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LUFKIN — An Angelina County man has been sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. David Smith, 69, of Lufkin was sentenced yesterday. Last May, he was sent to a psychiatric hospital for a mental health evaluation.

The investigation started in July 2011 when an employee of Best Buy reported to police they found files on a computer hard drive that was suspicious of child pornography. Investigators later found on the hard drive pornographic images of children.

TYLER — Grassroots America – We the People joins the No More Excuses, Tyler ISD! Coalition in urging voters to reject the Tyler ISD bond package on the May 11th ballot. The conservative citizen action group cites “a mountain of evidence from both national and state education rating agencies that document Tyler ISD’s poor academic results.” According to a Grassroots America news release, “This bond election is not just about buildings. It should be about setting a higher standard in our community for what the school board and administration produce with our tax dollars.”

Tyler Proud is a local group that endorses the bond proposal. According to KETK, Tyler Proud spokesman David Stein recently said, “It’s a good decision to pass the bond because it will create a better learning environment. It’s great for the kids, it’s great for the teachers, it’s great for the community, it’s just a good decision.” State Senator Kevin Eltife recently voiced his support of the bond proposal and announced that he has joined Tyler Proud.

WASHINGTON — Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert has issued a statement following up on some earlier comments he made in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing and the capture of a suspect.

Gohmert says, in part, “C-SPAN Washington Journal, a show that I have appeared on numerous times, asked me to appear on their program last Wednesday – just two days after the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon. Being the Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security and a former judge, they wanted me to weigh in on homeland security issues. During the hour-long broadcast, the topic turned from terrorism to immigration. Being familiar with specific testimony on the subject, I made the comment that there are individuals with known terrorist ties, who are trained to act Hispanic in order to gain access to the United States to carry out harm.

“This truthful assertion was based on fact, but has now been grossly misconstrued and vilified for simply restating information that has been publicly disclosed by those who knew. Liberal media outlets blasted out stories condemning me with outrageous titles – labeling me a “racist” among other things. Other media which did not know the truth simply accepted such false characterization without checking to see if my comments were true. Such writers have instead even called for Senators Ted Cruz, John Cornyn and Marco Rubio, as well as Gov. Rick Perry to denounce my statements.

“During testimony before Congress, FBI Director Robert Mueller covered efforts by al Qaeda and Hizbollah to establish a presence specifically in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America. Director Mueller confirmed during his testimony that there are individuals from countries with known al-Qa’ida connections who are changing their Islamic surnames to Hispanic-sounding names, obtaining false Hispanic identities, and pretending to be Hispanic immigrants. These were referred to as ‘special interest aliens’ and, according to the FBI director, are of ‘tremendous concern to us.’

“It is completely disingenuous to claim that my statements are erroneous, intolerant, or racist. I have made clear repeatedly that I am pro-legal immigration and that I respect Hispanic values. I particularly admire the faith, family values and work ethic that are so prominent in the Hispanic culture, especially since those were foundational values of this country. Being a nation of immigrants has contributed to our strength and identity.

“It should be clear: anyone who thinks I should be denounced for my truthful comments at issue needs to simply do a little checking. Sadly, it has become more apparent over time that the agenda of liberal blogs and left wing journalists is not to seek truth but to destroy reputations and spew lies about those with whom they disagree.”

TYLER – A Dallas County physician has made an initial appearance in Tyler federal court after being arrested and charged with health care fraud violations in an area that reportedly included parts of East Texas. Tariq Mahmood, 61, of Cedar Hill, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 11 and charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and seven counts of health care fraud. Mahmood appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

According to the indictment, Mahmood, a general practitioner, owned and operated several hospitals in the state of Texas, including Cozby Germany Hospital in Grand Saline, Renaissance Terrell Hospital in Terrell, Central Texas Hospital in Cameron, Community General Hospital in Dilley, and Shelby Regional Medical Center in Center. From April 2010 to April 2013, Mahmood and others are alleged to have carried out a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through the submission of false and fraudulent claims.

