KTBB News, Weather, Talk

ZAVALLA — After two months on the job, Zavalla police chief Jim Hodges has been suspended with pay while the city launches an in-house investigation into allegations against him. According to KETK and the Lufkin Daily News, the decision was made by the City Council during Monday night’s meeting. The council spent nearly an hour and a half behind closed doors bringing in several community members and then 69-year-old Hodges. Zavalla Mayor Greg Fletcher said Monday night he could not go into detail on the nature of the allegations at this time. “Right now he is suspended with pay until we do an investigation into the allegations that were brought against him,” Fletcher said. Hodges declined to comment.

A Zavalla woman brought into the council’s closed-door session to voice her complaint against Hodges, Juanita Malone, also declined comment on the allegations but said she is happy an investigation is taking place. “I really don’t have much to say except for that I am aware of a third-party investigator,” Malone said. “The Texas Rangers are getting involved and I am happy about that.” Hodges, a 30-year police veteran, took the reins of Zavalla’s department at the end of May after former police chief Bobby Epperly accepted a chief position with Huntington.

TYLER — Because of extremely dry conditions, Smith County Judge Joel Baker has issued a burn ban for the county. It’s effective immediately. The burn ban is effective for seven days, and may be renewed upon review of conditions next Tuesday. “We have watched conditions closely during this period of record heat and high winds, and have determined that a burn ban is needed. Many factors go into the decision-making process regarding the issuance of a burn ban. I always consult with the County Fire Marshal in evaluating the issuance of such an order,” Judge Baker said.

Factors in determining the need for a burn ban include the Keetch-Byram Drought Index; the current temperature, humidity, and wind speed; and the weather forecast. “We also consider the type and volume of calls for emergency service due to fires,” Judge Baker added. The current drought index is 694 and the county has historically issued burn bans when it is at or near 700. Unusually high temperatures, lack of rainfall and low moisture levels have contributed to need for a ban to be issued.

Pursuant to Texas Penal Code §28.04, a person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the property owner, he/she recklessly damages or destroys property of the owner. Such a violation is a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

TYLER – Tyler police are investigating a stabbing that occurred Monday night in the 600 block of East Oakwood Street. Stabbed once in the upper back was Josue Pinal, 18 of Tyler. He is being treated at East Texas Medical Center. Investigators say his injuries are not considered to be life threatening.

Officers say Pinal and other witnesses have given conflicting accounts of what had happened. At this time, the suspect is unknown. This case is being forwarded to the Major Crimes Unit for investigation.

TYLER – The Salvation Army officially opens additional low-income senior housing in Tyler. A brief dedication service and ribbon cutting formally opened the Catherine Booth Gardens at 602 Golden Road. According to Salvation Army officials, for years, seniors and the disabled have found a home at the William Booth Garden Apartments on Golden Road. But the 132 units available there were never enough. Now, 72 additional units are available for rent at the new building across the street from the William Booth Garden Apartments.

LONGVIEW – A retirement reception has been held for Longview Police Officer Mike Harrod. This reception was held Monday afternoon. Officer Harrod will be retiring after 29 years of service with the Police Department. During his tenure he served the citizen’s in several different capacities. He started his career in patrol and later served in several other units including his current position as a Bike Officer and Police Area Representative for Beat 50. Harrod will continue to serve as a Reserve Officer.

MINEOLA – A suspect is in custody in connection with a Mineola stabbing. It happened around 7:45 Sunday night in the 700 block of South Pacific Street. Taken to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center for treatment of stab wounds was Juan Regalado. Investigators learned that Regalado and the suspect had been involved in an argument for several days. It escalated Sunday evening. Arrested in the case was Juan Cruz Martinez, 37, of Mineola.

TYLER — Tyler police are asking for your help identifying a burglary suspect. On June 26, a burglary occurred at Polo’s Grocery, 611 East Oakwood. Tyler police say the suspect was caught on surveillance video inside the store. It’s been reported that the suspect stole a large amount of cash and merchandise. Police note that the photo of the suspect indicates that he has a shaved head. The suspect is wearing a bandanna to cover his hair. Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833).

