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TYLER — Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham weighs in on a matter involving two Whitehouse officials, and Bingham’s not happy with the situation.

Our news partner KETK has learned the investigation into Whitehouse Police Chief Rick Waller has been called off after his resignation. Waller announced that resignation Thursday, and it’s effective today. Waller and Volunteer Fire Chief Ronny Fite had been under investigation for what were termed “financial irregularities.” Waller was accused of using city gasoline for personal use and was placed on paid leave. The two have denied any wrongdoing, and no charges against Fite or Waller have ever been formally filed. But Whitehouse city leaders are asking the investigation to continue for Fite unless he resigns as well.

Bingham (pictured) says if the charges were dismissed against one, they should be for both. Bingham remarked, “The DA’s office is not some kind of pawn for the city of Whitehouse to use to force the resignation of somebody. If there’s a criminal case, fine, take it some where else. Not here.” Bingham says he’s not going to be a hall monitor for small town politics.

RUSK COUNTY — As the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office investigation continues in the search for James “Jimmy” Tidwell, 58, of Mt. Enterprise, a $3,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to his visual location. According to KETK, the Rusk County Crime Stoppers are offering $1,000, while Mr. Tidwell’s brother-in-law and sister, Joe and Lynn Akin have matched that offer with an additional $1,000. Another $1,000 was donated by Mr. Tidwell’s employer and co-workers at Flanders Electric, in Longview, all in a joint effort to possibly help authorities locate him.

Mr. Tidwell’s employer reported him missing on Tuesday, February 28, advising authorities February 15, was the last day he had reported to work. An investigation was initiated and Wednesday, February 29, his abandoned truck was located on FM 95 and Hwy 315, approximately 5 miles from his home located in Rusk County. On March 3, investigators formed search and rescue teams in effort to locate Mr. Tidwell but were unsuccessful.

Any information must be received through the Rusk County Crime Stoppers tip line at 903-655-TIPS(8477). The reward will be paid in full when Mr. Tidwell is visually located. All callers will remain anonymous.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) – Anchorage police say a 34-year-old man in East Texas has been arrested on charges connected to the disappearance of an 18-year-old barista in February. Police say Israel Keyes was arrested Tuesday in Lufkin but that details in a sealed arrest warrant would not be immediately released. Police have revealed few details about the disappearance of Samantha Koenig, who vanished February 1 and remains missing. A surveillance video showed an armed man forcing Koenig away from the coffee stand where she worked. The Anchorage Daily News reports local detectives have been in Texas for several days working on the case. Police say they’re seeking information from anyone who had personal contact with Keyes, or his business, Keyes Construction, since January 1.

TYLER — The costs of gas and vehicle maintenance are given as two big reasons more people are using Tyler Transit buses. Officials tell KETK in 2010, the city had about 4,500 riders per week. That number’s now jumped to about 6,000, and city officials expect that figure to keep going up.

TYLER – Rusk County’s Precinct 2 Constable has been charged with federal drug and firearms violations. Benjamin Thomas Ferrell, 36, of Henderson, was indicted on March 8 and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and delivery of a firearm to a convicted felon. Ferrell was arrested yesterday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie this afternoon for an initial appearance in federal court.

According to the indictment, Ferrell is alleged to have conspired with an unindicted co-conspirator from December 2001 to January 2012, to possess with intent to distribute phentermine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and marijuana. It also alleges Ferrell sold an SKS assault rifle to a known felon on January of this year.

If convicted, Ferrell faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug violations and up to 10 years for the firearms offense.

Meanwhile, Amanda Gayle Ferrell, 32, of Henderson, was arrested at her residence on County Road 2127, by Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Officers. She was charged with two counts of Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substance, a state jail felony. She remains in the Rusk County Jail with bond set at $10,000. The investigation continues.

