KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The mother of a Tyler man is coming to her son’s defense following his arrest after reports of gunshots in the city. According to KETK, Brandon Choice’s mother, Ruthie Bride, said her son was being attacked by several people. She claims she gave Choice the gun and told him to fire warning shots. One shot allegedly struck the car of one of the attackers. She said she’ll file charges against the attackers.

Just before 2:15 Saturday morning, Tyler police received a call from a residence located within the 500 block of Maxwell Drive about a suspicious person running across their yard and the sounds of gun shots in the distance. Arriving officers were notified of persons located on east M.L. King Boulevard they were shot at moments earlier on Maxwell Drive. When given a suspect’s name, they contacted Choice, 28, at his Maxwell Drive home. Following an investigation, Choice was booked into the Smith County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to Sgt. Matthew Smyser, no injuries were reported in the incident.

LUFKIN – A teen has been arrested by Lufkin police following a pickup-train accident. It happened shortly after 8:15 Saturday night on Hoshall Road near the Southwood intersection. The pickup driven by Seth Hargis, 18, of Lufkin was on the tracks as the train approached. The conductor said he saw the truck on the tracks and sounded the train’s horn. Hargis is said to have jumped from the truck and ran away. Hargis was not injured. He was arrested and booked in the Angelina County jail on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

TYLER — Internet safety remains a top focus for local authorities. On this week’s KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Community Response Officer James McCraw with the Tyler Police Department shares a list of do’s and don’ts, for kids and adults alike. For one thing, he says parents need to be familiar with their kids’ favorite Internet sites. He also suggests establishing clear rules — and seeing that computers are kept in a family room or other high-traffic area of the home to promote better parental supervision.

Additionally, McCraw discusses a local multi-agency web safety collaboration. The Committee to RAISE Tyler consists of the police department, SuddenLink, Tyler ISD, and Discovery Science Place. “RAISE” stands for “Raising Awareness of Internet Safety through Education.” For more information, you can visit http://www.tylerpolice.com or call 903-531-1096. You can also click on http://www.ktbb.com/audio to hear the full “Staff Meeting” show online beginning early Monday morning.

LONGVIEW — Ray Street in Longview will be closed at Sabine Street to through traffic beginning today. The closure will allow for water main adjustments at the intersection of Ray and Sabine Streets as part of the Annexation Sewer and Water Improvements Project. Access to Ray Street will be at Loop 281. The closure will be effective for approximately three days. This project is providing water and sewer service to areas annexed by the city in 2009. This project is being constructed by Texas J and D Construction of Bronson, Texas.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on State Highway 155 between Toll Road 49 and State Highway 57 (Grande Extension). Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

TENNESSEE COLONY — Texas Department of Transportation construction crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately three weeks of resurfacing work on Farm Road 645 between U.S. Highway 287 north of Tennessee Colony and Farm Road 3328 near the TDCJ Beto I Unit. Also this week, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on State Highway 294 west of Elkhart between Farm Road 322 and Farm Road 1990, followed by the same work on Farm Road 323 between U.S. Highway 84 east of Palestine and Farm Road 1817. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement-repair operations on State Highway 31 in Malakoff. Also this week in Henderson County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue resurfacing work on Farm Road 3079 between Farm Road 314 south of Brownsboro and Farm Road 315 south of Chandler. 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.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on South Loop 281 between FarmRoad 2205 (Jaycee Drive) and Estes Parkway early in the week, followed by applying a seal coat in the same location later in the week. Daytime lane closures will be in effect 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 approximately two weeks of edge repairs on Farm Road 1716 between State Highway 43 near Tatum and Farm Road 782. The work is being done in advance of a seal coat application later this summer. 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.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2869 north of Farm Road 49. The work is in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on US 84 in Rusk and work east toward Reklaw. 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.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 47 north of Farm Road 2475, and on Farm Road 1395 between Farm Road 47 and Farm Road 859. 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.

LONGVIEW – According to new data, over 25% of Texas children live in poverty. The living conditions of many children in East Texas are worse. The figures from new 2010 data released this past week, thousands of area children are impoverished, with no health insurance, and relying on government assistance for food.

According to a report in the Longview News-Journal, 39% of Texas mothers received no, or very late, prenatal care. Rates were higher in most East Texas counties. Gregg County’s rate of child poverty topped the statewide rate with just shy of 30% of children 17 and younger in poverty. The region’s highest rate, however, was 35%, in Marion County. Panola County had the area’s lowest child poverty rate, at 20%, the only area county with a rate below the state average of 25.7%.