TYLER — A Tyler motorcycle officer has received minor injuries in an accident. Just before 10:30 Monday morning Officer J.D. Smith was operating traveling west on the inside lane of East 5th Street. Investigators say a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser driven by Jason Moore Auringer, 34, of Tyler, pulled from the Exxon Station onto Fifth Street, turning left in front of the officer. Officer Smith hit the driver’s side door of the car. Police say Auringer was found at fault in the collision for failing to yield the right of way. Officer Smith was transported to East Texas Medical Center by EMS with minor injuries. Officer Smith is a 37 year veteran of the Tyler Police Department. He has been assigned to the motorcycle division for 33 years.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin father accused of injury to a child in the death of his infant son was arrested Sunday for allegedly beating the child’s mother in the head with a pistol over transferring a title. Mark and Vanessa Clark, both 32, are charged in the death of their infant son after losing another child the same way 18 months earlier. Both cases involved allowing the child to sleep in the same bed as the parents, a practice strongly discouraged by child welfare experts. The couple got into a fight over a title transfer Sunday afternoon, according to an arrest warrant.

KETK and the Lufkin Daily News report that when police arrived at their home, Vanessa, bleeding from a head wound, told them Mark threw her to the ground and started punching her. She said he then held her down by putting his knees to her chest, causing her difficulty in breathing, the affidavit stated. After that she said he hit her in the back of the head with the .380 pistol he often keeps in his pocket, according to the affidavit. He then went outside to leave their home in his Ford Expedition while she dialed 9-1-1.

Upon realizing he was trying to leave, Vanessa told police she ran outside and got in front of the SUV to stop him. According to the affidavit, Mark then bumped her with the SUV, knocking her to the ground. She told police after that he put the SUV in reverse and left. Vanessa told police she expected Mark to be at his mother’s home. Police located Mark at his mother’s home although he had pulled his SUV into the woods near the home, the affidavit stated.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers located a box of .380 ammo but were unable to find the pistol. Mark was then arrested and taken to the Angelina County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault and family violence, causing serious bodily injury, a second degree felony. If convicted, Mark faces up to 20 years in prison.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP/Staff) – A new report says a Canadian company underestimated the potential for spills along the pipeline it wants to build to carry tar sands oil across the Plains to refineries near the Gulf of Mexico. The pipeline would cross a significant portion of East Texas, where there’s been considerable concern among residents about its potential effects.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineering professor John Stansbury says TransCanada has been overly optimistic about the frequency and possible impact of spills along the proposed Keystone XL. Stansbury examined several worst-case scenarios along the proposed route and came up with much larger estimates. TransCanada spokesman Terry Cunha says the company is still reviewing the report released Monday and couldn’t immediately comment on it.

The pipeline is designed to carry oil from Canada across Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. It could also connect to the Bakken oil field in Montana and North Dakota.

TYLER — The County Treasurers’ Association of Texas (CTAT) has announced that Smith County Treasurer Kelli White is one of 4 nominees for the 2011 Texas Outstanding Treasurer Award. There are 245 County Treasurers grouped into 12 Regions in the County Treasurers’ Association of Texas (CTAT), and each one nominates a treasurer from his or her region. The other three nominees are Sharon Reynolds from Brazoria County, Dolores Ortega Carter from Travis County, and Mitzi Wohleking from Midland County. “I feel honored to be nominated by my peers for this prestigious award,” Ms. White said.

The winner will be announced at the 63rd Annual County Treasurers’ Association of Texas Conference September 18-22, 2011, which will also be hosted by Smith County. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn on South Broadway and is expected to attract more than a hundred county treasurers from across the state. “We are working hard with CTAT to make this a successful program and an event that is sure to attract a lot of people to Smith County,” Ms. White said.

LUFKIN — The capital murder trial of a Lufkin nurse accused of killing five dialysis patients by injecting them with bleach is set for September. The jury selection in Kimberly Clark Saenz’s case will start August 9 and will take the entire month. Each juror will be selected individually as the death penalty has been put into play, according to Saenz’s defense attorney Ryan Deaton. Since the allegations came to light in April 2008, Deaton has maintained that his client, now 37, is a scapegoat for DaVita Dialysis, where she worked for eight months.

Federal health officials became involved in a massive health investigation in late April 2008 after a series of patient deaths and illnesses at the Lufkin dialysis center. The center closed for nearly two months as investigators spent weeks combing through patient documents and preserving dialysis equipment for forensic testing.

Lufkin Police linked Saenz to some of the center’s patient complications May 30 of that year when they charged her with aggravated assault. DaVita fired her a day before police filed charges, according to previous reports. A statement issued by Lufkin Police last year said two witnesses saw Saenz fill a syringe with bleach and inject the substance into two patients’ dialysis lines. Both of those patients survived. Lufkin police have not offered a motive in the case.