PLANO – An East Texan is among those named as a federal grand jury in Plano returns multiple indictments this week charging individuals with separate federal crimes in the Eastern District of Texas. Lesa Ann Rasure, 54, of Sulphur Springs, has been indicted for unlawful use of an unauthorized access device. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Johnson.

MARSHALL — Harrison County officials are asking for the public’s help in finding a wanted burglar. According to KETK, investigators have issued a warrant for Anthony Anderson, who is believed to be responsible for numerous daytime burglaries in Harrison and Panola counties. Authorities say Anderson is possibly driving a red pre-2005 Ford Mustang and may be in the Carthage or Deberry area. Any information regarding his whereabouts may be reported to Crimestoppers at 903-935-9965 or Harrison County Investigators at 903-923-4000.

LEVERETT’S CHAPEL — Officials say a blaze at a Leverett’s Chapel ISD concession stand was caused by an electrical problem in the stand. The facility burned to the ground on Tuesday, also destroying all of the high school baseball team’s equipment. It happened around 2:00am at the Leverett’s Chapel ballpark off Highway 42. A witness tells KETK that he heard a loud pop shortly before the building was engulfed in flames. Among the items destroyed were bases, a pitching machine, and several concession stand appliances. School officials plan to rebuild what was lost. No injuries were reported.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin man and his grandchild were life-flighted to a Houston hospital after his log truck sideswiped a white Chevy Colorado on Highway 103 west, just after 5:00 Wednesday afternoon, before running off of the road and crashing into a tree line. James Robertson, 54, was eastbound when he suffered a stroke and his truck collided with the vehicle near Ratcliff Lake, according to Texas Department of Transportation Trooper Rodney Tucker. According to KETK and the Lufkin Daily News, the truck continued on Highway 103 until it ran off the road. Go to http://lufkindailynews.com to read more.

HALLSVILLE — The city of Hallsville has reached a settlement with three police officers who were hired, then quickly found themselves out of work as a disagreement played out between the town’s mayor and City Council. Jose Sanchez, the Longview attorney representing the officers, said Mayor Jerri Medrano signed the settlement agreements Tuesday. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Sanchez commented, “This is great news for both sides because instead of going to the courtroom to get things resolved, everyone can now move on.” The settlement will provide four months’ pay to Lukas Reynolds, who had served as the replacement police chief, Sanchez said. Officers Shane Guthrie and Robert Perkins will receive two months’ pay each. The city also agreed to pay $2,500 in attorney’s fees.

Reached Wednesday, Hallsville City Attorney Joshua Searcy declined to confirm a settlement had been reached. Medrano could not be reached for comment. Early last month, she had suggested a deal would be made within weeks. The settlement package stems from Medrano’s unilateral late December firing, for what she has only defined as policy violations, of Hallsville Police Chief Greg Scott, Sgt. Mack Fuller and officer T.C. Livingston. The move left Hallsville with one officer on duty, but he resigned during his shift after the others were fired.

LUFKIN — A former coworker of nurse Kimberly Saenz testified in her capital murder trial Wednesday that she acted strangely after a patient’s heart stopped beating on April 1, 2008. According to the Lufkin Daily News, patient care technician Cory Smith said he got the crash cart for the cardiac arrests of two patients, including Clara Strange and Thelma Metcalf. They are two of the five people Saenz stands accused of killing by injecting them with bleach.

Smith said that as he was putting the crash cart up from working a code on Strange, Metcalf’s heart stopped beating as well. After getting another breathing device from a closet, Smith said, he handed it to Saenz, who placed the mask on Metcalf and started operating the breathing pump while another nurse did chest compressions. Testimony continued Thursday.

ANGELINA COUNTY — Authorities are searching for a man after he sold marijuana to undercover narcotics investigators. The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office is searching for James Steven Johnson, 39, wanted for a first-degree felony possession of marijuana. According to KETK, when officers raided Johnson’s home at 2090 FM 325, they found 30 pounds of marijuana and $3,600 in cash.

