KTBB News, Weather, Talk

RUSK COUNTY — Firefighters in Rusk County respond to a massive blaze on County Road 476. KETK reports at least 70 acres blackened so far. The Texas Forest Service tells us the fire broke out on an oil well property, but so far, no wells have been affected.

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department was notified today that Delek Refining, located at 425 McMurrey, will be upgrading the emergency notification system at their facility. As part of the upgrade, they will be testing the system periodically throughout the day. Because of this, sirens may be heard in the surrounding neighborhoods. Delek hopes to be finished with the project by the end of today. Please contact the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office at (903) 535-0005 for more information.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police have identified the woman who was arrested early Tuesday morning on charges related to a man who was shot in the arm. Sharonda Brewster Beck, 34, of Longview, was arrested about 3:45. Officers were dispatched to a car wash in the 3300 block of Lilly Street in connection with a shooting. One victim was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center where he was treated and released. Authorities said an argument started in the parking lot of the car wash when Beck fired at least one shot hitting the victim.

HOUSTON (AP) – The condition of polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs has been upgraded from critical to serious following his move to a prison hospital for additional treatment after he became sick while fasting. Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons says Jeffs was flown Tuesday 215 miles to the Texas prison hospital at Galveston. On Sunday, he was admitted to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. The 55-year-old Jeffs last week was assigned to the Powledge Unit, about 100 miles southeast of Dallas, to serve his life sentence for sexually assaulting underage girls. On Sunday, he told corrections officers he’d been fasting since his conviction and had become ill.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a report of an aggravated assault. It happened just after 11:30 Tuesday night at D’s Coffee Shop, 710 East Front Street. Officers say upon arrival, they found a 42-year-old man suffering from a stab wound in his back. He was taken to Mother Frances Hospital and treated. The wound was not life-threatening. Tyler Criminal Investigations Division arrived on scene and started an investigation into the events that led up to the stabbing. No arrest had been made at this time and no names are being released while the investigation is pending.

HENDERSON — Henderson voters will have a school bond proposal on the November 8th ballot. School trustees yesterday voted to put a $26 million proposal for voters. If approved, the funds will be used to build a new middle school. Henderson Middle School houses the district’s sixth, seventh and eighth graders. It was built in 1953.

If voters approve the proposal, it would increase the district’s taxes 9.5 cents. At Tuesday’s meeting the Henderson School Board approved a tax rate of $1.18 per $100 valuation. With the 9.5 cent tax increase, the average home would have about a $5.00 a month tax increase.

TEXARKANA — A Harrison County woman has been sentenced to federal prison for bank fraud. Aimee Lynn Elwood, 45, of Marshall, pleaded guilty in February. She was sentenced Tuesday to 21 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Elwood was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $167,414.20.

According to federal prosecutors, from July 2008 to April 2010, Elwood abused her position as a Vice-President with Texas National Bank to fraudulently renew a line of credit and obtain loans in her name and the names of others. Specifically, Elwood forged the names of co-borrowers and pledged as collateral vehicles, certificates of deposit and other valuable items belonging to third parties without their consent.

LINDALE — The Lindale ISD board of trustees adopted the 2011-2012 budget and voted unanimously Monday night to reduce the tax rate for LISD home and property owners. The tax cut reduces the Interest and Sinking (I&S) rate from 41.5 cents to 39.5 cents. The I&S rate is used to pay off school construction bonds. The Maintenance and Operation (M&O) tax rate of $1.06 per one hundred dollars of appraised value will remain the same. The new I&S rate will be applied to the $42 million bond passed in 2009 that included the construction of a new junior high school, the addition of classrooms at the high school, a 1,200 seat auditorium and improvements to athletic facilities.