BULLARD – A building in downtown Bullard has been destroyed by fire. It was reported around 1:00 Sunday afternoon at 212 West Main Street. An electrical short is said to have caused the blaze. No injuries were reported.

PITTSBURG – A one vehicle accident in Camp County has left one person dead. Killed in the weekend wreck was Melissa McVay, 31, of Pittsburg. She was a passenger in a car driven by Shynese Rotrice Hamilton. The driver was not injured. The Department of Public Safety says the women’s car left the road, hit a culvert and overturned. The accident occurred Saturday morning on State Highway 11, about four miles west of Pittsburg.

MARSHALL — The federal trial in Marshall against Pilgrim’s Pride resumes today following a recess. Pilgrim’s is charged with violating the Packers and Stockers Act in order to manipulate the price of chicken. The court previously heard testimony from growers who claimed the company closed plants and ran them out of business. Pilgrim’s rebutted, saying they closed the plants due to bankruptcy.

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

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation’s annual preventative maintenance program, known as District-Wide Seal Coat, is scheduled to resume work in Tyler on Tuesday on State Highway 110 (Van Highway) between NW Loop 323 and Farm Road 3271. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each seal coat location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays. Loose gravel may be present for several days following seal coat application.

Also in Smith County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to perform edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 848 between Farm Road 346 in Whitehouse and Spur 248 (University Boulevard). Daytime lane closures will be in effect.

Finally this week in Smith County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue work to replace a culvert pipe and build a right-turn lane for eastbound State Highway 64 at its intersection with County Road 229 (Big Oak Bay Road), just east of Farm Road 3226. The work will require some lane closures on SH 64 and on SCR 229 while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation contractor Pinto Construction, Ltd., of Nacogdoches, is scheduled to close Farm Road 1251 to thru-traffic on Monday between Farm Road 2658 and Farm Road 3231 for approximately two months of repairs to the roadway there. The approximate $570,000 project let in May and calls for a full-depth repair of the roadbed followed by a complete resurfacing. Detours for the work will be posted and include using FM 2658 and FM 3231 to avoid the work zone.

Also this week in Rusk County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 839 between U.S. Highway 79 southeast of Henderson and Farm Road 1798 in McKnight. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

GREGG COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation contractor TNT’s Pipeline Corp., is scheduled to work tonight, Saturday and Sunday nights on State Highway 322 between Farm Road 349 in Lakeport and Farm Road 2011 at the Rusk County Line. Nighttime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress and flaggers will control traffic at intersections.

Also this week, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs in various locations on State Highway 300 (Glimer Road) between Hawkins Parkway and Farm Road 1844, including work in the SH 300/Hawkins Parkway intersection on Tuesday and Wednesday. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid the work in the Hawkins Parkway intersection.

WOOD COUNTY — The Texas Department of Transportation’s annual preventative maintenance program known as “District-Wide Seal Coat” is scheduled to start work in Wood County as early as Friday, July 15, weather permitting. Crews are scheduled to apply a seal coat to Farm Road 49 between U.S. Highway 69 in Mineola and Farm Road 14, Farm Road 778 between Farm Road 49 and U.S. Highway 80, and on US 80 between Farm Road 778 and the Upshur County Line. 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. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.
Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal coat operations on in various locations on Farm Road 858 between Farm Road 279 in Ben Wheeler and State Highway 19 south of Canton, followed by the same work on Ranch Road 2909 between SH 19 south of Canton and Farm Road 858 just west of Martins Mill. A second crew is scheduled to perform pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 857 between U.S. Highway 80 in Grand Saline and Farm Road 1253.

Also this week, District-Wide Seal Coat operations are scheduled to resume in the county as early as Wednesday on State Highway 19 south of Canton between Farm Road 858 and the Henderson County line, followed by the same work on State Highway 198 just south of State Highway 243 in Canton.

Crews are also scheduled to seal Farm Road 47 between SH 243 and SH 198 and Farm Road 751 northwest of Wills Point between the Hunt County Line and Farm Road 47. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each seal coat location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays. Loose gravel may be present for several days following seal coat application.