PALESTINE — Palestine Police say a woman was killed while attempting to cross the road. It happened Wednesday night on Loop 256. Investigators said she apparently stepped into the path of a truck. She had been at the VFW that evening. It’s not known if alcohol was a factor in the accident. An autopsy has been ordered. According to KETK, the occupants of the vehicle were treated for minor injuries.

LONGVIEW — State Comptroller Susan Combs spoke at the Citizens National Bank in Longview Wednesday, covering a range of topics and taking questions from residents. According to KETK, topics included Medicaid funding, the effect of endangered species on potential oil production, and funding for women’s health. One subject brought up by the audience was how taxpayer money is being used. Combs remarked that the people on hand really care about their community. She added, “And the point is that your community won’t thrive and expand if you’re not being careful and prudent with your government spending.” She said it was “great to hear from” those on hand.

Combs also announced her strong support of Republican State Representative David Simpson of Longview in his bid for re-election. “Representative David Simpson earned my high regard because of his dedication to fiscal responsibility and transparency, cutting waste, and finding real fiscal solutions for the state of Texas,” said Combs. Simpson faces Tommy Merritt in the Republican primary; Merritt was unseated by Simpson in the 2010 election. Combs made an appearance at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce this morning.

TYLER – A Gregg County woman has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Cathy Dean Massie, 47, of Longview, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine Wednesday in Tyler in an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to prosecutors, from June 2007, Massie acquired methamphetamine from co-defendants who obtained it from sources in the Dallas area for distribution in East Texas. On May 6, 2008, Massie distributed methamphetamine to multiple people from her residence in Longview. She was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 4, 2008. Massie faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — Tyler’s sales tax revenues are up. The state comptroller’s office says Tyler’s sales tax revenues deposited for the month of March have increased 1.75% as compared to March 2011. This has resulted in a modest 1.07% cumulative year-to-date increase. The reported revenue of $2,569,304.39 comprises $1,712,869.59 general sales tax revenue and $856,434.80 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from January 2012 collections as there is a two-month lag before taxes are reported and remitted back to the City from the State.

“It is good to see that there is a slight increase this month after two consecutive months of lower collections,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel (pictured). “However, we had planned for the revenues to grow by three percent this fiscal year.” Therefore, says McDaniel, a soft hiring freeze remains in place “as a precautionary measure to ensure we are keeping our expenses in balance with current revenues and are scrutinizing spending closely.” In addition, McDaniel adds, the city will continue the postponement of any employee pay adjustments.

LONGVIEW — Longview officers Wednesday arrested Brian Andrew Davis, 18, of Longview on four warrants. Three of the warrants were related to a burglary that occurred on March 10 in the 100 Block of Delmar Street. Davis’ warrants included Burglary of a Habitation, Theft of a Firearm, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and an unrelated traffic warrant. Davis was transported to the Gregg County Jail upon his release from the hospital.

On March 10, just before 9:15pm, officers were dispatched to an unknown problem in the 100 Block of Delmar Street. Officers were told that neighbors heard a commotion and one of the neighbors went next door. He found the back door of the residence had been kicked in. He then observed two men inside the residence. One of the suspects reportedly had a handgun. The suspect and the neighbor exchanged gunfire. One of the suspects was hit once in the ankle. When officers arrived they located one of the suspects, since identified as Davis. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the ankle and was transported to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The second suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

TYLER – Smith, Upshur, and Gregg County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Chris Lynn has announced that 16 Texas counties — including Smith, Upshur and Gregg — were approved to accept applications for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to address drought and wildfire damages. EFRP provides payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land to enable the owners to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster. EFRP sign-up in all 16 counties will begin on April 9, 2012, and end on April 29, 2012. At this time, Texas has not received a dollar allocation. The allocation will be announced at the end of the sign-up period after applications are received.