Mahmood and others allegedly added, changed, deleted, and incorrectly sequenced diagnostic codes in a way that did not reflect the actual diagnoses and conditions of the patients. Authorities allege that they submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid based on the added, changed, deleted, and incorrectly sequenced diagnostic codes. By means of fraudulent billing practices, the defendant and his co-conspirators are alleged to have unlawfully submitted false claims of more than $1.1 million and obtained more than $375,000. If convicted, Mahmood faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each charge.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches ISD police detained two Thomas J. Rusk Academy of Fine Arts elementary students for possession of an unloaded firearm, according to officials. NISD Police Chief Doug Ploch said there was no indication either child planned to use the weapon. According to KETK, he said the students viewed having the pistol as “like more of a show and tell.” Ploch said his department believes an 11-year-old boy first brought the .22 semi-automatic pistol to school on Monday and gave it to a 12-year-old boy. The 12-year-old took the gun home and planned to return to school with it on Tuesday, according to school authorities.

Superintendent Dr. Fred Hayes commended NISD staff for its quick response to a parent’s tip. “Our staff followed the lead and made sure the weapon did not come back to campus,” Hayes said. Ploch said that a parent alerted the transportation department of the situation and that the gun was recovered from the 12-year-old on an NISD bus Tuesday morning. Both the 11- and 12-year-old have been detained, each being charged with possession of the weapon. The youth are in custody of the juvenile probation department and most likely will be taken to the Longview detention facility. Investigation into the incident continues.

Instances of weapon possession on NISD campuses are not common, the chief said. “We have seen more incidents involving toy guns,” Ploch said. “As for real firearms, we’ve only had 6 or 7 instances in the past 20 years.” He added, “This is not common, but we do take it seriously. The moment we heard about the possible existence of a firearm, we action and were able to recover it and detain those students we believe are connected to it.”

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman after a search warrant led to the recovery of five grams of meth, two weapons, and evidence of child endangerment, according to authorities. KETK reports Felicia Hale, 30, of Nacogdoches, was arrested at the scene for possession of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a drug free zone and child endangerment. Sheriff Jason Bridges stated the sheriff’s office had an ongoing investigation on the distribution of drugs from a house on Lake Street for the past month. During that time, deputies were able to get probable cause for a search warrant on the residence, located in Hill View Trailer Park.

Officials executed the search warrant around 10:00 a.m. Monday morning. Deputies found the suspect and a four-year-old child asleep in the back bedroom. Sheriff Bridges stated that when the two were awakened, deputies found meth underneath the child and a loaded handgun was also found in the bed near the child. Deputies recovered five grams of meth from the home, along with two loaded pistols, digital scales, plastic baggies, and other drug paraphernalia, according to officials. Hale was transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail and booked in for both felony charges. Child protective services was also notified and responded to the scene. Authorities said t he residence was located within a 1000 feet of a drug free zone.

TYLER — The Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala has announced that this year’s Gala Headline Entertainer will be Craig Morgan. According to press materials, Morgan has fourteen top ten hits — including fan favorites “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Almost Home,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” and “Tough.” This year’s gala is set for June 8 at the Rio Neches Ranch. The annual event benefits the American Cancer Society. You can go to http://www.cattlebaronsgala.net/ for more information.

LONGVIEW — An East Texas airport is fined after an investigation found safety lapses. KETK reports Gregg County paid a $44,000 fine after a 19-month federal investigation at East Texas Regional Airport. The Longview News-Journal reports investigators found humps and a hole in the safety area of the airport’s 10,000-foot runway. Other issues were lapses in live fire training and an incomplete rescue and fire staff back in the summer of 2011.

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt described the FAA’s concerns as administrative. “At no time was that airport ever considered unsafe in terms of any of the flights coming in,” he said. Airport Manager Roy Miller was hired at the end of December as part of the county’s response to FAA findings that prompted the airport to be placed on a federal watch list of airports subject to unannounced inspections.

LONGVIEW — Authorities release the name of the woman killed in a major 18-wheeler wreck on I-20 at the MLK bridge in Longview. She was identified as Vickey Patterson, 44, a passenger in the truck. Police say the truck, the driver, and the truck’s passenger were from Mississippi. KETK reports the accident happened just before 3:45 Monday morning, when the truck had a mechanical problem and ran off the road. It crashed into the MLK overpass pillars and guardrail. The wreck ignited a fire, which caused some structural integrity issues on the bridge. Police say the bridge crossing over I-20 is “closed indefinitely.” The driver of the truck was released from the hospital later Monday. A dog was also in the truck, but managed to get out unharmed.

