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LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University’s new South Residence Hall has been recognized for excellence by a national jury of architects. The newest addition to LETU residence halls will be featured in the American School & University 2012 Architectural Portfolio honoring education design excellence. The building will be featured at http://www.SchoolDesigns.com and in the November 2012.

“A vibrant residential learning environment is one of our priorities at LeTourneau University,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “This competition honors design excellence and effective learning environments and we are most pleased South Hall has been selected as an excellent example of both.”

LUFKIN – A fire was contained Thursday at a Lufkin salvage yard. The fire was reported just before 4:45 Thursday afternoon in a wood grinder at the site of the former Citation Texas Foundry, The fire was said to have been contained about an hour and a half after being reported. There were no injuries.

LONGVIEW – An infant has died after being involved in a two vehicle accident in Longview.
Five week old Bentley James Hathorn died at Children’s Hospital of Dallas following the accident in the 3900 block of East Marshall Avenue. The wreck occurred just after 8:15 Wednesday night. The infant was being held by his mother, Robin Hathorn, 21, when the accident happened. She wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was tossed from the vehicle, along with the baby, when it rolled over several times. She was transported from Good Shepherd to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler with life-threatening injuries. The other occupants in the vehicle were wearing seatbelts.

They were passengers in an SUV driven by William Robert Hathorn of Longview. Their vehicle was hit by a car driven by Danielle Sierra Dunkin of Canadian, Oklahoma. She was traveling east in the outside lane of East Marshall when she suddenly turned improperly from the wrong lane striking the rear of Hathorn’s vehicle.

Dunkin was issued a citation for improper turn. Hathorn was issued a citation for no seatbelt and for no seatbelt child passenger. The crash remains under investigation.

HENDERSON — The Department of Public Safety is investigating a fatal hit and run accident. It happened the night of October 11 on Highway 323 and Loop 571 just outside of the Henderson city limits. According to KETK, 25-year-old Brandon Boyd Bing was killed in that wreck.

TYLER — The 79th Texas Rose Festival is underway in Tyler, running through October 21st. Rose Queen Haley Anderson cut the ribbon Thursday morning and welcomed attendees. Haley says she’s excited and terms her role an honor and privilege. She says she especially likes the big Saturday morning Rose Festival Parade and Saturday afternoon’s Queen’s Tea, because it gives her a chance to meet the public. Haley points out that along with the color and pageantry, the festival offers a big economic boost, pumping lots of money into Tyler’s hotels and restaurants.

This year’s Festival theme is “Indochine: The Year of the Dragon.” Besides the parade and tea, activities include a Rose Show at the Rose Garden Center, the Queen’s Coronation, the Ladies Luncheon with guest speaker Laura Bush, and a Men’s Luncheon with guest speaker Ray L. Hunt. Add to all of this an Arts and Crafts Fair and a Saturday evening concert, and there’s something for every member of the family. You can go to http://www.texasrosefestival.net to get more information about the activities as well as a calendar of the various events.

TOKYO (AP/Staff) — The investigation continues in an alleged rape in Japan, in which an East Texan is one of two people accused. Police say they have arrested two U.S. sailors in the alleged rape of a Japanese woman in Okinawa, which has sparked a diplomatic protest. Japanese police say the two 23-year-old suspects were arrested Tuesday. They were identified as Seaman Christopher Daniel Browning of Athens, Texas, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Skyler Dozierwalker, both from the Fort Worth Naval Air Base.

Cmdr. Kenneth Marshall, a spokesman for the U.S. Navy in Japan, said military authorities are cooperating with and supporting the investigation by Okinawan police. Marshall says the Naval Criminal Investigative Service has also launched its own investigation, although Japan has primary jurisdiction. Vice Foreign Minister Shuji Kira lodged a protest with U.S. Ambassador John Roos, who promised full cooperation with the investigation. Okinawa prefectural spokesman Susumu Matayoshi said the suspected rape “shocked all Okinawans and is unforgivable.”

