Golfers at Longview Course Take a Swing at Clinton, Trump

Golfers at Longview Course Take a Swing at Clinton, TrumpLONGVIEW (AP) – Golfers at a Longview driving range can take a swing at Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump before next week’s election. Alpine Target Golf Center in Longview has put large photos of the faces of Democratic and Republican presidential candidates on round hay bales as targets. Golf center officials promote the swing-away opportunity, to hit golf balls at either candidate, as a way for people thinking about next Tuesday’s election to get some relief. Owner Mike Williams says the goal is to alleviate a little stress. The targets have been in play since late October.

Missing Woman’s Sister Charged With Insurance Fraud

Missing Woman’s Sister Charged With Insurance FraudKILGORE – The sister of a missing Kilgore woman has been arrested in connection with fire at the home the women rented. Booked into the Gregg County Jail Monday afternoon was 23 year old Sheaira Rondresia Grant. She has been charged with insurance fraud between $2,500 and and $30,000. This was in connection with the fire at their home on Martin Luther King Street in September. Her bond was set at $10,000. Her sister was 8 months pregnant when she disappeared in August. Foul play is suspected in her disappearance. However, authorities say they don’t think the fire is linked to the woman’s disappearance.

Supreme Court Refuses Appeal of Nurse in Bleach Deaths

Supreme Court Refuses Appeal of Nurse in Bleach DeathsWASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Supreme Court has denied an appeal from an East Texas nurse sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing five dialysis patients by injecting them with bleach. Justices on Monday let stand, without comment, a 2015 appeals court ruling that upheld the conviction and sentence for Kimberly Saenz. She was convicted in 2012 of capital murder in the deaths of patients at a Lufkin clinic where the licensed vocational nurse worked. Saenz also received three 20-year terms for aggravated assault in the cases of several injured patients. Attorneys for Saenz challenged the jury instructions and said she was denied due process of the law. Saenz was fired in 2008 after a rash of illnesses and deaths at a clinic in Lufkin.

Traffic Flowing Smoothly Again on a Section of South Broadway

Traffic Flowing Smoothly Again on a Section of South BroadwayTYLER – Traffic along a portion of South Broadway is back to normal. A vehicle struck a telephone pole at South Broadway and Winchester. The pole had to be replaced. Due to the work Oncor had to do to replace the power pole, the traffic signals were not working for a while at the intersections of Broadway/Amherst, Broadway/Troup and Broadway/8th. Officers had to traffic in those intersections. But, as of 7:45pm, all lanes of traffic are open once again and all signals are working properly.

LETU Flight Team Wins First Place at Regional SAFECON

LETU Flight Team Wins First Place at Regional SAFECONLONGVIEW – LeTourneau University’s Sting Precision Flight Team won first place at the 2016 Regional SAFECON collegiate flight competition, hosted by Central Texas College. This marks the fourth year in a row that the team has brought home the gold. The team scored over 600 points in a combination of flight and ground events, which beat the nearest competition by 72 points. In addition to the championship, the team took home the sportsmanship award, which is based upon votes cast by other competing teams. Continue reading LETU Flight Team Wins First Place at Regional SAFECON

Robbery Suspect Arrested

Robbery Suspect ArrestedTYLER — One person is in custody in connection with a robbery just north of Tyler. A man has told authorities he was robbed around 2:00 Monday afternoon near Camp Ford, off U.S. Highway 271. Sheriff’s deputies stopped a vehicle off Loop 323 matching a description of the suspect’s vehicle. After interviewing three men inside, one man was arrested and most of the property was recovered along with a pellet pistol used in the robbery. The identity of the suspect will be released once the suspect has been formally charged.

Traffic Problem on South Broadway

police-tyler-car2There is a traffic flow problem on South Broadway. A vehicle struck a telephone pole at South Broadway and Winchester. The pole will need to be replaced. Oncor will be working to replace it and work is expected to impact rush hour traffic. The two northbound lanes of traffic on South Broadway are being diverted into the turning lane. Northbound traffic on Broadway will be moving slow for some time. Due to the work Oncor has to do to replace the power pole, the traffic signals are not working at the intersections of Broadway/Amherst, Broadway/Troup and Broadway/8th. Officers are actively directing traffic in these intersections. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes. Traffic will be moving slowly in these areas.

Body Found in Lake Palestine

Lake Palestine2LAKE PALESTINE – A body has been recovered from Lake Palestine. The body has been identified as that of Terry Henderson, 65, a resident of Lakeway Harbor. He was reported missing on Sunday. He had gone to the lake on Friday to fish. And authorities were notified Sunday he had not returned. Around noon on Monday, his body was recovered from the lake near the Villages. According to Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, Henderson suffered from several heath issues and it appears that he fell into the water and drowned. His body was recovered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens and Noonday Volunteer Fire Department and has been sent for an autopsy.