Finally this week, TxDOT contractor Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview, is scheduled on Friday, July 15, to begin work to repair and resurface the roadways inside Lake Tawakoni State Park. The work is scheduled to be finished in mid-August.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs on Farm Road 1990 between State Highway 294 and U.S. Highway 79 in Palestine. Daytime lane closures will be in effect 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 edge repairs on the recently resurfaced sections on Farm Road 2709 between State Highway 19 north of Athens and Farm Road 316 in Eustace, on Ranch Road 2970 between Farm Road 753 and the end of state maintenance, and on Ranch Road 2588 between U.S. Highway 175 in LaRue and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 84 between Reklaw and Farm Road 2753 in Rusk County. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

BEAUMONT (AP) — A Texas man has been charged with capital murder after police say he intentionally drove his fleeing sport utility vehicle into a patrol car, killing an officer. Bond was set at $250,000 for John Wesley Nero, 30, of Beaumont. He remained in a hospital in serious condition after the Friday night crash.

TYLER — July is Watch Your Car Awareness Month in Texas and the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force, Tyler Police Department and the Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) warn Texans they need to actively protect themselves against vehicle theft. Pickups are not only popular among Texas Drivers; they are also the top targets for Texas vehicle thieves!

2010 TOP 5 STOLEN VEHICLES IN TEXAS
1. Ford Pickup 6,233
2. GM Pickup 5,229
3. Dodge Pickup 2,931
4. Honda Civic 1,629
5. Chevrolet Tahoe 1,587

2010 TOP 5 STOLEN VEHICLES IN CITY of TYLER
1. Chevrolet Pickup 20
2. Ford Pickup 10
3. Chevrolet Caprice 10
4. Ford Crown Victoria 8
5. Mercury Gr. Marquis 7
5. Chevrolet Impala 7

Vehicles are stolen for a variety of reasons, and contrary to popular belief, the most stolen vehicles are several years old. Some are stolen and stripped for parts. Others are stolen and resold by the thief to another party. Many vehicles are stolen for joyriding, robbery, for use in committing other crimes, to support drug habits, drug smuggling or to perpetrate insurance fraud.

Vehicle theft costs Texans more money than any other crime. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety Uniform Crime Report, there were 68,220 vehicles stolen in 2010 with an economic loss of over $635,570,078. There were 261,166 thefts from motor vehicles including motor vehicle parts with an economic loss of $219,274,501. It is important that we acknowledge this trend and educate the citizens of Texas in how to protect their car. In the City of Tyler 207 vehicles were reported stolen in 2010 and 367 were reported stolen in all of Smith County. Auto Burglaries reported for the City of Tyler were 1,054.

While there is no totally foolproof way to prevent theft, the ATBPA recommends a few
Common-sense steps to help protect your car.
1. Take Your Keys. One out of every five vehicles stolen had the keys in it.
2. Lock Your Car. Approximately half of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.
3. Never Hide a Second Set of Keys in Your Car. Extra keys can easily be found if a thief takes time to look.
4. Park in Well-Lighted Areas.
5. Park in attended Lots. Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots.
6. If You Park in an Attended Lot, Leave Only the Ignition/Door Key. If your trunk and glove box use the same key as the door, have one of them changed. Don’t give the attendant easy access to your glove box and trunk. Upon returning, check the tires, spare and battery to insure they are the same as those you had when you parked.
7. Never Leave Your Car Running, Even if You’ll Only Be Gone for a Minute. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATM’s, etc. Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up or on hot days to keep the vehicle cool. Leaving your key in an unattended motor vehicle is a crime in Texas punishable by a fine of up to $200.
8. Completely Close Car Windows When Parking. Don’t make it any easier for the thief to enter your vehicle.
9. Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain View. Don’t make your car a more desirable target for thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.

INVESTING IN VEHICLE PROTECTION

1. Ignition Kill Switch. Splice an inexpensive toggle switch into your ignition wire or to your starter. The trick is hiding the switch well. Keypads, pressure pads and more expensive “Immobilizers” and “Passkeys” can also be used.
2. Fuel Kill Switch. The valve that halts the fuel supply is closed.
3. Visible steering wheel lock. Prevents the steering wheel from being turned.
4. Floorboard Locks. Devices that disable the gas or brake pedal.
5. Gearshift Locks. Disables shifting of the transmission.
6. Tire/Wheel Locks. Prevents the vehicle from moving.
7. Hood Locks. Prevents the thief from gaining access to your security system and battery.
8. Armored collar around the steering column. Protects the column and ignition.
9. Alarms. Security systems which make loud warning sounds when door/hood/trunk are opened. Optional sensors detect glass breakage, motion, tampering, and towing. Panic buttons, back-up batteries, flashing parking lights or headlights, and automatic engine disable features are also popular.
10. Vehicle Tracking. Transmitter hidden in car enables police to track car (may not be available in all areas).