Okinawa hosts more than half of the nearly 50,000 American troops in Japan. Local opposition to the U.S. bases over noise, safety concerns and crime flared into mass protests after the 1995 rape of a schoolgirl by three American servicemen.

PALESTINE – Anderson County authorities have a little more information about a body found near Palestine Sunday afternoon. The badly decomposed body appears to be that of a white woman in her mid 30s. When the body was found, Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Troy Black said the body was so badly decomposed, could not immediately identify the person’s race, sex or age. Black said the Texas Rangers had been summoned to help with the investigation.

PALESTINE – Two persons repossessing a pickup at an Anderson County residence have been shot and the truck’s owner has been arrested. Taken into custody Tuesday night was Doyle Henry Cook Jr., 64. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault. His bonds total $250,000.

The shooting occurred on County Road 109 when two persons working for Tyler based Investor Recovery Services went to repossess Cook’s truck. They were driving away with the vehicle when Cooks is said to have come outside and fired several shots at the wrecker from a .45 caliber handgun. He then chased the wrecker in his car, got in front of it and blocked the road. He is then said to have gotten out of the car and fire numerous rounds from an assault rifle at the wrecker.

Down the road, the wrecker dropped the vehicle and left the area. Authorities found cook and the pickup on Farm Road 319. The wrecker was found on the side of the road on State Highway 294, about half a mile east of Farm Road 319. The occupants of the wrecker, Vic Crawford and Jennifer Miller, were taken to Palestine Regional Medical Center and later transferred to a Tyler hospital. Crawford was said to have received gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder while Crawford was wounded in the hip. The injuries were said to have been non-life threatening.

JACKSONVILLE – The Western Pulp Products plant in Jacksonville has been damaged by fire. The fire was reported around 3:15 Wednesday afternoon. It appears as if the fire started when a worker accidentally packed a cardboard corner pad that was still smoldering from the oven. It then caught fire. No injuries were reported.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University student Franco Muniz of El Paso, Texas, has been selected to receive a $2,400 UPS Scholarship provided through the ICUT Foundation. Muniz is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration. He hopes to own a successful business in the future where he can use the education he is getting at LeTourneau University. “This scholarship really means a lot to me and my family,” Muniz said. “This money helped me continue my education at LeTourneau and I would like to return the favor to future students in the coming future.”

TYLER — A beating and robbery Tuesday morning at Varsity Place Apartments is the latest in a recent series of violent incidents near UT Tyler. Tyler police officer Don Martin says while officers patrol Varsity Place when they can, it would be up to the complex corporation to bring in its own 24-hour security. Our news partner KETK called the corporate office and got an automated machine saying someone would try to call back within two days. But for some, that’s just too late.

Former resident Kyle Money says living in Varsity Place was a nightmare. He said there were two shootings at the complex while he was living there, and “you’re always watching your back.” He adds that a lot of non-students live there, and “they’re just messing it up for the people who are students who just want to go here to UT and just get a good education.” Money says he tried to break his contract and was even willing to pay the fees, but he couldn’t find someone to cover his lease. Lack of safety is not listed among reasons to break your contract without penalty. The only reasons are family violence, sexual assault, and military deployment.

TYLER — Four people have been hospitalized following a five vehicle wreck in Tyler. It happened just after 2:00pm on Wednesday, at the intersection of Loop 323 and Van Hwy. Tyler Police tell KETK a woman was driving northbound on Loop 323, attempting to turn onto Van Hwy. However, she allegedly did not yield the right of way to a vehicle heading southbound on the Loop. The southbound vehicle struck the woman’s car, which in turn hit three other vehicles stopped at the light on Van Hwy. Four vehicles had to be towed from the scene. Four people were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries. The roadway had been cleared by later in the afternoon.