The board also approved a $ 25.5 million budget for the 2011-2012 school year. The state of Texas budget shortfall that resulted in $4 billion in cuts to public schools did impact LISD’s budget. The district’s share of state cuts is approximately six percent, almost $1.5 million, of last year’s operating budget. LISD was able to make cuts without laying off any fulltime district employees. To compensate for cuts to the district’s operating budget, departments and campuses were asked to tighten their budgets. Travel and supply budgets received significant cuts.

“Due to our conservative approach to spending and great timing with bond rates and low construction cost, the Lindale ISD board of trustees was able to actually lower the tax rate,” LISD Superintendent Stan Surratt said. “To give a tax cut during these tough economic times certainly shows the great financial strength of Lindale ISD. I am very pleased with our financial status.”

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court has voted unanimously to adopt a 2012 budget that keeps the tax rate at essentially the same level with a one cent, voter approved increase to pay for jail improvements. That brings the tax rate to 0.324 cents per $100 valuation. “We worked very hard this year to hold the line and provide the same level of service to tax payers despite recent economic challenges,” County Judge Joel Baker said. Since 2008 sales tax revenue has decreased by 8.62% or $1.4 million and fines & fees have decreased by 8.42% or $1 million. Interest earnings have decreased by 93% or $1.45 million since 2007.

Last year the Commissioners Court reduced retirement benefits and eliminated 33 positions to cut the budget by $9.2 million. The 2012 budget holds services steady without creating any new positions. Base salaries and benefits for Smith County employees are still frozen, and the budget only allows for the absolute minimum amount of equipment purchases necessary in the upcoming fiscal year.

Judge Baker credits several accomplishments in 2011 with contributing to the stable state of the county. “We have focused efforts on maintenance programs to extend the life of assets, continued planning efforts to resolve the jail overcrowding issue, developed a comprehensive 5 year Capital Improvement Plan and started the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee and Cooperative Purchasing programs.” Judge Baker said. “We are focusing our efforts on responsible fiscal planning for the future.”

LONGVIEW — Authorities in Gregg County seek help finding a 33-year-old woman. Jennifer Marie Johnson is Caucasian, 5’3”, 130 pounds, with brown hair, and blue eyes. She was last seen on FM 2011 in Gregg County on August 27. The sheriff’s department has no information on clothing, vehicle description, or direction of travel, and it’s unknown if she is traveling alone. You’re asked to contact the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 237-2506 with information.

TYLER — Police in Tyler are looking for clues in the death of a 43-year-old man. Yesterday morning around 11:45, Tyler Police responded to 1404 West Claude Street on a report of a resident found dead in his residence by his roommate. Tyler Investigators were called to the scene to look into the details surrounding the death of Brian Patrick Miller. Investigators found no evident signs of foul play, and Judge Quincy Beavers ordered an autopsy to be performed by Southwest Forensics in Dallas.

LINDALE — There’s a new face in the race for Smith County Constable Pct. 5. Kenneth Bibby says he “will bring a fresh approach to service in the office,” which is currently held by longtime Constable and fellow Republican Dennis Taylor. According to a press statement, Bibby has served over 31 years in law enforcement, including the Smith County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Department of Public Safety (retired), and Smith County Precinct 2, which he currently serves a Deputy Constable.

Bibby was born in the Lindale area and has lived the majority of his life there. Bibby’s stated objectives include increasing responsiveness and service through more efficient use of resources, promoting and participating with community groups and organizations in protecting the area, and utilization of technology advancements. The Republican primary is next March 6.

TYLER — Three women were sent to Tyler hospitals Monday night following an incident at a local business. According to KETK, ambulances were called to the Ace Check Cash on West Gentry, where it appears workers were overcome by carbon monoxide fumes. A floor buffer being used at the business was reportedly the cause of the problem. Authorities say it’s unlikely any kind of charges will be filed against the cleaning business responsible for the buffer. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, confusion, redness and headaches.

