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AUSTIN – Sales tax allocations are up starting the new year. The same holds true in East Texas. The State Comptroller’s Office is sending out over $647 million in local sales tax allocations for January. This is 4.9% more than in January of last year. And the area sales tax allocations are also up. Tyler will receive $3,252,846.78. This is 6.10% above January of last year. Longview is also up. Their January allocation comes to $2,3338,926.23 . This is up 6.54% from January of 2016. These allocations are based on sales made in November by businesses that report tax monthly.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man, Terry Ray Decaro, 59, was killed Monday morning while trying to cross West Marshall Avenue in Longview. According to Longview Police, it happened just before 7:00. Decaro, dressed in all black clothing, was attempting to cross the street and clipped a motorcycle driven by Kameron Boykins, 24, of Longview. He was then struck by a westbound car driven by Billy Don Watkins, 71, of Diana. Decaro was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say no citations will be issued.

HOUSTON (AP) — Johnny Manziel will be in Houston ahead of the Super Bowl to give fans a chance to take a photo with the 2012 Heisman trophy winner — at a price. Stadium Signatures, a Houston company that sells autographed sports memorabilia, says Manziel will appear at Houston malls in the days before the February 5 Super Bowl at NRG Stadium. He’ll take selfies with fans for $50 and those wishing for more professional photos will need to hand over $99. He’ll provide his autograph for $99. Manziel also will provide an inscription for $29, but it’ll be no more than four words. The 24-year-old Manziel is a free agent who hasn’t signed with a team since the Cleveland Browns released him in March. He starred at quarterback at Texas A&M.

LONGVIEW – A search warrant returned late last week provides new details in the death of Elizabeth Jane Wheeler, 52. She was found dead at the Hidden Hills Apartments on Gilmer Road in early November. Her daughter, Kayla Ann Wheeler, 28, told investigators at the time that she had killed her mother by stabbing her in the neck. The Longview News Journal reports the warrant says “Wheeler said her mother kept calling the cops on her, and had people with guns on her, and kept doing things to her, and she had to make it stop.” The autopsy showed her mother had stab wounds to the neck with a perforation of the jugular vein and carotid artery, muscles and larynx. Her daughter remains in the Gregg County jail under a $150,000 bond.

LONGVIEW – The Gregg County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a man trying to pass a drug test with false urine. The Longview News Journal reports Braydon Alan Peeler, 21, of Hallsville was arrested after he showed up at the Gregg County Adult Probation Office in Longview for a drug test. The report said Peeler was found in possession of a small amount of marijuana and the “Whizzinator,” which delivers fake urine through a plastic bladder and prosthetic penis. He has been charged with falsification of drug test results and possession of marijuana measuring less than two ounces.

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Vuntarius Lamar Brown, 20. Called a “most wanted” fugitive, he is described as a black male, about 6’2” tall, weighs around 150 pounds and has dreadlocks. Brown is wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred on the Southwest side of Marshall. Police Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa says Brown is believed to be armed and dangerous. Campa says if you see him, do not approach him but instead call the Marshall Police Department.

GLADEWATER – Federal investigators have completed their on site investigation of the January 4th fire in downtown Gladewater. ATF Special Agent in Charge, Vincent Pallozzi, said they found that “the fire was caused by human action, but it is undetermined if it was accidental or intentional.” Around 15 special agents and other experts with the National Response Team were activated at the request of the Gregg County Fire Marshal’s Office to join the investigation of the fire. The fire, which started last Wednesday night around 10:00, extensively damaged two buildings. There were no injuries.

TYLER – The City of Tyler unveiled two new Half Mile of History markers in Downtown Tyler. The stones that were unveiled on Tuesday are part of the Half Mile of History heritage trail and honor. The newest stones honor Willie Neal Johnson and Arthur “Dooley” Wilson.

Johnson was born in Tyler in 1935 and passed away in 2001. He was a gospel singer who became known as “Country Boy” from his rootsy blues-driven style and his down-to-earth friendly personality. He was the oldest of six children in a musical family. His mother motivated her children to pursue their singing careers by taking them to church and making them sing on Sundays. While in his teens, he was tapped to join Rev. C.W. Jackson’s group, the Five Ways of Joy Gospel Singers. A few years later he formed Willie Neal Johnson and the Gospel Keynotes with long-time friends, Ralph McGee, Rev. J.D. Talley, Charles Bailey, John Jackson, Lonzo Jackson and Archie B. McGee. Continue reading Two New Half Mile of History Markers in Tyler

TYLER – In federal court in Tyler, a Smith County couple has pleaded guilty to charges of health care fraud. Gerard Dengler, 61, and Suzanne Dengler, 52, of Tyler, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiring to commit health care fraud in an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. The couple owned and operated Elite Lab Services, a clinical diagnostic laboratory based in Tyler. the couple had been accused of inflating mileage claims submitted to Medicare. From April through October 2014, the company then sought reimbursement from Medicare for mileage that included the falsely inflated amounts. Under federal statutes, the Denglers each face up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. Continue reading Smith County Husband and Wife Guilty in Federal Court

LONGVIEW – A driver responsible for an Upshur County wreck that killed two teenagers has pleaded guilty. Robert William Frazier, 23, pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. The wreck last June occurred about six miles west of Gilmer. Frazier’s vehicle veered into the opposite lane of traffic, hitting a car and killing Haley Johnson and Bailee Jordan Russell, two Harmony High School graduates. Two girls were injured. A jury will decide Frazier’s punishment. Jury selection is scheduled for January 23rd in Longview, where the trial was moved.