TYLER — The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) on Wednesday approved by resolution a loan in the amount of $1,500,000 to the Smith County Municipal Utility District No. 1 from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance water system improvements. That’s according to information from KETK and the TWDB. The Smith County Municipal Utility District No. 1 intends to use the funds to rehabilitate a ground storage tank.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning and preparing the State Water Plan for the development of the state’s water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.

LONGVIEW — With a new fire chief and crew, the Clarksville City – Warren City Volunteer Fire Department is set to begin guarding residents once again. That report comes from KETK and the Longview News-Journal. In a clean sweep two weeks ago, the executive board that oversees the department locked all members of the volunteer service out of the station, citing ongoing concerns about the readiness of the department to serve in an emergency. Derek Zivney, who has 12 years experience in fire prevention and served two years with the Clarksville City – Warren City VFD, was appointed as the new chief for the department on Thursday by the executive board.

“The residents of these cities are going to be protected by people that will be certified and will have the training done,” said Richard Rogers, president of the fire department’s editorial board. “We will have a much better fire department in a short period of time; a lot of these young firefighters have been trained.” The Clarksville City – Warren City VFD had been led by Ricky Wallace for years. Wallace declined comment on the reorganization.

LONGVIEW — A license for a Longview adult bookstore has been delayed. Surveyors are trying to determine if The Venus is located within a thousand feet of a home. The business, which is located on FRJ Drive in Longview, has been waiting for approval for a sexually oriented business license from the city. The city expects to get the survey results sometime this week..

TYLER — The trial for a man accused in a 1999 Smith County cold case murder began Tuesday in Tyler. KETK reports 34-year-old Shams Emil Masters faces up to life in prison if he’s convicted of murder. Masters had to be extradited from a prison in Colorado, where he was already serving time for seven bank robberies. He’s accused of murdering 19-year-old William Thomas Young at the Woodland Estates subdivision.

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches Police Department is investigating what officials believe may be the sexual assault of a child, records show. According to KETK, an unidentified physician told police on Monday that a patient, a 4-year-old boy, may have a sexually transmitted disease.

EAST TEXAS — Congressman Louie Gohmert, of Tyler, spoke with KTBB to weigh-in on the 2nd Presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney at Hofstra University Tuesday night. He said he thought it was quite a bit more spirited than the last one. He said both men made points and were rude to each other at times in the way they cut in and cut out. Gohmert went on to say that the moderator was exactly who he expected her to be, meaning a little bit partisan. He said it wasn’t exactly fair in the way the time was cut into and handled. The Congressman said, “I really doubt that it was going to change anyone’s mind; if they hadn’t made up their mind by now, they just haven’t been paying attention.” Gohmert said he thought it was a good event and gave a little more insight into the two candidates.

LONGVIEW – A four vehicle accident on Interstate Highway 20 in Gregg County has killed two persons. The wreck happened about 1:00 yesterday morning near the 597 mile marker. Killed was Alex Terhune, 26, of Marshall, and his passenger, Brandie Lockwood, 24, of Marshall. Neither man was wearing seat belts.

The Department of Public Safety reports Terhune was eastbound on the interstate when his car hit a sport utility truck. The impact pushed the truck into a tractor-trailer rig. A BMW avoided the crashed vehicles but ran over Terhune who had been thrown from his car.

QUITMAN – A woman has been sentenced to ten years probation in connection with a hit and run accident that killed a teenager. Connie Reed Young, 58, of Golden was indicted late last year in the accident that killed Jacob Burrell of Mineola. He was hit by a car while walking home on the shoulder of U.S. 69 in Wood County. The event was witnessed by another driver who reported the vehicle left the scene. The teen died at Tyler East Texas Medical Center the next day. According to the Department of Public Safety, Young was traveling North on Highway 69 when she drove onto the improved shoulder to allow an approaching vehicle from the rear to pass her. Investigators believe that while driving on the improved shoulder, Young struck the youth. The Long-time nurse was charged with serious bodily injury.