“It is important that producers apply for EFRP assistance timely because program funds will be allocated based on the number of applications received as well as by on-site inspections that will determine the extent of the damage,” said Lynn. “I encourage eligible land owners who haven’t participated in FSA programs to contact the Smith County FSA office as soon as possible because FSA records will have to be created for these individuals,” he said.

After applications are received, the Texas Forest Service will provide technical assistance by evaluating the damage and developing a plan to restore the NIPF land. The local FSA county committee will determine land eligibility and approve applications.

In order to meet eligibility requirements, NIPF land must have existing tree cover or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster occurred and be sustainable for growing trees. The land must also be owned by any nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation or other private legal entity that has definitive decision-making authority over the land. The natural disaster must have resulted in damage that if untreated would impair or endanger the natural resources on the land and/or materially affect future use of the land. You can contact the Smith County FSA office at 903 561-2050 X2 for more information. The Smith County FSA Office is located at 4209 Republic Dr., Tyler, Texas 75701.

FORT WORTH (AP/Staff) – More than a dozen Texas communities, including a couple in East Texas, will share nearly $10.5 million in federal grants to support programs for the homeless. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the funds Tuesday afternoon. The HUD money goes to projects in Longview, Mount Pleasant, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Galveston, Georgetown, Houston, Killeen, Richmond, San Antonio, Sherman, Waco, and Wichita Falls. HUD authorities say the money is meant to help provide emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent support for individuals and families. The Texas funds are part of about $201 million in grants awarded nationwide. You can go to http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD for more information.

LEVERETT’S CHAPEL — The Leverett’s Chapel community responds after all of its high school baseball team’s equipment was destroyed by a Tuesday morning fire. It happened in the concession stand at the baseball field on Highway 42 near the high school. School officials tell KETK the equipment was stored in the concession stand, which burned down. Firefighters haven’t determined the cause of the fire, but a witness says he heard a loud pop, then saw the flames. The witness says, “My water hose wasn’t powerful enough to do any good…the flames finally blew all across my fence — that’s how big they were. But because the wind was blowing so hard, there wasn’t much I could do.” Those living near the baseball park say the concession stand had just been renovated. They believe the community will come together to help the baseball team recover from its loss.

GILMER — Officials say it appears New Diana teacher David Gross, 37, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to a statement Wednesday from Upshur County Sheriff Anthony Betterton, “Based on the evidence at the scene, as well as the preliminary autopsy report, it appears Gross died as a result of a self-inflicted wound. No additional information will be released at this time.” The funeral for Gross, of Union Grove, was Tuesday morning at Norton Lovell Auditorium at New Diana High School, where Gross had taught agriculture science for more than six years. He also represented East Texas as a board member of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.

According to KETK, Gross was pronounced dead Friday afternoon. Betterton said an autopsy was ordered from the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas. Deputies arrived at Gross’ home on a private road off Union Grove Road in response to a call received by sheriff’s dispatch about 2:40 Friday. Betterton requested that the Texas Rangers and Gregg County sheriff’s officials conduct the investigation.

ANGELINA COUNTY — Officers have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Lufkin during a routine traffic stop. According to KETK, Department of Public Safety Troopers arrested the suspect for his involvement in an out of state kidnapping. Investigators said enough evidence was found in the suspect’s car to make the arrest. The identity of the suspect has not been released.

ALTO — Alto Police have announced a new partnership with Cherokee County Crime Stoppers. Officials say it’s an effort to gain leads in criminal investigations. According to KETK, authorities also say they will add several cold cases to the Crime Stoppers website. Alto Police say the partnership will be a powerful new tool to their department.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been jailed for shooting another man in the leg. According to KETK, J.W. Writt is in the Gregg County Jail, accused of shooting a man Monday evening during an altercation between Writt, the victim, and the victim’s sister. The victim has alleged that he was defending his sister when Writt shot him. Writt is currently jailed on a $60,000 bond. The victim was taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. His name has not been released.

