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LONGVIEW – An outdoor burn ban that has been in place in Gregg County has temporarily been lifted. It went into effect October 16th when the lack of rainfall placed the county in drought-like conditions. Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt temporarily lifted the ban on Wednesday. County commissioners will reconsider the ban at Monday morning’s meeting.

SHREVEPORT – A Longview doctor is free om bond following his arrest in Shreveport. The Shreveport times reports Dr. Richard A. Hamer was arrested October 28th during a prostitution sweep. He is currently free on a $1,000 bond. According to doctor.com, Hammer is a neurologist who opened his practice in Longview in 1995. He is affiliated with hospitals in Longview and Mount Pleasant. The operation, which was dubbed “Slick John,” resulted in the arrests of 57 people ranging in age from 19 to 66. The police told the paper that the operation also found a missing juvenile.

LONGVIEW – One person has been killed in a Longview accident. It happened around 10:30 Tuesday night on West Marshall Avenue just east of Spur 63. Dead at the scene was 36 year old Ronchey Lemond Thomas of Longview. Police reports say he was heading west at a high speed when he side swiped a car and then slid into a signal pole which hit the driver’s side of the car. Thomas, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle.

LONGVIEW — Three East Texas members of the white supremacist prison gang the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas have been sentenced in the 2011 kidnapping and death of a fellow gang member from Longview. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Brian Thomas Green, 45, of Mount Pleasant; Kalvin Kyle McCown, 44, of Longview; and Travis Lee Hill, 28, of Ore City were given prison sentences without parole for their roles in the murder of Kenneth Earl Ayres, 48. Ayres’s last known address was Longview, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Oklahoma reported. Continue reading Three Aryan Brotherhood Members Sentenced in Killing

NOONDAY — The Smith County Tax Office branch in Noonday has added services to residents living in the southern portion of Smith County. Moving the tax office branch from Bullard to the Precinct 2 JP/Constable Office in Noonday in April allowed the tax office the opportunity to expand its services to residents, Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said. A second employee has been added so residents can now pay their property taxes at that branch. Auto registration needs are also handled there. The Noonday tax office, U.S. Highway 155 South, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man who was arrested after reportedly running from police is now being held in connection with a pizza restaurant robbery. According to KETK, police responded Friday night to reports of a robbery at Little Caesar’s Pizza. They say Earnest McNeary had reached into his waistband for what employees thought was a gun, demanded money, and then left the store. Police say they found marijuana on him as well.

BRYAN — The trial got underway Wednesday morning in Bryan for William Mitchell Hudson, charged with the brutal murder of six people at an Anderson County campsite. Hudson is accused of murdering Kade Johnson, 6; Karl Johnson, 76; Hannah Johnson, 40; Thomas Kamp, 46; Nathan Kamp, 23; and Austin Kamp, 21, at a Tennessee Colony campsite in November 2015. According to KETK and the Palestine Herald-Press, Anderson County District Attorney Allyson Mitchell will seek the death penalty. Continue reading Trial Begins in Campsite Murders

CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill ISD Superintendent Dr. Donni Cook announces her retirement, which will be effective June 30th, 2018. She’s been with Chapel Hill for 26 years and is in her 8th year as the district’s superintendent. The search is now on for her replacement.

HARRISON COUNTY — A predawn crash closed westbound lanes on I-20 near Hallsville for nearly 13 hours before the lanes were reopened around 4:00 Tuesday afternoon. Troopers responded around 3:10 Tuesday morning to the two-vehicle crash in Harrison County near the 603 mile marker. Preliminary crash investigation shows that the driver of a truck-tractor semi-trailer lost control and overturned the truck and trailer, blocking the roadway. Another truck-tractor semi-trailer traveling westbound was unable to avoid colliding with the overturned vehicle. Both drivers were taken to Good Shepherd in Marshall, conditions unknown.

WASHINGTON (AP/STAFF) — Congressman Jeb Hensarling of Texas has become the latest Republican House member to announce his retirement. Hensarling, who chairs the powerful Financial Services Committee, tells fellow Republicans in an email Tuesday that as his term as chairman comes to an end, it’s the right time to leave Congress and spend more time with his teenage kids. He writes that although he will not be running for re-election, there are 14 months left in his term to continue the fight for the causes for which he remains passionate. Hensarling has served the 5th congressional district since 2003.The district covers Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Kaufman, and Van Zandt counties.

TYLER – Don’t be surprised if you see a Tyler policeman with a beard in November, even though beards have not been allowed. Police Chief Jimmy Toler has authorized all sworn officers, who wish to support the United Way with a minimum donation of $25.00, to wear a groomed beard, with restrictions, for the month of November only. The department is not a stranger to donating to the United Way. The department received the Community Champion Award given by United Way for the past nine years in a row. Employees of the police department have given over $62,000 over the past three years.