After pleading guilty, Young received 10 years probation, 160 hours of community service, a $10,000 fine and $341 in court costs in what is described as deferred adjudication.

QUITMAN — A lawsuit filed to end routine prayer by Wood County commissioners and remove the words “In God We Trust” has been thrown out. Charles Scott sued the commissioners, claiming an elected official cannot honor both the U.S. Constitution and the word of God. His contention is that the court’s sworn oath to uphold the Constitution contradicts scripture. Attorneys for Wood County were ready to argue their display and routine prayer are constitutional. A hearing was set for Tuesday, but when plaintiff Scott did not show, the judge decided there was insufficient evidence for the case and tossed it out. According to KLTV, Scott says he was ready to go, but the Lord did not provide him with a means to get to court. According to our news partner KETK, Scott can appeal Tuesday’s decision.

TYLER — One person is in custody in connection with a recent Tyler shooting. Arrested around 2:45yesterday afternoon was Trent Durell Mumphrey, 23. He was charged with aggravated robbery.

Police say Mumphrey (pictured) is responsible for the shooting of Dasha Webb at 628 S. Augusta, on September 30. Webb is reported to be paralyzed as the result of his gunshot wound. Investigators located Mumphrey at a residence on Smith County Road 3111 North. Mumphrey was taken into custody and transported to Smith County Jail on a $500,000 bond. It is believed Mumphrey entered the victim’s residence through the front door and fired several rounds, striking the victim.

TYLER — One person is hospitalized after being beaten and robbed at the Varsity Place Apartments, 3400 Varsity Drive. It happened just before 1:45 Tuesday morning. Dearis Davis, 21, said he answered a knock at his door to find three masked black males, who forced their way at gunpoint and demanded cash. They are said to have struck the TJC student several times in the face and head with guns. He was seriously injured.

The suspects then entered into the room-mate’s room and forced him and his girlfriend into the bathroom during the robbery. The men allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the area on foot.

Varsity Place Apartments is neither owned nor operated by the University of Texas at Tyler. But, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of Texas at Tyler Police Department is issuing the following timely notification bulletin:

“It is the policy of the University of Texas at Tyler to issue timely warnings for crimes occurring within the immediate vicinity of campus which, in the opinion of law enforcement, represent an ongoing danger to the campus community. Specifically, in this case, UT Tyler resident students are urged to always use caution prior to opening their doors when the person’s identity is unknown. If you are not aware of who is knocking, contact the University Police at (903) 566-7300. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to the University Police Department.”

ATHENS — A drug dealer is sentenced in Henderson County’s 173rd Judicial District Court. On Monday, David Allen Thomas, formerly of Wills Point, received a 15-year prison term for transporting narcotics in Henderson County.

According to KETK and the DA’s office, Thomas was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over late into the night on November 30th of last year. Sheriff’s Deputy Kenny Collard initiated the traffic stop due to a defective headlamp. Officials say Collard immediately observed the odor of marijuana when he approached the vehicle. Thomas and the driver were asked to step out of the vehicle, and as Thomas exited, Collard saw Thomas throw something into the tall grass on the side of the road. During further investigation and a search of the vehicle, Collard discovered a Mary Kay bag which contained multiple baggies, digital scales, a pipe, and a large gallon sized baggie with just over 80 grams of methamphetamine.

Assistant District Attorney Justin Weiner said, “This is a case where Deputy Collard followed his instincts. He was as persistent as the law allowed and that persistence is the reason that over 80 grams of meth are off of the streets of Henderson County. We will always aggressively prosecute people like Thomas who was poisoning our community with large quantities of narcotics.”

ATHENS — Michael Shane Haskins, 43, of Troup, was sentenced to 25 years in prison Monday for charges of Tampering with a Government Document and Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information. According to KETK and the Henderson County DA’s office, Judge Mark Calhoon of the 3rd Judicial District Court imposed the sentence after Haskins pleaded guilty to the offenses.