More information regarding auto theft can be obtained at the ABTPA Web Site:http://www.txwatchyourcar.com or by calling 1-800-carwatch.

LONGVIEW – A woman has been arrested for trying to steal $100 worth of cosmetics from a Longview Wal-Mart. Authorities say Jackquine Denise Bell, 46, tried to escape on an electric cart. During her escape, she is said to have used the cart to hit a store employee who tried to stop her. Her bond is set at $7,500. Plus she also has fines of $1,700 on a variety of other complaints. According to arrest sheet at the Gregg County Sheriff’s office, Bell has been convicted of five offenses ranging from marijuana possession to prostitution.

BRYAN – A Smith County teen has died in a one vehicle accident in Grimes County. The accident happened around 8:15 Friday night on State Highway 21 near Sandy Creek. Dead at the scene was the pickup’s driver, Kayla Wager, 17, of Whitehouse. The girl’s father, Milton Wager, Jr., suffered only minor injuries. According to the Department of Public Safety, the pickup left the road and rolled over several times.

MANGUM, OKLA. (AP) — It’s been almost 17 years since the wife of a former prison warden disappeared with a convicted killer from the southwestern Oklahoma prison her husband helped supervise. Time, however, hasn’t diminished interest in the case in Mangum, the Greer County town where Bobbi Parker is on trial for allegedly helping Randolph Dial escape from the Oklahoma State Reformatory.

Prosecutors say Parker fell in love with Dial and engaged in a “decade of deception” while living with him on a Shelby, County Texas chicken ranch. But defense attorney say she was kidnapped, beaten and raped by Dial, who was described as a manipulative sociopath. Mangum resident Ruby Capes says she believes Parker fell in love with Dial and ran away with him, but fellow resident Andrienne Sherwood thinks Dial brainwashed Parker. Parker has pleaded not guilty.

TYLER – A woman who appeared in state district court in Tyler for a pretrial hearing Friday learned the state will be seeking the death penalty against her. Kimberly Diane Cargill, 44, is accused of killing Cherry Diane Walker. Walker was a mentally challenged babysitter who was keeping Cargill’s four year old son. A passing motorist found her body off County Road 2010 in June of last year. Cargill’s next pre trial hearing on 241st State District Court will be next week. Her trial is scheduled for September 1st.

TYLER – A Tyler man has entered a not guilty plea to shooting a Smith County sheriff’s deputy in March. Christopher Martin Summerville, 26, entered the plea Friday in an appearance in 114th State District Court. He remains in the Smith County Jail under bonds totaling nearly $8 million. He has a tentative trial date set for next month.

The incident occurred on March 24, when he allegedly shot the deputy who was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Summerville at the Arbors Apartments. Deputy Josh Caulkins, who was assigned to a U.S. Marshal’s fugitive task force, was wearing a vest and sustained only minor injuries. Summerville has also been charged with manufacture or delivery of controlled substance, engaging in organized criminal activity, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Summerville had earlier been released from East Texas Medical Center. Police say Summerville was hospitalized for an overdose of methamphetamine that he reportedly had injected into his body just prior to the arrest warrant being served. Two other suspects at the scene of the shooting, Kara Hanley, 29, and Jeffery Andrysiak, 31, have also been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. They’d earlier been charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.

MARSHALL – A Harrison County attempted capital murder case has come to an end with the death of the defendant. The case against Merrill Harley Wickware, 80, was dismissed when he died of metastatic brain cancer. He had been accused of the January 26 shooting of Harrison County sheriff’s deputy Sgt. Duana “D.J.” Couch.

According to a news release from the sheriff’s department, Lt. Duana Couch was conducting an investigation regarding a court-ordered seizure of an RV on the property when she was shot. Her head was grazed by a shot from a 22-caliber pistol. She was treated and released from Good Shepherd Medical Center in Marshall. Authorities say the suspect barricaded himself in his mobile home but surrendered when other officers arrived.

TYLER – The chair and Chandler professor of computer science at The University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Stephen B. Rainwater, has been recognized as a recipient of the 2010 – 11 President’s Volunteer Service Award, Dr. James Nelson, College of Engineering and Computer Science dean, announced. He was granted the silver medal for his work of more than 250 voluntary services hours on behalf of educational technology.

A UT Tyler faculty member since 1982, Rainwater currently serves on the International Society for Technology in Education Board of Directors as the computer science representative. In this role, he contributes towards the society’s focus on providing leadership and service to improve teaching, learning and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in the K-16 environment. As a subcommittee co-chair, he provided leadership in the revision of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards for secondary computer science teaching certification.