KAUFMAN — The new Kaufman County district attorney was sworn in Monday afternoon. Erleigh Norvell Wiley will fill the seat that murdered District Attorney Mike McLelland held. She says it’s time to move forward. Wiley comments, “We know we have these serious offenses, but it’s the day-to-day stuff. The people in Kaufman County want to know, ‘Are you ready to step in and help us with the things that happen every day where crimes are committed, and the other responsibility of the the DA’s office?’ And I’m ready to do that.” A special prosecutor will handle the murder cases against former Justice of the Peace Eric Williams and his wife, who face capital murder charges. The Williamses are charged with the murders of McLelland; his wife, Cynthia; and Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse.

TYLER — To coincide with the National Day of Prayer, Mayor Barbara Bass calls the Tyler community and surrounding area citizens to come together and pray for the Tyler community, the county and the nation. It all happens Thursday, May 2, at the 22nd Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, at Harvey Convention Center.

A news release says, “Prayer warriors will offer up specific prayers for the lost child, feeding spiritual and physical hunger, recovery through God’s love, loving your neighbor which is the Great Commission, our military, and for the local business community. A corporate prayer time will include praying for the family unit, the local, county, state and federal government, the U.S. Military personnel and their families and other needs that concern our community.”

The release says there will be special music by the Marvin United Methodist Youth Orchestra, the Grace Community School Orchestra, 2012 Ms. Texas Senior America Pageant winner Ms. Lillie Madison, and other local musicians. Members of the Friendly Baptist Church, West Erwin Church of Christ, and other volunteers will be providing a hot breakfast for all attendees. Everyone’s asked to join the Mayor for one hour of worship and prayer. This year’s theme is “Investing in Hope…Transforming our Nation through Prayer. In His name the nations will put their hope. Matt. 12:21.” Admission is free, and a free will offering will be taken. Doors open at 6:30am, and the program is from 7:00 to 8:00am.

CHANDLER — Authorities with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office have identified the man who died after falling into the water of Lake Palestine on Sunday night, near Big Eddy Road. Cpt. Mike Hanson tells KETK that the man is Frederick Perkins, 46, of Tyler. He and a woman were fishing on the lake at the time. The woman told authorities that Perkins was trying to remove a string of fish from the side of the boat when he fell in. It still is not certain whether the boat capsized or if he fell over the side. At some point, they both fell into the water. The woman was wearing a life jacket, but Perkins was not. He attempted to swim to shore, but unable to make it.

A witness saw the incident happen, and directed first responders to the location. Henderson County Sheriff officials, Noonday Fire and Rescue, and game wardens from Henderson County and Smith County aided in the search for Perkins. His body was located using sonar equipment shortly after 11:45 Sunday night.

TYLER – Tyler ISD is celebrating its 2,147 volunteers during National Volunteer Week. According to a news release, “Tyler ISD is so thankful for the parents and community members who give their time to serve as a volunteer in our schools.” James Hobbs volunteers four days a week at Jones Elementary MST Academy. “For the past 10 years I was a teacher at Tyler Junior College. When I retired from TJC I decided I wanted to go somewhere I can make a difference and help students catch up in math at the fourth and fifth grade levels,” Mr. Hobbs said. “Volunteering has been a great experience!”

The news release continues, “Tyler ISD volunteers are a much appreciated and highly respected group of people who make up a very important part of our educational team. Tyler ISD and its professional educators have witnessed the rewards of volunteer partnerships between our community and its schools.”

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith and other County employees gathered in the Smith County Commissioners Courtroom Monday to honor volunteers of the Smith County Volunteer Services program. Since the program’s inception in 2009, volunteers have worked over 16,000 hours. That’s saved Smith County taxpayers $351,625.23, based on the Independent Sector’s Value of Volunteer Time.

“I am very grateful to all of these individuals who choose to give their time and effort to help various County departments. These are people of all ages and backgrounds who help all of us by volunteering,” said Sheriff Smith. Leading the program with Sheriff Smith were Major Deal Folmar and Alicia Armstrong of the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone wanting to volunteer for Smith County should call Volunteer Coordinator Alicia Armstrong at 903-590-2786. Visit http://www.smith-county.com for more information on Smith County services.

MARSHALL – A 56-year-old Marshall man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Adrian Denova Sanchez pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. He was sentenced in Marshall to 127 months in federal by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. Sanchez was also ordered to forfeiture of $10,000.00 to the U.S. Marshal Service.

According to federal prosecutors, between November 2009 and October 2012, Sanchez was involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and cocaine in East Texas. Sanchez admitted to distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine and selling a semi-automatic pistol during the conspiracy. Sanchez and four others were indicted on November 7, 2012 and charged with federal drug and gun crimes.

