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HONOLULU (AP) — Bobby Edward Fort enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1994 and retired 22 years later with a secret security clearance that allowed him to land a job in Honolulu as a defense contractor. But the real Bobby Fort was dead. The man who enlisted as Fort was held without bail Thursday on charges he stole the dead baby’s identity 35 years ago. Federal prosecutors say Walter Glenn Primrose and his wife had been fraudulently living for decades under the stolen identities of two dead Texas infants. Primrose’s lawyer says the prosecutor only provided speculation and innuendo the couple was involved in more nefarious offenses than nonviolent crimes.

 

Continue reading Invisible ink, coded papers add mystery to ID theft case

TYLER – Several East Texas cities have issued water conservation notices due to the extreme heat and drought-like conditions. According to our news partner KETK, Bullard, Canton, Edgewood, Tyler, Van, White Oak, Whitehouse and Wills Point are asking customers to voluntarily conserve water usage and limit irrigation of landscaped areas. The water comes from Lake Tyler and Lake Palestine, and officials said current lake levels are not causing concerns about the water supply at this time. However, more severe and prolonged drought conditions could strain lake levels, which staff is monitoring closely. TWU is asking customers to voluntarily limit irrigation to Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for customers with a street address ending in an even number (0,2,4,6,8). Water customers with a street address ending in an odd number (1,3,5,7,9) are asked to water on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Watering should be done between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The restrictions are not mandatory at this time.

EAST TEXAS — The USDA Waiver that gave all children access to free lunch during the pandemic has expired, according to our news partner KETK. The school districts affected will have the application for free and reduced lunch available for those students who will still need free lunch. In addition to the money provided for programs, a relief package will be given because of inflation. “The government gave us some extra cents, a high amount which brings us close to the amount we were getting in the summer with the feeding program so it’s going to be helpful definitely,” said Tyler ISD food director Victor Olivares. Other school districts who qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) will continue to receive free lunch for all of their students. CEP eligibility requires the campus to have a minimum percentage of 42% households with income on government assistance. Longview ISD is a CEP campus and will continue to renew to provide food for their students. “Best for our students and parents and everyone concerned that we will continue to feed all the students free,” said Longview ISD’s Nutrition Director.

KILGORE – A former Kilgore ISD educator was arrested and is accused of sexually assaulting a minor and having an improper relationship with a student, according to the Seymour Police Department. According to our news partner KETK, Phillip Nix was detained in Seymour, in West Texas, on Monday. He worked as head choir director for Kilgore High School from fall 2019 through the end of the school year in 2021, when he resigned from his position, according to Kilgore ISD. Nix was wanted on two warrants from Gregg County and bonded out from jail this week.

KILGORE — Kilgore College and The University of Texas at Tyler sign an agreement for the Longview University Center to provide the greater Longview community with what officials term a public four-year university student experience. Officials say the move continues the schools’ long history of partnership and cooperation. According to a news release, the partnership will guarantee seamless pathways to include dual credit and associate degree programs offered by KC to baccalaureate (and post- baccalaureate) degree programs offered by UT Tyler — with students having access to services from both educational institutions through a special dual admission.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has approved a resolution granting the Tyler Police Department permission to apply for and accept (if selected) a grant for funding from the U.S. Department of Justice not to exceed $34,000. The funding would be used to purchase equipment for the police department to support crime scene investigations. The department will pursue a grant request to the DOJ under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for fiscal year of 2022-2023. The money would be used to purchase a Leica Laser Scanner and all accessories associated with forensics investigations. Continue reading City Council approves pursuit of grant funding for police department from DOJ

