reporting does not ensure commonsense spending priorities, the wisest, highest and best use of tax dollars, or cost-efficiency.”

Fleming adds, “For example, details found on the Texas Education Agency website spell out disturbing Tyler ISD trends in light of the rapidly growing overall tax burden on local taxpayers from all levels of government.” Fleming says in the last six years, central administrators have seen a 45% increase in pay, total tax revenue per pupil has increased 62%, and total Tyler ISD tax revenue has gone up 71%.

Fleming continues, “This information demonstrates the high level of investment taxpayers are already making in Tyler ISD. Given the growing cost to taxpayers and the outrageous increases in Tyler ISD administrative salaries – much beyond that of classroom teachers and even the state average – taxpayers clearly deserve answers on the bond package and improved facility planning. This ‘pay now and get answers later’ approach is wrong. We cannot and will not overlook it.” The pro-bond Vote Yes Committee did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

ATHENS (Staff/AP) – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has received an official cause of death concerning Ben Gill Clements, the son of former Gov. Bill Clements. According to KETK, officials with the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas ruled Clements’s cause of death as a result of apparent gunshot wounds and the manner of death as homicide. Clements’s body was unearthed on Howard Granger’s property on County Road 4609 and later positively identified. Clements, a neighbor of Granger’s, was first reported missing last Thursday. When authorities on Friday went to search Granger’s ranch, officials say he began shooting at them and Granger was killed. Officials later found Clements’s body in a shallow grave on Granger’s property.

TYLER — Tyler Police search for a suspect involved in a reported aggravated assault. It happened Wednesday morning in the area of Palmer and Arnold street. Police say the victim claims he was in the area looking for rental property when a verbal argument broke out with another motorist, who reportedly threatened him with a semi automatic handgun. The suspect was described as a black male between 27 and 34 years of age, driving a dark colored 2 door passenger car. Anyone with information is asked to call Tyler Police.

LUFKIN — A Livingston man is on trial on charges of intoxication manslaughter in the deaths of his two passengers in a crash in Hudson early Halloween morning 2008. A jury will determine John Lee Wade’s fate this week. On Oct. 31, the 22-year-old was traveling west on FM 706 at Stephenson Brown Road just after midnight when his red sports car left the road, crashed into a tree and caught fire. According to KETK, passengers Arturo DeJesus, 19, of Diboll, and Tomas Martinez, 19, of Lufkin, died from their injuries. Wade survived the wreck with internal injuries and burns and was released from the hospital two weeks after the accident.

TYLER – A new group called “Why Relocate Rice” is joining the opposition against the Tyler School District bond issue. The group formed when it was learned Rice Elementary might be relocated. TISD officials say a decision has not been made on moving Rice Elementary and that can be done after the election. KETK-TV reports that’s the problem. School officials say after the election is over they plan meeting with residents on what should be done with the school.

TYLER — A Kilgore woman has been sentenced to federal prison for using the mail to embezzle funds from her employer. Deborah Ogden Williams, 47, pleaded guilty on April 12 to mail fraud. She was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison yesterday by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis. Williams was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $626,717.99.

Federal prosecutors say Williams began working as a bookkeeper for K-K Mobbs Construction in 1994. During this time, Williams devised a scheme to defraud her employer and steal $626,717.99 from the company by writing checks on a company account to pay off her personal student loan, purchase gift cards, make payments on unauthorised credit cards, and pay off other personal debts.

TYLER — A Rusk County man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring. Johnny Douglas Campbell, 28, of Henderson, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute pseudoephedrine. He was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison yesterday by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to information presented in court, on January 13, Campbell took possession of three boxes of cold tablets, which contained a combined total of 288 tablets, knowing the cold pills would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. The cold pills contain pseudoephedrine, which is used to manufacture methamphetamine.

TYLER — For the past two years, work has been underway to create a veterans’ court in Smith County. It could soon become a reality. Last week a task force appointed for the veterans’ court presented plans for implementation of the court to the commissioner’s court. The project received unanimous approval.

KETK-TV reports the court is designed as an optional measure for judges to provide help to veterans suffering from substance abuse and mental health problems linked to their time in the service. Veterans facing misdemeanor or felony offense charges, who meet certain guidelines, will have the one-time opportunity to avoid jail time, enter treatment and a mentoring program.

Spearheading the project is social worker Choya Shanahan who has praise for Smith County’s leadership. She told KETK, “Their vision, their foresight, and their diligence in pushing this forward has really been appreciated by all 18,000 veterans in Smith County.”