West Nile Virus Cases Increasing

mosquitoAUSTIN – Another West Nile Virus case is being reported in Gregg County. The Texas Department of State Health reports Gregg County has recorded its second West Nile Virus case this year. To date, 225 West Nile cases have been reported in Texas. Three of those have been in Smith County. And so far this year, 10 deaths have been reported in Texas from the West Nile Virus. Last year, there were 275 cases with 16 deaths. Continue reading West Nile Virus Cases Increasing

Investigation Continues into Apparent Murder-Suicide

Investigation Continues into Apparent Murder-SuicidePALESTINE – The investigation is continuing in the shooting deaths of two Palestine residents. The bodies of Michael and Maryl Matthews, both 41, were found Saturday afternoon at a home on North Jackson Street. They were found by police responding to a domestic disturbance call. Both were declared dead at the scene from gunshot wounds. Based on the evidence, the deaths are being investigated as a murder/suicide.

Longview Man Seriously Burned

Longview Man Seriously BurnedLONGVIEW – A child playing with a lighter has started a fire that seriously injured a Longview man. The fire was reported shortly before 9:45 Sunday night in a mobile home on Lafamo Road. Fire crews found the man with burns and respiratory injuries due to fighting the bed room fire with a water hose. He was first taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center, then transferred to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. The child who started the fire, and two children who were asleep when the fire started, were able to get out without injury. The fire caused major damage to the bedroom and contents, and heavy smoke damage throughout. The structure damage is estimated at approximately $20, 000.

Early Voting Stays Heavy in East Texas

Early Voting Stays Heavy in East TexasTYLER — Last week was a busy one for early voting in East Texas. KETK reports that in Smith County, more than 6,000 people went to the polls on Friday alone according to county election officials. On Friday, voting locations at “The Hub,” Noonday, and Whitehouse saw more than 1,000 come out. Lindale saw just short of the century mark. And on Saturday, Smith County saw more than 30,000 people take advantage of early voting. Early voting runs through Friday. Election Day is November 8.

United States Prevails in Civil Action against Convicted Doctor

United States Prevails in Civil Action against Convicted DoctorTYLER – The United States has obtained a civil judgment for $1,223,414.50 against Tariq Mahmood of Cedar Hill, who owned and operated multiple rural hospitals across Texas, including East Texas. That announcement came Monday from Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. In July 2014, a federal jury in Tyler found Mahmood guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft. Following his conviction, the United States brought a False Claims Act action against Mahmood. The Government alleged in its Motion for Summary Judgment that Mahmood was stopped from denying liability under the False Claims Act as a result of his criminal health care fraud and conspiracy convictions. Continue reading United States Prevails in Civil Action against Convicted Doctor

Halloween Safety Stressed

thumb_halloween-1TYLER – It’s time for the annual trick or treating tonight. And with kids going from house to house this Halloween, Tyler police want it to be a safe and happy evening. There are some things you can do to help ensure safety. Motorists need to drive slowly. Kids need to stay in a group and use reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags. And have the kids use flashlights or glow sticks. And for parents, be sure to check the kids candy before they get into it. Continue reading Halloween Safety Stressed

Ex-Gregg County DA gets Deferred Adjudication for Cocaine Possession

Ex-Gregg County DA gets Deferred Adjudication for Cocaine PossessionGREGG COUNTY — A former Gregg County district attorney was fingerprinted Friday in the 188th District Court in Longview after pleading guilty to cocaine possession and revealing he was struggling with addiction when he was arrested in February 2015. According to KETK, Longview attorney Rob Foster, 71, will not see the inside of a prison if he adheres to conditions of a 10-year probation. He also can prevent a finding of guilt from ever being declared by a judge — and escape the lifelong label of “felon” — after defense attorneys David Moore and Kent Phillips persuaded the visiting to sentence Foster under a deferred adjudication model.

Toddler Killed in Upshur County Wreck Identified

Toddler Killed in Upshur County Wreck IdentifiedUPSHUR COUNTY — A two-year-old is dead in an Upshur County wreck Saturday night. DPS Trooper Jean Dark says troopers responded around 9:45 to the crash on FM 49, about 6 miles west of Gilmer. According to authorities, the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche was traveling west on FM 49 at a high speed. Officials say the driver failed to negotiate a curve and went off the road into the tree line. Dark says the child, identified as Skylar Rabourn, of Big Sandy, was unrestrained. The driver, identified as Randell Phillips, was transported to ETMC-Tyler in serious condition.

Armed Robbery Under Investigation

Armed Robbery Under InvestigationTYLER — Tyler police are investigating an armed robbery early Monday morning. Officials said it happened around 4:20 at Lavanderia Express on Vine Street. The cashier told officers an armed black man threatened the clerk with the handgun and demanded cash from the register and the safe. The suspect fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. He’s described as short and thin, wearing a mask, black hoodie and khaki pants. No injuries were reported. Contact police with any information.

TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork UpdateTYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the Tyler TxDOT district during the Week of Oct. 31, 2016. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Officials urge you to slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.

Smith County – Tyler Maintenance plans to conduct edge repairs on FM 2010 between FM 14 and FM 16. Base repair work continues on FM 15 outside of Troup. Expect lane closures at both locations with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

Ratcliffe Attacks Obamacare in Weekly GOP Address

Ratcliffe Attacks Obamacare in Weekly GOP AddressWASHINGTON — The GOP taps an area congressman to talk about Obamacare in this week’s GOP media address, which is a key issue in this year’s presidential election. Representative John Ratcliffe of Rockwall pulls no punches, saying, “It’s the worst of all worlds.” He says the Affordable Care Act is far from its title, especially when factoring in this year’s rate increases. In Arizona, for example, rates are up 116 percent. Ratcliffe adds, “It’s higher costs and fewer choices. It’s less freedom and more government. It’s more uncertainty and less peace of mind.” Donald Trump started making Obamacare a higher-profile issue after the administration announced the higher rates a few days ago. Ratcliffe’s District 4 stretches to parts of Northeast Texas, including Rains County and a portion of Upshur County.

Palestine Police Investigate Apparent Murder/Suicide

Palestine Police Investigate Apparent Murder/SuicidePALESTINE — Two are dead in what Palestine police say was an apparent murder/suicide. KETK reports police were called around 2:20 Saturday afternoon to a North Jackson Street location in reference to a domestic disturbance. The responding patrol officers were unable to make contact with anyone at the door. Officials say the officers forced entry into the residence due to the nature of the call and found two people with gunshot wounds. The officers contacted emergency medical services, but both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials say the incident is being investigated as a murder/suicide based on the evidence found at the scene and the ongoing investigation. The identities of the deceased were not immediately available.

Authorities Investigate Smith County Shooting

Authorities Investigate Smith County ShootingTYLER — Authorities continue to investigate what they believe to a gang-related shooting Friday at a home on Keystone Drive in northwestern Smith County. Sheriff Larry Smith says Quinshard Barnes was transported by private vehicle to East Texas Medical Center after being shot three times, with two gunshots entering through the stomach area and one striking the buttocks. The sheriff says the wounds are not life-threatening. He added that no witnesses remained at the scene when deputies arrived. Continue reading Authorities Investigate Smith County Shooting

Officials: Man Exposes Himself at TJC Library

Officials: Man Exposes Himself at TJC LibraryTYLER — Tyler Junior College police are investigating a report of a person who exposed himself to a female victim at the main campus library. KETK reports that around 1:20 p.m. on Friday, a man allegedly sat down down next to the victim inside Vaughn Library on a bench and exposed himself to her. The man is described as African-American, slim build, about 6 feet tall, with short black hair. He was wearing a maroon pullover with long sleeves and blue jeans and had a gray backpack with him. The man was last seen heading out the north end of the library. Continue reading Officials: Man Exposes Himself at TJC Library

Authorities: Intoxicated Kilgore Woman Rammed Truck, Wrecked Car

Authorities: Intoxicated Kilgore Woman Rammed Truck, Wrecked CarLIBERTY CITY — Authorities in Gregg County say a 32-year-old Kilgore woman rammed a man’s truck with her car and then chased it out onto a road before wrecking her vehicle in a field. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Cherine Angela White was held at last report on bonds totaling $76,000. She’s charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial restitution, and aggravated assault of a date/family/household member with a weapon. Continue reading Authorities: Intoxicated Kilgore Woman Rammed Truck, Wrecked Car

Rusk Police Chief Resigns Following Investigation

Rusk Police Chief Resigns Following InvestigationRUSK — According to Rusk Interim City Manager Jim Dunaway, a recent investigation involving Chief of Police Jamie Campbell has resulted in Campbell’s resignation, effective October 30. KETK reports the investigation stemmed from a complaint about the chief’s treatment of officers. Dunaway said the interim police chief is Russell Pancoast, a retired police chief from Bee Cave, Texas. He will start duty Thursday morning. Continue reading Rusk Police Chief Resigns Following Investigation

Tyler Police Investigate Predawn Robbery

Tyler Police Investigate Predawn RobberyTYLER — Police in Tyler are investigating a predawn Saturday robbery that happened while the victims were giving a ride to an unknown man. Officers responded to the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Frankston Highway around 3:40 a.m. and contacted 3 victims. According to a police news release, the victims said they were attending a party somewhere in Smith County off highway 64 West. Upon leaving the party, they were approached by a black male who asked for a ride. Continue reading Tyler Police Investigate Predawn Robbery