TYLER — A town hall style meeting in Tyler Monday night featured Congressman Louie Gohmert. The Lakeview Church of the Nazarene was packed with East Texans very passionate about the issues our nation is facing. KETK caught up with Gohmert before he began his speech and asked him a few questions, like how he feels about Governor Rick Perry running for president? Gohmert says he thinks it’s great for America but 6 months ago, he never would have guessed any politician from Texas would stand a chance. “People are so hungry for good leaders that it looks like their willing to even have another one from Texas,” Gohmert said.

Recently Governor Perry is quoted as calling social security a ‘ponzi’ scheme. Gohmert says even though it wasn’t well thought out back in the 30’s when it started, it’s what people are counting on. “We can’t leave people in the lurch but we can work for future generations to have something even more and better than social security,” Gohmert said.

LONGVIEW — A Longview shooting sends one person to the hospital. It happened around 3:30 yesterday morning at a car wash on Lilly Street near Eastman Road and Interstate Highway 20. According to Longview Police, it was sparked by an argument between several people when shots were fired. One person was shot in the arm and was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A suspect was taken into custody but the name has not been released.

PALESTINE – A wreck between a SUV and an 18-wheeler has left one person dead. The accident happened shortly after 12:45 Monday afternoon on U.S. Highway 79 one mile east of Palestine. Dead at the scene was Cheryl Diane Welch, 49, of Palestine. The Department of Public Safety reports her SUV crossed over into the oncoming lane of traffic and hit the 18-wheeler head on.

TYLER – A suspect has been arrested with the help of a citizen and an off duty officer. The off duty Tyler police officer was on his way to work in his private vehicle around 6:45 Monday night, when he saw a motorist who he knew was wanted for an outstanding arrest warrant. He called the dispatch center and an officer was sent to stop the suspect vehicle. The responding officer located the vehicle about half a mile outside Loop 323, on the Frankston Highway. When the officer stopped the suspect’s vehicle, the man got out of the car and fled on foot, running into the woods. The officer gave chase, but lost sight of him.

An alert citizen spotted the suspect hiding in a gravel pit near the intersection of County Road 1114 and County Road 1121. The citizen notified officers and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. He is identified as Irvin Perez, 18, from Tyler. He was booked into Smith County Jail for engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest.

LONGVIEW — Visitors to the Longview Public Library and City Hall need to be aware of parking lot paving work currently taking place. Contractors have started paving operations on the parking lot located between City Hall and the Longview Public Library. The repaving project is expected to impact this section of the library parking lot for about two weeks. The paving project will not impact the Longview Public Library’s operating schedule.

Visitors to City Hall, the library, and the Police Department are advised to use caution. Traffic markers and signs will direct patrons to the available driveway entrances and parking lots.

This is the fourth phase of a paving project at the City of Longview municipal complex that is scheduled to be complete by early October. The fifth and final phase of the project is expected to begin within a couple weeks and will include repaving the drive-through lane for the City of Longview Water Utilities Department. During the construction, water customers are encouraged to use alternate methods of payment such as by mail, online, over the phone, or at one of twenty authorized Fidelity Express payment stations throughout Longview. Water utility customers visiting City Hall are encouraged to utilize the parking lot located on the west side of the building. The paving project is part of the capital improvements bond package approved by voters in 2007.

RUSK COUNTY — A three-acre fire that started from a Saturday evening lightning strike reignited Sunday morning, burning through more than 70 acres in Rusk County. Texas Forest Service spokesman Dena Matteson said crews were sent back to Rusk County Road 326 Sunday morning around 11:45 after dispatch advised that the blaze had reignited.

Matteson said that as of 4:00, Texas Forest Service officials had completed 90 percent of the fire line, which helps prevent the fire from spreading to more land. She said there were three helicopters working to knock down flames from above in order to get the fire line drawn. There were also four dozers called to the scene to assist with containing the fire.

“There are no homes in direct danger from the blaze at this time, but local volunteer fire departments are standing by at three or four residences just in case the fire becomes a threat to those homes,” Matteson said. “I’m not sure if the homes were evacuated.” The fire was listed as contained by 5:00 Sunday evening.