TYLER – The Women in Tyler Planning Committee have introduced the 2017 honorees who will be recognized at a luncheon in March. This year’s theme is “Women Who Make an Impact.” The 2017 honorees are: Doris Batson, Susana Castro, Kui Cogan, Misti Ford, Dr. Dorothy L. Jackson, M.D. and Jane Manley They will be honored at a luncheon on March 23 at the Tyler Rose Garden Center.

TYLER – The graduate nursing programming at the University of Texas at Tyler is once again being singled out as one of the best in the state. In the 2017 ‘Best Online Nursing Programs’ edition of U.S. News and World Report, The UT Tyler master’s and doctoral degree programs are ranked 13th nationwide out of all online graduate nursing programs surveyed. For the second straight year UT Tyler is the highest ranked Texas institution on the list. The study evaluated only regionally accredited schools that met the federal standard of 100% online course delivery. Continue reading UT Tyler Online Graduate Nursing Ranked Best in the State

LONGVIEW – It’s multiple life sentences for a Longview man accused of sexually assaulting numerous young girls. Edwin Craig Volcik, 47, pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to 11 counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. All victims were under the age of 14. After the guilty plea, State District Judge Brad Morin sentenced Volcik to 11 life prison sentences. Following a lengthy investigation, which was led by federal officials, Volcik was arrested in January 2015 at his home on Quail Lane. The arrest followed an investigation of child pornography, but turned into something more

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — Officials in Nacogdoches County are investigating a fatal home invasion. According to KETK, it happened around 11:30 Monday night on Arthur Weaver Road. Investigators said the victim, Joey Gipson, 22, was fatally shot when he confronted the robbers. Two children in the home at the time of the shooting were not injured. The investigation is ongoing.

LONGVIEW – Longview police got their man, plus two others following a traffic stop. They had been looking for Desmond Denard Brown, 30, of Longview, on a warrant for a weapons violation. After stopping his car on South High Street, they found in the vehicle prescription codeine, under a seat, and three handguns inside the passenger seat cushion. Two of the guns had been reported stolen. This led to the arrest of two passengers, Royce Jones, 30, and Davardrick Davaughn Lilly, 23, both of Longview. According to the Longview News Journal, Brown has been charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, three counts of unlawfully carrying a weapon, two counts of theft of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. His bond is $1.775 million. Lilly is charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon and two counts of theft of a firearm. His bond is $500,000. Jones is under a $250,000 bond on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. All three remain in the Gregg County Jail.

LONGVIEW – Longview police are asking the public’s help in identifying two counterfeit money suspects. The man and woman passed counterfeit money at RD Penny’s Food and Fuel 6 on South Eastman Road. If anyone has any information about the two or the vehicles in the photograph, you are asked to contact Det. Gina Villarreal at 903-237-1164 or Gregg County Crime stoppers at 903-236-7867 or greggcountycrimestoppers.org and reference case #16-21195.

NACOGDOCHES – Human remains found in a wooded area of Nacogdoches County, have been sent to a Tyler lab for DNA testing to make positive identification. The remains are thought to be those of Centrella Chimney who was reported missing from the Sand Hill area on July 27 of last year. The remains were found Sunday by a landowner was out checking his land. The remains were found down a steep embankment about two miles from State Highway 21 East. The area is less than three miles from where Chimney lived. Continue reading Human Remains Found in East Texas

LONGVIEW – The accreditation of LeTourneau University has been reaffirmed. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees took the action at its annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. SACSCOC conducts extensive accreditation reviews every 10 years. This is to assure the educational quality and effectiveness of its member institutions. LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford is quoted in a news release as saying, “The SACSCOC review is a comprehensive and rigorous examination of all the services we perform as an institution of higher education. Reaffirmation of accreditation means LETU faculty and staff are serving our students with excellence. We are advancing toward our vision of serving the world as the premier Christian polytechnic university.”

LONGVIEW – A third teen is now in custody in a Longview home invasion. Reginald Darnell Jones, 17, of Longview, was arrested at the Longview Police Department Friday night on a charge of aggravated robbery. Previoulsy arrested in the case, Sean Owens-Toombs, 18, of Longview and Trekeymian Jamal Allison, 19, of Carthage. The three are said to have forced their way into home on Clearwood Drive on September 8th, and shot a man while attempting to steal drugs. The three are in the Gregg County Jail, each with a $250,000 bond.