TYLER – A 47-year-old Kilgore woman has been sentenced to federal prison for using the mail to embezzle funds from her employer. Deborah Ogden Williams pleaded guilty on Apr. 12 to mail fraud and was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison Tuesday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis. Williams was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $626,717.99. According to prosecutors, Williams began working as a bookkeeper for K-K Mobbs Construction in 1994. During this time, Williams devised a scheme to defraud her employer and steal $626,717.99 from the company by writing checks on a company account to pay off her personal student loan, purchase gift cards, make payments on unauthorized credit cards, and pay off other personal debts.

TYLER — Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White issues a call for unity and refers to his business background during his latest phone visit with KTBB. According to White, “Texas deserves a governor who can bring people together — Republicans, Democrats, Independents — and run this state like a well-run business. I’m a businessman; Rick Perry’s a career politician. I urge people to understand we have an alternative — and don’t be distracted by Mr. Perry’s attempt to cover up his failures by pointing at Washington. We need somebody who’s accountable for the government of Texas.” No comment yet from the Perry campaign. The governor has secured the backing of former President George H.W. Bush.

TYLER — The Greater Tyler Association of Realtors’ 1100-plus-member organization Tuesday endorsed the TISD Bond Proposal slated for vote in the November 2 election. President Bill Pillsbury announced the group’s support. Pillsbury said, “All schools – public, private and those in our surrounding areas – are crucial to home values. When businesses and individuals look at a move to our area, the two biggest factors they look at are the medical facilities and schools. Our medical is top notch and our schools need to be as well. TISD has demonstrated their ability to construct quality facilities, and investing in education is especially prudent during these economic times. Construction costs are low, and there has never been a better time to get bond money. We urge everyone to join our organization in voting YES to the TISD Bond Proposal.”

Andy Bergfeld, Vote Yes spokesperson and a member of GTAR, introduced Pillsbury. In addition, other members of the Vote Yes committee were in attendance including Senator Kevin Eltife and former Mayor Joey Seeber. GTAR is the fourth organized group to endorse the bond along with the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, “Educators for TISD,” and “Faith Based Leaders for TISD”. The $89.8 million TISD Bond Proposal includes the replacement of the final two current elementary schools and the construction of a new middle school relief campus for overcrowding and growth. The $89.8 million can be paid for with no tax rate increase.

The citizen activist group Grassroots America – We the People continues to lead the charge against the bond, saying too many unanswered questions remain. According to Executive Director JoAnn Fleming’s most recent statement, “GAWTP is asking Tyler ISD to take seriously the consulting report that tells them they need to redraw attendance lines so that we can get the population of Tyler ISD dispersed around so that we can maximize the use of the facilities we have, including the new ones.”

SMITH COUNTY — An wreck early Tuesday morning sends three to local hospitals. Smith County DPS report that around 2:15 two semi trailers reportedly crashed into one another on Interstate 20 near highway 155. According to KETK, both drivers of the two semi-drivers and a passenger are said to have minor injuries. They were taken to a local hospital. Both west bound lanes were later reopened.

LUFKIN — Lufkin police are investigating a series of nearly 30 vehicle burglaries that occurred between Friday and early Monday morning. The robberies spanned a large area of West Lufkin stretching from the Fox Run Apartments to Southwood Drive, according to Lufkin Police spokesman Det. JB Smith. Police are hoping for leads in the cases. KETK reports, Sunday morning seven vehicles were burglarized outside Fox Run Apartments.

TYLER — A Smith County youngster is being treated at a Dallas hospital after being run over by a hay dolly. The accident happened around 1:00 Sunday afternoon on Hobbs Road. The youngster, who is four, is said to have suffered a fractured pelvis and arm.

ALTO — A former sergeant for the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department has been killed in a one vehicle accident in Cherokee County. Dead at the scene of the Saturday night crash was Randy Bridges, 52, of Corrigan. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 69 about six miles south of Alto. The Department of Public Safety reports Bridges was heading south just before 10:00pm when he lost control of his pickup on a curve. Both the pickup and the trailer he was pulling overturned on the rain slick highway.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Fire Department will serve while wearing pink this week. Firefighters say it’s an effort to raise awareness and show support for all who have battled or who are currently battling breast cancer. Fire and medic crews will be wearing pink fire department T-Shirts on October 26th, 27th and 28th. The Fire Department will also have t-shirts available for individual purchase at the Fire Administration building with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

TYLER — Tyler City Councilman Donald Sanders was honored at the Winners’ Circle Peer Support Network (WCPSN) at their Second Annual Unsung Heroes Awards Banquet Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Wyndham Hotel in Dallas. WCPSN is a therapeutic peer support network with 15 registered chapters in Texas. Councilman Sanders was one of 11 people honored at the event that the WCPSN established. The event recognizes individuals who advocate, support, implement, change or help destroy barriers and myths that have been deterrents to formerly incarcerated individuals and members of the community that desire to live drug and crime free.