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court will hold a special called meeting Monday, August 1, to discuss the courthouse bond proposal for the November 8 election. “The Commissioners Court intends to review all of the Courthouse planning that has been discussed for the last 23 years,” Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran said in a news release. “We will have one final discussion on how best to move forward.” The deadline to call a bond election for a new Courthouse and associated Parking Garage is August 22. “I anticipate we will take a formal vote to call a Courthouse Bond on either August 9 or August 16,” Judge Moran said in the release. “This has been a 23-year discussion in the community and over the past two years, we have held several meetings with individual stakeholders, community organizations and civic groups to move forward with the planning of a new Courthouse.” Continue reading Commissioners Court to hold special meeting for courthouse workshop

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank held a groundbreaking Wednesday on a new Tyler Resource Center and Fresh Produce Processing Center. According to a news release, it’s part of the overall strategic plan aimed at expanding programs, distributing more food, and serving more people. Officials say the resource center will include a “Healthy Food Pantry” to provide nutritious food through a client-choice distribution model. It will also help clients apply for social service benefits — and it will be located in a census tract where 34% of the population lives below the poverty line. The processing center will allow the ETFB to collect, store, repackage and distribute, fresh fruits and vegetables more efficiently, according to the release. Both facilities are due to be completed by the end of next summer.

GUN BARREL CITY – A hit-and-run left a minor dead Wednesday morning in Gun Barrel City, and police said the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time. According to our news partner KETK, police were dispatched around 2 a.m. to the scene of a “major traffic collision involving a vehicle versus pedestrian” near Stillwater Street in the south Gun Barrel Lane area where officials said the minor was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said two people identified as Casey Dylan Jeffrey, 30, and Brooke Leann South, 30, were arrested after officers located the suspect vehicle. Investigations revealed Jeffrey to be the driver, and officials said he was drunk at the time of the collision. Two Mabank Police officers also responded to the scene and aided Gun Barrel City police in the investigation.

WHITEHOUSE — On Tuesday evening, a public hearing was held in Whitehouse to consider a rezoning request. According to our news partner KETK, a company is looking to develop a 28-acre tract of land located at the corner of Hagan Road and Railroad Avenue. Residents said that this rezoning request came too quickly and shared they only want to protect their privacy and quiet country life. “With all that’s going on and the new housings that are predicted to be built, we are concerned about our water and sewage situation and the fact that the streets are very narrow,” said Margaret Higgs, a Whitehouse resident. Residents voiced their worries about a rezoning request for 28 acres of land to be turned into a gated community. Continue reading Whitehouse holds public hearing for new development

LONGVIEW — A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection to a shooting that happened on Harroun Drive in Longview on Tuesday afternoon, according to our news partner KETK. Officers located and arrested Malik Thompson in the area following the shooting. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to officials. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts urges continued caution as the COVID-19 BA.5 variant continues to spread. There is an upside, though. Roberts points to minimal symptoms, such as a hoarse voice and sore throat — similar to a bad cold. And with 63 COVID patients currently in Tyler hospitals, he says that number remains in a reasonable category. Roberts continues to urge vaccinations and staying home when you’re sick, while drawing attention to the ample testing opportunities. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

CHAPEL HILL — The Chapel Hill ISD announced this week it will continue its policy to operate the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2022-2023 school year. Schools qualifying to operate CEP serve breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free, reduced-price, and paid student meals. This new approach reduces burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals, according to a news release.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste department will begin collecting residential garbage and recycling at 6 a.m. for the month of August due to high temperatures. The earlier start time will allow crews to work during the cooler hours and finish routes earlier, according to a news release. Solid Waste will collect at 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1, through Friday, Sept. 2. Customers are asked to place garbage and/or recycle containers at the curb by 6 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. Customers may also place containers out after 6 p.m. the day before their scheduled collection if preferred. The start time change will not affect the scheduled collection days. For more information about garbage and recycle schedules or other special projects, visit this link or download the Tyler Talks Trash app and never miss a pick-up.