MARSHALL – A 36-year-old Durango, Mexico, man has been sentenced to federal prison for immigration violations. Juan Gallardo-Simental pleaded guilty last November to being unlawfully present in the United States after having been previously deported. He has been sentenced in Marshall to 14 months in federal prison U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap.

Federsl prosecutors say, on August 28, 2012, Gallardo was found at the Harrison County jail by federal agents. Further investigation revealed Gallardo was unlawfully in the United States after having been deported following a battery conviction in Benton County, Arkansas, in 2006. Gallardo was indicted by a federal grand jury last September and charged with immigration violations. Gallardo will be deported following the completion of this prison sentence

WASHINGTON — Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert says the U.S. must be more watchful for potential terrorists. Following the Boston Marathon bombing and its aftermath, Gohmert renewed his call for a fence along the border with Mexico. Gohmert says some Mexican immigrants may not be what they seem. He tells C-Span, “We know al-Qaeda has camps over with the drug cartels on the other side of the Mexican border. We know that people are now being trained to come in and act like Hispanic when they’re radical Islamists.” Gohmert also says the U.S. should be more cautious in allowing Chechens to enter the country, and deport those who have records of violence. The two alleged Boston bombers came from Chechnya.

MARSHALL — A 56-year-old Karnack man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. David Lynn Sirmans pleaded guilty on December 17 to manufacturing methamphetamine and has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. Sirmans was involved in a conspiracy with others to purchase cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at multiple pharmacies across East Texas. He admitted to using the cold pills to manufacture meth at his residence near Karnack. Sirmans, along with 16 co-defendants, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 1 and charged with federal drug trafficking violations.

TYLER (AP) – A former publisher of the Tyler Morning Telegraph is being remembered as a man devoted to his East Texas community. Calvin Nelson Clyde Jr. died Sunday in Tyler. He was 92. In addition to the Morning Telegraph, Clyde was publisher of the former Tyler Courier-Times and the Sunday Tyler Courier-Times – Telegraph. His family’s ownership of the publications dates back to at least 1910. Grandson Nelson Clyde now heads the family publishing company.

The Telegraph reports the elder Clyde entered journalism as a reporter in 1937. He later was named president of the Texas Daily Newspaper Association, and in 1981 was recognized by the association as the Texas newspaper leader of the year.

TYLER — A man has died after being overcome by fumes during a remodeling project at Tyler city hall. The man, an employee of Watson Commercial Paint Company, which was a subcontractor of RPR Construction, was found passed out. He was working on the renovation project on the second floor. He appears to have been overcome by fumes from a stain that was being used on the project.

TYLER — Three buildings which at one time was Belcher’s Auto Ranch has been destroyed by fire. It was reported around 5:00 Sunday afternoon in the 8500 block of Farm Road 850. KETK reports a man was injured when he tried to save items from the building and over exerted himself. The cause of the fire remains under investigation

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

KILGORE — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs and preliminary dirt and pavement work on the US Highway 259-Kilgore Bypass near Synergy Park. The work at Synergy Park will require a daytime closure of the bypass between US 259 north of Kilgore and Farm Road 349. A marked detour will be in place while work is in progress, sending southbound traffic past the US 259 bypass entrance and then left at the State Highway 31/FM 349 intersection, and then onto the bypass at FM 349. Northbound traffic will exit at FM 349, turn toward Kilgore, then north toward Longview at SH 31/US 259 intersection. The work is in preparation for a second project to add a turn lane at Synergy Park, which is scheduled to let to contact in August.
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SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on State Highway 64 between West Loop 323 in Tyler and Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.
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VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to conclude repairs at the railroad crossing at Farm Road 859 in Edgewood, and then begin base and pavement-repair work on FM 859 north of Edgewood. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.
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RUSK COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make edge repairs on State Highway 323 between State Highway 135 in Overton and Loop 571 in Henderson. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.
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WOOD COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make pavement and edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 779 northwest of Mineola and perform spot-resurfacing operations on Loop 564 in Mineola. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
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HENDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin several weeks of pavement-repair operations on US Highway 175 between SE Loop 7 in Athens and Farm Road 804. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect 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 pavement-texturing operations on Farm Road 855 between US Highway 69 in Mount Selman and US Highway 175 in Cuney. A second crew is scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 1911 east of US 69. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.
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ANDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make edge repairs on Farm Road 320 between Loop 256 in Palestine and Farm Road 645 in Johnson. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

LONGVIEW — Longview’s Cherokee Street will be closed at Anniversary Drive to Royal Oak Drive for through traffic beginning Monday. The closure is for sanitary sewer connections as part of improvements for the development of the Pine Tree ISD Stadium. The closure will be effective for about three weeks. Through traffic will be detoured down Anniversary Drive to Willow Springs Drive to Royal Oak Drive. The work is being done by Porter Services of Longview.