Sanders was nominated for the honor by the Live and Kicking Winners’ Circle Peer Support Network of Tyler (Tyler Winners’ Circle) because he is “not one to back down” from doing the right thing. After the Winners’ Circle lost its meeting place on Bellwood Road due to a zoning issue, Councilman Sanders became a supporting partner in the Winners’ Supporting Winners’ Capital Campaign. This campaign was initiated to build and support a new facility for the Tyler Winners’ Circle to meet and provide outreach for those who avail themselves of the services provided.

“Councilman Donald Sanders is the epitome of a hero, but he does not boast his achievements; he is a man of noble qualities, a courageous and tireless fighter and a friend for those seeking a positive change in their lives,” said Eric Broughton, executive director of the Tyler Winners’ Circle. “ He has stood with us in our efforts to raise community awareness of the Tyler Winners’ Circle’s vision to support, encourage and guide toward a better life for formerly incarcerated individuals, graduates of the therapeutic community and all who desire to live a life free from drugs additions and crime. He strongly supports our efforts to help young people through education, prevention and intervention to make sound choices and decisions not to use drugs or become involved in criminal activities.”

(In photo – City Councilman Donald Sanders (left) and Tyler Winners’ Circle Assistant Executive Director Tony Meeks)

CRAFT — Due to conditions which have occurred recently in the water system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Craft-Turney Water Supply to notify all the customers involved in the repair area to boil their water prior to consumption. According to KETK, the area included in this boil water notice is from the Intersection of FM 347 South and CR 3105, all of the areas on FM 347 South and all county roads Going South off FM 347 up to County Road 1713.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials will notify you. If you have questions regarding this matter you may contact Rhonda Briggs, Office Manager at 903-586-9301.

TYLER — For the second night in a row severe weather moved through Smith County. Tornado warnings were issued for various locations around the county Sunday night. No injures and no major damage was reported. Some windows were reported damaged as the result of hail up to 1 ¾ inches. As the storms moved out of Smith County late Sunday night, dime size hail was reported around 10:30 in Troup.

TYLER — This is the final week for early voting in the November 2nd General Election. There are five locations scattered around Smith County where one can vote early. The main location is the Smith County Annex Building, 200 E Ferguson, Ste. 500. Other locations are the Noonday Community Center, the Whitehouse Municipal Court, the Lindale Masonic Lodge and the Heritage Building at 1900 Bellwood Road in Tyler. Hours are from 7:00am till 7:00pm each day through Friday.

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

LONGVIEW — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs in various locations on Spur 63 in Longview between H.G. Mosley and North Loop 281. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

QUITMAN — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on State Highway 154 east of State Highway 37 near Quitman High School, and continue base-repair operations on Farm Road 2966 north of Quitman. 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.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge and pavement repairs on Ranch Road 2588 between LaRue and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 346 between Farm Road 2868 in Flint and U.S. Highway 69. A second crew is scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 724 west of Tyler between State Highway 64 and State Highway 110. 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 continue several days of resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 13 between State Highway 42 and Loop 571. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to conclude base and pavement repair operations on Farm Road 751 in the northwest corner of the county between the Hunt County Line and Farm Road 47 in Wills Point, and resume the same work in various locations on FM 47. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 315 between U.S. Highway 175 in Poynor and Farm Road 837 in Brushy Creek, and on Farm Road 837 between State Highway 19 and US 175.

A second crew is scheduled to make pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 287 between the Trinity River Bridge and Cayuga, and on Farm Road 2054 between Farm Road 321 and the Coffield Prison Unit. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

TYLER — Tyler Rescue Ministries held a 13th anniversary banquet Saturday in its continuing effort to help the area’s homeless. The current focus is TRM’s “Catch the Vision – Save a Family” capital campaign. That involves purchasing an additional 40 acres to provide care for eight intact families at one time. Congressman Louie Gohmert was guest speaker. Among other things, Gohmert voiced his support for the project by saying, “For a Christian, it’s really just carrying through on the command we were given — love God, love each other. How do you love each other if you don’t do these kinds of things?” A love offering was taken at the close of the event.

Founder/CEO Maurice Barnes says TRM’s last several fundraisers have gone very well. That includes a concert last Thursday by Casey Rivers and Beyond the Ashes, which Barnes says raised nearly $1,000. Barnes says once the campaign’s work is done, “We will be the only Christian ministry shelter in nine counties that will allow the entire family to learn, to grow, and to serve together as a family.” Tyler Rescue Ministries currently consists of Kathryn’s House, a facility for single women and women with small children. You can go to http://www.tylerrescueministries.org for more information — and to learn how you can help.