ANGELINA COUNTY — The trial for a Lufkin nurse moved into its 8th day Wednesday. Kimberly Saenz’s is charged with capital murder. Authorities say while she was employed with DaVita Dialysis in April 2008, she injected numerous patients with bleach. Five patients died. According to the Lufkin Daily News, David Jackson, a FDA forensic chemist said he did have one syringe that tested positive for bleach. Saenz’s defense attorney, aid he believes DaVita officials had ample time to plant and tamper with evidence. Saenz faces the death penalty if convicted.

LONGVIEW — Plans for a much-needed east-west corridor in Longview are starting to shape up, and because of a local partnership, the project is expected to start sooner than once thought. The $34 million George Richey extension project, from Gilmer Road to Highway 259, wasn’t expected to start until 2020. But with the city of Longview, Gregg County, the Longview Economic Development Corporation, and TxDOT teaming up, officials were able to get the funding, and get the project moving. Construction is now expected to start in 2013 on Phase 2, with Phase 3 to begin in 2015.

According to KETK, most major routes in Longview run north and south, so the Richey extension is expected to alleviate a lot of east-west congestion. And since the route will run through the North Longview Business Park, Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt says the project will also open up more opportunities for business.

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – A prison inmate serving a life sentence in a Gregg County aggravated robbery case has lost a federal court appeal of his religion-based lawsuit. The suit was rejected Tuesday by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Jesse James Copeland, 56, contended he was unconstitutionally barred from Muslim religious services for six months as discipline for causing a prison ruckus. Copeland also argued that Christian symbols were improper in the chapel at an East Texas prison where the Muslim services were held. Copeland filed suit after he was disciplined for not leaving a Muslim religious meeting when ordered to do so. The ensuing disturbance in July 2006 required response from about 30 corrections officers at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Eastham Unit.

LONGVIEW – A Longview Transit vehicle caught fire late Tuesday morning. Longview officials tell KETK a Transit employee parked his company vehicle behind the Longview Transit building on the 900 block of Pacific just before 11:00am and went inside. While he was in the Transit office, employees noticed the smoke on the security camera and went to investigate. They found the car on fire and tried to put it out with fire extinguishers. When fire officials arrived on scene, they were able to put the fire out. Officials say the fire originated from under the hood, but the exact cause is unknown at this time. No injuries were reported.

LONGVIEW — Longview police follow up on a scam involving an elderly woman with autism. On February 21, an officer was dispatched to 107 Mumford in reference to an assist citizen call. The officer was told by the victim, Diana Lawrence, that a man known to her as Danny Young came to her house and offered to pave her driveway for a fee. Once the driveway was done he reportedly informed the victim that the charge would be $6,000. Police say he told the victim that there would need to be more work done which would, in turn, cost more money.

According to authorities, Ms. Lawrence then learned that the suspect had not repaved her driveway correctly and the substance he used simply crumbled away. Police say Young, whose company is Danny’s Paving located in Texarkana, Texas, has several employees who also work for him and may be driving a blue cab truck or a dump truck with a red dumping bed on it. Longview police say they’ve also learned that there may be more victims who have been defrauded by Danny Young. According to authorities, anyone who feels he or she may have also been a victim of Young or has more information on him is asked to contact Sgt. David Hazel at 903-235-0303.

LUBBOCK (AP/Staff) – Texas agriculture officials will travel the state in coming months to help ranchers wanting to rebuild their herds after the heavy selloffs in 2011, the state’s driest year on record. One of the early stops will be in East Texas. In a release Tuesday, the Texas AgriLife Extension service said the programs will include information on lending policies, balancing forage recovery with inventory recovery and the generational turnover in ranching. After many cattle producers got out of the business because of the historic drought, young people are being encouraged to get into ranching. Other sessions will address herd health and inventory flexibility in ranch operations. The programs begin in April. The first few are in Midland, Yoakum, Alice, Graham, Abilene and Athens.