You can go to http://www.news-journal.com to see more study.

WOOD COUNTY – Three illegal gambling operations have been raided in Wood County. Over 100 eight-liner machines were seized when three separate teams raided the businesses at Quitman, Winnsboro and Alba. All three raids were staged at the same time Thursday night. Besides the machines, authorities also seized the property and a large amount of cash. At least one person has been arrested because she was in possession of a firearm, and more arrests are anticipated. Sheriff Bill Wansley said the raid followed a year-long investigation.

LONGVIEW — Longview authorities are searching for one person in connection with a shooting. KETK reports it happened Friday near the intersection of 14th and Lorin Streets. Officials say a man was shot twice in the leg. His injuries are reportedly not life-threatening. No further information was immediately available.

NACODOCHES — Working with Nacogdoches police, a Nacogdoches County constable has conducted a search warrant that has led to two arrests and the seizure of several types of controlled substances and marijuana. According to KETK, Constable Jason Bridges said the warrant was executed on West View Street around 6:30 Friday morning. Authorities say the two suspects were found inside the residence with their two small children. Officials say a search of the residence revealed 15 grams of crack cocaine, 4 grams of powder cocaine, 41 ecstasy pills, ½ gram of methamphetamine, 3 pounds of marijuana and four marijuana plants that were found inside of a closet.

Constable Bridges said the investigation started last month when deputies with the Precinct 4 constable office seized narcotics from a traffic stop in Precinct 4. Arrested at the scene were Melanie Rose Arnold, 29, and Jarcory Bussey, 33, both from Nacogdoches. Both were charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and child endangerment. Bridges said Child Protective Services was called to the scene and is assisting with the ongoing investigation involving the children.

TYLER — Tyler supporters of GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum want to know who took 15 Santorum campaign signs in the Tyler area Thursday night. Local campaign spokesman Adam Comer says the cost was $750. Comer says police have been notified, and “this is not something that the Rick Santorum grassroots campaign is going to ignore.” Comer says the campaign has put up some signs in place of the ones that were taken. He asks anyone with information to call Tyler police.

HENDERSON — A Rusk County man is still missing after almost 2 months. According to KETK, authorities are still looking for James Tidwell of Mt. Enterprise, who was last seen on Feb. 15. His vehicle was found abandoned on the side of FM 95 on February 29. If you have any leads, you’re encouraged to call authorities.

GILMER — A judge on Wednesday placed 29 small-breed dogs in state custody after their owner testified she loves the animals and does not operate a puppy mill. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Upshur County sheriff’s deputies seized the dogs March 30 after a burglary investigation led them to a home on Texas 155 south of Gilmer. Owner Thelma Poche has 10 days to appeal Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Laura Norred’s decision that seven Chihuahuas, 14 Yorkshire terriers and eight Yorkshire puppies should remain in state care.

“My objective was to raise show dogs,” Poche testified Wednesday, specifying the terrier breed. “I was trying to raise and choose from them which ones could be shown.” No charges have been filed against Poche, though sheriff’s Lt. Freddie Fitzgerald said charges are possible as the investigation continues.

ATHENS — Two months after he threatened to sue an East Texas county for allowing a nativity scene on public property, a longtime Atheist announces during holy week, he’s converting to Christianity and become a pastor. Facing massive medical bills, Patrick Greene decided to stop his suit against Henderson County after learning his ability to see was rapidly deteriorating. Thousands of dollars flowed in from local Christians causing Green to undergo a radical change of heart. Green says the Theory of Evolution left him empty and the compassion of Christians who should have been angry at him caused his transformation. Greene says he’s going to help minister with a local chapter of The Rainbow Baptists, a ministry that accepts the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community.

TATUM — Authorities have arrested a suspect after he reportedly beat an elderly woman and an elderly man working in the yard. He’s been identified as Michael Christopher Ferris, 20, White Oak. Officials said the attack happened shortly before 4:00 Thursday afternoon in the 600 block of East Johnson Street in Tatum. Officials said Ferris reportedly knocked on the victim’s door. When she answered, he allegedly attacked her with a claw hammer. As he ran from the home, he reportedly encountered a man working in the yard and attacked him as well.

According to the Longview News-Journal, both victims, identified by the Panola County Sheriff’s Office as Betty Barker and Buddy Wagstaff, were hospitalized in Longview. Both are listed in stable condition. Barker was the more severely injured of the two. She was struck repeatedly from behind and was left with many bruises and lacerations.