Haskins was indicted after Gun Barrel City Officer Jesse Ison performed a traffic stop on Haskins’ vehicle in September of 2011. Officer Ison obtained consent to search Haskins’ vehicle and located several Texas Department of Public Safety ID Cards that had been tampered with to include a photograph of Haskins and other individuals’ names and information, including birthdates and addresses. Officer Ison also located more than 50 blank checks containing different bank account information for numerous individuals. These individuals were found to be living in Cherokee County where their checks and identifying information had been originally stolen. Haskins has an extensive criminal history including drug and gun possession convictions. Haskins also has Fraud charges pending in Rusk County.

District Attorney Scott McKee credited the hard work of the Gun Barrel City Police Department in locating and confiscating all the victims’ financial and identifying information so that it could be returned to them. “Identity theft crimes are extremely harmful to the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the criminals who perpetrate these crimes is a top priority for my office.”

AUSTIN — Nacogdoches County is responding after Texas violated the federal MOVE Act to provide absentee ballots to the military and citizens living abroad. Keith Ingram of the Texas Secretary of State’s Office testified to a joint House and Senate committee. He said for the November general election, the 45-day deadline passed September 22, and several counties, including Nacogdoches, didn’t make it. Statewide, according to Ingram, 66 overseas ballots were involved. He said 62 of those were mailed or e-mailed October 8, and the other four went out the next Friday. Ingram says the reasons revolve around the ballots not being ready and he expects the counties will hear from the federal Department of Justice.

According to KETK, Nacogdoches County says its delay in the mailing of the ballots was due to an attempt to verify the mailing and email addresses of the receivers, and that the number of ballots that were delayed numbered no more than 2.

LUFKIN — Jurors in Lufkin found Kerry Jock Woodard guilty of first-degree murder just before 1:30 pm Monday. According to KETK, Woodard’s charge was reduced from capital murder to first-degree murder on Friday. Jurors sentenced Woodard to life in prison late Monday evening.

Woodard, a Lufkin sex offender, was accused in the December 2010 death of his girlfriend’s 3 year old son. Zi’Keishun “Zi” Lane was injured while in Woodard’s care while the child’s mother, Valerie Mosby, was at work. Lane was rushed to a local hospital, and then airlifted to a Houston hospital, where he later died. His autopsy showed more than 100 bruises and liver damage. At the time of Woodard’s arrest, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department called it the worst alleged child abuse death they’d seen.

PALESTINE (AP) – Investigators say an autopsy has been ordered on human remains found on some rural East Texas property. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office says the owners of the land near Palestine discovered the remains late Sunday. Chief Deputy Troy Black said Monday that Texas Rangers have been summoned to help with the investigation. Black says the remains are so decomposed that authorities could not immediately identify the person’s race, sex or age. Further details haven’t been released.

GILMER – A man wanted in connection with a fatal wreck near Overton has surrendered to authorities in Upshur County. Justin Lee Echols, 30, of Diana turned himself in at the Upshur County Jail Monday. He will be transferred to the Smith County Jail.

The accident happened last week on County Road 217 just north of Overton. Officials at the scene say a man in a Ford F-350 truck, believed to be Echols, lost control while turning a corner and hit a tree. A passenger in the truck was Michele Allen, 27, of Harleton. She was thrown from the truck and pinned underneath it. She later died from her injuries. Authorities believe Echols, hopped on an ATV, traveled away from the crash site and crashed again. He then reportedly ran from the area. State troopers had an arrest warrant for Echols, charging him with accident involving personal injury or death.

HOOKS – A Northeast Texas police officer is in custody after allegedly stabbing a woman with syringes filled with a horse tranquilizer. David Kelly Horn, 44, a sergeant with the Hooks Police Department, was arrested early Monday morning. The woman, who was found lying in a pool of blood, was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. She is reported to be in very serious condition. Horn remains in custody, charged with aggravated assault, deadly conduct and assault by contact.