LONGVIEW – Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center has delivered a baby that has set the hospital’s weight record. The picture from the Longview News-Journal shows JaMichael Brown Johnson shortly after he was delivered by Cesarean section. Doctors had predicted he would weigh around 12 pounds. But, when he arrived at 9:05 Friday morning he tipped the scales at 16 pounds and one ounce. Mother and son are doing well.

TYLER — At least for now, Tyler police are treating a burned body case as a possible homicide. Shortly after 4:30 Friday morning, Tyler Fire, Police, and EMS responded to a reported house fire at 1005 West Lollar Street. Authorities say the residence was fully engulfed in fire upon arrival of fire units. Observers at the scene told officials that the house had just been leased and that no one was living in it. The owner of the residence confirmed that the house had been rented and that the tenant had not fully moved in yet. Fire-fighters fought the fire for one hour and 24 minutes and advised that the fire was under control at 6:02 a.m.

At 7:35 a.m. the Tyler Police Department was notified by a family member of the owner of the residence that they had located a body inside a storage closet inside the residence. The family member was searching the residence for salvageable items when they discovered the body. Investigators from the Tyler Fire and Police Departments, and the Smith County DA’s Office responded to the scene and are currently conducting an investigation. The body has been identified as Leon Kentrelle Heard, 26. Heard was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers. Judge Beavers has ordered an autopsy, and the body is being transported to Southwest Forensics in Dallas.

The Tyler Police Department is taking the lead in this investigation and treating it as a possible homicide until evidence indicates otherwise. Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this, or any, felony case.

MARSHALL – A federal jury in Marshall has convicted a Big Sandy couple of federal income tax violations. Timothy J. Patton, 61, and his wife, Dawn G. Patton, 54, were found guilty on July 7 of conspiracy to attempt to evade federal income tax and five counts of attempting to evade federal income tax following a 3-day trial before U.S. District Judge T. John Ward.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2000, the defendants stopped filing federal income tax returns and began insisting that their employers not withhold any federal income tax. Each provided false W-2s to their employer, claiming that each was single and exempt from income tax. They also had their employers begin issuing paychecks to the Office of the Patriarch of the Gathering of the House of Israel, an entity created by Timothy Patton using an invalid Employer Identification Number. The Pattons would regularly refuse to provide a Social Security number to their employers. The defendants, who insisted on being referred to as Brother T and Mimi, claimed that they were not the individuals named in the indictment. The guilty verdict on all counts was reached after approximately 3 ½ hours of deliberation.

The Pattons each face up to 5 years in federal prison for each of the six counts. A sentencing date has not been set.

WASHINGTON – Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert is targeting President Obama in the wake of the unemployment report issued by the U.S. Department of Labor Friday. Gohmert says, “In order to create jobs for the American people, Washington must stop spending money it does not have. A meager 18,000 American jobs were created in June, but if you look hard at the adjustments, we actually lost 26,000 jobs. This number is staggering and significantly below market expectations. Unemployment continues to climb and is at 9.2% and Senate Democrats have now failed to pass a budget for 800 days. This is truly unacceptable.

“Sadly, this June jobs report does not come as a surprise. However, it proves one thing – President Obama’s big spending habits have by no means aided job growth in the United States. His massive spending spree has only made this job crisis worse. It’s time to implement policies that work. It’s time to find a way to employ the 14.1 million Americans looking for work. With 28 straight months of national unemployment at or above 8 percent, we cannot just be satisfied with the status quo. In order to get America back to work and grow this economy, we must ease the debt that creates uncertainty among job creators.”

QUITMAN — Wood County Sheriff’s Officials say that Benjamin “Bennie” Edward George turned himself in to authorities just before 3:45 Friday morning. George was wanted for the reported rape of a 62-year-old Mineola woman. The assault occurred early Wednesday morning at a home on County Road 2270.

HUDSON — Two people are behind bars after an undercover drug sting just west of Lufkin. An Angelina County sheriff’s investigator went undercover in a FedEx truck Wednesday to a Hudson home along the 100 block of Stone Drive. After searching the house, authorities say they found 37 grams of mushrooms and some marijuana, along with two children who authorities say had easy access to the drugs. That’s where they arrested Torrence Haley, 33 and Jessica Simone Jamison, 24. Both are charged with possession of marijuana and a controlled substance.