TYLER — One person has been killed in a weekend motorcycle accident in Tyler. Saturday morning shortly after 12:15, Jamie Clayton Hallmark, 39, Tyler, was driving south in the 5000 block of Paluxy Drive when his motorcycle struck the curb. Hallmark was thrown from the bike and was found a short time later unresponsive in the roadway. Officers attempted CPR. Hallmark was later transported to ETMC, where he was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police officers on Thursday arrested a Huntington couple for fighting at the Angelina County Courthouse, where they had met to take family violence counseling. Margaret and Garry Paul Kimmey began verbally fighting in the counseling session and continued the argument outside afterward, according to a police report. A Lufkin Police officer driving by saw them scratching, slapping and grabbing each other. He stopped and took them both in on charges of assault/family violence.

Garry Kimmey, 57, has been arrested three times on charges of assault/family violence since May, according to Angelina County records. This appears to be his 60-year-old wife’s first arrest in Angelina County. Both were released from jail on a personal recognizance bonds the same day.

GREGG COUNTY — Fire department officials are blaming a cigarette for a grass and woods fire that burned through about 15 acres of land Saturday evening in Gregg County. Gregg County Fire Marshal David Kidder said crews were dispatched to Interstate 20, near the Liberty City exit, Saturday evening around 4:50 p.m. in connection with a fire that had spread from the grass on the roadside, into nearby woods, burning 15 acres of land. Kidder said the cause of the fire was still under investigation, but was “most likely caused by a cigarette.” He noted that the fire was listed as controlled. Kidder said it was important for motorists and residents to remember that the conditions are extremely dangerous for wildfire right now, and the smallest thing could start a wildfire.

TROUP – An early Saturday morning wreck just east of Troup has killed one person. The accident happened around 12:15am when a pickup left the road and hit a tree. The Department of Public Safety reports Demarcus Renard Lydia, 29, of Troup, was dead at the scene. The report said he was not wearing a seat belt.

TYLER – One person has been killed and two injured in a five vehicle accident in Smith County. It happened shortly after 8:45 Friday night on State Highway 110, about three miles north of Tyler. Killed was Muelen Lee Follis Jr., 39, of Brownsboro. Listed in fair condition at East Texas Medical Center are Gregory Taylor and Barbara Jean Brown, both of Tyler. According to the Department of Public Safety, Follis was southbound when he attempted to pass another vehicle. When he saw oncoming traffic he over corrected and hit the oncoming traffic, left the road and hit a fence.

TYLER – A weekend fire has closed a Tyler apartment complex. The fire in the 500 block of East Houston was reported just before 5:00 Saturday morning. A fire alarm alerted one resident, who in turn altered the others. No injuries were reported but about a dozen families were displaced. The initial report was the fire may have started from a cigarette around a sofa.

ATHENS — After 34 years with the Texas Department of Transportation, Athens Maintenance Supervisor Tony Buford is set to retire effective August 31. Buford started with TxDOT on June 1, 1977 and performed all the typical roadway maintenance jobs until his promotion to assistant maintenance supervisor in the Mineola Maintenance Section in January 1994. Buford came home to Athens upon his promotion to Maintenance Supervisor in May 2000.

Buford and his wife, Cameron, both Athens natives, have been married 25 years and have two children, Megan, 22, and Joshua, 20.

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

PALESTINE — The Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT’s governing body, approved $705,700 in funding at its regular August meeting to the Palestine Municipal Airport for planned improvements including pavement repairs and drainage improvements. The funding comes from TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system, along with matching funds from the city of Palestine.

This year, TxDOT expects to provide approximately $60 million in funding for planning, constructing and maintaining community airports, of which approximately 275 are eligible for funding through this program. Arrivals and departures from community airports account for more than three million flight hours per year and provide aircraft facilities for agricultural, medical, business and commuter use.