AUSTIN – The Texas Water Development Board has approved financial assistance for the Craft-Turney Water Supply Corporation in Cherokee County. The $1,625,000 will be used to finance planning, acquisition, design, and construction costs associated with a water system improvement project. Improvements to the system include a new water well, two high-service pumps at a new pump station, and a new 100,000-gallon ground storage tank.

ATHENS – A traffic stop in Athens has led to the arrest of four persons on a variety of charges. Sheriff’s deputies tried to stop the car for driving recklessly, but it fled. When it finally stopped, the driver, Levi Gad Lebleu, 36, of Athens, fled. He was chased down by a deputy while another deputy detained three passengers in the car. Also arrested were Anthony Michael Lebleu, 37, of Athens, Sara Irene Peasner, 26, of Athens and Derek Lee Payton, 27, of Athens.

TYLER – Former Texas House member Ted Kamel of Tyler has announced he will be running for the District 6 post now held by representative Matt Schaefer, in the March Republican primary. Kamel made the official announcement Monday night. He held the post for four terms, from 1991 to 1999. He Lost to Leo Berman in 1998. Kamel listed his top five reasons for running for the position. One is creating a medical school within the U-T System in Smith County. Two is pushing for term limits. Third is expanding the Texas education code to athletic events where our flags are honored. Fourth, mental health issues will be a top priority. And fifth,he wants to bring a track record of effective leadership back to Austin. He also said he wants to bring town hall meetings back to the district.

GREGG COUNTY — A 20-year-old Henderson man is accused of assaulting a 14-year-old boy last week at a Longview home. According to the Longview News-Journal, Sergio Ari Roldan was in the Gregg County Jail on charges including sexual assault of a child, evading arrest and detention, and traffic warrants. His bond was set at $125,000. Roldan is also being held on an INS detainer. Investigators said the boy told his mother about Roldan’s assault. He was arrested October 27. According to Gregg County Jail records, Roldan has three previous arrests for driving while intoxicated.

TYLER – A man remains in a Tyler hospital after being tasered while trying to flee Smith County deputies. Sheriff Larry Smith says the condition of DeAndre Demarcus Foster, 33, of Tyler, continues to improve. His vehicle was stopped for an expired vehicle registration Friday afternoon on Highway 64 West. When he pulled from his pants’ pocket a clear plastic baggie containing suspected illegal controlled substance, deputies started to arrest him. When he started to run away, a deputy used a Taser on him. He fell to the ground but got up and started to run again and a Taser was used on him again. As deputies tried to place handcuffs on Foster, he continued to resist and was tased a third time. Sheriff Smith said in a news release, “due to the immediate danger and continued resistance by Foster, two drive stuns were performed with the Taser. Deputies were then able to handcuff Foster.” When he started convulsions, EMS was called and he was taken to the hospital.

MARSHALL – Marshall’s new police chief has taken his oath of office. The swearing in ceremony for Cliff Carruth was held Monday afternoon at the Marshall Police Department. He replaces Ron Davis, who was hired in May as Interim Police Chief. Chief Curruth has a total of 26 years of experience in law enforcement, six of those were as a police officer with the Longview Police Department. He recently retired from the FBI where he was the Senior Supervisory Resident Agent at the Little Rock Division. Carruth is a graduate of Longview’s LeTourneau University as well as the East Texas Police Academy in Kilgore and the FBI Academy.

TYLER – State Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola has been honored as a “Champion for Long Term Care.” He received the award Monday afternoon 30 in a ceremony at Tyler’s Providence Park Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center. The Texas Health Care Association presented him the award for his efforts to improve long term care in Texas during the 85th regular session of the Texas Legislature.

TYLER – It looks like it will a cold and wet night for trick or treating in the area Tuesday night. For those who do venture out, Tyler police want to make sure it is a safe time for youngsters. Some simple precautions will make sure the evening is an enjoyable one for the trick or treaters. Children should not accept, and especially not eat, anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Parents, inspect the wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious. Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. Continue reading Halloween Safety Tips

TYLER – A new director of public safety at Tyler Junior College is now on the job. Brent Chambers started his new duties Monday. Chambers retired from the FBI this month. Since 2010, he had served as supervisory senior resident agent for the East Texas resident agencies where he oversaw all FBI investigations and operations across 30 counties and offices including Lufkin, Texarkana and Tyler. In 2009, he was named Federal Agent of the Year by the North Texas Crime Commission.