TYLER – After 30 years on the job, Tyler’s Assistant Police Chief Steve Sharron has retired. His last day on the job was last Friday, and police scheduled a retirement reception for this afternoon. Sharron began his career with the Tyler Police Department in 1986 as a patrol officer and rose up the ranks to Assistant Chief in 2001. Over the years he has received many awards. In 1991, he was nominated as Officer of the Year by the department employees. Four years later, he was part of the Bike Unit that was selected as the Unit of the Year for the Police Department. In 1997, Sharron was named Supervisor of the Year. In a four year span, Chief Sharron received three Police Commendations.

TYLER – Monday marked Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Among the Tyler activities was a midday community appreciation event on the square. Among those who spoke at the ceremony was Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith. He called law enforcement “a career in which you answer the call of service to others without recognition of others.” He thanked the community for its support of law enforcement. Mayor Martin Heines declared January 9th as the official Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in the city. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund says at least 64 law officers were shot and killed last year, the most in 5 years.The number includes the 5 Dallas officers killed in that sniper attack last July.

LONGVIEW – The body of a homeless man has been found in Longview. It appears his death was weather related. The body of James Douglas Stoker, 72, of Longview, was found Saturday Early Saturday afternoon under a railroad bridge on North Spur 63.He was lying on a blanket, with a t-shirt on and was partially covered with a jacket. The police reports says it is believed Stoker died because of the cold weather conditions and temperature. Justice of the Peace James Mathis pronounced Stoker dead at the scene and did not order an autopsy.

LONGVIEW – Longview’s participation in National Night Out activities last October has received national recognition. The National Association of Town Watch has given Longview a verbal pat on the back for its Night Out activities. Neighborhood groups, Crime Watch groups, businesses, and churches took the lead to organize parties within their neighborhoods. Out of 162 cities of comparable size across the country, Longview was ranked 14th. The city was ranked 19th in 2014 and was ranked 15th in 2015. Longview had 127 block parties last year, that’s 19 more than the previous year. This year, Longview’s National Night Out activities will be October 3rd. Continue reading Longview’s National Night Out Again Successful

RUSK COUNTY — Department of Public Safety Troopers responded to a fatal crash early Sunday morning. According to DPS, it happened around 12:20 at the intersection of FM-2276 and SH-323. The driver, identified as Jeremy Gelinas, 35, Longview, was traveling south on FM-2276 and disregarded a stop sign. The Ford Explorer skidded across SH-323 and left the roadway, rolling several times, partially ejecting the driver. Gelinas was pronounced dead at the scene.

GREGG COUNTY — A Dallas man is accused of tossing a large piece of wood at a tractor-trailer in hopes of getting a ride from East Texas Police. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Department says the incident happened on I-20 near Longview. A truck driver was traveling about 75 mph when the 6 foot long 2 x 4 shattered the windshield. Arthur Ray Thompson, 46, was arrested. A witness claims Thompson tossed the wood intentionally so police would get called, then give him a courtesy ride to the next county line. He’s currently in jail.

TYLER — After 30 plus years of service, Assistant Police Chief Steve Sharron is retiring. According to the department, Sharron was hired by the Tyler Police Department on October 1, 1986 after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He was selected by his fellow officers as the Officer of the Year for 1991. Sharron was promoted to Sergeant in 1992 and was the first supervisor of the Tyler PD bicycle team. In December of 1995, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Two years later, he was selected as Supervisor of the Year. Continue reading Assistant Tyler Police Chief Retires

TYLER — The community came together to acknowledge a new presence in the Children’s Park in Tyler. According to KETK, many people showed up to see the memorial left in Kayla Gomez’s name. A tree has been planted with a stone that reads: “In loving memory of Kayla Gomez. You will always be with us, sweet princess.” The Children’s Park said that as a community, we grieve with the Gomez family in the loss of their daughter. Kayla was murdered after being kidnapped from a Bullard church last year; a relative is accused of the crime. The Children’s Park is described as a place to discover joy, even in the midst of our grief. If you would like to go visit the tree, it’s located at The Children’s Park right off Broadway in Tyler.

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department has been seeking the community’s help in locating three of the agency’s most wanted fugitives. One of the three has been taken into custody and is in now in the Gregg County Jail.

The first fugitive, and the one now in custody, is John Lee Smith who is wanted on a robbery warrant through the Marshall Police Department. Smith is also wanted for questioning in reference to his involvement in engaging in organized criminal activity. Smith is believed to be associated with a gang out of Longview. Smith’s last known address was on East Whaley Street in Longview. He is known to frequent the Longview and Marshall area. Continue reading One of Three Fugitives Sought by Marshall PD in Custody