After the assaults, Tatum police said Ferris ran into the woods, beginning a three-hour manhunt. At least two nearby Tatum schools and one child care facility were locked down as authorities searched for Ferris, who police said was in custody by early evening. According to KETK, Ferris faces two counts of attempted murder and two counts of injury to an elderly person. He has been booked into the Panola County Jail, and his bond is set at $4 million.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department has seen a recent rash of car burglaries over the past three weeks. Officials said there have been over 100 reports filed from March 18th to April 2nd. According to KETK, the burglaries are not central to one location but districts throughout the city are seeing their share of the burglaries. Large commercial spots such as the mall and other shopping centers are prime targets for the burglars who can spot items by just walking around. LPD officials said they have made one arrest.

LINDALE — Two suspects are arrested for prostitution in Smith County. Authorities say a man and woman were taken into custody after allegedly offering sex to an undercover agent following a massage. According to Constable Precinct 5 Dennis Taylor, it happened around 11:15 Thursday morning at Sunny Foot, located in the 900 block of Main Street in Lindale. Constable Taylor says one suspect gave a massage to one of his deputies for $60, and then offered sex for $200. He Chong Chong and Yuhong Kenny (pictured) were taken into custody and charged with promotion of prostitution and operating a business without a license. According to KETK, the two were smuggled into the United States from China. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating the matter.

TYLER — Some in East Texas say the economy is starting to rebound, and they have some thoughts on where to look for work. According to KETK, Snelling Personnel’s Brenda Balch points to the oil and gas industry. Balch specifically mentions cooks and chefs, since some oil and gas companies provide meals for their field workers. Another staple of East Texas is the medical field. Balch says Tyler is the region’s medical hub, and it continues to add jobs. According to Balch, new physicians come on board every year, and that creates a spinoff effect. New restaurants in Tyler are also creating additional employment opportunities.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department says a missing woman has been located. An alert was issued yesterday for Elizabeth Aileen Clark, 80. She had last been seen at noon Thursday at 1301 South Chilton. She disappeared after going for a walk. We were notified this morning that Clark was found a couple of block from her home, walking in the 400 block of Mockingbird. An area resident saw her and notified police. She appeared to be confused and could not advise where she had been. Clark did not appear to have any physical injuries but was transported to Mother Francis Hospital to be checked.

CANTON — Van Zandt County authorities are investigating the theft of two historical markers. On Monday, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission reported a theft to the sheriff’s office. When a deputy arrived, he was told the markers had been stolen from County Road 1117 in the Canton area. One marker indicated a Cherokee boundary line and was located on near County Road 3051. The second marker was recognizing Father Jose Calahorra and was located near County Road 2419. Both markers were stolen sometime within the past week, and there are no suspects identified at this time. Anyone with information relating to the case is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-567-4133 or Crime Stoppers at 903-567-STOP (903-567-7867).

LONGVIEW — A Longview woman has been arrested in connection to stolen charity Christmas gifts. Rachel Bradley, 39, was arrested April 3rd and indicted by a grand jury on theft charges. She was released from the Gregg County Jail after posting a $25,000 bond. Longview Police say more arrests in this case could be forthcoming.

Last December, the Gregg County Child Welfare Board reported almost $20,000 worth of gifts, intended for area foster children, and were stolen from a storage facility on Jahan Trail in Longview.

HENDERSON — Henderson Police responded to a domestic dispute and discover numerous firearms. According to KETK, police said at least two guns have been reported as stolen. Jimmy Don Reedy was arrested and booked into the Rusk County Jail. According to KETK, he was arraigned on felony theft of a firearm charges. His bond was set at $10,000.

LUFKIN — Convicted serial killer Kimberly Saenz has returned to court to begin appealing her case. The 38-year-old was sentenced Monday to life in prison without parole for killing five DaVita Dialysis patients by bleach injection in April 2008. According to the Lufkin Daily News, she’s now attempting to overturn the ruling. Following the brief hearing, Saenz was taken back to the Angelina County Jail, where she will remain prior to prison transport. Saenz’s husband said Monday, their attorney would be appealing the conviction, and that the family planned to hold a press conference soon.