WINONA – A two vehicle accident near Winona over the weekend has killed one person and left two injured. The accident occurred on State Highway 155 shortly before 1:15 Sunday afternoon. Dead at the scene was Nikisha Brooks, 34, of Gulfport, Mississippi. Her vehicle collided head on with an SUV driven by Christopher Suttle, 37, of Flint. Suttle and a passenger, Tara Suttle, 38, of Flint, were both taken to a Tyler hospital for treatment. The Department of Public Safety says the accident occurred when Brooks’ southbound vehicle crossed over to the northbound lane of traffic.

HOUSTON (AP/STAFF) – A Smith County woman on death row for the slaying of her baby sitter, has lost her appeal before the u.S. Supreme Court. The high court, without comment, refused to review the case of Kimberly Cargill, 50, of Whitehouse. She was convicted in Smith County in 2012 of the the asphyxiation death of Cherry Walker, 39. She testified during her trial that Walker, who was developmentally disabled, had a seizure while she was driving her home. She claimed she panicked and didn’t act rationally. Walker’s body was found along along a Smith County Road when it had been doused with lighter fluid and set on fire.

SMITH COUNTY — A Houston man is set to go on trial Monday for a July 2016 murder in Tyler. According to KETK, Jared Wilson, 32, of Houston, was charged in the death of Thomas Wilson, 49, of Lindale. Tyler police received a report of shots fired at the Royal Inn Suites, WNW Loop 323, where they found the victim with a gunshot wound.He was later pronounced dead. The altercation which led to the shooting took place in the motel’s parking lot. Police said the Thomas’ niece was involved in a dispute with Jared. When Thomas arrived at the scene to give his niece some keys, Jared pulled a gun and shot him, according to law enforcement. Officers were searching the area for Jared who ran from the scene. He was taken into custody near Anderson County after DPS located his vehicle. Jared remains jailed on $500,000 bond.

TYLER — A Tyler man is set to go on trial today for alleged continuous sexual abuse of a child under age 14. According to KETK, Smith County judicial records indicate Larry Darnyl Dews, 46, is accused of crimes that occurred in June 2015. He was booked into the Smith County Jail on November 17, 2015, where he remains on $500,000 bond.

WOOD COUNTY — An 18-year old has died after he lost control of his vehicle and ran off the road. According to the Department of Public Safety, it happened around 7:15 Sunday morning on Highway 154, around 9 miles outside of Quitman. DPS Troopers say Stephen Love was driving east when he lost control of his Chevy Camero and ran off the road into a wooded area. He died at the scene of the crash. Love was a senior at Quitman High School. The school released the following statement on Facebook: “Quitman ISD is saddened by the loss of one our students. Stephen Love will be missed by his classmates, teachers, coaches, and all that knew him. The district would like to extend our condolences to his family and friends.”

LONGVIEW — Beginning Monday, Center Street in Longview will be closed between Methvin and Whaley. The intersections of Methvin and Whaley will remain open. You’re asked to use caution while work is being completed. This street work is part of the 2011 Street Bond Fund. This project consists of reconstructing Center Street from Cotton to Whaley with curb and gutter, upgraded drainage inlets, sidewalks, signs, and water and sewer improvements. If you have any questions related to construction, you’re asked to call the city’s project manager, Alton Bradley, at 903-237-1067.

TYLER – TxDOT has issued its summary of work planned in the Tyler District during the week of Oct. 30. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones. You can go to http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/053-2017.html for a complete rundown. In a slight modification, note that in the Gregg County section of the link, once complete, a hot mix overlay operation moves to FM 2275 between FM 1845 and FM 3272.

AUSTIN – In a safety enhancement effort, the Texas Transportation Commission has approved more than $44 million for 46 bicycle and pedestrian projects, including several in East Texas. The Tyler Bikestripe project will add 56 miles of bike lanes to existing wide roadways throughout the city. City officials note that the project “is a key component of [the regional trail] system.” The Guthrie Creek Shared Use Path project in Longview will complete two gap sections within the Guthrie Creek Trail system. The concrete path will include pedestrian bridges and underpasses, crosswalks, warning signs, benches, shade trees, and trash receptacles. The Meadows and Knight Street Sidewalks project in Winnsboro will construct 6-foot-wide sidewalks along Meadows/Martha Drives and Knight Street and through a future city park.

GREGG COUNTY — Authorities say a man wanted on a homicide charge in Mississippi has been captured after tossing a stolen gun from his car during a Gregg County traffic stop. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report a DPS trooper arrested 34-year-old Jreymarcius Jreymaine Reason of Natchez, Mississippi, Wednesday on a charge of evading arrest. On Friday, a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm was added, setting Reason’s bond at $500,000 after law enforcement learned of the Mississippi case. Authorities say the trooper tried to stop Reason’s vehicle on I-20 but Reason continued to drive. He eventually pulled into a gas station after leaving the freeway and was arrested. The trooper said he noticed in surveillance video that Reason tossed something from his vehicle and a search found a .38 revolver in a grassy median.