FLINT — Little to no rain is forcing many East Texas towns and utility companies to begin rationing their water. According to our news partner KETK, Southern Utilities Company in Smith, Cherokee, and Rusk counties is now enacting Stage 2 in the Drought Contingency Plan. That means means mandatory restriction of residential and recreational water use. Even- numbered addresses can water overnight only on Tuesdays. Odd-numbered addresses can water on Thursdays. Penalties could range from a written warning to temporary disconnection. Click here for details.

HENDERSON COUNTY – A man and woman were arrested Monday night in Henderson County after an hours-long standoff that resulted in an RV catching fire. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff says Eustace Police were conducting a traffic stop when the man evaded them and fled on foot. Several officers began attempting to locate the man, and found he had barricaded himself inside a travel trailer. Officials said police then made contact, and the man told them he had a hostage inside and displayed what appeared to be a long rifle to police. The standoff ended when the man was tasered. The two have been identified as Mike Downey and Kristin Odell. Authorities say it was later confirmed that Odell had fled with Downey. Both face multiple charges.

TYLER — Safety and security highlighted Monday’s Tyler ISD board meeting, and the district is also celebrating some good testing news. Trustees approved the purchase of safety equipment and additional vehicles for the district’s police department. Officials say Tyler ISD is committed to ensuring all students and staff are safe and secure. They add that the district is well ahead of state and national efforts regarding the safety and security of students and staff. Meantime, a news release reports Tyler ISD’s STAAR results show marked improvement in Grades 3-8 reading. Officials say despite struggles seen by many districts during the pandemic, Tyler ISD had the same or a higher percentage of students pass than the state average in five subjects. Click here and scroll down to “NEWS” to learn more about both topics.

TYLER — The entrance gate at the Tyler Rose Garden will be closed from Monday, July 25, until Friday, July 29, while contractors resurface the interior parking lot area. Officials say the timeline may change depending on weather. Visitors can access the garden by entering through the Rose Garden Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or through the side gate on Houston Street from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parking will be available along Rose Park Drive, West Houston Street, and South Peach Avenue. For questions regarding the temporary alternate parking, contact the Rose Garden at (903) 595-7289.

WILLS POINT – A gas leak in Wills Point has been repaired after crews spent much of Monday working on it. The Wills Point Police Department earlier warned people away from South Mary Street and West O’Neal Street. According to our news partner KETK, citizens were asked to avoid the intersection through School Street and the Highway 80 intersection. The repair was announced late Monday afternoon.

TYLER — UT Health East Texas confirmed that the hospital has treated one patient with monkeypox in the past few weeks. According to our news partner KETK, a statement from UT Health East Texas says the patient was sent home in good condition.“Even before this patient arrived, our infection prevention team was reviewing CDC and other guidance to develop best practices and procedures, appropriate levels of isolation and other precautions necessary when managing suspected cases,” said the statement.

MARSHALL – Temperatures in Harrison County are expected to rise into the triple digits this week. As a result, the City of Marshall will open the Marshall Fire Department Community Room to serve as Emergency Cooling Center starting Monday of this week. This center will provide members of the public who lack air-conditioning at home with relief from the heat, free of charge. The cooling center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Currently, the city has one Emergency Cooling Center identified and will operate in areas based on heat forecasts identified by the National Weather Service. More locations may be added and or extended based on existing weather conditions. Click here for more information and updates.

WASHINGTON/COLLEGE STATION (AP/Staff) — A couple of major and interlocking developments involving Sanderson Farms, including a reported lawsuit and new leadership. The Justice Department is reportedly filing suit against some of the largest poultry producers in the United States, including Sanderson, which has a strong presence in East Texas. It’s part of an effort to end what the government says are longstanding deceptive and abusive practices for workers. Three people familiar with the matter tell The Associated Press the suit was being filed Monday in Maryland. Continue reading New developments involving Sanderson Farms