TYLER — Tyler Police continue their investigation into an armed robbery. It was reported around 2:30 yesterday morning at Speedy’s Exxon, 900 West Front Street. Officers said the clerk reported two suspects, armed with a handgun, entered the store and demanded money from the register. The suspects took an undetermined amount of money and fled the business westbound towards Glenwood Blvd. The clerk described the suspects as two black males, the first about 5’8″, 150 pounds wearing a red bandanna and a gray sweater. The second suspect was described as about 5’8″, 180 pounds wearing a brown cameo jacket/sweater. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tyler Police.

ANGELINA COUNTY — An Angelina County jury handed down a guilty verdict against a 33-year-old woman in connection with the July 2010 death of her 4-month-old son. Vanessa Clark now faces up to two years in state jail on the child endangerment charge of which she was found guilty. Clark and her husband were sharing a bed with the infant when he stopped breathing, making him the second baby to die while sleeping in the couple’s bed.

According to the Lufkin Daily News, in 2009 the Clark’s had a 1-month-old son who died the same way. At that time, Child Protective Services workers warned them about the dangers of co-sleeping, as babies can be accidentally suffocated by their parents, bedding or even pillows. Following a CPS investigation, the couple’s 3-year-old son was returned to their custody. At the time of the July 2010 death, a blood test showed Clark had elevated levels of Xanax and hydrocodone. The drugs were prescribed by a doctor, according to her attorney, John Reeves.

Sentencing will take place in four to six weeks after a pre-sentencing investigation. Her sentence will range from probation to two years in state jail.

AANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) – An Anchorage police spokesman says the Alaska state medical examiner’s office has confirmed that a body recovered from Matanuska Lake is that of an 18-year-old coffee stand worker who vanished February 1. Lt. Dave Parker said Wednesday that autopsy results confirm the body recovered Monday is Samantha Koenig. No cause of death has yet been released. Anchorage Police Chief Mark Mew has said investigators believe she died within hours of her abduction from the coffee stand. Mew also says they believe they have the responsible person in custody.
The only man who has been listed by Anchorage police as a “person of interest” in the case was arraigned March 27 in federal court in Anchorage on a fraud charge, shortly after being returned from Lufkin, Texas, where he was arrested. Israel Keyes has pleaded not guilty to a charge of access device fraud. Federal prosecutors say he made cash withdrawals from a stolen debit card. The card was not Koenig’s.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP/Staff) – A former Oklahoma prison warden’s wife convicted of helping an inmate escape almost 18 years ago has been released from prison. Department of Corrections spokesman Jerry Massie says Bobbi Parker was released at 1 a.m. Thursday from the Hillside Community Correctional Center in Oklahoma City. She served a little more than half of her 1-year prison sentence.

Parker was convicted September 21 for helping convicted killer Randolph Franklin Dial escape from the Oklahoma State Reformatory where her husband, Randy, was deputy warden. Parker and Dial disappeared together from the Greer County prison on Aug. 30, 1994. They were discovered living together as man and wife on a chicken farm in Shelby County, Texas, in April 2005. Prosecutors allege Parker fell in love with Dial. Her defense attorneys say she was kidnapped.

LONGVIEW — Longview police seek help tracking down a driver in a hit-and run incident. Tuesday afternoon just before 3:45, officers were dispatched to the overpass at Eastman Road and I-20. According to witnesses, an oversized truck with equipment on the trailer had attempted to go under the overpass. The oversized load caught on the overpass and pulled off chunks of concrete. Even after catching on the overpass, the truck continued northbound on Eastman Road. No one was hurt. If anyone has information on the incident, you’re asked to call Officer Steve Burnett at 903-237-1199 and leave a message.

TYLER — A 39-year-old San Juan, Texas woman has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in East Texas. In an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love in Tyler, Annette Alvarez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Federal prosecutors contend Alvarez was found in possession of approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine, which she intended to deliver to another person for distribution. Alvarez faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER – In an appearance in Tyler federal court, a 49-year-old Deberry man has pleaded guilty to drug violations. Jimmie Gaston Langston pleaded guilty last November to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine and the manufacture of methamphetamine on premises where children are present when he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

Federal prosecutors say Langston purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a CVS store in Marshall, as well as additional purchases in Shreveport, with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. The manufacturing of the methamphetamine took place at Langston’s residence where one or more young children were present. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and an additional consecutive 20 year sentence. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison visits Tyler today to address members and supporters of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. Hutchison will appear at a luncheon scheduled for 11:30 till 1:00 at Willowbrook Country Club. Organizers say they’ll be thanking Hutchison “for her dedicated service to Texas.” The event is sponsored by the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee. Tickets are $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Go to http://hutchison-calendar.eventbrite.com to register online.