TYLER — Smith County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a business robbery. It happened just before 11:45 Saturday morning at the Food Fast convenience store, located at the intersection of Highway 64 West and Thompson Lane. The clerk said the man entered the store, pulled a fireman and demanded cash.

The clerk complied with the request and the man left the store with an undetermined amount of money. The suspect is described as a black male, 5’4”, medium build, 160-170 pounds, wearing a flannel hoodie, dark jeans and dark colored shoes. He got into a silver car with another individual and the two left, traveling north. Neither the clerk nor the customers in the store were harmed during the robbery.

TYLER — Tyler ISD officials are investigating an incident that occurred at John Tyler High School on Friday afternoon around 1:45. Based on preliminary investigation, a male student and teacher were involved in teacher initiated horseplay in a classroom that escalated into an altercation. The teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave and the student has been suspended for three days pending further investigation.

“Our priority is to provide our students and staff with a safe and secure learning environment. We take discipline issues very seriously,” said Gary Mooring, Superintendent of Schools. “We are currently investigating this incident to determine not only what happened, but also how we can improve classroom safety.”

The administration and police department will continue to investigate the situation and follow District policy in regards to further discipline actions.

Contrary to earlier media reports the teacher was not knocked unconscious. There were no other Tyler ISD students or staff involved in the incident.

TYLER — A Tyler woman is facing charges of making a false report after telling officers she had been stabbed. Officers were sent to the 800 block of South Chilton around 4:00 Friday afternoon. Rebecca Jones, 39, told officers she came home to find a man in her house. She said that the man stabbed her several times and then fled out the back door.

Jones described the man as a heavy set white male with brown hair, wearing a navy blue shirt and jeans. Jones was transported to ETMC hospital where she was treated for several superficial puncture wounds and released. Officers, along with a Tyler Police K9 team searched the area but failed to locate the alleged suspect.

Later, in an interview with investigators, Jones admitted that she lied about being attacked and stabbed. The incident never happened. She is facing potential criminal charges for false alarm or report, a class A misdemeanor, and false report to a peace officer, a class B misdemeanor.

TYLER — Cornelius, a 33-year old black rhinoceros at the Caldwell Zoo, has died after showing signs of illness including lethargy and loss of appetite. As with all animals that die at the zoo, a necropsy and tissue testing was done. Early results of testing indicate that the animal was suffering from pneumonia and mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was present in his lungs. Further testing is underway to identify the species of mycobacterium.

The Zoo has consulted with Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Animal Health Commission, medical staff at The University of Texas Health Science Center Occupational Health Clinic and is working closely with these agencies.

Despite determination by these experts that the risk to employees, visitors, and animals is minimal, the Zoo is being proactive in taking steps to ensure safety. Pending further test results, the rhino building will be closed to the public. The remaining three rhinos are showing no signs of illness and can continue to be viewed safely in their exhibit yards.

EAST TEXAS — There are a number of ways East Texans can help victims of the fertilizer explosion in West.

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KETK reports Smith County fire departments will be participating in a “Fill the Helmet” fundraiser campaign to support the West Fire Department. Look for your local firefighters to be standing at main intersections in in the county during the times listed below. If you are unable to find a firefighter location, you may drop off any monetary donations to your local volunteer fire department. If you are making out a check, you’re asked to make it out to “Red Cross,” “Salvation Army,” or “West Fire Department.” In the comments/memo section, make sure to write “West, TX explosion” so that the money is earmarked for that purpose.

DO NOT LEAVE CHECKS AT UNATTENDED FIRE DEPARTMENTS DURING OFF-HOURS.

Firefighters urge you to use caution while approaching any intersections where they are collecting donations. All proceeds collected will be hand delivered to the West Fire Department.