LEVERETT’S CHAPEL — Progress is reported in the Leverettt’s Chapel school district. According to our news partner KETK, community members were concerned about the future of the district, with some blaming the school board and members submitting their resignations. For weeks, frustrated parents and alumni tried to demand answers only for school board meetings to be canceled. But Friday’s meeting was not — and now those resignations have been rescinded, along with that of school Superintendent Matt Everett. “With the changes we made tonight, I believe that we are on the correct path at this point and things will continue to get better but it’s not gonna happen overnight,” said school board Vice President James Rogers. Continue reading Progress reported at Leverett’s Chapel meeting

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on SH 155 just before US 271. This will be under a flagging operation. Once complete, this crew will be moving to FM 757 just before SH 31 to perform the same kind of work. This will be under a flagging operation also. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance is scheduled to perform blade level-up, base repairs and edging operations on FM 2207 from FM 2207 at SH 135 S to FM 2207 at 135 N. Expect lane closures north and southbound with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER – Dozens of East Texans reported seeing a fireball move across the sky Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, the American Meteor Society (AMS) says a Tyler man reported it had a “long multi colored tail.” He said it came into view at a shallow angle and reported seeing the colors purple, pink, blue, yellow, and white coming from the fireball. AMS received 219 witness reports of the fireball and three videos. “The initial computer generated trajectory shows that this fireball entered the atmosphere over Cistern, Texas and its flight ended just a few miles west of Austin,” the AMS said. “Several witnesses near the flight path reported hearing a delayed sonic boom, indicating that meteorites from this fireball may have survived down to the ground.” Continue reading Fireball spotted in night sky

TYLER (AP) – Southside Bancshares Inc. (SBSI) on Monday reported net income of $25.4 million in its second quarter. The bank said it had earnings of 79 cents per share. The holding company for Southside Bank posted revenue of $66.2 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $63.9 million, beating Street forecasts.

PALESTINE — In what may be a major blow to the city of Palestine, Union Pacific Railroad has been given permission to leave the station for good. IT’s a fight over a promise made in 1872: If Palestine gave the railroad land and money,the railroad would keep a repair shop in Palestine — forever. That word is literally in the agreement. The owners of the railroad have changed many times, but the courts have ruled that “forever” means “forever’ — until now. The 5th Circuit has ruled federal law lets the train uncouple from the town. Former railroad worker Harris Lohmeyer is hoping the courts will read it again. A county commissioner says that repair shop is still in use after all these years and needs to stay. Lohmeyer thinks they will appeal further.

EAST TEXAS — Smith County has seen a rash of trail ride shootings. Law enforcement broke down the expectations of Chapter 751 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, also known as The Mass Gathering Act in a town hall meeting Sunday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Constable Josh Joplin shared that just in the last two years alone, more people have lost their lives at the expense of these violations. “I’ve had people shot in the head at these trail rides, I’ve had people shot in the face, I’ve had people shot in the leg… I mean gunplay is a serious issue with this as well.” Constable Joplin said. Continue reading Enforcing the Mass Gathering Act: Smith County Constable breaks down the law

TYLER — A contractor will be replacing the signal cable in the intersection of West Front Street and South Lyons Avenue in Tyler Monday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, the intersection will be dark. The Tyler Traffic Department will place temporary stop signs. The intersection should be treated as a four-way stop. Motorists are asked to drive safely and follow all road signs.

SMITH COUNTY — Officials said five are dead after a two-vehicle crash on Smith County Road 48 and Highway 110 North caused traffic detours for hours. According to our news partner KETK, officials with DPS said the call came in around 5 a.m. Friday, and all passengers from both cars involved are dead. There were two passengers in a Chevy Tahoe and three in a Dodge Charger which caught fire at the scene. The passengers of the Dodge Charger were identified as 23-year-old Matthew Reneaux, of Henderson,  26-year-old Jennifer Felix, of Tyler, and 38-year-old Marvin Jenkins, Jr., of Tyler. The passengers of the Chevy Tahoe were identified as 39-year-old Gabriel Salamanca and one juvenile, whose name was not disclosed, both of Mexico. Continue reading Identities released following fatal Smith County wreck