Also this week in Anderson County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue resurfacing work on Farm Road 320 between Farm Road 645 and West Loop 256. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to perform shoulder work on Ranch Road 2970 from Farm Road 753 to the end of state maintenance, an on Farm Road 2709 between State Highway 19 and Farm Road 316. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on State Highway 135 near the traffic circle in Kilgore. Daytime lane closures will be in effect 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 begin approximately two weeks of work on various Interstate Highway 20 frontage roads, including between State Highway 64 and Farm Road 859 near canton, and later between Farm Road 17 and the Oakland/Colfax exits. Crews are also scheduled to perform resurfacing work on the State Highway 19 underpass at Interstate Highway 20, and on FM 17 just south of Grand Saline. 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 on Thursday are scheduled to perform pavement repairs in and around the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and U.S. Highway 80 in Mineola. Crews are also scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 2088 between State Highway 37 in Quitman and Farm Road 14 in Oak Grove, on U.S. Highway 80 from Farm Road 1253 east to Farm Road 1799, and on US 80 from Farm Road 2422 east to Farm Road 3056. 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.

TYLER — There’s a congressional town hall meeting in Tyler today with Congressman Louie Gohmert. It is being sponsored by Grassroots America – We the People. The Congressman will speak for about 30 minutes, followed by a Q&A period. Questions from the audience will be submitted on cards and posed by a moderator in order to maximize the time for questions. The meeting takes place from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Lakeview Church of the Nazarene, 10818 University Boulevard, Spur 248, two miles from the Loop 323 intersection. Organizers urge people to come early since there is limited seating. Doors will open by 5:15.

“Grassroots America is pleased to sponsor this town hall meeting with Congressman Gohmert,” said JoAnn Fleming, Executive Director, Grassroots America – We the People. “This is an opportunity for the Congressman to hear from his constituents about everything from the ‘debt ceiling deal’ to Congressional hearings on the ‘Fast and Furious’ BATF scandal to the administration’s incoherent energy policy. We encourage citizens to come out to the town hall meeting.”

TYLER — A man has been hospitalized in critical condition after passing out while responding to a fire Sunday afternoon on County Road 332 near Tyler. KETK reports that according to neighbors, the fire was started by an illegal trash burn, and multiple neighbors tried to put the fire out by themselves. The neighbor group included the victim, who passed out from possible exhaustion. There was no immediate word on the victim’s identity or other details on the blaze.

LINDALE — The Lindale Independent School District will celebrate the start of the 2011-2012 school year with special ceremonies to dedicate a couple of the district’s newest facilities. A dedication ceremony and open house for the new Lindale Junior High School will be held tonight at 6:00 in the school’s cafeteria. State of Texas Representative David Simpson is scheduled to speak during the ceremony. LJHS students will also participate in the program by reading essays written for the event. The dedication ceremony will be followed by a brief reception and open house. The community is invited to attend the ceremony and tour the new junior high campus. On Thursday, September 1, LISD will also host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Lindale ISD Performing Arts Center. The ceremony will begin at 5:00pm.

Both facilities were constructed as part of a $42 million bond passed by LISD voters in November 2009. Construction of the new junior high school began in August 2010 and was completed in early August 2011. Students in seventh and eighth grades attend the $24 million school. The new LJHS has 46 classrooms, a large choir room and a theatre arts classroom. Also included are three state-of-the-art computer labs, six science labs, and two band halls. For athletic programs, the school features two gymnasiums, two practice fields and an eight lane track. The $5 million Lindale ISD Performing Arts center was completed just before the start of school. The 1,200 seat facility will host district and University Interscholastic League performances as well as competitions.

The new Lindale Junior High School is located at 1500 County Road 463 in Lindale. The Lindale ISD Performing Arts Center is located adjacent to Lindale High School at 920 East Hubbard.