“Fill the Helmet” locations:

Arp: State Hwy. 135/CR 294 (9:00am – the afternoon)
Chapel Hill/Jackson: Spur 248/FM 848 & Brookshire’s on 2734 East Fifth Street
Dixie: Spur 364/CR 1125 (9:00am – 1:00pm)
Flint-Gresham: FM 2493/FM 346 (9:00am – 2:00pm) & the fire station at 188823 FM 2493 (all evening)
Lindale: US 69/FM 16 (9:00am – 2:00pm)
Noonday: Brookshire’s on 20100 State Hwy. 155 & the fire station at 16619 State Hwy. 155
Red Springs: FM 14/FM 16 (9:00am – 1:00pm)
Whitehouse: Brookshire’s on State Hwy. 110 w/Boy Scouts (10:00am – 4:00pm)
Winona: State Hwy. 271/Loop 323 (9:00am – 12:00 noon)

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Donations for children with learning disabilities:

Another need that West, TX, has is for therapy and learning materials for special needs children. To that end, a donation site has been set up for items such as special carseats, weighted blankets, swings, wheelchairs, sensory accessories, therapy tools, electronics for autistic children, and learning materials (videos, books, etc.). The dropoff location is the Jackson Heights VFD Station 2 (Hwy. 31 E).

For more information about how to donate, you’re asked to contact Victoria Young with Jackson Heights VFD. Email [email protected] or call (903) 566-9900 (Monday-Friday 8:00 – 5:00). If you are unable to make it to a location to drop it off, they are willing to come to you and pick up any donation you’d like to give. Use the contact information above to find out more.

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Lindale FFA Donations

Lindale FFA invites you or your school organization to join the FFA in collecting donations for the families of the victims and the first responders who have been impacted by this event. The main things listed as needed are water, kids’ toys, clothing, nonperishable food, blankets, rain gear, and blood/platelets. The organization plans to gather donations in the Lindale Ag shop and travel to Waco next Friday or Saturday to deliver the donations. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this endeavor during the weekend of April 27th and 28th, you’re asked to contact them. Donations will be accepted at the Lindale Ag shop from 7:00am-4:00pm. If you are unable to make it during that time, you’re asked to contact the Lindale FFA to work something out.

Contact Rebecca Curry at [email protected] or (903) 881-4050. Parents are asked to make every effort to avoid disturbing the classes that are working in the Ag Shop while dropping off donations during school hours.

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Lone Star Military Farmers/Jacksonville Marine Corps League Donations

Lone Star Military Farmers and Jacksonville Marine Corps League will be in the Atwoods parking lot on Saturday from 10:00am – 2:00pm to collect donations for the people in West, TX. That address: 1824 S. Jackson St. The Carter Blood Center will be there as well for anyone who would like to donate blood. The blood donated during this drive will be given directly to the West area.

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You can also donate financially to the Salvation Army. Anyone interested in doing so can use this link:

http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/media/?ID=97199fb429c5d62e3eb21ab56c72e5ef

Area residents can also send donations to the Tyler Salvation Army with “West,TX Explosion” marked in the memo. Spokeswoman Chantel Millin says her agency will forward that donation to the appropriate location. You can go to http://www.salvationarmytyler.org for more information.
– See more at: http://www.ktbb.com/post/?p=252838#sthash.pPmjBSqn.dpuf

TYLER — The East Texas Striders are doing their part for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The group is holding a Boston Marathon Victims Benefit Run beginning this morning at 7:10am in the parking lot behind Einstein Bagels, 4500 South Broadway Avenue. Cost is free, but donations will be accepted for The One Boston Fund Inc. You can go to https://www.facebook.com/easttexasstriders to find out more.

KILGORE — A Kilgore woman has been arrested after deputies said she climbed in a car she didn’t own with a child in it and drove it into a tree while drunk. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Gregg County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident at about Thursday evening. Julie Lynn Russ, 50, was charged with injury to a child criminal negligence, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and public intoxication in connection to the incident.

The vehicle’s owner said Russ climbed into the car and tried to leave the owner’s house in the 1400 block of Goforth Road in Kilgore. Russ then “accelerated quickly hitting a tree in the front yard of the residence,” the owner told authorities. According to the probable cause affidavit for her arrest, a six-year-old girl was in the car when Russ tried to drive away. After being arrested, Russ told deputies she was “unaware the child was in the vehicle until after the incident,” according to law enforcement reports. Russ was placed in the Gregg County Jail on two $2,500 bonds.